British Columbia Hansard — 17 November 2021, p.m., Issue 131 (42nd Parliament, 2nd Session)

20211117pm-Hansard-n131

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session, 42nd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 131 THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Second Session, 42nd Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...........................................................................................................Hon. Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries......................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing .............................................................................................Hon.

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

Lisa Beare Minister of Education .................................................................................................................................................. Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ........................................................................................Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon.

George Heyman Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations................................................................................. Hon.

Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.............................................................................Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation .......................................................................................... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation....................................................................................................... Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.............................................................................................................. Hon.

Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Affairs ............................................................................................................................................. Hon. Josie Osborne Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction........................................................................................... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport .................................................................................................................. Hon.

Melanie Mark Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of State for Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Bowinn Ma LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition...................................................................................................................................................Shirley Bond Leader of the Third Party .......................................................................................................................................................... Sonia Furstenau Deputy Speaker..........................................................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Assistant Deputy Speaker..............................................................................................................................................................Norm Letnick Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole .......................................................................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................

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

Jennifer Arril Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..............................................................................................Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst ................................................................................................................................................................... Karan Riarh Sergeant-at-Arms ........................................................................................................................................................................... Ray Robitaille

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Alexis, Pam (BC NDP) ............................................................Abbotsford-Mission Anderson, Brittny (BC NDP) .........................................................Nelson-Creston Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Penticton Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...............................................................North Island Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP).................................................. Vancouver–False Creek Bains, Hon. Harry (BC NDP).........................................................

Surrey-Newton Banman, Bruce (BC Liberal Party) ............................................ Abbotsford South Beare, Hon. Lisa (BC NDP) .......................................

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

Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–West End Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ..............................................North Vancouver–Seymour Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ............................................... Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP).................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ..........................................Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)........................Columbia River–Revelstoke Conroy, Hon.

Katrine (BC NDP) ....................................................Kootenay West Coulter, Dan (BC NDP) .......................................................................... Chilliwack Cullen, Hon. Nathan (BC NDP) ................................................................... Stikine Davies, Dan (BC Liberal Party)................................................. Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)....................................Abbotsford West Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...............................................

Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) .........................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (BC NDP) ................................................ Vancouver-Kingsway Doerkson, Lorne (BC Liberal Party) ........................................Cariboo-Chilcotin Donnelly, Fin (BC NDP) .......................................... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Dykeman, Megan (BC NDP)............................................................... Langley East Eby, Hon. David, QC (BC NDP).......................................

Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (BC NDP) ..................................................Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (BC NDP) .................................................Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (BC NDP) ...............................................

Victoria–Swan Lake Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) .............................................Cowichan Valley Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ..................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Greene, Kelly (BC NDP) ........................................................Richmond-Steveston Halford, Trevor (BC Liberal Party) .........................................Surrey–White Rock Heyman, Hon. George (BC NDP) .........................................Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (BC NDP) ......................................... Langford–Juan de Fuca Kahlon, Hon.

Ravi (BC NDP) .............................................................. Delta North Kang, Hon. Anne (BC NDP) .................................................. Burnaby–Deer Lake Kirkpatrick, Karin (BC Liberal Party) ........................West Vancouver–Capilano Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal Party)....................................................................Shuswap Lee, Michael (BC Liberal Party) ..............................................Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (BC NDP)...............................................

Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal Party) .................................. Kelowna–Lake Country Lore, Grace (BC NDP)........................................................... Victoria–Beacon Hill Ma, Hon. Bowinn (BC NDP).....................................North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila (BC NDP)........................................................Nanaimo Mark, Hon. Melanie (BC NDP).................................Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Mercier, Andrew (BC NDP) ........................................................................

Langley Merrifield, Renee (BC Liberal Party)......................................... Kelowna-Mission Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal Party) .......................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ................................. Prince George–Mackenzie Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal Party).................................................. Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)............................ Saanich North and the Islands Osborne, Hon.

Josie (BC NDP)........................................Mid Island–Pacific Rim Paddon, Kelli (BC NDP) ................................................................Chilliwack-Kent Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ............................................................... Delta South Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)........................................................ Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (BC NDP) .............................................Surrey-Whalley Rankin, Hon.

Murray, QC (BC NDP) .............................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Rice, Jennifer (BC NDP) ...................................................................... North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (BC NDP)...................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal Party)......................................................................... Skeena Routledge, Janet (BC NDP) .............................................................Burnaby North Routley, Doug (BC NDP)...........................................

Nanaimo–North Cowichan Russell, Roly (BC NDP).................................................... Boundary-Similkameen Rustad, John (BC Liberal Party)......................................................Nechako Lakes Sandhu, Harwinder (BC NDP) .................................................Vernon-Monashee Sharma, Niki (BC NDP)..........................................................Vancouver-Hastings Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal Party) .................................................... Kootenay East Simons, Hon. Nicholas (BC NDP).........................

Powell River–Sunshine Coast Sims, Jinny (BC NDP) ................................................................. Surrey-Panorama Singh, Aman (BC NDP) .............................................Richmond-Queensborough Singh, Rachna (BC NDP)...................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Starchuk, Mike (BC NDP) ......................................................... Surrey-Cloverdale Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal Party) .......................................................

Kelowna West Stone, Todd (BC Liberal Party) ...............................Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal Party) ............................. West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal Party)....................................................... Fraser-Nicola Walker, Adam (BC NDP) ....................................................... Parksville-Qualicum Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal Party) ....................................... Richmond North Centre Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer (BC NDP) .........................................

New Westminster Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal Party)......................Vancouver-Quilchena Y ao, Henry (BC NDP) ..................................................... Richmond South Centre LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission................................................................................. Pam Alexis Abbotsford South...............................................................................Bruce Banman Abbotsford West......................................................................

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

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin ..........................................................................Lorne Doerkson Cariboo North.................................................................................... Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ...............................................................................................Dan Coulter Chilliwack-Kent .................................................................................... Kelli Paddon Columbia River–Revelstoke .........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...............................................................Fin Donnelly Coquitlam-Maillardville ...................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox................................................................... Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley ............................................................................. Sonia Furstenau Delta North................................................................................... Hon.

Ravi Kahlon Delta South ..................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin .................................................................... Hon. Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola .........................................................................................

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

Renee Merrifield Kelowna West ..........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.......................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West........................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca .............................................................. Hon.

John Horgan Langley .............................................................................................Andrew Mercier Langley East....................................................................................Megan Dykeman Maple Ridge–Mission.............................................................................. Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows............................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim............................................................ Hon.

Josie Osborne Nanaimo.............................................................................Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Nanaimo–North Cowichan............................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes........................................................................................ John Rustad Nelson-Creston ............................................................................. Brittny Anderson New Westminster.............................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside North Coast ........................................................................................... Jennifer Rice North Island................................................................................... Michele Babchuk North Vancouver–Lonsdale......................................................... Hon. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour...................................................................Susie Chant Oak Bay–Gordon Head..................................................Hon.

Murray Rankin, QC Parksville-Qualicum........................................................................... Adam Walker Peace River North ................................................................................... Dan Davies Peace River South ................................................................................ Mike Bernier Penticton ................................................................................................. Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam...................................................................... Hon.

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

Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre..........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough..................................................................Aman Singh Richmond South Centre .......................................................................... Henry Y ao Richmond-Steveston ............................................................................

Kelly Greene Saanich North and the Islands .............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South .............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap...................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena........................................................................................................... Ellis Ross Stikine........................................................................................ Hon.

Nathan Cullen Surrey-Cloverdale .............................................................................. Mike Starchuk Surrey-Fleetwood.....................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers........................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford......................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton ..............................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ...................................................................................... Jinny Sims Surrey South ................................................................................ Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley ................................................................. Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Surrey–White Rock .......................................................................... Trevor Halford Vancouver-Fairview.............................................................. Hon.

George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek...................................................................... Brenda Bailey Vancouver-Fraserview...............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings ..............................................................................Niki Sharma Vancouver-Kensington....................................................................... Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..................................................................... Hon.

Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara................................................................................ Michael Lee Vancouver–Mount Pleasant..................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey ............................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Vancouver-Quilchena........................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Vancouver–West End .....................................................Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee .....................................................................

Harwinder Sandhu Victoria–Beacon Hill............................................................................... Grace Lore Victoria–Swan Lake.................................................................... Hon. Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano...........................................................Karin Kirkpatrick West Vancouver–Sea to Sky................................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC NDP 57; BC Liberal Party 28; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 4075 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 4077 Bill 29 —

Interpretation Amendment Act, 2021 Bill 18 — Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. D. Eby Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 4077 Ground search and rescue volunteers J. Rice Mike Grisdale and community support for woodworking shed S. Bond Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives youth program H. Y ao Adoption awareness K. Kirkpatrick Punjabi literature and language R. Singh Community response to flooding in Abbotsford B.

Banman Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 4080 Service model change for children with support needs and funding for autism services S. Bond Hon. M. Dean K. Kirkpatrick Service model change for children with support needs and independent distributed learning K. Kirkpatrick Hon. J. Whiteside Severe weather events and protection of critical infrastructure and supplies S. Furstenau Hon. R. Fleming Hon. L.

Popham Emergency alert system and government response to severe weather events J. Tegart Hon. M. Farnworth B. Banman Tabling Documents................................................................................................................................................................. 4085 Islands Trust, annual report, 2020-21 Standing Order 35 ................................................................................................................................................................... 4085 Request to debate a matter of urgent public importance — response to severe weather events P .

Milobar Hon. M. Farnworth S. Furstenau Motions Without Notice......................................................................................................................................................... 4086 Committee of the Whole to sit in two sections Hon. M. Farnworth Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 4087 Bill 28 — Forest Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. K. Conroy J.

Rustad Standing Order 35 ................................................................................................................................................................... 4093 Request to debate a matter of urgent public importance — response to severe weather events(continued)

Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 4093 Bill 28 — Forest Amendment Act, 2021(continued) J. Rustad A. Olsen Hon. B. Ma B. Stewart G. Kyllo M. Morris D. Davies Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Committee of the Whole House............................................................................................................................................ 4118 Bill 20 — Access to Services (COVID-19) Act Hon. D. Eby S. Furstenau M. de Jong A. Olsen

WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 17, 2021 The House met at 1:34 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers and reflections: P . Alexis. [1:35 p.m.] Introductions by Members M. Dykeman:It’s an honour to rise in the House today. I have two introductions. The first one is that I am just thrilled to have two people joining me from my riding. Theo Warkentin and Roslyn Ritchie are over for some meetings with me today, and I’m so grateful that they made the trek over. I was wondering if the House could please help me make them feel very wel- come. My second introduction.

I know that there is a group of LAs in the gallery. I wanted to introduce my LA, Trudy Maygard, who keeps me organized and puts up with me constantly being lost or having to tell me where to go. As we talked about our CAs recently in the House, we can’t do our job without the wonderful, qualified people that help us shine every day. I wanted to thank Trudy Maygard, and I was wondering if the House could please help me make them feel very welcome. S. Bond: I would like to welcome some very special guests to the gallery today.

They are concerned with the recent announcement regarding funding for autism sup- ports and services. It’s a real pleasure to have them here to watch question period today. I hope the House will make welcome Kaye Banez, who is the president of AutismBC, Vince Banez, Estella Banez and Lazarus Banez. Estella, while she might be young in years, is an incredibly powerful advocate. I would encour- age everyone in this House to listen to her podcast. I’m told that she’s gathering in all these experiences, and I’m sure that will be a very interesting podcast that she pro- duces.

Please help me make the Banez family welcome. Hon. D. Eby: Today we’re joined on the precinct by Emily Ohler, chair of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, and Elena Pennell, a policy analyst from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. I also want to recognize some guests who intended to be here but weren’t able to join us because of the disaster cur- rently unfolding in the province: Kasari Govender, Human Rights Commissioner; Chief Don Tom, Tsartlip First Nation and vice-president of UBCIC; Kúkpi7 Judy Wilson from Neskonlith First Nation, an executive member of the Union of B.C.

Indian Chiefs; and Mary Ellen Turpel- Lafond, director of UBC’s Indian Residential School His- tory and Dialogue Centre. I thank those individuals for making an effort to come. Please join me in welcoming Emily and Elena to the House. A. Mercier:I’ d just like to introduce three spry young men who I think are no strangers to many in this House: Bruce Ferguson, Manuel Alvernaz and Merrick Walsh from the Labourers International Union of North Amer- ica, LiUNA.

Their youthful appearance may fool you, but they have spent decades building the critical infrastructure necessary to keep this province moving, maintaining and repairing it and supporting the workers who do so. Could we please give Manuel, Merrick and Bruce a big hand. I. Paton:It’s my pleasure today to introduce one of the greatest door knockers in the history of Ladner, B.C. Y oung Rachel Loif is here today from Ladner with her friend Craig, from Ottawa. It’s their first time here visiting the Legislature here in Victoria. Rachel has been a great success story, helping me out in my riding.

She has recently graduated from UBC and just wrote her first LSAT exam the other day. We wish her all the luck moving forward. Thanks for coming, and we wish them well. Hon. N. Cullen:I have two very special guests joining us here today. Colleagues, as we’ve often said in this place, it’s our privilege to take our seats here, but we owe that to many other people in our lives. [1:40 p.m.] To these two people in particular, I owe an obvious and greater debt. They are my parents, Marguerite and John, who are here today in the gallery.

Literally, without them I couldn’t be here, not just by birth but also their undying support and love in this strange path that I have chosen — not simply for me but for my family. I am truly grateful for their support and often very clear instruction as to what I should and should not do. Would colleagues please join me in making them feel welcome. K. Kirkpatrick:It’s an honour to introduce two amaz- ing women who I’ve recently become acquainted with. Julia Boyle is the executive director of AutismBC, and Amanda Flentjar is the regional coordinator, Vancouver Island, for AutismBC.

They both work tirelessly on behalf of their own children and many other children across Brit- ish Columbia. I’ d like to thank them for joining us today. Hon. S. Robinson:I have two guests joining us today in the gallery. Along with the member for Coquitlam–Burke Moun- tain and the Solicitor General, I’m very excited to intro- 4075

duce Chief Ed Hall of thekʷikʷəƛ̓ əm Nation, on whose ter- ritory I’ve had the privilege of raising my family. Chief Hall has been a tremendous advocate for his people, working collaboratively with government to deliver on housing for his seniors and working to make sure thatsəmiq̓ wəʔelə, the lands known as Riverview, deliver mental health services, recognizing the history of the territory, the history of the land as we continue to do work there. The chief is joined by Gail Sidhu, his partner, who sup- ports his work and who has had a significant career as a sergeant with the RCMP .

Chief Hall has been an amazing student ofhən̓ q̓ əmin̓ em, the language of the Stó:lō, over the past number of years. Every time I see him, he has enriched his language skills in an incredible way. I want to finish off my greeting and my welcome withéy swáyel. ey kwels kw’ etslome, el siyá:ye. Good day. It’s good to see you, my friend. Will the chamber please help me in acknowledging and welcoming these guests. Mr. Speaker:Member for Kootenay East. West. East. No, north. Peace River North. D. Davies:As much as I do love the Kootenays, Peace River North is Peace River North.

This is part of the new boundary commission stuff going on here. Just to add to some of my colleagues that have intro- duced some folks up in the gallery today who are here, concerned about the recent announcement around autism. Please, would the House join me in welcoming Brock Sheppard. He is the program manager for AutismBC. I want to thank him and the others for coming down today to listen to the proceedings this afternoon. A. Olsen:Today I’m honoured to stand and introduce members from the first Saltspring Island Pathfinders, which is part of the Girl Guides of Canada.

I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to join them this afternoon. There was a bit of a timing issue. Today I’ d like to introduce the adult guiders — Mary Rowles, Jane Lizotte and Michelle Bennett-Peters — and, as well, the seven Pathfinder girl scouts: Mya Purvis, Grace Chamberlin, Megan Lizotte, Shelvy Bennett-Peters, Eliza- beth Lee, Blossom MacAllister and Abby McColl. I look forward to connecting with you at some point in the near future so that you can get all the badges and patches that you need. I’m sorry that we missed you today. Will the House make them feel very welcome here. Hon. M.

Dean: Today it’s a pleasure for me to rise to introduce Mr. Colin Sparks. He’s a 16-year-old student from Royal Bay who lives in the neighbourhood in Met- chosin. He’s a bright young man from my community. He’s very interested in politics, so he’s observing today. He was brought here by his father, Dale. [1:45 p.m.] Also in the gallery today…. My amazing constituency assistant is here, Nubwa Wathanafa. Jared Butcher, my other amazing constituency assistant, isn’t here with her, but I recognize the work they both do, which is abso- lutely tremendous.

Also in the gallery are two of my assistants from here in the ministry office, Nicole Hansen and Kaitlin Mor- ton, without whom I couldn’t get here and do all of my meetings on time and on schedule. I really appreciate all of their support. Also from AutismBC, I do appreciate that today, as many members have already mentioned, we have Kaye Banez, Julia Boyle, Brock Sheppard, Selina Lim, Amanda Flentjar and Terri Hopkinson. I had a very productive meeting with them just before lunch. They’re passionate advocates, and I really appreciate the conversation that we had. H.

Y ao:First of all, I want to take a moment to welcome one of our Richmond elected officials. He has been a champion in doing a lot of cross-cultural communications from Mandarin, Cantonese and English. Every time when there’s a provincial policy coming out, a federal policy coming out or even a municipal policy coming out, you can always see social media with his face attached to a lot of really great messages to educate our constituents about the importance of our government’s policies and what we’re doing to better the life of Rich- mond residents. Please join me in welcoming Coun. Chak Au and his guests. T.

Stone:It does give me a great deal of pleasure, as well, to welcome all of the folks that are here holding meet- ings with the government and the opposition to express their concerns with recent funding announcements related to autism supports. Specifically, I’ d like to mention Selina Lim, who is the marketing manager with AutismBC, as well as Terri Hopkinson, who is the marketing assistant with AutismBC. Thank you so much for making the effort to come to Victoria and to fight for your children. It was great to meet with you earlier today. I would ask the House to please make them feel wel- come. J.

Tegart:I also have some special guests in the gallery today. There is no greater advocate for children than par- ents. We know that in the education system, and we also know that in the autism world. Today I’ d like to have you welcome Vanessa Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Lysander Taylor and Elisse Taylor. 4076 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Welcome. I know you’ll listen with a great deal of interest to the questions and answers today. L. Doerkson: I’ d like the House to help me with a birthday greeting today. I want to send a greeting home to 100 Mile House to a longtime member of this House, a past MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin. She still watches the happenings of this place almost daily and has much opinion about it. Happy birthday to Donna Barnett. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 29 —

INTERPRETATION AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled

Interpretation Amendment Act, 2021. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to introduce the

Interpretation Amendment Act, 2021. This proposed amendment to the

Interpretation Act affirms the province’s commitment to uphold and not abrogate or derogate from Aboriginal and treaty constitutional rights. It also underscores the import- ance of consistency with the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples when there are questions about the

interpretation of provincial acts and regulations. [1:50 p.m.] This legislation originated through feedback we received in the development of the draft action plan, and it evolved through a deeply collaborative co-development process with Indigenous representative organizations, including the First Nations Leadership Council. I’ d like to thank them for their innovation and support in prioritiz- ing this important work.

This legislation is another example of our government’s willingness to break new ground and take action to advance our shared commitment to respect, promote and advance the rights of Indigenous peoples. I’m proud that B.C. continues to be a leader in Canada in advancing reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples. Mr. Speaker:Members, it’s the first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 29,

Interpretation Amendment Act, 2021, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. BILL 18 — HUMAN RIGHTS CODE AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2021. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to introduce Bill 18, the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2021. Indigenous people face disturbingly high levels of discrimination and racism in our province.

Despite this, in a recent report put out by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, Indigenous com- plainants continue to be underrepresented among those seeking the tribunal’s assistance. Bill 18 seeks to enhance and clarify existing protections for Indigenous people under the code. Currently the B.C. human rights code implicitly protects individuals based on the prohibitions against discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin and religion.

These amendments will add a protected ground of Indigenous identity to explicitly recognize the human rights code’s protections against discrimination and racism for Indigen- ous people. In addition, Bill 18 will add a definition of Indigenous which was co-developed with Indigenous people and provides clarity that Indigenous means the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada. Mr. Speaker:Members, you heard the question. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 18, Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2021, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS J. Rice:When someone in British Columbia goes miss- ing, they can rest assured that people are out looking for them. In North Coast, Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue is one of the many SAR groups responding to the Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4077

call. These courageous individuals volunteer their time and effort to locate missing persons. Prince Rupert GSAR recently purchased a new mobile command centre to allow the search crew to respond more quickly and efficiently to calls. It features a cell signal and hand radio booster antenna as well as signal booster repeaters, which allow SAR teams to communicate across greater distances. Inside they have a complete operational centre with space for the operations, planning and logistic departments and the search manager.

It’s self-sufficient for at least three days with food, water, a backup generator and a battery bank. With recent extreme weather events, we know more than ever the importance of search and rescue work. In the Fraser Valley, Vancouver’s Urban Search and Rescue team was deployed to help rescue over 270 people trapped between two mudslides. In Chilliwack, search and rescue helped save several people Sunday night after their home on Wilson Road was badly damaged by flooding. Numer- ous GSAR groups are engaged across the province as we deal with this emergency.

These British Columbians give their time and expertise without hesitation, often on a moment’s notice, risking themselves in some of the most dangerous situations, in a rugged environment, making sure someone in trouble stays alive. B.C. ’s ground search and rescue volunteers battle the worst weather conditions and navigate the most dangerous terrain to find and rescue the lost and injured. I want to take this opportunity to thank the 80 search and rescue groups and approximately 2,500 GSAR volun- teers we have in this province. Y our work is invaluable to all British Columbians.

I also want to give a shout-out to my local Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue, who have recently been deployed on a multi-day mission and put their new com- mand centre to the test. Thank you for your service. [1:55 p.m.] MIKE GRISDALE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR WOODWORKING SHED S. Bond:I rise to share a story about a community com- ing together to support someone after a significant loss. This is the story of Mike Grisdale. He’s a custodian who has worked hard and given a lot to our community. He’s been supporting his wife through a serious disease and praying for her to receive a liver transplant.

To help him support his wife and relieve some of the stress of work, Mike spent time in his shed, focusing on wood- working projects. Unfortunately, in September, tragedy struck when Mike’s shed caught fire and burned to the ground. This was absolutely devastating to Mike and his wife. But Prince George had Mike’s back. After his story was shared on social media, people throughout our community heard about what happened and pitched in to help. David Mothus and Caleb Wilson stepped up and partnered with Primus Electric to ensure that Mike got a new shed.

Whether it was people making small donations or actu- ally getting a crane to place the replacement shed, Prince George was there to support Mike. Y ou should have seen how this impacted Mike and his wife — the outpouring of love and generosity. Seeing a brand-new shed with brand- new tools, courtesy of his friends, neighbours and even complete strangers meant the world to him. Sticking up for those facing hard times in our com- munity means the world to us in Prince George.

As people across the province are facing grief and loss, whether from the past year and a half of the pandemic, the heat dome earlier this summer or the terrible flooding and landslides this week, it’s so important to remember how British Col- umbians come together to help one another. Whether it’s a major natural disaster or a man’s shed lost in a fire, British Columbians have each others’ backs. I am so proud of how we support our neighbours in this province, and the story of Mike represents just how we do that. Thank you, Prince George. RICHMOND CARES, RICHMOND GIVES YOUTH PROGRAM H.

Y ao:Board directors of non-profits and charities are expected to exercise exceptional versatility and resourcefulness while leading organizations that they represent to fundraise, volunteer recruitment and coordination, event promotion and ticket sales, com- munity celebration attendance and network with local leaders, hosting public engagement and advocating for great causes, budget evaluation, addressing operational challenges and much, much more.

It takes someone with an extraordinary passion, exem- plary attention to detail, an admirable level of resourceful- ness and unwavering dedication to serve on the board of a non-profit or charity. Most of all, it takes unique experi- ence and knowledge to serve the position well. That’s why I want to take a moment to say how proud I am of Lead- ership Now — Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives’ Y outh Now program. On October 22, 2021, RCRG Y outh Now celebrated their 17th anniversary. Up to that point, they had over 100 young adults graduated from the program.

Led by Sydney Kuo, the program provides a rare opportunity for young adults to serve on the board of a local non-profit or char- ity. While they serve, they’ll be mentored by an experi- enced director, a partnership where organizations in Rich- mond come together to call on the young adults of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. RCRG Y outh Now is a remarkable program where pas- sionate young visionaries will access the means and receive the guidance needed to better the community. I want to 4078 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

take a moment to express my gratitude to various organ- izations, community leaders and young adults who volun- teer to serve a community in such a worthy capacity. First, I want to thank Richmond Women’s Resource Centre, Richmond Addiction Services Society and Rich- mond Sharing Farm. I also want to thank Tammi Belfer, Li Qing Wang, Cyrene Beavis and Sheilagh Pace for taking the time out of your busy

schedule to mentor young leaders in our com- munity. Most of all, I want to thank the young leaders — Casey Skuce, Sadaf Sediqi and Brandon Kato — for sharing your time, energy, vision and dedication to help us all make Richmond a better place. ADOPTION AW ARENESS K. Kirkpatrick:Chongqing is a city of nine million people situated in south central China two hours west of Shanghai. At 7:30 a.m. on November 4, 2003, 36 prospect- ive adoptive parents from British Columbia, including me, friends, companions, boarded the bus from Chongqing for the two-hour trip to the Fuling orphanage.

Shivery anti- cipation prevailed, in spite of the 31 degree temperature. [2:00 p.m.] The chaos of Chongqing gradually gave way to rice pad- dies and rural agriculture. Crossing the Y angtze, we arrived at Fuling at nine o’ clock in the morning. A crowd of local residents quickly gathered as we stepped down from the bus and descended a very narrow road up to the orphanage. The rest, for me, is a bit of a haze until I was handed a beautiful, screaming baby. She looked up at me, stopped crying and immediately fell asleep, much to the envy of all the other new parents. November is Adoption Awareness Month.

Families take many different forms. There are people in this House, like myself, who have built their family or joined their family through adoption. Now, that’s part of my story. I want to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the many children in care in this province waiting for adoption. Without adoption, many of these young people will remain in care for the rest of their childhood. There are approximately 750 children in care ready to be, and deserving to be, part of a loving and supportive family. Adoptive families are incredibly diverse, just like the rest of us.

Most children in care waiting for adoption are between four and 18 years old. Forty percent are part of sibling groups, and 59 percent are Indigenous, needing culturally appropriate homes. Some of these beautiful chil- dren have additional needs brought about by early abuse or neglect. I would ask British Columbians to consider the adop- tion of a child or sibling group from care. It’s a huge com- mitment with a huge return. Open your hearts and reach out to the Adoptive Famil- ies Association of B.C. to learn more about this wonderful, life-changing journey. PUNJABI LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE R.

Singh: Today I rise to highlight Punjabi Literature Week in British Columbia. Punjabi has been spoken in British Columbia for over 120 years, and Punjabi language and literature are embed- ded in the rich cultural and literary traditions of Punjab in both India and Pakistan. Being a Punjabi myself, I feel proud of the efforts of our community Elders who have been fighting for years to keep our mother language alive in this part of the world. This week allows families like mine, and those across British Columbia, to stay connected to our roots and pass it on to our children.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend an event by Dhahan Punjabi literary awards to honour three amazing Punjabi writers from India and Pakistan: Nain Sukh, Balbir Madhopuri and Sarghi Jammu. The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature celebrates the rich culture and transnational heritage of Punjabi literature and language. The prize aims to promote the growth of the Punjabi lan- guage globally as well as to encourage new, emerging and established writers working in the two Punjabi scripts, Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.

Being Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism, it warms my heart to see Dhahan Punjabi literary awards work on cross-cultural and reconciliation initiatives. They are honouring authors who have written on racism, social justice and residential school survivors. It’s an organiz- ation committed to building bridges with First Nations, who are the original stewards of this land. I would like to encourage all Punjabi-speaking British Columbians to use this week as an opportunity to share Punjabi literature with one another and foster connection and communication through storytelling.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO FLOODING IN ABBOTSFORD B. Banman: I rise in the House today to deliver this statement not only as an MLA but as someone who has called the Fraser Valley home for my entire life, as do my children and grandchildren, and as did my parents, grand- parents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents.

I am truly at a loss for words to describe the pain and grief I feel today and share with thousands of other people across the Sumas Prairie and British Columbia as we wit- ness the utter devastation of our roads, our homes, our livestock, our livelihoods and the lives we’ve built in Abbotsford and British Columbia. [2:05 p.m.] We have not seen destruction, loss and heartache like this in our community since the flood of 1948, a flood my Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4079

ancestors lived through themselves. But just like in 1948, Abbotsford and British Columbia will rise from this crisis stronger than ever before. Today, in one of our darkest hours, I want to reflect the grit, the determination, the bravery and the unpreceden- ted spirit of community so many of our local heroes have shown and continue to show in this time of need. They are not limited to the incredible local leaders, emergency responders, search and rescue services and Canadian Forces, whose actions are saving countless lives. They are our neighbours, our friends, our fellow Abbots- ford residents, and strangers.

They are people going door to door to check on neigh- bours to ensure that they’re okay. They are people who are grabbing boats, jet skis, even renting private helicopters to help their neighbours, friends and family move livestock, gather essentials or get each other to safety. They are volunteers at our gurdwaras, our churches, preparing thousands of meals for people in their time of need. They are the people across our province opening their doors to displaced families, offering clothing and shelter to those who have none.

They are the individuals who are working through the night, sandbagging our roads, our pump station and our shelters to protect what we cannot afford to lose. There are, literally, too many acts of heroism for me to recognize and too many people to thank in these short two minutes. It is the countless actions of these men and women that give me and everyone in our community hope, that show the world that we will overcome these challenges and come back stronger and that remind me why I am so proud to call this amazing community and province home.

Oral Questions SERVICE MODEL CHANGE FOR CHILDREN WITH SUPPORT NEEDS AND FUNDING FOR AUTISM SERVICES S. Bond: Today in the gallery, there are a number of families who have children with autism. They wanted to come to Victoria today to ensure that every single MLA in this chamber understands how concerned they are about the recently announced changes that may impact the sup- port that they have worked so tirelessly to put in place for their children. They represent thousands of parents across this province. They’re here to ensure that every MLA, and the minister, hears their story.

Vanessa Taylor and her husband, Ryan, and their chil- dren are here today. This is what Vanessa wants the min- ister to know: “I have been listening intently to the min- ister committing to provide the proverbial magic bullet while at the same time pointedly singling out every single autistic child, including my own two.

The minister would be mistaken to think that I am not offended to hear her repeatedly use false justifications to take my individualized funding away. ” Today will the minister listen to Vanessa, to her family, to other parents that are in the gallery and across British Columbia, do the right thing and reverse her decision? Hon. M. Dean:Nothing is more important than mak- ing sure that vulnerable children and youth across the province of British Columbia receive the services that they need. They need to receive those services as early as possible.

They need to receive them in a way that meets their needs and is matched to their needs so that their needs are met and they’re able to thrive and they’re able to be launched into a wonderful pathway to fulfil their potential. As we move into the implementation of the new frame- work, families with children with autism will continue to receive services. They will continue to receive services under the new framework.

In addition, families with chil- dren who currently don’t receive services but do have needs will also be able to receive services. [2:10 p.m.] Families with children where there is a concern that they might have autism, and they’re waiting for a diagnosis for autism, which can take up to a couple of years…. Those children and youth will also receive services, irrespective of that diagnosis but based on their needs.

By providing those services based on the unique needs of those children and youth, we are going to help them thrive, we’re going to help them meet their goals, and we’re going to build success for their future. Mr. Speaker:Leader of the Official Opposition, supple- mental. S. Bond: For weeks now, we’ve been asking the min- ister the same questions, and we hear the same answer. We’ve been very clear in our questions that this is not about only autistic children in British Columbia; it’s about children and families who are supporting children who have special needs.

This minister continues to say that we need to meet and match their needs. What we are saying and, more import- antly, what parents are saying today to this minister is that they know how to do that best. They have spent countless years, in many cases, providing supports that are neces- sary, and they are working. Not the families nor the opposition have ever said that it is either-or for families in British Columbia. There is a system that is working, and this minister and government should be building on that system to close the gaps and better serve all families who have those needs.

That’s the message that’s been delivered day after day to this minister. This week 24 diverse organizations from across the dis- ability sector, 24 organizations — and it continues to grow 4080 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

— met to discuss the NDP’s clawback of funding. This is what they have to say. “Our organizations, representing over 30,000 families in British Columbia, unanimously confirm that we were not consulted on these changes. We continue to point out dangerous flaws in the minister’s plans, but she continues to disregard our experience and our expertise. ” Not my words. Not the words of the oppos- ition. The words of a coalition representing 30,000 families in British Columbia. Families and representatives are here in the gallery today. Their ask is reasonable. Their ask is appropriate.

What they want this minister to do is to press the pause button and engage in meaningful consultation with thou- sands of families who have not had the opportunity to say a single thing about changes that will impact their chil- dren. To the minister, again, will she do the right thing? Will she press the pause button and engage in meaningful con- sultation so that any changes that may need to take place are done in consultation, collaboration and partnership with parents? Hon. M.

Dean:It is very important to make sure that we’re working in partnership with parents and in collabor- ation with agencies, service providers, experts and advoc- ates from the sector. We value the experience and the feed- back that we’re receiving. This process started back in 2019, where we did a large process of consultation with over 1,500 individuals. That included families and agencies and service providers.

We were also listening to the Representative for Children and Y outh, who has written numerous reports recommending to the ministry that we move towards a needs-based sys- tem and pointing out the problems with the current sys- tem. We’ve heard from many, many families that their chil- dren are left behind and that services are locked behind a diagnosis, and it can take up to two years to receive a dia- gnosis.

If your child is two or three when you notice that you may have a concern about their development, that’s a long time in that child’s life where they’re potentially missing milestones and important stages of their development. We are now at this point in the journey, working through this process up to 2025.

We are now establishing sessions where families, where service providers, where experts from the sector can have really detailed discussion with ministry staff and share feedback, share concerns and share discussions about solutions. [2:15 p.m.] We want to build a successful system that serves the needs of all children and youth. I’ve been continuing to listen to a range of organizations and agencies across the province who have an interest and who have expertise in this area. I am committed to continuing to do that in the interests of making sure this is successful. K.

Kirkpatrick:The minister says it’s very important to be working with the families, but we’ve heard over and over and over again that those families haven’t been con- sulted or had discussions. We already have heard that the 1,500 parents consulted and the Representative for Chil- dren and Y outh never discussed the hub model that’s being proposed in the new CYSN framework. The families here today want the minister to meaning- fully consult with children and youth that will lose their funding because of this clawback. Nathan Lee is 16 years old.

He writes: “If I were to lose my funding at this stage, as some kids will under the new system, I would struggle even more in the areas I’ve worked so hard on improving. ” Madison Ross is 12 years old, and her MLA is the mem- ber for Burnaby-Lougheed. She says: “Please don’t take away my funding. ” Will the minister listen to the voices of these youth who are calling on her to end the clawback, go back and change and reverse the decision? Hon. M. Dean:Y es, we will be listening to children and youth as well as their families.

It is absolutely important that we wrap a circle of care around children and youth that is based on their needs. They need the right services at the right times, and as they grow and develop and evolve, those services need to change in consultation and in part- nership with them as well. What we will be doing as we move through the trans- ition is…. We’ll be working with families. We’ll be working with children and youth. We’ll be working with their care providers and their package of care.

If they’re fortunate to have been able to create a system of care around their needs, then we’ll be working with each individual family, because each child and youth is unique. They have their own needs, and we need to build that package of care and support around them. But we do need to be needs-based.

Even the all-party Select Standing Committee on Chil- dren and Y outh, when it conducted a special project on children and youth with neurodiverse special needs in 2019, recommended that government ensure services and supports in the early years are based on need and func- tional ability and provided prior to diagnosis. The com- mittee recognized that neurodiversity, regardless of a dia- gnosis, exists on a spectrum, and as such, each neurodi- verse child is unique and requires their own intervention plan which best supports the child and their individual needs.

That’s exactly what our service framework will be deliv- ering. Mr. Speaker:Member for West Vancouver–Capilano, supplemental. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4081

SERVICE MODEL CHANGE FOR CHILDREN WITH SUPPORT NEEDS AND INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTED LEARNING K. Kirkpatrick:It’s unfortunate that the minister can- not see the faces of the families that are sitting in the gal- lery today as she speaks. The minister talks about a circle of care and the importance of a circle of care. Well, these children already have a circle of care. Kaye Banez is here today with her husband, Vince. She says: “Our children Lazarus and Estella and over 15,000 children are currently enrolled in IDL schools.

We are extremely troubled and distressed about the changes that threaten to take our children away from the only inclusive education environment that works for them. Please do not take away the schools that are shaping our children’s char- acter, values, culture, potential and their love of learning. ” On October 21, the Education Minister told AutismBC she was considering a one-year delay. Will the minister publicly commit today that she will pause her changes and meaningfully consult with parents? Hon. J. Whiteside:Thank you very much to the mem- ber for the question.

I know that we all share, in this House, a commitment to ensuring that all children in British Columbia have access to a quality online program, if that is what parents choose and if that’s what students choose. That, indeed, is the objective of the changes that we are contemplating to our online programming — that is, to ensure that as that program has developed over the years, we ensure we have common standards, common quality and equal access across the entire province for all of Brit- ish Columbia’s students. [2:20 p.m.] We have been, for many years now, reviewing our online programming.

We’ve been engaged in discussions with families, with organizations who advocate for students who are enrolled in these programs. We are certainly look- ing at a transition period that ensures that all of the needs of families and children involved in this program are prop- erly supported so that if, indeed, there are transitions that need to be made, those are properly supported. That will take place over the next two to three years.

I think, as the members know from earlier briefings that we have had with members, the changes contemplated for the independent programs have been extended out so that we can ensure that we’re providing those supports for those transitions. SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS AND PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPLIES S. Furstenau:The rain has subsided, but the impacts of the climate disaster in our province continue. The Coquihalla has been washed away in multiple sections. Highway 7, Highway 1, Highway 99 and Highway 3 have all been impacted. The Malahat remains impacted.

They’ve either been flooded, buried in slides or washed away. People are working around the clock to get the high- ways and roads cleared, to save people who are trapped and to stop the water from rising catastrophically in the Fraser Valley. To the emergency workers, highway main- tenance crews, municipal workers and Good Samarit- ans, we say thank you. I’ve been readingThe Future of Atmospheric Rivers and Actions to Reduce Impacts on British Columbians, a project delivered in partnership with the B.C.

Ministry of Envir- onment, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium in 2014. It identifies that atmospheric rivers will be more frequent and more extreme, particularly in coastal British Columbia, and that the following impacts were identified as greatest concern: mortality, isolation of communities and loss of critical infrastructure. Three of the recommendations from the report are about infrastructure: to develop maps of critical infra- structure, assess the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and relocate critical infrastructure where needed.

My question is to the Minister of Transportation. What work has his ministry done in the past two years to assess the state of critical infrastructure in B.C. and to pinpoint the potential fault lines of our highways and roads? Hon. R. Fleming: Thank you to the member for the question. If I could pick up where she began, praising the efforts of British Columbians who have opened their doors and opened their hearts to one another, seeing each other in very difficult circumstances, flooded out of their com- munities and put on a herculean effort to make people wel- come and to shelter in place.

Our thanks go to every British Columbian who has been part of that effort. There are thousands of volunteers that are engaged right now in doing that. There are men and women who have worked in heavy rescue teams, who are working on road maintenance contractor crews that are working to restore rail and highway connectivity. It’s our job as the government to coordinate every resource possible — emergency response, coordination with the federal government, working with engineers, with contractors and others — to restore connectivity.

Right now, as the member knows, the Lower Mainland and the Interior and the North of the province are severed through our highway systems. I am pleased to have been able to provide an update to the province — along with the Premier, the Solicitor Gen- eral and the Minister of Agriculture — earlier, some news that does give a timeline, which everybody is eager to have, about when that connectivity might be restored. We are looking…. Hopefully, we’ll have an update for the member 4082 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

and all members in the House later today on Highway 7 finally getting a connection from Agassiz to Hope. Highway 3. The work is in earnest to have an interior route that will connect the Lower Mainland of British Col- umbia. Highway 99. Work is progressing, and we will have an update by the end of today on what the projected opening date is on that highway. Of course, as she mentioned, the Highway 1 Malahat is functioning.

It’s supported now by additional ferry service that is going from Swartz Bay to Duke Point to make sure that essential goods, services and travel can happen and that the south Island is connected to the mid- and north Island. [2:25 p.m.] The issue around resiliency of infrastructure is one that our government has worked on for the past four years, since forming government. We’ve worked with her and her caucus in the previous mandate to increase the budget and resources for strengthened road networks, to shift towards sustainable transportation topics. It’s a $7.6 billion infrastructure budget today.

As I’ve said to the member earlier, we will spare no expense and dedicate every resource possible to rebuild and recover the infrastructure that British Columbians built. They are eager to work with our government to rebuild the B.C. that they built in the first place. Mr. Speaker:Leader of the Third Party, supplemental. S. Furstenau:I thank the minister for his response. It was about 90 percent about the reactive response, and what I was asking about was proactive work that has been done in response to multiple reports that we have had over decades about the impacts of climate change.

The Port of Vancouver has been cut off from the rest of the province. We’re already seeing the impacts of food shortages, panic-buying in grocery stores, gas shortages. Videos and photos from last night show the desperation and concern of British Columbians in being able to feed their families. There’s a line of people wrapped around a Fraser Valley Walmart three times over. Shelves in Prince Rupert, Kamloops and even Victoria are empty. And gurd- waras in Surrey have rented helicopters to fly food to those stranded in Hope. Sumas Prairie is flooded near catastrophic levels, according to the local government.

The Fraser Valley pro- duces 50 percent of this province’s dairy, eggs and chicken, and tragically, many livestock will not have survived. This is devastating for farmers and for this province, and people need to hear from this government what concrete steps are being taken to ensure that there will be food available in the weeks and months ahead. My question is to the Minister of Agriculture. What are the contingencies for our supply chains of food across B.C., and how has the ministry prepared for events like this? Hon. L. Popham:Thank you for this very, very import- ant question.

This is a devastating time for farmers in B.C., especially those in the Fraser Valley. We have spent days communic- ating with hundreds of stakeholders around the situation. I can tell the member that as we reach people — this is still playing out — they’re glad to hear from us. They know we have their back. But when we ask them what we can do in the immediacy, they’re lost for an idea, because it’s still happening. As things change, especially over the last 12 hours, we’ve seen some areas dry out.

But there are some areas that are under threat, and the areas that are under threat include thousands of poultry in barns, more dairy cows, all differ- ent types of animals that are trapped in barns. They are injured. They are getting sick because they’ve been in cold waters. And we see the desperation of farmers trying to save their livestock, trying to move them from one barn to another. The efforts are heroic, and I can’t even express how thankful I am that we have such a resilient agriculture community.

To the member’s question of what are we doing to make sure that we have a resilient food supply, my ministry…. Interjections. Hon. L. Popham: The members across the way are thinking I’m taking too long to talk about a disaster that’s unfolding in the province of British Columbia. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, let’s listen to…. Continue, Minister. Hon. L. Popham:Thank you. The members might be interested to know the stories of the farmers. It’s playing out right now. Right now. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Order. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Order. Conclude, please. Hon. L. Popham:Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. My ministry works every day on the issue of resiliency and sustainability when it comes to our agriculture food system in B.C. I can tell the member that there is a lot of enthusiastic shopping that’s going on. We wish that people Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4083

would be measured in their purchases. It’s not necessarily about the fact that we’re going to run out of food. We are re-jigging ways to distribute it right now. We’re working with suppliers, and we will be able to do that. [2:30 p.m.] We won’t run out of food as a province. This province is a strong supporter of supply management, and we know that because of our national producers, where we are not able to produce, other provinces will help us out until we get back on our feet. EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS J.

Tegart:Since 2019, emergency alerts have been issued 80 times in Alberta, 101 times in Saskatchewan and 202 times in Ontario. In British Columbia, zero. We are alone as the only province not to use emergency alert to provide advance warning to British Columbians. Not after the devastating forest fires of 2018. Not for the deadly heat dome which claimed 600 lives. Not for this summer’s destructive wildfires that razed Lytton to the ground. Now not even for the devastating floods and land- slides that we face right now. Can the minister tell us when and why this government chooses not to use emergency alerts? Hon.

M. Farnworth:I thank the member for the ques- tion. As the member will know, because she had asked before, this government has committed to putting in place the use of the emergency alert system — to be able to do much more condensed notification on specific emergencies — for next year, starting in the central Interior. As the member will also know, there are a variety of alerts that are used by communities in the province. One of the things we have to ensure is that any system that is put in place in this province is compatible with that which is used by local government and to avoid duplication.

We are working with those communities and First Nations to ensure that we will have a system using that first alert and that when it’s in place, it works. I’ d also remind the member of this. It is a tool. It is just one tool, in terms of notifications that are used throughout the province. It is not a silver bullet, and the member knows that. We have committed that one will be in place, starting in the central Interior, for next summer. Mr. Speaker:Member for Fraser-Nicola, supplemental. J. Tegart:As the minister will know, I’m very aware of a lot of the devastation that has happened in this province.

I would remind the minister that Alberta managed to warn the people of the severe weather event this weekend. So did Washington state. This government did nothing. They learned not a single lesson from the heat dome or the forest fires. British Columbians are paying the price for this government’s incompetence. How bad does it have to get before the government actually uses an emergency alert system? Hon. M. Farnworth:I appreciate the question from the member. I will remind the member of this. There is significant work that took place in advance of and during this storm.

There were updates on Drive B.C., where people get drive information, stream flow and flood warnings in place and communicated to local governments, commu- nication between EMBC and local communities and, at the same time, communication between myself and the federal government. This was a rain event, a weather event, of unprecedented proportions. Local governments had crews out all weekend. Trans- portation and highways had crews out all weekend. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Continue. Hon. M. Farnworth:I will tell you something else. When it comes to the use of an alert….

The member talked about the flooding that’s taken place in Abbotsford. EMBC was in constant communication with the city of Abbotsford. I was in constant communic- ation with the mayor of Abbotsford. They asked to be able to use an alert. One was put together, in place. We were ready to send it. They then said: “No, we don’t need to do it at this point. We will ask you when to do it. ” I will tell you this…. Interjections. [2:35 p.m.] Hon. M. Farnworth:I find it really interesting that on a situation involving flooding — and I’m giving a detailed answer — they really don’t want to listen. I’ll tell you this.

When it comes to putting in place when and how to use an alert, I will always rely on the expertise of the people on the ground, like the rescue people in Abbotsford, like the mayor in Abbotsford, who knew exactly what they wanted to do and when they wanted to do it. That is how decisions will be made. They will never be based on Twitter. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. 4084 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Hon. M. Farnworth:They will always be based on the expertise of people who know exactly… Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Order. Hon. M. Farnworth:…what they’re doing and when it needs to be done. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, let’s have the courtesy of asking a question and listening to the answer and vice versa, please. B. Banman:This is a tragedy of unparalleled scale. Dire weather forecasts were clear on Friday. On the U.S. side of the border, a flood warning was issued for the Nooksack River on Sunday at 3:40 p.m. On Monday, Gov.

Jay Inslee issued a severe weather emergency proclamation and implemented emergency procedures. The U.S. flood sirens in Sumas, Washington could be heard in Abbotsford. This area is home to a huge population of livestock, poultry — farmers that provide, as we’ve heard, on the low end, 50 percent of the food for British Columbia. Despite being reminded of the risk on Monday, zero steps were taken to initiate an evacuation plan that could have saved thousands and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of animals.

The Emergency Program Act regulation says the duties of the Agriculture Minister are to “coordinate the emer- gency evacuation and care of poultry and livestock. ” My question to the minister is: now that we’re in the thick of it, now that it’s too late, what resources are being devoted now to ensure that there is feed and water for the animals that actually have survived? What’s being done now, today? Hon. M. Farnworth:I appreciate the question from the member.

I can tell the member that right from the beginning, emergency officials in communities right across the lower part of the province, in the Fraser Valley, started to enact emergency plans. Resources were deployed by EMBC at the local level to deal with the situation as it developed, rescuing people, ensuring that we are able to cope and that communities are able to cope…. Interjections. Hon. M. Farnworth:That’s right from the get-go, hon. Speaker.

Whether it was the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre dispatching the Cormorant helicopters to come and get people who were trapped between the slides on the very day that that storm started, right through last night, get- ting people in terms of the evacuation order — every resource is being deployed and will continue to be deployed to deal with this situation. The idea that that is not taking place is simply wrong. [End of question period.] Tabling Documents Hon. J. Osborne: I have the honour to present the Islands Trust Annual Report 2020-21.

Standing Order 35 REQUEST TO DEBATE A MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE — RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS P .

Milobar:I rise pursuant to Standing Order 35 to move adjournment of the House to discuss a matter of def- inite and urgent public importance, specifically the B.C. government’s response to the emergency flooding and landslide situation that has unfolded across our province. [2:40 p.m.] The urgency of the debate arises from a number of cir- cumstances, the first being the imminent risk to people’s lives and livelihoods in the wake of these floods, landslides and now even fires, and the second being that there is very little time left in the legislative session for us to come together to discuss a path forward when it comes to this evolving emergency situation.

Now, 2021 has shown us that we have to take decisive and immediate actions in an emergency. If there are gaps in the response, and the process is tied to that response, we need to resolve them now. With respect to

section 10 of Standing Order 35, the motion is well within the lim- itations as outlined, specifically with respect to subsection (c): “the motion must not revive discussion on a matter which has been discussed in the same Session. ” I would argue that events of the past four days, partic- ularly overnight, with regards to the urgent evacuation of the Sumas Prairie in Abbotsford and the unfolding large loss of livestock, have not yet been canvassed in this House and are deserving of our immediate attention.

I submit that these latest developments in this tragic situation rep- resent a new matter, rather than an ongoing one, as described on page 85 ofParliamentary Practice in British Columbia, fourth edition. While it’s not always possible in these instances, where a matter is known in advance, members are encouraged by this practice recommendation to give notice to the Speak- er — this matter having been revealed overnight and this morning. In closing, I submit that the 60 minutes of debate Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4085

allowed for under Standing Order 35 does not constitute an unreasonable interruption of the regular business of the House. It is my hope that the government and Third Party will agree. Hon. M. Farnworth:I appreciate the comments from the Opposition House Leader, but I would disagree at this point in terms of the need for an emergency debate. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. M. Farnworth:I notice questions being asked in question period in order to get answers. That has taken place. I also noticed that the member did refer to the prac- tice of communicating ahead of time with the government.

That did not take place. The issue is not…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Minister will continue. Hon. M. Farnworth:The issue has been unfolding since the weekend. Response has been taking place since the weekend. We have been sitting in this House since Monday. I would, at this point, say that we do not see the need for an emergency debate when efforts are already ongoing, the state of emergency has been in place, and actions are being taken. So at this time, we would not sup- port having a debate under

section 35. S. Furstenau:I fully support the motion from the Opposition House Leader to have this emergency debate. I think that one of the reasons that we need to have it is because as this emergency is unfolding, British Columbi- ans from all regions of this province need to know about the next steps that are being taken, the proactive measures that they can expect from this government. Canvassing this in question period is not sufficient at this time.

There needs to be the capacity for members to be getting those questions and getting responses from gov- ernment at a time when we are facing what is one of the most significant emergencies this province has ever seen. If there is a time for an emergency debate in this House, this is the time.

I encourage the government members to recognize that it is a service to all of our constituents, to everybody that we represent in this province, to have this debate and to show that we are engaging in the questions that they want to hear asked and answered and that we are engaging in a way that is productive and constructive, in a way that they can now understand what’s happening in here and how that’s going to affect them in their lives in the days, weeks, months ahead. I think that there is an absolute need to set aside our regular scheduled duties in here for one hour to have this debate.

I implore all of you to do your very best at this time to allow for this legislative House and every member of it to do our best work together. Mr. Speaker:Thank you, Members. The Chair will take this under advisement, and it will render its decision momentarily. Give me a few minutes. In the meantime, we’ll continue with other business. [2:45 p.m.] Motions Without Notice COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO SIT IN TWO SECTIONS Hon. M. Farnworth:I seek leave to move a motion: [GENERAL 1. That the House be authorized to sit in two sections, designated

Section A and

Section B, to be subject to the rules that follow. 2. That

Section A sit in such committee room as may be desig- nated from time to time, and that

Section B sit in the Legislative Chamber. 3. That

Section A be authorized to consider bills at committee stage after second reading thereof, and for all purposes be deemed to be a Committee of the Whole House, and that the Standing Or- ders relating to the consideration of bills in a Committee of the Whole House be applicable to such proceedings. 4. That

Section A and

Section B be authorized to examine any public bill appearing on the Orders of the Day at committee stage, which may be considered in the order determined by the Govern- ment House Leader in accordance with Standing Order 27 (2). 5. That bills previously referred to a designated

Section may at any time be subsequently referred to another designated Section, as de- termined by the Government House Leader in accordance with Standing Order 27 (2). COMPOSITION 6. That the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole or their designate preside in

Section A. 7. That

Section A consist of 11 Members, not including the Chair, being seven Members of the Government Caucus, three Members of the Official Opposition Caucus, and one Member of the Third Party Caucus. 8. That the Members of

Section A be: the Minister who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Hon.Lisa Beare, Garry Begg, Bob D’Eith, Hon.Mike Farnworth, Hon.Selina Robinson, Niki Sharma, Lorne Doerkson, Trevor Halford, Karin Kirkpatrick, and Sonia Furstenau. 9. That substitutions for Members of

Section A be permitted with the consent of the Member’s Caucus Whip, where applicable, or otherwise with the consent of the Member. 10. That

Section B be composed of all Members of the House. DIVISIONS 11. That, when a division is requested in

Section A, the division bells be rung four times and the division proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16. 12. That, when a division is requested in

Section B, the division bells be rung three times, at which time proceedings in

Section A shall be suspended, and the division proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16. 13. That, if a division is underway in

Section A at the time that a division is requested in

Section B, notwithstanding Standing Order 16 (2), the division in

Section B shall proceed 10 minutes after it is requested. REPORTING 4086 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

14. That, at 15 minutes prior to the ordinary time fixed for adjournment of the House, the Chair of

Section A shall report to the House.] A copy of the motion has been provided to the official opposition House Leader and to the Leader of the Third Party. Leave granted. Mr. Speaker:The motion moved by the Government House Leader is to enable the House, for the remainder of this session, to undertake concurrent proceedings and to designate it into

Section A and

Section B. Motion approved. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I call second reading of Bill 28, Forest Amendment Act. In

Section A, the Douglas Fir Room, which will start at 3 p.m., it will be Committee of the Whole on Bill 20, Access to Services (COVID-19) Act. After that, it will be Commit- tee of the Whole, Bill 22, the FOIPPA amendment act. [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 28 — FOREST AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. K. Conroy:I move that Bill 28, the Forest Amend- ment Act, 2021, be read a second time. Our forests make B.C. one of the best places to live. They’re cherished places for us all, supporting plants, wild- life and our watersheds.

Our forests have been a source of family-supporting jobs in all regions of British Columbia for generations and continue to be an integral part of the fabric of who we are as a province. We all want to leave healthy forests as a legacy for our children and grandchil- dren, and we know if we take care of our forests today, they will be there for future generations. However, we know that our forest industry is facing a number of challenges, whether it’s wildfires, the impacts of pine beetle, climate change or old policies that consol- idated control of our forests in the hands of too few.

Past practices aren’t working and need to change. Trees have been cut down when prices were high, and mills have shut down when prices were low. There is significant concentration of forest tenures in the province, and we know almost all of the available forests for harvesting are already under tenure. This makes it chal- lenging to promote innovation and attract new parti- cipants to the sector, including value-added operations and made-in-B.C. manufacturing.

This short-sighted approach has left workers and communities behind, ignored First Nations rights and title holders, and has left some of our most rare and ancient forests at risk. [2:50 p.m.] We will fail British Columbians if we keep the policies of the past. We owe it to them to fix these problems and take care of our forests. That’s why we’re taking a different approach to better share all of the benefits of our forests for today and for generations to come.

Our government believes in a healthy and vibrant forest sector where First Nations and the people who live near the forests are the first to benefit from this public resource. New tools in our toolbox are required for government to realize that vision. These amendments will provide government with a new legislative tool called special purpose areas. These special purpose areas will allow government to reduce timber har- vesting rights of existing forest tenure areas, fairly com- pensate the tenure holders and redistribute the harvesting rights to First Nations, community forests and B.C. Tim- ber Sales.

Additionally, amendments to the Forest Act will give government a new mechanism to redistribute forest tenure to advance reconciliation and support our market pricing system. For tenure holders, new compensation rules will provide greater certainty around compensation levels in situations where harvesting rights are altered. The com- pensation will be based on the contract between govern- ment and the agreement holder and ensure the payment is based on the reduction in harvesting rights held by the agreement holder.

The new compensation provisions will address vague language in the existing legislation and protect British Col- umbians and government from windfall settlements while providing fair compensation for agreement holders. Where we see the downward pressure on the available timber supply, government needs to make sure that the industry remains competitive and diverse. New tools ensure that license reductions will support small- to-mid-sized operations and First Nations licence holders when the allowable annual cut is reduced across the timber supply area.

These changes will ensure that First Nations are meaningful partners in how forests are man- aged and that communities have a sustainable future with new, innovative opportunities. Consultations with First Nations related to the pro- posed amendments have been undertaken. First Nations were notified of these proposed amendments in the summer of 2021 as part of broader engagement on the intentions paper. Changes to the Forest Act will also require area-based tenure holders to share inventory information with the chief forester.

This will increase transparency and support the chief forester in making informed decisions regarding our public forests. There will be changes from the Ministry of Finance in these amendments. The Forest Act requires a fee — Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4087

referred to as a fee in lieu — to be paid to the government for timber exported out of the province. The fee in lieu ensures that British Columbians receive their fair share of resources revenue for timber not manufactured in the province. These amendments will provide the income taxation branch within the Ministry of Finance with the authority to audit and make assessments in respect of the fee in lieu. This audit process is consistent with those already in place for stumpage fees. We know that outdated forest policies aren’t working for the majority of British Columbians.

The forest sector is changing, and our legislative framework needs to ensure that we support workers and communities; advance recon- ciliation with First Nations partners; and take steps to sup- port a strong, sustainable forest sector. We cannot contin- ue to operate with legislation and regulation designed for the industry of the past. These amendments support our vision for forestry, where workers and communities benefit from secure, innovative forestry jobs for generations to come; where Indigenous peoples are full partners in sustainable forest management; and our oldest and most ancient trees are protected.

We’re taking action to ensure our public forests are managed in the public interest. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to better care for our resources — to better care for our forests, for today and for generations to come. [2:55 p.m.] J. Rustad:I thank the minister for her rather brief com- ments about a bill that is 70-some-odd pages, dropped near the end of the session. I am very surprised, quite frankly, that a bill of this weight would have come in at the end of a session, jamming possible debate on it, with such an important change to our forest sector.

It’s shameful that we haven’t seen this kind of a bill come in at the beginning of a session and be a highlight of what a government would do, instead of trying to sneak it in at the end and trying to stifle, quite frankly, debate on it. It is shameful to see that approach to such an important piece of legislation. The legislation, as the minister just described, touches on a wide range of things. It touches on old growth and old-growth protection. We’ve seen an announcement earlier — just a month ago or less, a couple of weeks ago — about old-growth protection.

It’s a key piece in terms of this act, because what it will do is it will reduce the annual allowable cut. It’ll reduce the area available for harvesting. Those reductions fit into Bill 28 in terms of how compan- ies will actually end up being impacted and how the reduc- tions will end up being fed through. It’s for that reason, Mr. Speaker, that I’m going to talk about the old-growth reductions as well, as part of my response to this. It’s because this is an important piece of understanding the shift that is coming to the forest sector. The minister talked about new, innovative oppor- tunities.

Well, I would tend to think that if that’s what the minister is expecting, she’s doing a very good job — and this government is doing a very good job — of destroying the existing opportunities and destroying the existing forest sector. I’ve had an opportunity, since the minister’s previous announcements, and since Bill 23 was introduced and now Bill 28, to talk to a number of communities around the province, to a number of workers around the province, to some First Nations, and to companies as well. Here’s the impact that we’re seeing.

It’s pretty hard to say to a community like McBride or Valemount that these changes are going to create a new, innovative opportunity, when in fact these changes are going to shut down the forest industry for those communities entirely. The jobs are gone. To a small community like McBride, even losing five, ten or 20 jobs is huge. The ripple effect of that, in those communities, rips at the core of what the community is. I was speaking with another company just recently about this. There’s a process that you go through in forestry.

The process is, of course, that you go through, you identify the inventory, and you identify the wood you want to harvest. Y ou go in, you do consultation, you submit for permits, and you do more consultation. It’s a long process. The process can take months and sometimes years to be able to get wood under permit. Of course, it’s important to be able to put wood under permit for a number of years, because you have to be able to have the flow of wood to be able to keep those jobs going within communities, within the facilities.

When you suddenly have an announcement come in that says, “No, you can’t log this anymore, ” well, now you’ve got a mill…. Y ou know, at one operation, for example, in Revelstoke, 85 percent of the fibre that they were counting on — that’s under permit or that they were working on permits on to get through — is now suddenly not available to them. They might be able to adjust and go after other wood, but that could be a year or two for them to be able to get permits. I mean, is the minister serious in saying that those jobs are going to be deferred for a year or two? Of course, that can’t happen.

That can’t happen to families. That can’t happen to individual workers. What about the communit- ies? There has been no socioeconomic analysis whatsoever around that announcement or, quite frankly, the addition- al bills that have been moved in. It’s very disturbing to see that happening. The reason why I’m saying this from a perspective of being disturbing is that I grew up in a forest family. My family moved here. My dad moved to British Columbia in the late ‘40s and started logging on Vancouver Island.

He moved up into the Interior and started sawmills and was involved in logging pretty much all of his life. [3:00 p.m.] I grew up…. I learned how to drive when I couldn’t even 4088 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

reach the pedals, sitting on my dad’s knee on a forest road. My first jobs that I started working in the summer were working out and doing forestry, helping out on a landing. When I was age 14, I was driving D8 cats before I even had a driver’s licence, and graders, helping to build roads and do forestry work. Forestry is in my blood, as it is, I know, with everybody who is passionate about the forest sector. The issue that has come up here with these changes is going to impact, according to COFI, 18,000 jobs, 18,000 families. Communities, quite frankly, are going to be dev- astated.

One mayor said: “I guess we’re going to have to roll up the sidewalks. ” That’s not fair. It’s not appropriate, and it’s certainly not the way to be introducing forest policy. It’s certainly not the way to be treating hard-working families in this province. If you go out into this Legislature, you’ll see four pillars, four main themes that were captured in this Legislature — fishing, agriculture, mining, forestry. We are gutting one of those pillars, one of those pillars that helped to build this province, that helped to build this Legislature. I get it.

The government wants to create some changes and do some adjustments, but you don’t have to burn the building down to build it up again. There are ways to sit down and work with industry, with labour, with First Nations, with communities to be able to make changes without having to destroy the sector that helped to build this province.

When I think about Bill 28 and the adjustments on the fibre and that fibre availability, I think back to the devast- ation that happened to the pine beetle epidemic that des- troyed so much of our pine beetle forest in British Col- umbia and has caused some significant reductions in our forest sector. Then I hear the designations for old growth, and you go and look at the maps, and some of that dead pine is now designated as old growth. These are dead trees. They’re not old growth. In addition, there are areas that have been burnt in the massive wildfires in previous years.

Some of those areas are designated as old growth. They’re burnt. They’re dead trees. There are other areas of old growth that have been designated, set aside, that are 40 years old. A forester reached out to me and said: “I went in there just a few years ago and helped to thin that stand. ” That’s not old growth. What are we doing here? Why are we des- ignating these areas, reducing the working land base of a forest sector, destroying 18,000 jobs because of mapping errors and ideology? In British Columbia, we are blessed with having about 60 million hectares of forested landscape.

Out of that 60 million hectares, there’s approximately 38 million hectares that are in an original forest state that will never see forest activity, leaving about 22 million hectares that are available for the timber-harvesting land base. Out of that, we’re talking about taking another 2.6 mil- lion hectares in reduction. In the name of old growth, there’s 11.4 million hectares of old growth in British Col- umbia, and between 75 percent and 85 percent of that is already protected. How much is enough? Does every last piece have to be protected? What is it we’re trying to do?

Has there been analysis on the biod- iversity and the changes that have happened? Has there been analysis, or even performance measures, on what this will actually try to achieve other than a political goal, a political outcome? No. There hasn’t been. [3:05 p.m.] We’ve got a report that came to government with four out of the five people in that report with direct ties to the Sierra Club. Y ou don’t think that’s biased? Think about what the screaming would be if four out of five members of that panel had been — I don’t know — working for Can- for.

Y ou don’t think there would have been a scream of “biased” in a report? Y et that’s the report that these decisions have been made on. Not because we are protecting the environment. Not because we’re meeting goals of biodiversity and balance — and balance is needed in the forest sector — but because there’s an ideology that went into the creation of that report and that is now going to devastate potentially 18,000 jobs in this province. And then this bill, which we’re debating here today, will describe how that carnage will be handed out, community by community, in the province of British Columbia.

I am passionate about this, as I know that many other people are passionate about this. But I’m passionate about this because I care about my communities. I think about my riding in Nechako Lakes. About 42 percent of the eco- nomic activity is forestry. That’s huge. Forestry supports the agriculture that happens in my riding. Forestry has opened up the mining opportunities that are in my riding. Forestry has opened up recreation and hunting and fishing opportunities. Forestry built those communities, along with agriculture. And forestry is now going to be decim- ated in that area without changes.

I want to use an example of these changes. I hold here a report from Domtar in Kamloops. It was just three weeks ago that I had met with them to go over the report and what they’re planning to do. They were excited about their future.

They were excited about the fact that they had a four- phase program in place to do investment in this province, to do investment in their mill, to be able to secure jobs, to be able to transition as part of the declining cut, to be able to make sure they were a vibrant part of Kamloops and the surrounding area and, most importantly, to be able to sup- port the other mills and the other forest operations in the area, because they all work together. Fast-forward to an old-growth announcement. These plans are garbage. They’re scrapped. There’s zero invest- ment now. They’ve completely shelved it.

In fact, they may Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4089

very well be out of chips within a couple of months and having to think about closing their operations for good. A company that was prepared to spend tens of millions, hundreds of millions of dollars in the province building a future, building a vibrant, healthy forest sector, creating innovative opportunities, has been gutted, simply because of an ideological position taken by this government. These jobs are important. It’s not just important for the people in Kamloops and for the families that are working there but to all of the surrounding areas.

The way that modern operations work today is chips are a very vital piece of the economics of making a forest operation work. They’re not going to be around to take the chips. So what does that mean? Now they’re going to have to think about shipping them, potentially hundreds of kilometres further away, increasing the cost and decreasing the revenue they get from it. Will those mills now be viable? Or will we see a chain-reaction effect that comes with the potential loss of a pulp mill?

These things would have been known if a proper socio- economic study had been done, if a proper analysis had been done, if engagement had been done. And if the gov- ernment then wanted to do it, at least then they could stand up and say, “Y es, we know we are going to be des- troying this particular sector and this particular group, ” but they didn’t even know that. [3:10 p.m.] In the announcement, it was clear that they just had done an analysis on the back of a napkin. That is shameful. And that is so disrespectful to a sector that has been such a vibrant part of this province since its inception.

I have often talked to the forest sector, to workers — unionized or contractors. I have often talked to them about the fact that we should be proud of our forest sector. They agree. They’re proud of what they do. They get up every day, and they’re proud of how they operate in the forest. They’re proud of the reforestation that happens. They’re proud of the renewal that can happen. They are proud of the jobs and the revenue that’s created from our forest sector. Think about this. I’m standing here in this beautiful building that is the centre of democracy in British Col- umbia.

Look at the wood that is in this building. The desks. Even the pencil. Wood is part of our everyday life. Wood is the most environmentally sensitive, the most environmentally friendly product that we can possibly think of using. It captures carbon. Look at the wood structures that are in this building that have been here, what, a hundred years, more than a hundred years? That carbon has been cap- tured and sequestered for that length of time and will be hopefully for another hundred years, assuming we don’t have an earthquake or something and cause real grief in this building.

All of that aside — I shouldn’t laugh; that would be absolutely devastating — this wood is just an example of what our forest sector does. Think about what the replace- ment would be for wood if we weren’t using our forest sector. What would we do for paper? What would we do for medical masks? The fibres go into helping protect our health care workers. The fibres go into everyday life. That wood fibre is critical, not just for us in British Columbia but around the world, and we’re part of that. The best

part is: you plant a new tree, you capture that carbon, and you utilize it for the good of our society. Y ou plant a new tree, and within 40 years, that tree has now sequestered a tonne of carbon. We planted 300 million trees last year. We plant almost that many trees every year. That means every year we are sequestering 300 million tonnes of carbon just from planting trees. We’re taking the carbon that is old and decadent and utilizing that carbon for our products, utilizing it for our everyday needs. Are we going to replace that with steel? Clearly, we’re not going to replace that with plastics.

What’s the replace- ment, if we are not using fibre? We need a healthy, vibrant forest sector, not one that is decimated by ideology but one that we can be proud of; one that finds the balance between protecting the environment needs, making sure that we have those important environmental values for our future generations and also making sure that we have fam- ily-supporting jobs that are renewable, that are sustainable. We’ve got about 15½ percent of this province in park- land already. We’ve designated parks on some 15½ per- cent.

That is probably something to be proud of, consider- ing it’s more than any other jurisdiction in Canada. I think that it’s, quite frankly, more than any other jurisdiction in the world. We’re doing a good job of protecting and having those values for future generations, better than any oth- er jurisdiction. As a matter of fact, we’re 1½ times to 2 times the recommendation of the United Nations in terms of protected areas already in this province. On top of that, all the old growth that is already pro- tected: 36, 38 million hectares of forested land that will never see industrial forestry activity.

But somehow it’s not enough. It’s too much to ask that we have a portion of our province that supports this vibrant, healthy forest sector and that meets all of these environmental goals that we all, I think, agree on that we would like to achieve. [3:15 p.m.] When I look at Bill 28 and I think about how that dev- astation will be distributed through the communities…. I had an opportunity to have a quick chat with the mayor and councils in my own riding. There was shock. There was anger. There was frustration. Tremendously, what it was the amount of uncertainty. There’s hope in terms of the transfer.

The minister, in previous announcements, talked about transferring wood to First Nations, and I support that. I think First Nations have been a growing component of our forest sector and need to be a growing component in terms of the forest sector. It’s a great opportunity for economic development. It’s a great opportunity for engagement and to try to move 4090 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, November 17, 2021

from, quite frankly, managing poverty to managing suc- cess. When that announcement came out about the deferrals, there was a press release that came out from the First Nations Forestry Council. The comment, in particular, from the forest operations of theLíl̓ wat First Nation says: “Líl̓ wat Nation just spent several million dollars to purchase a forest licence in their territory so they could have a bigger say in decisions regarding forest management in their territory.

And now the government comes along and is trying to tell nations what they can and can’t do?” He adds: “The province claims they consulted with First Nations, but we don’t know who they were talking to. ” This is the First Nations Forestry Council. Y ou would think when the minister stood up and touted several times in her speech on Bill 28 that First Nations and people are first to benefit and touted the engagement with First Nations and how important that was…. And here we are with the First Nations Forestry Council saying they don’t even know who they talked to. How is that engagement?

How is that being respectful? The press release also went on to say…. This is from November 1, 2021, when Chief Bill Williams says: “The honour of the Crown cannot be met through fundament- ally flawed consultation. ” It’s sad. I mean, I was the former Minister for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and we did a lot of work with First Nations: signing agreements, particularly agreements around forests and revenue-sharing; taking wood, for the very first time in the province, and putting a cut in the hands of First Nations; helping them to be more engaged in activity.

Many First Nations have started their own companies, have bought equipment, have gotten mortgages and for the first time in their life, have basically gone into debt to become entrepreneurs. They’re impacted by this too. They’re impacted by these decisions, just like everyone else is. Chief Williams from the First Nations Forestry Council also says: “To do this requires a consistent recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction, not just sometimes when it’s con- venient. ” Dr.

Charlene Higgins, the CEO of the First Nations Forestry Council, says: “How many times do nations have to call the province out on their consultation process before they will actually change it?” It goes on to say: “Unfortunately, we have yet to receive any acknowledg- ment of our offers to work collaboratively. Instead, they have chosen to do their own thing. ” Those are the words of First Nations engaged in the forest sector, the very First Nations the minister is talking about when she’s talking about Bill 28 and wanting to see them more engaged. How is that engagement?

How is that right? [3:20 p.m.] This doesn’t make any sense to me at all, unless these decisions are being made for political ideology, as opposed to actually what the minister is saying that she would like them to be made for. In another press release from the First Nations Forestry Council on November 3…. Information came forward, and they were very concerned about the announcement, once again.

Out of the press release, it says: “Thirty days to respond is trying to rush First Nations into making decisions that, once again, in no way support an informed and meaningful consultation process. ” We all stood in this chamber and supported First Nations and efforts that went on with First Nations. I spent a great deal of time, over four years, as the longest-serving Aboriginal Relations Minister in B.C., building those rela- tionships. Was it perfect? No. There is always more that can be done. There is always more that should be done.

But I was always straight up and forward wherever I could be with First Nations. I don’t see how this announcement by the minister on old-growth deferrals is in any way straight up and forward. Many nations, when they heard the announcement…. This is, once again, from the press release on November 1. It says: “For many nations, this was the first time they’ d heard or seen it. ” Now we’re in a situation where we’ve got this ideological change that, once again, according to COFI, is going to cost, potentially, 18,000 jobs, see up to 20 sawmills close, potentially a couple of pulp mills.

I just referred to the challenge that Domtar is going to be facing in Kamloops. A bill, then, that, like I say, is going to distribute how that punishment will be inflicted upon a forest sector. B.C. Wood is a group that has done a lot of work in the province. They’re all about value-added. They’re all about extracting the highest value and the best value they can out of the trees. I know the minister is passionate about this and wants to do this. The minister has talked at length about wanting to see more value from our forests.

Y et they say their sector is going to be hit the hardest — that value- added will be hit the hardest through this process. I’m not quite sure how that will work out unless, of course, the minister wants to bring the whole forest sector down to nothing and then try to build from the ground up. It certainly seems to be the approach that this government is taking. Mr. Speaker, I notice I’m running low on my time. Just to let you know, I am the designated speaker for this bill. I’m getting a stare from the minister, but that’s okay. Interjection. J. Rustad:I am talking about the bill.

The minister says I’m not talking about the bill. In this bill is the path for taking wood back from com- panies from decisions government has made — decisions Wednesday, November 17, 2021 British Columbia Debates 4091

like deferrals. This is how that damage will be inflicted. In order to understand that

section of that bill and that pro- cess that’s going to be in there, it’s important to understand why it needs to be in there, because there is damage being done to the sector. I was back talking with mayors in my community. Many of my communities have community forests. The minister mentioned that in this bill, there will be an opportunity to be able to enhance community forests through these special purpose areas, this extraction that will come out of the forest sector. But with the announcement on old growth….

For example, in the Granisle community sector, 65 percent of their available timber is now going to be reduced because of old growth — 65 percent. [3:25 p.m.] They’ve looked at it. They’ve come up with the numbers. This is what they’ve told me. The minister is shaking her head, I suspect because the minister hasn’t even looked at the community forest at Granisle and what the impact of that may be. There’s another huge challenge with the deferrals that were announced, and that’s access. There are some areas….

I heard from one company operating in the Revelstoke area that said these deferrals effectively isolate an entire valley, which they won’t be able to get access to. How will they put a road through, a deferral, if it’s a protected area? They can’t get into the fibre behind it, further reducing the amount of fibre that will be available. I’m encouraged when nations, like the Cheslatta Carrier Nation in my riding, according to the mayor, are saying no to these deferrals. They don’t want to see it. Maybe that will be one area in the province where we don’t see the defer- rals go ahead.

My understanding, from many of the other nations, is they’re also very reluctant to say yes to these deferrals. As a matter of fact, I suspect there will be a lot of them that will say no. It will be very interesting to see whether the min- ister, through this consultation process, these 30 days of consultation, will actually listen to First Nations or wheth- er they’ll carry on with this ideological drive to destroy the forest sector. Much of the information th

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20211117pm-Hansard-n131
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20211117pm Hansard n131
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	bd5445bb7715efdb010d8d5ede4bcf87d468aaff

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