British Columbia Hansard — 1 March 2021, p.m., Issue 16 (42nd Parliament, 1st Session)

20210301pm-Hansard-n16

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 42nd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday, March 1, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 16 THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

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

Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries......................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing .............................................................................................Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................................Hon.

Mitzi Dean Minister of State for Child Care...................................................................................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.....................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Education .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ........................................................................................Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy............................................................................................. Hon. George Heyman Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations................................................................................. Hon. Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.............................................................................Hon.

Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation .......................................................................................... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation....................................................................................................... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon.

George Chow Minister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.............................................................................................................. Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Affairs ............................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Josie Osborne Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ........................................................................................................... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction........................................................................................... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport .................................................................................................................. Hon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONTENTS Monday, March 1, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members....................................................................................................................................................... 337 Introduction and First Reading of Bills.................................................................................................................................. 337 Bill 7 — Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. D.

Eby Statements (Standing Order 25B) ........................................................................................................................................... 338 YWCA Metro Vancouver B. Bailey Angler’s Atlas and fishing derby event M. Morris Fundraising by Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation R. Glumac Front-line workers and RCMP in Cariboo-Chilcotin area L. Doerkson Surrey Fire Fighters Society school snack program M. Starchuk Chang Tseng T.

Wat Oral Questions........................................................................................................................................................................... 340 COVID-19 vaccination plan for seniors and small communities S. Bond Hon. J. Horgan COVID-19 vaccination plan for essential workers R. Merrifield Hon. A. Dix COVID-19 impact and disaggregated data collection S. Furstenau Hon. A. Dix COVID-19 response for small businesses T. Stone Hon. R. Kahlon M. de Jong P .

Milobar Motions Without Notice........................................................................................................................................................... 346 Membership change to Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act Membership change to Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act Hon. M.

Farnworth Tabling Documents................................................................................................................................................................... 346 Office of the Auditor General, independent audit report,IT Asset Management in B.C.

Government, November 2020 Office of the Auditor General, independent audit report,Management of Forest Service Roads, November 2020 Office of the Auditor General, independent audit report,Management of Medical Device Cybersecurity at the Provincial Health Services Authority, February 2021 Office of the Auditor General, independent audit report,Oversight of International Education Programs in Offshore and Group 4 Schools, November 2020 Office of the Ombudsperson, annual report, 2019-20 Office of the Representative for Children and Y outh, report,Detained: Rights of Children and Youth Under the Mental Health Act Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M012/2021 and M013/2021, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M480/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 004/2021, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 061/2021, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 061/2021, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Tabling Documents(continued) Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 081/2021, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 083/2021, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 086/2021, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 655/2020, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 659/2020, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 698/2020, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing Orders of the Day Throne Speech Debate(continued) ........................................................................................................................................ 346 J.

Brar H. Sandhu A. Mercier P . Alexis D. Coulter J. Routledge Hon. R. Fleming H. Y ao B. Anderson Hon. S. Malcolmson Hon. J. Osborne Hon. M. Rankin

MONDAY , MARCH 1, 2021 The House met at 1:34 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members Mr. Speaker: The member for Prince George– Valemount. S. Bond: Thank you very much, hon. Speaker. It’s good to be back and great to see you in the chair. Today I rise to introduce the amazing young people that will be joining the B.C. Liberal caucus as part of the 2021 Legislative Assembly internship program. [1:35 p.m.] We’re delighted to welcome Camille Haisell, William Kelly, Michael Kurliak, Moira Louw and Gabrielle Parent.

We know that over the next several months, they will get the very unique opportunity to work closely with the opposition communications and research staff. I can assure you that they will learn valuable skills and some insight into how politics work behind the scenes and about the business that takes place in this House. I have every confidence that these young men and women are future leaders in our province, potentially in our country. We’re very excited. We look forward to work- ing with them in the weeks and months ahead.

I know that members in the precinct will want to wel- come these young men and women to the chamber today. Hon. M. Farnworth: I, too, want to rise in the chamber today and welcome the legislative interns who will be working with the government caucus. As the member has indicated, many of them may well go on to careers in gov- ernment. A number of interns in previous administrations in this House have, in fact, ended up sitting in this House, both in opposition and on the government side. So it’s a really terrific opportunity for them.

I would like to welcome today Kate Olivares from Simon Fraser, whose degree is in political science and Eng- lish literature; Gabriel Martz from McGill University, a degree in history; Rachel McMillan from the University of Victoria, political science degree, honours; Kala Bryson from UBC, degree in political science, honours; and Arian Zand from UBC, political science, international relations and economics. Would the House please make these amazing young people most welcome. M.

Babchuk: It’s my great pleasure today to introduce you to my husband, Dan Babchuk, my brother-in-law Stephan Babchuk and my good friend Catherine Ross, who are sitting here in the gallery. I think members will agree that we can’t do the jobs that we do without the love and support of these people in our lives. I hope the House will join me in welcoming them into the gallery and the Legislature today. M. Elmore: I’m very pleased to introduce RJ Aquino. RJ is a community leader. He’s a founding member of Tulayan, which is an organization that bridges the Phil- ippines diaspora.

They connect second- and third-gener- ation Filipino Canadians looking to reconnect with their heritage, language and history. RJ is a founding member, also, of OneCity, the Vancouver municipal party, and he’s currently the treasurer of Collingwood Neighbourhood House. He’s just an all around terrific and inspiring leader. I’ d like to ask all members of the Legislature to please join me and to wish RJ a very happy 40th birthday. S. Furstenau: I’m delighted to join the other caucuses in welcoming our legislative interns for this session.

Abby Koning has studied political science and human dimensions of climate change at the University of Vic- toria, and James Anderson studied political science at UBC. We are absolutely delighted to have them on board. I warned them that the Green caucus is a little bit like Hotel California. Y ou might be able to check out, but you will never leave. B. Bailey: I welcome people to join me in celebrating my mother’s birthday. She’s watching today, and yesterday was her birthday. Born in Kamloops but spent most of her life in Nanaimo. I’m very proud of my mom.

She took her love of books and became a book publisher, running a small literary press, which she eventually owned, and became a lecturer at Vancouver Island University. We lost my dad in 2012. They’ d been married almost 50 years. My brother doesn’t live in Nanaimo, and I’m over in Vancouver. I haven’t seen her since August. I want to commend her on staying strong and managing through these very difficult times, as so many of our family mem- bers have done. She has built a wonderful community of friends to walk with and ensure that she keeps socializing in a safe way. I congratulate you on that, Mom.

We’ll see you soon. Happy birthday. [1:40 p.m.] Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 7 — TENANCY STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. 337

Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce the Tenancy Statutes Amend- ment Act, 2021. This bill contains proposed amendments to the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act and the Res- idential Tenancy Act. One of the amendments fulfils an election promise set out in my mandate letter from the Premier to continue the freeze on rent increases for the remainder of 2021. The rest of the amendments are in response to recom- mendations by the Rental Housing Task Force.

The task force was created to advise government on how to improve security and fairness for renters and rental housing pro- viders throughout the province. The final report, released in December 2018, contained 23 recommendations designed to ensure tenancy laws and processes reflect fair process as well as safe, secure and affordable housing for both renters and rental housing providers.

The amendments include stopping renovictions by hav- ing landlords apply to the residential tenancy branch prior to ending a tenancy for renovations; expanding the RTB’s ability to review director’s decisions and to initiate a review on the director’s initiative; clarifying language around the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act park rules; clari- fying that the monetary limit for claims under the Small Claims Act applies only to claims for debt or damages; clarifying when the director does not have jurisdiction to resolve a dispute; clarifying the director’s authority to compel records and information related to an investigation and providing regulation-making power to establish pro- cedures to object to a director’s demand for records; allow- ing the director to order a person to pay an administrative penalty if the person commits fraud in a dispute resolution proceeding or an administrative penalty investigation or hearing or fails to comply with the demand for records; creating review consideration grounds that are specific to administrative penalties; ensuring that the director must grant a monetary order for unpaid rent along with an order of possession of a tenant dispute so notice to end tenancy for unpaid rent that is dismissed by the director and the notice is upheld.

Minor changes to regulation-making power will ensure that government can implement a process that will allow landlords to apply for an additional rent increase for capit- al expenditure. I would like to take a moment to particularly thank the member for Vancouver–West End, who chaired this com- mittee, and also the member for Saanich North and the Islands and the member for Courtenay-Comox, who are members of this committee as well. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D.

Eby: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 7, Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) YWCA METRO V ANCOUVER B. Bailey: I speak to you today from the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people: the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. I rise in the House today for the first time.

I want to thank the voters of Vancouver–False Creek for putting their trust in me. Thank you to all who made this lifelong goal a reality. There are literally thousands of outstanding not-for- profits doing vital work in our province, including here in my riding of Vancouver–False Creek. I’ d like to take a moment to highlight one of the longest-standing, the YWCA Metro Vancouver. [1:45 p.m.] Established in 1897, the YWCA ’s vision is to achieve women’s equality, and its mission is to touch lives and build better futures.

The YWCA serves women and their families with 66 programs in 75 locations across the Lower Mainland. We know that women and new Canadians have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and the YWCA is there. I want to tell you a story about Nida. She’s given per- mission for me to share her story. Nida is a newcomer to Canada and a mom who spent several years out of the workforce. As a participant in the YWCA ’s tech con- nect, Nida was matched with a mentor, a senior software developer at Amazon Web Services.

Prior to enrolling in the tech connect program, Nida was struggling with how to proceed with her job search. She had withdrawn from a PhD program at McGill Uni- versity several years earlier, when she became pregnant, and had been out of the workforce for multiple years and was struggling to re-engage. Nida’s mentor quickly identified her skill set and provided her with clarity on what roles to target in her job search.

Her mentor also let her know about Microsoft’s Leap program, an immersive six-to-eight- month program that provides professional women in technology the opportunity to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence. Tech connect supported Nida through the application process by providing her mock interviews and coaching, and Nida’s efforts paid off. She joined Microsoft as a pro- ject manager this past fall. 338 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

ANGLER’S ATLAS AND FISHING DERBY EVENT M. Morris: Last fall, as we entered the dark days of winter, I happened to meet with Sean Simmons, a Prince George resident and owner of Angler’s Atlas and Gold- stream Publishing. Sean had formed the company in Prince George back in 1999 and, over the years, expanded it across Canada and into the United States. Sean is all about freshwater fishing. His company now boasts more than 80,000 topographical maps and depth charts of lakes in B.C. and across Canada.

Our conversation led to the first ice-fishing derby hos- ted by northern MLAs from the Cariboo, central Interior, northern Interior and the Skeena. The derby is supported by an app developed by his company, called MyCatch, where no matter what lake you fish, you simply open the app on your cell phone and take a picture of your fish laying alongside a measuring device. The app records the date, time and the place of the catch. The experts working within the company can determine the length, down to a millimetre, and the species of fish caught. Fishers now have the option to catch and release fish, if they prefer.

Once the fisher-person enters cell service, the inform- ation automatically downloads to the Angler’s Atlas data- base. And don’t worry. For those fisher-persons intent on keeping their favourite locations secret, the locations of the fish entered are not revealed. Our Shake Off the Blues fishing derby commenced on February 13 and will conclude on March 7. Local busi- nesses and sponsors from the Cariboo to Fort Nelson and from Prince George to Terrace have generously sponsored numerous prizes.

As of a week ago, over 400 fish have been entered from 48 different water bodies, representing 15 different species of freshwater fish. For anyone living in the northern Interior, enjoy our outdoor spaces, shake off the blues, and enter the derby. Y ou could be a winner. FUNDRAISING BY EAGLE RIDGE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION R. Glumac: I’ d like to rise in the House today to recog- nize the great work of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Founda- tion in reaching its fundraising goal of $5 million to help expand the emergency room at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody.

Originally built in 1988 to serve 20,000 patients, the ER today sees more than 50,000 visits every year. This expan- sion, funded in cooperation with the B.C. government, will see treatment spaces more than double, and overall space will triple to 21,000 square feet. There will be new isolation rooms to support improved infection control and new trauma resuscitation bays.

There will be three waiting areas, including family and child-centred spaces, private exam and consultation spaces, and a new mental health interview space. [1:50 p.m.] This project was designed with the clinical team and the architects working closely together, ensuring that the new emergency room will be state of the art. Emergency physician Dr. Mostrenko says: “This expansion will change the way we deliver care to the Tri-Cities.

I think it will make a huge difference in patient experience and the over- all health of our community. ” I want to thank all the staff and volunteers at the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation for their incredible efforts to meet their fundraising goals during these challenging times. I want to thank the community in the Tri-Cities. Each and every person that donated: thank you for your gener- ous contribution to the hospital that we all love.

This expansion, adding to the new urgent primary care centre that’s being established in Port Moody, will ensure that people in need of urgent care will be well served for many years to come. FRONT-LINE WORKERS AND RCMP IN CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN AREA L. Doerkson: Today I rise to lend my support to a group of men and women that put their lives at risk on a daily basis. Like all of our front-line workers, these people do not have the option of working from home.

In Cariboo- Chilcotin, where floods and fires create enough challenges without the pandemic, we are talking about a group of people that run toward danger, while most of us would rather run from it. As a matter of fact, in recent years, we’re talking about a group of highly dedicated professionals who stayed behind to protect our homes and our communities while most of us had the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and gener- osity of our neighbouring cities that gave us refuge during those challenging times.

While we take great pride in our communities, sadly we are experiencing a rise in property crime and other serious offences. Unfortunately, a considerable amount of crimin- al activity is conducted by repeat offenders that are well known to our police department. Despite reoccurring release of so many prolific offend- ers in our communities and the staggering amount of theft and property damage these individuals inflict, our RCMP detachments have remained undeterred.

They continue to deal with these individuals every day and, I must say, with the utmost support and accolades from the residents of the Cariboo-Chilcotin. We have seen the courage of our nurses, paramedics, search and rescue, and many other front-line workers dur- ing this pandemic, but in this instance, I wanted to take a few minutes this afternoon to thank our RCMP members for all that they do. In Cariboo-Chilcotin, we have two of Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 339

the most committed leaders in Insp. Jeff Pelley in Willi- ams Lake and Staff Sgt. Svend Nielsen in 100 Mile House. Together they lead a very dynamic group of officers to pro- tect us daily. I ask all of the members this afternoon to join me to show our support and send well wishes to our RCMP members and police forces throughout the province. SURREY FIRE FIGHTERS SOCIETY SCHOOL SNACK PROGRAM M. Starchuk: The Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Soci- ety is headquartered in my riding of Surrey-Cloverdale. I’m honoured today to stand in the House and speak about one of their many great programs.

The nutritional snack program began in 1997, when Jon Caviglia came up with an idea to help hungry chil- dren in our schools. Back then, they started with just four schools. Twenty-four years later, Dan Kehler is leading the program, and it has grown to 119 schools. These include 88 elementary schools, 19 secondary schools and 12 alternative learning schools. In just my riding of Surrey-Cloverdale, there are 12 elementary schools, three secondary schools and one learning centre that benefit from this program. The nutritional snack program has spent nearly $1.5 million since its inception.

Daily the program provides nutritional snacks, breakfast and lunch to approximately 2,500 hungry students. The program also provides fridges to eight high-needs schools for dairy and other perishables. The pandemic has created obstacles to the program with regards to securing and delivering food supplies to the schools. This year the program expects to spend in excess of $200,000. Learning can be a challenging experience for some students, but wondering where your next meal or snack will come from makes learning even harder.

This is why I stand in the House today to say thank you to those Surrey firefighters, current and retired members, who donate their off-duty time to deliver this program to the 119 schools in Surrey. Thank you, thank you, thank you. [1:55 p.m.] CHANG TSENG T. Wat: I rise today to reflect on and honour the life of Chang Tseng, a great artist and incredible member of our community and a man I had the honour of calling my friend. I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of my friend Chang Tseng, who passed away in late January.

We have known each other since the ’90s, when he had already built a reputation as a passionate actor and film director, both in B.C. and in Hong Kong. Chang started his acting career in 1951. He was one of the most versatile and prolific leading actors, starring in many movies in his golden days. He later became a film director and has been named the director of document- aries focusing on amazing stories. Chang later moved to Vancouver in the ’90s. I came to know him when he was a program guest at my former workplace, CHMB AM 1320, a multicultural radio station better known as Mainstream Broadcasting.

He was a man with a strong work ethic and passion who always helped and cared for his colleagues. Chang was always actively involved in community work in B.C. He participated in many charity events and helped raise funds for local charitable organizations and those in need around the world. He was also the former president of the Vancouver Film and Television Artists Society, which has been involved in community work and promoting the loc- al film and TV industry.

I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to his wife and family and pray that those who knew him find comfort and strength in the love and support of family and friends. Chang Tseng was a titan of his industry, and his legacy will live on here in Hollywood North. All who knew him know that B.C. has lost a phenomenal community leader and a great man. Oral Questions COVID-19 V ACCINATION PLAN FOR SENIORS AND SMALL COMMUNITIES S. Bond: Today British Columbians heard the much- anticipated update on the vaccine rollout for our province.

I’m sure the Premier, like other MLAs in this Legislature, has heard from families across the province who are con- cerned about how they will make sure that their frail eld- erly family members are vaccinated. No one underestimates the complexity, but I think many people had anticipated that today’s announcement would answer more questions than it did. In fact, there continue to be gaps. Of particular concern has been how smaller or more rural communities will fit into the plan. Just recently — in fact, less than a week ago — the may- or of Hope expressed some very significant concerns.

Let me quote for the Premier what he wrote. Mayor Robb said: “We were told that the direction from the Ministry of Health is not to have clinics in our community. Logistic- ally how is this going to work? It makes no sense. We have buildings available for clinics, like the ice arena, the curl- ing club and the legion. We can help with volunteers.

We can marshal and train to vaccinate. ” Could the Premier today, in light of the plan that was announced this morning, explain to Mayor Robb and to the families in Hope and other small communities across the province why there are no plans to hold clinics in small communities like Hope? 340 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. We were very pleased today to speak about the move to phase 2 of our vaccination plan. Already, as the member will know, 275,000 British Colum- bians have been immunized, with another 400,000 on the way. The plan is comprehensive. I know the Minister of Health, as question period unfolds, will be able to go spe- cifically to how we’re going to manage smaller communit- ies. The examples that you’ve cited are disconcerting to me. That’s certainly not the approach that Dr. Henry and Dr.

Ballem have been discussing with me. [2:00 p.m.] What, in fact, we’ve been talking about is calling on all of us in this place and municipal leaders and others — Rotarians, Lions Club, Kiwanis, everyone — in a national and a provincial, in our case, effort to make sure that the most vulnerable, those who don’t have the necessary tech- nological expertise…. The member from Kamloops South does. Make sure that we can get to those frail and vulner- able people to the best of our ability. We can’t do it without the support of community.

I’m confident that as question period goes by and the Minister of Health gets up and addresses that specific question about Hope, it will give some comfort to the may- or. I will say that in my own community, which is a suburb of Victoria…. Mayor Y oung has already committed the dry floor at Eagle Ridge Centre. There are other large facilities in smaller and larger communities around B.C. that will be available. Municipal leaders want to help. Community leaders want to help.

It’s that level of support and enthusiasm that, I think, will get us through phase 2 and then, finally, into phase 3, when the general public will be accessing massive immunization programs like we’ve never seen before. There will be bumps along the way. Today was to announce the pending arrival of AstraZeneca. Having a third tool in our toolkit is very, very helpful for the min- ister and for public health to ensure that those gaps that were in the system because we are dependent on offshore supplies are less disconcerting at this point.

I’m confident that the community of Hope will be addressed, as every other community in B.C. will. Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. S. Bond: I appreciate the Premier’s answer to that ques- tion. I know that he knows how anxiety-ridden many fam- ilies have been — in particular, the frail elderly — across British Columbia. I think one of the significant challenges is that for a year now the frail elderly in our province have been told not to leave their community, to stay local, to make sure they stay close to home.

So you can imagine how surprised the may- or was to hear that there was contemplation that seniors in Hope would actually be expected to travel to receive their vaccinations. It’s contrary to all of the advice that has been provided to families across the province. Less than a week ago this is what else Mayor Robb had to say: “This plan is wrong on so many levels and needs to be rethought to include clinics in our communities.

Smal- ler towns and villages are under enough COVID stress without adding another layer. ” What I would ask the Premier to do today is to stand up and guarantee that elderly residents in smaller towns, including Hope or other remote communities, will not be required to leave their communities to receive their vac- cinations. Hon. J. Horgan:Again, I thank the Leader of the Oppo- sition for the tone and the content of her question. I absolutely agree. We have spent just under 12 months…. It will be next week that we announced our pandemic response plan. A year that none of us had ever anticipated.

And it’s been challenging. We all know that. People are tired. They’re afraid. Fatigue does not come close to it. Exhaustion, exasperation and the anxiety that the member talks about are genuine and real. The mental health challenges that have flowed from the pandemic are as graphic as the pandemic itself. We have made it clear, through phase 1, in the north…. For example, in Takla Landing, as rural and remote a place — the member knows; she has been there, I’m sure — as you can get to, vaccines came into the community.

Our intent, through phase 1, was to go to those places that could not be easily accessible, and we’ve been relatively successful in that. In some 90 percent of long-term care facilities, residents and staff have been immunized. I have every expectation that the residents of Hope, par- ticularly in phase 2, when we’ve got…. Those born before 1931 will not have to travel to get immunized. Part of our success in phase 1, hon. Member, was the mobile teams that we had to go to communities. I have every expectation that that’s the case.

I’m certain that the Minister of Health will be up in a moment to give you more details. [2:05 p.m.] COVID-19 V ACCINATION PLAN FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS R. Merrifield: Front-line essential workers have been told that they will be prioritized for vaccination and had expected to receive details of that plan today, but there remains a complete lack of clarity and utter confusion on the order and criteria for vaccinating priority groups. To the Premier, when will essential workers be told the vaccine plan for them? Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 341

Hon. A. Dix: On January 19, the Premier, myself as Minister of Health, Dr. Ballem and Dr. Henry released a detailed vaccination plan for the province. So far, as the Premier has said, 275,000 immunizations have taken place, and they’ve taken place in exactly the areas we said they would take place, based on exactly the values and the criteria, the clinical criteria, that’s required.

Our task is to protect those most vulnerable, and we have done that — more than 90 percent of residents in long-term care and assisted living, more than 90 percent of staff in long-term care, 46,000 health care workers, many rural and remote Indigenous communities, etc. That was laid out specifically, and it has been followed extraordinar- ily well by all of the people working in public health. Our strategy with respect to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which worked very well in our elder populations, is to focus on an age-based approach. Why? Because these are the people who are most vulnerable from COVID-19.

This last Friday the government of Canada, Health Canada, approved the AstraZeneca vaccine, which — they did it on Friday — as stated by Health Canada and as stated in our plan on January 19, would be used to work with essential workers in groups. We got approval last Fri- day. We understand now that the vaccine will arrive, we were informed on the weekend, starting the week of March 8, and we’ll be laying out a plan for that. It’s fairly straightforward. It was pretty clear on January 19; it’s pretty clear today. Our core is to protect the most vulnerable people in society.

That’s why we have an age- based approach. We’ll be using other vaccines, such as AstraZeneca and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, to address the issues involving essential workers. R. Merrifield: I would disagree with the minister, because it is not clear. This pandemic has been with us for a year, and these workers expected clear answers and detailed information today. British Columbians on the front lines are stressed. They’re exhausted. They’re even traumatized. The lack of answers just makes it worse.

Teachers, daycare staff, dentists, agriculture workers, transit workers, first responders — all these groups deserve to know if they are considered essential and where they stand in the queue. Can the Premier give a firm date when these groups will be told if they are prioritized or not? Hon. A. Dix: Well, with great respect, we have an enormous number of essential workers across B.C. We have received vaccine, and the member knows, because she and her colleagues received a detailed briefing this morning, that we’ve given priority to the most vulnerable and to essential workers in health care.

I don’t believe and I have not heard anyone argue with that. We’ve received a little over 300,000 doses of the vaccine, 275,000 of which have been delivered, and more are being delivered every day. If you’ll remember, and people who watched the presentation today will see the chart, we have consistently delivered vaccine as it has been received in B.C., and we will continue to do so. The issue as to when people will be immunized at least in part depends on when we’ll get vaccine. With respect to essential workers, we were clear on January 19. It’s clearly stated in our presentation then and today.

As we receive other vaccines, we can use those to assist essential workers. We found out on Friday — on Friday — that AstraZeneca was approved in Canada. We found out on the weekend that we would be receiving some AstraZeneca the week of March 8, and we will be proceeding from there. I think that is the evidence-based, thoughtful way that we have always proceeded in British Columbia. It’s why British Columbia has had, I think, such a successful record, especially of assisting the most vulnerable. [2:10 p.m.] There have been significant losses. There’s enormous hope in this vaccination campaign.

I think the present- ation by the Premier, Dr. Ballem and Dr. Henry today showed that British Columbia will continue to do what needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable first and to do it in an organized and serious way. COVID-19 IMPACT AND DISAGGREGATED DATA COLLECTION S. Furstenau: In the last year, nearly 80,000 British Col- umbians have tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 1,300 of them have died from the virus. We know their age and their gender. Those who have died have been predominantly seniors, more of them men than women, but beyond that, we know little else about them.

Their race, income, living conditions, access to medical care and work environment are all relevant and important factors not just because they provide more information about the patient but because each of these elements can be deeply impacted by government policy. Y et of the 12 determinants of health, as defined by the Canadian gov- ernment, this government is only collecting COVID data about gender. As the B.C.

Human Rights Commissioner has stated repeatedly, the COVID-19 pandemic is aggravating existing injustices, making it all the more “critical that the government of B.C. collect and analyze disaggreg- ated data to identify inequalities and advance human rights in this province. ” My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier explain why his government has not made COVID data collection, in order to understand and support the needs of diverse British Columbians, a priority? Hon. A. Dix: Well, the answer is that we have — every case, every single case.

The member referred to the more 342 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

than 1,300 people who have passed away. The member referred to the cases of COVID-19. These are analyzed on a systematic basis and on an individual basis. Contact tra- cing occurs for all individuals. We focus on the cases and respond to it. Y ou see this in our immunization plan, which is focused, in particular, on a number of groups. People in long-term care, who represent the majority of people who have passed away, tragically, from COVID-19 in B.C…. That has been a priority.

Y ou see that in health policy: 95 percent of residents and 90 — I think a number higher than that — in terms of staff, more than 70,000 people and essential visitors. That reflects the data and our focus, which I think is unmatched in Canada, on supporting Indigenous communities, on supporting people living in congregate living and circum- stances, of using what we know about the pandemic to focus our vaccination campaigns. All of that is a demon- stration of our determination to do that.

I would agree with the member that we need, as a soci- ety and as a government, to do a better job of analyzing and developing and presenting racialized data. That is a commitment of the government and one that we will con- tinue to proceed with in the months to come. Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Third Party on a supple- mental. S. Furstenau: I appreciate the minister’s response. However, the data collection beyond age and gender hasn’t really been made public or been used to explain how the government is informing their decisions. There is an important exception, however.

B.C. does col- lect more health data on the experiences of Indigenous British Columbians. During the pandemic, that data has helped us make vital policy decisions, as outlined in today’s vaccine rollout briefing. Because the Ministry of Health has information that indicates that Indigenous people face a disproportionate risk from COVID-19, both in terms of illness and fatalit- ies, they were able to change the vaccine rollout strategy to reflect that, saving precious lives in the process. What I remain worried about, however, are the people who are being missed.

As a U.S. director of public health told the New York Times in December: “When I look at my data, the average age of death from COVID for a white person is 81, but for a Latinx, it’s 67. For a Black person, it’s 72. ” This has massive implications when designing an age-based vaccine rollout. Is the situation different in our province? Probably. Without the data, we don’t fully know, and that’s a big gamble to take. My question is again to the Premier.

Why is this govern- ment limiting our province’s ability to respond to this pan- demic and to build a more equitable future for B.C. by not collecting this disaggregated race-based data? [2:15 p.m.] Hon. A. Dix: First of all, I would say, with respect to Indigenous people, First Nations people, across B.C., it’s been at the heart of our response, not since the vaccination campaign began but from the beginning of the pandemic — from January 2020 on, in fact. The First Nations Health Authority has been involved at every level, at all times.

We have worked, I think, closely with Indigenous groups across the province, not just First Nations but, of course, Métis and Inuit groups as well. I think we’ve had some real success there by focusing in on the problem, working together and recognizing the vulnerability of groups — especially in rural and remote communities but also in urban communities — and working together to address that. I think we’ve systematically been doing that, and you see that reflected in our vaccination campaign as well. We’ve used the tools that we have.

We understand, and every- body understands, that those most vulnerable from COV- ID-19 are also most vulnerable for all other conditions, such as diabetes and others. We have taken steps consistently in our testing pro- grams, in our vaccination programs, in our programs across the board to address those issues. I think the efforts by public health in this regard have been excellent. They can always improve. They can improve, they will improve, and they must improve. I appreciate the comments of the hon. member.

She’ll know, because we’ve talked about this on a number of occasions — and she’s made this case to me personally, repeatedly, during the pandemic — that we’re continuing to work and improve our response to the COVID-19 pan- demic, particularly to the vulnerable. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES T. Stone: One year into the pandemic, the NDP gov- ernment has completely botched its only grant program for small businesses.

To make matters worse, internal gov- ernment documents show that in the six months that the small and medium-sized business recovery grant program has been in existence, this government has actually spent more money administering the program than in the total dollar value of grants that have actually been pushed out the door. Mr. Speaker, $31 million is earmarked for the adminis- tration of this program, yet to this point, only $21 million has actually reached those small businesses who desper- ately need the help. My question to the Premier would be this.

Why is more money being spent on red tape in this grant program than in the dollar value of the very supports that struggling businesses and communities all over this province desper- ately need to survive? Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 343

Hon. R. Kahlon: Thank you to the member for the question. We certainly know that there are some businesses in B.C. that are struggling. We also know some businesses are doing really well. So when we put our package together, as one of the most comprehensive packages across the coun- try — as the member who asked the question knows — we wanted to ensure that all sectors saw the benefit. What we have is tax credits for businesses that are either hiring or rehiring employees. PST waived for businesses buying manufacturing equipment.

We’ve created a new program, Launch Online, which helps businesses pivot to having more online presence, to be able to set up their e-commerce to sell to greater markets. We also lowered liquor prices for restaurants, not on a temporary basis but on a permanent basis. The member will know that this was a request made to their government numerous times.We’ve taken action, thanks to the Solicitor General. Now the program has $45 million out this week. We’ve seen the applications continue to increase, week over week. Since we made the changes, we’ve seen an over 80 percent increase in applications.

That means the changes we’ve made were good. We can continue to consult with small businesses across the province. We’ve been nimble from the beginning. The pandemic has been changing along the way. So have we. We’re going to continue to do that and provide those supports to sup- port our businesses throughout B.C. Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–South Thompson on a supplemental. T. Stone:Let’s be clear. Thousands of businesses all over this province are barely hanging on. They’re barely hanging on in the member’s community, in my com- munity and in every point in between.

The CFIB last week indicated that one of seven small businesses in British Col- umbia today are at risk of closing, and closing soon. That’s 25,000 small businesses that are at risk. More importantly, they employ 300,000 British Columbians. [2:20 p.m.] Only in NDP-land does it make sense to put $300 mil- lion into a grant program for small business, only to then make the eligibility criteria and the application process so complicated and so onerous that those very businesses who need the help cannot access the funds there to sup- port them. Small business owners are tapped out. They’ve tapped out their savings.

They’ve run up their lines of credit. They’ve used all the space they have on their credit cards. They’re struggling, and they need this government to fix this botched program. To the Premier, why is $31 million being spent on red tape to administer an application process, which is essen- tially a four-box form…? Why is that much money being spent on what is essentially a box-ticking exercise instead of getting those funds immediately out to the small busi- nesses that need those dollars to make sure that they’re still standing, on the other side of this pandemic? Hon. R.

Kahlon: Again, I thank the member for the question. As I’ve mentioned many times, and I’ll continue to do so, we have one of the most comprehensive support pro- grams in all of Canada. A recent report just came out that said B.C. had the highest per-capita direct contribu- tions to businesses and people than any other jurisdic- tion in Canada. The member mentions CFIB. I know that I have had a chance to meet with CFIB. They also mentioned to us that B.C. is the envy of Canada.

Their members across Canada are looking to B.C. and saying: “How can we ensure that our governments are doing similar things as B.C.?” The member also failed to mention that surveys also share that 70 percent of all businesses are relying on government supports right now. We know the programs that we’ve put in place are helping businesses, and we’re going to continue to provide those supports as long as they need them. M. de Jong: Well, $21 million of $300 million is hardly the envy of the nation. These businesses have followed all of the rules, and they’re drowning. They’re drowning.

They’ve been tread- ing water. They have been treading water, and they are exhausted. And what does the government do? The gov- ernment has pretended to create a lifeline for them. When these desperate businesses reach out to grab hold of that lifeline, the government snaps it away and waves a bunch of paper in their face. A drowning business doesn’t have time to design the perfect website. A drowning business doesn’t have time to design the perfect spring ad campaign. A drowning busi- ness needs money to pay their employees, to pay their rent and to pay their suppliers.

Why is the government spending more money on bureaucracy, on red tape, on paperwork than it’s actually contributing to the women and men who run small business in B.C. and are desperate for assistance? Hon. R. Kahlon: Clearly, the member didn’t look up the program launch online. If he had, he would know that we’re not requiring the businesses to build their websites themselves. We’re giving them up to $7,500 to bring in another company to do the work for them, up to $7,500 for each business to hire a consultant to come in and do the work for them. We heard from businesses.

They said that some of them created websites, but they found that they weren’t adequate. So these dollars will be able to support them in getting the professional services that they need. We’re 344 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

going to continue to provide those supports. They’re crit- ically important supports. The amount of applications we’re seeing for that pro- gram is through the roof. Businesses know they need to pivot, and we’re here to support them while they do that. Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental. M. de Jong: I wonder if the minister has read his own application form. The government wants to know about new e-commerce platforms, wants to know about advert- ising to reach new markets. These businesses are drown- ing. I don’t know if the…. They’re drowning today.

They’re drowning today, and instead of actually throwing them a lifeline, the government is saying: “Well, what kind of new boat would you design sometime in the future?” They don’t have the time or the means to build the new boat. They’re trying to keep the lights on; they’re trying to keep their employees employed. And this minister and this government are throwing a bunch of paperwork at them instead of the funds and the support they need to keep the lights on and keep people working in British Columbia. [2:25 p.m.] So $21 million out of $300 million.

The minister calls that a success, bureaucracy that is going to cost another $31 million. How does the minister defend spending $31 million on a program that thus far has only provided $21 million of support to the hard-working men and women who run B.C. ’s small businesses? Hon. R. Kahlon: Again the member failed to read through the program. He failed to understand that the businesses don’t actually themselves have to create the online website. They don’t have to create their e-com- merce. The whole purpose of the fund is so that they can hire a consultant to do the work.

We’re not asking them and we’re not paying them to create their own website. We’re not giving them money to set up their own e-commerce. We’re giving them money so they can hire a consultant to do that work. Guess what. Every single chamber I met with said: “This is the program we need. ” Every single association we met with said: “We need more of these programs, not less. ” Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Let’s hear the answer, please. Hon. R. Kahlon: So I don’t understand what this mem- ber doesn’t understand about this program. Interjection. Hon. R. Kahlon:Y eah, that’s right. He doesn’t use email.

So I guess that’s why he doesn’t understand this program. This is exactly what businesses have been asking for, and this is what we’re delivering. Businesses want sup- ports, and we’re going to continue to provide those sup- ports to them. P . Milobar: What’s very clear is that we have a pro- gram…. On March 23 last year, $1.5 billion was unanim- ously approved by this assembly. It took until September for the $300 million program to even be identified — right before the election, conveniently enough.

Here we are six months later, seven months later, and we know that out of that $300 million program that was announced, only $21 million has been expended to the businesses in need. Y et $31.6 million has been expended in the bureaucracy of it. I’ll read something to the minister. This is a real person, with a real livelihood at stake, whose real business is in really dire straits. This business has actually been closed by health order the whole time, because it’s a nightclub in Kamloops. Here’s the quote from the owner: “This has become very fatiguing.

I’m not sure this grant is going to help any businesses when you put this much stress on the business owners. ” This was an email from February 24. Here’s another quote. “I’m sorry, but this is a complete travesty: mandatory nightclub full closures since March 14 of 2020. It’s almost one full year without any provincial assistance whatsoever. Then when you do offer something, it’s unobtainable due to red tape. ” The minister and the Premier can spin all they want.

The reality is that businesses that need the help, that need the support — that have mortgaged everything to try to stay open or to even have a physical building to go back to when things reopen — are hurting, and this minister would rather spend more money on administration and that red tape than actually putting the money out the door. When will the Premier fix this mess, get the money in the hands of the businesses that need it and stop trying to deflect everything, when it’s very clearly a program under their purview that they have messed up so badly? Hon. R.

Kahlon: I think the members are mixing up all the programs. Let me highlight a little bit for them. So $3 billion we’ve spent to support our businesses through the pandemic. Early on, we cut property taxes, we prohibited commercial evictions, and we forgave hydro bills. We worked with the federal government on our wage subsidy and commercial rent program. We put tax credits in place for hiring and rehiring employees. We waived PST on manufactured goods. We’ve created a launch online program. We’ve created agritech programs. We’ve created manufacturing pro- grams.

We’ve cut 25 percent from liquor pricing for res- taurants. That’s why the reports are saying that we have one of the most comprehensive support packages across the Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 345

country. We’re proud of that. And 98.7 percent of jobs have come back to B.C., to pre-pandemic levels. We’re going to continue to work to support our businesses. [2:30 p.m.] [End of question period.] Motions Without Notice MEMBERSHIP CHANGE TO SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON REFORMING THE POLICE ACT Hon. M. Farnworth: Notwithstanding Standing Order 69(2), I seek leave to move two motions regarding substi- tutions on the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act and the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act. Leave granted. Hon. M.

Farnworth: I move: [That the written agreement between the Government House Leader, the Official Opposition House Leader, and the Third Party House Leader, dated January 28, 2021, be ratified to substitute Karin Kirkpatrick, MLA for Ian Paton, MLA as a Member on the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act for the First Ses- sion of the Forty-second Parliament.] Motion approved. MEMBERSHIP CHANGE TO SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT Hon. M.

Farnworth: I move: [That Kelly Greene, MLA be substituted for Rachna Singh, MLA as a Member of the Special Committee to Review the Personal Infor- mation Protection Act.] Motion approved. Tabling Documents Mr. Speaker: Members, I have the honour to present the following reports. From the Office of the Auditor General — IT Asset Management in B.C. Government, Management of Forest Service Roads, Management of Medical Device Cyberse- curity at the Provincial Health Services Authority, Over- sight of International Education Programs in Offshore and Group 4 Schools.

The 2019-2020 Annual Report from the Office of the Ombudsperson. Detained: Rights of Children and Youth Under the Mental Health Act from the Office of the Representative for Chil- dren and Y outh. Eleven reports pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued response to the Speech from the Throne. [N. Letnick in the chair.] Throne Speech Debate (continued) J. Brar: I’m pleased to continue my response to the throne speech of 2020 from where I left on December 14, 2020.

To begin with, once again, let me make it abso- lutely clear that I feel proud to support the throne speech of 2020 delivered by our government on December 7, 2020, in this House. We are going through the worst pandemic in the history of our province, causing an unprecedented health and eco- nomic crisis for the people of this province. This Speech from the Throne is focused on the immediate actions our government has taken to protect British Columbians’ health and livelihoods from the threat of COVID-19. [2:35 p.m.] No doubt our lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic.

We have come a long way together, but we have further to go. We can get through this by looking out for each other, just like we have done before. When the pandemic hit our province last spring, we [audio interrupted] we would be there for them for as long as it takes to recover. That promise stands. We will con- tinue to listen to public health officials, help those on the front lines and support families and businesses.

From the beginning of the pandemic, our government has been there to support the people most in need and has taken action to help hard-hit industries while we build a strong economic recovery for everyone. Our government is working to make life easier for families and businesses through the pandemic. We launched a new B.C. recovery benefit, which was rolled out last year. The B.C. recovery benefit is expected to help approximately 90 percent of British Columbians and to have spinoff effects for businesses. It is $1,000 for families with an income under $125,000.

Families earn- ing up to $175,000 will qualify for the benefit on a slid- ing scale. It is $500 for single people earning less than $62,500. Single people earning up to $87,500 will qualify for the benefit on a sliding scale. We are building a recovery that includes everyone, not just those at the top.

In addition to the B.C. recovery bene- fit, our government has taken swift actions to support people during this extremely difficult time, including the $150 monthly B.C. recovery supplement for people receiv- ing income and disability assistance; the $300 per month 346 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

crisis supplement from April 1 to December 2020; the B.C. emergency benefit for workers, which concluded on December 2, 2020; the one-time enhancement to the cli- mate action tax credit in July 2020, with a family of four saving up to $564. We are extending the rent freeze to July 10, 2021.

These additional benefits build on our affordability action taken earlier, like eliminating MSP premiums, landmark investments in child care and housing and, just this fall, launching the B.C. child opportunity bene- fit for families with children under 18, which offers up to $1,600 a year for a family’s first child and more for each child after that. Our government is also taking significant steps to assist hard-hit small and medium-sized businesses to get through this tough time and try in the recovery with a $345 million new grant program.

Of the $345 million in small and medium-sized business grants, $100 million is dedicated to relief funding for the tourism sector. The province is also allocating $5 million to Indigenous Tour- ism B.C. to administer relief grant funding targeted for Indigenous businesses. The small and medium-sized business recovery grant program provides fully funded grants to B.C. businesses to ensure they have the support they need through the COV- ID-19 pandemic. A $10,000 to $30,000 grant is available to eligible small and medium-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19.

An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses. Applica- tions for this program are open now, and the program runs until March 31, 2021, or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. [2:40 p.m.] Since the pandemic, this province has invested over $10 billion in a COVID-19 response to protect people’s health and livelihoods and to invest in stronger communities and a better future for everyone. Our COVID-19 response includes a further $1.6 billion investment in health care and mental health.

Supports to build our improvements and make sure critical public services are available when people need them. In communities throughout B.C., local government has also stepped up efforts to keep people safe and to provide shelter and housing, and the province is here to support them. We will continue to be responsive to the needs of people, businesses and communities, to see them through the pandemic and into a strong economic recovery that supports all British Columbians. In the end, we give thanks to Dr.

Bonnie Henry and the Minister of Health for their exemplary leadership in man- aging the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, and thanks to the people of B.C. for doing their part to flatten the curve. Working together, we can put this province on a better path while protecting people’s health and for the fast recovery of our economy. We are investing in health care and seniors care to protect people and to fight COVID-19. We are building a recovery that includes everyone, not just those at the top. We have come a long way together, but there is more to do. Together, we will get through this.

I am proud to support this throne speech, Mr. Speaker. Thanks for the opportunity today. Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Member. The Chair recognizes the member for Vernon-Mon- ashee. H. Sandhu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Congratulations on your new role. I would like to begin my response to the throne speech by acknowledging that I’m virtually joining this session from the unceded territory of the Okanagan Indian Nations. I thank them for their stewardship of this land. I am a new MLA representing one of the most beautiful constituencies, Vernon-Monashee.

I would like to express my gratitude and thank the constituents of Vernon-Mon- ashee for electing me to be your MLA. I am truly hon- oured, proud and excited to be your representative. I take my responsibilities sincerely. I thank all the voters for prac- tising your democratic right, regardless of who you voted for. Congratulations to all the members of this House on your election and re-election. No campaign is ever possible without the volunteers. I am so thankful to my incredible team of volunteers, donors and supporters who have made our historic win possible with their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the previ- ous MLA, Mr. Eric Foster, for his service, and I thank our two other candidates. It takes lots of courage, passion and commitment to step forward to run for office. I thank my family, including my wonderful husband, Baljeet; my teenage daughter, Manreet, who is a second- year science student at UBCO and wants to be a doctor to serve people in rural communities; my middle daughter, Jasreen, who can speak four languages since she was eight; and my five-year-old son, who gets adored by his sisters so much and is ready to start his kindergarten this year.

My kids have happily and proudly made many sacrifices and adjustments due to my busy schedule. I am profoundly grateful to my mom for being my rock, who stood by me during our good and tough times, who taught me to fight for my rights and for the rights of others. My mom made sure my kids were taken care of when I was busy with work and campaigning.

She also made sure that hot meals were ready for me and for my family, despite having her own health issues and not being able to stand for extended periods. [2:45 p.m.] My mother and my late father instilled in me the values of respect, kindness, hard work, helping others and being the voice for the vulnerable people in our society. My par- Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 347

ents have helped me to be a strong, independent and empowered woman. There are two incredible men in heaven who are watch- ing over me today and have helped me tremendously to be who I am by giving me the purpose to always strive to do better and to be a passionate and caring human being. I am talking about my dad and my late husband, Sammy. I want to acknowledge our longtime volunteers, Mr. Lorne Adamson and Mrs. Jane Adamson, who have been volunteers for the last 42 years.

Both Lorne and Jane volunteered doing door-knocking and various other roles on many campaigns with their two babies, Kevin and Mary, who are adults now. This is a great and encouraging example of the true dedication, commitment and determ- ination to stand strong for the values we believe in. Thank you, Lorne and Jane, for years of your hard work and dedication. Finally, your sincere efforts, along with many of our wonderful longtime volunteers and support- ers from Vernon-Monashee, came to fruition.

I’ d also like to give kudos to our wonderful and hard- working staff at the Legislature, including my LA Pavan- preet, for their tremendous help. I look forward to meeting you all in person. I would like to thank and proudly acknowledge my amazing and hard-working staff mem- bers at our Vernon constituency office, Emily and Josh. Josh and Emily worked tirelessly with so much passion to help people of Vernon-Monashee. Thank you, both, for your dedication and enthusiasm you show every day to work for the betterment of people and our constituency.

I acknowledge and thank our front-line workers, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, therapists, care aides and many unsung heroes, our housekeeping staff, support staff from dietary, lab techs, imaging staff, porters, administrative staff and many more. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our essential workers in retail, trucking, farming, trades, hospitality, small business and volunteers with non-profit organizations, also daycare workers and our incredible teachers for continuing your work and dedication during these unprecedented times.

I was so reassured that December’s throne speech was focused on investing in people, their health and well- being, to promote the vital services we all rely on, such as health care and seniors care. The throne speech also focused on economic well-being and support for local businesses and individual families. In December, I was surprised by the words from the member for Kelowna-Mission: “We need more health care professionals that can advocate for patients and deliver the absolute best care possible, not just more nurses. ” The member also mentioned: “I don’t want an MRI.

I don’t want or need a new MRI. ” I would respectfully like to share my thoughts, as I come from a health care background. I hope the member under- stands that nurses focus so much on preventative care. Nurses are the biggest advocates for their patients, and in fact, it’s one of their nursing standards that they must meet. Furthermore, nurses are trained to look at the patient as a whole. For example, when myself or my colleagues go to do wound care, we look at a patient’s diet, underlying medical conditions, living arrangements, their mental and physical well-being and whether they need more supports.

Nurses always provide emotional support to patients and their families. Even when patients pass away, community nurses make condolence calls and even send cards to the families, connect them with grief counselling and many other resources as needed. Nurses work with patients from birth to the end of their life and anything in between. [2:50 p.m.] Nurses work in nursing homes, community outreach clinics, harm reduction centres, mental health, telehealth and so much more. They work in public health, taking care of newborns and teaching parents how to take care of new- borns and toddlers.

Nurses do outreach work in schools. This is all part of preventative care. I worked as a proud registered nurse in rural areas, acute care, surgical nursing, community nursing, palliative care and, most recently, up until November 15, on a COV- ID unit. Over the last 16 years, working with two different health authorities and in various health care settings, along with many of my colleagues, I have personally witnessed and lived through the massive health care cuts, austerity and privatization from the B.C. Liberal government.

My LPN colleagues and many hospital support staff in health care struggled financially due to the massive 10 per- cent wage rollback under the B.C. Liberal government. I have witnessed my coworkers breaking down in tears and crumbling when they were constantly understaffed and overworked. I was also one of them. That is before any mention of the violence nurses face in health care. There- fore, I appreciate our government’s every sincere effort that has been made during the last 3½ years.

One can blame, point fingers, find faults, nod heads, wave their hands, criticize the efforts or even try to take credit for some of the things they want. The reality is that health care workers can tell firsthand when cuts are imple- mented and when more services are being added because it makes an enormous difference in their working con- ditions, for their physical and mental health and, most importantly, for the quality of patient and seniors care. We still need many more nurses to fill the gaps that were left until 2017.

The member’s remarks were concern- ing to me and to many others, especially coming from our health care critic. I would like to request that our govern- ment continue with its progress in dealing with this chron- ic staffing shortage. I thank our government for hiring many more nurses in the mental health and substance use areas. This has been a great resource to refer patients to highly dedicated teams. I am grateful to our government for giving us an MRI and urgent care centre in Vernon-Monashee. Prior to this, 348 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

we had to send patients to Kelowna, and they had to wait for too long in order to get their MRI done. We also had to book patient transfer teams, and most of the time a nurse had to go with the patient. Then we had to backfill that nurse, mostly on overtime. Imagine the amount of money we had to spend on patient trans- portation, having extra staff or leaving existing staff work- ing short when we were not able to backfill that shift. We were spending way too much money by doing so, and the patients were suffering from long wait times, delayed dia- gnoses and treatment.

This also had a major impact on patient care in Vernon due to short-staffing when we were unable to backfill the staff. Having MRIs widely available is a proactive approach. My mom had her MRI done recently. She only had to wait for eight days, and her appointment was at 7 p.m. My father-in-law had his knee replacement done in October, during COVID, and he didn’t have to wait for long. He received exceptional care, which he’s so grateful for. Improvements and investments in services like health care, mental health and seniors care are some of the best investments any government can make.

Investments to deliver better care for seniors and stability and safety for long-term care workers will hugely benefit my riding. We have many seniors who have worked hard all their lives. It is our turn now to give them the support and quality care they need and deserve. We do have much more to do. I am confident that hav- ing a dedicated group of people in this House…. We’ll focus on working together, as all of us are here to serve our constituents and make lives better. [2:55 p.m.] The B.C. recovery benefit will help many families in many ways. When we go through financial hardship, every penny helps.

I have personally talked to hundreds of people since the day of my election via emails, messages and phone calls. People are so grateful to receive the recov- ery benefit. People who I talk to are living on fixed income. Some lost their jobs, some are on disability, and some are unable to go to work due to compromised health and oth- er struggles. Farmers in my constituency also have had challenges. Due to the labour shortages and with early snowfall in October, they were not able to harvest all their crops. They lost their produce, and this was heartbreaking to witness.

I am pleased by our government’s announcement of a small farm business acceleration pilot program, offering up to $800,000. I am reassured that farmers in my constituency will benefit from this. I belong to a farmer family, and I have witnessed the hard work, sweat and tears farmers have to shed in order to bring food to our tables. Talking about the farmers community in Vernon-Mon- ashee, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the unfairness and ongoing injustice farmers in India are facing.

The suicide rate among farmers in India is the highest in the world, which clearly reflects the lack of sup- port towards these hard-working farmers. I would like to ask all members of the House to please acknowledge and support farmers in India for their democratic right of peaceful protest and to have their voices heard. Farmers all around the world deserve all the respect, support and advocacy we can offer to them in order to promote food security.

Our government’s commitment to expand child care and early learning to create jobs, stimulate the economy and make sure children can have the best possible start in life is a much-appreciated effort by many parents. The nur- turing care and investment in the early years of a child’s life leaves a lasting and positive impact. This also enhances their mental health from early on. Investing in children is investing in B.C. ’s future. Our government’s announce- ment of opening new child care centres in Vernon and Coldstream is going to help many parents in Vernon- Monashee.

This fall our government released a robust economic recovery plan, which is already supporting businesses. Tourism, farming and small businesses are some of the major contributors to our economy in Vernon-Monashee. Steps taken by the government to support our businesses through property tax cuts, deferred tax payments, B.C. Hydro rate relief, and small and medium-sized business recovery grants are much appreciated. I have had the opportunity to meet many business owners, like Sue, in my constituency, and they’re grateful for these initiatives.

Sue had asked me to thank our Premier and the government for these initiatives. I am glad that our government’s recovery plan will be guided by our core principles, including climate action and reconciliation with Indigenous people. I appreciate the announcement to provide millions to child care providers, school boards and health authorities to help them deliver COVID-safe care and renovations to create more spaces. Our government has delivered hundreds of affordable, supportive and accessible housing units in Vernon, and these have changed many people’s lives.

I greatly appreciate the recent announcement of more affordable housing for Vernon and area. This is going to benefit many more people by helping them to find a home. I thank our gov- ernment for paying attention to this long-overlooked and ignored issue of affordable housing in Vernon-Monashee. I thank Dr. Bonnie Henry, our Health Minister and their dedicated team for effectively dealing with this pan- demic. I understand that many of the decisions they had to make were not easy, but I also know that Dr.

Henry and her team always have people’s best interests at heart. [3:00 p.m.] Let’s continue doing our part, as we all have done the last year, so we can overcome this crisis together. When you’re upset about having to wear a mask or not being able to have gatherings, please take a moment to think about our health care workers, who have to put on their Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 349

masks for extended shifts and for days in a row, along with full-on PPE, including non-breathable gowns and gloves. Please take a moment to think about vulnerable seniors who are living in isolation for months, in the hopes of having this pandemic go away. Think about the thousands of people who have passed away due to COV- ID, and their loved ones. A couple of people have said to me that we have an opioid crisis, and people are dying from heart attacks and other chronic illnesses. Y es, I absolutely agree with you.

I can reassure you that our work and care have never stopped for people with addictions and to treat chronic ill- nesses. It is reassuring, too, for me to know that our gov- ernment has made sincere efforts to address the opioid crisis by creating the first-ever Mental Health and Addic- tions Ministry, by hiring many mental health and sub- stance use teams, creating harm reduction sites and out- reach clinics. Much more work is underway. More recently additional funding was allocated to more treatment spaces to address addictions and mental health issues.

We are getting eight additional beds in Vernon-Monashee, at Bill’s Place, to help people in need. As a health care professional, I confidently share with you that we have never lessened our efforts towards the opioid crisis or to take care of patients with chronic ill- nesses. We will continue to do more, and I am fully com- mitted to continue my advocacy to address the need for more resources in Vernon-Monashee. At the end, I would like to remind everyone what Dr. Henry says: “This is now, not forever.

We are in this together, and we will get through this. ” I would like to end my speech with my favourite quote from John Mark Green: “Everyone has a history. What you do with it is up to you. Some repeat it. Some learn from it. The really special ones use it to help others. ” I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for doing your part, for making many sacrifices and adjustments in your lives to deal with this pandemic. We have hope on the horizon, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope 2021 will be a kinder and better year for everyone. Stay safe, and stay healthy.

Thank you for giving me the oppor- tunity to speak. A. Mercier: I’ d like to start by taking a moment to thank the people in Langley who elected me and sent me here to Victoria. Y ou know, a decade ago, if you told me as a Langley boy that I’ d be coming to represent the people of Langley in Victoria as a member of the NDP , I don’t think I would have believed you that I was running. The folks in Langley are hard-working folks. They’re the nurses, the teachers, the long-term care aides, the truck drivers, the tradespeople and the grocery store clerks that keep this province going.

Langley is on the traditional territory of the Matsqui, Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo-speaking peoples. It is an area that has grown at an unprecedented rate. I think by the last census, Langley was growing at a rate of 16 percent. It has all of the pressures and all of the concerns of a com- munity growing at that pace, from health care to childcare to infrastructure. Part of the reason we were able to win in Langley and why folks in Langley were looking for change is that they looked around and they saw what the government was doing in the community.

They saw the $29 million that this government committed to upgrades at Lang- ley Memorial Hospital. They saw the $25 million that the government was funding in childcare. They heard the promise of the Sky Train, a promise we made in the last election, which is a priority for this government and which we will deliver on. I’ d be remiss, as a Langley boy, if I moved on from speaking about Langley without mentioning that Langley right now is also home to the best craft beer in British Col- umbia.

Now, I’m amenable to persuasion, so if there’s any- one here or anyone in this House that thinks otherwise, you know, I’m open to be convinced, although I’ d say that I base my opinions on empirical evidence. [3:05 p.m.] I’ d like to also just take a moment to thank my cam- paign volunteers, the folks that helped turn Langley orange. There are too many to name. The riding execut- ive for the Langley NDP have been stalwarts that have been at this for 40 years. I’m thinking of Peter and Elean- or Holuboff, of Vivien Henderson and of Lynn Cox- worth, who has moved on to the Interior.

I’m also think- ing of all of the young crew, the new crew, that’s come along to help out: Joe, Kelly, Sara. My campaign manager Piotr Majkowski, my partner in crime. Piotr first came to British Columbia in 1991 as a Polish immigrant. He’s now a mental health nurse and a college professor at Douglas College. He has done his best for his family and for his community. I should mention that Piotr and his mother Barbara and his sister Dorota right now are mourning the loss of their father Ryszard. That is a loss that I feel deeply and that I know their family feels deeply.

I’ d like to extend my greatest condolences to the family in this time. I’ d also like to thank my parents. I was raised by an RCMP officer — a French Canadian from Quebec who learned English the hard way, went into Depot not speak- ing a word of it — and a mother who was a nurse, whom I have watched, my entire life, struggling with a disability that comes as a result of a workplace injury, and dealing with the Workers Compensation Board. I’ve seen the impact through that. I was raised with the impact of the administrative state of my family life.

Finally, moving on from family, I’ d just like to mention my wife, Kate Makarow, who, on our first date, asked me a question about B.C. politics and stuck around 30 minutes into the answer, where I was thinking: “Okay, there might be something serious here. ” She’s since moved on to 350 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

become my financial agent, among many other things, and my partner in this life. She’s at home right now with our 2½-year-old daughter, Charlotte, who, I can tell you is, unfortunately, much smarter than me already and smarter than her father. That doesn’t bode well, necessarily. I’ d also like to mention my other family, Teamsters Local 213. I first joined the Teamsters in 2010, as a commercial delivery driver. I was given a master class in advocacy, humility and good representation by my business agent, Mike Levinson. When I decided I wanted to go to law school, the Teamsters took a chance on me.

Walter Canta, the secretary-treasurer; Ray Zigmont, the president; and Tony Santavenere, the vice president, gave me a chance, and I’m eternally grateful for that. I would like to mention, as well, my articling principal Casey McCabe. I have never seen any lawyer take as much meticulous care and preparation in argument and prepar- ing for a case, no matter how small the stakes or how great the stakes, as Casey. I’m really a better man for having spent time with Casey, learning the trade. Of course, there are my good friends at the B.C.

Building Trades and my friend Brynn Bourke, who is there right now as the exec- utive director. Perhaps most critically, the institution that shaped my world view and my political views, the University of the Fraser Valley. I was really fortunate at UFV to have two stellar professors, who couldn’t have been at different ends of the spectrum: Hamish Telford and Scott Fast. Hamish is at an age now where unfortunately he no longer gets to tell his students that he has colleagues in the Legislature. With my friend the MLA for Chilliwack and myself, he now has students in the Legislature.

Of course, balancing out Ham- ish’s analytical and objective perspective was Scott Fast’s 1960s American Marxist philosophy of life and world view, which I think was a good mix in terms of my early education. I am honoured to have been appointed by the Premier to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training and to work with the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training to restore our system of compulsory trades in this province — a system that the B.C.

Liberals gutted the last time that they were in power, destroying the trades training system in British Columbia. [3:10 p.m.] I am proud to build on the work done in our previous mandate by the former Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, my friend the member for Vancouver– Mount Pleasant. This is necessary work. We are currently the only province in Canada that lacks a system of com- pulsory trades certification.

I am honoured as well to spend time on the other por- tion of my mandate, which is ensuring that there are enough trades and technology seats and early childhood educator seats to meet the demands of our growing soci- ety. I’ll turn briefly to the throne speech. As a new member in this chamber, listening to the words of the Lieutenant- Governor talking about the toll of the coronavirus pan- demic, I feel the full weight and the burden of the office and the responsibility that comes with a chair in this chamber. This is a sobering time. People are struggling.

I’ve heard from folks countlessly in Langley since being elected, and I am proud to be part of a government that is offering real solutions, like the economic recovery benefit or the small and medium business grant programs. There is a lot of work ahead to do. It is daunting. We heard today from the Premier the good news on vaccines and the vaccine rollout plan. We still need to focus on our infrastructure and ensuring that we have enough skilled tradespeople to get us through the recov- ery. I am looking forward to having my part to play in that role. I’ d like to thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m looking forward to being a member of this House. P . Alexis:Before I begin, I’ d like to acknowledge that I come to you today from the unceded and ancestral ter- ritory of the Stó:lō people, including Kwantlen, Leq’á:mel, Matsqui, Sumas and Sq’ èwlets territories. As the MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, I am honoured to rise, albeit virtually today, to give my support to the throne speech. I want to thank the people of Abbotsford- Mission for entrusting me with the honour of this office and the opportunity to serve such a vibrant, diverse and hard-working constituency.

From my time as city council- lor and eventually mayor, I had the privilege to work up close every day with so many people committed to making a difference in their communities without attention, fan- fare or even acknowledgment. Each of us lucky enough to be members of this Legis- lature have our journeys that guided us here. My own was not the most conventional and, like so many of our accom- plishments, owes much to both hard work and good luck. Helping make both happen were so many people — par- ents who encouraged me, friends who supported me, fam- ily who loved me.

I can’t possibly list all the names of those who added their shoulder to the campaign wheel, but I want to specifically thank my campaign team and anyone who gave us their time, sent us an inspiring poem or a song — thanks, Don — shared a story, gave a few dollars. That really helped all of our efforts. I also want to thank the many voters who took a chance on a new candidate and a new direction of leadership. The passion, selflessness and commitment to community in this constituency is inspiring.

I’m so grateful to the mem- bers of our local executive, in particular the long-standing efforts of local legend Bruce Edwards. I also want to acknowledge the volunteers who dedic- ated their time and energy to the campaign and the elec- tion. For some, this was one of many campaigns they have worked on over the years, although it’s fair to say this was Monday, March 1, 2021 British Columbia Debates 351

unlike any other campaign before. For others on the team, this was their first time. I have been assured they found it educational, rewarding and, yes, even fun, despite the obvious challenges that we faced. Whatever brought us together — a desire for change, a personal friendship, a passion for service — each and every one of them had to step bravely and passionately into the new normal of election work, and for that, I am forever grateful. [3:15 p.m.] Thanks to the support of family and outstanding teach- ers as a young person, I had long believed women could do anything they set their minds to.

Unfortunately, both in university and in the working world, that belief soon suffered. However, as women everywhere have gained ground in politics and other vital leadership roles, that can-do attitude and optimism returned. I stand here today in this Legislature as the first-ever woman elected to be the MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. I owe a great debt to those who came before me, the women who blazed the trails for equal pay, representation and opportunity. Their work paved the way for what we today expect and, indeed, demand.

Winning my election was made easier by local women seeking office who came before me, women such as Joan MacLatchy, Heather Stew- art and Jenny Stevens. Women have always been great influencers in both my personal and professional life. I come from a very large family of mostly women, but I do want to acknowledge my long-suffering brother. We were led by strong parents, including a mother who always maintained her dignity and elegance, even while scrubbing the floors in rubber gloves. From her I learned the value of hard work but also courage, grace and discipline.

We know that past research has found that women fare just as well as men when they decide to run for office, but since fewer women enter political races in general, they remain underrepresented. We also know that when women are successful in running for office, they inspire other women to get involved. How many little girls watch- ing Kamala Harris get sworn in as Vice-President now might be thinking of getting into politics?

So many of those young ones are counting on all of us to set high standards of achievement and accountability and for my fellow women in caucus to continue the work and to con- tinue blazing that trail. I also want to acknowledge my colleagues in the Fraser Valley caucus. It’s great to be part of this hard- working, energetic and determined team, to see the rise of progressive perspectives in our ridings and to give the valley representation and support during this crucial time of its growth.

My decision to run for the Legislative Assembly of Brit- ish Columbia owed so much to the government’s commit- ment to women in politics and government, and I’m awed by the talent and passion they bring to our diverse team every day. Joining me on this side of the floor are more elected women than have ever served a government in our province, and I am proud to stand with them, shoulder to shoulder, in the face of such history. Abbotsford-Mission is a unique blend of rural and urb- an, each existing alongside the famous Fraser River. The river has given so much to our community.

Its banks offer rich, bountiful farmland. The water has powered pulp mills and hydroelectric power, but perhaps most crucially is the fishing it has offered — sturgeon, steelhead trout and all five species of Pacific salmon, popular for local sports fisherman and also crucial to the way of life for First Nations people. More than a resource, the Fraser River is a symbol of prosperity, opportunity and our connection to nature. It does not divide the riding; it unites us. The Fraser Valley is booming, owing to rapid growth of industry, prosperity and opportunity.

One of the keys to this continued growth is the increasing trend of people moving from urban centres to our more natural, beautiful setting. Right now the area is famous for farmlands, agri- culture and food production. But construction, manufac- turing, tourism, transportation, retail and the service industries are all crucial, and the future looks to hold many new avenues, including a possible agritech hub for the province.

But that future needs us to navigate our present first, and the challenges ahead are significant. [3:20 p.m.] COVID-19 has been a terrible blow to our riding, espe- cially with regard to business, schools and education. While we have spoken quite a bit about the physical toll of this pandemic and its economic impact, I worry that we’re not fully acknowledging the coming wave of mental health and long-term trauma that COVID-19 will leave behind, especially amongst our young people.

When I talk to students and other youth in the com- munity, it’s harrowing to consider how grim and pessim- istic their world has become. Of all the hope we have seen lost, this one stings me the most. That’s why I want to single out praise for a dynamic educator and administrat- or in Mission, one who has worked tirelessly to promote optimism, kindness and good cheer throughout all of this. Rob Clark, principal of Silverdale Elementary, and rep- resented by the member for Maple Ridge–Mission, has long been an inspiration to students, parents and col- leagues.

Through social media, he has given his students unabashed praise and credit for so much of their good work. He recently tweeted a quote from Mr. Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me: ‘Look for the helpers. ’” As a former educator, I’m proud and grateful for the help he and so many of our teachers have given us. This government is working hard to help all British Col- umbians and their families through the pandemic. We’re investing in health care and seniors care to protect people and fight COVID-19.

We have an aggressive immuniza- tion plan, designed to help the most at risk amongst us 352 British Columbia Debates Monday, March 1, 2021

first. We’ve offered a recovery benefit to offer real financial help to British Columbians. We’ve created an economic recovery plan that offers training, resources and support to workers and employers as we prepare ourselves for the post-pandemic economy. That plan will continue to respond to the business owners and entrepreneurs who are not sure what the future holds for their businesses.

Our work will also support the efforts of the constitu- ents I hear from, who are still working hard, despite exhaustion — for example, teachers, nurses, restaurant staff, grocery store cashiers, front-line workers, police officers and so many more. I want to thank our most essential workers for their service in this most unpreced- ented of times. In addition to working to overcome the impacts of COVID-19, there remain many crucial local issues that must be attended to in Abbotsford-Mission. Infrastructure remains a key area as we continue to grow and expand at an unprecedented pace.

It’s no secret that the people of Mission and Abbotsford need an expanded Highway 1. It’s vital for the economy of this riding and for families who live and work here. Right now a single accident on that strip of road can cause hours of commuter delay. That’s hours that people lose in seeing their kids, having dinner with their loved ones or spending time with friends. For a booming Fraser Valley, it’s unac- ceptable. That’s why I am delighted that the commitment for the project has appeared in the minister’s mandate let- ter, with the highway being expanded two kilometres east of the Whatcom exit.

That’s not just a commitment to needed infrastruc- ture, however. It’s a commitment to the people of this riding that this government is listening to what matters most to them.

As MLA, I will work tirelessly for the people of Abbots- ford-Mission, not only regarding infrastructure but more: collaborating with the district of Mission to assist their waterfront development project; expanding health care services, including new equipment and staff; raising awareness of the pandemic’s mental health implications, especially as regards young people and students; increased funding for tourism; housing, especially for the vulnerable populations and seniors; increasing Internet access for our rural constituents; and helping organize the COVID-19 recovery and vaccine rollout for our communities.

It’s going to be a massive community effort, one actively engaged with local grassroots organizations. I heard from our Rotarians today that they’ve already been contacted to assist with this, yet another example of how this govern- ment will continue to work hand in hand with the people it represents. [3:25 p.m.] I’m excited to be working with the appropriate ministers in addressing the needs of this community and looking to open consultations on a wide range of issues affecting Abbotsford and Mission. We’ve come a long way together in the past year, and sadly, there’s still much to do.

But I have no doubt the people of British Columbia will continue to rally, just as I have no doubt the people of Abbotsford-Mission will yet again work together tirelessly and selflessly to see us through to a post-pandemic province. It’s the people of British Columbia who deserve the most credit. They have faced this terrible time in our history with strength and patience, making countless sacrifices in flattening the curve. Families, workers, the faith community and more have rallied to get us to this p

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20210301pm-Hansard-n16
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20210301pm Hansard n16
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	da1b6cb37d0a4af438ee0a7fc016054affd748e8

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