British Columbia Hansard — 28 February 2018, p.m., Issue 90 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180228pm-Hansard-n90

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 90 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Third Session, 41st Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Darryl Plecas EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance............................................................................................................................Hon.

Carole James Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training..................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General.................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ............................................................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Child Care...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ...............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon.

George Heyman Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ..............................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Minister of Health .....................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon.

Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology............................................................................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions............................................................................................................................ Hon. Judy Darcy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.................................................................................................................. Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ........................................................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction..............................................................................................Hon. Shane Simpson Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.....................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................ Hon.

Claire Trevena LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition................................................................................................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Leader of the Third Party ....................................................................................................................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................... Linda Reid Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees.................................................................................................................................

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

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Penticton Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)...............................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ................................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP).............................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (NDP) ..................................................................... Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal) .......................................................

Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)......................................... Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (NDP)..................................................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)....................................................... Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–West End Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP).....................................................Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ............................................................... Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon.

George (NDP)............................................... Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Columbia River–Revelstoke Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal) ...............................................................Langley East Conroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)......................................................... Kootenay West Darcy, Hon.

Judy (NDP) ............................................................New Westminster Davies, Dan (BC Liberal) ..........................................................Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ............................................ Abbotsford West Dean, Mitzi (NDP)...............................................................Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (NDP) ...............................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)......................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Hon.

Doug (NDP).....................................................................Stikine Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP)............................................. Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ...................................................... Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) .....................................................Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal)........................................................... Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Hon.

Scott (NDP) ................................................ Mid Island–Pacific Rim Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ........................................... Cowichan Valley Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ................................................. Abbotsford-Mission Glumac, Rick (NDP)........................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Heyman, Hon. George (NDP) .............................................. Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (NDP) ...............................................

Langford–Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) .......................................................Surrey-Cloverdale Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal) .........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain James, Hon. Carole (NDP)...................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Johal, Jas (BC Liberal)...............................................

Richmond-Queensborough Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)..............................................................................Delta North Kang, Anne (NDP)..................................................................Burnaby–Deer Lake Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ..................................................................Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Shuswap Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .............................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Michael (BC Liberal) ......................................................

Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ....................................................Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal)............................................Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP) ................................................... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)...................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)....................................

Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)........................... Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon.

Darryl (Ind.) ..........................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal) ............................................................................ Langley Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)..............................................................Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) .......................................................... Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal) ..................................................... Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ................................................

Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................ North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ....................................... Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)..................................................................................Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) .................................................................. Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ..............................................................

Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal) .............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

Jinny (NDP) .............................................................Surrey-Panorama Singh, Rachna (NDP) ........................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal) ................................................................Kelowna West Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)..............................................Parksville-Qualicum Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)........................................

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

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal) ..................................................... Chilliwack-Kent Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) .............................................................. North Island Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal) ................................................Richmond North Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (BC Green Party) ......................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal) .............................. Vancouver-Quilchena Y ap, John (BC Liberal)..........................................................

Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ..........................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Hon. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West .................................................................... Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen.....................................................................

Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...............................................................................Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds ..............................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin ............................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................................. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack.............................................................................................. John Martin Chilliwack-Kent..............................................................................Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain................................................................. Joan Isaacs Coquitlam-Maillardville..................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox ................................................................. Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley ............................................................................

Sonia Furstenau Delta North ...........................................................................................Ravi Kahlon Delta South.................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin.............................................................................Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kamloops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kamloops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

Steve Thomson Kelowna West.........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East .....................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West ...................................................................... Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca............................................................. Hon. John Horgan Langley....................................................................................................

Mary Polak Langley East .......................................................................................Rich Coleman Maple Ridge–Mission ............................................................................ Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ..........................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim .............................................................. Hon. Scott Fraser Nanaimo ...............................................................................

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

Jennifer Rice North Island ............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour ......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ..........................................................Dr.

Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North.................................................................................. Dan Davies Peace River South ............................................................................... Mike Bernier Penticton................................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam .................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam .....................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast ..................................................... Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................

Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough .......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................ Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston..................................................................................

John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena ......................................................................................................... Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon.

Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale............................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood ...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford ....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon. Jinny Sims Surrey South............................................................................... Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon.

George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek....................................................................... Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings .............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington ..................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway ................................................................... Hon.

Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .............................................................................. Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey...........................................................Hon.

David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena ......................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee...................................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill ................................................................ Hon. Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake .................................................................. Hon. Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano .................................................................

Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..............................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; BC Green Party 3; Independent 1

CONTENTS Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 2969 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 2969 Bill M202 — Safe Care Act J.

Thornthwaite Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 2970 Pink Shirt Day J. Routledge Business Excellence Awards and ACCESS Y outh Outreach Services J. Isaacs Prostate cancer and Step Up Challenge fundraiser R. Glumac Semiahmoo Animal League S. Cadieux Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen R. Singh Pink Shirt Day J.

Thornthwaite Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 2972 Letter from Agriculture Minister to fish farm operator S. Bond Hon. L. Popham M. Polak Fish farm tenures and wild salmon protection S. Furstenau Hon. D. Donaldson Letter from Agriculture Minister to fish farm operator J. Johal Hon. L. Popham M. Stilwell Reconsideration of Agricultural Land Commission application I. Paton Hon. L. Popham M. Bernier Agricultural land reserve advisory committee B. Stewart Hon. L.

Popham D. Clovechok Ministerial responsibility for aquaculture A. Wilkinson Hon. J. Horgan Impact of employer health tax on businesses J. Rustad Hon. C. James Reports from Committees...................................................................................................................................................... 2976 Children and Y outh Committee, review of Representative for Children and Y outh Act, February 2018 N. Simons M.

Stilwell Petitions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2977 J. Thornthwaite

Orders of the Day Budget Debate(continued) .................................................................................................................................................... 2977 D. Routley J. Isaacs R. Singh D. Davies J. Routledge T. Wat J. Rice D. Clovechok Hon. G. Chow M. Stilwell Hon. M. Mungall

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2018 The House met at 1:36 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members T. Shypitka:It gives me great pleasure to introduce a friend of mine who’s in the gallery. Apart from being a happy father of two, he’s also the financial secretary for the United Steelworkers Local 1-405. Mr. Jeff Bromley is in the House, and I would love the House to give him a warm round of applause and welcome. J. Thornthwaite:I have four guests today that are here to witness the introduction of a bill that I will be introducing.

I’ d like the House to welcome Brenda Doherty, Lee-Anne Chinapen, Jo-Anne Landolt and Linda Proctor. They’re here today. Could the House please make them welcome. G. Kyllo:I had the privilege today to dine and have lunch with four beautiful, passionate and lovely young ladies with the Catholic Women’s League. Joining us today is Sharon Geiger. She’s one of my constituents from Salmon Arm, and she’s the resolutions chair. We also have Evelyn Rigby. She’s the past president, and she’s from Powell River.

We have Gisela Montague, the past president from Chilliwack; and Blanca Stead from Duncan, the legislation chairperson. Would the House please make them feel very welcome. J. Rice: I know we’re not allowed props in this House, so I won’t tell you that I’m holding the United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in my hand. I wanted to take a moment to welcome two guests of mine — Christine Martin, from Lax Kw’alaams; and Kirby Muldoe, who’s from the Kispiox region — who are here today talking about UNDRIP and how we can implement UNDRIP .

They’re also known as wild salmon advocates for my region. Would the House please make them feel wel- come. Hon. M. Mark:I, too, would like to welcome Christine Martin-Smith for being here with us today. For those of you that were in the chambers with us two years ago, she’s a proud member from a northern First Nations com- munity, along with Sheldon Martin from the Nisga’a Nation. They drummed us in, the member who was formerly from Burke Mountain and myself — the first time that we ever had the drum in these chambers. I just want to relish in that moment. Will the House please join me in welcoming our guests.

Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M202 — SAFE CARE ACT J. Thornthwaite presented a bill intituled Safe Care Act. [1:40 p.m.] J. Thornthwaite:I’m pleased to stand in this House to introduce a bill, which was previously introduced by my col- league Gordie Hogg, entitled the Safe Care Act, 2018.

It’s a bill that the former Representative for Children and Y outh said allows for the apprehension of vulnerable children and youth whose situation places them at an unacceptable level of risk and allows for the subsequent safe placement in a ser- vice that will respond to their trauma and high risk of harm — children in need of support and assistance to deal with issues of mental health, substance abuse, sexual exploitation or partner violence. Parents, guardians and social workers try to save their children from a destructive and potentially life-threatening lifestyle and are frustrated and desperate.

The provision of voluntary services such as detox, residential treatment, recovery programs and mental health services is the most effective way of helping these youth, but voluntary services are not always enough. This act would affect a very small percentage of the hun- dreds of youth who come into contact with the child care system every year and will be used as a court-mandated last resort. The focus on safe care would stabilize the emo- tional and physical health of these children for a short period of time so that their needs can be assessed and a care plan can be developed.

This safe, secure environment will allow a child to access the services available to better meet their needs. Y outh will have an individualized safety and support plan prior to returning to their community. Participants in the development of this plan include the youth, their family, ser- vice providers and other identified community resources. This Safe Care Act has provisions that would ensure that Indigenous people are engaged in the development and delivery of culturally sensitive and appropriate plans for each individual.

B.C. ’s current legislation does not provide for safe care, and this legislation would provide a short-term safe option for those youth at risk. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. J. Thornthwaite: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 M202, Safe Care Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second 2969

reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) PINK SHIRT DAY J. Routledge:Today marks the 11th annual Pink Shirt Day celebrated in B.C. This Bullying Awareness Day has its roots at a Nova Scotia high school where two students, Travis Price and David Shepherd, organized a protest in support of a grade 9 boy who had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Price and Shepherd rallied their peers to wear pink shirts in support of the younger student, and he was not bullied again.

Price and Shepherd’s act of kindness has gone on to inspire an international bullying awareness movement that saw approximately 180 countries participate last year, Canada being one of them. The B.C. government issues an annual Bullying Awareness Day proclamation, speaking to our commitment to ensure a safe and inclusive province for all. No one deserves to be bullied, intimidated or harassed. Pink Shirt Day offers an important opportunity for people of all ages in this province to stand together and call for an end to bullying. The theme of this year’s Pink Shirt Day is cyberbullying.

Unlike other forms, cyberbullying can occur 24-7 and fol- low victims wherever they go. According to Statistics Canada, 19 percent of Canadian children have experi- enced cyberbullying or cyberstalking. Other research sug- gests that vulnerable youth are at a greater risk of mental health challenges and may be more susceptible to bullying and cyberbullying behaviour. It’s important that we all take responsibility for what we post on line. It’s important that we choose to spread kindness rather than hate.

It’s also important that we offer support to our children, ensuring they have the tools to navigate on-line spaces safely. [1:45 p.m.] Parents and students can access bullying prevention resources and an on-line anonymous bullying reporting tool at www.erasebullying.ca. It’s part of the province’s compre- hensive bullying prevention strategy ERASE, Expect Respect And a Safe Education. Since its launch in 2012, ERASE has received national and international recognition for its work in keeping students safe. BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AW ARDS AND ACCESS YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES J.

Isaacs:Last month I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. I’ d like to congratulate all of the outstanding nom- inees and winners. With so many innovative businesses who contribute to our local economy, it was a tough job for judges to choose just one finalist in each category. The awards included three separate categories for Busi- ness of the Y ear, along with Y oung Professionals of the Y ear, Business Leader of the Y ear, Chamber Member of the Y ear, the Community Spirit Award and the Not-For-Profit of the Y ear Award.

Just a few days prior to this grand event that celebrates excellent businesses, I met with the executive director of ACCESS Y outh, Jerome Bouvier, recipient of the Not-For- Profit of the Y ear Award. In his office and on the grounds of Riverview, I learned more about the impact that ACCESS Y outh Outreach Services is having in our com- munity.

Project Reach Out is an award-winning mobile outreach program where the mobile bus and engaging staff and volunteers travel to streets, back lanes, parks, party houses and hot spots to support youth who find them- selves in vulnerable and challenging situations or simply need someone to talk to. ACCESS Y outh started 15 years ago and, in 2016, raised the service age from 19 years to 23 years to support youth who are aging out of the public system. The non-judgmental, accessible and flexible approach delivered by dedicated volunteers and staff has seen drug use go down and school attendance go up.

Congratulations, ACCESS Y outh, on your Business Excel- lence Award and for delivering exceptional programs, ser- vices and mobile outreach to our street-involved youth. PROSTATE CANCER AND STEP UP CHALLENGE FUNDRAISER R. Glumac:Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Canada. One in seven men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But the good news is that if it’s detected early, there’s more than a 90 percent survival rate. It’s not an easy subject to talk about for a lot of people. That’s why events like the Step Up Challenge, organized by Prostate Cancer Canada, are important.

The Step Up Chal- lenge took place on Sunday in Vancouver, where teams of five race up seven towers twice. That’s a total of 5,000 feet that they have to climb. That’s more than two Grouse Grinds. Their goal is not only to complete this challenge but to raise money for prostate cancer research. Sixteen teams particip- ated, including teams from Ellis-Don, Oxygen Capital, Oxford Properties, Tricor Founders, the Pan Pacific Hotel and many others. They raised over $85,000. The team from Oxford Prop- erties completed the race in 73 minutes. Every one of their team members went up all seven towers twice in 73 minutes.

It was incredible. The Step Up Challenge has been around since 2014, and they’ve raised over $2 million for prostate cancer. In Vancouver. That’s $500,000 that has gone to the Vancouver Prostate Centre. I want to thank Prostate Cancer Canada for organizing this event. And to all those who participated and volun- teered, your contributions have saved many lives. Let’s keep the conversation going, and if you have any suspicion about this, get a PSA test. [1:50 p.m.] 2970 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

SEMIAHMOO ANIMAL LEAGUE S. Cadieux:I’ d like to take a moment today to tell you a little bit about a little-known organization in my community but a really good one. That’s the Semiahmoo Animal League, SALI. SALI is guided by two basic principles — that people make the world a better place for animals and that animals make the world a better place for people. I had the pleasure of attending their fundraiser, Black Tails and Boots, in 2016 and, unfortunately, missed the one last fall. It’s a terrific event in September — outside in a tent on the farm, alongside the animals.

They raised over $30,000 at each of the events. They punch well above their weight for an organization of their size and an event of that size. The farm facilitates the rehabilitation of both animals and people. One of the farm’s understandings is that the abuse of people and abuse of animals often intersect. Because of this, SALI offers animal therapy for children at risk, knowing that the overall well-being of a community is related to the well-being of its children.

They’ve partnered with the Surrey school district, and it’s absolutely heartwarming to hear the stories of the positive changes in those children whose lives are touched by the farm. The farm is also an oasis for animals that have escaped violence. Many of the creatures living there have faced abandonment, neglect, instability or violence. They are sheltered by SALI and its army of volunteers so that they can live out the rest of their lives in safety, surrounded by a loving community. However, the beautiful farm they operate is being asked to move.

SALI is looking for another farm-status home and property in Surrey, so if anyone listening has suggestions, please don’t hesitate to bring them forward. I’ d like to thank Semiahmoo Animal League and founder Keryn Denroche for the invaluable refuge they offer to our society; to people, animals and the connec- tions between them. GURU NANAK’S FREE KITCHEN R. Singh:Today I want to take the opportunity to applaud the work of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, which is doing amazing work not only in my constituency but across B.C. to help those who are poor and less fortunate.

The concept of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen is based on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who preached and practised sharing and equality. In order to break age-old caste barriers, Guru Nanak had started the institute of Langar, a community kitchen that was open to everyone. To keep the legacy of Guru Nanak alive in Canada, a group of like-minded individuals got together in 2007 to start a free kitchen to feed those in need in Metro Vancouver. The first free kitchen was organized during November and December 2007.

The six-day program saw hundreds coming together and serving the poor, irrespective of their race and ethnicity. The Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen organizers never looked back after that. Apart from servinglangar, the Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen has ventured into other areas, such as providing shelter to women and children both inside and outside Metro Van- couver. To meet this end, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen holds annual events in partnership with groups such as Global Girl Power, Sikh Academy and Akal Academy.

Their annual events include a toy drive for children from low-income families and a cupcake drive for shelters across the Lower Mainland. During the past holiday season, Guru Nanak’s Free Kit- chen, in collaboration with Akal Academy, assisted shelters in the Surrey area. Following the true principles of Sikhism, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen is committed to creating a pos- itive environment within our communities and helping our society to learn compassion and sharing to make this world a better place PINK SHIRT DAY J. Thornthwaite:Today is Pink Shirt Day in British Columbia.

Today we stand up against bullying at schools, in the workplace, at home and on line. Today we declare that intolerance has no place in our society. Pink Shirt Day began in 2009 when David Shepherd and Travis Price organized a protest at their Nova Scotia high school in support of a student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. A day after the bullying, Price, Shepherd and 50 other students showed up to the school wearing pink shirts. Since then, the campaign has become a global phenomenon, with more than 25 countries adopting their own anti-bully- ing campaigns.

Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but bullies now have new networks and tools with which to harass. Cyberbullying has become a pervasive problem, particularly for youth. One study estimates that more than half of teens and adolescents have been bullied on line, and one in three has been the tar- get of cyberthreats. [1:55 p.m.] In 2014, I filmed a video at Sherwood Park Elementary in my riding with renowned digital literacy expert Jesse Miller.

The video is designed to help children realize that what they post stays on line forever, to help them become good digital citizens and to educate parents on how they can help their children be safe on line in a world that is increasingly on social media and the Internet as a whole. In 2008, our B.C. Liberal government was the first provin- cial government to make Pink Shirt Day an official day of action in Canada. Bullying is no longer restricted to the halls of the schools or to the hours of the school day. It happens 24 hours, often under the false assumption that when you’re on line, you’re anonymous.

The best way to fight it is to raise awareness and to get parents and educators involved. It is my firm belief that we should not limit the prin- ciples of Pink Shirt Day to just one day, but let us stand Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2971

against it every day in our schools, our workplaces and everywhere we go. Oral Questions LETTER FROM AGRICULTURE MINISTER TO FISH FARM OPERATOR S. Bond:Tenures in British Columbia are supposed to be handled by the non-partisan public service, not by activist ministers and their political staff. However, new documents reveal that political staff and the Minister of Agriculture per- sonally interfered on a fish farm tenure. To the Minister of Agriculture, can she tell us why? Hon. L. Popham:Thank you for the question. I can con- firm for the member that there was no interference. Mr.

Speaker:The member for Prince George–Valemount on a supplemental. S. Bond:Well, nice try, Minister. It was this activist minister who personally ordered the intimidation letter threatening a company’s tenure. It was her political staff that added a direct threat to Marine Har- vest. This is clearly inappropriate ministerial behaviour. Again to the Minister of Agriculture, why did she directly involve herself in this file? Hon. L. Popham:I can also confirm there was no threat. The letter was written to get breathing room while we tried to forge our way forward on a very difficult situation. Mr.

Speaker:The member for Prince George–Valemount on a second supplemental. S. Bond: Well, let’s be clear to the minister. The minister decided to interfere in a process that is supposed to be handled by the non-partisan public service, but instead, she ordered the letter and, in fact, overruled her staff. Again, can the minister tell us why she broke such very clear rules? Hon. L. Popham:I’ll repeat again for the member in case the member didn’t understand: there was no threatening let- ter.

There was no threatening letter, but we did ask for some breathing room while we tried to make our way forward on a complicated issue that that opposition ignored for 16 years. M. Polak:The Deputy Minister of Agriculture actually warned the minister specifically against threatening Marine Harvest, telling her the company had to restock their site, but the minister still insisted on inappropriately threatening the company through an intimidation letter. To the minister, who advised her to write the letter? [2:00 p.m.] Hon. L. Popham: I’ll repeat: there was no threatening letter.

But what I can say is we are very proud of the work that’s happened since we were sworn in as government on this file. And I can report out to this chamber that on Janu- ary 30, an historic meeting happened between our govern- ment and First Nations government. This is very historic, because when that side was in government, they refused to take those measures. So we are very proud of the work that we’re doing. I can also tell this House that we’re slated to have our second meeting in the middle of March, and we’re very proud of that as well. Mr. Speaker:The House Leader for the opposition on a supplemental. M.

Polak:Well, I have here an email written to the Minis- ter of Agriculture from a very well-known fish farm activist. It reads: “Y ou have a short window of opportunity to get out ahead of this. Y ou need to give Marine Harvest a heads-up on your intentions as soon as possible. ” Will the minister admit she took the advice of her activist friend over her deputy minister? Hon. L. Popham: One of the things I can be sure of is that our government is very committed to protecting wild salmon. Ten thousand jobs depend on this, and it’s a $1 bil- lion industry.

We’re also committed to working in a respect- ful relationship with First Nations. FISH FARM TENURES AND WILD SALMON PROTECTION S. Furstenau:It’s a historic day. We’re both asking about the same topic today, although with, certainly, different out- comes in mind, I think. Y esterday my colleague from Oak Bay–Gordon Head asked this government if the restocking of fish farms shortly before contracts were up for review would impact the government’s assessment of their tenure status. The minister said they had a good meeting with First Nations. That’s great.

I’m truly glad to hear they had a good meeting, but we need to start getting some actual answers. Communities across B.C. are trying desperately to get their elected officials to save wild salmon. Where we are failing, they are trying to do the work themselves. Mr. Campbell is trying to prevent contaminated bloodwater from infecting wild fish. Thousands in Squamish are ringing alarm bells about BURNCO’s quarry application and the threat it poses to the spawning estuary in McNab Creek.

The ’Namgis members near Alert Bay, many of them courageous young women, have spent all winter camped out in protest of fish farms in their traditional ter- ritory. They deserve an honest answer. To the minister designated as the government’s lead for strategic aquaculture policy: will you remove open-pen fish farms from wild salmon migratory routes? 2972 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Hon. D. Donaldson:I just want to start off by saying that members on this side of the House share the values that are expressed by the member around the importance of wild sal- mon to this province and the importance of protecting wild salmon in this province. We have embarked on a process with First Nations. We’ve had respectful discussions with five First Nations, as a matter of fact.

In a January 30 meeting, they agreed to a process that we’ll be embarking on in order to get to a gov- ernment-to-government resolution of what, really, we’ve inherited as 16 years of lack of focus by the previous gov- ernment on this issue. All topics are on the table in these government-to-gov- ernment discussions with First Nations, including the topic raised by the member. I just want to say it’s a process of reconciliation. That means it would be disrespectful to make a unilateral decision outside of the agreed-upon process. Mr. Speaker:The House Leader of the Third Party on a supplemental. S.

Furstenau:According to government documents, the Minister of Agriculture is actually the lead for strategic aquaculture policy. If anything, this week we’ve seen how disorganized and confusing the jurisdictional responsibilit- ies are for salmon and steelhead issues, even within a single government. “The health of B.C. ’s wild salmon population is paramount….

The industries that are wholly dependent on wild salmon — sport fishing and the commercial fishery — represent a significant majority of our coastal economy and cannot be put at further risk. ” The impacts of aquaculture “must be minimized for the industry to continue operating in B.C., and investments must be made in technologies that ensure this. Investments must also be made to rehabilitate and enhance wild salmon populations. ” Perhaps these words sound familiar to some of the mem- bers in this chamber. They should.

They come from a 2007 Legislative Assembly Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture, a committee that a number of the MLAs in this chamber — some of them now ministers — were a part of. The final report called for immediate action. A few years later the Cohen Commission further amplified that urgency. [2:05 p.m.] My question is to the Premier. We have enough reports. Given the severe threats to wild salmon, what, concretely, is your government going to do differently to protect this foundation species? Hon. D. Donaldson:The member raises questions about tenures.

Tenures are part of the responsibility for my min- istry when it comes to foreshore leases associated with fish farms. Obviously, that’s the question I’ll be answering. I want to say that the member does raise valid points. I would assume that she does not want to presuppose a recon- ciliation process, agreed upon with five First Nations, around concerns around open-net Atlantic salmon fish farming in the Broughton Archipelago — concerns that were raised repeatedly in the last 16 years and where the previous gov- ernment did nothing to act on those concerns.

LETTER FROM AGRICULTURE MINISTER TO FISH FARM OPERATOR J. Johal:The email from the fish farm activist tells the minister she needs to write a letter threatening Marine Har- vest. This email is dated September 23, nearly three weeks before the Marine Harvest letter is sent. Again, the email reads: “Y ou need to give Marine Harvest a heads-up on your intentions a.s.a.p. ” Did the Minister of Agriculture write the letter to Mar- ine Harvest at the instruction of activist Alexandra Mor- ton, yes or no? Hon. L.

Popham: I think what the opposition doesn’t understand is that this side of the House, the government of B.C., is doing things differently, much different than it’s been done in the last 16 years. We’re working with First Nations and building new relationships. One thing that everybody agrees on in this situation, including First Nations, industry and our government: status quo is not good enough. We’re making changes to make sure that we respect First Nations and protect wild salmon. Mr. Speaker:The member for Richmond-Queensbor- ough on a supplemental. J. Johal:Let’s try this again.

On September 24, the minis- ter responded to the author and forwarded the instruction to her deputy minister and the Premier’s office for action. On October 13, the letter threatening Marine Harvest was sent, just as she had been told to do so. Again to the Minister of Agriculture, did she write the inappropriate letter to Marine Harvest at the instruction of activist Alexandra Morton? Hon. L. Popham:The letter was written to get breathing room while we forged a path forward. M.

Stilwell:The Minister of Agriculture was not forth- right last fall when she was questioned about her activism and political interference in threatening Marine Harvest. At first, she said it was First Nations complaints. Then it was because of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and then it became a story onW5. Why did the minister not reveal that the email from an activist came before all of the excuses? Hon. L. Popham:What I would like to say is that we’re proud of the work we’re doing.

As we forge our way forward on a very complicated situation, we’re making new relation- ships, and respectful relationships, with First Nations. I’m excited as we go into the meeting in the middle of March. We Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2973

had a successful meeting on the 30th of January. My colleagues and I support wild salmon. We support a new way forward, and we do not support ignoring the issue, like the House on the other side did for 16 years. Mr. Speaker:The member for Parksville-Qualicum on a supplemental. [2:10 p.m.] M. Stilwell:Let’s try that again. The minister initially claimed complaints originated with DFO. Then it was on account of aW5 story that aired on October 14.

But the documents we have reveal that the minister brought the complaint to DFO on October 11, and this was only after first receiving instruction from a fish farm activist on September 23. How does the minister reconcile these glaring contradic- tions in her statements? Hon. L. Popham:I think what we know is that ignoring an issue for 16 years doesn’t make it go away. We will move forward on the path that we think is right, and it would be nice to see some support from the other side of the House. RECONSIDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND COMMISSION APPLICATION I.

Paton:On August 3, 2017, an application to exclude MK Delta Lands from the ALR was approved by the ALC south coast panel. That decision is now under reconsidera- tion. To the Minister of Agriculture: why is this application being reconsidered? Hon. L. Popham: I don’t know. The Agricultural Land Commission is an independent commission, and it makes independent decisions. Mr. Speaker:The member for Delta South on a supple- mental. I.

Paton:On August 10, 2017, the Environment Minister sent the Agriculture Minister an email on this very topic with the subject heading: “We should discuss. ” To the Agri- culture Minister, did her colleague…? Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, we shall hear the question. Thank you. I. Paton:Did her colleague tell her to initiate the recon- sideration of this application? Hon. L. Popham:As I said, the Agricultural Land Com- mission makes independent decisions, and I do not interfere with those decisions. M. Bernier:The minister might want to take that com- ment to heart. Here’s the issue.

The NDP government doesn’t seem to understand what the processes are for lawful applic- ations here in the province. First the minister…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, we shall hear the question. Thank you. M. Bernier:First the minister interferes with tenures. We’ve seen that. Now we have her and the Environment Minister conspiring about the independent ALC and the decisions they’re making. To the Agriculture Minister again, will she stand up and explain what the conversation was between herself and the Minister of Environment? Hon. L.

Popham:I don’t interfere with the independent decision-making of the Agricultural Land Commission, but I can tell you what we are doing. We’ve got an amazing com- mittee struck on revitalizing the agricultural land reserve — something that’s going to make the agricultural land reserve stronger than ever. Mr. Speaker:The member for Peace River South on a sup- plemental. M. Bernier:Here’s the issue that we have. This was an already-approved ALC application, approved prior to the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture having a discussion.

Now, all of a sudden, the ALC has been asked, and they’re looking at reconsidering that application. So a simple request. It is absolutely against policy for the minister to interfere and have discussions on an application — an offence for the minister to talk to them. Will the min- ister acknowledge the fact that she spoke with the Agricul- tural Land Commission and actually went against the actual policy that says she’s not allowed to do so? Hon. L. Popham:No, I didn’t. [2:15 p.m.] AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE B. Stewart:To the minister, I want to ask about the activ- ism.

It doesn’t seem to end with fish farm tenures and ALC applications. Her committee to reshape the ALR is flawed as well. Despite having 90 percent of the ALR land base, farm- ers in the Interior and in the north only have 10 percent of the representation on your new committee that you just championed. To the minister, what was the appointment process for this committee? 2974 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Hon. L. Popham:I couldn’t be more happy to talk about this issue. The committee members are made up of people all around our province who are passionate about farming, and they’re passionate about the agricultural land reserve. We have large-scale farmers and small-scale farmers. We have organic farmers and conventional farmers. We have Chief Byron Louis, the chief of the Okanagan Indian Band, who’s also the director of the new relationship trust. We’ve got local government represented. We also have a former MLA, Vicki Huntington. We know how passionate she was.

The collection of committee members, which also includes academics, is, I think, an incredible representation of people who believe in the ALR and want to make it stronger than ever. Mr. Speaker:The member for Kelowna West on a supple- mental. B. Stewart:Well, again to the minister, Arzeena Hamir and Lenore Newman are outspoken activists when it comes to the ALR. When asked what she would do, Professor New- man said: “I would definitely stop the exclusions in the Lower Mainland. ” Again to the minister: what was her involvement in ensur- ing that activists were appointed to this committee? Hon. L.

Popham:I am very proud of the committee mem- bers and the work that they’re doing. In fact, currently they’re out on the road, doing face-to-face meetings with groups. They are compiling an extensive list of consultation. They’re going to create a report, they’re going to give that report to me at the end of August, and we will take those recommendations to heart. I can tell you that the people that are involved in this com- mittee are highly respected around the province, and I have had positive feedback on every one of them.

I think that if the official opposition would like to help make the agricul- tural land reserve stronger than ever, they should share the website for their constituents to give feedback to us on how we’ll do that. D. Clovechok:That’s an interesting answer. The Minis- ter of Agriculture has handpicked activists for this com- mittee, but that’s not all. British Columbians wanting to take

part in the review are being told: “Sorry, meetings are by invitation only. ” To the minister: are only handpicked people able to pres- ent to her handpicked panel, yes or no? Simple. Hon. L. Popham: Absolutely not. There are meetings that are open for face-to-face meetings around the province, but we also have an on-line system that’s open 24-7 until the end of April. I would suggest you go on line and give us your input. Mr. Speaker:Columbia River–Revelstoke on a supple- mental. D.

Clovechok:The current Premier has said that the NDP has got to “set aside its activism and start being better administrators. ” But the Minister of Agriculture has clearly demonstrated she has not left activism aside. The question to the minister: how can the minister call this an unbiased process? Hon. L. Popham:I think what I’ve demonstrated is that I’m passionate about agriculture, and I’m going to fight for agriculture 24-7. [2:20 p.m.] MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AQUACULTURE A.

Wilkinson:We saw last fall that the Minister of Agri- culture demonstrated some rather lax judgment in writing to Marine Harvest in a letter that was taken by the commercial community and by the fish-farming industry as being a clear threat to their existence. So the question that obviously arises is how that came about. We’ve heard the tale unfold here that statutory decision–makers were involved, but they were essentially overridden by political staff and by the minister herself.

Her motivation for that is not quite clear, but the time sequence suggests she was responding to outside forces and, essen- tially, taking the file away from statutory decision–makers. Certainly, from my own experience as a deputy minister, this is a grave matter because the statute provides that the statutory decision–maker is in charge, and the minister must not interfere. The obvious question arises for the Premier. Will he do the obvious, necessary step and move fish farming entirely into the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources and take it away from this Agriculture Minister? Hon. J.

Horgan:I appreciate the question from the Leader of the Opposition. But I’m curious. I’ve been listening to the line of questioning, and I’m just wondering why the oppo- sition doesn’t like engaging with people. Maybe that might have been the problem that put them over there rather than over here. I welcome the renewed membership in this House of the member for Kelowna West, but the notion that you should disallow people from participating in public-policy-mak- ing because they have a point of view seems rather odd to me.

I would argue that British Columbians want their elec- ted representatives to be passionate about the issues that matter to them. As the member’s been saying since she was sworn in, Brit- ish Columbians care about wild salmon. This government cares about wild salmon because the people do. We going to listen to them every time. We’ll take our advice from you Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2975

later on. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. A. Wilkinson: We’ve all become accustomed, in this House, that question period sometimes addresses fairly minor issues. Sometimes it deals with things that are of a loc- al nature. Sometimes it deals with the fundamental role of ministers in government, and this is one of those occasions. From the Premier, we have just heard — to be blunt — a glib and dismissive response that did not address the ques- tion at all.

So the opportunity arises for the Premier, if not to deal with the ministerial issue of transferring responsibility to the Forests Ministry, at least to answer the question. Please answer the question, sir. Hon. J. Horgan:Far be it for me to follow in a long tra- dition of glib and dismissive responses in the Legislature. I only know what I’ve learned in my time here. And after spending a dozen years asking questions of those people when they were over here, “glib and dismissive” just springs to mind instantly.

But I appreciate — and I’ve said this to members indi- vidually and collectively — the hard work of the oppos- ition to ensure that they’re holding government account- able. This is a legitimate line of questioning, but I have to just disagree with the fundamental premise. I believe that members in this House all came here to make life better for British Columbians. The Minister of Agriculture is among the most passionate people I’ve ever seen when it comes to agriculture. She’s doing a great job and has my full support. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON BUSINESSES J.

Rustad:Y esterday the Minister of Agriculture refused to stand when asked about the devastating impact the employ- er health tax will have on farmers. Farm families know this is a high-labour, low-margin business. Richard is a second- generation farmer who works long days, six or seven days a week, year-round. He’s very concerned about the NDP tax, and I quote: “The payroll tax will make my business signific- antly more difficult. ” [2:25 p.m.] To the Minister of Agriculture: do you think this family farm in Saanich South should lay people off or increase prices? Hon. C.

James:What made it difficult for businesses, for school districts, for municipalities, for not-for-profits, for the people of British Columbia was when that side doubled MSP premiums and provided a lack of affordability for families. As of January 1 this year, we have reduced MSP premiums by 50 percent, a $1.3 billion savings to businesses and to individuals. We have reduced PST on electricity by 50 per- cent. We will eliminate PST on electricity altogether in 2019 to assist businesses, a request that they’ve asked. We have lowered the small business tax rate.

We are continuing to provide investments like housing and child care that support all businesses in British Columbia, and we’re going to con- tinue in that direction. Mr. Speaker:The member for Nechako Lakes on a sup- plemental. J. Rustad:Hilltop Greenhouses in Saanich grows bedding plants, poinsettias and cucumbers. They employ close to 40 people and ship their product all over the lower Vancouver Island.

To quote Richard: “I feel this tax is unfairly targeting Hilltop and other farming operations. ” Will the Minister of Agriculture explain to her constituent Richard why she is targeting farmers with this unfair tax? Hon. C. James:I’m happy to continue talking about the budget.

I have an opportunity to talk about what we’re doing for British Columbians, including having a minister as passionate about agriculture and supporting farmers across this province; a $1.3 billion saving this year with elimination of MSP , which will support all businesses and families in British Columbia who have been paying MSP , getting rid of a regressive tax, as every other province in this country has done. [End of question period.] Reports from Committees CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTEE N.

Simons: I have the honour to present the first report of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Y outh for the third session of the 41st parliament titledReview of the Representative for Children and Youth Act. I move that the report be taken as read and received. Motion approved. N. Simons: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. N. Simons: I have the honour to present the first report of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Y outh for the third session of the 41st parliament entitledReview of the Representative for Children and Youth Act.

The Rep- resentative for Children and Y outh Act requires the Select Standing Committee on Children and Y outh to review the act every five years. The committee started the review in the 40th parliament in early 2017, as required under the act. I 2976 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

was pleased to resume the review once the committee was reactivated in the current parliament. The Office of the Representative for Children and Y outh was first created in 2006, when the Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted the Representative for Children and Y outh Act. The act implements independent oversight of the child welfare system as recommended by the Hon. Ted Hughes in 2006. In addition to considering 18 written submissions from individuals and organizations, the committee heard from the Hon. Ted Hughes in the previous parliament.

The commit- tee also consulted with both the current Representative for Children and Y outh, Bernard Richard, and the former repre- sentative, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Our report today contains nine recommendations.

High- lights include recommendations to amend the act to expand the Representative for Children and Y outh’s mandate to include advocacy for young adults who have previously been in care and, in doing so, align with key government pro- grams intended to support them, such as agreements with young adults. [2:30 p.m.] It also is to clarify the representative’s existing mandate with respect to advocating for children and young adults with special needs, confirm that the representative’s author- ity to monitor and oversee the child- and youth-serving sys- tem includes reviewing certain internal government reviews of child welfare matters and reviewing the provision of ser- vices referenced under the act’s regulations, and continue the committee’s role in reviewing the act every five years but remove the language requiring the committee to determine if the representative’s functions are still required.

As committee Chair, I’ d like to thank the Deputy Chair, the member for Parksville-Qualicum, for her assistance on the committee. I’m grateful, as well, for the thoughtful par- ticipation and insight of all committee members during our detailed consideration of the act. Thank you, as well, to the Chair and committee members from the previous parliament who began this important work. On behalf of the committee, I wish to acknowledge Mon- sieur Bernard Richard and staff of the office for their ongoing participation and support of the committee.

Finally, I’ d like to thank Kate Ryan-Lloyd, the Clerk of Committees, and Alayna van Leeuwen, our research analyst. Their knowledge and insight was formidable and gratefully received. M. Stilwell:I’ d just like to take a moment to echo the words of the Chair, from Powell River–Sunshine Coast. It was unanimously agreed to strengthen the act, among the members, and we came forward with the nine recommend- ations that I truly believe will build on the foundation of the act, recognizing the good work that the representative does for children and youth in our province.

I just want to thank all of the members for their input throughout the deliberations and the discussions that we had that got us to the point of the report, especially giving a shout-out to the Clerk, Kate Ryan-Lloyd, and the rest of the support staff who helped us get to the point where we did — to bring this to the Legislature. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker:The question is adoption of the report. Motion approved. Petitions J.

Thornthwaite:I have a petition to present: 838 signa- tures that have been received, as of today, on line, that will be directed, hopefully, to the Ministry of Children and Famil- ies by Brenda Doherty to demand that the B.C. government pass the Safe Care Act. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:I call continued debate on the budget. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] Budget Debate (continued) D. Routley:I’ll continue my remarks that I began last evening shortly before the adjournment of the debate, and I’ll continue with the theme that brought me to that point.

It’s been, in my experience, 12 years sitting in the oppo- sition benches, trying to make the previous government accountable that has led me, finally, to this place, where all of that hard work by all of the people who support us in com- munity and in our constituencies has led us to government and to reading this first B.C. NDP budget that I am so very proud to stand and defend and endorse. [2:35 p.m.] There’s really nothing more prescriptive and descriptive of a government’s values and its principles than its budget. Its budget declares its priorities. Its budget declares the depth of its sympathy and empathy.

And the budget may display the height of its arrogance — if we see the kinds of budgets that they did the 12 years that I sat in opposition. Not only is the budget itself a description of principle, but it’s a challenge to British Columbians. It’s become a challenge — after 12 long years, in my experience. Sixteen years of neg- lect by the previous government.

Sixteen years of continued and repeated deficits in classrooms, hospitals, care homes, lives of children in care — deficits that aren’t immediately switched on and off by a change in government, deficits that will take years and years to correct, deficits in classrooms, deficits in hospitals. The members opposite can chuckle at that notion that what they’ve given us in reply to the budget really displays Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2977

the fact that they haven’t yet embraced and accepted the reason that they were put back into opposition benches — that is that they had stopped listening to people, and they had stopped making people their priority. I spoke yesterday about the generations of students that — I think that it’s three cohorts now — have passed through the K-12 system, as depleted as it became after the B.C. Liberals tore up contracts and took $200 million a year out of that system.

People became used to their government featuring tax breaks for the 2 percent, tax breaks for the richest people in the province and advantages to those who least needed them. They became used to paying for that through increased fees and decreased services. It’s come to the point where people almost felt they had…. I feel people had forgotten that government could make different choices. I feel that people had come to the point where, after being told when the B.C.

Liberals came to power that there was a deficit — that didn’t exist; in fact, they inher- ited a $2 billion surplus — and making massive cuts to all forms of supports for citizens of this province…. They were told that that had to be done because of aus- tere reaction to bad economic times.

Then times got bet- ter, and they were told: “Well, we can’t possibly afford to support education and child care and all the things that people need — families need — in support of their lives because times are good, and we wouldn’t want to change that. ” Then a recession rolled around, and again, times were bad. “We wouldn’t want to challenge the fiscal strength of the province by answering the priorities of the people. ” It was wrong all the way through. It was a choice, a priority, that that government made. Now it’s clear, with this budget, that other choices could’ve been made.

Other choices should’ve been made — choices that would have supported the thousands upon thousands of people in this province who are homeless. The face of homelessness changing to working families, young people and seniors…. All of that was unnecessary. What we have now is a truly balanced budget. A budget that’s balanced fiscally, a budget that makes the burden of supporting our society more fairly distributed, and more fairly distributed towards those who can afford it rather than those who couldn’t afford it.

But even so, I think that there have been statements made by opposition members in response to the budget that really do reflect exactly what their priorities and principles are. One of the things that we’re, obviously, most proud of in this budget is the $1.3 billion investment in child care — the establishment of the beginning of the first universal public service that this province has seen in several generations. I’m so proud to be a part of bringing that to British Columbians.

The response from the official opposition spokesperson on Children and Family Development revealed exactly why this government had lost touch with people. Rather than answering the need of people, rather than providing support for child care that would then support an engagement of cit- izens and full participation in economy and community by everyone, they would prefer to disparage the notion of a uni- versal child care program. [2:40 p.m.] The comments actually reflect the elitist favour that that government paid to its friends.

The comment from that member is: “There could be some economic gain if those entering the workforce were high-income earners, but by definition, those who benefit from this subsidy are low- income earners. ” Does that not crystallize the disconnect between that former government and the people of B.C. — that someone could think that subsidizing high-income earners was a higher priority for government than assisting struggling families in this province? Why are those families low-income earners? Perhaps they’ve chosen to abandon a career because they really had no choice and couldn’t afford child care.

Now, how would that be seen as fair, or positive for our economy? But some- how the official opposition spokesperson for Children and Families found it strange that this government would sup- port working families. He says: “I find it strange that the government…ignores the cries of an infant leaving its parent who has to go to work, and the sadness of a parent who would rather stay home with their new baby for a while. ” That’s a sadly partisan and ideologically dismissive comment.

It’s obviously rooted in a world view that doesn’t share the goodwill and benefits of our society with those who struggle or those who have ambi- tion to be full participants of a society. We are attempting to empower parents, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by a lack of child care support. When I was a stay-at-home parent with my daughter — I consider that the luckiest time of my life — it was all so very challenging. I had some support from child care programs and before-kindergarten programs, but it was very difficult.

It makes it very difficult to continue a career or to strive for one’s dreams when the support for a family isn’t there. So I think it’s strange that he finds it strange that the government would offer support to families in that manner. I find it strange that anyone could question that as a motive. The budget is a reflection of priorities.

People became used to this mantra, “We couldn’t support the people because times are bad, ” and then: “We can’t support the people because times are good, and we don’t want to upset the apple cart. ” I think they became so fatigued by a government that wasn’t listening, a government that for 16 years shut people out, a government that for 16 years explained to people why they couldn’t support them and why they would ladle fees on top of their already struggling families in order to balance a budget and in order to offer tax breaks for the wealthiest British Columbians.

Those are poor priorities, in the minds of most British Columbians, and finally we’ve seen a correction. This budget does so much to support my own constitu- ency. The Nanaimo Regional Hospital gets an electric-sys- 2978 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

tem upgrade of $12.5 million. The South Island unit dose medication distribution renovation in various communities installs a pharmacy hub system to our facilities. The Nanaimo Regional Hospital also will see the purchase and installation of a second MRI unit. This is a $5.5 million investment that will increase the efficiency and the flow in the hospital. The Nanaimo Habitat for Humanity affiliate is receiving $100,000 to complete the building of two four-bedroom houses which will provide two larger family houses as the second phase of their Vancouver Island Meadow Hill devel- opment.

This is another piece of the spectrum of housing answers, and this government is finding a way to support those. In Nanaimo, we are also seeing new Aboriginal hous- ing developments. The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Society is receiving $5 million for a 35-unit project in Nanaimo. [2:45 p.m.] In child care, we’ve received millions for new spaces on Gabriola Island, in the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Vancouver Island University — shared, in my con- stituency, with my neighbour to the north in Nanaimo — is receiving a health and science centre replacement. That’s a $41 million investment.

Vancouver Island University is also expanding their marine, automotive and trades complex. That’s a $20 million investment. As you can see, the priorities of this government are also spelled out and symbolized by the choices that it makes. We have seen years and years of costs for families rising — MSP premiums that were doubled, a 100 percent increase in MSP premiums in the first ten or 12 years of the former government’s record. We, on the other hand, have cut MSP premiums by 50 percent and will eliminate them altogether by January 1 of 2020. This will save families $1,800 a year.

This is an example of us answering to British Columbians who have complained that they haven’t got the means to sup- port their families or get ahead, no matter how hard they work, no matter how many jobs they have. The government had forgotten that the fundamentals, the foundations, of a thriving society are at least contributed to by a government — if the government is activist enough in their lives to answer those calls. If the government simply abandons them and says, “Y ou’re on your own. Sink or swim, ” then we get what we had, and it’s unfortunate.

I’ve seen the members on the other side, how angry and upset they are. I think they had come to take for gran- ted that they were the natural governors of this province because of their 16-year-long reign. I see them angry. They’re angry as wet wasps over there, just not comfortable with the place that they’ve been put in, and I understand that. But they’re going to have to turn back and re-examine and reconnect with the principles that British Columbians expect would guide their party.

This child care program that we’ve invested so heavily in and that we are placing so much hope in is a social service, but fundamentally, it’s a piece of economic infrastructure. In Quebec, after they invested in a child care program in their province, it was shown conclusively that they had the highest participation of women in the skilled trades. This is directly linked to their child care investments. In an economy like ours, where a skills shortage and labour force recruitment and efficiency is one of the biggest challenges to our economy and to our businesses, child care is a fundamental investment.

It will empower a huge cross-

section of our labour force that should be able to participate, not simply on economic terms but as citizens in our province, not shuttered away and dismissed because of the cost of raising children. That is something that I’m very, very proud of. When we look at small business, I think we all in the House acknowledge that small business is the backbone of our economy. Small businesses are the number one employ- ment creators. It’s sad when we see this barrage from the offi- cial opposition, trying to frame and paint the budget as neg- ative toward towards small business.

In fact, what the budget does is directly in support of small business. In the case of a 20 percent reduction in small business income tax rates — from 2.5 percent down to 2 percent — and phasing out the PST on hydro bills for small business, that is a huge advantage, and it will save small businesses very much. But it’s more than that. When I was in opposition, opposing the closure of some schools in my school district…. [2:50 p.m.] There’s a very good friend of mine who owns a bicycle shop in the Cowichan Valley, actually the second-oldest bicycle shop west of the Mississippi. He’s a fantastic fellow.

His name is William Arnold, a very good businessman and a very good contributor to the community. He came and spoke at that meeting. He talked about the nonsense that he was seeing — the small schools closed not simply because of educational pedagogy that would say that it would be more efficient to offer programs in a bigger school. That’s an argument that I can support or at least engage with. But this was purely driven by funding consider- ations — cynical funding choices made by the previous gov- ernment that basically condemned small schools no matter what level of support they had in their community.

My friend Will came to the meeting. He made one of the most sensible statements that I’ve ever heard since I became involved in politics. He stood up and said: “When I look for a new place, a new location for a bicycle shop, I don’t look for a community closing its elementary schools. I don’t look for a community that’s losing support in its hospitals and losing its child care spaces. Those are the things that funda- mentally support a thriving small business economy in Brit- ish Columbia — local economies. ” He saw that.

It’s unfortunate that the members on the other side have such a simplistic view of competitiveness. They think that the only element or factor in the competitive equation is cost, particularly the cost of taxation, when everyone in small business — and everyone, I think, who cares to exam- ine this subject — would recognize that competitiveness is Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2979

an aggregate of a number of things. It’s an aggregate of a lower cost, a better product, an efficient workforce, and effective and productive employees. All of those things require investment, and most small business people recog- nize that. Also, I would argue at this point, so do large busi- ness people eventually come to realize that. I would refer the members to one of their former col- leagues, Iain Black, now the CEO of the Vancouver Board of Trade, who gave this budget a B-plus. The Vancouver Board of Trade endorsed the child care program that we’re support- ing, several years ago.

Chambers of commerce throughout the province are coming out with positive statements about what we’ve done. I think that reflects something that is reas- suring, and that is that the people of the province understand that their bottom line is more than simply a mathematical equation. They understand that the health and well-being of the province are defined by more than simply the GDP of the province. It’s defined by so much more. These are essential investments, and I have framed them through the lens of economy.

Obviously, it wasn’t the simple economy of poverty, the poor economy of poverty or the poor economy of neglect that brought us here. It’s more than that. It’s about principles. We are elected to protect the people. We are elected to do the things for people that are in their public interest. That is not defined by contentment, by the most elite cross-section of this province. That is defined by the well-being of all of the people.

My friend Rick Doman, who is the CEO of West- ern Forest Products, put it really well when he said: “If I were running a train, a railway, I wouldn’t pour all of my resources and wealth into the parlour car, into the best car. I would identify the cars that need the most attention and take care of them so that the whole train can run speedily and effect- ively. ” Now, that makes a hell of a lot of sense to me.

That speaks to the economic efficacy of taking care of people, but it is so much more than that. [2:55 p.m.] In a wealthy province like ours, in a province that has so many advantages, it is absolutely unconscionable, unaccept- able and terrible that 700,000 people live below the poverty line. That is bad for our economy. But even if it weren’t, even if the other side were right…. They actually think that that’s good for the economy. Even if they were right, it would still be wrong, because it’s not fair. I think we were elected here to make things fair.

In a world that has scant fairness, that has offered so many advantages to a narrow few, I think it’s the job of government to correct that balance, to do what it can to help elevate those who have been left behind. Some of the waste…. I think of the poten- tial in people that has been lost over the last 16 years, the great things that could have been done by people. Great eco- nomic things. Great social change that could have been sup- ported by those people being engaged in the economy and society of our province. But they weren’t, because they had 16 years of neglect from that former government. Interjections.

Deputy Speaker:Members. D. Routley:Now, finally, they have a government that brings a truly balanced budget. Not simply robbing Crown corporations to make a phony balance or selling public prop- erties at discount rates to their friends in order to balance a budget, but more than that. Balanced in the way it approaches people. Balanced in the way it approaches the environment. Balanced in the way it approaches the eco- nomy. Balanced in every way — in the ways that matter to people, in the ways that pay off for people, that improve their lives and reduce the costs that they face.

Those are the things that people want their government to care about. Those are the things that they had almost lost faith in. It makes me proud to stand and defend this budget. J. Isaacs:Colleagues, I am honoured for the opportunity to speak with you today as the representative of the riding of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain and to offer my comments on Budget 2018. I understand the responsibility that has been entrusted to me to not only act on behalf of my constituents but also to act in the best interest of all British Columbians, and I do take that responsibility seriously.

I’m grateful to be living in one of the most beautiful and safe cities in the world, a city that embraces and welcomes diversity. Coquitlam is an active community where celeb- rations take place all through the seasons.

Y ou can enjoy the beautiful spring and autumn landscape Coquitlam offers, hike or bike the numerous trails, participate in the Coquit- lam Crunch Challenge or simply take in a play or concert at Evergreen Cultural Centre.The vibrant downtown core boasts fantastic restaurants, eateries and pubs, as well as shops and services that promote economic development and growth and create local job opportunities. Coquitlam has it all, including a world-class transporta- tion system that sees over 30,000 riders a day.

The Evergreen Line provides easy access to all the amenities and has itself become a signature piece of Coquitlam’s landscape, display- ing beautiful hues of colour to light up the evening. We are a diverse community of hard-working families, seniors, students, young families, new immigrants and entrepreneurs. Over the past few months, we’ve had many constituents from all walks of life visit our office to ask for assistance and help. From MSP applications to mental health and addiction issues, health care, senior issues, housing and daycare, we are there to help and support.

I am grateful that I have two amazing constituency assistants. Linda Matthews and Chantal Lee bring their impressive life experience and business skills to our office every day and work diligently on behalf of our constitu- ents. They go above and beyond to serve Coquitlam–Burke Mountain constituents, and I want to thank them for their commitment and passion to serve. Their dedication and support mean a lot to me. 2980 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

[3:00 p.m.] I’ d also like to thank my Victoria staff, Elishia, Justin and Dion, whose determination to make life a bit easier for me in Victoria has not gone unnoticed. I appreciate their sup- port and hard work. It’s a pleasure to work with them every day. Of course, to my husband, Joe, and my two sons, I thank them for their continued encouragement and support also. As a new MLA, I’ve had many conversations with parents, business owners and entrepreneurs, community leaders, advocates, industry, educators, health and medical profes- sionals, and seniors.

I appreciate the honest and frank dis- cussions we have had and understand that the inherent com- plexity working through different challenges can be, at times, frustrating. I look forward to having more discussions. As co–Health critic, I have heard from patients, advocates and family members who have been involved in one way or another in the health care system.

With my focus on seni- ors, I understand the challenges that seniors and their fam- ilies face; the trials and tribulations that go with finding the right care, the right changing care, as we need, as we change; and the care that every one of our seniors deserves. I was pleased when the previous government made commitments to increase investments for seniors. From my own experi- ence with elderly parents, I know the challenges families face when parents are aging. There is clearly a need to provide families with timely access to a model of care that works with and for families.

And it is necessary that the continuum of care be first sup- ported at the primary care level and that the care model continues to adapt and change and offer a range of care options that are flexible and provide for changing needs and requirements. Seniors do better when they stay in their homes. They do better when they’re connected to family and friends and are socially engaged. Providing options for support for seni- ors and services will help seniors live independently in their homes for as long as possible.

Doubling the home renovation tax credit and the introduction of a new respite tax were pos- itive steps made by the previous government that financially help families who care for seniors and individuals with dis- abilities. Affordability and transportation issues are as important to seniors and their caregivers as they are to millennials. Health and seniors care should be a top priority as we care for those who built our province. Half of every dollar in our provincial budget currently goes to the cost of maintaining the health care system.

While the previous government more than doubled health care investment, which led to a 40 percent increase in sur- geries — such as a 176 percent increase in knee replacements and over 50 percent of the 500,000 total annual surgeries that were never placed on a wait-list — that also led to $13 billion in capital investment, such as the Penticton Regional Hospit- al, and an increased amount of a half-a-billion investment a year in seniors care. But we know there’s still more to do.

Effective management of our health care budget will ulti- mately provide for the highest quality of patient care and the best health outcomes while also supporting health care pro- fessionals and seniors who are in residential care. Expanding the scope of practice to include medical pro- fessionals that deliver modern health care, such as mobile health care, and changing the process for how we renew and deliver prescriptions will free up doctor office visits and emergency rooms. It can reduce waiting lists and provide access and opportunities to unserved areas.

As new medicines and new therapies become available, we need to find solutions for patients who need access to life-saving drugs, particularly for pharmaceuticals that are not approved under the B.C. Medical Services Plan. Sup- porting research and development is the best approach to provide education, prevention, treatment of chronic condi- tions, genetic diseases and pain management.

We cannot continue to fund an opioid epidemic without balancing out the root causes of mental health and addiction and recognizing that specialized care and ongoing support is essential to help people get on track and stay on track to live a productive and purposeful life. It’s time to modernize the delivery of health care and assure that mental health and addictions care receives the dedicated, wraparound care and support it requires. [3:05 p.m.] There is still a critical shortage of health care providers and professionals, with many in the health care sector retir- ing.

Meeting the human resource targets that are needed to manage all of the aspects of their health care system will be a challenge all on its own. These are just a few examples that emphasize the enormity of the challenges that we are faced with and how important it is that government have a plan in place that will meet the demands of change and the pressures of increasing financial burdens that consume nearly half of the annual budget. I was glad to see the additional $548 million of spending for seniors over the next three years, and I commend the government for recognizing this much-needed contribution.

This will build on the previous government’s announcement of $500 million in 2017. With many health care professionals retiring over the next five years, a solid recruitment and retention strategy to hire an additional 943,000 employees is going to be paramount in delivering services. I want to assure that quality of care for seniors — that con- tinuum of care that seniors deserve — remains focused and centred on patient-centred care. Quality of life is precious, and each of us deserves to be afforded a reasonable quality of life. It is something that every government should strive to provide for its citizens.

This budget came up short and provided no assurance that there is a solid and secure plan in place that generates the necessary revenues to meet even the most minimum of revenue targets. Increasing taxes, as this government has already done, to the tune of almost $8 billion in just seven months; increasing taxes at a rate of $1 billion a month; and creating new taxes and relying heavily on other streams of revenue, such as the Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2981

federal government, to pay for infrastructure is not a plan. There is a long list of new taxes — speculation tax on housing, increases to additional property transfer tax, increased school tax on residential properties over $3 mil- lion, carbon tax that is no longer revenue-neutral. We are all going to experience a price hike at the gas pump as well as at the grocery stores. Nearly every family will get hit with a personal tax hike, which is going to cost families about $1,000 per year.

If you are managing a household budget, you’ d better be prepared to put away another $100 to $300 a month to pay for these increases. If you’re a business owner, you will immediately be hit not only with continued MSP premiums for the next year, but you are now going to have to pay the new employer health tax. This tax is coming at the same time as a 34 percent wage hike to increase the minimum wage. This does not bode well for businesses that are already at thin margins, which took on business risks, faced market and seasonal econom- ic cycles.

Businesses will have to make difficult decisions in the coming weeks and months — decisions on whether they should hire additional people or lay people off to help man- age the costs of running a business, decisions on what is a reasonable price point for their goods and services. Everything is simply an exchange of goods and services for money. What is the appropriate price point? How much can be downloaded to consumers? And how much can the consumer absorb? I received an email from my constituent Lisa, who employs 60 staff between her chain of Tri-Cities-based cafés and bakeries.

As an inclusive employer, Lisa is proud to employ several staff on the autism spectrum. The new NDP employers health tax will cost Lisa $6,000 a year. I would like to quote what Lisa wrote to me: “This $6,000 may seem small, but it isn’t to a family-run business. We will be forced to re-evaluate employment of some of our team members. ” [3:10 p.m.] This is serious. After building up three different locations, working so hard to market and expand her company, she may be forced to lay off some of her employees. Increasing prices is not an option. She needs to remain competitive.

Lisa goes on to say: “We are not talking about CEOs with million- dollar salaries. We’re talking about families working seven days a week to put food on the table, pay their mortgage and, in this case, afford to pay for the therapy for our daughter who has autism. ” The health tax does not make life more affordable to small businesses and family-run businesses, it doesn’t make life more affordable for their customers, and it really doesn’t make life any more affordable for their staff.

Government has a responsibility to provide opportunities to all of its citizens and to expand economic development and infrastructure that create opportunities to advance edu- cation and skills training and lead to sustainable jobs and prosperity. Simply expanding services and programs and increasing expenses without balancing the repercussions of an inadequate revenue stream to meet those increased costs is, by definition, irresponsible.

Government needs a plan that will grow our economy by developing the gifts that the province of British Columbia was given — resource development, mining and energy, forestry, oil and gas and LNG. There was nothing in this budget that supports a plan to secure these vital revenue streams. We cannot grow our economy by stifling resource development and creating regulations that cripple innov- ation and diminish opportunities to participate in diverse market opportunities. Businesses and industry alike face growing and financial pressures.

Government needs to support and develop the new economy with technology and innovation but also needs to allow for transition, prepare for automation and disruptive technologies. Businesses that may contemplate a start-up in B.C. or who are already headquartered in B.C. will surely take a second look and consider whether their hard work and sweat equity will be eroded through these taxes. There are neighbours to the east and to the south that offer a much better business climate with much more favourable taxes.

We cannot grow our economy and provide jobs and opportunities by increasing taxes and placing an unfair tax burden on those who have worked hard, sacrificed time and family and taken on the financial and business risks. Gov- ernments also need to expand and diversify our markets to safeguard us from ups and downs of economic cycles. We cannot grow our economy by creating debt that is kicked down the road only to land on the shoulders of our children and grandchildren. The consequences of this kind of mismanagement will clearly compromise future genera- tions.

Our economy is best supported when we welcome domestic and global entrepreneurs to our province and when our province provides an attractive environment for business to thrive in, reduces unnecessary regulation and policies and takes positive steps to diminish business risks. While certainty cannot be guaranteed in any industry, governments have an obligation to encourage a healthy and stable economy on behalf of its citizens by enhancing rela- tionships with neighbouring provinces and the rest of Canada, as well as the U.S. and other international countries.

The budget has not produced a healthy, stable environ- ment that would attract business entrepreneurs. The promise of affordable housing fell short, with only 2,000 modular units scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018 rather than the 114,000 housing units promised over ten years. As the Leader of the Opposition noted, it will take this govern- ment 67 years to fulfil their promise at the current rate. As it turns out, the number quoted in the budget even double-dips the housing units.

So they’re double-dipping on the employer health tax, and they’re double-counting on their housing units. [3:15 p.m.] The speculation tax on out-of-province Canadians own- ing homes in B.C. is punishing families who own vacation 2982 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

homes in B.C. People who have owned property for ten, 20 and 30 years, enjoying wonderful summer vacations with families and friends, will now have to pay a speculation tax on top of the property taxes they already pay. This is nothing more than a tax grab that hits out-of-province fellow Cana- dians who own homes in selected parts of B.C. The $10-a-day daycare plan has been downgraded to a mere slogan, as the Premier put it. It is great to see the gov- ernment putting funds into child care, but they clearly never had any intention of implementing a $10-a-day system when they made their election promise.

The $10-a-day slogan has turned into an undetermined ten-year plan. The rental subsidy was an election promise that vanished under a cloud of disagreement from the Green Party. We agree with our Green colleagues that the rental subsidy was a bad idea. But it was a major election platform promise, and the NDP have completely reneged on it. No mention either of the completion grant for university students, a clear elec- tion promise. Coquitlam–Burke Mountain is a growing community, and the lack of schools has been an issue for some time.

During the last campaign, the NDP promised to fast-track schools and led parents to believe that if the NDP were elected, there would be more schools on Burke Mountain. This was anoth- er broken promise and a disappointment that this govern- ment and their budget did not deliver on. Families are looking for housing affordability, daycare and making life more affordable. These are goals that everyone wants in place. But this budget will not achieve any one of these goals and, in fact, hurts the very busi- nesses who provide the jobs.

It hurts the staff who rely on wage increases and benefits when businesses do well and care for their employees. And it hurts economic develop- ment in almost every sector of the province. A tax-and- spend plan is no plan at all. That is why I cannot support this budget — a long list of false promises, a massive cash grab on the backs of fam- ily-owned businesses and job creators and unrestrained spending increases that don’t come close to fulfilling the NDP platform. Deputy Speaker:The member for Surrey–Green Tim- bers. [Applause.] R. Singh:Thank you, friends.

I’m so excited to share with you Budget 2018, a budget that works for you. We live in a province rich in people, resources, natural beauty and opportunities. That’s the reason I made this province my home 16 years ago when I came to B.C., along with my son and my husband. Although it is such a beautiful place, since then, what I’ve noticed is that people are struggling. People are just falling behind, and there are not many opportunities for people to get ahead further. I saw families working harder than ever, and they can’t even get ahead.

Y oung people starting out can’t find affordable housing, and seniors cannot get the services they rely on. It is high time that everyone in our province is part of our prosperity. We took the first steps in the Budget 2017 Update to carve a new path to shared prosperity in this province, and we have taken an even bigger step in Budget 2018. What I’m very proud of in this budget is that people are at the centre of every choice made in this budget.

Our gov- ernment is working each and every day to make life more affordable, improve the services you can count on and build a strong, sustainable economy that supports jobs in every corner of the province. [3:20 p.m.] For too many parents, child care is nearly as expensive as housing and even harder to find. Being a mother myself and having raised two children, I know what a struggle it has been to find affordable child care for my children. I hear this from my constituents every day. A lot of women are strug- gling. They are having a hard time making a choice between working and taking care of their children.

Businesses also tells us that when parents can’t find child care, they lose a worker. They have told us that economic growth is being hampered and their labour supply is restric- ted. I remember having a meeting with the executive of the Surrey Board of Trade, along with my Surrey colleagues, and child care was one focus that they were reiterating. They were telling us the struggles that businesses are having because we don’t have a proper child care plan for families.

I’m so proud that Budget 2018 offers the largest invest- ment in child care in B.C. history, with a $1 billion child care investment over three years to lower the costs for par- ents, increase the number of child care spaces and make sure those spaces meet the highest standards of quality and care. The plan starts with a new affordable child care benefit starting in September. It will provide up to $1,250 each month per child. It will lower fees for an estimated 86,000 families per year by the end of 2020-21.

Also, starting April 1 of this year, a child care fee reduction program will provide funding directly to licensed care providers. It will provide up to $350 a month for a child care space. These fee reductions will benefit an estimated 50,000 fam- ilies per year by 2020-21. Together this is the largest invest- ment government has ever made to reduce child care fees in B.C. Last week I was at a non-profit agency in Surrey. It was Options child care resource and referral society. They were so glad about the investment that our government is putting into child care.

They were talking about all of the families that they are talking to and who are going to benefit from all of these investments. We have heard from parents that even if they could afford child care, there are not enough spaces. That’s why in Budget 2018 we are creating more than 22,000 new licensed child care spaces throughout the province. We will work with municipalities, school districts and not-for-profit operators to accelerate the creation of new spaces. Our plan to build more child care spaces will mean a higher demand for early childhood educators.

We will work with all of our partners to develop a comprehensive work- Wednesday, February 28, 2018 British Columbia Debates 2983

force development strategy that will examine ECE educa- tion, training and compensation. These commitments set us on the path to universal child care. Now I want to talk about another key element in our budget, and that is our comprehensive housing plan. We all know that housing affordability affects us all, and for far too long, B.C. ’s housing crisis was ignored. The result is that renters have seen vacancy rates drop while prices rise dra- matically. Y oung adults attending schools haven’t had access to student housing.

Y oung professionals are faced with mov- ing out of their communities or the province, and seniors are struggling to meet rising housing costs on fixed incomes and are at risk of homelessness. [3:25 p.m.] This is one issue that comes up in my constituency over and over again. I have discussed this before too, but I have met so many people who have a dream to buy a home. But because of the rising housing costs, they are not able to ful- fil that dream.

So many of the people I know are living in basement suites, or they’re renting spaces, and it seems to them that their dream of owning a home is getting farther and farther away. I’m so glad that our comprehensive housing plan is work- ing to curb speculation, crack down on tax fraud, support renters and build the homes that people need. It starts with taking action to stabilize the market and curb demand. We will introduce a new annual speculation tax starting in B.C. ’s urban areas. It will also tax foreign and domestic speculators.

This tax will apply to property owners who don’t pay income tax here, people who leave units vacant, and satellite families — those households with high worldwide income that pay little income tax in B.C. The other half of the affordability equation is the supply. With Budget 2018, we are going to help build the homes that people need. These homes will be a mix of housing for families, people with disabilities and seniors. They will range from supported social housing to market rental housing for people with moderate incomes.

We will also make signific- ant investments to preserve and protect our existing social housing for the people already living in them. Our government is finally allowing colleges and uni- versities to borrow and build much-needed student hous- ing. Together we will help finance 5,000 new student hous- ing units. We can’t fix the housing crisis overnight. We know that, but we can act now and plan for the future. That’s why, in Budget 2018, the government has decided to invest more than $7 billion over the next ten years.

We know that housing affordability can hit renters the hardest, and many of our most vulnerable citizens are at risk. That’s why Budget 2018 is going to make improvements to two rental programs — RAP and SAFER. We are going to increase the benefits of RAP so that low-income families will see their average payment increase by approximately $800 per year. And seniors who receive SAFER will see their aver- age payment increase by more than $930 per year. These important programs will help more than 35,000 households. Another important thing that Budget 2018 covers is the elimination of MSP by 2020.

We saw, in 2018, that the MSP has been reduced by half. Now Budget 2018 commits that it will be completely eliminating MSP premiums by January 1, 2020. That means that families will save $1,800 per year and individuals will save $900 per year. This, I would say, is in contrast to the previous government that was bent upon increasing MSP premiums and, also, was putting unfair taxes on people. One example of that was the tolls that we had on the Golden Ears and Port Mann bridges. That, also, previously has been eliminated by our government. Budget 2018 marks a new direction in our province.

It puts us on the path where people are put at the centre of the government’s decisions. It also takes significant steps to help our businesses get the workforce they need by address- ing child care and housing affordability. It also makes key enhancements to services that people count on. I believe that our people in British Columbia deserve services they can depend on. Whether that is ensuring health care for a loved one, securing education for their kids or keeping communit- ies safe, people need access to quality services. [3:30 p.m.] That’s why we took immediate steps in Budget 2017.

In Budget 2018, we are continuing to invest in the quality, reli- able services that people need, like health care. We are investing in our hospitals because the government knows that investing in our hospitals is investing in the people we care about. We are making significant investments in health care, including $3.1 billion over three years in infrastructure investments. Far too many British Columbians do not have a regular family doctor. That’s why Budget 2018 invests $150 million to assist those without a regular family doctor and to help them access team-based care.

Also, our government is investing $105 million to expand PharmaCare coverage to 24,000 B.C. families. Drug prices have risen, and many Brit- ish Columbians can’t afford to take their medications as pre- scribed. That’s why we are eliminating PharmaCare deduct- ibles and keeping family maximums for low-income famil- ies. This will help people get the prescription medications they need but they are struggling to afford. Education is another key area that has been neglected for far too long. We all know that investing in our children means investing in our future.

That’s why, in Budget 2018, we are investing $2 billion over the fiscal plan to maintain, replace, renovate or expand schools across B.C., from Sur- rey to Prince George. We are hiring more teachers, bring- ing our total to about 3,700 new hires across the province to support our students. We are also providing additional funding to address enrolment growth. Our children deserve the best education from dedicated teachers and our teaching assistants. Budget 2018 also supports our Indigenous peoples. Our government is committed to learning from and working 2984 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, February 28, 2018

with the Indigenous peoples as we chart a path towards reconciliation.

Advancing reconciliation is about shared responsibility, and that’s why we will see support for Indi- genous peoples throughout this budget, including $158 mil- lion over three years for housing; $30 million to continue the Indigenous skills training program; $16 million over two years for the First Nations Health Authority to support men- tal health and wellness; $6 million over three years for Aboriginal friendship centres; investments in the Head Start program, both on- and off-reserve, in partnership with the federal government; and the creation of a new Indigenous law program at the University of Victoria.

Budget 2018 also provides a historic and immediate $50 million investment for the preservation and revitaliza- tion of Indigenous languages in B.C. I think that is extremely important, because we know that every culture is dependent on the language. If we don’t boost the language, that culture dies. Our government takes that very, very seriously. Putting money into the languages, I’m so proud to say, is something we all feel so great about. Of the 34 First Nations languages in our province, eight are severely endangered, and 22 are nearly extinct.

This funding will flow immediately, because there is no time to lose. An area that I’m very, very passionate about is women who are fleeing domestic violence. For far too long, sup- port for women who are survivors of violence has been lacking. In the fall, we invested $5 million to help expand vital services such as counselling, outreach and crisis sup- port.

In this budget, I’m so honoured that we are again standing with the survivors of violence with a commit- ment to ongoing funding of $18 million over three years to increase supports for them. [3:35 p.m.] As part of our comprehensive housing plan, we are also investing $141 million to support 1,500 new units for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. That, I feel so proud about, having worked in this field myself. [L.

Reid in the chair.] Knowing that when women are fleeing domestic violence, the challenges they face when they are calling different crisis centres and when they don’t have a place to go to — how hard it is for those women — these investments will go a long way to help those vulnerable women. We saw, in recent years, that cuts to legal aid and reduc- tions in family law services have left people without legal representation for far too long. That’s why we are expanding legal aid, including Indigenous and family law services, with a $26 million investment over the fiscal plan.

We are also investing $10 million over three years to fund new family dispute resolution services and increase digital access to justice services to better reach people all over the province. In Budget 2018, there is support for people with disabil- ities. The transportation needs of some of our most vulner- able citizens have been ignored, dismissed, or worse, clawed back. That’s why we reversed the previous government’s decision to claw back bus passes for people receiving dis- ability assistance.

We are proud to invest $240 million over three years so that people with disabilities can travel more freely in our communities. Our action will help more than 100,000 people with disabilities connect with the services they depend on. We are also making ferries more affordable. This is something that I know my parents would be very happy about. The ferry costs have skyrocketed, putting coastal communities at a disadvantage. That is costly and unfair.

That’s why we are freezing ferry fares on all three major routes, rolling back fares on small routes by 15 percent and restoring the Monday-to-Thursday 100 percent fare discount rate for senior passengers. Both my parents being seniors, this was something they were feeling personally hurt by. My son is studying at the University of Victoria, and many times my parents wanted to come over to Victoria and see him, but because of the ferry prices, they were not able to do that.

But now, with ferry prices being restored again — with the 100 percent fare dis- count — I think they will get more opportunity to come and see their grandson. Talking about seniors, we know that seniors deserve to live full

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180228pm-Hansard-n90
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180228pm Hansard n90
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	90088853b28b8cebf8d8ab6b41767cf1648a7ebd

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).