British Columbia Hansard — Thursday, November 24, 2005 (38th Parliament, 1st Session) (H1124pm-10) (H1124pm 10)

H1124pm-10

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 38th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) Thursday, November 24, 2005 Afternoon Sitting Volume 5, Number 10 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 FIRST 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. Tom Christensen 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.

Stan Hagen 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.

Bill Bennett 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. Michael de Jong Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General................................................................................................................................Hon.

John Les Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Deregulation ...................................................... Hon. Rick Thorpe Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts .........................................................................................................................................Hon. Olga Ilich 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 ..................................................................................................................................................Anthony Dambrauskas 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, Hon.

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, Dave (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, 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, 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 ............................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Esquimalt-Metchosin ............................................................. Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove....................................................... Hon. Rich Coleman Kamloops ......................................................................... Hon. Claude Richmond Kamloops–North Thompson..........................................................

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..........................................................................

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 Thursday, November 24, 2005 Afternoon Sitting Routine Proceedings Page Introductions by Members ....................................................................................................... .............................................. 2209 Statements (Standing Order 25 B) .............................................................................................................................. ............. 2210 The Grey Cup H. Bloy Kla-How-Eyah Aboriginal Centre S. Hammell Plan for Surrey Memorial Hospital D. Hayer Sunshine Coast watershed management agreement N.

Simons Violence against women V. Roddick Friendship centres D. Routley Oral Questions................................................................................................................. ......................................................... 2212 Child death reviews and report of child and youth officer A. Dix Hon. W. Oppal Hon. S. Hagen Child poverty rate in B.C. M. Sather Hon. C. Richmond Effectiveness of Coroners Service L. Krog Hon. J. Les Public release of child death reviews L. Krog Hon. J. Les Handling of child death reviews R. Austin Hon. J.

Les Acute care services at Surrey Memorial Hospital J. Brar Hon. G. Abbott B. Ralston Government contracts with Maximus D. Cubberley Hon. G. Abbott G. Gentner Petitions...................................................................................................................... ............................................................... 2216 S. Simpson G. Coons J. Yap R. Cantelon R. Sultan J. McIntyre

Tabling Documents.............................................................................................................. .................................................... 2217 Statement of 2004–2005 Borrowings Guarantees and indemnities authorized and issued report, fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 Environmental Appeal Board, annual report, 2004-2005 Report of the Crown Proceeding Act, fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 Motions without Notice ......................................................................................................... ................................................. 2217 Powers and role of Health Committee Hon.

M. de Jong Powers and role of Education Committee Hon. M. de Jong Reports from Committees........................................................................................................ ............................................... 2218 Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner J. Rustad Throne Speech Debate (continued) ............................................................................................................................... .......... 2218 Hon. M. de Jong M.

Farnworth Introduction and First Reading of Bills........................................................................................ ......................................... 2219 Supply Act, 2005-2006 (Bill 18) Hon. C. Taylor Second Reading of Bills........................................................................................................ ................................................... 2220 Supply Act, 2005-2006 (Bill 18) Hon. C.

Taylor Committee of the Whole House................................................................................................... .......................................... 2220 Supply Act, 2005-2006 (Bill 18) Report and Third Reading of Bills .............................................................................................. ........................................... 2220 Supply Act, 2005-2006 (Bill 18) Royal Assent to Bills.......................................................................................................... ...................................................... 2221 Revenue Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 2) Budget Measures Implementation Act (No. 2), 2005 (Bill 3) Northern Development Initiative Trust Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 6) North Island–Coast Development Initiative Trust Act (Bill 7) Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust Act (Bill 8) Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 9) Forests and Range Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 10) Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 11) Civil Forfeiture Act (Bill 13) Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 14) Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 (Bill 15) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2005 (Bill 16) Legislative Assembly Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 Repeal Act (Bill 19) World Trade University Canada Establishment Act (Bill Pr401) Supply Act, 2005-2006 (Bill 18)

2209 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 The House met at 2:04 p.m. Introductions by Members Hon. S. Hagen: It's indeed a pleasure for me to in- troduce to the House two friends who have travelled all the way from Sooke to join me for lunch today and participate in the House and watch the business of the House at work. The gentleman who I am going to in- troduce is here because there have been some questions about my ability as a fisherman. He is here to back up all of my claims that I've ever made through most of my life as being a very, very good fisherman. It's a pleasure to introduce Mike and Kathy Hicks from Sooke.

Please welcome them. [1405] N. Simons: I'm very pleased to introduce today three guests who've come from Powell River to watch the proceedings in the Hous e. They are my friends Jim Fidler, Ted Rodonets and his wife Jan. I just want to point out that Ted is newly elected to the council of Powell River. I'd like the House to please make them welcome. Hon. J. van Dongen: Today in the gallery I would like to acknowledge the consul general for the Philip- pines, Minerva Falcon, who has begun her term repre- senting the Philippines in Vancouver.

She brings a wealth of experience to this posting, having worked on m a n y d i f f e r e n t p o s t i n g s a n d p r o j e c t s o n b e h a l f o f t h e Philippine government. She is in Victoria today visiting with a number of government officials. I ask the House to join me and please make her feel very welcome. D. Routley: Joining us in the House today are the youth council of the House of Friendship native centre from Duncan.

The Hiiye'yu Lelum Youth Council is made up of Albie Charlie, a person who I respect very much; Alana Lukenbill-Williams; Netty Antoine, the treasurer; Veronica Smith, secretary; Randiana Jack, councillor; Eyvette Peter, Jr., secretary; Nathan Parnell, youth member; and Sabrina Williams, youth counsel; as well as my CA Debra To porowski; and one of their coordinators, Debbie Williams. I would please like the House to make them very welcome. Mr. Speaker: Minister of Health. Interjection. Mr. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development, former Minister of Health. Hon. C. Hansen: Actually, Mr.

Speaker, that was a nice segue to the introduction that I'm going to make. When I became the Minister of Economic Development last June, I was approached by the Minister of Small Business and Revenue and, also, the current Solicitor General to point out that in this newly named Ministry of Economic Development there were some fabulous employees that had served those other two ministers very well in their previous responsibilities. One of those employees wh o serves this province so well is here today. Her name is Iris Gilchrist.

She has been awarded a Queen's medal for public service, she has been nominated for the Premier's excellence award for innovation, and she serves currently as the director of the infrastructure develo pment branch in the Minis- try of Economic Development — that is, until tomor- row afternoon, when she is going to be retiring after 31 years. She has spent a career of serving cabinet ministers in the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and now in the 21st century. Mr.

Speaker, after this career of feeding cabi- net ministers with critical information that they need to do their job, she is going on to a new career, and that is to run a small business — a gourmet dog-cookie busi- ness called Dog Cookies by Iris. I hope the House will join me in acknowledging her tremendous service to this province and wishing her the very best in this new career in care and feeding. Thank you very much, Iris. Before I sit down, I want to acknowledge her part- ner here, Jim Sproul.

It is Jim's birthday today, and I think that this new transition in Iris's life is probably a great birthday present for Ji m. So happy birthday to Jim. G. Coons: I have the honour and privilege of intro- ducing three dear people in the House today. The first is Pat Wilson, who is formerly from Prince Rupert, an ex-teacher. As I mentioned yesterday, she was involved with the initial formation of the Prince Rupert transi- tion house society. [1410] Also in the House is my daughter Breton Coons, a graduate from the University of Victoria this past year. She's working at WCG International.

Also in the House is the mother of my daughter, an ESL teacher. We've been happily married for close to 25 years. I'm pleased to introduce Lois Elliot. Please make them welcome. Hon. B. Penner: It's my pleasure to welcome to the House Tony Toth, the executive director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation. I ask the House to please make him welcome. B.

Ralston: I would like to introduce in the gallery today a number of veterinarians and prospective vet- erinarians who are here to raise awareness of their con- cerns with the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association, in particular its admissions policy and its language proficiency test. They are Dr. Hakam Bhullar, Dr. Tejpal Bhatia, Dr. Pavitta r Bajwa, Dr. Baljit Mrar and Dr. Jogpreet Jagpal. Would the House please make them welcome. V. Roddick: In the gallery today is Dylan Little- wood, a new LA who was dropped in at the deep end,

2210 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 so to speak, and is doing a brilliant job. Will the House please welcome him. B. Simpson: I would like to recognize two very important people who are joining us in the gallery to- day — two of our caucus staff members: Norah White, a research officer; and Mike Hanson, one of our com- munications officers. The folks in here will appreciate the fact that they have the ve ry difficult task of trying to make me look smart both in here and in the press, so you can give them your thanks. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. I know it's the last day. J.

McIntyre: I just want to add my note of welcome to the gentleman that the Minister of Environment in- troduced, Tony Toth. I worked with him for many, many years in the business world, and he's a constituent of mine, so I just wanted to add my welcome as well. Hon. G. Abbott: It's my pleasure to welcome to the Legislature today Mr. Dieter Saxer. He's the president of the Dispensing Opticians Association of B.C. I'd like to ask the House to please make him welcome. L. Mayencourt: We are joined in the gallery today by Grace Rempel.

Grace has come to the Legislature to talk about anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening al- lergic reaction to many common items in our lives. Life-threatening allergies affect about 2 percent of our population, particularly small children. An anaphylac- tic shock can be quite fatal within minutes, so it's very important, as Grace has told me, for all of us to become educated about the triggers that might cause anaphy- lactic shock and some of the precautions that we can take to make sure our children are well looked after. Would the House please make Grace Rempel welcome. Mr.

Speaker: Donna Masse, who's just strolling there, is retiring today after 14 years here in the Legislature. [Applause.] With that round of applause, I wonder whether there was more than water in those glasses. [1415] Statements (Standing Order 25

B) THE GREY CUP H. Bloy: This weekend all of Canada will focus on Vancouver for the 93rd Grey Cup. While this game crowns the Canadian Football League champion, it is, more importantly, an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate our proud culture through this unique event. Donated by our country's fourth Governor General, Lord Albert Grey, and survivin g the test of time, it has been held every year since 1909, except for a hiatus during both world wars. Year in and year out, Canadians gather at homes of friends and in bars to root on their favourite team.

It is the country's most-watched annual televised event. The CFL is calling this year's Grey Cup "the party on the Pacific." This event wi ll pump an estimated $40 million into the economy of British Columbia. While our B.C. Lions just came up a little short last week — and I'll have to listen to my neighbour, Glen Ringdal, who was the last president of the B.C. Lions to win the Grey Cup — I am sure the match between the Edmon- ton Eskimos and their rivals from the east, the Mont- real Alouettes, promises to be a true classic.

I want to congratulate all those involved in organiz- ing this year's festivities and to thank all the volunteers who will host over 25,000 visitors from across our great land. It is often said that universal health care is what differentiates us from our neighbours to the south. I say it's three-down football. KLA-HOW-EYAH ABORIGINAL CENTRE S. Hammell: I want to describe a magical place in the north of Surrey where a lot of little people visit. The name of this place means "how are you" in Chinook.

Those of us who are old enough or wise enough in the ways of the first nations people know that Chinook was a common trading language of the first nations of the west coast. After contact the language expanded to include some English words, and "Kla-how-eyah" is a Chinook word for "welcome" or "how are ya?" Kla-How-Eyah Aboriginal Centre is a place where I was welcomed and stayed dur- ing my recent absence from this House. In Surrey we have the third-largest urban popula- tion of aboriginal people in the province.

Vancouver, Prince George and Surrey ar e the top three, but Surrey has the largest number of urban aboriginal children in the province, and Kla-How-Ey ah Aboriginal Centre is their community centre. It is magical when you watch the moms with their preschool kids learning songs that combine their cul- ture, drums, words and dancing with the rhythms and rhymes of the world they live in. Kla-How-Eyah is a sanctuary where moms can tune up their parenting skills in a supportive environment, with supports from the community.

There is a homework club for the elementary school kids and a high school program trying to pull kids back from the streets and assist them in gaining skills they must have to make their way safely in the world around them. There's an employment centre, a culinary arts program and a warehouse training program. Forty percent of the aboriginal children in our prov- ince live below the poverty line, which means their parents are poor. Kla-How-Eyah Aboriginal Centre is a place for them. [1420] PLAN FOR SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL D.

Hayer: I n a m a t t e r o f h o u r s w e w i l l w r a p u p another session in this Hous e, but our work as MLAs

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2211 doesn't end there. Our members, as in the past, will continue to work hard to improve our Surrey Memo- rial Hospital. The Ministry of Health is now reviewing the special report from the Fraser Heal th Authority. I would like to see issues such as expa nsion of emergency, an in- crease in the number of beds, more staff and a walk-in medical clinic for our Surrey Memorial Hospital ad- dressed. After the detailed report review, a decision will be made, and the work will start. This government is go- ing to act quickly.

In fact, in the Minister of Health's own words: "We will act on the recommendations in the report by the end of the year." That is quick. What we will do at Surrey Memorial Hospital is not an arbitrary decision. We ha ve consulted with doctors, staff, volunteers and our community, and I have per- sonally met with almost all stakeholders for the im- provements of care at our Surrey Memorial Hospital. We will act on their input. We will improve the hospi- tal based on what the community needs. I am confident that our government will commit the necessary re- sources to do this.

We will act on the plan within a few weeks. I'm proud to say this work will follow on the heels of the already allocated $28 million that is now being used to expand the ER, to open new beds and to hire additional staff. I am confident that all of our constitu- ents will be happy with our final plan for Surrey Memorial Hospital. SUNSHINE COAST WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT N. Simons: I rise today to inform the House of an historic agreement that wa s recently signed between the Sunshine Coast regional district and the Sechelt nation.

This agreement is called the joint watershed management agreement and calls for exactly that: local control over the management of one of the Sunshine Coast's main sources of drinking water, the Chapman and Gray Creek watersheds, which for many years have been threatened by a succession of industrial ac- tivities. The initiatives embodied in this agreement include the sharing of responsibility over decision-making with regard to activities that take place within the water- shed. It calls for the sharin g of responsibility over the precious resource that sustains our communities — our water.

Chief Stan Dixon and councillors, along with regional district chair Ed Steeves and his directors, welcomed elders, community members and local poli- ticians who were gathered in the Sechelt longhouse to witness the signing of the ag reement that reflects the community's expressed will to protect the watershed from industrial activity. On the Sunshine Coast th e opportunity exists for competing interests to gather together and to find solu- tions to resource management issues.

The values that promote sustainability are the same values that pro- mote community partnerships and are those that led to this historic agreement. I look forward to working co- operatively with all the stakeholders and to ensure that the will of the community is expressed in policy, regu- lation and legislation. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN V. Roddick: In December 1999 the General Assem- bly of the United Nations designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Statistics tell us that women are much more likely than men to be victims of severe spousal assault, spousal homicide and sexual assault. The stats are grim, but we must not hide from the facts, and that's why I call your attention to them today. Violence knows no social or economic boundaries and doesn't distinguish between ethnicities or cultures. Everyone — governments, organizations, individuals — has an obligation to work towards changing atti- tudes and behaviours about violence so we can elimi- nate its causes.

Locally, this will take ongoing com- mitment and determination by NGOs such as the Mi- nerva Foundation as well as government help supplied through transition houses, employment training and other targeted support such as the bridging employ- ment program. Today let us pause to reaffirm our commitment to protect our mothers, our da ughters, our sisters, our spouses, our friends. [1425] FRIENDSHIP CENTRES D. Routley: I'd like to speak to the chamber today about our friendship centres in British Columbia. All of us are aware of the plight of our first nations neighbours.

We witness with encouragement their ef- forts to reclaim their cultural heritage. The plight of our urban aboriginal population is particularly acute, sepa- rated from the services and the connection to culture that their own communities o ffer. Their representation in our homeless counts is much greater than the repre- sentation in our population: 34 percent in the Vancou- ver count compared to less than 3 percent for our Brit- ish Columbia population.

The role of our friendship centres in building con- fidence and self-worth in aboriginal peoples is very important and crucial to their success, especially when disconnected from their communities. The capacity-building and practical services offered by friendship centres are crucial to that success. The out- reach that they make is important to all of us to allow us to appreciate the difficul ties that they face. But our friendship centres face a funding dilemma each year as they try to renew themselves, and currently they face that crisis. I'd ask all our members to support them.

I want to praise the members and the staff of our friendship centres. I want to thank them in their own language by saying hi sa' ap ca.

2212 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 Oral Questions CHILD DEATH REVIEWS AND REPORT OF CHILD AND YOUTH OFFICER A. Dix: Yesterday in this House the Attorney General tabled the annual report of the child and youth officer.

Today, in responding to reporters' questions, asked why she has been silent the whole time while hundreds of child death reviews were forgotten by the government, the child and youth officer said: "Well, I think there are more important things for me to talk about, frankly." Does the Attorney General share his child and youth officer's view that 713 families whose children's death reports were dumped in a warehouse are a low priority? Hon. W.

Oppal: Obviously, the deaths are not of a low priority, but I would remind the hon. member that the child and youth officer filed her report under the provisions of the Office for Children and Youth Act. That report is the report of an independent officer, and she sets out the goals and objectives for the year 2004- 2005 in that report. She has complied with the require- ments of the act. The annual report does that, and it sets out the concise goals an d the objectives of the of- fice. The report does exactly that. Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver- Kingsway has a supplemental. A.

Dix: Well, I'm pleased that the Attorney Gen- eral's standard in the area of child protection is the minimum required under the law. The child and youth officer has admitted in correspondence to the opposi- tion that during her tenure she has never requested permission to do a child death review, nor has the At- torney General or his predecessor ever requested one of her. How can the Attorney General have any faith that children's deaths are taken seriously when 713 files were warehoused, 546 more have yet to be investi- gated, and the child and youth officer never once raised any concerns? Hon. W.

Oppal: I don't know why this is such a…. I don't understand how the member can criticize the child and youth officer for not alluding in her annual report to the investigations that are ongoing. This is a report for the year 2004-2005. Obviously, she can't report anything that's ongoing. The investig ations are still ongoing. It makes a lot of sense that there would be nothing in that report when the investigations are ongoing. [1430] As the member well knows, there are other ongoing investigations at this time. The committee that the member is on as well as the Hughes investigation.

All of those are ongoing reports. It's hardly surprising that none of that would be contained in her report at this time. Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver-Kingsway has a further supplemental. A. Dix: I concede that since the Attorney General has done nothing, the Solicitor General has done noth- ing, and the Minister of Children and Families has done nothing, it would be impossible for any of them to report on any activities they've done. The child and youth officer, as well, has done nothing about this issue year after year.

The one thing the child and youth officer did ac- knowledge in her press conf erence today, though, was that budget cuts are to blame for the mess that has will- fully been created in the Ministry of Children and Fam- ily Development. All of the experts in children's policy, all of them, told this gove rnment this when the cuts were implemented and announced.

Does the Minister of Children and Family Devel- opment, considering the news today that child poverty rates in British Columbia are the highest of any prov- ince, also now acknowledge that it was his own gov- ernment's deep cuts to the mi nistry that have resulted in this crisis in child protec tion and this crisis in child poverty? Hon. S. Hagen: I think it's very, very unfortunate that the member is attacking the child and youth officer and the integrity of her offi ce. What's disturbing about this, Mr.

Speaker, is that the child and youth officer has actually asked that member to work with her on one of the reviews. I don't understand how that member can even participate in that process with the way he's at- tacking the child and youth officer. With regard to the budget, we have a budget lift in the next three years that we are confident will allow the social workers in the ministry to do their job, to do it properly, to do it professionally, and I will depend on them to do that. CHILD POVERTY RATE IN B.C. M.

Sather: Over the last several months, this gov- ernment's terrible neglect of the child protection system has been exposed. Now today we learn that British Columbia has the worst child poverty rate in Canada — 24 percent. One in every four of our children is liv- ing in poverty. While the child poverty rate has gone down in the re st of C anada, i t has g one u p in each of the last three years in our province. My question is to the Minister of Children and Family Development.

Given these shameful numbers, what is the minister responsible for the well-being of children in this province doing to address this horrible record with regard to child poverty? Hon. C. Richmond: I wish to assure every British Columbian that we take any and every report on child poverty very seriously. However, I hasten to add that this report is out of date. It is two years old. The study was done in 2003, and since 2003 British Columbia has come a long way. We've done some marvellous things over the last two or three years.

For example, we have 250,000 more people in jobs than were in jobs when we took over this province —

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2213 over a quarter of a million jobs since the end of the dismal decade, to quote the member for Cariboo North. We also have the lowest unemployment rate in decades. In my hometown of Kamloops, in fact, the unemploy- ment rate is 4.8 percent. A trivia question: does anyone here know what it was in April of 2001? It was 14.1 percent. Mr. Speaker: The member for Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows has a supplementary. M. Sather: Yes, I do, hon. Speaker. Children in this province have been the primary victims of this gov- ernment's budget-cutting agenda.

The Premier said that his government would make children number one. Unfortunately, the only way that children are being number one under this government is under budget- cutting. Given these child poverty numbers that have gone up every year under this government, I'd like to ask the minister: which of this government's policies is most responsible for these shameful numbers? [1435] Hon. C. Richmond: We don't feel there's any better way of helping children than to make sure that their parents have a chance to be employed without leaving this province.

Further, we have eliminated the provin- cial income taxes for about 730,000 British Columbians. Anyone earning $16,000 a year or less will now pay zero income tax. A family of four making $30,000 a year will have a tax reduction of nearly $1,300 a year. I don't think there's a better way of helping children than allowing their parents to leave more money in their pockets. EFFECTIVENESS OF CORONERS SERVICE L.

Krog: The Committee for Competent Death Re- view in B.C., a group of current and past community coroners and medical investigators, is raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Coroners Service under this government.

In a letter to the Solicitor General, the committee states: "Community coroners are no longer able to speak openly and clearly for the dead and do not report accurately and in a timely manner to the citizens of British Columbia." Will the Solicitor General admit that this govern- ment's short-sighted budget cuts have rendered the Coroners Service dysfunctional, to the detriment of all British Columbians and particularly to children at risk? Hon. J.

Les: We are fortunate in British Columbia in that we have a very professional Coroners Service that investigates all of the deaths that are required to be investigated by it. As well, it contains a child death review unit that has been hard at work since January of 2003. It has already completed 546 files and will be reporting out on them early in the new year. I find it tragic, frankly, that the member opposite continues to smear the reputations of those who serve British Columbians so well. Mr. Speaker: The member for Nanaimo has a sup- plemental. PUBLIC RELEASE OF CHILD DEATH REVIEWS L.

Krog: On Wednesday in question period the So- licitor General said that the 546 reviews in the hands of the coroner's service "will be reported on publicly." This morning the chief coroner's office released a statement saying that these 546 reviews will not — I repeat, will not — be made public. These statements are entirely contradictory. Which is accurate? Hon. J. Les: First of all, let me say that the former Children's Commission did not report on individual cases in a public way either.

But I will comment from an information bulletin from the coroner's office, the child death review office: The child death review unit will generate a report early in the new year that will cover all of its activities from 2003 to 2005. The report will contain statistics on child deaths and analysis, an accounting of the child deaths re- viewed, the nature of recommendations made and possi- ble representative cases from each classification.

The unit will generate special reports on a periodic basis covering various topics of interest or as a part of a research project or in-depth analysis of subjects such as children-in-care deaths, youth suicide, recreational fatalities, sudden un- expected infant deaths and youth drug abuse. HANDLING OF CHILD DEATH REVIEWS R. Austin: On Tuesday the Solicitor General prom- ised Brandon Seymour's family that their child's death would be reviewed and the results made public. Now the coroner is saying that won't happen.

Can the minis- ter tell us what steps he's taking to ensure that the promise he made to Brandon's family is kept? Hon. J. Les: I have just outlined the reporting process that the coroner will be embarking on early in the new year. [1440] Mr. Speaker: The member for Skeena has a sup- plemental. R. Austin: Day after day, families are coming for- ward to share the stories of how their children were forgotten under this government's watch.

The Solicitor General stood in this House yesterday and said: "Noth- ing is falling through the cracks." Will the Solicitor General stand in this House today and address the families of Brandon Seymour, Cody Fontaine and the families of the 713 forgotten children and tell them that their children have not fallen through the cracks under this government's watch? Hon. J. Les: Day after day in this House we have the unfortunate spectacle of members opposite raising

2214 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 cases that in some cases were not at all factual or, in fact, were simply drive-by allegations. We had the member for Nanaimo yesterday, for example, bringing forward a case that is under active police investigation. Either that member didn't know that and hadn't done his homework, or he was just shamefully fearmonger- ing. I find that absolutely atrocious. ACUTE CARE SERVICES AT SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL J. Brar: Many members of this House will remem- ber Baljit Bains, a Surrey man who died at Surrey Me- morial Hospital last February.

The coroner's report on the death of Mr. Bains has now been released, and it contains an important lesson. The report says: "As there was no intensive care bed, Mr. Bains was cared for in the emergency department. The staff made ongo- ing inquiry via Bedline to find Mr. Bains an ICU bed for the next two days without any success." My question to the Minister of Health: will this government now admit that it made a mistake when it cut acute care beds, leaving Surrey Memorial Hospital with growing demands and fewer resources? Hon. G. Abbott: I thank the member for raising the case of Mr. Bains.

Obviously, our sympathies go out to the Bains family. We know th at this has been a very difficult period for them. There were a number of issues that were involved around the demise of Mr. Bains. I would suggest that f o r a n y o n e w h o w i s h e s t o b e i n f o r m e d o f t h a t a n d w i s h e s t o f o r m a n i n f o r m e d j u d g m e n t a r o u n d a l l o f those factors, the coroner's report has been completed and, I believe, released. That provides a full picture of the elements that entered into the death of Mr. Bains.

In terms of learning from the inquest report, I under- stand that Fraser Health has reviewed it and that they have made some changes in response to the recommen- dations. I think we can move forward from there. Mr. Speaker: The member for Surrey–Panorama Ridge has a supplemental. J. Brar: I have read the report by the coroner. I un- derstand the issues that the minister is indicating, but I want to point out one thing ve ry clearly. In the conclu- sion of the report, the report indicates that if Mr.

Bains would have stayed in the emergency room longer, the chances of his survival were much more in that situa- tion. The report clearly indicates that. I have spoken to Mr. Bains's family — his wife, his kids — yesterday. They are su ffering, and they want assurance from this government that the lack of acute care beds will not result in the loss of any other family members. The cuts to acute care beds in the region have reached unacceptable levels: Surrey, 11 percent; Langley, 17 percent; White Rock, 20 percent; Delta, an outrageous 47-percent cut by 2004.

Again to the Minister of Health: can the minister commit today that these cuts to acute care beds will be fully restored in Surrey, as well as in the province, as quickly as possible? Hon. G. Abbott: It's unfortunate that the member didn't attend more of what I think was a very useful and informative Health estimates process that we went through. We discussed a lot of these issues.

In fact, that when you look at the resources that are invested in our health care system in British Columbia, we have gone from $8.3 billion invested annually in this province in 2001 to, today, $11.75 billion invested annually in health care in British Columbia. [1445] Acute care beds are one way of measuring the suc- cess of the system, but we have made tremendous in- vestments and innovations elsewhere in the system that are very important.

In terms of Surrey Memorial Hospital, we are well aware, after a decade of neglect in the 1990s where literally no investments were made on the capital side in hospitals, we are now making…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. G. Abbott: We are making a very, very sub- stantial investment in the years ahead in capital im- provements, and I'm sure the member will be delighted to know that Surrey Memorial is at the top of our list. B.

Ralston: The minister may not think that a measure of success in providing health care is the number of acute care beds per capita, but Surrey has the lowest number of acute care beds per capita of any major city in the country. I think that's shameful. Baljit Bains is just one more victim of this govern- ment's policy short-sightedness. In a much balleyhooed news conference in the third week of the campaign, the Premier committed to fast-track a report into the prob- lems at Surrey Memorial. The public officials con- cerned have done their work.

The report has been on the minister's desk now for a number of weeks. Will the minister commit to releasing the report so that the public can participate in considering the op- tions as well as simply his ministry officials? Hon. G. Abbott: I think Fraser Health Authority, actually, has done an excellent job in terms of the plan- ning and consultation that has preceded the draft re- port, which is, as the memb er notes, under considera- tion currently — a technical review by the ministry. I expect the final report will be released very soon.

Again, if the member had been engaged at all in de- bates during this section, he would know…. Mr. Speaker: Minister, you don't refer to other people who are in or out of the House, please, in your statements. Hon. G. Abbott: We discussed in Health estimates debate the timing around the release of that report. I

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2215 suggested that by the end of November, that report would be publicly available, and I fully expect that to be the case. Further, I think Fraser Health has done a great job and that when people see this report, they will be very, very pleased. This will take a hospital that was built for a city with a population at that time of, I think, about 50,000 — and now many, many times bigger than that and growing annually at a very rapid rate…. Surrey Memo- rial cries out for remediation, and our government is going to step up to the plate and deliver it. Mr.

Speaker: The member for Surrey-Whalley has a supplemental. B. Ralston: Usually, the minister refers to the '90s and disparages it, but he can' t do that in this case. In the 1990s at Surrey Memorial, a cancer clinic was opened and a $62 million tower was completed. Seis- mic upgrading was completed, a special care nursery was completed, and a renal dialysis unit was com- pleted — to name but a few of the additions to Surrey Memorial completed during that decade. Since 2001 very little has been done.

Will the minis- ter commit today to release to give a specific date when the report will be released so that the public, as well as his officials, can participate in this important public issue? Hon. G. Abbott: The member is incorrect. Actu- ally, our government has allocated $28 million for expansion of the emergency room, something that's going to be opening in a week or two. Expansion of staff, expansion of resources — all of those are a very important part of making Surrey Memorial Hospital a more viable institution.

But clearly, a major capital project needs to be undertaken there, and the Fraser Health Authority has done a great job in the planning of it. I'm certainly looking forward to the release of that report by the end of Novemb er, but one of the things we will not do is the traditional NDP approach to planning, which is fire, aim, ready. That's the typical way they like to do things. It is not our way, and we will do it right. [1450] GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS WITH MAXIMUS D. Cubberley: The Minister of Health said it was just teething pains, and he asked British Columbians to be patient.

But it has been seven months now of Circus Maximus, service minimus. Maximus has failed to meet its service targets in every month it has operated the MSP and Pharmacare contracts — every month. Just a few months back, Maximus was so desperate it hired more staff to try to meet those targets and avoid the fines. Well, the fi nes continued. The profits for Maximus have faltered, and now we have learned that those same staff will be fired in order to protect the bottom line.

Can the minister tell the House what he plans to do now that it's clear to everyone that Maximus has no commitment to providing service to British Columbi- ans? Hon. G. Abbott: It's deeply interesting, if ironic, to hear the health critic expressing remorse over the bot- tom line of Maximus. It's a good thing, I guess, for us to expand our understanding of where they're going on this. In fact…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. G.

Abbott: When the NDP had that decade to improve the Health Insurance B.C. line — the best that people could ever expect during that period — their response really was to either shut down the line for a day or just allow the busy signal to be carried on. Because I know the NDP recall this era as a kind of nirvana that never really existed, I want to quote briefly here from a letter to the Province. This is from Lorraine Swail, October 26, 1998. "For about two weeks I have been trying to call the government office of the B.C. Medical Services Plan…. Two or three times each day I would try the number — no success.

Busy, busy, busy. Then, one morning, I called right at 9 a.m., thinking my odds would be better" of getting through. Mr. Speaker: Thank you, minister. Hon. G. Abbott: "Ring, ring, ring — success, it was ringing!" Mr. Speaker: Thank you, minister. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. The member for Saanich South has a supplemental. D. Cubberley: The minister's nostalgia for his time in opposition in the '90s is renowned. Please be assured w e ' r e g o i n g t o d o e v e r y t h i n g w e c a n o n t h i s s i d e t o help him get back to opposition.

But for the time being he is the Minister of Health, and quality of service for British Columbians is his responsibility today. This government has had five years now to fix a problem it believes it has. It still has that same problem today. It's incredible to me that the minister continues to defend a discredited contract. It has been nothing but an exercise in public frustr ation for everyone from the outset. It's hard to believe that he continues to shield the company from public scrutiny and make excuses for its failings. Maximus still can't meet its service targets with the staffing they have in place.

Incredibly, they're going to cut it. So how can they cut? How can they fire staff and cut resources further? Will the minister finally stop

2216 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 shielding this private cont ractor from scrutiny and admit failure? Hon. G. Abbott: I know probably many listeners at home were waiting anxiously for the conclusion of the letter from Ms. Swail. It goes: "Ring, ring, ring — then another automated response. 'We are not responding to personal inquiries today. We are using this time to catch up on a backlog of paperwork. Please call again.'" Classic NDP management of a function. What we are seeing from Maximus is month-over- month improvement.

The te lephone turnaround times are now well below what is required in the contract. We believe that by the end of this month, they're going to be below the turnaround time for paper. For the first time in 20 years, we've got success. What are they complaining about? Interestingly, when Maximus took on extra staff to reduce the backlog, the BCG actually okayed that par- ticular provision. There was no complaint when they took on the extra staff. No w when, as they said from the start, they're being released… Mr. Speaker: Thank you, minister. [1455] Hon. G. Abbott: …somehow they have a concern.

Apparently, this is the kind of doubletalk we have to live with. G. Gentner: The minister gives the impression that this is all sort of funny. Ma ybe he's spending too much time watching old Dr. Kild are reruns. I don't know where he's coming from, frankly. Even the Minister of Energy and Mines has been upfront about the quarter-million dollars in fines levied against Hydro's private partner, Accenture. The minis- ter there came forward — a quarter-million dollars in fines — but the Minister of Health is not doing the same.

It looks like the minist er is protecting the inter- ests of Maximus first and his government second, and British Columbians are left on their own. When we embarked on this journey with Circus Maximus, it was the minister's assurances that service would improve and be better than before. Now we know that that's not the case. So will the minister put an end now to his failing experiment and terminate the contract with Maximus? Hon. G. Abbott: Actually, when I experience this kind of questioning from the opposition, I tend to think rather of Perry Mason rather than Dr. Kildare. But it's good.

Now, let me note again, because obviously the member missed it on the last go-round. The perform- ance in terms of meeting the service level requirements set out in the contract have been improving month over month, continuously over the past four months. On turnaround times for tele phone, they have actually met that for the past two months, and we expect that they are going to meet the turnaround time for paper- based transactions as well by the end of November. We are at last experiencing success, yet some- how…. Why is it that the ND P don't like that? Well, I'll tell you why.

It's because it runs against their ideology. It runs against the fact that they have this structural affiliation with organized labo ur in this province. I do hope they'll move from overt to covert ownership in the months ahead. [End of question period.] Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Petitions S. Simpson: On behalf of the 17,000 signatories to this petition, I'm happy to present it on their behalf asking the Legislature to save B.C. Parks from ongoing privatization activities an d industrial development initiatives. G.

Coons: I have a petition to present concerning the B.C. commercial fishing industry and their cam- paign to restore fairness to the EI system. The key issue is a report by a federal subcommittee of employment insurance containing 28 recommendations to restore confidence and integrity to the EI program.

This report needs to be acted upon immediately, and the petition- ers, over 1,500 of them from my community, are urging the B.C. government to work with the federal govern- ment to allow immediate access to employment insur- ance for all those in the B.C. commercial fishing indus- try who failed to qualify this last season due to reasons beyond their control. J. Yap: I have here a petition from Richmond resi- dents to include certain medications for Alzheimer disease on the provincial drug formulary. R. Cantelon: I have a petition from the Southern Vancouver Island Family Child Care Association.

They present a petition of 300 names regarding the space equipment policy for licensed family group child care. Their concerns are the requ irements that playground equipment is held to and their petition addresses VIHA's policy. R. Sultan: I'm honoured to present a petition signed by 1,451 women, primarily on the North Shore but throughout British Columbia, requesting that the government give sympathetic consideration to increas- ing the grants to women's ce ntres, particularly in the area of violence against women and children. [1500] J.

McIntyre: I'm going to have to dress differently, I think, to get recognized.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2217 I'm presenting two petitions today, both actually from the Squamish area of my riding. One, there are about 25 signatures on gas prices, and the other is about 150 signatures on environmental protection of the lower Cheakamus watershed. B. Simpson: With leave of the House, I'd like to read a statement since this is our final session. Interjection. B. Simpson: Okay. Leave not granted. Tabling Documents Hon. C. Taylor: Hon.

Speaker, pursuant to the Finan- cial Administration Act, I'm pleased to present reports for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, on all amounts bor- rowed by government and all amounts loaned to gov- ernment bodies. These reports provide an overview of the province's borrowing activity in fiscal 2004-2005. I respectfully present th e guarantees and indemni- ties authorized and issued report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, in accordance with the Financial Administration Act,

section 72(8). Hon. B. Penner: I have the honour to present the Environmental Appeal Board annual report for the 2004-2005 fiscal year. Hon. W. Oppal: I have the honour to present the report of the Crown Proceeding Act for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. The report is filed in accor- dance with

section 15(2) of that act. Motions without Notice Hon. M. de Jong: By leave, I'm going to make a cou- ple of motions respecting select standing committees. POWERS AND ROLE OF HEALTH COMMITTEE Hon. M. de Jong: The first one is the Select Standing Committee on Health.

By leave, I move that that com- mittee be empowered to examine, inquire and make recommendations with resp ect to finding effective strategies to change behaviour and encourage children and youth to adopt lifelong health habits that will im- prove their health and curb the growing rate of obesity to achieve the great goal of leading the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness.

The committee is provided with the usual set of powers to undertake cons ultations and conduct its w o r k a n d i s b e i n g a s k e d , b y v i r t u e o f t h i s m o t i o n , t o report to the House no later than November 30, 2007. [By leave, I move that: The Select Standing Committee on Health be empowered to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to finding effective strategies to change be- haviour and encourage children and youth to adopt life- long health habits that will improve their health and curb the growing rate of obesity to achieve the great goal of leading the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness.

The Committee is also empowered to conduct consulta- tions and to: 1. Report on recommendations from the Select Stand- ing Committee on Health Report from 2004 titled The Path to Health and Wellness: Making British Co- lumbians Healthier by 2010. 2. Conduct research into other successful childhood health and wellness promotion campaigns in other jurisdictions to analyze their potential effec- tiveness in BC. 3.

Undertake discussions on how to promote child- hood health and wellness including the appropri- ate use of incentives and disincentives to help in- fluence behaviour, particularly as it relates to healthy nutrition and physical activity. 4. Undertake discussions with experts and if neces- sary undertake research into the factors contribut- ing to unhealthy eating and physical inactivity in youth of today. In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Committee shall be empowered: (

a) to appoint to their number, one or more subcom- mittees and to refer such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; (

b) to sit during a period in which the House is ad- journed and during any sitting of the House; (

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be conven- ient; and (

d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee, and shall report to the House no later than November 30, 2006, to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sitting of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.] Leave granted. Motion approved. Hon. M. de Jong: The second motion that I have, Mr. Speaker, is: let's stand the motion down. I want to check the date. There's no po int in us doing this if there's a statutory requirem ent around the date.

So I want to check with the Clerk on the date — the year in particular — if I might just have a moment. So with leave, let me amend the motion I made earlier with respect to the Health Committee and have it read as November 30, 2006. Leave granted. [1505] POWERS AND ROLE OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE Hon. M. de Jong: And then I move, with respect to the Select Standing Committee on Education, that it be

2218 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 empowered to examine, inquire and make recommen- dations with respect to finding effective strategies to address the specific challeng e of adult literacy and, in particular, to conduct consultations to consider suc- cessful strategies from other jurisdictions on the pro- motion of adult literacy and to consider specific strate- gies to improve literacy rates among aboriginal people, English-as-a-second-language adults, and seniors. Again, the committee is provided with the usual range of powers to conduct its inquiries and do its work.

Again, it is asked to report back to the House not later than November 30, 2006. [By leave, I move that: The Select Standing Committee on Education be empow- ered to examine, inquire into and make recommenda- tions with respect to finding effective strategies to ad- dress the specific challenge of adult literacy and in par- ticular to conduct consultations to: 1. Consider successful strategies from other jurisdic- tions on the promotion of adult literacy. 2. Consider specific strategies to improve literacy rates among aboriginal people, English-as-a- Second-Language adults, and seniors.

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Education, the Committee shall be empowered: (

a) to appoint to their number, one or more subcom- mittees and to refer such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee; (

b) to sit during a period in which the House is ad- journed and during any sitting of the House; (

c) to adjourn from place to place as may be conven- ient; and (

d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee, and shall report to the House no later than November 30, 2006, to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjourn- ment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative As- sembly.] Leave granted. Motion approved. Reports from Committees J. Rustad: I have the honour to present the report from the Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner. I move the report be taken as read and received. Motion approved. J.

Rustad: I ask leave of the House to suspend the rules to permit the moving of a motion to adopt the report. Leave granted. J. Rustad: I move that the report be adopted. Our committee was given a mandate to select and unanimously recommend to the Legislative Assembly the appointment of an Information and Privacy Com- missioner pursuant to

section 37(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. As members know, the House recently provided us with the authority, through an amendment to the act, to consider the reappointm ent of the incumbent com- missioner, David Loukidelis. In our deliberations, members of the committee considered it appropriate to interview Mr. Loukidelis before deciding whether or not to undertake an open competition. As a result of that interview and our review of his first term as commissioner, it was obvious to us that a further search was unlikely to result in finding a more qualified applicant.

We are impressed with his com- mitment, his expertise and his professionalism. I would like to commend Mr. Loukidelis on his excellent per- formance to date as the Information and Privacy Commissioner. We are pleased to recommend that the province continue to benefit from his guardianship of our access to information and privacy rights. Motion approved. J. Rustad: I ask leave of the House to permit the moving of a motion requesting the Lieutenant- Governor to appoint Mr. David Loukidelis as the In- formation and Privacy Commissioner for the province of British Columbia. Leave granted. J.

Rustad: By leave, I move that the House recom- mend to Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor the ap- pointment of Mr. David Loukidelis as a statutory offi- cer of the Legislature, to exercise the powers and duties assigned to the Information and Privacy Commissioner for the province of British Columbia pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSBC 1996,

Chapter 165. Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon. M. de Jong: For members, the first order of business today is a bit unusual in terms of what usually happens here, but I call throne speech debate. It is par- liamentary practice that the chamber bring that debate to a close, and in so doing, I would make these very brief comments. Throne Speech Debate (continued) Hon. M. de Jong: It seems much longer, at times, than the two and a half months ago that we heard the Speech from the Throne.

Among the myriad of other issues and debates that have taken place, it might be appropriate to ponder now not just the content of those debates but the manner in which those debates took place and the changes that ha ve taken place in this in-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2219 stitution and this chamber about the manner and pro- cedures that have governed those debates.

While some of the details will undoubtedly fade from our minds — and in some cases have already faded from the minds of people that review or witness these debates — one thing that will, I hope, have a last- ing impact are those change s and the temperance and civility that have by and large guided what has taken place and the work that members on both sides of the chamber have undertaken both as caucuses and — sometimes more challengingly, but perhaps more im- portantly — with one another, all for the common cause of serving the citizens that elect us to be here. [1510] There will be a perception, of course, as we leave this place that we go to relax.

Members will all know that the work is different, but the work continues. In thanking Her Majesty and the Lieutenant- Governor for the Speech from the Throne and bringing that debate to a close, I would also like to thank mem- bers for their dedicated efforts to the change that has been brought here. I hope, and I believe this is so, to seek their commitment to continuing that work to find ways that we can make this institution work better and recon- firm its relevance to the lives of British Columbians.

I believe that my friend the Opposition House Leader has some comments, in closing, on the throne speech debate. M. Farnworth: I, too, would just like to make some closing remarks on this opportunity to speak on the throne speech. I think, of all the throne speeches I've spoken on, this is probably the latest. I think it is important from t h i s s i d e o f t h e H o u s e t h a t w e a l s o c o m m e n t o n w h a t has been a very productive and unique session, be- cause we have tried to do some innovative and differ- ent things in this House.

I think it's a credit to both sides that we have been able to come and deal with issues such as an exte nded question period — going from the shortest in the Co mmonwealth to 30 minutes. That has been a tremendous innovation. It's something that has been talked about for a long time in this House, and I think that is a tremendous accomplish- ment. The creation of an opposition member as a Dep- uty Speaker has also been a very sound innovation and one that has also served this House. I think that members on both sides have tried to recognize a tone and an era of civility. I think it has, by and large, worked.

It is something that we expect and hope to continue in the new session in the spring. I hope that at that time we will also be able to look at further innovations. I know on the throne speech, it's important we continue to do that. Finally, on this side of the House, hon. Speaker, we would like to congratulate you because you have been a Speaker who has done credit to this House. We ap- preciate the role, the wisd om and the guidance that you have brought here. Final comments.

I think what is one of the most important things — and my colleague keeps passing me notes reminding me of points to make, but the best one is to be brief — is that it is great for British Colum- bia and it's great for all of us here that we have gov- ernment and opposition, because that's what makes our system work best. Hon. Speaker, I want to make one more comment, and that is to congratulate Donna, who is also retiring. With that, I take my seat and wait for the rest of the proceedings. Mr.

Speaker: Hon. members, seeing no further speakers, the question is: [We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in session as- sembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gra- cious speech which Your Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the present session.] Motion approved. Hon. M. de Jong: I call consideration of a report of resolutions from the Committee of Supply. [1515] Hon. C.

Taylor: I move the reports of resolutions from the Committee of Supply on October 4, 5, 19, 24, 26, 27, and November 1, 2, 3, 14, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24 be now received, taken as read and agreed to. Motion approved. Hon. C. Taylor: Mr. Speaker, I move that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the sum of $26,498,642,000. This sum includes that au- thorized to be paid under

section 1 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2005, and

section 1 of the Supply Act (No. 2), 2005, 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, 2006. Motion approved. Hon. C. Taylor: I also move that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the sum of $1,483,626,000. This sum includes that author- ized to be paid under

section 2 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2005, and

section 2 of the Supply Act (No. 2), 2005, and is granted to Her Majesty towards defraying the capital, loans, investments and other financing re- quirements of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006. Motion approved. Introduction and First Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2005-2006 Hon. C. Taylor presented a message from His Honour the Administrator: a bill intituled Supply Act, 2005-2006.

2220 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 Hon. C. Taylor: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. Motion approved. Hon. C. Taylor: Mr. Speaker, this supply bill is in- troduced to provide supply for the operation of gov- ernment programs for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The amount requested is that resolved by the Committee of Supply after consideration of the main estimates.

The House has already received, taken as read and agreed to the report of resolutions from the Committee of Supply and, in addition, has resolved that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the necessary funds towards defraying the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006. Mr. Speaker, it is the intention of the government to proceed with all stages of the supply bill this day. Mr. Speaker: Hon. members, I'd ask you to remain in your seats while the bill is being distributed.

In keeping with the practice of this House, the final supply bill will be permitted to advance through all three stages in one sitting. Bill 18, Supply Act, 2005-2006, introduced, read a first time and ordered to proceed to second reading forthwith. Second Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2005-2006 Hon. C. Taylor: I move that the bill now be read 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 18, Supply Act, 2005-2006, read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration forthwith. [1520] Committee of the Whole House SUPPLY ACT, 2005-2006 The House in Committee of the Whole (Section

B) on Bill 18; S. Hawkins in the chair. The committee met at 3:21 p.m. The Chair: Members, I call Committee of Supply to order on Bill 18, Supply Act, 2004-2005. Sections 1 to 3 inclusive approved. Schedules 1 and 2 approved.

Preamble approved. Title approved. Hon. M. de Jong: I am alerted to the possibility that the years referred to may have been incorrect. I think you said '04-05. Put it again. S. Hawkins: The title of the bill is Bill 18, Supply Act, 2005-2006. Title approved. Hon. C. Taylor: I move that the committee rise and report the bill complete without amendment. Motion approved. The committee rose at 3:22 p.m. The House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. Report and Third Reading of Bills SUPPLY ACT, 2005-2006 Bill 18, Supply Act, 2005-2006, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed. Hon.

M. de Jong: This chamber functions to serve British Columbians. We get the privilege of participat- ing in its debates, but many others in the precincts make it possible for us to ply our political trade. I know that the member for Cariboo North has some com- ments that he would like to make, and I will anticipate him by echoing the thanks that I believe he is going to express on all our behalf for the wonderful people that serve us so well here in these buildings and throughout the capital. B. Simpson: It seems like a lifetime ago that I sat in this House for the first time to be sworn in as a new MLA.

However, I remember feeling a little over- whelmed at the prospect that the next time I sat here, I'd have to be prepared to play my role in the legisla- tive process. Fortunately, there are many people who work hard every day to make sure the MLAs who sit in this House can do their jobs on behalf of British Columbi- ans — people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. On behalf of the MLAs, I wish to thank the people who truly make this Legislature work. The Pages who refresh our water and who pass us notes when we can't use our BlackBerrys.

They serve as a constant reminder to us of British Columbia's youth, for whom we must govern well. The Sergeant-at-Arms and his staff who ensure our safety and help us find our way around this building.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 2221 The Clerk and his staff who make sure we know and abide by the rules. Politicians may come and go, but the Clerk's office ensures the continuity of our par- liamentary democracy. The Speaker and his staff who maintain decorum and help us navigate our way through the legislative process. The Hansard staff who work so hard to accurately capture what we say so that British Columbians can hold us to our words. The legislative dining room staff who cheerfully serve us and put up with our culinary idiosyncrasies.

The computer service folks who graciously keep pace with the demands of too many Luddites in our cau- cuses. The janitorial staff who keep this place so spot- less despite the odd hours we all work. A thank-you to all our communications, research and legislative staff who try very hard to keep us on time, well informed and in the public eye. They have a tough job, but sometimes, when we actually pay atten- tion to them, their hard work makes us look as though we know what we're doing. [1525] Finally, Mr. Speaker, a heartfelt thank-you to our con- stituency assistants back in our ridings.

These dedicated people work very hard every day on behalf of our con- stituents so that we as MLAs can represent their concerns here in Victoria in a meaningful and productive manner. All of these people contribute in so many ways to make our democracy work, and we owe them our heartfelt thanks. Mr. Speaker: Hon. members, we are awaiting the arrival of the Lieutenant-Governor. Before she comes and before adjournment, I do want to thank you as the Speaker of the House. I think that both sides of the House have shown that civility can take place in a leg- islative assembly.

I know that other legislative assem- blies across Canada have called and indicated to me that they're quite impressed. Interjection. Mr. Speaker: As the Government House Leader says, "with a little bit of disbelief." But the fact is, I think, that it takes an effort on both sides to make those kinds of things work. Before we adjourn later, after the Lieutenant- Governor comes, I want to wish you all well in the holiday season. Make sure you take time with your family, because the spring session will come soon enough. It will be a lot of work, as we've noted what the fall session can be like.

Again, I want to wish you all well for the holiday season that's coming. I'm sure that when spring comes, we'll all be as jubilant and ready to go. I hope we can maintain the decorum that we have in the past and we can represent Canada as a whole to show that British Columbia can do things differently. Thank you. With that, we'll wait for the arrival of the Lieutenant- Governor. The House recessed from 3:27 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Royal Assent to Bills Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the chamber and took her place in the chair.

Clerk of the House: Revenue Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 Budget Measures Implem entation Act (No. 2), 2005 Northern Development Initiative Trust Amend- ment Act, 2005 North Island–Coast Development Initiative Trust Act Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust Act Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Amendment Act, 2005 Forests and Range Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2005 Civil Forfeiture Act Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2005 Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2005 Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2005 Legislative Assembly St atutes Amendment Act, 2005 Repeal Act World Trade University Canada Establishment Act In Her Majesty's name, Her Honour the Lieutenant- Governor doth assent to these acts.

Supply Act, 2005-2006 In Her Majesty's name, Her Honour the Lieutenant- Governor doth thank Her Majesty's loyal subjects, ac- cept their benevolence and assent to this act. [1555] Hon. I. Campagnolo (Lieutenant-Governor): I just wanted to relate to you the congratulations of so many British Columbians for the extraordinarily and un- precedented courteous manner in which this first ses- sion has been handled. I think that you have all done a remarkable job in bringing a new sense of civility to public life. On behalf of those you serve, I would like to thank you.

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Hon. M. de Jong: I move that the House at its rising do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction of the Speaker, after consultation with the government, that the public interest re quires that the House shall meet or until the Speaker may be advised by the gov- ernment that it is desired to prorogue the first session of the 38th parliament of the province of British Co- lumbia.

The Speaker may give notice that he is so satis- fied or has been so advised, and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and, as the

2222 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005 case may be, may transact its business as if it has been duly adjourned to that time and date. And in the event of the Speaker being unable to act owing to illness or other cause, the Deputy Speaker shall act in his stead for the purpose of this order. Mr. Speaker, wishing all members well, safe travels, a safe return home, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah. We shall all meet again. Hon. M. de Jong moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned.

Members, I appreciate everything that everybody has done. Merry Christmas, and we'll see you in the new year. The House adjourned at 3:59 p.m.

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Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	H1124pm-10
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	H1124pm 10
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	a1b1de21efdbaab3b8bf06b574252f8ccf5ffc8a

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