1987 Legislative Session: 1st Session, 34th Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational

purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987

Morning Sitting

[ Page

11 ]

CONTENTS

Routine Proceedings

Ministerial Statement

Tribute. Hon. Mr. Veitch

Mr. Skelly

Speech from the Throne

Mr. Weisgerber –– 11

Mr. Vant –– 15

Presenting reports –– 19

The House met at 10 a.m.

Prayers.

HON. MR. ROGERS: Mr. Speaker, in the gallery today is a

gentleman who sat in your chair for far too many years, and who is now

sitting in one of the harder chairs in the gallery. He's a stranger in

the House in normal circumstances, but a stranger to no one, the former

Speaker of the House. Would you please welcome Harve.

MR. G. HANSON: I would just like the House to join with me in

congratulating the University of Victoria Vikettes for becoming the

national women's basketball champions for the umpteenth time here in

the sports capital of western Canada, Victoria.

MR. WEISGERBER: I would like to ask all members to bid a very

cordial welcome to three guests of mine in the gallery: my mother, Mrs.

Eva Weisgerber from Barrhead, Alberta; my sister, Pat Linquist from

Portland, Oregon; and my loving daughter Joanne, who is currently

working toward a bachelor's degree in nursing at UBC.

MR. D'ARCY: Since none of the six members in this House from

greater Victoria can be bothered to do it, I would like to congratulate

the women's curling champions of Canada, who also come from Victoria.

HON. MR. COUVELIER: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to

introduce to the House Mr. Maxwell Tracey, who is a prominent member of

the greater Victoria community and one of my passive supporters.

HON. MR. DUECK: Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce my boss and my lovely wife, Helen.

TRIBUTE

HON. MR. VEITCH: I rise on a ministerial statement and to make a tribute.

At this early stage of our new session of Parliament, as we begin to

conduct the people's business, it's fitting that we take time to look

back and remember the loss over the past year of a number of

distinguished British Columbians: Gordon Gibson Sr., Bert Price, Irvine

Corbett and Al Passarell. Mr. Speaker, we are all respected members of

this House, and history records that they each made a major

contribution to the parliamentary process in the province of British

Columbia.

We also will remember the passing of Ernie Hall, the former member

for Surrey. Our province also lost a judicial giant with the passing of

Chief Justice John Farris, whose wisdom and knowledge of the laws was

matched only by his capacity for understanding and compassion for

people. Only a few short days ago, we were saddened by the death of a

man well known to the members of this House, Mr. Ken Morton, who served

our province as its chief electoral officer from 1968 until 1979.

All of these British Columbians gained distinction in their chosen fields of

endeavour. Each in their own way served the people of our province with integrity,

with loyalty and with dedication. We value the contribution they made to public

life here in our province, and I am sure all members of this House and indeed

all British Columbians feel we are the poorer for their loss. I know that after

the reply, it would be appropriate if all members would observe a few moments

of silence in their memory.

MR. SKELLY: We very much appreciate the statements of the

Provincial Secretary and join in the sentiments expressed, and we do

hope that you will convey this to the families of those honoured

British Columbians who passed away between the last session and this.

We're very pleased to join in the statements made by the Hon.

Provincial Secretary

MR. SPEAKER: If all members would rise for a minute's silence. The appropriate messages will be sent out to the families.

Orders of the Day

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

MR. WEISGERBER: Mr. Speaker, hon. members, it is with great

pleasure that I, the member for the constituency of South Peace River,

present the following motion, seconded by the hon. member for Cariboo,

on behalf of the people of British Columbia and the government of our

province: "We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg

leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour

has addressed to us at the opening of the present session."

It is with a sense of pride and honour that I today have the

opportunity to move the Speech from the Throne. I am very proud to be

part of the Social Credit government team under the very capable

leadership of our Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Speech from the Throne. It has a clear,

positive ring that reflects the progressive direction of our great

province. It embodies the commitment to a fresh start made by our

Premier and the Social Credit team to the people of British Columbia

last fall.

At this point, Mr. Speaker, may I also congratulate you on becoming

Speaker of the Legislature. I would also like to thank and congratulate

the first member for Dewdney (Mr. Pelton) on his new position as Deputy

Speaker. We are indeed fortunate to have two such dedicated and capable

members in positions of authority and trust in this Legislature.

[10:15]

May I also congratulate all members on both sides of the House on

being elected. Like me, many of you are here for the first time. No

doubt you share with me the excitement and genuine pride in our unique

opportunity to serve the people of British Columbia.

I wish to thank the voters in South Peace River for their confidence

in me, the Social Credit team and the Premier on October 22. South

Peace River has elected Social Credit members to this House

continuously for the past 34 years.

On behalf of my constituents, I would like to express my sincere

thanks to the former member for South Peace River, Mr. Phillips, for

his considerable contribution to the constituency and to the province

of British Columbia. We all wish him well in his new endeavours.

At this time I would like to spend a few minutes talking about one of my favourite subjects, the great constituency of

[ Page 12 ]

South Peace River. A brief historical sketch of the

social and economic development of the Peace River region may be

helpful in assessing its present state of development and judging the

nature and direction of future economic activity.

The first explorers to see the region were Alexander Mackenzie, John

Finlay and Simon Fraser. Fur trapping was the major economic activity

until 1861, when gold was discovered on the Peace River. The gold rush

was brief, but it had a profound effect on the future of this region.

In the 1850s the provisional boundary of British Columbia, still a

colony at the time, followed the Parsnip and Finlay River valleys, and

none of its territory extended east of the Rocky Mountains.

The discovery of gold at Gold Bar, 60 miles east of Finlay Forks,

changed all this. The colonial government of B.C., not knowing how

extensive the gold discovery might be, played it safe by moving the

boundary 150 miles east to the 120th meridian; it thereby gained

administrative control over any developments that might have arisen in

conjunction with a full-fledged gold rush. There was no dispute

resulting from the border shift, because Alberta did not exist at the

time.

The gold rush did not last, but the boundary change did, leaving a

vast resource-rich region within the boundaries of British Columbia.

For years, however, there was no road, railway or other form of

communication to join the Peace River country to the rest of British

Columbia. The PGE rail connection between Prince George and the Peace

had been promised for 1916, but between 1930 and 1958 the only rail

service was from Alberta, on the Northern Alberta Railway, and the only

highway route to any other part of British Columbia was by way of

Edmonton. The Peace River region was politically and economically an

orphan, and residents naturally felt somewhat isolated from the rest of

British Columbia. In 1952 the Hart Highway was finally cut through from

Prince George, and in 1958 the PGE arrived in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek

and Fort St. John, giving direct rail linkage with Vancouver.

Today, with gas and oil pipelines, power transmission lines, a paved

highway through the Rockies, and an upgraded B.C. Rail line, the region

is firmly tied to the rest of British Columbia. The premiers and

provincial governments — Social Credit governments, I'm proud to say —

must be given full credit for the vision to complete these projects,

which doubters at the time called economically unviable.

Economic development up to the forties was almost all agricultural.

Settlement in the 1920s and 1930s was slow and spotty, and the area was

not particularly prosperous. All this began to change in 1942, with the

construction of the Alaska Highway. A wartime emergency caused

thousands of workers and vehicles to descend on Dawson Creek and points

north for construction of a 1,500-mile all-weather strategic highway to

Alaska. Nine months and $150 million later the impossible job was

completed, and the economy of the region entered a new era. This

highway opened up the country for the first time and added an important

new segment to the economy: transportation. The trucking industry has

grown steadily, providing the only overland freight service to Alaska

and the Yukon, and now represents a major economic input.

In the early 1950s the first gas and oil strikes were made in the

area. The subsequent exploration, drilling and pipeline construction

added another major new dimension to the economy. A large oil refinery

was built at Taylor in the late 1950s and is operated today by

Petro-Canada. Almost all the gas and oil produced in British Columbia

is found in the constituencies of North and South Peace.

The 1960s witnessed the construction of the enormous W.A. C. Bennett

Dam on the Peace River at Hudson's Hope. The influx of people and

dollars had a major impact on the area. This dam is still a major

supplier of hydro to British Columbians.

During the sixties and seventies there were major expansions in the

forest industry. Large sawmills were established in both Chetwynd and

Dawson Creek, transforming the industry into one of the largest

employers in the region. This period also saw rapid growth in the gas

and oil industry.

Development of northeast coal was the major economic activity in our

area during the early 1980s. During construction at least 5,000 workers

were active in developing the mine site and building roads and

railroads, including two gigantic tunnels. Construction workers were

also busy developing the townsite of Tumbler Ridge. The district of

Tumbler Ridge is now a very attractive community of 4,300 nestled in

the Rocky Mountains. Tumbler Ridge serves the Quintette and Bullmoose

coal mines and is ready to take advantage of its scenic location and

proximity to Kinuseo Falls to develop a secondary tourism industry. New

roads in the area have also led to increased logging activity. Clearly,

we would like to see this kind of positive spinoff economic activity

continue.

I was pleased to see the Speech from the Throne address the question

of new markets for B.C. coal. We all recognize the importance of this

industry to the economy of our province and welcome new initiatives to

maintain and expand our markets.

The throne speech also states that our government will move toward a

system of taxation for job-creation industries that is based on profit

rather than fixed charges. This will be an important boost to our

mining industry throughout British Columbia.

I was also very pleased to see the throne speech refer to the

government's commitment to encouraging agriculture in our value-added

food and beverage industry. It is important to emphasize that we wish

to work with the private sector to turn more of our raw agricultural

resources into marketable, finished and packaged products. A fine

example of this type of initiative is the exciting new ethanol plant

proposed for Dawson Creek by Agrifuels Canada Ltd. I'm hoping it will

be coming to the South Peace in the near future. Construction is

expected to begin following formal agreement on the first of four

phases this spring. Phase 1 will cost about $90 million and will employ

200 British Columbians during construction and another 50 to 60 when

operational. The estimates are that the ethanol plant would add $3.5

million annually to B.C. farm incomes in the Peace River region. It

will go a long way to help B.C. grain growers.

This project is an excellent example of our government's commitment

not only to help the farmers in the Peace River area but to contribute

to the economic development and the economic diversification of the

province through the development of value-added products. In addition,

this will add to the economic diversification of the region through

developing new and different markets for our agricultural products.

I am very pleased that the government is encouraging the growth of

secondary manufacturing in B.C. This vital, valueadded manufacturing

creates jobs in B.C., produces higher valued products for potential

export and helps B.C. reach

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new markets. The proposed ethanol plant displays the productive result of provincial

cooperation with private sector initiative and creativity. The ethanol plant

has an added benefit for our environmental protection and quality of life in

B.C. The use of ethanol and methanol as automotive fuel additives to unleaded

gas contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces our dependence on imported

fuels and promotes the growth of B.C. industry. In negotiations concerning the

ethanol plant, both sides — government and the private sector — have made it

clear that cooperation, not subsidy, leads to meaningful economic growth. Mr.

Speaker, this project also signals that our government will not provide financial

assistance until private businesses have solid private financing. In this case

no provincial funding will flow until the financial commitments from the private

company have been invested and all private sector commitments have been honoured.

Mr. Speaker, governments have too often expanded their role in

society to the point where they are hindering the private sector. I am

very pleased that this will not be allowed to happen under Social

Credit government. Throughout the years the role of government has

grown; it is time to reevaluate this role in British Columbia. I

commend the Premier's efforts this January to meet with local

government representatives in order to discuss decentralization. I

believe that local levels of government may best be able to meet local

needs.

I'm also pleased to know that action will be taken to improve provisions related to liability insurance for municipalities.

I look forward to serving on legislative committees and hearing the concerns of B.C. citizens.

I applaud the decision to review the role of and debt load carried

by our Crown corporations. I feel that by putting a minister in charge

of privatization we can carefully review the future operations of

existing Crown corporations.

The creation of the economic development council will allow our

government to listen to and work with business and labour to develop an

economic strategy for our province's economic future. I welcome the

proposed initiatives to attract entrepreneurs and investment to British

Columbia. We must continue to be aggressive in seeking new markets and

providing a stable economic climate for investment. B.C. has vast

potential, and I'm convinced that our government will fully realize

this in ways that will benefit all British Columbians throughout the

province.

I would like to commend the government for a measure which will help

businesses help themselves: the creation of a venture capital fund will

enable companies to look first to the private sector to finance new

ventures or expand existing ones.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that small- and medium-sized businesses are

the backbone of our economy. These businesses create about 80 percent

of B. C.'s new jobs. The throne speech reflects this view by stating

that we will strengthen these businesses to diversify our economic

base. I'm pleased that the throne speech proposes a program to provide

marketing and management skill support for individuals to help them

create and operate cottage industries at the local level. Our Social

Credit government will help British Columbians turn their energy,

talent and ideas into profitable one-, two- or three-person businesses.

The direction of assistance to single parents and welfare recipients to help

them develop their skills and talents in order to become self-supporting will

be welcomed by all members of this House. The Social Credit government is dedicated

to encouraging people who experience difficult times to take advantage of opportunities

to change their lives so they can become independent, self-reliant and productive

members of society. Further expansion of support programs for single mothers

and day-care facilities will provide greater means for independence and autonomy,

and enable more single parents to take a more active role in British Columbia's

economy. I welcome the throne speech measures that we move quickly to increase

welfare rates for those most in need.

[10:30]

I am very pleased to see that the throne speech ensures that our

government will continue to provide specialized support to victims of

sexual assault, child abuse and wife assault. I believe that it is

vital to increase the public's awareness of child abuse and to provide

all possible means of protecting children.

I am also encouraged to see that the government will act to make

sure that spouses make more timely support payments to their families

and dependent children. Part of our continuing commitment to victims

and witnesses of crime, the government's planned introduction of more

support programs is a very positive step.

I believe that the time has come to make significant changes to the

laws and institutions that govern the industrial relations community. I

feel confident that the measures proposed in the throne speech will

lead to tangible improvements in our business-labour climate. I want to

reiterate that British Columbia industry must produce and deliver on

time and at a fair price in order to keep and increase its markets. I

welcome changes that will restore the democratic rights of individuals

in the workplace. Too often during long, protracted labour disputes,

especially in our major industries, innocent third parties suffer

unnecessary and irreversible hardship. I am especially pleased to see

our government fulfil its commitment to improving industrial relations.

The process of consultation with industry, labour and the public is

indeed a positive step. Partnership between government, labour and

other concerned groups has been the essence of our government's labour

initiatives in legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes that people are our best

resource. As a parent and an MLA, I am very pleased that the Speech

from the Throne introduces measures that stress the role of a

high-quality educational system in the economic development of our

province. A vital element of this role is the enhanced development of

our skilled and productive workforce. I believe that education is the

key to continued economic development and quality job opportunities in

British Columbia. That is why I am so excited about the proposed

additional funding for post-secondary education which will enable our

educational institutions to develop the programs to prepare our young

people for the twenty-first century.

The young people in rural areas of this province must have equal

access to post-secondary education. I am concerned that only a small

number of young people from South Peace River have been continuing

their educations beyond grade 12. I believe that a major reason for

lower enrolment of students from northern regions in our post-secondary

institutions has been the higher costs they have had to face. I am

highly encouraged by the commitment made in the Speech from the Throne

to provide all British Columbians with greater opportunities to attend

post-secondary institutions.

[ Page 14 ]

By providing access to these institutes of higher education, we are making a positive investment in our economic future.

Students can work towards reducing the cost of their own

post-secondary education by striving for excellence in their first 12

years of education. Students will be challenged to obtain high marks

and therefore earn credits toward reducing the cost of their education

in grades 8 through 12.

By pursuing a tax-deductible registered education saving plan, our

government will take steps to allow parents to effectively plan and

save for their children's educational future. I would hope the federal

government will move to join us in such an initiative and increase the

benefits to British Columbia.

We recognize the important role which the private sector plays in

assisting and contributing to our province's postsecondary educational

system. I am pleased to see that this type of activity will be

encouraged by the government's proposal to match corporate and private

donations towards scholarships.

I applaud the efforts to bring together the private sector, the

universities, colleges and technical institutes and the government as

partners in developing an economic strategy for the future of British

Columbia. By working together, we can develop the tools to do the job.

Our government will coordinate on behalf of our post-secondary

institutions the marketing of educational services on an international

basis. Emphasis will be placed on reaching out for better understanding

of the nations and economies of the Pacific Rim.

I would like to commend the Premier and his government for

consulting with educational leaders, business and government. The

creation of the Premier's science and research council will further

encourage consultation and co-development of new initiatives. As a

province, if we are to improve our international presence and

competitiveness we must increase our commitment to research and

development as a means of fostering further innovation.

Our post-secondary institutions are the birthplace of many science

and technological innovations. I am very pleased that the government

will be transferring responsibility for its science and technology

component to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Job Training.

Mr. Speaker, British Columbians enjoy one of the best, most

comprehensive and most progressive health care systems in the world.

The throne speech reiterates our government's commitment to maintaining

world-class levels of health care, while at the same time ensuring that

British Columbians get the best value for their dollars.

We are continuing to provide new medical techniques and facilities

to benefit our people. For instance, a rehabilitation centre for

victims of brain injuries will be established on Vancouver Island. This

centre is particularly significant because its development will occur

thanks to cooperation between ICBC, the Workers' Compensation Board and

the UBC Health Sciences Centre. Patients will now be saved the cost and

inconvenience of having to travel to the United States for specialized

treatment.

One of the health care problems we face in our constituency is the

recruitment of health care professionals. I look forward to this

concern being addressed, based on the throne speech's commitment to

high-quality health care.

As I indicated in my brief history of the Peace River, this region

is unique in British Columbia — geographically, geologically,

culturally and economically. It is, in fact, an extension of the

Canadian prairie, and many of our challenges, concerns and

opportunities are closer in nature to those in Alberta than those in

the rest of British Columbia. Grain farmers are a good example. The

Alberta border is ten miles east of Dawson Creek and runs through the

richest farming area in the region. Unfortunately, differing taxes and

incentives on either side of the border make farming more expensive on

the B.C. side.

Mr. Speaker, you no doubt realize that family grain farmers all

across the Canadian prairies have been experiencing difficulties due to

low grain prices, and that family grain farmers all across the Canadian

prairies are in a time of real crisis. Grain subsidies in the European

Common Market and the United States have pushed grain prices to the

lowest point since the Depression, and predictions are for even lower

prices. Many Canadian farmers may go into bankruptcy this year. Just

imagine how difficult it is for our B.C. grain producer facing all of

the problems of his neighbours and the additional burden of higher

costs. I, as the MLA for South Peace River, recognize the valuable role

of farmers in our economy, and I will work long and hard toward the

resolution of the problems of the grain farmers in the Peace River

region.

During the Speech from the Throne, His Honour indicated that this

government will actively pursue the export of surplus hydroelectricity

to the United States. This will certainly be of benefit in my

constituency, as well as adding a very positive boost to the economy of

all British Columbia. I am looking with interest to the budget to see

our government's energy initiative, especially with reference to Site

C. Before a final decision is reached on such a major project, a

careful examination of all the benefits and costs will be made. For

instance, environmental concerns will be addressed, as will the

certainty of long-term markets.

On the subject of highways, I would be remiss if I failed to remind

the minister of the need for completion of upgrading on Highway 97

between Dawson Creek and Prince George, including the widening of the

bridge at East Pine. This highway, as I mentioned earlier, is the only

road connecting the Peace River region to the rest of British Columbia

and is an important tourist route. Visitors from the western United

States traveling to Alaska should take this route. People on their way

up the Alaska Highway make up the bulk of our tourist trade. What we

are seeking to provide, Mr. Speaker, are more attractions and

activities to keep them in the area an extra day or two. Kinuseo Falls

is located south of Tumbler Ridge in Monkman Park, which also contains

the Monkman Cascades. Both are attractions with the potential to add

significantly to tourism in the entire South Peace area. What we need

is an all-weather road into the park, a road that I trust can be built

this year.

Truckers in my constituency will be pleased, as I am, with the

commitment made in the throne speech to reduce the red tape which

governs interprovincial trucking.

Having briefly referred to tourism a few moments ago, I'd like to

comment on this growing industry in B. C. Tourism holds tremendous

growth potential for job creation and small business development in all

parts of British Columbia. Our government will continue to encourage

this growth by aggressively marketing B.C.'s appeal as a year-round

tourist haven. Such initiatives as the Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism

will ensure that we maintain the world-class standard of

professionalism that we developed in our tourism industry

[ Page 15 ]

during Expo 86. Such a policy will have a positive impact on my constituency as well as the rest of the province.

The softwood lumber industry, particularly in the Chetwynd area, is

a major employer and a very vital part of the overall economy of the

region. First, let me congratulate Premier Vander Zalm's government on

the initiative he has taken to so dramatically increase silviculture

and reforestation in this province. The future of our major industry

depends upon an aggressive program to maintain our forests. I'm

satisfied that this government has such a program in place. As the

throne speech points out, our government will work with the private

sector to see that there are more trees planted than harvested or lost

due to natural causes, like fire and infestation. This will help to

resolve the problem of not satisfactorily reforested lands in the Fort

Nelson and Peace timber supply areas.

I'm also pleased to see that a fund will be set up to encourage

forestry research and to encourage the development of new technologies

to make our industry even more productive. There is another forestry

initiative in my constituency: the waferboard plant in Dawson Creek is

using new technology to harvest aspen and to create jobs for us.

I've already referred to the possible establishment of an ethanol

plant in South Peace River, which would create a new market for our

grain. Measures such as this will go a long way toward remedying the

difficulties faced by our grain farmers. We must do more to continue to

develop our economic base, not only in the South Peace but also in the

rest of the province. By working with the private sector, more

initiatives can be developed which will help the farmers of this

province.

Oil and natural gas production is an important activity in the South

Peace area. Geologically this area is an extension of a major formation

that covers much of western Canada. Of particular interest in South

Peace River is the Elmworth deep basin natural gas field. This field

covers a huge area in Alberta and British Columbia, where it is located

south and west of Dawson Creek, and borders all the major communities

in the riding. To date most of the drilling activity has been on the

Alberta side of the border. This is the result of more attractive

producer netbacks in that province.

[10:45]

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to commend the Minister

of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (Hon. Mr. Davis) for the steps

he has already taken to make British Columbia more attractive to the

petroleum industry. As with any other commodity, we must be

competitive. Land sales, royalties and taxes from this industry make a

substantial contribution to the provincial treasury. I am pleased to

report that at this time six rigs are drilling for gas south of Dawson

Creek. There is a market for natural gas. We must make every effort to

ensure that British Columbia natural gas takes its rightful share of

that market.

Mr. Speaker, it is sometimes difficult to believe that only a few

months have passed since the October general election, won so

convincingly by Premier Vander Zalm's team. In such a very short period

of time the fresh start for British Columbia has become a reality, and

the new open style of government is working even better than we dared

hope.

I am proud and pleased to be part of this exciting new Social Credit

government. British Columbia is in the enviable position of being ready

to lead western Canada into economic prosperity. I am very optimistic

about the next few years in B.C. and especially in the Peace River area.

My constituents in South Peace River have given me a strong mandate

to represent them and their interests in this Legislative Assembly.

They have put a great deal of faith in me, and I feel that this is a

great and important responsibility. I hope that I can count on the

support and consideration of this House as I strive to make these

concerns heard and understood here. I would like to take this

opportunity to thank my constituents for their support and hope that I

will continue to earn their confidence in the years to come. They have

given me an outstanding opportunity to serve my community, and I hope

to serve them well, both in the constituency and in this House.

Mr. Speaker, we have the opportunity to work together in a positive,

constructive manner on behalf of the people of this province. It is a

challenge I believe we can meet.

MR. VANT: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to second the Speech from

the Throne. I am honoured at being elected to represent the people of

the Cariboo and to take a seat in this House as a government member of

the Legislative Assembly under the positive, uplifting, fresh

leadership of Premier Vander Zalm.

I offer my congratulations to you, the member for West

Vancouver-Howe Sound (Hon. Mr. Reynolds), on being elected as Speaker

of the House. I know from your wealth of parliamentary experience that

you will serve this House well, and uphold the distinction and the

great tradition that the office deserves. I also offer my sincere good

wishes to the first member for Dewdney (Mr. Pelton), on becoming Deputy

Speaker.

As we begin the first session of the 34th Parliament I congratulate

our Premier for the great mandate he received from the people of

British Columbia last October 22.

Furthermore, I congratulate my partner MLA, the first member for

Cariboo, Alex Fraser, on his re-election. He was first elected to this

House in 1969 and won re-election in 1972, 1975, 1979, 1983 and again

in 1986. He has served the Cariboo, this House and this province in a

manner that we can all admire and envy. He is the longest-serving

Social Credit MLA at present, his wife, Gertrude, by his side at every

meeting, every community event. He has in many capacities served

faithfully in public life for over 38 years –– 20 years as mayor of

Quesnel — and he is in his eighteenth year in this House, 11 years as

Minister of Transportation and Highways. We all look forward to his

return to health and to this House.

I am filled with gratitude, Mr. Speaker, toward all those Cariboo

constituents who worked so hard for our election. Our active party

membership in the Cariboo is in the thousands. On their behalf I will

at this time thank the campaign leaders at each of our four campaign

offices: Gordon Harnes in Quesnel, Ken Wilson in Williams Lake, Donna

Barnett in 100 Mile House, and Lorraine L'Heureux in Clinton. I am

grateful indeed to all the citizens who support our party for the best

free enterprise government, so that Social Credit can again give its

special, unique, exclusive service to the people of British Columbia.

In the spirit of parliamentary democracy, the best way I can thank all

the constituents of Cariboo for their support is to serve them to the

best of my ability.

I thank my wife Jeanie for her support and understanding and the patience and interest of my two children, Pamela and Timothy.

I am honoured to be part of Premier Vander Zalm's government, which

has presented such a strong vision for B.C.'s future. Our throne speech

makes our position clear.

[ Page 16 ]

We are truly making a fresh start in taking steps

to create a more positive economic climate, which in turn can create

jobs for British Columbians. Working together is the key to success.

The process of consultation with business, labour and all levels of

government will signal immediate impacts on our province. A new

emphasis on consultation is evident in the throne speech. By listening

to everyone involved, we can work together to make decisions for the

future.

Education is the key to our young people's future. I am very pleased

indeed that Barry Sullivan has been appointed to head the royal

commission which will investigate education. His report will

undoubtedly be of assistance in determining which new initiatives or

changes should be made throughout our school system. I would certainly

agree that education is the backbone of our economy. I am very pleased

that postsecondary education funding will be increased, because our

post-secondary system will prepare our young people to meet the

challenges of the future.

I too would like to voice my support for the fine job done by our

schoolteachers and individuals who head our universities, technical

schools and colleges. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge

which we should tap to improve our education system. This is why I am

so pleased that the government will establish a Premier's science and

research council. This council will have representatives from our

advanced educational institutions, business and government.

Education is not the only area in which consultation will occur. I

strongly agree that the key player in our plan for our new, more

diversified economy should be a vibrant and growing private sector.

Small- and medium-size businesses will play the most significant role

in B.C.'s future. By encouraging the private sector to help itself

through measures such as the new venture capital fund and providing

marketing and management skill support for individuals wanting to

operate cottage industries at the local level, we will indeed build a

stronger economy. A one-stop centre will let the private sector

interact with government economic ministries and cut down on red tape.

Forestry plays an important

part in our province's economy. I am

pleased to see that a fund will be set up to make our province first in

forestry research and to encourage the development of new technologies

to make industry even more productive.

The great Cariboo constituency is one of the twelve original

constituencies that existed when British Columbia became a province and

joined Confederation in 1871. Originally there were three members from

Cariboo from 1871 until 1894. Then there were two members from 1894 to

1912. Of course, in 1986 we were back to two members again. Today the

Cariboo constituency is the third largest in the province, being 350

miles wide and 250 miles long by road. It begins in the south at Maiden

Creek on Highway 97 just north of Cache Creek and extends to

Strathnaver in the north between Quesnel and Prince George, and from

Wells Gray Park in the east to the western boundary of Tweedsmuir Park

in the west — no less than 34,443 square miles. What a contrast to a

riding, for example, like Vancouver Centre, which has only eight square

miles.

The vastness of the Cariboo constituency embraces two regional districts, three

school districts, two incorporated cities, two incorporated villages, three

hospitals and no less than 54 unincorporated communities — communities like

Likely, Alexis Creek, Jesmond, Strathnaver, the 108, Lac la Hache, McLeese Lake,

Green Lake, Forest Grove and Nazko, to mention just a few.

The Cariboo constituency has the largest amount of public roads:

over 7,000 kilometres. Only one-third are paved, counting Highway 97,

the main north-south route. One-third of Cariboo roads are fairly good

gravel, and one-third are dirt, a few mud holes and a few car parts.

[11:00]

The Cariboo people cherish their unique lifestyle, and have been solidly Social

Credit for over 35 years. Cariboo people don't buy the socialist philosophy.

They do not want city slickers telling them what to do. Since 1952 our members

have always been Social Credit, and we will work very hard to maintain that

good solid tradition of supporting free enterprise and the dignity of every

individual in our province.

The Cariboo, Mr. Speaker, is cattle country. Some ranches have over

3,000 head. From the Cariboo no fewer than 50,000 cattle are shipped to

market every year. Recently I attended the Cariboo Cattlemen's annual

general meeting in Williams Lake. The Cariboo Cattlemen's Association

is the oldest in the province. It even predates the B.C. Cattlemen's

Association. Throughout the Cariboo there's a rodeo every weekend

somewhere from April to October. It's great family recreation and

entertainment.

The mainstay of the Cariboo economy is the forest industry, with

modern, high-technology facilities. Also, Mr. Speaker, there are many

small, innovative operators with specialized products. Two examples

that come to mind are Cariboo Pole and Piling Ltd., west of Lac la

Hache, and Khalsa Enterprises in Williams Lake, which cuts custom

dimensioned lumber to ship to the Middle East, to Europe, and to Japan.

In the last four decades the forest industry in the Cariboo has grown

by leaps and bounds. For example, the Ainsworth family of 100 Mile

House started small in the early 1950s, and after years of hard work

have modem sawmills at Chasm near Clinton and at Exeter near 100 Mile

House. Also at 100 Mile, Weldwood of Canada has recently upgraded their

sawmill facilities, as have many more in the Williams Lake area, such

as Lignum, Jacobson Bros., Pinette and Therrien, and many, many more

fine operators.

Weldwood of Canada just announced the spending of $30 million over

the next two years improving product recovery and productivity, both in

their plywood plant and their sawmill at Quesnel. Some mills in the

Cariboo haul their logs 150 miles from the timber stands to the mills.

They all reinvest their profits in the Cariboo to become more efficient.

This year of 1987 will be a good year for the industry. Moreover,

just recently I took great pride in joining my colleague the Hon.

Minister of Economic Development (Hon. Mrs. McCarthy) in announcing the

thermal-mechanical, state-of-the-art pulp mill at Quesnel River Pulp.

This is a joint venture by West Fraser Timber and Daishowa. Canada, an

$80 million project which will keep our construction people busy for 18

months and create new, permanent jobs. Our government will continue to

create a climate where investors can feel welcome and can compete in

highly competitive world markets.

Our timber supply, Mr. Speaker, has been enhanced by ongoing

tree-planting and thinning programs, by industry and the Forest

Service. The problem of the beetle-killed timber, with spending on

access roads for harvesting at the same level as last year, will be

under control. Indeed, an accelerated harvesting program is underway

with Carrier Lumber Ltd. building a sawmill which will employ over 100

[ Page 17 ]

people, located between Nimpo Lake and Anahim Lake

in the west Chilcotin. Recognizing the importance of our forests, we

now have in the Gavin Lake area east of Williams Lake the very

appropriately named Alex Fraser Research Forest, in conjunction with

the B.C. and Canadian Forestry Associations and the University of

British Columbia. Utilization of our vast stands of birch and poplar —

currently referred to as "weed" trees — is a distinct viable

possibility in the future of the Cariboo forest industry.

In 100 Mile House we have a growing log-building industry. Indeed,

the 100 Mile House log-builders produce more quality, handcrafted log

homes than any other centre in Canada. Some 80 percent of their log

packages goes to the United States, 15 percent goes to Japan and

Germany, and 5 percent is sold in Canada. With the value of the

Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, the 100 Mile House log

buildings are very attractive to the foreign buyer. But the cost of

freight is a marketing problem. For example, Mr. Speaker, a log shell

package for the average person would be in the $(U.S.)15,000 to

$(U.S.)18,000 price range. To ship this home to the eastern United

States — to New Hampshire, for example — the freight would be

$(U.S.)11,000. The cost to ship in open containers by ship to Japan or

Germany is only $(U.S.)4,000.

100 Mile House is located a long way from the marketplace, but this

is necessary due to the fact that the raw material for a quality log

home, which has become synonymous with the 100 Mile House area, comes

from the drybelt Cariboo forest, the trees of which have a slower

growth rate, resulting in a superior building log with less shrinkage.

I am optimistic that this is a growth industry in the south Cariboo, if

somehow their quality product can be delivered to their international

customers at a competitive price. Marketing support by government may

be the answer to this growing industry.

In our great constituency of Cariboo, Mr. Speaker, mining has always

been very significant. Declining metal prices on world markets forced

the closure of the Boss Mountain molybdenum mine east of 100 Mile

House. Gibraltar Mines north of Williams Lake is in a survival mode

until the price of copper picks up.

Gold mining has always been a major factor in the economic life of

the Cariboo. In 1859 Quesnel Forks was founded on successful placer

operations. It was 125 years ago that Billy Barker first sank his shaft

in 1862 along Williams Creek. He and many others struck it rich, and

the community of Barkerville grew to be the largest centre of

population at that time in North America, west of Chicago and north of

San Francisco. The Barkerville Historic Park, the nearby wilderness

Bowron Lake provincial park and Wells are today prime tourist

attractions.

Last year the new Black dome gold mine west of Clinton went into

full production, employing over 100 people. Near Wells the Mosquito

Creek Gold Mining Co. Is raising capital to continue development work

underground, with a view to expanded production and the increased

frequency of pouring gold bricks. North of Quesnel several mining firms

are at this time investing a lot of money exploring several gold

prospects.

In the Cariboo, diversification is needed as the application of

technology in our resource-based industries reduces the manpower

needed. This is the way the jobs in the Cariboo lumber industry

survived the recession and could compete in world markets. The jobs in

the future are through new and diverse industry, and opening up new

markets on the Pacific Rim.

There are small manufacturing plants in the Cariboo, like Loewen

Sawhead at 100 Mile House, which is shipping their products all over

North America.

Our tourist industry in the Cariboo is expanding. Indeed, last year,

despite the great magnet Expo was for Vancouver, the Cariboo tourist

region experienced a 15 percent increase. My hat is off to Mr. Alec

LeBrun and the Gold Rush '86 Society, which did a super job in

promoting the Cariboo. The Cariboo currently only gets 4 percent of the

tourists coming to our great province, so we have great potential,

especially if we make it known that we have over 8,000 lakes and go

ahead on both public and private fish enhancement programs. The Cariboo

Tourist Association and the great Cariboo horse rides all help put us

on the map. The exciting gold rush trail promotion will help for sure.

For sure, we don't want the Cariboo to be known as where the garbage

goes. With all due respect to the Greater Vancouver Regional District,

the majority of Cariboo people oppose their application to dump up to

300,000 tons of garbage a year at Koster siding near 70 Mile House.

Cariboo people feel strongly, Mr. Speaker, that Vancouver people should

dispose of their own garbage in their own area. We want a gold rush

trail to the Cariboo, not a garbage trail.

This is the fiftieth anniversary of the Anahim Lake Stampede. This

is the last of the Wild West stampedes that has not been taken over by

traveling professionals. Many visitors are attracted to the west

Chilcotin for this special annual event. Williams Lake has hosted the

exciting successful stampede every year since 1926 — the largest in the

province. Quesnel hosts their appropriate Billy Barker Days with three

days of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Clinton has its

annual May Day parade, old timers' tea and formal ball, a tradition

that has gone on for almost 120 years. 100 Mile House has now hosted

for the tenth year the largest crosscountry ski marathon in western

Canada. The hon. Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Culture (Hon. Mr.

Reid) and I really enjoyed presenting many 50-kilometre pins to those

who completed this exciting marathon last month. The Cariboo gold

attracted people to our province from all over the world. Today many

come to visit, and they keep coming back.

Started just four years, the 108 Hills Health and Guest Ranch has

steadily grown into a first-class, two-and-a-half million-dollar

operation, with 20 chalets, a first-class dining room, a swimming pool

and recreation and fitness facilities. It is the first cross-country

ski resort in British Columbia. It is the first health spa vacation

resort in Canada. This winter, the occupancy rate has averaged over 70

percent.

With economic recovery, a growing tourist industry, the creation of

the right climate for investment, new business ventures and the job

creation resulting, many more people will stay to live in the Cariboo.

I was born in the interior of our great province, in Nelson, but at

a tender age moved to Quesnel where my mother, Helen Vant, still lives.

She was one of the first women in the province to own and operate a

trucking business, a general freight haul from Nelson to Trail,

Rossland and Fruitvale. When she retired, she was head of the commerce

department at the Quesnel secondary school. On completion of my

education at Quesnel, I attended the brand-new vocational school at

Prince George, studying welding and metallurgy. I became a boilermaker

by trade and worked on a multitude of pulp

[ Page 18 ]

mills and oil refineries throughout our great

province during the great W.A.C. Bennett era. I also assisted Noranda

Mines and worked for eight months without a day off in getting the Boss

Mountain molybdenum mine east of 100 Mile House in production back in

1965. You see, Mr. Speaker, I'm not just an armchair philosopher.

[11:15]

As a lay reader, I looked after the old Anglican church in Barkerville for

many years during the tourist season. It was there that I appreciated first-hand

the value of tourism and where gold fever first struck and took a firm hold.

However, I realized that true happiness had to embrace both the spiritual as

well as the material aspects of life. God talk was used by a lot of my boilermaker

buddies of Lodge 359, especially when things went wrong. I could give you some

samples, but I am afraid I would be thrown out of the House. Fortunately, I

went on to using God talk in a more proper context, as I was ordained a deacon

and then a priest in the Anglican branch of the church. Indeed, I was the last

resident vicar at Barkerville and the first resident of 100 Mile House. When

I was nominated by our party as a candidate, I was a canon of the cathedral

and diocese of Cariboo and rector of the church at Williams Lake.

My commitment was that when elected I would give a hundred percent

of my time and energy to being an MLA. In accordance with that promise,

I resigned the parish on October 22, 1986, at about 8:30 p.m. I am

realistic about being an MLA of a constituency like the Cariboo;

serving our great province is a full-time job.

Nevertheless, in the spirit of our great party, which in its

constitution upholds the universally — and I emphasize "universally" —

recognized principles of Christianity in all human relationships, it is

important that in a multicultural society with our first citizens and

the rest of us coming originally from all over the world, we are

universal in our outlook.

All of us in unity give thanks to the Creator for blessing our

province with beauty and abundance and upholding the brotherhood and

sisterhood of all. I can assure you that I shall do my utmost to apply

universal religious principles, such as honesty and integrity, in my

career in public service.

Some 27 years ago I joined our great Social Credit Party and worked

very hard as a Young Socred for former members like Bill Speare and

Robert Bonner and, of course, Alex Fraser. Always involved in various

communities in the Cariboo, I was elected and re-elected as chairman of

the 100 Mile District General Hospital board. I also served, Mr.

Speaker, as chairman of the building committee for the new extended and

intermediate-care facility which will be opening soon at 100 Mile

House. I was honoured to serve for three years on the British Columbia

Human Rights Commission along with my colleague, the second member for

Vancouver- Little Mountain.

Being a good citizen of our province, I have naturally made

investments in it. For that, I do not apologize to anyone, Mr. Speaker.

Our Social Credit government is a people government recognizing

appropriately and properly the dignity and worth of every individual.

With economic recovery, more and more jobs will come on-stream.

Educational opportunities are there for our young people to get the

training they will need for the jobs now and in the future. Advanced

education and job training are available in the Cariboo, where academic

as well as computer and vocational courses are available at the Cariboo

College satellite campuses at 100 Mile House and Williams Lake and the

College of New Caledonia satellite campus in Quesnel. The Knowledge

Network is very popular throughout the Cariboo, and many are upgrading

their skills and knowledge by this means.

The throne speech is very specific about the positive vision of our

government. The commitment to tackle problems with vigour and zeal

commands admiration. Yes, we who sit in this chamber are the

decision-makers; the civil servants are the implementers. I am pleased

that the government will consult with our public servants on ways to

boost morale and productivity and thereby put their wide variety of

skills to maximum effort and effect.

I wholeheartedly endorse the ongoing attitude of this government to

be careful when it comes to fiscal responsibility and caring for people

in the long term, as we continue to reduce our deficit. Running a

deficit is contrary to basic Social Credit principles, and no one would

want our Treasury Board spending millions on interest on debt instead

of providing services and real value for tax dollars to the people who

pay those taxes.

Mr. Speaker, being a boilermaker by trade, I am aware from firsthand

experience the situation where relating to people as collective

stereotypes can alienate individuals and entire segments of society. I

support this government's sincere commitment to a more peaceful

employer-employee relationship.

How we as legislators set the stage for free collective bargaining

is critical to a very desirable goal: the goal of stability in the

workplace across our province and caring for all people affected —

employers, employees and third parties.

In provincial government circles, it seems that everything centres

around Victoria. Being from the central interior, it is very good news

indeed that the cabinet and committees of this House will meet

throughout the province. This goes hand in hand with a government

prepared to listen, and to be accessible and close to all its citizens.

Decentralization goes hand in hand with decisions affecting a

particular region of our province being made right in that region. In

our huge Cariboo constituency even a regional district seems remote

from local communities. The concept of local county governments is a

possibility in the Cariboo, to assist in decentralization.

Mr. Speaker, this Speech from the Throne is so positive it even

mentions increased funding for the opposition. It seems that with the

new leader of the opposition being selected by acclamation next month —

in all probability — no one really wants the job. But with the prospect

of a permanent position, with job security assured, even the first

member for Vancouver Centre (Mr. Harcourt) will be welcoming the

increased funding for Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.

As I mentioned earlier, educational opportunities in a public or a

private system are of prime importance to our youth. The bold,

innovative ways of financing through earned credits and by matching

government funds with private and corporate scholarship funds will

enable our people to gain, through new programs, the skills that they

need. As our youth are going through high school it is important that

they have wholesome recreational activities and begin to take

responsibility through part-time and meaningful jobs.

Recently my colleague, the hon. Minister of Advanced Education and

Job Training (Hon. Mr. Hagen), opened a dry youth cabaret made possible

by an Opportunities for Youth grant in Williams Lake, which is very

adequately and successfully fulfilling those needs for our young people.

[ Page 19 ]

Mr. Speaker, our excellent health care system is an ongoing

commitment, and in the Cariboo, besides the extended intermediate-care

facility at 100 Mile House that I've already mentioned, a new

extended-care facility will be opening soon in Williams Lake. For older

people, it is traumatic to move them away from family and friends, so

these new facilities really are good news.

In Quesnel a new acute health care tower is being built adjacent to

the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital — concrete proof of the government's

enduring commitment to improving what is already the best health care

system in the entire world.

The throne speech mentions Crown corporations and privatization. Governments should

never do what the private sector can do better. One Crown corporation which was a joke, at

one time referred to traditionally as the Pacific Great Eastern Railway and more often by

the citizens of the Cariboo as the Prince George Eventually, is now, thanks to W. A. C.

Bennett, called the British Columbia Railway, and it does go from somewhere to somewhere.

This railroad is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. It is run now with a minimum

of political interference along the lines of a private corporation. It is not a monopoly,

for it has to compete with the trucking industry. It is no longer a joke, and it is the

industrial lifeline from the southwest to the northeast corner of our great province. Over

many decades it has been subsidized. Now it has come of age. The government could not, nor

should it, carry for as long as it did many corporations like the Pacific Great Eastern Railway.

Encouragement of sound business management practices and privatization of many of our Crown

corporations is the most desirable and the most responsible route to go.

With venture capital corporations being encouraged, opportunities

exist for our people to invest in the future of our province. The first

venture capital corporation established in the province on a regional

basis is Cariboo Investments Ltd. It is investing in a number of small-

and medium-sized concerns throughout the Cariboo. Some relate to

tourism and recreation, some to industry.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, the people of British Columbia reelected the Social Credit

Party to power with its new leader because they wanted continued recovery and

economic renewal. They wanted open, caring and what I would term enabling government,

a government that would not hinder free enterprise. A new era for investment

and economic opportunity lies before us. Premier Vander Zalm has already shown

strong leadership in settling disputes, successfully pushing for an end to the

American tariff threat, an end that was beneficial to the province, and diligently

doing everything possible to ensure that British Columbia is treated as an equal

partner in Confederation — a fair share.

This session of our Legislature will be positive and productive, as

we consider and embrace the mineral industry task force report's

recommendations, as we ponder more revenue from increased hydroelectric

power exports, as we carefully formulate those changes necessary to get

the government into a mode of serving the people of British Columbia,

not dominating them.

Mr. Speaker, I am one of the 39 new members eager and willing to

work with the 30 more experienced re-elected members, to get on with

the business of running our great province. I, along with my partner

MLA, will do the best I can for the Cariboo in representing their

interests and their goals, be it in forestry, mining, agriculture,

tourism, small business, or new and diverse innovative enterprises.

With the new spirit of optimism and vision prevailing in our province

today, and embraced by the Speech from the Throne, we can and will

accomplish them.

In this year that we welcome Rick Hansen, we can all be inspired by

his example to uphold a goal, and with long, hard work we can

accomplish the tasks before us.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity and honour to second the Speech from the Throne.

[11:30]

Presenting Reports

Hon. Mr. Veitch tabled the thirty-first annual report of the

business done in pursuance of the Legislative Assembly Allowances and

Pension Act,

Part 11, for the year ending March 31, 1986; the

fifty-first annual report of the business done in pursuance of the

Pension (Public Service) Act for the year ending March 31, 1986; the

forty-fifth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the

Pension (Teachers) Act for the year ending December 31, 1985; the

forty-seventh annual report of the business done in pursuance of the

Pension (Municipal) Act for the year ending December 31, 1985; the

tenth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Public

Service Benefit Plan Act for the year ending March 31, 1986; the

British Columbia Lottery Corporation first annual report, 1986; the

Pacific National Exhibition report and financial statements for March

31, 1986; and the British Columbia gaming control branch annual report,

1985-86.

Hon. Mr. Strachan moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 11:32 a.m.

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