First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 66

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Members’ Statements

Nursing Week and Working Conditions for Nurses

Anna Kindy

Moose Hide Anti-Violence Campaign

Darlene Rotchford

Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation

Ian Paton

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Importance of Language

Rohini Arora

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and Support for Community

Jeremy Valeriote

Economic Development Week

Dana Lajeunesse

Speaker’s Statement

Guidelines for Members’ Statements

Oral Questions

Implementation of Supervised Consumption Policy for Safe Supply and Diversion to Illicit

Market

John Rustad

Hon. David Eby

Government Hiring of Consultant on Downtown Eastside Issues

Bruce Banman

Hon. David Eby

Role of U.S. Companies in Energy Projects

Jeremy Valeriote

Hon. Adrian Dix

Government Response to Organized Crime and Foreign Influence Operations

Tara Armstrong

Hon. Garry Begg

Hon. David Eby

Crime and Community Safety in Williams Lake

Lorne Doerkson

Hon. Garry Begg

Health Care Services in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Sheldon Clare

Hon. Josie Osborne

Addiction Treatment Services in Rural Communities

Claire Rattée

Hon. Josie Osborne

Crime and Community Safety in Williams Lake

Elenore Sturko

Hon. Garry Begg

Tony Luck

Crime in Communities and Action on Community Safety

Peter Milobar

Hon. Garry Begg

Question of Privilege (Speaker’s Ruling)

Orders of the Day

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 31 — Recommittal of Bill M202, Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act

Hon. Mike Farnworth

Trevor Halford

Jeremy Valeriote

Peter Milobar

Thursday, May 15, 2025

The House met at 10:05 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Gavin Dew.

Introductions by Members

Hon. Niki Sharma : It’s with great pleasure that I introduce 40 of our constituency advisers that are

here representing every corner of the province, somewhere up here.

On behalf of government, we just want to thank them for showing up for community in

the many ways that they do, whether it’s families, new Canadians, people facing housing

challenges, seniors. They are our front line in our community, representing us and

making us so proud every day.

For all those CAs that are here, welcome. I hope you enjoy question period. Thank

you for all that you do.

Hon. David Eby : I was counting back nine months from today, trying to figure out the significance.

What was the position of the stars or the moon? There are four members of our team

that are celebrating birthdays today.

The Minister of Housing; the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; the member

for Vernon-Lumby; and the member for Vancouver-Langara are all celebrating birthdays

today.

Whatever it was, happy birthday to all of you.

Lorne Doerkson : I want to introduce a great friend of mine. Joanna Krynen from Williams Lake — the

Krynen family name, of course, represents the western culture in our community in

a way that is incredible; and her brother from Victoria are here today visiting the

Legislature.

I look forward to seeing you guys at lunch time.

Thank you very much. Make them welcome.

Amelia Boultbee : It’s with great pleasure that I introduce to the House today Mayor Doug Holmes, the

mayor of Summerland. I’d like to say that we all really appreciate his contributions

to civic life in our community.

Will the House please join me in making him feel very welcome.

Dana Lajeunesse : I just want to give a shout-out to all the staff in the Legislature. Yesterday I

ran into a couple from Atlanta, Georgia. They told me that they have visited almost

every state capital building in the U.S. They remarked about how clean this place

is. They’ve never seen another capital building as clean as this.

I just want to express my appreciation for all the legislative staff and the House

staff for keeping us hydrated, etc. Thanks.

Scott McInnis : I don’t have many friends, which is why….

Interjection.

Scott McInnis : Maybe I’ll get invited to a birthday party later with the Minister of Housing.

[10:10 a.m.]

This is why I’m very honoured to introduce a special guest, my longest-serving and

best friend of close to 40 years. We grew up on farms beside each other in Ontario,

and then, many moons ago, moved out west.

He’s a coal miner from Sparwood and has moved up the ranks from driving a haul truck

and now is in charge of all the training in Sparwood. He’s also a volunteer on the

Sparwood Search and Rescue. And the best part about my friend Emil Peachey-Dupon is

he’s a die-hard Leafs fan.

Will the House please make him feel welcome.

Hon. Lisa Beare : I have two introductions today.

First, I have a delegation from the city of Maple Ridge. We have our wonderful mayor,

Dan Ruimy; Katerina, manager of intergovernmental relations; and Eric, who is the

manager of industrial land.

Would everyone please make them feel welcome.

We have my AC up in the gallery as well, from the Ministry of Education and Child

Care. But I say that with a sombre tone, because very soon I will be losing her to

the Office of the Premier, which is just heartbreaking.

Hayley Hyndman is here along with her partner, Mac Deluca.

Please make them feel welcome.

We just really couldn’t end introductions over on this side without acknowledging

the fabulous suit from the member for Abbotsford South. I believe it’s a new one today.

Well done.

The Speaker : Minister, you know, he returned my cat, but the cat came with fleas. I don’t know.

I think he kept my cat in a chicken coop. It’s going to go to see a veterinarian now.

Bruce Banman : I stand on a point of privilege, Mr. Speaker. That is unparliamentary language, and

I would ask that you withdraw.

[Laughter.]

Ian Paton : I’ve got two good friends from the little town of Ladner here today up in the gallery.

Mike Wolzen is a very well-known person in Ladner. He has a trucking company. If we

remember back in 2021, with all the fires, I got all the farmers in Delta to donate

about a thousand bales of hay that we sent up to Barriere, I believe, to the fairgrounds

for livestock. His trucking company donated all the trucking to get that hay up there.

Thank you, Mike.

His friend Jan Salvador is with him today. Jan is very well known as a great volunteer

in Ladner. She’s involved with the Ladner Business Association and different organizations.

Please make my two friends from Ladner welcome today.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : I have a feeling this is an unprecedented introduction. In the chamber is a three-generation

lineage of constituency advisers.

Let me please introduce first Sharon Olson, referred to by the House Leader as “Boss

Lady.” She supported Ian Waddell for years as a constituency adviser and is really

part of the family. Also, the Energy Minister and former Premier Glen Clark all benefited

from her place in their lives and her putting them in their place.

With her is her daughter Darcy Olsen, who supported the House Leader, Leonard Krog

and me, both as a Member of Parliament and as an MLA. She is now ministerial adviser

in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

With her is her daughter Lucy Morel, who is my newest constituency adviser, and she

is a total star.

Will the House please thank them for their work.

Gavin Dew : In the spirit of interparty collaboration, I wanted to assist the Minister of Children

and Family Development with the difficult Greek name that she chose to skip in introducing

the delegation from Maple Ridge.

In so doing, I would like to welcome my longtime friend Katarina Anastasiadis to the

House.

[10:15 a.m.]

Macklin McCall : I’d like to take a moment to introduce a special guest in the gallery today. Joining

us is Conrad Erbes, a longtime resident of my constituency and someone with whom I

have had the pleasure of working for a number of years in the Kelowna RCMP detachment.

Conrad continues to serve the policing community as a local area representative in

my riding for the National Police Federation while he advocates on behalf of front-line

RCMP members.

I ask all members of this House to please join me in welcoming Conrad Erbes to the

British Columbia Legislature.

Hon. Ravi Parmar : Well, 2025 is a big year for the Forest Practices Board. They’re celebrating 30 years.

They’ve got a big crew in the House here today, led by their chair, Keith Atkinson.

I’m a big fan of this organization. I had a chance to meet with them a little while

ago. They hold us accountable as government. They hold the sector accountable. They

provide transparency, an independent watchdog. I just want to thank them for the work

that they’ve been doing over the course of 30 years.

As I acknowledged, Keith Atkinson, the chair, is in the House, with Rick Monchak,

Briar Young, Nathan Murray, Matthias Splittgerber, Tanner Senko, Tim Slater, Nick

Reynolds, Skye Dumond, Shannon Podgorenko, Kairry Nguyen, Greg Jorgensen and Darlene

Oman.

Will the House please join me in making them feel very welcome and helping them celebrate

30 years.

Jody Toor : It is my pleasure to introduce my friend Iti Kalsi, who is in the chamber today.

She is a CA for a member opposite. She is an amazing artist and the artist behind

my bridal henna 13 years ago.

Let’s extend a warm welcome.

Hon. Brittny Anderson : It is with great pleasure that I get to introduce Denise de Montreuil to the House

today. The last time she was here, I believe it was her husband that was being sworn

in as the Chief Electoral Officer for British Columbia.

She is joined by her niece, Anna Bundschuh, who is also one of my CAs. Because I’m

mentioning one CA and we’re not supposed to mention the other CAs, I just want to

say to Erica and Sarah, thank you so much as well.

Can the House please welcome Denise de Montreuil back to the Legislature.

Mandeep Dhaliwal : Today I have the honour of introducing my brother-in-law Kanwaldip Singh Maan, along

with some family members — Amandeep Maan, Gurinder Dhaliwal, Sukwinder Sandhu and

Harinder Maan — visiting from New Zealand.

Can the House please make them feel welcome.

Lawrence Mok : This afternoon at about 3 p.m., there’s a group of students and their teachers who

will be visiting the Parliament Buildings from Garibaldi Secondary School, which is

located in my riding of Maple Ridge East.

If you happen to run into them, please join me in welcoming them with wide open arms

or a bear hug.

Rosalyn Bird : Although she’s not here in the House today, I would like to introduce, or should

I say acknowledge, Dr. Stacy Cabage.

Dr. Cabage will be receiving an award this evening at the B.C. College of Family Physicians

awards celebration. She was nominated by her patients for having displayed excellence

in her practice and having made a tremendous impact on our community of Prince George.

Dr. Stacy, your patients and I thank you for your continued commitment and dedication

to providing outstanding medical care in Prince George.

Will the House please join me in congratulating Dr. Cabage.

Members’ Statements

Nursing Week and

Working Conditions for Nurses

Anna Kindy : This week is National Nursing Week. My mother was a nurse. She used to wear one of

those white caps to work. She was one of the smartest persons I’ve ever met. One of

my daughters also is a nurse.

Nurses’ responsibilities extend far beyond basic care. They have a profound commitment

to the health, safety and dignity of every patient. Nurses offer support, comfort,

and they continually advocate for their patients, ensuring that their voices are heard

during some of life’s most challenging times. Nurses are there for the first breath

and often the last breath of many.

[10:20 a.m.]

But you know what? Nurses work harder than ever. They are the first caregiver a patient

sees when admitted to a hospital and are the ones who organize their discharge. Patients,

when admitted, are often more complex and have more advanced disease than they used

to. Not having a primary care provider contributes to this advanced disease state.

Health care is a team-based sport. Nurses are crucial in making that team work cohesively.

A doctor can see a patient in the hospital for five to ten minutes; the nurse is responsible

for that patient for the entire shift.

Yet more than ever, nurses are working short-staffed. Working short-staffed is like

having half of your team in the penalty box. And when the situation is about life

and death, that is unconscionably stressful. On top of that, because of hospitals

being over census, patients are dying on stretchers in the hallways.

Add to the mix violence in the workplace, like being punched in the face and having

knives pulled at you, and the words “a stressful environment” are an understatement.

To add insult to injury, you can’t talk about it. No wonder so many nurses are quitting.

We need, as a society and policy-maker, to look at the situation in unbiased, clear

lenses and find a solution for this issue. Nurses deserve our respect, support and

compassion.

Thank you to all the nurses who continually show up and put others first.

Moose Hide Anti-Violence Campaign

Darlene Rotchford : I rise today to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territories

of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples, known today as Esquimalt and Songhees Nation. I am deeply grateful to these

nations for the opportunity to live, work and play on their lands.

Today marks Moose Hide Campaign Day. The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement

led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous men who are standing up against violence towards

women and children. It was founded in 2011 by Paul and Raven Lacerte. After attending

a conference on violence against women in Vancouver, where he was one of just four

men among hundreds of women, Paul felt a profound responsibility to act.

The inspiration for this campaign came during a hunting trip that Paul and Raven took

along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears. After harvesting a moose, they decided

to use its hide as a symbol to inspire men to join the movement to end violence against

women. With the help of family and friends, they cut the first 2,500 moose hide squares,

laying the foundation for what would become a national campaign.

Violence against women and children remains a persistent yet prevalent issue across

our country. Indigenous women continue to face violence at a disproportionately higher

rate. We all have a responsibility to take action to help build safe homes, workplaces

and communities.

On Moose Hide Campaign Day, hundreds of thousands of people come together to fast,

to walk, to participate in events and to wear small squares of moose hide on their

lapels. These squares serve as a powerful symbol of commitment to ending violence

against women and children, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.

Like Red Dress Day last week, today is an important opportunity for collective reflection

and commitment to meaningful and lasting change.

I encourage all members of this House to join me in that commitment and to take a

part in today’s Moose Hide walk.

Delta Hospital and

Community Health Foundation

Ian Paton : I’m honoured to rise today and speak about the incredible work being done at the

Delta Hospital by the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation.

I’ve had a personal connection to our local hospital for many years. My dad was a

founding member of the committee that recognized the need for a hospital in Delta,

and my mom was an original member of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary, which was established

even before the hospital was opened. My mom still continues to volunteer, at age 97,

with the Delta Hospital Auxiliary. My wife, Pam, served as the chair of the foundation’s

board and remains involved as a director. This close connection fuels my passion for

supporting local health care in Delta.

Since its formation in 1988, the foundation has raised nearly $100 million, funding

that has transformed our local health care infrastructure. One of the major achievements

includes the Peter C. and Elizabeth Toigo diagnostic services building. The foundation

has also raised over $18 million for the Beedie long-term-care centre, which will

replace the outdated Mountain View Manor and provide 200 beds for our aging population.

Annually, the foundation also commits around $2 million to essential equipment and

service expansions. Since 2005, the foundation has contributed funds to the ER and

surgical enhancements. The foundation is also the philanthropic arm of the Irene Thomas

Hospice, which continues to serve as a compassionate end-of-life care facility supported

by community fundraising efforts.

[10:25 a.m.]

I must also highlight the dedicated staff of the foundation, led by executive director

Lisa Hogland, who works tirelessly to rally the community’s support.

The foundation’s signature event, the annual gala, exemplifies the generosity and

community spirit. Every year I’m honoured to be asked to serve as the auctioneer for

the outstanding community event.

Last year was the 25th anniversary of the Delta Hospital Foundation’s gala, where

together the community raised a record $1.3 million.

Supporting Delta Hospital Foundation ensures a healthier future for our community.

I am grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of our incredible community.

Reconciliation with

Indigenous Peoples and

Importance of Language

Rohini Arora : A few weeks ago in estimates, I heard the member for Columbia River–Revelstoke, express

discomfort with the terms “settler,” “uninvited guest” and “colonizer.” That prompted

me to deeply reflect on where these terms come from and why they matter.

Even if we didn’t personally cause colonization, we live in a country shaped by it.

That’s why many non-Indigenous people, including myself, use the term “settler,” “uninvited

guest” or for white folks who self-describe, “colonizer.” It reminds us that we are

here because of a colonial system that still impacts Indigenous communities today

through historically underfunded services, title rights, over-policing, boil-water

advisories, the legacy of residential schools and missing and murdered Indigenous

women, girls and two-spirit people.

Some may feel uncomfortable with these terms, but they are not meant to divide us.

When we understand the history, we see why they matter. These words remind us that

we live, work and benefit from being on Indigenous land that was often taken without

consent, especially here in British Columbia — “unceded” means “unsurrendered.”

I am a settler. I was born here, but my family came from India through Canada’s colonial

immigration system, a country and system built on the displacement of Indigenous peoples.

That truth doesn’t exclude anyone. It includes all of us in a shared responsibility.

True reconciliation means recognizing that Canada was built on the lands and suffering

of Indigenous peoples.

It’s not about blame; it’s about a shared responsibility. It’s not about division.

It’s about building honest, respectful relationships so that we can chart a new path

forward together, one that centres First Nations, Métis and Indigenous people.

When we self-refer as settlers, it’s a signal to Indigenous people that we understand

the history of colonization.

I urge all members here to do the same.

International Day Against

Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

and Support for Community

Jeremy Valeriote : I rise to recognize International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia,

calling attention to the discrimination, violence and systemic injustices that 2SLGBTQ+

individuals continue to endure because of their identity.

Although we have made significant progress since this day was first observed 20 years

ago, these issues remain all too relevant. And this day comes at a time when transgender

individuals, in particular, face growing discrimination and hate. People who simply

want to exist and express themselves for who they are have become subject to a needless

culture war spurred on by hateful rhetoric, fearmongering campaigns and misinformation.

Even places that were once deemed safe havens for the trans community have walked

back vital rights and freedoms. This year alone, we have watched our American neighbours

introduce 876 anti-trans bills, even though transgender people make up about 1 percent

of the population. This makes it even more crucial to ensure British Columbia is a

welcoming, safe space for trans people and the entire 2SLGBT+ community more broadly.

It’s work we must tackle together.

This year’s theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

is “The power of communities,” which provides an opportunity for each of us to consider

how we might be better community members for 2SLGBTQ+ folks.

Continue to educate yourself and others.

Call out discrimination and misinformation when you see it.

Engage in healthy dialogue and respectful conversation.

We in British Columbia have the potential to be global leaders, leaders against discrimination

of any kind, using a strong, evidence-based approach and fostering an environment

of acceptance.

However you choose to express yourself, you are loved, and you are welcome in British

Columbia.

[10:30 a.m.]

Economic Development Week

Dana Lajeunesse : If I were to point to one specific issue that drew me toward a career in politics,

it was my desire to create a solid pathway toward economic development and diversification,

particularly in rural areas, where resource-based industries historically served as

the economic engines that allowed families and communities to thrive.

Today it’s my pleasure to recognize the week of May 11-17, 2025, as Economic Development

Week in British Columbia.

This week is a special occasion to celebrate the incredible efforts of the B.C. Economic

Development Association, along with numerous economic development professionals and

community leaders across our province. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental

in strengthening our local economies and fostering growth.

Economic Development Week is not just a time to acknowledge the progress we’ve made

but also a time to celebrate the diversity of our economy and the unique contributions

that each community brings to the table. From bustling urban centres to charming rural

towns, every corner of British Columbia has much to offer. This diversity is what

provides the potential for our economy to grow ever more resilient and vibrant.

This year, as we celebrate Economic Development Week, we honour many community leaders

who have dedicated themselves to strengthening and diversifying British Columbia’s

economy. Their unwavering support for workers and businesses has been a cornerstone

of our success. It is through their vision and perseverance that we will continue

to build a prosperous future for all British Columbians.

Please let us take the remainder of this week to reflect on our achievements, appreciate

the hard work of economic development professionals and renew our commitment to fostering

a dynamic and inclusive economy.

Together we can ensure that British Columbia remains a place where innovation, collaboration

and growth flourish.

Speaker’s Statement

Guidelines for Members’ Statements

The Speaker : Members, when we make two-minute statements, keep in mind that they are two-minute

statements, first of all.

Secondly, be careful of the subject matter. Sometimes they come very close to crossing

the line; sometimes they do cross the line.

So when in doubt, please check with your House Leader or the Whip to make sure that

everything is done according to our rules and traditions.

Oral Questions

Implementation of Supervised

Consumption Policy for Safe Supply

and Diversion to Illicit Market

John Rustad : Earlier this year a document embarrassed this government, revealing how more than

22 million doses of so-called safe supply was handed out for unsupervised consumption.

The document also revealed that this taxpayer-funded drug supply was finding its way

into the hand of organized crime and being sold both domestically and internationally.

The Premier and his government, out of embarrassment, announced a change to the safe

supply scandal, saying it would now become supervised consumption. The NDP Health

Minister responded, saying: “These medications will be taken under supervision of

a health care worker, and that includes hydromorphone.”

Can the Premier confirm that the minister’s statement is true and that no so-called

safe supply is being provided without a health care worker’s supervision?

Hon. David Eby : The documents were a presentation by government to police officers asking for their

assistance in investigation and prosecution of pharmacies engaged in diversion of

drugs. It’s a very serious issue, and I’m very glad that in April, the College of

Pharmacists acted against four registrants at two pharmacies for doing this. I hope

that the criminal investigations conclude quickly and result in prosecutions of people

involved.

We have moved to directing witnessed ingestion — that is, someone has to watch while

you take the prescribed medication. This is a process, the member will know. It’s

from rural communities across this province. Not everywhere is downtown Vancouver.

So in some circumstances, in order to ensure safety for individuals, there’s a transition

period to witnessed dosing taking place with physicians. But without exception, everybody

that is on prescribed alternatives will be in a witness program by the direction of

the government.

[10:35 a.m.]

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

John Rustad : Well, I find that response interesting, in particular because out of the more than

5,000 addicts who had been receiving on this program, my understanding now is that

they are still receiving the so-called safe supply without the requirement of supervised

consumption.

Now, this being the case, based on the numbers, that would mean that there’s probably

somewhere in the vicinity of two million doses or more that have made their way through

non-supervised consumption into the streets and possibly into the hands of organized

crime.

Can the Premier confirm how many millions of doses of the so-called safe supply will

potentially flow into the hands of organized crime before he gets serious about making

sure that none of this safe supply will be handed out without supervision?

Hon. David Eby : The member is not correct on multiple fronts. There are 1,918 people receiving prescribed

alternatives in the province. The vast majority of these individuals are already on

witnessed programs, as a result of the direction of government.

In extraordinary circumstances, there are individuals who are transitioning to witnessed

prescriptions. This involves finding a pharmacy where they’re able to get to, to ensure

that it’s witnessed. Not everywhere has an immediately available pharmacy.

Cutting someone off of these medications immediately can result in very serious adverse

health effects or can result in somebody turning to crime. The goal here is to transition

everybody to witnessed. That is well underway, and it’s only in extraordinary circumstances

where it does not happen.

Government Hiring of Consultant

on Downtown Eastside Issues

Bruce Banman : Nine years after this Premier was first elected as MLA, days before he became the

Premier, he said the following when referring to the problems on the Downtown Eastside:

“I’ve never seen the Downtown Eastside in a more desperate state. I’ve never seen

it worse. I worked down there 20 years ago for a number of years, and I thought it

was pretty desperate. We’re headed in the wrong direction in that neighbourhood.”

Considering the Premier’s own words and given the hiring of Michael Bryant, it is

crystal clear that the entire reason for the Premier getting into politics has been

an abject failure. According to the Premier’s own words, things have only gotten worse.

My question. How is this anything other than a dismal failure of the sole reason the

Premier got involved in politics?

Hon. David Eby : We have opened hundreds of units of housing in the Downtown Eastside, and closed

the encampments at Crab Park and on Hastings Street in partnership with the city of

Vancouver. We are headed in a different direction in the Downtown Eastside.

That’s not to say that there aren’t serious issues. This is a neighbourhood that has

been, like many low-income neighbourhoods across North America, hit by synthetic opioids

and a new group of people living with brain injury, serious addiction to synthetic

opioids and serious mental health issues. We are in the process of opening beds across

the province to support this population.

The closure of Riverview, moving people from that mental health facility to the Downtown

Eastside…. There are still workers in the Downtown Eastside that remember, that were

involved in moving people from Riverview to the Downtown Eastside. It created a group

of people who are profoundly vulnerable, who now, with synthetic opioids, are sicker

than ever, and it is awful.

Our government is committed to doing all we can to address that issue. We make no

apologies for doing all we can to improve things for the lives of the people who are

struggling in the streets but also for the broader community in Vancouver and the

whole province that wants this addressed.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Bruce Banman : Well, here are some facts. Between the time that this Premier was first elected as

an MLA and became the Premier, unregulated drug deaths in Vancouver rose 650 percent

— 650 percent.

[10:40 a.m.]

For a Premier who says the issues facing the Downtown Eastside are the only reason

he got into politics, that is an absolutely shameful, pathetic number. If this is

success, I’d sure as hell hate to see what failure looks like.

We all make mistakes. Why can’t this Premier just fess up to everyone and admit he

hired Michael Bryant to clean up the single greatest political failure of his life?

Hon. David Eby : It’s hard to know exactly where to begin. We’re making good progress in Vancouver.

Double-digit decreases in crime in the city of Vancouver, as a result of our repeat

violent offender program.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Shhh. Shhh.

Hon. David Eby : Working closely with the city of Vancouver. Closing major encampments. Getting people….

Interjection.

Hon. David Eby : The member asked a serious question about a serious issue.

Closing encampments. Addressing street disorder. Supporting Chinatown with revitalization.

We are turning the corner in the neighbourhood, but we have a lot more work to do.

There’s a group of people that are serviced by non-profit organizations, by provincial

government, by federal government, by municipal government and by charities, all separately

and in an uncoordinated way.

My goal is for Michael Bryant to assist us in coordinating to ensure that we’re delivering

outcomes that we’re looking for in terms of improving the quality of life of the people

who are struggling, as well as the safety, both perceived and actual, in the Downtown

Eastside.

Role of U.S. Companies

in Energy Projects

Jeremy Valeriote : Ksi Lisims LNG is owned by Texas-based Western LNG, with investment from Blackstone

Inc. and Apollo Global Management, two Wall Street private equity firms with close

ties to President Donald Trump. Blackstone is also the lead investor in the Prince

Rupert gas transmission pipeline, PRGT.

Blackstone’s CEO, Stephen Schwarzman, has been an adviser to Trump since 2016 and

donated $39 million to elect Republican candidates in the 2024 U.S. election. The

construction contract for PRGT has been awarded to Bechtel, another globe-spanning

American firm with deep ties to the U.S. government.

Does the Premier think it’s a good idea to hand control of B.C.’s strategic energy

resources to Trump’s corporate allies?

Hon. Adrian Dix : The Ksi Lisims project is currently under review in environmental assessment, as

the member will know. He hasn’t told the entire story there. There’s a significant

involvement in the project and support for the project by the Nisg̱a’a First Nation.

There are differing views amongst First Nations, of course, and there are differing

views in the region. But the appropriate way to deal with this important environmental

question and economic development question is what we’ve been doing on LNG projects

in B.C., which is focused on community benefits, on returns to B.C., on jobs for British

Columbians, on Indigenous issues and on environment and climate change issues.

That result has led to LNG projects that have the lowest emissions in the world, LNG

projects that have gone forward under this government — three, worth $42 billion.

It shows that when you put climate and you put economic development and you put support

for Indigenous people together, that can result in economic development that works

for communities. The same approach will be used with respect to this project.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Jeremy Valeriote : We’ve heard this morning that Enbridge will sell a stake in its pipelines to First

Nations. However, PRGT’s investors are the very forces that the province is trying

to protect British Columbians from.

To add insult to injury, the new generation of floating LNG platforms is exclusively

built in China or South Korea, using steel from those countries. It’s unclear how

exactly these projects form part of a Team Canada strategy.

Given how MAGA and Trump are being invoked on both offence and defence in this House

frequently, my question, again, is to the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.

Are we elbows down for a MAGA-owned pipeline being built in B.C.?

Hon. Adrian Dix : Well, I think what British Columbia needs to do is to build, and that is exactly

the direction the Premier has given.

[10:45 a.m.]

I am proud that we’ve announced in British Columbia ten renewable energy projects

worth $6 billion, $3 billion in equity.

I am very proud of the Haisla First Nation, against very difficult and challenging

circumstances, who have achieved extraordinary success in an LNG project — yes, that

is under construction and that will be the lowest-emission LNG in the world.

We as a province need to become stronger. We have an extraordinary gift from the past

in B.C. Hydro, and we have to build on that gift. That is exactly what we’re doing,

with an electrification plan that works, that addresses climate change and economic

development.

We have to diversify our markets, and we are. If anything, recent days have told us

we have to become a stronger, more self-sufficient economy, and we have got to diversify

our markets. We are going to continue to act in this and every matter in support of

that, while supporting the fundamental values of this government for reconciliation

and to fight climate change.

Government Response to

Organized Crime and

Foreign Influence Operations

Tara Armstrong : Reports by investigative journalist Sam Cooper and others suggest that state actors

in China are collaborating with transnational organized crime syndicates to use Canadian

banks and Vancouver real estate to launder the proceeds of crime.

This has resulted in highly inflated B.C. housing prices and has fuelled the production

and distribution of fentanyl within B.C. and far beyond.

My question to the Premier himself is this. Has he been advised officially or unofficially

of any known or suspected state actor influence within his party?

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

It has been well established that money laundering and organized crime fuel the toxic

drug crisis and violence on our streets in British Columbia. While we’re doing that

job, which is fighting the toxic drug crisis by building more options for addicts,

we’re combatting criminals who are making and trafficking deadly drugs.

We’ve made the largest investment in policing in our province’s history, $230 million

to hire 256 more police officers.

We are filling vacancies in rural police detachments and hiring additional officers

in units like major crime.

We have created a new integrated gang homicide team, which is improving intelligence

coordination related to gang activities.

We will continue to go after organized crime and punish all those who profit from

it.

The Speaker : Member, supplemental.

Tara Armstrong : With all due respect, the question was for the Premier, and it was in reference to

foreign influence within his party.

The Premier must be aware that the United Front Work Department was identified in

the Canadian inquiry into election interference as a CCP affiliate that has active

influence operations targeting politicians within Canada and also right here in British

Columbia. Last year in a press conference, reports surfaced that Ding Guo, an adviser

to the Premier, had attended a meeting with officials of this group.

Would the Premier himself please describe his relationship with Mr. Guo and explain

why he approved a grant of $20,000 to his organization?

Hon. David Eby : The member asks whether I’ve been advised about Ding Guo or any other individual

in our party being the target of foreign interference.

Now, I have repeatedly asked the federal government and CSIS for the full authority

to be briefed on any concerns related to any issues that I should know about as Premier.

It has been a long and frustrating journey. It has required amendments to the CSIS

Act federally that were finally made.

[10:50 a.m.]

I would say that the briefings I have received since then have been only more frustrating.

If I received any information about any member of our party who was facilitating foreign

interference, I would immediately remove that individual. If we were having interactions

with individuals that CSIS advised me were attempting to promote foreign interference,

we would cease any and all contact with those individuals, and we would cooperate

with any investigation that was required.

I provide that assurance to you and to the entire House.

Crime and Community Safety

in Williams Lake

Lorne Doerkson : Earlier we heard about the declining situation facing the Downtown Eastside, but

I want to speak a little bit about what’s happening in Williams Lake. Just weeks ago

another violent incident, a constituent of mine assaulted in Boitanio Park. Violent

break-ins at businesses are becoming routine.

How many more assaults, how many more break-ins will it take before the Premier finally

delivers the support that Williams Lake and the people of Cariboo-Chilcotin urgently

deserve?

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

British Columbians deserve to feel safe in every community in this province. That’s

the commitment of this government.

Again, we’re not only strengthening the police, but we’re rebuilding the critical

services that were cut under the opposition leader’s time in government.

The old government cut funding for crime prevention and victim services. We brought

it back.

They ended the prolific offender management program. We brought it back.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh, Members.

Hon. Garry Begg : It’s increased by 40 percent in its first year. We brought it back, and we’re monitoring

400 people through that program.

They cut $300 million from health care.

Mental health and addiction services were lost or seriously reduced. We’re making

record investments in mental health care to keep small problems from becoming big

problems…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh.

Hon. Garry Begg : …and we’re trying to break the cycle of crime.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, order.

Member for Cariboo-Chilcotin, supplemental.

Lorne Doerkson : You’re darn right residents feel a need to feel safe. They don’t, Minister. They

are afraid in our own community.

Crime in Williams Lake has spiralled so far out of control that the mayor and council

have been forced to hold an emergency meeting just to try to keep our community safe.

The city has been forced to pay $100,000 in extra costs on patrols and porta-potties

in our parks. Meanwhile, serious criminal acts occur daily.

When will this Public Safety Minister stop abandoning our community and finally take

real action to restore safety to Williams Lake?

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

The crimes that we are seeing across the province are very concerning, make no mistake

about it. We are the government that’s providing resources to strengthen targeted

police investigations of repeat violent offending, to which you refer.

Since we’ve launched the SITE program, and I’m making another announcement about the

SITE program tomorrow, we’ve helped fund 113 police operations in 33 communities across

the province.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh.

Hon. Garry Begg : The members opposite have made promises to do something that would make people less

safe. We’re intending on making the entire province safer.

The Speaker : Members, all questions and answers through the Chair, please.

Health Care Services

in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Sheldon Clare : Throughout the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin, there are few mental health and addiction

supports available, and these supports are lacking throughout British Columbia, especially

rural British Columbia.

What assurance can this Minister of Health give to our constituents in the Cariboo,

who are bombarded by hospital closures and have limited or no access to support?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for raising the incredibly important issue of health care

in rural communities, where every single British Columbian deserves the same access,

equitable access, to health care.

[10:55 a.m.]

That’s why this government has taken so many steps, investing in new hospitals and

new facilities across British Columbia — new hospitals in Terrace and Fort St. James,

new and upgraded facilities that are coming in places like Kamloops, Penticton, Trail,

Dawson Creek and Williams Lake.

We’re going to continue to do this work. We’re going to train more doctors. We’re

going to hire more doctors. We’re seeing results already — 1,000 new family physicians

here in this province, 900 new internationally trained doctors coming to this province.

We are building more treatment beds, more recovery beds. We have added virtual services

so that people living in rural communities have access to health care.

We are not going to stop until this job is done to make up for what we inherited when

we took office in 2017.

Addiction Treatment Services

in Rural Communities

Claire Rattée : I think that what the minister is referring to is what she has inherited from the

former Minister of Health.

In Williams Lake, like much of rural B.C., this government is cutting back on mental

health and addiction supports rather than investing in more. We’ve recently learned

that the government has made the decision to defund Renner House, their only bed-based

recovery resource, cutting it from their already limited and dwindling service set.

How can the Minister of Health justify pulling critical support services at the very

moment communities like Williams Lake are desperate for more, not less?

Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you so much to the member. I appreciate her constant advocacy for rural communities

and for northern communities.

That’s why this government continues to take steps to increase access to mental health

and supports in places like Williams Lake and across central and northern B.C. That

includes adding Foundry centres for youth to be able to access health care of all

kinds, all under one roof. That’s why we continue to add interventions and teams into

schools. That’s why we’re going to continue to add treatment and recovery beds.

Working with community-based service societies who understand and know their communities,

we’re going to continue to build up the full continuum of care.

As I have spoken about many times in this House, we are building Road to Recovery,

a seamless system of mental health and substance use care for people. That includes

expanding into Interior Health and into Northern Health.

Crime and Community Safety

in Williams Lake

Elenore Sturko : Recently the Williams Lake clean teams, many of whom are summer students, found various

weapons — including box cutters, butcher’s knives, switchblades and even a 23-inch

machete — during their street cleanups outside a local 7-Eleven.

So a serious question for the Solicitor General. Does he think kids should have to

run the gauntlet through a cache of weapons just to get a Slurpee at their local corner

store?

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

It’s important that we build strong communities, and the member opposite knows it.

The member, like I have, spent many years in law enforcement, and the only way to

tackle problems like you’re talking about are at its root.

We’re doing that all across the province. When we speak of Foundries, we’re speaking

of insulating youth from crime. That’s our responsibility. That is the community’s

responsibility. As we move forward, we are continuing to enhance the services that

are available to youth and to the entire community.

support each other and to track the amount of crime that is occurring in their community.

Resident Kathy Hamblin says, “We’re sick of the mess you’ve made,” referring to this

government. “You are ruining our town.”

What will the Minister of Public Safety do to assure residents that their concerns

are being heard and prioritized?

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

[11:00 a.m.]

In every community across the province, the police build relationships with the community,

so the fact that the community of Williams Lake has gotten together to help the police

do their job is important. It is important that we all recognize that policing is

a community venture. The police can work as well as they work with the community.

I encourage the member to liaise with the group that you speak of and monitor the

ongoing activity and monitor the activity…

Interjections.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Garry Begg : …with the police, because it is important that the police have the tools to do the

job. One of the ways that they do it is by forming these liaisons. We endorse it.

We will continue to do it.

Crime in Communities

and Action on Community Safety

Peter Milobar : When the Health Minister says they’re going to provide the same health access across

this province, people in the Lower Mainland should be very concerned, because if you’re

from Lillooet, from Williams Lake, from 100 Mile, from Clearwater, from Merritt….

That means emergency room closures are soon coming to a town near you in the Lower

Mainland. That’s the same health care access we deal with in the Interior.

The other questions we’ve been asking about Williams Lake, in particular with crime

and safety…. It doesn’t have to be Williams Lake. It could have been Cranbrook. It

could be Nelson. It could be Terrace. It could be Prince George, Nanaimo, Victoria,

Kamloops, Kelowna. You name the city. Everyone is faced with the same challenges.

Time and again, this Solicitor General stands up and says: “Everything is fine. Nothing

to see here.” He talks about prolific offender programs that, actually, the Premier

thought were too heavy-handed back when they were a pilot. It wasn’t a permanent program

that the previous government had, and the Premier at the time wanted it actually cancelled.

We will take the Solicitor General’s questions today with a bit of a grain of salt,

because who knows? He might have a different answer an hour from now when the media

talks to him.

At the same time, can the Solicitor General please inform this House when these communities

can reasonably actually feel safe walking to their corner store, walking down their

street, and stores can feel safe to open up in the morning, instead of the constant

drivel we hear? “Don’t worry, things are better under the NDP.” They’re not.

Hon. Garry Begg : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

Perhaps it’s time we looked on the other side of things, for example….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Hon. Garry Begg : Despite what you’ve said, crime across the province is going down. For example….

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members, shhh. Members.

Interjections.

[The Speaker rose.]

The Speaker : Members, order. Order on both sides.

Members, come to order.

[The Speaker resumed their seat.]

Hon. Garry Begg : You talked about the crime in Vancouver, for example. That’s a good example, because

crime overall is down 6 percent and down 18 percent from 2018. Break and enters are

down 24 percent in Vancouver.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members, that’s enough.

Member for Surrey-Cloverdale.

Member for Kamloops Centre.

Hon. Garry Begg : Perhaps the member from Kamloops would be more interested in crime in Kamloops, which

is down 14 percent. Break-ins in Kamloops are down 42 percent.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Shhh.

Hon. Garry Begg : Property crime is down 13 percent in Kamloops.

The Speaker : Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Garry Begg : We’re making progress all across the province, even in Kamloops.

[End of question period.]

Question of Privilege

(Speaker’s Ruling)

The Speaker : On Monday, May 12, the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs raised a question

of privilege in the House respecting comments that the member for Langley-Abbotsford

made in the Committee of Supply on Thursday, May 8.

The member for Langley-Abbotsford made his presentation to the Chair on Wednesday,

May 14. The Chair thanks the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the member

for Langley-Abbotsford for their submissions.

[11:05 a.m.]

The Chair is now prepared to rule on the matter.

As noted in a decision of Speaker Barnes of June 14, 1995: “The Speaker quite properly

has no knowledge of what transpires in a committee of the House, nor are matters which

occurred in the committee of the House properly within the domain of the Speaker.”

Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia , fifth edition, at page 406, provides that the question of privilege regarding matters

arising in committee must be raised in committee, which includes the Committee of

the Whole House, the Committee of Supply and the parliamentary committees.

Accordingly, there is no role for the Chair to play in adjudicating whether a prima

facie breach of privilege occurred with respect to the matter raised by the Minister

of Housing and Municipal Affairs. However, the Chair notes that the member for Langley-Abbotsford

issued an unqualified withdrawal of his comments yesterday. The Chair, therefore,

views the matter as concluded.

The Chair will take this opportunity to remind members that freedom of speech is one

of the most important privileges that members of this House possess to undertake their

parliamentary duties. This privilege needs to be exercised with caution. Members cannot

take advantage of the shield of free speech to insult or impugn the character of someone

outside of the House who has no recourse given the protections attached to this House.

Point of Order

Scott McInnis : I rise on a point of order. The member for Burnaby East said that in my estimates

speech, I referred to myself as being uncomfortable calling myself a colonizer, etc.

That’s, in fact, not what I said, so I invite the member to withdraw.

The Speaker : Member for Burnaby East, would you like to make a comment?

Rohini Arora : I was in estimates, and that is what I heard. I’d be happy to withdraw if there’s

a mistake, but that’s what I heard.

Interjection.

Rohini Arora : Well, I heard that loud and clear.

Interjection.

The Speaker : Shhh. Thank you, Member. Thank you, Member.

The Chair will review the record. Then we will…. Thank you.

Orders of the Day

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 31 on the order paper.

Government Motions on Notice

Motion 31 — Recommittal of

Bill M202, Eligibility to Hold

Public Office Act

Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 31 standing in my name on the order paper.

[That, pursuant to Standing Order 86, the order for third reading of Bill (No. M 202) intituled Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act be discharged and that the bill be recommitted to the Select Standing Committee on

Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills;

That the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills reconsider

clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Bill (No. M 202) intituled Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act for the purpose of considering amendments to those clauses;

That the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills report

Bill (No. M 202) intituled Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act to the House by Monday, May 26, 2025;

And that, notwithstanding Standing Orders 27 (1), 27 (4), and 28, Bill (No. M 202) intituled Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act take precedence on the Order Paper once it is reported from the Select Standing Committee

on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.]

If adopted, this motion will rescind the adoption of the report of private member’s

Bill M202, intituled the Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, and recommit this

bill to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

The motion will also instruct the committee to consider clauses 1, 2 and 3, to consider

amendments raised by the Attorney General on drafting errors that are contained in

the legislation.

As you know, the reformed private members’ bills process is new, and we are all experiencing

some growing pains with the process. Government believes that should a private member’s

bill indeed make it to the final stages of consideration by this House, the legislation

should be both correct in drafting and, too, that there are not unintended consequences.

The specific drafting concerns raised by the Attorney General ensure that local elected

officials are defined properly in the Community Charter, Local Government Act and

the Islands Trust Act. In addition, amendments address the inconsistency between the

bill and existing legislation arising from the disqualification and deemed resignation

provisions.

The ability for private members’ bills to be fully debated and voted on is a positive

change for this place. However, as members of this place, we must ensure we pass legislation

that is drafted rightly.

It is clear that the will of the House is to adopt this legislation, and this motion

is to rectify those errors.

[11:10 a.m.]

Trevor Halford : This is actually quite concerning, to be honest. We have a committee in place with

members from all sides of this House regarding private members’ bills. The integrity

of that committee is now deeply in question.

The first bill that came before this House — on the government side, I might add —

went through a process and went through committee in that committee room. It was voted

on. It was debated. Witnesses were called. Then we receive a letter after that — after,

may I add, the Attorney General’s office was asked to provide input on the bill. They

failed to do that in a timely way, and we get a letter from the Attorney General on

May 5, signed by the Attorney General, outlining fatal flaws within that bill, valid

concerns from the Attorney General.

Now, I will add, too, that in the meeting prior to that, there was a decision made

to replace a member on that committee for one meeting. One meeting, member taken off

— we understand why and fully support that; another member added. Next meeting, member

taken off, another member added. I have never, ever seen that in any committee work

that I’ve been involved in.

The fact that the minister now, the House Leader, chooses this time, because they’ve

embarrassed themselves on this bill, to put this motion forward…. The fact that they

can’t even have executive council weigh in at the appropriate times and that they

are going to manufacture this to go back to committee, to use their majority, I think

is a pretty disingenuous way on what this committee was actually structured to do.

If this committee is going to have integrity in terms of the private members’ bills

that come before this House, this is an absolutely horrible way to do this.

I get it. This bill was drafted wrong and incorrectly, as the Attorney General pointed

out in her letter. But to strong-arm a committee of all members like this is a complete

slap in the face to what this process was set out to do. So I can’t support this.

The fact is, this went through the appropriate channels, with ministries invited to

provide input — some did; some failed to do that — in a timely manner. And here we

are. But government is not liking how unprepared they were for this, whether it’s

a private member or cabinet. So this is their answer. Their answer is to use the mechanisms

in this House to fix the mistakes that they made and jeopardize the integrity of an

entire committee.

That, to me, is an absolute embarrassment, and I can’t support what the House Leader

has put forward today.

Jeremy Valeriote : I hear the concerns of the member for Surrey–White Rock about maintaining the integrity

of the committee. I am willing to exercise quite a bit of patience here. This is a

new process. I think it’s quite valuable. It distributes leadership to all MLAs instead

of concentrating it in the executive council.

There have been mistakes made. There’s no need to point fingers. It’s a new process

that we all have to work our way through. In this case, I don’t think the first few

members should be penalized for not having the process dialed down. I think we deserve

a chance to get this one right and learn from the mistakes, learn from the process.

We will be supporting this motion to send it back and get it right.

Peter Milobar : Well, this is a disturbing trend with this government. This motion today is not simply

just to try to correct an error of a learning curve of a new process. This actually

overrides a standing order to try to ram through a piece of legislation by next Monday.

[11:15 a.m.]

First, you have to go back and ask yourself why, because this is not the first time

this government has had to admit to mistakes in legislation in this session. They

did it last night on Bill 15, admit that mistakes have been made. And here we are

with a private member’s bill with the mistakes made.

The mistakes made are through the Attorney General’s office not replying in a timely

fashion, asking for input. This motion is asking to waive, essentially, asking for

any further input on the proposed changes and the flaws in this bill that need to

be corrected with the timeline that’s in there. I’ll elaborate on that in a second.

But again, a pattern of this government of refusing to do proper consultation on pieces

of legislation, and when they don’t get their way or they don’t hear what they want

in that consultation, they just ram it through. In this case, because they wanted

to rush it through, they removed a member from the committee for one meeting to hold

the majority of the vote.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members. Members, shhh. Members.

Peter Milobar : I’m sorry that actions that are a matter of record of this House are so offending

the backbench, but they may want to look into the timelines of things.

Interjections.

The Speaker : Members.

Continue.

Peter Milobar : The government had a choice to make. They could have waited an extra week and brought

forward M202 at the next meeting of the committee. By then, they would have actually

had the commentary from the Attorney General. By then, they could have just made amendments

as normal.

But instead of asking to delay a meeting, which would have been totally understandable,

they swapped the member out for one week, rushed through a bill, flipped the members

back again after that was over, then got the commentary from the Attorney General.

Why it’s important about not having time to consult…. The changes that need to be

added in will add in “the Vancouver Charter,” will add in “the Community Charter,”

which means the only way to get proper consultation from those groups would be to

be able to consult with UBCM and municipalities and Vancouver.

When they were consulted or sent the first copy of M202, without the words “Community

Charter” in that bill, without the words “Vancouver Charter” in that bill…. I can

tell you what most CAOs would have done. They would have read the letter and said,

“Well, this doesn’t apply to us,” because the CAO of Kelowna is not governed by the

Local Government Act, and neither is that mayor and council. They’re governed by the

Community Charter, which was not in Bill M202.

Why would they take their time to provide comment about M202, on a piece of legislation

that doesn’t impact them? Same with the Community Charter.

I am going to read the letter from the Attorney General.

“As Attorney General, I have an obligation under

section 2(

d) of the Attorney General

Act to advise the legislative acts and proceedings of the Legislature. I would like

to advise you of the following drafting issues that we have identified in relation

to the current draft of Bill M202:

“The definition of local elected office does not capture the Vancouver City Council.

The Vancouver City Council is established under the Vancouver Charter, not the Local

Government Act, and needs to be referenced separately from other municipal councils.”

Why would Vancouver comment on Bill M202? It did not affect them. The reference in

section 1(a)(

i) of the Local Government Act is incorrect. Municipal councils and the

roles of the mayor and councillors are established in the Community Charter.

Again, why would they have commented on M202? The Attorney General recognizes that,

rightfully so.

The government’s response is to override standing orders today, to rush through consultation

through a long weekend and somehow have the committee meet between now and next Monday

to bring forward amendments that will not have been properly canvassed with the municipalities.

The reason it’s important is there’s a very real cost consequence to this bill. If

municipalities that don’t want to have a by-election do, there’s a real cost to that.

They might want to actually have a bit of comment in the legislation.

[11:20 a.m.]

But this government’s track record this session is to rush things in, not consult

properly and then when things aren’t going their way, change the rules that we operate

under in this House. It is beyond ridiculous that on something that wouldn’t actually

take effect, if it’s not about any particular member in this chamber, until after

the next provincial election anyways, or provincial by-election of any consequence,

needs to be rushed through by next Monday that we sit.

That is what this government is willing to circumvent — all the rules in this place.

Under the guise of making it a motion, totally ignore their own Attorney General,

totally ignore any commentary from any municipality, totally ignore any commentary

from Vancouver, all so they can save face on a private member’s bill that was flawed

from the time it was introduced.

Anybody who read that bill who was in local government should have known that a municipality

is governed by the Community Charter. The Community Charter is not referenced once.

Not just in a clause. The word “Community Charter” is not in M202 anywhere.

Provisions such as

section 121 of the Community Charter, resignation requirement,

only occur by notice delivered directly to the relevant council or board. This provides

clarity as to when the resignation has occurred and the seat has become vacant. This

clarity is important for many reasons, including the triggering of a mandatory by-election

and the council or board meeting quorum requirements.

By deeming resignation to occur upon an individual becoming an MLA,

section 2 takes

a far different and less certain approach, which could result in unintended consequences,

including in relation to the timing of a by-election or the holding of important votes.

Another flaw in the bill from the Attorney General.

This isn’t just a simple error, a cut-and-paste error. The bill is fatally flawed,

and instead of the government recognizing that and just withdrawing it and bringing

it back properly and letting it go through a proper process, their solution is to

override standing orders, ignore municipalities of Vancouver and try to railroad something

through by May 26 because it’s their own government timeline.

It’s simply unacceptable, and it shows a mindset of this Premier and this government

on how they are dealing with legislation. We’re hearing that loud and clear on Bills

14 and 15 right now, and now we’re hearing it today on M202. We cannot approve this.

The Speaker : Members, the question is the adoption of the motion.

Division has been called.

[11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.]

Members, please take your seats.

Members, it seems like everybody is in the House. Would the House like to waive the

time?

Leave not granted.

The Speaker : Okay, let’s wait for another minute and a half.

Members participating online, please keep your cameras on. Members, the question is

Motion 31.

Motion approved on the following division:

YEAS — 48

G. Anderson

Blatherwick

Elmore

Sunner

Toporowski

B. Anderson

Neill

Osborne

Brar

Davidson

Kahlon

Parmar

Gibson

Beare

Chandra Herbert

Wickens

Kang

Morissette

Sandhu

Krieger

Chant

Lajeunesse

Choi

Rotchford

Higginson

Routledge

Popham

Dix

Sharma

Farnworth

Eby

Bailey

Begg

Greene

Whiteside

Boyle

Yung

Malcolmson

Chow

Glumac

Arora

Shah

Phillip

Dhir

Lore

Valeriote

Botterell

NAYS — 42

Sturko

Kindy

Milobar

Warbus

Rustad

Banman

Wat

Kooner

Halford

Hartwell

L. Neufeld

Dew

Gasper

Day

Block

Bhangu

Paton

Boultbee

Chan

Toor

Hepner

Giddens

Rattée

Davis

McInnis

Bird

Luck

Stamer

Maahs

Tepper

Mok

Wilson

Clare

Williams

Loewen

Dhaliwal

Doerkson

Chapman

McCall

Kealy

Armstrong

Brodie

Hon. Mike Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker : This House stands adjourned until 1 p.m.

The House adjourned at 11:35 a.m.