British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, February 28, 2007

H0228pm-03

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 38th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Afternoon Sitting Volume 15, Number 3 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Iona V. Campagnolo, CM, OBC THIRD SESSION, 38TH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations .......................................................................................................... Hon.

John van Dongen Deputy Premier and Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy...................... Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ........................................................................................................ Hon. Michael de Jong Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology ........................................... Hon.

Murray Coell Minister of Agriculture and Lands.......................................................................................................................................................Hon. Pat Bell Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism............................................................................... Hon. Wally Oppal, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ................................................................................................................Hon.

Tom Christensen Minister of State for Childcare ........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors’ and Women’s Issues........................................... Hon. Ida Chong Minister of Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics.................Hon.

Colin Hansen Minister of Employment and Income Assistance ...........................................................................................................Hon. Claude Richmond Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources .......................................................................................................Hon. Richard Neufeld Minister of State for Mining......................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Kevin Krueger Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities ...............Hon. Barry Penner Minister of Finance.......................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Carole Taylor Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing ............................................................................. Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Health ......................................................................................................................................................................Hon. George Abbott Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services ......................................................................................................................................Hon. Olga Ilich Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General................................................................................................................................Hon.

John Les Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform............................................ Hon. Rick Thorpe Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts ......................................................................................................................................Hon. Stan Hagen Minister of State for ActNow B.C. ............................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Gordon Hogg Minister of Transportation...........................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Kevin Falcon LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition .........................................................................................................................................................Carole James Deputy Speaker ....................................................................................................................................................................................Sindi Hawkins Assistant Deputy Speaker.....................................................................................................................................................................Sue Hammell Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole.................................................................................................................................................

Harry Bloy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly .........................................................................................................................E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Clerk Assistant.........................................................................................................................................................................................Robert Vaive Clerk Assistant and Law Clerk .......................................................................................................................................................Ian D.

Izard, QC Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees ....................................................................................................................................... Craig H. James Clerk Assistant and Committee Clerk ..........................................................................................................................................Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sergeant-at-Arms............................................................................................................................................................................. A.A.

Humphreys Director, Hansard Services ...................................................................................................................................................................Jo-Anne Kern Legislative Librarian ..................................................................................................................................................................................Jane Taylor Legislative Comptroller...............................................................................................................................................................................Dan Arbic

Party Standings: Liberal 46; New Democratic 33 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Abbott, Hon. George (L) .................................................................... Shuswap Austin, Robin (NDP)............................................................................. Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP).................................................................. Surrey-Newton Barisoff, Hon. Bill (L)..........................................Penticton–Okanagan Valley Bell, Hon.

Pat (L) .............................................................Prince George North Bennett, Bill (L) ........................................................................ East Kootenay Black, Iain (L) ............................................................ Port Moody–Westwood Bloy, Harry (L)................................................................................Burquitlam Bond, Hon. Shirley (L).....................................Prince George–Mount Robson Brar, Jagrup (NDP).....................................................Surrey–Panorama Ridge Campbell, Hon.

Gordon (L) .........................................Vancouver–Point Grey Cantelon, Ron (L)..............................................................Nanaimo-Parksville Chong, Hon. Ida (L) .................................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...........................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Christensen, Hon. Tom (L) ................................................. Okanagan-Vernon Chudnovsky, David (NDP) ......................................... Vancouver-Kensington Coell, Hon.

Murray (L) .....................................Saanich North and the Islands Coleman, Hon. Rich (L)...........................................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .......................................... West Kootenay–Boundary Coons, Gary (NDP) ....................................................................... North Coast Cubberley, David (NDP)............................................................Saanich South de Jong, Hon.

Michael (L) ...................................Abbotsford–Mount Lehman Dix, Adrian (NDP) .........................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Evans, Corky (NDP).................................................................Nelson-Creston Falcon, Hon. Kevin (L) .......................................................

Surrey-Cloverdale Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ...............................Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Fleming, Rob (NDP) ..............................................................Victoria-Hillside Fraser, Scott (NDP) ..............................................................Alberni-Qualicum Gentner, Guy (NDP).......................................................................Delta North Hagen, Hon. Stan (L) ................................................................ Comox Valley Hammell, Sue (NDP) ................................................... Surrey–Green Timbers Hansen, Hon.

Colin (L) ..................................................Vancouver-Quilchena Hawes, Randy (L).......................................................... Maple Ridge–Mission Hawkins, Sindi (L) ............................................................... Kelowna-Mission Hayer, Dave S. (L) ................................................................ Surrey-Tynehead Hogg, Hon.

Gordon (L).....................................................Surrey–White Rock Horgan, John (NDP)......................................................Malahat–Juan de Fuca Horning, Al (L)........................................................... Kelowna–Lake Country Ilich, Hon. Olga (L)...............................................................Richmond Centre James, Carole (NDP).......................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Jarvis, Daniel (L)..................................................

North Vancouver–Seymour Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................... Esquimalt-Metchosin Krog, Leonard (NDP)......................................................................... Nanaimo Krueger, Hon. Kevin (L) .....................................Kamloops–North Thompson Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP)........................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Lali, Harry (NDP)........................................................................

Yale-Lillooet Lee, Richard T. (L)....................................................................Burnaby North Lekstrom, Blair (L).............................................................. Peace River South Les, Hon. John (L)............................................................... Chilliwack-Sumas Macdonald, Norm (NDP).................................... Columbia River–Revelstoke MacKay, Dennis (L)....................................................

Bulkley Valley–Stikine Mayencourt, Lorne (L).......................................................Vancouver-Burrard McIntyre, Joan (L).................................................West Vancouver–Garibaldi Neufeld, Hon. Richard (L) .................................................. Peace River North Nuraney, John (L).............................................................Burnaby-Willingdon Oppal, Hon. Wally, QC (L).......................................... Vancouver-Fraserview Penner, Hon. Barry (L)...........................................................

Chilliwack-Kent Polak, Mary (L) ....................................................................................Langley Puchmayr, Chuck (NDP)...................................................... New Westminster Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ............................................................. Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon. Linda (L) ................................................................ Richmond East Richmond, Hon. Claude (L).............................................................

Kamloops Robertson, Gregor (NDP) ................................................Vancouver-Fairview Roddick, Valerie (L).......................................................................Delta South Routley, Doug (NDP)..................................................... Cowichan-Ladysmith Rustad, John (L) ........................................................

Prince George–Omineca Sather, Michael (NDP).........................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ...................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Bob (NDP)..................................................................Cariboo North Simpson, Shane (NDP) ....................................................Vancouver-Hastings Sultan, Ralph (L) ....................................................West Vancouver–Capilano Taylor, Hon.

Carole (L).....................................................Vancouver-Langara Thorne, Diane (NDP) .................................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Thorpe, Hon. Rick (L).......................................................Okanagan-Westside Trevena, Claire (NDP) ..................................................................North Island van Dongen, Hon. John (L)............................................ Abbotsford-Clayburn Whittred, Katherine (L)........................................

North Vancouver–Lonsdale Wyse, Charlie (NDP) .................................................................Cariboo South Yap, John (L)...................................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Clayburn....................................................Hon. John van Dongen Abbotsford–Mount Lehman .......................................... Hon. Michael de Jong Alberni-Qualicum..........................................................................

Scott Fraser Bulkley Valley–Stikine ...........................................................Dennis MacKay Burnaby North ...........................................................................Richard T. Lee Burnaby-Edmonds........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Willingdon................................................................... John Nuraney Burquitlam.......................................................................................Harry Bloy Cariboo North..............................................................................

Bob Simpson Cariboo South..............................................................................Charlie Wyse Chilliwack-Kent ..................................................................Hon. Barry Penner Chilliwack-Sumas...................................................................... Hon. John Les Columbia River–Revelstoke................................................. Norm Macdonald Comox Valley........................................................................ Hon.

Stan Hagen Coquitlam-Maillardville..............................................................Diane Thorne Cowichan-Ladysmith ................................................................. Doug Routley Delta North ...................................................................................Guy Gentner Delta South ............................................................................. Valerie Roddick East Kootenay................................................................................

Bill Bennett Esquimalt-Metchosin.........................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ..................................................Hon. Rich Coleman Kamloops.....................................................................Hon. Claude Richmond Kamloops–North Thompson ............................................Hon. Kevin Krueger Kelowna–Lake Country.................................................................. Al Horning Kelowna-Mission ......................................................................

Sindi Hawkins Langley ...........................................................................................Mary Polak Malahat–Juan de Fuca .................................................................. John Horgan Maple Ridge–Mission ................................................................ Randy Hawes Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ..................................................... Michael Sather Nanaimo......................................................................................

Leonard Krog Nanaimo-Parksville .....................................................................Ron Cantelon Nelson-Creston .............................................................................Corky Evans New Westminster .................................................................. Chuck Puchmayr North Coast....................................................................................

Gary Coons North Island ...............................................................................Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................Katherine Whittred North Vancouver–Seymour..........................................................Daniel Jarvis Oak Bay–Gordon Head ........................................................... Hon. Ida Chong Okanagan-Vernon......................................................... Hon. Tom Christensen Okanagan-Westside..............................................................Hon.

Rick Thorpe Peace River North.......................................................... Hon. Richard Neufeld Peace River South..................................................................... Blair Lekstrom Penticton–Okanagan Valley .................................................Hon. Bill Barisoff Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ............................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Westwood.................................................................... Iain Black Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...............................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George North.................................................................... Hon. Pat Bell Prince George–Mount Robson ............................................Hon. Shirley Bond Prince George–Omineca................................................................ John Rustad Richmond Centre......................................................................Hon. Olga Ilich Richmond East........................................................................Hon.

Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston...........................................................................John Yap Saanich North and the Islands ............................................ Hon. Murray Coell Saanich South ........................................................................ David Cubberley Shuswap............................................................................Hon. George Abbott Skeena.......................................................................................... Robin Austin Surrey-Cloverdale............................................................... Hon.

Kevin Falcon Surrey–Green Timbers ................................................................Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton............................................................................... Harry Bains Surrey–Panorama Ridge.................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey-Tynehead ....................................................................... Dave S. Hayer Surrey-Whalley...........................................................................Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ............................................................Hon.

Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Burrard..............................................................Lorne Mayencourt Vancouver-Fairview.............................................................Gregor Robertson Vancouver-Fraserview .................................................Hon.

Wally Oppal, QC Vancouver-Hastings .................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington.......................................................David Chudnovsky Vancouver-Kingsway ......................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara ........................................................... Hon. Carole Taylor Vancouver–Mount Pleasant........................................ Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Vancouver–Point Grey ................................................Hon.

Gordon Campbell Vancouver-Quilchena.........................................................Hon. Colin Hansen Victoria–Beacon Hill...................................................................

Carole James Victoria-Hillside ...........................................................................Rob Fleming West Kootenay–Boundary........................................................Katrine Conroy West Vancouver–Capilano...........................................................Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Garibaldi ........................................................Joan McIntyre Yale-Lillooet..................................................................................... Harry Lali

CONTENTS Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Afternoon Sitting Routine Proceedings Page Introductions by Members ....................................................................................................... ............................................. 5625 Statements (Standing Order 25 B) .............................................................................................................................. ............ 5625 Peter Rolston S. Hammell Surrey firefighters D. Hayer Cowichan Valley community kitchens society D. Routley Sea to Sky Community Services Society J. McIntyre Eating disorders R.

Chouhan Zajac Foundation R. Hawes Oral Questions................................................................................................................. ......................................................... 5627 Call for public inquiry into sale of B.C. Rail L. Krog Hon. W. Oppal J. Kwan M. Farnworth Audit of medical on-call availability program C. James Hon. G. Abbott A. Dix R. Fleming Funding for Burnaby General Hospital R. Chouhan Hon. G. Abbott Government plans for achievement of energy conservation targets J. Horgan Hon. R. Neufeld Greenhouse gas–reduction targets for oil and gas sector S.

Simpson Hon. R. Neufeld Petitions...................................................................................................................... ............................................................... 5632 C.

Trevena Tabling Documents.............................................................................................................. .................................................... 5632 Office of the Auditor General, Service Plan 2007-08 – 2009-10 Committee of Supply............................................................................................................ ................................................... 5632 Supplementary Estimates (No. 1) Hon. C. Taylor B.

Ralston Introduction and First Reading of Bills........................................................................................ ......................................... 5634 Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1) (Bill 4) Hon. C. Taylor Second Reading of Bills........................................................................................................ ................................................... 5635 Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1) (Bill 4) Hon. C. Taylor

Committee of the Whole House................................................................................................... .......................................... 5635 Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1) (Bill 4) Report and Third Reading of Bills .............................................................................................. ........................................... 5635 Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1) (Bill 4) Budget Debate (continued)............................................................................................................................... ........................ 5635 R.

Lee C. Wyse Hon. K. Krueger M. Farnworth A. Horning K. Conroy L. Mayencourt A. Dix

5625 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 The House met at 1:33 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Prayers. Introductions by Members Hon. G. Campbell: I'd like to welcome Sgt. Mike Davidson, a military policeman from Esquimalt who just returned from a six-month deployment in Kandahar. I know all British Columbians are happy to see our soldiers come home safely. In my office Sergeant D a v i d s o n ' s r e t u r n i s e s p e c i a l l y w e l c o m e d b y m y scheduling clerk, his wife Tamara Davidson. I ask that the House welcome him and thank him and his family for his service to our country. S.

Hammell: I would like to take this opportunity to introduce 29 public servants seated in the gallery who are participating in a full-day parliamentary procedure work- shop. Offered by the Legislative Assembly, this workshop provides a firsthand opportunity for the public service to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between the work of their ministries and how that work affects this Legislature. Would the House please make them welcome. [1335] V. Roddick: In the gallery today is a constituent from Delta South, Judith Watt, who is a field officer with the Duke of Edinburg h's Award.

She oversees youth at risk, which includes special needs and abo- riginal children for the province. Will the House please make her very welcome. D. Hayer: I have some very special guests here today. First, Peter Van Der Zalm and his daughter Courtney Van Der Zalm, who went to school with my daughter Sonia, and Jordan Belton from my riding of Surrey- Tynehead are here visiting Victoria and the Legislature. Would the House please make them very welcome. I also have some additional guests. They are Baljit Samra and his wife Jaswinder Samra, who live in Surrey. Along with Mr. and Mrs.

Samra, we have Bawa Singh, a research scientist from New York state, and his wife Narinder Kaur, who ar e visiting our province from New York state. Would the House please make them very welcome too. J. Rustad: Today it's a great pleasure…. We don't often have visitors come down from my riding, but in the crowd today we have Vic Bowman, who is a constituent and a friend of mine. He is a person who has contributed much to the community of Prince George as well as throughout the north. Would the House please make him welcome. Hon. T.

Christensen: Today I am pleased to introduce two constituents from the North Okanagan. It's rare that people leave the Okanagan, because it's such a beautiful place, but today we're joined by Val and Diane Spearing. They're visiting the Legislature. They have also recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. So congratu- lations to them, and please help me in welcoming them. Statements (Standing Order 25

B) PETER ROLSTON S. Hammell: We meet people every day of our lives, people who make a difference. Then, on occasion, you meet that exceptional person, the person that leaves you a little bit in awe becaus e they are larger than life in their intellect or compassion or humanity. Peter Rolston was one of these people. Peter died on November 3, 2006, after a five-month battle with lymphoma. Peter was a United Church minister, ordained in 1965, and was elected as a member of this Legislature for the Dewdney constituency between 1972 and 1975. Hon.

Speaker, Peter called himself a true conservative, despite being a staunch New Democrat. His conservative roots were nourished by his grandmother, Tilly Jean Rolston, who formed the Social Credit Party with W.A.C. Bennett. He called himself a conservative because he wanted to protect. When he talked about protection, he talked about the means of safeguarding farmland, forests and the natural resources for future use. Peter's passion for life was boundless.

As well as being an environmentalist, he was a promoter of good relations among the faiths of the world and a spokes- man for justice and reconciliation with our first nations people, and he worked to eliminate poverty and home- lessness. It was inside Peter that was so special. He was with- out guile and was a consummate optimist. His positions were held passionately, whether he was railing against gambling or pondering the incongruity of unionizing the ministry. But his positions were held without malice to those who opposed.

Peter died at home with his wife Louise and family, enjoying a birthday party wi th their grandchildren. He faced death like he faced life, by embracing the inevitable through dialogue with his family and loved ones and by optimistically looking forward to the future through his faith. I'm sure that chariot swung low, and he is at home. He will be missed. SURREY FIREFIGHTERS D. Hayer: On February 20, along with British Columbia's Lieutenant-Governor the Hon. Iona Campagnolo and other dignitaries, I had the honour of attending the city of Surrey's Fire Service awards.

These awards pay tribute to the men and women who make up the largest composite fire department in Canada. Not only do the 370 career and 200 volunteer firefighters protect our li ves and the homes of Surrey residents; they provide support to many other small

5626 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 fire units in communities across B.C. In addition, these exceptionally brave men and women fill rescue and first-response capacities and regularly attend many kinds of emergencies, including fire, auto accidents, electrical emergencies, en vironmental accidents and hazardous spills. As the Li eutenant-Governor noted, working firefighters often hold human lives in their hands. [1340] As well, Surrey's firefighters greatly contribute their time as volunteers to support many community charities.

They have raised millions of dollars for many commendable projects, such as the exceptional Surrey Memorial Hospital, the Si mon Fraser University– Surrey campus and the Fire Fighters Burn Fund. It was with great pride that I watched Surrey's exceptional firefighters receive the federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals and the provincial fire service Long Service Medals. These medals also identify Surrey and British Columbia's thanks and gratitude for our firefighters' exceptional role in coming to the aid of people.

I would ask the House to join me in congratulating Surrey's outstanding firefigh ters and to express our thanks and appreciation to al l the firefighters in every community represented in this Legislature. COWICHAN VALLEY COMMUNITY KITCHENS SOCIETY D. Routley: I rise today to speak of some incredible volunteers in my community, in my riding. These amazing people operate the community kitchens society in the Cowichan Valley. One person in particular, Lori Iannidinardo, I'd like to bring to your attention, and I acknowledge that she's a constituent of the member for Malahat–Juan de Fuca.

Our community benefits greatly from the service of community kitchens. This group of people work with underprivileged or struggling families to build life skills. The people contribute $2 per meal each. They shop collectively. They learn the skills of budgeting their food and of planning diet. This service is incredible because it adds so much to the lives of those it serves. It enables them. It empowers them. Just as an example, in November the kitchens — there are eight of them altogether — produced 160, 114, 88, 164, 124, 114 and 100 meals respectively in a two- month period.

In October and November they produced over 2,000 meals for the people in my riding. They cooked over 3,000 cookies, which they distributed to people, as well as 300 thank-you and help platters. They give a great service to the community, and all of this is done by Lori Iannidinardo from her garage — one person coordinating this entire service. They are looking for core funding. They are looking for support. I'm sure they'll find it. In the meantime, I just want to celebrate what they do. They're amazing people who add something to the lives of individuals.

They collectively raise the circumstances of the people in my riding, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart, as do all those they serve. SEA TO SKY COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY J. McIntyre: I rise today to pay tribute to an important organization in my riding. The Sea to Sky Community Services Society, a non-profit organization that was formed in 1978, is now head ed by executive director Lois Wynne. With offices in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, the Sea to Sky Community Services Society offers valuable support services to individuals and families throughout the entire Sea to Sky corridor.

The organization provides early childhood devel- opment services, including a healthy pregnancy program, parenting programs such as Mother Goose and parent- and-tot drop-in, a toy-lendin g library and drop-in play groups. They also provide outreach and counselling services for women, youth, families and those suffering from addiction, as well as offering a Stopping the Violence outreach program. Via their community living services, the society runs a residential group home in Squamish and offers supports for persons with developmental disabilities and children with special needs.

In November, I had the pleasure of attending the Sea to Sky Community Services Society's inaugural advocacy fundraiser at the new Adventure Centre in Squamish. This organization has taken a lead role in bringing together stakeholders, partners and other supportive agencies to engage in dialogue about increasing cooperation and collaboration to better serve the communities in the corridor.

I think that this will ideally develop efficiencies and maximize shared resources. [1345] We know that social support at the local, community level is vital to enhancing our quality of life, and I'm proud to have an organization in our midst with dedicated, caring workers that is committed to providing individuals and families with opportunities to grow, develop and lead productive, healthy lives and, perhaps most importantly, to lend a helping hand to those in need. I'd like the House to join me in thanking Sea to Sky Community Services for the good work they perform every day. EATING DISORDERS R.

Chouhan: Members of the Legislative Assembly may know that Eating Disorder Awareness Week was February 4 through 10. Today I am rising to speak about the seriousness of this issue that affects so many in our society. Attitudes towards body imag e portrayed on television, in fashion magazines and elsewhere idolize an unrealistic and unhealthy body image, especially for young women. The social pressure to be unreasonably and unachievably thin is enormous.

Reflecting these pressures, research conducted across Canada has shown that 71 percent of teenage girls want to be thinner, and as many as half of the female students in a given Canadian high school will be dieting at one time. Eating disorders are now the third most common chronic illness in teenage girl s. The fear of being fat is so overwhelming that young girls have indicated in

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5627 surveys that they are more af raid of becoming fat than they are of cancer, nuclear wa r or losing their parents. Tragically, the death rate associated with anorexia nervosa alone is more than 12 times higher than the overall death rate among young women in the general population. Recently, some celebrities have been pushing back against media industry expectations and have started to advance and advocate for healthy body weight and accep- tance of healthy body image in the industry. This kind of positive role-modelling should be applauded.

We need everybody to understand that there's no conflict between being healthy and being beautiful or glamorous. Our assembly and the minister opposite have taken attention to the need to curb obesity, but we also need to be aware that there is a downward limit to healthy weight. For some people, their health will be improved by gaining weight, and the health risks of being seriously underweight are no less dang erous than the risk of being seriously overweight. ZAJAC FOUNDATION R.

Hawes: For almost 40 years, since the tragic deaths of both of his sons in separate sporting accidents, Mel Zajac has worked tirelessly on behalf of children with special needs and seniors with disabilities to make their lives better in British Columbia. Almost 40 years ago he fo rmed the Zajac Foundation — the Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac Foundation — which has, for those 40 years, worked to build such amenities in British Columbia as a house in North Vancouver for seniors with disabilities or the Sandcastle Developmental Preschool for children with special needs in Mission.

His latest venture is the Zajac Ranch in Mission, which is a facility for camping opportunities for children with debilitating disease. Th is is a magical place where children who are in terrible circumstances are brought together and can have a camp experience where they mingle with others with the same problems. Life is normal for them at the camp. There's horseback riding, swimming. There are all kinds of climbing walls and rope, adventure play- grounds. These children have the time of their lives there, and there is no char ge to any participant that goes.

All of the funds are raised through the foundation, which has a board of directors that works tirelessly to make this happen, along with Mr. Zajac and his remaining children — his three daughters. British Columbia is a richer place because we have people like Mel Zajac, and I'd ask the House to give a great round of applause for Mel and for everyone in B.C. that works on this wonderful project. [1350] Oral Questions CALL FOR PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO SALE OF B.C. RAIL L. Krog: Yesterday the Attorney General refused to answer questions about the role his government played in the B.C. Rail scandal investigation.

We know that there were leaks of confidential commercial information. W e k n o w t h a t t h e R o b e r t s B a n k s p u r l i n e d e a l w a s cancelled and taxpayer dollars were wasted. We know that criminal charges have been laid against B.C. Liberal political staffers. We know that the B.C. Liberals took massive political donations from CN. We know that several cabinet ministers sat on the committee charged with overseeing negotiatio ns, but now none of those cabinet ministers will talk about their role and what they knew.

Will the Attorney General commit today to hold a public inquiry into the sell-off of B.C. Rail as soon as the criminal proceedings conclude so that B.C. taxpayers can finally get the answers they deserve? Hon. W. Oppal: I'll reiterate the advice given to us by the special prosecutor th rough the Deputy Attorney General, and that is: it is not appropriate to comment publicly on any allegations made in this case that is before the court.

As a former judge of the Supreme Court, I can tell you, the members of this House, that there is a very grave danger of prejudice to a fair trial by continually discussing this issue, and the member there well knows that. The member who asked that question is a member of the bar, and he should know better than to ask that question. Mr. Speaker: Before we continue, Member, yesterday the member for Malahat–Juan de Fuca was advised of the sub judice of the proc eedings which are taking place, so I am going to advise you of the same. Member continues with a supplemental. L. Krog: Yes, thank you, hon. Speaker.

I won't ask the question directly, but I will say, through you to the Attorney General, that this is a situation that cries out for a public inquiry. The taxpayers of British Columbia deserve a public inquiry, and I am again asking the Attorney General to commit to this House that as soon as the criminal proceedings are concluded, there will be a public inquiry held so that B.C. taxpayers get the answers they deserve about this matter. Hon. W. Oppal: It would be totally inappropriate for me to comment and speculate as to what may take place in the future after a trial. Mr.

Speaker: Member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant. Is this a new line of questioning? J. Kwan: It's a question for the Premier. Mr. Speaker: Continue. J. Kwan: I am sorry to hear that the Attorney General doesn't understand that a public inquiry into this matter is essential for everyone in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker: M e m b e r , w e h a v e t o b e v e r y c a r e f u l where we're going here. I think, with the advice of the

5628 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 Attorney General, that we have to be very, very careful, and I'm advising you once again. Continue. J. Kwan: I fully understand that. My question is not about the court case. My question to the Premier is: will the Premier not show some leadership? Will he not commit to a full public inquiry after the court case into the B.C. Rail scandal? Or does the issue or the principle o f d o u b l e s t a n d a r d a p p l y , a n d t h a t t r u m p s p u b l i c interest? Mr. Speaker: Member, this is the same line of ques- tioning.

I think we have to take a certain amount of advice from the Attorney General, in the fact that he was a Supreme Court judge and in the fact of where we're going. We can't go down the same line of questioning, because we are in an area that I think is going to cause some grief, as the Attorney General has said. Does the member have something different that doesn't infer anything to do with the court case? M. Farnworth: To the Premier: will he call a public inquiry, once all court case s and proceedings are over, into this matter? Mr. Speaker: Next question. [1355] AUDIT OF MEDICAL ON-CALL AVAILABILITY PROGRAM C.

James: My question is for the Minister of Health. Can he confirm that significant irregularities have occurred in the government's medical on-call program, including inappropriate billings, and can he confirm that there is currently an investigation into the program by law enforcement? Hon. G. Abbott: No, I cannot confirm that. What I can tell the member is that we have very rigorous auditing processes in this province in relation to medical billing. If there are complaints or allegations that are made, we follow up on those with all of the due processes through the appropriate authorities. Mr.

Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition has a supplemental. C. James: I'm happy to provide some information, then, to the Minister of Health, who appears unaware of this. The medical on-call program, as we know, is funded to the tune of $125 million annually by this government. An internal audit by the Ministry of Finance was submitted to this government last September. The audit found that the program was plagued by unclear accountability, non-compliant billings and inconsistent approvals. It now appears that law enforce- ment may be involved.

Can the minister explain why his government allowed the administration of this program to go so far off the rails? Hon. G. Abbott: If there's a problem, it rests with members of the House who form their conclusions before they have all of the facts. That is the grave failing that we so often see in this opposition — that they, as legislators, try and convict people before there is ever any due process involved. The issue at hand is one which is being undertaken appropriately by the appropri ate authorities.

I think it would be unfair and unfortunate for the Leader of the Opposition to draw conclusions before that's completed. Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition has a further supplemental? C. James: I do. The only problem here is the problem that this government has with actually telling the public the truth about what's going on in the Ministry of Health. This audit was delivered to government five months ago, and this minister has kept it under wraps. The Legislature is about to head into estimates, where we'll be voting once again on this program's $125 million budget.

But if it was up to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance, we'd be voting on this budget without knowing the real issues. Can the Minister of Health please explain why he sat on this report, and will he table it now in the Legislature? Hon. G. Abbott: I v e r y m u c h l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h e estimates process. Perhaps we'll get some decent questions from the oppositi on during that process. They have certainly failed miserably in the question period portion of this legislative session thus far. We have a great health care system in this province. We have over 8,000 dedicated doctors.

We have tens of thousands of dedicated nurses. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. G. Abbott: W e h a v e p e o p l e w h o c o m m i t themselves each and every day to provide the very best of service to British Columbians. On those occasions when there are questions with respect to whether a billing is appropriate, those questions are thoroughly examined. We report out appropriately when all of those issues are resolved.

We are not, unlike the opposition, going to form our conclusions prematurely, and we are not going to form them in a way that proves unfair or inappropriate to some of the parties to that. [1400] A. Dix: The Minister of Health has had in his pos- session for five months a devastating report about the administration of an important part of his ministry, and he has nothing to say about it today? That's the problem in this House. It isn't the questions; it's the answers. The version of the report released under FOI has 32 separate severed sections under

section 15 of the Freedom

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5629 of Information Act. That's the

section that provides severing of information if disclosure is "harmful to law enforcement." Can the Minister of Health explain those 32 severed sections and why he has nothing to say about a devastating report into the administration of his own ministry? Hon. G. Abbott: I think the last member of this House who ought to be making sugg estions about cover-up is this member over here — the opposition Health critic. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. Hon. G. Abbott: I find it deeply ironic that this member says to ignore the Freedom of Information Act and ignore the Protection of Privacy Act.

It was an NDP government that brought in the Freedom of Informa- tion and Protection of Privacy Act. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. G. Abbott: Now, apparently, they want us to ignore that act, quite against the law. It is entirely typical of this opposition that they say: "Here we have a law. Let's ignore it at our convenience." That is so typical of this opposition. It is so typical of their contempt for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: A s s o o n a s w e g e t s o m e q u i e t , w e ' l l continue. Member has a supplemental. A.

Dix: It's true that it was an NDP government that brought in the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, and it's the B.C. Liberal government's five years of systematically not following the law that has undermined that act and put it in the position it's at. It's this minister who covered up a letter from the chair of the Fraser Health Authority, who's currently being investigated by the Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner. My question to the minister is this. This report says "unclear accountability" in the minister's ministry.

This report says "non-compliance with contract terms." It's not me who says it. It's th e Ministry of Finance that says it, and I think the Minist er of Health should stand in this House and explain why the administration of his ministry under his command has so failed that the Ministry of Finance is condemning his ministry's administration. Hon. G. Abbott: What a load of absolute nonsense from that member. What a load of nonsense. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. G. Abbott: Now, I don't know how ministry offices operated when that government was in power.

When that member was chief political adviser to the NDP government, perhaps the minister's office actually did the severing of FOI releases. I doubt it, but perhaps they did.

But I can tell the member here right now that when he makes the attack that he does in the House today, he is attacking the integrity of lifelong public officials who are doing their very best job to interpret the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. [1405] It is so typical, again, of this opposition that they recklessly attack public officials who are following the rules of the Freedom of Info rmation and Protection of Privacy Act. R. Fleming: The Minister of Health rejects the question as "utter nonsense." Can he tell the House whether he's read the report, in fact?

If so, will he release the report to the House today? Hon. G. Abbott: If the member or the members opposite have allegations that they wish to make, they should have the guts to make those allegations. What they should not do is stand back and attack public officials who are appropriately attempting to ensure that the provisions of a provincial act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy act, are inappropriate. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Minister, take your chair. Until I can hear the answer, we're not going to continue. Minister, continue. Hon. G. Abbott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act exists for a number of purposes. If the member is suggesting that in some way public officials have breached that act, he should say so. If he has a concern, he should file a complaint with the commissioner responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. They should not sit back, I think, and take an entirely cowardly route of attacking public officials in this province. FUNDING FOR BURNABY GENERAL HOSPITAL R. Chouhan: Let's see if I can get a straight answer from the Minister of Health on this question. Mr.

Minister, will you ensure the continuation of funding for the 19 overflow beds at the Burnaby General Hospital which are scheduled to be closed on March 31, 2007? Hon. G. Abbott: I'm pleased to look into the matter for the member. What I can tell the member is that British Columbia's health care system is better funded than it ever has been in the history of British Columbia —

5630 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 $13.1 billion for the operation of the health care delivery system. That is almost $5 billion more than it was when we took office in 2001 — from $8.4 billion to $13.1 billion. We are doing more surgeries than ever before in British Columbia, we're providing better services than ever before in British Columbia, and we look forward to continuing to work with health care practitioners in this province to continue to have a great health care system in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. R. Chouhan: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

I think there will be more funding available if you are not dumping the money in the black hole called the Trade and Convention Centre. The situation at Burnaby General Hospital is so bad that the front-line nurses are opting for early retirement because they no longer can cope with the critical conditions created by the lack of funding. The 19 overflow beds will receive funding only until the end of March of this year.

Instead of spending money on political spin doctors and lecturing us standing here, will the minister help the people of Burnaby, at the very minimum by funding the 19 overflow beds currently open, and ideally by providing necessary funding to open the currently unfunded beds? [1410] Hon. G. Abbott: I've had the opportunity, thankfully, to visit Burnaby General Hospital. It's an outstanding facility. I think they do an excellent job there, and I know that Burnaby General Hospital benefits from the fact that in British Columbia today we have more doctors, better paid, than ever in the history of British Columbia.

We have more nurses, better paid, than ever before in the history of British Columbia, and that's thankfully because our government invested in educating more nurses after a decade of neglect under the former government. We do more diagnostic procedures than ever before in the history of the prov ince, including at Burnaby General Hospital. We do a great job. They do a great job. We do a great job because of the great nurses, doctors, care aides and paramedics that do such a good job for us. GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ENERGY CONSERVATION TARGETS J.

Horgan: As much as I'd like to pose my question to the Minister for Mining, it's to the Minister of Energy. Yesterday the government announced that it has directed B.C. Hydro to meet a target of 50 percent of new load to come from conservation measures. Reviewing the materials provided at the press briefing, we realize that there are no new programs, no new initiatives and no new supports for Hydro customers to meet those targets. The result of the announcement will mean that the equivalent of one in five customers will be unplugged, unless the government provides supports for consumers.

My question is very simple: absent any new ideas from the government, how is it possible for British Columbians to meet those targets? Interjection. Mr. Speaker: Minister. Minister. Interjection. Mr. Speaker: Minister. Minister. Hon. R. Neufeld: I'm excited. This is good news. Mr. Speaker: I know you're excited. Hon. R. Neufeld: This is great news. We just tabled a plan yesterday that a cross-section of British Columbians and people that generally oppose what we do has come out in total favour of it, and all we can do is get a negative from the opposition.

Are they against ensuring that clean, renewable electricity generation continues to account for at least 90 percent of total generation? Are they opposed to maintaining our competitive electricity advantage in British Columbia? Are they opposed to zero greenhouse gas–emissions from thermal plants? Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Hon. R. Neufeld: One more point, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: No. Thank you, Minister. Hon. R. Neufeld: Have a look in the back of the book, and it'll tell you. Do your research, Member. Mr. Speaker: Before we continue…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members.

Before we continue, I want to remind the minister not to use props in the House. The member has a supplemental. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. J. Horgan: I know most British Columbians prefer the minister unplugged. Many of us on this side of the House assumed that absent any substance in the throne speech and absent any substance in the budget, we might see some substance in the energy plan. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. J. Horgan: Now we know we may have enough spin from this side to turn a turbine, but we've got no programs in place for British Columbians to meet those targets.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5631 It's, again, a very simple question. Besides putting a surcharge on hydro rates, what plan do you have to help consumers meet these challenges? [1415] Hon. R. Neufeld: Well, the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association says…. When they say this is one of the best energy plans in the world, I'm willing to say yes, and that's about where it is. Or when Joe Foy says all sorts of compliments to the provincial government, for gosh sakes, let's bury Site C. Maybe we can get an opinion from the member on that.

I would encourage him to go to the back of the energy plan, have a read of the back page, actually read the whole plan. If you can't get it from there, go to www.bchydro.com… Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. R. Neufeld: …for Power Smart things to do at home. You could go to www.gov.bc.ca. Go to the Ministry of Energy, and go to "Alternate Energy." You can find out all kinds of things. One thing you could do, although it's pretty dark on that side of the House most of the time, is turn your lights out at home, Member. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, let's listen to the next question.

GREENHOUSE GAS–REDUCTION TARGETS FOR OIL AND GAS SECTOR S. Simpson: The energy plan calls for a significant expansion about the oil and gas sector, including Nechako and offshore oil and gas. In the budget that was released, there's $265 million of credits and subsidies for that sector — a sector that, as the minister and the Premier will know, produces about 20 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in this province. In the energy plan there's quite a bit of discussion about alternative energy.

However, in the press conference yesterday, we heard the minister be very clear that there would be no initiatives in the plan for supporting the growth of alternative energy like wind. My question to the minister is: can he explain why, if we're going green, the oil and gas sector is getting $265 million in subsidies and credits and the alternative energy sector gets nothing? Hon. R. Neufeld: Again, they haven't done their homework. They just haven't done their homework. You know, Mr.

Speaker, it reminds me of the time when they were in govern ment, when they actually chose different companies to give subsidies to, when they chose some of the largest oil and gas companies in the world to give subsidies to, and now they say we're giving subsidies. We give incentives to actually create the environment so that people can make the investment and live in the northeast and have a job year-round, and that's exactly what's happening in British Columbia. As for the wind energy, they get a subsidy from the federal government. There is no sales tax on any equipment for wind energy.

There is no sales tax on solar panels, on all sorts of generation from clean sources. The tax has been removed. There are huge incentives in the province to actually move forward. You know what, Mr. Speaker? Under this administration, we've signed energy purchase agreements for 325 mega- watts of wind. That didn't happen under that government. Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver-Hastings has a supplemental. S. Simpson: This minister might call them incentives. It's $265 million of subsidy.

You've got a government that talked about going green and doesn't put ten cents — not ten cents — into true alternative energy incentives. That's what this government's about: talk and no action. This energy plan talks about a number of initiatives to be adopted by 2010 and by 2016. When the throne speech came out, it talked about climate change announce- ments but said we'd have to wait for the budget and then for the energy plan to get details. We now have the energy plan. [1420] My question is that the throne speech talked about interim sectoral targets for greenhouse gas emissions for 2012 and 2016.

Now that we have this plan, can this minister tell us what this plan will achieve in terms of meeting those targets? What can we reasonably expect the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to be from this sector in 2012 and 2016? Hon. R. Neufeld: Interesting. Just this last summer B.C. Hydro signed energy pu rchase agreements that amounted to $3.6 billion of investment in the province in clean energy. Just a year before that they signed contracts for hundreds of millions of dollars for clean energy in the province. Mr.

Speaker, when we listen to that opposition, they oppose every clean energy project in the province. That member opposes Ashlu — a clean energy producer — by letter to his constituents and then stands here and talks about it. We have actually instituted zero green- house gas emissions and no flaring in ten years — something that you have never thought of or probably don't know anything about. [End of question period.] C. Puchmayr: I seek leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members C. Puchmayr: Mr.

Speaker, we have in our gallery today the mayor of New We stminster, Mayor Wayne Wright; Councillor Betty McIntosh; Councillor Bill Harper;

5632 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 and Paul Daminato, the city administrator. They're all here to talk to the Health Minister. C. Trevena: I seek to present a petition. Mr. Speaker: Member, proceed. Petitions C. Trevena: It's a petition with about a hundred signatures protesting cuts in child care by the province. Orders of the Day Supplementary Estimates Hon. C. Taylor presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: supplementary estimates (No. 1) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. Hon. C.

Taylor moved that the said message and the estimates accompanying the same be referred to the Committee of Supply. Motion approved. Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I think they're going to distribute the estimates, so if you just remain in your seats. Hon. M. de Jong: Mr. Speaker, why don't we…? I move the House recess for ten minutes so that members can read the brief bill that's making its way through for the supplementary estimate that is being distributed. Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, this House stands in recess until 25 to three. The House recessed from 2:24 p.m. to 2:37 p.m. [Mr.

Speaker in the chair.] Tabling Documents Mr. Speaker: Just before we get started, I have the honour to present the report of the Auditor General: Service Plan 2007-08 – 2009-10. Hon. M. de Jong: I'm calling continuation of Committee of Supply. Committee of Supply SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES The House in Committee of Supp ly; H. Bloy in the chair. The committee met at 2:38 p.m. On Vote 43(S): other appropriations, contingencies (all ministries) and new programs, $290,000,000. B.

Ralston: This amount of $290 million, I under- stand, comprises part of the government's negotiating framework that provided for signing bonuses for union members. Is that correct? Hon. C. Taylor: May I begin by introducing Tamara Vrooman, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Dave Stewart, who are with me today. Yes, that is correct. B. Ralston: Can the minister advise the House whether that $290 million includes bonuses for non-union public employees? Hon. C. Taylor: Yes. B. Ralston: Are there any non-union public employees who are not receiving a signing bonus? Hon. C.

Taylor: Yes, there might be, because this bill is, of course, covering our public sector negotiations and management exclusions. B. Ralston: I'm sure the minister has received — and I've received, as have many members — representations from, particularly, employees in the community care sector. Can the minister confirm that non-union employees in the community care sector will not be receiving the bonus this year or in the future? [1440] Hon. C.

Taylor: I included in Budget 2007, which was introduced last week, a sum of $109 million that is set aside for the specific sector the member mentioned, and we recognize that those social service agencies…. Many of them hadn't actually had a contract lift since 2000 — 2001, some of them. There have been many pressures in terms of the serv ice they provide, so that $109 million is in the budget an d is for the negotiations that will go on between the ministries and those ser- vices. B.

Ralston: Is that $109 million, then, specifically allocated for bonuses in that sector, or is that for the individual executive directors of those agencies to decide how those funds increase so that they maybe will be allocated? Hon. C. Taylor: We do not do the wage negotiations with these social service agen cies. They have a contract with government. So this is to recognize that there have been some pressures on those agencies and to allow the ministers who are responsible to provide lifts if they feel them necessary. B.

Ralston: Can the minister advise if, for example, political staff who are order-in-council appointees, such as members of the public affairs bureau…? Did they receive the bonus, and is that included in this $290 million?

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5633 Hon. C. Taylor: Yes, they did. But of course, that was last year. It was not this money. This money is focusing on the teachers. This is the bonus for our teachers. As well, there is an allowance in there for some of our outstanding contracts that remain. B. Ralston: Can the minister advise which outstanding contracts she's referring to? Hon. C. Taylor: Mr. Chair, I wonder if the member opposite could speak a little louder. I couldn't hear what he said. B. Ralston: Could the minister advise what out- standing contracts she's referring to? Hon. C.

Taylor: Yes. There are 28 agreements still outstanding. I'm happy to provide the list, but it's primarily colleges and faculties. B. Ralston: L a s t y e a r i n d e b a t e t h e m i n i s t e r s a i d , referring to the billion dollars which was part of the supplementary estimates debate last year, that if the agreement wasn't reache d, that $1 billion "will go immediately to paying down the debt of British Columbia. So that money is not lost to the people of British Columbia. It just goes to a different area.

It's no longer a signing bonus because the contracts haven't been signed, and therefore, it will go to paying down the debt for British Columbians." Does the minister stand by that position? Hon. C. Taylor: Yes, I certainly do. These labour nego- tiations have really been an important, I hope, turning point for British Columbia. Because so many of them ac- tually came due on the same day last year, March 31, we had the opportunity to concentrate on those negotiations. It was a very heavy and demanding time for everyone.

Over 300,000 employees — our doctors, our nurses, people who work in the public sector and many others — were involved. We were very pleased to be able to say that there was a signing bonus that was available for those unions and their employees who signed their contracts either before or by March 31. By March 31, 100 percent of the contracts that were due at that time in fact were signed. The member will remember that we had put extra dollars into that billion so that should the teachers, for instance, have decided to settle early, the money would have been there for them.

We ended up using $710 million, and the remainder did go towards paying down the debt. [1445] B. Ralston: Can the minister advise what statutory provision she's referring to that authorizes these surplus funds to go to paying down the debt as opposed to simply remaining as financial assets on the balance sheet? Hon. C. Taylor: It is GAAP accounting policy that we follow very closely. We're pleased that we do, and it is the way that we carry out this policy. B. Ralston: Perhaps the minister, then, could explain the GAAP policy.

As I understand it, to say that the money went to the repayment of debt is not accurate. The assets would remain on the balance sheet as just that — assets — and would reduce the net liabilities by that amount, but they would not be directed to paying down outstanding debt. Perhaps the minister could clarify that. Hon. C. Taylor: The option that the member is providing — I think he's saying you would leave it as cash instead of paying down your debt — would not solve what I think the member is trying to say.

If the member is trying to say that in fact that money would have been available for people after March 31 to offer as a bonus, it would not have been available. B. Ralston: What I'm suggesting to the minister is that that money did indeed remain as cash on the balance sheet. It did not go into paying down debt, as the minister has previously stated. I'm wondering if the minister agrees with me or whether she disagrees. Hon. C. Taylor: I think we're into some technicalities that are very interesting for the accountants.

To say that you would have cash there, which reduces your future borrowing needs because the cash is ready to go out to capital, or whether you say that we took that particular dollar and put it towards paying down the debt, so that we could borrow some more for capital, is something that I'm not sure why the member would have an issue with either way. The point is that it moves onto the balance sheet. It is there so that we can build more capital, as we've been able to do.

In fact, our past two years of surplus have been so large that we have been able to bring forward much of our capital spending so that this year in the budget we can include new hospitals, which are now mentioned in Victoria, Kelowna, Vernon and Fort St. John. B. Ralston: The minister didn't answer the question. Did that cash remain on th e balance sheet as cash, or did it go to paying down the debt? It is a point of some difference because the minister publicly stated last year that if the bonuses weren't expended, they would go towards paying down the de bt.

That was the express public statement of the minister. If that isn't accurate, then I think the public has a right to know. Hon. C. Taylor: I stand behind my public statement, and I will continue to say that we had a billion dollars which under GAAP accounting had to be spent by March 31. We used it for th e 100 percent of our public sector workers who signed contracts before or on March 31. That was $710 million. There was $290 million left out of that billion which then went over to the balance sheet, and I stand by my statements. [1450] B.

Ralston: Just to summarize, then: the $290 million went over to the balance sheet, remained as cash and was not used to pay down debt. Is that correct?

5634 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 Hon. C. Taylor: I will say the same thing over again. When the cash moves over onto the balance sheet, it can be used to reduce future borrowing; it can be used to immediately pay down the debt. Either way, it is used on the balance sheet so that we are allowed to do more capital spending and still keep our debt affordable. We have the pleasure of saying that we have Moody's triple-A rating, only the third government in all of Canada — the federal government, the Alberta government and B.C.

It's because they watch how we're doing our debt management, and this is a big part of it. We follow GAAP in doing it, and by reducing our borrowing in this way with our surpluses, we are able to keep our debt affordable for the people of B.C. B. Ralston: If I might then summarize what I take from the minister's answer: the remaining cash was, to quote her words, "used on the balance sheet," but it was not used to pay down debt. Hon. C.

Taylor: I will say again: when you move dollars over to the balance sheet, then you enable yourself t o r e d u c e y o u r b o r r o w i n g o r p a y d o w n y o u r d e b t , s o that capital in fact can be sp ent on all the projects that we want to build in our province. By having these dol- lars on the balance sheet, we are able to reduce our borrowing so that we can ke ep our debt affordable and still build the hospitals, schools and roads that we need. B. Ralston: I ' l l h a v e o n e m o r e g o a t t h i s .

I u n d e r - stand clearly what the minister is saying, but it is different, I would suggest, from saying publicly that if the money wasn't spent it would go to paying down debt. That wasn't the intended use, and that wasn't the actual use. Does the minister agree with me or not? Hon. C. Taylor: When we move the dollars on March 31 over onto our balance sheet, it reduces our borrowing requirements. By definition, that reduces the debt. B. Ralston: Well, with respect, doesn't it reduce net liabilities but not debt? Hon. C. Taylor: Hon. Chair, I've come forward with a supplementary estimate for this year.

It's for $290 million to pay the bonuses for our teachers who settled their contract. We're very pleased to see the first nego- tiated contract by the teachers in British Columbia in recent years. I would hope that the debate and the questions would be about this $290 million that I've come forward with today. B. Ralston: I think the record clearly shows that the minister has refused to answ er that question. So I'll leave that for the public. Hon. C. Hansen: You don't know what you're talking about. B. Ralston: The Minister of Economic Development is offering his opinion on financial matters.

Fortunately, for the province, he's not the Finance Minister at this point. The further question that I have…. I wish to return to the community care sector. When does the minister expect or when is it antici pated that those negotiations will commence? Hon. C. Taylor: Mr. Chair, that question, in fact, re- lates to the budget, not to the supplementary estimates. Vote 43(S): other appropriations, contingencies (all ministries) and new programs, $290,000,000 — approved. Hon. C. Taylor: Hon. Chair, I move that the committee rise and report the resolution. Motion approved. The committee rose at 2:55 p.m.

The House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. The Committee of Supply reported resolution. Mr. Speaker: When shall the report be considered? Hon. C. Taylor: Forthwith. I move that the report of the resolution from the Committee of Supply on February 28 be now received, taken as read and agreed to. Motion approved. Hon. C. Taylor: I move that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the sum of $290 million. This sum is in addition to that authorized to be paid under

section 1 of the Supply Act, 2006-2007, and is granted to Her Majesty towards defraying the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. Motion approved. Introduction and First Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2006-2007 (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 1) Hon. C. Taylor presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1). Hon. C. Taylor: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. Motion approved. Mr.

Speaker: Minister of Finance, can we just have a short break while we distribute the bill for everybody to see? Just take a few minutes' break while we get the bill out for everybody.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5635 Hon. C. Taylor: The use of supplementary estimates is consistent with the spirit of the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. This supply bill is introduced to provide supply for the operation of government programs for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, as outlined in the Supplementary Estimates No. 1 tabled earlier. The bill will provide the additional funds required to defray the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. Mr.

Speaker, in accordance with established practice, the government seeks to move this bill through all stages this day. Mr. Speaker: In keeping with the practice of this House, the bill will be permitted to advance through all stages in one sitting. Bill 4, Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1), introduced, read a first time and ordered to proceed to second reading forthwith. [1500] Second Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2006-2007 (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 1) Hon. C. Taylor: I m o v e t h a t B i l l 4 n o w b e r e a d a second time. Motion approved. Hon. C.

Taylor: I move that the bill be now referred to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration forthwith. Bill 4, Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1), read a second time and ordered to proceed to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration forthwith. Committee of the Whole House SUPPLY ACT, 2006-2007 (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 1) The House in Committee of the Whole on Bill 4; H. Bloy in the chair. The committee met at 3:01 p.m. Sections 1 and 2 approved.

Schedule approved.

Preamble approved. Title approved. Hon. C. Taylor: Hon. Chair, I move that the committee rise and report the bill complete without amendment. Motion approved. The committee rose at 3:02 p.m. The House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. Report and Third Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2006-2007 (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 1) Bill 4, Supply Act, 2006-2007 (Supplementary Estimates No. 1), reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed. Hon. M. de Jong: I call resumed debate on the budget. Budget Debate (continued) R.

Lee: It's an honour for me to stand up again in the House to respond to the budget speech, as well as taking a closer look at the throne speech. The riding I serve, Burnaby North, in the city of Burnaby is located in one of the most beautiful areas in British Columbia. We have mountains, parks, lakes, renowned post-secondary insti- tutions, great sports faciliti es, and most importantly, a community of ethnic and cultural diversity. These strengths attract businesses and industries to Burnaby, especially when the overall economy in the province is strong. [H.

Bloy in the chair.] This year's throne speech began with the tradition of honouring British Columbians who have passed away since the previous thro ne speech. It brings back to my memory the words of a former member of this assembly, Val Anderson, and the first unveiling of the Legacies Now logo at the Kensington rink with former Mayor Doug Drummond, and Yung Quon Yu's family farm in Burnaby. It also led my mind to thinking of my grandfather's farming days on the Musqueam reserve at the southwest corner of Vancouver for over 20 years before he retired in 1965.

When we look at the throne speech or the budget speech, it invariably creates different views of what it means to different individuals. It's important, then, to look at the history as well as the facts. I t ' s a f a c t t h a t o v e r t h e l a s t f i v e y e a r s , B r i t i s h Columbians have turned this province into an economic powerhouse. The provincial u n e m p l o y m e n t r a t e i s a t an historic low, and the employment rate is at an all- time high. People are moving back to this province to live and work.

The net gain of interprovincial immigration is in the thousands, and we ar e becoming the first choice in Canada for many international immigrants. [1505] As the economy of our province remains strong, consumer and business confidence increases. We see a

5636 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 high level of residential and non-residential construction. In Burnaby highrises and new construction projects are popping up everywhere, especially in the Brentwood- Lougheed area. With increasing economic activities and prudent fiscal management, our government managed to reduce the taxpayer-supported debt to GDP ratio — a key indicator of debt affordability — from 20.6 percent in year 2001- 2002 to 14.4 percent in 2006-2007. B.C. now has regained a triple-A credit rating for the first time in over 20 years.

This means that the interest rate of debt services for this province will be lower, saving millions and millions in interest payments to pay for other valuable services. When we look at the financial situation of this province, it's helpful to analyze the provincial debt. The total provincial debt has three components. The first one is the provincial government direct operating debt, which is debt incurred over the years by government administration.

The second one is other taxpayer-supported debt — mainly capital investment in schools, hospitals, high ways and public transit, government buildings, social housing, etc. The third one is self-supported debt, which is debt essentially incurred by Crown corporations such as B.C. Hydro, B.C. Transmission, Columbia Power, etc. The B.C. government operating debt is a good measure of the efficiency of government operations. In year 1990-1991 the B.C. operating debt was $4.7 billion, or 6 percent of GDP at the time.

After ten years of NDP government, by year 2000-2001, it had increased to over $12 billion — more than double. Our government, however, is on the way to paying down the operating debt to $9.1 billion, or 4.9 percent of GDP, which is a recovery to the debt-to-GDP ratio before the ten years of NDP government. It took us six years to undo some of the damages done by the NDP government. It is not easy, but it is what a responsible government must do. Let's look at another number: the total taxpayer- supported debt. In year 1990-1991 the total taxpayer- supported debt was $9.8 billion.

By 2000-2001 the NDP government had increased the total taxpayer-supported debt to $25 billion. The total taxpayer debt to GDP ratio will decline to 14.8 percent next year from 20.6 percent six years ago, which is really a measure of how responsible our government is in managing the taxpayers' money. Keeping our financial house in order is the right thing to do, and a responsible government raises people's con- fidence in the future of this province.

Our government is focused on fiscal management, but we are also committed to providing the best supports for B.C.'s most vulnerable and to capitalizing on the Asia-Pacific gateway. I'm happy that the Conference Board of Canada ranks our health care system as the best in Canada, and our students are winning national and international awards in academics, spor ts and innovations. Our diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients is the best in Canada. Burnaby North Secondary School topped the list of advanced placement scholar s. Our B.C. hockey and football teams won the most prestigious cups.

We have world leaders of business and innovation in this province in such diverse sectors as software development, telecommunications, biotechnology and alternative energy developments. [1510] Our government has taken many steps to create a favourable business en vironment to encourage investment and entrepreneurship. The government has successfully cut red tape regulations by over one-third and reduced personal income taxes and corporate taxes. In this budget, income taxes are reduced for families.

Every person earning up to $100,000 will be paying the lowest income taxes in Canada, and 250,000 British Columbians will pay no income taxes. How exciting. More British Columbians than ever before pay no income taxes. For the overall majority who pay, it's the lowest in the country, leaving more money in people's pockets and increasing their choices. They can use the extra dollars to help pay for the rent or mortgage. In fact, a strong economy allows the government to improve important programs and services such as education, health care and transportation.

However, a strong economy also creates an increased demand for housing — hence, the issue of affordability. I believe this budget has initiated a multi-pronged approach to address many housing issues. From the homeless to the renters, first-time buyers to homeowners, and from people on social assistance to seniors living in their own home, no one is untouched by this budget. The housing endowment fund ensures that even the future generation will benefit from this budget. This budget is both focused and visionary.

In order to keep our economy growing to continue to generate the revenue needed to support our health care, education and social services, we must increase our trade activities, including exports. The em erging economy in Asian countries such as India, Ch ina and Korea, and in more mature markets such as Ja pan, creates many opportu- nities for British Columbians. As a provincial government and Canada's only Pacific province, British Columbia is determined to make the most of the opportunities that rest in Asia.

After all, our province has some unparalleled advantages aside from our strategic location, our natural resources, our economic stability, our cultural and social links, and our people — all of which are great assets that will help. But in this highly competitive world that we now live in, it's not quite enough, which is why our government provincially has embarked on something we call the Asia-Pacific Initiative, a culmination of cross-government efforts to think more globally, build on the resources we have and look to form new relationships with indi- viduals outside of our province.

The Ministry of Economic Development will increase international marketing activities to attract qualified business immigrants and provincial nominees. We will expand the B.C. provinci al nominee program, and reduce processing time for applicants and recruit additional internal advisers with more in-house immigration specialties.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5637 We'll work with key partners as identified in the Asia-Pacific Initiative. We will lead international activities with other western provinces through the western trade secretariat and leverage opportunities from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to raise awareness and increase commerce for B.C. The Ministry of Economic Development will also formulate strategies to ensure that other government ministries help advance B.C.'s Asia-Pacific leadership.

Many ministries are already working to ensure B.C. is recognized globally as an integral player in the Asia- Pacific economy, both domestically and internationally. [1515] Canada's Pacific gateway strategy, a key initiative within the Ministry of Tran sportation's mandate, is a critical component of the broader Asia-Pacific Initiative. Key areas have been identified for action to establish a competitive, full-service transportation corridor between Asia and North America.

In cooperation with the federal government and industry stakeholders, advanced implementation of the Pacific gateway strategy action plan is going to secure federal cost-sharing arrangements for key infrastructure projects to accommodate growth and improve the efficiency of our province's land-based and intermodal links, such as the Pitt River Bridge, lower mainland railroad grade separations and South Fraser perimeter road.

Projects such as construction of the bridge and a new grade-separated interchange at Lougheed Highway and Mary Hill bypass are the first of many Asia-Pacific gateway and corridor projects that will help our local c o m m u n i t i e s a s w e l l a s c o n tribute to Canada's trade competitiveness. Participate with all the relevant parties to pursue measures that attract new investment and expand trade volumes is one of the mandates. Improve the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ports, expand air services through Greater Vancouver and expand use of these facilities by international carriers.

Of course, the development of the port in Prince Rupert is very important. These transportation projects are part of B.C.'s Gateway program to improve infrastr ucture, reduce congestion and improve the movement of people and goods to boost our economy. The Ministry of Advanced Education is also striving to make B.C. the preferred international education destination for Asia-Pacific students. Currently the ministry has increased its overseas missions planned for 2007, and the Premier signed a memorandum of understanding with China this past November.

International students have created close to 6,000 jobs in public post-secondary institutions while injecting $511 million into the provincial economy. Close to 27,000 international students from 150 different countries are choosing B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions. This government will embrace Asia-Pacific cultures by supporting its representatives and employees to gain proficiency in Asia-Pacific languages and cultural issues.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is working with post-secondary institutions to expand quality international education activities, market British Columbia as an educational destination, reduce barriers that confront international students who choose to come here and support policy measures to ease transitions between studies and post-graduation employment in British Columbia. It's also helping expand and diversify academic links to the Asia-Pacific region.

The ministry is also creating two new scholarship programs for study abroad: the One World scholarship for study, an integral part of the student's program; and the Pacific Horizons for Youth program to support student travel exchanges with families across the Pacific. A very good service plan. The Ministry of Agricult ure and Lands opened an award-winning FrontCounter B.C. in Surrey recently to serve natural resource–based clients with a specific focus on Asia-Pacific business prospects. [1520] FrontCounter B.C.

Surrey reflects the ethnic diversity of the lower mainland by offering clients services in English and 11 additional languages. The Surrey office capitalizes on its position at Canada's Pacific gateway by helping B.C.'s natural resource sector pursue new opportunities in rapidly developing markets such as China and India. The integrated land management bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is also preparing a multilingual DVD that showcases B.C.'s land and resources development information, with the goal of encouraging more international investment in this province.

To enhance the province's Asia-Pacific identity, the Ministry of Attorney General is promoting cultural diversity by building partnerships and collaborations and by supporting the efficient delivery of multicul- tural services. To support development and growth of smaller communities outside the lower mainland, the ministry is implementing regional integration pilot projects and raising awareness about the benefits of multiculturalism and the elimination of racism.

The Ministry of Community Services has been working closely with the Ministry of Economic Devel- opment, which has led sister-city research focusing mainly on how the tool could be used to facilitate B.C.'s relationship with China and other countries. Most recently the China–Ho ng Kong Market Advisory Group submitted its report on enhancing the B.C. and China–Hong Kong commercial relationship, including how the province could promote sister city arrangement.

Two of the initiatives recommended in the report link to the ministry's role in the communities: create and maintain a database of sister-city arrangements, and develop a best-practices guide to sister-city arrangements. The Ministry of Energy, Mi nes and Petroleum Resources supports the government's Asia-Pacific Initiative by promoting increased investment in British Columbia's mining sector and in new an d existing pipelines, both within the province and through British Columbia from Alberta. It is streamlining and up dating legislative and policy frameworks to minimize regulatory burdens and to

5638 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 increase British Columbia's competitiveness. It is doing ongoing promotion of our province's alternative energy generation technologies and the hydrogen fuel cell and mining services sectors. The Minister of State for Mining and staff attended the November 2006 China Mining Congress in Beijing to gather information, to build relationships with key Chinese officials in the mini ng industry and to attract direct investment in British Columbia's mining sector. By chance, I was there as well.

The forum was an opportunity to promote British Columbia–based mining, energy services and technology businesses, including mine engineering, reclamation and environmental consulting services, the province's hydrogen fuel cell sector, and alternative and green energy technology businesses. The Ministry of Environm ent is also working on increasing sales in Asian markets by B.C. producers of goods and services. For example, the ministry is working to cultivate expanded export markets in the Asia- Pacific for British Columbia's seafood products.

The Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts supports the government's work to build closer links with the Asia-Pacific nations and with Asian tourism. Additionally, the ministry is working to establish the Asia-Pacific museum of trade and culture in Vancouver. [1525] The Ministry of Forests and Range supports the Ministry of Economic Deve lopment in the pursuit of new markets for forest products through Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.

In close collaboration in Canada with Canada Wood Group, Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. is directly responsible for doing the basic market research to determine where the best pote ntials exist to introduce B.C. wood products and North American wood-frame technology to China's housing sector. Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. is also leading the provision of demonstration projects to showcase B.C. wood products and wood construction technologies.

In its first two years Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary in Shanghai has built Dream Home China–Canada and the wood-truss roofs of two older, low-rise apartment buildings of the type in which nearly half of China's population live. I was in Shanghai with the Premier to see the completion of one of these pr ojects. This conversion of the flat roof in those low- rise apartments with the sloped roof type we use in B.C. will reduce a lot of en- ergy consumption, and it creates a better environment. The project actually can be completed sooner than the regular concrete construction.

In the coming years Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. expects to complete a landscaping demonstration project, featuring cedar and pressure-treated wood, and one or more hybrid, low-rise apartment buildings. I was in Guangdong with the Premier last November at the foundation-laying ceremony of one of these projects using our B.C. wood to do landscaping in the park. Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. is also seeking markets for our new wood products from the beetle-affected wood.

Ministries and Crown services have plans to reflect and advance our leadership role in the Asia-Pacific, and they have the agenda well set up. The focused engagement as well as the relationship strategy to coordinate and support efforts overseas will maximize outcomes here at home, and we will increase market representation overseas. The Ministry of Economic Development is developing an 18-month engagement calendar, providing detailed descriptions to ensure timely and relevant information to prepare missions and maximize on returns. We have to reach out to Asia more.

We know the importance of personal rela tionships. Our government is travelling to the region to make and solidify these connections. The Minister of Transportation travelled to China last year to highlight our efforts to become the North American gateway. This past spring the Minister of Economic Devel- opment, the provincial minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative, travelled to the region. He was followed in the fall by the Premier and myself as Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and, as well, by the Minister of State for Mining and the Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts.

I made many contacts in China while accompanying the Premier in Shanghai, Be ijing, and Guangdong, our sister province. More trips are planned as we continue to build these personal connections. Their vibrant economies are drawing the attention of all Pacific nations. [1530] If we want to continue our success, if we want to build on the commerce that already exists with that region, we are going to have to take action. That's why last year the B.C. government created an Asia-Pacific Trade Council.

This group of British Columbians, individuals across many sectors, has been tasked to help set our long- term vision for B.C. in Asia, identifying opportunities and challenges for investment and trade. The council carries out research and uses advisory groups focusing on specific markets to develop recommendations for the Premier in all areas affe cting the success of British Columbia. The council has established three market advisory groups, specialized subcommittees, to focus on China–Hong Kong, India, Korea and Japan.

We already have two reports: the China–Hong Kong market advisory group and the India market advisory group, with many recommendations. As a result of their recommendations the province has begun seeking out individuals with experience in Asian markets who can represent B.C. overseas. Those are on-the-ground representatives. We anticipate we will have full-time, on-the-ground representation in key Asian markets within the next few months. British Columbia has an unprecedented opportunity to reap enormous benefits from Asia's current economic transformation.

By showing strong leadership and investing immediately in prio rity action, by 2010 or by 2020, B.C.'s annual trade with Asia-Pacific could total $105 billion from $25 billion today and add 255,000 new jobs to the economy.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5639 U n f o r t u n a t e l y , C a n a d a i s already considered to be at least a decade behind our competitors in Asia-Pacific, and it's losing out on major economic opportunities. To address this challenge, the province, as mentioned, has developed the Asia-Pacific Initiative. Just as importantly, the Asia-Pacific Initiative is a signal to other levels of government and our private sector and international partners… Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member. R. Lee: …that we are serious about Asia-Pacific. C.

Wyse: I would like to begin by acknowledging my colleague from the opposite side, the member for Burnaby North. I appreciate very much the time that he has put in, in preparing his speech. I am sure that we could reach agreement, if the member wishes to complete his statement. Interjection. C. Wyse: No. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I wish to begin my response to the throne speech that received little reference — one sentence, in fact, on page 6 — that said: "The preced ent-setting trade, in- vestment and labour mobility agreement with Alberta will create jobs and opportunity in every region of the province." One short reference to an agreement that was reached with no public discussion and most lim- ited public input to the agreement. The trade, investment and labour mobility agreement, or TILMA, has not been debated. It was signed quietly with little fanfare and then simply announced.

This side of the House favours agreements that encourage trade, encourage investment and encourage labour mobility. However, this side of the House does not believe that TILMA is the way to achieve these goals. I would like to examine why this side has reached this conclusion. The side opposite hired the Conference Board to do the research from which TILMA evolved. The Conference Board consulted 13 businesses, and four responded; 11 government agencies, and six responded. The Conference Board did not consult major government ministries such as Health, Education, Children and Family Development, or Environment.

Of the 24 surveys taken, 11 responses were re turned, only four from businesses. No specific industry or trade was surveyed. [1535] In my opinion this is a very narrow sampling to develop a document as far- reaching as TILMA. From this limited sampling the Conference Board reports that billions of dollars of new economic growth and the creation of thousands of jobs will result. Quite a conclusion, in my mind, based on the sampling of four business responses. In fact, this report uses figures of economic benefit based on primary industries . The primary industries are excluded under the agreem ent.

This fact accounts for 60 percent of the accredited economic growth assigned to TILMA. There are some further myths surrounding TILMA. The basis of TILMA is to break down costly inter- provincial trade barriers. These trade barriers cost no more than 0.05 of 1 percent of GDP. In fact since 2000, interprovincial trade has been growing much faster than Canada's international trade — 25 percent from 2000 to 2005. This rate is greater than Canada's growth rate for international trade. TILMA opens up the following areas, which asks for trouble, in my opinion.

Governments must reconcile all existing and future st andards and regulations so they do not impede trade, investment and labour mobility. In some areas government may adopt or maintain measures that deviate from TILMA rules, but only if they pass a three-part test which stipulates, in

part 1, that the measure be a legitimate objective. These objec- tives do not include protection of heritage sites, promotion of culture, provision of education or expansion to supply affordable housing.

Part 2 is that the measure is not more restrictive to trade, investment or labour mobility than necessary to achieve that legitimate objective.

Part 3 is that the measure is not a disguised restriction to trade invest- ment or labour mobility. All provincial government entities are covered by TILMA, including municipal governments, school and health boards, Crown corporations and agencies. Gov- ernments cannot grant busi ness subsidies that distort development. Now let's look at some examples of regulations that could be ruled to be TILMA violations if they impair or restrict investment. Differences in B.C. and Alberta regu- lation of private schools.

Restriction the B.C. government may consider necessary to regulate the operation of private for-profit surgery clinics. Regulation of recrea- tion and tourism to protect ec ologically sensitive areas. Restrictions on particular products like ozone-depleting substances or pesticides. Regulation of air pollution produced by manufacturing plants and automobiles, such as B.C.'s AirCare program. Designation and protection of ecological reserves. Prot ection of public views and municipal height allowance bylaws. Municipal bans of billboards. And finally, bans on junk food in schools.

There's also the possibility of a $5 million fine if government is found to be in violation of the agreement. A chill effect might result in public policy–making, whereby governments eliminate measures or decline to introduce new ones to avoid TILMA challenges.

Challenges may be launched on these grounds: measures restrict or impair trade, investment or labour mobility; lack of reconciliation of existing regulations and standards t h a t r e s t r i c t o r i m p a i r t r a d e , i n v e s t m e n t o r l a b o u r mobility; establishment of new regulations and standards that restrict or impair trade, investment or labour mobility; business subsidies that distort investment decisions; treatment less favourable than the best treatment provided to a province's own persons, services, investors or investments in like circumstances.

Under TILMA, B.C. has agreed to allow individuals and corporations to legally challenge the decisions government makes to protect the interests of its citizens

5640 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 — a worrisome situation, to say the least. And all of t h a t i s c o n t a i n e d i n o n e s e n t e n c e o n p a g e 6 i n t h e throne speech. [1540] Now let's examine a part of the throne speech where much was said. Specifically, I refer to: "Little has been done to seriously address this problem, which is literally threatening life on Earth as we know it…. The government will act now and will act deliberately…. We will act to stem its growth and minimize the im- pacts already unleashed.

Th e more timid our response is, the harsher the consequences will be." Great words in addressing the serious issue of climate change. I was hopeful that the members opposite had finally concluded that climate change had arrived and that action was required by the government. Targets were set to be achieved by 2020 — 13 years to reach targeted goals, when the goals are developed. To add some smoke, to give the pretence of achieving these goals, we find previously announced programs re-announced as means to affect climate change. I name three: the LocalMotion fund, Towns for Tomorrow, the B.C.

Spirit Squares program. A new one, a $26 million climate change fund, was also announced. The throne speech concentrated on achieving its climate change goals by focusing on coasts, ports and oceans. The government left out the north and the interior with its heavy industrial uses. The same government that scrapped the B.C. climate change business plan and the climate change working group in 2001 saw the light and reintroduced a similar committee in 2007. Let us fast-forward one week to the budget and compare what it does for climate change, compared to the throne speech.

For example, let's see what happened to that $26 million for climate change. Whoops, not there. From my limited experience, this has to be a world record for any government in its effort to highlight a government objective. From throne speech to a budget and abandonment of a funding goal — maybe a week in the sun. Maybe British Columbians should be thankful for the short attention span of the government on this important issue in the budget. Let's look at some past issues that the government highlighted, announcing they would focus upon these issues and make improvements.

Heartlands were focused on and highlighted in 2003 . Anyone who visits the interior of B.C. cannot help but notice the mountain pine beetle and what it has done to the pine trees. These interior rural communities are forced to be dependent for their economic existenc e. These communities are suffering the consequences of climatic change, and have been for decades in some instances. In 2007 the province still has no social-economic plan for these rural communities which are bearing the brunt of this climate change effect. So much for com- munities like 100 Mile and Barriere. The seniors were highlighted in 2005.

After health authorities shut down hundreds of beds for seniors care, the province continued not to supply the 5,000 long-term care beds that it had previously promised. Communities and seniors advocacy groups regularly highlighted the effect of the government's failed plans to provide for their needs. In fact, seniors from Williams Lake travelled hundreds of miles to both Kamloops and Victoria to present their concerns to the Minister of Health and the Premier. Finally, children were highlighted in 2006.

After all of the rhetoric of 2006, the unkindest cut of them all was the provincial cut that will lead to the closure of most child care referral and resource centres around B.C. I do understand that there may be some reason for some optimism for some change by the government, but this is a response to the budget and the throne speech, so I will wait to see what may unfurl in the future. [1545] Communities like Anahim Lake, Ashcroft and Savona no longer will receive the support of these centres to provide much-needed quality child care — the same child care provisions that assist people to find employment.

In fact, a nurse in 100 Mile will not return to her field as the wait time for child care in her community already approaches a year — another worker removed from the labour force unnecessarily. I n c l o s i n g , o n t h i s p a r t o f t h e t h r o n e s p e e c h a n d budget, maybe British Columbia is better off that cli- mate change is only highlighted for about a week by this government. Now, let's examine how the budget was presented as a housing budget. I do want to acknowledge the government's increasing the shelter allowance by $50 per month — definitely a good idea.

The government may have been slow in increasing the shelter allowance, but it did so — albeit after the worst winter in six years — as was reported by the Minister of Transportation recently in this House. Providing funds to move 750 much-needed social housing units to seniors housing units is a sign of a desperate government scrambling to fulfil an unfulfilled election promise from 2001. Calling $1.5 billion in tax cuts a housing strategy is misleading, to say the least, and quite possibly insulting to many.

A tax cut of $30 a month does not do much for an average working family's ability to obtain affordable housing. In fact, local go vernments continue to be requested to foot the cost of provincial responsibilities. Local governments are being requested to provide exemptions for development cost charges and levies.

Local governments that only have property tax to raise revenue are asked to financially assist the provincial government with billions of dollars in surpluses — a provincial government that decided not to fund child care but instead to reduce its revenue by granting tax cuts to the wealthiest British Columbians. Finally, on housing, the contracts for individuals to assist homeless people to find housing and shelter in both Williams Lake and 100 Mile expire March 31 of this year. These two programs have proved to be highly successful in achieving their goals.

Hopefully, money has been provided to extend this needed service in both communities and funds are there to be expanded to other communities across the province.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5641 I now wish to reflect upon education. Again, "this government is determined to make B.C. the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction in the continent." Last session, government introduced Bill 33 to reduce class sizes and set class composition requirements — a noble idea, but no funding to implement the costs of the bill. Class size and class composition play a major influence in becoming the most literate, best-educated community in the world.

Funding policy changes made in 2002 have increased the pressure — beyond the pressures of declining enrolment — for rural schools to be closed. For example, school district 27 is struggling with the Trillium report, which recommends up to eight schools be closed over the next five years. Virtual schools do not replace the school environment for developing social skills required to function in today's society. The number of school teacher-librarians has been reduced by the province to make up for budget shortfalls in meeting the need s of B.C. children in its schools.

The budget has no mention of providing for students with special needs. Now I would like to return to the major reason why I ' m h e r e i n t h i s H o u s e : t o b r i n g f o r w a r d s o m e o f t h e interests directly of the people from Cariboo South. I now wish to examine some of the areas lacking mention that directly affect the constituents of my riding. [1550] No mention of support for women fleeing domestic violence. Pressure continues on remaining women's centres to remain open.

The throne speech acknowledges the Harper government's work with first nations but fails to mention the cancellation of the Kelowna accord. No wonder first nations leadership and community band members are tiring of the rhetoric of this government. When it comes to going beyond the words of reconciliation, one only needs visit amongst the first nations of Cariboo South to see why more than words are required to establish and sustain a promised relationship. I invite the minister to visit Cariboo South and meet with first nations directly.

On the matter of road maintenance, my office continues to be bombarded with complaints of deterio- rating road conditions and inadequate road maintenance standards. The people of the Cariboo would prefer their existing roads be properly maintained while they patiently await the promised four-laning of Highway 97. Trauma patients from the Cariboo are refused admittance to Kelowna and Kamloops hospitals because of extreme overcrowding conditions at these hospitals.

The continued shortage of paramedics continues to cause remote ambulance stations at Clinton, Anahim Lake and Alexis Creek to either be shut down or be open at a reduced service level. The chiefs of Redstone, Nemaiah, Alexandria, Stone and Anaham have voiced and written their concerns to the Minister of Health regarding the frequent closure of Alexis Creek, still to no avail. There is not one dime for child care, as I previously mentioned. I hope that that will become less true as this unfolds.

In rural communities obtaining adequate, af- fordable and available child care is further complicated by bus transportation for school-age children. A working parent often requires a child care provider to take the child to and from a school bus route. Besides many inquiries to my office on this issue, I am stopped on the streets by parents concerned about the government's decision to reduce its financial support to child care referral and resource centres. Finally, the throne speech closes with reference to the Olympic dream.

In the interior there is growing concern that the Olympic dream will turn into a nightmare for the interior of the province and the Island. This fear arises from cost overruns for the Olympics, coupled with the large number of major projects complementary to the Olympics will leave no funds for the rest of the province…. Such projects as the four-laning of Highway 97 from Cache Creek to Prince George, to give an example, may not be built anywhere in the near future as a result of those conditions. Deputy Speaker: Minister of State for Mining. Hon. K. Krueger: Mr.

Speaker, you took me by surprise when you said that. I almost sat down, because it's a relatively new title for me. I walked into my house that weekend. I was sworn in on Wednesday, and about ten minutes later the door burst open, and all of these little feet came tearing in, and little voices yelled: "Hon. grandpa, hon. grandpa." It was a sweet moment. An Hon. Member: You're not old enough. Hon. K. Krueger: I am old enough, Powell River– Sunshine Coast. I have my fi fth grandchild on the way and…. You're all here, just like we are…. Deputy Speaker: Member, could you just adjust your microphone there. Hon. K.

Krueger: I know that everybody would be really sad if they couldn't hear me. Is that better? I was saying that I have my fifth grandchild on the way and…. [Applause.] Thank you. Like our friends across the way…. In spite of the things they say that make it sound like they have very different values than us, I know that just like us, they care very much about the fu ture of all of our grand- children and the generations to follow.

We're all here because we think we can find a better way day by day in this House, and we're working on that. [1555] Speaking today, I follow the member for Cariboo South, who has always struck me as a really good guy — well, almost always. Yesterday he told me he thinks that ideologically I'm a little to the left of him — which may surprise some of his colleague s, as it did me. In some ways it's probably true, because we're not as remarkably different in this House, in many ways, as people think we are or as people say when they get flying in full rhetorical flourishes. I thought it was an interesting comment.

5642 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES W EDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 The fact is that, certainly, every member of the government's side of this House cares very deeply about the people of British Columbia, especially those who are in need of help one way or another, and just as deeply as any member across the way. We have different conceptions of how to get there, different ideas, different plans. So far, ours are wo rking pretty well. We're a whole lot better off in British Columbia than we were in the 1990s and getting better every day. You'd never know that from listening to some of the rhetoric from across the way.

But we can show — and we have shown, and this budget is further proof — that we not only care very deeply about the needy and wish to meet their needs, but we've delivered the financial capability to do so in the robust economy that British Columbians are enjoying today. It's only because we have balanced budgets, which have led to an economy that's absolutely flourishing, that we're able to deliver all of the programs and budgets we've been rolling out to help and serve the people of British Columbia. Everybody remembers what happened in the '90s.

I don't want to harp on that; we have so many good things to talk about. But I can vouch, and the members opposite can check the record, that there was not a single new extended care or intermediate care bed bu ilt in the whole Thompson health region during the whole decade of the '90s — not one. We're building them by the hundreds. Around the province we're building them by the thousands. There are new facilities all over Kamloops. Even though we fully restored Ponderosa Place, one of the older facilities….

We turned what were miserable, sad, little four-bed wards, where people couldn't get into the bathrooms with wheelchairs, into comfortable rooms for individuals — sometimes two rooms where there used to be one ward. Even though we've done all that, and it's much more modern and much nicer, seniors are actually telling me they'll wait for a spot in one of the new facilities. They'd rather not go into Po nderosa, even though it's fully refurbished.

So when I hear members across the way make an issue about old facilities being decommissioned, even while they know brand-new facilities are being built in their constituencies and all around the province, I kind of shake my head. There must be something the opposition could reproach this government for, where they could point out to us a way to do something better, accomplish better results. But I'm honestly not hearing that from across the way at all. I'm not hearing any constructive criticism, just a never-ending stream of criticism, negativity. Interjection. Hon. K.

Krueger: Now, my critic across the way points to himself and promises me better. He keeps promising me things. So far he's not de livering, but it's not that I d o n ' t b e l i e v e h i m . H e p i c k e d m e u p o n c e i n t h e r a i n , and that's about the best we've delivered so far, and I appreciated that. In my opposition years, five years at the end of the '90s, I would frequently have seniors come to me in tears because of the health care they were not receiving. Sometimes they were seniors and sometimes younger people who needed cardiac care, and they were on long wait-lists.

Sometimes there were people of all ages and their families who had been diagnosed with cancer and couldn't get in for treatment. As you know, there are zero wait-lists for any life-threatening condition in Brit

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	H0228pm-03
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	H0228pm 03
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	9a5d5b938a0cae9bfacbdd20bc98bd8698910ab8

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