20200622pm Hansard n328

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fifth Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday, June 22, 2020 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 328 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

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

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

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

Anne Kang Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ..................................................................................................... Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon.

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

Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness.............................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

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

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

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

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker............................................................................................................................................................. Simon Gibson Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ................................................................................................................ Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.............................................................................................................................. Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services...........................................................................................................................

Artour Sogomonian Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..............................................................................................Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst ................................................................................................................................................................. Jennifer Arril Senior Research Analyst ...................................................................................................................................................................

Karan Riarh Acting Sergeant-at-Arms..................................................................................................................................................................Greg Nelson

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal) ......................................................................... Penticton Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)................................................................ Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) .....................................................Cariboo-Chilcotin Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP)..............................................

Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (NDP) .......................................................................Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)...........................................Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (NDP).......................................................................Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)........................................................

Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .......................................Vancouver–West End Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP)...................................................... Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Raj (NDP) .................................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon. George (NDP).................................................Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal) ..................................Columbia River–Revelstoke Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal) ................................................................ Langley East Conroy, Hon.

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

Adrian (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Hon. Doug (NDP)...................................................................... Stikine Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP).............................................. Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP).........................................................Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ........................................................Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) ......................................................

Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal).............................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Hon. Scott (NDP) ..................................................Mid Island–Pacific Rim Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) .............................................Cowichan Valley Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ...................................................Abbotsford-Mission Glumac, Rick (NDP).........................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Heyman, Hon. George (NDP) ................................................Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon.

John (NDP) ................................................ Langford–Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ........................................................ Surrey-Cloverdale Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal) .......................................... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain James, Hon. Carole (NDP).................................................... Victoria–Beacon Hill Johal, Jas (BC Liberal).................................................Richmond-Queensborough Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)............................................................................... Delta North Kang, Hon.

Anne (NDP)......................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)..............................................................................Shuswap Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .............................................. Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Michael (BC Liberal) ........................................................Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ..................................................... Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal).............................................

Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP) .....................................................North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Sheila (NDP) ........................................................................Nanaimo Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) .......................................Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)....................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)..................................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ........................................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon.

Michelle (NDP)......................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)............................ Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal).......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon. Darryl (Ind.) ........................................................... Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal) ............................................................................. Langley Popham, Hon.

Lana (NDP)............................................................... Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) ............................................................Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal) .......................................................Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ................................................. Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................. North Coast Robinson, Hon.

Selina (NDP) .........................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)................................................................................... Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) ....................................................................Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................. Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ................................................................Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal) ..............................................................

Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ......................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)..................................................Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Jinny (NDP) ........................................................................ Surrey-Panorama Singh, Rachna (NDP) .........................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal) ................................................................. Kelowna West Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)...............................................

Parksville-Qualicum Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)..........................................Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal)........................................ West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal)................................................ Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ...........................................West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ................................................................. Fraser-Nicola Thomson, Steve (BC Liberal)......................................................

Kelowna-Mission Thornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...............................North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal) .......................................................Chilliwack-Kent Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) ................................................................North Island Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal) ................................................. Richmond North Centre Weaver, Dr.

Andrew (Ind.)................................................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal) ................................Vancouver-Quilchena Y ap, John (BC Liberal)............................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission............................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South....................................................................... Hon. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West......................................................................

Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen...................................................................... Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake....................................................................... Hon. Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds................................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed .................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North .................................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky................................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; Independent 2; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS Monday, June 22, 2020 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members................................................................................................................................................... 11683 Introduction and First Reading of Bills.............................................................................................................................. 11683 Bill 6 — Mines Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. B.

Ralston Bill 19 — COVID-19 Related Measures Act Bill 20 — Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020 Bill 21 — Wills, Estates and Succession Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. D. Eby Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 11685 National Indigenous Peoples Day and anti-racism movement J. Rice Bill Bond A. Wilkinson Surrey community response to COVID-19 J. Sims Anti-racism movement T. Wat 7 p.m. cheer for front-line workers and response to COVID-19 pandemic S.

Chandra Herbert National Indigenous Peoples Day and anti-racism movement D. Ashton Oral Questions....................................................................................................................................................................... 11687 Economic recovery and proposal for suspension of taxes A. Wilkinson Hon. J. Horgan Small business employee layoffs and severance pay issues J. Johal Hon. J. Horgan Long-term-care facilities and single-site order for health care workers S. Furstenau Hon. A. Dix Seniors care by for-profit long-term-care facilities S. Furstenau Hon. A.

Dix Small business employee layoffs and severance pay issues P . Milobar Hon. J. Horgan S. Bond J. Thornthwaite Motions Without Notice....................................................................................................................................................... 11692 Discharge of order for Committee of Supply to sit in two sections Special procedures for proceedings of Committee of Supply during COVID-19 pandemic Leave of absence for MLAs not in attendance March 23, 2020 Hon. M.

Farnworth Tabling Documents............................................................................................................................................................... 11694 Office of the Representative for Children and Y outh, report,Youth Substance Use Services in B.C. — An Update Office of the Auditor General, service plan, 2020-21–2022-23 Office of the Ombudsperson, public interest disclosure annual report, 2019-2020 Office of the Chief Electoral Officer,Digital Communications, Disinformation and Democracy — Recommendations for Legislative Change, May 2020 Office of the Merit Commissioner, annual report, 2019-2020 Office of the Auditor General, independent audit report,Skills Immigration Stream of the Provincial Nominee Program, June 2020 Office of the Ombudsperson, special report,Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Measures: Two Ministerial Orders Made Under the Emergency Program Act in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Legislative Assembly Management Committee, accountability report 2017-18 and 2018-19

Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills ........................................................................................................................................................ 11694 Bill 5 — Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2020(continued) M. Dean R. Singh J. Routledge S. Furstenau Hon. H. Bains Bill 11 — Attorney General Statutes (Vehicle Insurance) Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. D. Eby J. Johal S. Furstenau M. Lee Hon. D. Eby Bill 4 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2020 Hon. C. James S. Cadieux P . Milobar Bill 11 — Attorney General Statutes (Vehicle Insurance) Amendment Act, 2020(continued) Hon. D. Eby

MONDAY , JUNE 22, 2020 The House met at 1:35 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members M. Polak:We are very happy in our B.C. Liberal caucus to be welcoming interns, who are working with us this session. In communications, we have Kathryn Haegedorn and Noelle Skillings; in research, Stephen Bagan, Erin Spence and Maliki Suppin. Would the House please make them very welcome. S. Chandra Herbert:I have a number of students who would normally be visiting us at one point or another at the Legislature from King George Secondary.

They’re, of course, unable to do that now, but they are joining us online. I’ d like to congratulate them on their recent graduation on Friday, welcome them online to their Legislature and celebrate all the parents, teachers, school staff and family that helped students get to graduation. Well done, everybody. L. Throness:It gives me great pleasure to report that I’m a great uncle for the sixth time. On April 10, a healthy girl named Odelle May was born to my niece Heather Nickel and her husband, Benton, from Abbotsford.

I was only able to meet her on Saturday because COVID kept us apart, as it has done for so many families. Would the House join me in congratulating Heather and Benton. J. Routledge:Joining us in the gallery today, on this very historic occasion, is Paul Faoro, the president of CUPE B.C., and Trevor Davies, the secretary-treasurer of CUPE B.C. Please join me in giving them a very warm wel- come. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 6 — MINES AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 Hon. B. Ralston presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Mines Amend- ment Act, 2020. Hon. B.

Ralston:I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce Bill 6, the Mines Amendment Act. This bill introduces amendments to the Mines Act that reflect the government’s commitment to improving mining regulation in British Columbia. The key to having a safe and thriving mining sector is an efficient and effect- ive permitting process, having the right rules in place and ensuring that everyone follows the rules. My ministry is working on all of these areas.

The proposed changes were informed by the lessons learned from the Mount Polley disaster, recommendations made by the Office of the Auditor General and the Mining Jobs Task Force, and consultation with Indigenous nations, stakeholders and the public. These changes also support investments made in the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in Budget 2019 to improve mines permitting and increase industry safety. The proposed amendments will do three things.

First, they will establish a chief permitting officer, distinct from the chief inspector of mines, that will ensure that the min- ing permitting process is efficient and effective. Respons- ibilities for health, safety and enforcement will continue to rest with the chief inspector of mines. Second, building on recent improvements and results delivered by the ministry, these changes will further strengthen government’s ability to hold mines accountable by modernizing and enhancing compliance and enforce- ment provisions.

Thirdly, these amendments will formalize the creation of the ministry’s mine audits and effectiveness unit, which will ensure that mining regulation in B.C. remains effect- ive and aligns with global best practice. These changes are needed so that mining continues to be one of the safest heavy industries and so that British Columbia remains an attractive place to invest. [1:40 p.m.] Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. B. Ralston:I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 6, Mines Amendment Act, 2020, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL 19 — COVID-19 RELATED MEASURES ACT Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled COVID-19 Related Measures Act. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce the COVID-19 Related Meas- 11683

ures Act. The primary goals of this bill are to ensure that the province has a smooth transition to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic beyond the end of the provin- cial state of emergency and to support B.C. ’s restart plan. First, the bill enacts ministerial orders made under the Emergency Program Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and allows them to be extended beyond the end of the provincial state of emergency, some for 45 days and others for 90 days.

Second, it establishes the authority for the Lieutenant- Governor-in-Council to make regulations to provide for a different expiry date for the orders, either immediately, at the end of the provincial state of emergency or extend them for a longer duration, with a possible extension up to one year after the act is brought into force. Extensions of ministerial orders may only be made if the Lieutenant- Governor-in-Council is satisfied it is necessary to respond to or alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Third, it includes the power for the Lieutenant-Gov- ernor-in-Council to make regulations that provide protec- tion from civil liability for COVID-19-related damages in circumstances to be defined by regulation. The proposed legislation contains a sunset clause and will be repealed one year after the act is brought into force. Two related targeted amendments are proposed to the Emergency Program Act. One minor amendment provides grater clarity with respect to the minister’s powers under the Emergency Program Act.

The other amendment establishes a limited authority for the Lieu- tenant-Governor-in-Council to temporarily suspend or modify the application and provisions of enactments by regulation.

Drawing on best practices in other Canadian provinces, the authority to make key decisions respecting suspending or modifying a provision of an enactment during an emer- gency or disaster would be elevated to the Lieutenant- Governor-in-Council so that the Lieutenant-Governor-in- Council may undertake actions similar to what has been done using ministerial order powers but with added enhancements to clearly express the scope and conditions for use of such a power. These amendments will not affect the ongoing work on modernizing the Emergency Program Act that is being led by emergency management B.C. Mr.

Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 19, COVID-19 Related Measures Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. [1:45 p.m.] BILL 20 — MOTOR VEHICLE AMENDMENT ACT (No. 2), 2020 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020. Hon. D.

Eby: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. On behalf of my colleague the Solicitor General, I am pleased to introduce the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020. This bill amends the Motor Vehicle Act with respect to number plates, also known as licence plates, and validation decals, also known as stickers, to support further modern- ization of the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia as part of the transformation of vehicle insurance in British Col- umbia which is being made through Bill 11. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D.

Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 20, Motor Vehicle Act (No. 2), 2020, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL 21 — WILLS, ESTATES AND SUCCESSION AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Wills, Estates and Succession Amendment Act, 2020. Hon. D. Eby: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce the Wills, Estates and Succes- sion Amendment Act, 2020. This bill will provide for recognition of electronic wills and will allow for the signing of any will to be witnessed remotely. This bill is based upon the work of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada and builds upon Ministerial Order No. M161, which allows remote witnessing of wills during the current state of emergency. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. 11684 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 21, Wills, Estates and Succession Amendment Act, 2020, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND ANTI-RACISM MOVEMENT J.

Rice:Y esterday was National Indigenous Peoples Day, an important day that is celebrated each year on the 21st of June to recognize the rich, diverse and unique culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Métis and Inuit. This year celebrations are taking place in the middle of a new awakening on the issue of systemic racism against Black and Indigenous peoples in North America. On this very special day and in this very momentous time, it’s important that we acknowledge the historic, colo- nial injustices and ongoing discrimination that continue to affect the lives of Indigenous peoples.

Racism is not just an American problem. Racism, especially anti-Indigenous racism, is a problem in all of our communities across Brit- ish Columbia and Canada. It’s important that we take this day and the entire Indigenous History Month to reflect on what we can do as individuals and communities to combat racism.

While the road to reconciliation is a long one and one that will inevitably be taken by our children and grand- children, I’m proud of the work our government has done to get this journey started, including collaboration on ini- tiatives such as revenue-sharing, affordable housing, lan- guage revitalization and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, to name a few. [1:50 p.m.] In my own riding, we’ve been making important invest- ments to support self-reliance and self-determination of the nations on the north coast.

Just recently we opened new homes for Elders in Lax Kw’alaams, announced fund- ing for a renewable energy project in Klemtu and invested in recreation projects in Hartley Bay to boost the ecotour- ism economy in their community. This is far from enough. We all have a long way to achieve reconciliation and reverse 500 years of coloniz- ation. We are celebrating Indigenous History Month all throughout June. I encourage everyone to take some time to learn about the Indigenous history of the province and think about what we each can do in our own lives to advance reconciliation and address racism. BILL BOND A.

Wilkinson:It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that I rise in the House today to pay tribute to the life of a great man and loving husband, Mr. Bill Bond of Prince George. To the member for Prince George–Valemount: our hearts and thoughts are with you on the loss of your husband and best friend. To those who knew Bill, and even those who didn’t, his death hits hard. He was the type of person who exuded kindness, compassion and who absolutely loved his family and his community. He worked so hard to support the member for Prince George–Valemount and our entire team, and we will miss him very much.

In his memory, a memorial fund has been set up through the Prince George Community Foundation which will support the placement of automated external defibril- lators, or AEDs, in public spaces in the community he and his wife so deeply cared for, Prince George. I encourage all members of this House to take the time to make a dona- tion on the Prince George Community Foundation site. Bill worked hard for his community and would go above and beyond to help anyone in need. I can say easily that our province was a better place because of Bill Bond.

I’ d like to ask the House to join me in paying tribute to Bill, thanking him for all that he has given to British Columbia and expressing our sincerest condolences to the member for Prince George–Valemount and her family as they cope with this terrible loss. Bill will be missed. SURREY COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 J. Sims:These last few months have been challenging for every British Columbian. Terms like social distancing, flat- tening the curve and virtual meetings have become famil- iar to all. We have had to learn to meet, celebrate and even mourn differently.

Amidst the challenges, we have also seen awesome human spirit and individuals and groups coming together. Today I would like to thank and acknowledge some indi- viduals and groups in Surrey who have gathered to help care for those most in need during this pandemic. I have been fortunate to meet with several groups doing great things and have been impressed with the generosity, com- mitment and creativity of their effort to support the com- munity. Although they have not been allowed to gather in per- son to worship, groups representing all religions have found ways to serve.

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, in collaboration with other gurdwaras and the business com- munity, has dedicated volunteers who every day cook and prepare meals to go for those in need as well as hundreds of front-line workers. They have also been delivering gro- Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11685

ceries and meals to individuals and families — in Surrey, yes, but also across the province. The Surrey Jamea Masjid and the Fiji Centre raised a significant amount of money during Ramadan this year to help support vulnerable members of the community. Hori- zon Church, in collaboration with City Dream, has been collecting food and other donations and preparing thou- sands of food hampers for those in need. Two and a half months ago, a group of women set a goal of sewing 10,000 masks by July 1, masks that will be dis- tributed free of cost, coordinated through Our Global Vil- lage foundation.

They met once a week from 11 to 11. This past Saturday they surpassed their goal. Together we can make a difference and build more just communities. A huge shout-out and thank-you to all who stepped forward to support. We are all in this together. [1:55 p.m.] ANTI-RACISM MOVEMENT T. Wat:I’m rising in the House today to speak in sup- port of the anti-racism movement rising in our province and around the world. I have been devastated to witness recent events both within our province and outside of it, and I have no doubt that every member of this House shares my sentiments.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have seen a horrif- ic spike in hate crimes, racism and intolerance here in Brit- ish Columbia, many of which are being targeted towards our Asian-Canadian communities. On top of this, the world has been shaken by the recent killing of George Floyd. The worldwide protests that have followed the death are now serving to highlight the racism that Black, Indi- genous and other people of colour still certainly endure on a daily basis.

Recent allegations of racial profiling in our health care system, particularly towards Indigenous people and com- munities, highlight that racism is taking place in every aspect of our society. It’s being experienced by every cul- ture and minority group in our province. On the first day of our historic parliamentary session, I want to take this moment to affirm with everyone present that all parties and members must stand together to show the world that there is zero tolerance towards racism of any kind in our province.

It is our responsibility to do whatever it takes to ensure every British Columbian, regardless of race or ethnicity, feels safe, accepted and welcome. Together we must show the world that every British Columbian should be proud to call our province home. 7 P .M. CHEER FOR FRONT-LINE WORKERS AND RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC S. Chandra Herbert:Well, it started quietly — in fact, so quietly, few would ever know it was going on. Just a mom and her two kids reaching out to a few neighbours by text, Facebook, what have you, to say: “Can we join togeth- er?

Can we unite every night at 7 p.m. to say thank you?” It started in the West End when Rory Richards decided we needed to do something more. With so many people stuck at home due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to flatten the curve and look out for each other, many felt alone. Many felt scared. Many felt they didn’t have the connections in the com- munity that they’ d had before. So she and other neigh- bours of ours in the West End decided to unite — to bang pots and pans, to shout, to play trumpets, to play deejay sets, to dance, to cry, to hold each other as family, to hold each other across the distance.

There’s something amazing when you look out your tiny apartment window and see the entire building across from you also coming out together at 7 p.m. to say thank you to front-line workers: the health care workers at St. Paul’s whose shift changes at 7 p.m. at night, but every front-line worker — grocery store worker, trucker, driver, medical staff, anybody who is interacting with the public and had to keep coming to their job despite their fears. This was a thank-you for them and still is a thank-you for them. It spread across our province and, indeed, across our nation.

I want to unite and say thank you to my constituents for thinking about all of us and for giving us something to look forward to in the dark days of COVID-19. The 7 p.m. celebration is truly a thing that I look forward to every day — even if it’s at 6:45 p.m., as my son insists he needs to go bed early, or at 7:15 p.m., when he remembers we didn’t do it at 7 p.m. and insists we go back out and bang even if we’re banging by ourselves to say thank you. Thank you, West End. Thank you, everybody, for join- ing us to celebrate our front-line workers. NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND ANTI-RACISM MOVEMENT D.

Ashton:Today I am honoured to rise and speak on our National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day where we honour the history, culture and contributions of Indigen- ous people throughout the country. This coincides with June being National Indigenous History Month, where we proudly acknowledge the unique culture, heritage and achievements of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. [2:00 p.m.] Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many were prevented from getting together this year to mark the occasion with public festivities and wonderful cultural activities.

That does not mean that we cannot collectively recognize the strength of all 203 First Nations bands in British Columbia and their valuable contributions to our province and our country. We must also acknowledge the history of Canada’s rela- tionships with First Nations and pledge to continue work- ing together to build a better future for everyone. Working on a better nation-to-nation partnership and creating eco- 11686 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

nomic opportunities are important steps on the path towards strengthening these relationships. Together we can build a path forward that will bring security and prosperity for everyone who calls this wonderful province their home. It is also necessary to acknowledge that the past weeks have been highlighted with the debilitating racism that still persists with the poor and with many Indigenous people.

This has been front of mind for many in light of the anti- racism protests across Canada and the United States and by the shocking news last week regarding serious alleg- ations of racial profiling and unacceptable treatment by members of our province’s health care system. There’s no place for racism anywhere in British Colum- bia. I know that every one of us is united in our condem- nation of these alleged actions. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, let us be reminded of the incred- ible heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achieve- ments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis of our country.

Oral Questions ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND PROPOSAL FOR SUSPENSION OF TAXES A. Wilkinson:It’s been more than 100 days since we’ve been able to gather in this chamber, and certainly a lot of history has been made during that time. It’s had a pro- found impact on British Columbians. There have been impacts on families, there have been impacts on com- munities, and of course, there have been those who have been stricken by the disease and those who have unfortu- nately died due to the disease.

Now our task and what brings us here is to move British Columbia into the future, to talk about making British Columbia a better place and to talk about recovery. We’re concerned, as the opposition, because we heard last week that rather than disclosing a plan for economic recovery in British Columbia, the Premier’s decided to embark on another survey that will last for weeks. We have to turn to the Premier and say: “We can do bet- ter.

Y ou can do better as the government. ” We must do bet- ter so that British Columbians have some sense of hope that they can recover from this without massive job loss and business insolvency. The question goes to the Premier. Will the Premier take a simple, straightforward step, like suspending sales tax, hotel tax and employer health tax for 90 days? Hon. J. Horgan:I thank the member for his question.

I want to also welcome those who are sitting in their offices across British Columbia and those that are joining us here in the Legislature today for what will be, I think, an extraordinary question period for all of us. I do appreciate the member’s question. I do know he would agree with me that the past 100 days have been extraordinary for British Columbians, whether they be employees or employers. We’ve been taking steps collect- ively to address issues as they’ve emerged, whether it be in the hospitality sector, whether it be in construction or whether it be in a range of sectors.

We’ve been working hand in hand with leaders and with workers to come for- ward with proposals and suggestions. I’ d also say that members of this House — on all sides, in all parties — have been providing advice and counsel to government. We’ve been taking that greatly and putting it into action in many sectors. What we’re doing now is ask- ing British Columbians what their thoughts are. We have the opportunities and the luxury and the privilege of sit- ting in this place, of penning letters, of making comments and engaging with people in a way that British Columbi- ans don’t. This is not a delay in restart.

We have been going since the middle of May. We have been adding to the basket of initiatives a $5 billion commitment that the Minister of Finance and I made in our action plan not that long ago. I know that the member on the other side will be supporting us as we go forward. But action does not mean precluding British Columbians. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. A.

Wilkinson:I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to speak to British Columbians all over this province in the last 100 days in electronic town halls of up to 11,000 people, listening to their concerns and listening to their worries. British Columbians are extremely concerned about the future — starting now but certainly going into the fall, when bills will become due, including all the deferred taxes and fees from this government. They’re looking for ideas about how we can recover. [2:05 p.m.] It’s not just about opening the doors again. That’s a pub- lic health declaration. It’s not an economic plan.

British Columbians are feeling impoverished. They’re feeling wor- ried about the ability to go out and spend and participate in the economy. We see on the streets of Victoria…. They’re virtually empty during the business day because people do not have confidence that they can get out there and participate in the economy again. So we’re asking this Premier to think about the people who have mortgages, the people who have kids, the people who want to go to work, whether as an employee or as an employer — or both, for that matter. We ask the Premier a simple query that we’ve had on the table for three months now.

Will the Premier suspend sales tax, hotel tax and employer health tax for 90 days to jump- start the B.C. economy? Hon. J. Horgan:We have been working since March to put in place initiatives to protect workers, to protect busi- Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11687

nesses — $5 billion. And $1.5 billion of that remains for a stimulus package that we’ll be rolling out in the days ahead to make sure that British Columbians stand in good stead across the country and, indeed, around the world. I think it’s important for the Leader of the Opposition and members in this House and at home to remember that this is not a British Columbia problem. This is an international problem that requires extraordinary efforts on all of our parts to make sure we’re doing everything we can to ensure that British Columbians come out ahead at the end of this.

Certainly, we have bent the curve as British Columbians by listening to the counsel and guidance of Dr. Henry and Minister Dix, as we laid out the health challenges that people were facing. I would suggest to the member, and I’m sure he knows this, that in order to build confidence for consumers to go back into retail, into hospitality and into other sectors that require that type of activity, we’re going to have to do a couple of things. We’re going to have to make sure that the workplace is safe.

WorkSafeBC has been working with the public health officers to make sure that we put in place guidelines so that customers can be comfortable when they go into an establishment, so that they’re going to be safe and so that the workers in there are safe as well. This cannot be done by snapping fingers. It cannot be done by edicts brought forward in question period. I’m happy, as I have been for the past number of weeks, to read suggestions and hear suggestions from members of this House any time, anywhere. The member put forward some tax changes.

I suggest he take those issues up with the Minister of Finance, who’s always happy to talk about how we can make sure our economy continues to grow. It’s going to be a challenging 100 days ahead of us, hon. Member, and you know that full well. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson:We hear the Premier talking consistently about public health measures, which actually don’t have anything to do with economic recovery. The federal gov- ernment has spent $7,000 for every living, breathing human being in this country in an economic support and stimulus package.

So far, the provincial government has spent one-tenth of that, $700. It’s a paltry contribution to a colossal problem. We have more than 500,000 British Columbians who are not employed now, compared to a year ago. This crisis has disproportionately damaged the careers of women and youth. I think we all know young people who are now adrift, living on a federal cheque for $1,250 a month, won- dering where their future lies. It cries out for leadership from this government to talk about what the future holds for British Columbians.

Once more I’ll ask the Premier: is he prepared to look at a serious, simple, immediate remedy for this problem by creating that confidence that comes from reducing taxes? Drop the sales tax, drop the employer health tax, drop the hotel tax for 90 days and give British Columbians a chance to get ahead, Premier. Hon. J. Horgan:I guess perhaps we’re not getting press releases through to the official opposition. That surprises me. They’re readily available on the Internet, gov.bc.ca. The emergency benefit for workers, $1,000, is already $250 higher than the number the member articulated there.

This month another $451 through the climate action tax credit will be going to families who deserve that. Fam- ilies of up to four see $450. A temporary rent supplement — the only province in the country to bring forward a temporary rent sup- plement because of the high cost of housing in British Columbia. The members might be aware of how that happened over time. But we’re the only province to put that in place, and we’re going to advance it for a couple more months as we go forward.

There will be a $1,000 grant for those seeking a diploma, a certificate or a degree come September, the first time a non-refundable grant will be available to young people in British Columbia in 16 years. [2:10 p.m.] We’re doing our part. We’re doing our part to lay the groundwork for a very challenging future. I’m under no illusion. I know the member is under no illusion as well. We need to continue to work together. I appreciate that the responsibility of the opposition is to hold us accountable. I’m fine with that, but don’t make stuff up. We’ve already far exceeded the last comments in your question.

I’m sure we’ll hear more as the half an hour progresses. SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEE LAYOFFS AND SEVERANCE PAY ISSUES J. Johal:Small businesses are pleading with the Minister of Labour to change employment rules to extend layoff time limits to the end of August, plus an additional six weeks once emergency orders are lifted. This is what Anita Huberman from the Surrey Board of Trade had to say: “Revisit your recent negative response to the business community. Take action. ” Severance pay- ments will be significant, and in many cases, will lead to bankruptcy. Is that what the B.C. government wants?

To the Minister of Labour, will he listen to the Surrey Board of Trade and fully extend the time limit as small businesses are requesting? Hon. J. Horgan:I thank the member for his question. We did hear of this issue. We put in place the extension in the first place. There is, under

section 72 of the Employ- ment Standards Act, an opportunity for businesses to seek 11688 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

variance. I understand from correspondence from them today that’s not adequate for their needs. We’re quite happy to continue to engage in discussion. This is an important issue. The member knows that. But I hope the businesses are not saying, through you to the House and to workers across British Columbia, that the severance that those workers earned over perhaps, poten- tially, decades of employment with the companies in ques- tion, are to give up that severance. If that’s the proposition that you’re putting forward, we disagree with it.

The question at hand here is: can we find a way for businesses and workers to find an accommodation so that we can get back to where we were pre-COVID? That’s our objective. But if you’re suggesting that the sev- erance that’s owed to those employees should be forgiv- en, that’s not on. Mr. Speaker:The member for Richmond-Queensbor- ough on a supplemental. J. Johal:This is what I’m suggesting. In my community, Richmond-Queensborough, the constituency that I rep- resent, I have a small events company. They have six employees. Five of them have been laid off.

They are get- ting to the point where they’ll have to pay severance. That cost that company can’t afford. They will have to declare bankruptcy. There will be no job for those employees to go back to. I remind the Premier…. Just think about that for a second. This small business that employs six people has survived the COVID pandemic but isn’t going to survive NDP policy. That’s the issue here. The fact that various organizations around British Col- umbia had to send a letter today…. Up until yesterday — in fact, up until two hours ago — the answer was no from the Minister of Labour, absolutely no.

Instead, you have…. The Vancouver Board of Trade, the Surrey Board of Trade, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federa- tion of Independent Business, ICBA, Restaurants Canada, Retail Council, B.C. Hotel Association have collectively spoken in one voice that this is a clear and present issue. Just the other day BCBC also stated that with 200,000 small businesses in this province, they expect 10 to 15 per- cent to go under by the end of 2021. That’s what we’re talk- ing about here. It’s the small mom-and-pop shops that are impacted, the backbone of our economy.

The business community is also saying today: “B.C. employers will be faced with ‘regulated chaos’ as the clock ticks down to deadlines beginning in early July, forcing many businesses, by law, to terminate laid-off employees and pay out severance. ” Will the Labour Minister act now before it’s too late? Hon. J. Horgan:Again, we’re happy to engage with the business community on these issues. They’re important issues. The issue of severance, however, is at the core of this question. I hope it’s the official opposition’s position that those workers deserve that severance, regardless of what goes forward.

We’re happy to work with small businesses through their representatives, either through the B.C. chamber or through the boards of trade. I have a meeting on Thursday with them. We’ll engage in that discussion at that time. I’m confident we’ll find a way forward that meets the interests of those businesses as well as those employees. LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES AND SINGLE-SITE ORDER FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS S. Furstenau:I’ d like to begin just by commending the Minister of Health and the provincial health officer for their steady guidance through the last 100 days.

I know that the people of B.C. are very grateful for their open and transparent communication on such an ongoing basis. [2:15 p.m.] During this pandemic, we’ve seen outbreaks occur in many of our province’s long-term-care homes and assisted living facilities, and 585 cases, as of June 17, can be linked to those outbreaks. Heartbreakingly, 116 residents or patients have died of COVID-19. An important aspect of this tragedy is the part-time hours many front-line workers are hired for.

This resulted in many employees, mostly women and visible minorities, working in multiple facilities to make ends meet, causing them unwittingly to spread the virus between multiple homes. I welcome the fact that the government has ordered employees to only work at one facility and provided a backstop for those who have suffered financial hardship as a result. The Premier has said he thinks that “you can anticipate that that will be — in fact, you can be certain — that that will be the norm going forward. ” My question is to the Minister of Health.

How will gov- ernment ensure that employees are being paid a living wage so that they can afford to work at only one facility, and when can we expect to see legislation that will make these changes truly permanent? Hon. A. Dix: Thank you to the member for her ques- tion. The single-site order that was put in place pursuant to the medical health officer or the provincial health officer’s orders included a very significant change that made it hap- pen. This involved, by the way, 501 facilities and 48,794 employees working in those facilities, 8,800 of whom worked at multiple sites. So what’s happened?

All 501 right now have single-site orders in place. All 8,874 employees have been assigned to a single site. In addition, all of those employees — all of them, not just the 8,874 affected by the single-site order — are seeing a top-up to their wages to bring them up to HEABC-negotiated levels, and those who have a particu- Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11689

lar pay grade go to the highest pay grade if they’re at mul- tiple sites. These are significant changes. I want to say that we made this happen by making those investments, by supporting the process. Other provinces have talked about this. British Columbia, with the support of all political parties, has acted, and I want to thank every- one involved in health care who has made it happen. Those orders are going to be in place for some time and give us the opportunity to work on the future.

I have to say that it has been the contribution of unions such as the HEU, of employers such as those represented by Denominational Health and the B.C. Care Providers Association who have helped make it happen. This has been a team B.C. approach and has to continue to be a team B.C. approach to ensure that workers are protected and that, most importantly, those people living in long- term care are given the care they need and they deserve. Mr. Speaker:The Third Party House Leader on a sup- plemental. SENIORS CARE BY FOR-PROFIT LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES S. Furstenau: Thank you to the minister for that response.

Currently B.C. spends $1.3 billion per year contracting for-profit companies and not-for-profit societies to operate two-thirds of the province’s long-term-care beds. The not- for-profit sector spends almost $10,000, or 24 percent, more per resident per year than the for-profit sectors, on direct care. One of the biggest reasons for this disparity is that the for-profit sector underpays their care aide staff by as much as 28 percent compared to the industry standard.

Not only that, according to the latest report from the B.C. seniors advocate, the for-profit sector failed to deliver 207,000 hours of funded care, which means over 200,000 hours of care paid for with public funds was never provided. In contrast, the not-for-profit sector provided every hour they were funded to deliver and then 80,000 hours more. My question is to the Minister of Health. On March 4, 2020, the minister said in relation to for-profit companies: “They have the responsibility to provide care.

We have the responsibility to regulate, and we will. ” When and how will for-profit companies be held to these responsibilities? Hon. A. Dix: Thank you very much for the supple- mentary question. I think you’ll note that the report of the seniors advocate was based on the fiscal year 2017-18. Since then a number of changes have occurred that are important. [2:20 p.m.] Unanimously in this House, members supported Bill 47, which got rid of Bills 29 and 94 and empowered health care workers in a way that hadn’t happened before, gave them the same rights as other workers in society.

In addition since that time, we’ve significantly increased funded care hours, particularly for those two sectors — for the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors who provide pub- lic beds in B.C. — such that at the end of this year, we’re going to move from 3.1 care hours per resident-day to 3.37 care hours per resident-day. Even more important than that, 75 care homes, all private or not-for-profit, were funded at under 2.9 care hours per resident-day at that time, just to put that in con- text. That is more than three hours per week per resident of direct care under the provincial standard.

There were 75 such care homes. Now there are zero. We have also brought in place, again working with a team B.C. approach, new mechanisms both to enforce contracts and a new web-based tool, which we’ll be mov- ing to this summer, to assist everybody in ensuring that the hours and the funding provided by government are, in fact, delivered by providers. We’re doing this by working together. This is a made- in-B.C. approach. It involves not-for-profit, it involves for-profit, and it involves associations of employers and unions. We are moving forward to improve seniors care in this province.

Those changes — Bill 47, the hiring of new care aides, the increasing care standards — have made a signi- ficant difference in B.C. as we’ve gone through the COV- ID-19 pandemic. SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEE LAYOFFS AND SEVERANCE PAY ISSUES P . Milobar:The answers the Premier gave to the mem- ber for Richmond-Queensborough seem to be a little bit all over the map. On the one hand, the Premier is saying this is an issue that has just come up. He makes it sound like it just came up. He makes it sound like it’s something that they’re fun- damentally opposed to.

Y et this government had already extended it from 13 weeks to 16 weeks for a temporary lay- off. He then makes it sound as if they’ve always been open and willing to discuss, even though last week his minister made it very clear there would be no extension. There are 133,000 British Columbians who are on tem- porary layoff right now, thousands of small businesses. They need that certainty now, or there will not be 133,000 jobs for them to come back to.

Organizations representing thousands of small busi- nesses have written today: “Through your inaction now, Minister, you are dismissing the gravity of the situation still facing many businesses who have been forced to close or curtail operations and lay off workers. ” To the Minister of Labour or the Premier, will the time limits be extended today? 11690 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

Hon. J. Horgan:I thank the member for the question. As I said to the member for Richmond-Queensborough, we felt that the provisions under

section 72 of the Employ- ment Standards Act were adequate — for companies that were affected to take that avenue. Clearly, the opposition and those that have written the letter today have a different view on that matter, and I’m absolutely prepared to go back and take another look at it. This isn’t about trying to stop people from succeeding. Quite the contrary.

We’ve been spending the past 100 days doing the exact opposite, trying to make sure we’re putting in place initiatives that will help people, whether it be working with the very businesses that you just articulated in convincing the federal government to fully fund a sick pay operation that will allow people to not go back to work when they’re sick because of an economic imperative. That was driven by the very people that the member just articu- lated to me. It’s not like we haven’t been working closely with the B.C. Business Council, with the boards of trade, with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.

Quite the contrary. We’ve been working very closely with them to try and find ways that we can collaborate — workers, employers, community groups — to find a better way forward. I hope the opposi- tion will join us. I’m happy to revisit this issue with these groups as early as Thursday. Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–North Thompson on a supplemental. P . Milobar:These groups have been voicing these con- cerns for quite some time now. They’re not waiting for the Premier to find yet another federal program to try to ride the coat-tails on and make it look like it’s a provincial pro- gram.

The minister’s response last week to this issue was to say that employers can request a variance. We heard the Pre- mier reference the variances, as well, earlier. The business community responded to that today. Here’s another quote. This is a “hollow offering” and “frankly, Minister, insulting to the many businesses struggling to recover or simply keep their doors open. ” Perhaps the Premier can enlighten all of us and tell us what the average time will be for a business to get a vari- ance application approved by the employment standards branch. [2:25 p.m.] Hon. J.

Horgan:We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the extraordinary work of government employees over the past 100 days, doing things, going beyond anything they had imagined when they took on their oaths of office and they signed on to work for the people of British Colum- bia, whether it be to go to airports to add more resources to protect our borders, with federal employees, or whether it be to work on issues like this. We have regular meetings with the economic recovery task force where every corner of government is coming together, a cross-government approach. I just said to the member’s first question….

I’m happy to revisit this question and will do so as early as Thursday, when I have all of these people on a telephone call. If that’s not an adequate answer, he can ask me another question. S. Bond: Frankly, to the Premier, that isn’t an adequate answer. Today the Minister of Labour received an absolutely scathing letter from organizations representing thousands of workers across the province. We’ve heard several quotes, but let me provide the Premier and the minister with another one.

This is what the business community wrote to the Labour Minister today. “Y our lack of appreciation for the dire situation facing thousands of small businesses and workers calls into question” the Premier’s sincerity. “Thou- sands of businesses now face what amounts to ‘regulated insolvency’ because of your inaction. ” So a very simple question: will the Minister of Labour do his job and commit to extending the time limits today? Hon. J. Horgan:I don’t know if the technology is not working across the province.

As I said to the member for Kamloops–North Thompson, I’m happy to revisit this question, and I will be speaking with many of the signat- ories of the letter on Thursday. If that’s not fast enough, we can set up an earlier call. I think it’s appropriate that we take the time. It’s already scheduled. These are busy people working on a whole host of issues. If the opposition has come to the point where they demand you make a call today instead of tomorrow, then so be it. Good question. Mr. Speaker:The member for Prince George–Vale- mount on a supplemental. S.

Bond: We can save the Premier the time of making a phone call. In fact, what he could do is commit today to extending the timelines. That’s what business organizations are asking for. This is what they said, once again, today. Perhaps the Premier may want to have a conversation with his Labour Minister. “The business community repeatedly brought this loom- ing issue to your government’s attention, beginning in early April. Regrettably, you have not reached out nor responded to our concerns until last Thursday, June 17, leaving your ministerial duties to others. ” To the Minister of Labour….

Apparently, he hasn’t had a conversation with the Premier. This has been a discussion item since early April. The answer was no. Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11691

Can the Minister of Labour explain why he would force the permanent layoff of workers, whether they or their employees like it or not? Hon. J. Horgan:We have been discussing these and many other issues for over 100 days now. We’ve had a cross-government approach. The minister and I reviewed this issue. We felt that

section 72, as I said, was appropriate. Clearly, these business organizations feel differently. I am committing today to speak with them at a scheduled phone call on Thursday to address the question. J. Thornthwaite:This seems to be an NDP pattern — lots of discussions, lots of surveys, no action. Hard hit small businesses are already struggling to sur- vive. The minister’s inaction will now force them to pay significant unnecessary costs which will be the final straw for many businesses, sadly. For example, a restaurant with 30 staff would have to pay $100,000.

Again, can the Minister of Labour explain why he is for- cing small businesses to permanently lay off workers and incur costs that they simply cannot afford? Hon. J. Horgan:“Unnecessary costs” is how the oppo- sition party refers to working people in British Columbia. Unnecessary costs. This is a severance question. This is…. Interjections. Hon. J. Horgan:The whole point why they’re asking for relief is because they can’t afford the severance.

I thought that’s what one of your questioners asked, between reading paragraphs from a letter that I’ve acknowledged I’ve received and will respond to. [2:30 p.m.] For a member of the opposition to say that it’s unaccept- able for business to be responsible for their employees is a bit rich. It’s a bit rich. Mr. Speaker:The member for North Vancouver–Sey- mour on a supplemental. J. Thornthwaite:What the NDP does not seem to understand is that unnecessary costs to businesses cost people their jobs. Since early April, small businesses have repeatedly begged this government to act.

What has been asked is just a simple fix to protect businesses from being perman- ently asked to fire their employees. It’s this minister’s inac- tion, not COVID-19, that will penalize small businesses and force them to shutter their operations for good. Will the Minister of Labour explain how businesses are supposed to do this? Hon. J. Horgan:Well, we’ve been working with busi- nesses on a whole range of issues. One that the Attorney General just resolved not that long ago was wholesale pri- cing for the hospitality sector. That’s going to save an enormous amount of money for small businesses.

We put in place provisions to ensure that businesses wouldn’t be evicted because there were property man- agement companies that wouldn’t apply for federal relief. We’ve been working hand in hand with our federal part- ners to find ways to fill gaps in the very generous pro- grams they’ve brought forward. It’s been successful to this point in time. I assumed that when we came back to the Legislature, when we could talk about these issues, we would bring up more than one piece of correspondence, albeit important, that I have acknowledged and said I will address before the week is out.

Perhaps, maybe, you should get another refrain. Y ou’ve had 100 days to figure out question period. I’ve acknowledged the issue. We felt that the variance was appropriate. The opposition disagrees with us. They don’t feel that we should protect the severance rights of individuals. But that’s fine. We’re going to work through this. I’m sure that the opposition will take credit when the time comes. [End of question period.] Motions Without Notice DISCHARGE OF ORDER FOR COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY TO SIT IN TWO SECTIONS Hon. M. Farnworth:I have a suite of three motions for the House to deal with.

By leave, I move: [That the order of the House of February 27, 2020 authorizing the Committee of Supply for this Session to sit in two sections, desig- nated

Section A and

Section B, be discharged.] Leave granted. Motion approved. SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC Hon. M. Farnworth:By leave, I move the adoption of the Sessional Order establishing special procedures respecting the regulation of the conduct of proceedings of the Committee of Supply in exceptional circumstances, COVID-19 pandemic, a copy of which has been distrib- uted to the House Leaders of the recognized caucuses: [1. That the Committee of Supply for this Session be authorized to sit in three sections, designated

Section A,

Section B, and

Section C, to be subject to the rules that follow. 11692 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY ,

SECTION A AND

SECTION C Authorizations 2. That the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, sit the weeks of June 22 and July 6, 13, 20 and 27, unless otherwise ordered. 3. That the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, be au- thorized to conduct its proceedings by way of Zoom videoconfer- encing technology. 4. That Members who are participating in the proceedings of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, by the approved videoconferencing technology must have the audio and video functions enabled with their face clearly visible in order to be counted towards quorum, to participate in debate, and to vote. 5. That, for greater certainty, the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, be empowered to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned. 6. That the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, be em- powered to examine theEstimates – Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2021 referred to the Committee of Supply by order of the House of February 18, 2020.

Schedule of Estimates 7. That, at every Tuesday morning sitting of the House of a sched- uled sitting week during which the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, are to meet, the Government House Leader shall table in the House the order of the Estimates to be examined the following Thursday and Friday by the Committee of Supply, Sec- tion A and

Section C, which shall be distributed to all Members by the Office of the Clerk. This

schedule may only be altered by agree- ment of the House Leaders of each recognized caucus, and notice of any such agreement shall be provided to the Office of the Clerk and communicated to all Members as expeditiously as possible. Meeting

Schedule 8. That the time for the ordinary meeting of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, shall, unless otherwise ordered by the House or determined by the Committee, be as follows: Thursday: Two distinct meetings: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday: Two distinct meetings: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Composition 9. That the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole, or their designate preside in the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C. 10. That the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, each consist of 17 Members, not including the Chair, being eight Mem- bers of the Government Caucus, eight Members of the Official Op- position Caucus, and one Member of the Third Party Caucus. 11. That the Members of the Committee of Supply,

Section A be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination by the Com- mittee andJagrup Brar, Mable Elmore, Rick Glumac, Jennifer Rice, Janet Routledge, Jinny Sims, Rachna Singh, Mike Bernier, Dan Dav- ies, Peter Milobar, Mike Morris, Ben Stewart, Michelle Stilwell, Jane Thornthwaite, Laurie Throness, andSonia Furstenau. 12. That the Members of the Committee of Supply,

Section C be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination by the Com- mittee andGarry Begg, Bob D’Eith, Mike Farnworth, Rob Flem- ing, Carole James, Bowinn Ma, Bruce Ralston, Dan Ashton, Donna Barnett, Coralee Oakes, Tom Shypitka, Jordan Sturdy, Ralph Sultan, Steve Thomson, John Yap, andAdam Olsen. 13. That substitutions for Members of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, be permitted. Advance notice of substitu- tions shall be transmitted to the Office of the Clerk by the respect- ive Whip at least one hour prior to the scheduled meeting time. Applicability of Standing Orders 14. That the provisions of Standing Order 45A,

Schedule 5, setting out the time limits on speeches, apply to the proceedings of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C. 15. That, consistent with Standing Order 6, the presence of at least ten Members, including the Chair, shall be necessary to constitute a proceeding of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, for the exercise of its powers. 16. That, consistent with Standing Order 61(1), the Standing Or- ders shall be observed in the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, as may be applicable, except Standing Orders limiting the number of times a Member may speak. 17. That, consistent with Standing Order 61(2), speeches in the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, must be strictly rel- evant to the item under consideration. Proceedings 18. That, pursuant to established practice, a Minister may defer to a Deputy Minister to permit such Deputy to reply to a question put to the Minister in the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C. Voting and Divisions 19. That only the Members of the Committee of Supply,

Section A or

Section C, or duly authorized substitutions, shall vote in a divi- sion. 20. That, when a division is requested in the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, the Chair shall announce that a division has been called. No longer than 15 minutes thereafter, unless the Committee unanimously agrees otherwise, the Chair shall again state the question. No Member shall connect to or disconnect from the approved videoconferencing technology after the final state- ment of the question until the division has been fully taken, and every Member of the Committee present shall vote. 21. That, during a meeting of the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, if a division is underway, the Committee shall sit beyond the ordinary time of adjournment until the division has concluded and any consequential business has been disposed of. Reporting and Completion 22. That the Committee of Supply,

Section A and

Section C, shall report progress or resolution and completion on the Estimates un- der consideration by it at the conclusion of every meeting. The Clerk to the Committee shall deposit the report with the Office of the Clerk in paper form or electronically, and such report shall be deemed for all purposes to have been presented and tabled in the House. The report shall be entered upon theVotes and Proceedings of the next sitting day of the House. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY ,

SECTION B 23. That the Committee of Supply,

Section B, continue to operate pursuant to established practice as a Committee of the Whole House in whose proceedings all Members may participate. CONCLUSION OF SUPPLY PROCEEDINGS 24.

That after all Estimates have been reported as complete, Mem- bers of the Government Caucus shall have a maximum of seven minutes cumulatively, Members of the Official Opposition Caucus shall have a maximum of four minutes cumulatively, Members of the Third Party Caucus shall have a maximum of two minutes cu- mulatively, and Independent Members shall have a maximum of one minute cumulatively to summarize the Committee of Supply debate on all Estimates completed. Such summaries shall be in the following order: a. Independent Members; b. Third Party Caucus; c. Official Opposition Caucus; and d. Government Caucus.

OTHER 25. That this order expire on August 31, 2020.] Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11693

Leave granted. Motion approved. LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MLAs NOT IN ATTENDANCE MARCH 23, 2020 Hon. M. Farnworth:By leave, I move: [That pursuant to Standing Order 8, a leave of absence be granted to all Members who did not attend the service of the House on March 23, 2020.] Leave granted. Motion approved. [2:35 p.m.] Tabling Documents Mr. Speaker:Members, I have the honour to present the following reports:

(1) Youth Substance Use Services in B.C.: An Update from the Office of the Representative for Children and Y outh;

(2) Service Plan 2020-21–2022-23 from the Auditor General;

(3) Office of the Ombudsperson Public Interest Disclosure Annual Report 2019-2020 from the Office of the Ombud- sperson of B.C.;

(4) Digital Communications, Disinformation and Demo- cracy: Recommendations for Legislative Change from Elec- tions B.C.; (5) 2019-2020 Annual Report from the Office of the Merit Commissioner;

(6) Skills Immigration Stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programfrom the Office of the Audit- or General;

(7) Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Measures: Two Ministerial Orders Made Under the Emergency Program Act in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemicfrom the Office of the Ombudsperson of B.C.; And lastly,LAMC Accountability Report 2017-18 and 2018-19 from the Legislative Assembly of British Colum- bia. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I call second reading of Bill 5, Employment Standards Amendment Act. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] Deputy Speaker:This House will be in recess for five minutes. The House recessed from 2:36 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. [R.

Chouhan in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 5 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 (continued) M. Dean: I am very pleased to respond to Bill 5, the Employment Standards Amendment Act, to make life bet- ter for people facing domestic or sexual violence. These changes ensure that people have up to five days of paid leave without the stress of losing income. This is in addi- tion to five days of unpaid leave and up to 15 weeks of intermittent unpaid leave.

Domestic and sexual violence is a painful and traumatic experience for too many people, and the impacts of abuse on children and youth can leave a lifetime of harm and vulnerability. We know this can happen anytime and to anyone, but women and girls are overwhelmingly at risk, being seven times more likely to face this type of violence on any given day. Indigenous women are 3½ times more likely to be impacted than non-Indigenous women, and LGBTQ2S+ people are more than twice as likely than hetero people to face it. Three out of five children in every classroom have lived with violence.

We also know that in times of crisis, violence can really increase. That’s been a really massive concern during this COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic and sexual violence remains all too prevalent, and in this unusual time, many women are forced to spend more time at home, which may be the most dangerous place for them. I’ve worked in the social services sector for most of my career. I remember when I was a social worker, I worked with a mom of five kids whose second husband was incredibly violent. But eventually she did manage to get away from him, and she tried to rebuild her life.

She got into a new house with her children, but he followed her. He found out where she lived, and one day he set fire to the house with her in it. Later as an employer, I’ve seen firsthand how this bill will help people. One Monday morning, a team member arrived at our offices, and she was clearly in a traumatized state. I took her to one side, and we sat down. She told me that she’ d been date raped at the weekend here in Victor- ia. She hadn’t known what to do, and she hadn’t gotten any help or spoken to anybody else about it. I helped her get to the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.

There she could receive trauma-informed support, includ- ing a medical examination and counselling. She took the following day off in order to access services and build her own recovery plan before returning. This bill is important because for many people, there is no choice. They cannot risk losing even a day’s wages, sacrificing economic security, even though they want to protect themselves and family. This is, sadly, a widespread 11694 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

issue across all regions of B.C., and women are making tough decisions on a daily basis. Hundreds of women are admitted to B.C. hospitals each year with severe injuries caused by their partners. In an average year, 12 lives are tragically lost to domestic violence in B.C. People who have faced domestic and sexual violence need time and space to rebuild their lives. Y ou can imagine that you might need to go to the doctor or go and see a lawyer, or you might have to find a new home, a new school for children to keep them safe and supported and make sure they can sleep soundly at night.

For many women and children, their lives will never be the same. Being able to access supports and services at the right time and take those steps that are needed to rebuild their lives without additional barriers or penalties will give them much more opportunity for a strong and successful recovery and future. In Canada, most provinces, including the federal gov- ernment, require some domestic or sexual violence paid leave — between two to five days. And thousands of B.C. businesses and communities and advocacy groups and individual British Columbians have come forward with their support for paid leave.

This will mean that some- one facing this type of violence will know that they can have the space and time to move quickly and make the necessary changes to ensure that they and their children are safe.

When we introduced these changes to the Employment Standards Act on March 3, we had a number of people join us in the Legislature: employers who want the very best for their staff, people who see the face of those who have experienced violence in the work they do every day, and people who have experienced violence and are looking to us to help their voice be heard. [2:45 p.m.] There were tears that day from several people, and I know this topic is not an easy one.

But domestic violence and sexual abuse is not a private matter to be kept behind closed doors, which brings us to today and the second reading of this bill. We want the women in our province to be safe at home and in their communities. We want our girls to be able to play outside with their friends without fear. We want our female colleagues and staff to be able to walk home at night without having to always look over their shoulder. We want a province where people of all backgrounds can live in peace and safety. But we aren’t there yet. There is so much more to do.

With this bill, however, we do have an opportunity to provide supports for people to find safety and rebuild their lives at a most critical time. I want to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Minister Bains for his work, for his leadership and for partnering with me on this very important topic. Deputy Speaker:No names, Member. M. Dean:Thank you, hon. Speaker. R. Singh: This is my honour to speak in favour of Bill 5. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity has already…. She has said it very well how important this bill is.

We know that British Columbia was one of the only two provinces in Canada which did not have this provision of five days of paid leave for the victims of domestic violence or sexual violence. Having worked in the field myself, hav- ing experience, I’ve had the opportunity to hear from so many women who have experienced domestic violence. It is a tough topic. It is a tough topic for anybody. But for a person who is dealing with it, it can be very traumatic.

Along with the trauma that the person is going through, what their family is going through, and then also having to have to worry about going to work, not missing work and not being able to take the help of the resources, go for medical appointments, go for counselling, always being fearful that if I miss work what is going to happen — we can’t even imagine. I heard so many such stories while in my work as a counsellor when I was working with a non- profit organization.

When this bill was introduced, I cannot say how pleased I was and how thankful I am the Minister of Labour for all the discussions and all the consultations that he did with the stakeholders to come to this point. We know that we, our government, wants to support women. We want to support the victims of domestic violence. Everybody has the right to have a safe living. We want them to have a…. We want to provide an environment that is safe for them. I really hope that we can build a society without domestic or sexual violence. But when these things are happening, those people should have the proper resources.

That’s why this bill is so important. So it took us a long time, I know, to reach this point. There’s a lot more that needs to be done for the victims, but these are the steps that our government is taking to help them. I can tell you that since this bill was introduced in March, I have heard from so many organizations in my community of Surrey. So many people who were victims themselves tell me personally how important this bill is for them, how important it is for their families. I stand to sup- port this bill, and my hope is that all of the members who are going to speak should be supporting it.

I will take my seat now. J. Routledge:It’s my pleasure and honour to speak on Bill 5, the Employment Standards Amendment Act. [2:50 p.m.] Thirty-five years ago I volunteered in what was then called a shelter for battered women. On occasion, I staffed the crisis line, sometimes on night shift, because we would get calls from women at all hours. Some of them were whispered calls and some of them were very tentative calls because they felt so ashamed, so that no one would hear them. We would talk about their options. I remember reas- Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11695

suring women that they weren’t alone, that it was not their fault that they were being beaten up and that this was not normal behaviour. I think one of the most important things that we did in that shelter was to believe them. Because many people in their lives did not believe them. They did not believe that they were being abused. In those days — still, often — the police who came to the calls didn’t believe them, their friends didn’t believe them, and many members of their families didn’t believe them.

One of the things that we would talk about when they called was the importance of making a plan and how to make a plan. I remember, often, these women would arrive in the middle of the night, delivered by police. They had nothing with them other than the clothes on their back. That was it. That’s all they had. In those days, very few of these women had an independent income. In fact, in those days, very few women in relationships — married women — worked outside of the home.

I remember, this many years later, from my time as a volunteer in a shelter, that escaping a violent relationship involved lots of appointments. Often we would accompany women to some of these appointments. It involved a lot of medical appointments, sometimes as a result of physical injury. Sometimes women came with broken jaws, broken noses and broken arms. To recover from that, it never just took one appointment. There were multiple medical appointments to get past their injuries.

Many of them arrived with an incredible amount of anxiety and depression, and they needed to go to appoint- ments for psychological counselling. Sometimes they had to take their children to appointments because of the trauma that they experienced. They needed to find a new place to live. The shelters were temporary, so they needed to move, which meant that they needed to find new housing. They often weren’t able just to go to one apartment or one house. They would often have to go and see several. They needed appoint- ments to take their children to get registered in a new school.

They had many, many legal appointments. They had to file police reports. They had to prepare for family court. They had to get restraining orders. Sometimes they had to go to trials. So if we ever find ourselves wondering why she didn’t just leave an abusive relationship, let’s remind ourselves that leaving is complicated. It takes work and it takes plan- ning to ensure that she and her children are safe, physically and economically. Let’s fast forward to today. What’s changed?

Well, sadly, women still are being physically and emotionally abused in their relationships, but they still have to make a plan to escape and recover. Implementing the plan takes a lot of appointments. One of the things that is different today is that most women, most adult women, whether they are married or in a relationship or not, work outside of the home. That is a huge difference from 35 years ago.

Having a job, having one’s own income, can be a lifeline to someone escaping domestic violence and trying to build a new life for them- selves and their children. [2:55 p.m.] That lifeline could be cut if they are denied time off work to attend one of these appointments or to look for a new place to live, and that lifeline can be cut if they’re afraid to ask for time off to go to court or for one of the other appointments for fear of being judged an unreliable or poor worker. Bill 5 strengthens that lifeline.

I am so proud that we’re introducing it and that we’re going to make huge changes in the lives of people who are suffering from domestic violence. S. Furstenau:It’s great to be back in debate for this important bill after our spring session was so abruptly can- celled by COVID in March. Unfortunately, as with so many issues over the last three months, things have worsened amidst pandemic condi- tions. As reported by crisis and support centres, rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in British Columbia increased as stay at home and social distancing orders came into force.

While we collectively follow the guidelines of the pro- vincial health officer, staying isolated in our homes as much as possible, it’s clear that keeping the wider pop- ulation safe from COVID-19 has increased the risk for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Women and chil- dren have been at an increased risk of experiencing or witnessing domestic violence during this time, with lim- ited ability to leave an unsafe situation or access their support networks. This risk is exacerbated by economic hardship and uncertainty. I can speak, hon.

Minister, of the commercial that plays regularly where women are shown how to give a hand sig- nal over Zoom or Skype to indicate that they’re in danger in their homes. Every time I see that commercial I am wrenched by that experience of imagining what it must be like in these conditions.

Noting this, the provincial government responded by supplementing current shelter spaces with additional accommodations in hotels, working with the sexual assault centres and shelters to increase services and coordinating with the federal government, who announced an addi- tional $40 million for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, with $10 million invested in emergency shelters meant to benefit Indigenous women and children needing to flee unsafe situations.

There has also been additional media coverage on this issue, which is important for awareness and combatting stigma, and crisis phone, email and text services set up to support people. While an immediate response to these concurrent crises is needed to keep people safe in the short term, as policy makers, we need to address the root causes of domestic 11696 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

and gender-based violence. We need to create solutions not just for women and children fleeing violence but for the perpetrators of violence themselves. Intergenerational trauma, economic uncertainty, a lack of social networks and substance dependency all contribute to domestic violence. We should strive to create support and perpetrat- or accountability systems that help move us forward as a society and away from violence and abuse.

In that regard, I support this bill because it works to address a structural aspect of this issue — that survivors of violence and abuse can be further harmed by a system and a society that do not support or facilitate their recovery. Bill 5 amends the Employment Standards Act to provide a new employer-paid leave of up to five days for employees experiencing or who have specific family members exper- iencing domestic or sexual violence.

It builds upon the unpaid job-protected domestic or sexual violence leave this government introduced for employees last year and represents further progress on our commitment to sup- port individuals experiencing this type of violence. This change will help people who have faced domestic or sexual violence by giving them a bit of time and space to address their most pressing needs, as so wonderfully articulated by the member for Burnaby North describing her personal experience as a support worker.

This may mean getting medical, psychological and legal support, or it could mean that they have the time to find a new place to live or a new school for their children without having to lose their job or financial security in the process. These amendments will modernize B.C. ’s employment standards and bring our laws to protect workers in line with other jurisdictions. [3:00 p.m.] The immediate aftermath of an assault is horrific enough as it is. Survivors should not have to also worry about sacrificing their livelihood to attend to a crisis that someone else created.

I would also like to recognize that the shift to include victims of sexualized violence in addition to domestic abuse survivors was instigated last year by the official opposition and is central to the strength of this policy. As we advance solutions, we must always be careful to not inadvertently create a hierarchy of victims that leaves those who are assaulted by someone other than their part- ner without the services they need and deserve just as much as people in relationships.

And while today’s pro- gress is worth celebrating, we must continue to work to reduce and better respond to instances of sexualized and gender-based violence in our province. The decision by multiple governments over many dec- ades to consistently underfund the medical and justice ser- vices needed by survivors of sexualized violence is inher- ently sexist and dangerous to women. We have a long way to go. According to government’s data, roughly two-thirds of those who have faced domestic violence in Canada are women. One in four sexual assault victims were children aged 13 and younger.

Three to five children in every classroom are exposed to domestic violence. Indigenous women and girls are 3.5 times more likely to face violence than non-Indigenous. And LGBTQ2S+ people are more than twice as likely to experience violence than the rest of the population. I would like to also acknowledge two related tragedies that have happened since we left this House in March: the horrific mass murder inflicted in the Maritimes in April and the appalling crime committed in my caucus colleague’s riding earlier this month.

The day after the news about Nova Scotia broke, my heart sank when I learned that the perpetrator began with an attack on his partner. This means that one of Canada’s worst tragedies is yet again connected to domestic vio- lence. Misogynistic beliefs underlie all of the worst mass shootings that have taken place in Canada in my lifetime. The 1989 Polytechnique shooting is the most infamous. The Toronto van attack perpetrator was radicalized by an online incel subculture. In addition to his racist, anti- Muslim views, the Quebec mosque shooter routinely attacked feminists online.

The latter two have not been widely discussed in the context of violent misogyny. This is a mistake. By failing to examine the underlying toxic views of the perpetrators, we are ignoring a critical aspect of these crimes. Larger- scale analyses confirm this pattern. An analysis of FBI data on mass shootings found that 57 percent of mass shoot- ings between 2009 and 2015 included a spouse, a former spouse or other family members among the victims. We need to be vigilant and uncompromising, even when the behaviour doesn’t yet constitute outright physical abuse. Violence exists on a spectrum.

People who know the Nova Scotia shooter say that his jealous treatment of his girlfriend was a red flag. Indeed, experts say that miso- gynistic treatment of women and other family members by a perpetrator is often observed before it escalates to mass violence. Before the perpetrator has terrorized soci- ety, they terrorize those who are closest to them. The responsibility for combatting misogyny must be shared by everyone. We all need to speak out when we encounter instances of misogyny, educate ourselves and build the underlying conditions that support gender diversity and inclusion.

We need to do all of this urgently, and we need to do it all the time, not just in the wake of a tragedy. In particular, we need to see more proactive efforts from men. People of marginalized genders have long been at the forefront of fighting to address gender-based violence, tak- ing on the work of advocating for policy change and build- ing victim support organizations. Men need to show that they are united in the fight for equality, especially by fos- tering alternative visions of masculinity that are not tied to the control or domination of others. This need not be a daunting task.

The majority of men already model equitable treatment of others, and much Monday, June 22, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11697

progress towards equality has been made. As we all embrace more learning and open dialogue, we will build a society where everyone can enjoy a healthy sense of iden- tity that doesn’t diminish or threaten anyone else. [3:05 p.m.] Likewise, women with privilege must go above and bey- ond to centre the experiences of women who face com- pounding threats, such as those associated with racial dis- crimination and poverty. By sharing the responsibility for combatting gender-based violence and discrimination, we will all share the rewards of a more peaceful, equitable province.

I thank the members of this House for their collabor- ation on this important bill, and I trust we will continue working together to advance systemic solutions to the sys- temic discrimination facing women. Deputy Speaker:Thank you, Member. Seeing no further speakers, the minister will close the debate. Hon. H. Bains: I want to begin by thanking all the members of this House who participated in the debate and shared their stories and talked about how strongly they feel about this very, very important bill that we are dis- cussing here today.

I want to especially thank the Parlia- mentary Secretary for Gender Equity for all her hard work, advocacy, dedication to gender equity and especially her work on peer, domestic or sexual violence. I’ d also like to acknowledge the work of the MLA for Surrey South for her passion and support of this legisla- tion. And I want to thank the Leader of the Third Party. I want to say thank you for supporting this bill as well and also sharing your thoughts and stories that you’ve brought forth.

I think those are tremendous pieces of information, and the comments, that we could all take from you and from others as we move forward to make this province and the lives of people in this province much better. The paid leave will support workers experiencing or who have specified family members experiencing domest- ic or sexual violence by allowing them to relocate or to pursue legal and medical counselling or other support ser- vices without the risk of losing their income or their jobs.

I’m grateful for the public employers, labour representa- tives, Indigenous women organizations, the groups sup- porting individuals and families who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, and gender equity groups for sharing their views and perspective on how to improve domestic or sexual violence leave. It’s an important bill. I’m so proud that I am the one sponsoring this bill in this House. I want to say thank you for the tremendous amount of support that I received from members from all sides. It’s not a political issue. It is an issue that affects all of us as a society.

I now move second reading of Bill 5. Motion approved. Hon. H. Bains:I move the bill be referred to a Commit- tee of the Whole House to be considered at the next sitting of the House after today. Motion approved. Bill 5, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2020, read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration at the next sitting of the House after today. Hon. M. Farnworth:I call second reading of Bill 11, Attorney General Statutes Amendment Act. BILL 11 — ATTORNEY GENERAL STATUTES (VEHICLE INSURANCE) AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 Hon. D.

Eby:I move the bill be now read a second time. [3:10 p.m.] I think most members of this House know the current auto insurance system in our province doesn’t work. We have a system where ICBC is both required by law to provide benefits to people but also required by law to provide a robust defence to drivers who are at fault in the system. That’s what they bought insurance from ICBC for in the first place.

That dual role of providing benefits while also, at the same time, showing up in court against the same person they’re supposed to provide benefits to results in an incredibly problematic situation where costs continue to go up, benefits are not keeping up and we need to do better. We also have an issue where those injured in a vehicle crash aren’t necessarily getting the care they need.

This is especially true in a situation of a one-car collision where someone runs into a moose, for example, or hits black ice and goes off the road — a situation where someone is at fault for a crash, whether due to inexperience, a moment of inattention or otherwise. But also, people who aren’t at fault in a collision who go to a multi-year court battle and have a significant portion of their award eaten up by vari- ous costs — expert witness reports, disbursements, legal fees, and so on.

In addition to the legal fees paid by those who have to go to the court system, government, through ICBC, is spend- ing a great deal on legal costs as well. All of this while rates continue to go up. Obviously, we need something that works for British Columbians and puts the recovery of those who are injured in crashes at the forefront. We also need a system that provides affordable rates. Fortunately, we have two systems in Canada that have been operating for many years that are doing just that with public auto insurance systems.

It is on those systems that the proposal in front of the House is modelled. 11698 British Columbia Debates Monday, June 22, 2020

Now, I know that there are many people who say that the solution to the issue is simply to privatize the system or to “open it up to competition. ” We can look at other provinces where they’ve done that. We did. The results are not good. In Alberta, where the insurance system is fully private, drivers are facing rate hikes as high as 30 percent, and they see those rate hikes with significantly less care cover- age than British Columbians have in our basic insurance. In Ontario, their own Finance Minister said they have the highest auto insurance rates in Canada.

Even when private insurers issued a report about what private insurance, in what they call a full-competition scenario, would look like in our province, they had double-digit rate increases for every driver under the age of 40. Now, obviously, we need to fix the situation. It’s just not obvious to me that any of those provinces have much to offer us by way of solution. Those are all private jur- isdiction provinces with full competition, what I’ve heard some people suggest is a solution for our province. The provinces with public insurers and enhanced care–type systems like we’re proposing here….

Manitoba, for example, just asked for the largest rate decrease in their history. Already one of the lowest-cost provinces, and the rate decrease that they’re asking for is 10.5 percent. So just imagine that. With the amendments to the Insurance Corporation Act, this bill fulfils our government’s commitment, as well, to ban the transfer of ICBC profits to government by elim- inating the authority of government to direct ICBC to make payments to government from profits from the corp. ’s optional business.

This means that in future, ICBC profits will only be used for the purposes of public auto insurance — for drivers in the province, to benefit them, because it is their money that they paid in premiums. With the amendments to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, this bill will restrict actions and proceedings with respect to bodily injury caused by a vehicle for accidents occurring on or after May 1, 2021.

Actions for certain damages will still be permitted in limited circumstances, such as when you have, for example, a negligent vehicle manufacturer — the brakes on the car don’t work the way that they’re supposed to — negligent vehicle repair shops, where a repair that was supposed to be done to the brakes results in a collision, or a liquor licensee overserves someone, for example, and that contributes to bodily injuries. Those are all actions that will continue, or are proposed to continue, should this bill pass.

Dangerous drivers will continue to be held accountable for their reckless behaviour, so there will, of course, be the existing criminal and administrative sanctions at the fed- eral and provincial levels. But it’s important to note that those that are convicted of certain driving-based Criminal Code offences, like impaired driving and dangerous oper- ation of a motor vehicle, may also still be personally sued for certain damages under the proposed system. These limited actions would be in addition to what the injured driver would be able to access under the enhanced care benefits under the proposed system.

The amendments to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act also set out the entitlement of B.C. residents to enhanced care benefits when they’re injured in vehicle accidents on a highway anywhere in Canada outside of British Columbia or in the United States, as well as for certain off-highway vehicle accidents.

The amendments also set out the enti- tlement of non-residents to enhanced care benefits when they’re injured in vehicle accidents in British Columbia or when injured by a B.C.-licensed vehicle outside British Columbia. [3:15 p.m.] The amendments to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act impose a legal duty on ICBC to advise and assist an individual with making a claim for enhanced care benefits and to endeavour to ensure that the individual is informed about and receives the enhanced care benefits that they may be entitled to.

We’re doing this to ensure that the culture at ICBC shifts away from one of adversarial battles in the courts to one where ICBC’s job is to work with care pro- viders to provide people with the care they need to get bet- ter after a collision. The benefits people are entitled to and proposed under the act include medical rehabilitation and related benefits, which are increased to at least $7.5 million.

That’s 24 times more care than current accident benefits, which I note our government increased in April 2019 for the first time since 1991 — to give you an example about how long ago it was that these benefits were increased and how dramatic the increase under the new system will be. New benefits will be in place for compensation for per- manent impairments and injuries. The amount will depend on the severity of the injury. It’s expected for cata- strophic injuries that the compensation for permanent impairment will be up to $250,000.

This is in addition to the medical rehabilitation and related benefits and is intended to replace the so-called pain and suffering awards given currently in the court system at a similar level for the most serious injuries, which is what British Columbians expect. Extended benefits for those with catastrophic injuries are also new benefits that will be available. They’re up to $1.2 million for those who need it most as they transition to living with their automobile-related injuries.

There’s an income replacement benefit for earners — including the self-employed — and non-earners, as well as for students and minors. There’s a loss of studies benefit for students and minors when they can’t go to school because of their injuries from the collision. And there are also fam- ily and caregiver benefits and death benefits to support those closest to those injured in a collision as the whole family struggles to adapt to a new life. All in all, we are significantly increasing ben

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20200622pm Hansard n328
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20200622pm Hansard n328
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	ab7a7134ed25487191a0a404fd9a33a23302eae6

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