Second Session, 42nd Parliament

(2021) OFFICIAL REPORT

OF DEBATES

(HANSARD)

Monday, April 19, 2021

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 51

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

CONTENTS

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Introduction and First Reading of Bills

Bill 3 — Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021

Hon. H. Bains

Statements (Standing Order 25B)

Hardy Bay Seniors

M. Babchuk

Organ donation and Logan Boulet

G. Kyllo

Volunteers

N. Sharma

S. Cadieux

Redevelopment of Riverview lands and role of Kwikwetlem First Nation

F. Donnelly

Search and rescue services and personal responsibility

J. Sturdy

Oral Questions

COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions and support for restaurant industry

S. Bond

Hon. R. Kahlon

M. Bernier

COVID-19 response and use of rapid testing and travel restrictions

S. Furstenau

Hon. S. Malcolmson

Hon. M. Farnworth

Crime victim support benefits for former children in care

K. Kirkpatrick

Hon. M. Dean

M. de Jong

Property taxes for small businesses and split assessment proposal

T. Stone

Hon. D. Eby

Budget provisions for school districts

J. Tegart

Hon. J. Whiteside

P. Milobar

Hon. M. Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Throne Speech Debate

(continued)

E. Ross

Hon. R. Fleming

T. Wat

F. Donnelly

Hon. B. Ma

Hon. A. Kang

Hon. J. Osborne

M. Starchuk

M. Elmore

Hon. J. Whiteside

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

C. Oakes: This morning I had the opportunity to make a statement about the

importance of post-secondary education in looking at pandemic recovery. This

afternoon, virtually, it is truly a privilege to listen to the graduate

student associations of British Columbia to understand specifically the

importance of graduate programs across British Columbia, the work that

they’re doing and ways that we can encourage and continue investment in

graduate programs in British Columbia.

Would the House please help me welcome the graduate student associations of British

Columbia.

F. Donnelly: I ask all members to join me in acknowledging my brother Liam

Donnelly, who recently announced his retirement as head swimming and diving

coach from Simon Fraser University. Liam was one of the youngest university

head swim coaches in Canada when he started his career almost 30 years ago.

He was one of Canada’s longest-serving university swim coaches. Over his

30-year career, he produced numerous gold-medal swimmers and record

holders.

I know that my parents, Val and Cy; his wife, Leia; their three

daughters — my nieces Kira, Teagan and Brynn; and our whole family are as

proud of him as I am. I ask all members to join me in congratulating my

little brother on his amazing career at SFU.

[1:35 p.m.]

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

BILL 3 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

AMENDMENT ACT,

Hon. H. Bains presented a message from Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Employment Standards Amendment Act,

Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time

now.

I’m pleased to introduce Bill 3, the Employment Standards

Amendment Act, 2021. This bill amends the Employment Standards Act to

provide up to three hours of paid leave per dose for employees in

British Columbia to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

An essential part of B.C.’s immunization plan and getting through

the COVID-19 pandemic is removing barriers so that we can all access the

vaccine easily when it’s our turn. A key part of that is ensuring that

no one will lose pay if they need time away from work to attend a

vaccination appointment.

By helping to ensure that as many employees as possible are

vaccinated, paid leave will play a vital role in British Columbia’s

continuing fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Motion approved.

Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second

reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 3, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021, introduced, read a

first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading

at the next sitting of the House after today.

Statements

(Standing Order 25B)

HARDY BAY SENIORS

M. Babchuk: I’m honoured today to stand and recognize an extremely valued

group in Port Hardy, which is a community in the north end of my North

Island riding. The Hardy Bay Seniors’ main goals are to keep seniors

connected to the seniors centre and to each other, to combat loneliness

and isolation and to let seniors know they are not forgotten.

Over the last three years, Hardy Bay Seniors has grown from 71

members to 220. As mentioned, they maintain the Hardy Bay Seniors

Center, where, pre-pandemic, members regularly got together for an

amazing range of inclusive activities. Of course, this has been

curtailed by COVID-19, but the seniors centre continues to be a hub of

meal production and food distribution.

Hardy Bay Seniors tackled COVID-19 head-on, set up a watch list to

connect the seniors with phone calls, looked for resources, and

collaborated with community to provide nutritious meals, gift baskets

and gift cards for grocery stores. They have formed a cooking group that

produces 70 meals a week — 50 meals for delivery to vulnerable seniors,

ten for volunteers and, recently, ten to share with the homeless

coalition. So far over 2,700 meals and groceries have been

delivered.

Daily Facebook postings, either a joke or an inspirational quote,

weekly newsletters and phone calls by the watch list volunteers show

just how connected the group is. They are run by an elected volunteer

board who give generously of themselves and make this time very easy for

our citizens in Port Hardy.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize their president,

Rosaline Glynn, who has recently been nominated for the Order of B.C.

Congratulations, Rosaline.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the services the

Hardy Bay Seniors have provided to the seniors of Port Hardy and say

happy National Volunteer Week to all of the volunteers in the north

Island and British Columbia.

I have been asked to convey a message: don’t forget you’re going

to be a senior if you live long enough. They encourage all members of

this chamber to acknowledge that seniors are a vital part of our

society.

ORGAN DONATION AND

LOGAN BOULET

G. Kyllo: It’s Organ Donor Week here in B.C. and all across

Canada.

[1:40 p.m.]

On April 7, the House recognized Green Shirt Day to remember

Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet, whose selfless act of

registering as an organ donor before his tragic death not only saved six

lives but inspired hundreds of thousands of Canadians and people around

the world to register as an organ donor.

Even though it’s estimated that a single organ donor can save up

to eight lives, less than a third of British Columbians are currently

registered as an organ owner.

Now, Organ Donor Week is part of April’s Organ Donation Awareness

Month. It’s a time for all of us to make an effort to sign up and to

continue the conversation so we can inspire others to register and help

save lives. Members are also encouraged to share their stories and to

#loganbouleteffect, #livelifepassiton and #taketwominutes. Remember that

it takes less than two minutes to register, and British Columbians can

sign up through the B.C. transplant website:

transplant.bc.ca.

Let’s all take a moment to continue the conversation and help

ensure that no British Columbians will ever need to wait for an organ

transplant again. Please take the initiative whether you’re on your PC,

your laptop or cellular phone. Visit transplant.bc.ca, click on the

button, register, and please take the initiative. All you need to do is

just answer your personal health number, your name, your address and

date of birth, and register your wish.

We never know when we might need an organ donor, but taking two

minutes to register, like Logan Boulet, could prove to be a lifesaver

for someone in need.

VOLUNTEERS

N. Sharma: Today I rise virtually to discuss something that involves 44

percent of all British Columbians over the age of 15. That number is

only since the last statistics were taken, and I suspect it’s now much

higher. This rate is also higher than the national average. By my

measure, this involves at least 1.5 million people across this province.

That is the rate at which British Columbians volunteer.

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 18 to April 24, and

the theme for 2021 is “The value of one, the power of many.” These

sentiments feel especially relevant during these unprecedented times. As

British Columbians have always shown, but particularly through this

pandemic, we can do great things when we work together for a common

purpose.

Volunteer hours every year in this province are estimated to

contribute a value of $6 billion to our economy and represent the

equivalent of 146,000 jobs in their labour hours. This kind of unpaid

work weaves the fabric of our society and creates benefits that can not

be measured by dollar value. This past year, we’ve also seen volunteers

stand up for equality, for democracy and for a kinder, more inclusive

world. All movements and social change begin with people organizing in

their communities and donating their skills and time.

Volunteering is

an act of kindness that has the power to transform

lives. Please join me in recognizing every one among us who gives back.

You’re creating a stronger, more sustainable and resilient province for

all.

S. Cadieux: Indeed, it is National Volunteer Week in Canada. I’m proud to live

in a province where so many individuals volunteer. Whether it’s formal

commitment to a group or simply helping someone in your community, it

all matters. The last year has been challenging for British Columbians,

yet in a time of crisis, our best shines through. We come together as a

community and care for one another. Volunteers are so often the glue

that holds the community together.

Studies have demonstrated that helping others kindles happiness.

During the pandemic, we can all use a little of that. Right now, in

Surrey, volunteers are making huge contributions. Options Community

Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching a fundraising

campaign for an important affordable housing project. Fifty local women

have volunteered to each raise $25,000 towards the project, which is

absolutely amazing. A shout-out to my constituency assistant Kiran

Dhaliwal, one of the millennial volunteers in the group, who has already

met her goal — outstanding.

While we see so many people of all ages step up to help others in

our community through this difficult year, last summer, Southridge

School student Nora Zhu and a group of her classmates raised money to

help fund a meal program for front-line workers at Peace Arch

Hospital.

Then there’s my friend former CKNW intrepid reporter George

Garrett, who helped co-found the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society and

has helped so many through that endeavour. He also took time to

volunteer on my election campaign in the fall.

[1:45 p.m.]

To the thousands more in communities all over the province, people

making a difference for others: kindness does win, and love wins. The

theme for this year is “The value of one, the power of many,” and

doesn’t it just say it all?

To volunteers in communities across this province, we say thank

you and happy Volunteer Week.

REDEVELOPMENT OF RIVERVIEW LANDS

AND ROLE OF KWIKWETLEM

FIRST NATION

F. Donnelly: People in my community and throughout B.C. care deeply about the

Riverview lands in Coquitlam. For over 100 years, the Riverview lands

housed thousands of mental health patients and staff, set amongst a

world-class arboretum and a series of what have become some of B.C.’s

most historic buildings.

Though the hospital officially closed in 2012, much of the site is

still used for mental health treatment and by non-profit organizations,

public programs and the film industry.

Recently Kwikwetlem First Nation renamed the 244-​acre site

səmiq̓ʷəʔelə, which means the

“place of great blue heron” in the traditional language of the

Kwikwetlem. Chief Ed Hall explained this name was chosen because of the

land, which was once a roosting site for the great blue heron, due to

its proximity on the floodplain of the Coquitlam River.

I was honoured to attend a powerful renaming ceremony on behalf of

the Attorney General, with the Finance Minister. Our government is

working with the Kwikwetlem First Nation to develop a master plan for

the site, which will benefit the nation and the people of British

Columbia for decades to come.

The planning process has officially started and will engage the

public and key interest groups. The first virtual community information

session to outline the public engagement process was held on March 30.

An online survey to identify suitable activities is now open for you to

provide your feedback as a member of the public advisory group as well.

The deadline is April 23.

I encourage everyone interested in this site’s future to engage

with B.C. Housing during this important public planning

process.

SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES

AND PERSONAL

RESPONSIBILITY

J. Sturdy: As we’ve collectively stayed close to home during this past year,

among the many things we’ve learned…. One of the more impactful

realizations is what we have in our own backyard. People are active in

every corner of the province, from hiking to ski touring to

mountaineering to whitewater kayaking. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in

people getting out on to the land. In the Sea to Sky where access is but

a short drive from the Lower Mainland, visitor numbers have ballooned in

the back country. It’s not unreasonable to anticipate that this growth

trajectory will only continue.

These volumes have highlighted another lesson — a lack of regard

for the true nature of personal responsibility while out on the

landscape. “Take only photographs and leave only footprints” seems a

maxim from the past. “Be prepared for self-rescue” is another adage that

needs more emphasis. In the Sea to Sky and, indeed, across the province,

search and rescue teams are in place, albeit often

overburdened.

Rescue and retrieval is costly, both in dollars and even more in

time commitment from the thousands of volunteers, not just for training

and response but also for fundraising. It’s time that the SAR funding

model receive a fundamental review and a real consideration to

professionalizing at least some of these services, if only to avoid

volunteer burnout. People’s reliance on technology, as well — be it a

cell phone or a GPS rescue beacon — is potentially dangerous and must

not be the primary rescue plan.

While a trip plan is fundamental, an anticipation that you and

your group will get yourself out of trouble is what should be expected.

Trouble may arrive and SAR may back you up, but personal responsibility

dictates the importance of having a plan to help yourself. Trip

planning, training to obtain the knowledge and skills you may need and

taking the essential gear with you and your crew are just the

basics.

“Know your limits and stay within it” is true for more than just

gaming. A great place to start is to visit adventuresmart.ca and leave a

plan as your first stop to being prepared.

[1:50 p.m.]

Oral Questions

COVID-19 CIRCUIT BREAKER

RESTRICTIONS AND SUPPORT FOR

RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

S. Bond: Well, despite us asking the Premier repeatedly last week, we’ve

heard absolutely nothing about a guarantee that the circuit breaker

grant that was announced would be extended if current health

restrictions are.

After more than 60 years, the owner of the famous Round Up Café in

Surrey is calling it quits. The owner, Dennis, says: “It wasn’t on our

terms to go out. Current restrictions made it tough to even break even

and try to get ahead.” There are hundreds of restaurants just like the

Round Up Café that may also close because this Premier refuses to take

additional action.

Let’s try it again today. Will the Premier commit to extending the

circuit breaker grant program if health restrictions continue for weeks

ahead?

Hon. R. Kahlon: I don’t think there’s a person in this House that doesn’t know

that it’s a challenging time for businesses throughout B.C., in

particular our restaurant industry, which is at half capacity. If they

don’t have outdoor dining, it’s even more challenging just relying on

takeout and then sometimes delivery.

I’m not quite sure the member’s question about extending the

program…. The program is available until June for businesses to apply.

Money is available right now for them to apply if they need so. We’ve

been encouraging businesses to apply, even today when we had a meeting

with folks that represent restaurants and breweries and pubs across the

province. We made the case for them to continue to push and remind their

members that the dollars are available.

That being said, we’re going to continue to engage with them just

like we have from the beginning. We’re proud of the supports we’ve put

in place. We’ve listened, we’ve been nimble from the beginning, and

we’re going to continue to be so until we’re out of this

pandemic.

Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a

supplemental.

S. Bond: Listening is one thing, taking action that actually meets the

needs of restaurants across British Columbia is apparently completely

foreign to this minister. Every single day in British Columbia more and

more and more businesses are at risk of permanently closing their doors

and that’s the best answer that the minister can up with.

Left out of this equation, completely left out, are the young

front-line workers who were given no hope and no funding by this

Premier. The more the delays, the more and more bills become due at the

end of the month. Take the words of longtime server Taesa Hodel, who

says: “It really shows you that there isn’t much support.”

Yet again to this Premier. Yet another program botched, bungled

and out of touch with the needs of young front-line workers in British

Columbia. Will the minister get up today, fix the gaps in this program

and provide desperately needed money for restaurant workers in

tomorrow’s budget?

Hon. R. Kahlon: The circuit breaker program has been very positively received. I

mentioned many quotes to the Leader of the Opposition last week. The

chamber president said to the media: “We applaud the B.C. government for

their quick action to provide the financial supports businesses need.”

ABLE-BC said: “This announcement is a lifeline.” I’ve got pages for the

member from Kamloops, who jumped in, of quotes from business

stakeholders who think this program is actually hitting the

mark.

You know why they think that? It’s because they worked with us on

it. We listened to them. We engaged with them. We worked on the details

of the program with them, so they know it hits the mark. We know it hits

the mark.

We encourage businesses to apply for that program. It’s available.

The member talked about extending it. There’s no need to extend. The

program is available for businesses. We strongly encourage them to do

so.

As far as the budget goes, you know, the budget will be tabled

together. I know that the opposition is excited to see it, certainly us

in government are excited to see it. We think that it’s going to

continue to meet the needs of British Columbians, just like the last

budget did and just like the budget before that as well.

M. Bernier: Look, workers in my riding and around the province are actually

just getting sick and tired of the arrogance and disdain being shown by

this minister and this government. Imagine this: after 90 years of

operation…. Most of us in this House will remember going out as a kid or

taking your kids out for a Pirate Pak. There are not too many things in

this province that symbolize B.C. more than White Spot.

[1:55 p.m.]

Thanks to this Premier, this government and their decisions, my

local White Spot is being shut down permanently in Dawson Creek, which

means people are out of work permanently from this place, thanks to the

health orders, too many taxes and too much uncertainty by this

government.

I know Jason. Jason works there. He’s worked there since high

school. He’s worked there for 30 years. He contacted me to say: “What do

I do now? What is the government going to be doing for me? After 30

years working there, I’m now out of a job, as well as 40 other people

that work in this establishment.”

To the Premier, will workers like Jason be seeing any new

financial relief or support at all to help them now, losing their jobs,

to help them pay their bills?

Hon. R. Kahlon: Again, I think everyone understands that we’re in the middle of a

global pandemic. It’s going to be a challenging time until we can start

seeing these businesses that have been relying on operating at full

capacity. Until they’re able to do so, it’s going to be a challenging

time.

Again, I know the members don’t like hearing this, but it’s a

fact. We have the highest per-capita supports for people and businesses

in this country. We’re proud of that. It’s reflected in the job numbers

that have been coming through, even in a pandemic. We’re still, as a

province, doing well compared to other jurisdictions.

I feel for the young person who has lost that job. That’s why,

just even a couple of weeks ago, the Minister of Advanced Education

announced millions in new skilling and re-skilling programs at our

various universities, partnering with B.C. Tech Association, partnering

with a whole host of different organizations. We announced a youth

employment program — $42 million that helps put people to work in parks,

helps clean our oceans and gets them their first tech jobs.

We’re putting the supports in for people just like that — who’ve

been displaced from work — and we want to create more opportunities for

them so they can get good-paying jobs and be able to stay here in

British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Peace River South on a supplemental.

M. Bernier: Well, that answer just highlights the disconnect from this

ministry and this government of what’s happening on the ground. People

are losing their jobs now. They have bills to pay now. They’re looking

for help and support from this government now — not later,

now.

In a small community like Dawson Creek, losing an employer like

White Spot is huge, not only for the jobs lost, but for the community

itself. Jason and so many like him are just feeling left behind by this

Premier and this government. Jason says: “Thanks to these lockdowns, I’m

now out of a job. If this was indeed a state of a emergency, this

Premier would be helping out businesses and employers and workers

now.”

Again, will the Premier help Jason and many other workers like him

with financial relief now — not later, now?

Hon. R. Kahlon: I do think, from the question…. I hope that the member does

support needs for restrictions to keep COVID numbers down. It wasn’t

entirely clear from the question — the way he phrased it — whether he

supports measures that have been advanced by the provincial health

officer. It’s critically important. I saw the presentation from the

provincial health officer.

I appreciate that business is struggling in Dawson Creek. We saw

the numbers. We know they’re considerably high in Dawson Creek. The

measures we’re putting in place are to ensure that we can keep

communities and people safe — again, historic investments to support

businesses and people in this province. We’re proud of the supports

we’ve put in place.

Of course there’s more to do. We’re going to continue to do that.

I’m looking forward to seeing the budget tomorrow so we can show the

public there are going to be more investments in people and businesses

across this province.

COVID-19 RESPONSE AND USE OF RAPID

TESTING AND TRAVEL

RESTRICTIONS

S. Furstenau: Given what’s unfolding in other parts of Canada right now, British

Columbians are looking to their government for how we are going to avoid

the same outcomes in B.C. Last week the Premier said vis-à-vis COVID:

“We will use the tools that are available to us if we believe they are

effective.” The Minister of Health said he’s open to our suggestions, so

let’s give some.

Experts are calling to significantly ramp up testing, including

rapid testing in workplaces and regions where cases are high.

Non-invasive tests, like a gargle test, could be done twice a week, with

government acting on the positives and confirming those with PCR tests,

as is happening in the U.K. right now, where every single citizen has

access to free rapid testing in that country.

[2:00 p.m.]

This could be a significant element of a plan, going forward. We

can restrict interprovincial travel, as is seen in other provinces, to

limit the spread of variants and focus our attention on British

Columbians. We could be pressuring the federal government to get serious

about restricting international travel.

My question is to the Premier. Cases have risen dramatically.

Hospitalizations are breaking records. What is the line at which

government will use the tools that are available to them?

Hon. S. Malcolmson: Tens of thousands of people are getting immunized every day, but

the final mile of the pandemic is proving more difficult and the

situation is, indeed, serious.

The Health Minister has spoken at length, and Dr. Henry has

answered multiple questions from the media, about where and why rapid

testing can be used and where it is used best — for example, in remote

communities. Right now the Health Minister and Dr. Henry are speaking

about new measures in a press conference around COVID-19.

We’ll keep taking the advice of public health around how to best

use the resources available and continue to work together to flatten the

curve and keep people safe.

Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Third Party on a supplemental.

S. Furstenau: One of the advantages we have, with COVID-19 and the rate at which

it’s transmitting around the world, is we can look to jurisdictions that

have actually managed to get variants under control, like the U.K. One

of the tools they’ve used has been rapid testing. I think we can look

outside of our own borders to look for solutions.

Throughout this pandemic, we’ve heard from the Premier and the

Minister of Health that public health measures are up to the provincial

health officer and those who advise her. Last week, however, the Premier

commented that travel restrictions were a decision he and his cabinet

were discussing. The Globe and Mail wrote: “Premier John Horgan

will meet with his cabinet to debate further restrictions as the latest

measures, imposed March 29, have so far failed to slow the third

wave.”

I think British Columbians should have some clarity about exactly

how decisions are being made when it comes to responding to this

pandemic.

My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier or somebody from

cabinet clarify for this House and for the public who is making

decisions about public health measures and what the process is for that

decision-making?

Hon. M. Farnworth: Well, obviously, as the member stated, the provincial health

officer has been making orders and recommendations which have been put

in place for British Columbians to follow.

At the same time, we also take advice in terms of — the member

mentions — travel restrictions, and as has been indicated, cabinet is

looking at various options and various methods in which those could be

put in place, and how they could be put in place and how they could be

enforced.

I would also take the opportunity to remind the member that it was

this government that dealt with the federal government and put in place

the first international travel restrictions in this country that ensured

that people had to quarantine, that ensured that people had to have a

plan in place when they arrived to Canada, because there are literally

hundreds of thousands of Canadians who live outside this country and

have the right of return.

I can tell you that, for example, when we started back in April,

less than 50 percent of travellers returning to this province had any

sort of plan in place. The latest statistics show that close to 85, 86

percent of Canadians returning to the country now, to British Columbia,

have a plan in place on how they’re going to quarantine and how they’re

going to self-isolate.

We will continue to take the steps that are necessary by working

with the federal government and working with our provincial health

officer to ensure that the proper travel issues are dealt with and that

they’re dealt with comprehensively and in the best interests of the

people of this province.

CRIME VICTIM SUPPORT BENEFITS

FOR FORMER CHILDREN IN

CARE

K. Kirkpatrick: For many years, there have been victims of crime in care and

custody of government who did not receive benefits they were entitled to

receive. Government let down vulnerable children by failing to apply for

victim supports such as counselling.

To the Minister of Children and Family Development, has the

ministry identified how many individuals there are for whom victim’s

benefits were not pursued?

Hon. M. Dean: Thank you to the member for the question. This is an important

matter that I will discuss with my team, and I will get a response back

to her.

Mr. Speaker: The member for West Vancouver–Capi­lano on a

supplemental.

K. Kirkpatrick: The Premier’s mandate letter for the Minister of Children and

Family Development calls for her to ensure support reaches all

youth.

[2:05 p.m.]

We know that supports for victims of crime did not reach many

former children in care.

Will the Premier direct the Ministry of Children and Family

Development to identify the number of former children in care whose

victim’s benefits were not pursued?

Hon. M. Dean: Thank you again to the member for this question. It is a really

important matter in my ministry, making sure that we provide supports

for children and youth who have been in government care.

I know the member will know that in my mandate letter, I am asked

by the Premier to make sure that we create a cross-government approach

to make sure that we’re able to provide successful transitions for

children and youth who have been in government care and to make sure

that they’re able to fulfil their potential. Already the government has

taken really important steps to make sure the supports and services are

there — for example, the tuition waiver. That is a wonderful program

that so many young people have told me has been liberating for them to

access.

I am mandated to work with many of my colleagues across government

to make sure that we do build that successful transition. I’m absolutely

committed to making sure that we do that successfully.

M. de Jong: I’m trying to reconcile the minister’s last answer — the words —

with the actions of her ministry. We know that there are hundreds, if

not thousands, of former children in the care of government, who did not

receive benefits to which they were entitled, as victims of abuse or

other criminal misconduct. Many of those children, many of those

victims, were Aboriginal children.

They are now endeavouring to come together and pursue their

rights, pursue those benefits that they were denied. Yet inexplicably,

the Ministry of Children and Families is opposing their attempt to

pursue their rights as a group of victims.

Can the Minister of Children and Families explain why her ministry

is opposing — actively opposing — these victims, who merely want to

pursue the benefits they should have received as children in the care of

government?

Hon. M. Dean: Thank you to the member for the question. Our government is

absolutely committed to making sure that we provide supports for

children and young people, who have been in government care.

I’m working diligently with other colleagues and ministers in

government to make sure that we’re able to build that system, not just

for children and youth who are in care now but to make sure that we’re

able to create that pathway for now, and into the future, for children

and young people to fulfil that potential.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental.

M. de Jong: Well, again, I’m having great difficulty reconciling what the

minister has just said with what is taking place this week, with her

ministry in court, actively opposing the application being brought by

this group of victims to have their claim heard as a group of

victims.

It’s the minister’s job. She has her role. She is a member of

cabinet, specifically to defend and advance the interests and protect

children in care and, if necessary, protect their interests after they

leave the care of government. Why isn’t she doing that?

Instead, she has apparently directed her ministry to actively

oppose the applications of these former children in care, who are

seeking nothing more than the rights and benefits that they were denied

when they were in the care of government.

Hon. M. Dean: Thank you to the member. You will know that any matter before the

courts I’m unable to comment on.

[2:10 p.m.]

PROPERTY TAXES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

AND SPLIT

ASSESSMENT PROPOSAL

T. Stone: For three years, we’ve been asking this government, urging this

government to provide real solutions to help small businesses, which

have faced massive property tax increases based on the development

potential of the airspace above their heads. Instead, the Finance

Minister put together an interim tool that, one year later, not one of

the 162 municipalities in British Columbia believes is workable. I say

that because not a single one of those municipalities is using the tool

a year later.

Now, with the NDP imposing further speculation taxes on the air

above small businesses, the same minister is promising yet another

interim measure.

My question to the Premier is this. What exactly is this

government’s latest interim plan, and why doesn’t he solve the problem,

permanently today by throwing a lifeline to all those small businesses

that are out there, that absolutely need the help and are barely hanging

on?

Hon. D. Eby: I know that the member has heard the Minister of Finance say that

she is aware of this issue and will be putting in place a solution for

it in relation to the speculation tax. I know the member was also here,

because I was here, too, when the member was on the government side of

the House and the issue of split assessments generally was raised. They

went many years without addressing this issue.

It is a challenging issue, but I can assure the member that, with

the Minister of Municipal Affairs, we will address this issue. He can

rest assured that it will be addressed once and for all.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–South Thomp­son on a

supplemental.

T. Stone: Well, this government has been in power now for a full term.

They’re actually into their second term. We have proposed a solution,

three years in a row, to address this challenge of rising property taxes

in a meaningful way. It is clear that the minister has completely

botched the file.

As I just said, there is a solution. A broad coalition of

stakeholders, including a working group of mayors, in an

intergovernmental committee that was formed a number of years ago —

small businesses, chambers of commerce, non-profits…. They all support

the solution that we have brought to life in this chamber in bringing it

forward three times, that solution being a commercial property subclass

via a split assessment classification.

Now, last week the Premier said: “I don’t believe it’s fair to tax

people for space that doesn’t exist.”

Again, if the Premier is serious about giving small businesses a

fighting chance to survive, will he tell his minister to scrap her

failed interim tinkering and axe the tax now?

Hon. D. Eby: There are a lot of members in this House that could fairly stand

up and talk about trying not to botch a file, but with all due respect

to the member, I don’t think he’s one of them. I say that from

experience.

We will address the issue. The Minister of Finance will address

the speculation tax issue, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs will

address, once and for all, the split assessment issue, as we committed

to when we put the interim fix in place.

BUDGET PROVISIONS FOR

SCHOOL

DISTRICTS

J. Tegart: School districts throughout British Columbia are facing huge

deficits and the possibility of major cuts. The province’s incompetence

in delivering a budget on time has only added to the stress for

teachers, students and parents.

Surrey could face a $43 million shortfall; in Richmond and

Victoria, more than $7 million; and more than $4 million in

Vancouver.

To the Premier: why are you making school districts choose between

cutting staff, cutting supports or cutting programs?

Hon. J. Whiteside: Thank you to the member for the question. I know that we all,

across this House, value education. I will say that, over the course of

our government’s tenure, we have made significant investments in

education, on both the operating and the capital side. Now, we have some

sequencing going on here, because school districts, of course, are

required by March 15…. We tell them what their operating grants will be,

and they commence their planning for September, as they’re required to

do.

[2:15 p.m.]

We’re going to see a budget tomorrow, delivered by our Finance

Minister. I am very much looking forward to the commitments that this

government has historically made, with record increases in investments

in education. We’ll see what that looks like tomorrow, but there’s no

question that, over the last three years, we have seen significant

increases in education, both in operating and capital. I’m very much

looking forward to tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Fraser-Nicola on a supplemental.

J. Tegart: The pandemic has been tough on parents, teachers and students.

Trustees, with little support from the province, have worked to

negotiate through these unparalleled situations. In particular, the

needs for mental health supports and meal programs have seen an uptick

as families struggle.

To the Premier, will he commit today to increasing support for

mental health and meal programs so that students and families who are

relying on them don’t have to worry about them being cut?

Hon. J. Whiteside: She raises very important supports that students receive in our

education system — it’s not only the learning; it’s the access to mental

health supports and to meal programs — and knows the importance of

retaining kids. Making sure that kids have access to those programs in

school has been a fundamental part of our government’s approach to how

we have dealt with the pandemic.

There have been remarkable stories, I want to say, of teachers,

principals, school staff and trustees stepping up to ensure that kids

have access and that families continue to be connected to things like

meal programs. Our government has made record investments to correct

many years of underfunding of our education system. We are going to

continue to do that. We are going to continue to make sure that kids

have access to the quality education that they need and to the supports

that go along with that.

P. Milobar: Back in December, when the only bill that we had to debate was

delaying the budget for two months, we raised, several times, that

delaying the budget would have an impact on groups and agencies and

governmental bodies, like school districts. We were told: “No, it won’t

have any impact.”

We just heard the minister say that school districts had to start

getting budgets in by March 15, which is usually a month after the

budget has already been introduced. This year, it’s a month before the

budget is introduced, so there is a lot of worry for school

districts.

The member for Kamloops–South Thompson and I met with our district

last week. They have a budget shortfall. They don’t have assurances that

the extra funding for COVID supports will still be in place in

September.

Can the minister confirm today that all of these extra supports

for PPE, for extra staff, extra custodial work — all of the COVID

supports that school districts currently have in place — will still be

funded in September for them?

Hon. J. Whiteside: Thank you to the member for the question. Our government has

worked very closely with all of our education partners, rights holder

groups, throughout the course of the pandemic to ensure that schools

have the resources that they needed in order to ensure that the safety

plans in our schools are fully implemented.

Again, I will say that our government has made record investments

in every single aspect of education. We have built new schools. We have

seismically upgraded schools. We are building new playgrounds. We are

investing in mental health. We have mental health integrated teams

rolling out in school districts. We are making the investments that kids

and families need, in order to ensure that they get the education they

need. We’re going to continue to do that, and I’m very much looking

forward to tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker: The Opposition House Leader on a supplemental.

P. Milobar: The reality is, though, that districts right now are facing huge

deficits, and we know this to be a fact — $43 million in Surrey;

Richmond and Victoria, $7 million each; $4 million in Vancouver.

Kamloops is in a deficit, despite draining their reserves. It’s simply

broken right now, and all that the people are looking for at the school

district tables, are assurances from this government that cuts will not

have to happen. Unfortunately, we can’t get that today, it sounds

like.

[2:20 p.m.]

I’ll ask one last question to the minister. There’s been talk

about the consultation being done across the spectrum. How much

consultation has been done with the BCTF about the promise around child

care in schools? That is in another area that the Teachers Federation is

very concerned about — the lack of consultation from this minister and

this government on changes that are being brought forward by this

government.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I must say that I do find it interesting, the questions that have

been asked in the House today, a lot of them budgetary questions. I can

anticipate the excitement of the opposition, after realizing that a

government we have had in power now since 2017 has made record

investments not only in education and in health care and in

transportation and in infrastructure right across this province, has

fought a pandemic, ensuring that all British Columbians get through this

and come out of this pandemic stronger.

They want to know what’s in that budget tomorrow. Well, I can tell

them. Tomorrow afternoon…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. M. Farnworth: …the Finance Minister will stand in this House and deliver a

budget that they will, in fact, be proud to support.

I am looking forward to that budget being delivered tomorrow but,

most importantly, given all the requests for the spending that they have

made and all the programs that they want to see in place, that they vote

for that budget when we have that vote in this chamber.

[End of question period.]

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued debate on the throne speech.

Throne Speech Debate

(continued)

E. Ross: I’d like to pick up where I left off on Thursday in relation to the

government’s true opinion and attitudes towards First Nations.

[N. Letnick in the chair.]

You know, what they say in the House doesn’t match up with what they

say outside of the House. Some of the actions of this government in relation

to First Nations issues are still, as I said on Thursday, offensive. Arguing

in court that the Nuu-chah-nulth people, who are trying to fight for their

rights and title…. Trying to argue and trying to put their argument on them

that they gave up their rights and title, and that they should prove that

they gave up their rights and title, is offensive.

That doesn’t even match up with any type of argument that exists in

case law in regards to

section 35 of the constitution, much less your own

bill that you’re breaching, your own political bill, UNDRIP. And you’re

telling a First Nation that they’ve given up their rights and title and they

should provide proof. That is offensive.

And still be running around, patting yourselves on the back, talking

about how much wisdom you’ve gained from First Nations people and how much

you know about them and bragging about your First Nations heritage…. Then

finding out that this government is actually arguing against children that

came out of government care, that are fighting for a benefit that should be

coming to them, that should have come to them in the first place. But this

NDP government is arguing against that? It goes beyond offensive. There are

more words — “tasteless.”

To still come up with a land acknowledgment and talk about how much

you respect First Nations, First Nations issues, and then claim that you

can’t talk about an issue because it’s in the courts, when, really, what

we’re talking about is a position of the government…. We’re not asking you

to divulge your strategy or your argument. We’re asking you: how come you’re

not matching your actions with what you say with your rhetoric in the House?

That’s what we’re asking.

To argue against Aboriginal children and non-Aboriginal children that

came out of care? This government is arguing that “no, you don’t deserve

that benefit that should be coming to you, because you came out of

government care.” Aboriginal or not, where is the caring?

[2:25 p.m.]

Where is the long-term outlook for these kids, and now these young

adults, that definitely will need a leg up when it comes to establish

themselves in society?

Another thing: respect. You know, we hear a lot about what this

government is doing in terms of negotiating Aboriginal rights and title away

from the treaty table, away from the courts. Negotiating one of most complex

issues in Canada. This is under the…. I’m thinking it’s under the guise of

the UNDRIP bill, which is a vague and general bill. It will be interesting

to find out how that plays out. The other half of that will probably be

negotiated on the basis of Aboriginal rights and title established in the

courts of B.C. and Canada under

section 35.

Not once have I heard this NDP government talking about woman’s

equality or their attitude towards First Nations issues. Not once have I

heard them talk about the three female hereditary chiefs that had their

titles stripped because of the very topic that the B.C. government is

negotiating with these First Nations leaders in the first place. Chief

Theresa Tait-Day, Chief Gloria George and Chief Darlene Glaim supported LNG

development, and they had their hereditary titles stripped by males. Now we

find the B.C. government negotiating with those same leaders and negotiating

— guess what? — LNG development.

If there is such a push for women’s equality and have a different

attitude towards women, especially women in leadership, why has not this

government made any mention of these three brave women, who are trying to

stand up for the future of their people, for the future of their kids on LNG

development? Why are these three female leaders not at that table

negotiating for what’s best for their kids and their grandkids? They’re the

ones that care most their future.

In that same breath, we also find out that the chief of the Tk’emlúps

band has actually got defamatory accusations against her — Chief Rosanne

Casimir, who only wants to support economic development and wants the

outsiders off her territory. She gets linked to sex trafficking, a libelous

term. Can the government come out and say something on behalf of that First

Nation in the same way that they’re defending logging in the Premier’s own

riding? It seems that this government only gets involved in those issues

when it’s politically right for them, politically right for the NDP. It

doesn’t matter if it’s not right for the Indigenous people. It doesn’t

matter if it’s not right for the B.C. people. Only if it’s politically

correct at the time.

But it’s all good, because we make land acknowledgements. Since this

is a response to the throne speech…. By the way, that was a response to the

throne speech because a large part of the throne speech was directed at

UNDRIP and Aboriginal people in the insurrection. But apart from that, there

is no substance to the actual economy, especially when we talk about

economic recovery. I found this one of the most important subjects because I

link up the economy to the health of the society. But in this case here,

these two areas have been separated.

There has been incredible loss to the B.C. economy and an incredible

amount of stress. A lot of people have lost their businesses. A lot of

people have lost their jobs. A lot of these people will have long-term

losses and stresses. And yes, some of them will have to leave their homes.

They’ll have to leave the province. They’ll have to leave the country.

Especially the breadwinners. This is tough.

I come from a place where there is no economy. Now, thankfully, I’m

living in Skeena, where we do have an economy, thanks to the First Nations

and the previous government to 2017 who had the foresight to fight for LNG

since 2004, did all the heavy lifting.

[2:30 p.m.]

I thank all those people at those tables — all those Aboriginal

leaders. I thank the previous government for reconciling Aboriginal rights

and title with the economic wishes of B.C. I thank those people.

There’s more to do in this economic crisis, this COVID crisis, that

we’re in the middle of, especially when we talk with the tourism and

restaurant sectors, which have been hit especially hard. There is no light

at the end of the tunnel for these workers, these people and these

businesses, especially when we’re talking about the confusing messaging that

keeps coming out of this government. Even customers aren’t sure which

restaurants are open and at what times or under what conditions. So it’s not

surprising that these businesses are folding up. In turn, they’re asking

questions: “What next? Where do I go? What am I going to do?”

It’s quite surprising, when it comes to tourism, that this B.C.

government was caught unaware of the Jones Act, had no idea that the United

States was planning to bypass B.C. ports, bypassing a multi-billion-dollar

industry in B.C. This government got caught surprised by it. Yet, it was in

the news. I mean, the economies of Vancouver, Victoria, Prince Rupert…. A

large chunk of those economies are based on the cruise ship industry. You

know what this B.C. government…? Part of their explanation was that that was

about federal jurisdiction, because it’s shipping.

Well, let’s take a step back a couple of years. It didn’t stop this

government or the B.C. Premier from teaming up with Governor Inslee from

Washington state to stop oil tankers from leaving Vancouver harbour. Isn’t

this the same jurisdictional argument? Why is it convenient now to blame

this all on the feds, when back then, this B.C. government teamed up with

the United States to stop Canadian oil? But they never said a word about

Governor Inslee’s oil parking right across from Victoria that was carrying

Alaskan oil for the refineries of Washington state so they could sell

gasoline and diesel to B.C.

I think the cruise ship industry is actually fundamental to the B.C.

tourism industry, especially in the largest places that have built up the

infrastructure and built up the businesses around it to take advantage of

it. Alaskan leaders, by the way, are just doing what they’re supposed to be

doing. They’re looking after their people. They’re looking after their

jurisdictions. Every jurisdiction around the world is going to become more

and more aggressive in getting their economies back on track for the sake of

their societies — everywhere except B.C, which is a shame.

We’ve also been talking in this House, for a number of years — as long

as I’ve been here, anyway — about women and equality. It’s quite shameful

that this government doesn’t actually speak up, in terms of Aboriginal

leadership, for hereditary leaders that lose their titles or speak up for

the chief councillor who’s actually under libellous charges right now,

accusations. Ever since 2004, I’ve taken a different look at women’s issues,

basically because an academic at a conference actually changed my opinion

and changed my outlook.

Don’t get me wrong. We’re a melting pot of culture and diversities in

Canada, but we’ve always had a track record of always trying to improve what

we’ve done, including addressing those issues that affect women —

disproportionately, mind you. How women are being treated, still, in most

sectors, is often not brought to light. My example of Theresa Tait-Day,

Gloria George, Darlene Glaim — that never made the papers. It didn’t get

high-profile coverage in our media, and it’s wrong.

Connected to that — and there is a lot of connection here, in terms of

how we’re viewing women — ultimately, we also have to think about the

safety, because nobody could’ve predicted 20 years ago the drug problem that

we have here today in B.C.

[2:35 p.m.]

I agree with everybody in this House. We have to do better to address

addictions. We have to do better in addressing the homeless. But to think

back to when the NDP were in opposition, they were claiming that they had

all the answers and the B.C. Liberals didn’t. Well now, under the NDP

government, the problem has become worse, and the violence has become worse,

instead of acknowledging that nobody expected the horrific types of drugs

that would be hitting our streets.

I mean, I’d never even heard of crystal meth until a few years ago.

Crock. I’d never heard of crock. The scariest drugs in my time were cocaine

and heroin, and guys my age were too scared to experiment with it. The

generation of today has experienced much, much harsher drugs with much, much

harsher consequences.

What’s ironic about this is that we all acknowledge it — that the

illegal drug trade is here to stay — because now we’re all talking about a

safe drug supply that’s been shut down because of border closures. That’s

the reason why so many people are overdosing. That’s one of the biggest

reasons. So take the politics out of it.

Not only do we address the addictions issue and the homeless issue,

but let’s start addressing the safety of the general public. When my wife is

afraid to walk in the streets alone in the middle of the day — she’s afraid

— then we have a problem. When women are getting attacked and beaten in

their own homes and one dies of complications later on, we have a problem.

When another woman gets beaten in her home with a hammer while the intruder

goes through her belongings, we have a problem.

At the same time we’re addressing addictions and homelessness, we’ve

got to think about the public safety. There are many countries around the

world that have been trying to tackle this in many different ways. We don’t

have to reinvent the wheel here. Past MLA Jane Thornthwaite actually

proposed the Portugal model in some form — not total, in some form. She

tried to explain to us what it meant to decriminalize drugs, the real

meaning behind that. There are other jurisdictions. We can take those kinds

of models and see what’s best for B.C. We can make a tailor-made approach

here, for B.C.

But at the same time, we’ve also got to be doing more to protect those

most vulnerable in our society, including those most vulnerable inside those

camps in Strathcona Park, on the streets of Terrace, on the streets of

Prince George. We’ve got to do more. We have, at least, got to slow it down

a bit — get control of it — because ultimately, as has been said many, many

times before, we’re all in this together.

Hon. R. Fleming: Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak today and respond to

our government’s throne speech. I’m honoured to be here this afternoon as

the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on the traditional

territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋin̓əŋ-speaking

people, the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.

It is indeed a privilege to be here on behalf of my constituents in

Victoria–Swan Lake to speak in favour of a throne speech that gives a broad

outline for this government’s priorities, our commitments to the people of

British Columbia, our commitment to make communities safer as we navigate

our way through the end of this pandemic and build a better future and build

back better as an economy and as a province.

We know that this has been an absolutely extraordinary,

once-in-a-century year for the people of our province, for our country, for

every country in the world. It is one that has been tough on families, on

individuals, on people’s mental health; and tough on business owners, who

have struggled to save payrolls and keep employees employed, to face the

uncertainty, to adapt to new health restrictions, to move to new online ways

of doing business, to make change quickly and rapidly, and to work hand in

hand with government to be able to do that successfully.

[2:40 p.m.]

We have a lot to be proud of in terms of the efforts that hundreds of

thousands, if not millions, of British Columbians have put in to keep

themselves safe, to keep their families safe and to look after one another.

Long before Dr. Henry implored us, at the outset of this pandemic, to be

kind, to be safe and to respect one another, British Columbians

instinctually were doing that.

One can think of the early days when we would bang on pots and pans,

feeling a little bit better knowing that our neighbours were doing it in

unison to show our appreciation for front-line health care workers at a time

when we didn’t even know the properties of the COVID-19 vaccine, how easily

it could be contracted, when this pandemic would end, how many people would

get sick, what kind of mortality challenge it would present to our

province….

That spirit, that ethos of being in it together — even though we have

had to deal with one frustration and many setbacks along the way — has

endured. It is what will get us through to the other side of this health

crisis, and it is what will make this province a stronger place, coming out

of the pandemic. There are many ways that we will see enduring innovations

in this economy. There are many ways that we will carry on the connections

we have made with people, even while it was difficult to do, even while it

was six feet away, or even while it was over a digital platform.

Those kinds of things have been life-changing. They have been

difficult, but in many instances they’ve also been positive, in terms of

bringing us together — to make sure that our kids could go to school safely,

to make sure that we had child care services in place, to make sure that the

capacity of our hospital system was there to rally around the needs of

British Columbians.

We are not there, as we know. I know that the Health Minister and the

Premier are, at this very moment, updating the people of our province about

what kinds of new restrictions are being contemplated to keep us safe as we

face new variants, as we enter into and continue in this third wave of the

COVID-19 virus. We have a lot to be thankful for. We have a lot of people to

thank in our lives, and I know that is true for all 87 members of this

House. In their constituencies, they have many, many people to be proud

of.

It’s no different for me when I look at the random acts of kindness

that I have seen people do on a day-to-day basis. I’m seeing people

absolutely refuse a health care worker to pay for a cup of coffee and a

snack or meal at a restaurant, insisting that they’d take care of that for

them; bringing food over to neighbours who may have been part of an exposure

alert and were required to self-isolate themselves, unable to shop for

themselves and get goods and services; people stepping up for each other in

each and every way to do things safely, to manage and lean on one another

for emotional support at critical times.

Life has gone on; it has been very difficult. People have not been

able to go to funerals and pay their respects, in the way that they knew how

to do, during this health crisis. People have not been able to get married

as they had planned to do. People had to put on hold a lot of goals that

they may have had. Post-secondary students have not had the benefit of

in-person learning and the rewards that come with that, learning and working

with their peers in exciting programs that are part of young people’s plans

to build a good life for themselves in British Columbia.

But we are in a good place today. We have much work to do. We will

have to continue to lean on one another again, but I am not at all surprised

by the commitment that people, right across our province, have shown for

their families, for their neighbours and for their communities.

With over a million people in B.C. vaccinated and tens of thousands of

people receiving their first dose everyday, we indeed can see brighter days

ahead. Last year, early in the pandemic, we had to take stock of the

situation that was unfolding very, very quickly. We had to look at what

others were doing. We had to look at the unique challenges that our province

faced. We had to take extraordinary steps and, in some cases, use emergency

powers to put things in place that were designed to curb the spread and

transmission of COVID-19.

We had to make sure, for people who were unable to work at the time

because of sudden changes in the economy and the lockdown that we were in as

a province, that there were relief programs created out of thin air — for

renters, for middle-class families, for hard-hit small businesses and for

the most vulnerable — so that we could relieve the stress for millions of

people and so that we could begin to figure out ways to build back and

create as much certainty as we could, heading into very uncertain

headwaters.

[2:45 p.m.]

I can say without hesitation that I’m very, very pleased with the

response of our government, working alongside communities, individuals,

businesses, agencies and Crown corporations, that people worked

constructively together and in a collaborative way that made the situation

better for the people of British Columbia.

We have delivered more help than any other province, on a per-capita

basis, to the people that needed it: those who were vulnerable on an income

basis, those who were vulnerable in terms of their businesses being

challenged. That’s because this government demonstrated from the outset that

being in it together wasn’t merely words. It was a call to action for us to

put programs in place, which we did do.

I have to think of some of the things that, a year ago, made life a

little bit more certain as we were in the late spring of 2020 and business

owners and others were uncertain about how they would survive, how long this

virus would last, what kinds of measures they should take where their

revenues were challenged, where their ability to meet payroll was very, very

difficult.

I have to say that the province of British Columbia worked very well

with the federal government to complement a number of initiatives. The

federal government rolled out things like CERB for workers in all industries

that were affected. They implemented things like the CEWS program to help

businesses that had payroll challenges.

We worked right alongside them to fill in some of the big gaps that

threatened the viability of businesses and jobs — things like reducing the

commercial property tax rates in this province by an average of 25 percent.

That’s a $714 million investment that was made to help sustain businesses

just last year. We brought in a 15 percent tax credit on new payroll in the

third and fourth quarter of the year 2020 — a $200 million investment to

create incentives for businesses to restore and create jobs.

The PST rebate, which continues right now, on machinery and equipment

— an investment of almost $500 million by the provincial government to nudge

businesses in the direction of innovating, modernizing and adapting their

businesses and creating economic activity that was vital in the province of

B.C.

Tax deferrals, implemented immediately on the carbon tax and all the

other Budget 2020 measures, cost the treasury close to $275 million. Of

course, a B.C. Hydro forgiveness program, which our government rushed to put

in place for all those businesses that were affected by the first wave of

health restrictions, again at considerable cost — $10 billion worth of

extraordinary interventions made by our government to keep communities,

people and businesses whole, to the greatest degree possible that we

could.

I’ll get on to some points later in my own ministry where we created —

again, out of thin air — specific grant programs for businesses that were

extraordinarily affected by the imposition of the health restrictions that

were necessary to keep people healthy and safe. I think of the inner-city

bus companies that were facing a 95 percent drop in passenger traffic, out

of necessity, because we were banning non-essential travel and encouraging

people to stay at home and shelter in place.

Regional airports saw a similar decline in traffic and revenue to run

municipal airports. We created, again, programs, worth tens of millions of

dollars of relief, that were absolutely vital to maintain the integrity of

our transportation system and to make sure that we get to the other side of

this pandemic and are able to rebuild our economy strongly, to “Build back

better,” as the Premier is fond of saying.

I want to go back and talk just briefly about what I think set us up

for some additional success, built a stronger social fabric much before the

pandemic — which, of course, nobody could predict — and that our government

was busy working on in its first mandate. One of them has been an incredible

help to a province that hasn’t been affordable for many, many decades,

because of our geography and a number of other reasons. We created the

largest middle-class tax cut in B.C. history, by eliminating the MSP health

care premiums.

[2:50 p.m.]

Imagine the regressive tax that we had in place, where billionaires

literally paid the same rate of tax as people who made $40,000 a year, to

have health care — the only province in Canada with this regressive tax

system in place, by the way — maintained by the previous government and, in

fact, raised ten times. Almost every budget year, over 16 years, they gouged

middle-class families with MSP tax hikes. We eliminated that regressive tax

completely, saving middle-class families billions of dollars and putting it

back into their families for activities they want to afford for themselves

and for their children.

We reduced hydro rates, which saved hundreds of dollars annually for

households in British Columbia. Bear in mind that this is a time when prices

for almost anything imaginable in the economy were going up. To eliminate a

regressive tax; to reduce utilities rates, using the power of B.C. Hydro

that we have….

We eliminated road tolls for those who live south of the Fraser who

paid this regressive, geographic-based discriminatory tax, adding thousands

of dollars to those who live in that part of the Lower Mainland to be able

to afford the cost of living, to free up money in their monthly budgets and

be able to support greater affordability. We were doing these kinds of

initiatives that were making life better for the middle class in British

Columbia.

In terms of opportunities for young people, we did some extraordinary

things that were, quite frankly, long overdue in this province that we

couldn’t get any traction for under the previous government. Ideas that we

put into private members’ bills that we advocated for, that we’d lobbied

for, year after year, that were never acted upon…. We eliminated things like

interest on student loans. What better investment can a young person make

than in their own future by borrowing money to build a better future? We

eliminated the interest rates that were punitive for the debt levels of

graduates in B.C. colleges and universities.

We’re a government that has been supportive of young people pursuing

higher education to get better jobs, to have more income stability, to be

able to build a life for themselves and their families right here in British

Columbia.

One of the things I’m so proud of that we restored, which had been

unilaterally cancelled in 2001-2002…. We restored a post-secondary grants

program. Not only did we eliminate interest rates on student loans; we

created incentives through grants for those who otherwise couldn’t afford to

go to college or university, and that was a feature of a budget just three

short years ago.

We expanded, in the thousands, post-secondary education training seats

in science, in technology and engineering, in digital arts, in

mathematics-based degree programs that were long overdue because, for a long

time, it took extraordinary GPA levels and luck, quite frankly, to get into

university programs that were part of the new economy — the technology

economy that we live in, that we knew was facing significant shortages in

terms of training new young people and supporting innovators and companies

in our economy.

We made record increases to income and disability assistance rates. We

introduced the first-ever — if you can imagine this, the first-ever —

increase to the seniors supplement.

It’s very complimentary today, I must say, now that we have some of

the high-level details of the federal budget, that the Trudeau government

has recognized the progressive and successful implementation of our

$10-a-day child care strategy. We have created tens of thousands of seats

that have saved families tens of thousands of dollars annually, to be able

to put their kids in high-quality child care spaces.

Our government has also created a spaces fund that has created those

spaces in communities right around B.C. Now we have a federal partner. I’ll

await the details, but the federal government has endorsed the leadership

shown by British Columbia by echoing the $10-a-day child care program that

we started here just a few short years ago in British Columbia.

I was pleasantly surprised to also see the remarkable turnaround of a

Crown corporation, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. I note

that the opposite side talks a lot about jobs and supporting jobs, but they

campaigned on privatizing the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in

the last election. They’d given up on this company that serves the interests

of British Columbians. They’d given up on rate affordability. They’d given

up on figuring out a way to manage this corporation, and they had advocated

privatization.

[2:55 p.m.]

They literally wanted to take thousands of good jobs out of every

community of British Columbia and move them to Toronto, move them to New

York, move them to Los Angeles and wherever the big eight insurance

companies are headquartered — not here in British Columbia. That was their

magic bullet. “We can’t figure out ICBC. We’re just going to sell it

off.”

Well, we’ve taken a different approach. We have produced probably one

of the most remarkable business turnarounds that we’ve seen in the province

of British Columbia. A company that was drowning in red ink, that was used

as an ATM machine by the previous government to produce fake balanced

budgets on occasion — we have turned it into something that is returning 20

percent of annual premiums right now. I was very pleased to get a rebate

cheque myself, and I know that tens of thousands of my constituents who

insure their vehicles have been really pleased to save hundreds of dollars

on ICBC.

We’ve protected the integrity of that Crown corporation, and we’ve

saved the jobs that it sustains in communities right around B.C. We didn’t

give up on it. We demanded better performance, and we got better performance

from ICBC. There is more to come on that front, but what a remarkable

turnaround.

Let me go back to child care, because I think the federal budget,

again, is going to pay a remarkable dividend for British Columbia’s

investments that we started doing over the last three years. We need to

create more $10-a-day child care spaces in B.C. That is our task. But I am

so pleased to see, in my community, the capital regional district, thousands

of new child care spaces.

I was a parent with young babies a decade ago, and more, and child

care was hard to find. It was very difficult to afford. Wait-lists were

long. Often parents who were on maternity and paternity leave had to seek

additional accommodation from their employer because they had no child

care.

To see thousands of spaces opening up in my community, high-quality

spaces at places like Tillicum Elementary or Doncaster Elementary…. Saanich

community place is opening 75 new spaces in June. They’ve continued building

these child care centres during the pandemic, with safe construction

practices by the contractors they’re working with. Victoria High School is

going to have a brand-new neighbourhood learning centre with a child care

facility in it. On and on the list goes.

This is something that the previous government absolutely neglected

and refused to do that’s happening, that’s helping my constituents, that’s

making life better and more affordable for families here in the capital

regional district, and I’m proud of it.

I’m also proud of the wage increases that we’ve made for minimum-wage

workers in B.C. This is a well-studied

section of the workforce. We know

that the minimum wage in British Columbia was artificially — brutally, I

would suggest — held down and tiered into two tiers for workers in the

economy who had to pay rent and put food on the table. We’re moving that

minimum wage up to $15 an hour.

It’s great to see other administrations starting to see what British

Columbia has done. It’s great to see that the doom and gloom from the other

side about how bad it would be to help minimum-wage workers earn more has in

no way panned out. In fact, we’ve had the strongest employment growth record

in the country at the same time that we accelerated increases to the minimum

wage.

I would like to give some shout-outs to specific groups of workers and

companies in sectors in B.C. during this pandemic as well. As the Minister

of Transportation and Infrastructure, I want to acknowledge so many workers,

whether it’s those on B.C. Ferries who have kept essential travel between

the Lower Mainland and island communities on the coast safe. We owe them a

debt of thanks, and we continue to owe a debt of thanks.

To truck drivers who have kept goods and services moving — we faced

shortages of basic essentials a year ago. People drove through adverse

weather conditions to make sure that in places as far away as Smithers, in

rural economies, into the Interior and on to our border in the Rockies. The

store shelves were stocked, and those deliveries continued to be

made.

Taxi drivers have been declared essential, and we’ve helped them with

our small and medium-sized business program to be able to be strong so that

on the other side of this pandemic, we will continue to have ground

transportation services. They bravely took our constituents, people in my

community and other members’ communities, and made sure they got to their

doctors’ appointments on time, made sure they got to all kinds of essential

business activities that they needed to do, in very uncertain conditions. So

I want to give them a shout-out.

[3:00 p.m.]

I want to give port workers, longshoremen and others a shout-out as

well — $600 million a day into our economy through our port facilities. The

Port Metro Vancouver and our Prince Rupert and Nanaimo ports collectively

have seen, during this pandemic, 109 percent of the activity that we saw in

the year before the pandemic. Not only did we recover and support the

exports and the imports that we need into our economy and keep this open

economy going in terms of our trade activities; we increased it.

We increased our grain exports to other parts of the world that came

to rely on Canadian grain and foodstuffs. We increased the export of

resources and finished goods that are made here in Canada and British

Columbia to support jobs. Those workers in our ports help make that

happen.

I also want to give a shout-out, as a parent of two kids in the public

school system, to educators, support staff, principals and vice-principals —

everybody involved in our school system. It fills me with great sadness to

look at American news these days and see the extreme challenge that a number

of states have had, where they literally have not had kids in a classroom

for coming close to 15 months now — the toll that has taken on the mental

health and well-being of kids in the U.S.

We’ve had our own mental health challenges here in our own school

system, in our communities, to be sure, but we’ve also found a way to safely

restart our schools and to keep them going and to support staff in schools

with the resources they need to have strong health and safety protocols in

place, to be able to keep districts in every part of the province open for

kids, to help parents and families and communities be able to try and adapt

to the new reality.

It has taken a tremendous effort, but I think the single best mental

health intervention we’ve made as a government was to make sure that we not

only reopened schools safely this past September but that we actually

restored school services at the tail end of the previous school year and

finished last June with school going into the summertime.

Let me speak a little bit about housing. Our government is determined

to fix some of the housing problems that have challenged this province for a

couple of decades now. We’re working to make housing more affordable for

people. We have implemented things that the other side absolutely opposed

but that have produced significant, positive results. The speculation tax,

for example, has made available 18,000 empty homes that had the lights off,

that weren’t housing anyone, available to be part of the housing supply in

our communities. We’re working right now with non-profits, municipal

governments, First Nations, businesses to build well over 100,000 homes over

the next decade.

I see the results of this here in my own community. In the capital

region, we have over 3,000 homes either completed, nearing completion or

awaiting approvals right now, 800 being constructed during the pandemic and

almost finished up at the University of Victoria, the first time that

government has made a serious investment in campus housing in well over a

decade and a half. So to see that kind of progress, to see that kind of

affordable housing tailored towards the needs of my community and

communities right around the province, is welcome relief and I think is a

testament to the skill and talent of ministers who have been responsible for

that file.

I’m very pleased to see the throne speech highlight the importance of

advanced technology in our economic recovery. We have endeavoured to make an

enduring feature of this pandemic connectivity in communities, and we will

soon get close to having 100 percent of homes in British Columbia connected

to broadband Internet service. We have seen tens of thousands of homes

become hooked up to the Internet where they had no service previously during

this pandemic.

We’re working right now in my ministry to improve cell coverage on

highway networks right around British Columbia. Those are the kinds of

things that we need to sustain well after the pandemic is in the rearview

mirror, and I’m pleased to see that we used this health crisis as an

opportunity to advance those kinds of investments.

I’m also really pleased to see the scale of investment that is

happening in transportation infrastructure. We have never had six concurrent

major projects going on in the history of British Columbia. But just since

the turning over of the new year, pilings are being driven into the Fraser

River to show progress on the Pattullo Bridge.

[3:05 p.m.]

The Broadway subway is mobilizing for tunnel-boring to complete a $2.8

billion expansion of SkyTrain from Clark to Arbutus. That is the single

busiest bus rapid transit corridor in North America, and it will soon have

rapid transit investment there, in partnership with the federal

government.

The Kicking Horse Canyon project, phase 4 — $600 million that we

announced. Construction started last week on that major project to continue

the four-laning of highway to Alberta. On and on it goes. I’m very pleased

to see what our government has done and will continue to do on those kinds

of investments.

I do want to also thank the ministry, organizations like the B.C. Road

Builders Association and all of the companies and contractors affiliated

with that. Typically, our ministry completes about 300 to 400 projects a

year in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. I think, since we

assumed government, about 1,200 projects have been completed by our

government, representing billions of dollars in investment. Right now we are

tracking 95 percent of those 1,200 projects being on time and on budget in

the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Our record in terms of emergency pandemic funds…. I know members will

have appreciated this in whatever part of the province they live in — around

active transportation and putting in trails and local improvements and

upgrading forest service roads that connect remote communities to their

regional hubs. We’ve rushed out projects. We’ve put tens of millions of

dollars into shovel-ready projects that had to not only be begun but

completed by March 31 — by last month.

I am pleased to say that of the 180 projects that we funded on an

emergency pandemic stimulus basis, all 180 of those projects were on time

and on budget. That is a testament to the skill of local government

engineers, of local communities and of contractors and businesses who filled

the supply chain gaps and made sure that those projects were delivered. And

by the way, they created hundreds of jobs at a time when they were most

needed. Again, there are so many people to thank for that.

We do have to keep our eye on the economy. We need to get through this

health crisis. That was the central theme of this throne speech, which I

appreciate. I think British Columbians, no matter what their political

stripe, will 100 percent agree with that. We have got to see out this

pandemic in the safest way possible — protect lives. The Minister of Health

and Dr. Henry have made a number of key decisions that have supported

that.

But on the economy, there is reason to be hopeful. We will see a

budget tomorrow that will give additional reason. I look at the labour force

survey results that came out last month. It was encouraging to see 35,000

jobs created in that month alone in B.C. It marked the 11th consecutive

month of job growth. We have now surpassed 100 percent of the pre-pandemic

employment levels in the province of British Columbia, and we have the

highest level of job recovery in Canada.

That’s not to be complacent. That’s not to suggest that we shouldn’t

continue to work on businesses that are feeling the pinch right now. It’s to

suggest that there is hope, that we can do this together, that businesses

have been innovative, that they work well with government and that jobs are

being created. I think that we can work with the sectors that are still

struggling, support the ones that are seeing signs of growth and acknowledge

that we’re not out of the woods yet. That’s what the budget will do

tomorrow. That’s what we need to do: continue to make record investments in

infrastructure, help businesses grow, and keep our communities

safe.

T. Wat: It is an honour for me to rise in this House in response to the throne

speech.

I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you today from the

traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First

Nations.

As is a tradition with the throne speech, I would like to take a

moment to remember the passing of some of the community leaders and my

friends and loved ones in the year of COVID-19. Nathan Fong, famous chef and

media personality. Cheryl Pederson, my good friend Chad Pederson’s mother.

K.K. Wan, dentist and radio talk show host. Cheng Tseng, film producer,

actor and director. Jack Chow, Chinatown pioneer. Col. Howe Lee, founder of

the Chinese Canadian Military Museum. Susanna Liu, my good friend. Mo Kong

Lam, air travel and tourism industry icon. And finally, my beloved father,

who passed away on the day of my birthday.

[3:10 p.m.]

Please join me in honouring their contribution to the province. The

community and their families are mourning their loss.

I would like to take a brief moment to thank my staff and volunteers

who have supported me, and continue to support me, as I continue to serve in

my role as an MLA, both in Richmond and in Victoria: Hannah Levett, David

Decolongon and Sam Arno Burgess and all the staff here in Victoria; as well

as Trix Chan, David Shum and William Tu, my constituent assistants in

Richmond North Centre.

Of course, I would like to thank the people of Richmond North Centre

who have supported me since 2013 and have once again put their faith in me

to serve as their voice in Victoria.

Finally, to my 96-year-old mother, who lost her life partner of more

than six decades during COVID-19 early last year; my daughter, Tin, my

son-in-law, Terry and my two grandsons, Andre and Ashton; as well as my

in-law John Chung, for their support and encouragement for me to continue to

serve my constituents and British Columbians.

My riding of Richmond North Centre is a place of rich cultural and

culinary destinations. It is where tourists first land by air in British

Columbia, as it is home to the world-class Vancouver International Airport.

Richmond is often the first part of Vancouver and British Columbia that many

people get to experience, and it serves us well, as no other community

better embodies the spirit of diversity, openness and inclusion that we

pride ourselves on, as a province.

Hovering around 80 percent prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond’s

hotel occupancy rate was among the highest in Canada. Diverse year-round,

multicultural attractions like the Richmond Night Market and the Salmon

Festival embody Richmond’s keen ability to not only embrace its

multicultural heritage and identity but celebrate it. Richmond’s tourism and

hospitality sectors are major economic drivers, having contributed more than

$1.5 billion in economic output and employing tens of thousands of full-time

employees and equivalents in the city.

This pandemic and the events of this past year have impacted all of

our communities in many different ways. Here in Richmond, many of the things

that make up our community’s unique identity are the reason our community

has struggled so much over this past year. Because we are home to a wide

variety of the small and independently owned businesses, our community was

hit incredibly hard by the economic challenges of COVID-19.

Because Richmond, like many communities in B.C., deeply values family,

friends and community, our residents have felt an incredible mental and

emotional strain after being separated from our loved ones and our way of

life.

And because Richmond is one of the most multicultural communities in

Canada, with a strong Asian-Canadian community, we became fearful of the

horrific rise in racism and hate crimes perpetuated against many of our

minority groups.

Because we pride ourselves as one of British Columbia’s great tourism

destinations, our community felt the same impacts that were felt across

B.C.’s struggling tourism industry.

Tourism is one of our major economic drivers not just as a city but as

a province, a $20 billion — $20 billion — industry that employs hundreds of

thousands of workers in communities from all corners of B.C.

Back in July, a tourism operator asked for $680 million from this

government in order to make a full recovery. Remember, this is an industry

that has lost an estimated $16.8 billion in revenue due to COVID. What this

government offered them was a fraction of this, $100 million, and not even

all of it has made it out of the door into the hands of tourism businesses.

Many of our tourism businesses and cultural exhibits, like the Richmond

Night Market and PNE, don’t even qualify for the business grants. Yet this

government has ignored their calls to revise the criteria.

[3:15 p.m.]

On February 10, the Premier said that help was on the way for large

attractions. That was over two months ago, and we have seen nothing from

this government. On April 15, the Vancouver Aquarium was purchased by an

American company because they could not find funding.

According to the latest COVID-19 tourism impact report, only 8 percent

of tourism businesses in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region and 12

percent of tourism businesses in the rest of the province have been able to

access the small and medium-sized business grant. Coincidentally, only 8

percent of tourism businesses in the VCM region and 15 percent of businesses

in the rest of the province reported business as usual. This is in stark

contrast to only 51 percent of all fully opened businesses in this province

reporting business as usual. This clearly shows that this government has

left tourism behind.

On top of this, government has made no effort to delay or offer any

respite from the fixed costs and expenses that these businesses are still

subject to. This is despite their own Tourism Task Force report’s sixth

recommendation to defer or relieve the fixed costs of businesses.

The travel agency industry has seen little to no revenue since travel

was restricted a year ago due to the pandemic, yet Consumer Protection B.C.

chose to still charge them nearly $800 in licensing fees in March 2020 and

again this month.

Ontario and Quebec’s consumer protection agencies have waived their

fees until 2022, yet this government has chosen to do nothing. A total of 68

travel agencies, mostly based in Richmond, have petitioned this government

to waive their licence renewal fees since they’re experiencing financial

hardships due to COVID-19. The travel agencies have had almost zero income

throughout the past year, but they still need to pay for their licence

renewal fees and rental costs. They are desperately in need of any

government assistance to survive.

Hotel operators in the city of Vancouver have half of their property

taxes due at the beginning of the year. In some cases, the tax bill far

outstripped their revenues for the last few months. Not only does this put

B.C. tourism operators at a significant disadvantage to many of their

counterparts in neighbouring provinces; this government’s inaction on the

issue directly contradicts recommendations outlined by the Tourism Task

Force report — the task force this government commissioned.

With the restrictions on indoor dining extended, what is government

going to do to support the restaurants and hospitality industry, beyond the

small and medium-sized business grants? How is government making B.C. a

welcome place to do business, when small businesses and tourism operators

are being taxed for the air above their heads via the speculation and

vacancy tax? What steps is government taking to protect B.C. tourism

operators and ensure B.C. is ready to accept tourism and recover once

borders are reopened?

Government has a record of ignoring the concern of B.C.’s tourism

industry. The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act would allow cruise ships to bypass

B.C. ports like Vancouver and Victoria, a direct attack on our suffering

tourism industry. Alaskan senator Lisa Murkowski says: “Missing another

cruise season will only compound the economic fallout that’s been

devastating for so many families.”

[3:20 p.m.]

Alaska is taking direct action to protect and preserve its tourism

industry, at our province’s expense. Yet the Premier — who was warned about

the issue in a February 12, 2021, letter from Alaskan senators Lisa

Murkowski and Dan Sullivan — has not spoken up on the issue. If the Premier

continues to remain silent on the issue, we risk permanently losing hundreds

of millions of dollars in cruise ship tourism revenue, plus the hundreds of

B.C. businesses who rely on cruise ship traffic.

Cruise ship tourism is responsible for $2.7 billion in revenue as well

as 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly in this province. Every cruise ship

that visits Vancouver brings $3 million in direct activity to the local

economy. They had 288 ships visit in 2019.

Thanks to this government, our tourism industry has been one of the

hardest-hit and least-supported sectors throughout this pandemic. Victoria

lost an estimated $130 million in tourism revenue in the 2020 season, while

the entire B.C. tourism industry lost $16.4 billion, of an annual $20

billion, in GDP.

When we asked the minister in the House what government is doing to

protect our tourism sector, she insisted that this was a federal issue and

that they are instead focused on the vaccine rollout. Good news, but it

didn’t really answer our questions. While it is also welcome news that

government will be hiring 1,400 furloughed workers from the tourism and

hospitality sector, this is less than 1 percent of the sector. We want to

know what steps government are taking to ensure that our tourism sector

makes a full recovery and isn’t subject to permanent job losses.

Our tourism and hospitality industries are facing more challenges than

ever before and are looking for a strong voice in Victoria to bring forward

their concerns at a time when they feel ignored and alienated by their

government. I will continue to do everything I can to connect with this

industry’s leaders and stakeholders and ensure that they continue to have a

strong voice in this House.

Government has a responsibility to prevent the spread of racism, just

like they are responsible for preventing the spread of the pandemic. Like

much of their response, their actions feel like too little, too late for

British Columbians. While government insists they are bringing forward the

first anti-racism legislation, they are quickly forgetting the legacy of the

previous B.C. Liberal government and the steps they took to change B.C.

legislation to reflect anti-racism values.

As minister, I worked to help implement recommendations that were made

in response to the province’s apology to Chinese Canadians in 2014,

including identifying historical sites, introducing curriculum about the

legacy of Chinese Canadians and reviewing over 2,000 pieces of legislation

to permanently remove discriminatory provisions.

We have seen escalating incidents of racism and hate crimes

perpetuated against British Columbia’s minority community since the

beginning of the pandemic. Government has inherently failed to enact policy

or legislation immediately to effectively address these issues. However,

there’s more work to be done when we see the recent increase in anti-Asian

racism in our society. The Vancouver police reported an over 700 percent

increase in anti-Asian hate crimes.

[3:25 p.m.]

I stood on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 28 at the

Stop Asian Hate rally. We need to educate British Columbians, not just about

the experiences of Asian Canadians who are experiencing racism during this

pandemic but about the discrimination historically and currently experienced

by Indigenous, Black, South Asian, Jewish, Muslim, and other cultural and

religious groups in our society.

I have asked for government’s support to proclaim May 29 as

anti-racism education day. We have even been circulating a petition for this

proclamation. It has garnered and surpassed, I was just told, the milestone

figure of 5,000 signatures in just slightly over a week, including from 170

advocacy groups, including Punjabi, Jewish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Taiwanese

and a wide array of religious and cultural organizations. Over 50,000 people

have viewed this petition and this anti-racism education day initiative.

British Columbians are speaking up, and our government should

listen.

Our mission to eliminate racism and intolerance goes beyond partisan

lines. It is a mission that every member of this House must commit to. I’m

begging you. I hope government will use their time to not only connect with

opposition members but all British Columbians to support and promote

anti-racism initiatives.

I remember when MLAs from all sides of this House stood in honour of

the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and

recalled much of British Columbia’s dark history, including the Chinese head

tax and the Komagata Maru . To fight against racism, we must not

only address the grim realities of our history but also acknowledge and

celebrate the contribution of cultural minorities to British Columbian

history and identity.

A key example is the Chinese Canadian heritage museum, a project that

members of our Chinese community have been advocating for, for years. While

I’m pleased to see government taking steps to see this project through, a

temporary exhibit is a temporary solution. I hope that government will map

out a clear plan for the future steps of this project following the

provincial budget.

[R. Leonard in the chair.]

This throne speech should have inspired British Columbians to get

through this final push and allow them to prosper in a post-pandemic

economy. Unfortunately, it has failed to do so and instead has relied on

more empty promises. The Premier cannot keep asking us to trust him when we

see cases rising and the economy in decline. Now is the time for a real

plan. Why are there no supports for business as the third wave continues to

hurt them economically? Where are the supports for individuals who need

them?

If the Premier said we needed a snap election to pick a clear

direction forward, then why is this throne speech so muddled and opaque?

Worse yet is that so many of the NDP promises we are seeing in this throne

speech are just rehashed, unfulfilled promises from four years

ago.

[3:30 p.m.]

The throne speech acknowledges the hardship facing families and the

financial stress that households are facing. This government is

acknowledging the hardship, yet has burdened British Columbians with 23 new

and increased taxes. It is so illogical, but they aren’t just taking more

money from the pockets of British Columbians.

They aren’t just taking more money from the pockets of British

Columbians; they are also wasting it. More infrastructure projects will be

subject to community benefits agreements, which may add up to $4.8 billion

in overhead costs to construction projects across the province. The federal

government has already made it clear that they will not contribute

additional funding simply because this Premier has chosen to burden this

additional cost onto B.C. taxpayers.

Several projects have also been delayed by this administration. The

Pattullo Bridge is reduced in scope yet is still going over price. This

government is literally paying more for less. Calling the Massey Tunnel

replacement a priority without a plan is an insult to Lower Mainland

commuters, who are still unfairly facing the worst bottleneck in the

province thanks to this government’s inaction.

Additionally, we know from the experience of cultural minorities in

British Columbia that racism is alive and well in B.C., and this government

is not doing enough to address it. Government has a responsibility to

prevent the spread of racism, but their actions feel like too little, too

late for people of colour in British Columbia. The Speech from the Throne

does not properly address the need for the elimination of racism in B.C. and

the need for increased education.

While government promises to do more, they are leaving vital

anti-racism initiatives like the proclamation of an anti-racism education

day on the table. It is time for this government to stop playing politics

and to support the petition — 5,000 now, over 5,000. The momentum is

gathering for an anti-racism education day. It is only through education

that intolerance can be eliminated, and I call on every member of this House

to commit to this important task.

This Speech from the Throne is an utter failure for the tourism

industry, families facing increased hardships, British Columbians of colour

and the overall well-being and future of our province. This government

promised to do more and called a risky and dangerous snap election during a

global pandemic to achieve their power-hungry goals. But instead of

delivering on their campaign ideas, this government is recycling old

partisan lines and repeating the same old promises. I must say, and I hate

to say it, but I have to say it. I can’t lie. I hope all members of this

House will say something from their heart.

I am extremely, extremely disappointed by this uninspiring Speech from

the Throne. I’m confident, because I’ve been talking to so many of my

constituents. They call our office and call me and WeChat me, WhatsApp me to

tell me that they feel the same. It’s simply an uninspiring Speech from the

Throne.

If this is the best the NDP can do, I’m afraid to say British Columbia

is facing a very challenging next four years.

F. Donnelly: I rise to participate in the debate on the Speech from the Throne. I’d

like to acknowledge I’m on the traditional unceded territory of the

Lək̓ʷəŋin̓əŋ-speaking people and the

Songhees First Nation.

[3:35 p.m.]

Our government’s top priority is protecting people’s health and

livelihoods while we also ramp up the distribution of vaccines to protect

British Columbians. This pandemic has been tough on everyone, and we can

finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I received my AstraZeneca first shot last week, joining the Premier

and more than a million British Columbians who have also received their

first vaccine and thousands more who are getting theirs daily. We need to

continue to look out for each other and protect our loved ones. We will get

through this.

I look forward to our budget tomorrow, which will focus on improving

health care, helping our businesses grow and hire, and investing in public

infrastructure. When COVID-19 hit the province last year, our government

moved quickly to provide relief for renters, middle-class families, hard-hit

small businesses and the most vulnerable. In fact, the supports shown for

British Columbians during this pandemic is one of the reasons I decided to

run for MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. I saw our government delivering

direct help for people throughout the pandemic, more than any other province

in the country, and I wanted to help.

Our government understands that this pandemic affects everyone

differently. As others have said, we are in the same storm, but not the same

boat. I am confident, with targeted economic investments, we will all be

paddling in the same direction to ensure the recovery leaves no one

behind.

Small businesses in my riding are struggling and many have had to

close or reduce services to protect their workers and customers. To help

them, our government cut property taxes, prohibited commercial evictions and

forgave hydro bills. We introduced tax incentives to hire workers and make

new investments. We will continue to support businesses that have been

hardest hit by the pandemic while building a more sustainable economic

future. We will support a resilient economic recovery by putting people to

work and helping businesses get goods to market.

Over the next year, we will continue to provide even more support to

ensure British Columbians come back from this pandemic stronger and more

resilient. We will improve health care by reducing surgery wait times and

building more hospitals and urgent primary care centres all over British

Columbia. We will make life more affordable by cutting ICBC rates by 20

percent, expanding access to $10-a-day child care spaces and helping get

thousands of British Columbians affordable rental homes.

We will support businesses with grants to help them build online

stores and by supporting the B.C. strategic investment fund. We will build

more inclusive communities by developing B.C.’s first anti-racism law. We

will help make new investments to boost connectivity in more rural

communities. We will protect the environment by reforming forestry

legislation, continuing to take action on recommendations to protect

old-growth forests and improving waste management for plastics.

As Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, I’m working

to tackle the tough challenges that face B.C.’s wild salmon and their

habitat — the ocean where they live and the watersheds where they’re born.

It’s clear British Columbians not only revere iconic wild salmon; they also

have a real affinity for our marine environment. We appreciate it for its

beauty, its role in the planet’s health and for the food that it has

provided for thousands of years, not to mention the jobs and economic

opportunities.

The 2021 salmon season is forecast to have below-average returns

coastwide and to generate significant challenges for fishers, conservation

and management. This is not a new situation. There have been ongoing

challenges for this industry for several years now. The time for change,

though, is now. We must focus our efforts on restoring wild salmon habitat

and revitalizing salmon populations.

That is why the Premier has asked me to take the lead and work with

the federal and Indigenous governments on developing new strategies to

protect and revitalize B.C.’s wild salmon populations. We’re going to do

that by doubling the size of the salmon restoration and innovation fund. I

will mention in today’s federal budget, it was just announced that they are

committing to double their $100 million to the BCSRIF, which is welcome

news.

[3:40 p.m.]

We will revitalize B.C.’s wild salmon populations. We’re going to do

that by doubling the BCSRIF fund and implementing the recommendations of the

Wild Salmon Advisory Council. We’re also going to ensure more B.C.-caught

fish is processed locally.

To date, the BCSRIF innovation fund has supported 42 projects, with

more than $71 million of funding. Last summer B.C. posted an update in the

development of our wild salmon strategy. The update included measures to

strengthen the legal protection of fish habitat and obligate project

proponents to minimize or avoid destruction, harm or alteration of fish

habitat.

In 2019, the B.C. government provided the Pacific Salmon Foundation

with $5 million to help grassroots organizations and their communities with

salmon restoration, conservation and enhancement projects to protect this

important species for the next generation of British Columbians. These

projects showcase the collaboration happening right now in B.C. communities,

as we work together to save wild salmon.

British Columbians want us to work with our federal, First Nation,

local and community partners to ensure this iconic species not only

survives, but thrives into the future. We’re going to continue to build a

wild salmon strategy that we can all be proud of. Like the mighty wild

salmon fighting to swim upstream each fall during spawning season, I look

forward to continuing to protect this iconic species.

Last month the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

announced a new economic recovery investment that will help restore

watersheds and wetlands throughout British Columbia. Healthy watersheds mean

healthy communities and a robust environment. Through this $27 million

investment, about 750 people will be hired to restore watersheds and protect

the environment and help communities mitigate the effects of climate

change.

Healthy watersheds, wetlands and estuaries are critically important

for climate adaptation, as they can reduce the impacts and costs from

increased floods and droughts and wildfires. These initiatives will help

communities adapt to climate change by restoring threatened watersheds,

wetlands and estuaries so they are healthier and more resilient to the

impacts of climate change.

I’m also working closely with the Minister of State for Lands and

Natural Resource Operations on a provincial coastal marine strategy. Our

goal is to better protect coastal habitat while supporting coastal

economies. Whether it’s recovering B.C.’s wild salmon, supporting the

expansion of shellfish aquaculture, exploring new technologies for finfish

aquaculture or new opportunities for mariculture, like seaweed and kelp, we

are looking at a range of ways to protect and support B.C.’s coastal

communities and local economies.

I look forward to working with the minister, coastal First Nations,

the federal and local governments on a plan that supports coastal

communities into the future. I believe it’s important to consult, learn,

listen and take action.

In the first few months of my mandate, I’ve met with more than 20

different organizations, from the fisheries sector, environmental non-profit

organizations, the aquaculture sector and First Nations. I want to

acknowledge their work.

Wild Salmon Forever, Watershed Security Coalition, Freshwater

Fisheries Society of B.C.; the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C.; First

Nations Leadership Council of B.C.; the First Nations Fisheries Council of

B.C.; Chief Ernest Alfred; Western Angler, Brian Tutty; B.C. Seafood

Alliance; Dr. Dick Beamish and Dr. Brian Riddell, the Pacific Salmon

Foundation; Rick Hansen; Polis; Stand.earth; B.C. Salmon Marketing

Council.

Humane Society International, Canada; Taste of B.C. Aquafarms; the

Fisheries Council of Canada; the David Suzuki Foundation; the Shellfish

Growers Association of B.C.; Erik Neatherlin, the Washington state

governor’s salmon office.

[3:45 p.m.]

UBC researchers Dr. Evgeny Pakhomov, Institute for Oceans and

Fisheries; Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Fisheries Economic Research Unit; Dr. Andrea

Reid, Centre for Indigenous Fisheries; Dr. Scott Hinch, Pacific Salmon

Ecology and Conservation Laboratory; Dr. Brian Hunt, the Pelagic Ecosystems

Lab.

I’ve met with the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, including Mowi,

Cermaq and Grieg Seafood, and I’ve met with the Metro Vancouver regional

district.

While our work may get partisan from time to time, I want to also

acknowledge that it’s important to work cooperatively on issues that impact

all British Columbians. With that in mind, I reached out to the official

opposition fisheries and aquaculture critic, the member for West

Vancouver–Sea to Sky, to welcome his input on fisheries and aquaculture

issues. I also know that there are many of his colleagues, like the member

for Prince George–Mackenzie and the member for Fraser-Nicola, who have much

to contribute in this area as well.

I reached out to the member for Saanich North and the Islands to let

him know that I welcome his input and his ideas on fisheries and

aquaculture. I know he is passionate about wild salmon, and I appreciate his

past work on the Wild Salmon Advisory Committee.

As I said in the beginning, this pandemic has taken a toll on all of

us. But it has also made us resilient and brought us together to work with

each other so we can adapt and overcome.

I’d like to turn my focus on how government will be continuing to help

my riding of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. My number one priority is ensuring

that Burke Mountain secondary and middle school receives funding. Coquitlam

and the Burke Mountain neighbourhood have been growing rapidly, and our

government understands that more classroom space is needed. That’s why we

acted fast to announce nearly $100 million in Coquitlam to add 930 new

student spaces to the district, including $52.3 million to build a new

430-seat Sheffield elementary school on Burke Mountain. That school is

expected to be opened this year, allowing more families in the neighbourhood

to send their children to school closer to home.

We understand there is more work to do, and we are committed to

bringing another new school to Burke Mountain for middle and secondary

school students in the neighbourhood. I’ve been advocating for another new

school in Burke Mountain as my top priority. I have been working closely

with the Coquitlam school district and the Coquitlam city mayor and council

as well as Burke Mountain parents.

As a working parent, having a middle and secondary school in the

community is very important to my constituent Tina. In 2016, on the promise

of those schools being built, her young family moved to Burke Mountain, and

she’s not alone. Shreya tells me: “Many of us made the decision to purchase

a home and raise our families on Burke Mountain after being informed about

plans to open middle and secondary schools.” Parents Erica and Anthony wrote

to me, saying: “We decided to move to beautiful Burke Mountain because of

the promise of community services, parks, and, most importantly,

schools.”

The community is growing, with more and more young families moving in

every day. “We need a middle school,” they say. Tanya and Arvid moved to

Burke Mountain in 2010, with the intention of sending their daughter to

middle school on Burke. They simply say: “Please help.” I recently met with

Isabel, Terry, Damien, Nicole, Jimmy and a number of other Burke Mountain

parents who told me similar personal stories. Every day, hundreds of

pre-teens and teenagers living on Burke Mountain have to travel by city bus

to get to their middle and secondary school outside the community. It’s hard

on them, and it’s hard on their parents.

[3:50 p.m.]

A high school for the area has been talked about since I was on

Coquitlam council back in the mid-2000s. Last year I was proud to stand with

the Premier to announce that a blended secondary and middle school would be

funded. School district 43 has submitted their concept plan and put together

a sophisticated planning team with the city of Coquitlam. They, along with

the Burke Mountain families, are ready to get this 12-acre project

moving.

In fact, Burke Mountain parents are so eager that they met with me

last week to talk about that. I look forward to working with Burke Mountain

parents, school district 43 and the city of Coquitlam on this exciting

project.

I’m working hard to ensure Pinecone Burke Provincial Park gets the

support needed to ensure park users have a quality experience, from enjoying

Crystal Falls to hiking some of the most remote trails, and that people get

home safely. Speaking of safety, I’m working with Coquitlam Search and

Rescue to help find a suitable location to store their equipment. They do

valuable work in our community, and I thank them for their

services.

Many people in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain live in apartments and

townhouses, and the cost of strata insurance has increased dramatically over

the past two years. I’m working closely with a number of strata councils and

managers in my riding, listening carefully to their needs and suggestions.

We’ve met a number of times, virtually, and they have already put forward

good suggestions that our government is currently reviewing.

Our government is working hard to improve housing affordability, to

increase child care spaces, to improve transit and public infrastructure, to

lower ICBC rates, to provide better supports for seniors and people with

disabilities, and more support for stewarding the environment, and to

support local businesses, non-profit organizations, cities and regional

governments. I know there is more work to be done. As the member for

Coquitlam–Burke Mountain, I look forward to working with those in my

community to ensure that they get the support they need to live a better

life.

I’d like to acknowledge the work of a few of my colleagues, starting

with the tireless Health Minister, who has continued to respond to this

provincial emergency every day since the pandemic started last year. I also

want to thank my minister — the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

— for providing me with all of the support I need to deliver on my mandate

priorities. I want to thank her for that.

I’m looking forward to working with the Minister of Environment and

Climate Change Strategy on developing a watershed security strategy and an

associated fund to tackle the tough challenges facing B.C.’s watersheds from

droughts to floods in the face of a changing climate. I’m also looking

forward to working with the Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource

Operations on returning, and allowing our public officials to properly

address, forestry and rural development policy by separating it from Lands

and Natural Resource Operations. This important work needs our full

attention.

I know the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is

excited to be working with First Nations in B.C., supporting and

accelerating the transition to co-governance as quickly and responsibly as

possible. I know the Minister of Mental Health is working hard to address

the provincial and, indeed, national emergency of the opioid crisis, the

real problems of addictions that impact too many of our families in

B.C.

[3:55 p.m.]

I look forward to working with her and the Minister of Housing, the

Attorney General, on the new master plan that’s being developed on the

səmiq̓ʷəʔelə, the Riverview lands,

which are now renamed by the Kwikwetlem First Nation and which means “the

place of the great blue heron”. I was honoured to take

part in that renaming

announcement, along with the Minister of Finance, the MLA for

Coquitlam-Maillardville.

Speaking of the member for Coquitlam-Maillardville, I want to

acknowledge the work of the Minister of Finance. I remember when I first saw

her make a presentation to Coquitlam city council. I was on council at the

time; she was a citizen. Her passionate, knowledgable presentation really

impressed me, and I know it impressed my colleagues. When our paths finally

crossed again, sometime later, I suggested she run fo