British Columbia Hansard — 8 March 2018, a.m., Issue 98 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180308am-Hansard-n98

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Thursday, March 8, 2018 Morning Sitting Issue No. 98 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kam loops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal)..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal)...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (B C 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 (B C Liberal).............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie Tegart Kam loops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kam loops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm L etnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

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

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

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

Jennifer Rice North Island............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head..........................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell Peace River North..................................................................................

Dan Davies Peace River South............................................................................... Mike Bernier Penticton................................................................................................ Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam .................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam .....................................................................Rick Glumac Powell River–Sunshine Coast.....................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough.......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................

Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston.................................................................................. John Yap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena.........................................................................................................

Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale...............................................................................

Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Surrey South...............................................................................Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon. George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek.......................................................................

Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings.............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington ..................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway ................................................................... Hon. Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara.............................................................................. Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant................................................... Hon.

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

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

CONTENTS Thursday, March 8, 2018 Morning Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 3275 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 3275 Bill M204 — Name Amendment Act, 2018 M.

Polak Statements (Standing Order 25B)......................................................................................................................................... 3276 International Women’s Day T. Wat M. Dean Henry Beh and Richmond Chinese Comm unity Society J. Yap Simon Fraser University Childcare Society J. Routledge Cowichan Women Against Violence S. Furstenau Poverty and access to menstrual products M.

Elmore Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 3278 Taxation policies A. Wilkinson Hon. C. James Hon. J. Horgan Real estate speculation tax M. Stilwell Hon. C. James Child protection system and support for Indigenous children and families S. Furstenau Hon. K. Conroy Impact of employer health tax on municipal budgets T. Redies Hon. C. James J. Thornthwaite Impact of employer health tax on school districts J. Isaacs Hon. C.

James Impact of employer health tax on non-profit agencies J. Tegart Hon. C. James Petitions.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3282 S. Furstenau

Orders of the Day Government Motions on Notice........................................................................................................................................... 3282 Motion 5 — Amendment to Standing Orders to allow the presence of infants Hon. M. Farnworth M. Polak S. Furstenau Hon. M. Mungall M. Dean L. Reid S. Chandra Herbert Motion 6 — Amendment to Standing Orders on use of electronic devices Hon. M.

Farnworth Commi ttee of the Whole House............................................................................................................................................ 3285 Bill 4 — British Columbia Innovation Council Amendment Act, 2018 A. Weaver Hon. B. Ralston G. Kyllo Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 3290 Estimates: Ministry of Education (continued) C. Oakes Hon. R. Fleming D. Davies

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 The House met at 10:05 a.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members G. Kyllo: Joining us in the House today is a close friend, MichelleShaw, allthe way from Summ erland. She is actually here lookingafterhergrandson Liam forherdaughterDani- elle, who’s an ironworker here attending and participating in the building tradesworkshops. Wouldthe House please make Michelle feel very welcome. Hon. K. Conroy: It gives me a great deal of pleasure to look up in the gallery and see five councillors from the city of Castlegar.

I’d like to introduceHis Worship MayorLawrence Chernoff; Couns. Dan Rye, Florio Vassilakakis and Bruno Tassone; as wellas the chief administrative officerwith the city, Chris Barlow. Please join me in making them welcome. S. Bond: This morning, we hada wonderfulopportunity to startInternationalWomen’s Day by joining a room fullof women involved in the trades.On behalfof the opposition, we certainly want to express our gratitude to B.C. Build- ing Tradesand, in particular, the BuildTogether program thathosted the breakfast.The room was fullof energeticand determined women in the trades.

We want to recognize especially the work done through Tom Sigurdson, of course, butalso by Lisa, Brynn and our speakers this morning, Sandra and Julia. I think all of us recognize that progress has been made. There is much more work to be done, and I can’twaitto see this program continue to make a difference as we see more and more women in the trades across British Columbia. A great way to start International Women’s Day. M. Polak: We all rely on volunteers who are dedicated to getting outthere on those doorsteps every time we go to an election.

I have one of those dedicated volunteers join- ing us in the House today. Would the House please wel- com e Brad Ratel. R. Singh: Today, on International Women’s Day, I want to wish a very, very happy birthday to the most important woman in my life — my mom, Sulekha. Everybody who knows me knows how much my mom does for me. She’s basically the wind beneath my wings. Happy birthday, Mama. I hope you’re watching this. S. Furstenau: I also want to acknowledge International Women’s Day. I’m absolutely delighted to introduce Kira Jones, who is here today in the gallery.

She was a studentof mine at Dwight International School, and she brings with herthe smileand laughterthatI rememberso wellfrom the days when I taught her. I’m so happy she’s here today. I also wantto acknowledge the women in ourofficewho make the work that we do so effective and so powerful: Claire, Jillian, Sarah, Jaymini, Liz, Judy, Stephanie, Kaylaand the most wonderful and amazing Maeve. [10:10 a.m.] Hon. M. Mark: I’d like to echo the comm entsthat have been madeby my colleaguesaboutcelebrating International Women’s Day.

We hadagreatmorning with women thatare so proud to be apartof the trades.They are so proud to be a partof building the bestB.C. They talked to me abouttheir rolesas electricians, as pipefitters, as sheetmetalistsand as people in mechanics. They’re doing it all. We know that we need to change the dial. There aren’t enough women in the trades.We’re hovering at3 or 5 per- cent.We know thatwe can do better, butby allthe women thatwere standing in solidarity with them today, we’re going to get there.

Happy InternationalWomen’s Day to allof my colleagues here and to allof those ladiesthatwere joining us and that are going to join us lateron today aboutcelebrating women in the trades. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M204 — NAME AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 M. Polak presented a bill intituled Name Amendment Act, 2018. M. Polak: I move thatthe billthe Name AmendmentAct, 2018, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time now. Many people in British Columbia choose to adopt a hyphenated orcombined surname when they marry.

Unfor- tunately, the act, as it is currently worded, does not afford those individuals the ability to do so withouta formalname change. Whilethis does affectsome men, the impactis dis- proportionately felt by women, who must either struggle through difficultieswith theiridentity documentsorfacethe expense of a formal name change. This am endment will m ean that those who choose a hyphenated or com bined surnam e will be treated in the sam e m anner as those who adopt the surnam e of their spouse. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. M.

Polak: I move thatthis billbe placed on the orders of 3275

the day for second reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today. Bill M204, Name Amendment Act, 2018, 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) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY T. Wat:I rise today to speak aboutInternationalWomen’s Day. I rise in celebration, butI mustalso speak with solem- nity. Today we honourthe women who came before us who worked resiliently for us to be here. As a province, we recently celebrated 100 years of women’s right to vote.

Not every woman’s strugglesare alike, butwe are allimplicated in their resolution. International Women’s Day is about remembering and honouring the journey, but just as much, it is about celeb- rating the women who sit in the House with us. There are 32 talented femaleMLAs in the House today, each of whom hadto overcome hurdlesto gethere. Downstairs in the Hall of Honour, there is an installation showing many of the firsts thatmembers stillsittingtoday have achieved. Many of those were achieved before we were even given the right to vote. Sitting among us are sisters, mothers, grandmothers and daughters.

We are businesswomen, lawyers, nurses, farmers, analysts,writers and teachers. Butmostimportantof all, we are representatives. I’m proud of the achievementsof these women. The his- tory of women in ourprovince turned a new page between 2013 and 2017. We have the most women occupying the most important positions. Itis crucialto celebrate this on a day like today when so many women are underrepresented in parliamentsaround the world. We work in a placethat demands our attention and calls us to serve, and that is a press for progress. M.

Dean: I am honoured to rise today to recognize Inter- nationalWomen’s Day — today, March8. This is aday to rec- ognize women’s achievementsand also to acknowledge the challenges thatwomen continue to facein pursuitof gender equity and equality. [10:15 a.m.] Today I am proud to stand in this House and celebrate the social, economic, culturaland politicalachievementsof women. I wouldlike to recognize the 114 women who have been elected as members of this Legislative Assembly as symbols of progress and success towards women’s equity.

International Wom en’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first March 8 gathering supported by overa million peoplein Austria, Denmark, Germ any and Switzerland. Prior to this, the Socialist Party of Am erica, United Kingdom suffragists and suffragettes and further groups had campaigned for wom en’s equality. Now here we are, the days of #MeToo and Time’s Up, and we’re talk- ing aboutissues ranging from sexualharassmentand fem- icideto equalpay and wom en’s politicalrepresentation. It’s a start, but it’s only a start. This year’s theme is Press forProgress. This is amovement with globalmomentum.

As UN Secretary AntónioGuterres said: “Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time and the greatest human rights challenge in our world.” Today is a globalday, and itbelongs to us all. We can all seize the momentand take action to make a positive differ- enceforwomen and to transform women’s lives. It’s time to press for progress. HENRY BEH AND RICHMOND CHINESE COMMUNITY SOCIETY J. Yap: Today I rise to pay tribute to one of Richmond’s most well-known and well-regarded comm unity members on the occasion of his retirement.

After 29 years, Henry Beh has stepped away from his duties with the Richmond Chinese Comm unity Society. Mostrecently Henry served as executive director, butI shouldnote thathe was a founding director, treasurer and president as well of RCCS. Henry immigrated to Canada, settling in Richmond in 1974, and was partof the comm unity effortto form RCCS in 1989. The organization promotes the spiritof comm unity service, helping members of the Chinese-Canadian com- munity getmore involved in Richmond through activities and volunteerwork.

Those activitiesincludeseniors wellness programs, dancinglessons, youth group activitiesand fitness classes, just to name a few. The constantthreadthrough allthey do is the celebration of culturaldiversity. Henry and the members of RCCS strive to promote harmony and to welcome all people to their events. Just visit RCCS’s annual lunar new year event at a localshopping mall, and you can experience this firsthand. People from all cultures enjoy these festivities, and this is reflective of Henry’s pursuitof inclusive, harmonious com- munities. I’m very proudto callhim both aconstituentand afriend.

He has been extremely generous with his own time, energy and talents, and Richmond is better for it. Henry recently toldthe Richmond News thatit’s now time to slow down and spend more time with the family. I’ve no doubtthathis two beautiful granddaughters, aged four years and ten months, will keep him very, very busy. I ask allmembers of this House to join me in congratulat- ing and sending bestwishes to Henry Beh on his retirement. SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY CHILDCARE SOCIETY J.

Routledge: Today as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I wantto give ashout-outto the Simon Fraser 3276 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

University Childcare Society. SFU Childcare is a non-profit centre thatprovidesquality childcare to familiesatSFU and in the North Burnaby area. This year SFU Childcare is celebrating its 50th anniversary. That’s right. It’s been serving generations of North Burnaby families.Today the society employs 65 staff and cares for 300 children, ranging from infantsto school- aged kids, in 15 different programs located throughout the campus. SFU Childcare is nationally recognized. SFU Childcare provides play-based, family-focused learning.

The program facilities and curriculum reflectthe beauty and nature of its mountain location. SFU Childcare staff engage daily in providing quality care and designingenvironmentsthatrespectthe capabilitiesand curiositiesof children. Teachers are early-care and -learning professionals dedicated to celebrating the wonders of child- hood alongsidechildren whilealso deepening theirpractice with children through regular reflection and study. [10:20 a.m.] Tomorrow I willbe attending the opening of a new child care centre at BCIT, another groundbreaking post-second- ary institution located in Burnaby.

The new centre adds 37 new childcare spacesforfamiliesin ourcomm unity — 12 of them for infantsand toddlers, 25 of them for children aged three to five. These new spaceswillmake a big differenceto families in Burnaby, and there’s so much more to come. We know thatwomen are more likely than men to inter- rupttheircareers, work reduced hours or miss work due to childcare responsibilities, and new research has shown us thatthis is one of the biggestfactors driving the genderwage gap. Nextyearon InternationalWomen’s Day, I look forward to reflecting on the contributions ourgovernmentwillhave already made.

COWICHAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE S. Furstenau: Livingin an unsafe placeunderthe threatof violence for notonly yourselfbutalso yourchildis unima- ginableformany of us in this chamber. Fora young woman named Elizabeth and her five-year-old daughter, this was herreality. Fleeing relationship pressures in herhome com- munity, Elizabeth took advantage of services offered by Cowichan Women Against Violence to help her navigate a path back to a healthy, stable life.

With the help of funding provided by the provincial domestic violence plan, Cowichan Women Against Viol- ence, locally known as CWAV, provided shelterforElizabeth and her daughter at Somenos House, where she then transitioned to stable housing. With the support of rental supplements, Elizabeth was able to dedicate her time first to securing a job and then to enrolling atVancouverIsland University, where she is trainingforacareerin herdream job as an LPN. With anew, safe home to grow up in, Elizabeth’s daughter is excited to do all the things that kids her age shoulddo.

With the supportof CWAV, she was ableto getherfirst-ever bicycle, which she is learning to ride with her mom’s help. Both Elizabeth and her daughter are fulfilling theirpoten- tialbecause Elizabeth showed remarkablestrength by taking action and seeking support. Elizabeth’s story of resilience and countless others like it illustrate fundamentaltruths aboutwomen thatneed to be recognized on International Women’s Day. Women are not fragile. We are not weak. We are miracleworkers. We are life-givers and game changers. We do not need permission to be empowered; we justneed a clear path.

In spite of the discrimination we have faced and continue to faceworld- wide, we prove ourselves every day to be resilientand mov- ing towards a better future for all people. POVERTY AND ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS M. Elmore: I rise in the House today to raise awareness about an important issue facing people across British Columbia. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Reduction, I’ve hadthe chance to travelto comm unities all overthe province and have heard from many aboutafford- ability challenges people are facing. One of those challenges is often hiddenand is stilla stig- matized subjectformany.

Dubbed “period poverty,” the need for menstrualproductsis nota topic thatmany peopleare willing to discuss. Increasingly, peoplewho menstruate are having a hard time affording the necessary suppliesdue to financial constraints. I rise today to bring attention to the work beingdone in ourcomm unitiesto help peoplelivingin poverty face this struggle with dignity. Period poverty disproportionately affectsyoung women. Studieshave shown thatteenage girls often feelguilty about asking their parents for sanitary items when the family is struggling to putfood on the table.

This, combined with the factthatperiods remain a taboo subject,means thatpeople are coming up with theirown solutions, often with serious health implications. The United Way of the Lower Mainland, the Canadian LabourCongress, the GreaterVictoria United Way, the Vic- toria Labour Council and a Victoria group called Period Posse are just some of the activistsworking around British Columbiato collectmenstrualproductsand help jump-start conversations like this to help end the stigma.

In the lead- up to International Women’s Day, these organizations have been collecting productsto support tampon Tuesday, with comm unity partners serving as drop-off pointsforproducts around greater Vancouver and greater Victoria. The items collected willgo to localshelters to help provideresourcesto individuals in need. I am proud to say that, with the support of the Clerk’s office here in the Legislature, staff and members from all sidesof the House have been collecting donations and have items to contribute to this year’s tampon Tuesday. [10:25 a.m.] Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3277

I wouldlike to thank the members, Clerk’s office, Parlia- mentary Commi ttees Officeand the staff here atthe build- ings for theirsupport, and I wouldencourage everyone to contacttheirlocalshelters and see whatcan be done in your comm unities to help tackle period poverty. Oral Questions TAXATION POLICIES A. Wilkinson: It appears that the NDP’s half-baked tax policy is starting to receive some publicscrutiny, as two taxes have rolled outin a very ineffectualway.

We have the concerns about the employer health tax hitting societies, non-profits,hospitals, universities and schools with unfun- ded liabilities which result in cutbacks in services.And, of course, we have the so-called speculation tax,which, itturns out,is going to ruin many seniors’ summ ers as they worry about their summ er cabins. Now, Board Voiceis an organization thatrepresentsnon- profitboard organizations alloverthe province. On March 6, they senta letterto the Premierexpressing deep concern about the new employer health tax.

To quote Board Voice, they say the lack of clarity is an imm ediate challenge to budgeting and planning. The obvious question to the Premieris: willthis govern- ment accept that they have madeerrors in these two taxes and reconsider them? Hon. C. James: I am very proud thatwe are eliminating MSP premiums across the board by 2020 in this province. This willbe one of the largesttax cutsin ourprovince’s his- tory, a$2.6 billion savingsforbusinesses, forindividuals, for families across the board in British Columbia.

Itdoesn’tsurprise me thatthe members on the otherside would be opposed to making sure that we’re investing in health care and savingfamiliesdollars, because theirstrategy was to give the top 2 percentof income earners a tax break and tax everybody else by increasing MSP and increasing…. I wouldask the memberacross the way, the Leaderof the Opposition if he is suggesting, then, thatMSP premiums, a mostregressive tax, shouldstay in placeforindividuals and families. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a supplemental. A. Wilkinson: Well, thatwas abitof aperformance.

We’ve hadtwo soliddays of the Finance Ministergiving the same answer to every question. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question. A. Wilkinson: The members opposite laugh and mock smallbusinesses. They laugh and mock universities facing a $7 million liability. The members opposite trivializethis as it affects real people’s lives. We have the privilege of having the Premier here in the House today, and he’s notprepared to answerthe questions. So perhaps the Premiercan have an opportunity to respond to Board Voice. [Applause.] The tepid applause of his supporting cast shows their enthusiasm.

Board Voice says in their letter to the Premier: “The impact of the extraemployers health tax cost is of critical importance. Social service agenciesare facing serious risks because of the employers health tax.” This is nota big task for the Premierto admitthatthere have been errors madein these two taxes. Willthe Premier finally answera question aboutthese two taxes, ratherthan punting to his Finance Minister? [10:30 a.m.] Hon. J. Horgan: As you wellknow, I’ve beenhere allweek, and that’s the firstquestion I’ve hadfrom the Leaderof the Opposition.

Because he is apseudo-veteran of this place, I’ll remind him thatback in 2016, when those peoplesaton this sideof the House, the then Ministerof Financesaid, “Hous- ing problem? What problem?” and then six weeks later imposed a tax that nobody understood. That’s making up policy on the fly. Whatwe’ve done on this side of the House is notfollow the leadof those on the othersideto doublemedicalservices premiums. We’ve chosen instead to focus on people and eliminate medicalservicespremiums altogether.

Ratherthan pretend that speculation in our housing marketwas not a problem, as those on the other side of the House did, we campaigned on putting in placea speculation tax to make sure that our housing stock was for British Columbians — not for investors offshore. Again, I’m grateful to the Leaderof the Opposition to finally ask a question. My skin feels comfortable. I am at peacewith myself. I am atpeacewith the decisions thatthis government has made. Bring iton, Member. We’re on this sideof the House help- ingpeople. You’re on thatsideof the House tryingto go back to the 1970s. We’re not going with you. Mr.

Speaker: The Leaderof the OfficialOpposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson: Well, I’m gladto see the Premier’s dander is up, because he’s been asleep atthe switch through these two tax implementations. He talks aboutthe 1970s, when the NDP did a great job of driving this economy into recession. Of course atthattime, it’s been pointed outthat the NDP wouldneverhave com e into officeif there’d been proportional representation. So now we have a Premier who’s setting up a wholegam e plan to preserve his longev- ity in this place. 3278 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

Can we answera question, Mr. Premier— justone ques- tion? An answer would help this House. The matter, of course, is about our taxes. These are now the subject of ridiculein the newspapers. Every columnistin the newspa- pertoday has pointed outthe blunders thathave been made by this FinanceMinistry in notcontemplating the effectsof the employers health tax and the speculation tax. Mr. Premier, justoncecouldyou answeraquestion rather than bluster?

Perhaps I couldask the question before you leap to yourfeetto have a fight.Willthe Premieradmitthat the thousands of summ ercabin owners and the non-profits and the universitiesand the agenciesthatprovideoursocial serviceshave a pointand thathe needs to reconsiderthese two taxes because they’re going to fail? Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leaderof the Opposition for a second question this week. I’m gratefulfor the opportun- ity to stand again and talk about a budgetthat’s supported overwhelmingly across British Columbiaby workingpeople, because we put them first.

The Liberal approach of giving breaks to those atthe top and makingthe restof us, the other 98 percent, pay the freight is over. That ended last July, on the 18th, when they moved to thatsideof the House and we moved to this side of the House. Ourbudget,tabled by the Ministerof Financea coupleof weeks ago: a $2.6 billion tax break for people. Those on the other side of the House disagree with it. Fair enough. Now, I understand thatignoring issues is something that they like to do. They ignored the crisis atICBC. They talked about unfunded liabilities. There are some $50 billion of unfunded liabilities atB.C.

Hydro. They ignored allof that. They pretended there was no issue in the housing market, and they continued to increase MSP premiums over the course of their time in government. I’ve got a news flash, Members on the other side of the House: you’re overthere, we’re overhere, and we’re going to focus on people. We’re going to make theirlives better. You can continue to sing for the days gone by, when you used to be ableto have yourlunches with business investors, take in your political donations and then deliver in this House. We’re nottaking those donations.

We’re going to deliverin this House for people, every single day. REAL ESTATE SPECULATION TAX M. Stilwell: The NDP’s half-baked tax policy is causing chaos in my comm unity. Local officials, including myself, have been flooded with concerns, and the business com- munity, to quote our local chamber president, is “basically terrified of the implications of this tax.” [10:35 a.m.] Yesterday we learned thata $30 million projectby Sun- rise ResortParksvilleis in jeopardy as a directresultof the NDP tax. My question is forthe FinanceMinister, unless the Premi- erwantsto jump up again.

Whatadvicewas she given by the ministry staff about the consequences of this tax? Hon. C. James: The firstthing I wouldsay is thatwe were leftwith ahousing crisis because the othersideof the House refused to acknowledge that there was a problem around affordability for British Columbians. The publichas been calling for action. We commi tted to bringing in a speculation tax in the election. We commi t- ted to bringingitforward. We commi tted to puttingtogether a comprehensive housing strategy. We have done that.That includes a speculation tax.

We announced the principlesof the speculation taxin the budget.As I said in the budgetlockup, details to come. We have been looking atallof the issuesthatare there. We have been listening to the concerns that have been coming for- ward, and details willbe coming out.The legislation willbe in the fall. There will be lots of opportunity to be able to address those issues. Mr. Speaker: The memberfor Parksville-Qualicum on a supplemental. M.

Stilwell: Randy Trapp, the vice-president of Sunrise ResortParksville, said:“Sincethe announcementof the spec- ulation tax, we’ve had a cancellation of presalecontractsto the point where we no longer meetthe thresholdand the future of this project is in jeopardy.” We know that the minister ignored the advice of her expert MSP panel. Again to the minister: did you ignore the advice of your staff on the so-called speculation tax, yes or no? Hon. C. James: We are doing the responsiblething.

We are doing the responsiblething in putting outthe principles of atax;in listening to the issuesthatare coming forward; in workingthrough the implementation issues,makingsure we getitright— bringing itforward in the spring, legislation in the fall. There willbe lotsof opportunity forthese members to talk abouthow they oppose a speculation tax thatBritish Columbians have been asking for in this province. CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM AND SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES S.

Furstenau: In response to my question yesterday, the Minister of Children and Family Development said she needed to work with Ottawa to ensure there was funding in placefor allIndigenous peopleand thatkids wouldbenefit from it. I think Ottawa is on board.

In reference to the humanitarian crisis facing Canada’s child welfare system, federal Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpottsaid: “This is very much reminiscentof the res- identialschoolsystem, where children are being scooped up from theirhomes, taken from theirfamilies,and we willpay the price of this for generations to come.” We take babies Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3279

away from women living in poverty because they are poor, and we financeitthroughaperverse system thatpayswelfare agencies more, the more children they seize. To the Ministerof Childrenand Family Development:will the minister, here on International Women’s Day, commi t to me, the members of this chamber and every family in B.C. that the funding from the federal government will be allocated to preventative and supportive servicesthat keep familieshealthy and togetherinstead of financially reward- ing agencies for taking children away from their mothers? Hon. K. Conroy: I thank the m emberfor the question.

I, too, was atthe emergency m eeting thatwas called by the federalgovernmentback in January, where we m etto talk aboutthe issues thatare a crisis across the entire country in Canada — the fact that there is overrepresentation of Indigenous children right across the country and here in B.C. as well. We need to do better. We need to change that trajectory.

I have commi tted to legislation this spring thatI wantto bringinto the Legislature to change thattrajectory so thatwe can actually have asituation where socialworkers can talk to FirstNations before a childis broughtinto care, to find out from a FirstNations if, in fact,there is someone within the FirstNation, like a family member— an auntie, a grandma — who can take the child. The way our act reads right now, we can’t do that.

We need to change thatact.I’m looking forward to bringing that legislation into this House and having every memberof the House supportthatlegislation so thatwe can move forward to change the path of Indigenous children and theirfamilies on how child welfare is done in this province. [10:40 a.m.] Mr. Speaker: The Third Party House Leaderon a supple- mental. S. Furstenau: I’m happy to hearthere’s legislation coming. However, the actalready stipulates, as dothe practicestand- ards, that First Nations comm unities shouldbe involved at this point.

There was no greatercriticof this ministry than the NDP when they were in opposition. Yetpeopleon the ground are telling me thatnothing has changed. As the Representative forChildren and Youth pointed outthis week, we stillhave a paternalistic, racist,sexistsystem thattreatswomen terribly and punishes people for being poor. The ministeris no longerin opposition; she’s in charge. In the lastseven m onths, she couldhave issued ministerial directives.

She could have tabled legislation before now, introduced new policiesor, atthe very least,issued a letter to every staff m ember in her ministry, detailing her expectations on how things wouldbe different,as hercol- leaguethe Ministerof Indigenous Relations and Reconcili- ation has done. Will the minister commi t to doing all of the above, in addition to scrutinizing every apprehension thathappens in this province, to ensure that the act as it stands right now and the practicestandards are being followed in each and every case? Hon. K.

Conroy: We are looking atthe act.We are look- ing at issues within this province. We are reaching out to socialworkers and saying: “How can we change the way that we do practiceswithinthis province?” We need to redouble our efforts to ensure that we are changing the system. We’ve already responded to a number of concerns that have been raised. Forexample, we have changed the way the adoption website is run, aftera numberof comm unications and concerns that were expressed by various First Nations comm unities across the province.

Also, we’re in the process of comm unications with social workers on how we can change the process, how we can look at things like is it an issue of poverty. I think our govern- menthas done due diligencein this factorby bringing in an extensive housing plan to ensure thatpoverty isn’tan issue, because itcan’tbe an issue when you’re taking a childinto care. You have to look atotherissues to make sure thatthat is not why a child has been brought into care. We are working hard with oursocialworkers, and social workers are commi tted to doing the job that needs to be done.

The bottom line is thateverybody wantsthe well-being and safety of children to be putfirstin this province. That’s what social workers are doing. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON MUNICIPAL BUDGETS T. Redies: All week we’ve asked the Finance Minister if she thinks British Columbians shouldpay higher property taxes. So far, she has refused to answerthe question, butwe now know the answeris yes. UBC academicTom Davidoff, who helped craftthe new NDP tax, recently said: “Residen- tialproperty taxes in Vancouverare insanely low.

Thatis the fundamentalreason why the new tax is a greatidea.” Does the Finance Minister agree with Mr. Davidoff, yes or no? Hon. C. James: I will letthe member know what we believe in. We believe in giving familiesa break in British Columbia. We believe in providing support and ensuring thatwe’re funding health care to make sure the servicesare there for peoplewho need it. That’s what we believe in, on this side of the House.

I say to the members on the othersidethatI understand you don’tsupportthe employerhealth tax.Well, I wouldask the members on the otherside, then:whatprograms and ser- vices wouldyou suggest we cut? What programs and ser- vicesdon’tyou support?Whatprograms and serviceswould they ratherwe didn’tdo? Wouldyou ratherwe leftthe MSP premiums in place?We don’tbelieve in that.We believe in affordability, and that’s what we’re doing in this budget. 3280 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

T. Redies:With alldue respectto the Ministerof Finance, raising property taxes on every British Columbian in this province is not affordability. It is not increasing affordability. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. Thank you. We shall hear the question. T. Redies: One of the architectsof the new, half-baked NDP tax policy says thattaxes are too low. I quote again: “Thatis the fundam entalreason why the new tax is a great idea.” Willthe Finance Ministerexplain to British Columbians why she thinks all British Columbians should pay higher taxes? [10:45 a.m.] Hon. C.

James: Coming from the other side, who gave the top 2 percent a huge tax break and taxed everybody else by increasing MSP, ICBC, hydro rates — you name it, hon. Speaker— there is a very clear reason thatthey’re sit- ting on thatside of the House. They didn’tlisten to British Columbians, and they certainly didn’t share the wealth of this province with the people of British Columbia. That’s what didn’t happen. I’d justlike to lista few things to find outwhich one the hon. members wouldlike to eliminate.

Ensuring thatseniors in residentialcare getthe care they need — that’s whatwe’re using ourfunding for in British Columbia. Expanding Fair PharmaCare for240,000 B.C. families.They are going to get a break — a $2.6 billion tax break forfamilies,forindividu- als. By eliminating the MSP, we are helping families,hon. Member. J. Thornthwaite: Once it replaces the MSP, the NDP’s employer health tax will cost the city of North Vancouver an extra$650,000 annually. Can the Ministerof Municipal Affairs tell residents in North Vancouver why they should pay the NDP’s new replacement tax grab through higher property taxes?

Hon. C. James: I would remind the member that the members and the citizens of North Vancouverand of every othermunicipality and regionaldistrictin ourprovincewill be saving dollars. It’llbe in theirpocket,and they can spend it in their comm unities to help keep our economy going. Once again, $900 in savings for individuals, $1,800 for families— that’s money thatthey didn’thave and thatthey willhave withthe elimination of aregressive taxthatthe pre- vious side refused to get rid of. We’re doing that by 2020. Mr. Speaker: The member for North Vancouver–Sey- mour on a supplemental. J.

Thornthwaite: The NDP tax grab is going to cost the city of North Vancouver over 300 percent more. But the member for North Vancouver–Lonsdale is silent. Again, to the minister, is itfairthatNorth Vancouverres- idents will have to pay higher property taxes, yes or no? Hon. C. James: I think we shouldmake sure we take a look at a number of other areas where we’re helping with affordability forthe citizens of North Vancouverand the cit- izens of the rest of the province. In Budget2018, we are freezingferry fareson majorroutes and rolling them back on smallroutes.

We are moving for- ward with a made-in-B.C. universalchildcare plan thatwill support families across this province. We are making a $7 billion investmentin housing to help familiesacross Brit- ish Columbia. We are standing up for families in this province. That’s what we’re going to continue to do. IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS J. Isaacs:The greater Victoria school district has calcu- lated that the netresult of the MSP tax replacement is an increase of $2 million.

To the Minister of Education, is there an additional $2 million in the budget for the constituents in his riding and the greater Victoria school district? [10:50 a.m.] Hon. C. James: As we’ve said, the schooldistrictsand the municipalities and otherorganizations thatare paying MSP have 50 percentsavings as of January 1 this year. Those are dollars they have in the bank. We are having discussions about the implementation of the employers health tax with those school boards.

We are talking with them abouthow they willuse the savings from this year, how they willaccomm odate that.We are talking, as well, aboutthe factthatthe MSP premiums willbe gone in 2020. They willhave fullsavings,and we willcontinue those discussions. Mr. Speaker: The memberfor Coquitlam–Burke Moun- tain on a supplemental. J. Isaacs:Itis notjustthe greaterVictoria schooldistrict that will be hit hard.

GlenHansman, the president of the BCTF, says the governmentmustcome up with $70 million within weeks or “schooldistrictsmay need to proceed with cuts.” Will the minister admit that they’ve made a mistake… Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. Thank you. J. Isaacs:…orwillschooldistrictsbe forced to make cuts to the classroom? Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3281

Hon. C. James: I think we’ve now hadafirstin this House. I think we’ve hada firstwhen I actually heard a B.C. Liberal quote the B.C. Teachers Federation. Perhaps sitting in oppo- sition has helped them learn the errors of their ways in the years they took a fight with B.C. teachers, and perhaps they’re recognizing, as we have, thata major investmentin education is a majorinvestmentin British Columbia forthe families of our province. We willcontinue ourdiscussions with schoolboards, we willcontinue working with ourmajorinvestmentsin educa- tion, and we willcontinue supporting familiesby eliminat- ing MSP.

IMPACT OF EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX ON NON-PROFIT AGENCIES J. Tegart:ASK Wellness Society is a non-profitorganiza- tion. Itprovidessocialprograms and housingforKam loops’s and Merritt’s mostvulnerablepeople. The new NDP replace- menttax willburden ASK Wellness with an extra$97,000 a year in taxes. To the minister, will ASK Wellness be exempt from the employer health tax? Hon. C. James: We are bringing in the lowestemployer health tax across this country, the lowest tax rate across this country, to ensure that we have supports for exactly the kinds of program s and services that the m ember is talking about.

We wantto ensure thatwe have good-quality health care for allourcitizens in British Columbia. We wantto ensure thatfamilieshave money in theirpocketsto be ableto spend in small businesses, groups and organizations and provide supportfor theirfamilies.That’s a critical, importantfactor here. We are making sure we’re doing that.We’re balancing the budget.It’s balanced in approach; it’s balanced fiscally. I’m very proud of Budget 2018. Mr. Speaker: The memberforFraser-Nicola on a supple- mental. J.

Tegart: ASK Wellness is one the few organizations providing servicesfor mentalhealth, addictions and afford- able housing. Non-profit organizations like ASK Wellness are especially sensitive to suddenincreases in theiralready lean budgets.An extra$97,000 in taxes willforceASK Well- ness to cut servicesand programmin g for Kam loops’s and Merritt’s most vulnerable people. Again to the minister: willfront-line non-profitorganiza- tions like ASK Wellness be madeexemptfrom the employer health tax? Hon. C.

James: It’s exactly the peoplethat that organiz- ation serves that we are supporting in this budget.In our Septemberbudget,weeks afterwe hadbecome government, one of the firstincreases we made, I was very proud to say, was an increase in the support for peoplewith disabilities and on income assistance in British Columbia. [10:55 a.m.] We are, hon. Member, actually developing a poverty reduction plan, which thatside refused to do. We were the last province leftwithout a poverty reduction plan. The member mentioned mental health.

We have put in placea Ministerof MentalHealth and Addictions, to ensure thatit gets priority in our government. I am proudof the investmentswe are making, and I would again ask everyone on thatsideof the House, if you’re against the employers health tax, then tellus whatyou woulddo — leave MSP premiums in place?Continue to make itdifficult for families? We’re making life affordable for families. [End of question period.] Petitions S. Furstenau: On International Wom en’s Day, I’m pleased to presenta petition on behalfof Wom en Against Violence Against Wom en.

This petition, bearing 600 sig- natures, reminds us of the cutsthatled to closure of over half of B.C.’s wom en-serving organizations. While WAVAW was heartened to see increases in funding for counselling servicesfor violence againstwom en, this pro- ject funding differs. Orders of the Day Government Motions on Notice MOTION 5 — AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS TO ALLOW THE PRESENCE OF INFANTS Hon. M. Farnworth:It’s my pleasure to callMotion 5 on the order paper, in my name: [That the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended by adding the text shown as underlined: 23.

If any Membertakes noticethatstrangers are present,the Speaker or the Chairperson (as the case may be) shall forthwith put the question “Thatstrangers be ordered to withdraw” withoutpermitting any debate or amendment: provided that the Speaker, or the Chairperson, may whenever he or she thinks proper, order the withdrawalof strangers. A strangerdoes notincludean infantbeing cared for by a Member.] With that, I wouldlike to offersome remarks and some clarifying guidance for the Speaker. It is InternationalWom en’s Day, as allm embers of this House know.

Itis also 2018, and this cham ber, overthe last number of elections but even before that, has seen a new generation of m embers in this cham ber and new families starting. In our desire to encourage British Columbians from all walks of life to take partand to take theirplacein the delib- 3282 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

erations thataffectallof us, it’s importantthatwe move with the times, thatwe recognize thatchild-bearing is a key part of life and is a key partof life forthe members of this cham- ber. There are, from time to time, occasions when amember may wish to orhave need to attend to the needs of an infant in this chamber. This change allows thatto happen. I think that that is something that allof us in this chamberwould welcome and be proud of. With that, I also know that with any change, there are always challenges, hiccups that need to be…. Interjections. Hon. M.

Farnworth:No, I willnotsay that.I toldyou I wouldnotsay that.Butthere are thingsthatneed to be dealt with, issues that need to be dealt with. Hon. Speaker, foryourguidance, because these are stand- ing orders and it will fall to you to enforce and interpret those standing orders, we wouldlike you to know thatwhen these issues arrive, we believe that LAMC and yourself are bestpositioned to dealwith those issues,as wellas the com- mon sense of all members.

With thatguidance, this willallow this importantchange to the standingorders, I think, to take placein away thatwill meetthe needs of members and also of infantsthatwilljoin, invariably, during different parliaments as they take place. With that, I await comm entsfrom my colleaguesacross the way. [11:00 a.m.] M. Polak: I thank the memberforthe motion and forhis comm ents.I also thank the memberforactively listening to some of the concerns thatarise when we make these signi- ficant changes to the way this House operates. I know that for all of us, the support of our familiesis extremely important.

And while it’s appropriate that this motion is occurring on International Women’s Day, I also want to acknowledge that this of course appliesnot only to women who wouldbe bringing their children into this chamberbutalso to men who wouldbe bringing theirchil- dren into the chamber. Over the years, this House has made changes that have begunto reflecta more family-friendly approach to service as an MLA, thingslike setelection dates and a setlegislative calendar. Those things have made this place much more family-friendly.

Now anotherchange, one thatsees us catch- ing up to parliaments around the world, other jurisdictions. There are still details to be worked out. I certainly have confidence that with the work of the Legislative Assembly ManagementCommi ttee, we willbe ableto find the ways to adaptto anotherchange in this House thatmakes this place a placewhere more women and men who are of child-bear- ing years would wish to serve. S. Furstenau: I’m pleased to see thatwe are taking steps to encourage diversity in this chamber and to encourage youngerrepresentatives to think of this as a placethatthey would like to come to.

I myselfbenefited from the leadership and mentorship of the member for Richmond South Centre, who was a great model of that kind of mentorship of young women and youngerwomen. I myselfsee thatas an importantpartof my role. KiraJones is here today. I’ve hadKayla Brettand Saryn Knox. Ashley Louie is coming next week. We need to encourage young women and young men to see this as a placethat they wouldwant to be, because we need the voicesof peoplewho are going to be looking long into the future — for themselves and their children and grandchildren. I applaud this movement. Hon. M. Mungall:Sorry.

I’m getting a littlebitemotional because, coming into this workplace, a lot of people just assume thatitwouldn’tbe supportive for families.I have to say, and I want all British Columbians to know that as an expecting mother, I’ve justexperienced nothing butincred- ible support from all of my colleagues on all sides of the House. I want to thank you all very much for that. This motion, I feel, really reflectsnot just the congratu- lations and the kind words and the continuous, “Whatcan we doto supportyou?” thatI’ve experienced from members from all sides.

It shows that we are actually looking into the future to make sure thatparentstoday and wellinto the future know thatif they need to take theirchildren onto the floor of the Legislature to care for them when they need it, thatthey can doso and thatthey are supported by the entire House to do that.

I wantto acknowledge, though, thatthis House firststar- ted to really make some changes to itsrulesto make itmore family-friendly when the member for Richmond South Centre, back in the year 2000, led the charge to make sure thatwe hadmaternity benefits,thatwe hadthe change tables in the washrooms,which I know she’s very proud of. If it wasn’tfor her, mothers following herand fathers following her wouldn’t have been able to have benefited by making sure they could come to such a supportive workplace.

I want to ask the entire House to join me in thanking the memberforRichmond South Centre forallof the work thatshe started in making this placeafamily-friendly space. [Applause.] The women’s movement works every day and in every placeand in every way. The work thatthe memberhas done is one of those steps in the women’s movementthatwe are celebrating today on International Women’s Day. Thank you so much, everybody, for supporting this motion. I look forward to bringing the littleone into this House. M.

Dean: I, too, am really proud to support this motion. [11:05 a.m.] This imm ediately demonstratesrecognition of the import- ance of the attachmentof a childto theircaregiverand the bonding between parentsand children. This means thatall Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3283

members can perform their duties and also care for their infants.As the Parliamentary Secretary for GenderEquity, partof my mandate is to promote equality and leadership at senior levels in the public sector. This motion is also particularly pertinenton International Women’s Day because itprovidesso much more choicefor mothers in how they care for and feed their babies and infants.This is a modernization of the standing orders and modernizes this chamber as a workplacefor all members.

This modernization also breaks barriers and increases access foryoung people, new parents,mothers and women to con- siderentering, participating in and being successful in a career in this House. Throughout B.C., there’s a new generation of provincial leaders who are watching the changes we’re making together who will know that theirgenderwill not limit theirability to serve British Columbians and make ourprovincea better placeforeveryone. Thatis something to celebrate this Inter- national Women’s Day. L. Reid: Thank you forthatlovely tribute.

I can tellyou, as many of you know, I’ve spentmy careersupporting women who are seeking publicoffice. No question, it’s importantto me. I believe we can continue some very good work here ensuring that we continue to be well represented. Accom- modations are necessary in this place, and the motion today, I believe, is a gesture of welcome. I wantevery singleperson who has a child to be welcome in this place. The Comm onwealth has led on many of these fronts. They’ve madesome amazing changes. We have as well.

Back in my day, I said there wouldbe more women in this House if I hadto birth them myself, and truly, I wantmore women to be in this place. There’s no question. Certainly, som e of the changes we m ade, som e of the times that we found difficulties, were in the fact that we didn’thave a setsitting schedule. We didn’thave a sched- uled time of sitting. There are m any times that we sat around the clock. Back in the day, Joy MacPhail’s littleguy, Jack, was in the hallway. Jack is 29 today. It’s taken us a long time. We didn’t have maternity leave. We were back here when my daughter was five days old.

Forwomen, formen, forparents,you know when it’s time to come here, but you also know when it’s time to go. In my case, itwas when my daughtertoldherpreschoolclass thatwe live in a really big house, we have a rose garden and we have parking for400 people. Every otherparentthatday swivelled around and stared atme. I’m thinking…. Itwas a challenge. We rarely sitin September, which is a kindness to fam- ilies. Parents want to be at hom e getting their children established in school — hugely important, all important accomm odations. My daughter is 18 years old today. My son is 14.

We have seen some enormous changes here. I want to give a huge tribute to Judi Tyabji, to Jenny Kwan, to Christy Clark and to current members who have young children. Your babieshave warmed this place. There’s no question. May they return as members one day. [Applause.] S. Chandra Herbert:WhileI’m noton the list,I did just wantto say, personally, a big thank you to the memberfor Richmond South Centre. She has mademe, as a fatherin a non-traditional relationship, welcomed in a way that I will truly always remember.

I also wantto acknowledge the LiberalHouse Leaderfor acknowledging that fathers also are in this situation. It is really important, and thank you to all members for doing whatyou can to make this a more family-friendly environ- ment.It’s something we allhave to do, and I am really proud that we’re doing this today. Thank you, Members. Motion approved. Mr. Speaker: I shouldalso mention, Members, thatI will be providing some furtherguidanceon the application with respect to this change. Thank you. [11:10 a.m.] MOTION 6 — AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS ON USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES Hon. M.

Farnworth: I have another motion to call, a slightly differentone, and thatis Motion 6. The technological memberforAbbotsford Westmay wellwantto hearthis one. [That the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended by adding the following: 17A.

(1) Electronicdevicesmustnotbe used by a Memberwho is in possession of the floor, or during the following proceedings: (

a) Speech from the Throne; (

b) Royal Assent; (

c) Prayers; (

d) Oral Question Period; (

e) Speaker’s rulings; (

f) divisions; (

g) at any other designated time pursuant to instructions by the Speaker.

(2) Members must ensure that electronic devices are used in a mannerwhich does notdisruptthe orderly conduct,or impinge on the dignity or decorum, of parliamentary proceedings.

(3) Electronic devices, such as laptop computers and handheld devicessuch as smartphones, mustbe operated silently atalltimes. Phone conversations are notpermitted. Electronic devicesmustnot be used to take photographs orto make avideo oraudiorecording of proceedings.

(4) Ministry officials present during Commi ttee of Supply or Commi ttee of the Wholeproceedings may use electronic devicesto access information.] Interjection. Hon. M. Farnworth:And that’s a good placefor them, because 17A, hon. Member, is that electronic devicesmust 3284 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

notbe used by a memberwho is in possession of the floor. No chance of that happening with me. Motion approved. Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I call commi ttee stage on Bill4. In Commi ttee A, I callcontinued estimates of the Ministry of Education. [11:15 a.m.] Commi ttee of the Whole House BILL 4 — BRITISH COLUMBIA INNOVATION COUNCIL AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 The House in Commi ttee of the Whole (Section

B) on Bill 4; L. Reid in the chair. The commi ttee met at 11:17 a.m. On

section 1. A. Weaver: A question on

section 1. Whatwas the motiv- ation behind the name change thatis leadingto atitlechange of this act? Hon. B. Ralston: I thank the member for his question. We have also created an innovation commi ssion, and the feeling was thatwithouta name change, the counciland the commi ssion might be confused one with the other. Innov- ate B.C. is a simple, clear and bold name, so that was the decision. Sections 1 and 2 approved. On

section 3. G. Kyllo: What functional change will there be in the operations of the Innovation Councilas a resultof convert- ing to an agency? Hon. B. Ralston: I’m notentirely clear whatthe member means by function, in the sense thatitwas a Crown agency. Itwillcontinue as aCrown agency. Ithas an expanded man- date, butoperationally, itwillcontinue in the same way as it operated before, if you mean on the administrative and func- tional side, I suppose. If the member, perhaps, could clarify the question, I’d appreciate that. [11:20 a.m.] G. Kyllo: Thank you for the clarification.

Yes, basically, just looking for if there’s going to be any change with the functionaloperation of it— if the name change is going to change the functional operation of the organization. Hon. B. Ralston: Clearly, the mandate willbe expanded. I think partof the reason for proceeding in this way was to avoid the time lag and the disruption of creating an entirely new agency. There willbe acontinuity of programs, and then the new mandate will be expanded. Innovate B.C. will go forward from that. Sections 3 and 4 approved. On

section 5. G. Kyllo: I was just wondering if you might be able to define what “tools” and “resources” are referencing. I note that in

section 5, No. 2 has indicated that the tools and resources will be added to the B.C. Innovation as per the expansion of the mandate in

section 5(a). Just to provide a bit of extraclarification on specifically what “tools” and “resources” are referencing. Hon. B. Ralston: That new

section is to give the new board the opportunity to reflect, to expand and to develop a strategic direction that’s consistent with that change. The hope was to be more specificin terms of giving the new board the direction and some opportunities to develop effective policy to further develop the new mandate that they’re being charged with. G. Kyllo: Thank you, Minister. You indicated that the intention was to provide more specificdirection to the new board. Couldyou provide, I guess, some contextor maybe an explanation — specifically, some examplesof whattools and resources might entail? Hon. B.

Ralston: The wording is more specific,offering “tools, resourcesand expertguidance to entrepreneurs and companies.” That’s the policy framework setoutin the legis- lation, and thatwillbe forthe board to interpretand provide the board decisions and guidancethat’s required to fulfilthat mandate. G. Kyllo: So the tools and resources.There’s no additional clarification that’s provided forthat.It’llbe totally leftin the hands of the new board to make determinations of whatthe expanse and direction of tools and resources may be?

It seems, from my perspective, anyhow, that the bill shouldbe providing a bitmore specificity when we’re giving direction to aboard on developing policy. I guess the minis- ter’s comm entsare somewhatsurprising thatthe intention is to actually give fulldirection to the board of the new agency in order to determine the future direction of this entity. Hon. B. Ralston: The governmentwillrely on the expert- ise and the thoughtsof the board members, who willbe, in mostcases, expertsin the field. They willdevelop theirana- lysis of whatgaps there are and whatneeds to be done.

That willbe thensubmitted throughthe budgetary process, where Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3285

those ideas, thoughtsand directions can be given budgetary form, and then itwillgo forward in the usualway thatthe budget goes forward in the process. The intention is not to inhibit the advice of expertsand those knowledgablein the field. Whatwe’re looking for…. I think forthis agency to expand itsmandate, to fulfilitsman- date and to be more successful, the adviceof knowledgable people will be very, very helpful. [11:25 a.m.] G. Kyllo: Again, just for a bit of clarification.

It willbe fully within the purview of the new agency to determine whattools and resourcesthey feelare going to be adequate in orderto fulfilthe overallm andate and objectives of the new entity. I’m assuming that that also wouldmean that with those additionaltools or resourcescouldcome some pretty signi- ficantfinancialcosts.Justso I couldgeta clarification from the minister, is it up to the new agency, then, to determ- ine whattools and resourcesthey wouldlike to see and, in essence, then to be ableto give direction back to the minister — which could have pretty significant fiscal impacts? Hon. B.

Ralston: I don’tthink that’s quite what’s intended. Certainly, there willbe advice. There willbe recomm enda- tions. Thatwillbe examined. Itwillthen have to go through the ordinary budgetary process, Treasury Board. The staff of the ministry will have input as well. So the member’s fears about an open-ended financial commi tment, I think, are unfounded. The usualprocess of Treasury Board and budget willbe in place. Whilethere may be many good ideas, itmay not be possible to fund them all. G.

Kyllo: When we get into the reference to the word “resources,” specifically relating again to the word “resources,” willthis wording allow the new agency to give direct financial grants to companies or individuals? Hon. B. Ralston: The currentrulesaround allof the pro- grammin g apply. Again, this is a broadand expansive word that will be used by the board to examine what they think might be best to grow British Columbia’s technology industry, to grow the innovation sector.

Then that will be subject to the Treasury Board process and the budgetary process, with inputfrom the ministry staff and from myself as the minister, and we will go forward from there. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] The intentis to give this group, the board, the opportunity to think in somewhatexpansive terms aboutthe needs and the opportunities in British Columbia’s tech sector and to make strong recomm endations that,withinabudget,can be moved forward. G.

Kyllo: Wouldthe ministerbe ableto provide, I guess, any furtherclarification withrespectto the word “resources,” in thatthe word “resources” didnotexistpreviously? It’s my understandingthatthe previous wordingdidnotprovidethe agency with the opportunity to provide grantsto organiza- tions or individuals. I was justwondering if, by adding the term “resources,” that specifically will allow or enablethis new entity to even contemplate the award of financialgrants to companies or individuals. Hon. B.

Ralston: No, itdoes not.The existing parameters thatapply to this area in terms of grantswouldcontinue to apply, unless it’s changed. G. Kyllo: You’ve indicated that the new agency will be providing a list of recomm endations to your ministry for consideration, some of which may have budgetary implica- tions. Willyou be sharing with the generalpublicwhatthose recomm endations are? [11:30 a.m.] Hon. B. Ralston: What is envisaged is that this process willbe an internalone and follow the usualTreasury Board process. I’m sure the memberis familiar with thatfrom his time on this side.

Those recomm endations will not be publicat that time. There may wellbe broaderpublicdiscussion by the board, a chairorthe innovation commi ssioneraboutwhatthe vision for the agency is, butin terms of specificrecomm endations thatwouldbe advanced forfunding, thatwillfollow the usu- al process. G. Kyllo: Whatis the currenttimeline proposed forfilling the new placements and appointing the new board? Hon. B. Ralston: I thank the member for the question. Once the legal process….

Assuming the legislation passes, which I’m confident it will, and the organization is consti- tuted legally, then we willconsiderappointmentsand make them in the next several months. G. Kyllo: As the ministerhas added accessing new mar- ketsas an important goal for the new innovation agency, does he believe thatopening new marketswith tradeagree- ments like TPP are an important step towards innovation? Hon. B.

Ralston: I think what is important, particularly in these turbulenttimes,where ourtradingrelationship with the United States is somewhat underpressure — to put it, probably, in fairly euphemistic terms — it’s important that there be comm ercialconsideration of the opportunities for companies. One of those opportunities includesexpanding to new markets.I think the ideais to bringacomm erciallens — not exclusively, but importantly — to the work that the commi ssion will be doing. G. Kyllo: I was wondering if the ministerwouldbe able 3286 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

to explain the purpose of adding “expert guidance” to the mandate in

section 5(

a) and justhow thatmightdifferfrom the existing

section 10(3)(

a) in the Innovation CouncilAct, which allows the council to retain expert consultation. I know thatit’s a fairly minor change, butI’m justwondering if the ministermightbe ableto expand on the purpose and reason for going from the current reference to retaining expert consultation to the term “expert guidance.” Hon. B. Ralston: I think the reason fordroppingthe word “retaining” was thatthere’s an elementthatsuggeststhatthe only way that you could do that was if you hired people or paid them,

whereas “expert guidance” means that there couldbe informalmentoring, there couldbe adviceoffered, or there couldbe, through outreach, a wide variety of ways in which expertsmightwantto contribute to the health and the growth of this organization. G. Kyllo: Couldthe minister, then, justprovide clarifica- tion thatthe agency stillwouldbe ableto retain on afee-for- servicebasis — thatit’s notjuststrictly going to be looking for volunteer guidance? [11:35 a.m.] Hon. B. Ralston: Yes. Itwouldnotbe limited to retaining, but it would still have that option. G.

Kyllo:I’m wonderingif the ministercouldprovideabit more clarification orexplain the purpose of adding “science, technology and innovation policy” to replacethe term “sci- encepolicy,” and whatthatexpansion of language actually is intended to accomplish. Hon. B. Ralston: This is perhaps the most important change in the legislation. The agency was originally estab- lished as a science council, notwithstanding that the name of the council changed. This gives a much broaderscope, with technology and innovation. That reflectsthe new and broadermandate that will serve the technology sector and the innovation sector.

That is meant in the most expansive way that one couldinterpretthat. I think it is a significant change in the mandate from its origins as a science council. G. Kyllo: Obviously, with the new agency, there’s going to be considerablework being undertaken to consult with industry and to have a look at what the new mandate and recomm endations may be going forward, as wellas looking atthe expanded scope. I’m justwondering if there has been a budget liftor any contemplation of additional staff and resources in order to accomm odate this new, expanded mandate? Hon. B.

Ralston: In the way in which this willproceed, we will rely on the advice of the new board and what recomm endations they bring forward, and then we will considerthose in the budgetary process. It’s premature to suggest in advance that there will be an increase in the budget,butI think this is an importantagency, which will have continuity with the previous goals and activities of the Innovation Council. I’m optimistic that there will be great advice that will come forward, and we willevaluate itatthattime. Butobvi- ously, in this process, it’s notappropriate for me to make a commi tmentto furtherfunding.

I’m subjectto the Treasury Board process and the direction of the Ministerof Finance, obviously, so I can’t make that commi tment here. G. Kyllo: Well, if I couldjust,again, ask the question…. It seems interesting thatthere’s going to be a new agency, with an expanded scope, with a considerable amount of work being undertaken. It’s my understanding, from the answer from the minister, that they will be having to undertake those additional efforts within the existing budget.

I guess just from my perspective, and looking at the greatly expanded scope of the new Innovate B.C. agency, it wouldseem appropriate, and there likely wouldbe an oppor- tunity foradditionalfunding requirementsin orderto facil- itate the work that’s setout and undertaken as part of this bill. I appreciate thatthe ministermay notbe ableto neces- sarily commi t to funding now. A question to the minister.

Wouldhe be willingto support additional requests through the Treasury Board process, whetheritbe as partof Budget2019-20 oreventhroughcon- tingencies,in orderto ensure thatthis very importantagency has allof the financialresourcesneeded in orderto provide the continued support for this sector? Hon. B. Ralston: Well, I know thatI have the supportof the member for increasing the budget,it sounds like.

That may be a factorin any deliberations thatcome later, butitis premature to suggest…. [11:40 a.m.] Certainly, this is not the venue for discussing an expan- sion of the budget.Certainly, I agree with the memberin his characterization of the expanded mandate. Certainly, that will be considered. And in due course, decisions will be made about that. G. Kyllo: There’s also a reference to building capacity. I was just wondering if the minister may be ableto provide some additionalcontextor expansion, maybe even specific examplesfor us, as far as whatbuilding capacity is actually meant to entertain. Hon. B.

Ralston: The term “building the capacity” is one that’s frequently used and is, I think, a broad term for the activities of the present council, which will be of the new agency with itsexpanded mandate. Thatwouldinclude the, as sometimes called, acceleration process, the incubation process, mentoring, devising business plans, planning mar- keting plans and recruiting key personnel. Generally, allthose attributes — and I know the member Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3287

is familiar with that, having operated his own businesses — the ability to make the business more effective, more focused, and to bring the kind of resultsthatthe originator or the founderof the business might have imagined when they set out on this path. It’s abroadrange of servicesand supportto buildsuccess- fulcompaniesthatwillgo on to expand, employ more people and deliver greater prosperity to British Columbia and to Canada. G.

Kyllo: The reference aboutbuilding capacity to access new marketsand attracting investment — wouldthe min- isterbe ableto provide a bit more contextabout attracting investment?Willthe new agency actually be involved in out- ward work to attractinvestmentinto this particular sector? So again, just a bit more clarification on the term “attract investment.” Hon. B. Ralston: In building a company, sometimes one of the goals is to attractnew investmentinto thatparticular company. Thatwouldbe partof the assistancethatwouldbe provided.

The ministry itself has an investment attraction strategy, and the innovation commi ssioner will also assist, particu- larly for technology companies, in resourcing and offering advice on where investment for any particular company might come from. It’s meant,again, as a broadterm. Itwillnotbe an invest- mentattraction agency. Thatwillbe partof the supportthat’s offered, and that will be provided in conjunction with the ministry itself, the innovation commi ssioner. Iteven leads to otherprivate funders, whetherthey’re equity funds orother sourcesof funds thatmay seek or wish to investin start-up companies. G.

Kyllo: Thank you to the minister for his answer. What I heard from that is that there will be more of a supportive roleof supporting investmentattraction to B.C., butthe agency willnotbe actually actively participating in outward advertising, marketing or in other ways trying to attract investment to the sector. I’m just looking for a bit more clarification, if I could. [11:45 a.m.] Hon. B. Ralston: Letme answeritthis way. It’s adifferent emphasis than the memberis suggesting.

Partof asuccessful company and partof the preparation to be asuccessfulcom- pany is to prepare the leadership of the company to go out and pitch theiridea,pitch theircompany to those who might seek to invest in it, whether it’s venture capital firms or whetherit’s banks, more conventionalfinancing, even angel investors. In orderto be ready to do that,there wouldbe assistance, coaching, mentoringprovided to make orhelp thatcompany be successful. Butthe main focus of the agency willnotbe investmentattraction.

Itwillbe partof the ecosystem, partof the broadersupportsoffered by the ministry, the innovation commi ssioner and the private sector. G. Kyllo: Thank you to the minister for the additional explanation. We had a look at trying to, I guess, provide assistance for technology companies thatare working throughoutour province in attracting outsideinvestment, increasing their competitiveness to compete in an ever-growing globalmar- ketplace.

I’m justwondering if the ministercouldshare with us whathis perspective is on providing thatnecessary sup- port so that they have that winning advantage — to help supporttech companiesacross B.C. so thatthey couldbetter compete in global marketplaces. Hon. B.

Ralston: The focus of the effortsof the councilin the pastand the new agency, with itsexpanded mandate, is to focus on expanding the internalcapacity of the company to enter the market,whether it’s recruiting talent, devising a business plan orseeking supportand investmentfrom the various sources that I referenced in my previous answer, whether those are public or private. In addition to the sourcesthatI mentioned, the province established some time ago a fund called the Renaissance Fund. More recently the province established a fund called the B.C. tech fund, which is capitalized at $100million.

The roleof this agency is to buildthe capacity of thatpar- ticular company and thatgroup of business leaders to have the ability to put togethera company that’s going to thrive and prosper. G. Kyllo: We’ve gotalotof focus on the tech sector, which I fully support and applaud. But I’m wondering if part of the purpose, maybe, of this expanded mandate and this refo- cused effort is to look at offsetting some of the punishing taxes that have actually been placed on this sector, both in mid-term Budget Update 2017 and the most recent budget.

I’ve talked to anumberof tech companiesthathave indic- ated that the increase in corporate tax rate by 1 percent, a 2 percent increase in tax rates for what I like to recall as B.C.’s brightest and most productive workers, as well as the new employerhealth tax, are having significantimpacts on reducing the competitiveness of businesses thatare act- ively already competingin this sector. Is this repurpose focus in response to the punishing taxes that are being placed squarely on this sector? [11:50 a.m.] Hon. B. Ralston: I appreciate the member’s pointof view.

Really, I don’t think the discussion of the legislation is the venue in which to discuss the budget. There are lots of opportunities to discuss the budget or raise questions in question period, but I’m focused on the benefits that this agency will bring to the tech sector, to innovation and sci- ence policy in the province. This agency willenhance that, and that’s what I’m focused on. 3288 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

G. Kyllo: The agency is going to be bringing forward a numberof recomm endations, as the ministeralluded to, that likely wouldalso give recomm endations and consideration abouttaxation, and the impactsof increased taxes, on how it reducesthe competitiveness as a sector. The expanded focus of the agency clearly is to supportthis sector— giving clear direction for an expanded scope, looking for their expert advice to come back to government for action. The ministerhas shared withus thatthe advicethat’s com- ing back likely willnotbe madepublic,thatitwillbe more for internalreview.

I guess my concern is thatif the agency truly is going to have the expanded scope, the expanded mandate, to really truly look at the heart of what makes tech companiesin ourprovince so successfuland whatwill enablethem to continue to compete in an ever-increasing global economy, I think it’s…. It’s also extremely importantthatwe hear from the min- ister what his perspective is on tax rates and the impact on competitiveness of B.C. business. I think it’s extremely importantthatwe have, atleast,the supportof the minister to fully recognize those recomm endations that are coming forward from the new agency.

I also feel that it wouldbe important that those recomm endations are actually shared with the people of British Columbia. Hon. B. Ralston: Well, first, I would say that I would notwantto presume in advance whatadviceI mightgetor might come to me from the new directors of this agency, northrough the chair. ButI wouldsay thatin my conversa- tions with tech companies generally, the concerns thatthey express….

One of the reasons why they are coming to British Columbia in such number and why tech companies are thrivinghere is the talent.There’s arecognition of the incred- ible talent of British Columbians in this sector, and com- paniesare coming literally from around the globe to British Columbia in pursuitof the kind of talented peoplewe offer and who are part of the labour market. The other concerns that I hear are access to capital. We also hear concerns about affordability, particularly housing affordability, and the government,in itsbudget,is attempt- ing to address that. But the sector is booming.

This sector is thriving. I think we have an opportunity in British Columbiato take this sectorfrom where itis now to a wholenew level. The opportunities,the potentialof the tech- nology sector, whetherit’s transforming traditionalresource industries orwhetherit’s atthe very leading edge of science and technology, is imm ense. This agency willhave a contri- bution to make there, and that’s why I think it’s important that we move forward and create it. G. Kyllo: Thank you to the ministerforhis answer.

I agree thatone of the biggestassetswe have in British Columbia is the quality of the workforcethatwe have here, the work eth- icthatBritish Columbians employ, the amountof talentand education and training that’s available in our province. [11:55 a.m.] For one last time, maybe the minister might be ableto provide, I guess, a bitmore clarification orletus know what his position is with respect to the impact of taxation and competitiveness on the success of the tech sector.

Taxation is surely not the only indicator that actually wouldpredict the success of a company, but it certainly is one of the singlelargest ones. I know, having a number of businesses myself, thatsomething thatis extremely import- ant when you have a look at competing in an increasingly global economy is to ensure that we have the right focus, the rightbalanceof taxation and thatwe are providing busi- nesses across British Columbia with a levelplaying fieldand an opportunity to compete in these international markets. Hon. B. Ralston: As the member has noted, taxation is one policy aspect.

But the one that I hear about most frequently and the one thatappears to be drivingmany com- panies eitherto expand here or to move here and establish new businesses is the talent. We have recently commi tted to 2,900 tech spacesin the LowerMainland, in the Thompson Rivers University, in the University of Northern British Columbia and College of New Caledonia in Prince George. It’s the biggestexpansion of tech seats in a decade at the very least. That’s one of the main concerns that companies express.

They wantB.C. talent,and we are commi tted and have com- mitted in the budgetto expand the training and the educa- tion forthose peoplewho willparticipate in the future of this industry and of the economy of British Columbia. A. Weaver: I do note the hourhere, and I’m wondering if we might continue…. The Chair: Noting the hour, Member. A. Weaver: Yes, I note the hour. I’d like to continue after lunch. I do move that we adjourn at this time. Motion approved. The commi ttee rose at 11:57 a.m. The House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair.

Commi ttee of the Whole (Section B), having reported progress, was granted leave to sit again. Commi ttee of Supply (Section A), having reported progress, was granted leave to sit again. Hon. C. Trevena moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until1:30 this Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3289

afternoon. The House adjourned at 11:59 a.m. Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (continued) The House in Commi ttee of Supply (Section A); S. Chandra Herbert in the chair. The commi ttee met at 11:20 a.m. On Vote 20: ministry operations, $6,302,620,000 (continued). TheChair: Good morning, Members. Happy Internation- al Women’s Day. We are back for Ministry of Education estimates in Commi ttee A, Commi ttee of Supply. D. Davies: Welcome back. I’m going to continue on with capital. Talking about capital will certainly take up the remainderof this morning.

What I do want to actually do right now, just in light of time…. I’m going to letmy col- leaguefrom Cariboo North have aquestion, as she has apri- or engagement this afternoon. C. Oakes: It is a question on capital. First, I wouldlike to acknowledge and thank the ministerfor helping with an imm ediate concern that we have. We have an elementary school that a report came out on, in the summ er — that structurally, it has some issues. The comm unity, in March, was to be movingthe school. Ithas become ahighly complex move, so it is now delayed until the summ er. The challenge we have.

We’ve had such an incredible snowpack this yearthatthe schooldistrictis having to make extraeffortsto make sure thatthe schoolis safe. One week itwas $4,000 in shovelling, and the nextweek itwas $7,000 in shovelling the roof. The school district doesn’t have the funds to continue with that.I don’timagine winteris ending anytime soon in the Cariboo. They do need some extrasup- port. I guess that would be my first question. Then justafollow-up to that.A temporary solution, while it’s greatto getus through this year…. We do need a long- term solution for Quesnel Junior School, a replacement schoolin the Cariboo.

To the minister, wouldthatbe in the capital budget? [11:25 a.m.] Hon. R. Fleming: Thank you forthe question. Maybe I’ll startwith the firstquestion, because there was a two-in-one there. That is around the snow-clearing expenses that the district has. There are elementsin the fundingallocation currently that take into effectgeographicfactors, winterconditions in dis- trictslike hers, so it wouldbe unusual for the ministry to take expenses foran individualoperationalexpense like that and coverit.I think she mentioned some figures thatmay be a challenge.

I wouldsay, though, thatthe schooldistricthas notcomm unicated with the ministry directly in this regard. I, and it may pique the interest of other board chairs in northern school districtsor others that are experiencing a winter similar to the Cariboo. She’s correct that there have been delays in imm ediately vacating the schoolthatshe was referring to. The delays have notbeen on ourpart,in the ministry. We provided, really, an emergency fund, if you will, of $1.7 million to allow students to be moved to asaferoption in the comm unity.

Foravariety of reasons, the localschoolboard has notbeen ableto fulfil the plan thatwe hadoriginally agreed to. The funding is still there, to be certain, butitlooks like it’lleitherbe laterthis spring oreven forthe beginning of the nextschoolyearthat that relocation plan is actually completed. I don’t know if the memberis going to have some other questions. Maybe I can justreferbriefly to Quesnelmiddle school. Justto mention, forherreference, thatthe schoolwas in the ten-year capital plan for many, many years — never any funding decisions attached to that. We’re workingwith the schooldistrictnow.

We’re working with the mayor and other comm unity members to look at thatproject.I have to say thatthere have been some really, really good ideas coming forward. So we’re quite pleased with the progress there, afterreally no word formany, many years aboutit.There haven’tbeen any majorcapitalprojects in the member’s districtfor16 years, so I can understand her frustration with that. [11:30 a.m.] The districtis sharpening itspencils and building the case for the secondary. It had always been, I think, its number one priority in the five-year capitalplan submissions to the ministry.

But, as I said, it neverhad any funding decisions attached to it.Those discussions have begun,and I’m pleased to report they’re going very well. C. Oakes: I look forward to the announcement of the Quesnelmiddleschoolin the future. With yourconfidence, I’m sure you’ll be ableto deliver that. It’ll be great for our comm unity, for sure. One of the things thatwas mentioned in the budgetthis year was ensuring thatallcomm unities had fairaccess and that we’re looking at rural comm unities as well. I wantto switch to asmallerruralschool, Horsefly. Horse- fly is this fantastic smallercomm unity.

I’ve talked many times in this House about the comm unity. It serves a large area, and it’s a very important rural school in our district. Itcurrently doesn’thave fibre optics,which makes ita chal- lenge when delivering a lot of the new curriculum. WhatI wouldlike to raise is the challenge thatthe school 3290 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 8, 2018

has had. They’ve been withouta principalsincethe fall, and one of the challenges we do have in oursmallruralschools is, of course, recruitment and retention. A question around funding for rural schools around recruitment and retention, and the challenge when you divideup whatwas currently in the budgetto supportschool districtswith that.It’s such a smallfee thata lotof ourrural districtsare challenged withthat.If the membercouldadvise on what is in the budgetfor recruitment and retention for rural schools. [11:35 a.m.] Hon. R. Fleming: The schoolthatshe referenced around broadband Internetaccess in Horsefly.

My understanding, my information, is that the next-generation network does reach thatschool. So there is fibre there, at50 megabytes a second. Itwas upgraded as recently as August22, so within a month of the new government being sworn in, from 30 megabytes a second to 50 megabytes a second. So thatser- viceexists.I don’tknow if there are technology issueswithin the school, butitmightbe somethingforherto look into and come back to us or discuss with the board chair there. On the recruitm ent and retention issues, just a couple of bits of inform ation that I can share with the m ember.

Schooldistrict27 received $2.5 million in the SEAF fund to hire additionalteachers. So about25 new teaching pos- itions in thatdistrict,plus the overheadcosts,were funded by government recently. That hiring has occurred within that envelope. In terms of ruralrecruitmentinitiatives thatwere funded specificto her district, about $30,000 in incentives, which includes things like moving expenses and other eligible expenses to recruitnew teachers, have been accessed by dis- trict27.

There is some more funding availableforadditional recruitmenteffortsby thatdistrict.Thatfund is administered by BCPSEA, the PublicSchool Employers Association. We think thatthat’s going to supportongoing recruitmentissues now and in gearing up for the September school year. I wouldalso note thatgovernmentm oved ratherquickly in October. We had hired about 95 percent of the hiring that we intended to do under the MOA, but we still had som e gaps and som e issues in certain districts,notallbut in certain districts, around diminishing the teacher-on- call lists.

We convened a task force of all of the m ajor stakeholders and education partners aboutwhataddition- alm easures we mightundertake imm ediately and cam e up with an action plan. That task force, who I wouldlike to thank again on the record, worked very hard and very quickly oversix weeks to deliverasetof recomm endations thathave led to some fund- ing decisions that are in the current budgetthat we’re dis- cussing here today. Thatwillinclude some things thatmay benefit this member’s constituency. One of the initiatives thatis funded is around recruiting and training more Indigenous teachers.

We have some fund- ing thathas come outof those task force recomm endations for curriculum development, which will create some path- waysforIndigenous studentsto enterteachereducation pro- grams. One of the partnerships is with the University of B.C. There’s a pilotthere thatwillfeature comm unity-based delivery of allfouryears of itsIndigenous teachereducation program in the Williams Lake–Quesnel area and that will specifically train approximately 20 Indigenous teachers to then become the teachers of tomorrow in the districtwhere they currently live. [11:40 a.m.] D.

Davies: The budget line shows that government is goingto be spending$121 million less than whatwas projec- ted on capitalspendingoverFebruary 2017. Can you explain the difference, why the differenceis, despite the claim of not allowing any capital slippage? Hon. R. Fleming: I’m justtrying to figure outa littlebit abouthow this question mightdifferfrom the one thatwas asked yesterday. We didcoverthis — why the ’18-19 capital budget is at $483million. I explained yesterday to the member that the budget is expensed in the year in which there is actual construction activity starting.

As he can appreciate, there was a transition in government.We expected to see alotmore projectsin the pipeline, quite frankly, where they couldbreak ground and be builtin the ’17-18 capitalyearand into ’18-19. There were not enough that were either close to construction or had gone outto tenderingor, quite frankly, hadbeen approved in the planning stage.

What we’ve done in this capital budget, which is the largest schoolconstruction budgetin B.C. history, overthe nextthree years, is we’ve shifted considerableresources so thatwe go from $483 million in the nextfiscalyearof spend- ing on capitaland into the mid-$650 million range overthe nexttwo years. Itgetseven higherin year 3. We’re building up momentum so that we can getto planning some of the things that were never leftto us, get to decision-making, business case development with school districts and con- struction.

We’re trying to accelerate thatin districts.Itreally ranges — I’m sure the member knows this — between the time a projectcan be initiated and completed in some dis- tricts compared to others. We’re trying to get every district onto an acceleration curve, because we wantto getthese projectsbuilt.We want portablesto be removed in overcrowded districtsand help otherdistricts,where we have aging building stock or seis- mically unsafe buildings,getto approvals and getto ground- breakings. Mr. Chair, I move thatthe commi ttee rise and reportpro- gress and ask leave to sit again. Motion approved.

The commi ttee rose at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3291

Hansard Reporting Services DIRECTOR Robert Sutherland MANAGER OF REPORTING SERVICES Christine Fedoruk EDITORIAL TEAM LEADERS Laurel Bernard, Karol Morris, Amy Reiswig, Glenn Wigmore TECHNICAL OPERATIONS OFFICERS Pamela Holmes, Dan Kerr, Robin Saxifrage, Mike Sinclair INDEXERS Shannon Ash, Julie McClung, Robin Rohrmoser RESEARCHERS Mike Beninger, Niloo Farahzadeh, David Mattison, Steve Pocock EDITORS Julia Bobak, Kim Christie, Deirdre Gotto, Jane Grainger, Betsy Gray, Iris Gray, Mary Beth Hall, Barb Horricks, Bill Hrick, Jennifer Kaddoura, Catherine Lang, Paula Lee, Donna McCloskey, Quinn MacDonald, Anne Maclean, Claire Matthews, Jill Milkert, Lind Miller, Erik Pedersen, Sara Shields, Murray Sinclair, Robyn Swanson, Antoinette Warren, Heather Warren, Kim Westad Access to on-line versions of the official report of debates (Hansard) and webcasts of proceedings is available on the Internet.

Chamber debates are broadcast on television. www.leg.bc.ca Published by British Columbia Hansard Services under the authority of the Speaker.

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Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180308am-Hansard-n98
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180308am Hansard n98
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	b20fba183b4811fb2e878ce35c15abca20459ee7

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