First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Afternoon Sitting

Issue No. 23

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Orders of the Day

Budget Debate (continued)

Harwinder Sandhu

Korky Neufeld

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat

Lawrence Mok

Hon. George Chow

Trevor Halford

Hon. Terry Yung

Tony Luck

Janet Routledge

Heather Maahs

Nina Krieger

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The House met at 1:32 p.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Harwinder Sandhu : I want to wish my nephew Avinoor a very happy birthday.

Avinoor turns 18 years old today, and he’s very close to me. When we’re driving or

going for long trips, rather than listening to music I offer him or some radio, he’s

like, “No, Auntie, I want to listen to your conversations,” my life experiences. He

is in grade 11, choosing his passion versus what B.C. needs and working to build his

career right here in B.C. and in the Vernon area.

Would the House please join me to wish Avinoor a very happy birthday.

Happy birthday, Avinoor.

Orders of the Day

Hon. Ravi Kahlon : I call continued debate of the budget.

[Lorne Doerkson in the chair.]

Budget Debate

(continued)

Deputy Speaker : We’ll call the House back to order here, and the Chair will recognize the member

for Vernon-Lumby.

Harwinder Sandhu : Thank you, hon. Speaker, and congratulations. I haven’t had the opportunity since

you have been in this role, so congratulations. It’s been great to see you here.

Before I would like to speak, I’m thrilled and honoured and excited to stand here

as Vernon-Lumby MLA.

I would like to acknowledge that my constituency is located on the traditional Syilx

territory of the Okanagan Indian Nations.

I rise today to speak in support of Budget 2025 because it focuses on protecting the

services people in this beautiful province rely on, and it focuses on strengthening

our economy and standing united in the face of economic threats from the tariffs.

[1:35 p.m.]

Our budget is a measured plan to protect jobs and the services people rely on, while

preparing British Columbia’s economy to withstand the unpredictable impacts of unjustified

tariffs.

It’s my first opportunity to speak, since I didn’t get the chance to respond to the

throne speech, so I would like to take a couple minutes to recognize my constituency

and people who are the reason that I’m standing here for my second term in this House.

Coming from a farmer family and then later working in health care as a registered

nurse in this beautiful province and a patient care coordinator for over 20 years….

Having to go through many personal hardships after losing my dad and, later, my spouse

to cancer…. Facing societal pressures, stigma, and others having to decide how my

life will look and what I should do…. And quitting my job, sitting at home, having

to pick up pieces to rebuild my life together and then entering politics to help people….

My journey was full of challenges, heartbreak, tears and standing up for my rights

and, most importantly, for the rights of my two daughters. It was not an easy journey,

but I didn’t do it alone. I want to acknowledge that there are many incredible, kind,

supportive and inspiring people, like my friends and coworkers, not only from Vernon-Lumby,

but also a beautiful town called Terrace.

Later wonderful people, of course, from the Okanagan who supported my daughters. People

in Vernon welcomed the three of us with open arms. They have helped to start a new

chapter of our life.

My daughters, Manreet and Jasreen, gave me so much strength, purpose, courage and

reason to live.

There were days I didn’t want to live. When I looked at those two little girls, that’s

where I got my strength — and of course, colleagues and friends who held me strong.

So the reason I mention…. I want to give hope to many people who may be facing challenges.

Today or maybe these weeks might be the toughest days of their life. I have had those

days. It’s okay to share our struggles, and it’s okay to reach out for help. If I

didn’t do that, our outcomes and story would have been different.

Id like to express my sincere gratitude and thank all constituents of Vernon-Lumby

for electing me to be their MLA. I am truly honoured, proud and excited to be your

representative again. I do take this responsibility very sincerely.

I thank all the voters for practising your democratic right, whether you voted for

me or not. I’m an MLA for all of you, and I am committed to serve you with utmost

integrity, compassion and care.

No campaign is ever possible without the volunteers, so I’m incredibly thankful to

my volunteers and lots of young people who came to support and door-knock and, of

course, voters and donors who have helped me to get elected for the second term by

putting their trust and unwavering support behind me. I want to express my sincere

gratitude.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my family, who have been here for me

and, most importantly, my older daughter, who is 23 now. She is on her way to becoming

a doctor, hopefully. Fingers crossed. She had her interviews done for the rural northern

program.

She has wanted to help people since she was six years old, when she saw her dad being

critically ill and given two months to live. During his 2½-year journey battling with

cancer, that’s when she said: “Mom, that’s when I decided I want to be like the people

who are helping Dad and who are so kind.” I hope her dream will come true.

My younger daughter, who was a year and a half at the time of her dad’s diagnosis,

is 18. She’s also working as a nursing unit assistant. She has a job at Kelowna General

Hospital but now is filling in temporarily at the Vernon downtown clinic.

I’m so proud of my daughters and, of course, my nine-year-old son, who gets adored

by his sisters and who gives me strength as well. It’s important to have the support

of family and friends.

When I first ran for office, my son was only a few months old. Many people told me

I should be staying home to raise my kids. I said: “Don’t you dare tell me.” Us women,

we know how much we can do, and we know how to be busy, get the job done. We’re the

go-getters.

I had to take this opportunity to thank my kids, my family and my mom, who’s been

my rock. She has been with me at every step of my life.

[1:40 p.m.]

When I had to raise my daughters alone, there were no child care spaces available

then and not even affordable…. If it wasn’t for my mom, I wouldn’t have been able

to contribute to our health care system for two decades.

Thanks, Mom, for being there and for also telling others.

When society was setting some boundaries, it was my mom who spoke up. She said: “My

daughter is not a rag doll.” After I became widowed at a very young age, she said:

“She will decide what she wants to do with her life.” Those words, again, gave me

strength.

And my dad, who could not be here, who I lost at a fairly young age…. My parents have

helped me to be strong, independent, empowered and, most importantly, a kind and respectful

human being. My dad always taught me to never let others push you around but to fight

back fiercely when others do try to oppress and bully.

The meaning of my middle name is Kaur, which I share with many Sikh girls around the

world. It means “lioness,” and we are raised as warriors to stand against injustice,

oppression, hatred, discrimination and to protect human rights, gender equality and

to stand with the marginalized and vulnerable people in our life.

Now I will share why I want to speak in favour of this budget. It’s a measured plan.

This is a very challenging time, as we all know. It is a time to deliver a significant

budget addressing the uncertainty caused by news about tariffs, and it’s the news

that nobody should be taking lightly. I can never justify anyone looking for an excuse

for the Trump administration or him to justify these unjustified tariffs because I

don’t think that person even cares for people around him. So it is about what is right,

and we have done this work.

We’ve been the shining example of being good allies and a good neighbouring country.

So it’s unfortunate. We can’t change that, but what we can change is how we stand

in individual roles across the aisle to support the people who have elected us to

represent them.

In my opinion, this budget carefully manages B.C.’s finances, makes investments in

critical public services to meet growing demand by putting people first and supports

businesses as we build a stronger future.

The focus is growing the economy by helping people train for better jobs, getting

major projects built and diversifying where we sell our goods. It also focuses on

managing finances carefully to safeguard front-line services people depend on without

hiking costs, improving health care and education by connecting more people to family

doctors and building good neighbourhood schools for our school kids.

Coming from a health care background and being very passionate and having to go through

those cuts, which impacted the loss of our loved one and many patients that I took

care of, I know that we need to do everything possible within our abilities in a very

non-partisan way to do anything to strengthen the health care and mental health care

systems.

I’m happy that, if we look at the factual data, we are connecting more than 700 patients

every day to the primary care network, whether it’s doctors or nurse practitioners.

That’s definitely a significant improvement.

We understand the pressures of a growing population, but we will not slow down. We’ll

continue to build on the progress we’ve built.

Of course, our budget focuses on continuing to deliver homes that people can afford.

From child care fees to car insurance bills, I would like to mention that some of

the investments have made a significant life-changing positive difference in people

in now Vernon-Lumby, then known as Vernon-Monashee.

We have built, since 2017, more than 1,000 affordable homes, which I’m very proud

of, barely in four to six years.

Whereas previously, in 16 years, there was probably

120 or 130 homes built, so 16 years versus four years and more than 1,000. That includes

the first-ever seniors housing units, 20 units in Lumby and the first-ever student

housing at the Okanagan College in history in Vernon, with 100 beds open now.

I drive by. I see the lights are on, and I was there to do the ribbon cutting. Students

were so grateful, sharing so many positive stories, how now they can get ahead when

they have this affordable place to live.

[1:45 p.m.]

Not only that, we also built, not announced, homes in Salmon Arm. There are 60 units,

as well as 350 approximately in Kelowna. Penticton will be getting the same, more

than 100 units.

Those are a few investments, and also two units…. A second phase we opened at McCulloch

Court in Vernon.

It is inspiring to hear from stories. There is a senior who came to door-knock and

sign wave. She said, “Thank you. Well done,” under my post. Then she told me why she

was there to support me. She said:

“Thank you. Well done for accurate information. I was put on a wait-list with primary

care clinic, was given a name via IHA social worker and met with a nurse practitioner

who is now my medical person — all this in December, the thrill of a lifetime. Giving

my friend the same name, she called and got in right away. I used the walk-ins for

several years, brought my records. A new doc was delighted.

“It was so stressful for me at 77 being renovicted, threatened with homelessness.

Then god bless manager Lesley at McCulloch. I am in at $900, not $1,300. Bless the

government that believes people should be paying one-third of their pension for rent.

I was finally able to fix my teeth. I support the NDP with much gratitude.”

There are several other stories, but the reason I share that story is it highlights

why we need to continue to invest in people, and this budget does focus on that.

Our budget includes that we are building a stronger economy that works for all people

— $172 million more over three years, including $30 million for integrated marketplace

initiatives and $95 million for critical highway and bridge maintenance.

When we talk about highway and bridge maintenance, again, we have partisan opinions

and differences, which I respect. Also, let’s not forget that when Coquihalla Highway

was broken during those slides and catastrophic events we had, it was built merely

within 36 or 38 days. I had people from across the party lines say: “I am very impressed

with your government.” And that was done in December, with windstorms.

How was that done? You need to support people who are working there. You need to pay

their wages. If that means needing overtime, yes, but that has to be ready for people.

That is one of the many testaments.

I struggle to understand, again, some members in the opposition. In the moment, they

say we’re spending too much; the other moment we’re not investing enough. It’s not

my thoughts; it’s many people who are watching. They were respectfully asking: “What

is going on in there?” I can only speak from my behalf, but I want to share that it

could be causing confusion when we can’t make our mind. Do we want to support people

or not?

This budget consistently focuses on the priorities. In this budget, we have $47 million

for B.C. Transit services. Another positive thing we did was waive the bus fare for

kids under 12 years old.

Again, the focus is on strengthening health care services people rely on — $4.2 billion

more over the three years, including $443 million to support primary care. I would

like to say that while I do again appreciate, I’m very hopeful that we’ll continue

to do what we want to achieve to strengthen the health care system.

In my riding alone, our government did create a UPCC, an urgent and primary care centre,

in 2019. Of course, with the population growth, need was there, so I was happy to

advocate. Now we are getting a second urgent and primary care centre as well.

We already have established a primary care network, and they’re doing a phenomenal

job. We have Foundry now, secured the funding for Foundry to support youth mental

health and, of course, toxic drug crisis. It is not lost on us, and every life lost

is too many.

When we had our kids, we held them when they were born. No parent wants that future

for their kids. No child grows up thinking: “That’s what my path is going to be.”

It’s often those situations and circumstances that lead them there, but we need to

work together to help them and destigmatize addictions and mental health.

[1:50 p.m.]

Therefore, in my community, under our government’s creating thousands of recovery

beds, at Red Road Recovery, we’ve funded more than 30 beds which are saving lives,

helping people. Of course, recovery beds at Bill’s Place…. I’m grateful for Turning

Points Collaborative Society for doing great work. They have one of the best success

rates. They even get calls from as far as New York, according to my recent tour. They’ve

shared it over and over.

Again, we acknowledge the challenges, definitely. That’s why we need to continue to

focus to deliver more and appreciate what’s being done right.

Working in Vernon Jubilee Hospital, I remember that for decades, we were advocating

for the new mental health facility. I’m very happy and proud that our government did

approve the business plan for 44…. A new expansion of the psych unit, with two pediatric

beds. That’ll help, definitely.

Again, when we invest in health care, we need to have those workers, who are the backbone

of the health care system. We’ve trained more than 8,000 care aides under the HCAP

program. I was very happy to announce, with the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions

towards the end of last term, that the HCAP program has now expanded to train more

mental health and addiction workers. That will help to provide services and help with

the workload.

Of course, we need to continue to do more. If we look at overall numbers with the

colleges, registry for nurses has gone up. There are nurses I’m constantly in touch

with, even in Alberta too. They are moving here because, with their last contract,

we’re the first province to accept the nurse-to-patient ratios.

When I was at the bargaining table along with B.C. Nurses Union activists, we were

laughed at by the governments of the day then, that this is not possible. “Keep dreaming”

were the words that were used. We are the first jurisdiction in Canada to accept it

and second in North America, after California. California did it very successfully.

I know that we need to work to train, hire, retrain staff. And that is where our health

human resource strategy comes into effect. That focuses on those strategies — retention,

training, retraining and recruiting more.

Of course, work has continued, but that helps us to get more nurses and doctors from

and whichever platform, but I believe in person-to-person conversations. That’s reassuring

as well. While we acknowledge the challenges, we will continue to do what we need

to do.

In order to support, we’ve added seats. Some 602 seats for nursing and many others

for other allied health care professionals and, of course, the rural and northern

program for medical school, which my own daughter is hoping to get into as well. That’s

what’s going to help.

Then for other…. We know there is a shortage in other labour sectors and skilled labour.

The future-ready skills grant that our government provided offers up to 400 courses.

That was the first time a grant…. That is helping many people who I talk to. It helps

people doing courses in trades, education, child care, health care, tourism, business

and several other areas of need. That is where I am very happy and happy to support

this budget. I would like to continue this work, on which I am sure that this budget

does focus.

Yes, we have challenges, but when we have uncertain times, there are decisions. Do

we make cuts, or do we be ready and be resilient and be prepared without cutting any

services? That is why I’m proud of this budget. It focuses on keeping the services

that we have and also earmarking some money to continue to fund those programs and

services that people rely on and the services that save people’s lives.

Of course, we’ve tripled the number of nurse practitioners. It’s more than 1,000 now.

We’ve matched more than 270,000 people with a family doctor or nurse practitioner

since July 2023.

Also, many families came to work on my campaign. Two of them moved back to B.C. from

Alberta, and they shared with me that they’d been waiting for a family doctor for

13 years and now they’ve got one.

[1:55 p.m.]

Another family of four said they got one. When they got the call, they were connected

by the health registry. They said there were options of whether you want to have a

doctor in Lumby or you want to have a doctor in Vernon. Lumby was available sooner,

so they said: “Lumby, we choose.”

When we come to talk about paramedics, we increased their budget in 2027 by 25 percent.

I’m happy that Lumby, in my riding, was one of the rural communities to get, under

the alpha model, eight FTEs and a 24-7 paramedic station.

Child care. My community got more than 1,000 affordable $10-a-day child care spaces

as well. A brand-new child care centre will be built in Lumby. Two are already built

and providing excellent child care in Vernon, a third one in Coldstream, which was

part of my riding during last term.

And of course, after-school child care services, where there is…. A mom, Emily, she

said: “I was paying more than $2,000, close to $3,000, and now I’m paying less than

$300.” Now her spouse and she can work.

There’s a teacher at high school, when they go see high school kids. She moved from

Alberta, and she was sharing with kids in a very non-partisan way. When we were talking

about how governments work and how investing in people is very important — I did not

know — she shared her story, that before the child care was available, she and her

husband had to work part-time and now they’re both working full-time, and they’re

contributing to the economy. So that is how it’s all intertwined.

When we talk about agriculture sector, as well, we know that sector has been hit the

hardest. I know, growing up in a farmer family…. Many of us people from north India,

Punjab, we come from multiple generations of farmer families. We know, looking at

the weather and sky…. You don’t know — you’re at the mercy of weather and climate

— if your family will thrive or if it’ll be a challenging year. So that is why the

focus, and I’m very happy to get the role as a Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture.

I want to touch some of the things that we recently announced, $10 million for the

fruit tree farmers, as they had challenges for a couple of years, in addition to $5

million, which were recently given to support the tree fruit climate resiliency program.

Since the devastating winter freeze a year ago and the closure of B.C. Tree Fruits

Co-op, we have been working with tree fruit growers on short- and long-term solutions.

In 2024 alone, we provided approximately $58 million in tree fruit production insurance

claims and $24 million of the $70 million for the enhanced replant program that is

dedicated to the tree fruit sector; $15 million for the AgriStability enhancement

program; and $5 million for fruit climate resiliency. Of course, there is $100,000

for BCFGA to support their work on emergency tables to protect growers impacted by

these challenging times.

We have supported the sector through the fruit tree stabilization plan, perennial

crop renewal program, Buy B.C. marketing activities, as well as sterile insect release

program and other ministry programs that support market development are increased.

We do acknowledge that there are still challenges, and we need to do more. That is

why the Premier’s created the task force table, which is people from the sector, experts

and growers themselves, and they are going to help us guide how do we move forward

for the long term.

Also, there is a program, $100 million for the agriculture water infrastructure. I

was very happy to tour one of the farms in the Okanagan where they were showing the

positive impacts. Having availability to those funding helped to shape how their crops

are and how productive their farm is now.

Definitely more needs to be done.

There’s the forest sector. We acknowledge the looming uncertainty in forest sector.

Many members probably don’t know that I lived in Mackenzie, and my late husband was

born and raised in Mackenzie, worked in sawmills, and my father-in-law was a millwright

there for many, many years. In 2003, when mills shut down, we moved to Terrace, and

then what happened? Mills shut down there too.

[2:00 p.m.]

Luckily it was my nursing job that helped me to support my family while my late husband

went to college again, and he did his computer programming course. But then our future

took a different turn.

Having to live through those, I know I want to see people in the forest sector.

We see you. We know.

I am very grateful to the Minister of Forests for his constant work and his recent

meetings with one of the major employers, Tolko Industries and Mr. Thorlakson, having

to talk to them as well.

Last year we announced the contribution of $8 million to the manufacturing fund to

help Tolko Industries to expand its Heffley Creek operation and construct a new facility

that will house the new Heffley Creek engineered wood division. This expansion will

help maintain approximately 250 jobs at the Heffley Creek site and will create new

jobs. Of course, in order to find out firsthand — I’m very excited — the minister

is coming to the region, and we will be on the ground talking to people to understand

and to get their ideas as well.

We need to work together, and rather than blaming what happened and showing…. It’s

very important we speak truth. For me, whatever I will share here and I ever share

doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be truthful. The other thing is, I don’t seek

perfection. I seek genuine connection.

The reason for me being here…. Many of us sitting here weren’t even allowed to enter

into this building. We didn’t even have the right to vote until 1947. So I don’t take

this very lightly. This is like worship to me, representing people.

Every morning I remind myself that people, when they ticked beside my name…. How much

trust did they put? Some left their political parties that they followed for many,

many decades. Some even worked for and were local EDA presidents of other parties.

It’s up to us to maintain that trust and to maintain that integrity.

Talking about values, my parents always say that it doesn’t have to be perfect. You

speak truth. Truth will always prevail. Spreading false information or political slogans

may get us a win in that moment, but are we doing justice?

Again, I just want to say thanks to the amazing people of Vernon-Lumby for their resilience,

for their trust, for their kindness and for showing a great community spirit, solidarity

and support. I proudly speak to support this budget and continue to be your strong

voice to make sure your priorities are taken care of and your needs are met.

Unity is far greater than division. We’re stronger together. Despite our differences,

all of us have more in common than different. Let’s condemn the ones who are continuously

trying to divide us, fearmongers who spread false information for their own gain and

who attack and stigmatize the most vulnerable in our society.

I want to share a quote from Sikh teachings.: “ Aval alah nūr upāiā kuḏraṯ ke sabẖ banḏe. Ėk nūr ṯe sabẖ jag upjiā kaun bẖale ko manḏe.”

First, God created the light, then by his creative power, he made moral beings. From

one light, the entire universe is held up. So who is good and who is bad?

We are all equal. We are all one. Let’s continue to stand strong in solidarity and

support one another, especially local businesses, farmers, renters, the tourism sector

and people who rely on our support and our trust. Support local, buy B.C., buy Canadian.

The true north is strong and free.

I am honoured to be here as Vernon-Lumby’s voice.

Deputy Speaker : Thank you, Member.

For continued budget debate, we’ll now recognize the member for Abbotsford West.

Korky Neufeld : Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the honour to respond to the 2025 budget. I also want

to congratulate you on your appointment.

I’d like to, first of all, thank the city of Abbotsford and the riding of Abbotsford

West residents for putting their trust in me to represent them here in the Legislature.

I’m very honoured and privileged to do so.

I want to repeat a couple of things in my intro that I gave during my throne speech

comments about Abbotsford and the valley.

[2:05 p.m.]

Abbotsford’s population growth is projected to be 250,000 by 2050. We are a rapidly

growing region. This will require major infrastructure investment throughout our city.

Sixty-four percent of our residents work in Abbotsford, but 36 percent rely on the

transport corridor in the Fraser Valley east of the Port Mann Bridge.

I’m not sure if you’ve had the experience of navigating traffic gridlock on Highway

1. I would encourage the members who are in Metro Vancouver just to travel east of

the Port Mann Bridge, because it’s a different world out there.

The Highway 1 corridor needs to be completed all the way to Yale Road. I know there

are some improvements coming, but it stops short. It stops at Highway 11, Sumas Way,

which is our major border crossing. Also, Highway 1 is the major transport for all

the trucks. If they stop the expansion at Sumas Way, it will logjam everything in

our city corridor past Mount Lehman, and that is unacceptable. It needs to go all

the way to Yale Road West, but this budget failed to address that. That’s a concern

for Abbotsford residents.

What is unique about our city is that it’s also boxed in by ALR lands; 78 percent

of our land is in the ALR, which means very little land for housing, commercial and

industrial use. Abbotsford has a major shortage of industrial lands.

What I would like to encourage, and I would like to see…. This province needs to majorly

reform the ALR, the agricultural land reserve. It was formed in 1973 with very few

improvements that have been made since. Also, the ALC, the Agricultural Land Commission,

is over 50 years old. B.C. has changed, yet the ALR and ALC have seen little change.

The ALC needs equal representation from across the province. Sixty-five percent of

dairy and eggs for the province comes from Abbotsford. I had the privilege of meeting

with the B.C. Dairy Association here at the Legislature. Dairy farmers from B.C. contribute

$1.2 billion in provincial GDP. They support over 12,500 jobs.

The dairy farmers, and I would say all farmers in B.C., are in survival mode today.

Costs keep rising, profits keep plummeting, and the bureaucracy is killing the industries.

This budget failed the Abbotsford agricultural industry and the B.C. farmers who supply

food on yours and my kitchen tables each and every day.

I’m going to be asking a lot of questions in my response, and the reason is that I

was hoping that the budget could answer some of these, but it fell short. So I would

encourage the members across the aisle to send me their answers to these questions.

Not only I want the answers; I think British Columbians require these answers as well.

Throwing money at things without measurements of how effective they are is reckless.

That’s why our debt per person is going from $17,000 to $21,000. By 2028, it’ll be

$36,000 per person in British Columbia. British Columbians need answers to the questions.

I will not be supporting this lack of budget.

I have here a pamphlet of responses to the budget from over 21 people from different

sectors across this province. They all gave it a C-minus, and I’ll actually be dispersing

some of their comments throughout my address.

While Budget 2025 is presented in response to significant global challenges, particularly

the threat of unjustified tariffs, we must pause to critically assess the proposed

measurements and their long-term implications. The responses from all sectors have

given this budget a C-minus, and that’s a generous grade.

The Independent Contractors and Business Association of B.C. raised the alarm over

the B.C. budget, calling it, and I quote, “out of touch with the economic storm brewing.”

“A full-blown trade war with the United States will hammer B.C. exports, drive up

costs for builders and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk. This government has

spent years getting in the way of economic growth. The NDP has failed to course correct,

leaving B.C. weaker and in serious trouble with limited ability to respond.”

While the government’s commitment to standing strong for B.C. and ensuring public

services remain intact is commendable, there is a concern about the overreliance on

the province’s resilience in the face of external economic pressures and colossal

debt.

[2:10 p.m.]

Yes, B.C. has a diversified economy and abundant natural resources, but we must ask:

are we truly prepared, and are we relying too heavily on outdated strategies and policies

that will not provide the buffer that we need?

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation stated, and I quote: “This budget is a disaster

for British Columbians, who are being abandoned by Premier Eby.”

The emphasis on protecting the essentials is vital, but the question remains: which

essentials are being prioritized, and at what cost? The budget mentions maintaining

public service, but how will these services evolve to meet the growing needs of an

aging population, rising mental health challenges and a rapidly changing workforce?

Additionally, while the government’s narrative focuses on resilience and a commitment

to people, we must not overlook the systemic issues that still plague many communities

across B.C. — resource-based communities, for instance, who are still grappling with

economic volatility. Is this budget truly addressing the needs of those who remain

vulnerable during times of economic instability, or is it merely presenting a shield

for years of damaging policies?

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business stated this, and I quote: “The budget

had no fiscal relief for small and medium-sized businesses. We needed targeted support.

We needed tax relief.” They saw none of that.

Also, the emphasis on natural beauty and global markets as assets is undoubtedly important,

but the conversation must expand beyond this. What concrete steps is this government

taking to ensure that B.C.’s growth is economically sustainable?

Fiona Famulak, a member of the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, stated regarding

the budget, and I quote: “If businesses succeed, our economy will succeed, and then

we will be able to generate revenue for government to pay for the essential services

that we need. Pause. Today, we did not see that.”

While Budget 2025 rightly acknowledges the severity of external economic threats,

it’s crucial that we critically examine whether it’s adequately addressing the broader

systemic issues that are necessary for a truly resilient and sustainable future in

British Columbia. While Budget 2025 represents a vision for strength, resilience and

forward thinking, it raises several critical questions about its practical applications

and long-term sustainability.

The $4 billion set aside for contingencies to prepare for the unknown, including the

impact of tariffs, reflects a prudent approach to economic uncertainty. However, we

must ask: is this enough to truly buffer the province from the cascading effects of

global disruptions, or does it merely serve as a temporary patch cover on systemic

vulnerabilities caused by seven years of NDP failures? Contingencies alone are not

a substitute for long-term strategic investment in diversifying our economy and fortifying

our industries. We have seen none of that in the last seven years.

B.C. Chamber of Commerce also stated, and I quote: “Today’s budget is sobering for

both business and British Columbians. It does not deliver the economic incentives,

tax changes, programs or policy shifts that are required to kickstart our economy

and which we have been advocating for long before this last election.” So this isn’t

a new problem. It’s an old problem just being exacerbated by the tariffs that are

potentially coming.

Moreover, the budget stresses improving health care, education and other core services

without raising fees or costs. While the commitment to maintaining affordability is

commendable, we must be cautious of how this ambition will be funded. Are we truly

addressing the root causes of the pressures faced by these essential services, or

are we simply maintaining status quo without tackling the underlying issues, such

as staffing shortages, aging infrastructure and increasing demands for services, etc.?

The B.C. Nurses Union remarked, and I quote: “We would have liked to have seen funding

earmarked for nurse education seats in our post-secondary institutions across B.C.”

There were none, not in this budget.

Furthermore, the budget’s focus on supporting business that generates jobs and economic

activity is critical. But again, it’s important to ask which businesses will truly

benefit. Will the government prioritize small and medium-sized enterprises, which

are often the backbone of local communities, or will large corporations continue to

receive the bulk of the government’s support? You see, without a clear strategy to

ensure it’s equitable and accessible, we risk perpetuating an economic environment

where only a few benefit.

[2:15 p.m.]

The Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey and White Rock chamber said, and I quote:

“We were hoping to see tangible investments to help businesses pivot in the face of

tariffs implementation by the U.S., but they were absent from this budget.”

While the values of strength, tenacity, compassion and vision are noble, it remains

to be seen how these values will be translated into actionable policies that address

the growing challenge of inequity and affordability across the province. Budget 2025

outlines an admirable set of principles and preparedness, but we must critically assess

whether these strategies will effectively address the immediate and long-term challenges

B.C. faces.

Even the Green Party stated, and I quote: “In this moment of deep uncertainty, we

need government investment in systematic solutions, not another ICBC rebate cheque.”

The claim of a careful managing of finances in the face of global economic uncertainty

is crucial. However, a temporary pause on hiring in the public service may only be

a short-term solution. While it’s vital to curb unnecessary administrative costs,

this strategy risks further understaffing essential services, which have already been

stretched thin.

Instead of simply reducing head count, we need a deeper, more strategic review of

how services are delivered. Will this pause lead to delays in vital services, such

as health care and education, or will it result in creative, effective solutions?

Well, the B.C. Teachers Federation says, and I quote: “No new spending in the budget

for election promises that promised mental health counsellors in every school and

educational assistance in every kindergarten-to-grade-3 classroom.”

Furthermore, the emphasis on diversifying the economy is essential in light of shifting

global markets, yet the budget does not offer enough concrete details on how these

goals will be achieved. Economic diversification requires more than just task forces

and partnership. It requires targeted investment in emerging sectors.

What specific measures are in place to ensure that these new areas will not only thrive

but also provide long-term job security and economic stability for all British Columbians?

People will not come to this province to invest unless they are assured five, ten,

15 years down the road that their businesses will be able to survive, because it’s

shifting.

Dan Baxter, regional director of Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, stated,

policies that make today’s fiscal challenges worse.”

The rhetoric around partnerships with First Nations, businesses, industry and labour

is promising, but it’s just rhetoric. What guarantees do we have that these partnerships

will lead to tangible, mutually beneficial outcomes? The budget of 2025 presents a

vision of careful economic stewardship, at least that’s what it says. It is essential

that government commits to meaningful investment in sustainable, inclusive growth

and ensures that cuts and pauses implemented today do not undermine the public services

that British Columbians rely on every day.

Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employees Union said, and I quote, “B.C.

needs an economic development plan,” which he did not see in this budget. Otherwise,

they wouldn’t have asked it.

While Budget 2025 presents a number of commendable initiatives designed to support

businesses and workers, particularly through programs like B.C. manufacturing jobs

fund, the future-ready action plan and the integrated marketplace initiative, we must

critically assess whether these efforts will lead to sustainable growth and widespread

benefits for all British Columbians.

The focus on modernizing innovative businesses, especially through the B.C. manufacturing

jobs fund, is a welcome step in addressing boom-and-bust cycles that have long affected

resource-dependent communities. However, the program must be evaluated in terms of

its long-term effectiveness. While a one-time infusion of funds may help certain industries

weather immediate challenges, we need to consider whether these funds are creating

lasting change or simply propping up industries that are not fully future-proofed.

Are these programs encouraging businesses to transition to be more sustainable long-term

business models, or are they just delaying the inevitable declines?

Additionally, the future-ready action plan focuses on providing people with the skills

they need to thrive in an evolving economy. It’s undoubtedly important. However, let’s

ask another question. Are these efforts adequately addressing the disparities in access

to training and education across the province? Rural and remote communities, for example,

often face significant barriers to accessing educational opportunities, and this gap

could potentially limit the success of this program.

[2:20 p.m.]

Moreover, is the skills development offer truly aligned with the most pressing needs

of our rapidly changing economy, particularly in green energy, technology and other

future-facing sectors? You see, without a clear alignment between educational offerings

and market needs, these investments in human capital risk being misaligned with workforce

demands of this present and of the future needs.

The integrated marketplace initiative is another laudable program, especially in its

efforts to connect B.C. tech companies and real-world application and clients. The

success story of Moment Energy is compelling, demonstrating how B.C. companies can

innovate in energy storage and contribute to global sustainability goals.

However, we must critically evaluate the scalability of such initiatives. You see,

while these programs have seen some success, how many companies like Moment Energy

will be able to access the same level of support and successfully scale their innovations,

or is the government handpicking businesses that support it?

Additionally, while the emphasis on addressing key challenges such as health care,

climate change and resource management is admirable, we need to question whether these

programs are sufficiently inclusive of smaller tech companies and start-ups in underserved

areas of our province. Is the support evenly distributed, or does it disproportionately

benefit large tech hubs, like Vancouver, and NDP friends and funders?

The budget’s support for the film and video game industry through boosted tax credits

is another notable step, given the success that these sectors have had in positioning

B.C. as a global leader. While these industries do provide significant economic benefits,

including job creation and global exposure, we must ask whether the reliance on tax

incentives is sustainable in the long term.

These incentives can attract investment, but they can also create an environment of

dependence on government support. At what point does the government transition from

being an enabler of growth to a crutch for industries that should be standing on their

own? Additionally, we must consider whether these sectors are truly benefiting all

areas of the province or are concentrated, again, in specific regions like Metro Vancouver,

leaving other communities with fewer opportunities.

Furthermore, the focus on high-quality jobs is crucial, but there is little discussion

about the working conditions within these sectors. For instance, while the film and

creative industries are lauded for their success, workers in these industries often

face precarious employment, long hours and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

What is being done to ensure that workers in these booming sectors are also protected

in terms of labour rights and career advancement?

While these incentives collectively paint an optimistic picture of B.C.’s economic

future, there is a larger question of whether they are addressing the root cause of

economic inequality in this province. Can these programs truly create broad-based

prosperity, or are they primarily focused on benefiting specific industries in urban

centres?

The reality is that many communities in B.C. still face high rates of poverty, job

insecurity and lack of access to critical services. Without more comprehensive measures

to address these disparities, the benefits of the proposed programs may be limited

to a select few rather than the province as a whole.

Budget 2025 outlines a series of promising initiatives to support business and workers,

and the critical question remains: will these measures lead to sustainable, inclusive

growth that benefits all British Columbians, or are they merely offering short-term

fixes to deeper systemic issues? It is essential that we not only support innovation

and job creation but also ensure that these benefits are equitably distributed and

aligned with long-term needs for our communities, particularly those most vulnerable

to economic instability.

Furthermore, while the budget’s focus on diversifying trade is a sound strategy, it’s

critical that we ask: are we diversifying in ways that benefit B.C.’s economy and

are sustainable in an inclusive manner? The emphasis on B.C.’s access to cutting-edge

technology, innovations, critical minerals and low-carbon products is important, but

these claims must be backed by specific actions that address how the provincial economy

will evolve to handle these markets.

Diversification cannot only be about selling more of the same resource-based products

but rather about ensuring that B.C. is developing a high-tech clean energy sector

that provides stable, high-quality jobs for the future.

[2:25 p.m.]

Again, what steps are being taken to ensure B.C. has the infrastructure, education

system and workforce necessary to thrive in this new market? No plan in the budget.

We do not have a workforce because they are leaving our province in record numbers,

and they’re not coming back.

While it’s clear that B.C. has enormous advantages in terms of its proximity to Asia

and world-class ports, we must recognize that the province’s trade relationships are

deeply tied to global supply chains that are increasingly vulnerable to disruption.

The $16 billion allocated to infrastructure improvement is undoubtedly a necessary

investment in B.C.’s competitive edge. However, this is a band-aid solution if not

paired with broader investments in resilient and sustainable infrastructure. For instance,

how will the infrastructure plans ensure that we’re not simply increasing capacity

for unsustainable resource extraction and transportation but rather for long-term,

clean trade that it can adopt for future economic challenges?

While trade representatives have proven valuable in B.C.’s market reach, there is

still a need to evaluate the inclusivity of these efforts. How accessible are these

opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses across the province, particularly

those in rural and remote areas?

It is essential that the benefits of expanding trade do not only accrue to large corporations

or urban centres but are equitably distributed across the province. While the acceleration

of natural resource projects and diversification of trade represent critical steps

towards strengthening B.C.’s economy, these strategies must be carefully scrutinized

to ensure they prioritize long-term sustainability, environmental stewardship and

the equitable distribution of economic benefits.

B.C. can certainly be a global leader in innovation, trade and resource management,

but this requires not just faster approvals or bigger projects; it requires a thoughtful,

transparent approach to balancing growth with the well-being of the environment and

communities that call this province home.

I would encourage those across the aisle to have meaningful discussions with different

regions of the province, because it’s a different world than the Lower Mainland. You

need to hear the stories of people who are living in different regions of our province.

It is completely different for them than in this cocoon here in the Lower Mainland.

After seven years of bureaucracy that stunted any growth, we would not be in this

dire situation that we are in today. The government is now forced to pivot without

careful planning of the past.

Budget 2025 offers promising investments aimed at addressing critical issues in health

care and education. We must scrutinize whether these efforts are truly enough to meet

the demands of a rapidly growing and aging population. I’m 65. I want to be taken

care of when I get older.

Whether they’re simply reactive or short-term solutions or long-standing challenges,

eight years — eight long years to adjust this.

The health care commitment outlined in the budget, the $4.2 billion in additional

funding over three years, is a significant increase. But it’s important to critically

evaluate whether it’s sufficient to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing our health

care system.

You know what? Throwing money at something doesn’t solve the problem. If I have a

bucket with holes in it and I put water in it, it’s not going to remain. It keeps

running out of the bottom. Just to throw money at it, without measurements to see

how effective it is, is reckless. That’s what we have seen.

Yes, increasing the number of family doctors and tripling the number of nurse practitioners

is a positive step, but the question is: how will this increased capacity be distributed

across the province? Rural and remote communities have long struggled to attract health

care professionals, and they may not benefit such as urban centres do. All the taxpayer

dollars that have been poured into health care….

I want to ask this question to those who are watching. Can any British Columbian say

that their services and wait times have gotten better? Are hospital closures less

frequent? I don’t call them diversions. Let’s call it what it is: hospital closures.

Furthermore, while bringing internationally trained medical professionals into the

fold is an important step toward tackling workforce shortages, this is not a quick

fix.

British Columbia is the most challenging bureaucratic province in Canada for international

or interprovincial credentialing. My daughter-in-law has been trying to get just from

the States to B.C. It’s been a year, and she is a Canadian citizen. She actually was

raised here in Victoria but was forced to go to the States for education, has got

her six years of working as a pediatrician, wants to come back to B.C. Only what?

Bureaucracy, bureaucracy. More bureaucracy, more bureaucracy.

[2:30 p.m.]

Integrating into the B.C. system — including navigating bureaucracy and red tape,

cultural barriers and certification process — takes years.

Moreover, expanding access to care through pharmacies for minor illnesses and increasing

home and community care for seniors are both steps in the right direction, but they

should not be viewed as substitutes for a fully functioning, accessible public health

care system. These initiatives are helpful, but they do not address the underlying

issues: the systemic underfunding of core health care services, which has left hospitals

and primary care clinics operating at full capacity and under immense strain.

Will this government admit that our health care system is broken and finally look

at universal health care in other jurisdictions like Europe, look at some of those

models with the same number of people delivering health care? Less money, less wait

times, and it’s working for them. Why not adopt that? The system is broken. Throwing

money at it is not going to answer the problem. It’s not going to fix it.

I’ve got so much more. I’ve got 23 pages of stuff here which I’m not going to get

to.

The vision for a prosperous, compassionate and resilient future is one we should all

share. While the aspirations are high, it is critical that this budget translates

into tangible, actionable steps that generally address the root causes of the challenges

British Columbians face today. I would like to see measurables in there, because how

do we know the money being invested is actually producing the results that we want?

It’s not enough to say we’ll meet the future together. We must ensure the policies

in place are effective, sustainable and inclusive for all.

Not only have all sectors given this budget a C-minus, I must say it falls short in

creating confidence. To those who want to invest, to those who want to live, to those

who want to play, to those who want to work in this province….

One of the key things that motivated me to get involved and to step up was my kids.

I was going to retire in 2026. I was going to hang out with my grandchildren and just

have a great life. But guess what. They said to me: “I’m sorry, Dad. We might not

be able to live in B.C. much longer.” My parents gave me a British Columbia that I

was proud to be part of. I can’t pass that on to my kids unless change happens. I’m

here to make change. I want to get stuff done.

This budget is embarrassing and falls short in all categories. I will not be voting

in favour of a budget that is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Deputy Speaker : Just a reminder that our electronic devices should be on silent this afternoon, out

of respect for our speakers.

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat : I would like to start by acknowledging the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples in the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, upon whose territory we are gathered

today.

Our budget is a measured plan to protect jobs, the services people rely on while preparing

British Columbia’s economy to withstand the unpredictable impacts of unjustified tariffs.

This is a very challenging time to deliver a budget, with significant uncertainties

caused as the news about the tariffs changes daily.

While our economy is built to withstand Trump’s tariffs better than most other provinces,

the impact will still be significant. This budget carefully manages B.C.’s finances

and makes investments in critical public services to meet growing demands, putting

people first and supporting businesses as we build a strong future.

In my riding in the Cowichan Valley, since the B.C. NDP was elected in 2017, they

have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in my community.

These investments include a new Cowichan district hospital in Duncan, which will have

204 in-patient beds, up from 134, and will be tripling the size of its emergency room.

It will include new operating rooms and a permanent MRI machine.

[2:35 p.m.]

The province is investing $1.1 billion into the $1.4 billion project, expected to

be completed in 2027. The new hospital will be three times larger than the existing

facility while being 30 percent more energy-efficient, the first fully electric hospital

in BC.

Another first, BCIB’s first project provides an Indigenous coach and cultural adviser

on site to support workers and to guide the BCIB project team. Bubba Qwulshemut is

a Red Seal plumber, respected Quw’utsun knowledge-sharer and BCIB’s workforce coach

and cultural adviser on the Cowichan district hospital replacement project.

Bubba provides direct support to Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees, such as

transitioning to work and supporting a career mentorship. On the job site, Bubba is

making the on-site workers’ experience more culturally relevant and respectful by

sharing cultural teachings, experiences and wisdom through the BCIB’s respectful on-site

initiative training.

The other exciting one in Cowichan is the new Quw’utsun Secondary School in Duncan.

The new seismically safe school has the capacity for 1,100 students, with the ability

to expand to house 1,500 students, eliminating the need for portables. The project

includes a new sports field and neighbouring learning centre. The province committed

$83.8 million to the $86 million project.

The new school, which opened for students last month, has a design guided by Cowichan

knowledge, ways of being and traditional architecture, with a wood-first design to

create a warm, welcoming space, an entryway reinforcing local rivers, the Cowichan

and Koksilah, and abundant natural lighting and views.

This government committed to ongoing annual funding to the new Cowichan hospice, which

offers support, information and companions to those living with advancing illnesses,

family and friends, as well as those grieving the death of a loved one. Hospice care

is available to clients in their homes and hospitals and Cowichan Hospice House. I

know it was very helpful to my Aunt Lucy when she went through her cancer treatments.

In August last year, this government launched the funding in Hospital at Home project

in Cowichan, where people are receiving safe and timely acute care from their own

homes, through a newly expanded Hospital at Home program at the Cowichan District

Hospital. Hospital at Home is an internationally recognized model that is both safe

and effective, and it is designed to improve patient comfort, privacy and independence.

The team includes doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists

and physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists, among others. Other specialists

may be provided as needed, so care is tailored to the patients’ individual needs.

The list goes on. Announced funding for a new urgent and primary care centre, which

will open by the end of this year in Duncan. Created 80 new publicly subsidized long-term-care

homes. Funded the creation of 100 new child care spaces, with more in the building

phase, and our community received some of the first $10-a-day pilot spaces in this

province.

Built hundreds of new affordable supportive housing that will be in Duncan, Chemainus

and on Cowichan Tribes. Funded the creation and ongoing operations of the women’s

shelter in Duncan and upgraded the Lake Cowichan ambulance station with eight new

full-time paramedics.

Funded the building of new playgrounds in the Cowichan school district. Provided funding

for the demolition of the old Crofton Elementary School. Completed the restoration

of Crofton Road, promised by the previous government multiple times.

Provided over a half a million of funding for the Chemainus River mapping work. They

also provided two grants totalling $1.5 million to the two flood mitigation projects

of the Cowichan River and Canada Avenue flood gate.

Funding for 4.7 kilometres of trail restorations and resurfacing on the Cowichan Valley

trail, which a lot of people in my area were really watching very closely due to it

being damaged and whatnot. So it was very helpful. Grateful for them to have that

restored.

[2:40 p.m.]

They’ve provided two grants totalling $2.8 million to Cowichan Tribes for the watershed

restoration work and $282,433 for the Chemainus Road improvement project. Passed legislation

that established a new 140-hectare class A park near Koksilah River. Close to $200,000

in funding to enhance emergency communications in our region.

All of this has been provided by our government.

Over $200,000 in funding to support wildfire risk reduction work and emergency plans.

There is so much more going on here, but just bear with me. It’s a long list, and

this is only half of it.

Provided over a half a million of funding for a new outdoor pickleball complex. Announced

$436,000 for the Cowichan River Rotary Park dike upgrade. Not to mention the provincewide

work that people in our community have benefitted from, such as removal of the Medical

Services Plan fees, massively reducing child care fees for parents and removing interest

on student loans and creating needs-based grant programs.

Expanded the B.C. Rent Bank program to the entire province, including Cowichan. Expanded

rental supplements for low-income families and seniors. Made post-secondary school

free for those previously in care. Initiated the secondary suites incentive program.

This is after seven years in government, and it’s not even a complete list of the

community or provincewide work investments.

It’s hard to find records going back to the early 2000s, but from 2001 to 2017, there

were very few, if any, big investments in our community that come to mind. I remember

promises of the new hospital, multiple election campaign promises to address Crofton

roads and the closure of at least half a dozen schools. That’s the track record of

the Right — big promises, but once they’re in, they start cutting funding and pushing

projects down the road.

As much as the current Conservatives want to distance themselves from the former B.C.

Liberals, their leader was not only part of the Liberal government during those years,

but he was the cabinet minister actively involved in decision-making. It’s clear to

me that our community is better supported under NDP government, building a strong

economy that works for all British Columbians by helping people train for better jobs,

getting major projects built and diversifying where we sell our goods.

With continued uncertainty of the U.S. tariff threats, British Columbians are increasingly

concerned about the security of their jobs, the economy and the sustainability of

their communities. This government has been working to attract increased investment,

supporting resources and development, preparing and training a skilled workforce,

mitigating against the impacts of climate change and enabling strong economy partnerships

between First Nations businesses.

B.C. has been a leader in supporting a more diversified an inclusive economy where

all British Columbians can thrive. The province has made investments that support

industry by expanding permit approvals in mining and achieving efficiencies in other

land-based permitted processes.

Through the B.C. manufacturing job fund, government is helping B.C. companies to modernize

and innovate and grow into sustainable value-added business lines to make innovative

uses of biomaterials.

The province has also made significant investments to help thousands of people get

the skills they need to succeed in changing the economy and help close the skills

gaps many businesses are facing. Since Budget 2023, the province has committed over

$700 million to support the future-ready action plan to build a strong, secure and

sustainable economy that works for everyone.

Recent investments also support government commitments under the Declaration Act action

plan to address and recognize Indigenous peoples’ workforce priorities through expanding

post-secondary training, labour and opportunities designed to boost the participation

and employment security of Indigenous peoples across the B.C. economy.

[2:45 p.m.]

This government is improving health care and education by connecting more people to

family doctors, building good neighbourhoods and schools for our kids. This government

is committed to protecting the important health, education and social services that

British Columbians rely on.

Budget 2025 provides nearly $7.7 billion more over three years to deliver services

that are fundamental in supporting the long-term prosperity and quality of every life

in British Columbia. This includes $4.2 billion for health services to continue to

increase capacity across the health system, including expanding access to family doctors,

seniors care, mental health and addiction supports, and primary and acute care services.

This budget also provides $370 million over three years to support kindergarten to

grade 12 students in B.C. schools.

To continue to advance reconciliation, cultural revitalization provides $45 million

over the next three years in new stable funding for the First Peoples Cultural Council

to support First Nations–led language and cultural preservation initiatives.

There is also $3 billion more over the next three years for critical social services

for children and youth who need supports, to address increased demands for income

and disability assistance, and services delivered by Community Living B.C.

I want to touch on that it has not only affected us here in B.C. but also around the

world. Not having somewhere safe and dry to sleep at night, let alone somewhere to

live, is a brutal reality that a lot of people in our communities are struggling with

— the housing crisis did not happen overnight. When this government took over, it

was after 16 years of neglect provincially and 20 years of federal neglect, which

pushed people to the brink of homelessness.

Once you lose your stability of having somewhere to call home, it is incredibly difficult

to break the cycle. Adding the pressures of mental health care and addiction treatment,

it becomes even harder. The problem is so deep-rooted that it’s going to take change

at every level of our society to meaningfully address this crisis.

This is weighing on my mind right now. I know there are no easy answers, but it gives

me hope when I see what’s possible with bold leadership and community support. I know

this government is going to continue to work hard tackling these issues.

When I was on council, I was invited to join a tour of the tiny home temporary housing

project in Duncan that provided shelter and support for 34 vulnerable residents. It

is known as the Village, but the full name is “It takes a village: housing the unsheltered

population of the Cowichan Valley.” Operated under Lookout Housing and Health Society,

the project is a partnership between the Cowichan Housing Association and B.C. Housing,

made possible by a joint federal and provincial $2.5 million grant from the safe restart

strengthening communities services program.

This is located on Trunk Road in Duncan. The project features 34 small units that

are 17 feet long and eight feet wide. Each one comes equipped with a single bed frame,

mattress, wardrobe, bedside table, desk, two stools, baseboard heater and one electrical

outlet. The prefab units are made of steel with durable rubber floors, so they’re

mould-resistant and washable. They each have a small, covered entrance offering a

bit of a patio seat and a storage space. Some residents have added potted plants and

even hung hummingbird feeders.

The 34 units are divided into three sections, with each

section sharing three washrooms,

two with showers, in a raised trailer. While there’s some criticism of shared washrooms,

it offers a lot more dignity and privacy than what most residents have had before

— no access to washrooms or running water. The shared spaces help residents build

relationships and a sense of community.

There is also a shared, covered, outdoor seating area for each of the three sections

and a main staff trailer that serves as the check-in point. There are Lookout Housing

staff members and/or security on site 24 hours a day.

[2:50 p.m.]

The goal is to offer residents a safe place to live as well as wraparound support

services that they need. Multiple health care providers and community outreach partners

visit the site daily to meet with residents and support their individual needs.

Before moving into the Village, someone said ten months into it, 23 percent of the

residents had access to health care. When they moved in there, there was 100 percent

coverage for their health care. From peer support to cultural programs, the range

of programs being delivered is as diverse as the residents themselves. A recent survey

showed that 100 percent of the residents feel the Village is culturally safe.

Residents have family members and guests to visit during the day, but no overnight

visitors are permitted. All visitors and guests must check in at staff entrance first.

Residents also have the option to say that they’re not home to maintain their privacy.

Breakfast and dinner are provided, while many local restaurants pitch in to deliver

varieties of hot meals — we live in a really great area. That’s throughout the week.

Supplementary food from the food bank is available between meals, and there are shared

fridges for each of these three sections.

According to the RCMP, since the Village was established, things in the area were

remarkably uneventful, and there has been a noticeable reduction in crime stats in

this area. Of the 34 residents living on site, over three-quarters are now participating

in regular work-training programs like mobile peer cleanup crew. All the residents

also assist in daily community cleanup in the immediate area surrounding the Village,

as they are responsible for a 150-metre radius of the site.

The residents and staff have been working hard to build a good relationship with neighbours

and businesses in the area, and the feedback has been positive. The model for this

project is peer-designed, meaning people who have experienced homelessness have a

direct hand in helping to shape through every step of that process.

This entire set-up of housing for 34 people cost $340,000. The model can easily be

adapted, and each version is a tiny home village. This is Duncan’s second and has

improved upon the last. The Village was originally going to include 100 units, but

having fewer units has allowed the operators and residents to see how things would

work on a smaller scale and adapt as needed. The organizations and stakeholders involved

are still in the process of establishing this model as something that has a permanent

place in the community.

While the future of this site is unclear, the benefits of using prefab units mean

the entire operation can easily be picked up and moved to new locations as needed.

Housing is a human right, and the downstream effects of homelessness are hurting our

whole community.

A few key elements are required to make this equitable work — location and operation

funding support, health care providers and community support, just to name a few.

But based on what I’ve learned from the visit to the Village, it is totally doable,

and it’s worth it.

Huge thanks to the Lookout and the Village staff for the tour, and gratitude to everyone

who had helped make the Village a home for 34 people in need.

This government is delivering homes for people that they can afford while keeping

everyday low costs for child care fees to car insurance bills. B.C. is one of the

most sought-after places to live in the world, but access to affordable housing continues

to be a challenge for too many British Columbians. This government continues to take

action to speed up the delivery of new homes by increasing the supply of middle-income

housing, fighting speculation and helping those who need it the most.

Protecting, building and improving access to more rental homes and supports for renters

remain the key priorities of this government. This government has taken action to

end discriminatory age and rental restrictions in strata and made rental units available

by restricting short-term rentals.

[2:55 p.m.]

BC Builds was introduced in Budget 2024 to speed up the development of new homes for

middle-income working people throughout British Columbia. BC Builds uses government,

community and non-profit-owned land, low-cost financing and grants to lower construction

costs, speed up timelines and deliver more homes to middle-income British Columbians

that they can afford.

Budget 2025 builds on this investment by providing $318 million more over the next

three years. The funding is supported by continued access of up to $2 billion in provincial

financing and an additional $2 billion in federal financing provided through the apartment

construction loan program.

There are currently 17 projects represented, nearly 1,400 underway. Six projects are

located across B.C., in communities such as Abbotsford, Cowichan Nation and Duncan,

Fernie, Gibsons, Lake Babine First Nation, North Vancouver, Prince Rupert, SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation and Whistler. New funding will support more projects across B.C.

This government is investing $75 million more in 2025-26 and $150 million annually

starting 2026-27, strengthening its rental supports for low-income families and seniors.

The rental assistance program provides eligibility to moderate-income working families

with assistance to help with their monthly rental payments. To qualify, families must

meet the before-tax household income threshold, have income at the same point as last

year and have at least one dependent child. Budget 2025 will increase the income threshold

from $40,000 to $60,000 and increase the average supplement for families receiving

nearly 75 percent from around $400 to $700 per month.

I know I’m not going to get through everything here, so I’m going to jump to the Shelter

Aid For Elderly Renters program, which helps make rent affordable for B.C. seniors

with low to moderate incomes. The program provides more monthly cash payments to subsidize

rent for eligible B.C. residents who are aged 60 and over.

In April 2024, the government introduced preliminary enhancements to this program

by expanding the income threshold from $33,000 to $37,240, increasing the rent ceiling

to $931,000. Budget 2025 makes further eligibility changes that are estimated to benefit

up to 1,600 more seniors by further increasing the income threshold to $40,000.

Enhancements to the program will also provide 30 percent more funding on average,

with the average supplement increased from $261 to $337 per month. Overall, it is

estimated that over 25,000 seniors will benefit from these enhancements.

Improving safety with new community safety initiatives by training more municipal

police, making neighbourhoods and communities safer, this government is investing

$325 million over three years to help improve community safety through various housing,

public safety and justice programs and initiatives. This includes $90 million more

for HEART and HEARTH programs that provide a range of support services for people

and shelter and housing options to help people move inside, resolving encampments

in communities.

Funding of $325 million over three years will support community safety initiatives,

including programs to address repeat offenders and strengthen intervention services

and connect people to supports and treatments they need.

Through Budget 2025, the government is launching a new community safety targeted enforcement

program to specifically target robberies, shoplifting, theft and property-related

offences by providing police with enhanced tools and resources to curb these crimes.

[3:00 p.m.]

There is also new funding to improve capacity and access to justice — which includes

new funding to courts, police, virtual bail and the B.C. Coroners Service, victim

services; and to expand training capacity for police recruitments by 50 percent, from

192 to 288 officers per year.

This government will continue to take action to provide a justice system that serves

all British Columbians. Generally, women, Indigenous people and other marginalized

groups face greater unmet legal needs. Women are generally more likely to experience

family law issues, domestic and intimate partner violence and poverty, which often

require services such as legal aid. To address this, government has been investing

in legal aid, speeding up family dispute resolutions and expanding access to justice

through vital services.

Budget 2025 continues to provide a new investment to keep people safe and communities

strong by providing $235 million over the next three years to support various justice

and public safety programs.

Building on B.C.’s critical infrastructure with investments in roads, bridges and

transit to keep people and goods moving…. B.C. is building up the critical infrastructures

we need to deliver and improve services in our communities across this province.

Budget 2025 provides $59.9 billion over three years for capital projects, including

schools, hospitals, hydroelectricity projects and roads, bridges and transit that

keep people and our economy moving. It is estimated that the projects will, directly

and indirectly, create 180,000 jobs over the next three years, supporting sustainability

and a clean, secure and strong economy.

Lawrence Mok : It is with profound gratitude and immense honour that I rise in this House today

on behalf of my constituents of Maple Ridge and Mission to respond to the budget.

This moment is not only a milestone of my political journey but also a reflection

of the trust and faith that my community has placed in me.

Before I start my budget remarks, I would like to begin by thanking those who continue

to support and encourage me. It is my first thing in politics, and with every day,

I’m learning and striving to be a better advocate for my community. Through this,

one thing remains clear: I’m truly blessed to have such a supportive team back home.

Their unwavering support gives me the motivation to continue my work here, bringing

forth the needs of Maple Ridge and Mission and doing all I can to make a difference

in their lives.

First of all, I must thank all of my constituents in Maple Ridge and Mission who came

out, even on such a stormy day, to cast a vote in our provincial election last October.

As an immigrant, I understand the profound significance of exercising our civic duty.

The ability to have a voice, be heard and contribute to the democratic process is

something I hold dear, and I’m deeply grateful to my constituents for their active

participation and for making their voices heard in such a meaningful way.

I would also like to personally thank my wonderful campaign team, who have worked

tirelessly during the campaign period.

To Rick Cameron, Travis Trost, Penny Mok, Frederick Teo, Naomi Teo, Anthony Baldwin,

Wes Dyck, Jack Armstrong, Brandon Bodnarchuk, Wendy Cook and many others who have

volunteered their precious time: I’m so grateful to have your support, and I would

not be standing here today in this wonderful House without all of you.

[3:05 p.m.]

To my dear family — my lovely wife, Penny; and my two incredible children, Lawson

and Faith — I want to express my deepest gratitude.

You have always stuck by my side and been the foundation that keeps me grounded. You

are also the reason why I’m always smiling in this House.

It is because of my family that I stand here today, confident in the work I’m doing

and in the values that guide me. My family’s journey to Canada began in 1988, when

we left Singapore and settled here. We decided then that we would build our home in

Maple Ridge. Why Maple Ridge, you may ask? Well, the simple answer back then was it

was more affordable, and it was an easy place to find a church, to find a good community

and build a home.

After living in Maple Ridge for almost 36 years now, it has become a city that we

adore. From the moment we arrived, we embraced the opportunities that Maple Ridge

had to offer and connected with people in my community who are now considered close

friends. We love every square foot of this city, and I’m so honoured to now get to

represent this same community who has loved us for almost four decades.

For those of you who do not know, one of my favourite activities to do in my spare

time is to go for walks on river dikes. Some may wonder: “Lawrence, out of all the

activities in this world you could enjoy, why do you choose walking on river dikes

as your answer?” Well, for those who have been to Maple Ridge, the beautiful nature

and scenery in my city speaks for itself.

Maple Ridge is home to the Golden Ears Provincial Park, one of British Columbia’s

largest parks and an excellent example of our province’s coastal and western hemlock

forests. In addition, Maple Ridge is home to many pristine lakes, including Pitt Lake,

Rolley Lake and Whonnock Lake. In the summer, residents love to go swimming, water-skiing,

windsurfing, canoeing, boating and fishing.

My favourite spot is walking and cycling on river dikes. Our river dikes stretch miles

and miles and are situated beside the most breathtaking mountain views, with tall

trees, glistening water and wildlife sounds all around. I must say that I do love

the outdoor life in and around Maple Ridge.

Maple Ridge is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty, but it is also home

to a vibrant and diverse community of residents who are dedicated to building each

other up.

Over the years, I’ve been an active volunteer at the Maple Ridge Salvation Army church,

and through this, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet many inspiring people. I have

seen firsthand their unwavering commitment to addressing social issues, supporting

those in need and striving to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this

place home.

When I first moved here, Maple Ridge was a quiet town, a place where life moved at

a slower pace. But over the past two decades, Maple Ridge and Mission have undergone

a transformation. Both cities have been growing very rapidly, which has brought new

opportunities and also resulted in the development of challenges such as homelessness,

poverty, drugs and addiction, rising crime rates, health care shortages and a lack

of recreational facilities or employment opportunities.

The reality is simple. Maple Ridge and Mission deserve much better. The people who

live here, those who have lived here for years and also those who have just arrived,

all deserve a place that offers the opportunities and supports to build a home.

[3:10 p.m.]

I am deeply committed to serving this community, and my goal is to represent the needs,

hopes and aspirations of the people of Maple Ridge and Mission with all my heart.

Throughout my experiences learning and working in Canada, as well as in other parts

of the world, I’ve had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience across a variety

of industries, each of which shapes the way I approach challenges and opportunities

in my role as an MLA.

Over the years, I have attended universities in Canada and the United States, earning

nine degrees — two bachelor’s, four master’s, three doctorates — in diverse fields

such as electrical engineering, business admin and Christian theology. These academic

experiences provide me with a well-rounded understanding of the complexities affecting

businesses, communities and individuals across different sectors.

As a registered applied science technologist, a registered engineer and a chartered

manager, I have spent the last 35 years in the overhead bridge crane industry, where

I’ve had the privilege of working with industries critical of British Columbia’s economy,

including the forestry, mining, manufacturing, steel warehousing and food-processing.

B.C. prides itself on these resource-driven industries, and this unique opportunity

allowed me to support these sectors through my work, ensuring the safe and efficient

operation of overhead cranes and hoists in workplaces. Over the past 15 years, I have

personally trained between 1,500 and 1,800 crane operators on how to operate the cranes

and hoists safely in the above-mentioned industries.

As many of you know, safety is not just a priority; it is a fundamental value in B.C.’s

workplace culture. Whether in forestry, mining or manufacturing, ensuring that workers

return home safely to their families is of utmost importance.

I have also had the honour of teaching business management courses as a guest instructor

in Canada, China and in North Africa, broadening my perspective on how different regions

approach leadership, innovation and growth.

Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of serving part-time as a preacher in several

local churches, which has instilled in me the importance of serving others with humility,

integrity and a sense of purpose.

These experiences have all contributed to shaping my approach to politics here in

British Columbia. I understand the value of education, training and skilled workforces

in driving the success of our local industries. I also recognize the importance of

community, safety and collaboration in those efforts at driving our province forward.

The work that we do in this province — whether it is in the forests, in the mines

or within our communities — affects all of us. It is crucial that we prioritize the

communities we serve and approach these issues with the same dedication to safety,

understanding and empathy that I have practised throughout my professional career.

Being the representative for Maple Ridge and Mission is a great honour. I have had

the opportunity to hear what my constituents want from the government over the campaign

and the last few months since the election. My constituents have expressed increasing

concerns about crime and social disorder in Maple Ridge and Mission, issues related

to homelessness, drugs and addiction and inadequate mental health support contribute

to a growing sense of insecurity among community members.

[3:15 p.m.]

The government’s current strategies are failing to address these complex challenges

effectively. Instead of vague commitments, we need concrete action to improve safety,

support mental health initiatives and provide meaningful solutions to homelessness,

drug trafficking and addiction.

An independent review of three supportive housing sites in Maple Ridge highlighted

serious operational concerns, including safety and service delivery issues. This government

must take accountability and ensure that these facilities are properly managed, providing

real support to those in need while ensuring the safety of residents and the broader

community.

Rapid population growth in Maple Ridge and Mission has also put immense strain on

infrastructure. Roads are congested. Schools are overcrowded. Essential services,

like hospitals and emergency response teams, are stretched thin.

Additionally, interactions with city departments, such as obtaining permits, are slow

and inefficient. Residents deserve better planning and governance to accommodate growth

while maintaining liveability. These needs are not reflected in this failing budget.

In the 2025 budget, the government has committed $144 million for the replacement

of Pitt Meadows Secondary School in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district.

While this is a welcome investment, the government will not tell you that this project

will not be completed until 2028. In the meantime, students continue to learn in overcrowded

conditions, often in portables. We need a more immediate solution to ensure students

receive a high-quality education in a safe and comfortable learning environment.

I’m honoured to be the opposition critic for skills training and international credentials.

This is an important role that can be handled much more effectively. We need to help

our province fill key jobs in major industries and essential government services.

But when I look at this budget, I don’t see that plan. Instead, I see a government

that does not understand business, workers or the economy.

Let’s talk about manufacturing. Manufacturing is a critical part of our province.

Many people work in factories, support their families and help businesses grow. Yet

in this budget, there’s almost no mention of manufacturing. It seems like the government

assumes this sector will take care of itself. That’s not a responsible plan for the

future.

Manufacturers are facing serious challenges. Costs are rising. Factories need better

equipment and technology. They need workers, but they cannot find them. Businesses

want to grow and create jobs, but they need support from the government. What does

this budget offer? Almost nothing. And where is the investment to modernize factories?

Where is the support for new technology? Where is the plan to keep jobs in our province

instead of losing them to other places? Nowhere to be found in this budget.

This failure does not just hurt business owners; it hurts workers. It hurts families.

It hurts communities. When the government ignores manufacturing, we lose jobs, businesses

shut down, and our economy suffers.

It is not only manufacturing that has been overlooked; small businesses are also struggling.

Many small business owners were hoping for relief in this budget. They need support

to deal with rising costs, complicated regulations and worker shortages. They needed

a government that would stand up for them and make it easier to succeed. Instead,

they got almost nothing.

[3:20 p.m.]

The construction and trade industries in Maple Ridge and Mission and across the B.C.

province are also facing severe labour shortages. Project delays and rising costs

are hurting businesses and slowing down infrastructure development.

The B.C. NDP’s policies on credentialing and training have not effectively addressed

this gap, leaving a shortage of millwrights, electricians, plumbers, welders, construction

workers and many other essential workers. Without a steady pipeline of skilled labour,

housing affordability worsens, infrastructure projects face setbacks and businesses

in Maple Ridge and Mission continue to struggle to grow.

While funding allocations have increased slightly, SkilledTradesBC received $106.285

million in 2023, rising marginally to $106.522 million in 2025-26. This increase of

only $237,000 represents a mere 0.22 percent rise. This is not enough to address the

scale of the skilled labour shortage we are facing. The government must do more to

ensure our workforce can meet the growing demands of our economy.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They are the coffee shops, the

family-owned stores, the local services that keep our neighbourhoods strong. But what

does this government offer them? More taxes, more regulations and more obstacles.

Small business owners are already facing enormous challenges. Prices are rising. Interest

rates are making it harder to secure loans. Finding workers is becoming more difficult.

Now, instead of relief, the government has given them a budget that ignores their

needs.

We needed to see lower taxes for small businesses. We needed fewer regulations to

help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. We needed a clear plan to address

the labour shortage so businesses can find the workers they need. But once again,

this NDP government has done almost nothing.

Let’s talk about the labour shortage. It is one of the biggest challenges our economy

faces today. Businesses are struggling to find workers. Hospitals need more doctors,

specialists and nurses. Construction sites need skilled tradespeople, yet many professionals

are unable to work because of government barriers.

We need better training programs. We need to help people develop skills that match

the jobs available. We need to make it easier for skilled workers from other countries

to have their credentials quickly recognized so that they can start work sooner. Right

now many talented professionals are here but are unable to work in their fields, as

testified by one of the opposite members yesterday, due to excessive bureaucracy and

outdated regulations. Instead of streamlining this process, the government makes it

even more difficult.

This budget should have included a clear plan for credential recognition. We need

a system that fast-tracks the accreditation of skilled workers in critical fields

such as health care, engineering and the trades. The government should work closely

with professional regulatory bodies to establish standardized, transparent and fair

evaluation processes. Language and bridging programs should also be expanded to help

workers integrate quickly.

If we want to address labour shortages and strengthen our economy, we must break down

these barriers and welcome skilled professionals into the workforce sooner. The government

had a chance to move this forward in the budget, but once again, they failed to act

in a timely manner.

[3:25 p.m.]

We need stronger partnerships between businesses, schools and training programs. We

need more apprenticeship opportunities. We need a long-term plan to ensure our workforce

is ready for the jobs of the future. Once again, this budget fails to deliver.

The message from this budget is clear. If you are a manufacturer, a small business

owner or a worker looking for opportunity, you are not a priority. This government

is not focused on your success. But we in the opposition refuse to accept this. We

believe in a province where manufacturing thrives, where small businesses succeed

and where every worker, whether born here or newly arrived, has the opportunity to

build a better life here in B.C.

We need true leadership that understands the value of businesses and workers. We need

good policies that put people first. Most importantly, we need a government that listens

to the people and makes our economy strong.

This budget was a missed opportunity. We can and must do better with our creativity

and determination. The people of this province deserve better now and not five years

later or ten years later.

Hon. George Chow : It’s an honour to rise today to speak in support of the budget.

Before I do that, as this is my first opportunity to address the House this session,

I would like to thank the voters of Vancouver-Fraserview for electing me as their

MLA.

I would like to thank my family, my friends, my constituency executives, my campaign

team and all the volunteers for their support in the election and throughout the years.

Vancouver-Fraserview is located at the southeast corner of the city, bordering the

city of Burnaby and the Fraser River — hence, the name Fraserview. My riding is predominantly

residential with an incredibly diverse population, which also has the highest number

of seniors living in the city of Vancouver.

I’m very proud to represent the residents of Vancouver-Fraserview, especially at this

time, as a member of this government that is committed to standing strong for British

Columbians and Canadians, supporting people and B.C. businesses and protecting public

services.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

Last Tuesday the Finance Minister delivered a budget that puts people at the heart

of our response to the unjustified new tariffs introduced by the United States. Budget

2025 prepares us to navigate the tariffs so we can put people first and protect businesses

as we build a stronger, more self-sufficient future for British Columbians. To tackle

this uncertainty, Budget 2025 outlines multiple measures to bolster our economy.

Our government is improving health care and education by connecting more people to

family doctors and building schools for our children; improving public safety with

new community safety initiatives and more training for municipal police; and building

up B.C.’s critical infrastructure with investments in roads, bridges and transit that

keep people and goods moving.

Our government is committed to delivering for British Columbians. Since 2017, we have

created an additional 250,000 jobs in communities across the province, with wages

growing faster than inflation. We are bringing down costs by cutting fees for child

care by more than half and keeping ICBC insurance and electricity rates less than

half what Albertans pay.

[3:30 p.m.]

Our government is also tackling the housing crisis, delivering 90,000 more homes now,

with an estimated 300,000 more on the way over the next ten years.

B.C.’s economy is built to withstand the economic threat of tariffs better than most

other provinces. We’re one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in Canada, and British

Columbia is in a stronger, more diversified position than other provinces when it

comes to trade.

We know the impact of the tariffs will be severe, but we are forging ahead on diversifying

our trade partners and working to fund markets for B.C. products. We are also strengthening

our provincial economy by speeding up permitting and reducing trade barriers between

provinces. We’re accelerating 18 major resource projects that are ready to move forward

and that are worth $20 billion and are expected to create approximately 8,000 jobs

during construction across B.C.

Budget 2025 also provides $30 million more to the integrated marketplace initiative

to support the development of made-in-B.C. technology and to support efforts to find

new trading partners abroad.

The budget includes a strong capital infrastructure investment plan. In Budget 2025,

capital spending on schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, hydroelectric projects and

other infrastructure around B.C. is expected to directly and indirectly create 180,000

jobs over the next three years.

Most of all, in the face of the tariff threat, B.C. has our greatest resource: our

British Columbians. British Columbians are hard-working, resilient and proud Canadians,

and we will get through this the same way we always have, by working, looking out

for each other and building together.

As the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview, I’m especially proud of what we are doing locally

and collectively to make life better for residents. We are working to tackle the housing

issue. Since 2017, six cost-effective housing programs have come online in Vancouver-Fraserview.

That means 750 new homes have been built for people, with even more on the way. The

newest housing project in my riding is the new Sawmill Crescent project. Our housing

action plan takes on speculators and will create 300,000 more middle-class homes in

the next decade.

We’re also working together when it comes to getting people the services and health

care they need. As government, we are hiring doctors now to provide immediate support

and training more to meet future needs. This includes 900 internationally trained

doctors, family doctors and specialists who have been licensed to practise here in

the past year — and more to come, as our Health Minister has just announced today,

this afternoon, a new initiative to attract more doctors and health care workers to

this province.

Recently I had the privilege of touring the urgent primary care centre in my riding

on Victoria Drive. I was very impressed with the facility and the staff. Aside from

being treated for urgent medical needs, residents can register for help with connecting

them to a family doctor.

We’re building the $2.3 billion Burnaby hospital development project next door to

my riding that, when completed in 2026, will add more than 100 beds, two new patient

care towers with new units, an operating room, a bigger emergency department and a

new cancer treatment centre.

[3:35 p.m.]

This is, indeed, very good news, especially important in my riding, as we have a high

population of seniors and a growing population in the River District, which is south

of Marine Drive, where many residential towers are being built.

I was also pleased to see in Budget 2025 that an additional 1,600 seniors will receive

rental support through the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters, or SAFER, program. The

average supplements are growing by 30 percent, and this is the second increase to

funding for SAFER recipients in the past year.

We are investing in building stronger communities through the growing community fund

that was distributed to all B.C. municipalities. Thanks to the Vancouver park board,

this fund is helping our community to renovate and improve Ross Park, which is located

a few blocks from the Khalsa Diwan Society on Ross Street. The renovated park will

have a new spray park for the children and a new field house for all users. This will

be a most wonderful project for the neighbourhood, and I can’t wait for when it is

completed.

Finally, I’m honoured to have been reappointed as Minister of Citizens’ Services.

The work done by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services impacts the daily lives of British

Columbians, from expanding high-speed internet access to remote communities to the

important work of our anti-racism data committee and our dedicated ministry staff

providing people access to over 300 government services through Service B.C.

About connectivity. As you know, rural internet connectivity is a major priority for

a government. As minister, I have had the honour to announce the completion of several

key connectivity projects, providing high-speed internet access to people in rural

and remote communities, including several Indigenous communities, like Lax Kw’alaams,

Haida Gwaii, Nuxalk Nation and Lach Klan.

Everyone in British Columbia needs access to high-speed internet services to participate

fully in today’s economy. That’s why bringing high-speed internet services to people,

no matter where they live, is a priority for this government. B.C. stretches far and

wide, with rugged terrain that can be challenging for connectivity. In recent years,

extreme climate emergencies have posed serious risks to people and connectivity infrastructure.

With strong collaboration with federal, municipal and First Nation governments as

well as internet service providers, we haves made strong progress.

In 2017, we estimated that only 57 percent of homes in rural areas of B.C. and 66

percent of homes on First Nation reserves in B.C. had access to high-speed internet.

As of January this year, approximately 74 percent — that is, from 57 percent to 74

percent now — of rural homes and over 80 percent of homes on First Nations reserves

now have access to the high-speed internet.

In August 2024, the province renewed its reconciliation agreement with Coastal First

Nations by signing the Coastal First Nations and B.C. regional accord. A key element

of the agreement includes enhancing connectivity within the territories of the coast’s

First Nations to support economic revitalization, integrated stewardship, human well-being,

and so much more.

High-speed internet opens doors to a world of unique opportunities such as jobs that

support local initiatives, like the guardian watchmen program; interactive learning

programs for kids with the connected north program in Lax Kw’alaams, Hartley Bay,

Haida Gwaii and Bella Bella. Connectivity also supports and enhances cultural revitalization

efforts like language preservation programs and delivers innovative health solutions

to more remote communities like the new remote ultrasound project in Skidegate.

The Rogers-UBC teleoperation remote ultrasound project is a game changer. Using Rogers

5G technology, health care professionals can now reach patients in areas that previously

lacked essential services.

[3:40 p.m.]

During a visit to UBC in January this year, I saw firsthand how this collaboration

between Rogers, UBC and the local community is helping bridge the health care gap

and provide people in Haida Gwaii with the care they need. Communities can only move

forward with these digital opportunities when internet service is available and, more

importantly, is of high quality and reliable.

Our work together is complex and requires extensive collaboration, negotiation and

hard work. But it is worth it. The Rural B.C. Connectivity Benefits Study , published this past July, predicts our investment of $289 million in 132 connectivity

projects will generate more than eight times the return. That means it could generate

$2½ billion in economic impact in both the short and long run. This works out to be

almost $14,000 for every person who gets connected to high-speed internet.

Our government is not just investing in expanding broadband infrastructure in B.C.

We are also investing in expanding highway cellular connectivity to improve public

safety by having better access to emergency service. To date, work has been completed

or is underway to bring new cell service along 440 kilometres of highways.

I’m particularly proud of progress made to expand cellular service on Highway 16 between

Smithers and Prince Rupert, in partnership with Rogers. Nine towers are now in service

along the highway, providing critical 5G coverage and 911 access over 166 kilometres

between Prince Rupert and Smithers. The remaining towers are expected to be erected

this year.

The provision of cell service along Highway 16 acts on a key recommendation from the

Highway of Tears Symposium and provides travellers, especially women and girls, a

vital lifeline in times of emergency.

Connecting people to high-speed internet is just one part of what we do at the Ministry

of Citizens’ Service My ministry is also responsible for the Anti-Racism Data Act.

Anti-racism is a core value of government and permeates its work, ministry and members.

The struggle to create an even more equitable British Columbia is a shared responsibility,

and we’re working hard to keep advancing it. That’s why my ministry has championed

the initiative by continuing its work under the Anti-Racism Data Act to identify the

barriers experienced by Indigenous and racialized people in accessing government services.

The Anti-Racism Data Act became law in 2022 to help us identify and dismantle systemic

racism so that we can deliver better services for everyone in B.C. In May, we released

initial research findings from three priority areas identified by the anti-racism

data committee and Indigenous peoples, as well as a progress report on the Anti-Racism

Data Act.

The initial research findings, using data from the B.C. demographic survey and other

sources, indicate that systemic barriers exist for Indigenous and racialized individuals

in the public service, including underrepresentation as employees, particularly in

management and executive roles; that racialized students in our schools tended to

be less likely to receive special needs designations than the average student in the

K-to-12 system; and that Indigenous people may be disproportionately affected by ailments

including diabetes, asthma and mood and anxiety disorders.

Our government is working to address these challenges by improving hiring practices

and workplace culture within the B.C. public service, working to ensure the people

who are shaping and delivering public services reflect the diversity of B.C.’s population,

increasing support and opportunity for Indigenous and racialized people to succeed

in their careers, making sure all students receive the support they need and strengthening

health care services to improve outcomes. Creating more inclusive and equitable public

service is just one way we’re working to improve services for people.

[3:45 p.m.]

As you know, we have Service B.C. offices throughout B.C., and we are also making

services more accessible and convenient by bringing them directly to people in their

home community with a new Service B.C. mobile service centre. Last year the ministry

launched a new van, a one-stop shop for over 300 government services. Since launching,

the Service B.C. mobile service centre has attended 132 events, serving nearly 16,000

people.

This Service B.C. van is also a critical asset to support people in terms of extreme

need when they are impacted by natural disasters, such as wildfires or flooding. The

van provides supports at evacuation centres, to assist people, recover or reissue

their important personal documents and IDs, as well as critical disaster-related supports.

In this past summer alone, the Service B.C. van helped people across many communities,

including Cache Creek, Salmon Arm, Scotch Creek, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Hope, Vernon,

West Kelowna, Kelowna and Penticton.

In closing, in British Columbia, our greatest strength is the people who live here.

Our government is committing to making life better for all British Columbians no matter

where they live. We will remain optimistic and determined. The challenges are real

but so is our commitment to put people first and overcome the challenges together.

I will keep working hard and continue to listen to people from all corners of the

province to deliver on the priorities that matters most.

Trevor Halford : It’s always an honour to get up in this House and speak. On the budget today, I don’t

think my remarks are going to be shocking. They’ll be pointed, they’ll be reflective,

and I hope they will be viewed as constructive. We’ll see.

Somebody way more important than me once said that eventually you run out of other

people’s money. We’ve done that to the tune of 11 billion times. Historic deficits

now.

It’s important that we note that deficit…. Those are based on numbers before the writ

was even dropped in the presidential election. The budget that was tabled didn’t contain

anything on tariffs. It actually was dealing with the mess that we were into just

prior to the writ being dropped in this province.

I think we all saw those storm clouds coming. Now it’s not just storm clouds. We are

in a very, very bad storm, given what we are seeing south of the border and the changing

landscape that seems to be changing not just daily but hourly now. I think that it

has become quite evident that we as a province, that this government, failed in every

measure to prepare us for the hardships that we are in today. That’s a pretty sobering

fact.

I’ve heard the other speakers talk about small business. I’m going to start with small

business because it’s the lifeblood of my community, Surrey–White Rock. It’s how food

was put on the table in my house. My parents both owned small businesses. My mom still

does. She’s actually going to be retiring at the end of the month, so a shout-out

to my mom at the curling rink that’s got her café going on there.

I can tell you that the last — it wasn’t just the last four years — number of years

have been a struggle not just for the restaurant industry. It has been a big struggle

for them because this is a government that has continued to move the goalposts on

the food and beverage industry, almost on any small business industry. I’m going to

get to that in a second. It has been a struggle.

I think it’s been a challenge for every sector, but in small business, where I reside,

is…. In my area, small business represents 97 percent of the businesses in my constituency.

[3:50 p.m.]

The challenge we’ve seen in the last almost eight years is that with this government,

there seems to be a theme where we get big business, whether it’s London Drugs moving

or other places…. Big business becomes small business, and then small business — well,

they go out of business.

There’s a reason for that. If you ask them why they’re closing up, they may give you

one specific reason. Maybe increased taxation. Maybe lack of support for their windows

getting smashed and not being able to deal with the bureaucracy nightmare it is to

get some of the programs the government has offered. But it’s not the one, two or

three things that’ll kill this business. It’s the thousandth thing that’ll kill them.

It’s the layering of bureaucracy, time and time again. And we get that. We get that.

It’s even trying to access basic programs. The government went and did a big press

conference on vandalism, smashed windows and things like that — a noble effort. I

heard from so many businesses that just said it’s impossible to access. “We can’t

get the money out.” Then the government admitted: “Yeah, we can’t get the money out

the door.”

So you dangle this carrot in front of businesses when they’re at their most vulnerable,

and you make them work so hard for it to the point that they just give up. They say:

“We’ll pay for it ourselves. We’ll pay the deductible ourselves, but we just can’t

manage this bureaucracy. I’m the staff here. I can’t keep going.” That’s a really,

really tough spot.

I think that businesses…. They want to know, at the end of the day, that you have

their back. I think one of the challenges is that this government has talked about

the increased employment that we’ve seen year over year. But in the sectors that we’re

talking about, the small businesses in my area, that’s not there. We’ve seen a decrease.

If you go down Marine Drive, go down Johnston Road, go down 152nd, the number of “for

lease” signs you see up is absolutely staggering. It’s pretty humbling. That’s happening

in every riding. You see it everywhere.

People are really, really making the decision now whether or not this is a place that

we can do business. You saw…. It was read off here, and I’m not going to keep going

through it again, because people will keep doing it. It’s not a bad thing. But you

saw the report cards that we were getting from the chambers. They weren’t good. They

were failing grades. If my kid came home with that report card, I’d be pretty concerned.

This is a report card of a government that’s racked up an $11 billion credit card

tab. That’s done in the context of pre-tariffs.

Now, I think one of the challenges we see is…. I’m going to talk about health care,

because I think health care is vitally important. I think we’re failing almost on

every measure.

In question period today, it’s…. You would think, with the amount of staff that they’ve

hired in the last little bit, that they’d have better answers, but we’re not there

yet. The minister refers to the second tower at Surrey Memorial that the former minister

and the Premier proudly stood up and announced when they were in full-on panic mode

because the doctors, the nurses, every front-line worker had said enough, and they’re

still saying enough.

So what did they do? They gathered up all the cameras. They got a platform. They got

a podium, and they said: “Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re building another tower.

We’ll talk to you in a month, after the election. Let us get through the election.

We’ll talk to you then. We’re going to build a second tower for Surrey.” My colleague

pointed that out today. It’s not there. It’s MIA.

This is where there’s a credibility issue here. You go to the front-line workers,

the people that are putting it every day, the people that are putting in 12-hour shifts

in emergency room, and then Fraser Health is going to them and saying: “Please don’t

go home. We need you to stay, or else we’re going to have to shut down the emergency

room.” And you’re going to them and saying: “We have your back. Here’s what we’re

going to do. We’re going to build a second tower. We don’t have a business plan for

it, but we’re going to do it. Trust us.”

[3:55 p.m.]

That second tower ain’t in the budget. The business plan ain’t in the budget. There

is no mention of that second tower whatsoever. Again, overpromise, underdeliver. It’s

consistent.

In my community, I’ve got Peace Arch Hospital, a hospital I had my kids at and I was

born at. It’s a great hospital. It’s stretched. It’s at its limit. It’s past its breaking

point. It had diversion after diversion in the summer.

One of the challenges on that, I’ll point out for a second, is that this government,

this health authority, had to go kicking and screaming to actually tell people in

my riding and my neighbouring ridings that it was on diversion, because they didn’t

want to do it. What they said was: “Okay, well, it’s not a diversion; it’s a partial

diversion.”

What’s a partial diversion?

“Well, a partial diversion is, basically, if you really need help, we’ll try and figure

it out with a nurse on staff. But we’re going to send you to Langley. Probably we

can’t send you to Surrey Memorial, because they’ve got an 18-hour wait, and maybe

Royal Columbian. Well, we’ll figure it out.” They don’t want to even communicate that.

When I talked today about the challenges of Fraser Health, that’s a big reason for

that. I’ll get back to that in a second.

So Peace Arch Hospital. One of the big things they have been championing is an ICU.

One of the reasons why I think it’s really important that Peace Arch Hospital gets

a new ICU is because I know that we talk a lot about the Cloverdale hospital and the

great things that’s going to happen at Cloverdale hospital. Here’s the problem with

Cloverdale hospital. Cloverdale hospital doesn’t have an ICU. They don’t have a maternity

ward either.

You know, if you talk to a doctor and they tell you that if you have a heart attack

on, let’s say, 176 and Highway 10, or you get into a car accident and you have internal

bleeding, anything like that, you’re going to be about a block and a half away from

the Cloverdale hospital. You think that’s a good thing. Here’s the problem: that ambulance

ain’t taking you to Cloverdale hospital. They won’t; they can’t.

It’s not going to be staffed appropriately for it. It won’t have the equipment for

it. It won’t have the resources for it. It’s a triage place. It has an emergency department,

but no ICU. So where are you going to go?

If you have a heart attack, well then you should be going to Surrey Memorial. You

go to Surrey Memorial Hospital, off the King George Highway. No, you’re not going

to go there either, because this government has chosen not to fund cardiac care there.

So Surrey Memorial’s out.

Now you’re going across the bridge, and you’re going into Royal Columbian. That’s

three hospitals within about a three-kilometre radius that you’re passing by, because

this government has chosen to underfund Surrey and the Fraser Valley. It’s not just

me saying this. The mayor has said it. Stakeholders said it. Most importantly, the

people that matter…. Well, the voters have said it in Surrey for sure; the front-line

workers have said it over and over again. It can’t continue like this.

I don’t know who’s listening. I’m listening. This side’s listening, okay? I don’t

think anybody else is listening, because here are the challenges. When you meet with

them and you say: “Okay, just stop. Stop. We’re going to do a second tower, and then

we’re going to meet with you after, and we’ll do your contract. We’ll get it all done,

but just please let us do our job and go to the polls.” Overpromise; underdeliver.

I talked about the ICU at Peace Arch Hospital. We’re getting a new ICU — $40 million,

new ICU at Peace Arch Hospital. The one right now, it’s almost held together with

duct tape, and you’ve got to move the beds around. It’s not a good setup.

[4:00 p.m.]

Here’s the hook, though, with the ICU. Out of that $40 million, $37 million of it

is coming from the Hospital Foundation. We actually don’t even have a firm commitment

on the $3 million that the province is apparently committing.

For an area like mine that is growing by the thousands every month…. We have an ICU,

and this province puts in maybe $3 million, and the community puts in the other $37

million. Man, if there’s a ribbon cutting for that, really think twice before you

show up. That’s a pretty damning indictment.

We talk about the fact that…. I mentioned it today. We talk about transparency and

the importance of having trust in the system. I think this budget really reflected

a lack of that.

A couple of weeks ago we saw the dismissal or the departure of CEO Victoria Lee. We

haven’t had any comment from the minister on severance, if that was budgeted or anything

like that. But you would think. in the importance of a growing region, of where we

are and where we represent, that this government would want to have l