British Columbia Hansard — 18 April 2018, p.m., Issue 118 (41st Parliament, 3rd Session)

20180418pm-Hansard-n118

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 118 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Third Session, 41st Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Darryl Plecas EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council............................................................................................................... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance............................................................................................................................Hon.

Carole James Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training..................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General.................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development............................................................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Child Care......................................................................................................................................Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services.................................................................................................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Minister of Education............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources...............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.............................................................................................Hon.

George Heyman Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development..............................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Minister of Health.....................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon.

Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology............................................................................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour...................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions............................................................................................................................ Hon. Judy Darcy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.................................................................................................................. Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General........................................................................................................... Hon.

Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction..............................................................................................Hon. Shane Simpson Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.....................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................ Hon.

Claire Trevena LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Official Opposition................................................................................................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QC Leader of the Third Party ....................................................................................................................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................... Linda Reid Deputy Chair, Commi ttee of the Whole................................................................................................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Commi ttees.................................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Commi ttees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan Sourial Sessional Law Clerk...............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ................................................................................................................................................................................. Gary Lenz

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal)........................................................................ Penticton Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)...............................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal)................................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP).............................................Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Begg, Garry (NDP) ..................................................................... Surrey-Guildford Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal).......................................................

Peace River South Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)......................................... Prince George–Valemount Brar, Jagrup (NDP)..................................................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)....................................................... Surrey South Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–West End Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP).....................................................Burnaby-Lougheed Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ............................................................... Burnaby-Edmonds Chow, Hon.

George (NDP)............................................... Vancouver-Fraserview Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal)................................ Columbia River–Revelstoke Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal)...............................................................Langley East Conroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)......................................................... Kootenay West Darcy, Hon.

Judy (NDP) ............................................................New Westminster Davies, Dan (BC Liberal)..........................................................Peace River North de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal)............................................ Abbotsford West Dean, Mitzi (NDP)...............................................................Esquimalt-Metchosin D’Eith, Bob (NDP) ...............................................................Maple Ridge–Mission Dix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)......................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Hon.

Doug (NDP).....................................................................Stikine Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP).............................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ...................................................... Port Coquitlam Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) .....................................................Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal)........................................................... Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Hon.

Scott (NDP) ................................................ Mid Island–Pacific Rim Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ........................................... Cowichan Valley Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal)................................................. Abbotsford-Mission Glumac, Rick (NDP)........................................................Port Moody–Coquitlam Heyman, Hon. George (NDP).............................................. Vancouver-Fairview Horgan, Hon. John (NDP) ...............................................

Langford–Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal).......................................................Surrey-Cloverdale Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal).........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain James, Hon. Carole (NDP)...................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Johal, Jas (BC Liberal)...............................................

Richmond-Queensborough Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)..............................................................................Delta North Kang, Anne (NDP)..................................................................Burnaby–Deer Lake Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ..................................................................Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Shuswap Larson, Linda (BC Liberal).............................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Michael (BC Liberal)......................................................

Vancouver-Langara Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ....................................................Courtenay-Comox Letnick, Norm (B C Liberal)............................................Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP)................................................... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) ..................................... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)...................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)....................................

Kam loops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal)..........................................Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP).................................................... Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal)...........................................................Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (B C Green Party)........................... Saanich North and the Islands Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)......................................................................... Delta South Plecas, Hon.

Darryl (Ind.) ..........................................................Abbotsford South Polak, Mary (BC Liberal)............................................................................ Langley Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)..............................................................Saanich South Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) .......................................................... Surrey-Whalley Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal)..................................................... Surrey–White Rock Reid, Linda (BC Liberal)................................................

Richmond South Centre Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................ North Coast Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ....................................... Coquitlam-Maillardville Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)..................................................................................Skeena Routledge, Janet (NDP) .................................................................. Burnaby North Routley, Doug (NDP) ................................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, John (BC Liberal)..............................................................

Nechako Lakes Shypitka, Tom (B C Liberal).............................................................Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ........................................Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)................................................ Vancouver-Hastings Sims, Hon.

Jinny (NDP) .............................................................Surrey-Panorama Singh, Rachna (NDP) ........................................................Surrey–Green Timbers Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal)................................................................Kelowna West Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)..............................................Parksville-Qualicum Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)........................................

Kam loops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal).......................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (B C Liberal)...............................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal)......................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal)................................................................ Fraser-Nicola Thomson, Steve (BC Liberal).....................................................Kelowna-Mission Thornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal).............................

North Vancouver–Seymour Throness, Laurie (BC Liberal)..................................................... Chilliwack-Kent Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) .............................................................. North Island Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal)................................................Richmond North Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (BC Green Party) ......................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal).............................. Vancouver-Quilchena Yap, John (BC Liberal)..........................................................

Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ..........................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Hon. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West.................................................................... Michael de Jong, QC Boundary-Similkameen.....................................................................

Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ...............................................................................Anne Kang Burnaby-Edmonds ..............................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed................................................................... Hon. Katrina Chen Burnaby North................................................................................

Janet Routledge Cariboo-Chilcotin............................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................................. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack.............................................................................................. John Martin Chilliwack-Kent..............................................................................Laurie Throness Columbia River–Revelstoke........................................................

Doug Clovechok Coquitlam–Burke Mountain................................................................. Joan Isaacs Coquitlam-Maillardville..................................................... Hon. Selina Robinson Courtenay-Comox ................................................................. Ronna-Rae Leonard Cowichan Valley............................................................................

Sonia Furstenau Delta North ...........................................................................................Ravi Kahlon Delta South.................................................................................................Ian Paton Esquimalt-Metchosin.............................................................................Mitzi Dean Fraser-Nicola........................................................................................

Jackie Tegart Kam loops–North Thompson............................................................Peter Milobar Kam loops–South Thompson ................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country....................................................................Norm L etnick Kelowna-Mission.............................................................................

Steve Thomson Kelowna West.........................................................................................Ben Stewart Kootenay East.....................................................................................Tom Shypitka Kootenay West...................................................................... Hon. Katrine Conroy Langford–Juan de Fuca............................................................. Hon. John Horgan Langley....................................................................................................

Mary Polak Langley East.......................................................................................Rich Coleman Maple Ridge–Mission ............................................................................ Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ..........................................................Hon. Lisa Beare Mid Island–Pacific Rim .............................................................. Hon. Scott Fraser Nanaimo...............................................................................

Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan.............................................................. Doug Routley Nechako Lakes...................................................................................... John Rustad Nelson-Creston.................................................................. Hon. Michelle Mungall New Westminster......................................................................... Hon. Judy Darcy North Coast..........................................................................................

Jennifer Rice North Island............................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................................. Bowinn Ma North Vancouver–Seymour......................................................Jane Thornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head..........................................................Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .....................................................................Michelle Stilwell 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.....................................................

Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie..................................................................Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount.................................................................Shirley Bond Richmond North Centre ........................................................................Teresa Wat Richmond-Queensborough.......................................................................Jas Johal Richmond South Centre........................................................................

Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston.................................................................................. John Yap Saanich North and the Islands............................................................Adam Olsen Saanich South............................................................................Hon. Lana Popham Shuswap .................................................................................................... Greg Kyllo Skeena.........................................................................................................

Ellis Ross Stikine ..................................................................................Hon. Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale...............................................................................

Marvin Hunt Surrey-Fleetwood...................................................................................Jagrup Brar Surrey–Green Timbers ......................................................................Rachna Singh Surrey-Guildford....................................................................................Garry Begg Surrey-Newton.............................................................................Hon. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama........................................................................... Hon.

Jinny Sims Surrey South...............................................................................Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Whalley........................................................................ Hon. Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock............................................................................. Tracy Redies Vancouver-Fairview ............................................................ Hon. George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek.......................................................................

Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview .............................................................Hon. George Chow Vancouver-Hastings.............................................................. Hon. Shane Simpson 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...................................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill................................................................ Hon. Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake .................................................................. Hon.

Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano................................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..............................................................Jordan Sturdy Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; BC Green Party 3; Independent 1

CONTENTS Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members..................................................................................................................................................... 3989 Introduction and First Reading of Bills................................................................................................................................ 3989 Bill 15 — Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Statutes Amendment Act, 2018 Hon. M.

Mungall Statements (Standing Order 25B)......................................................................................................................................... 3990 Burnaby Heights neighbourhood J. Routledge Live Different program in McBride and homebuilding project in Mexico S. Bond Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing on Vancouver Island R. Leonard MLA’s experience with cardiac surgery and recovery S. Thomson District of Mission Comm unity Service Awards recipients B. D’Eith Arts Umbrella T.

Redies Oral Questions......................................................................................................................................................................... 3992 Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline S. Bond Hon. G. Heyman Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and agreements with First Nations E. Ross Hon. S. Fraser Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and economic benefits of project A. Weaver Hon. G. Heyman Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and agreements with First Nations R. Coleman Hon. S.

Fraser Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline M. de Jong Hon. G. Heyman Dispute with Alberta on Trans Mountain pipeline and referral of issues to court M. de Jong Hon. D. Eby Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................... 3997 Bill 16 — Securities Amendment Act, 2018 Hon. C. James T. Redies R. Glumac R. Sultan Hon. J. Sims S. Furstenau Hon. J.

Darcy Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 4002 Estimates: Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Hon. S. Fraser D. Ashton D. Barnett E. Ross T. Stone A. Olsen

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room Commi ttee of Supply .............................................................................................................................................................. 4025 Estimates: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (continued) G. Kyllo Hon. G. Heyman L. Larson A. Weaver D. Clovechok L. Throness P. Milobar

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018 The House met at 1:35 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. Introductions by Members S. Cadieux: The opposition caucus had a lovely lunch this afternoon with the Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. I’d like to introduce them and say helloto Caroline Andrewes, the president;Ann English, the CEO and regis- trar; Max Logan; JenniferCho; John Turner; David Wells; Doug Barry; Ross Rettie; Catherine Hickson; Lianna Mah; Jeremy Vincent;Tim Watson; ColinSmith; PeterMitchell; and Laurel Buss. Hon. M.

Mark: I’d like to join the member opposite, as well, for inviting our guestswho are in the chambers with us today. The geoscientistsand engineers play an important rolein B.C., making sure thatourbuildingsare safe, thatare water is safe, that our comm unities are safe. Keep building up the bestB.C. Thank you for joining us. I’m sorry that I missed the lunch. Wouldthe House please join me in welcoming ourguests. B. D’Eith:I’m hoping they willcome in during question period, butwe have a numberof students,adultsand teach- ers from Thomas Haney Secondary in MapleRidge, led by Chris Connelly.

Also, I just wanted to shout out to Keith Baldrey, who actually gave the students from my riding a little tour. I thoughtthatwas really generous of him. Hopefully, they’llbe here soon. Please make them welcome. Mr. Speaker: Very proud grandfather and member for Skeena. E. Ross:Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Six months ago in this House, I announced the birth of my grandson, and I was very disappointed I only spent a half an hour with him before I hadto come down to this job down here. Today I’m proud to announce he’s in the gallery with us.

ParkerSuth- erland is with his mother, my daughterMiranda Ross, and his father, John Sutherland, who is also a Tahltan member from the Tahltan Nation. Please willthe House make them feel welcome. B. Ma: On this day in 1971, a very smallchildwas born in Richmond who wouldbe destined to join allof us here in the chambertoday. Wouldthe members of the House please join me in wishing a very happy 47th birthday to my good friend and our legislative colleague, the member for Port Moody–Coquitlam. Happy birthday. R. Singh: We have some importantguestsfrom Indiavis- iting us in the gallery today.

We have Thesa Satenwadfrom Mumbai, India. Thesa is a renowned author, journalistand human rightsactivistwho has spearheaded many campaigns for the visibleminorities, for women and for the marginal- ized sections of society. Accompanying her is Abuda Singh. He’s from Navashi, Punjab. He’s a leaderof Lowcafali, and he’s a grassroots human rights activist. Also joining them is my family: my mother, Sulekha; my husband, Gurpreet; my son, Kautak; and my daughter, Shaista. Would the House please make them feel very welcome. [1:40 p.m.] M.

Hunt:Sometimes when we talk about the future, we talk abouthaving a stake in the future of British Columbia. This morning I increased my stake in the provinceof British Columbia’s future. For those that are keeping track, this is No. 17. WalterJohn Zalitcame this morning at9 pounds 1 ounce. I’d ask the Legislature to welcome him. J. Routledge:Well, today seems to be Burnaby North Sec- ondary School day. This morning a large group came and visited me en masse, in my office. I understand there are two more groups in the precinctrightnow and probably willbe entering the gallery shortly.

Please join me in giving them a very warm welcome. Mr. Speaker: Ourvery own Boston Marathon runnerand Madam C lerk. [Applause.] K. Ryan-Lloyd (Deputy Clerk):Introduction of bills. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 15 — ENERGY, MINES AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. M. Mungall presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Statutes Amendment Act, 2018. Hon. M. Mungall:I move thatthe billbe introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduceBill15, Energy, Mines and Pet- roleum Resources Statutes Amendment Act, 2018. The bill amends the Oil and Gas Activities Act and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act. Amendmentsto the Oiland Gas Activities Actwillhelp governmentdealwith the issue of the increasing numberof 3989

orphaned wells and preventtheirproliferation in the future. By shifting revenue for the orphan site reclamation fund from ataxon industry to alevy, we willensure thatthe fund is sustainableand ableto have sufficientfunds to address the reclamation need now and into the future. Of course, preventing wells from becoming orphaned is equally important, and this act will also achieve that goal. By taking betteraction to timely reclaim inactive wells, both industry and governmentwillbe workingtogetherto protect ournaturalenvironmentas wellas economic liabilities that result from orphaned wells.

This act also enhances the powers of the Oil and Gas Commi ssion to respond to emergenciesand to more effect- ively carry out heritage inspections and investigations. Lastly butnotleast, am endmentsto the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act will stream line ministry operations and help government address situations where tenure holders are prevented from accessing theirtime-limited oiland gas tenures. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. M. Mungall:I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day forsecond reading atthe nextsitting of the House after today.

Bill 15, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Statutes Amendment Act, 2018, 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) BURNABY HEIGHTS NEIGHBOURHOOD J. Routledge: Many of us strugglewith urban living. We find the city too noisy, too crowded, too cranky, too imper- sonal. It’s sad that there can be so much isolation and so much loneliness and anxiety in the midstof such a concen- tration of humanity. By comparison, village living seems so much saner.

But evenwithinbustlingcities,we can find villages.I’m fortunate to live in aneighbourhood thatknows it’s avillage and works to preserve its character. Burnaby Heightsis awalkableneighbourhood. I can stroll up to Hastings,ourhighstreet,to shop forgroceries,visitmy dentist, buy flowers, getmy shoes resoled, getmy hair cut, get a flu shot and meet friends for coffee and lunch. [1:45 p.m.] In fact, every time I walk down the street, I run into peopleI know. The Heightseven has itsown village green, more formally known as Confederation Park.

The Heightshas been a street-levelcomm unity shopping areaformore than 100 years. One of ourspectacularmurals comm emorates the trolley system that opened up North Burnaby for larger settlement in the early 1900s. And still, today and every day, the Heights Merchants Association plays a vitalrole, advocating to preserve the unique flavour of this comm unity shopping area. If you really want to see the HMA in action, com e by and experience Hats Off Day, their annual custom er appreciation event the first Saturday in June. Hastings Streetbecom es a huge pedestrian m all.

Think village fair, with costumes, music, street food, gam es and demos. There’s even a parade. And there’s always a lineup for the firefighters’ charity dunk tank. Hats Off Day was voted Burnaby’s Best Festival, and I would agree. LIVE DIFFERENT PROGRAM IN McBRIDE AND HOMEBUILDING PROJECT IN MEXICO S. Bond: What happens when a group of students and adultsfrom McBride, British Columbiadecideto participate in the Live Different program? Well, it starts with a lot of fundraising and generous financial support from the com- munity to give the team the ability to travelto ruralnorthern Mexico.

The pointof the trip is to make new friends, builda house and see change. On Friday night,Billand I travelled to McBrideto attend the Tacosand Talesevent,where the 2018 McBrideLive Dif- ferentteam shared theirstory in pictures, in words and with food. To say thatwe were impressed and inspired wouldbe an understatement. Led by principalDerrick Shaw, this group builtahome for a singlemom named Maria and herthree children. Thanks to the daily postsby parentJen Quam, we were ableto follow the progress of the projectand the team. This was definitely the house that love built.

The motto of the Live Differentprogram is: “Life is about people, notthings.” As the team members shared theirstor- ies, you learned thatthe trip was aboutso much more than buildingahouse, althoughthe beautifulhouse thatthey built willchange Mariaand herfamily’s life forever. Together, this team learned aboutpoverty, humility, teamwork and gratit- ude, and they were reminded how blessed they were to live where we do. Program hosts noted that this particular team was one of the best that they ever had participate.

I continue to be moved by the video of Maria and her children arriving at their new home for the first time. Thank you for being difference-makers. Through the house thatyou built,you have notonly changed thatsingle mom’s life; you motivated us to think abouthow we can “live different” too. As we leftMcBride the nextmorning, I couldn’thelp but think abouthow building a house in ruralMexicobrought outthe very bestin these students.I can’twaitto see what they will do next. 3990 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND R. Leonard: This year Vancouver Island North Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 14 years of building affordable homes for low-income families.Familiesbecome partners, gaining interest-free loans by donating their sweat equity and working alongside comm unity volunteers to build a placewhere they can grow strong and achieve stability and independence. To date, Habitathas built12 homes in the Comox Valley and eightin CampbellRiver, foratotalof 20 homes.

They’ve served 22 families,with two familiesselling their homes back to Habitataftertheirincomes grew beyond the quali- fications for the interest-free loan. Theirfinancialsuccesses then opened the doorto give two otherfamiliesa chanceto also prove that housing security does make a difference. Today Habitatis igniting the comm unity with theirambi- tious growth plans forthe future. Theirintention is to build 19 more new homes on the north Island overthe nextthree years. That’s as many homes as they’ve built in the last 14.

Habitat North Island’s Women Buildhas setup a com- munity challenge this spring in the Comox Valley, seeking 100 women to raise $1,000 each over 100 days to raise $100,000. They’ve launched this ambitious program in part- nership with the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network.

But please know that Women Buildis not just about fun- draising. [1:50 p.m.] Terri Perrin, Habitat North Island comm unity engage- mentmanager, is quick to pointoutthatWomen Buildis not aboutexcluding anyone but,rather, involving and empower- ing women to volunteer on the construction site in an industry that has been historically dominated by men. She also encouragesmen to join in the fun, both fundraising and volunteering on site. The Women Build2018 motto captures it best: “They’re proud to participate, because every woman has the powerto build comm unity.” MLA’s EXPERIENCE WITH CARDIAC SURGERY AND RECOVERY S.

Thomson: I’m very pleased to stand today to talk about very importantsupportsin ourcomm unity. In fact,with my recentexperienceof open heartsurgery in January, I’m very pleased to be standing anywhere. [Applause.] Seriously, though, the recent experience has really provided the focus on the need to take care of ourselves and to focus on our own personal health. Firstly, I really want to thank my wife, Brenda, and my son Spencerfor everything they did.

They were really rocks during the process and the time we wentthrough, and I put them through a lot.I also wantto thank members on both sidesof the House for theirmessages and thoughtsduring this time. It was really appreciated. The experience atthe Interior Heartand SurgicalCentre was world-class. So to the surgical team, the intensive care unit,the post-operative recovery team in 2 West,nurse prac- titioners, cardiacnurses, physiotherapists,care aidesand all the team: thank you so very much.

I recallbeing partof the milestone eventsin the construc- tion of the centre, remarking thatI was born in this hospital, rightin the very spotwhere the new centre was being built.I recallcomm entingthatitwas greatto know itwas here, butI hoped I wouldneverhave to use it.Well, fastforward, I gave ita pretty good testdrive, and like so many others from all over the Interior, I’m grateful that it was there when needed. One of the key factors in post-operative recovery is regaining yourconfidencein yourcapabilitiesand whatyou can do with the new engine in the car.

In the Central Okanagan, there’s a great society, the Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health, COACH, that has a mul- tidisciplinary team that focuses on cardiovascular risk reduction, healthy eating, exercise guidelines, goal-setting, stress and relaxation and understanding your medications. Exercising in this clinically supervised environmentensures the utmostpatientsafety through close monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and telemetry. Thatassociation has been so criticalin my recovery pro- cess. It’s a happy, positive place.

The staff are so supportive, giving us the responsibility, the tools and the game plan to assist in our recovery. We allknow friends and family, including ourlegislative family here, thathave faced these challenges, including the member for Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows, who is currently dealing with this. I wish her the very best in recovery. We can alltake comfortin knowing thatimportantsup- ports are available in our comm unities when we need them. DISTRICT OF MISSION COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS RECIPIENTS B. D’Eith:Volunteers choose to volunteerforanumberof reasons.

Sometimes it’s to make adifferencein people’s lives. Sometimes it’s giving back afterreceiving so much from an amazing life. Sometimes it’s to learn new skills orto acquire work experience. Sometimesit’s simply to be social. Butin all cases, volunteerism is of incrediblevalue to ensure healthy and vibrant comm unities throughout British Columbia. The Districtof Mission Comm unity ServiceAwards hon- ourthose who have demonstrated exemplary volunteerser- vice within the Mission comm unity.

It’s celebrated biannu- ally, and the awards ceremony is happeningthis week during NationalVolunteerWeek, making itagreattime to acknow- ledge the wonderful volunteers and dedicated comm unity members in Mission. I wouldlike the House to indulge me foramomentas I tell you the winners. The Againstthe Odds AchievementAward wentto Tracy Martin. Artsand Culture ServiceAward went to Cory Cassel. Comm unity Service Awards went to Reg and Lily Sayers, Mervin Hildebrandt,Wally Warkentin, Loa Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3991

Duncan, Beverly James, Janis Foerster, Ernestine O’Rourke, Natashia Cox, Julie Hartand and Moneca Harder. The Comm unity ServiceAward, under25, wentto Doug Hughes and Jordyn Mooney. The Crime Prevention and Comm unity Safety Award went to John Keresman. Sports Volunteerof the YearAward wentto Dan Williams. The Spe- cialAccomplishmentAward wentto Daphne Sleighand Dan Remple. [1:55 p.m.] A SpecialRecognition Award wentto the 125th Birthday Anniversary Commi ttee forMission.

The Lifetime Achieve- ment Award went to Bonnie Harber, Dick Brodie, Sophie Zehnerand Ron Cockroft.The Citizen of the Year went to Barry MacLeod. The Freeman of the City Award went to Betty Robertson, Cal Crawford, Terry Gidda and Mel Zajac. Thank you very much for indulging me. I really think it’s important to sometimes individually recognize our volun- teers. Thanks to the winners of Mission Comm unity Services and allthe volunteers in Mission and to the over1.5 million B.C. volunteers who contribute to better comm unities all across our wonderful province. ARTS UMBRELLA T.

Redies: I’m proud to stand here and recognize the wonderfulorganization ArtsUm brella. As a not-for-profit organization, Arts Um brella believes that access to the highest quality of artseducation is a basic human neces- sity, regardless of experience, education or socioeconomic background. Theirfirstclass consisted of 45 students.Today the same organization reaches over 20,000 children and youth every year between the ages of two and 19, including many of those in South Surrey. This has been madepossibleby free- of-charge outreach programs which bring the love of artsto those who may not be able to afford them.

ArtsUmbrellaoffers many programs in dance, theatre and visual arts.Theiraim is to cultivate an environment where studentscan explore theiridentities, learn a love of artand pass their love of the arts on to others. Recognizing that early childhood experiences are key to cognitive develop- ment,this organization provides the opportunity for youth to be curious and creative and to develop self-confidence. For many children, Arts Umbrella is their first experience with the world of art.

Exposing children to the artshelps them become creative thinkers, open to problem-solving in different ways and equipped for the complexand fast-changing worldwe now live within. Artseducation, on this basis, can no longerbe viewed as a“niceto have” but,rather, anecessary component of education for all children to succeed in the 21st century. Organizations like Arts Um brella encompass and nur- ture the dream s of whatBritish Columbia shouldcontinue to be: a placefilled with opportunity, a province enriched with culture and a society where creativity is part of our children’s lives.

Oral Questions DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE S. Bond: We’ve been urging the Premierforweeks to end his reckless handling of the already-approved Trans Moun- tain expansion, but this Premier’s blunders and incompet- encehave escalated this issue into acrisis. Itis nothing short of an embarrassment.

The Premier finally acknowledged this is a crisis after denying it daily in question period: “I do not believe the crisis thathas emerged here shouldbe trivialized.” Willthe government finally admit that they are responsiblefor the embarrassing mess that has been created and tell British Columbians how they intend to fix it? Hon. G.

Heyman: What I wish I could tell all British Columbians is thatevery memberof this Legislature, sentto this placefrom all over the province, was willing to stand togetherto defend British Columbians againstunlawfuland extreme actions from ourneighbours to the eastand to take the side of British Columbians who are worried about a massive spillof oil, whetherit’s from railor from tankeror from pipeline, and the threatsto tens of thousands of jobs in BritishColumbiaand billions of dollars in economic activity.

Sadly, I can’t do that today because members on the opposite sideseem to think it’s more importantto lend their voicesto the hysteriathat’s envelopingavery realissueabout provincial rights. Mr. Speaker: Prince George–Valemount on a supple- mental. [2:00 p.m.] S. Bond: I think that British Columbians, thousands of British Columbians, will be very interested in hearing this minister call their legitimate concerns “hysteria.” Day afterday, the Premier and this ministerare hearing from tens of thousands of B.C. job creators: from 33 B.C.

First Nations who support the project — perhaps the ministerwouldlike to tellthose FirstNations thattheircon- cerns are simply hysteria — and from residents in com- munities large and small, across this province, who are con- cerned aboutthe increase in theirgas pricesand increased shipment of oil by rail. British Columbians will be hurt by this government’s deliberate and reckless actions, yetthey continue to ignore the voices of thousands of British Columbians who want them to fix this mess.

Willthe minister, the Deputy Premier — someone — stand up today and take responsibility for the crisis they have created and end theireffortsto stop the Trans Mountain project? Hon. G. Heyman: Perhaps the members opposite have generated so much unnecessary noise around this topicthat 3992 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

the memberforPrinceGeorge–Valemountdidn’trealizethat the hysteria I was referring to was that generated by the members opposite. I would never, ever trivialize the concerns of British Columbians. I wouldnever, ever trivializethe concerns of voices of Indigenous people across this province. But let me be clear. We have been measured. We have said we are goingto doeverythingwe can to defend British Columbians’ interests,oureconomy, tens of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in GDP. That’s important.That’s the future of the Brit- ish Columbian economy.

We need to defend ourenvironment.We need to defend our coastline. And we need to ensure that we do what we were elected to do — thatis, stand up for British Columbia and assert every inch of British Columbia’s jurisdiction under the constitution. That’s exactly what we’re doing. That’s exactly why we’re referring disputes to the courts instead of making threats across borders. Mr. Speaker: The memberforPrinceGeorge–Valemount on a second supplemental. S. Bond: As much as the ministerwouldlike to stand in this House and try to pretend that his views represent all British Columbians, that’s simply nottrue.

Hiring more law- yers will not address fuel shortages that will drive up gas prices.Hiring more lawyers willnotaddress the concerns of B.C. FirstNations who supportthe projector dealwith the fears of British Columbians who don’twantto see more oil on railcars. Perhaps the minister needs to be reminded about the comm entsof the Canadian Federation of IndependentBusi- ness who represent…. Interjection. S. Bond: The minister laughs while he stands in this House and says he’s prepared to listen. This organization represents 10,000 B.C. businesses.

It’s now one of 78 organizations that are demanding that this government fix this mess. In fact, let’s listen to the voices of those British Columbians. Here’s what they said: “This is imm ature behaviour. Itis incredibly destructive.” Notmy words butthe words of business creators and job creators in British Columbia. Whatis this government’s plan to dealwith the repercus- sions of the Premier’s incredibly destructive behaviour?Will the government finally listen to the voicesof thousands of British Columbians who are demanding they fix their mess? Hon. G.

Heyman: We’re listening to the voicesof thou- sands of British Columbians. We’re listening to the voices of 133,000 British Columbians who work for 19,000 tour- ism businesses, whose businesses and jobs are atthreatof a catastrophic spill of diluted bitumen shouldwe allow it to happen withouttaking every step possibleto minimize the risk of the occurrence and be in a position to respond if it happens. [2:05 p.m.] We’re speaking for the many thousands of people — 14,000 people employed in our coastal seafood industry, which generates $400 million in wages. I take the concerns of allBritish Columbians seriously.

Butwe are notgoing to simply stand back, having once said, as the opposition did when they were in government— thatthey were concerned aboutthe inability to address the consequencesof a spillof diluted bitumen and then simply rolled overand now would have us do the bidding of those in a boardroom in Texas…. We won’t do that. We’ll go to the courtsto settlediffer- ences.

We’ll listen to the words of the Premier of Alberta when she said she’s bringing legislation — she has no inten- tion of enacting it— and when others say, very clearly, they have no constitutionalauthority to limitthe flow of energy to this or any other province. DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND AGREEMENTS WITH FIRST NATIONS E. Ross: Previous to this job, I spent 14 years working forthe chiefand councilas an elected leader. Typicalof our band, like many bands across Canada,the numberone issue thatwe hadon ourtablewas poverty, dependenceand allthe social issues that come with it.

The one shininglightthatwe hadwas to sign impactbene- fitagreementswithprojectsin ourterritory. These were well- thought-out agreements. We spent a lot of time on it. We spent a lot of money on lawyers, consultants. We consult with our membership continuously. There is no one in this chamberthatcan speak to the pro- cess that I participated in. There’s no one in this chamber telling me whatI shouldthink or say aboutitin relation to these issues.

Today there are 33 First Nations in B.C. who have been through the exact same process — 33 First Nations who have worked hard, in good faith, to negotiate projectbenefit agreementson the Trans Mountain expansion so they can address their own issues on their own terms. My question is to the Minister of Indigenous affairs. If the Premier is successful in stopping this already- approved project in term s of the Trans Mountain expan- sion, willhe honourthe economic term s of these already- negotiated agreements? Hon. S. Fraser: I thank the memberfor his question.

Of course, there are different perspectives from First Nations around the province on KinderMorgan. Only nations can speak on their own behalf. People of B.C. expect this government to defend our province from the devastating consequences of a bitumen spill on ourcoast. The risks are too great for oureconomy and forthe environmentand forourcoast,and we willcon- Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3993

tinue to defend B.C. and stand up for our interests. Mr. Speaker: The member for Skeena on a supplemental. E. Ross:I’ve heard thatbefore. WhatI’m asking specific- ally is, though: will the 33 First Nations that signed on to impactbenefitagreementscontinue to be ignored? Because they’re tryingto address realissuesthatare happeningin real time right now in their comm unities. Many FirstNations see these agreementsas ameans to be meaningfully involved in the economy of British Columbia and Canada.

This is a huge partof reconciliation, and it’s a huge answerto the issues thatthese FirstNations are facing all across Canada. We always hear this in this House. It’s a crisis, in terms of the issues facing First Nations, but we never talk about the one solution thatcan solve itforthese FirstNations. We presentband-aids. We presentrhetoric and speeches butno realsolutions. Now benefitagreementsthatwere the result of an exhaustive process are in doubtbecause of the uncer- tainty caused by the Premier.

My question, again, is to the Indigenous Minister in regards to the 33 First Nations who have signed on to the Trans Mountain expansion. Willhe commi tthatthese agree- ments will be honoured? [2:10 p.m.] Hon. S. Fraser: Thanks, again, to the member for his question. As the member knows, there are 203 nations in this province. They have differing opinions on this project, and I willnotspeak on theirbehalf. As the memberknows, he’s heard from Indigenous leaders in this provincethatcer- tainly have different perspectives than some of the nations he’s referringto. Again, I willnotspeak on theirbehalfeither.

We willcontinueto protectthe environmentand the coast and the economy from the impactsof acatastrophicoilspill. That’s our job, and we will continue to do that. DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PROJECT A. Weaver: The federaland Alberta governments,notto mention the B.C. Liberals, with theiralternate facts,hyster- icalrhetoric and revisionisthistory, have been fearmonger- ing about the risks to our economy if the Trans Mountain expansion doesn’t go ahead. Mr. Speaker: Member, if I may stop you for a moment.

If you couldensure thatyourquestion does notreferto the opposition, sinceit’s supposed to be directed to the govern- ment member. A. Weaver: That’s fair enough, hon. Speaker. I’ll make sure itdoesn’treferto the members opposite. I assume, hon. Speaker, thatthis willalso be applied to when we’re referred to in theirquestions, because it’s been multipletimes over the time thatwe’ve hadhere thatthey’ve referred to us. I look forward to that. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. A. Weaver: It’s been reported thatgovernmentsare actu- ally basing economic claims on an analysis commi ssioned by KinderMorgan itself.

Expertsare raisingsignificantques- tions about this analysis, whether it’s because of changes in market conditions, flawed methodology or erroneous assumptions abouthow the oilmarketsfunction. Some raise serious doubts about the argument that we could fetch a higherpricefor ouroilin Asia than in the U.S. One expert called this argument “kind of bogus.” Add to this the factthatthe priceof oilhas collapsed. In making itsbusiness case, KinderMorgan assumed apriceof $100 to $150 per barrel, and prices are now $60 per barrel.

My question is to the Deputy Premierand Ministerof Fin- ance, who I understand has laryngitis. So I’llpose this ques- tion to the Ministerof Environment.We’ve heard this gov- ernmenttalk aboutthe risk of aspillto ourenvironment.But whatis theirposition on the questionableclaims madeabout the economic benefits of this pipeline? Hon. G. Heyman: Thank you to the Leaderof the Third Party for the question and for raising these issues in the Legislature. Certainly, I’m aware of the differencein the mar- ketpriceof oil.

I’m aware of questions thathave been raised about the economics of the project as, I suspect, are most members of the House. However, with respectto those ques- tions, that is not the primary concern of our government, nor is itthe responsibility of ourgovernmentto determine the economics of a project which we have neitherinitiated nor sought.

What is our job, however, is to ensure that we do everything we can to protect British Columbia’s economy, the tens of thousands of jobs in tourism, in film and televi- sion, in the seafood sector, and the billions of dollars in eco- nomic developmentthatstand with it— allof which could be atrisk from a singlespillof diluted bitumen. We believe that we must defend B.C.’s economy. We must defend our interest. We must defend our environment.

We understand it’s afederally regulated projectin terms of allowing it.We understand, also, thatthe constitution has a clear rolefor provincesin permitting, in conditions and in regulating againstnegative impactsthatare a concern and a detriment to our province. Mr. Speaker: The Leaderof the Third Party on a supple- mental. A. Weaver: The economic conditions have indeed changed significantly since Kinder Morgan was approved. 3994 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

We’ve seen oilpricescraterdueto worldmarketchanges.We facehuge uncertainty about future pricesdue to new sup- ply and to massive technologicalshiftsas marketsaround the worldembracerenewabletechnology. Energy expertssay it’s basically now impossible to predict future prices.

The analysis thatKinderMorgan relied upon in itsapplic- ation to the NEB and itsclaims of the economic benefitsto Canadafrom this pipeline fundamentally assumed thatthere was no other export capacity that would be built. [2:15 p.m.] Since then, Keystone XL and line 3 have now been approved, which addoverone million barrels aday of export capacity. We now have more capacity than we need. In light of the trends, it’s absolutely shockingthatourfederalgovern- ment is willing to put taxpayer money behind this pipeline.

My question again, through the Deputy Premierand Min- isterof Finance, who has laryngitis, to the Ministerof Envir- onment,is this: willthis governmentdemand thatthe fed- eral government and the government of Alberta publicly release theireconomic case justifying theirrhetoricalasser- tions as to the economics of the Trans Mountain pipeline and itsfundamentalbusiness case for nationalsecurity and national importance? Hon. G.

Heyman: Whileit isn’t the job of the province of British Columbia, specifically, to make demands of the federalgovernmentwith respectto business cases, when the federalgovernmentor the governmentof Alberta proposes putting publicmoney into a project, I think they’d be well advised to listen to the advice of the Premier of British Columbia, who said: “Our focus, and we think every provinceand every governmentin Canada’s focus, shouldbe on adding value to ourresourcesand creating the mostjobs possible for resources.” That’s what we’re trying to do here in British Columbia.

We’re trying to getthe mostvaluefrom ourresourcesto give the mostvalue to British Columbians, who wantjobs, rather than profits to corporations headquartered outsideof this province. We will continue to take every step that we’re allowed underthe constitution to protect tens of thousands of jobs and to protect our tourism industry, our seafood industry, our film industry, the billions of dollars in GDP, from the tremendous threat of a catastrophic oil spill that couldbe caused by a pipeline rupture.

It couldbe caused by a train derailment.And itcouldbe caused by a sevenfoldincrease in tanker traffic off our shores. DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND AGREEMENTS WITH FIRST NATIONS R. Coleman: I’ve worked with FirstNations in detailover the last couple of decades in this House. The opinions of Indigenous people are diverse and thoughtful, and they deserve our respect. All the Premier talks about is those that are opposed. The loudest voice shouldn’t have a veto over the economic developmentand Indigenous comm unities thatsupportthe project.

These comm unities participated in a process and worked hard to achieve economic benefit agreements, job opportunities, business opportunities and, most import- antly, job training and jobs for their young people. To the Premieror to the ministerthatwantsto take this question: whataboutthe rightsof those 33 Indigenous com- munities in British Columbia? Hon. S. Fraser: I mentioned before, in earlierquestions today, thatI willnotand we willnotspeak on behalfof indi- vidual nations.

There are a variety of perspectives on this issue around KinderMorgan amongstFirstNations and the leadership councilorganizations thatare the politicalorgan- izations of First Nations in this province. Whatwe are commi tted to doing is protecting the envir- onment,the economy, from the impactsof acatastrophicoil spillthatcouldjeopardize the ways of life of so many Brit- ish Columbians, so many FirstNations comm unities, some of which are withinmy constituency. We willcontinue to do everything we can to protectthe interestsof British Colum- bians against the impacts of a catastrophic oil spill. Mr.

Speaker: The memberfor Langley Easton a supple- mental. R. Coleman: This projectis aboutopportunities forIndi- genous comm unities, now and forthe future generations.

If the memberwouldread the report that came to the actual conditionalapprovalof this project,you’llfind outthatthe First Nations are the ones that are going to supervise the environmental piece along the pipeline. [2:20 p.m.] It’s blatanthypocrisy to talk aboutreconciliation and then use every toolin yourtoolbox to block opportunities for33 FirstNations comm unitiesin British Columbia.Why are the minister and the Premier and the government using their own personal veto to hurt 33 First Nations? Hon. S.

Fraser: This member was part of a government for 16 years that denied that inherent rightsexist for First Nations. The old government refused to embracethe UN declaration on the rightsof Indigenous peoples,something that the world comm unity demanded. This government refused to do that. We are working closely with First Nations to change the Crown-Indigenous relationship fundamentally, to work in truepartnership withFirstNations, to involve them from the very get-go in environmentalassessments.We are changing that.This is something the oldgovernmentrefused to do. I will not be lectured by them.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3995

DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE M. de Jong: In the lastseveralmonths, British Columbi- ans have discovered that theirprovince and theircountry, which were prospering on the basis of acooperative federal- ism, are now descendinginto adestructive, provocative form of federalism. And who is the chief provocateur? Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, we shallhearthe question. Thank you.

M. deJong: Itis aPremierand agovernmentwho provoke other Canadians by saying: “If you dare to come here and invest, we will punish you with a higher tax rate.” It is a Premier and a government that provoke other provinces by issuing a press release on January 30 that threatens to restrict the flow of lawful energy products throughBritishColumbia,contrary to allconstitutionalcon- ventions, and then today, when one of those provincesintro- duces legislation to do the same thing, feigns outrage.

With breathtaking speed, the Premier’s bumbling and stumbling have taken British Columbiafrom being arespec- ted leaderin Canadato where we are today — isolated, alone and his governmentthe laughingstock of the nation. Butit’s no laughing matter to the…. Well, to the Minister of Environment: what actual, con- crete proposals — actual, concrete proposals — has the gov- ernment tabled or issued to the government of Canada or the government of Alberta in the last 72 hours that would actually form the basis of a solution to this crisis that has been generated by the Premier’s irresponsibility and reck- lessness? Hon.

G. Heyman: Let’s justlook ata few of the facts.We have acted according to the law and our jurisdiction since we were elected. We have promised British Columbians that we will defend our environment, our coast and our eco- nomy, and then we setabout looking for reasonabletools with which to do that. Kinder Morgan themselves told their shareholders that permitting to be issued by the government of British Columbia happened in an expeditious manner, in a fair manner, with no delay when they broughtthose applications forward.

The factthatthe company has been abitslow about that is beyond our control. [2:25 p.m.] We then proposed some new spill-controlregulations to deal with response times, with geographic response plans, with application of ourrightto regulate to protectourenvir- onmentand oureconomy, coastlines and coastallands with- in provincialjurisdiction and to look atthe very important issue, raised by Indigenous people, about compensation in the event of a spill.

We also said we understood that the Royal Society of Canada and the National Academy of Sciences had made it clear that we just don’t have enough information on the behaviourof heavy oil, and we need to know how itbehaves so we can know how to preventa spilland how to respond to itif ithappens. When the governmentof Canada and the governmentof Alberta said thatthey questioned ourjuris- diction, we invited Canada to join us in a reference to the court, and they turned us down.

We then made a reference and pulled the consultation on that regulation, and the Premier of Alberta welcomed that and stood back on her actions against B.C. The only thing thathas changed here is a message from a boardroom in Texas that toldAlberta and Canada and, apparently, the members opposite that that wasn’t good enough for them. Well, going to the courts is good enough for us, it’s good enough for British Columbia, and we stand by our actions. Mr. Speaker: The memberforAbbotsford Weston a sup- plemental.

DISPUTE WITH ALBERTA ON TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE AND REFERRAL OF ISSUES TO COURT M. de Jong: Well, apparently, no new proposals — appar- ently, nothing. Remember the new west partnership, that novel concept of provinces working together for the com- mon good of theircitizens? Well, what have we got today? The new west partnership more closely resemblesan Old Westgunfightwith governmentsretaining hired guns to go into the courtroom corrals of the nation to fight it out.

It occurred to me that this Premier leads the only gov- ernmentin North America thatcouldactually give Donald Trump lessons aboutbuilding walls, abouthow to separate citizens from one another. For weeks, the Premier and the Attorney General and his Environment Minister have tried to sidestep theirown incompetenceand recklessness by promisingto submitaref- erenceto the court.My question is to the Attorney General.

When willthe governmentrelease the specificsof the ques- tions they intend to ask the court?Willthe Attorney guaran- tee this House today thatthis House willhave an opportun- ity to debate the matterbefore he throws this juridicalHail Mary pass to the courts? Hon. D. Eby: I thank the member for the question. We helda media availability this morning. We announced that we’d be filing in the B.C. Courtof Appealwithineightwork- ingdays,by the end of the month. The memberwillcertainly have an opportunity to review the question at that time.

I assume that the member is suggesting that he should be availableto debate this question because he has advice to share with the governmentaboutthe bestway to defend British Columbia’s interests. I’ll just point out a couple of highlights of the member’s record in government. 3996 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

In 2012, whenthe governmentargued againstthe rightsof children with learning disabilities, who were facing budget cuts,in the Supreme Court of Canada, theirjusticesruled unanimously, 9-0, against the government. In April 2015, when they sided againstfrancophone students,saying they didn’thave a rightto the same facilities as kids in English- language schools, they lost unanimously there as well.

In 2016, when they’d spent16 years in courtarguing thatkids did not have a right to the class size and composition that the government had negotiated, it took 20 minutes for the Supreme Court of Canada to say that they were wrong — again, unanimously. I thank the memberfor his suggestion. We have retained counsel who is advising us. We will file accordingly. [2:30 p.m.] [End of question period.] J. Rustad:I rise on apointof order. Specifically, there were comm ents made by the Minister of Indigenous Relations.

When you look atthe facts,when you look atthe factthat the very firsttreaties signed in British Columbia underthe B.C. treaty process happened with the B.C. Liberal govern- ment,when you look atthe new relationship thatwas signed and celebrated by FirstNation leaders around the province and by government, when you look at the groundbreak- ing revenue-sharing agreementsas well as the many other agreements— over500 otheragreementswere signed — the statementswere madeby the Minister of Indigenous Rela- tions talking about16 years of denying Indigenous rightsare offensive.

It is false, and I ask that he withdraw those statements. Mr. Speaker: Member, you may not agree, but it’s not a procedural point of order. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth:In this chamber, I callsecond read- ing of Bill16, the SecuritiesAmendmentAct,2018. In Com- mittee A, I callcontinued estimates debate on the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] Second Reading of Bills BILL 16 — SECURITIES AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 Hon. C. James: I move thatBill16 be now reada second time. I apologize, again, for my voice. It’s coming back slowly, but it’s slow.

The amendmentsto the Securities Actallow the self-reg- ulatory organizations in the securities industry to file decisions with the court.There’s a reason forthat.By allow- ingthe self-regulatory organizations to filethe decisions they make after hearings with the court, they will be able to enforce theirdecisions as courtorders.

The changes to this legislation are changes to encourage fine collection, to encourage more accountability in the industry, to support good investors and good dealers when it comes to invest- ment, and to ensure that if there are bad apples,we have more opportunities to be able to capture them.

Just to give an idea of the current situation, currently, if these organizations impose m onetary penalties or costs on theirm embers after they’ve gone through disciplinary hearings — so they’re required to go through a disciplin- ary hearing — they’re very limited in theirability to col- lect those fines, those m oneys owed. What often happens is thatthe individuals give up theirm embership. They quit the organization in orderto not pay a fine or in orderto notaddress the discipline. That’s the way thatthey escape being able to pay a penalty.

In the currentsituation, the only opportunity thatthe self- regulatory organizations have is an ability to pursue out- standing moneys owed by applying to the B.C. Securities Commi ssion. That’s the opportunity they have to ask for an order for someone to comply. [2:35 p.m.] This is a process thatthe self-regulatory organizations are not using and haven’t ever used because they believe it’s too resource-intensive.

They also believe thatitmay leadto duplication of a lengthy hearing at the commi ssion level, which again isn’t going to achieve what we all want in this Legislature, whichis to ensure if someone is disciplined, they actually pay the fine that they’re disciplined for. A numberof these self-regulatory organizations, butone that I think that most members in the House will know, IIROC, which is the InvestmentIndustry Regulatory Organ- ization of Canada, requested B.C. to move in this direction, to providethe ability fordecisions to be filed with the court.

We’ve also seen thatotherprovinceshave moved in this dir- ection. Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, PEI and Manitoba have moved. So B.C. is alittlebehind when itcomes to moving in this direction. WhatIIROC has toldus they’ve seen in those provinces thathave giventhis opportunity is an increase in the fine col- lection. They’ve seen thatwhen the decisions go directly to the court, that does provide disincentive, and they actually are ableto collectfines. I think that’s an importantpiece to note in this legislation.

This legislation also ensures that if a person is affected by a self-regulatory decision, if they appealthatdecision — they’re going through the process, they’re having a hearing, and they appealthe decision — the self-regulatory organiz- ation can’tfilewith the courtsuntilthatappealprocess has been finished, followed and resolved. Not to get in the way of an actual hearing that’s hap- pening with the self-regulatory organizations, peoplewill still have the opportunity to go through that process, to Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3997

receive a decision, to appeal the decision, and once that appeal is done, the self-regulatory organization has the ability to take that decision to the court system. I think that’s important to note. There’s also a provision in this new statutory powerto the self-regulatory organizations. We have also added anew reg- ulatory-makingpowerforadditionalconditions orparamet- ers around the power for the self-regulatory organizations, around the use of the powerif necessary — so providingthat same opportunity for government as well.

I just think it’s important to note, as I wrap up second reading on this bill, that it seems very straightforward. I think it’s a pretty straightforward piecethatotherprovinces have moved on, butI think the importantpieceof this is the impact. That’s just the piece that I want to close with. There are many British Columbians who investtheirlife savings with dealers in the securities market.They presume thatthey’re goingto be treated well, thatit’s goingto be aleg- alprocess, thattheirmoney willbe safe from fraud.

When that doesn’t happen, this has devastating consequences on individuals and theirfamilies.This is often atthe end. Often when these frauds happen, it’s atthe end of someone’s career. They may have invested theirmoney to buildup for retire- ment,and itchanges theirentire life plans. Often you have peoplewho had planned to retire, because of health issues and otherwise, who have to go back to work because they don’t have the resources there.

I think the otherpiecethat’s importantto note is thatwe’re talking about a few bad apples.To support all of the good dealers in the market,we need to make sure we take care of these badapples.Unfortunately, peopleoften rememberthe one bad story. They don’t rememberthe good experiences. They don’trememberthe investors who are doing theirlaw- fuljob and who are helping peopleprepare forretirementor prepare for changes in their financial situations.

I really see the move in making these changes to actually support the quality in the industry, to support enhancing accountability within the industry for peoplein the capital markets,for good dealers, which are a key partof oureco- nomy, alarge partof oureconomy, butalso to make sure that they are accountableto the peoplewho are participating. I think that’s an important note in this legislation. The lastthing I’llsay. More work is being done to address fine collection in the B.C. SecuritiesCommi ssion. This legis- lation does notaddress the issue of the B.C.

SecuritiesCom- mission and more work that needs to be done in working with the B.C. Securities Commi ssion. Those will be future changes thatwillcome forward in future legislation. They’re not linked here, but I wanted the members to know that that’s also work that’s being done, because thatfitswith the work that’s happening here at the self-regulatory organiza- tions as well. [2:40 p.m.] T. Redies: I’m pleased to rise to speak to Bill 16. I want to thank the ministerfor heropening comm ents.I think a number of us had questions around the contextand what was trying to be achieved here, so that was helpful.

As I understand it, this act will empower the self-regu- latory bodies prescribed by regulation — in this case, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, from my pastlife, fondly known as IIROC, and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association, known as the MFDA — to filea decision with the Supreme Courtforthe purposesof collect- ing fines and remuneration.

This actwillalso enablethata decision thatis filed with the Supreme Court….Itwillempowerthe regulatory body to act on those decisions as if it were a judgment of the court.And itwillprovide the regulatory powerin the Lieu- tenant-Governor-in-Council or, more to the point, cabinet to prescribe classes of decisions that may not be filed with the court.The Lieutenant-Governor-in-Councilwouldalso be ableto decideany conditions thatwouldhave to be met before any decision could be filed. On the faceof it— again, with the minister’s clarification — this is afairly straightforward bill.

As someone who spent 25 years in the financial services business and in wealth management, I can very much appreciate the context and how this was being broughtforward. Having witnessed the devastation of individuals who have been hoodwinked by less professional, duplicitous investment dealers, it’s really importantfor the overallindustry for the trustand confid- ence to be there. I think this will help m ake that happen. As noted, the bill effectively gives cabinet the authority to give regulatory bodies the ability to filedecisions in the Supreme Court.

Right now only the securities commi ssion has that power, as the minister indicated. This act would expand that to other industry self-regulatory organizations. I acceptthatthe governmentis very sincere in this process and simply wantsto allow decisions to move aheadand the rightthingsto happen so thatthe regulatory bodiescan col- lectmoneys owed to them and dealwith offenders. ButI was a bitcurious aboutthe circumstancesthatmadethis legisla- tion necessary. We understand a littlebitmore aboutthe context— who it’s aimed at.

I’m a little bit curious about why it’s being brought forward now and what entities are pushing for its enactment. My concern isn’t necessarily about these two organizations butthe factthatcabinetwouldhave the ability to extend this same power to other organizations without first consulting the Legislature.

I’m sure the members on the opposite sideknow thatwe’re not opposed to industry self-regulation as a principle, and we understand that sometimes cabinet orders are simpler and fasterin the scheme of things.With thatsaid, removing the need forcabinetto consultwith the Legislature is abitof a worrying trend, and we’ve seen thatnow on a numberof bills that have come forward during this legislative period.

I think I’llbe looking to ask the ministersome questions around how she sees this open-endedness, going forward, with respectto otherregulatory bodies and whatwouldbe the consequences and implications from there. 3998 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

I shouldpoint out…. Although I was not a member of the previous government, when the members opposite sat opposite…. When thatsideof the House saton this sideof the House, they were very concerned about expanding the ability to make decisions by cabinetorder. So I wantto be, again, very clear there are no accusations being madehere. I believe the minister has good reasons to expand cabinet authority in this specificcase, I justwantto understand the implications, going forward, for other bodies.

With thatsaid, I look forward to canvassing this issue in the commi ttee stage and to furtherunderstanding the con- textbehind this bill. Thank you for allowing m e to speak on it. R. Glumac: I stand in the House today to speak to Bill16, am endmentsto the Securities Act. There are over $1 billion of unpaid securities fines nationally. Collection rates on these fines are low across the entire country. In Quebec, the collection rate is roughly 20 percent — slightly higherthan Ontario and Alberta,where the collec- tion rates are 18 percent. B.C. has the worsttrack record for collecting fines in the entire country.

The B.C. Securities Commi ssion has almost $500 million of unpaid fines outstanding, butit’s expected to collect only 2 percent of that amount. [2:45 p.m.] Of the largest penalties — those that are $1 million or more, which account for nearly all of that, $458 million of the $510 million…. In those cases, the collection rates are less than 0.1 percent.Those fines representthe worstactsof fraud that, in many cases, have devastated people’s lives.

This bill has been brought forward to begin to address this problem, and thank goodness forthat.Thank goodness that we are now in government so that we can responsibly address the inaction of the previous governmenton this and so many other issues. Justlike how we are addressing the issues leftbehind at ICBC, justlike how we’re responsibly addressing runaway realestate prices, justlike how we’re addressing affordab- ility, justlike how we are now finally investing in the edu- cation that our young children deserve, here we are yet again directly taking on the m any challenges thatthe pre- vious governmentignored.

Here we are, and we willtackle these problems, because we are here to representallBritish Columbians. Thatincludes seniors thathave worked hard and saved hard, seniors that are increasingly becoming a target for fraud. The latest statistics show that 41 percent of seniors have experienced some levelof financialabuse. One in 12 seniors is seriously affected by financialabuse to an extentthatres- ulted in considerable financial loss. Let’s take an example — the case of David Michael Michaels.

He’s a self-proclaimed investment adviser, or he was, who improperly advised 484 clientsto buy $65 million worth of investmentsthatare now virtually worthless. Atthe same time, he pocketed $5.8 million in commi ssions. He talked seniors into taking out loans on theirhomes, homes thatthey spenta lifetime to pay off. The average age of his victims was 72. Many willnotbe ableto pay back the money they lost in the years that they have left. Imagine if this happened to your parents.I think about my dadand how he worked his wholelife.

He worked in the bush for the forestry industry, and every day he got up at fourin the morning and worked and came home exhausted so thathe was ableto putus throughschool. Now, finally, he’s ableto retire, and just imagine if he was somehow tricked into losing his entire retirement savings. This is something thatis happening, and the fines thatare being levied on this kind of activity are notbeing collected. There are no deterrents on this. Let’s talk about another example — a woman named Paula.It’s notjustseniors thatare 72 years oldthatare exper- iencing this.

Paula is a woman thatretired recently, and she wanted to invest her money responsibly during her retire- mentyears. She considered herselfa knowledgableinvestor. She was presented withdocumentsthatpromised arelatively modest rate of return, and it convinced her to invest $500,000. In the end, she lost it all, and she was forced to declare bankruptcy. She had to go back to work, and she says that this has devastated herlife, notonly financially butpsycho- logically. Paulais notalone. There are almost5,000 fraudvic- tims on record in British Columbia, who’ve lost a total of $185 million. Let’s be clear.

This legislation willnotsolve allthe prob- lems with investmentfraud, butit’s a good start.Investment advisers are currently being fined foran assortmentof inap- propriate actions, such as misappropriating funds, falsely endorsing signatures and making unsuitable investment recomm endations. They are being fined, butthe fines aren’t being collected. This legislation takes those first important steps in changing that. Specifically, it gives the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canadaand the MutualFund Dealers Asso- ciation of Canada more powerto enforce these penalties.

It allows them to filein the courts,which willgreatly improve fine collection rates and help to punish and deterfraudulent behaviour. [2:50 p.m.] By going to the courts,these individuals can be forced to give information on what assetsthey have. They may have to produce tax records and bank statements,and there are mechanisms to find outif they’re trying to hidethese assets by transferring the assetsto someone else to escape paying the penalty. Ourgovernmentis working closely with the B.C. Secur- ities Commi ssion on other proposals for strengthening penalties and deterring fraudulent behaviour.

This is just the beginning of addressing this problem. There’s m ore to com e, and I’m very happy thatwe’re introducing this legis- lation today. Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 3999

R. Sultan: Coming in halfway through this account of distressing tales of seniors finding their savings impaired throughactions of outsideparties,perhaps havingto go back to work and finding allthe money they worked hard to save alltheirlife is somehow notwhatthey believed itwouldbe, mademe think thatperhaps I hadcome into the middleof a discussion of the impact of some of the real estate taxes of this governmenton my North Shore constituents,because this is very similar to the stories that I hear frequently.

Nevertheless, having madethat point, I must agree with the memberfor PortMoody–Coquitlam thatthis is a long- overdue stiffening of sanctions which, unfortunately, are necessary in the world, particularly awest-coastworldwhich is peculiarly populated by scam artistsand fast-buck people who seem to be able to sell some fanciful story of rapid wealth to vulnerable people.

I think too, however, that the m ember for Port Moody–Coquitlam shouldacknowledge that this this bill did not just spring onto the order paper — de nouveau, I guess, is the phrase — but rather has, in fact, been part of the pipeline of legislation that has been worked on for som e time in the bowels of the Ministry of Finance under a different government. Nevertheless, I give the govern- m ent, the new government, fullcreditfor bringing itfor- ward at this time. Justa bitof contextof my own. I speak as a formermem- ber of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada myself.

Certainly, this should help clean up the act, as it were, of many fraudulentoperators — a phrase thatbrings to mind, as frequently used from my own banking days, a warning about “fraudulent operators” there in town. But I cannotresistcomm entingon apeculiarity of how this mech- anism willactually work in practice. I make these observa- tions notin the sense to criticizethe billbutto observe that itseems to me to step overcertain whatI always believe are constitutional boundaries.

Here we have the Legislature — that’s us — being asked to decideabouta proposalbeing broughtforward by the exec- utive branch of our government — not the Legislature, of course.

It, in turn, will delegate powers to a private associ- ation of mutualfund dealers and otherissuers of securities havingno particularrelationship withthe governmentwhat- soever, exceptafranchise to operate aself-regulatory associ- ation, which in turn will, underthis bill, be given the power to impose obligations on the court system, the judiciary, who will, in turn, pursueill-gotten gains from the fraudulent operators of British Columbia, which we appear to have in abundance. Now, I am no constitutionallegalexpert,butitseems to me there’s enough crossing of boundariesthere to confound anybody.

If I were a member of the judiciary, I would in passing, perhaps, reflecton the trend here fora wholeseries of actors who somehow employ me as a bill collector. [2:55 p.m.] Perhaps with consultation, but who knows? There’s no evidence that,in fact,the opinion of the courtand whether they felt this was a suitableobligation to take upon them- selves is appropriate. I just m ake that som ewhat whimsical observation, because whileit’s easy forus to be criticalof the courtsys- tem, it’s obviously an attemptto use the powerof the court, which is enorm ous, in whatI think we wouldallagree is a good cause.

Butshouldthis becom e a trend, and if I were a m ember of that institution, I’d say: “Well, holdon here now. This isn’texactly the intentof the courtsas originally constituted.” Nevertheless, justto adda bitof contextof my own, this is partly a carryover, one mustpresume, of the glory days of the VancouverStock Exchange and such colourfulfigures as Murray Pezim, Voisey’s Bay, the Hemlodiscoveriesand what even today I’m toldis 1,200 mining companies — most of them very, very minute — who operate in Vancouver and who provideampleopportunity forrathermagnificentmag- nification of their prospects for the gullible.

The viability of the exchange has beennoton entirely solid grounds for many years. The enforcement and the regula- tion of new issueson the exchange has always been achron- ic problem. We have seen rapid changes in the capitalmar- kets,which, in some sense, have long ago leftthe trading floor behind, and even the independent volition of traders now has been taken overby algorithms. They will, really, on acomputerized basis, doallof the hard thinking foryou and claim, in fact, superior investment results.

This has leftthe promotion of dubious products — it wouldappear, from the record — in the hands of operators who don’teven botherwith the pretenceof having anything to do with the Toronto Venture Exchange oractualpublicly traded securities. They just want to get your money and make a good story. Here we have the securities commi ssion, which is still operating under a name which may be rapidly becoming obsolete. We’re really hardly talking about securities here. We’re really talking abouta brand of white-collar theftand crime being clamped down upon by the government. I appreciate the government for doing that.

The finalremark I wouldmake — and perhaps the minis- terwouldhave an opportunity to shed furtherlighton this aspect — would be on the fruition of the dreams of bet- terregulation, more efficiency, lowercostsand more honest marketsif we wouldonly have anationalsecuritiesregulator. This was one of the issuesthatI dove into when I firstcame to this Legislature many, many, many years ago, because it seemed importantand sexy and was a fieldin which I had hadsome personalexperience, in Toronto and Montrealand elsewhere. Whateverhappened to the nationalsecurities regulator? Does anybody care?

In the days of blockchain and crypto- currencies, has it, like so m any other things, been leftin limbo? I look forward to abitof aprogress reportfrom the ministeras we examine this billfurtherduring commi ttee stage. [3:00 p.m.] 4000 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Hon. J. Sims: It’s a pleasure today to rise and to speak on the amendmentsto the SecuritiesAct.As my colleagueshave said previously, I am sure that this kind of an amendment doesn’treally have passionate opposition to itbecause we can all see that it is much needed. As we know, my colleaguesacross the way were in govern- mentfor 16 years, and apparently, this was one of the legis- lations that was somewhere in the process. We’re delighted that we’re taking action on this so quickly and are actually moving on this and bringing itinto this House and hoping to move it forward.

As we allknow, there is nothing more importantormore criticalto British Columbians — I wouldsay peopleallover the world— than when they startto think abouttheirretire- ment security, their savings. People work hard. It doesn’t matterhow much you make. Well, itdoes matter, because it affectsthe quality of yourlife, butwhetheryou make $20,000 ayear— in which case, you can barely make ends meet— or if you make $100,000 or$200,000 ayear, peopleare thinking about saving for their retirement. There’s a vulnerability there when we have, not all but some, unscrupulous investmentadvisers.

Whatcan happen in thatcase is peoplecan lose theirlife savings.They can lose theirretirementsecurity. Whatthese particularamendments dois actually give anothertoolto the regulating agencies,to the SROs. What it allows them to do is, once the fines have been assigned…. There is not a problem with getting fines assigned and finding guilty those investment advisers who are doingwrong, who are the fraudsters. That’s notwhere the issueis. They are fined. Where the problemcomes in is, once they are fined, there are no tools in placeto have the reg- ulating agenciesgo out and collect the money.

What these amendmentsdo is allow those fines to be filed in courtand, then, for enforcement of collection of those moneys. My colleaguesacross the way…. The numberof self-reg- ulating bodies grew by huge numbers, and itseemed that government went arm’s length from so much of the reg- ulatory role that used to be in the hands of government and m oved it over, outsideof government. That has cre- ated som e difficulties.

This series of am endments will give people an assur- ance, willgive peoplelike my auntormy m om ormy uncle an assurance thatthere are teeth to the rulesthatthe reg- ulating bodies have, that theirjob is not just to fine, that they can then use the courtsystem to collectsom e of those m oneys as well. Though I have to be clear here, for many peoplethat is very littlekind of solace. The factthatyou have been abused — that’s whatfraud is — and you have lostyourlife savings due to badadvice, pooradviceand sometimes wrong advice by an unscrupulous investmentadviserdoes leave you with long-term damage.

WhileI am standing here, I’m thinking of all the work that still needs to be done by government to enact protec- tions, whether it is for children, whether it is for environ- ment, whether it is into our monetary system.

One of the things that keeps coming to my mind every time I listen to the word “fraudster” is the money-laundering situation thathas been allowed underthe previous jurisdiction, previ- ous government,to become very, very scary and almostbe branded as a “B.C. special” — so very scary for us. [3:05 p.m.] I’m so proud of the factthatourAttorney Generalis tak- ing thatissue very, very seriously and is doing his due dili- gence, and we’re looking forward to the recomm endations and the enactments he will bring out as a result of that. I bring thatup now because in many ways itlinks to this.

Itis aboutthatsecurity thatpeoplein British Columbianeed to feel. Itis about,whetherit’s aconsultantwho is misleading and whatkinds of consequencesthere are forthose consult- ants,whetherit’s an investmentadviser…. If they domislead and do fraud, which is a criminaloffence, there willbe seri- ous consequences.They’re notjustgoing to be allowed to get away with it. I’m always surprised thatit’s taken us so long to bring for- ward legislation to give the regulatingbodiesan opportunity, atool, to actually collectthe fines thatare assigned.

Italmost seems bizarre thatallof this time, for years, we had a gov- ernmentthatjustsatthere, knowingthatthey didn’thave the tools, didn’t have the enforcement, and just allowed it to be.

Once again, kudos to our Finance Minister for bringing this forward and making sure that we do give a sense of security to British Columbians thatthey do have a govern- mentthatis taking action, thatis notgoing to look the other way when itcomes to money laundering, when itcomes to a housing crisis thatwas allowed to reach a pointwhere Brit- ish Columbians are very, very scared whetherthey willever be ableto own a house into the future — orwhetheritwas, as I said previously, the money laundering and also the other costs that have gone up so much.

Itis always, as a governmentwhen you come in, thatyou have these ideas. Every person who runs wantsto dothe very best.Here in this legislation, in these amendments,I think we willgetagreementon allsidesof the House, both sidesof the House, thatthis is a good amendmentand an acknow- ledgement that the Finance Minister, the current Finance Minister, is acting on this in a very timely mannerto make sure thatwe give the self-regulating agenciesthe tools they were looking for.

Letme readinto the record the quote from the regulating agency. “As a publicinterestregulatoroverseeing the invest- mentindustry underthe authority of the British Columbia SecuritiesCommi ssion and othermembers of the Canadian Securities Administrators, our mandate is to protect investors and to support healthy capital markets,” said Andrew Kriegler, president and CEO of IIROC. “Having better tools in our enforcement toolkit will enableus to holdwrongdoers accountableand provideBrit- ish Columbians with greaterconfidenceto invest.Being able to collectpenalties through the courtswillsend a powerful message thatif you harm investors, you willpay the penalty.” Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4001

That’s what this is about. It is sending a strong message thatthere is a change in governmentin British Columbia — thatif you do wrong and you harm citizens, there are going to be consequences,notjuston paperbutthose thatwillbe enforced through the courts. Mr. Speaker, as you’ve heard me say a few times, letme finishoff by sayingthatI’m very, very proudthatourFinance Ministerhas acted on bringing these amendmentsforward in such a timely manner to give British Columbians some sense of security that we are there to protect their interests. S.

Furstenau: I rise to speak to Bill 16, the Securities AmendmentAct,2018, which, as we’ve heard from the other speakers, does provideself-regulating bodiesthe capacity to be ableto enforce fines thatthey levy againstinvestors who operate in fraudulent ways and who harm the peoplewho trusted them. [3:10 p.m.] Itdoes seem a littlestrange thatwe wouldhave to bring this in, as has been pointed outby som e of the otherm em- bers — that a regulating body had no capacity to actu- ally enforce its regulations when those regulations were broken, which speaks to som e of the inherent problems that we see with self-regulation across the board in this province.

Many examples with the professional reliance m odel also speak to this. Itis interesting to note the extentof the problem, which the Globe and Mail reported: “The amountof unpaidsecurit- iesfinesin Canadais more than $1.1 billion, amassive figure that shows that many of these sanctions are being ignored among white-collar criminals and fraudsters.” I think thatthis does give us a lotto be concerned about. There’s an enormous amountof money in these fines thatis owed back to people, based on the factthatpeoplehave been subjected to fraud by the investors thatthey were supposed to be trusting.

As the memberfrom PortMoody pointed out, B.C. actually has the worst track record for collection. I think some of the other questions have been raised by members speaking to this bill. I willlook forward, in com- mittee, to hearing some of the answers to those questions. I think, ultimately, whatitcomesdown to is thatwe live in a civildemocracy.

We expectthatgovernmentis acting in a way to protectus and to protectourinterests.Then we dis- cover, through a series of decisions thatare madeovertime, thatthe protections are given to bodiesfurtherand further away from governmentand thatthose protections are actu- ally very weak and very unableto provide us with the pro- tection that we should be expecting in our society.

I supportthis step, butI think thatitdoes open up a con- versation thatwe shouldbe having — and, I think, thathas begunhere today in the chamber— abouthow we are going to ensure, moving forward, that we see the kind of protec- tion ourcitizens shouldbe ableto expectwhen itcomes to matters as serious as theirfinancialhealth as wellas, across the board, environmental health and their health in general. Whether industry self-regulation should be seen as the panacea or answer to all these things…. I think there are some serious questions raised about that.

Deputy Speaker: Seeing no furtherspeakers, on behalfof the Ministerof Finance, the MinisterforMentalHealth and Addictions will close the debate. Hon. J. Darcy: I’d like to thank the members who have spoken on this issue. I move second reading. Motion approved. Hon. J. Darcy: I move thatthis billbe referred to a Com- mittee of the WholeHouse to be considered atthe nextsit- ting of the House after today. Bill 16, Securities Amendment Act, 2018, read a second time and referred to a Commi ttee of the Whole House for consideration at the next sitting of the House after today. Hon. J.

Darcy: I now call estimates for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and he is entering the House. [3:15 p.m.] Commi ttee of Supply ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION The House in Commi ttee of Supply (Section B); R. Chouhan in the chair. The commi ttee met at 3:17 p.m. On Vote 31: ministry operations, $43,914,000. Hon. S. Fraser: I guess, atthis point,it’s the second time I’ve done this as aminister. I believe I willmake some open- ing comm ents at the beginning of this budget estimate.

I’d like to begin by recognizing the territory of the Lekwungen-speaking people, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and the land we are gathered on in this building. With m e today I have my deputy minister, Doug Caul. I’ve gotChief FinancialOfficerRanbirParm ar. And I have other staff that will be coming in and out as this budget estimate unfolds. I am incredibly proud of what Budget2018 has accom- plished and will accomplish. It does so much for so many peopleacross British Columbia. We are putting peoplefirst and making life more affordable.

ThroughBudget2018, we are makingtruly historicinvest- ments.One billion dollars in childcare marks the beginning of a made-in-B.C. universal child care plan. More than $7 billion overthe nextten years to address affordability and 4002 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

the housing crisis is the largestinvestmentin housing in the history of this province. The budget fully eliminates Medical Services Plan premiums by 2020 and m akes record investm entin infra- structure, including schools, hospitals, transit.This is real, transform ational change in our society that will be felt for generations. We’re m aking life m ore affordable and rebuilding the services that people need. We’re m aking choices that put people first.

I am honoured to be part of a budgetthat demonstrates a true cross-governmentapproach to reconciliation, break- ing down the silos.A numberof leaders have toldme they’re noticing changes in our government-to-government rela- tionship. These are ourFirstNations leaders from across the province.

They appreciate ourcommi tmentto the recogni- tion of rights.There is an optimism thatwe are embarking on real change in B.C. to substantially improve the lives of Indigenous people. [3:20 p.m.] We are ata unique moment,I wouldsay, in ourpolitical history where we are strongly aligned with the federalgov- ernmentin ourcommi tmentsto reconciliation, and I work closely with my counterparts from Ottawa. I have heard extensively of the hope this has stirred amongstIndigenous leaders — from hereditary chiefs and matriarchs, elected leaders, Métis peopleand Indigenous peopleslivingin urban comm unities.

I’ve also heard the skepticism and the caution. Look at the past ten years, 50 years, 150 years of our history. Look at what has happened in recent court decisions in the last months. We recognizethatas aprovincethere’s alongway to go to buildtrust,butchange is coming: overthe nextthree years, $30 million to supportIndigenous childcare and early learning. Our government is also investing $20 million to address the overdose health crisis. I wouldnote thatchange is happening, perhaps notas fast as some would like, but it is coming.

Just a quote from a meeting I had with the Carrier-Sekani in Prince George a few months ago: “We are actively seeking to do construct- ive damage to the status quo.” I love that:“Do constructive damage to the status quo.” Part of the way is working with Indigenous peopleson how to integrate the UN declaration on the rightsof Indigenous peoplesin ways thatare seen and felt,notjustheard. We’re building ourreconciliation frame- work that will start to address this issue. The transformation we’re looking for also requires signi- ficantinvestmentacross the board.

That’s whatyou see in the provincialbudget.I mentioned some of those already. These investmentsare going directly into Indigenous comm unit- ies and into servicesto bettersupport Indigenous families: affordablehousing, language, childcare, mentalhealth and addictions, reducingpoverty, improvingaccess to justiceand revitalizing the environmental assessment process. It’s m ore than halfa billion dollars to supportaffordable housing for Indigenous people over the next ten years.

Our government is working with the Aboriginal Justice Councilto improve how Indigenous peoplesinteractwith the justice system in this province. There’s $2 million to support the creation of a new Indigenous law program at the University of Victoria. I was honoured to be asked to speak at a forum on thatin Victoria severalweeks ago. I wasn’tsure how m any peoplewouldshow up, and the theatre was to capacity. It was overflowing, and there were peoplewaiting outsideto com e in. This is truly exciting. This program is ground- breaking. It’s the firstof itskind in the province.

Actually, it’s the firstof itskind in the country. I believe it’s the first of its kind in the world. Ourgovernmentis revitalizing the environmentalassess- ment process, as I mentioned, in collaboration with Indi- genous groups, to ensure thatIndigenous interestsand legal rightsare respected. There’s more than $250 million overthe nextthree years invested in Indigenous prioritiesand recon- ciliation, in collaboration and in consultation with Indigen- ous peoples. These investments are critical steps towards reconciliation. I am particularly pleased about $50 million going to help revitalizeIndigenous languages.

Supporting language revitalization is akey m andate of my ministry. We’re work- ing alongside the First Peoples Cultural Council on this effort. As I’ve spoken with Indigenous peoplesfrom alloverthe province, in my time before this when I was critic, I have heard over and over again how important language is to the well-being of Indigenous peoplesand comm unities,how knowing yourlanguage strengthens the culture and the very health of the comm unities, how ithelps to connectchildren to theirheritage, comm unity, valuesand, importantly, to the very lands that they come from.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commi ssion heard how survivors were punished for speaking their language, how the residentialschoolsystem imposed culturalgenocideand scarred generations. The commi ssion recognized the importance of language and culture to the health and well- being of Indigenous comm unities. [3:25 p.m.] Ourgovernmentabsolutely recognizes this too. Itis why we are putting a significantinvestmenttowards revitalizing Indigenous languages in this province.

The First PeoplesCultural Council, a Crown corpora- tion, has been working for decades to train Indigenous speakers and to documentand preserve languages in Brit- ish Columbia. They’ve worked hard to getthe publicand the governmentto understand and recognize the connec- tions between language and health, and they’ve worked hard to get government to acknowledge that there is an urgent crisis, that all Indigenous languages in British Columbia are in danger. There’s a lot of work to do across government and with comm unities.

So many Indigenous languages need to be taughtand then spoken and passed from generation to gen- eration. We need to ensure that that happens. Our invest- Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4003

mentwith the councilis an excellentstep in making signific- ant progress. I am also very pleased thatourgovernment,for the first time ever, is providing B.C.’s Aboriginal friendship centres with stablecore funding. This funding willsupportthe day- to-day operations of friendship centres. These centres — there are 25 of them in the province— have been around for 60 years and have been seeking this kind of core funding for nearly 20 years. I wouldnote thatthe FinanceCommi ttee thattravels the provinceevery yearis across-government,cross-party, non- partisan commi ttee.

For many, many years, they have made unanimous recomm endations to government to actually providecore supportand funding forIndigenous friendship centres in this province, and they have been denied foryears and years. We’re changing that.We have more than tripled their financial support, with an additional $6 million, in partnership with the B.C. Association of AboriginalFriend- ship Centres. Every friendship centre I visited is exceptionally warm and welcoming.

They providean incrediblerange of services, things like job supportand training forthe health and well- being of children and families,and to maintain — it’s critical — connections to culture and history. Stablefunding will allow friendship centres to focus on delivering the critical services instead of worrying about keeping the doors open, finding funds. Keeping people, con- tinuity, is important, especially in dealing with youth that are looking forhelp. They buildtrustwith the peoplein the friendship centres. It’s very hard to keep peopleworking if you don’t have stable core funding.

The investments our government is making have been carefully considered with one thing in mind: what actions can we take to builda betterfuture forIndigenous and non- Indigenous British Columbians? Too many issueshave been ignored by pastgovernmentsforfartoo long. We have aspe- cial opportunity to change that. This is a tremendously exciting time in our history. We are commi tted to doing things differently. We are taking new approaches based on partnership, respect and recog- nition of inherent rights of Indigenous comm unities.

Our work must live up to the values of the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples,to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commi ssion and to the Tsil- hqot’in decision. Ouractions and aspirations are focused on supporting prosperous, healthy and self-determining First Nations comm unities. We are listening, and we are learning and charting a path forward together. Through this budget, we are making choicesthat will fundamentally transform our relationship with Indigenous peopleand make life better for all British Columbians.

In closing, I’d justlike to state thatI have been doing this job as minister for nine months, and I was a critic for the ministry forthe betterpartof my 12 years previously. In my short time, relatively speaking, of nine months in the job, from the beginning I have madean effortto try to meetall of the people that work in the ministry. [3:30 p.m.] I have been so impressed by the level of dedication. It’s palpable, the excitementto move aheadin this direction. So many peoplein the ministry have been waiting to be ableto do the mandate that the Premier has provided for us.

I wouldputthe staff of the Ministry of Indigenous Rela- tions and Reconciliation on the highest level. I would pit them againstanyone else in any otherministry. They do so much, and they’re so dedicated to theirjobs. I’m honoured and proud to work with them. D. Ashton: To the minister, I want to thank him for his opening remarks. I, too, wouldlike to recognize the originalpeopleof this land, specifically here on VancouverIsland, and thank them for the opportunity to allow us to share these lands and to live together. It does make a difference for each and every one of us.

I come from adifferentareaof the provincewhere there is a good working relationship on a continualbasis, and I am always the firstto take the opportunity to thank those mem- bers in thatparticulararea forallowing myselfand my fam- ily to share the beautiful lands that I call home. Also to the minister, I wouldlike to take the opportunity to thank his staff.

They have always been forthright,in com- ing, and I know how hard they work on these files.I know theirdedication, and itdoes make a huge difference to the direction thatthis provinceis taking, notonly now butin the past.My thanks, on behalfof this sideof the House, goes out to those hard-working individuals in the ministry. [L. Reid in the chair.] Madame Chair, nice to see you. Justaquick clarification forthe minister. There is myself and several other m embers of the opposition that would like to ask som e questions over the next period of time. There is also a m ember from the Third Party.

What we’re trying to do is to coordinate itso thatas we ask a question about a specific area or a specific reference, we bring everybody in at the sam e time so there wouldn’t be that jumping around. I’lldo my bestto try to coordinate that, and I’ll start off, if we could? Are there any changes in the estimates for the fiscalyear ending March 31, 2019, or the supplemental, that have happened since the publication of these documents? The Chair: Minister of Indigenous Relations. Hon. S. Fraser: Thank you, hon. Chair. Welcome to the proceedings today.

Before I answer, Jessica Woods, my assistantdeputy min- ister, is also joining me today. She wasn’there amomentago, so I apologize for omitting that. 4004 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Since the budget has been tabled, there have been no changes. D. Ashton: There was a wonderful announcement a few days ago aboutthe North American Indigenous Games and a substantial contribution by the government for that. My question to the ministeris: is there any contribution by the ministry to those games that we hope will be successfully brought to the south Island? Hon. S. Fraser: To the memberforPenticton, I justwant to note thatwe’ve been workingwelltogether, and I welcome the questions.

I was part of the announcement for the games that was heldhere at the Legislature just a coupleof days ago, and yeah, we’re allvery excited aboutit.The announcementwas $3.5 million from the province. Itdid notcome specifically from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconcili- ation, no. D. Ashton: I want to thank the minister for his answer.

I would just like to jump to a letter dated April 16, which was in my receipt this m orning, from the minister and signed by the minister, regarding som e issues thatthe province and citizens of the area — both with the local bands and citizens that have freeholdland in the area — have been facing. [3:35 p.m.] There is adecision thathas come forward, and I know the ministry has been working.

Butthere is a period of adjust- ments that the minister has spoken to in the letter — it’s regardingthe seclusion of private lands and submerged lands from the appeal— thathas really led, as we bothunderstand, to some really complexnegotiations regarding the environ- ment and regarding the freehold land up there.

I’m just curious if the minister couldenlighten me and enlightenthose who willbe listeningaboutthe direction that the government is taking to try and getsome resolve, not only for the private landowners up there but also for the peoplethathave been using British Columbia publicroads for egress to those particular pieces of land. Hon. S. Fraser: If the m emberfor Penticton couldjust give m e a clue about any details about the letter. I’m not sure which issue he is referring to. If he couldletm e know the nations involved or the region involved, thatwouldbe helpful. D.

Ashton: Specifically, whatsteps is the governmenttak- ing on this really difficult situation up there? There will be other MLAs, specifically one from there, that I’m sure will have some questions regarding this. In the letter, itsays that B.C. is taking clearsteps to resolve the issue. I’m justcurious about what those steps are. Hon. S. Fraser: Again, to the memberopposite, I’m not sure…. He’s mentioned the region, but I’m still not sure which issue he’s referring to. If he couldgive us a littlemore detail, I’d be happy to answer the question. D.

Ashton: I’llbe specific.To the Chilko Operators Asso- ciation, there has been, in my understanding, a proposition thathas come from the governmentregarding possiblefin- ancialopportunities orsettlements.I’m justcurious abouta specific direction that the province has taken on that. I do come back to the Tsilhqot’in lands, and aboutegress and access through the lands, thathave been awarded by the Supreme Court of Canada, and specifically to the various Chilko operators that run tourist operations in the area — i.e., lodges — for the avail of wildlife viewing. Hon. S.

Fraser: Thanks to the member for the question and the clarification. We’ve been comm unicating with the tourism operators, as the memberknows. We’ve meton this issue before. We have advised the operators that we are workingto concludeatwo-yearbridgingagreementthatwill provide the short-term certainty that they are looking for, and we have agreed with the Xeni Gwet’in to make best effortsto finalizethe agreementbefore June 1 — so justthe day after the House is scheduled to rise.

We’ve identified resourcesto help the Xeni Gwet’in move forward with the tourism investments and are supporting an appraisalprocess now — I think that’s whatthe member was referring to — for a numberof tourism operators who have indicated interestin apotentialsalefortheirbusinesses. We’ve reached outto the operators and gottheiragreement to pursue this type of action.

That’s where we’re at right now. [3:40 p.m.] I know thatas this unfolds overthe nextfew weeks, while we’re in the Legislature, if there’s any progress on that,I’d be happy to meetwith the member and other members who I’ve met with already on this, to update them. D. Ashton: I need to state, at this point in time, that the ministerhas always been forthcoming with information when I’ve asked, butthis letterwas on my desk this morning, and I justwanted to clear itup. I know thatthe MLA from the area will have some questions. The prospectis thatthere m ay be atwo-yearbridge until thingscan getsorted outthere.

During thatperiod of time, will there be access guaranteed to the various lodges that have had issues garnering clear and safe access for their visitors?

One thing — and I’m quite sure the ministerrealizes— is thatthese peopledo notjustphone up on Friday and make a reservation forSaturday and Sunday night.These reserva- tions, these lodges are international, and there needs to be some certainty and security coming forward, in my opinion, whilenegotiations take placebetween the province, the fed- eralgovernmentand the various nations involved in this to ensure the safe and continued operations untilsome settle- ment, or whatever takes place, can continue. Wednesday, April 18, 2018 British Columbia Debates 4005

Through to the minister, if he couldjustletme know what has taken placeto allow owners of these lodges the oppor- tunity to ensure thattheirclientswillhave the opportunity of egress, but,as important,thatthe lodgeswillhave the oppor- tunity to continue theiradvertising internationally

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20180418pm-Hansard-n118
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20180418pm Hansard n118
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	e27f75fe63c850d78b10082519cf873f018384d1

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