British Columbia Hansard — 19 April 2021, p.m., Issue 51 (42nd Parliament, 2nd Session)

20210419pm-Hansard-n51

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session, 42nd Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday, April 19, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 51 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 Second 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, April 19, 2021 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 1231 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 1231 Bill 3 — Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. H.

Bains Statements (Standing Order 25B) ......................................................................................................................................... 1231 Hardy Bay Seniors M. Babchuk Organ donation and Logan Boulet G. Kyllo Volunteers N. Sharma S. Cadieux Redevelopment of Riverview lands and role of Kwikwetlem First Nation F . Donnelly Search and rescue services and personal responsibility J.

Sturdy Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 1233 COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions and support for restaurant industry S. Bond Hon. R. Kahlon M. Bernier COVID-19 response and use of rapid testing and travel restrictions S. Furstenau Hon. S. Malcolmson Hon. M. Farnworth Crime victim support benefits for former children in care K. Kirkpatrick Hon. M. Dean M. de Jong Property taxes for small businesses and split assessment proposal T. Stone Hon. D.

Eby Budget provisions for school districts J. Tegart Hon. J. Whiteside P . Milobar Hon. M. Farnworth Orders of the Day Throne Speech Debate(continued) ...................................................................................................................................... 1239 E. Ross Hon. R. Fleming T. Wat F . Donnelly Hon. B. Ma Hon. A. Kang Hon. J. Osborne M. Starchuk M. Elmore Hon. J. Whiteside

MONDAY , APRIL 19, 2021 The House met at 1:33 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members C. Oakes:This morning I had the opportunity to make a statement about the importance of post-secondary edu- cation in looking at pandemic recovery. This afternoon, virtually, it is truly a privilege to listen to the graduate stu- dent associations of British Columbia to understand spe- cifically the importance of graduate programs across Brit- ish Columbia, the work that they’re doing and ways that we can encourage and continue investment in graduate programs in British Columbia.

Would the House please help me welcome the graduate student associations of British Columbia. F. Donnelly:I ask all members to join me in acknow- ledging my brother Liam Donnelly, who recently announced his retirement as head swimming and diving coach from Simon Fraser University. Liam was one of the youngest university head swim coaches in Canada when he started his career almost 30 years ago. He was one of Canada’s longest-serving university swim coaches. Over his 30-year career, he produced numerous gold-medal swimmers and record holders.

I know that my parents, Val and Cy; his wife, Leia; their three daughters — my nieces Kira, Teagan and Brynn; and our whole family are as proud of him as I am. I ask all members to join me in congratulating my little brother on his amazing career at SFU. [1:35 p.m.] Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 3 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Hon. H. Bains presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021. Hon. H. Bains:I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce Bill 3, the Employment Stand- ards Amendment Act, 2021. This bill amends the Employ- ment Standards Act to provide up to three hours of paid leave per dose for employees in British Columbia to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. An essential part of B.C. ’s immunization plan and get- ting through the COVID-19 pandemic is removing barri- ers so that we can all access the vaccine easily when it’s our turn. A key part of that is ensuring that no one will lose pay if they need time away from work to attend a vaccina- tion appointment.

By helping to ensure that as many employees as possible are vaccinated, paid leave will play a vital role in British Columbia’s continuing fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Motion approved. Hon. H. Bains: 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 3, Employment Standards 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) HARDY BAY SENIORS M.

Babchuk: I’m honoured today to stand and recog- nize an extremely valued group in Port Hardy, which is a community in the north end of my North Island riding. The Hardy Bay Seniors’ main goals are to keep seniors con- nected to the seniors centre and to each other, to combat loneliness and isolation and to let seniors know they are not forgotten. Over the last three years, Hardy Bay Seniors has grown from 71 members to 220. As mentioned, they maintain the Hardy Bay Seniors Center, where, pre-pandemic, mem- bers regularly got together for an amazing range of inclus- ive activities.

Of course, this has been curtailed by COV- ID-19, but the seniors centre continues to be a hub of meal production and food distribution. Hardy Bay Seniors tackled COVID-19 head-on, set up a watch list to connect the seniors with phone calls, looked for resources, and collaborated with community to provide nutritious meals, gift baskets and gift cards for grocery stores. They have formed a cooking group that produces 70 meals a week — 50 meals for delivery to vul- nerable seniors, ten for volunteers and, recently, ten to share with the homeless coalition. So far over 2,700 meals and groceries have been delivered.

Daily Facebook postings, either a joke or an inspiration- al quote, weekly newsletters and phone calls by the watch list volunteers show just how connected the group is. They are run by an elected volunteer board who give generously of themselves and make this time very easy for our citizens in Port Hardy. I want to take this opportunity to recognize their pres- 1231

ident, Rosaline Glynn, who has recently been nominated for the Order of B.C. Congratulations, Rosaline. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the services the Hardy Bay Seniors have provided to the seniors of Port Hardy and say happy National Volunteer Week to all of the volunteers in the north Island and British Columbia. I have been asked to convey a message: don’t forget you’re going to be a senior if you live long enough. They encourage all members of this chamber to acknowledge that seniors are a vital part of our society. ORGAN DONATION AND LOGAN BOULET G.

Kyllo:It’s Organ Donor Week here in B.C. and all across Canada. [1:40 p.m.] On April 7, the House recognized Green Shirt Day to remember Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet, whose selfless act of registering as an organ donor before his tragic death not only saved six lives but inspired hun- dreds of thousands of Canadians and people around the world to register as an organ donor. Even though it’s estimated that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives, less than a third of British Columbi- ans are currently registered as an organ owner.

Now, Organ Donor Week is part of April’s Organ Dona- tion Awareness Month. It’s a time for all of us to make an effort to sign up and to continue the conversation so we can inspire others to register and help save lives. Members are also encouraged to share their stories and to encourage others to register through social media using the hashtags #loganbouleteffect, #livelifepassiton and #taketwominutes. Remember that it takes less than two minutes to register, and British Columbians can sign up through the B.C. transplant website: transplant.bc.ca.

Let’s all take a moment to continue the conversation and help ensure that no British Columbians will ever need to wait for an organ transplant again. Please take the initi- ative whether you’re on your PC, your laptop or cellular phone. Visit transplant.bc.ca, click on the button, register, and please take the initiative. All you need to do is just answer your personal health number, your name, your address and date of birth, and register your wish. We never know when we might need an organ donor, but taking two minutes to register, like Logan Boulet, could prove to be a lifesaver for someone in need.

VOLUNTEERS N. Sharma:Today I rise virtually to discuss something that involves 44 percent of all British Columbians over the age of 15. That number is only since the last statistics were taken, and I suspect it’s now much higher. This rate is also higher than the national average. By my measure, this involves at least 1.5 million people across this province. That is the rate at which British Columbians volunteer.

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 18 to April 24, and the theme for 2021 is “The value of one, the power of many. ” These sentiments feel especially relevant during these unprecedented times. As British Columbians have always shown, but particularly through this pandem- ic, we can do great things when we work together for a common purpose. Volunteer hours every year in this province are estim- ated to contribute a value of $6 billion to our economy and represent the equivalent of 146,000 jobs in their labour hours.

This kind of unpaid work weaves the fabric of our society and creates benefits that can not be measured by dollar value. This past year, we’ve also seen volunteers stand up for equality, for democracy and for a kinder, more inclusive world. All movements and social change begin with people organizing in their communities and donating their skills and time. Volunteering is

an act of kindness that has the power to transform lives. Please join me in recognizing every one among us who gives back. Y ou’re creating a stronger, more sustainable and resilient province for all. S. Cadieux: Indeed, it is National Volunteer Week in Canada. I’m proud to live in a province where so many individuals volunteer. Whether it’s formal commitment to a group or simply helping someone in your community, it all matters. The last year has been challenging for British Columbians, yet in a time of crisis, our best shines through. We come together as a community and care for one another.

Volunteers are so often the glue that holds the community together. Studies have demonstrated that helping others kindles happiness. During the pandemic, we can all use a little of that. Right now, in Surrey, volunteers are making huge contributions. Options Community Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign for an important affordable housing project. Fifty local women have volunteered to each raise $25,000 towards the project, which is absolutely amazing.

A shout-out to my constituency assistant Kiran Dhaliwal, one of the millen- nial volunteers in the group, who has already met her goal — outstanding. While we see so many people of all ages step up to help others in our community through this difficult year, last summer, Southridge School student Nora Zhu and a group of her classmates raised money to help fund a meal pro- gram for front-line workers at Peace Arch Hospital. Then there’s my friend former CKNW intrepid reporter George Garrett, who helped co-found the Volunteer Can- cer Drivers Society and has helped so many through that endeavour.

He also took time to volunteer on my election campaign in the fall. [1:45 p.m.] To the thousands more in communities all over the 1232 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

province, people making a difference for others: kindness does win, and love wins. The theme for this year is “The value of one, the power of many, ” and doesn’t it just say it all? To volunteers in communities across this province, we say thank you and happy Volunteer Week. REDEVELOPMENT OF RIVERVIEW LANDS AND ROLE OF KWIKWETLEM FIRST NATION F. Donnelly:People in my community and throughout B.C. care deeply about the Riverview lands in Coquitlam.

For over 100 years, the Riverview lands housed thousands of mental health patients and staff, set amongst a world- class arboretum and a series of what have become some of B.C. ’s most historic buildings. Though the hospital officially closed in 2012, much of the site is still used for mental health treatment and by non-profit organizations, public programs and the film industry. Recently Kwikwetlem First Nation renamed the 244- acre sitesəmiq̓ ʷəʔelə, which means the “place of great blue heron” in the traditional language of the Kwikwetlem.

Chief Ed Hall explained this name was chosen because of the land, which was once a roosting site for the great blue heron, due to its proximity on the floodplain of the Coquitlam River. I was honoured to attend a powerful renaming cere- mony on behalf of the Attorney General, with the Finance Minister. Our government is working with the Kwikwe- tlem First Nation to develop a master plan for the site, which will benefit the nation and the people of British Col- umbia for decades to come. The planning process has officially started and will engage the public and key interest groups.

The first virtual community information session to outline the public engagement process was held on March 30. An online sur- vey to identify suitable activities is now open for you to provide your feedback as a member of the public advisory group as well. The deadline is April 23. I encourage everyone interested in this site’s future to engage with B.C. Housing during this important public planning process. SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY J. Sturdy:As we’ve collectively stayed close to home during this past year, among the many things we’ve learned….

One of the more impactful realizations is what we have in our own backyard. People are active in every corner of the province, from hiking to ski touring to mountaineering to whitewater kayaking. We’ve seen a dra- matic increase in people getting out on to the land. In the Sea to Sky where access is but a short drive from the Lower Mainland, visitor numbers have ballooned in the back country. It’s not unreasonable to anticipate that this growth trajectory will only continue.

These volumes have highlighted another lesson — a lack of regard for the true nature of personal responsibility while out on the landscape. “Take only photographs and leave only footprints” seems a maxim from the past. “Be prepared for self-rescue” is another adage that needs more emphasis. In the Sea to Sky and, indeed, across the province, search and rescue teams are in place, albeit often overburdened. Rescue and retrieval is costly, both in dollars and even more in time commitment from the thousands of volun- teers, not just for training and response but also for fun- draising.

It’s time that the SAR funding model receive a fundamental review and a real consideration to profes- sionalizing at least some of these services, if only to avoid volunteer burnout. People’s reliance on technology, as well — be it a cell phone or a GPS rescue beacon — is poten- tially dangerous and must not be the primary rescue plan. While a trip plan is fundamental, an anticipation that you and your group will get yourself out of trouble is what should be expected. Trouble may arrive and SAR may back you up, but personal responsibility dictates the importance of having a plan to help yourself.

Trip planning, training to obtain the knowledge and skills you may need and tak- ing the essential gear with you and your crew are just the basics. “Know your limits and stay within it” is true for more than just gaming. A great place to start is to visit adven- turesmart.ca and leave a plan as your first stop to being prepared. [1:50 p.m.] Oral Questions COVID-19 CIRCUIT BREAKER RESTRICTIONS AND SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANT INDUSTRY S.

Bond:Well, despite us asking the Premier repeatedly last week, we’ve heard absolutely nothing about a guar- antee that the circuit breaker grant that was announced would be extended if current health restrictions are. After more than 60 years, the owner of the famous Round Up Café in Surrey is calling it quits. The owner, Dennis, says: “It wasn’t on our terms to go out. Current restrictions made it tough to even break even and try to get ahead. ” There are hundreds of restaurants just like the Round Up Café that may also close because this Premier refuses to take additional action. Let’s try it again today.

Will the Premier commit to extending the circuit breaker grant program if health restrictions continue for weeks ahead? Hon. R. Kahlon:I don’t think there’s a person in this Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1233

House that doesn’t know that it’s a challenging time for businesses throughout B.C., in particular our restaurant industry, which is at half capacity. If they don’t have out- door dining, it’s even more challenging just relying on takeout and then sometimes delivery. I’m not quite sure the member’s question about extend- ing the program…. The program is available until June for businesses to apply. Money is available right now for them to apply if they need so.

We’ve been encouraging busi- nesses to apply, even today when we had a meeting with folks that represent restaurants and breweries and pubs across the province. We made the case for them to contin- ue to push and remind their members that the dollars are available. That being said, we’re going to continue to engage with them just like we have from the beginning. We’re proud of the supports we’ve put in place. We’ve listened, we’ve been nimble from the beginning, and we’re going to continue to be so until we’re out of this pandemic. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Official Opposition on a supplemental. S.

Bond:Listening is one thing, taking action that actu- ally meets the needs of restaurants across British Columbia is apparently completely foreign to this minister. Every single day in British Columbia more and more and more businesses are at risk of permanently closing their doors and that’s the best answer that the minister can up with. Left out of this equation, completely left out, are the young front-line workers who were given no hope and no funding by this Premier. The more the delays, the more and more bills become due at the end of the month.

Take the words of longtime server Taesa Hodel, who says: “It really shows you that there isn’t much support. ” Y et again to this Premier. Y et another program botched, bungled and out of touch with the needs of young front-line workers in British Columbia. Will the minister get up today, fix the gaps in this program and provide desperately needed money for restaurant work- ers in tomorrow’s budget? Hon. R. Kahlon:The circuit breaker program has been very positively received. I mentioned many quotes to the Leader of the Opposition last week.

The chamber presid- ent said to the media: “We applaud the B.C. government for their quick action to provide the financial supports businesses need. ” ABLE-BC said: “This announcement is a lifeline. ” I’ve got pages for the member from Kamloops, who jumped in, of quotes from business stakeholders who think this program is actually hitting the mark. Y ou know why they think that? It’s because they worked with us on it. We listened to them. We engaged with them. We worked on the details of the program with them, so they know it hits the mark. We know it hits the mark.

We encourage businesses to apply for that program. It’s available. The member talked about extending it. There’s no need to extend. The program is available for businesses. We strongly encourage them to do so. As far as the budget goes, you know, the budget will be tabled together. I know that the opposition is excited to see it, certainly us in government are excited to see it. We think that it’s going to continue to meet the needs of Brit- ish Columbians, just like the last budget did and just like the budget before that as well. M.

Bernier:Look, workers in my riding and around the province are actually just getting sick and tired of the arrogance and disdain being shown by this minister and this government. Imagine this: after 90 years of opera- tion…. Most of us in this House will remember going out as a kid or taking your kids out for a Pirate Pak.

There are not too many things in this province that symbolize B.C. more than White Spot. [1:55 p.m.] Thanks to this Premier, this government and their decisions, my local White Spot is being shut down per- manently in Dawson Creek, which means people are out of work permanently from this place, thanks to the health orders, too many taxes and too much uncertainty by this government. I know Jason. Jason works there. He’s worked there since high school. He’s worked there for 30 years. He contacted me to say: “What do I do now? What is the government going to be doing for me?

After 30 years working there, I’m now out of a job, as well as 40 other people that work in this establishment. ” To the Premier, will workers like Jason be seeing any new financial relief or support at all to help them now, los- ing their jobs, to help them pay their bills? Hon. R. Kahlon:Again, I think everyone understands that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s going to be a challenging time until we can start seeing these businesses that have been relying on operating at full capacity. Until they’re able to do so, it’s going to be a challenging time.

Again, I know the members don’t like hearing this, but it’s a fact. We have the highest per-capita supports for people and businesses in this country. We’re proud of that. It’s reflected in the job numbers that have been coming through, even in a pandemic. We’re still, as a province, doing well compared to other jurisdictions. I feel for the young person who has lost that job. That’s why, just even a couple of weeks ago, the Minister of Advanced Education announced millions in new skilling and re-skilling programs at our various universities, part- nering with B.C.

Tech Association, partnering with a whole host of different organizations. We announced a youth employment program — $42 million that helps put people to work in parks, helps clean our oceans and gets them their first tech jobs. 1234 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

We’re putting the supports in for people just like that — who’ve been displaced from work — and we want to create more opportunities for them so they can get good-paying jobs and be able to stay here in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker:The member for Peace River South on a supplemental. M. Bernier:Well, that answer just highlights the dis- connect from this ministry and this government of what’s happening on the ground. People are losing their jobs now. They have bills to pay now. They’re looking for help and support from this government now — not later, now.

In a small community like Dawson Creek, losing an employer like White Spot is huge, not only for the jobs lost, but for the community itself. Jason and so many like him are just feeling left behind by this Premier and this govern- ment. Jason says: “Thanks to these lockdowns, I’m now out of a job. If this was indeed a state of a emergency, this Pre- mier would be helping out businesses and employers and workers now. ” Again, will the Premier help Jason and many other workers like him with financial relief now — not later, now? Hon. R. Kahlon: I do think, from the question….

I hope that the member does support needs for restrictions to keep COVID numbers down. It wasn’t entirely clear from the question — the way he phrased it — whether he supports measures that have been advanced by the provin- cial health officer. It’s critically important. I saw the pres- entation from the provincial health officer. I appreciate that business is struggling in Dawson Creek. We saw the numbers. We know they’re consider- ably high in Dawson Creek.

The measures we’re putting in place are to ensure that we can keep communities and people safe — again, historic investments to support busi- nesses and people in this province. We’re proud of the sup- ports we’ve put in place. Of course there’s more to do. We’re going to continue to do that. I’m looking forward to seeing the budget tomorrow so we can show the public there are going to be more investments in people and businesses across this province. COVID-19 RESPONSE AND USE OF RAPID TESTING AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS S.

Furstenau:Given what’s unfolding in other parts of Canada right now, British Columbians are looking to their government for how we are going to avoid the same out- comes in B.C. Last week the Premier said vis-à-vis COV- ID: “We will use the tools that are available to us if we believe they are effective. ” The Minister of Health said he’s open to our suggestions, so let’s give some. Experts are calling to significantly ramp up testing, including rapid testing in workplaces and regions where cases are high.

Non-invasive tests, like a gargle test, could be done twice a week, with government acting on the pos- itives and confirming those with PCR tests, as is happen- ing in the U.K. right now, where every single citizen has access to free rapid testing in that country. [2:00 p.m.] This could be a significant element of a plan, going for- ward. We can restrict interprovincial travel, as is seen in other provinces, to limit the spread of variants and focus our attention on British Columbians. We could be pressur- ing the federal government to get serious about restricting international travel.

My question is to the Premier. Cases have risen dramat- ically. Hospitalizations are breaking records. What is the line at which government will use the tools that are avail- able to them? Hon. S. Malcolmson:Tens of thousands of people are getting immunized every day, but the final mile of the pandemic is proving more difficult and the situation is, indeed, serious. The Health Minister has spoken at length, and Dr. Henry has answered multiple questions from the media, about where and why rapid testing can be used and where it is used best — for example, in remote communities. Right now the Health Minister and Dr.

Henry are speaking about new measures in a press conference around COV- ID-19. We’ll keep taking the advice of public health around how to best use the resources available and continue to work together to flatten the curve and keep people safe. Mr. Speaker:The Leader of the Third Party on a supple- mental. S. Furstenau:One of the advantages we have, with COVID-19 and the rate at which it’s transmitting around the world, is we can look to jurisdictions that have actually managed to get variants under control, like the U.K. One of the tools they’ve used has been rapid testing.

I think we can look outside of our own borders to look for solutions. Throughout this pandemic, we’ve heard from the Pre- mier and the Minister of Health that public health meas- ures are up to the provincial health officer and those who advise her. Last week, however, the Premier commented that travel restrictions were a decision he and his cabinet were discussing.

TheGlobe and Mail wrote: “Premier John Horgan will meet with his cabinet to debate further restrictions as the latest measures, imposed March 29, have so far failed to slow the third wave. ” I think British Columbians should have some clarity about exactly how decisions are being made when it comes to responding to this pandemic. My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier or somebody from cabinet clarify for this House and for the Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1235

public who is making decisions about public health meas- ures and what the process is for that decision-making? Hon. M. Farnworth:Well, obviously, as the member stated, the provincial health officer has been making orders and recommendations which have been put in place for British Columbians to follow. At the same time, we also take advice in terms of — the member mentions — travel restrictions, and as has been indicated, cabinet is looking at various options and various methods in which those could be put in place, and how they could be put in place and how they could be enforced.

I would also take the opportunity to remind the mem- ber that it was this government that dealt with the federal government and put in place the first international travel restrictions in this country that ensured that people had to quarantine, that ensured that people had to have a plan in place when they arrived to Canada, because there are liter- ally hundreds of thousands of Canadians who live outside this country and have the right of return. I can tell you that, for example, when we started back in April, less than 50 percent of travellers returning to this province had any sort of plan in place.

The latest statistics show that close to 85, 86 percent of Canadians returning to the country now, to British Columbia, have a plan in place on how they’re going to quarantine and how they’re going to self-isolate. We will continue to take the steps that are necessary by working with the federal government and working with our provincial health officer to ensure that the proper travel issues are dealt with and that they’re dealt with com- prehensively and in the best interests of the people of this province. CRIME VICTIM SUPPORT BENEFITS FOR FORMER CHILDREN IN CARE K.

Kirkpatrick:For many years, there have been vic- tims of crime in care and custody of government who did not receive benefits they were entitled to receive. Govern- ment let down vulnerable children by failing to apply for victim supports such as counselling. To the Minister of Children and Family Development, has the ministry identified how many individuals there are for whom victim’s benefits were not pursued? Hon. M. Dean:Thank you to the member for the ques- tion. This is an important matter that I will discuss with my team, and I will get a response back to her. Mr.

Speaker:The member for West Vancouver–Capi- lano on a supplemental. K. Kirkpatrick:The Premier’s mandate letter for the Minister of Children and Family Development calls for her to ensure support reaches all youth. [2:05 p.m.] We know that supports for victims of crime did not reach many former children in care. Will the Premier direct the Ministry of Children and Family Development to identify the number of former children in care whose victim’s benefits were not pursued? Hon. M. Dean:Thank you again to the member for this question.

It is a really important matter in my ministry, making sure that we provide supports for children and youth who have been in government care. I know the member will know that in my mandate letter, I am asked by the Premier to make sure that we create a cross-government approach to make sure that we’re able to provide successful transitions for children and youth who have been in government care and to make sure that they’re able to fulfil their potential. Already the govern- ment has taken really important steps to make sure the supports and services are there — for example, the tuition waiver.

That is a wonderful program that so many young people have told me has been liberating for them to access. I am mandated to work with many of my colleagues across government to make sure that we do build that successful transition. I’m absolutely committed to making sure that we do that successfully. M. de Jong: I’m trying to reconcile the minister’s last answer — the words — with the actions of her ministry. We know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of former children in the care of government, who did not receive benefits to which they were entitled, as victims of abuse or other criminal misconduct.

Many of those chil- dren, many of those victims, were Aboriginal children. They are now endeavouring to come together and pur- sue their rights, pursue those benefits that they were denied. Y et inexplicably, the Ministry of Children and Families is opposing their attempt to pursue their rights as a group of victims. Can the Minister of Children and Families explain why her ministry is opposing — actively opposing — these vic- tims, who merely want to pursue the benefits they should have received as children in the care of government? Hon. M. Dean:Thank you to the member for the ques- tion.

Our government is absolutely committed to making sure that we provide supports for children and young people, who have been in government care. I’m working diligently with other colleagues and min- isters in government to make sure that we’re able to build that system, not just for children and youth who are in care now but to make sure that we’re able to create that pathway for now, and into the future, for children and young people to fulfil that potential. Mr. Speaker:The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental. 1236 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

M. de Jong: Well, again, I’m having great difficulty reconciling what the minister has just said with what is taking place this week, with her ministry in court, actively opposing the application being brought by this group of victims to have their claim heard as a group of victims. It’s the minister’s job. She has her role. She is a member of cabinet, specifically to defend and advance the interests and protect children in care and, if necessary, protect their interests after they leave the care of government. Why isn’t she doing that?

Instead, she has apparently directed her ministry to act- ively oppose the applications of these former children in care, who are seeking nothing more than the rights and benefits that they were denied when they were in the care of government. Hon. M. Dean: Thank you to the member. Y ou will know that any matter before the courts I’m unable to com- ment on. [2:10 p.m.] PROPERTY TAXES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND SPLIT ASSESSMENT PROPOSAL T.

Stone:For three years, we’ve been asking this gov- ernment, urging this government to provide real solutions to help small businesses, which have faced massive prop- erty tax increases based on the development potential of the airspace above their heads. Instead, the Finance Min- ister put together an interim tool that, one year later, not one of the 162 municipalities in British Columbia believes is workable. I say that because not a single one of those municipalities is using the tool a year later.

Now, with the NDP imposing further speculation taxes on the air above small businesses, the same minister is promising yet another interim measure. My question to the Premier is this. What exactly is this government’s latest interim plan, and why doesn’t he solve the problem, permanently today by throwing a lifeline to all those small businesses that are out there, that absolutely need the help and are barely hanging on? Hon. D. Eby: I know that the member has heard the Minister of Finance say that she is aware of this issue and will be putting in place a solution for it in relation to the speculation tax.

I know the member was also here, because I was here, too, when the member was on the government side of the House and the issue of split assessments gener- ally was raised. They went many years without addressing this issue. It is a challenging issue, but I can assure the member that, with the Minister of Municipal Affairs, we will address this issue. He can rest assured that it will be addressed once and for all. Mr. Speaker: The member for Kamloops–South Thompson on a supplemental. T. Stone:Well, this government has been in power now for a full term. They’re actually into their second term.

We have proposed a solution, three years in a row, to address this challenge of rising property taxes in a meaningful way. It is clear that the minister has completely botched the file. As I just said, there is a solution. A broad coalition of stakeholders, including a working group of mayors, in an intergovernmental committee that was formed a number of years ago — small businesses, chambers of commerce, non-profits….

They all support the solution that we have brought to life in this chamber in bringing it forward three times, that solution being a commercial property subclass via a split assessment classification. Now, last week the Premier said: “I don’t believe it’s fair to tax people for space that doesn’t exist. ” Again, if the Premier is serious about giving small busi- nesses a fighting chance to survive, will he tell his minister to scrap her failed interim tinkering and axe the tax now? Hon. D.

Eby: There are a lot of members in this House that could fairly stand up and talk about trying not to botch a file, but with all due respect to the member, I don’t think he’s one of them. I say that from experience. We will address the issue. The Minister of Finance will address the speculation tax issue, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs will address, once and for all, the split assessment issue, as we committed to when we put the interim fix in place. BUDGET PROVISIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS J. Tegart:School districts throughout British Columbia are facing huge deficits and the possibility of major cuts.

The province’s incompetence in delivering a budget on time has only added to the stress for teachers, students and parents. Surrey could face a $43 million shortfall; in Richmond and Victoria, more than $7 million; and more than $4 mil- lion in Vancouver. To the Premier: why are you making school districts choose between cutting staff, cutting supports or cutting programs? Hon. J. Whiteside:Thank you to the member for the question. I know that we all, across this House, value edu- cation.

I will say that, over the course of our government’s tenure, we have made significant investments in education, on both the operating and the capital side. Now, we have some sequencing going on here, because school districts, of course, are required by March 15…. We tell them what their operating grants will be, and they commence their planning for September, as they’re required to do. Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1237

[2:15 p.m.] We’re going to see a budget tomorrow, delivered by our Finance Minister. I am very much looking forward to the commitments that this government has historically made, with record increases in investments in education. We’ll see what that looks like tomorrow, but there’s no question that, over the last three years, we have seen significant increases in education, both in operating and capital. I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow. Mr. Speaker:The member for Fraser-Nicola on a sup- plemental. J. Tegart:The pandemic has been tough on parents, teachers and students.

Trustees, with little support from the province, have worked to negotiate through these unparalleled situations. In particular, the needs for mental health supports and meal programs have seen an uptick as families struggle. To the Premier, will he commit today to increasing sup- port for mental health and meal programs so that students and families who are relying on them don’t have to worry about them being cut? Hon. J.

Whiteside: She raises very important sup- ports that students receive in our education system — it’s not only the learning; it’s the access to mental health supports and to meal programs — and knows the importance of retaining kids. Making sure that kids have access to those programs in school has been a funda- mental part of our government’s approach to how we have dealt with the pandemic. There have been remarkable stories, I want to say, of teachers, principals, school staff and trustees stepping up to ensure that kids have access and that families continue to be connected to things like meal programs.

Our govern- ment has made record investments to correct many years of underfunding of our education system. We are going to continue to do that. We are going to continue to make sure that kids have access to the quality education that they need and to the supports that go along with that. P . Milobar:Back in December, when the only bill that we had to debate was delaying the budget for two months, we raised, several times, that delaying the budget would have an impact on groups and agencies and governmental bodies, like school districts.

We were told: “No, it won’t have any impact. ” We just heard the minister say that school districts had to start getting budgets in by March 15, which is usually a month after the budget has already been introduced. This year, it’s a month before the budget is introduced, so there is a lot of worry for school districts. The member for Kamloops–South Thompson and I met with our district last week. They have a budget shortfall. They don’t have assurances that the extra funding for COVID supports will still be in place in September.

Can the minister confirm today that all of these extra supports for PPE, for extra staff, extra custodial work — all of the COVID supports that school districts currently have in place — will still be funded in September for them? Hon. J. Whiteside:Thank you to the member for the question. Our government has worked very closely with all of our education partners, rights holder groups, throughout the course of the pandemic to ensure that schools have the resources that they needed in order to ensure that the safety plans in our schools are fully implemented.

Again, I will say that our government has made record investments in every single aspect of education. We have built new schools. We have seismically upgraded schools. We are building new playgrounds. We are investing in mental health. We have mental health integ- rated teams rolling out in school districts. We are mak- ing the investments that kids and families need, in order to ensure that they get the education they need. We’re going to continue to do that, and I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow. Mr. Speaker:The Opposition House Leader on a sup- plemental. P .

Milobar:The reality is, though, that districts right now are facing huge deficits, and we know this to be a fact — $43 million in Surrey; Richmond and Victoria, $7 mil- lion each; $4 million in Vancouver. Kamloops is in a defi- cit, despite draining their reserves. It’s simply broken right now, and all that the people are looking for at the school district tables, are assurances from this government that cuts will not have to happen. Unfortunately, we can’t get that today, it sounds like. [2:20 p.m.] I’ll ask one last question to the minister.

There’s been talk about the consultation being done across the spec- trum. How much consultation has been done with the BCTF about the promise around child care in schools? That is in another area that the Teachers Federation is very concerned about — the lack of consultation from this minister and this government on changes that are being brought forward by this government. Hon. M. Farnworth:I must say that I do find it inter- esting, the questions that have been asked in the House today, a lot of them budgetary questions.

I can anticipate the excitement of the opposition, after realizing that a gov- ernment we have had in power now since 2017 has made record investments not only in education and in health care and in transportation and in infrastructure right across this province, has fought a pandemic, ensuring that 1238 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

all British Columbians get through this and come out of this pandemic stronger. They want to know what’s in that budget tomorrow. Well, I can tell them. Tomorrow afternoon… Interjections. Mr. Speaker:Members. Hon. M. Farnworth:…the Finance Minister will stand in this House and deliver a budget that they will, in fact, be proud to support.

I am looking forward to that budget being delivered tomorrow but, most importantly, given all the requests for the spending that they have made and all the programs that they want to see in place, that they vote for that budget when we have that vote in this chamber. [End of question period.] Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:I call continued debate on the throne speech. Throne Speech Debate (continued) E. Ross:I’ d like to pick up where I left off on Thursday in relation to the government’s true opinion and attitudes towards First Nations. [N.

Letnick in the chair.] Y ou know, what they say in the House doesn’t match up with what they say outside of the House. Some of the actions of this government in relation to First Nations issues are still, as I said on Thursday, offensive. Arguing in court that the Nuu-chah-nulth people, who are trying to fight for their rights and title…. Trying to argue and try- ing to put their argument on them that they gave up their rights and title, and that they should prove that they gave up their rights and title, is offensive. That doesn’t even match up with any type of argument that exists in case law in regards to

section 35 of the con- stitution, much less your own bill that you’re breaching, your own political bill, UNDRIP . And you’re telling a First Nation that they’ve given up their rights and title and they should provide proof. That is offensive. And still be running around, patting yourselves on the back, talking about how much wisdom you’ve gained from First Nations people and how much you know about them and bragging about your First Nations heritage….

Then finding out that this government is actually arguing against children that came out of government care, that are fighting for a benefit that should be coming to them, that should have come to them in the first place. But this NDP government is arguing against that? It goes beyond offens- ive. There are more words — “tasteless. ” To still come up with a land acknowledgment and talk about how much you respect First Nations, First Nations issues, and then claim that you can’t talk about an issue because it’s in the courts, when, really, what we’re talking about is a position of the government….

We’re not asking you to divulge your strategy or your argument. We’re ask- ing you: how come you’re not matching your actions with what you say with your rhetoric in the House? That’s what we’re asking. To argue against Aboriginal children and non-Abori- ginal children that came out of care?

This government is arguing that “no, you don’t deserve that benefit that should be coming to you, because you came out of government care. ” Aboriginal or not, where is the caring? [2:25 p.m.] Where is the long-term outlook for these kids, and now these young adults, that definitely will need a leg up when it comes to establish themselves in society? Another thing: respect. Y ou know, we hear a lot about what this government is doing in terms of negotiating Aboriginal rights and title away from the treaty table, away from the courts. Negotiating one of most complex issues in Canada. This is under the….

I’m thinking it’s under the guise of the UNDRIP bill, which is a vague and general bill. It will be interesting to find out how that plays out. The other half of that will probably be negotiated on the basis of Aboriginal rights and title established in the courts of B.C. and Canada under

section 35. Not once have I heard this NDP government talking about woman’s equality or their attitude towards First Nations issues. Not once have I heard them talk about the three female hereditary chiefs that had their titles stripped because of the very topic that the B.C. government is nego- tiating with these First Nations leaders in the first place. Chief Theresa Tait-Day, Chief Gloria George and Chief Darlene Glaim supported LNG development, and they had their hereditary titles stripped by males.

Now we find the B.C. government negotiating with those same leaders and negotiating — guess what? — LNG development. If there is such a push for women’s equality and have a different attitude towards women, especially women in leadership, why has not this government made any men- tion of these three brave women, who are trying to stand up for the future of their people, for the future of their kids on LNG development? Why are these three female leaders not at that table negotiating for what’s best for their kids and their grandkids? They’re the ones that care most their future.

In that same breath, we also find out that the chief of the Tk’ emlúps band has actually got defamatory accus- ations against her — Chief Rosanne Casimir, who only wants to support economic development and wants the outsiders off her territory. She gets linked to sex traffick- Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1239

ing, a libelous term. Can the government come out and say something on behalf of that First Nation in the same way that they’re defending logging in the Premier’s own riding? It seems that this government only gets involved in those issues when it’s politically right for them, politically right for the NDP . It doesn’t matter if it’s not right for the Indi- genous people. It doesn’t matter if it’s not right for the B.C. people. Only if it’s politically correct at the time. But it’s all good, because we make land acknowledge- ments. Since this is a response to the throne speech….

By the way, that was a response to the throne speech because a large part of the throne speech was directed at UNDRIP and Aboriginal people in the insurrection. But apart from that, there is no substance to the actual economy, espe- cially when we talk about economic recovery. I found this one of the most important subjects because I link up the economy to the health of the society. But in this case here, these two areas have been separated. There has been incredible loss to the B.C. economy and an incredible amount of stress. A lot of people have lost their businesses. A lot of people have lost their jobs.

A lot of these people will have long-term losses and stresses. And yes, some of them will have to leave their homes. They’ll have to leave the province. They’ll have to leave the country. Especially the breadwinners. This is tough. I come from a place where there is no economy. Now, thankfully, I’m living in Skeena, where we do have an eco- nomy, thanks to the First Nations and the previous govern- ment to 2017 who had the foresight to fight for LNG since 2004, did all the heavy lifting. [2:30 p.m.] I thank all those people at those tables — all those Aboriginal leaders.

I thank the previous government for reconciling Aboriginal rights and title with the economic wishes of B.C. I thank those people. There’s more to do in this economic crisis, this COV- ID crisis, that we’re in the middle of, especially when we talk with the tourism and restaurant sectors, which have been hit especially hard. There is no light at the end of the tunnel for these workers, these people and these businesses, especially when we’re talking about the con- fusing messaging that keeps coming out of this govern- ment.

Even customers aren’t sure which restaurants are open and at what times or under what conditions. So it’s not surprising that these businesses are folding up. In turn, they’re asking questions: “What next? Where do I go? What am I going to do?” It’s quite surprising, when it comes to tourism, that this B.C. government was caught unaware of the Jones Act, had no idea that the United States was planning to bypass B.C. ports, bypassing a multi-billion-dollar industry in B.C. This government got caught surprised by it. Y et, it was in the news. I mean, the economies of Vancouver, Victoria, Prince Rupert….

A large chunk of those economies are based on the cruise ship industry. Y ou know what this B.C. government…? Part of their explanation was that that was about federal jurisdiction, because it’s shipping. Well, let’s take a step back a couple of years. It didn’t stop this government or the B.C. Premier from teaming up with Governor Inslee from Washington state to stop oil tankers from leaving Vancouver harbour. Isn’t this the same jur- isdictional argument? Why is it convenient now to blame this all on the feds, when back then, this B.C. government teamed up with the United States to stop Canadian oil?

But they never said a word about Governor Inslee’s oil parking right across from Victoria that was carrying Alaskan oil for the refineries of Washington state so they could sell gasol- ine and diesel to B.C. I think the cruise ship industry is actually fundamental to the B.C. tourism industry, especially in the largest places that have built up the infrastructure and built up the busi- nesses around it to take advantage of it. Alaskan leaders, by the way, are just doing what they’re supposed to be doing. They’re looking after their people. They’re looking after their jurisdictions.

Every jurisdiction around the world is going to become more and more aggressive in getting their economies back on track for the sake of their societies — everywhere except B.C, which is a shame. We’ve also been talking in this House, for a number of years — as long as I’ve been here, anyway — about women and equality. It’s quite shameful that this govern- ment doesn’t actually speak up, in terms of Aboriginal leadership, for hereditary leaders that lose their titles or speak up for the chief councillor who’s actually under libel- lous charges right now, accusations.

Ever since 2004, I’ve taken a different look at women’s issues, basically because an academic at a conference actually changed my opinion and changed my outlook. Don’t get me wrong. We’re a melting pot of culture and diversities in Canada, but we’ve always had a track record of always trying to improve what we’ve done, including addressing those issues that affect women — dispropor- tionately, mind you. How women are being treated, still, in most sectors, is often not brought to light. My example of Theresa Tait-Day, Gloria George, Darlene Glaim — that never made the papers.

It didn’t get high-profile coverage in our media, and it’s wrong. Connected to that — and there is a lot of connection here, in terms of how we’re viewing women — ultimately, we also have to think about the safety, because nobody could’ve predicted 20 years ago the drug problem that we have here today in B.C. [2:35 p.m.] I agree with everybody in this House. We have to do better to address addictions. We have to do better in addressing the homeless. But to think back to when the NDP were in opposition, they were claiming that they had all the answers and the B.C. Liberals didn’t.

Well now, under the NDP government, the problem has become worse, and the violence has become worse, instead of 1240 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

acknowledging that nobody expected the horrific types of drugs that would be hitting our streets. I mean, I’ d never even heard of crystal meth until a few years ago. Crock. I’ d never heard of crock. The scariest drugs in my time were cocaine and heroin, and guys my age were too scared to experiment with it. The generation of today has experienced much, much harsher drugs with much, much harsher consequences.

What’s ironic about this is that we all acknowledge it — that the illegal drug trade is here to stay — because now we’re all talking about a safe drug supply that’s been shut down because of border closures. That’s the reason why so many people are overdosing. That’s one of the biggest reas- ons. So take the politics out of it. Not only do we address the addictions issue and the homeless issue, but let’s start addressing the safety of the general public. When my wife is afraid to walk in the streets alone in the middle of the day — she’s afraid — then we have a problem.

When women are getting attacked and beaten in their own homes and one dies of complications later on, we have a problem. When another woman gets beaten in her home with a hammer while the intruder goes through her belongings, we have a problem. At the same time we’re addressing addictions and home- lessness, we’ve got to think about the public safety. There are many countries around the world that have been trying to tackle this in many different ways. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. Past MLA Jane Thornthwaite actually proposed the Portugal model in some form — not total, in some form.

She tried to explain to us what it meant to decriminalize drugs, the real meaning behind that. There are other jurisdictions. We can take those kinds of models and see what’s best for B.C. We can make a tail- or-made approach here, for B.C. But at the same time, we’ve also got to be doing more to protect those most vulnerable in our society, including those most vulnerable inside those camps in Strathcona Park, on the streets of Terrace, on the streets of Prince George. We’ve got to do more.

We have, at least, got to slow it down a bit — get control of it — because ultimately, as has been said many, many times before, we’re all in this together. Hon. R. Fleming: Thank you so much for the oppor- tunity to speak today and respond to our government’s throne speech. I’m honoured to be here this afternoon as the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on the traditional territory of theLək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking people, the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.

It is indeed a privilege to be here on behalf of my con- stituents in Victoria–Swan Lake to speak in favour of a throne speech that gives a broad outline for this govern- ment’s priorities, our commitments to the people of British Columbia, our commitment to make communities safer as we navigate our way through the end of this pandemic and build a better future and build back better as an economy and as a province. We know that this has been an absolutely extraordinary, once-in-a-century year for the people of our province, for our country, for every country in the world.

It is one that has been tough on families, on individuals, on people’s mental health; and tough on business owners, who have struggled to save payrolls and keep employees employed, to face the uncertainty, to adapt to new health restrictions, to move to new online ways of doing business, to make change quickly and rapidly, and to work hand in hand with government to be able to do that successfully. [2:40 p.m.] We have a lot to be proud of in terms of the efforts that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of British Colum- bians have put in to keep themselves safe, to keep their families safe and to look after one another.

Long before Dr. Henry implored us, at the outset of this pandemic, to be kind, to be safe and to respect one another, British Colum- bians instinctually were doing that.

One can think of the early days when we would bang on pots and pans, feeling a little bit better knowing that our neighbours were doing it in unison to show our appre- ciation for front-line health care workers at a time when we didn’t even know the properties of the COVID-19 vac- cine, how easily it could be contracted, when this pandem- ic would end, how many people would get sick, what kind of mortality challenge it would present to our province…. That spirit, that ethos of being in it together — even though we have had to deal with one frustration and many setbacks along the way — has endured.

It is what will get us through to the other side of this health crisis, and it is what will make this province a stronger place, coming out of the pandemic. There are many ways that we will see enduring innovations in this economy. There are many ways that we will carry on the connections we have made with people, even while it was difficult to do, even while it was six feet away, or even while it was over a digital platform. Those kinds of things have been life-changing.

They have been difficult, but in many instances they’ve also been positive, in terms of bringing us together — to make sure that our kids could go to school safely, to make sure that we had child care services in place, to make sure that the capacity of our hospital system was there to rally around the needs of British Columbians. We are not there, as we know.

I know that the Health Minister and the Premier are, at this very moment, updat- ing the people of our province about what kinds of new restrictions are being contemplated to keep us safe as we face new variants, as we enter into and continue in this third wave of the COVID-19 virus. We have a lot to be thankful for. We have a lot of people to thank in our lives, and I know that is true for all 87 members of this House. In their constituencies, they have many, many people to be proud of. Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1241

It’s no different for me when I look at the random acts of kindness that I have seen people do on a day-to-day basis.

I’m seeing people absolutely refuse a health care worker to pay for a cup of coffee and a snack or meal at a restaur- ant, insisting that they’ d take care of that for them; bring- ing food over to neighbours who may have been part of an exposure alert and were required to self-isolate them- selves, unable to shop for themselves and get goods and services; people stepping up for each other in each and every way to do things safely, to manage and lean on one another for emotional support at critical times. Life has gone on; it has been very difficult.

People have not been able to go to funerals and pay their respects, in the way that they knew how to do, during this health crisis. People have not been able to get married as they had planned to do. People had to put on hold a lot of goals that they may have had. Post-secondary students have not had the benefit of in-person learning and the rewards that come with that, learning and working with their peers in exciting programs that are part of young people’s plans to build a good life for themselves in British Columbia. But we are in a good place today. We have much work to do.

We will have to continue to lean on one another again, but I am not at all surprised by the commitment that people, right across our province, have shown for their families, for their neighbours and for their communities. With over a million people in B.C. vaccinated and tens of thousands of people receiving their first dose everyday, we indeed can see brighter days ahead. Last year, early in the pandemic, we had to take stock of the situation that was unfolding very, very quickly. We had to look at what others were doing. We had to look at the unique chal- lenges that our province faced.

We had to take extraordin- ary steps and, in some cases, use emergency powers to put things in place that were designed to curb the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

We had to make sure, for people who were unable to work at the time because of sudden changes in the eco- nomy and the lockdown that we were in as a province, that there were relief programs created out of thin air — for renters, for middle-class families, for hard-hit small busi- nesses and for the most vulnerable — so that we could relieve the stress for millions of people and so that we could begin to figure out ways to build back and create as much certainty as we could, heading into very uncertain headwaters. [2:45 p.m.] I can say without hesitation that I’m very, very pleased with the response of our government, working alongside communities, individuals, businesses, agencies and Crown corporations, that people worked constructively together and in a collaborative way that made the situation better for the people of British Columbia.

We have delivered more help than any other province, on a per-capita basis, to the people that needed it: those who were vulnerable on an income basis, those who were vulnerable in terms of their businesses being chal- lenged. That’s because this government demonstrated from the outset that being in it together wasn’t merely words. It was a call to action for us to put programs in place, which we did do.

I have to think of some of the things that, a year ago, made life a little bit more certain as we were in the late spring of 2020 and business owners and others were uncertain about how they would survive, how long this virus would last, what kinds of measures they should take where their revenues were challenged, where their ability to meet payroll was very, very difficult. I have to say that the province of British Columbia worked very well with the federal government to com- plement a number of initiatives. The federal government rolled out things like CERB for workers in all industries that were affected.

They implemented things like the CEWS program to help businesses that had payroll chal- lenges. We worked right alongside them to fill in some of the big gaps that threatened the viability of businesses and jobs — things like reducing the commercial property tax rates in this province by an average of 25 percent. That’s a $714 million investment that was made to help sustain busi- nesses just last year. We brought in a 15 percent tax credit on new payroll in the third and fourth quarter of the year 2020 — a $200 million investment to create incentives for businesses to restore and create jobs.

The PST rebate, which continues right now, on machinery and equipment — an investment of almost $500 million by the provincial government to nudge busi- nesses in the direction of innovating, modernizing and adapting their businesses and creating economic activity that was vital in the province of B.C. Tax deferrals, implemented immediately on the carbon tax and all the other Budget 2020 measures, cost the treas- ury close to $275 million. Of course, a B.C.

Hydro for- giveness program, which our government rushed to put in place for all those businesses that were affected by the first wave of health restrictions, again at considerable cost — $10 billion worth of extraordinary interventions made by our government to keep communities, people and busi- nesses whole, to the greatest degree possible that we could.

I’ll get on to some points later in my own ministry where we created — again, out of thin air — specific grant programs for businesses that were extraordinarily affected by the imposition of the health restrictions that were necessary to keep people healthy and safe. I think of the inner-city bus companies that were facing a 95 percent drop in passenger traffic, out of necessity, because we were banning non-essential travel and encouraging people to stay at home and shelter in place. Regional airports saw a similar decline in traffic and revenue to run municipal airports.

We created, again, pro- grams, worth tens of millions of dollars of relief, that were absolutely vital to maintain the integrity of our transport- 1242 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

ation system and to make sure that we get to the other side of this pandemic and are able to rebuild our economy strongly, to “Build back better, ” as the Premier is fond of saying. I want to go back and talk just briefly about what I think set us up for some additional success, built a stronger social fabric much before the pandemic — which, of course, nobody could predict — and that our government was busy working on in its first mandate. One of them has been an incredible help to a province that hasn’t been affordable for many, many decades, because of our geo- graphy and a number of other reasons.

We created the largest middle-class tax cut in B.C. history, by eliminating the MSP health care premiums. [2:50 p.m.] Imagine the regressive tax that we had in place, where billionaires literally paid the same rate of tax as people who made $40,000 a year, to have health care — the only province in Canada with this regressive tax system in place, by the way — maintained by the previous govern- ment and, in fact, raised ten times. Almost every budget year, over 16 years, they gouged middle-class families with MSP tax hikes.

We eliminated that regressive tax com- pletely, saving middle-class families billions of dollars and putting it back into their families for activities they want to afford for themselves and for their children. We reduced hydro rates, which saved hundreds of dol- lars annually for households in British Columbia. Bear in mind that this is a time when prices for almost anything imaginable in the economy were going up. To eliminate a regressive tax; to reduce utilities rates, using the power of B.C. Hydro that we have….

We eliminated road tolls for those who live south of the Fraser who paid this regressive, geographic-based dis- criminatory tax, adding thousands of dollars to those who live in that part of the Lower Mainland to be able to afford the cost of living, to free up money in their monthly budgets and be able to support greater affordability. We were doing these kinds of initiatives that were making life better for the middle class in British Columbia.

In terms of opportunities for young people, we did some extraordinary things that were, quite frankly, long overdue in this province that we couldn’t get any traction for under the previous government. Ideas that we put into private members’ bills that we advocated for, that we’ d lobbied for, year after year, that were never acted upon…. We elim- inated things like interest on student loans. What better investment can a young person make than in their own future by borrowing money to build a better future?

We eliminated the interest rates that were punitive for the debt levels of graduates in B.C. colleges and universities. We’re a government that has been supportive of young people pursuing higher education to get better jobs, to have more income stability, to be able to build a life for themselves and their families right here in British Colum- bia. One of the things I’m so proud of that we restored, which had been unilaterally cancelled in 2001-2002…. We restored a post-secondary grants program.

Not only did we eliminate interest rates on student loans; we created incentives through grants for those who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to college or university, and that was a feature of a budget just three short years ago.

We expanded, in the thousands, post-secondary edu- cation training seats in science, in technology and engin- eering, in digital arts, in mathematics-based degree pro- grams that were long overdue because, for a long time, it took extraordinary GPA levels and luck, quite frankly, to get into university programs that were part of the new eco- nomy — the technology economy that we live in, that we knew was facing significant shortages in terms of training new young people and supporting innovators and com- panies in our economy. We made record increases to income and disability assistance rates.

We introduced the first-ever — if you can imagine this, the first-ever — increase to the seniors sup- plement. It’s very complimentary today, I must say, now that we have some of the high-level details of the federal budget, that the Trudeau government has recognized the progress- ive and successful implementation of our $10-a-day child care strategy. We have created tens of thousands of seats that have saved families tens of thousands of dollars annu- ally, to be able to put their kids in high-quality child care spaces.

Our government has also created a spaces fund that has created those spaces in communities right around B.C. Now we have a federal partner. I’ll await the details, but the federal government has endorsed the leadership shown by British Columbia by echoing the $10-a-day child care pro- gram that we started here just a few short years ago in Brit- ish Columbia. I was pleasantly surprised to also see the remarkable turnaround of a Crown corporation, the Insurance Cor- poration of British Columbia.

I note that the opposite side talks a lot about jobs and supporting jobs, but they cam- paigned on privatizing the Insurance Corporation of Brit- ish Columbia in the last election. They’ d given up on this company that serves the interests of British Columbians. They’ d given up on rate affordability.

They’ d given up on figuring out a way to manage this corporation, and they had advocated privatization. [2:55 p.m.] They literally wanted to take thousands of good jobs out of every community of British Columbia and move them to Toronto, move them to New Y ork, move them to Los Angeles and wherever the big eight insurance companies are headquartered — not here in British Columbia. That was their magic bullet. “We can’t figure out ICBC. We’re just going to sell it off. ” Well, we’ve taken a different approach.

We have pro- duced probably one of the most remarkable business turn- Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1243

arounds that we’ve seen in the province of British Colum- bia. A company that was drowning in red ink, that was used as an ATM machine by the previous government to produce fake balanced budgets on occasion — we have turned it into something that is returning 20 percent of annual premiums right now. I was very pleased to get a rebate cheque myself, and I know that tens of thousands of my constituents who insure their vehicles have been really pleased to save hundreds of dollars on ICBC.

We’ve protected the integrity of that Crown corporation, and we’ve saved the jobs that it sustains in communities right around B.C. We didn’t give up on it. We demanded better performance, and we got better performance from ICBC. There is more to come on that front, but what a remarkable turnaround. Let me go back to child care, because I think the federal budget, again, is going to pay a remarkable dividend for British Columbia’s investments that we started doing over the last three years. We need to create more $10-a-day child care spaces in B.C. That is our task.

But I am so pleased to see, in my community, the capital regional dis- trict, thousands of new child care spaces. I was a parent with young babies a decade ago, and more, and child care was hard to find. It was very difficult to afford. Wait-lists were long. Often parents who were on maternity and paternity leave had to seek additional accommodation from their employer because they had no child care. To see thousands of spaces opening up in my com- munity, high-quality spaces at places like Tillicum Ele- mentary or Doncaster Elementary…. Saanich community place is opening 75 new spaces in June.

They’ve continued building these child care centres during the pandemic, with safe construction practices by the contractors they’re working with. Victoria High School is going to have a brand-new neighbourhood learning centre with a child care facility in it. On and on the list goes. This is something that the previous government abso- lutely neglected and refused to do that’s happening, that’s helping my constituents, that’s making life better and more affordable for families here in the capital regional district, and I’m proud of it.

I’m also proud of the wage increases that we’ve made for minimum-wage workers in B.C. This is a well-stud- ied

section of the workforce. We know that the minim- um wage in British Columbia was artificially — brutally, I would suggest — held down and tiered into two tiers for workers in the economy who had to pay rent and put food on the table. We’re moving that minimum wage up to $15 an hour. It’s great to see other administrations starting to see what British Columbia has done. It’s great to see that the doom and gloom from the other side about how bad it would be to help minimum-wage workers earn more has in no way panned out.

In fact, we’ve had the strongest employment growth record in the country at the same time that we accelerated increases to the minimum wage. I would like to give some shout-outs to specific groups of workers and companies in sectors in B.C. during this pandemic as well. As the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, I want to acknowledge so many workers, whether it’s those on B.C. Ferries who have kept essential travel between the Lower Mainland and island communit- ies on the coast safe. We owe them a debt of thanks, and we continue to owe a debt of thanks.

To truck drivers who have kept goods and services mov- ing — we faced shortages of basic essentials a year ago. People drove through adverse weather conditions to make sure that in places as far away as Smithers, in rural eco- nomies, into the Interior and on to our border in the Rock- ies. The store shelves were stocked, and those deliveries continued to be made. Taxi drivers have been declared essential, and we’ve helped them with our small and medium-sized business program to be able to be strong so that on the other side of this pandemic, we will continue to have ground transport- ation services.

They bravely took our constituents, people in my community and other members’ communities, and made sure they got to their doctors’ appointments on time, made sure they got to all kinds of essential business activ- ities that they needed to do, in very uncertain conditions. So I want to give them a shout-out. [3:00 p.m.] I want to give port workers, longshoremen and others a shout-out as well — $600 million a day into our economy through our port facilities.

The Port Metro Vancouver and our Prince Rupert and Nanaimo ports collectively have seen, during this pandemic, 109 percent of the activity that we saw in the year before the pandemic. Not only did we recover and support the exports and the imports that we need into our economy and keep this open economy going in terms of our trade activities; we increased it. We increased our grain exports to other parts of the world that came to rely on Canadian grain and food- stuffs. We increased the export of resources and finished goods that are made here in Canada and British Col- umbia to support jobs.

Those workers in our ports help make that happen. I also want to give a shout-out, as a parent of two kids in the public school system, to educators, support staff, principals and vice-principals — everybody involved in our school system. It fills me with great sadness to look at American news these days and see the extreme challenge that a number of states have had, where they literally have not had kids in a classroom for coming close to 15 months now — the toll that has taken on the mental health and well-being of kids in the U.S.

We’ve had our own mental health challenges here in our own school system, in our communities, to be sure, but we’ve also found a way to safely restart our schools and to keep them going and to support staff in schools with the 1244 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

resources they need to have strong health and safety proto- cols in place, to be able to keep districts in every part of the province open for kids, to help parents and families and communities be able to try and adapt to the new reality. It has taken a tremendous effort, but I think the single best mental health intervention we’ve made as a govern- ment was to make sure that we not only reopened schools safely this past September but that we actually restored school services at the tail end of the previous school year and finished last June with school going into the summer- time.

Let me speak a little bit about housing. Our government is determined to fix some of the housing problems that have challenged this province for a couple of decades now. We’re working to make housing more affordable for people. We have implemented things that the other side absolutely opposed but that have produced significant, positive results. The speculation tax, for example, has made available 18,000 empty homes that had the lights off, that weren’t housing anyone, available to be part of the housing supply in our communities.

We’re working right now with non-profits, municipal governments, First Nations, businesses to build well over 100,000 homes over the next decade. I see the results of this here in my own community. In the capital region, we have over 3,000 homes either completed, nearing completion or awaiting approvals right now, 800 being constructed during the pandemic and almost finished up at the University of Victoria, the first time that government has made a serious investment in campus housing in well over a decade and a half.

So to see that kind of progress, to see that kind of affordable hous- ing tailored towards the needs of my community and com- munities right around the province, is welcome relief and I think is a testament to the skill and talent of ministers who have been responsible for that file. I’m very pleased to see the throne speech highlight the importance of advanced technology in our economic recovery. We have endeavoured to make an enduring fea- ture of this pandemic connectivity in communities, and we will soon get close to having 100 percent of homes in British Columbia connected to broadband Internet ser- vice.

We have seen tens of thousands of homes become hooked up to the Internet where they had no service pre- viously during this pandemic. We’re working right now in my ministry to improve cell coverage on highway networks right around British Col- umbia. Those are the kinds of things that we need to sus- tain well after the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, and I’m pleased to see that we used this health crisis as an opportunity to advance those kinds of investments. I’m also really pleased to see the scale of investment that is happening in transportation infrastructure.

We have never had six concurrent major projects going on in the history of British Columbia. But just since the turning over of the new year, pilings are being driven into the Fraser River to show progress on the Pattullo Bridge. [3:05 p.m.] The Broadway subway is mobilizing for tunnel-boring to complete a $2.8 billion expansion of SkyTrain from Clark to Arbutus. That is the single busiest bus rapid trans- it corridor in North America, and it will soon have rapid transit investment there, in partnership with the federal government. The Kicking Horse Canyon project, phase 4 — $600 million that we announced.

Construction started last week on that major project to continue the four-laning of high- way to Alberta. On and on it goes. I’m very pleased to see what our government has done and will continue to do on those kinds of investments. I do want to also thank the ministry, organizations like the B.C. Road Builders Association and all of the com- panies and contractors affiliated with that. Typically, our ministry completes about 300 to 400 projects a year in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

I think, since we assumed government, about 1,200 projects have been completed by our government, representing billions of dollars in investment. Right now we are tracking 95 per- cent of those 1,200 projects being on time and on budget in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Our record in terms of emergency pandemic funds…. I know members will have appreciated this in whatever part of the province they live in — around active transportation and putting in trails and local improvements and upgrad- ing forest service roads that connect remote communities to their regional hubs.

We’ve rushed out projects. We’ve put tens of millions of dollars into shovel-ready projects that had to not only be begun but completed by March 31 — by last month. I am pleased to say that of the 180 projects that we fun- ded on an emergency pandemic stimulus basis, all 180 of those projects were on time and on budget. That is a test- ament to the skill of local government engineers, of local communities and of contractors and businesses who filled the supply chain gaps and made sure that those projects were delivered. And by the way, they created hundreds of jobs at a time when they were most needed.

Again, there are so many people to thank for that. We do have to keep our eye on the economy. We need to get through this health crisis. That was the central theme of this throne speech, which I appreciate. I think British Columbians, no matter what their political stripe, will 100 percent agree with that. We have got to see out this pan- demic in the safest way possible — protect lives. The Min- ister of Health and Dr. Henry have made a number of key decisions that have supported that. But on the economy, there is reason to be hopeful. We will see a budget tomorrow that will give additional reas- on.

I look at the labour force survey results that came out last month. It was encouraging to see 35,000 jobs created in that month alone in B.C. It marked the 11th consecutive Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1245

month of job growth. We have now surpassed 100 percent of the pre-pandemic employment levels in the province of British Columbia, and we have the highest level of job recovery in Canada. That’s not to be complacent. That’s not to suggest that we shouldn’t continue to work on businesses that are feeling the pinch right now. It’s to suggest that there is hope, that we can do this together, that businesses have been innov- ative, that they work well with government and that jobs are being created.

I think that we can work with the sectors that are still struggling, support the ones that are seeing signs of growth and acknowledge that we’re not out of the woods yet. That’s what the budget will do tomorrow. That’s what we need to do: continue to make record investments in infrastructure, help businesses grow, and keep our com- munities safe. T. Wat:It is an honour for me to rise in this House in response to the throne speech. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you today from the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

As is a tradition with the throne speech, I would like to take a moment to remember the passing of some of the community leaders and my friends and loved ones in the year of COVID-19. Nathan Fong, famous chef and media personality. Cheryl Pederson, my good friend Chad Pederson’s mother. K.K. Wan, dentist and radio talk show host. Cheng Tseng, film producer, actor and director. Jack Chow, Chinatown pioneer. Col. Howe Lee, founder of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum. Susanna Liu, my good friend. Mo Kong Lam, air travel and tourism industry icon.

And finally, my beloved father, who passed away on the day of my birthday. [3:10 p.m.] Please join me in honouring their contribution to the province. The community and their families are mourning their loss. I would like to take a brief moment to thank my staff and volunteers who have supported me, and continue to support me, as I continue to serve in my role as an MLA, both in Richmond and in Victoria: Hannah Levett, David Decolongon and Sam Arno Burgess and all the staff here in Victoria; as well as Trix Chan, David Shum and William Tu, my constituent assistants in Richmond North Centre.

Of course, I would like to thank the people of Rich- mond North Centre who have supported me since 2013 and have once again put their faith in me to serve as their voice in Victoria. Finally, to my 96-year-old mother, who lost her life part- ner of more than six decades during COVID-19 early last year; my daughter, Tin, my son-in-law, Terry and my two grandsons, Andre and Ashton; as well as my in-law John Chung, for their support and encouragement for me to continue to serve my constituents and British Columbians. My riding of Richmond North Centre is a place of rich cultural and culinary destinations.

It is where tourists first land by air in British Columbia, as it is home to the world-class Vancouver International Airport. Richmond is often the first part of Vancouver and British Columbia that many people get to experience, and it serves us well, as no other community better embodies the spirit of diversity, openness and inclusion that we pride ourselves on, as a province. Hovering around 80 percent prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond’s hotel occupancy rate was among the highest in Canada.

Diverse year-round, multicultur- al attractions like the Richmond Night Market and the Salmon Festival embody Richmond’s keen ability to not only embrace its multicultural heritage and identity but celebrate it. Richmond’s tourism and hospitality sectors are major economic drivers, having contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic output and employing tens of thousands of full-time employees and equivalents in the city. This pandemic and the events of this past year have impacted all of our communities in many different ways.

Here in Richmond, many of the things that make up our community’s unique identity are the reason our com- munity has struggled so much over this past year. Because we are home to a wide variety of the small and independ- ently owned businesses, our community was hit incredibly hard by the economic challenges of COVID-19. Because Richmond, like many communities in B.C., deeply values family, friends and community, our residents have felt an incredible mental and emotional strain after being separated from our loved ones and our way of life.

And because Richmond is one of the most multicultural communities in Canada, with a strong Asian-Canadian community, we became fearful of the horrific rise in racism and hate crimes perpetuated against many of our minority groups. Because we pride ourselves as one of British Colum- bia’s great tourism destinations, our community felt the same impacts that were felt across B.C. ’s struggling tour- ism industry.

Tourism is one of our major economic drivers not just as a city but as a province, a $20 billion — $20 billion — industry that employs hundreds of thousands of workers in communities from all corners of B.C. Back in July, a tourism operator asked for $680 million from this government in order to make a full recovery. Remember, this is an industry that has lost an estimated $16.8 billion in revenue due to COVID. What this govern- ment offered them was a fraction of this, $100 million, and not even all of it has made it out of the door into the hands of tourism businesses.

Many of our tourism businesses and cultural exhibits, like the Richmond Night Market and PNE, don’t even qualify for the business grants. Y et this government has ignored their calls to revise the criteria. [3:15 p.m.] On February 10, the Premier said that help was on the 1246 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

way for large attractions. That was over two months ago, and we have seen nothing from this government. On April 15, the Vancouver Aquarium was purchased by an Amer- ican company because they could not find funding. According to the latest COVID-19 tourism impact report, only 8 percent of tourism businesses in the Van- couver, Coast and Mountains region and 12 percent of tourism businesses in the rest of the province have been able to access the small and medium-sized business grant.

Coincidentally, only 8 percent of tourism businesses in the VCM region and 15 percent of businesses in the rest of the province reported business as usual. This is in stark contrast to only 51 percent of all fully opened businesses in this province reporting business as usual. This clearly shows that this government has left tourism behind. On top of this, government has made no effort to delay or offer any respite from the fixed costs and expenses that these businesses are still subject to.

This is despite their own Tourism Task Force report’s sixth recommendation to defer or relieve the fixed costs of businesses. The travel agency industry has seen little to no revenue since travel was restricted a year ago due to the pandemic, yet Consumer Protection B.C. chose to still charge them nearly $800 in licensing fees in March 2020 and again this month. Ontario and Quebec’s consumer protection agencies have waived their fees until 2022, yet this government has chosen to do nothing.

A total of 68 travel agencies, mostly based in Richmond, have petitioned this government to waive their licence renewal fees since they’re experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19. The travel agencies have had almost zero income throughout the past year, but they still need to pay for their licence renewal fees and rental costs. They are desperately in need of any govern- ment assistance to survive. Hotel operators in the city of Vancouver have half of their property taxes due at the beginning of the year. In some cases, the tax bill far outstripped their revenues for the last few months.

Not only does this put B.C. tourism operators at a significant disadvantage to many of their counterparts in neighbouring provinces; this government’s inaction on the issue directly contradicts recommenda- tions outlined by the Tourism Task Force report — the task force this government commissioned. With the restrictions on indoor dining extended, what is government going to do to support the restaurants and hospitality industry, beyond the small and medium-sized business grants?

How is government making B.C. a wel- come place to do business, when small businesses and tourism operators are being taxed for the air above their heads via the speculation and vacancy tax? What steps is government taking to protect B.C. tourism operators and ensure B.C. is ready to accept tourism and recover once borders are reopened? Government has a record of ignoring the concern of B.C. ’s tourism industry. The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act would allow cruise ships to bypass B.C. ports like Vancou- ver and Victoria, a direct attack on our suffering tourism industry.

Alaskan senator Lisa Murkowski says: “Missing another cruise season will only compound the economic fallout that’s been devastating for so many families. ” [3:20 p.m.] Alaska is taking direct action to protect and preserve its tourism industry, at our province’s expense. Y et the Pre- mier — who was warned about the issue in a February 12, 2021, letter from Alaskan senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan — has not spoken up on the issue.

If the Pre- mier continues to remain silent on the issue, we risk per- manently losing hundreds of millions of dollars in cruise ship tourism revenue, plus the hundreds of B.C. businesses who rely on cruise ship traffic. Cruise ship tourism is responsible for $2.7 billion in revenue as well as 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly in this province. Every cruise ship that visits Vancouver brings $3 million in direct activity to the local economy. They had 288 ships visit in 2019. Thanks to this government, our tourism industry has been one of the hardest-hit and least-supported sectors throughout this pandemic.

Victoria lost an estimated $130 million in tourism revenue in the 2020 season, while the entire B.C. tourism industry lost $16.4 billion, of an annual $20 billion, in GDP . When we asked the minister in the House what govern- ment is doing to protect our tourism sector, she insisted that this was a federal issue and that they are instead focused on the vaccine rollout. Good news, but it didn’t really answer our questions. While it is also welcome new

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20210419pm-Hansard-n51
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20210419pm Hansard n51
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	e07cd7600edf4b80b0a81c92660060b5b3433d59

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