British Columbia Hansard — 5 March 2019, a.m., Issue 214 (41st Parliament, 4th Session)

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British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Morning Sitting Issue No. 214 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................... Joan Isaacs Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................Craig James Acting Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...............................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan Sourial Sessional Law Clerk...............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Parliamentary Counsel ...................................................................................................................................................................... S.

Suzie Seo Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz Acting Sergeant-at-Arms......................................................................................................................................... Randall Ennis, MMM, CD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal).................................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)........................... Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon.

Darryl (Ind.) ..........................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal) ............................................................................ Langley Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)..............................................................Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) .......................................................... Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal) ..................................................... Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ................................................

Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................ North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ....................................... Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)..................................................................................Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) .................................................................. Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ..............................................................

Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal) .............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONTENTS Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Morning Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 7473 Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 7475 Jean Muir and women in business C. Oakes Community social services workers M. Elmore Dementia J. Isaacs Alzheimer Society of B.C. A.

Kang Patrick Michell and Kanaka Bar Indian Band clean energy project J. Tegart Social workers N. Simons Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 7477 Bill 11 — Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2019 Hon. M. Farnworth Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 7477 Speculation and vacancy tax exemptions for cabins A. Wilkinson Hon. C. James J.

Thornthwaite Environmental assessment of Trans Mountain pipeline and protection of Salish Sea A. Olsen Hon. G. Heyman Government response to speculation and vacancy tax concerns of local officials S. Bond Hon. C. James T. Stone Speculation and vacancy tax in Belcarra J. Johal Hon. C. James Orders of the Day Committee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 7482 Supplementary Estimates: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture(continued) D. Clovechok Hon. L. Beare M.

Stilwell Supply Motions........................................................................................................................................................................ 7485 Reports of resolutions from Committee of Supply Funds granted for public service Hon. C. James Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 7486 Bill 6 — Supply Act, 2018–2019 (Supplementary Estimates) Hon. C.

James Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Committee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 7486 Estimates: Ministry of Children and Family Development Hon. K. Conroy L. Throness

TUESDAY , MARCH 5, 2019 The House met at 10:04 a.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members Hon. A. Dix: On behalf of all members of the House, I think many of us are going to be joining representatives of the Alzheimer Society today over the lunch-hour. I wanted to introduce some of our guests here in the gallery. [10:05 a.m.] Maria Howard is the indefatigable CEO of the Alzheimer Society. Juan Rendon, Barbara Lindsay, Cath- ryn France, Dawn Wedman, Heather Cowie, Jennifer Stewart, Lauren Weisler and Laura Frisby all work for the Alzheimer Society or are board members.

They’re here with some of the most important people that gladden their communities every day — advocates and volunteers with the society. Lynn Jackson; Mark Demers; Jim Mann; and Patrick Tham — who, I believe, is from Vancouver-Kens- ington; and Ellen Allen are all here. I know we’re all going to enjoy meeting with all of these people over the lunch-hour, and I want everyone in the House to make them welcome today. Hon. K. Conroy:It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce these folks who are here in the House.

They provide services that are very near and dear to my heart, because I used to do that in my former life. Here from northern child development centres are Kerri Bassett from the Bulkley Valley Child Development Centre in Smithers, Fiona Delorme from the Terrace Child Devel- opment Centre, Marianne Hemmy from the Kitimat Child Development Centre, Darrell Roze from the Prince George child development centre, Lynn Mathieson from Quesnel and District Child Development Centre and Tana Millner from the Child Development Centre Society of Fort St. John and District.

With them is Margaret Warcup, who is a con- sultant for the northern CDCs. She’s also a really excellent member of our Provincial Child Care Council. I was hoping to meet with them today, but I’m going to be doing estimates and won’t be able to, so they’re meet- ing with my staff. I’m really looking forward to hearing what their issues are and, hopefully, meeting with them very briefly. Would everybody please join me in making them very welcome. D. Clovechok:It gives me a great deal of pleasure this morning to introduce a neighbour and a friend from the Columbia Valley, John Rouse.

He’s a big community volun- teer. Whether it’s at the chamber or you name it, that man is involved in it. Would the House please make John feel wel- come here today. I. Paton:Well, arguably, the finest fire department in Brit- ish Columbia is the Delta fire department, Local 1763, and three of my good buddies are here today. They may be in the House, or they may be still at the Bard and Banker; I’m not sure. Mike McMillan, Ben Lewis, Jamie McGarva and Car- son Isfeld are here today. They do a great job for us, keeping everybody safe and protected in my municipality of Delta. Make them feel welcome. Mr.

Speaker: Member, the correct pronunciation for Delta fire service is Abbotsford fire service. Hon. R. Fleming:The correction is also that the Saanich and Victoria firefighters associations are, indeed, the province’s finest. It gives me great pleasure to introduce an old friend and a wonderful teacher in school district 61 who is here today, Mr. Brian Bradley. He’s got a group of students with him from Victoria High School, western Canada’s oldest second- ary school, an award-winning school with many innovative programs.

One thing that is very impressive about Victoria High School is that they have the highest ratio of successful scholarship applications by any students in the district. It’s a testament to great teachers like Mr. Bradley and others in that school. I would ask the House to make him and all of these students welcome here today. Hon. M. Mark:I’ d like to acknowledge all of the organ- izers for the Leading Influence MLA Prayer Breakfast, where 37 MLAs attended this morning. There was a dynamic speaker, Scott Hagen, who blessed all of the MLAs for their service.

I’ d like to acknowledge how impactful this morning was for me and all of my MLA colleagues in these chambers. Would the House please welcome our delegation. M. Bernier:I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of arm wrestling amongst MLAs later, on who’s got the best fire hall in the province. I think I can take the member from Delta South, on that one too. It’s obviously an honour for me.

I don’t get to rise in the House very often to recognize people who make the long trek from the Peace country, specifically Dawson Creek, down to the House here to visit. [10:10 a.m.] I want to thank the firefighters from my communities in Peace River South for the amazing dedication that they have to our citizens. I wanted today to recognize, specifically, Marcel Capelle, Brad St. Germain and Rob Huttema, who took the long trek down here to support their colleagues, meet with members of the House and enjoy a couple of days here in Victoria with all of us. Please make them welcome here to Victoria. 7473

Hon. D. Eby: I know I’m looking forward to that arm- wrestling competition. The members of this House will know the priority that we place on Indigenous justice and our partnership with the Aboriginal Justice Council. Well, there are two members of the public service who are leading the work on the public service side that are here joining us today. The executive director of the Indigenous justice strategy, Colleen Spier, is here, as well as our manager of the Indigenous justice strategy, Beverley Salkus. Would the House please make them welcome. Hon. G.

Heyman: It’s an honour today to introduce six students from the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University who are working on files like species at risk, the state of environmental reporting, climate risk management and executive operations. They’re on placement with the ministry currently. Their names are Lydia Lobbezoo, Erin Franz, Y ashar Ghajar, Jasmine Taulu, Julie Galloway and Jill Westby. Joining them are ministry staff, some of whom are supervising these placements: Celine Davis, Meg Sullivan, Kate Craig, Kira Stevenson, Dominique Sigg, Elena Merritt, Andy Teucher and Rebecca Westley.

Would the members please join me in making all of them very, very welcome. J. Isaacs:I would also like to echo the Minister of Health’s comments in welcoming a very special group to the Legis- lature here this morning. The Alzheimer Society, the board members and all the volunteers, are incredible advocates and passionately care for our individuals and families who are facing Alzheimer’s and dementia care diagnoses.

I look forward to the annual dementia luncheon today at the Legislature and hearing the Voices in Motion choir and ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the Alzheimer Society for all the work they do and welcoming them here today. D. Davies:It gives me great pleasure to introduce a couple of our local firefighters. From Local 2143, we have Chris Austin joining us today, Aaron Tjepkema and Stephen Beard. As we’re on the “Who’s got the best fire department, ” I just want to do a little throw-out to Stephen Beard. He owns Fort St.

John’s first craft brewery, so that’s got to count for something to make it a good fire department. I also want to introduce and recognize Tana Millner, who is down from Fort St. John with the Child Development Centre. I’m looking forward to meeting with her and her col- leagues today. S. Furstenau:I’m absolutely delighted to introduce Ana- stasia Lapatina. She’s up in the gallery right now. She’s a grade 12 student at Brentwood College in Mill Bay, and she’s here to shadow me today.

I’ve been invited to speak in her teacher Mark Wismer’s class a couple of times, and both times that I was there, Anastasia stood out as incredibly engaged, interested. She came prepared with amazing ques- tions and insights. It’s a real delight to have her here today. Would the House please make her feel most welcome. B. Ma: I’m looking very much forward to meeting fire- fighters from the North Shore this afternoon.

We have Tyler Lentsch and Jeremy Brodtrick from the city of North Van- couver firefighters and Ryan Stewart, Mark Dear and Trevor Edmonds from the district of North Vancouver firefighters who will be joining us in the precinct. Would the members please join me making them feel very welcome. B. Stewart:It gives me great pleasure to introduce the new mayor of West Kelowna, who’s in the precinct today with his wife, Laurel Milsom. Gord and Laurel have travelled down here for the Fallen Firefighter Memorial yesterday for the loss of one of West Kelowna’s finest firefighters, Capt.

Troy Russell, and his family being celebrated. I know that his col- leagues are in the precinct, as well, today — Trevor Bredin, Nathan Pike and others that I’m going to be meeting with later on this morning. More importantly, Mayor Milsom is here on his first visit to talk about well-balanced change, which was his campaign theme.

I think that really we should talk about…. “Landslide Milsom” is really the term that we should be using, because Gord topped the polls and was swept in with three new councillors in the city of West Kelowna, who are really look- ing to how to change the discussions with government. [10:15 a.m.] We had an excellent meeting with the Minister of Health yesterday, and we look forward to meeting with Minister Robinson and Minister Farnworth on two other pressing matters here in the precinct. Please welcome Mayor Milsom, his wife, Laurel, and the firefighters from West Kelowna. B.

D’Eith:I’m sure we were all extremely moved yesterday by the memorial service that the firefighters put on. When those bagpipes started up, I think there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire backlot. It was an amazing tribute. I’ d like to welcome today to the precinct some Maple Ridge firefighters and others firefighters: Chris McKee, Adam Seward, Jordan Delmonico and Craig Davis. Will the House please make them very welcome. T. Shypitka:Well, it appears I’m going last here. I’ll set the record straight on who has the greatest firefighters local. That is 1253 and 2827 in Kootenay East.

It gives me great honour to introduce some friends of mine from Kootenay East that are here in the gallery today. One of the 15 fallen firefighters that were so respectfully recognized yesterday here outside the Legislature has direct ties to my riding. Today the widow of Don King, Ms. Trudy King, is here, supported by her son, Todd King. Along with them are the members of the great firefighters Local 1253: Greg Green, Paul Relkoff, Dan MacKinnon, Murray Robert- 7474 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

son and, from the Fernie Local 2827, Brett Uphill. Would the House please make them feel welcome. J. Isaacs:I’ d also like to welcome a mayor from close to the Tri-Cities but a next-door riding: the mayor of Belcarra, Neil Belenkie. Please make him feel welcome. Statements (Standing Order 25B) JEAN MUIR AND WOMEN IN BUSINESS C. Oakes: This Friday, March 8, marks International Women’s Day. The theme for this year is “Balance for better. ” But it is more than just a day of recognizing gender equality.

It is a campaign every day to act on achieving balance — bal- ance in our boardrooms, in elected office and especially in the small business sector. Many successful, hard-working entrepreneurs are, in fact, women — entrepreneurs like Jean Muir. Jean is a World War II veteran and has been a businesswoman all her life, all the while raising seven children. She is a proud grand- mother, a great-grandmother. In fact, from the comments I received from the community, Jean has been a mom to so many people in our community. Jean is deeply loved.

Jean has run a number of businesses in Quesnel, including the Casbar Drive-In, the Carib theatre and went on to open up Jean’s lunch bar and later Jean’s Catering. Even in her 90s, Jean continues to run a successful home-based business. She is an amazing Avon representative. Jean is one of those incredible community pioneers who always gives back, whether it’s championing our local youth or fundraising for cancer or palliative care. So many community members have shared such lovely stories of the impact that Jean makes in our community. I’ d like to share one.

Pam Devereux shared this with me — that Jean is a rock star. She always goes above and beyond. She doesn’t have an off switch. In fact, she is still doing the Women’s Fall Chal- lenge 5k. Jean embodies entrepreneurship. She works hard. She is tenacious. She never gives up. She provides an excellent product. She excels at customer service and in treating employees like family. When we invest in women, when we invest in entrepreneurs, we build stronger communities. [10:20 a.m.] COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES WORKERS M.

Elmore:I rise today to talk about the important work done every day in B.C. by community social services work- ers. The month of March has been proclaimed as Com- munity Social Services Awareness Month to recognize the supports and services that these dedicated workers provide to build safe, healthy and caring communities. Community social services workers provide services to some of the most vulnerable people in our province. They support women, children, youth and families, including persons with developmental disabilities and special needs.

They also serve families and women in transition housing and those who access sexual assault centres and immigra- tion services. These workers provide critical supports in our communit- ies, helping end violence, working on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis and reaching out to those who experience homelessness. They provide services that improve the quality of life in our communities and make life better for the people in British Columbia. Community social services workers have been an import- ant voice in the work to develop B.C. ’s first poverty reduction strategy.

They share their unique and complex experiences, along with their important thoughts on how to better sup- port vulnerable people in B.C. Through the poverty reduction strategy consultations, I’ve met some of the most compassionate and committed work- ers who’ve made an incredible impact in the lives of people in our province. As community builders and advocates, I know that community social services workers will continue to amplify the voices of those who too often go unheard.

I would like to invite all members to join me and all Brit- ish Columbians in recognizing March as Community Social Services Awareness Month. DEMENTIA J. Isaacs:Imagine working hard all your life, spending your working years in the trades as a carpenter, a painter or maybe even a bricklayer. Whether working on the job or around the house, you love to work with your hands. Per- haps you were an accountant, a school teacher or worked in the non-profit sector. Regardless of the career path taken, you are driven to serve people.

As a family person, you saw your children take their first steps, a first job, a significant other and perhaps saw them experience the joy of being a new parent. Despite the aches and pains that come with aging, it’s a good time in your life, and there is much to look forward to. But you notice things are changing. Peter noticed that things were changing for him. His memory was suffering. He was misplacing items and forget- ting how to do familiar tasks. At the age of only 53, Peter’s symptoms were attributed to too much stress and the possib- ility that he could be depressed.

Peter was tested and eventu- ally diagnosed with young-onset dementia. When Bill was diagnosed at age 78, his biggest fear was losing his independence and no longer being able to drive. A dementia diagnosis is an earth-shattering event. It impacts memory, language use, judgment, and there can be changes in behaviour and personality. The stigma of this dis- ease often isolates patients, and many people feel lost or like the rug has been swept out from underneath them.

Since 1978, the Canadian Alzheimer Society has been dedicated to providing help through services like First Link, Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7475

where patients receive support, referrals to local health care providers, community services and opportunities to meet people who are also coming to terms with their new lives. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the society, the boards and volunteers for their significant contributions that support families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses. ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF B.C. A. Kang: It gives me great pleasure to speak about Alzheimer Society of B.C. and the wonderful work that they are doing to create a dementia-friendly province.

In B.C., there are an estimated 70,000 people who are dia- gnosed with dementia. Dementia doesn’t just affect the per- son who is diagnosed with the debilitating disease but, even more so, his or her family members. The Alzheimer Society provides support, information and education to family members, friends and also the com- munity. Unfortunately, stigma is still a major issue for people living with dementia, trying to live their lives with dignity in the face of disease that, over time, relentlessly and progress- ively destroys the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is not a joking matter.

Y et jokes about having Alzheimer’s have become commonplace. Forget a few things and you have a name for forgetfulness — Alzheimer’s. [10:25 a.m.] Maybe we joke about Alzheimer’s because we know enough to fear losing our minds. So please, when you forget where you put your keys or where you last left your reading glasses, feel free to joke about your fuzzy memory, your busy brain or even the fact that you might be tired or show- ing signs of age. But please don’t turn that into Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is not a joking matter.

Support for people and families affected by Alzheimer’s is important, and that is why the Ministry of Health is work- ing together in partnership with Alzheimer Society of B.C. to provide a resourceful program called First Link to provide for people affected with Alzheimer’s and people affected by dementia. First Link health line is available in 83 communit- ies throughout the province to help create awareness of dementia. I would like to invite everyone to participate in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s on Sunday, May 5, in various communities across B.C.

Together we can build a more dementia-friendly province. PATRICK MICHELL AND KANAKA BAR INDIAN BAND CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT J. Tegart:I’m so proud to rise today to congratulate one of my constituents, Chief Patrick Michell of the Kanaka Bar Indian Band, for being honoured with Clean Energy B.C. ’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is well deserved, as Chief Patrick has worked hard to provide power as well as economic opportunities for his community through an inde- pendent power project near Lytton.

In the past 36 years, the band has partnered with Innergex Renewable Energy to develop the Kwoiek Creek hydroelec- tric project, which generates electricity without using a dam by diverting 7.2 kilometres of river water through a power- house on First Nations land. The project is 50 percent owned by the band and offers tremendous benefits to the community. Not only do they enjoy a reliable source of power but also long-term employ- ment opportunities, tax revenue and 14 percent annual return on investment, among other benefits.

Approximately 40 percent of workers during construction came from First Nations communities, with more young people graduating, developing skills in trades and supporting their families through good-paying jobs. It’s worth noting that the clean power industry in B.C. has attracted more than $8.6 billion in investment and estab- lished valuable partnerships with local communities and First Nations. Projects like this one and numerous others show the value of clean tech companies partnering with local communities and First Nations.

I ask all members in this House to join me in congratulat- ing Chief Patrick Michell for the leadership he has shown for the benefit of his community. SOCIAL WORKERS N. Simons: I’m pleased to be able to stand here today and talk about Social Worker Week, which is next week when we’re not here. It’s an opportunity today to thank social workers for everything that they do in circumstances that would challenge many of us, giving hope to people who have lost theirs, giving voice to people who have none and advoc- ating for people who may have nobody on their side.

Social workers work in hospitals to help people in their grief or through major changes in their lives. They work in the community living sector, supporting individuals to live fully in their communities. They counsel those who are struggling to find their way through complex circumstances, be it in custody settings, educational institutions or in long- term-care facilities. I know that in this place we often hear reference to “the hardest job in public service, ” or we hear people say they’ d never want to be a social worker, especially in child protec- tion.

But what we don’t hear, in this place or other places in our province, is the wonderful stories of success, of achieve- ment, of connections social workers have made that have resulted in lives lived better.

There are rarely headlines that read “Victim of Crime Recovers Quickly” or “Social Worker Lessens Grief ” or “Child Ends up Okay. ” We usually hear when things go wrong, and in those cases, it’s almost always about working conditions, complexity of caseloads, individuals acting unpredictably and, of course, poverty and government austerity. [10:30 a.m.] Nothing is more satisfying to social workers than hearing 7476 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

one of their kids, as we call them, say they were glad that you were in their life, when they tell you their relationship with their mom or dad is good now or when they say they’re going to be better parents than their own were — and they say it without a tinge of anger, regret or judgment. Social workers are key members of our community. They don’t sing their own praises. They are at their best when those around them are not. So thank you to social workers. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 11 — CIVIL FORFEITURE AMENDMENT ACT, 2019 Hon. M.

Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2019. Hon. M. Farnworth:I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I am pleased to introduce Bill 11, the Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2019. This bill proposes a series of amend- ments to the Civil Forfeiture Act to enhance the civil forfeit- ure office’s ability to target the tools of the drug trade and gang violence and to trace, preserve and forfeit the proceeds of crime.

The bill proposes a collection of rebuttable evidentiary presumptions which will apply in situations commonly asso- ciated with drug trafficking and organized crime. These pre- sumptions will make the forfeiture process more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining the fairness of the pro- cess under the supervision of the B.C. Supreme Court. As a result of these efficiencies, it is anticipated that more funds will be available to fund community crime prevention initi- atives across the province.

The bill also establishes new tools for the civil forfeiture office to employ in its efforts to trace, preserve and forfeit the proceeds of crime. These tools will be of great assist- ance in ensuring profits from drug trafficking and money laundering are captured and reinvested in crime preven- tion projects in B.C. Overall, this bill aims to make British Columbians safer by strengthening our ability to forfeit the tools and profits of organized crime and drug trafficking. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. M.

Farnworth:I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 11, Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2019, 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. Oral Questions SPECULATION AND V ACANCY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR CABINS A. Wilkinson:Walter Mechler is a 93-year-old retired engineer. He’s with us here today. In 1972, he purchased land on the outskirts of the village of Belcarra. Over time, he designed and built a cabin on a rocky outcrop.

He built the cabin himself. Due to his wife’s health in recent years, Wal- ter hasn’t been able to live there all summer anymore, but he does get there regularly with his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. This isn’t a vacant property. Walter is certainly not a spec- ulator, and the property can’t be rented. The question goes to the Minister of Housing. Walter is here today. Can she answer him directly? Why does she con- sider him a speculator? Hon. C. James: As the member knows, and as I’ve answered before in this House, I can’t comment on specific tax cases.

That’s information that needs to be provided through the tax department. Certainly, when we take a look at the speculation tax, as we know in this House, 99 percent of British Columbians will not pay the speculation tax. As we know again, in this House, there’s a reason we’re dealing with the speculation and vacancy tax. We’re dealing with it because that side left us with a housing crisis right here in British Columbia. The member will know we know there are specific cir- cumstances. That’s why there are exemptions in place and a whole number of reasons.

There are exemptions, as well, for people who have cabins or people who have summer homes. They get a $400,000 exemption if they’re British Columbians, which will help individuals as well. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. [10:35 a.m.] A. Wilkinson:That answer was just as vacuous as this help line that Walter was asked to call. We’re hearing regular stories of people spending two hours on the speculation tax help line and getting no answers because the staff simply don’t know the rules, so they leave people in a void. Nancy Strain is here.

She has a family cabin in Belcarra built by her father in 1963. It’s uninsulated. It cannot be ren- ted. Nancy has no intention of selling this family cabin that has been in her family for generations now. It was passed on to her by her father. Most importantly, Nancy is a widow. She is on a fixed income of $22,000 a year — period. She has now been given a speculation tax bill of $5,000 a year. The obvi- ous question is: is this the speculator the minister is after? Is Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7477

this the demon who refuses to rent out her property? Is this the target of this tax? When Nancy phones the help line, she gets nothing in the way of answers. Can this minister explain — preferably the Housing Min- ister, since it’s nearby to her riding…? Can somebody on the government side explain why Nancy is obliged to spend a quarter of her income to pay a tax that has nothing to do with speculation, nothing to do with her property and that she finds oppressive? Hon. C.

James: I think the member of the opposition made it clear what he thinks about people who are struggling in British Columbia in his comments last week. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Members, it will be good if the gallery can hear the response. Hon. C. James: There’s an entire generation of young people who have been left without the opportunity to be able to buy a home or think of having a second home. We have put in place exemptions — again, a $400,000 exemption for individual homes.

I think it’s important to take a look: the property values in Belcarra jumped in 2016 to 2017, just in one year alone, by a 47 percent increase in the value of homes. We will have the opportunity again, as individuals come forward with their questions, to take a look at the list of exemptions and provide that support. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a second supplemental. A. Wilkinson:Well, these answers are reminiscent of the second and third calls to the speculation tax dial-in number that was provided and that is utterly useless.

It has led fleets of seniors into the unknown, wondering whether they’re going to be exempted or not because they can’t get an answer from this minister. Here in the House, these people have journeyed here from the Mainland, and what they get is political cheap shots rather than answers from this minister. On March 26 of 2018, the Finance Minister said: “People in smaller communities, those with cottages…will not pay this tax. ” Well, apparently she’s had a change of heart, because in the gallery here we have Walter; we have Nancy; we have Charline Robson and Sy Rogers.

Each of these people owns a family cabin, each is being accused of being a speculator, and none of them can get answers from the min- ister’s hotline. These are not speculators; these are seniors. These are people on fixed incomes. These are people who are looking for answers from this minister. This minister broke her promise to exempt cottages of this sort and has denied them any kind of answer to their queries. The question goes directly to the Finance Minister. The Housing Minister didn’t want anything to do with this, so she has passed the hot potato to the Finance Minister.

What is this government doing, taxing these seniors on these cab- ins which cannot be rented under any circumstances? Hon. C. James: I’ll say again that people in British Col- umbia who own a second home do have the opportunity to get a $400,000 credit on the value of their home. That’s to ensure that truly rural cabins are exempt. They won’t be pay- ing when they’re looking at $400,000. We know, again, that 99 percent of British Columbians will not pay the tax. [10:40 a.m.] I do want to take issue with the member’s comments about the hard-working staff who are on the lines taking in the calls.

The vast majority of individuals have put in their spec tax forms and vacancy forms through electronic means. For those who have phoned in, they’ve been doing an incredible job. The staff are working very hard. The MLAs also know that in fact, we’ve been doing calls, again, through our office and supporting MLAs as well. We have the opportunity to deal with individual calls for indi- viduals who have concerns. J. Thornthwaite:Barbara Howard was a truly incredible British Columbian.

She was both the first black female ath- lete to compete for Canada on the world stage and the first visible minority to be hired as an educator with the Van- couver school board. A remarkable pioneer, Barbara was inducted into the Burnaby, British Columbian and Canadian sports halls of fame. Barbara passed away two years ago and left her small Bel- carra cabin as a legacy to her extended family. Her niece Charline is retired with a limited, fixed income, and she can’t afford to pay this uncaring minister’s punitive tax. Charline is here right now.

Can the minister tell her why she wants to punish her with this tax? Hon. C. James: Thank you for the opportunity. Again, when we take a look at the speculation and vacancy tax, there’s a reason that this tax is coming into place, Member. There’s a reason, because people in British Columbia can’t afford to live and work in the same community. There are individuals who have been living in their cars. There are seniors who have not been able to find places to live. So yes, we are looking at making sure we try and address the hous- ing crisis. We will look at individual circumstances.

That’s why we put a list of exemptions in place to be able to address those circumstances. Individual British Columbians receive the $400,000 credits on the first amount of the value of their house that they don’t have to pay the speculation tax on, to ensure that we exempt those truly rural cabins. That’s the reason that this tax is in place. It’s because of the housing crisis and the need to address that for British Col- umbians. 7478 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

J. Thornthwaite:This is what Charline wrote: “Our family spent many years at the cabin thanks to Barbara’s hard work and caring. I am now retired, a senior and cannot think how I will be able to afford this tax. I’m not an investment owner. I do not want to sell. I only want to continue the legacy that my aunt left our family. ” A question to the minister: why has this uncaring minister denied an exemption for Charline and the other residents of Belcarra? Hon. C. James: Again, as the members know, I’m not going to give individual tax advice in the Legislature. That’s not appropriate.

If individuals don’t feel they’ve had their questions answered, we have an opportunity to be able to answer those questions. I am more than happy to ensure that we get the officials to be able to answer those questions that the individuals may have. Are we going to continue, as a government, to address the crisis that was left? Y es, we are. Do we have a big job ahead of us? Y es, we do, considering the mess that was left after 16 years by the other side. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND PROTECTION OF SALISH SEA A.

Olsen:Today I wear this forget-me-not in memory of my late grandmother Phyllis Snobelen. This weekend I was on Pender Island. On the sunniest weekend so far, about 100 Pender Islanders gathered to dis- cuss the National Energy Board approval of the Trans Moun- tain pipeline project.

The game changer in this reconsideration hearing is the NEB finally admitting that the pipeline project will result in significant adverse impacts on the orcas and their cultural relationship with Indigenous people, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the potential threat of a diluted bitumen spill in the Salish Sea. [10:45 a.m.] I have constituents on all sides of this issue. The NEB’s hearing, frankly, has let us all down. This is about trust in government — trust that government is putting the public interest in safe communities, healthy environments and robust economics first.

As the Environment Minister rightly pointed out, the NEB did not add any binding conditions to their approval, making their conditions almost meaningless. The B.C. government has opposed this development and has promised to use every tool available to halt its progress. My question is to the Minister of Environment and Cli- mate Change Strategy. What further steps is his government going to take to protect B.C. ’s coast? Hon. G. Heyman:I thank the member for the question.

I know the member, the member’s party, our caucus and thou- sands of British Columbians share a deep concern about the potential impacts of a diluted bitumen spill, whether it’s on land or whether it’s from tankers in the ocean, and remain opposed to this project. We share that view. We share the view of the member’s constituents who have concern. That’s why, hon. Speaker, we have continued con- sistently to oppose this project, to say it’s bad for British Columbia.

That’s why we made submissions to the National Energy Board hearings that focused on the complete inad- equacy of the proponent, and now the federal government as proponent, to demonstrate that they had either the capacity or the plans to respond effectively to a diluted bitumen spill. We made a presentation to the National Energy Board and said that the project should be rejected for that reason, as well as other reasons that the member has raised. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that British Col- umbians’ interests, the environment, the coast and tens of thousands of jobs are protected. Mr.

Speaker:Saanich North and the Islands on a supple- mental. A. Olsen:As the representative of Saanich North and the Islands, I represent the geographical heart of the Salish Sea. It’s a vibrant, culturally diverse, environmentally sensitive and economic powerhouse in our region. The most danger- ous part of the marine shipping route in the Salish Sea is the 90-degree turn at Boundary Pass in Haro Strait. The res- ult is that my riding, Pender Island, all of the southern Gulf Islands and the Saanich Peninsula are the most vulnerable to an oil spill.

This NEB reconsideration hearing, frankly, was a sham from the beginning. The Prime Minister said, before this new review had even started, that “the pipeline will be built. ” He had already decided the outcome. B.C. needs to be in control of our own environmental assessment that is objective and evidence-based. It’s time to pull out of the equivalency agreement that we signed on to. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Environ- ment and Climate Change Strategy. Will his government stand up for our coast?

Will his government pull out of the equivalency agreement and conduct our own environmental assessment of the Trans Mountain pipeline? Hon. G. Heyman: Thank you, again, to the member for the question and for pointing out some of the great diffi- culties that British Columbians have with seeing the recent review by the National Energy Board as being transparent, as being responsive to the very real concerns of British Col- umbians. I share the member’s frustration. I share the frustration of the member’s constituents.

But the fact remains that the Fed- eral Court of Appeal asked the National Energy Board and the federal government to do additional studies. It did not strike down either the B.C. environmental assessment cer- tificate that was granted under the previous government or parts of the existing National Energy Board certificate that were granted. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7479

Therefore, that certificate stands, with its conditions. What we have done…. And I should point out that the equi- valency agreement is essentially moot, because it only applies to future National Energy Board reviews, of which there will be none. But we have introduced regulations to ensure that we can protect B.C. ’s environment from an oil spill — recovery plans, response plans. We have other regu- lations that we’re about to announce. [10:50 a.m.] We have taken a reference case to the B.C.

Court of Appeal to ensure, and to assure British Columbians, that we are exercising every inch of our jurisdiction to protect jobs, the coast and the environment, unlike the members opposite. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO SPECULATION AND V ACANCY TAX CONCERNS OF LOCAL OFFICIALS S. Bond: Well, we know this: the speculation tax has been a mess since day one. The minister knows it, and she should fix it. It’s bad enough that the concerns of seniors in Belcarra are falling on deaf ears, but the government continues to ignore mayors as well.

We know that members on the government side of the House are hearing about this issue, and what have they said? Nothing. Not one peep. Their own MLA, the member for Port Moody–Coquitlam, in fact warned the mayor to be careful about his comments, or there could be consequences. This is what Mayor Neil Belenkie says — not my words, but the mayor’s words: “My message to the government is that this tax is hitting people who aren’t speculators, and they can’t afford this devastating tax.

But they refuse to listen and threaten to punish my community if I continue to raise concerns. ” The mayor is here in the gallery today. Will the Finance Minister take this opportunity to stand up and apologize for the treatment of the mayor and finally listen to his concerns? Hon. C. James: I had the opportunity to meet with the mayor on Friday at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. We had a conversation. This issue did not come up from the mayor. I have to tell you that the mayor and the MLA for the area have raised their issues.

We will have an opportunity, built into the legislation, to meet with all the mayors of all the communities, for them to bring forward their issues. I expect the mayor of Belcarra will bring forward his issues, as the other mayors will as well. Mr. Speaker:The member for Prince George–Valemount on a supplemental. S. Bond: Well, I think it’s cold comfort to mayors across British Columbia who have stood and expressed their con- cerns to this Finance Minister, all on deaf ears.

According to Mayor Belenkie, the member for Port Moody–Coquitlam told him that he was risking the support his community cur- rently receives from the province. He went on to threaten that the community’s relationship with the province would become much more difficult if Belcarra continued to protest. Intimidation of locally elected officials is completely unac- ceptable. It’s time for this minister to stand up and apologize for her colleague’s appalling treatment of the mayor and the residents of Belcarra. Hon. C. James:I’ve had the opportunity to speak to the mayors.

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to the mayor of Belcarra as well, on Friday. We had the opportunity for him to present information. He knows that we will have an opportunity when we come together with the mayors in a formal meeting that will give them the opportunity to pres- ent their pieces. I have to tell the other side and tell this member and the Leader of the Opposition and everyone on the other side that this government is going to continue to stand up for people who can’t afford housing in British Columbia, and we will not apologize for that.

We have a crisis in this province, a crisis that is impacting individuals and families and seniors and businesses that can’t recruit and retain employees in the best employment record in British Columbia, across the country, because they can’t afford housing. Are we going to move on our 30-point plan? Y es, we are. We’re going to do everything we can to support families… Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. C. James:…and individuals and seniors who can’t afford housing in our province.

I am sure there are people, as well, in Belcarra who have struggled because of the skyrocketing speculation going on in the province, that have seen a 47 percent increase in housing. That doesn’t help people who need to work and live in Belcarra either. That’s why we’re moving on our 30-point plan. [10:55 a.m.] T. Stone:Well, nice try at deflection, Minister. Y ou have the power to act to address the issues that these seniors, four of whom are here today, are facing. Clearly, you’re opting not to address their situations. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. T.

Stone:This isn’t the first time that the NDP government has been caught threatening mayors. It’s not the first time. Here’s what Langford’s mayor, Stew Y oung, had to say: “ As a 7480 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

matter of fact, I got threatened. I talked to the minister’s seni- or aide, Rob Gillezeau, and he said, ‘If you put those letters on your council agenda, you will never get out of the specu- lation tax. ’” That’s from the mayor of Langford, in the Premi- er’s own riding. When will the minister tell her staff, when will she tell her fellow MLAs, when will she tell her fellow ministers to stop threatening mayors with retaliation when these mayors are simply standing up, showing guts, standing up for their com- munities, standing up for the citizens in their communities against this phony speculation tax? Hon. C.

James: In fact, the mayor of Langford did raise those issues. The issue was investigated. The two civil ser- vants who were in that meeting attended it and said there were no inappropriate comments made, so in fact, that issue was looked at. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. C. James:It is very clear. We know from the 16 years of the other side’s record. We know from the reality of the housing crisis that this side would get rid of any measures to deal with affordable housing in British Columbia, because they showed them they didn’t care over the last 16 years.

We are going to continue to do everything we can to bring in affordable housing in British Columbia, to address supply and demand. We’re starting to see some cautious but posit- ive signs when we take a look at affordable housing. We have more work to do, because you can’t undo 16 years in less than two years, but we are going to continue our work. Mr. Speaker:The member for Kamloops–South Thomp- son on a supplemental. T. Stone:I think we’ve hit a new low in this House. The Minister of Finance has basically just called out the mayors, suggesting that they aren’t telling the truth.

We have two of those mayors in the House here today — the mayor of West Kelowna and the mayor of Belcarra — and this minister has just suggested that they’re not telling the truth. Well, shame on you, Madam Minister. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members, we shall hear the question. Thank you. T. Stone:The mayor of Langford was told in front of wit- nesses that his community would be included in the spec- ulation tax if he continued to speak out publicly against it. And what did Stew Y oung, the mayor of Langford, do? He continued to do what he felt was the right thing, and he has continued to speak out against it.

Then Langford found itself included in the speculation tax. Now, mayors have the right. The mayors of this province have the right to speak out on behalf of their communities, and they should be able to do so without fear of retaliation from the provincial government. For NDP MLAs and political staff to threaten the may- ors and to say to the mayors and the people they represent that they’re going to be punished for speaking out against an unfair tax — well, that’s unacceptable, it’s unfair, and it’s vindictive. [11:00 a.m.] My question to the minister is this.

When will the minis- ter, again, tell her staff, tell her MLA colleagues, tell her fel- low cabinet ministers to back off on the threats of intimida- tion towards mayors, and when will this minister show some competence, some compassion and some common sense towards British Columbians who have been unfairly targeted by this phony speculation tax, like the four seniors who are here today? Hon. C. James:The mayors can speak out and have con- tinued to speak out, Member, and I have continued to listen to the issues as recently as Friday.

Now, I understand from the other side that they’re not interested in hearing about people who are struggling to find housing. They’re not interested in hearing from people who spent 16 years trying to find housing in British Columbia. We are going to continue that work. Are there opportunities for a deduction, for a credit for individuals who have cabins, truly rural cabins? Y es, $400,000 for those individuals. And there’s a long list of exemptions, because we recognize there are people who have unique circumstances. That’s why the speculation and vacancy tax has the deductions that are here.

That’s why it has exemptions. If anyone wants further questions, we have more oppor- tunities to be able to answer those questions. SPECULATION AND V ACANCY TAX IN BELCARRA J. Johal:Now we know why mayors are being threatened by NDP political thugs. They don’t want the public to know about this story whatsoever. The residents of Belcarra are unfairly caught in the net of this…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. J. Johal:It fits. It fits. Mr. Speaker:Members, we shall hear the question. J. Johal:The residents of Belcarra have been unfairly Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7481

caught in the net of this half-baked NDP speculation tax. Families who have had cabins for decades are facing stress and anxiety, and this minister doesn’t even care. Seniors like Walter, Nancy, Sy and Charline are on fixed incomes, and they’re clearly not speculators. They’ve sadly had to come here on their own today, because they are not getting proper representation from their local MLA. Question to the Finance Minister: will Belcarra be exemp- ted from the tax, and secondly, will the Finance Minister agree to meet the residents of Belcarra today? Hon. C.

James: There is the opportunity for mayors to be able to bring forward the unique circumstances in their community. I had an opportunity to meet with the mayor on Friday, who raised those concerns. They have the opportun- ity, just as all the other mayors do, to sit down. It’s written into the legislation. They’ll be able to bring forward their unique circumstances. The other piece we’ll have by that point is data that the other side didn’t bother collecting, because they didn’t want to look at the speculation tax.

We will have the information, we will bring it forward, and the mayors will have a chance to put their case forward. [End of question period.] Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I call the continued debate on the supplementary estimates of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and in the Douglas Fir Room, Committee A, I call the estimates for the Ministry of Chil- dren and Family Development. [11:05 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.] Committee of Supply SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE (continued) The House in Committee of Supply (Section B); R. Chouhan in the chair.

The committee met at 11:11 a.m. On Vote 41(S): ministry operations, $5,000,000 (continued). The Chair:Members, the committee has to resume. Those members who don’t have business in the House, please leave the House. D. Clovechok:I seek leave of the House to sit in this chair and, with my co-critic, ask questions from this chair and not my own. Leave granted. Hon. L. Beare:Good morning, and welcome to the mem- bers opposite. Before I begin taking your questions, I want to offer cla- rification to a few of the questions that were posed by the members opposite yesterday.

The member for Parksville-Qualicum asked what the base budget was for RMI in 2018-19, and I replied the budget was $10.5 million. As a point of clarification, I offer that the funding provided for the RMI program has been $10.5 mil- lion on an annual basis. There is no base funding for the RMI in the budget for 2018-19. That funding totaled $5.25 million as approved access to contingencies. Beginning in 2019-20, the approved base budget for RMI is $13 million. I look forward to discussing that with you further in the 2019-20 estimates debates.

In addition, we ended the evening with the member for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky regarding when payments were made for the RMI in fiscal 2017-18 and in 2018-19. I offer the members the following. The funding allocation for 2017-18 was $15.75 million. This was expensed in the fiscal year from contingencies in two payments, $10.5 million in October ’17 for the 2017 cal- endar year RMI program and $5.25 million in March 2018 towards the 2018 calendar year RMI program. These two payments were made under the old formula calculation. The last payment in March of 2018 was accelerated payments for these communities.

This was something we heard from the communities that was very important. It’s still for the calen- dar year of 2018. The funding allocation for 2018-19 was $5.25 million. This was expended in the fiscal year from the contingencies in July 2018 to the 14 municipalities. This was the final pay- ment for the 2018 RMI program. This payment has had the benefit of being calculated based on the new formula. [11:15 a.m.] In

summary, for the 2017 program, RMI was funded $10.5 million, expensed in fiscal 2017-18. In 2018, it was funded $10.5 million and $5.25 million accelerated and funded from 2017-18 contingencies and $5.25 million funded out of 2018-19 contingencies. The next RMI payment will be from fiscal 2019-20 base budget of $13 million, and we expect to make that first new payment by July 2019. I would also like to provide a table to the members that summarized the payment for 2017-18 and 2018-19 to assist with clarity. I thank the members, and I look forward to fur- ther questions on RMI. D.

Clovechok:We’re just going to take a minute to have a look at this. M. Stilwell:Can communities expect to have accelerated payments in the future? Hon. L. Beare:The RMI program has now been put into 7482 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

the base budget in the ministry, so no longer will the com- munities have to deal with these short-term extensions — one year here, three months there — that were given under the old regime and the old formula. It is now in the base budget. We are committed to providing funding on a regu- larly scheduled basis. The first payment that will go in the new year here is July 2019. M. Stilwell:Just to be clear, no longer will any payments be received in March. It will always be a continually ongoing basis of being distributed in June. Hon. L. Beare:Y es, that is our plan. M.

Stilwell:Y esterday we learned from the minister that the $5 million that we are here for with the supplemental estimates, the additional funding that she is seeking and requesting in this budget…. That, just so we’re clear, is extra money that’s already been spent through her budget. As the member mentioned yesterday in her remarks, the money has been allocated already and spent. We are typically here requesting the forgiveness of the spending, not permission of the spending. The minister claims that her ministry is on budget.

But the mere fact that we’re here asking for the $5 million, I would suggest, offers a different story. [11:20 a.m.] What I’m trying to understand is if she claimed, yesterday, that she consulted and she listened and she received valuable input from the communities that are impacted by RMI, then why wasn’t this $5 million in the original budget? How could this have been an unforeseen budget expense if this is a pro- gram that has been going on for 14 years, since 2006? Should that not have been predictable? Hon. L. Beare:With respect to the member, that is simply not correct. I did answer this yesterday.

I’m happy to restate my answer. The ministry has not overspent its budget. All of the min- istry’s expenditures and commitments are accounted for under the existing base budget and contingencies. Supplementary estimates do not mean the government is running out of money or that the ministries are not care- fully monitoring their budgets. Supplementary estimates are an established budgetary tool that reflects a strong provincial economy and disciplined budgeting and expenditures prac- tice by government.

It’s important to note and celebrate that supplementary estimates are only possible as government has retired the operating debt in the current fiscal year. D. Clovechok:If you could just help us understand this a little bit better. Y ou said yesterday that you’ve eliminated the operational debt, which means you can do these things. The Chair:Member, through the Chair. D. Clovechok:Through the Chair, yep. Sorry. Through you, Chair, to the minister, the minister said that the budget is balanced. Y et we still don’t understand why this money wasn’t budgeted in the original budget if everything is on track.

We don’t really understand that. If she could help us with that, it would be appreciated. Hon. L. Beare:The supplementary estimates allow gov- ernment to access current fiscal year surpluses, and that is the result of a strong economy and prudent fiscal planning. So we are able to reallocate contingencies to a broad range of programs and services that the people of British Columbia need. My ministry has approved access to contingencies for $5.25 million for RMI. R. Leonard:I seek leave to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members R.

Leonard:Today I would ask the House to welcome two classes from Arden Elementary School, from my constitu- ency. Last week they invited me and welcomed me to their classroom. I got to talk about this House and how we work with a war of words, not a war of swords. I hope they were excited to come today. I would like to say thank you to the teachers — Ms. May, Mr. Atkinson and Ms.

Colville — and any others who helped make it happen for them to experience this very live event. [11:25 a.m.] If I may very quickly just run through the names, just like the Clerk does when we do our votes, we’ve got Audrey, Brody, Chase, Cody, Daphne, Ellie, Emma, Grady E., Grady W ., Joey, Kalin, Kayla, Kloie-Jean, Lexie, Madelyn, Merrissa, Mia, Molly, Nash, Noelia, Owen, Rylen, Teagan, Tenesea, Keigan, Riley B., Eva, Sadie, Olivia, Izzy, Linken, Aidan, Seth, Cohen with a C, Kohen with a K, Saige, Laura, Hailee, Mor- gan, Seela, Noah, Peyton, Nova, Jasper, Tayton, Cate, Carson, Lily, Kyla, Ryleigh.

Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to welcome them, and I hope that all of you will join me. Debate Continued M. Stilwell:The minister commented in her response, just before the introduction, that it was the strong economy and the fact that the government was able to pay off the oper- ational debt that has enabled her ministry to be able to do the things that they have done. I appreciate that, because, really, she’s giving credit to the previous government for the work that they did to create that strong economy, to put us on the pathway to eliminating that operating debt.

I extend my gratitude for acknowledging the hard work that was done when we handed over a very significant surplus to the gov- ernment to enable them to do some of the things they want. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7483

It still doesn’t make it clear how the RMI program that has been around for 14 years…. Knowing that it was something that she heard from communities…. There were apparently some consultations that went on. She listened. She gained valuable knowledge from those consultations. How is it that it wasn’t put into her prior budget and we are now here today? Is it because there’s this surplus, that rainy-day surplus, that she’s overspending in her budget and can’t live within her means, within her ministry budget? Hon. L. Beare:I would like to extend my welcome to the students as well. Thank you for joining us today.

Hopefully, you’re finding this very interesting. To the members, I will remind them that the RMI pro- gram has never been in base budget. It has always been accessed through contingencies. It has never been in base budget. It will now be in base budget in 2019-20, and I look forward to discussing that in the upcoming estimates. M. Stilwell:That’s actually not answering the question that I had, whether it’s in base budget or not. My question was: how is it not anticipated, after you heard from con- sultations, after you heard from the communities, that this is what they wanted and what they needed?

How did you not see it or have the preconceived notion that it would be some- thing that you wanted in your budget, that you wanted to make the decision to put it in your base budget? How come we are here today putting it in now? [11:30 a.m.] Hon. L. Beare:Just for clarification from the member: is she seeking to ask why the program wasn’t put into base earlier? M. Stilwell:No. That’s not my question. My question is: why did you not foresee that this was something you…? When was the decision made?

On the consultation with the communities, when you heard all the valuable knowledge and gained the insight from them to make the decision, how come this wasn’t a foreseen circumstance — that you wanted to put it into your budget? Hon. L. Beare:Y es, we did foresee it, and that’s why we accessed approved contingencies for $5.2 million for the program. That was part of government’s overall fiscal plan. D.

Clovechok:Just so that we understand and we’re clear, you knew that it was coming, or you knew that the plan was there, but you didn’t have the foresight to put it into your budget when you created your budget last time. So therefore, you spent it without actually budgeting for it. Is that what we’re understanding? Hon. L. Beare:That’s simply not correct. I have answered this question, and I will reanswer it. The ministry has not overspent its budget. All of the ministry expenditures and commitments are accounted for under the existing base budget and contingencies.

Supplementary estimates don’t mean that the government is running out of money or that ministries are not carefully managing and monitoring their budgets. Supplementary estimates is an established budgetary procedural tool that reflects a strong provincial economy and is a disciplined budgeting and expenditures practice by government. It’s important to note and celebrate that supplementary estimates are only possible as government has retired the operating debt in the current and fiscal year.

With the elim- ination of the operating debt in the second quarter of last year, we’re able to table these supplementary estimates and reinvest into the people of British Columbia. D. Clovechok:To the minister, I appreciate her answer. I guess one has to think that…. We understand that we gave you two billion reasons why you had extra money to level this. Let me ask you this question. Whether you’re in a business situation or you’re in government, budgets are budgets.

On a quarterly basis, in business, you’ll ask your CFO for a quarterly statement, based upon if there’s going to be over- spending or slippage or anything like that. My question to you is…. It’s easier to come to us for $5 million extra, which I’m happy to see is going to the RMI communities — thrilled, actually — but the process is what is befuddling a little bit. So if you could help us understand. Before the minister came looking for extra dollars which have already been spent, did you, in your ministry, spend some time looking for slippages or efficiencies so that you didn’t have to come? What were they?

I know that there’s always slippage in budgets — always. So we want to know if you looked for those slippages, looked for those efficien- cies. Did you find them? And why weren’t those efficiencies employed to that $5 million ask? [11:35 a.m.] Hon. L. Beare:The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cul- ture is on budget, as I have said, with access to contingen- cies. Tourism, Arts and Culture does not have a surplus in their budget. The Chair:Member, just a caution. When the question is asked, instead of saying “you, ” just say: “Minister, through the Chair. ” D. Clovechok:Thank you, Chair, for that reminder.

It’s greatly appreciated. It shows I’m still a bit of a rookie when it comes to this, and I’m okay with that. Through you, Chair, to the minister, that’s not really the question that I asked. I asked if there were any slippages inside of the ministry’s budget, and if so, were those slip- pages looked at as a potential for offsetting some of this $5 million? And what were the efficiencies associated with that budget? That’s the question that I asked. 7484 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

[11:40 a.m.] Hon. L. Beare:So the question was: do I scrutinize my budget before coming here? Y es, of course we do. I receive a monthly expenditure report from my EFO, and we report quarterly to Treasury Board. Tourism, Arts and Culture does not have any discretionary funds in the budget for anything that is not committed. D. Clovechok:Just to be clear, then, in your budget this year, there were no slippages inside that budget that could have produced an efficiency that could have been applied to this $5 million. That’s the question I’m asking. I’m still look- ing for an answer on that. Hon. L.

Beare:That is correct. M. Stilwell:What criteria did you use, or was used, to account for the overspending in the budget to go towards RMI and not to other priorities in the ministry — areas such as sport, for instance, which obviously is always in need of extra funding? Hon. L. Beare: Again, that is simply not correct. This is not overspending. I will repeat my answer again for the members, but this has been answered a number of times now in this House. No, the ministry has not overspent its budget.

All of the ministry’s expenditures and commitments are accounted for under the existing base budget and contingencies. Supple- mentary estimates do not mean the government is running out of money or that ministries are not carefully monitoring their budgets. Supplementary estimates are an established budgetary tool that reflects a strong provincial economy and a discip- lined budgeting and expenditures practice by government. It’s important to note and celebrate that supplementary estimates are only possible as government has retired the operating debt in the current fiscal year.

We believe that the people of British Columbia should benefit from this strength and this opportunity. M. Stilwell:I thank the minister for reading from her script and again acknowledging the operational debt being eliminated, thanks to the hard work of the previous govern- ment. But the question was actually: what criteria did you use to put extra money into RMI and not other priorities within your ministry? Hon. L. Beare:This is not extra money. What we have chosen to do is keep the program whole at $10.5 million. D. Clovechok:Noting that the hour is getting close to lunch, I think we’ll wrap this up for now.

We certainly appre- ciate the minister and her staff. Thank you very much for your time and your efforts. We’ll leave that as such and look forward to the estimates that are upcoming. Hon. L. Beare:I’ d like to thank the members opposite for their questions today. Earlier when we started — yesterday afternoon — we talked about the great work that the resort communities are able to do with RMI, as part of the opening statement. Projects like new mountain biking trails in Kimberley are making beaches accessible for everyone. Tofino to the Light- house Trail in Ucluelet.

Our government has shown that you don’t have to choose between a strong economy or support- ing people. Y ou can do both, and that’s why we’re here today. I thank the members opposite very much for their ques- tions, and I do look forward to the estimates upcoming soon. The Chair:Members, the question is Vote 41(S). Vote 41(S): ministry operations, $5,000,000 — approved. Hon. L. Beare:I move that the committee rise, report res- olution and completion of the supplementary estimates of 2018-19 for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and ask leave to sit again. Motion approved.

The committee rose at 11:45 a.m. The House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. Committee of Supply (Section B), having reported resolution, was granted leave to sit again. Supply Motions REPORTS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY Hon. C. James:I move: [That the reports of resolutions from the Committees of Supply on February 28; and on March 4 and 5 be now received, taken as read and agreed to.] Motion approved. FUNDS GRANTED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE Hon. C.

James:I move: [That there be granted to Her Majesty, from and out of the Consolid- ated Revenue Fund, the sum of 375.1 million dollars towards defray- ing the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. This sum is in addition to that authorized to be paid under

section 1 ofSupply Act, 2018-2019.] Motion approved. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7485

Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 6 — SUPPLY ACT, 2018–2019 (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES) Hon. C. James presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply Act, 2018–2019 (Supplementary Estimates). Hon. C. James:I move that Bill 6 be introduced and read a first time now. The supply bill is introduced to authorize additional fund- ing for the operation of government programs for the ’18-19 fiscal year. The House has already received, taken as read and agreed to the reports of resolution from the Committee of Supply after consideration of the supplementary estimates.

In addition, the House has resolved that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the necessary funds towards defraying the charges, expenses and disburse- ments of the public service for the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. While it’s the usual practice of this House to proceed with all three stages of the supply bill this day, by agreement between the Opposition House Leader and our House Lead- er, we will proceed with first reading today. Mr. Speaker:The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. C.

James: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 6, Supply Act, 2018–2019 (Supplementary Estimates), 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. Committee of Supply (Section A), having reported progress, was granted leave to sit again. Hon. A. Dix:I’m looking forward to seeing all of you this afternoon, and I move that the House do now adjourn. Hon. A. Dix moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Mr.

Speaker:This House stands adjourned until 1:30 this afternoon. The House adjourned at 11:49 a.m. Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Committee of Supply ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT The House in Committee of Supply (Section A); S. Chandra Herbert in the chair. The committee met at 11:12 a.m. On Vote 19: ministry operations, $2,064,727,000. The Chair:Minister, did you have an opening statement? Hon. K. Conroy:Y es, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I’ d like to begin by acknowledging the territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, on whose land we do our work. I just want to start by saying how honoured I am to be the Minister of Children and Family Development. I’m working with an amazing team of over 5,000 staff who dedicate themselves each and every day to children and families right across Brit- ish Columbia.

I want to give a special thanks to my executive team for leading that charge: Allison Bond, my deputy minister; Christine Massey, my ADM of early years and inclusion; Teresa Dobmeier, ADM of service delivery; Carolyn Kamper, ADM of strategic priorities; Cheryl May, ADM of policy and legislation; Philip Twyford, ADM of finance and corporate services; and Cory Heavener, provincial director of child welfare. Their dedication, their passion, determination and innov- ative visions are what I think help to bring about significant changes in this ministry.

It’s a vital shift in the way we do our business so it better serves our children, youth and families for many years to come. I also want to acknowledge my colleague, Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. The Chair:Of course, hon. Minister, we don’t use names in this place. Hon. K. Conroy:Sorry, right. We’re in the little House.

I’ d like to also recognize the Minister of State for Child Care for her passion and for her inspiration in the work she does every day with the child care system right across our province. [11:15 a.m.] She’s doing amazing things to ensure that we move for- ward on our ten-year plan of introducing a universal child care system. I’m just so thrilled that we are working together, 7486 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

because I know it’s creating a better future for British Col- umbians. My mandate letter from the Premier is very clear. It’s to improve child protection services, to reduce the dispropor- tionate number of Indigenous kids in care, to work to imple- ment the recommendations from Grand Chief Ed John’s report, to provide better supports to keep Indigenous youth in their homes and communities and to help youth aging out of care successfully transition to adulthood. I believe we are making great progress.

We’re actually see- ing the lowest number of children and youth in care in the last 25 years and the lowest number of Indigenous kids in care since 2014. Expanded government supports are helping to increase the rate of family preservation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous families. After receiving supports, almost 90 percent of children in need of protection are able to continue to live safely with their families. But even so, there is still an overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care in B.C., and we all know that that’s unacceptable and needs to change.

For those children who can’t safely live with their parents, we still need skilled, loving caregivers. Our caregivers have been waiting far too long for the pay increase they deserved. It was a really proud moment for me when we raised the monthly rates paid to foster and other caregivers and parents receiving post-adoption assistance. Maybe most importantly, we raised the rate for caregivers on the extended family program by 75 percent. For the first time, that brought the rates paid to aunties, uncles, grand- parents caring for family members in line with what foster parents make.

It’s one way we’re able to keep children, espe- cially Indigenous children, connected to their communities, their extended families and their cultures. Also, by focusing on prevention, collaboration and juris- diction, the ministry is working to shift the culture and prac- tice to keep Indigenous children out of care, safe with their families, safe within their communities and their cultures. We are implementing Grand Chief Ed John’s recommend- ations. Through legislative changes, Indigenous communit- ies are finally getting more involved in child welfare decisions.

We’ve entered into separate agreements with the federal government and the Cowichan Tribes, the Wet’suwet’ en Nation and the Secwepemc Nation. These agreements commit us to work together to see the nations exercise their jurisdiction over child and family services. The ministry is engaging with a number of other First Nations, including the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and the Huu- ay-aht First Nation. The ministry is also engaging with former youth in care to identify ways to better support the transition to adulthood.

Through a variety of government programs and partner- ships, the province offers resources that help young people from care with additional life skills, education and financial supports. We’re making programs such as agreements with young adults more inclusive, with greater flexibility to ensure that youth have access to the right supports that they need when they’re required. Last year our ministry enhanced the agreements with young adults program, increasing the monthly amount by $250 as well as providing that much-needed financial sup- port year-round, right up to the age of 27.

Our government also eliminated the tuition fees for youth from care. The pro- vincial tuition waiver program now provides free tuition for eligible former youth in care in all of B.C. ’s 25 public post- secondary institutions. The minister of state and I have spoken quite in detail about the strides the government is taking in bringing uni- versal child care to our province. I’m convinced that the member opposite will be able to ask all kinds of questions about our child care program, but I just want to say how exciting it is for me, personally.

After what I think have been years of neglect for this incredibly important sector, we are moving forward to bring universal child care to our province. It’s a great story, and I’m looking forward to sharing the numbers with the member opposite on how well this program is doing. I know there’s a lot of work that we had to do when I became minister. I know that we’re doing much to deal with already much-neglected services under the previous govern- ment.

I wanted to say that when we added in $6.3 million to significantly cut wait-lists for respite services and increased the annual funding, that was a huge issue for children and especially the parents of children with special needs. [11:20 a.m.] We know, as I said, there’s more work to do. I’m excited to continue this work to make life better for children, youth and their families right across B.C. I’m looking forward to the questions from the member opposite as well as his col- leagues. So we’re happy to take questions. L. Throness:I want to follow up by thanking the ministers for their service.

I know it’s a lot of hard work to do what they’re mandated to do by the voters. I want them to know that in my critique, I do not wish to play political gotcha. It is my desire to make child care and children and families bet- ter. So where I see gaps, I want to call them out, but that will be the intent of my questions. I have about three hours with the MCFD minister, and I thought I would ask a few broad philosophical questions to begin and then talk about the core of her mandate, which is children in care, being contracted agencies, foster care and adoption. I have a number of miscellaneous questions.

About 1:30, I thought, after lunch, some other MLAs would come and ask questions. Then I think at about three o’ clock, 2:30, there will be officials available for the Columbia River treaty questions. If I’m wrong, please tell me. Hon. K. Conroy:All things Columbia will be dealt with at the end of estimates, so they’re not planning to be here until the member opposite has finished both Children and Famil- ies and Child Care. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7487

L. Throness:Can I ask if that’s tomorrow, then, that they’ll be available? Hon. K. Conroy:I think that’s somewhat up to the mem- ber opposite to determine, but it’s our hope that it will be tomorrow afternoon. L. Throness:All right. We’ll make it work. After that, it would be Minister of State for Child Care that we will talk about. I want to begin with a question about fathers. The First Call: B.C. Child and Y outh Advocacy Coalition puts out a report on child poverty every year, and the latest report said that one in five children, or about 172,000 children, were liv- ing in poverty in 2016.

Half of these families are lone-parent families, and 82 percent of lone-parent families were female- led. That works out to about 71,000 children, which is a lot of children. But only 11 percent of children in lone-parent families led by a male were in poverty. So there’s a huge dif- ference there. There are two solutions to that, both legitimate public policy approaches. One is to equalize the income of female- led households. There is another solution to that, and there are many social benefits and financial benefits to healthy spousal relationships.

I’m not talking about defending abus- ive relationships or anything like that, but I would point out that preserving and strengthening families, whole families, as a preventative measure is government policy. I’m wondering if the minister has given any thought to strengthening families specifically by strengthening fath- ers and fatherhood, which has the potential to lift dozens of thousands of children out of poverty and do a lot of oth- er great social things as well. I have a few questions in that regard.

My first specific question in that regard would be: does the ministry offer counselling to couples struggling in their rela- tionship? [11:25 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy: Obviously the goal for the ministry is to keep families together. That’s something that we’ve been working on, and I think that’s shown by the fact that 90 percent of the times that the ministry is involved with families, 90 percent of the times, those children are able to stay with their families because of the supports provided to the families. These supports are based on what the families need. Some families need different supports than others.

But I think the key to this is to say that the ministry’s goal is to ensure that families stay together. It’s not about apprehending children. It’s about keeping families together and ensuring that the families get those supports. Again, the fact that 90 percent of those families stay together after intervention with the ministry, I think, shows the ministry is providing those supports that families need. L. Throness:The minister has avoided my direct question. Am I to understand that the ministry does not offer coun- selling to couples who struggle in their relationship? Hon. K.

Conroy: The services could obviously include counselling, but it’s very dependent on what the families need. So if a family needs that kind of support, that’s where the ministry would be looking. It’s based on what the indi- vidual families need. L. Throness:Does the ministry offer programs specifically targeted at fathers — such as anger management courses, courses on parenting, how to cope with the struggles of fam- ily life — encouraging fathers to love their partners and provide for their children? Hon. K. Conroy:The services that the member is refer- ring to….

We actually have contractors right across the province who provide those services. L. Throness:Would the minister consider a social market- ing campaign to reinforce the importance and role of father- hood and to teach that a father’s commitment to his family is something that this government and society highly values? Hon. K. Conroy: That’s an interesting suggestion from the member. I think there are lots of opportunities for public education in this area, and we’ll take that one under advisement. L. Throness:One more suggestion for the minister.

By law, the government must present a poverty reduction plan by March 31 of this year. Would the minister speak with her counterpart, the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, about the possibility of including some- thing like this in his plan? [11:30 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy:We work very closely together, the Min- ister of Poverty Reduction and myself, and will continue to work together to ensure that we’re providing the services that children and families need in this province to ensure that they are not living in poverty. L. Throness:I wanted to ask a couple of questions now about data.

In the Journal of the American Medical Association, a pretty prestigious journal, there was a Canadian study of 2,400 mothers from Calgary who reported on the screen time their children are spending. Kids three years old are viewing nearly four hours of stuff every day. There’s a statist- ical association they found between higher levels of screen time at two and three years and poor child outcomes at three and five years. What is the minister doing to inform parents about the impact of too much screen time on the develop- ment of their children? 7488 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Hon. K. Conroy:Obviously, our ministry is committed to providing early childhood education, which is the best opportunity for children to thrive. All studies have been shown…. There are hundreds of studies, I’m sure, that have been done, but there are many, many studies that have been done that have shown that the best opportunity for kids to grow in the early years is good-quality early childhood education. I know we will have many hours of time for the member to ask about our early childhood education programs when we get to that.

I just want to say that I know that that is the best opportunity for parents to ensure that their children have good-quality early childhood education, because the studies have shown that children thrive when they have good-qual- ity early childhood education. L. Throness:I want to talk for a moment about something related to screen time, and that’s playtime. In a global report last November on physical activity, Canada scored a D.

And a recent three-year study of 10,000 kids across Canada found that children today lack motor skills like playing ball, for instance, like throwing and catch- ing a ball, because they don’t play outside. What is the min- ister doing to inform parents about the importance of unstructured play out of doors? Hon. K. Conroy:Actually, part of the guidelines around early childhood education is to ensure that every child gets outside playtime every day. I think that that carries on when you talk to parents on the weekends and when parents are involved.

I talk to parents that have their kids going to base- ball, soccer, hockey, swimming and figure skating. They’re very, very involved in ensuring that their kids get exercise. I do talk to parents who are concerned about the amount of screen time their kids are getting. They know that they need to be outside. They need to be playing. They need to just be running around in the yard and having fun. Part of the early childhood education curriculum is to ensure that kids are outside playing. I talk to moms who are in mom-and-tot programs, who might be just at the park.

They recognize how critically important it is — and dads too, I know, recognizing our Chair. He has a two-year-old, and he knows how critically important it is that kids have that time outside playing. L. Throness:My final big-picture question is…. I want to ask about freedom for kids. When I grew up in Fort St. John — I’m sure it was the same for the minister; we’re of the same generation — we had one channel on TV . Screen time was cartoons on Saturday morning and books.

Now the government has chosen an educative model for all of child care where only early childhood educators can provide care, and the emphasis from age zero is on school. It all seems so serious to me. What about just being a carefree kid for a few years like we were? Will the government offer a nurturing model, as well as an educative model, to parents who prefer a less pressured, less academic and less achieve- ment-oriented environment for their children? Hon. K. Conroy:Just to clarify, we didn’t have TV until I was in my late teens.

I won all the awards for reading the most books in school, my entire elementary. Actually, we did have TV during the Olympics and World Cup soccer. My dad would rent a TV so that he could watch the Olympics and World Cup soccer. That’s the only time we had TV . So just to clarify that. [11:35 a.m.] There was no screen time in my growing up, and we car- ried that on with our own kids, actually. We had CBC in Pass Creek when our kids were growing up, much to their dismay. So there was very little screen time for them as well. I see it with my grandkids. They know they only get so much screen time.

Then the rest of the time it’s playtime with all of the grandkids, all nine of them. That’s been interesting to watch. I think it’s important to recognize that parents in B.C. have an option. They have an option for early childhood educa- tion programs. They also recognize that those are nurtur- ing programs. Child care is nurturing. I’m hoping that the member is not insinuating that it’s not nurturing, because it is definitely nurturing. It is taking care of the children. It’s early childhood education and also care, which is a big part of that. It’s not just about education, as the member puts it.

It’s about care. When you look at nursery school programs, preschool for families who don’t require full-time child care, they are also very nurturing, also ensuring that there is a great opportun- ity for play. Then there are the mom-and-tot and dad-and- tot drop-in programs, where they also encourage play. In those early years, from zero to five, it’s learning by playing for the majority. That’s what it’s about. It’s learning by being part of a pro- gram. It’s learning by being nurtured by these experienced caregivers that are providing these services.

It’s not either- or, which I think is what the member seems to be insinuat- ing. It’s very much an opportunity for nurturing and work- ing together to raise children. I want to point out that as a mom…. I was a better work- ing mom because my kids had really good early childhood education. I think my kids had a better upbringing because of it. I think some moms…. Y ou know, that should be respected. If they’re going to work, they’re going to work. If they have good quality early childhood education, good quality care for their kids, that’s really important. Kids benefit from that. I know my kids did.

I know I’ve talked to other parents who did. I’ve talked to parents who feel guilty about it, who feel that because they want to work or they need to work, they should feel guilty about it. They shouldn’t. It’s all based on individual abilities and rights and what people want to do, and I think that kids benefit from it many, many times over. To say that it’s one or the other is a mistake. I think it can be nurturing as well as educational. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 British Columbia Debates 7489

L. Throness:I would never say that it is one or the other. We know that educative models have nurturing and nurtur- ing models have education. But all matters of public policy are matters of emphasis. I would encourage the minister to offer a model that emphasizes nurturing as well as one that emphasizes education so that a parent can choose and a par- ent can have the model that they prefer with the emphasis that they prefer. I want to move on to talk about children in care.

I’m wondering if the minister can tell me how many children are in care right now and perhaps a few categories, like how many are Indigenous and what categories of care the children are in. [11:40 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy:As of December 31, 2018, for the year 2018, there are 6,365 children and youth in care, and 4,110 are Indigenous. The legal categories. Of continuing custody, there are 3,498. Temporary custody — there are 1,343. Interim order — there are 554. Voluntary care agreement — there are 345. Special needs agreement is 298. Removal of child is 216. Out of province is 98.

The Infants Act is six, and Adoption Act wards are four, and not coded is three. Just in case I went down the wrong list, we can give you those numbers as well, if the member would like that. L. Throness:How many were cared for by Aboriginal, Indigenous agencies? Hon. K. Conroy:So 2,018 of the Indigenous children in care were served by delegated Aboriginal agencies. L. Throness:Could the minister say how that has changed over the past year? Has that increased? [11:45 a.m.] Hon. K. Conroy:Just a correction. I transposed the num- bers. This year, as of December 31, there are 2,081, not 2,018.

As of March 31, for the fiscal year 2017-2018, there are 2,025. Noting the hour, I move that the committee rise and report progress and ask leave to sit again. Motion approved. The committee rose at 11:46 a.m. 7490 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 5, 2019

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Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20190305am-Hansard-n214
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20190305am Hansard n214
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	c0577b3a431e6690ff56a1a60db7f1dea102cf6f

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