1986 Legislative Session: 4th

Session, 33rd Parliament

HANSARD

The

following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1986

Afternoon Sitting

[ Page 7267 ]

CONTENTS

Throne Speech. Hon. Mr. Rogers –– 7267

An Act To Perpetuate A Parliamentary Right

(Bill 1). Hon. Mr. Smith

Introduction and first reading –– 7272

Tabling Documents –– 7274

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1986

The House met at 2:04 p.m.

This

being the first day of the fourth session of the thirty-third

Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the

dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Robert

Gordon Rogers, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, hon. members took

their seats.

Prayers.

His

Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House and being

seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following gracious

speech.

SPEECH

FROM THE THRONE

HON. R.G. ROGERS (Lieutenant-Governor):

Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, as we open this

fourth session of the thirty-third parliament of British Columbia, I

would like to extend to you and all British Columbians greetings on

behalf of our Sovereign.

During your deliberations, I know

that members of this assembly will continue to work diligently on

behalf of all British Columbians, bearing in mind the priority of

economic renewal as the basis of a better life for our people.

During

the past year we grieved as a community over the loss of three British

Columbians well respected by this assembly and by all the people of our

province. Dr. Gordon Merritt Shrum was a visionary and a world-class

achiever. His proud record of service to British Columbia and Canada —

through Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and

British Columbia Hydro — is well known. His many contributions to the

development of our province will long be remembered. It is fitting to

note that he was honoured with the Order of the British Empire in 1946

and the Order of Canada in 1967.

Chief Justice J.O. (Jack)

Wilson was one of the most respected judges and chief justices in

Canada. A recipient of the Order of Canada in 1978, his common touch

married the formalities of the court with the pursuit of the law as the

most human of experiences.

Dr. Norman MacKenzie touched and

enriched the lives of thousands of young British Colombians. As

president, he guided the expansion and fortunes of the University of

British Columbia between 1944 and 1962. He was appointed to the Senate

of Canada in 1966, and in 1975 was honoured with the John E. Reid Medal

by the Canadian Council on International Law.

We also mourn

the loss of another distinguished Canadian with the passing, at age 81,

of T.C. (Tommy) Douglas. All Canadians are aware of the contribution he

made to our society and to the province of Saskatchewan and to the

Parliament of Canada as a member from British Columbia.

As we remember these great Canadians, let us also pay tribute

to two magnificent young British Columbians: Steve Fonyo, for his brave

cross-Canada run last year to raise funds for cancer research, and Rick

Hansen for his courage in undertaking an epic wheelchair journey around

the world to raise funds for spinal cord research. Their efforts are an

inspiration. They demonstrate vividly that a valiant spirit can

overcome the most difficult physical handicaps.

During

the past year British Columbia hosted a number of distinguished guests

and visitors, among them Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan. The coming

year promises to be equally memorable for the people of our province in

greeting international guests who visit during Expo.

All

British Colombians await with great pleasure the visit of their Royal

Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to open our World's Fair

May 2. Those in the communities of Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo

and Prince George look forward with particular eagerness to a personal

visit from their Royal Highnesses.

Throughout the

five-and-a-half-month World's Fair, British Columbia will host the

leaders and representatives of many of the participating nations,

including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Ministers

of Barbados and Sri Lanka, the Crown Prince of Norway, the President of

Italy and many others. My government welcomes these visits and the many

opportunities Expo affords our province to strengthen friendly

relationships and economic ties with the international community.

Mr.

Speaker, I'm going to break with tradition and ad lib to the throne

speech. I'm probably out of order, but I was just informed prior to

coming into the House that Expo today signed its fifty-fourth

international participant, the country of Malaysia.

government's goal is to create new employment opportunities for our

people by controlling public sector costs so as to limit the tax burden

on our people and industry, increase trade, diversify our economy,

attract new investment and encourage new enterprises all across the

province. My government's measures for economic renewal are bearing

fruit, and British Columbians are seeing and being touched by steady

progress and growth in our economy. Most important, I'm advised that

unemployment is declining steadily, and employment is growing at a

healthy pace. In this past month 50,000 more British Columbians were

working than in February, 1985.

[2:15]

the initial years of its present mandate my government sought and

gained control of public sector costs. My government believes the

family is the basic underpinning of our society, and by taking decisive

action has averted the large-scale tax increases that have been

implemented in some other jurisdictions. I'm advised that ordinary

British Colombians retain the second-lowest personal income tax rates

in Canada. My government has moved and will continue to move not only

to retain this advantage for our families, but to further reduce taxes

for business, small and large, in order to make British Columbia an

even better place to do business and employ people.

I am

advised that British Columbia's trade patterns have diversified

significantly, with dependence on the United States lessening as

markets have expanded in the Pacific Rim.

During this

fourth session of the thirty-third parliament and in the remaining

years of its mandate, my government will propose a number of measures

to accelerate its long-term strategy, blending small and large projects

to bring about enduring economic renewal in every sector of our

economy. Through continued wage restraint my government will pursue, as

its highest priorities, improved health and education services and the

creation of jobs for those who are still unemployed. The international

recession that struck in 1981 had its most severe impact on our country

and province.

[ Page 7268 ]

Individual

British Columbians, our industrial sector and our business community

endured difficult times as demand and prices for our products

diminished. The worst of those times are behind us, and we can face the

future with hope and confidence.

British Columbians are

showing they can work together to build a new consensus and a stronger

economy. While the challenge of economic diversification still remains,

while we must maintain and intensify our efforts to create new

employment for those of our people still jobless, there are clear signs

that our economy is increasing in strength. I am advised that 1985

marked the second consecutive year of economic growth in our province

and that the economy and employment will expand again this year.

The

international recession has made it plain our economy is undergoing a

fundamental restructuring, and my government has put in place a

long-range plan to build a new British Columbia economy. Initiatives to

lower the costs of business, to preserve existing jobs, to stimulate

investment, renew our resources, diversify our economy and expand trade

to create new jobs have been implemented, and indeed will be

strengthened.

I am advised that as a result, British

Columbia is seeing positive results. Bankruptcies have declined, new

businesses incorporated, and retail sales and housing starts have

increased significantly. Auto insurance rates have been reduced, ferry

fares have been stabilized, and there is a new mood of consumer and

business confidence growing across our province. My government will

again reduce taxes in the second year of its three-year billion-dollar

tax-cut program to lower the cost of doing business in British

Columbia, attract new industry and encourage our private sector to grow

and employ our people.

In the third session of the

thirty-third parliament, you approved a Critical Industries Act. Since

then, I am informed that the commissioner has assisted six forestry and

mining firms and, as a result, more than 1,500 people throughout our

province are working. My government's program of discount prices for

surplus electricity has already assisted 14 companies to expand

production and increase hiring. Additional efforts will be pursued in

the coming year. My government has extended tax reductions to our small

business sector, the source of many of our new jobs, and will provide

additional relief in the second year of the $150 million program.

the last session, you also gave approval to the Small Business Venture

Capital Act. Seventeen venture capital corporations have raised to date

approximately $13 million in equity capital to invest in small business

in the coming year. My government will expand the range of eligible

investments under the act to give additional momentum to the

diversification of our economy, particularly in the information and

knowledge sectors.

You have approved the British Columbia

equity investment plan, another measure to enhance investment,

strengthen the provincial economy and create jobs. My Minister of

Finance will bring forward further details in the coming days.

am advised there is a growing agreement among our people in the pursuit

of two central priorities during the remaining years of my government's

mandate. My government assigns the highest priority to continuing to

invest in our economy and create employment opportunities for those

still without work, rather than increasing income for those with jobs,

and to investing the benefits of an expanded economy in improving the

services which most directly affect our people health and education.

government will develop new initiatives to encourage private sector

economic activity and will pursue measures to improve the quality of

health and education services. I am advised that several major

allocations have already been made from the recently created fund for

excellence in education. The three-year program will allocate $110

million in the first year, an increase of more than 6 percent over

current spending, to improve the quality of education in our schools,

colleges and universities. I am advised that funding levels for the

second and third years of the fund will be brought forward by my

Minister of Finance for consideration by members of this assembly.

While

special initiatives will of necessity vary among schools, colleges,

institutes and universities, the ultimate goal is identical: to provide

our young people with the academic and technical training and education

to allow them to take their place in the new economy that is developing

in our province.

I am advised that enrolment in the

colleges and institutes of our province will continue to increase, and

that participation rates of interior students will continue to rise.

am further advised that multi-year funding was requested by our

post-secondary institutions and, once in place, will provide them with

both stability and the ability to make longrange plans.

Minister of Education will announce soon the formation of committees to

review and modernize the School Act and to advise on both curriculum

development and computer use in our schools. Working together with the

school boards of this province, my minister's priority is to improve

the quality of education in British Columbia within the taxpayers'

ability to pay.

I am advised the establishment of the

Ministry of Post-Secondary Education will encourage increased

cooperation and interchange among our educational institutions to the

benefit of our people.

My government has identified a

number of priority areas for special initiatives in our schools,

colleges and universities. These include increased use of computers and

language training in our schools, entrepreneurship training and

business development centres in our colleges and institutes, and

increased emphasis in our universities on biotechnology, Pacific Rim

studies, computer systems, forestry research, international business

and links with our vital and growing cultural industries. Institutions

have been asked to consider these and other educational priorities, and

my ministers will be consulting closely with them in developing

specific proposals.

I am advised that in 1985 our three

universities, the Open Learning Institute and the Knowledge Network

joined together to form the Open University Consortium of British

Columbia. This development greatly increases access to post-secondary

education for persons living in remote and rural areas. In the coming

session you will be asked to approve legislation creating the Open

Learning Authority of British Columbia to plan, coordinate and direct

all open learning in the province.

My Minister of Labour

has appointed a Youth Advisory Council to establish an open dialogue

with young British Columbians, and a number of initiatives have already

been

[ Page 7269 ]

taken. My government will give full

consideration to student priorities, such as the council's

recommendation for subsidized transit fares, in allocating education

funds.

government will provide increased travel funds to assist students all

across our province to visit Expo and benefit from its vast education

potential.

My government is committed to the maintenance

and expansion of the best possible system of health care for our people

and will pursue measures to add new dimensions of quality to our

already excellent system. New hospital beds have been opened,

waiting-lists shortened, and it is expected that the number of kidney

transplants will triple to about 100 a year with the formation of the

B.C. Transplant Society. The feasibility of heart and liver transplants

will be assessed as well.

I am advised that my government

will shortly announce a major long-term initiative to improve further

health and hospital care programs. This initiative will cover a wide

range of health issues and involve the consideration of a number of

advanced treatments to utilize the latest technological advances in

medicine, such as the recently introduced technology for non-surgical

treatment of kidney stones.

My government continues to

allocate about one in three of the taxpayers' dollars to health care,

and my minister will invite those in the health sector to assist in

identifying priorities for new services.

My Minister of

International Trade and Investment is seeking new investment and

additional customers for our products in the Pacific Rim, the United

States and the European Economic Community. I am advised that in its

first full year of operation the ministry has carried out 60 trade

missions and has given support to more than 500 British Columbia

companies under various export assistance programs.

Investment

promotion activities have involved an extensive series of presentations

around the world, and specific efforts have identified investments such

as the new Louisiana-Pacific waferboard plant to be built in Dawson

Creek. I am advised that although investments will be smaller in dollar

terms than in the past, they will be more numerous and add to the

diversity of the economy.

In the coming year there will be

considerable focus on developing closer relationships between our

universities' research facilities and the private sector, and on the

establishment of centres of excellence in fields such as computer

systems, forestry research, international business, Pacific Rim

studies, biotechnology and those disciplines contributing to our

important cultural sector.

I am advised that my government

will continue to support efforts to expand trade with our country's

most important trading partner, the United States, and to increase

trade on a multilateral basis. My government believes that expanded

trade will benefit both British Columbia and Canada, and welcomes the

federal government's commitment to work closely with the provinces in

the negotiation process.

My government places great

emphasis on attracting business visitors during Expo. With more than

32,000 of the world's top business leaders and investors invited to

attend the world's fair, my government will ensure that they are made

fully aware of the great potential of its municipal partners all across

our province.

I am informed that 124 local governments have signed or are

poised to sign agreements with my government under the

Provincial-Municipal Partnership Act, allowing both levels of

government to offer significant taxation and other incentives to new

and expanded business operations. In keeping with this very successful

program, my government will again this year work closely with local

governments across our province to stimulate new economic activity and

create employment. In addition to his ongoing services to local

government, my Minister of Municipal Affairs will provide continuing

support for local economic development strategies and the development

of comprehensive economic plans.

government recognizes the value of the contribution that our province's

144 municipalities are making in helping to bring about economic

renewal, and wishes to congratulate both Colwood and Metchosin, which

enjoyed their inaugural years in 1985.

[2:30]

am informed that in the past year we have witnessed some major

achievements in the continuing development of our province's

transportation systems. Work is close to completion on the Coquihalla

Highway and the new Annacis bridge across the Fraser River, and the

first phase of SkyTrain, our modern rapid transit system, is fully

operational and serving commuters between New Westminster and

Vancouver. My government's pride in these three major feats of

engineering is matched only by our pride in British Columbia and the

British Columbia workers who brought them in on time and on budget.

While

efforts toward economic diversification will be accelerated, mining and

forestry will continue to be the backbone of the provincial economy,

and my government is committed to making them even stronger. I am

advised that in the coming year funding under the forest resources

development agreement will be nearly doubled, to improve our important

forest resource and to strengthen its employment capability. This

funding reflects my government's determination to sustain and increase

the resource. While basic reforestation will be increased, my

government will be introducing for your approval innovative vehicles to

increase British Columbia's commitment to and provide stability for

silviculture projects, so as to maximize employment opportunities and

the returns from our most fundamental resource.

government is determined to ensure that our industry retains its

traditional access to the United States market, and will work closely

I'm

gratified to report that my government, in partnership with the

renewed for five years a program to expand overseas markets for British

Columbia wood products. With more than 1,700 timber sale licences

currently held, my government expects the small business enterprise

program to continue to grow.

I am advised that British

Columbia's mining industry, which was hit hard by the international

recession, produced mineral products worth $3.5 billion in 1985. World

markets are expected to show modest improvement this year, with further

improvements anticipated for 1987 and beyond.

Although

market conditions remain highly competitive, the efforts of our

producers to reduce costs and improve productivity, together with the

outstanding cooperation of working people and a more optimistic market

outlook, suggest the industry will see some growth in strength. A

number of projects are under or near construction, and my government is

assisting in a number of ways. Funding is being

[ Page 7270 ]

provided

for road and infrastructure studies for the Mount Klappan anthracite

development in the northwest and the Mascot project at Hedley.

While

recovery in our basic resource industries has been gradual, the tourism

industry continues a gratifying pattern of strong growth, reinforcing

its increasingly important role as an employer in our economy. I am

advised that revenues in 1985 increased to $2.5 billion from $2.3

billion the year before, and the number of visitors to our province

grew from 12.2 million to 12.6 million over the same period. Visitors

from the United States increased by more than 8 percent, the best

record in Canada.

The overall outlook for tourism in

British Columbia is excellent in both the near term and the long term.

With our world exposition on the horizon, and pre-sales of 10 million

of Expo's forecast of 13.75 million visits confirmed, my government is

pleased to note that tourism will generate $3 billion in gross

revenues. During the coming year my government will undertake a range

of programs to enhance this valuable sector of our economy.

Through

Conventions B.C., my government will pursue a coordinated approach to

gain an important share of national and international convention

business. This will also ensure that all areas of the province can take

full advantage of their varied scenery and attractions in obtaining a

fair share of convention business.

My government will also

expand its Partners in Tourism program, which has resulted in a

six-fold increase in tourism advertising in two years. I am advised

that other programs, such as Superhost and the development of tourism

information centres and improved highway signage, will also receive

priority attention.

My government will continue its efforts

to develop further the film production industry in British Columbia,

building upon the technical expertise of our people, competitive rates

and unparalleled scenery. In the past year $70 million was spent by

producers, making 1985 the largest year by far for film-making in

British Columbia.

Work is continuing on the development of

a major movie studio, in order to enhance British Columbia's growing

reputation as a good location for filming and open up additional

employment opportunities for the skilled craftsmen and professionals

who work in the industry.

My Provincial Secretary and

Minister of Government Services will pursue measures to enhance the

cultural sector through a new partnership in the arts which will assist

communities throughout the province to reach their full potential in

cultural development. I am advised that this initiative will assist our

arts organizations to become a dynamic economic force and make cultural

events a significant part of an integrated tourism strategy. The

development of centres of excellence in the arts will link our

universities and cultural industries, thus enhancing our tourism

opportunities.

I am further advised the B.C. Festival of

the Arts will take place this year in Prince George and will be

highlighted by a visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

government is pleased to note that the Provincial Museum in Victoria,

which welcomes about one and a half million visitors each year, is this

year celebrating its centennial. I am advised this historic year will

be highlighted by travelling exhibits and speaking tours, and the

opening of a dramatic new

section which features marine exhibits.

The

process of diversifying our economy and enhancing the role of the

service sector as an employer in our economy is gaining momentum.

my last message, I advised you of my government's efforts to establish

Vancouver as an international financial centre to take advantage of the

city's strategic placement between New York and the nations of the

Pacific Rim. My government was pleased with the federal government's

recent announcement designating Vancouver and Montreal as international

banking centres and will intensify its efforts in the coming years to

strengthen the entire financial sector, which plays a vital role in

British Columbia's economy. An advisory committee will be named by my

government to assist in developing the opportunities and meeting the

challenges provided by the designation of Vancouver as an international

financial centre.

In my last message I also advised you of

my government's efforts to have Ottawa put in place special tax

incentives on the east and west coasts to complement provincial

measures to attract job-creating investment. Although these incentives

have been conferred on Atlantic Canada, they have not yet been extended

to the west coast. Fully mindful of the new consensus that has

developed in our province on the need for such tax incentives, my

government will redouble its efforts to gain this important stimulus in

building a new British Columbia economy, confident of the unity of

purpose of all British Columbians in this regard.

In the

last session you enacted the Securities Act, the Small Business Venture

Capital Act and the Equity Investment Plan Act. I am advised that these

initiatives will, when taken together, give a significant boost to the

financial sector in our province.

The establishment of

Vancouver as a commercial arbitration centre, to capitalize on the

growing opportunities in international trade, is a parallel initiative

to strengthen the city's role as a major service centre for commerce,

strongly complemented by programs at our universities and colleges.

areas of provincial jurisdiction I am advised that my Minister of

Consumer and Corporate Affairs will consult with British Columbians on

improving reporting to depositors and investors, improved monitoring

systems and ways to minimize risk to depositors.

The past

year was highly significant for the oil and gas industry in the

province. The Western Accord has deregulated crude oil prices and

eliminated virtually the last vestiges of the national energy program.

You

enacted measures in 1985 to establish a market-oriented regime for both

domestic and export natural gas sales and established a royalty system

that is responsive to the fluctuations of the marketplace. The

subsequent agreement on natural gas marketing and pricing set a

competitive floor price for our gas exports and opened up new avenues

for our gas producers to tap new markets in the United States and

eastern Canada.

I am also advised that you approved

attractive incentives to encourage oil exploration and development

resulting in new major exploration activity and increased revenues to

government as a result of record bonus bids by industry.

While

current instability in global oil prices could have far-reaching

implications, my government anticipates that oil and natural gas

activity will remain at a substantial level and continue to contribute

significantly to provincial revenues.

[ Page 7271 ]

government will assist in efforts to extend natural gas service into

rural areas of the province, and efforts will continue to have the

federal government fulfill its commitment for the Vancouver Island

natural gas pipeline.

In the years that lie ahead, the

Pacific Northwest and California will assume growing importance as

markets for our natural gas and hydroelectricity. British Columbia has

earned nearly $300 million in the past year from electricity exports

and is actively considering ways to expand the scope of its export

activity.

My government is working to accelerate

construction of the Site C dam project on the Peace River, and

appreciates the cooperation of the federal government in removing

obstacles in the United States. I am advised that if British Columbia

can secure a fair price and guaranteed long-term access to the

California market, construction of this major project will be

accelerated, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for British

Columbia workers.

With completion of a federal-provincial

environmental review, my government looks forward to an early

resolution of jurisdiction over offshore resources.

Minister of Intergovernmental Relations will continue in the coming

year to seek broad support for the entrenchment of property rights in

the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In the area of

federal-provincial relations, a spirit of constructive cooperation and

consultation has benefited both British Columbians and all other

Canadians. I am pleased to advise this assembly that our province will

be proud to host the next in a series of annual conferences of first

ministers, to be held in Vancouver in late November. The conference

will take place a week before Grey Cup, which this year and next will

be held in Vancouver.

My government is pleased to note that

issues of concern to women will be the first item on the agenda, and

will be pursuing a number of measures to advance the economic equality

of women.

Discussions are proceeding with Ottawa and the

Sechelt Indians to implement local self-government on band lands. You

will be asked to approve measures complementing federal legislation. My

government is anxiously awaiting a clarification of federal land claims

policy and has asked to be provided with full details of all

outstanding claims in the province. My first minister has asked to meet

the Prime Minister on these matters.

My government's

efforts to foster economic renewal and employment opportunities for our

people have been greatly assisted by the much improved state of

industrial relations in British Columbia. I am pleased to note the

working time lost last year through industrial disputes was the lowest

in 20 years. To enhance this new climate of cooperation, my Minister of

Labour intends to pursue a preventive mediation program to assist

employers and workers to reach contract settlements without resorting

to work stoppages.

Provincial wage settlements reflect

market realism and public sector wage restraint, and you will be asked

to approve measures to improve the Compensation Stabilization Act.

[2:45]

During

the past year significant improvements were made in the areas of

workers' compensation, including an increase in the maximum levels of

earnings on which benefits are paid, and these improvements reflect

continued progress in the Workers' Compensation Board's financial

position. I am advised that the board's unfunded liability was reduced

by more than $200 million in 1984 and also fell dramatically last year.

In spending plans to be tabled by my Minister of Finance, you will be

asked to provide funding to expedite appeals of Workers' Compensation

Board decisions.

In the coming session you will be asked to

approve additional measures to bring provincial statutes into

conformity with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

government is concerned about increasing reports of spousal assault and

child sexual abuse. My Attorney-General will consider strengthened

measures in these areas. Victims of spousal assault, child sexual abuse

and other crimes will be assisted through the court system to ensure

that prosecutions proceed in a necessary and appropriate fashion. My

Minister of Human Resources will be deeply involved in these

initiatives, and I am advised that increased emphasis on child

protection has resulted from the appointment of a full-time

superintendent of family and child services.

I am advised

by my Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing that housing starts

increased by 11 percent in 1985 and will increase again in 1986. My

minister will undertake initiatives to ensure that social housing

dollars are spent on those most in need and will work to finalize an

agreement with Ottawa in this regard.

This year will mark

the seventy-fifth anniversary of the provincial park system, and I am

informed that plans are underway to enhance the role of the parks as a

major generator of tourism dollars. Attendance at provincial parks

reached 16 million in 1985, and the number is expected to increase

significantly in 1986.

The year ahead promises to be an

exciting one for our province s agriculture and food sector, whose

strength lies in its diversity. The important food production industry

will be spotlighted during Food Pacific '86, an international trade

show to be held in early autumn at B.C. Place Stadium. Estimates are

that net farm income will climb by 14 percent in 1986, to more than

$183 million.

My government is assisting B.C. food

processors to take full advantage of the demand by hotels and

restaurants for high quality products. B.C. producers' share of this

market increased by 10 percent in 1985 and is expected to grow

significantly in 1986. I am advised the emerging aquaculture industry

is making remarkable progress in British Columbia, and has the

potential to grow from its current $3 million to $150 million in annual

sales by 1995. My Minister of Agriculture will strengthen support in

the areas of fish health, marketing and quality control.

its efforts to further diversify the economy, my government is

committed to additional support for our province's small business

sector, where many of our new jobs are being created. I am advised the

British Columbia Purchasing Commission will expand its efforts to make

business aware of opportunities to supply the public sector, including

hospitals, schools, municipalities and Crown corporations. A

computerized network is being developed to inform public bodies of

potential British Columbia suppliers in order to bring about expansion

of production and new jobs for our people.

My Minister of

Industry and Small Business Development is taking a lead role in the

provision of entrepreneurial programs and advisory and information

services. My government will strengthen its programs to further the

growth of

[ Page 7272 ]

small business in the province's

manufacturing and processing sectors as well as the aquaculture

industry.

am advised that in addition to major transportation projects, such as

the opening of the Annacis Island Bridge and the Hope-to-Merritt

section of the Coquihalla Highway, my Minister of Transportation and

Highways intends to continue improving our highway network across the

province. Work will continue on the Merritt-to-Kamloops

section of the

Coquihalla, and in the coming year will commence on the Okanagan

connector. In the spending plans to be tabled by my Minister of

Finance, you will be asked to approve a major program for small bridge

replacement throughout the province. You will also be asked to approve

funds for increased ferry service during Expo.

government will intensify its efforts to improve safety conditions for

the public. The drive towards safety has seen a continuing decline in

fatalities on our highways, and my minister's efforts, in tandem with

those of the Attorney-General, are geared towards further reductions in

accidents and injuries.

My government believes

environmental enhancement is fully consistent with economic renewal and

will assist in the development of an internationally competitive

digital mapping industry. The Okanagan basin will receive special

funding as an environmentally sensitive area to help control sewage

discharge into area lakes. My Minister of Environment will prepare a

management plan for the Cowichan estuary in order to balance economic

opportunities with conservation. My government recently signed an

agreement with Washington state to work on acid rain control, and has

made available more than $2 million from the provincial habitat

conservation fund to enhance British Columbia's wildlife and fresh

water fisheries.

My government recently received the

recommendations of the special advisory committee on wilderness

preservation and will give full consideration to the views of the

public in seeking a balance between resource extraction and

conservation. My Minister of Environment will support the Fraser River

flood control program, reconstruction of the Zosel Dam and a variety of

diking projects elsewhere in the province to reduce the potential of

flood damage.

My government wishes to recognize and pay

tribute to the thousands of British Colombians who again this year are

making a major contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of our

province. The recent Winter Games in Terrace owe their tremendous

success to the dedication and willingness of more than 2,500 volunteers

who stepped forward to give freely of their time and their talents. My

government is confident that this fine tradition of community

involvement will again be demonstrated during the Summer Games to be

held in Cranbrook and at the 1987 Winter Games in Fernie.

While

British Columbians are playing an integral

part in our province's

Games, volunteers are also active on a year-round basis in our

hospitals, schools and many other organizations, and my government is

most appreciative of their efforts.

My government

recognizes the significant contributions of our ethnic and cultural

communities in enhancing our province's diverse heritage. My Minister

responsible for cultural heritage will undertake a number of

initiatives designed to enhance this vital component of British

Columbia's social fabric.

Honourable Members, it is time

for you to begin this new session. You will be asked to approve

measures to maintain the highest possible standards on the part of all

members of this assembly, and others, in conducting public business.

Your actions and your decisions, as you debate and weigh the measures

that will be brought before this assembly, will be crucial to a

continuation of economic renewal for our province. My government

believes we have weathered the worst of the recent difficult economic

times and that by working together we can make 1986 a pivotal year in

the fortunes of our people and this great province.

I pray that Divine Providence guide and assist you in your

deliberations.

In the name of our Sovereign, I thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

MR. SPEAKER:

Hon. members, in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained copies of

His Honour's speech, which I will now distribute to the members. During

this brief period, there may be members who wish to absent themselves

from the chamber. If they do, this is possibly the opportunity for such.

Introduction of Bills

AN ACT TO PERPETUATE

A PARLIAMENTARY RIGHT

HON. MR. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I

have the honour to carry out the traditional introduction of Bill 1,

entitled

An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary Right. The purpose for

introducing this bill now is that four centuries of parliamentary

democratic tradition are enacted here by ensuring the precedence of the

people's business through this assembly over that of the business of

the Sovereign.

Bill 1,

An Act to Perpetuate a Parliamentary

Right, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders

of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after

today.

[3:00]

HON. MRS. McCARTHY:

Mr. Speaker, I move that the Votes and Proceedings

of the House be

printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the

printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do

presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. BENNETT:

Mr. Speaker, I move that the select standing committees of this House

for the present session be appointed for the following purposes:

(1) On Standing Orders, Private Bills and Members' Services;

(2) On Public Accounts and Economic Affairs;

(3) On Agriculture;

(4) On Municipal Affairs and Housing;

(5) On Labour and Justice;

[ Page 7273 ]

(6) On Health, Education and Human Resources;

(7) On Transportation and Communications;

(8) On Environment and Resources;

(9) On Crown Corporations; which said committees shall severally be

empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as

shall be referred to them by this House, and to report from time to

time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for

persons, papers and records; and that a special committee be appointed

to prepare and report, with all convenient speed, lists of members to

compose the above select standing committees of this House under

standing order 68(1), the committee to be composed of Hon. G.B.

Gardom, Hon. J.A. Nielsen, Hon. R.G. Fraser, Mrs. Johnston, Messrs.

Mowat and Reid, and Ms. Sanford and Messrs. Howard and Hanson.

MR. SPEAKER: On the motion, the Leader of

the Opposition.

MR. SKELLY:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to move, seconded by my colleague for Skeena

(Mr. Howard), that the motion be amended by adding "

(10) On Regional

Job Creation."

I'm not sure if nodding means that the motion is in order,

but....

MR. SPEAKER: Proceed, hon. member.

MR. SKELLY:

Mr. Speaker, the reason I move this motion is as a test of the

Premier's good will and good faith. I've noticed lately, as have other

members and other people in the public, that some new words and phrases

have been creeping into the Premier's speeches recently that indicate

that the Premier has an economic plan, words that suggest a new concern

"consensus" and "consultation," which suggest a new interest in

bringing people together to analyze problems, develop solutions and to

work on implementation of these solutions.

Mr. Speaker, we in the opposition know that words are the easy

part. Any poll can tell you what words to use.

Interjections.

MR. SKELLY: And of course, Mr. Speaker,

it's a test of our good faith as well.

Any

poll can tell you what words to use and what words evoke a positive

political response, but what we would like to see on the part of this

Premier is some action toward economic planning in order to reduce

unemployment throughout British Columbia.

Interjections.

MR. SKELLY: That's one action I agreed on,

Mr. Speaker. I think his promotion was well deserved.

Mr.

Speaker, we would like to see some real effort at consultation and the

development of a consensus around regional economic planning and job

creation, and that's why we've proposed this amendment. The last

unemployment statistics showed that 198,000 people were out of work in

February. That's 13.8 percent in actual terms. Unemployment statistics

don't even begin to tell the real human dimensions of this problem: the

loss of pride that men and women feel when they have lost their jobs

and incomes, in many cases their homes and assets built up over a

lifetime of work; and the embarrassment and humiliation that people

feel when they are forced to accept welfare and charity after a

lifetime of hard work in this province.

There's no question

that employment statistics have been improved, but as the B.C. Central

Credit Union pointed out in its January special report, most of the new

jobs are in low-paying and part-time work. According to the B.C.

Central report, there has been a net increase of 15,000 jobs in British

Columbia over the last five years, but this figure bides the fact

that....

AN HON. MEMBER: Are you reading that?

MR. SKELLY: People all over the province

are reading this in the B.C. Central Credit Union report.

The

15,000 net jobs figure hides the fact that 34,000 of the new jobs are

part-time, low-paying work, while the number of full-time jobs in

British Columbia has actually declined by 19,000. The sectors hardest

hit by the full-time job losses have been in mining and forestry, and

in these areas the government has done very little to encourage new

growth of full-time jobs.

Mr. Speaker, my motion to

establish an additional committee will give members an opportunity to

analyze the problems of the resource industry, identify solutions, and

propose remedies which will give some hope to miners and forestry

workers for full-time employment again. Loggers and miners are tired of

words and tired of political confrontation. They're tired of being

portrayed as villains in conflicts generated between environmentalists

and Indians in this province. They simply want to use their skills, Mr.

Speaker, in the best interests of all British Columbians.

Mr.

Premier, if you're serious about your concern for jobs, then I ask you

to support this motion. Set up this committee and put it to work as

soon as possible.

Another matter that prompted this motion,

Mr. Speaker, is the fact that British Columbia has now been divided

into two provinces. One part, Vancouver and the lower mainland, is

receiving vast infusions of provincial capital and stimulative

investment around Expo 86. As a result unemployment in those areas has

dropped below 12 percent — at least for the next six months. But

outside the lower mainland there is only one region where unemployment

has fallen below 15 percent. This government is spending the resources

of this province on one six-month project in the lower mainland, while

they're treating the rest of British Columbia as a region of sacrifice.

Mr.

Speaker, we believe that if there is any real economic recovery in the

province, even temporary recovery, it should be shared by all British

Columbians in all regions of the province, including the lower mainland.

hope, Mr. Speaker, that the Premier will agree to this amendment and

give this committee an opportunity to travel to every region of the

province to consult with all sectors of our society and to develop a

consensus — the kind of consensus that the Premier talks about — around

economic planning and job creation which will stimulate economic

recovery in all regions of British Columbia: in the north, in the

interior, in the Kootenays — which now have a higher unemployment rate

than Newfoundland — and on Vancouver Island.

[ Page 7274 ]

Finally,

Mr. Speaker, we're concerned that the government has no concrete vision

of the future. There appears to be nothing substantial on the

drawing-board after Expo that can even begin to deal with the problem

of unemployment, and the problem that Mr. Matkin describes as the

post-Expo recession. Working people in British Columbia are fearful of

the future. They're fearful for themselves and for their children, and

they would like to end the uncertainty of the past five years.

This

motion is an attempt to take the Premier at his word. Is he serious

about consultation? Is he serious about economic diversification and

planning? Is he serious about job creation? Is he serious about

developing an economic plan for the future of this province? If he is

serious, Mr. Speaker, then we would expect him and the government to

support this amendment and put this committee to work.

Over

the last decade, with one or two exceptions, the select standing

committees of this Legislature have not been put to work by this

government. Yet these committees are the eyes and ears of the

Legislature. Without these committees the Legislature cannot go out to

the people of British Columbia to find out what their concerns are.

These are the kinds of committees that get members working together to

develop solutions to the problems that this province is experiencing.

I said, without working committees this Legislature and this government

are deaf and blind. They cannot hear the words of the people. We're

asking the Premier to be serious. We're asking the Premier to accept

this amendment and to put this committee to work so that we can get

down to the service of working people in the province of British

Columbia.

HON. MR. BENNETT: The Leader of the

Opposition talks about cooperation and moderation — and I agree with

that — consultation, temperate language. Certainly today he talks about

more talk. I wonder if the Leader of the Opposition, in proposing this

committee, clearly heard His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor outline

programs that have taken place last year — municipal-provincial

partnerships, which do provide for governments at the local level to

use initiatives to develop and attract industries and jobs to their

areas. That is already happening.

You cannot play off one

part of this province against the other. Every British Columbian wants

to see every other part of British Columbia do well. It's easy to tell

the people in one part of this province you're against the Coquihalla,

in another part of the province to tell them that Expo is a circus, in

another part of the province to promise them highways that cannot be

extended to others. But in this assembly and in this government's

programs as outlined by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, every

single program and opportunity that the Leader of the Opposition wants

to talk about, and wants to send members of his party travelling around

at public expense to talk about, a plan of action will be put before

this Legislature. Because he's right: the people want action. They

don't want words.

This amendment would be a delaying tactic

on investment and jobs, and therefore I reject it. The Leader of the

Opposition said it himself: the people don't want words; they want

action; they want jobs. And this is what this Legislature will do. They

know that the members of this Legislature, who are the eyes and the

ears of the Legislature, as the Leader of the Opposition has said, have

not been away. They've been out listening to the people, and now

they've been called back to work. The people do not want to pay them to

travel again and again. They've got the message from the people.

They're here to work. The Leader of the Opposition wants us to spend

tax money so his members can travel once again around the province.

Mr. Speaker, we reject the amendment.

[3:15]

Amendment negatived on the following division:

YEAS — 21

Macdonald

Dailly

Cocke

Howard

Skelly

Stupich

Lauk

Nicolson

Sanford

Gabelmann

Williams

Lea

D'Arcy

Hanson

Rose

Lockstead

MacWilliam

Barnes

Wallace

Mitchell

Blencoe

NAYS — 34

Brummet

Waterland

McClelland

Segarty

Kempf

Heinrich

Veitch

Richmond

Pelton

Fraser

Schroeder

Passarell

Michael

Davis

Mowat

McCarthy

Fraser

Nielsen

Gardom

Smith

Bennett

Curtis

Ritchie

McGeer

Hewitt

Rogers

Phillips

Chabot

Reid

Johnston

Parks

Strachan

Ree

Reynolds

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I move,

seconded by the hon.

member for Skeena (Mr. Howard), that William Bruce Strachan, Esq.,

Member for Prince George South electoral district, be appointed Deputy

Speaker for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM:

Mr. Speaker, I move, again seconded by the hon. member for Skeena, that

Angus Ree, Esq., member for North Vancouver–Capilano electoral

district, be appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Whole

House for this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM:

Mr. Speaker, I would advise the House that pursuant to standing order 2

(2), the House shall meet at 2 p.m. precisely tomorrow.

Hon.

Mrs. McCarthy tabled the forty-fourth annual report of the Pension

(Teachers) Act for the year ended December 31, 1984; the forty-sixth

annual report of the Pension (Municipal) Act for the year ended

December 31, 1984; and the ninth annual report of the Public Service

Benefit Plan Act for the year ended March 31, 1985.

[ Page 7275 ]

Hon.

Mr. Smith tabled annual reports of the Legal Services Society of

British Columbia, the British Columbia Board of Parole, the Law Reform

Commission of British Columbia, the Justice Institute of British

Columbia and the fourteenth annual report of the Criminal Injury

Compensation Act.

Hon. Mr. Brummet tabled the annual report of the Ministry of

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for the year 1984.

Hon. Mr. Gardom tabled the annual report of the Ministry of

Intergovernmental Relations.

HON. MR. GARDOM:

Mr. Speaker, before moving the final motion in this afternoon's

proceedings, I would like, on behalf of all members on both sides of

this House, to pay most cordial recognition to all the guests and

visitors who have joined us on this really lovely springtime afternoon

in Victoria and witnessed our deliberations today. We welcome you. We

hope you will join us again, and in the not too distant future.

Mr. Gardom moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 3:22 p.m.

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