British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Afternoon, Issue No. 86 (43rd Parliament, 1st Session)
20251022pm-House-Blues
British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
First Session, 43rd Parliament
Official Report
of Debates
( Hansard )
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Afternoon Sitting
Issue No. 86
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
Vaccines
Stephanie Higginson
Obstetrician-Gynecologists and Women’s Health Services
Peter Milobar
Economic Development on North Vancouver Island
George Anderson
Barnside Harvest Festival
Ian Paton
Small Business Week
Paul Choi
Mining History in Northwest B.C.
Sharon Hartwell
Oral Questions
Safety of Children in Government Care and Response to Suicide Deaths
Rosalyn Bird
Hon. Jodie Wickens
Drug Decriminalization Program and Safe Supply Initiative
Á’a:líya Warbus
Hon. Josie Osborne
Funding for Residential Care Facilities
Rob Botterell
Hon. Josie Osborne
Carbon Tax Rebate and Government Action on Poverty
Rob Botterell
Hon. Sheila Malcolmson
Immigration
Dallas Brodie
Hon. Ravi Kahlon
Crime in Communities and Action on Community Safety
Macklin McCall
Hon. Nina Krieger
Substance Use Education in Schools
Steve Kooner
Hon. Lisa Beare
Government Action on Repeat Offenders and Crime in Communities
Bruce Banman
Hon. Niki Sharma
Government Action on Crime and Gun Violence in Surrey
Mandeep Dhaliwal
Hon. Nina Krieger
Drug Decriminalization Program and Safety of Children
Trevor Halford
Hon. David Eby
Speaker’s Statement
Guidance for Question Period and Conduct of Members
Reports from Committees
Statutory Officers Appointment Committee
Janet Routledge
Linda Hepner
Motions Without Notice
Appointment of Chief Electoral Officer
Janet Routledge
Tabling Documents
B.C. Ferry Commission, annual report, fiscal year ending March 31, 2025
Orders of the Day
Government Motions on Notice
Motion 46 — Membership Changes to Aboriginal Affairs Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 47 — Membership Changes to Agriculture, Fish and Food Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 49 — Membership Changes to Crown Corporations Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 50 — Membership Changes to Democratic and Electoral Reform Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 51 — Membership Changes to Education Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 52 — Membership Changes to Finance Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 53 — Membership Changes to Health Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 54 — Membership Changes to Human Rights Code Provisions Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 55 — Membership Changes to Legislative Initiatives Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 56 — Membership Changes to Lobbyists Transparency Act Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 57 — Membership Changes to Public Accounts Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 58 — Membership Changes to Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct and Standing
Orders Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 59 — Membership Changes to Public Interest Disclosure Act Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 60 — Membership Changes to Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 61 — Membership Changes to Statutory Officers Appointment Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Motion 65 — Membership Changes to Finance Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth
Second Reading of Bills
Bill 19 — School Amendment Act, 2025 (continued)
Harwinder Sandhu
Scott McInnis
Darlene Rotchford
Pete Davis
Hon. Terry Yung
Heather Maahs
Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat
Steve Morissette
Bill 23 — Regulations Act (continued)
Steve Kooner
Bill 24 — Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act
Hon. Niki Sharma
Anna Kindy
Brennan Day
Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat
David Williams
Stephanie Higginson
Gavin Dew
Hon. Diana Gibson
Lynne Block
Hon. Jennifer Whiteside
Hon. Jodie Wickens
Hon. Ravi Kahlon
Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room
Committee of the Whole
Bill 17 — Intimate Images Protection Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (continued)
Steve Kooner
Hon. Niki Sharma
Donegal Wilson
Gavin Dew
Misty Van Popta
Bill 18 — Sexual Violence Policy Act
Bryan Tepper
Hon. Jessie Sunner
Heather Maahs
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
The House met at 1:33 p.m.
[The Speaker in the chair.]
Routine Business
Prayers and reflections: Hon. Christine Boyle.
Introductions by Members
Hon. Ravi Parmar : I’m really pleased to be able to welcome into the precinct once again members of
the Truck Loggers Association of British Columbia.
[1:35 p.m.]
We have the president, Dorian Uzzell; the vice-president, Bob Marquis; the past president,
Aaron Service; as well as their new executive director, Peter Lister.
The Truck Loggers Association is an outstanding organization. I’m really proud of
the work that my ministry is doing with them. We’re working on a whole host of issues.
It’s a real tough time for forestry. I want to thank them for their leadership being
here at the Legislature, I’m sure to brief all members, but in particular for the
time they’ll be spending with my colleagues this evening.
Would the House please join me in making them feel very welcome.
Hon. Jodie Wickens : In the Legislature today and tomorrow is the B.C. Association for Child Development
and Intervention. The B.C. Association for Child Development and Intervention supports
all of the child development centres in the province of British Columbia.
Every single member in this House has a child development centre that serves their
community and the families who have children with developmental concerns or challenges.
They deliver services like speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy,
family supports. These are crucial supports in our communities, and the organizations
that deliver these supports are truly amazing.
Please help me welcome everyone from BCACDI.
Misty Van Popta : Today in the House is Ursula Neuscheler somewhere — I don’t know if I can see her
— a fellow Langleyite and a teacher at one of the three secondary schools in my riding,
Walnut Grove Secondary. She has been a teacher with school district 35 since 2015,
previously coming from the private school sector in Ontario and Germany.
Oh, there she is.
Also a graduate of Langley’s Trinity Western University, she’s a big, big advocate
for civil engagement and upholding democracy within Canada. She’s here as a representative
with the B.C. Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy.
Would the House make her feel welcome.
Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : Joining us in the gallery today are Bill Clark and John Chasca, both members of the
B.C. Funeral Association. They provide funeral services for very low income British
Columbians. We’re grateful to them for their work, and I’m glad that they met with
my chief of staff and deputy today.
Will the House please make them very welcome.
Scott McInnis : I’d like to welcome all the teachers here for the Teachers Institute on Parliamentary
Democracy. I mentioned this before in the House, that three short years ago I was
a graduate of this program, with you as a teacher.
I just want to thank Karen and Michele, Nathan and the others who put on just a world-class
few days here at the Legislature.
Welcome. I look forward to chatting with you all at lunch tomorrow.
Would the House please make all the teachers feel welcome here today.
Kiel Giddens : I don’t mean to follow up the member for Columbia River–Revelstoke. It’s not often
that we have folks from my riding in Prince George–Mackenzie down, but Mary Lawrence,
who is a teacher at Kelly Road Secondary, is here in the precinct.
Welcome to Mary and indeed all the teachers who are here today.
Jeremy Valeriote : I am pleased to introduce West Vancouver–Sea to Sky constituent Tracey Saxby, who
I can’t see, but I know she is in the building.
Tracey is a marine scientist, a Squamish resident and a dedicated advocate for the
natural environment, particularly at Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, which we know has seen
a remarkable recovery from industrial activity. Tracey is founder and leader of the
powerhouse grassroots organization My Sea to Sky and the lead author of the B.C. climate
emergency campaign’s annual progress reports. Tracey also kick-started the nationwide
movement to eliminate single-use plastics in 2007.
Please join me in welcoming Tracey to the House.
Jordan Kealy : I am pleased to acknowledge the 26 teachers as well. It’s great to see their participation
and how it reflects a genuine interest in how decisions are made and impacts classrooms
across the communities of British Columbia.
I’m especially pleased to recognize Matthew Helliwell, a constituent from my riding
and a teacher at École Central Elementary School of the Arts. Matthew is taking
part
in this program as one of the visiting educators, and we’re glad to have him here.
[1:40 p.m.]
Also joining us is Mary Lawrence, who was previously mentioned. She’s a friend of
mine who actually had a chance to come up and visit my riding and visit my farm and
who has long taken an active interest in politics.
Please help me welcome Matthew and Mary and all of the teachers visiting the Legislature
today.
Hon. Bowinn Ma : I have Azalea here with me today. She asked me to introduce her bestie, Lumina Ulanday,
visiting here with her brother Gabriel and her father and mother, Albert and Aurelia.
They are coming all the way from North Vancouver to visit Azalea.
Azalea would like to ask the whole House to please help them feel very welcome.
Hon. Lisa Beare : As you’ve heard, today in the House we have the B.C. Teachers Institute on Parliamentary
Democracy visiting us. I get to spend some time with them this afternoon and answer
some questions. They’re going to be meeting with members all across this House and
having a lunch with us all tomorrow.
I want to personally, on behalf of government, give them a warm welcome.
Peter Milobar : As the member for Prince George–Mackenzie and others that are a bit farther afield
have mentioned, a lot of us don’t have people visiting very often. But my riding,
Kamloops Centre, does have a teacher here as part of the delegation as well.
Justin Hummel is here from the Bert Edwards Science and Tech School.
Will the House please make him feel welcome as well.
Jennifer Blatherwick : I am also very happy to welcome a teacher from my riding here, the great Megan Leslie,
who teaches at Charles Best and who is a fierce and devoted advocate for children,
especially LGBTQ+ children. Her work in my district has been exemplary, and I’m so
proud to have her here in the riding.
Please, everyone, welcome her to join us today.
Hon. Jagrup Brar : I am pleased to welcome a special guest to the gallery this afternoon, my admin coordinator
Ngaire Lord, who continues to do an exceptional job. She is here with her partner,
Paul Studders, and their friend Chris Christensen.
Paul and Chris both work at the University of Victoria and are longtime Victorians,
but this is their first time at the question period.
I would like to ask all the members to make their QP experience memorable. Would the
House please make them welcome here.
Mable Elmore : I am pleased to welcome, with the whole House, 25 teachers from across British Columbia
who are with us for the remainder of the week to participate in the ’26 B.C. Teachers
Institute on Parliamentary Democracy, an intensive 4½ days of professional development
on democracy, politics and governance from rural and urban schools, public and independent,
parliamentary system and to better equip B.C. students.
They’re also joined by three of their peers, who are returning in the role of facilitators
— Michele Cumberland from Holy Cross School in Penticton, Justin Hummel from the science
and tech school in Kamloops and Ursula Neuscheler from Walnut Grove Secondary in
Langley.
You can meet them at lunch tomorrow, hosted by the Speaker, where you can discuss
civic engagement and the incredible work they do in their classrooms.
I ask everyone to please make them feel very welcome.
Members’ Statements
Vaccines
Stephanie Higginson : It is vaccine season. Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in public health.
They have saved countless lives. They have prevented or eliminated diseases that once
devastated families and communities.
My father and my uncle both contracted polio as children because there was no vaccine
available to them. They both spent months of their childhood in iron lungs, and as
a result, my uncle lived his entire life with mobility challenges. When he was alive,
my dad constantly reiterated how fortunate we are to have access to life-saving vaccines.
[1:45 p.m.]
As a parent, I am very grateful for the convenience of B.C.’s school immunization
program, which makes it so easy for families to keep children and communities safe.
The success of the school immunization program speaks for itself. Because of the grade
6 HPV vaccination program, cervical pre-cancer rates have been reduced by more than
50 percent amongst vaccinated women. That is the kind of progress that changes lives.
Vaccines don’t just protect individuals; they protect entire communities. With vaccines,
we stop outbreaks before they start, safeguarding those who cannot be immunized, such
as newborns. That is why maintaining high vaccination rates is critical.
Vaccines also reduce hospitalizations. They ease pressure on our health system and
save millions in treatment costs, but success can make us complacent. When vaccination
rates drop, diseases return, as we’ve seen in recent months with the measles outbreaks.
So let’s not let history repeat itself.
Vaccines are safe, they are effective, and they are essential for a healthy future.
I call on everyone in this House to promote the positive benefits of vaccines in their
own constituencies.
Protect yourself. Protect your communities. Get immunized.
Obstetrician-Gynecologists and
Women’s Health Services
Peter Milobar : Recently as we were all coming out of the Thanksgiving long weekend, thinking about
things to be thankful for, I had a new perspective put on my life. I realized, as
somebody who, obviously, would not have personally interacted with an ob-gyn, just
how thankful I actually was for the service they provide in Kamloops and the surrounding
areas.
I suddenly started to do the math and realized I have 13 women in my immediate family
in Kamloops alone. I started to think about all the other families that are impacted
by the services, the great work that ob-gyns, the nursing staff and the other health
care professionals do for the provision of health care for women not just in Kamloops
but across this province.
Really, it did bring this to light, as I started to reflect back over the last 3½
years of the support my family personally has received as I watched three grandchildren
all be born at Royal Inland Hospital. There’s actually a fourth on the way.
You start to realize just how this truly does, what these doctors do, impact people
in their everyday life, be it from the o-b side of the equation or the various treatments
and procedures that women need to go through on the surgical side of the g-y-n, of
the ob-gyn continuum.
I really wanted to take this time to say to those health care professionals, those
doctors: thank you. It’s as simple as that. Thank you for the work you have done,
the decades you’ve committed to the community of Kamloops, to women’s health within
Kamloops, with a deep appreciation that sometimes goes unnoticed.
The Royal Inland Hospital doesn’t serve just Kamloops. It impacts my colleagues from
Prince George–Valemount, from Cariboo-Chilcotin, from Fraser-Nicola, from Columbia,
Salmon Arm–Shuswap and Kamloops–North Thompson, and myself.
On behalf of the women that live within those 50,000 square kilometres of British
Columbia, thank you for all you do and continue to do for the women in our region.
Economic Development on
North Vancouver Island
George Anderson : Across the north Island, a new story is being written, one that is more than what
we take from the land but what we build together upon it.
Recently I visited Northisle Copper and Gold in Port Hardy, a project that represents
the future of our natural resource sector. It’s a place where collaboration replaces
conflict, where local First Nations like Quatsino First Nation are not just partners
but leaders in shaping what comes next.
Nearby Cape Scott wind farm, which powers the equivalent of over 24,000 homes, stands
as a testament to clean energy potential on Vancouver Island.
What I saw were two stories of opportunity converging, the story of our natural resource
strength and the story of our clean energy future. I saw the possibility of a mine
that could employ 600 people and could one day be powered by the very wind that blows
across the coast, a community where six-figure paycheques could mean that families
can stay, grow and build a life with dignity.
[1:50 p.m.]
What struck me most at Northisle Copper and Gold were the people, especially young
people like Jaelei, Chase, Jackson and Oliver, whose pride of work and hope is emulated
in the leadership of CFO Nick Van Dyk and CEO Sam Lee. When we connect our resource
strength with our clean energy future, when we empower local people to lead, when
we make room for the next generation to dream, we create jobs, we build belonging,
we build purpose, and we build British Columbia.
This is what reconciliation and economic renewal can look like when we align clean
energy with responsible resource development that honours both people and the land.
Let’s look to companies like Northisle Copper and Gold, who are leading by creating
hope, prosperity and the promise of a future in which our young people can thrive
here in British Columbia.
Barnside Harvest Festival
Ian Paton : I rise today to celebrate the incredible success of a local business in my riding
that recently brought the community of Delta together through the annual Barnside
harvest music festival.
Barnside Brewing is a local craft brewery, and what makes Barnside unique is that
ownership consists of local farming families whose roots in the community date back
to 1899. Their beer is proudly made from ingredients grown right on the farm here
in Delta.
The Barnside Harvest Festival came alive this year in a way that will be remembered
for many years to come. This incredible three-day event was more than just a music
festival. It was a celebration of community, farm harvest, local pride and a place
I’m proud to call home.
Over the weekend of September 12, 25,000-plus people poured into Paterson Park not
just from Delta but from across British Columbia and beyond. They came for the music,
yes, but over 35 musical groups were also there for the atmosphere, the connection
and the spirit of something truly special.
What started as a local harvest celebration has grown into a marquee event, bringing
world-class talent and devoted fans right to our doorstep in Ladner, B.C. The energy
of the weekend was electric, and it was a weekend where agriculture and artistry came
together in full force.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the vision and dedication of the
people behind the scenes. A huge thank-you to Brent and Shelly Harris and Ken and
Andrea Malenstyn, owners of Barnside Brewery, and to the legendary festival producer
John Donnelly. Their passion and hard work turned an idea into an institution. Because
of them, the Barnside Harvest Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a statement that
community matters, that local farm roots can reach national heights and that global
talent can thrive on our home soil.
What a lineup it was, with groups like the Arkells, the Dead South, Walk Off the Earth,
Streetheart and the Northern Pikes. We are so lucky to have a festival like this in
our community.
The success of this weekend reaffirmed what we already know. This festival is more
than a show. It’s a celebration of who we are, what we grow and how far we can go
together.
Small Business Week
Paul Choi : It is a pleasure to rise today in celebration of Small Business Week. It’s a time
to recognize the hard work, determination and innovation of small business owners
all across B.C.
More than half a million small businesses employ over one million British Columbians.
That’s 41 percent of our workforce. They are the backbone of our economy and the heart
of our communities, from the cafés to family-run shops that anchor our main streets
to the tech start-ups and manufacturers driving new opportunities and growth.
The past few years have been challenging. Now, rising global costs and labour shortages
have affected businesses everywhere. But in the face of those challenges, small business
owners have shown remarkable resilience, and our government is standing with them
every step of the way. Through our ease of doing business initiative, we are listening
directly to business owners to identify barriers and streamline processes, because
practical solutions make the biggest difference on the ground.
We have launched the community safety and targeted enforcement program to help businesses
operate in a secure and welcoming environment, addressing street disorder and property
crime, issues that matter deeply to business owners and their employees.
Our government is tackling the root causes of the challenges businesses face by building
more housing, expanding affordable child care, training more skilled workers and making
life more affordable for everyone who calls B.C. home.
[1:55 p.m.]
Seeing my parents run a small business growing up and having been a small business
owner myself, I personally know that supporting small businesses means investing in
people, communities and the conditions that allow businesses to succeed for years
to come.
During Small Business Week, let’s all say a hearty thank-you to the tens of thousands
of small businesses across B.C., and let’s commit to supporting these entrepreneurs
who employ and embody the best of our province — creativity, resilience and a belief
in the future of B.C.
Mining History in Northwest B.C.
Sharon Hartwell : Today I would like to recognize the resilience and strength of the people who, under
the most difficult conditions, set forth to explore and develop our northwest communities
— people who, with faith and strong convictions for a better life, headed north in
Discovery of Stewart as a mining camp was an offshoot of the Klondike gold rush, although
the regions are several hundred miles apart. Stewart is tucked away at the head of
the Portland Canal in northwest British Columbia, near the bottom of the Alaska panhandle.
When the rush to find gold in the Klondike was at its height in 1898, several companies
were formed by enterprising promoters who claimed they had found gold. A man from
Seattle named Burgess set out with 67 men and chartered a steamer named Discovery.
Provisions for several months, 26 horses and camp outfits were in the hold.
There was difficulty in discharging passengers and the cargo because the two last
miles to shore was a tidal flat, which made muddy and treacherous walking for the
men. When they arrived at the destination of the Bear River valley, it was still deep
in snow. For days, the party stalled with their horses on Bunco Point until it was
decided to set out on foot for the long hike to the Nass headwaters.
They crossed a glacier and 40 miles from the beach reached a large lake, now called
Meziadin. Although this first attempt to find the placer gold was not as successful
as they had hoped, some of the men left.
The next year, in 1899, Mr. D.J. Rainey, who had experience in lode mining, built
a cabin on 40 acres and prepared for a season of prospecting. Often when staking a
claim, he did not know whether he was in Alaska or on Canadian soil, so he filed his
claim papers on both governments’ recorders.
Among the first was a family of four brothers named Stewart from Victoria. They staked
claims in several acres of flat land adjoining Rainey. A full-fledged stampede gathered
force, and in a few months, there were 46 mining companies in the territory. One was
the Portland Canal Mining and Development Co., a few miles up Bear River. Here they
had a mill with a capacity of 75 tonnes of ore a day.
At that time, the boundary between Alaska and British Columbia was disputed, and some
maps showed Bear River valley on the American side. When the boundary line was finally
established in 1905, the Stewarts had their land surveyed into city lots. Many sold
readily as mining and prospecting flourished.
The one-quarter of the townsite retained by the province brought $430,000 at auction,
and the boom at Stewart was known on the other side of the Atlantic. The population
hit 10,000.
This is the struggle of the North. We have opportunity for prosperity and growth.
There is a reason that the northwest is called the Golden Triangle. This is what happened
over 100 years ago, and we can have this prosperity again.
This is a tribute to all the miners that came, and many lost their lives. Let us not
forget the contribution that mining has played to this province.
Hon. Nina Krieger : I seek leave to make an introduction.
Leave granted.
The Speaker : Please proceed.
Introductions by Members
Hon. Nina Krieger : I’m very pleased to recognize a group of young visitors from my constituency, grade
10 students from Reynolds Secondary. They are visiting the Legislature today through
the parliamentary tour program.
These students are learning about how our democracy works and how their voice can
shape the future of our province. I hope their time here inspires them to stay curious,
engaged and active in their community.
I hope the House will please join me in welcoming the students from Reynolds Secondary
as well as their teacher, Ms. Alecia Jones, to the House.
Oral Questions
Safety of Children in Government
Care and Response to Suicide Deaths
Rosalyn Bird : The B.C. Coroners Service has reported that 435 young people have taken their own
lives in just four years. Half of those children and youth had involvement with the
Ministry of Children and Families.
Will this Premier stand up today and admit he has failed young people?
[2:00 p.m.]
Hon. Jodie Wickens : The coroner’s report was devastating. As a mom of young people, my heart goes out
to any family that experiences a young person that’s having mental health challenges
or who, devastatingly, takes their life.
We take the coroner’s report very seriously. We are working across ministries on recommendations.
That work will be ongoing. We take it very seriously, and I’m happy to work with the
member opposite as well.
The Speaker : Member, supplemental.
Rosalyn Bird : Let me repeat for the minister: half of these children who died by suicide were involved
with MCFD. These children were failed by MCFD and failed by this government.
I have stacks and stacks of reports, inquiries and investigations into MCFD calling
for substantial changes into how this ministry operates.
When will this ministry finally make changes that protect B.C. children, youth and
families?
Hon. Jodie Wickens : There is nothing I take more seriously than the safety and well-being of every single
child in this province.
Every single day that I get up we are working on improvements in my ministry. My deputy
minister chairs the deputy minister project board. We are working across government
on a comprehensive child and youth well-being plan and outcomes framework. I meet
with the Representative for Children and Youth regularly.
It is devastating that any child or youth is struggling in our province. We are working
every day to make investments in child and youth mental health, investing in Foundries
across our province, making sure that children and youth have wraparound supports,
making more investments for young people through our SAGE program, ensuring that young
people have a good start to life.
There’s always more work to be done. It is never okay that any child is struggling.
I will work hard every single day that I have the privilege of being in this role
to make sure we’re doing everything we can to change the trajectory of children’s
lives.
Drug Decriminalization Program
and Safe Supply Initiative
Á’a :líya Warbus : We live in a time right now where the leading cause of young people today is overdose.
I am beyond angry at the failures of this government to address this issue.
I’ve shared already how personal this is for me, for my family and for my community.
I don’t know how many funerals members have had to go to for young people in their
lives who have died alone because of toxic drugs, but I’ve attended way too many.
The Premier said that decriminalization is a failure. I completely agree.
What are we waiting for to end decriminalization and so-called safe supply? What are
we waiting for to end this madness in our province today?
Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for consistently bringing her passion, her advocacy and her
lived experience into this House.
What makes this House stronger is having people like her and others who bring these
voices into this place. It is so vitally important that we listen to them and that
we recognize the impacts that these devastating losses have had on us, on our loved
ones and on our communities.
This government continues to place this as one of our highest priorities, especially
when talking about youth — the young ones, the people that we care about, that we
love. We want to do everything we can to intervene early, to prevent small problems
from becoming bigger ones, providing the access to mental health supports, treatment,
recovery and more.
[2:05 p.m.]
That’s why we have maintained such a dogged focus on programs like the Road to Recovery,
building a seamless continuum of mental health and substance use supports, providing
supports that are tailored for Indigenous Peoples, that are provided for youth, that
are provided for people in industries where substance use is seen at higher rates.
We are going to continue to use every tool that we can, knowing that there is no one
magic bullet here. But it is going to take determination, it is going to take persistence,
and it is going to take each and every one of us working on this together.
The Speaker : Member, supplemental.
Á’a :líya Warbus : The minister talks about prevention and acting early. One hundred twenty-six youth
died, from the last coroner’s report, and we have yet to see how many more we’ve lost
to this toxic drug crisis that we’re facing.
Yet a member on that side says discouraging drug use among children is “concerning.”
I find it deplorable that schools had to send very clear messages to students when
decriminalization hit that it was still “not legal for them.”
I believe that moment in time speaks volumes to where we’re at today. You cannot have
it both ways. We see it today. The Premier is saying one thing downtown to a crowd,
and then the member in this House is saying quite a different message.
If you really want to work across party lines and you really want to work together,
here’s your chance. End decriminalization today. There’s no wrong time to do the right
thing.
I’m asking the Premier directly. What are you waiting for?
Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you again to the member.
The member cites numbers, and any number higher than zero is too high. Again, this
is a devastating crisis that requires us to put all our time and attention, use the
tools that we have before us to make the investments that are needed — the investments
in young people, the investments in people of all ages — and do everything we can
for early intervention in schools, with age-appropriate programs, with mental health
and addiction services that meet the needs of people at the age that they are at.
We’re going to continue to do that.
That’s why we’ve continued to build out services and increase access to specialized
treatment, for example, building out Foundry centres where youth can come together
and integrated child and youth teams that help assist youth at times when they need
it most. We’re not going to stop doing that.
Decriminalization has been a tool to help reduce some of the stigma. We know that
it has made it easier for some people to seek the supports and the access that they
need and overcome some of the barriers. We’re always monitoring the programs and initiatives
that we’ve taken, and we’ve shown the responsiveness to changing because we know that
other issues remain a high priority for communities — for example, the safety of people
on our streets.
We are going to continue to take a cross-government approach. Ministries are working
together to attack this problem every single day so that we do not lose more people.
Funding for
Residential Care Facilities
Rob Botterell : My constituents on Salt Spring Island are days away from a crisis. Island Health
is cutting funding for overtime and agency staffing in long-term care and assisted
living. Elder care residences on Salt Spring and across the province just got one
month’s notice of the change. This decision will have severe consequences for seniors,
their loved ones, health care workers and communities like Ganges.
We know that cutting funding from one area puts pressure on another area of the system.
We know that hospitals and housing are already stretched past their limits. Caregivers
can’t do their jobs when your government creates so much uncertainty and so little
future-oriented planning.
My question is to the Minister of Health. Will you postpone the long-term-care funding
cuts and work with the care sector to establish a fair and sustainable funding model
for long-term care and assisted living?
[2:10 p.m.]
Hon. Josie Osborne : Thank you to the member for the question. Thank you for the conversation that we
had earlier on this week, where he shared with me some of the details of what he is
hearing from his constituents and from this facility in question. I look forward to
visiting Salt Spring Island together with him very soon.
I want to start by acknowledging just how hard long-term-care facility operators and
the staff in them have worked to support our seniors, and how incredibly vital that
is. They’ve done so much to keep people safe, particularly during the pandemic but
then, of course, now as well.
As the member knows, and we’ve talked about this in this House before, these were
temporary measures that were brought in, at an extraordinary time, always meant as
an emergency measure.
I know that the theme the Third Party has brought to the House this week is around
reliability, and I couldn’t agree more — building a sustainable, reliable system that
is not reliant on temporary measures. That’s why we are addressing the root causes
of why that funding was needed in the first place.
That is around training more health care assistants, adding more health care aides
to the workforce, paying them fairly, improving conditions across the sector, raising
the standards and making sure that we are meeting them, because there is nothing more
important than taking care of the people who need this help and support the most.
The Speaker : Member, supplemental.
Carbon Tax Rebate and
Government Action on Poverty
Rob Botterell : Health care isn’t the only sector where British Columbians have been thrown into
uncertainty. When this government cancelled the carbon tax in the middle of the night,
they took away funding for an essential stipend that hundreds of thousands of low-income
British Columbians rely on. With social and disability assistance rates well below
the poverty line, thousands of people used that money to pay for rent and put food
on the table.
The carbon tax was a victim of weak-kneed politics and Conservative fearmongering,
but boy, was it a good program. Combatting climate change by making polluters pay
— what a concept. Cutting the government’s record deficit by bringing in $3 billion
every year — wow, that’s a good idea. And yes, putting money in the pockets of B.C.’s
most vulnerable.
My question is to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. First
you cut the grocery rebate, then the climate action tax credit. Why are you making
British Columbia’s poorest citizens pay the price for your government’s fiscal mismanagement
and failure to lead?
Hon. Sheila Malcolmson : We are in a time of such uncertainty, of chaos from the United States putting jobs
at risk and of the cost of living putting even more pressure on people. I’m so glad
that the investments that our government has been making — guided by our poverty reduction
strategy, British Columbia’s first, and then our updated strategy last year — have
put people in so much of a better place to be able to withstand tough times right
now.
Income assistance is up 74 percent since we formed government in 2017. In contrast,
we’ll remember that the Conservative leader…. When his government was in power, they’d
frozen income assistance rates for a decade. Where before the seniors supplement had
been frozen, again, we’ve doubled it and then expanded it again.
We’re on an emergency basis.
To any member of the public on income assistance who’s having trouble getting by,
please do reach out. We’ve got supports that are available, whether it’s for food
or making rent or medical supplements.
We want to support people at this really challenging time, and we’ve got the system
to do that.
Immigration
Dallas Brodie : Since the NDP formed government in 2017, it has flooded one million immigrants into
British Columbia. The excess population has driven wages of B.C. workers down. It
has surged demand for a health care system, with ER wait times reaching 14 hours.
One million British Columbians don’t even have a family doctor. Housing is unaffordable.
Schools are crowded, and teachers are overwhelmed. The Premier has admitted that the
temporary foreign worker program has negatively impacted our economy and our social
fabric.
[2:15 p.m.]
Will the Premier get on the phone today and demand that Mark Carney immediately suspend
all immigration to British Columbia?
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh.
Hon. Ravi Kahlon : Again, it won’t be a surprise to this House, because we’ve been discussing this for
over three years…. Whether it’s the Premier, whether it was myself when I was the
Minister of Housing, we were advocating to the federal government to ensure that we
have immigration numbers that align with the social services we have, with housing
that we have in our communities.
We were doing that because we want to make sure people here are set up for success,
and we also want to make sure that the people that we’re welcoming, the talent from
around the world that we’re welcoming here, have a chance to have the same quality
of life that we all want for our kids.
It’s not fair to be able to invite people from all over the world and say to them:
“We don’t have housing.” It’s not fair to invite people from all over the world and
say: “We don’t have the social services we need.” We need to build both of them up
at the same time. Now what we’re saying is that we need to do it in a thoughtful way.
The federal government has made some changes. We respect that, and we’re urging them
to make more. We’re urging them to make changes to the LMIA program because we know
there’s fraud in the system.
So if the member wants to advocate for reforms, meaningful reforms, then we’re open
to it. But the rhetoric that comes from this member…. They know what they’re doing.
It’s a dog whistle. We know what they’re doing. They’re trying to incite racism. I
know the member is going to get really upset and is going to say: “I’m not racist.”
I’m not saying the member is racist. I’m saying her supporters think that she’s racist.
That’s what I’m saying.
The Speaker : Member, supplemental.
Dallas Brodie : On September 5, the Premier himself called for an end to the temporary foreign worker
program. So is he and the other minister calling himself engaging in racism?
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh. Members, no cross-talk. The member has the floor.
Please continue.
Dallas Brodie : The truth is the Premier isn’t even calling me or my questions racist. He’s calling
Canadians racist for wanting to have a border. We are just in the way.
The Premier’s admission that the temporary foreign worker program should be terminated
is not enough. According to the National Post : “Nearly half of all Canadians believe that mass deportations are necessary to stop
illegal migration.”
Interjections.
The Speaker : Members, please, let her finish.
Member, please continue.
Interjection.
The Speaker : Member, shhh.
Please continue.
Dallas Brodie : Canadians don’t just want to put an end to immigration. They want governments to
deal with existing illegal migrants, such as people who are overstaying their visas.
This is reflected in polls.
My question. Yes or no, does the Premier support deporting migrants who are here illegally,
as do 50 percent of Canadians?
Hon. Ravi Kahlon : I’ll continue in the frame that was in my previous answer, which is….
Actually, it’s sad to see that we are in this state right now. It’s sad to see that
we have a party that says they’re one party, but they’re actually pretending to be
the People’s Party of Canada.
If the member wants to reform immigration, we’re open to having conversations. We’ve
been urging the federal government to do that. But I don’t know why the member sees
people that look like me, that have my skin colour, as such a threat.
We were born here in Canada, and I know the member doesn’t see the difference between
the two, but we all have an opportunity to contribute to this country. It doesn’t
matter where you come from. We’re a room full of immigrants, unless you’re an Indigenous
representative here. We all come here for a better life. That’s what we all should
be fighting for.
It’s a sad state of affairs to see this party running as the new racist party in British
Columbia.
Crime in Communities and
Action on Community Safety
Macklin McCall : A business owner in Pitt Meadows was brutally attacked by two men with baseball bats
in front of his wife and daughter on his own driveway. His wife tried to protect him
and was pushed over.
[2:20 p.m.]
He has since fled the country to keep his family safe, fearing the attackers will
“finish the job.” People are afraid and have to flee this province to protect themselves
because this government can’t.
To the Solicitor General, when will this government put citizens before criminals?
Hon. Nina Krieger : My thanks to the member for the question.
Incidents of violence are deeply concerning and absolutely unacceptable. We all have
the same goal, which is to keep people and communities safe.
Our actions are starting to make a difference. We have seen overall crime severity
drop in B.C., representing the largest drop in the country.
This does not mean that there is not more work to do, and any incidence of violence
is deeply concerning.
That is why this government is so deeply committed to providing police with the resources
that they need to tackle crime — in particular, violent crime — standing up programs
such as ReVOII to monitor repeat violent offenders, standing up programs such as CSTEP
and SITE to address the challenges of our time that we’re seeing in communities around
violence and also property crime that I’ve heard other members speak to.
We will continue to do this work, supporting law enforcement to keep our communities
safe.
Substance Use Education in Schools
Steve Kooner : Despite the minister’s answers, people are fearing crime more than ever. Communities
such as the South Asian community are fearing extortion more than ever.
While this government refuses to discourage drug use in schools, its own resources
walk kids through how to use hard drugs. Normalizing drug use doesn’t make it safer;
it makes it inevitable.
When will this minister stop teaching kids how to use drugs?
Hon. Lisa Beare : I want to be very, very, very clear to the member and to every person in this House
that we absolutely teach kids that drugs are bad and that harmful substances can be
dangerous to them. To somehow imply that that is not happening in our schools is not
only dangerous to our students and to their safety, but it is just simply not true.
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh.
Hon. Lisa Beare : I know every single person in this House wants to keep kids safe. That is what we
do. We want to make sure that our schools are safe and welcoming environments where
students feel confident, safe enough, secure enough that they can talk to a trusted
adult, a fellow peer, anyone to support them in that school system.
For the members opposite to continue to stigmatize and scare children rather than
educate…
Interjections.
The Speaker : Members. Members, order.
Minister.
Hon. Lisa Beare : …and support them is really unfortunate.
The Speaker : Members, before I recognize the next member, just a caution to members that that
bill is in front of the House. People, if you want to ask questions like that, ask
in a general way but not specifically to the bill. Thank you.
Government Action on Repeat
Offenders and Crime in Communities
Bruce Banman : With all due respect to the Education Minister, if she wants to drop by my office,
I will show her the literature, and she can go through page 11 where it teaches kids
supporting safer substance use. With the greatest of respect, it is being taught in
schools.
That being said, I would like to remind this House of the syringe holdup in Smithers,
where a store owner was terrorized at needlepoint in front of children.
[2:25 p.m.]
That very same criminal with over 30 convictions is now running loose back on the
street, wanted again yet — surprise, surprise — nowhere to be found.
My question to the Premier. How many chances does a violent repeat offender get before
this Premier will stand up and finally put public safety ahead of criminals?
Hon. Niki Sharma : It’s been a top priority of this government to make sure that the Criminal Code of
Canada keeps our communities safe across this country. In fact, B.C. has been a leader
in putting on the federal agenda changes to the Criminal Code that we know we need
to make to keep our community and our country safe.
I was just speaking to the Minister of Justice federally.
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh.
Hon. Niki Sharma : The Prime Minister announced specific changes to the Criminal Code. We heard that
they would be introducing it tomorrow in the House.
Some of those things I’m watching for are B.C.-specific asks related to repeat offenders,
extortion, intimate partner violence and a range of other things that will help keep
our communities safe.
We’ve been advocating and leading on this, and we’ll keep doing that work.
Government Action on
Crime and Gun Violence in Surrey
Mandeep Dhaliwal : Every week there is a shooting in Surrey. Every week we get the same speech from
the NDP. It’s not only the Bishnoi gang; another gang is also arriving in Surrey.
We need safety, not speeches.
When will this Premier take real action ahead of the politics?
Hon. Nina Krieger : Thank you to the member opposite for the question.
I know that people in Surrey are deeply concerned about the gun violence that we have
seen recently, particularly the threats and the violence related to extortion. Extortion
has national and international dimensions but a very profound local impact. I’ve spoken
to business owners and families who have been profoundly affected by threats and even
violence.
That’s why we are doing everything we can to support the police to ensure that they
have the tools to bring these criminals to justice. This work is producing tangible
results. There were recently seven arrests and charges laid in Surrey. We’ve stood
up a provincial task force dedicated to extortion, the first such task force in the
country, to ensure that there’s a coordinated response to law enforcement efforts.
The Premier and B.C. led the charge to call for the Bishnoi gang to be designated
as a terrorist entity, to provide police with more tools, as many tools as possible,
that they need to hold these perpetrators to account. This targeted work that we’ve
done to combat extortion….
Interjections.
Hon. Nina Krieger : No. This is an important question.
The Speaker : Thank you, Minister.
Drug Decriminalization Program
and Safety of Children
Trevor Halford : There seems to be quite a massive disconnect from what’s happening in our province
and what is happening with this government. Question after question, we have asked,
and the Minister of Education says they are doing everything to make sure our kids
are safe. Our kids aren’t safe. They’re not.
We’ve shown that with MCFD. We’ve shown that in the fact that we’ve brought forward
a bill in terms of educating our children on the effects of drugs, and what do we
get from that side of the House? We get: “It’s discouraging drug use among children.
It’s concerning.”
[2:30 p.m.]
We have the Premier go to Vancouver and say that decriminalization has been a failure.
The Minister of Health gets up 20 minutes ago and advocates for its continuance. What
are we doing? The fact is that this Premier says one thing, and his cabinet and his
MLAs will say another.
My question is direct to the Premier. Decriminalization — he stood and called it a
failure. Will he stand in this House today, say those exact same words, and will he
commit today to end it immediately, yes or no? Not a speech, a yes or a no. Will you
do it today?
For God’s sake, end it.
The Speaker : Member, that’s enough.
Hon. David Eby : Keeping our kids safe is a crucial priority, and I hope and assume it’s a priority
of every member in this House. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in relation to exposure
to drugs that could kill them, exposure to predators online, exposure to vaping, exposure
to bullying for who they are. All of us — all of us — have to share that core commitment
to keeping kids safe. And I think all of us do.
Now, there have been some challenges. I’ll acknowledge that. I mean, I don’t think
Pink Shirt Day is controversial.
Interjections.
The Speaker : Members.
Interjection.
The Speaker : Member, please.
The Premier has the floor.
Hon. David Eby : When I think about what turns kids to gangs or to substance use or to self-harm,
including suicide, it’s being bullied. It’s being alienated, told they’re not valuable,
that they’re not worthy. I haven’t met a single person who struggles with addiction
who hasn’t had that kind of trauma.
I would call on all of us to do our best to work together to support kids, including
recognizing who they are; holding up their value as human beings, not using them as
political pawns; and making sure that we’re standing up for teachers.
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh. Stop it.
Members, that’s enough.
Hon. David Eby : You know what? Hockey bags of money by drug dealers were brought into casinos while
you guys were on this side of the House, so spare me the crime-control arguments.
Interjections.
The Speaker : Shhh. Members, no cross-talk, please.
Hon. David Eby : This is hard stuff. We’ve got to stand up for our kids. We’ve got to support our
kids and thank the teachers and the educators who grapple with these issues every
single day and the parents who encounter a challenging environment like parents have
Interjection.
The Speaker : Member for Richmond Centre.
Hon. David Eby : These are the issues of our time, and they deserve better than the treatment of the
opposition.
[End of question period.]
Speaker’s Statement
Guidance for Question Period
and Conduct of Members
The Speaker : Hon. Members, over the past sitting week, comments made during question period have
at odd times become disrespectful and personal in content. There is much to discuss
with respect to important policy, policy matters, without resorting to personal attacks.
I will return to the House with guidance on parliamentary language, which should at
all times be directed at issues under discussion and not used to attack or to disrespect
each other.
My respectful guidance to all members is that question period is only 30 minutes.
Before that and after that, all members work very nicely with each other.
Let’s keep the same respect here and courtesy in the House. We will get more questions
asked, more answers given. So let’s continue to work that way.
Thank you so much.
[2:35 p.m.]
Reports from Committees
Statutory Officers
Appointment Committee
Janet Routledge : I have the honour to present the report of the Special Committee to Appoint Statutory
Officers.
I move that the report be taken as read and received.
Motion approved.
Janet Routledge : I ask leave of the House to move a motion to adopt the report.
Leave granted.
Janet Routledge : I move that the report be adopted, and in doing so, it is my pleasure, as Chair of
the committee, to share some remarks.
This report contains the committee’s unanimous recommendation to appoint Shipra Verma
as the next Chief Electoral Officer for the province of British Columbia.
Since our committee was appointed in February, we conducted a rigorous and thorough
recruitment process during which we received 23 applications and interviewed four
candidates.
Throughout the process, we were particularly impressed by Ms. Verma. Ms. Verma most
recently served as Manitoba’s Chief Electoral Officer, where she displayed her long-standing
commitment to democratic values and ethics. During her more than two decades of service
with Elections Manitoba, she demonstrated the ability to administer successful electoral
events while maintaining electoral integrity.
The committee particularly appreciated Shipra Verma’s passionate advocacy for democratic
tirelessly to promote participation, with a particular focus on relationship-based
engagement with underrepresented groups such as youth, new Canadians, people with
disabilities and Indigenous Peoples.
Ms. Verma has also accomplished this work by advocating for changes to Manitoba’s
election legislation and through Election Manitoba’s education programs and outreach
initiatives.
The committee also valued Ms. Verma’s focus on electoral modernization to meet current
and future challenges. She successfully led the implementation of Manitoba’s vote
anywhere model, which included establishing a provincewide voter registration system,
provincial address database and the use of new technology at the polls.
Would the House please join me in welcoming Ms. Verma, who is here in the gallery
with her son.
On behalf of the committee and all members of the Legislative Assembly, I would like
to express our deep gratitude to Anton Boegman for his steadfast leadership of provincial
electoral events and his dedicated commitment to public service as Chief Electoral
Officer for the past seven years.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members, especially
the Deputy Chair, the member for Surrey–Serpentine River, for their thoughtfulness
and collaboration during our work.
This work demonstrates that members can come together across party lines to get meaningful
work done and reach unanimous decisions.
Linda Hepner : I would also like to extend my appreciation to all members of the committee, including
the Chair, the member for Burnaby North.
I really want to echo the Chair’s remarks that I, too, have appreciated the collaborative
spirit that defined our work together. It was a real privilege to work alongside the
committee members in a cooperative and constructive manner to reach this unanimous
recommendation.
The committee is confident in Shipra Verma’s leadership skills, including her focus
on engagement, innovation and staff development. Additionally, Ms. Verma brings a
strong financial background, which includes training as a chartered professional accountant
and her experience overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets with fiscal responsibility
and transparency at Elections Manitoba.
[2:40 p.m.]
Members also appreciated Ms. Verma’s insights that while technology is both a requirement
and an expectation for future elections, we must ensure that necessary checks and
balances are in place prior to implementation.
We are confident that her experience will contribute to the effective administration
of B.C.’s elections, ensuring continued public confidence in Elections B.C.
The committee recognizes the significant work that Elections B.C. performs for British
Columbians, and we have no doubt that Ms. Verma’s experience, perspectives and insights
will contribute to that ongoing advancement of that work.
The Speaker : The question is adoption of the report.
Motion approved.
Janet Routledge : I ask leave of the House to move a motion recommending to Her Honour the Lieutenant
Governor that Shipra Verma be appointed as Chief Electoral Officer for the province
of British Columbia.
Leave granted.
Motions Without Notice
Appointment of
Chief Electoral Officer
Janet Routledge : I move:
[That the Legislative Assembly recommend to Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor that
Shipra Verma be appointed as Chief Electoral Officer, for a term commencing on November
12, 2025, and continuing until 12 months after the date set for the return of the
last writ of the second general election for which the Chief Electoral Officer is
responsible, pursuant to
section 4 (1) and 6 (1) of the Election Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 106).]
Motion approved.
The Speaker : I too would like to say a warm welcome to Ms. Verma in her new role as a new election
officer of British Columbia and also not only on behalf of all the members but also
all the parliamentary staff.
Welcome. Thank you so much for putting your name into that position.
Tabling Documents
Hon. Niki Sharma : I have the honour to table the British Columbia Ferry Commission annual report, 2025.
Orders of the Day
Hon. Mike Farnworth : Before I get to the assignments of orders this afternoon, I have a series of motions
that I shall be calling, quite a number of them.
I call Motion 46 on the order paper.
Government Motions on Notice
Motion 46 — Membership Changes to
Aboriginal Affairs Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 46, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Dallas Brodie and Darlene Rotchford be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 47 on the order paper.
Motion 47 — Membership Changes to
Agriculture, Fish and Food Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 47, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish
and Food.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Tara Armstrong , Korky Neufeld , Harwinder Sandhu and / Debra Toporowski be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food,
for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 49 on the order paper.
Motion 49 — Membership Changes to
Crown Corporations Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 49, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That George Chow and Paul Choi replace the Hon. Jessie Sunner and the Hon. Nina Krieger as members of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, for the First
Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That George Chow be designated Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, for
the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Tara Armstrong and Mable Elmore be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I now call Motion 50 on the order paper.
Motion 50 — Membership Changes to
Democratic and
Electoral Reform Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 50, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Jennifer Blatherwick replace the Hon. Jessie Sunner as a Member of the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Dallas Brodie and Rohini Arora be added as Members of the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform,
for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 51 on the order paper.
Motion 51 — Membership Changes to
Education Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 51, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Education.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Tara Armstrong and Amshen / Joan Phillip be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Education, for the First
Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 52 on the order paper.
[2:45 p.m.]
Motion 52 — Membership Changes to
Finance Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 52, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government
Services.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Dallas Brodie replace Claire Rattée as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services,
for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 53 on the order paper.
Motion 53 — Membership Changes to
Health Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 53, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Health.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Darlene Rotchford replace the Hon. Nina Krieger as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health, for the First Session of
the Forty-third Parliament.
That Tara Armstrong and Mable Elmore be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Health, for the First Session
of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 54 on the order paper.
Motion 54 — Membership Changes to
Human Rights Code Provisions
Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 54, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Human
Rights Code.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Mable Elmore replace Jennifer Blatherwick as a member of the Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Human Rights Code , for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Dallas Brodie and George Chow be added as members of the Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Human Rights Code , for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 55 on the order paper.
Motion 55 — Membership Changes to
Legislative Initiatives Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 55, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Garry Begg replace the Hon. Nina Krieger as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Garry Begg be designated Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives,
for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Tara Armstrong and Qwulti’stunaat / Debra Toporowski be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives, for
the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 56 on the order paper.
Motion 56 — Membership Changes to
Lobbyists Transparency Act
Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 56, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency
Act.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Tara Armstrong and Janet Routledge be added as members of the Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act , for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 57 on the order paper.
Motion 57 — Membership Changes to
Public Accounts Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 57, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That George Chow replace the Hon. Nina Krieger as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, for the First Session
of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Tara Armstrong be added as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 58 on the order paper.
Motion 58 — Membership Changes to
Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct
and Standing Orders Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 58, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform,
Ethical Conduct and Standing Orders.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That George Chow replace the Hon . Nina Krieger as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct
and Standing Orders, for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That George Chow be designated Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical
Conduct and Standing Orders, for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That Dallas Brodie and Paul Choi be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical
Conduct and Standing Orders, for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 59 on the order paper.
Motion 59 — Membership Changes to
Public Interest Disclosure Act
Review Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 59, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Special Committee to Review the Public Interest
Disclosure Act.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Dallas Brodie and Janet Routledge be added as members of the Special Committee to Review the Public Interest Disclosure Act , for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I call Motion 60 on the order paper.
Motion 60 — Membership Changes to
Private Bills and Private
Members’ Bills Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 60, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and
Private Members’ Bills.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Garry Begg and Darlene Rotchford replace the Hon. Jessie Sunner and the Hon. Nina Krieger as members of the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’
Bills, for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.
That George Chow and Tara Armstrong be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private
Members’ Bills for the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
The Speaker : Keep that energy up. It’s almost over.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : Thank you, hon. Speaker. We are now at the penultimate motion. So I call Motion 61
on the order paper.
Motion 61 — Membership Changes to
Statutory Officers
Appointment Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 61, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
ratifies membership changes to the Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers.
[That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition
House Leader, the Third Party House Leader, and the Fourth Party House Leader, dated
September 4, 2025, be ratified, confirming the following membership changes effective
September 12, 2025:
That Tara Armstrong and Garry Begg be added as members of the Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers, for the
First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : And the final motion. I call Motion 65 on the order paper.
Motion 65 — Membership Changes to
Finance Committee
Hon. Mike Farnworth : I move Motion 65, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, which
further amends the membership of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government
Services.
[That Donegal Wilson and Darlene Rotchford be added as members of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.]
Motion approved.
Hon. Mike Farnworth : In this chamber, I call second reading on Bill 19, the School Amendment Act.
In
Section A, Douglas Fir Room, I call committee stage, Bill 17, Intimate Images Protection
Statutes Amendment Act.
[2:50 p.m.]
[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]
Second Reading of Bills
Bill 19 — School Amendment Act, 2025
(continued)
Deputy Speaker : All right, Members, we’ll call this chamber back to order and ask you to take your
conversations outside. We’re going to continue debate on Bill 19, School Amendment
Act, 2025.
Harwinder Sandhu : I am standing proudly as the representative for Vernon-Lumby, the most beautiful
constituency in the province, with wonderful, kind and caring people, which is located
on the traditional territory of the Syilx/Okanagan Indian Nation.
I rise today in strong support for Bill 19, legislation that builds on our government’s
ongoing commitment to making high-quality, affordable and accessible child care a
reality for every family in British Columbia. There are several reasons I do that,
and that includes my personal lived experiences and having seen the benefits around
the community.
Since 2017, our B.C. NDP government has worked tirelessly to transform child care
from a privilege into a core service, which is much needed — a service that supports
families, strengthens communities and drives our economy forward.
invested nearly $8 billion in investments in ChildCareBC, helping to fund more than
41,500 new child care spaces.
That includes my own community of Vernon-Lumby, in the last term known as Vernon-Monashee.
We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of getting hundreds of child care spaces — in fact,
more than 1,000 affordable child care spaces that have been a game-changer for many
families. I regularly hear the gratitude from families.
We’ve opened up two brand-new child care centres right in Vernon; another brand-new
facility in Coldstream, which is open, taking care of children and providing that
nurturing care; and also a new centre in Lavington. Each one was built through collaboration.
Not only that, but we’ve also invested in building 44 child care spaces at the Okanagan
College Vernon campus. This not only provides the child care that parents need but
also removes barriers for many parents. Often they come to get advanced education,
but they have already knocked on many barriers, and the biggest barrier that remains
is child care. That child care centre has been changing lives for many parents who
now have accessible child care right at the campus.
Another innovative example in the region is the child care centre at KF Aerospace
near Kelowna Airport, one of the few in all of North America to provide on-site child
care for aerospace workers. This helps businesses, this helps community, and this
is exactly what forward-thinking investments look like. It’s supporting working families
while strengthening local industries.
We’ve heard from boards that for these programs, the investments need to be sustainable
so that they can grow and be responsive to local needs. With the changes proposed
in this bill, districts will be able to recover reasonable costs, like administrative
and maintenance expenses, just as non-profit centres operate today.
I’ve heard several speeches from the members of the opposition and from members on
this side, and one thought was shared repeatedly by some members of the opposition.
Is it going to take away from private child care providers? I must say that having
to work directly with non-profits and private child care owners, the need is huge.
As I mentioned, we’ve created thousands of child care spaces across the province,
and many more in my constituency, but the need is huge. There are more spaces that
are needed, and this will help to fill that gap.
My community, Vernon-Lumby, and Vernon in particular, is among the first communities
in B.C. to have piloted a seamless before- and after-school child care program. They
piloted this, and the program has been life-changing for so many parents.
[2:55 p.m.]
I want to sincerely thank the city of Vernon, the village of Lumby, the district of
Coldstream, the boys and girls club, Maven Lane and all the other non-profit organizations
and child care providers in my community for their partnership and for making all
these programs such a success.
As a longtime registered nurse of more than two decades, becoming a young widow and,
at one stage of my life, having two little girls, I know firsthand how much I needed
these spaces. There was no way I could leave the hospital, whether it was a blood
transfusion hanging or I needed to be with my patients. You can’t leave some work
settings. They could be construction workers or anybody working in those settings.
Parents don’t have time. We’re working long shifts. It’s now Monday to Friday, eight
to four. I wasn’t able to go pick up my daughters from school and then drop off at
child care spaces. Even then there were not enough child care spaces, let alone affordable.
It was $59 per day at the time when I was getting the costs around.
I remember that, how it could change lives for many. I relied on friends, families.
I would drop them off, and sometimes I couldn’t even pick them up. I had to ask friends:
“Can you go pick up?” Sometimes I would ask my little daughters to walk to so-and-so’s
house.
Even though everybody is there to help, you know how you feel guilty of being a burden.
But you’re taking care of people, and you’re honoured with that work. Then my mom
helped, but not everybody is so fortunate enough to have that kind of a support system
in place. That is why this investment will help.
I’ve been thinking about many workers, and I’ve been having flashbacks. That’s why
I wanted to stand here in support of this and share that experience, how this is going
to help many parents.
This work doesn’t stop at the public sector. In our community, private child care
providers are also thriving since we have started investing in child care.
I remember initially, shopping at the Costco in Kelowna, one private child care provider
came…. Initially, there was fear. There was misinformation, in 2018-2019, that this
investment in child care was going to take away business from private providers. We
had this wholesome discussion. I shared that we’re not working against anybody. We
want to work together. Yes, our goal is to provide as many spaces, but we don’t have
the infrastructure.
Now that private child care owner, and there are many others, proudly shares: “I am
so thrilled.” Now he owns three. He expanded to buy another one in Vernon — the need
was there — and also a third one in Kamloops. He says: “Harwinder, thank you so much.
The only reason I’m thriving is because of these investments and partnership. Otherwise,
it wasn’t easy to sustain and to operate this business.”
It is helping one another. In fact, there are many partnerships with non-profits,
public and private providers. Working together, we can achieve a lot more. Collectively,
since 2018, more than $3 billion has stayed in parents’ pockets, hard-working B.C.
families. An average family is saving more than $900 per month per child.
As I mentioned, when I was running around getting the quotes, that was mid-2000s.
I’m talking about 2008, 2010, 2012, that era — $59 even then was a lot, and there
were not even enough spaces. That’s why I’m a huge supporter of this.
Now there are $10-a-day child care spaces, but we aim to expand those. Also, families
are paying no more than $17 a day. The goal is always to make it more affordable.
We know the results; those are collective figures. Families in Vernon, Lavington,
Coldstream and Lumby also saved more than $25 million, which went directly back to
parents’ pockets. These are the numbers that can be found anywhere. They’re openly
available.
At the doorsteps, I’ve heard from many, many people. I go do school visits. I heard
from a teacher who had moved from Alberta. We were talking about the work we all do
collectively, regardless of parties, what we do and what our goal is, no matter which
side we stand on. It’s always for the betterment of our community.
[3:00 p.m.]
That teacher wasn’t very political. She had a very non-partisan stand. She shared
with the class that she didn’t know the history about how B.C. was the first province
to champion child care under our former colleague, the minister then, Katrina Chen,
who championed this. Then the federal government came on board, and our province was
the first one to sign that agreement.
Then the teacher said: “Now it makes sense.” She said: “I was not able to work full
time, nor was my husband. We were both part-timers.” She said that since they have
now affordable child care in Vernon, she’s working full time and so is her husband,
and the family is thriving. That was so reassuring for me to hear because, again,
these stats, numbers in papers, mean one thing, but when we hear from people the difference
it’s making in their lives, it’s another thing.
We see these investments into action. Child care investments empower people. They
also strengthen our economy. There have been thousands of studies in Canada, in North
America and all around the world. Every dollar spent in providing affordable child
care brings several dollars of benefit to our economy. It supports businesses; it
supports people.
That is why I’m proud of our Greater Vernon chamber. From day one, we’ve been working
together. They have been a huge supporter of investments in affordable child care,
and they’re very open and public about it. They appreciate the ongoing investments,
and they encourage us to continue to do more.
As I said, I’ve heard many stories. A parent came to me when a couple of my colleagues
from this side were visiting Vernon. She stood up, and she said: “I was paying more
than $2,000 per month for my daughter, Goldie.” She said: “Now it’s less than $300.”
That is the difference it’s making.
There are so many other stories. I was at Kelowna Airport, coming to Victoria, and
I heard my name. Often, as politicians, when we hear our name, we’re ready to hear
feedback or criticism, maybe. As a nurse, I’m always open to criticism and constructive
feedback. That’s what helps us to be better people, better representatives and better
community members.
That parent, Roy, said: “I just want to say thank you.” He said: “My family and my
partner were saving. We have two kids.” It’s more than $1,800 for both that they’re
saving. He said: “That money is going back to our mortgage payment.” This person happened
to know the member sitting next to me as well. It filled my heart with gratitude.
That’s why we can’t slow down. That is what affordability looks like. That is what
progress feels like.
That is what Bill 19 will continue to strengthen. By amending the School Act, we’re
making it easier for school districts to offer care for children of all ages, including
infants and toddlers and during non-school days. We’re using our existing spaces in
our schools, which are already trusted hubs in every community, to deliver more of
the care families need. I strongly believe that it also provides that consistency
for children where they are working together. They had educational time, and now they
can be nurtured and cared for by friendly faces.
Districts have been asking for this flexibility. When I talk to parents in my community,
there are still parents on the waiting list. Yes, we’re building a lot more, and we’re
working with private child care providers, but child care spaces can’t come soon enough.
This bill will help us to utilize the spaces that we already have, and it’ll make
affordable child care available and accessible quicker. As we know, we’re waiting
for many more spaces to be built.
We cannot be reluctant and be skeptical about these investments. We cannot downplay
the value of early learning or ignore the needs of working families. We need to invest
in people in every way we can. We are committed on this side, and I’m pretty sure
all members will continue to support this if there is some opposition. I cannot see
the reason why anybody would oppose this or be skeptical, as we have been proving
this since 2017-18.
We need to continue to invest in a resilient economy. I strongly believe, and say
it repeatedly, that we cannot have a strong, resilient economy without healthier,
thriving families and communities, because they are the ones who build our economies.
They are the ones who contribute to economies.
When people can save money and they have child care, both parents can work to their
fullest potential. When they have the disposable income, it gets invested back into
the local businesses and the economy.
[3:05 p.m.]
Bill 19 is about exactly that, building a future. Every child has a chance to thrive,
where every parent can participate in the workforce, and where every community can
benefit from shared prosperity, including rural communities and communities that don’t
yet have the availability of accessible, affordable spaces.
As we move forward with this legislation, let’s remember what truly is at stake: the
success of our children, the strength of our families and the sustainability of our
economy. Also, this bill helps to include many, many hard-working families and workers
who, despite our building more affordable child care, didn’t have the seamless model,
where a child can stay there for longer, extended hours.
This is going to be such a huge game-changer, because when we invest in people, we
invest in the future of this province. I strongly believe that is what Bill 19 helps
us to do, and I’m proud to stand here to support this bill.
I just want to say, before I close my remarks, that while we’re making investments
in affordable child care spaces, we must never forget the child care providers who
are the backbone of this program. We cannot deliver effective and safe child care
without them. It takes a very special, caring, kind person, with lots of patience
working with children with different needs, to do that kind of work.
I want to give my heartfelt gratitude to every single early childhood educator, every
child care worker that is there every day, in and out, working and making sure our
children are safe. That is why we did increase their wages multiple times. We’re committed
to be there to support them.
We value you, we see you, and we appreciate you. Thank you so much for all you do.
I want to extend my appreciation for the local partners, as well as non-profits, private
child care providers and at-home family child care providers. Thank you. You are building
the future of this province.
When we’re looking at various issues that societies are facing, then we talk about
their root cause. If we want to address these challenges, we need to address the root
cause. It starts with investing in early childhood care and affordable child care,
because nurturing, safe care does help these children to grow and thrive. It gives
them self-confidence and helps them to become successful adults, and it helps our
economy collectively.
I am proud to support this. I want to thank the minister for putting this forward,
because this is going to change many lives in such a positive way. It’s going to help
strengthen our communities and our economy and support our families.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to speak.
Deputy Speaker : Thank you very much, Member.
Now recognizing the member for Columbia River–Revelstoke.
Scott McInnis : I really appreciate that, Mr. Speaker.
I just want to start by saying that I think all members in this House realize the
situation we’re in with child care and that we need to do more to provide services
for families who need and want care for their children.
I think, on the opposition side, we do have some questions about the details around
how this will look, many of which I will share here today.
I want to echo the member for Vernon-Lumby in saying thank you so much to all the
early childhood educators across British Columbia who work so hard — often sick; late
hours; cleaning up lots of messes throughout the day; and of course, just supporting
that critical development of our young people before they reach school age especially.
I want to acknowledge them.
I also want to raise something. It’s a conversation for a different day, I think,
but the member for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky raised a really interesting point. I
think we do need to look at child care, moving forward, more as a very serious profession,
which it is.
I know wages for child care workers, especially, are not tremendously high. I think
it’s just a values discussion that we need to have as British Columbia legislators
and policy-drivers to ensure not only that people are paid a fair wage but that it’s
also an attractant, from the ground up, to get more people into the profession.
[3:10 p.m.]
I have very intimate knowledge, I think, of this topic here. I just want to briefly
touch on my best job that I ever had. I spent eight years at an independent school
in my community where I started my teaching career, two years as the principal there
teaching K to 8. We also had two licensed child care spaces in that school as well.
I do want to talk about several issues here today, many of which we’ll bring to committee
stage after the reading of this bill and the debate is finished. I know the amendments
are quite brief, but what’s not brief is the child care licensing regulations. They’re
quite robust, and I do see some challenges, maybe, and some friction here as we try
to bring, especially, children that are under school age into public school facilities.
We have lots of challenges with that, and I’ll highlight many of them here.
First of all, the physical spaces. If we’re bringing infants and toddlers into a high
school space, we have lots of challenges around making that space safe and accessible
for young children. They’re simply not set up to have diaper changing, to have the
proper stepstools to reach the sinks. The toilets are too big. These kinds of things.
Not only is the space not really available for that, but to make it available is going
to cost a lot of money. So I think we need to address that issue very seriously.
Child care regulations have very robust cleaning standards which have to be met. I
don’t know if our current custodial staff who work for CUPE in the public school system….
I don’t know if they have additional time necessarily to make those spaces clean and
sanitary for young children, especially, who are coming into those spaces. Again,
if we’re going to provide more bodies or more hours, that’s going to cost a lot of
money.
Again, things like the proper exits in the building. Furniture. If we’re putting three-
and four-year-olds in the desks of grade 10, 11 and 12 students, it’s not really going
to work super well unless we make an investment into some of that furniture.
Transportation. For us that live in rural communities, it’s great to offer after-school
care — I’m thinking specifically of a community like Invermere or Golden or Kimberley
— at one or maybe two of the schools within the community. But kids at the other school,
how are they going to get there? Our buses are already stretched. If we have a bus
driver that goes off sick, we’re kind of in a panic in Columbia River–Revelstoke.
I have to be honest about that.
Parents are working. That’s why they have their kids in daycare. They’re not available
to drive them from one school to the next necessarily. We get, in Kimberley, about
six feet of snow every year. It’s not reasonable to walk half a kilometre or a kilometre
to the closest school offering that care.
I want to talk about something. I’m touching on, I think, realistic life examples
here, on the ground, of some of the challenges we’re looking at here that need to
be addressed.
When you’re bringing preschool-aged students especially — or even, let’s say, up to
grade 3 — into a high school for after-school care, there’s a very serious transition
that happens there. I don’t know the last time you were at a high school on a Friday
afternoon when the bell rings, but it’s like the Daytona 500 in the parking lot.
There are very serious safety considerations to think about before we just plop kids
into the building. I hate to say it. Kids vape. Some kids smoke. Some kids use marijuana
outside of the school premises. That’s not necessarily a great environment for a mother
with an infant or a four- or five-year-old child to experience on their way into school.
Who’s going to be responsible for that safety plan, that transition plan, as students
are leaving the premises and we have young children coming in?
I’ve been a principal. There’s certainly no extra time in the day for them to be physically
monitoring this, let alone drafting the plan, which will take tens of hours. I just
have serious concerns about how this actually plays out on the ground.
Again, I support increased spaces for child care every single day. The Minister of
Forests mentioned it yesterday. As soon as a family finds out they’re having a baby,
after calling their parents, the second call is to the local child care facility to
reserve a space.
[3:15 p.m.]
In my community where I live, just last year they changed their policy where it was
first come, first served. Parents were camping out for two nights, the nights before,
to make sure that they had a reasonable chance of accessing care. So we have to address
this, but again, there are lots of concerns about how this actually looks on the ground.
We also have…. I want to talk about the staffing for a second. We are short early
childhood educators in this province, certified ones. We are very short infant-toddler
educators, providers, in this province. How are we addressing that by providing the
space? I hope the minister…. I’d love to hear the answers to that. I’m sure that the
ministry has thought about this.
Some potential solutions are…. When I started my teaching career, I made $36,000 a
year. I would have loved to have taken a few extra hours to provide some care a couple
days a week. Are we going to offer that to new teachers in the system potentially?
Obviously, they can’t do early childhood unless they’re qualified to do that, but
if you’re looking at after-school care, maybe that’s a reasonable thing to offer.
Are we going to make a really serious effort here, also, to increase the number of
whether it’s qualified adults or ECEs to be able to provide this care? Are we going
to open up more spaces post-secondary to deal with that?
I don’t know how this is going to look with early childhood, because as far as I understand
the regulations, you can’t have a child care manager working at two different spaces.
If they finish their eight to four at their one facility, according to the regulation,
they can’t move to another one. So we’re going to have to address that.
I want to caution on what we’re doing here without really, really good conversation
about how to do it properly. Our schools and our school system are under tremendous
strain. A lot of our facilities are tremendously old, that are going to require significant
upgrades to make them suitable for, especially, that early childhood level of care
to be provided.
A few more points that I’d like to make here. What are we charging families per day?
What are we charging families, parents that have two kids or three kids? I think that’s
a serious conversation we need to have. Who sets that policy? Is it locally at the
school district level? Is it provincial? How does it differ between rural and urban
environments?
I think we just really need to look at what we’re entering here. I do worry, potentially.
I could be totally wrong, and I hope that I am, but as a teacher, I hated spending
the last day of school packing up my classroom, putting the desks to the side so things
could be properly cleaned. Now, if my space is going to be used over the summer for
child care and I come back to work and it’s a mess…. Teachers are going to lose their
mind.
I worry. Are we going to have friction here between the BCTF and administration and
the boards providing the care?
I think it’s a serious thing to consider. Many teachers are very particular about
their spaces, and if things aren’t left the way they like them, there are going to
be complaints filed. That I can guarantee you.
One question I want to bring up in my speech here today is: why are we not making
a serious effort to provide a little more incentive to private operators? I’d really
like to extend a personal invitation to the Minister of Education to visit my friend
Jo in Revelstoke, who operates the Ray of Sunshine child care. She has beautiful brand-new
facilities. She pays her staff extremely well. She’s growing. She provides a really
good program. She cares, because at the end of the day, it’s her bottom dollar on
the line.
I don’t know why…. We seem to have here a bit of a…. I hate to use the word, but a
bit of a stigma against private child care, that somehow it’s not up to the standard
of what we can offer through the province. I’ll tell you. When people are as invested
as my friend Jo is, they provide, in my opinion, above-industry-standard care.
[3:20 p.m.]
Why are we not incentivizing private child care operators? There’s some, I think,
unfair theme perhaps that the standard of care isn’t as good, the facilities aren’t
as good, that somehow it’s not regulated in any way, shape or form. And it’s just
simply not true. I would like to see a better effort, collectively, in a non-partisan
manner, to address this.
Some of the positives and challenges with private care, if I may…. Private care operators
can really provide a good program based on their community needs, based on the physical
space of their community. Lots of private operators that I know have wonderful outdoor
education programs for their children. They spend most of the day outside. I worry
that if we’re just kind of institutionalizing this, which…. We need the spaces. I
get it. But there just won’t be that incentive to provide something different.
It does give the parents some choice. If school premises work well for parents and
we figure out how to do this properly, sure. But if parents want an alternative, and
we have more selection for private child care operators, well that would be a good
thing in my opinion.
It’s unfortunate that, generally speaking, the private child care operators don’t
really have access to the same funding that other non-profits or government-subsidized
operators do. I think we need to look at that. There are people out there who want
to open for business, but they find it extremely challenging, not only accessing capital
but with some of the other regulations, with licensing. That I think we need to address.
Just as I begin to wrap up here in the next couple of minutes, I do recognize that
we have a…. I would still say it’s a child care crisis, especially in rural British
Columbia. We’re struggling to attract and retain qualified staff, even if it’s for
aftercare services for school-aged children. I do really want to stress that it’s
not as simple as plopping kids into an existing building. We have to think about,
you know, all these x’s and o’s on the ground.
Making the space suitable for children, especially that infant-toddler and preschool-aged
child, is going to be expensive in the facility unless there are massive overhauls
of the regulations, which I think is a dangerous road to go down.
I really look forward to the committee stage here, where we can really dig into the
meat of this legislation. I do commend the government for being creative and trying
to find some solutions here. I do. I think we want to support this, but we do have
serious questions that need to be answered on the record as far as how this is going
to look, how this is going to be rolled out. From the time of the legislation passing,
when does it open? When are we going to be able to provide this?
I do appreciate the time today, and I do look forward to continuing this debate further
into the committee stage moving forward.
Darlene Rotchford : I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we’re gathered today on the traditional unceded
territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, known as Songhees and xʷsepsəm Nations.
I’m honoured to rise in full support of Bill 19, the School Amendment Act. As a mother
and someone who has spoken with countless families within Esquimalt-Colwood on how
critical it is that we continue to expand access to affordable, high-quality and reliable
child care, this bill represents another important step towards that goal.
I will say to the opposition who just spoke, I encourage him to look up school district
62. In one of the schools that just opened, they are actually doing this. I’m also
happy to connect him to learn a little bit, because some of the questions he had might
actually be addressed there.
Public schools are trusted community hubs, places where children learn, play and grow.
They are also ideally positioned to deliver the kinds of child care services family
in every corner of British Columbia needs. By removing barriers and allowing school
districts to more easily partner in the delivery of child care, this legislation helps
to ensure that families have access to care when and where they need it most.
[3:25 p.m.]
When I was knocking on doors during the election, I heard from so many parents who
were deeply worried about child care, parents who were unsure how they would manage
when parental leave ended, or who were stuck on endless wait-lists.
I can tell you I remember personally that feeling. My husband and I put our oldest
daughter on a wait-list before she was born and before we even knew her name. The
anxiety that came with not knowing whether you would find a spot was sometimes overwhelming.
Just two weeks before my husband returned to work, we finally secured a space, and
the relief was felt immensely. But I also know that not every family gets that relief.
I’ve spoken with health care workers who struggle to find child care that matches
their shift work, with military families who move here and find themselves at the
back of long wait-lists because of how our current system operates. Those are the
real challenges, but they are exactly the kind of challenges that Bill 19 helps us
address.
Our government has made child care a priority because we know that when parents have
access to reliable care, they can fully participate in the workforce, pursue education
and contribute to their communities. It’s good for families, and it’s also good for
our economy.
Thanks to historic child care investments under ChildCareBC, parents are now paying,
on average, less than half of what they would without these supports, saving approximately
$6,700 per year. Thousands more children are in licensed care than ever before.
We’ve also expanded income testing benefits so that 24,000 children are now receiving
high-quality care at or below $10 a day, with many families paying no fees at all.
When I knocked on one door, a family was paying $3,000 a month before they were eligible.
Once they were eligible…. That $3,000 now goes back into the pocket, per month, to
that family. I want everyone for a minute to think of paying $3,000 for child care
and how that was for that family. I can tell you, when I got to talk to them about
getting the eligibility and now having affordable child care, the difference it made
in their lives.
Since 2008, more than $3 billion has stayed in the pockets of hard-working B.C. families
as a direct result of these investments. Child care is now more affordable, with more
spaces and more professional educators than ever before.
Since the launch of ChildCareBC, over 41,000 new licensed spaces have been funded,
and more than 26,000 of those have already opened and are serving families. Across
the province, we now have 169,000 licensed child care spaces, representing a 47 percent
increase since 2018.
These numbers are not just statistics. They represent families who are less stressed,
children who are thriving and communities that are stronger and more connected. As
both a mother and an MLA, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every family in Esquimalt-Colwood
and across British Columbia has access to the child care they need.
Bill 19 builds on the strong foundation we’ve created and keeps us moving forward
toward a future where more affordable, accessible child care is available to every
family. You’ve heard us stand up here and say and talk about many things within our
toolbox. This is another tool ensuring that we’re having child care spaces.
For all of those reasons, I am proud to stand here and support Bill 19, the School
Amendment Act.
Pete Davis : Every once in a while in this chamber, we get a bill that actually gives us the chance
to agree — at principle, at least. That’s something that makes sense, and I think
that Bill 19, the School Amendment Act, is one of those moments.
This bill aims to make child care more accessible for families by allowing schools
to open their doors on non-school days, things like professional development days,
winter and spring breaks and even through the summer months. Honestly, that’s an idea
most British Columbians can get behind, I’m sure. Let’s face it. Child care in this
province has become a crisis.
Families are struggling to find spaces, the costs are skyrocketing and parents are
being forced to make impossible choices between work and family. It’s pretty tough.
I’ve spoken to families across my riding who are just trying to keep their heads above
water, and child care is one of the biggest challenges that they face.
I’ll give credit where credit is due. The intent behind this bill is good. It’s practical,
and it shows at least some recognition from this government that families are under
strain and that something needs to be done about it.
But good intentions alone aren’t enough. We can all agree that this is a good idea,
but the question I have is whether it’s something we can actually do and do effectively.
Because as we know, government ideas are one thing; making them work in the real world
is something entirely different.
[3:30 p.m.]
We already have limited resources. We already have a shortage of qualified child care
workers. We already have teachers, support staff and administrators stretched thin,
trying to do more than they can. I think it’s fair to ask: how exactly is the government
going to pay for this? I think it’s a valid question. How will school districts manage
to hire, train and support additional staff to make these extended child care programs
possible without cutting corners somewhere else?
If we’re going to make this work, we can’t just throw people into these positions
without proper training. We need to make sure that the individuals we hire to help
ease this burden are properly trained, properly supported and ready for the responsibilities
that come with caring for our children, our treasures. We cannot afford to lower our
standards just to fill a gap. Quality matters, safety matters, and consistency matters.
While this idea of opening up schools for child care makes sense on paper, we also
have to consider what this means for the people already working in our schools — teachers,
custodians, EAs, administrators. These are the same people who’ve been stretched beyond
capacity for years. I can tell you that we thank them. We thank these people because
without them, where would our kids be? We can’t simply pile more on their shoulders
and expect everything to just run smoothly.
Another point I think deserves serious discussion is the potential impact this could
have on privately owned daycares. Many of those are small, family-run businesses that
have been surviving in their communities and serving their communities. They’ve invested
their lives and their savings and their passion into providing care for children.
I can relate to this, actually. My wife ran a daycare out of our house when we first
got married, when our kids were young. She’s got a heart for kids. Those people work
hard, and they have a heart for it. And you know what? There are not a lot of people
that do, so they’re very, very special people that we want to make sure that we protect.
My concern is that this could unintentionally create a competition between the public
school system and private daycare operators. That’s something that we should all make
sure that we’re careful about. We want to create these options, but we also don’t
want to cut the income from these people that are doing this wonderful work.
We need both. We need the public system to step up and help meet demand. I agree.
But we also need those private operators, especially in smaller communities like mine
where they’re often the only child care options available. The last thing we want
to do is solve one problem and create another.
I would urge the government, as this program rolls out, to make sure they’re not pushing
private providers out of business or creating an unfair playing field. I suspect this
will be a conversation we’ll have again in the future. It’s one I’ll be paying a lot
of close attention to.
Now, just back to a couple of issues. British Columbians have heard a lot of big promises
over the years. They’ve heard about affordability, housing, health care and now child
care. In most cases, the story ends the same way. The idea sounds good, but the execution
falls short.
I want to make sure I ask and ask again: where is the money coming from? How will
the government ensure this program is sustainable not just for the next year or two
but long term? Because if it’s not, there’s no point in doing this. If it’s not a
success…. We need more than just press releases. We need good ideas that are actually
going to be long term, with real staffing and real accountability.
[3:35 p.m.]
I represent a rural riding. I can tell you right now that if we’re struggling to find
teachers, nurses and bus drivers, we’re going to have a hard time trying to find qualified
child care as well, the right people to staff these positions. That’s not just a Kootenay
problem; that’s a provincewide problem. So while I do support the spirit of this bill,
because it’s clear we do need something and we need to help families, I remain cautious
about whether or not we can do this efficiently, affordably and fairly.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple. Give families a bit of relief, give kids
a safe place to be, and give communities a stronger foundation to build on. But let’s
make sure we do this right. Let’s make sure this isn’t just a headline but a real,
lasting solution that actually helps families today and for years to come.
Above all, let’s make sure that when we expand child care, we do it with proper planning,
proper training, proper funding. These are our families. These are our children. We
need to do this right. This is something we can’t mess up.
I will be supporting the general direction, but I’ll also be watching closely to make
sure this government follows through in a way that’s responsible, realistic and respectful
to all the taxpayers. Because friends, at the end of the day, our job is to make life
easier for families. It’s not to make promises that we can’t afford to keep.
I really look forward to watching committee stage on this.
Hon. Terry Yung : I stand today in support of the child care on school grounds amendment to the School
Act.
I want to echo some of the comments made by my colleague the member for Vernon-Lumby.
Thank you for your comments and also for the land acknowledgement from the member
for Esquimalt-Colwood.
This legislation is reaffirming government’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable
child care more accessible and available to families in every corner of the province.
School grounds are the heart of our communities. I know I spent a lot of time on school
grounds. But of course, I went to a boarding school, so I was confined mostly on school
grounds. They are trusted, welcoming spaces designed for children to learn; to play;
to grow; to form friendships, mentorships and companionship.
This legislation recognizes the incredible potential of those spaces and delivers
the child care families need before and/or after school or during professional development
days or throughout the summer months, when schools are traditionally closed. It’s
about removing barriers in the School Act to give school boards better ability to
meet families when they’re using classrooms, gyms, playgrounds that are already in
existence at schools. The space is designed for children, staffed by people who understand
them and supported by the same principles that define our public education system.
This legislation is due to community feedback. It’s just not born out of fiction.
We spoke to parents and caregivers across B.C., and the message has been quite clear.
They want more access to affordable, reliable child care that meets their
schedule
and their children’s needs.
In my riding of Vancouver-Yaletown and urban ridings in Vancouver, it’s difficult
to get new spaces for child care. As my colleague from Esquimalt-Colwood said, it
sometimes takes months. It could be years. That is not acceptable. That’s the intent
of this legislation — to improve the availability of those child care facilities.
As a former first responder, I know how hard it is sometimes when you have to satisfy
the fact that you have to do shift work, be away from your families, 12 hours at a
time. You do need child care availability for you to be able to get back to work and
re-enter the workforce. As you know, the longer you’ve been away from the workforce,
the more difficult it is to get reintroduced to it.
[3:40 p.m.]
I also have firsthand observations as the chair of a non-profit organization and also
as a board member for Big Brothers, which has similar programs for that for in-school
mentoring, utilizing school grounds to extend and grow their mentoring programs.
This legislation also removes outdated restrictions that limited school boards in
offering certain types of care, which will also enable them to provide care for children
of more age groups. It also makes it easier for school boards to recover reasonable
costs, administrative expenses, maintenance, cleaning, etc., in the same way that
non-profit operators already do that.
It’s important to note that currently more than 91 percent of child care on school
grounds is operated by third-party providers. Non-profits, Indigenous organizations
and community groups have long been the backbone of school-age child care in B.C.
This is not about more red tape. This is about building, increasing capacity of child
care, and it will also give districts more flexibility to act, while increasing the
capability of child care. It’s also part of a broader initiative for ChildCareBC,
which has been recognizing that child care is not just a privilege; it’s an essential
service as a pillar of our social infrastructure.
Since launching ChildCareBC in 2018, more than 41,000 new licensed child care spaces
have been funded. Now there are 169,000 licensed spaces, representing a 47 percent
increase — or in numbers, 4,000 more spaces since this government began work on this
endeavour in 2018.
There’s also the affordability part, with savings for parents, probably half of what
they were paying before. Families are saving, on average, over $6,000 a year on their
child care expenses, putting more than $3 billion back into the pockets of hard-working
people in this province.
This legislation is also about economic drivers and about a fundamental part of a
child’s learning journey being supported by sufficient child care at school grounds.
By using classrooms and facilities that are already built and staffed, we can expand
child care access without delays or costs associated with building extra buildings.
As I mentioned before, in certain ridings, in urban cities, there are simply no extra
spaces to be built and expanded to accommodate additional child care needs, and this
is not acceptable.
High-quality, affordable, reliable child care has been a game-changer for families
and people who have to work, two-working-parent families, and it’s essential to B.C.’s
economy. It helps parents return to work sooner, it supports the children’s early
learning, and it builds stronger communities.
In closing, I’m proud to support this legislation. I also want to thank and commend
the Ministry of Education and Child Care and staff for their leadership in advancing
this legislation.
It’s easy to speak of the issues we have. It’s easy to say we are not perfect or solving
all the issues facing child care. But I think it’s more difficult to come up with
solutions to advancing our endeavours, making sure that every child in this province
has access to care that supports their growth, their potential and their success.
[3:45 p.m.]
Heather Maahs : As the newly appointed critic for child care and early childhood education, it is
my pleasure to speak to this bill.
At first glance, this bill appears helpful, allowing more child care programs on school
grounds so that parents can find care where their children already learn. But we must
begin by acknowledging the obvious. This government already did this five years ago.
In 2020, it passed Bill 8, creating sections 85.2 and 85.3 of the School Act to authorize
board-operated before- and after-school care.
The legislative groundwork has alr