Hansard Blues

Legislative Assembly

Draft Report of Debates

The Honourable Raj Chouhan, Speaker

4th Session, 42nd Parliament

Thursday, October

5, 2023

Morning Sitting

Draft Transcript — Terms of Use

The House met at 10:05 a.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: L. Doerkson.

Introductions by Members

Hon. M. Farnworth: I know we're not sitting tomorrow, but it will be a special day for a member of this

House. I think it's a nice opportunity to recognize that tomorrow will be the Attorney

General's birthday.

Happy birthday.

T. Halford: I come from a riding I'm very proud of. There are a number of seniors. One of my seniors

is celebrating a very special milestone. Mrs. Anna Ellen Woodruff is turning 100 today,

and she's celebrating with her son and his wife in Ocean Park.

I want to wish Mrs. Woodruff a very happy birthday and all the best from all of us

here in Victoria.

Hon. N. Sharma: Would the House please welcome Chad Rintoul. He is the CEO of the British Columbia

Notaries Association and a town of Sidney councillor.

Welcome.

October 1 to 7 is Make a Will Week in British Columbia. B.C. notaries completed 10,780

wills for British Columbians. They completed that in the first six months of 2023,

which is pretty remarkable. The purpose of Make a Will Week is to encourage the public

to write their will or bring an existing will up to date. An increasing number of

British Columbians are making wills, which is great news.

Thanks, Chad, for coming to listen to us today.

P. Milobar: I've been joined by my wife, Lianne, down here all week. A belated happy anniversary

to her. I know the members of government have had enough of me after 30 minutes of

question period, but she has tolerated me for 30 years now.

In addition, an advance happy birthday to her. Her birthday is on Monday. Our second

granddaughter Azalea's first birthday is on Monday. So happy birthday to them as well.

Hon. M. Dean: I have the great honour today of recognizing in the House this morning a delegation

joining us from the Simpcw First Nation: Kukpi7 George Lampreau; council member Alison

Green; and Simpcw administration and social development staff —Andre Taniguti, Carmen

Hance, Alan Cummings, Megan Sim, Kathleen McDonald and Heather Lowe.

At noon this delegation will be joining me and representatives of the ministry in

the Hall of Honour to sign a unique new agreement to expand prevention services for

Simpcw families delivered directly by Simpcw members. This builds on the Tcwesétmentem,

or "Walking Together," agreement that we signed together on beautiful Simpcw territory

in April last year.

Would everybody here please make them very welcome.

R. Parmar: It brings really great joy for me to be able to introduce two incredible British Columbians

who have joined us in the precinct today. In particular, as the son of HEU workers,

I'm so pleased to be able to introduce Meena Brisard, who is the business manager

for the HEU, and Caelie Frampton, who is the director of communications and someone

who worked very closely with our government as a staffer back in the day.

Please make them feel very welcome.

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, this week we've had student Lobby Days. We have the B.C. Federation of Students

who are joining us here in the gallery for question period, and they're here to talk

with us about their experiences in the post-secondary world.

I would invite all members to give them a very warm welcome.

[10:10 a.m.]

Hon. L. Beare: We have two new members in the Ministry of Citizens' Services' offices here in the

Legislature. We have Katelyn MacKenzie, my new AA, and Braeden Mayer, who is my new

executive assistant. They're here to watch question period today.

Would the House make them welcome.

A. Olsen: I rise today to introduce two constituents, Cindy Zimmer and Crystal Kenzie, who are

here today, in the precinct and around the precinct, to raise awareness about mental

health, addictions and suicide prevention.

Could the House please make Crystal and Cindy very welcome.

M. Elmore: I'd like to wish a happy 55th wedding anniversary to my parents.

Mom and Dad, happy anniversary. I look forward to celebrating with you later this

evening.

Introduction and

First Reading of Bills

BILL 34 — RESTRICTING PUBLIC

CONSUMPTION OF

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES ACT

Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill

intituled Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I'm pleased to introduce Bill 34, the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances

Act.

The toxic drug crisis is continuing to impact our province. It is hurting people and

communities, and this government remains committed to the goals of decriminalization,

which are to save lives and connect people to the care that they need.

But the province also recognizes that British Columbians want to feel safe as they

move around their communities and to use and enjoy recreational spaces free from drug

use.

The Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act establishes a provincial

framework to restrict public drug use at parks and other recreational spaces, around

doorways and near bus stops.

The legislation establishes a progressive approach to enforcement, which aims to stop

the use and redirect rather than punish a person who uses drugs.

This government supports decriminalization because we know that drug use is a public

health matter, not a criminal justice issue. But decriminalization does not mean that

it is okay to use drugs everywhere, and this legislation sets clear provincewide standards

that communities expect and deserve.

Mr. Speaker: The question is the 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 34, Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, introduced, read

a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the

next sitting of the House after today.

Statements

(Standing Order 25B)

CONNECT 2 PROTECT SOCIETY AND

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SUPPORT

E. Sturko: Aaron Sanio was a successful B.C. entrepreneur, beloved father, son, partner and friend.

Sadly, Aaron died by suicide on June 15, 2021, after leaving a psychiatric hospital

at the Vancouver Coastal Health region. He was just 30 years old.

James Zimmer was a talented carpenter, beloved son, brother and friend. On February

9, 2023, James took his own life after being discharged from the Royal Jubilee Hospital

in Victoria at age 50.

Tragically, neither Aaron nor James's close relatives were notified of their releases

from involuntary care, despite existing legislation in the B.C. Mental Health Act.

Aaron's dad, Michael, and James's sisters, Crystal and Cindy, had consistently provided

support and aftercare for their family members, and they believe that if they had

been informed and included in safety plans, their loved ones might be alive today.

Crystal and Cindy have decided to take the anguish that they feel in the loss of their

brother James and turn it into an opportunity to advocate for change, and they have

founded Connect 2 Protect.

Connect 2 Protect is a non-profit society created to advocate for government to activate

a more supportive and effective system of mental health crisis response care, one

that requires and mandates strengthened communication between individuals experiencing

mental health crises, their families, advocates and mental health care providers.

[10:15 a.m.]

Connect 2 Protect advocates to unite with other B.C. residents who want health authorities

and the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to provide

mental health crisis support so that it is person-centred, compassionate and comprehensive,

so that all people experiencing a mental health crisis are safe in their most vulnerable

moments.

Today at noon, Connect 2 Protect will be on the lawn of the Legislature, sharing personal

stories. I hope you'll all join us then.

TOMEKICHI HOMMA AND

WORK WITH JAPANESE-CANADIAN

COMMUNITY IN STEVESTON

K. Greene: It's well known that some of the earliest settlers in Steveston arrived from Japan

in the late 1800s and were valued as skilled fishermen and boatbuilders. They also

faced discrimination from some of the white community, with cannery bosses paying

them less for their catch than white fishermen.

Discrimination also prevented them from accessing health care. Tomekichi Homma, who

emigrated to Steveston at age 18 in 1883, worked tirelessly for fair treatment of

Japanese Canadians in their home of British Columbia.

Tomekichi Homma was a labour organizer and founded the Japanese Fishermen's Benevolent

Society in 1897. The society did important work to mitigate the disadvantages inflicted

on their community by building a school so children could learn and a hospital that

provided good care to anyone seeking it regardless of ethnicity.

Most famously, Homma-san sued for the right of Asian-Canadian suffrage and won his

case at the local court and the Supreme Court. The provincial government of the day

then took the case to the British Privy court, which ruled against him.

We know that story. But in minority communities in British Columbia live stories of

inspiration and resilience that are unpublished.

The hospital founded in Steveston had an annual membership of $8, and it included

all medical services except for surgery. Many children of all ethnicities were born

at this hospital, since it was far closer than the hospital in either Vancouver or

New Westminster and welcomed everyone.

The resounding success of the hospital quickly gained the attention of Kunito “Tommy”

Shoyama, a Japanese-Canadian journalist in Vancouver.

He spent time with Tomekichi Homma and learned all he could of this novel way to provide

health care with easy access to all in the community. He was inspired by the vision

of good accessible health care and went on to work with Premier Tommy Douglas on the

implementation of provincial health care and later went to Ottawa to work on national

universal health care.

I'm grateful to the Japanese-Canadian community in Steveston for sowing the seeds

of public health care in Canada.

I also want to thank Jim Kojima for generously sharing his time with me.

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

D. Davies: I'm honoured to rise in the House today, first as a former teacher as well as a former

student, to pay tribute to the remarkable educators that continue to dedicate and

support all of our students across British Columbia and, indeed, around the world.

Teachers are true leaders in our communities who selflessly prioritize the well-being

and education of our youth every single day. The impact these educators have on shaping

the lives of our children and setting them up for a successful future cannot be overstated.

Today is more, though, than just a day to celebrate teachers and educators across

British Columbia. It's also a day to reflect on the challenges that they face and

how we can strive to better support them and invest in them, as they do the same for

our children.

This year's theme, "The teachers we need for the education we want," serves as a reminder

that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is our collective duty

to ensure that every child receives the quality education that they rightfully deserve.

Having been, of course, both a student, like all of us, as well as a teacher, I've

seen firsthand the time, passion and commitment that teachers invest in their job.

I can tell you it's not just a 9-to-3 job. Many work tirelessly behind the scenes

and go above and beyond for each of their students. Their dedication can often go

unnoticed, but it's their commitment to students that creates a bright future for

our province and for each of our children.

I want to thank all of British Columbia's hard-working teachers for their ongoing

commitment to a world-class education system that is going to support future generations

to come.

Happy World Teachers Day.

LIBRARY MONTH

B. D'Eith: I rise today in recognition of Library Month in October in British Columbia, a time

to celebrate all libraries and services that they provide.

[10:20 a.m.]

I'd like to start by thanking librarians, teacher-librarians, library workers and

volunteers for all the work that they do for people and learners in our province.

Their dedication and enthusiasm are admirable.

Libraries are important to communities because they are safe spaces for people to

learn and connect with others. Libraries offer programs that help people with skills

they use in their everyday lives, like reading, using the Internet, getting or replacing

public ID and so much more. We understand, all the members understand, how important

these services are to our communities.

For example, the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library offers a neurodiversity in art program

that allows neurodivergent people to explore what art means to them. The Vancouver

Public Library offers ESL conversation practice week, where, once a week, people can

of how libraries are providing services to support their communities.

In fact, there are over 245 library service locations in British Columbia, and almost

two million British Columbians are active library card holders. In 2022, people accessed

25 million digital resources, loaned out 33 million items, and libraries offered 60,000

programs.

That's why, in March, we announced a one-time grant of $45 million for libraries,

in addition to their annual operating budget. This funding has gone towards expanding

services like digital collections, hours of operation and new program offerings. With

this investment, we're ensuring library services across the province can continue

to operate and provide even more services for the people of British Columbia.

Libraries are unique spaces where people can explore ideas, create new content and

find community connections. I ask that all members join me today in celebrating Library

Month in British Columbia in October.

DIVISIVENESS IN POLITICS

S. Furstenau: All of us have watched with a sense of horror as the political landscape in the United

States has deteriorated over the last decade. A man who declared that he could shoot

someone and still be elected president continues to try to prove his point. Being

inflammatory, divisive and hateful commands a following to places that none of us

could have imagined.

This has happened before. It's not a new playbook to attack public institutions, to

diminish our public and political dialogue until we are in an us-versus-them mentality.

I believe that we all care deeply about the well-being of children. Let's consider

what is causing children the most harm today.

Hunger — one in three food bank users are children. This is shameful.

Air pollution worsened by fires — smoke damage to young lungs can cause lifelong health

issues, including asthma.

Lack of access to mental health supports for kids growing up in a world that none

of us could have ever imagined — a world of technology, of cyberbullying, a world

of biodiversity loss and extinction, a world of floods and droughts, a world of climate

refugees, a world of unaffordability, too few teachers and education assistants who

desperately want to meet the needs of all the children in their classes every day.

The dog-whistle politics of division, of pitting people against each other will not

solve these very real crises that children are dealing with today.

In 2017, when I ran to be an MLA, what mattered most to me was that we build community,

not tear it apart. Let all of us commit to rejecting populism and the politics of

division and focus on solving the many real and urgent problems we face.

JADE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND

SUPPORT FOR MULTICULTURAL ARTISTS

K. Chen: We all know that B.C. is a province full of people with diverse cultures and language

abilities. But you may not know that many prominent musicians and artists in Asia

also have their roots here in B.C., including Angela Chang, Charlene Choi, Nicholas

Tse and many more.

These artists have been active in Asia for years, but they rarely bring their work

back to B.C. Perhaps it's time to think about how we can promote more multilingual

artists right here in our province.

This is one of the many reasons why the Jade Music Festival started last year. It's

an annual event that aims to make Vancouver the North American hub for multicultural

language music, starting with Chinese-language music.

[10:25 a.m.]

The festival is organized by the Society of We are Canadians Too, a B.C.-based non-profit

that connects BIPOC communities through arts and culture.

Last year they successfully brought artists and community members together, including

Canadian musician Tyler Shaw, who is of Chinese, Polish and Ukrainian descent. This

year they will once again bring many talented local and international artists together,

including Xiao Bing Chih, Aiko Tomi, Vanessa Lefon and more.

One of the musicians, Juno-winning artist Jacqueline Teh, shared: "For many years,

I never saw my cultural identity represented in the current-day popular artists. I

am grateful that communities and initiatives such as Jade Music Fest have risen out

of the necessity to preserve and celebrate our heritage. I owe the privilege I have

today to my fellow Asian artists and peers who uplifted me and encouraged me to follow

my own path."

I am inspired by these artists' spirit and courage to create their own journey instead

of simply trying to fit in. Through their collective work, I believe that one day

we can make B.C. a hub for multilingual artists where they can thrive in their own

home communities.

Please check out the Jade Music Fest, which will take place between October 18 to

20 this year.

Ministerial Statements

FREDERICK O’BRIEN

Hon. M. Farnworth: It is with tremendous sadness that I rise to honour Ridge-Meadows RCMP Const. Frederick

"Rick" O'Brien. He was killed in the line of duty in Coquitlam on September 22. He

made the greatest sacrifice while protecting Coquitlam residents.

On behalf of the government of British Columbia and all British Columbians, I offer

Constable O'Brien's loved ones, friends and colleagues my profound condolences.

To those first responders who rushed to support Constable O'Brien and his two wounded

colleagues, thank you for rushing into a situation amidst the knowledge that your

colleagues were wounded.

Frederick O'Brien became a Mountie in 2016, with a passion for working with young

people. He recently celebrated seven years of service.

Born in Ottawa, before embarking on his incredibly impactful policing career, Rick

O'Brien worked as an education assistant, an after-school support worker and a teacher.

His passion for community is a testament to leading by example. He loved his family,

he loved his community, and he loved working with children. In turn, he was loved

by his community, his colleagues and his peers.

Rick O'Brien regularly used his free time to volunteer at food drives and sporting

events and to visit at-risk youth at schools. His colleagues have said that his contribution

to the RCMP and community is immeasurable. He was hard-working, he loved his job and

was an exceptional human being.

In 2017, shortly after becoming the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General,

I had the honour and the privilege of giving Constable O'Brien an Award of Valour

at the 2017 Police Honours, along with his colleagues. Risking his own safety, Constable

O'Brien courageously rescued hostages in a home invasion. I remember meeting him and

thanking him for his selflessness. He is an example of the exceptional people who

choose to take on the heavy mantle of policing in full knowledge of the risks that

they face to protect all of us.

Constable O'Brien's tragic death resonates especially deeply as we approach the first

anniversary of the death of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang. They reside forever

in the grateful hearts of British Columbians.

Yesterday, along with the leaders from the official opposition, the Third Party and

the Fourth Party here in this place, local MLAs, community leaders, hundreds of first

responders and, of course, the family and loved ones of Constable O'Brien joined together

to mourn his loss and provide comfort to those who knew and loved Rick at his regimental

funeral.

[10:30 a.m.]

We learned about a man who loved rock music — in particular, Led Zeppelin — loved

sports, especially hockey and baseball and the Blue Jays, and loved interacting with

young people.

It was a stark reminder of the respect and admiration that we owe to first responders

and that they are more than a person in uniform. They hold hopes and dreams and have

families, some with children. They are outstanding members of our communities. A loss

of one is a loss for all of us.

Constable O'Brien's years of service and tragic loss of life have impacted multiple

communities, including Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam and his home community

of Langley. He leaves behind his wife, Nicole, and six children, Cindy, Tayler, Chelsie,

Isaac, Brayden and Bryce.

To them, I want to say: we mourn with you, and we stand beside you as you shoulder

this excruciating loss. To you, Constable O'Brien was Rick or Dad, and he was a cherished

husband and a beloved father.

To all British Columbians, his colleagues and those who knew him, he is a hero, and

we will remember him always.

K. Falcon: Yesterday I, too, attended the funeral of Const. Rick O'Brien, a father of six children,

a husband, a son and a man who served his province, his community and his family well,

who stepped up to give back and help others time and time again, as an education assistant,

a mental health worker, a youth worker and most recently as an RCMP officer, serving

seven years as a member of the Ridge-Meadows detachment. He did so with great distinction

and, as the member opposite pointed out, with great personal courage at times.

He also took tremendous joy and pride in visiting with kids in schools and establishing

a positive rapport, particularly with vulnerable and at-risk kids. He recognized the

value of building trusting relationships with community members and reflected the

best values that so many members of law enforcement exemplify every single day. He

truly cared about his community, and he epitomized what our society looks for and

seeks out when it comes to those whom we entrust to protect and serve.

This loving father of six was killed two weeks ago, shot dead while executing a drug-related

search warrant. His senseless death shook our province, and the aftershocks reverberated

right across the country, as fellow law enforcement members and officers in RCMP detachments

and non-RCMP forces throughout Canada learned of this incredible, horrible tragedy.

Our hearts went out to his family and his loved ones on that horrible Friday night

when he was taken from them so abruptly, and our hearts remained with them as their

family friend, Stephanie Porter, read out the tearful and heartbreaking statement

from Rick's wife, Nicole, at the funeral yesterday.

I heard her powerful words of how he inspired his children and showed them how to

chase their dreams. I, along with countless others in attendance — officers from around

the province, firefighters, military personnel, paramedics and my colleagues the MLAs

for Surrey South and Abbotsford West, along with the other MLAS who joined us — reflected

on the deep loss and how one individual can touch so many lives.

I have to tell you that watching the RCMP's riderless horse at the funeral service

yesterday powerfully symbolized a fallen member of the force. I thought of the legacy

that Constable O'Brien has forged through his years of community service and all those

lives that he touched — a life that can be measured by love, by achievement, by immense

contributions to his community and by the positive impacts that he had on so many

British Columbians. For that, we should all be thankful for Const. Rick O'Brien.

[10:35 a.m.]

While the love of a husband and a father can never be replaced, I hope — we all hope

— that his family knows that his legacy and the good works he accomplished can never

be taken away from them or from those people whose lives he changed for the better

as an education assistant, a mental health worker, a youth worker and a proud member

of the RCMP.

On behalf of the entire official opposition — and, I am certain, this entire Legislature

— I want to express our, and my, sincere condolences to the O'Brien family and convey

to them that British Columbians will not forget him nor fail to honour his legacy.

We are all so much greater because of the life he lived and how he chose to give back

each and every day of his valued life.

S. Furstenau: I, too, rise to respond to the ministerial statement, and I appreciate the comments

from the minister and from the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Yesterday when we gathered to honour the life of Const. Rick O'Brien, all of us were

touched deeply by the many people who demonstrated their great love and admiration.

It was a solemn and powerful moment but also a celebration of his life and a reminder

to all of us of the preciousness of life.

Constable O'Brien's life was taken too soon, and I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences

to all who are grieving at this time. My heart goes out to his spouse, his children,

his family, his friends and colleagues — all those who loved him so dearly. It was

clear from yesterday that he was indeed very deeply and very dearly loved, not just

by his friends, families and colleagues but by his whole community.

B. Banman: Const. Rick O'Brien's selfless commitment to the safety of his fellow British Columbians

is a testament to his character and a shining example to us all. It takes a special

kind of person to make the decision to dedicate their career to others, to put themselves

in danger and protect and serve their fellow British Columbians.

As the father of a first responder, there is a call which every parent and every family

dreads. The fear of that dreaded call looms over every parent of a first responder,

and an unspoken reminder of the risks that accompany their noble calling. Last week

a family in our province received that heart-wrenching call, and it sent ripples of

sorrow throughout British Columbia and beyond. Their loss is shared by all of us.

It echoes in the hearts of all British Columbians who recognize the extraordinary

sacrifice that comes with the uniform.

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my sincerest condolences to Const. Rick O'Brien's

family. His loss is profound, not just to your family but to the extended family of

first responders and law enforcement officers. The void left by his absence will always

be deeply felt, and the memory of his dedication will forever be etched in our collective

consciousness.

Sadly, we've lost first responders in my home community of Abbotsford. The loss of

Const. Rick O'Brien has brought back deeply held, too often buried, pain to the surface.

Each fallen hero represents a beacon of light extinguished far too soon. Their memories

live on in the hearts of those they served, and their legacy is carried forward by

the brave men and women who continue to answer the call of duty.

[10:40 a.m.]

In this trying time, we must extend our thoughts to the families and friends who stand

in the shadow of this immense loss. Their strength, their commitment and resilience

in the face of such adversity is a testament to the unbreakable bonds that tie our

communities together.

We stand in this chamber offering our support, our love and our shared determination

to honour and remember those who gave their all in service to others.

Constable Rick O'Brien, thank you. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker: Members, I ask the House to observe a moment of silence to honour the life and service

of Constable Rick O'Brien.

[The House observed a moment of silence.]

Oral Questions

ATTACKS BY REPEAT OFFENDERS AND

ACTION ON JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORMS

K. Falcon: This Premier's soft-on-crime policies continue to endanger British Columbians, and

Mohammed Majidpour's case is exhibit A.

For a year now, we've been sounding the alarm about this violent prolific offender,

who viciously assaulted a young Asian woman with a pipe across the head in what was

clearly a racially motivated attack. Despite 14 one-day sentences and multiple releases,

just yesterday he was back on the streets, ignoring bail conditions and posing an

immediate danger to the public.

So my question to the Premier is a simple one. When will the Premier finally stop

his catch-and-release program that is putting the public at extreme risk?

Hon. D. Eby: It is disturbing to all British Columbians when a violent repeat offender is released

back into community to offend again, which is why, when we went to Ottawa just a couple

of weeks ago, the Attorney General spent her time visiting senators one-on-one to

convince them to pass the amendments to the federal bail laws, as quickly as possible.

We cannot wait for that, and it is profoundly unfortunate that the federal government

didn't see fit in the previous legislative session to pass that reform that was badly

needed. They passed it this time — one day, unanimous support of all federal parties.

Now the Senate needs to do their work: pass it. We need to address this issue. I hope

the member will join me in calling on the senators to pass that reform.

Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Official Opposition, supplemental.

K. Falcon: Well, actually, what I'd like the Premier to do is take responsibility for the areas

that he has control under, and did as Attorney General for 5½ years, where nothing

changed. The fact of the matter is he's the one that promised results.

After his 14th one-day sentence in August, Majidpour was back on the streets, and,

predictably, he ignored all his bail conditions and probation conditions that were

set for him.

In early September, he was arrested once again for breaching bail conditions, only

to be unleashed back into the community like a ticking time bomb.

Again to the Premier, when will the Premier recognize that his catch-and-release policies

are the reason why these individuals keep getting released back into the communities,

threatening the lives of British Columbians?

Hon. D. Eby: The member knows that we have issued a directive to Crown counsel that is the strictest

in Canada in terms of releasing....

Interjection.

Hon. D. Eby: Member, this is a serious matter.

We issued a directive to Crown counsel, the most strict in Canada, to keep violent

offenders behind bars.

[10:45 a.m.]

We led the charge, not alone, in partnership with Ontario, and then with all Premiers

that are seeing incidents like this take place — in Alberta, in the Maritimes, in

Quebec — to push the federal government to amend their bail rules.

The member will also know that we stood up 12 repeat violent offender teams across

the province who are monitoring 230 people right now to make sure the courts have

all the information to hold offenders behind bars.

We believe very strongly that British Columbians need to be safe in their communities.

We're taking the action that's necessary to address this, and we're pushing the federal

government to do what's necessary to address the federal Criminal Code.

Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Official Opposition, second supplemental.

K. Falcon: Enough with the NDP blame game. It was provincial prosecutors that were under this

Premier's catch-and-release playbook who stayed the proceedings in August on two key

charges, including breach of probation. This soft-on-crime Premier and his catch-and-release

policies are the problem.

Under B.C. United's Safer B.C. plan, we've made it very clear. We will always make

sure there are consequences for all criminal behaviour.

Again, when will this Premier stop enabling prolific offenders and start putting the

rights of victims to reoffend ahead of the rights of the public to know that they

can be safe in their communities?

Hon. D. Eby: This member wants us to forget his record. When he cut the chronic offender program

as Finance Minister, he made British Columbians less safe. That's a program that we

brought back in.

When he cut mental health services for young people, those young people grew up and

became those prolific offenders.

When he failed to put in place the care that people need around addiction and mental

health in the 16 years they sat on this side of the House….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Shhh, Members.

Hon. D. Eby: Where do they think those people went?

Interjection.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. D. Eby: I can tell this is a sore point for the Leader of the Opposition, but that is his

record. He needs to own it.

We are taking action to keep British Columbians safe.

GOVERNMENT ACTION ON

HOMELESSNESS

K. Kirkpatrick: The 2023 homeless count in greater Vancouver is in, and it's damning — the highest

level of homelessness ever, up a staggering 34 percent since 2017.

The evidence is on our streets for all to see. The NDP has failed. Despite wrapping

up the largest deficit in B.C.'s history, homelessness has skyrocketed under this

NDP government. It's the NDP'S new normal.

So why, after seven years and two elections of empty promises, is homelessness at

its worst under this NDP government?

Hon. R. Kahlon: Certainly, the data that's been released today shows to us what we already, I think,

knew — that coming out of the pandemic, we have seen significant increases in people

that are struggling, not only in British Columbia. This is across North America. Every

community is dealing with the same challenges we're dealing with.

That's why we have taken huge steps in investing in affordable housing for people.

We have people moving in every single week for the last three months. We've had a

new opening of affordable housing projects for people throughout the province, because

we know that's the only way we're going to be able to address the challenges people

are facing.

In that member's community, over 300 units of affordable housing have been opened

up, and more are coming. We are committed to continuing to find ways for people to

have affordable housing, given the challenges we're seeing coming out of the pandemic.

Mr. Speaker: Member for West Vancouver–Capilano, supplemental.

K. Kirkpatrick: Well, let's talk results — NDP results that are nothing short of disastrous.

Vancouver has the highest level of homelessness in history. Nothing the NDP is doing

is working, but this NDP Premier expects us to accept record-high levels of homelessness

as being the new normal. People deserve a home, and they deserve to feel safe in the

streets.

[10:50 a.m.]

When will this Premier and his NDP government stop making excuses and stand up today

and say no to the NDP's new normal of historic, record-high homelessness?

Hon. R. Kahlon: The point-in-time numbers that have been released are the first ones since the middle

of the pandemic. Of course, it shows what we know that's happening across the communities,

not across only British Columbia, but across North America. Every community on the

west coast, every state, every city is dealing with the challenges coming outside

of the pandemic.

People are struggling, but the historic investments we're making in affordable housing

are actually making a difference. I've been able to visit openings where people are

moving in and talking about the impact that affordable unit means for them. People

talking about how they were paying 60 percent of their income towards rent and now

they're paying 30 percent and what that life-changing moment means for them.

We have a different path than that they've taken. They believe that somehow….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Shhh. Shhh.

Hon. R. Kahlon: The Leader of the Opposition believes that somehow government shouldn't do anything.

It should stay out of the way, and somehow the private sector will solve all the problems.

We saw that happen, and that's why we're living with the realities we're living with

now — two decades behind, when it comes to investing in affordable housing. We're

choosing a different path.

ROLE OF FAMILY MEMBERS IN

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES

A. Olsen: I've heard many stories of how the mental health crisis impacts family members. I've

heard how psychiatric emergency services dismiss family members' desire to support

their loved ones. I've heard how these services are reluctant to connect with family

members to inform them of the status of their loved ones, only to have that mental

health crisis come to a tragic end.

Our current mental health system excludes family members who want to be involved in

the support of their loved ones.

To the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will she make the necessary changes

to allow more family involvement in the psychiatric care of their loved ones?

Hon. A. Dix: I think this is an important question. As you know, family members will be meeting

outside the Legislature today. It is my intention, if that works, to meet with them

today to hear what they have to say. There are some specific cases involved that are

the subject of patient quality review.

I think it's clear that…. The people who know it's clear are the doctors and nurse

practitioners and nurses and health care workers I've met with in the last few months

who have spoken to these questions.

They understand the crucial role of family, and what we continue to do is adapt clinical

standards to ensure that they can fully involve families as much as absolutely possible

in support for people who are dealing with mental health issues in acute care.

A. Olsen: We've heard how psychiatric emergency services are overwhelmed. Hundreds of people

how the treatment they received let them down while they were at their most vulnerable

time.

My constituents Cindy Zimmer and Crystal Kenzie are here today. They're advocating

for changes in the mental health and addictions policy. They were excluded from the

care of their brother, and earlier this year, he was discharged from psychiatric emergency

services at the height of a mental health crisis. PES was convinced he wouldn't commit

suicide. That's exactly what he did, only minutes after discharge.

Cindy and Crystal are just two of many family members that I've talked to, and that

other members here have talked to, who want to be a part of the care team for their

family members, but they're excluded.

Will the minister make the necessary policy changes so other families don't have to

experience the premature loss of a loved one?

Hon. A. Dix: Well, I think, at the very least, let me say that our heart goes out to the families

in these circumstances. I'll look forward to meeting with them today personally on

behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to have that discussion.

Certainly, those who work with people dealing with mental health crises in the health

care system are fully aware and fully supportive of the involvement of families in

that process.

In addition, we need other supports, the supports that are being provided and increased

for suicide prevention, for early intervention, for reducing risk to save lives. All

of these are elements of the comprehensive mental health system that we are building

in British Columbia and that we need to build together.

[10:55 a.m.]

FARMLAND IN COWICHAN VALLEY

J. Rustad: Today in the Cowichan Valley, the NDP is scheduled to destroy over 100 acres of the

Dinsdale farmland, taking it out of British Columbia's agricultural land reserve to

create a marsh. This is excellent-quality, productive agricultural land that is currently

used to grow food for people here in British Columbia.

To the NDP Premier: why are you so eager to take land out of the agricultural land

reserve to create a marsh, while refusing to repurpose underutilized ALR land for

more housing for everyday British Columbians who are facing a housing crisis so profound

that it is driving working people into homelessness?

Hon. P. Alexis: Farmland is precious to all of us in British Columbia. I am not familiar with this

particular case, but I would like the member….

Interjections.

Hon. P. Alexis: Excuse me? I have the floor.

I would like the member to reach out to me…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, please.

Hon. P. Alexis: …after this session, and we can discuss this fully.

I can tell you that we all need and appreciate the agricultural land. Yes, there's

pressure on agricultural land reserve everywhere in British Columbia for a number

of reasons, growth being one of them.

I would like to take this, if I could, after the session.

Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Fourth Party, supplemental.

J. Rustad: The minister has actually responded to the people on the issue on this and said that

land will be repurposed. I find it disturbing that that is a letter that came from

the minister's office and the minister wasn't aware of what's going on, on that file.

The reality on this is there was actually a contract in place on this land when it

was transferred to the Nature Trust, and that contract says:

"The purchaser warrants that the existing diking scheme around the perimeter of the

property will not be materially altered or breached to allow uncontrolled flooding

on the land. This warranty is to remain in effect for the term of 50 years, commencing

December 15, 1990, and running until December 15, 2040."

Not only has this government provided $1.5 million to the destruction of this property,

but they're actually going to be breaching the contract that was put in place for

this heritage land that is so critical in terms of providing agricultural benefits.

At a time when people are struggling to put food on the table and struggling to find

housing, why does this government think that destroying farmland is appropriate?

Hon. P. Alexis: I will take this question under notice.

GOVERNMENT ACTION ON

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

E. Sturko: While we sit here today, the families of Aaron Sanio and James Zimmer are shouldering

the unbearable weight of a broken system that the Premier seems all but indifferent

to. Both Aaron and James died by suicide shortly after being discharged from psychiatric

care without any notice to their loving families.

Yesterday this government found time to move forward with an NDP private member's

bill on naming a provincial fossil, yet they ignore our urgent bill designed to save

human lives.

If the Premier's government can find time for trivial matters like naming fossils,

then why hasn't our life-saving private member's bill been called yet, and will it

be called today?

Hon. A. Dix: The case in question, of course, is a tragic one for everyone involved, including

family members and including all caregivers, as well, who are involved in the case.

Obviously, I can't talk about the particular case, because the matter falls under

privacy, as everyone would expect.

I think the actions that are required are the building out of a full mental health

system in B.C. That is what we're doing. It involves early intervention and very significant

increases in supports for Foundry.

It involves action specifically on suicide prevention that the member is well aware

of, that this government has taken. It involves connecting people to care and new

publicly funded care beds for people in the system, particularly dealing with issues

of mental health and addiction. That is precisely what the government is doing.

[11:00 a.m.]

EMERGENCY SERVICES AT HOSPITALS

T. Shypitka: Emergency rooms are in crisis, and rural communities are left hanging, with no relief

in sight. It has been over two years since Elkford lost its emergency room to a temporary

closure, making urgent care a perilous 45-minute road trip out of that community.

Seven years, two elections and all these empty NDP announcements have given us nothing

but broken promises and a health care system in free fall. The Health Minister calls

this the new normal, as if we should just get used to failing health care.

Does the Premier think the people of Elkford should just settle for the NDP new normal

of closed emergency rooms?

Hon. A. Dix: What we've done, in Elkford and everywhere else, is to take action. The member will

know — I know he supports this — about the recruitment of physicians in Elkford, but

that reflects the situation across the province.

This year — not sometime in the past; this year, January to August — 5,221 net new

nurses and the expansion of the emergency room locum program. There's action in Elkford

and action across the province. In particular, on the issue of doctors and family

doctors, 3,700 doctors joining the new family practice program in B.C., the new payment

model.

This year so far, now, January through August — 520 new international medical graduates

in British Columbia. We see them everywhere in B.C. We are continuing to act on our

health human resources plan.

L. Doerkson: I have an example of what action looks like on behalf of the NDP. Seven years, two

elections and still, despite all of the NDP's grand announcements, health care in

Williams Lake is getting worse, not better.

find a chilling sign declaring: "The ER is closed unless the patient is imminently

dying." No health care unless you're imminently dying, yet the Health Minister has

the audacity to say this is just a new normal.

Does the Premier seriously expect the people of Williams Lake to accept that they

must be imminently dying just to receive health care under this NDP's new normal?

Hon. A. Dix: Well, first of all, what I was specifically talking about was 9,700 people in acute

care in August. What do you do? You have to meet that test by increasing the number

of acute care beds, which is precisely what we're doing.

The member refers, and he knows the answer to this question, to a sign that was put

up on Monday, October 2. The emergency room was not closed. Obviously, we're….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Shhh, Members.

Hon. A. Dix: The emergency room was not closed, and service continued. Of course, we're reviewing

how a sign was put up there, because that is very disturbing. Of course, that's very

disturbing.

The emergency room stayed open. It was open throughout that period, and we continue

to take action, working with people in Williams Lake, to ensure that they have the

staff necessary to provide the services people need.

E. Ross: In the Williams Lake emergency room, there's a sign that says you have to be imminently

dying to get health care. You can't deny that. In Smithers, it's got so bad that emergency

room nurses have to call 911.

Seven years, two elections of NDP promises and still, after all these empty announcements,

health care is getting worse, not better. Just yesterday in Kitimat, our emergency

room had to shut its doors once again. Meanwhile, the Health Minister calls the collapse

of the health system across B.C., under his watch, the new normal.

Does the Premier — the Premier — think the people of Kitimat should settle for this

disastrous NDP new normal, where emergency rooms are as good as closed and you have

to be imminently dying to get help or you require nurses to dial 911 in our hospitals

in B.C.?

Hon. A. Dix: What we're doing across B.C., under our health human resources plan, is bringing more

doctors, more nurses, more health sciences professionals.

[11:05 a.m.]

How do we do that? With respect to doctors — by ensuring there are more international

medical graduates, by tripling the practice-ready assessment program. It benefits

his constituency, which has also got a new hospital coming.

With respect to all of these issues, we are taking action — action to recruit doctors,

action to recruit nurses, action to ensure, through scope-of-practice changes, that

people get more and better care sooner.

It is, of course, a challenge whenever an emergency room has to close. That's a requirement

under specific circumstances, but we are taking the actions necessary to ensure that

people in every community in B.C. have the emergency care they need.

T. Halford: For seven years and two elections, the NDP has promised better health care. Yet doctors

in Surrey Memorial continue to openly warn of dangerously unsafe and sometimes deadly

conditions.

Overcrowding is now the NDP status quo, with patients languishing in hallway beds

and endless ER wait times. These aren't anomalies. They're daily realities that are

forcing doctors to now hold rallies on weekends as a direct result of this Premier's

broken promises. The Health Minister says this is the new normal.

Why does the Premier believe Surrey deserves nothing more than the NDP's new normal

of patients lying in hallways and doctors forced to protest for basic patient safety?

Hon. A. Dix: With respect to Surrey, we're building a second hospital…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Shhh, Members. Members.

Hon. A. Dix: …and the person who is yelling sold the land intended for a second hospital.

At Surrey Memorial Hospital, by working with doctors, nurses and health care workers,

we've put in place 30 actions, all of which have seen significant progress in the

last few months, to improve the situation at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

In Surrey, fewer MRIs than anywhere else in Metro Vancouver prior to my becoming Minister

of Health, and it's now leading the province and the country. We are listening to

the people of Surrey, after years of neglect.

P. Milobar: Well, seven years, two elections, and the NDP's new normal in health care in Merritt

results in 13 ER closures over the last few months, to the point where the mayor is

now looking at ways to withhold any potential municipal transfers to the provincial

government to try to get the health care they actually deserve in that community.

Again to the Premier, when will this new normal of the NDP's health care actually

change and see people getting the health care they need and, more importantly, the

emergency rooms they should have open in their communities stay open?

Hon. A. Dix: How we respond to that is by training more nurses, recruiting more nurses, because

that has been the crucial issue in Merritt, as the members know. That's why, working

with GoHealth B.C., three GoHealth B.C. RNs just started in Merritt in September.

This makes a difference for the community in Merritt and reflects the 5,221 net new

nurses that have been recruited this year.

I remind the member that between 2009 and 2016, the actual number of registered nurses

in B.C. went down. We are making the changes necessary to have nurses and doctors

in place everywhere in B.C., and that is what we will continue to do, working with

local communities.

S. Bond: Seven years, two elections, and the health care system is collapsing.

Interjections.

S. Bond: The members opposite may want to laugh. It is not funny if you live in Elkford, Surrey,

Merritt, Smithers or anywhere else in this province. Shame on you.

Health care workers in British Columbia are drowning. Communities are suffering. The

NDP apparently think that's funny, and instead, they continue to make announcements

and do photo ops, where the new normal in British Columbia is that apparently you

have to be imminently dying or nurses in Smithers have to call 911 to get help. That

is nothing but shameful.

[11:10 a.m.]

This isn't about health care professionals, and the minister knows it. It's about

this government's failure to support them. What kind of day is it in British Columbia

when the Health Minister himself concedes that this mess is the new normal in this

province?

To the Premier, does he think it is acceptable that people have to be imminently dying

or an emergency room nurse in Smithers has to call 911 to get the help they need?

Hon. A. Dix: Well, that's not what I said, and the members know it. Just repeating it doesn't make

it true.

We are taking action to address, I think, very significant challenges in our health

care system. On surgeries and diagnosis…. In the months of July and August, 2,000

more surgeries done than before the pandemic. We've gone from the bottom of the list

— that's their record — to the top of the list in surgical categories and diagnosis.

We've gone through together….

Our public health care system has gone through, together, the enormous challenge of

the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is an increase in demand. That's what's happened.

We are responding to that increase in demand by increases in resources in the system

and by setting records in the recruitment of doctors and nurses. We are going to continue

to act.

Mr. Speaker: Prince George–Valemount, supplemental.

S. Bond: By any measure, this government has failed British Columbians abysmally with an ever-growing

health care crisis.

I can't imagine this minister or Premier would be willing to stand up and defend the

fact that there are signs in emergency rooms that say, "You have to be imminently

dying to get help," or that an emergency room nurse has to call 911 from the emergency

room.

That is shameful. It is unacceptable. It is time for the Premier to stand up and accept

responsibility for this mess.

Hon. A. Dix: Basing your question on a sign that wasn't accurate, wasn't correct, and in an emergency

room that was still open is not, I don't think, the correct approach. The correct

approach is to have a health human resources plan in place that recruits record numbers

of doctors, record numbers of nurses, record numbers of health sciences professionals.

For people in long-term care, it's an HCAP program, which is the most successful health

human resources program the province has ever seen and contrasts…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members.

Hon. A. Dix: …with the policy of the Leader of the Opposition in this regard, who laid off health

care workers — the largest layoff of health care workers in Canadian history.

We are going to continue to take action on health human resources, action on doctors,

action on nurses, actions to support acute care actions to…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, let's hear it.

Hon. A. Dix: …support long-term care and, yes, changes to the primary care system. We're going

to do all of it by working with people and health care professionals across B.C.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, order please.

Hon. A. Dix: I would say this, finally, because we've gone past the time. We wanted to absolutely

have the opportunity to have debate, and that's why I stopped and allowed the supplementary

question and didn't run out the clock. But you know, hon. Speaker, if they're going

to just yell, it takes longer.

In any event, we are going to continue to serve the people of British Columbia.

[End of question period.]

Point of Order

Hon. D. Eby: The Minister of Finance and I saw a gesture made by the Leader of the Opposition during

question period. Given the sensitive nature of the questions that were asked, I'll

invite him — given the dialogue we're having about toxic behaviour in this place —

to consider whether he wishes to apologize to the House.

Mr. Speaker: If the Leader of the Official Opposition has any comments…. Any comments?

K. Falcon: I'm not even sure what comments he's made that are the problem, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker: We will take it under advisement, Mr. Premier.

[11:15 a.m.]

Tabling Documents

Hon. N. Sharma: I have the honour to present annual reports for civil resolution tribunal, 2022-23;

B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, 2022-23; Environmental Appeal Board, 2022-23; and Forest

Appeals Commission for 2022.

Hon. L. Beare: I have the honour to present the report on the administration of the Freedom of Information

and Protection of Privacy Act.

Hon. S. Malcolmson: I table today the report of Together B.C.: British Columbia's Poverty Reduction Strategy , our annual report for 2022.

Reports from Committees

M. Babchuk: I have the honour to present the Report of the Special Committee to Review Private Members Business . I move that the report be taken as read and received.

Motion approved.

M. Babchuk: I ask leave of the House to move the motion to adopt the report.

Leave granted.

M. Babchuk: I move that the report be adopted and, in doing so, I would like to make some brief

comments.

The Legislative Assembly agreed on February 27 to establish a special committee to

examine the use of time for private members' business on Monday mornings and report

to the Legislative Assembly on October 5 on ways to improve opportunities available

to advance parliamentary business put forward by private members.

The Legislative Assembly's current rules for private members' time on Monday morning

were developed more than two decades ago. They provide for the first hour, from 10

to 11 a.m., for four private member statements. Each statement has a length of up

to 15 minutes divided into a maximum of seven minutes for the proponent, up to five

minutes for any other member and up to three minutes for the proponent in reply. By

practice, the second hour, from 11 till 12 noon, is dedicated to private members'

motions, which typically rotate by agreement between the government and official opposition

caucus.

The committee considered the experience of other jurisdictions and the ways to modernize

and make better use of the two hours of time available on Monday mornings. The committee

is recommending a made-in-B.C. approach by restructuring private members' time and

giving private members more opportunity to make statements of up to five minutes on

matters of importance to them and their constituents.

The committee recommends reducing the time dedicated to private member statements

from one hour to 30 minutes to allow time for private members to propose ideas in

the form of motions or bills, have them debated and bring them to a vote. This will

allow for a balance between raising matters of local and provincial importance through

statements and debating motions and proposed legislation.

With respect to consideration of private members' bills, the committee recommends

the time limits attached for various stages of considerations to ensure that these

bills can progress through the legislative process, and that committee stage be undertaken

by a new select standing committee for this purpose rather than the Committee of the

Whole House.

To ensure fairness and equity for all private members, the committee recommends that

a lottery system be used at the outset of a new parliament to determine the order

of the members who can bring forward motions and bills. The committee recommends that

these changes be implemented prior to dissolution of this parliament and take effect

in the 43rd parliament.

In concluding my remarks, I would like to acknowledge and thank staff in the office

of the Clerk, the parliamentary committees and Hansard Services who supported the

work of this committee.

Finally, we would like the opportunity to thank the committee members — the member

for Maple Ridge–Mission, member for Port Moody–Coquitlam, member for Vancouver-Langara,

member for Courtenay-Comox, member for Saanich North and the Islands, member for Nanaimo–North

Cowichan, member for Surrey-Panorama and the member for Fraser-Nicola and, especially,

the Deputy Chair, the member for Abbotsford West for their collaboration and contributions

to this positive spirit of collaboration.

M. de Jong: Thanks hon. Chair and to the member for North Island for her able chairpersonship

of the committee that is presenting its report today.

[11:20 a.m.]

Change in this place doesn't happen quickly. It doesn't happen often. I don't think

anyone would read this report, necessarily, and the recommendations that are contained

therein — there are some 13 recommendations — and describe it, necessarily, as an

earth-shattering piece of parliamentary reconstruction, but I think it is important.

The Chair and other members of the committee, who served the committee well, would,

I think, agree that the spirit of what is contained in here, and the direction that

is being sought to be charted, is an important one.

There is a tension in this place. It's a long-standing tension between the desire

to capitalize and tap into the talents and the energies and the passions of individual

members, which comes up against and contrasts with the need for governments to enjoy

the confidence of the House, to maintain a measure of party discipline. That's true

on the opposition side as well.

So how do you accommodate that desire to provide individual private members with greater

freedom and an avenue to advance issues that are of great concern to them in a context

and in an atmosphere that is, by very definition, partisan? That's what the changes

here are endeavouring to do.

I think it is worth emphasizing that, as is frequently the case in these committees

that deliberate away from the view of the public, the tone and tenure of the discussion

was healthy, was collegial, was civil, and many ideas were floated. The idea that

members would have up to five minutes to highlight a matter that is of importance

to them is, I think, something that the committee thought was worthwhile during that

two hours.

I will say this. To be partisan is not necessarily…. Well, it is to disagree, but

it need not be disagreeable. I think the committee is hoping that from the pages of

this report will emerge the idea that for someone on one side of the House to say:

"I am concerned that the policies of my political adversaries are not reflective of

what I think needs to be done, and I disagree with them…."

There's nothing wrong with that. It's why this place exists. To do so in a way that

is respectful and civil is, of course, a preferred way to proceed. So that change

has been made.

The idea that individual members would be, as is the case in other parliaments…. There

would be a lottery to determine a priority system by which members can present a private

member's bill or a motion. It is one that enjoyed support and something that the Clerks

will work through. The fact is that once a matter has been called, it will enjoy the

benefit of having been voted upon in this chamber, which is something that hasn't

always happened in the past. So there will be resolution, positive or negative, for

that initiative. These are changes.

Finally, I'll say this. Every parliament has a life. In the past, people might ask….

They say: "Well, if the Chair and the co-Chair and members of the committee are so

proud of their work and believe it represents a step forward, then why not start right

away? Why not implement this immediately and see how it works?" I will say this. I

think members of the committee…. This was a view that members of the committee shared.

[11:25 a.m.]

There is a character to every parliament, and it changes from the first day a parliament

convenes after a general election to the last day. The committee and I believe there

is value in this work, that it deserves a chance to be tried and to succeed.

Presenting it and implementing it in the last session of a parliament in the spring

before a general election doesn't necessarily give it the best chance of success as

the partisan nature of that parliament ramps up in advance of the electoral contest

to follow in the fall.

So the committee has suggested and made the recommendation that the steps be taken

to amend the Standing Orders and to breathe life into these recommendations — that

that be done next spring but that the changes not take effect until the first session

of the new parliament after the next general election that is scheduled to take place

next year.

I think that is a wise recommendation and improves the chances that the modest but

important changes that are contained and recommended within the pages of this report

will stand some prospect of having a positive and lasting impact on the deliberations

in this chamber.

A. Olsen: Just very few brief comments. I was very pleased to be able to participate in this

work that happened over the last several months with respect to making these recommendations

to changes of private members' time, how we use it and how this Legislature provides

access to all of the members — including all the private members, which is everybody

that's not a member of cabinet — and the ability to propose and have their ideas debated.

I just want to, I think, go back to a little bit of history and acknowledge the fact

that this work, this discussion, really started with the previous Government House

Leader, the previous Opposition House Leader and the previous Third Party House Leader

and has continued. It continued to the current Government House Leader, the current

official opposition House Leader and myself as the Third Party House Leader.

This has been an effort to have this discussion amongst all of the representative

parties here and to make recommendations to improve the time and how we use private

members' time.

I raise my hands to the Chair for the excellent work in keeping the members on track

and focused.

I also want to raise my hands to the Deputy Chair, the member for Abbotsford West,

whose time and experience in the House here over the many years that he's been here,

actually really contributed…. Not actually; I should say contributed. Actually, he

really contributed to the quality of the debate, which was….

No, really. I think it's important to acknowledge that those of us that have only

been here for a few years don't have long memories, and being able to understand that

this institution has been going and going and going and going for many decades and

learning from the experiences from the past, I think, is really important to inform

our work.

I just want to thank all of the members who worked in a spirit of collaboration, the

spirit that I think we're all hoping that this institution continues to demonstrate

as it goes forward. I'm just really hopeful that the government passes these recommendations

and that when the new parliament resumes next fall, it'll have a more vibrant and

more engaging debate from all of the members sitting, no matter where they sit in

this House.

HÍSW̱ḴE SIÁM

Mr. Speaker: Members, the question is the adoption of the report.

Motion approved.

Point of Order

(continued)

K. Falcon: Mr. Speaker, I now understand the nature of the concern that was raised after QP,

and I apologize to the House.

Orders of the Day

Hon. L. Beare: I call Motion 48, Hon. Speaker, which is standing in the name of the Government House

Leader on the order paper.

[11:30 a.m.]

Government Motions on Notice

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

AND COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

TO SIT IN THREE SECTIONS

Hon. L. Beare: I move the motion….

Just to clarify, I did say "I move."

[That the Sessional Order adopted by the House on February 28, 2023, enabling certain

proceedings of the House to be undertaken in three sections, be discharged, and substituted

as follows.

That, for the remainder of the current Session:

GENERAL

1. Certain proceedings of the House may be undertaken in three sections, designated

Section A,

Section B, and

Section C, to be subject to the rules that follow.

Section A and

Section C sit in such committee room as may be designated from time

to time, and

Section B sit in the Legislative Chamber.

Section A and

Section C be authorized to examine all Estimates, and for all purposes

be deemed to be the Committee of Supply, and that the Standing Orders relating to

the consideration of Estimates in the Committee of Supply and to Committees of the

Whole House be applicable to such proceedings, save and except that, during proceedings

in Committee of Supply, a Minister may defer to a Deputy Minister to permit such Deputy

to reply to a question put to the Minister.

Section A and

Section C be authorized to consider bills at committee stage after

second reading thereof, and for all purposes be deemed to be a Committee of the Whole

House, and that the Standing Orders relating to the consideration of bills in a Committee

of the Whole House be applicable to such proceedings.

Section A,

Section B, and

Section C be authorized to examine all Estimates and

any public bill appearing on the Orders of the Day at committee stage, which may be

considered in the order determined by the Government House Leader in accordance with

Standing Order 27 (2).

6. Estimates or bills previously referred to a designated

Section may at any time

be subsequently referred to another designated Section, as determined by the Government

House Leader in accordance with Standing Order 27 (2).

COMPOSITION

7. The Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole or their designate preside in

Section

A and

Section C.

Section A consist of 12 Members, not including the Chair, being seven Members of

the Government Caucus, three Members of the Official Opposition Caucus, one Member

of the Third Party Caucus, and one Member of the Fourth Party Caucus.

Section C consist of 12 Members, not including the Chair, being seven Members of

the Government Caucus, three Members of the Official Opposition Caucus, one Member

of the Third Party Caucus, and one Member of the Fourth Party Caucus.

10. The Members of

Section A be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination

or who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Hon. Lisa Beare, Garry Begg , Bob D’Eith , Hon. Ravi Kahlon , Hon. Selina Robinson , Hon. Niki Sharma , Dan Ashton , Trevor Halford , Renee Merrifield, Sonia Furstenau, and John Rustad.

11. The Members of

Section C be: the Minister whose Estimates are under examination

or who is in charge of the bill under consideration and Michele Babchuk , Hon. Adrian Dix , Hon. Mike Farnworth , Hon. Rob Fleming , Hon. Bruce Ralston , Hon. Rachna Singh , Coralee Oakes , Tom Shypitka , Elenore Sturko , Adam Olsen , and Bruce Banman.

12. Substitutions for Members of

Section A and

Section C be permitted with the consent

of the Member’s Caucus Whip, where applicable, or otherwise with the consent of the

Member.

Section B be composed of all Members of the House.

DIVISIONS

14. When a division is requested in

Section A, the division bells shall be rung four

times and the division shall proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16, as amended

by Sessional Order adopted on February 6, 2023.

15. When a division is requested in

Section B, the division bells shall be rung three

times, at which time proceedings in

Section A and

Section C shall be suspended, and

the division shall proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16, as amended by Sessional

Order adopted on February 6, 2023.

16. When a division is requested in

Section C, the division bells shall be rung five

times and the division shall proceed in accordance with Standing Order 16, as amended

by Sessional Order adopted on February 6, 2023.

17. If a division is underway in

Section A or

Section C at the time that a division

is requested in

Section B, the division in

Section B be suspended until the completion

of the division in

Section A or

Section C.

REPORTING AND COMPLETION

18. At 15 minutes prior to the ordinary time fixed for adjournment of the House, the

Chair of

Section A and

Section C shall report to the House.

19. If a report from

Section A or

Section C includes the last Vote in a particular

Ministry Estimate, after such report has been made to the House, Members of the Government

Caucus shall have a maximum of six minutes cumulatively, Members of the Official Opposition

Caucus shall have a maximum of four minutes cumulatively, Members of the Third Party

Caucus shall have a maximum of two minutes cumulatively, Members of the Fourth Party

Caucus shall have a maximum of two minutes cumulatively, and Independent Members shall

have a maximum of one minute cumulatively to summarize the Committee debate on that

Ministry’s Estimates. Such summaries shall be in the following order:

a. Independent Members;

b. Fourth Party Caucus;

c. Third Party Caucus;

d. Official Opposition Caucus; and,

e. Government Caucus.]

Motion approved.

Hon. L. Beare: In this chamber, I call second reading of Bill 32, the Provincial Symbols and Honours

Amendment Act, 2023.

In the Douglas Fir Committee Room, I call Committee of the Whole on Bill 27, Money

Judgment Enforcement Act.

Speaker’s Statement

CLARIFICATION OF BILL TITLES

Mr. Speaker: Members, I also have a statement to make regarding Bill 32.

Bill 32, Provincial Symbols and Honours Amendment Act, 2023, has just been called

by the Government House Leader for second reading. I wish to advise the House that

the private member's bill having the same title, Bill M207, standing in the name of

the member for Courtenay-Comox, is also listed on the orders of the day for second

reading.

I am prepared to permit second reading debate on Bill 32, with clarification to members

that the bill under debate today is government Bill 32, sponsored by the Minister

of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

As authorized under Standing Order 94, the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel is

in the process of correcting the title of Bill 32 to read Provincial Symbols and Honours

Amendment Act (No. 2), 2023, which will be reflected on the next printing of the bill.

Second Reading of Bills

BILL 32 — PROVINCIAL SYMBOLS AND

HONOURS AMENDMENT ACT, 2023

Hon. L. Popham: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'm very pleased to rise to start second reading of this bill. This is a very important

moment in our history. Passing this bill will amend the Provincial Symbols and Honours

Act to add a fossil to British Columbia's recognized symbols and emblems.

[J. Tegart in the chair.]

This is a final step in meeting our commitment to designating a provincial fossil,

which will be distinguished along the floral, mineral, tree, bird, mammal and fish

emblems. The fossil is known as the Elasmosauridae and is commonly known as the Elasmosaurid

marine reptile or the Elasmosaur.

The first Elasmosaur fossil was found in November 1988 by Mike Trask and his daughter

Heather, who were looking for fossils along the Puntledge River. Its discovery marked

the first fossil of its kind found west of the Canadian Rockies.

The Elasmosaur is a large marine reptile dating back to the Cretaceous period approximately

80 million years ago. Since this initial find, another Elasmosaur was found in the

Comox Valley by Pat Trask in 2020. Both specimens are on display at the Courtenay

and District Museum and Paleontology Centre.

The British Columbia Paleontological Alliance proposed the adoption of a provincial

fossil to recognize B.C.'s ancient ecosystems and the current and ongoing paleontological

work that occurs across our whole province. The list of proposed fossils included

seven species, ranging from small plants and animals to large animals, including the

Elasmosaur. After a period of public input in 2018, the Elasmosaur had gathered 48

percent of votes and was announced the winner shortly after.

Earlier this year the MLA for Courtenay-Comox introduced a private member's bill to

adopt the Elasmosaur as B.C.'s provincial fossil. You'll hear from her shortly. Her

passion will be evident when she takes her place in this debate.

I've said to her personally that although I'm the minister presiding over this bill,

I'm simply the vehicle to move this bill forward, and she's the engine. I'm so proud

of the commitment that she has made to the Trask family, her community and the people

of British Columbia.

[11:35 a.m.]

When she brought forward her private member's bill, she said: "It is truly an honour

to bring this piece of legislation forward to the House. The Elasmosaur Find was a

significant and important paleontological discovery, and it has been a symbol of my

riding for years. I'm thrilled that we're taking steps forward to recognize its importance

across B.C."

Staff of the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre have long recognized

the importance of the Elasmosaur, noting that it has inspired young fossil enthusiasts

in the Comox Valley for decades.

Fossils are the historical record of the evolution and development of life on earth.

They are important globally for their scientific, heritage, educational and economic

value.

British Columbia has a rich and diverse variety of fossils and fossil deposits resulting

from the complex geological process that formed this province. Fossil sites are concentrated

on Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, in the Princeton-Merritt-Kamloops area, in southeastern

and northeastern British Columbia and the central Interior plateau.

This bill is an important way of highlighting the heritage value of fossils and the

province's natural history.

In B.C., we manage fossils through the fossil management framework. The framework

recognizes the province's ownership of fossils, as well as the scientific, educational

and heritage value. It is a comprehensive approach to fossil site protection, impact

prevention and access to fossils as resources. The framework provides opportunities

for fossil resource users, educational programs and community involvement, where significant

fossil sites contribute to B.C.'s natural heritage.

I'm so very pleased to be bringing this bill to second reading for many reasons but

including tourism. Canada, as a whole, is known for its rich fossil regions, which

makes it a top destination for paleontologists. Attracting visitors who are interested

in our geological past adds to our already impressive tourism economy.

I'm sure you can all imagine our fossil tourism campaign: Come to B.C. You're really

gonna dig it.

The adoption of a provincial fossil will be of interest to many British Columbians

but will also garner international attention. I'm so happy to see this bill making

its way through our parliamentary system. It's taken a bit of time, yes. But I guess,

in relation to an 80-million-year-old fossil, it's all relative. Thank you.

Deputy Speaker: Thank you, minister. Before we continue with debate, could I ask the minister to move

the motion for second reading?

Hon. L. Popham: I move that the bill be read a second time now.

B. Stewart: It is an honour to stand in this House and speak to this particular bill, but I do

want to kind of, I guess, question how, with everything that's going on.... I think

about the fossilization of some of the projects in British Columbia here — housing,

the cost of living, things like that — and how this has crept up and become something

that the House is making a priority.

We've recently just gone through a tremendously difficult season in terms of wildfires

throughout British Columbia. I know that the impacts are being felt in every corner

of this province. I don't see how Bill 32 is going to address the realization that

tourism businesses, whether they're on Vancouver Island or in the Interior, such as

in the Okanagan, which are dealing with unprecedented drops in terms of visitors because

of the recent changes that happened during the state of emergency, and the fact that

people were ordered to leave motels and hotels throughout British Columbia, especially

in that area.

I do think that this is a priority that seems to be out of touch with some of the

challenges that we face.

[11:40 a.m.]

Certainly, we heard more about health care today, and the issues on doctors and those

types of things. But this is taking important time away from the other things that

I think that the House should be debating.

We're talking about…. The minister just mentioned that the B.C. paleontology group,

or association, had seven different species that were being considered for this particular

honour and symbol, and 48 percent of the votes were in favour of this particular fossil.

I think that what is important is…. I don't think that the public is well aware of

that. It's something, I think…. What they are aware of are things like the middle-class

squeeze that we see no sign of relief on.

It's important in the fact that the people in that Courtenay-Comox area have discovered

this and the fact that it's an 80-million-year-old fossil. I think that when it comes

to climate change and the fact that glaciers are receding, we're going to continue

to see more and more of these types of discoveries. I do think it's important that

it is properly vetted from that standpoint and not just something that is about, maybe,

something that was undiscovered and the fact that it has been discovered by this gentleman

and his daughter.

I think that what's important is that we make certain that it has got the attention

of that entire group. I would hope that the vetting of this has gone through that

process in a very careful and thoughtful way, knowing that…. I believe, in Peace River

South, there are areas of fossils that have been discovered, and in Kootenay East.

I think that it's important that we consider the impacts of naming this particular

symbol before we rush into things like that and make certain that it's widely known.

However, again, I go back to the fact that so many British Columbians are struggling

to make ends meet. They grapple with sky-high housing costs, rising gas prices and

increasingly expensive groceries. I just find that there are so many other things

that Bill 32 doesn't really address when it comes to those things.

I think that these everyday challenges are causing an immense amount of stress and

financial strain for all British Columbians. These are really the NDP's misplaced

priorities by doing nothing to alleviate that heavy burden.

I realize that it is important that the Provincial Symbols and Honours Act, under

Bill 32, is properly addressed from the standpoint that there are a lot of things

that are named in there, whether it's a different species of fish and other provincial

symbols. But I do think that careful thought has to go into that.

We see the government diverting attention and resources to out-of-touch projects.

Just across the street here, we had a proposal to spend almost a billion dollars on

a new vanity museum. We know that there's a facility, which is under construction,

in Colwood to house and store some of the things.

I do think that the priorities, when it comes to spending tax dollars — and we talked

earlier today about the fact that a deficit that's forecast is now about $7 billion,

the largest in provincial government history here in British Columbia — are taking

away from the fact that we should be really trying to deal with things.

Some of the things that have been proposed by other members in this House…. Something

simple. Provincial sales tax on used vehicles. It was something that, for average

families that are trying to buy a vehicle…. This private member's bill was for vehicles

under $20,000 to have an exemption on PST.

The reality is…. The government's approach has been that there are people that are

taking advantage of buying used vehicles. The situation is that they are being penalized

because of the assessed values and how that approach is being used currently.

Deputy Speaker: Member, I would ask you to bring it back to Bill 32.

B. Stewart: I am, Madam Speaker.

I want to talk about the fact that there are other private members' bills that have

been proposed. I realize that the member for Courtenay-Comox has proposed this one.

But I wonder, in light of all the other things that we face in British Columbia….

How is it not possible that used passenger vehicle sales tax relief or maybe preserving

agricultural land on Brunswick Point or the Buddhist Culture Day is not equally as

important?

I hope that with the discussion that we had earlier about private members' time….

Hopefully, maybe some of these other important bills could come forward, and we could

see the Legislature doing a job in terms of not being lopsided in terms of its ruling.

[11:45 a.m.]

I know Bill 32 is about naming a particular symbol, the Elasmosauridae, as a fossil.

It's interesting how it has been identified and the fact of its history, but I do

think that what we should be doing is making certain that this is an important part

of where we want to move the province, considering and in light of some of the things

I mentioned — the squeeze on middle-class families in terms of their things that they're

facing every day.

More importantly, what about the things in this particular ministry, in tourism? What

are the things that are being done to help alleviate the issues that we heard about

earlier? The restaurant industry is being squeezed just because of the fact that rising

costs have forced food costs up. The labour costs are going up.

I'm trying to bring it back to Bill 32. I mean, it's part of the Ministry of Tourism

and their responsibility, but I do want to make certain that both the minister and

the ministry don't make Bill 32 the top priority when it comes to the economy and

everyday people that are just trying to get through with the living expenses that

they face here in the province.

I guess this is really just pursuing a pet project. I go back to the other private

members' bills. I would like to have the opportunity…. Some of these, which I think

are quite relevant to British Columbia, should be moving forward.

The Elasmosauridae marine reptile may be a fascinating part of the province's natural

history, but it should not overshadow the immediate concerns affecting British Columbians.

It's time for the NDP to assess their priorities and shift their focus to the real

problems — the cost of living, affordable housing, economic stability for British

Columbian families.

I'll conclude until this gets to third reading.

M. Bernier: It's an honour to be able to speak to this. I will make my remarks very brief.

First, let me congratulate the member for Courtenay-Comox for the work that she's

done on bringing this forward. I say that…. I wish it was a little bit more self-serving,

because I know it's something that's very passionate for myself, too, when we talk

about the paleontological finds that we have here in the province of British Columbia.

I also want to congratulate the work that she did with local constituents, people

who actually did the work on the ground to make sure that this issue is brought forward.

I know the passion that people have on this issue. I live it and breathe it in my

riding of Tumbler Ridge, as I know the Minister of Tourism is well aware of. I thank

her for meeting with the mayor and the people who are passionate in this area, in

Tumbler Ridge, as well.

We have some of the largest paleontological finds in the province, actually, up in

my riding. Some world-renowned fossil findings. In fact, not to take away from the

great work that has been done by those who are really passionate around this and in

the member's area in Courtenay-Comox, but 80 million years, actually, is not that

long ago, when you look at some of the finds that we have in the province of British

Columbia, up in my area, that go back almost 300 million years.

I know there was a lot of passion from people in my area and other parts. I know my

colleague behind me, from Cranbrook, as well, also is very passionate around this

for people in his area.

I think it's just important…. I hope this is…. I don't want to say, maybe, the first

step but a step in also recognizing other opportunities, especially around tourism,

when it comes to bringing attention to the amazing fossil finds that we have in the

province of British Columbia and the work that we can do collectively to ensure that

we're celebrating the people on the ground who do the work. I know in my area….

I know the member for Courtenay-Comox will, I'm sure, identify and talk about the

people who did the amazing work in her area. I, too, when I look at Dr. Charles Helm,

his kids, the people in my region who actually are the volunteers, the people on the

ground who do the work to bring it to our attention to make sure that we're promoting

this sector and promoting the paleontological finds that we have in our province….

[11:50 a.m.]

Also, identifying the great work — that the volunteers and the people on the ground

and the passion that they have for their communities and their regions is also identified.

I want to take this quick moment just to thank the member and those that were involved

in bringing this forward. Again, this is a success story locally, but I think we want

to say it's a success story provincially, when we can talk about the opportunities

we have to build and promote tourism around our province.

K. Greene: If this bill passes, we will have an official fossil emblem for British Columbia.

It's really exciting to be able to talk about dinosaurs today. Interest in dinosaurs

and paleontology leads kids to discover more sciences, like biology, zoology and more.

Elasmosaurs have been featured in Dinosaur Train . If you know the show, the voice work was recorded in Vancouver, and episodes frequently

included engaging clips from Dr. Scott, the paleontologist, who's also Canadian and

was president and CEO of Science World for three years.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

I learned a few things about Elmer Elasmosaurus from Dinosaur Train . You're never too old to learn, and trains and dinosaurs are a great way to capture

someone's interest. Elmer was an aquatic dinosaur in the Cretaceous time period. He

had a long neck that was helpful for hunting and catching fish and was an air-breather

that could hold his breath for long periods of time. With B.C.'s identity as a coastal

province, the elasmosaur is a particularly apt choice for an official fossil.

I have to note that speaking to this bill is probably the only thing I'll do this

week that my kids will find interesting, so I'd like to say hi to Will, Tilly and

Sully, and thank you to the member for Courtenay-Comox for being such a strong advocate

for the elasmosaur as B.C.'s official fossil.

T. Shypitka: I'll make this one quick. I also wanted to share in the motion and the bill that's

in front of us right now.

Cranbrook. We've heard the 80-million-year-old fossil that we found there in the Courtenay-Comox

area. The member for Peace River South identified some of his paleontology fossil

finds in his area — about 300 million years old. I'd like to say some of the trilobites

and some of the fossil finds that we have in the southeast corner of the province

are 500 million years old.

I don't know how we came together on this one fossil recognition, but I think we all

share in the paleontology that's right across the province of B.C. I want to thank

the Cranbrook History Centre and Guy Santucci, who has been a very big advocate for

paleontology in the southeast corner, and all those other paleontologists across British

Columbia.

R. Leonard: In this House, in the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən, the home of the Songhees and Esquimalt

peoples, it's my great privilege to rise in support of Bill 32, the Provincial Symbols

and Honours Amendment Act (No. 2), 2023, to recognize the elasmosaur as B.C.'s official

fossil.

I think we've heard the description from the previous speaker. That was going to be

in my speech, but I don't have to do that now. I'll give a little hint around how

to say elasmosaur. If you think elastic and start with the "elas," you get to the

first part of it, and it's an elasmosaur. It's interesting. Part of the point of raising

the profile is for people to understand and to be conversant about the rich history

of fossils in this province.

I want to acknowledge the folks at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology

Centre — Deb Griffiths, the executive director; Mike and Pat Trask, twins who play

a vital role in this whole story; and Dan Bowen, whom I've known for a very long time

and who's one of those people who's always there to support and show interest and

keep things moving. They brought this issue to my attention — once, twice, multiple

times over the years.

[11:55 a.m.]

The Premier and the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport have been instrumental

in being able to move this forward. I appreciate their support, and I appreciate the

support of my colleagues and those who have spoken in favour of the bill this morning.

I want to also acknowledge the staff who have supported me. I brought this forward,

my communications officer was at my side at all times, and all of my staff helped

support moving this forward. I want to thank the leg. counsel, as well, for helping

draft it when it was a private member's bill, the House Leader and staffer Will Maartman.

He was always open to hearing my relentless pursuit. I'm just so pleased that we're

finally bringing this to the floor.

There has been talk about the survey and how the elasmosaur came to be the chosen

official fossil of British Columbia. It was the work of the B.C. Paleontological Alliance

working with the heritage branch — a big collaboration — and then putting forward

a public survey.

It was a public survey that was done in 2018. After the 48 percent for the elasmosaur,

it was 15 percent for the ichthyosaur, which was north of Fort St. John. Then there

was even a single-celled fossil from west of Kamloops. There was a really wide variety,

but I think the thing that I took from the impact was that the elasmosaur is a vertebrate.

It is a big dinosaur.

When it was discovered, it was instantly of great interest to scientists around the

world. It's something that we don't have a lot of in British Columbia: vertebrates.

The Royal B.C. Museum has a lot of invertebrates. Anyway, the choice was made in a

very democratic process and moved along but then kind of got stalled.

The purpose of an official fossil is to recognize them as an important heritage resource.

It's not just a fossil that we all appreciate. It conveys to the world our British

Columbian rich resource heritage. Then also, the priority is around scientific value

and educational value.

Deb Griffiths is the executive director of the museum. She has some really special

words about its contribution to B.C.'s identity as a symbol of B.C.'s expansive fossil-storied

landscapes and regions. Looking at the contest, we know we're a fossil-rich province,

but did we know that it could rival the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta?

It's that opportunity that we have to really expand and grow that identity as a knowledge-tourism

base, a scientific base and an educational base.

Noting the hour, I would like to reserve my place and move adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Committee of the Whole (Section A), having reported progress, was granted leave to

sit again.

Hon. L. Beare moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1 p.m. today.

The House adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

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