British Columbia Hansard — 24 February 2020, p.m., Issue 313 (41st Parliament, 5th Session)

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British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fifth Session, 41st Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday, February 24, 2020 Afternoon Sitting Issue No. 313 THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Fifth 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.

Anne Kang Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ..................................................................................................... Hon. Bruce Ralston 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, Economic Development and Competitiveness.............................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall 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 .................................................................................................................................................................Adam Olsen Deputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker............................................................................................................................................................. Simon Gibson Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ................................................................................................................ Spencer Chandra Herbert Acting Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...............................................................................................................................

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan Sourial Associate Law Clerk ..............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel............................................................................................................................................ S.

Suzie Seo Acting Sergeant-at-Arms..................................................................................................................................................................Greg Nelson

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, Hon.

Anne (NDP)......................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake 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 (BC Liberal).............................................

Kelowna–Lake Country Ma, Bowinn (NDP) .....................................................North Vancouver–Lonsdale Malcolmson, Sheila (NDP) ........................................................................Nanaimo Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) .......................................Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal)....................................................................... Chilliwack Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)..................................... Kamloops–North Thompson Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ........................................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Hon.

Michelle (NDP)......................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Cariboo North Olsen, Adam (BC 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 (BC Liberal) ..............................................................

Kootenay East Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ......................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)..................................................Vancouver-Hastings Sims, 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)..........................................Kamloops–South Thompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal)........................................ West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC 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 (Ind.)................................................Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal) ................................Vancouver-Quilchena Y ap, 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....................................................................... Hon. 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 Kamloops–North Thompson .............................................................Peter Milobar Kamloops–South Thompson..................................................................Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country .....................................................................Norm Letnick 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......................................................................................

Sheila Malcolmson 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 Y ap 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 ...................................................................................... 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; Independent 2; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS Monday, February 24, 2020 Afternoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members................................................................................................................................................... 11131 Introduction and First Reading of Bills.............................................................................................................................. 11132 Bill 9 — Evidence Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. D. Eby Bill 10 — Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. S.

Robinson Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 11133 Moose Hide anti-violence campaign S. Malcolmson A. Wilkinson John Davidson and VisionQuest Recovery Society G. Begg Mining industry T. Shypitka R. Leonard Bob Lee R. Sultan Oral Questions....................................................................................................................................................................... 11135 Government position on oil and gas industry issues S. Bond Hon. J.

Horgan Economic impacts of protests on B.C. ports and workers J. Thornthwaite Hon. J. Horgan Government support for technology sector and industry tax credits A. Olsen Hon. M. Mungall Economic impacts of protests on agriculture industry M. de Jong Hon. L. Popham Government response to coronavirus impact on trade J. Johal Hon. G. Chow Hon. A. Dix Tabling Documents............................................................................................................................................................... 11140 B.C.

Judicial Compensation Commission, final report, 2019 Orders of the Day Budget Debate (continued) .................................................................................................................................................. 11141 J. Thornthwaite R. Singh P . Milobar Hon. K. Conroy R. Coleman M. Dean M. Stilwell Hon. K. Chen

MONDAY , FEBRUARY 24, 2020 The House met at 1:36 p.m. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Introductions by Members N. Simons: It gives me great pleasure to welcome a constituent to the chamber today. Joining us is a former RCMP member of 34 years, a person who is well known in Gibsons. In fact, when he left the force, they shut down the Gibsons detachment. I’ d like the members of this House to please join me in welcoming artist, former RCMP officer and devoted community member Ed Hill. G. Begg: It is a pleasure for me today to rise to introduce my former boss to the House.

That’s not his greatest accomplishment, however. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass was not only my boss but the boss of every Mountie west of the Ontario-Manitoba border. He’s lived in every province and territory in Canada. Here in British Columbia, he set up the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and a gang task force and was the lead investigator in the Air India bombing, the largest mass killing in Canadian history. A great leader and a great public servant. Please join me in welcoming Gary Bass. Hon. B. Ralston: Today is Mining Day at the Legis- lature. Mining is a key industry in our province.

Here in the Legislature to meet MLAs are dozens of representatives from the mining sector. I want to single out someone for special recognition here today, if you’ll indulge me just slightly. Jerry Asp, who was recently inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, is an esteemed member of the Tahltan Nation. He worked tirelessly to create greater inclusion and lasting prosperity for the Tahltan and many other Indigenous people. He was the originator of the idea that the Tahltan would participate in mining and has taken them from poverty to prosperity in the space of 30 years.

He joins the Mining Association of B.C. today in order to acknowledge his place in the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, what he has done for mining in this province and his nation and as a show of gratitude on behalf of the entire association and the province of British Columbia and the Legislature of British Columbia as well.

Joining us also this afternoon are Michael Goehring, who is the president and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C.; Rob Rotzinger, vice-president of capital projects, Taseko Mines; Kendra Johnston, president and CEO, Association For Mineral Exploration; Mike Abbey, chair of the Mining Suppliers Association; and Eric Dell, who is the mines general manager of Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, for those of you who don’t know, just outside of Princeton. Would the House please join me in welcoming our guests. T.

Shypitka: I join my colleague in welcoming all the mining associations across British Columbia that are here in the precinct this afternoon, recognizing that Mining Day is my favourite day of the year. Being an MLA from one of the farthest jurisdictions away from Victoria, I don’t have a lot of family and friends that come here. But today is one of those days that’s an exception, as I feel I am part of that group. I’m really hon- oured to be here representing the mining sector. [1:40 p.m.] Katherine Gizikoff is here. Don Sander and Jay Schlosar from Teck Resources are here. Rob McLeod and Rob Stevens from AME.

Lynda Smithard, Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia. Ben Pierce from Taseko Mines. Ben Arden and John Schadan from Conuma Coal Resources. Kendra Johnston, of course. Gavin Dirom from Geoscience B.C. Michael Goehring from MABC. And of course, Jerry Asp, as the hon. member mentioned, on the accolades he just recently had. I would like to welcome them all, and I would like the House to join me in that welcoming. D. Davies: On behalf of myself and the member for Parksville-Qualicum, we have a group — actually, I believe three groups — of cadets touring together.

I’m not sure if they’re in here today, but they’re certainly in the precinct, touring around. I don’t want to identify one of them. I don’t know all three, so that would get me in trouble. Would the House make all the cadets that are in the House feel welcome. Hon. L. Popham: Today in the chamber, I have a whole gaggle of members from the Ministry of Agriculture join- ing us. They are from the innovation and adaptation ser- vices branch, and they’re responsible for delivering such amazing programs as Buy B.C. and Every Chef Needs a Farmer. I couldn’t do my job without them.

I would like to welcome Mat Patterson, Colleen Colwell, Blake Anderson, Cheenar Shah, Elaine Veray-Fournier, Sean Cheesman, Lee Haney, Ashley Legebokow, Maria Kawahara, Christina Waters, Andrea Hoerger, Adrian Semmelink, Natalya Melnychuk, Ashley Fernandes, Jane Wong and Emily Schulz. Thanks for everything you guys do. Hon. M. Mark: Today we celebrate the fourth B.C. Col- leges Day. Colleges are a valued part of the public post-sec- ondary ecosystem. I’m pleased to welcome the presidents from ten public colleges: Sherri Bell from Camosun, John Bowman from 11131

North Island, Justin Kohlman from Coast Mountain, Den- nis Johnson from New Caledonia, David Walls from the College of the Rockies, Lane Trotter from Langara, Bryn Kulmatycki from Northern Lights, Angus Graeme from Selkirk, Jim Hamilton from Okanagan and Colin Ewert, the president of B.C. Colleges. A special shout-out to Ajay, who is the new president for Vancouver Community Col- lege, a long-time east side resident, representing Vancou- ver Community College in my riding. The colleges offer a pathway to affordable, accessible education. They offer 250 programs to 125,000 students in 60 communities.

I’m sure all of the MLAs are very, very proud of the local community colleges in their backyards. Will the House please join me in welcoming our special guests. L. Throness: I would like to join my colleague the gov- ernment Whip in welcoming Gary Bass to this House. Just to point out, in his retirement, Gary was chair of the board of VisionQuest, an organization in my riding designed to get offenders off drugs. So even in retiring from the RCMP , he’s working on a volunteer basis, fighting crime by help- ing to get people off drugs. I’ d like to thank him for his vol- untary service to the province of B.C. J.

Rustad: Mining is important, I think, for most of us here in the Legislature. There are a few people here who haven’t been introduced yet that I thought should be. Ed Beswick is here. He lives in the area, but he’s been involved in many projects over the years. As well as Richard Proko- panko and Jackie Prokopanko, who have a long history with the mining sector and are here as part of that engage- ment with MLAs around the province. Would the House please make them welcome. D. Davies: I’ll do this again, now that I have my infor- mation and facts straight, and make everybody happy.

I’ d like to welcome into the precinct the 109 Sea Cadets from Alberni, the 893 Air Cadets from Beaufort and Parksville and the 296 Sea Cadets from Esquimalt, who have just arrived for a tour of the Legislature. Would the House please make them all feel welcome. [1:45 p.m.] S. Chandra Herbert: I, too, just wanted to join with members to welcome our friends from the Mining Asso- ciation.

Folks might not know, but my constituency con- tains probably the highest, if not the second-highest, num- ber of mining company offices in B.C., even if the mines have long since left, and Coal Harbour doesn’t have a bit of coal left in it. I want to welcome them here to this House. It’s important to remember that it impacts all of our com- munities. Welcome to this House. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL 9 — EVIDENCE AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 Hon. D. Eby presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Evidence Amendment Act, 2020. Hon. D.

Eby: I move the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I’m pleased to introduce the Evidence Amendment Act, 2020. This bill will amend the Evidence Act to promote the just, speedy and proportionate determination of person- al injury claims in our courts. Specific improvements will include limits on the use of adversarial experts and regula- tion-making power to limit the amount of costs a success- ful party can recover from a losing party in litigation. The bill will initially pursue these improvements for personal injury litigation relating to motor vehicle litig- ation.

It will also allow for the future expansion of this proportional approach to all personal injury litigation, to come into force by regulation. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 9, Evidence Amendment Act, 2020, 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. BILL 10 — MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 Hon. S.

Robinson presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2020. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now. I am pleased to introduce Bill 10, Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2020.

The purpose of the proposed legislation is to create the interim business property tax relief program, which will enable municip- alities to provide immediate tax relief to the small busi- nesses, non-profits and arts and culture organizations that have, for many years, been bearing the brunt of an out-of- control real estate market. All of us here know that years of an out-of-control real 11132 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

estate market have resulted in unexpected tax spikes for many small businesses that pay property taxes through their commercial leases. We know that for a decade now, the provincial government was hearing from small busi- nesses, non-profits and arts and culture organizations that they need relief and that they need it now. This isn’t a new request. Too many empty storefronts in cities reveal the toll this province is taking on families and communities and the price of the previous government’s inaction on this file.

This government is committed to making life more affordable for all British Columbians, and this legislation will help provide communities with a tool to give relief this tax year. The interim business property tax relief pro- gram will enable municipalities, by bylaw, to relieve eli- gible commercial properties from higher property taxes where there was at least one tenant responsible for all or a portion of the property taxes. The intent is to benefit the commercial tenants who are paying taxes on the potential of the land value while not realizing that benefit.

This will particularly help the small businesses, non-profits and arts and culture organizations that have been impacted by unexpected and significant property tax increases. The relief would be available for 2020 and for up to five years while the province continues to work to develop a longer-term strategy. This legislation provides significant flexibility that will allow local governments to tailor their bylaws to the needs of their communities. We know that the extent of this problem and the way it is affecting the local community looks very different in Squamish, Victoria or Vancouver.

Most importantly, this tool offers an immediate tool to give relief for those that need it now, while government contin- ues to work with stakeholders on a permanent fix to the situation. Additionally, this bill contains four other items propos- ing minor amendments to the Assessment Act, the Local Government Act, the Community Charter and the Van- couver Charter. These amendments align B.C.

Assessment’s fiscal year with that of the government and all other Crown corpora- tions, repeal the commercial vehicle licence program, raise maximum fines for bylaw contraventions for all municip- alities, decrease the time frame in the Vancouver Charter for completing remedial action requirements and parallel the authority all other local governments have under the Local Government Act to provide the city of Vancouver with the statutory authority to enter into latecomer agree- ments and impose and collect latecomer charges in rela- tion to multiphase developments. [1:50 p.m.] Many of these amendments respond to concerns raised by local governments, and they will have a mean- ingful impact by ensuring that local government legisla- tion is clear and operates effectively and by enabling loc- al governments to respond to the circumstances in their communities.

Most importantly, these changes will enhance the provi- sion of quality services to the citizens of British Columbia. Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill. Motion approved. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. Bill 10, Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, 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) MOOSE HIDE ANTI-VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN S.

Malcolmson: Hunting moose near the Highway of Tears, Raven and Paul Lacerte had a great idea that grew into the Moose Hide Campaign. Two million Moose Hide pins pledged men to stand up against violence toward women and children, and they pledged to call out violence when they see it. Moose Hide pins start conversations. Strangers stop in the street and ask questions. Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University amplified such conversations when it hosted 20-plus post-secondary institutions across Canada at 2017’s National MBA Games.

Imagine the impact of 600-plus business students fanning back out across the country, having had this intense week of dialogue about ending violence against women and using the Moose Hide Campaign as their focus. They also raised over $300,000 for Moose Hide and the Safe Space, Safe Place campaign so women and children are free across the country from violence in their post-secondary institutions. Secondly, the Vancouver Island University Students Union in Nanaimo instigated the B.C. Federation of Stu- dents union support of the Moose Hide Campaign.

Now the Moose Hide Campaign has engaged over 45 post-sec- ondary institutions all across Canada, 27 in B.C. alone. A year ago our government and the Moose Hide Cam- paign launched a new education initiative for K-to-12 stu- dents. As our Premier said at the time: “By expanding its reach to include children and youth, the Moose Hide Campaign is helping young people lead the way as we work together to build a future free from violence and fear. ” Just now, at noon, we heard Sage Lacerte with the strong voice of many of those youth leaders. Education is the key to ending systemic violence.

The youth on the Moose Hide learning journey today are Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11133

smart, effective, informed, engaged and committed to the cause. They’re changing our country, starting from home. A. Wilkinson: People are gathering today all across our province to demonstrate their commitment to ending violence against Aboriginal, Métis, First Nations and Inuit women and children. The power of the Moose Hide Campaign lies in raising awareness amongst everyone of the seriousness of this issue and that we have to stand up to this tragic epidemic of sexual violence against women and children, especially in our Indigenous communities. No one should ever face violence because of who they are.

That’s a fundamental concept in Canada that I think all of us can agree upon. Victims need to have their voices heard, and those facing and fleeing violence deserve our support as a society. The Moose Hide Campaign has started millions of conversations across Canada and especially here in Brit- ish Columbia. This campaign continues, as we saw on the lawn today, with about 1,000 people out there show- ing that this is important, that they care and that they will not let it go.

I’m proud to have participated in today’s event and to be part of this Legislature’s commitment to the purposes and goals of the Moose Hide Campaign. I invite British Col- umbians to join all of us in reflecting on this important issue and sorting out what we can do in this Legislature and in our society to end the violence.

I think I can speak for everyone in this room, in this House and in this Legislature in saying that we have to get on with this, that we have to take it seriously, that we have a role in all of this and that our goal unanimously has to be to end violence against Indigenous women and children. [1:55 p.m.] JOHN DAVIDSON AND VISIONQUEST RECOVERY SOCIETY G. Begg: Today I take great pride in rising to honour a very special man. In May of 2008, Insp. John Davidson retired from the Abbotsford police department after 40 years of service. A career police officer, John served in vari- ous departments from 1968.

He’s worked with the London Metropolitan Police, the Vancouver and Matsqui police departments as well as the Abbotsford department. By any measure, John’s service and commitment to community was exemplary and exceptional. Through his vast and varied police experience, John came to understand that much of the root of society’s crime issues find their origins in the ravages of addiction. To that end, John gave more of himself and unselfishly volunteered with VisionQuest Recovery for many years, both while he was still an active police officer and after his retirement.

The VisionQuest Recovery Society recognizes that people who find recovery can become a positive part of our society. VisionQuest is, in fact, crime prevention at its very best. Its roots are found as far back as 1995, and now VisionQuest has several recovery houses in British Col- umbia successfully helping to make those suffering from addiction become productive members of society again. Over the past 15 years, John has served in various pos- itions as a volunteer with VisionQuest, and then, for the past 18 months, he has served as executive director.

With a remarkable investment of time and energy, John has brought VisionQuest to a new level of proficiency and pro- ductivity. There are many people today enjoying sobriety and freedom from addiction who owe their good fortune to the unselfish work of John Davidson. Choosing now to retire to focus on his health, John will leave a legacy of grateful people and families. His hard work and sacrifice will not go unnoticed. Indeed, it’s fair to say that John Davidson has truly made a difference. He and members of the VisionQuest Society are with us today.

We as a community are the beneficiaries of John’s unselfish giving of himself. Thank you, retired inspector John Davidson. MINING INDUSTRY T. Shypitka: Today is Mining Day in British Columbia and my chance, as the Mining critic, to brag about the importance that mining brings us all here in British Col- umbia. The B.C. mining industry is foundational to the province and a key component of our economy. Some say it’s a sunset industry and part of the old economy. To those folks I would say they are terribly misinformed.

I am proud to say that our province’s mining sector is a key part of our transition to a cleaner economy. Electric vehicles and alternative energy sources like solar and wind all require mined materials. Our technology sector does not move without industry. Mining must be at the forefront of this innovation to create a greener tomorrow. Technology such as smart shovel technology, autonomous vehicles and 3D virtual mapping are all developed on the backs of our industry. We are cap- able of sustainably developing these better than anyone else in the world. We simply cannot let it sit in the ground.

If I was to ask you what B.C. ’s largest mining community is, you would be correct if you said Metro Vancouver. Many would not think of Vancouver as a mining town, but it truly is. More than 700 mining and mineral firms are based in Vancouver alone. Approximately one-third of B.C.-based businesses that supply materials, goods and services to the mining community are located in 20 urban municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area. This amounts to about $1 billion annually. Vancouver Island also benefits economically from the mining sector.

So to say that min- ing is a rural industry in the Interior of the province would be a big mistake. 11134 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

We are world leaders in environmental assessment and protection, yet some of us would sooner drive global demand to countries that have abysmal human rights, environmental and safety standards. We are becoming our own worst enemy. Teck’s recent decision to pull their application for the Frontier project, as well as the devast- ating effects of the illegal blockades on the Canadian eco- nomy, blatantly illustrate this point. I would like to thank Gavin Dirom and the folks at Geoscience B.C., and also Kendra Johnston of the AME, as well as Michael Goehring from the MABC, who are all here today. [2:00 p.m.] R.

Leonard: I, too, will be speaking about mining. In B.C., mining and its related sectors provide jobs for more than 30,000 people in communities throughout the province, with a production value of more than $9 billion. Mining is one of British Columbia’s foundational indus- tries and one that will play a significant role in building a low-carbon economy. We’re fortunate to have representatives from the Mining Association of B.C. here today as we celebrate Mining Day, including mine operators, mine managers and representa- tives of the mineral exploration and mining suppliers asso- ciations.

Each year on Mining Day, we have the opportun- ity to recognize the importance of this sector and interact and meet with senior mining representatives to discuss the issues and opportunities facing the sector. B.C. ’s mining sector is a trailblazer in actively adopting innovative technology and practices that allow us to access ethically and sustainably sourced metals and minerals. Because of this, we have an opportunity to be a world leader in responsible mineral exploration and extraction. Much of this opportunity comes thanks to the industry leaders you see in the House today.

It is my hope that we can continue to recognize the efforts of this industry, not just today but every day. B.C. is a mining province, and the people here know that it is an integral part of our economy as well as an integral part of the clean future we’re working towards. I’ d like to take this moment to acknowledge the hard work of the representatives joining us today, the thousands of people who make mining a part of their careers and their lives, and the world-class mining which benefits all British Columbians. BOB LEE R. Sultan: A week ago Bob Lee died.

The Lee family lost its patriarch, I lost a friend, and Canada lost one of its great citizens. I first met Bob at high school. We were both 15 years old. Bob’s father imported goods from China. Our guid- ance counsellor, Mr. Howard, suggested to Bob that he finish high school and do the same. He did not. Instead, he became chancellor of UBC and the visionary who pushed UBC into world rankings with an endowment of $2.3 billion. Along the way, Bob gave away his own money to organ- izations which helped people.

He confided to me that his four children would simply have to figure out how to do well on their own, and they did. TheVancouver Sunquoted Jimmy Pattison: “They don’t make them better than Bob Lee. He was a very humble guy, always friendly, very sin- cere. Nothing put on about Bob Lee. He cared. He cared about people. He cared about his friends. He cared about the community. He was a special guy. ” Hon. Speaker, could I ask this Legislature to pause its proceedings for one minute to reflect on our loss. [The House observed a moment of silence.] Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Members.

Oral Questions GOVERNMENT POSITION ON OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY ISSUES S. Bond: Y esterday we learned that Vancouver-based Teck Resources cancelled their $20 billion Frontier mine project, saying that they could see no constructive path forward for this project. [2:05 p.m.] This mine represents over 3,500 person-years of employment in British Columbia. These are well-paying, family-supporting jobs in places like North Vancouver that vanished overnight. But the Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink celebrated this collapse: “ …the turning point we desperately need. ” To the Premier, a simple question.

Does this reflect the view of his government? Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for her question. I hope that she’s had the opportunity to read the very thoughtful letter put out by Don Lindsay, the president and CEO of Teck, after making the decision to step away from the Frontier project. I think that it should be required reading for all members of this place. He went on at some length to talk about the divides within communities that will not be addressed in the shadow of regulatory pro- cesses.

I’ll read an excerpt. “Frontier, however, has surfaced a broader debate over climate change and Canada’s role in addressing it. It is our hope that withdrawing from the process will allow Canadians to shift to a larger and more positive discussion about the path forward. Ultimately, that should take place without a looming regulatory” decision. He concludes by saying the following: “The promise of Canada’s potential will not be realized until governments can reach agreement around how climate policy consider- Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11135

ations will be addressed in the context of future respons- ible energy” use. Without clarity on this critical question, the solution that we face at Frontier will be faced by future projects, and that will make it more difficult to attract investment. The member will also know that BlackRock, one of the largest private sector equity funds in the world, has made a shift towards low-carbon investments, made a shift towards responsible uses of capital to build the economy we need in our future. I commend Mr. Lindsay for his long-sighted view on Frontier, which was a project that was about a ten-year horizon.

I commend him also for keeping Teck’s head office here and the many, many mines that keep people employed right across British Columbia. On Mining Day, I think it’s appropriate that we celebrate those initiatives and look forward rather than backward. Mr. Speaker: The member for Prince George– Valemount on a supplemental. S. Bond: I appreciate the Premier’s response. In fact, of course, I’ve read the letter. It’s clear that some mem- bers of his government have not or did not. To celebrate the demise of the potential of 3,500 person-hours of employment in British Columbia is irresponsible, from our perspective.

That’s not the first time. There are 10,000 jobs in British Columbia in oil and gas development — 10,000 jobs. So it’s not the first time the parliamentary secretary has attacked these family-supporting jobs. On November 28, 2019, she said: “We need to escape the systemic clutches of oil and gas. ” That is exactly the view of the U.S.-based Stand.earth organization, who are, today, hiring a senior oil and gas campaigner. To do what? To stop oil and gas development in British Columbia. Do the views of the parliamentary secretary and of Stand.earth reflect the views of this government? Hon. J.

Horgan: The member from Prince George has known me for a long, long time, and she knows full well that that does not reflect the views of me or this govern- ment. She will also know that it was the NDP government in the 1990s that created the Oil and Gas Commission, which allowed the proliferation of jobs in the region. She will also know it was an NDP government that put in place a flexible, competitive arrangement with the LNG sector so that we could land the first final investment decision in B.C. history — a $40 billion investment that is proceeding as we speak. Mr.

Speaker: The member for Prince George– Valemount on a second supplemental. S. Bond: I think that the Premier, then, is fully aware of the fact that perhaps he needs to have a conversation with members on that side of the House about the history that he just recalled here in the House. It goes further than that. The Environment Minister had dinner with members of Stand.earth, who were present at the anti-pipeline strategy group meeting on Bowen Island. Interjections. [2:10 p.m.] Mr. Speaker: Members. S. Bond: It’s ironic how facts actually upset the other side.

Let’s see what that organization is saying on their web- site. Here’s the job posting on their U.S. website: “Cam- paigns have focused on stopping the Trans Mountain pipeline, the Teck Frontier mine. In the coming months, we will expand to stop the growth of fracking and LNG in British Columbia. ” Well, the Minister of Environment didn’t want to get up last week. It’s his chance today to stand up and unequi- vocally reject Stand.earth’s American-led campaign to stop B.C. energy development. Hon. J. Horgan: I don’t want to miss the opportunity to get up and participate in question period.

It’s one of the highlights of my day. I’ve been missing the cut-and-thrust, the back-and-forth about the policy ideas and the chal- lenges of the 21st century. How can we make life better for British Columbians? According to the Liberals, don’t tweet your thoughts and don’t have dinner with anybody that hasn’t been approved by the politburo on that side of the floor. When we have industry leaders…. Interjections. Hon. J. Horgan: Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Did I touch a raw nerve? Interjections. [Mr. Speaker rose.] Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the response. Premier. [Mr. Speaker resumed his seat.] Hon. J.

Horgan: Thank you, hon. Speaker. When an…. Interjections. Hon. J. Horgan: Oh my goodness. Kamloops is erupt- ing over there. 11136 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

When an industry leader of the stature of Don Lindsay reflects on all of us taking a pause and looking forward…. How do we bring the new generation, oftentimes reflected and represented by the member for North Vancou- ver–Lonsdale, into sync with the old generation? How do we all move together collectively? Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. J. Horgan: We address climate action by having the most aggressive climate plan in North America right here in British Columbia.

We sit down with industry lead- ers and find a way forward so companies like BlackRock can invest in British Columbia because we have a plan to address climate over the long term. Most importantly…. I thought everyone in this House was with us on this, but I guess they’re not. Addressing reconciliation and ensuring that we recognize Indigenous peoples was something that we all embraced just a few months ago. I don’t know what happened. Y ou seem to be backsliding a bit. ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROTESTS ON B.C. PORTS AND WORKERS J.

Thornthwaite:It has been, now, three weeks since the blockades to paralyze our economy started. There are ves- sels sitting, today, empty on the B.C. south coast as ships await cargo from the Port of Vancouver. Local exporters are unable to move their products to their global custom- ers. This is an unprecedented hit to B.C. businesses and B.C. families and B.C. jobs. In North Vancouver, Teck Resources has shut down its Neptune shipping terminal for five months, impacting hundreds of jobs, many of them on the North Shore.

To the Jobs Minister, what specific steps has she taken to address these very real economic impacts? Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. J. Horgan: I think if the opposition could figure out just what it is they’re trying to say, maybe it might be coherent to the people of British Columbia.

With respect to the member’s question, I can say that over the past seven days, I’ve been in intense discussions with Premiers across the country, the most significant blockades, of course, being in Ontario and Quebec, which are having an impact on the Port of Vancouver and vessels that are now harboured all the way out through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We’re working with the Prime Minister. We’re working with the federal government to make sure there’s a way forward. As I understand it, as recently as last evening, the major blockade at Kanehsatà:ke has been coming down. Freight will start to move.

Ports will open up. [2:15 p.m.] Again, sticking your head in the sand and pretending the problems that led to these impasses will somehow go away is the wrong approach by that side of the House. Mr. Speaker: The member for North Vancouver–Sey- mour on a supplemental. J. Thornthwaite: These problems are not going to go away without action from this government. The eco- nomic damage has been done. For every one day that cargo has been delayed due to blockades, it takes three days to get back to normal.

Terminals on Vancouver Island, Prince Rupert, the North Shore, downtown Van- couver and the Fraser River in Surrey have all been affected. Over $2 million in wages have already been lost in Prince Rupert alone, and there are only 13,000 people that actually live there. What is the Jobs Minister’s plan for workers affected by the economic chaos caused by these protests? Hon. J. Horgan: Again, I thank the member for her new-found concern about shipping industries and the impacts on the economy here in British Columbia and right across the country. These are national challenges.

What we’ve seen at the national level is an unprecedented coming together of people from different political perspectives that have dif- ferent needs in their various communities with one pur- pose in mind: open up the economy and continue dialogue — not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, which would be the B.C. Liberal approach. “It’s getting a little bit difficult. We should stop now and put our hands up. ” Quite the contrary. We need to work together for a way forward, united across the country. It’s a shame we can’t be united in this House.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY SECTOR AND INDUSTRY TAX CREDITS A. Olsen: Two weeks ago the government released its economic framework. It supposedly provides an organiz- ing framework for the work of this government. In the

section on investments in technology and innov- ation, it states that the government “will contribute more than $700 million to technology programming, including in technology-focused educational programs, tax credit programming for technology companies, incubator and accelerator programs delivered by the Innovate B.C. Crown corporation, technology-focused procurement opportunities and the development of innovation clusters. ” My question is to the Minister of Jobs, Economic Devel- opment and Competitiveness. Does this $700 million in Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11137

technology programming include the Film Incentive B.C. tax credit, the production services tax credit and the inter- active digital media tax credit? Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Okay. Back to question period. Hon. M. Mungall: Thank you to the member for his question.

I know he and his colleague, as well as the inde- pendent member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head, have a deep passion for innovation and technology and all the oppor- tunities that it brings British Columbia — not just British Columbia, but opportunities in terms of a global perspect- ive and what we’re able to offer the world, particularly when we talk about our clean tech sector but also, let me add, in terms of our medical technology sector.

I was able to tour several businesses on Friday, one of them being MetaOptima and the work that they’re doing in Vancouver around drone technology and diagnostics for dermatology and dermatological illnesses. It’s really amazing to see the work that British Columbians are doing and what they’re offering the world. I’m very proud to be involved in what they’re doing, as the minister responsible for technology. In terms of the member’s question, the incentives and the work that we’re doing as government to support this industry and what it’s able to do are very numerous. He mentioned the digital media tax credit.

That is something that we are very proud of. It’s one of a number of tax cred- its. That tax credit…. In particular, in Budget 2020, we’ve increased it from $55 million to $70 million to support small and large tech businesses all around the province. [2:20 p.m.] Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Third Party on a supple- mental. A. Olsen: I guess I’m troubled by the vagueness of the answer. The question was provided in advance because we’re looking for a very specific answer to this.

I asked the minister if, in the $700 million number that’s given in the economic framework — the govern- ment’s own economic framework — the Film Incentive B.C. tax credit, the production services tax credit and the interactive digital media tax credit were included in that. I asked specifically because in our reading of the budget, it looks as if $637 million is what those equal to, leaving the remainder of that to be the actual investment. I’m wondering if the minister can answer the ques- tion.

Does the $700 million in the technology program- ming include those three tax credits which I’ve now out- lined twice? Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, if you could at least wait till the minister opens her mouth. Hon. M. Mungall: That would be nice, hon. Speaker. It’s such an honour just to stand up and get heckled. Really, it is. To answer the member’s question, I want to highlight some of the things that we are doing to support the B.C. tech sector that would be involved in that $700 million. Interjections. Hon. M.

Mungall: I don’t know that the Third Party member is really that enthusiastic about the Liberals heck- ling on his behalf. I think he just wants to hear the answer. The B.C. tech fund has committed over $65 million in venture capital funding to nine funds and made six direct investments into B.C.–based companies. That $65 million has leveraged over $549 million in further investment in 29 companies, and that has created over 1,000 family-sup- porting jobs right here in B.C.

To help connect communities and businesses, we are investing $50 million to expand high-speed Internet to more than 479 rural and Indigenous communities to enable them to participate in today’s economy. We are providing $17 million over the next five years to establish the quantum algorithms institute. We are doing so much for the tech sector. We have so many opportunities to support them. I heard many of what those opportunities have done for small businesses and start-ups and how they’re scaling up in my tours of them, whether it be in Nelson or in Vancouver. I would love to give the member a full list.

I don’t think question period is long enough. I don’t think he’s going to hear it with all the heckling going on either. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROTESTS ON AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY M. de Jong: My question is for the Minister of Agricul- ture. Rail blockades are having a direct impact on B.C. farm- ers.

We’re hearing about beef producers who are losing orders to South American producers, poultry producers who aren’t being able to get product into the grocery stores and feed companies for poultry, dairy and, actually, pork producers who have a very limited supply left. 11138 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

The minister received a letter last week from the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, which reminded her and us that 500 poultry producers depend on feed mills in Brit- ish Columbia. Five hundred dairy producers are relying on feed mills. The Lower Mainland mills combined manufac- ture and deliver more than 3,000 tonnes of feed daily to area farms.

Of this tonnage, the vast majority of inputs are delivered to the valley by rail. [2:25 p.m.] My question to the minister is: what contingency plan- ning has the government undertaken to address the impacts of these blockades and the real impacts they’re having on farmers, and who is going to cover the addition- al costs incurred as a result of these blockades? Hon. L. Popham:Thank you for the question. It’s a very important question.

We are keeping in contact with our stakeholders around the province to keep on top of which suppliers and which producers may be coming into a difficult situation due to the stalling of goods being delivered. We are in constant conversations, and we are hopeful that we will see the flow of goods start to happen soon. I can tell the member that we are in constant contact with not just our farmers and our feed producers and sup- pliers but also our processors. One conversation that we’ve been in contact with since the beginning is one of our chicken processors.

So we have managed to find an altern- ative route to get chicken through to customers. Those are conversations that we hope we’ll have less of in the coming weeks. Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental. M. de Jong:I was hoping that the minister could relay to the House a broader contingency plan, given the vulnerab- ility that agrifood producers are experiencing at this given time with these blockades. The sad irony is that the feed mills want to use B.C. product to produce the feed that our producers require, and they can’t get it.

Millions of dollars’ worth of grains are languishing on side tracks in railcars that haven’t been able to move. One of those stakeholders — Clearbrook Grain and Milling, a company that’s been operating for upwards of 70 years in the Fraser Valley — has written to the minister and has alerted the government to the following.

He says this: “The road and rail blockages are affecting my ability to produce feed for B.C. farm animals and pets, not to mention the additional costs that will be borne by all of us in the added costs for the price of goods and lost wages. ” Again, can the minister assure the House and the thou- sands of producers around British Columbia that there is a contingency plan in place that will service the needs of our agrifoods sector, given the unpredictability of the kinds of blockades we are seeing impact rail traffic and the trans- mission of goods to the feed mills? Hon. L. Popham: I agree with the member.

It’s of great concern to us as well. As we keep in touch with our stakeholders, we are aware of any of the blockages that are affecting, say, our produ- cers in the Fraser Valley. We know that our producers of chickens, turkeys, beef, dairy cows all need a consistent supply of feed, and we know, more and more, they’re look- ing for that feed to come from British Columbia. We are doing our best to work with our agriculture community. We know that this is an ever-changing situ- ation. I invite the member to come to my office, and we can have a more in-depth conversation.

I can tell the member that we are just as concerned as he is. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS IMPACT ON TRADE J. Johal:It’s not just the illegal blockades that are causing damage to our provincial economy. The coronavirus is having an immense impact on the entire world economy, and as a small jurisdiction that is dependent on trade to sustain the economy, British Columbia is vulnerable. We are already seeing layoffs and major interruptions to the import and export of goods here in British Columbia.

Can the Minister of State for Trade tell us what steps the provincial government has taken to mitigate the impact on trade? Hon. G. Chow: We are continuing to diversify our trade, and we’re exploring other trade…. [2:30 p.m.] We are changing our ways of trade. In terms of the trade and investment offices, we’re going to be relocating them in our Canadian embassies and our consulates. This will serve us better as we expand into other trade agreements — such as the CPTTP , for example. We’re working hard in terms of diversifying our trade with Europe, with Korea and now with the new CPTPP . Mr.

Speaker: The member for Richmond-Queensbor- ough on a supplemental. J. Johal: Clearly, the minister of state wasn’t paying attention. So we’re going to do this again. In the last hour…. I have a couple of stories that have moved on the wire. Here is a headline from the Financial Times. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question. Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11139

J. Johal:Here are the headlines from theFinancial Times within the last hour: “U.S. Stocks Have Worst Day in Two Y ears as Coronavirus Fears Spread. ” It goes on to say that the Dow Jones industrial average shed more than 1,000 points today. U.K. stocks had their worst day in five years; stocks in Italy, worst trading day since 2016.

In the New York Times, in the last hour, they quote Goldman Sachs: “Economists at Goldman Sachs, who were expecting first-quarter domestic growth of 2 per- cent as recently as late January, have been steadily lower- ing their estimate, which fell to 1.2 percent on Monday. ” This is all because of the coronavirus. This is the largest economy in the world. Here we have a small subnational economy the size of British Columbia. Trade is very important. Y ou can see the impact it’s having on the United States. Y ou can imagine what impact it would have here on British Columbia.

Here on the west coast, we have 40 ships at this hour that are not moving, meaning that we’re not sending B.C. goods out of the province. We’re also told that no ships are coming in from other jurisdictions, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Trade is a vital part of our economy, and British Columbians are rightfully fearful of the potential for the layoffs and shortages that are coming. Let’s try this again. Can the Minister of State for Trade tell us what specific steps the province has taken — not just watching — to ensure that British Columbia is protected from the pending fallout? Hon. A.

Dix: I think principally…. I know there’s a desire to heckle in these exchanges, but we take this issue…. We take these issues…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, I’m not sure we’re making the best use of question period here now. Minister. Hon. A. Dix: I think, at its core, this issue, the issue around COVID-19, around the novel coronavirus, is a health issue that has enormous implications for people around the globe and here in British Columbia, and it has a profound economic consequence. There’s the potential for profound economic consequences.

I’m very proud of the actions that we are taking as a jurisdiction, as leaders in the world, to address the health consequences, which also have profound trade con- sequences. I just want to say this…. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Members, we are using up valuable answer time here. Minister. Hon. A. Dix: Well, hon. Speaker, the opposition can tell jokes, but I think this is a serious matter that British Col- umbians take seriously. People from all communities…. It’s why British Columbia is taking the lead in jurisdic- tions across Canada — and, indeed, around the world — in addressing this question.

It’s in addressing this issue as a health issue that we mitigate all of the other impacts that this can have — all of them. I want to say…. The people understand the effort that’s been put forward and our understanding of the consequences of this not just for human health but for the economy as a whole. It’s why British Columbia has done, for example, through the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, 1,000 tests. When you put that in context…. Across the United States of America, they’ve done 537 tests.

It’s because of that impact — the impact on human health and the impact on economies, which we know is existing — that the world needs to come together to fight COVID-19, to fight the novel coronavirus, so that its impact on human health and its impact on trade can be lessened by the absolute maximum possible. [2:35 p.m.] [End of question period.] Tabling Documents Hon. D. Eby: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to retable the Final Report of the 2019 British Columbia Judicial Com- pensation Commission.

The Judicial Compensation Com- mission is appointed under the Judicial Compensation Act to make recommendations regarding the salaries, allow- ances and benefits for Provincial Court judges and judicial justices for the three fiscal years 2020-21 through 2022-23. The Judicial Compensation Act provides timelines for tabling and responding to the Judicial Compensation Commission’s final report. The time established in the act for resolution is 16 sitting days after the date the report is laid before the assembly. The 2019 JCC report was first tabled in the Legislative Assembly on November 20. Given the sitting

schedule of the 2019 fall session, there were not 16 sitting days after November 20, so a response to the report was not required before the fall session ended. The act provides that the timelines start over with a new legislative session. There- fore, the Legislative Assembly has 16 sitting days after today to respond. Pursuant to

section 6(3) of the Judicial Compensation Act, I advise the House that if any recommendations con- tained in the report are rejected, then the assembly must set the renumeration allowances or benefits that are to be substituted for the commission’s recommendations. I also advise that if the Legislative Assembly does not resolve to reject any of the recommendations contained in the report within the time established in the act, then 11140 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

the judges and judicial justices will receive the salaries and benefits recommended by the commission. Orders of the Day Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued debate on the budget. [S. Gibson in the chair.] Budget Debate (continued) J. Thornthwaite:I’m carrying on with my remarks that I started last week. I know I only got a little bit started. I did do all my thank-yous and an introduction. So I’m going to carry on right from there.

As everybody knows, I am the opposition critic for Mental Health and Addictions, so I’m going to focus the initiating part of my remarks right now on the budget and how that pertains to mental health and addictions. I’ll pre- face my remarks, firstly, by saying that I’ve always been a proponent, a supporter, of a separate ministry for men- tal health and addictions. Certainly, the Select Standing Committee for Children and Y outh, the committee that I chaired for four years in my role in government…. I absolutely agree that we need to have a laser focus on mental health and addictions.

Having an individual responsible for just that is very important. But I’m very, very disappointed on the lack of focus in this budget on mental health and addictions. In fact, I don’t think the Minister of Finance, when she was talking about the budget, even mentioned the words “opioid crisis. ” I think that’s a real concern, because we know that the opioid crisis is still a crisis. We had a report released earlier on today that said that the number of deaths had been reduced.

That’s good. [2:40 p.m.] Then carrying on with the measures that our govern- ment brought forward, starting in 2016, with recognizing that it was a public health emergency and all of the extra resources that went to helping prevent deaths — the increased naloxone kits, overdose prevention kits and everything that we really pushed on with our Minister of Health at the time. It’s good that this ministry and this gov- ernment are continuing on. What we’re not seeing is any kind of decrease in actual overdoses. This is the key. The deaths have gone down because of our positive measures with harm reduction.

But the actual numbers of overdoses have not gone down. What that means is that we are not dealing with the root of the addiction. We are not helping people recover from addiction. We’re not addressing their pain, their trauma, their adverse childhood experiences. We’re not dealing with the root of the addiction. The other thing that’s not happening is that the gaps are still there. One of the whole ideas of having a separate minister and a separate ministry was to have one-stop- shop services and to have seamless care for all levels of treatment of addictions. That’s not happening.

I know it’s not happening because I have people coming to me talking to me about the gaps. I had a mother that was very, very frustrated that there was a requirement for her to take her son to a drug-and- alcohol drop-in centre before she could even get on a wait- ing list for a recovery facility. When she would go and take her son to the drug-and-alcohol centres, the addicts were being approached by the dealers at those exact places. So they were not a safe place for somebody that wanted to get treatment. It was not a safe place for them, and her son was at risk.

I had to fight for her to get her son immediately into a treatment and recovery facility, which I did. But the gaps are there for everybody else. Of course, if I hadn’t been alerted to this issue, who knows what would have happened to that young man. We have the four pillars. One that we’re doing quite well with is the harm reduction. But certainly, the treat- ment is not going so well. There doesn’t seem to be any emphasis from this government on recovery. When I looked at the service plan for ’20-21 to ’22-23, I was hop- ing that there would be something mentioned in here.

It does say: “Deliver an immediate, escalated response to the overdose public health emergency that keeps people safe and improves the health and well-being of British Columbians. ” I’m just saying that with regards to that goal No. 1 of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, I would give this minister pretty much a C-minus or a D. Carrying on, the other thing that has not been addressed with regards to the number of overdoses is that we’ve also seen that the calls for 911 for accessing help when somebody overdoses have skyrocketed. We’ve got more people overdosing.

And yes, the people that are over- dosing are not dying as much because we’ve got these first responders that are there at a drop of a hat. But the prob- lem is that the overdose calls are not being reduced.

Certainly, we could make a little mention — I’ d like to put in a mention — in support of our first responders that are working so hard and sometimes reviving the same individual two or three times a day, which, of course, is obviously not good for the patient but certainly not good for these poor first responders who, themselves, are suf- fering from PTSD because it’s really, really rough on their jobs and in their lives. Again, I’m thinking that I’ d like to give kudos for the report that came in earlier today. But again, I’m disappoin- ted because we’re not really getting to the root of the addic- tion.

We’re not getting to the root causes, the pain, the trauma, etc. [2:45 p.m.] The other thing that I would like to kind of throw out Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11141

there with regards to mental health and addictions is: how do we evaluate the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions? I have mentioned before that there has been a report that was published a couple years ago from the B.C. Centre on Substance Use on recovery. They actually consider that one of the

definitions of the success of a plan would be not just the amount of people getting back into recovery — in other words, improving the access to recovery beds, which we do not have in this province — but also measures like quality of life, getting help for their mental health, recon- necting with family, reducing criminal offences and build- ing social responsibility. These are the types of measures that the B.C.

Centre on Substance Use, in their report Strategies to Strengthen Recovery in British Columbia: The Path Forward, indicated would be a good way of looking at the success of the min- istry or the success of any kind of plan that is designed to help people with their mental health and addictions. Again, I don’t see any movement from this ministry in helping people into recovery. We’ve seen that there have been positive results in, for instance, the Nanaimo Correctional Centre, which actu- ally does have a mini therapeutic community within the corrections facility.

They’ve actually seen positive results within that small community. So we know not just from the report that the B.C. Centre on Substance Use pub- lished but also in our own province the positive results that are coming with getting folks directly into recovery and, in this particular case, helping them in a therapeut- ic community. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about other thera- peutic communities in other jurisdictions, either in Europe as well as in the United States and other coun- tries. Therapeutic communities have been evidence- based.

They have the evidence to say that getting people into recovery, seamless care into treatment, really does help not only to keep these people out of the criminal justice system but helps them to live good, productive lives back with their families, etc. The other thing that nobody seems to be talking about, which is also very, very important, is that the population that is being saved — in other words, the people that are overdosing and then getting saved — but also the 85 per- cent of the people that are using alone in their homes, which we’re also not getting to, that are overdosing….

The issue that nobody seems to be talking about is the level of brain damage that these unfortunate individuals do suf- fer from and the health implications for young people that have suffered from brain damage because of an overdose but have not died. We are looking after these unfortunate people. Their families are looking after these unfortunate people. There is no recognition that the costs in the health care system to help them is not being addressed by this government. In fact, nobody is actually talking about it.

That’s going to be a huge burden on the Ministry of Health with regard to health care services, both in the acute care and also in the extended care environment. Then the last thing — second to last, actually — that I wanted to mention with regards to this topic is that addic- tion affects everybody. Addiction affects all walks of life. It’s not limited to a sociodemographic. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, and it actually often doesn’t matter whether or not you grew up with a very stable fam- ily. Addiction affects everybody.

That’s why the idea of having a separate Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is a good one. What we need to have is the entire focus of government focused on helping individuals and families to get help for their addic- tion, and I don’t see that cross-ministerial emphasis at all. I’m sure the minister goes up to her cabinet colleagues and goes up to Treasury Board or whatever begging for more money. But the fact is that I don’t see that commit- ment coming by what the government has laid out in their budget. So again, I’m disappointed in that. [2:50 p.m.] It’s not just me saying that.

I think that, certainly, the new mayor of Vancouver has already commented. He did a statement on the budget and said that on the overdose crisis…. There is no mention of new support for opioids. So he’s basically negating the benefit of this ministry in actually putting a dent on the overdose crisis. I’ d also like to talk a little bit about the final coroner’s report on that young man, 16-year-old Elliot Eurchuk. There was a report that just came out. They basically high- lighted the problems that the family and poor Elliot had getting help before he tragically died.

Their recommend- ations, in amongst other things, said that the jury recom- mended better detection, treatment and transition plans for youth struggling with mental health and substance use in schools. The lack of long-term substance abuse treat- ment for youth and a total absence on Vancouver Island was also flagged. I’ d like to just kind of talk about that because I have brought forward now, twice, the safe care act. What the safe care act would do…. I have lots of support from lots of parents and people in the province that would like this.

What this would have done is helped people like Elliot if they were admitted. What happened with Elliot…. He was admitted and then let go and then discharged, even though they knew that he was in for an overdose. But they dis- charged him. He went right back, and then he died. This is tragic, and it could have been prevented because the safe care act would have allowed us to keep that young child safe, not discharged, and, for a short amount of time, be able to stabilize them and then get them the help that they needed.

Once again, I will put another plea to this government to at least bring forward the safe care act and at least let us debate it. Of course, they’ve ignored us, now, for two years on that. People and children and youth are still dying. 11142 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

Just going on a little bit further on the opioid crisis. It’s not just happening in Vancouver. I’m just reading a head- line here: “People think it’s bad. It’s ten times worse: resid- ents, businesses want decampment at Oppenheimer Park. ” I drove by there on my way to the helijet yesterday.

It’s still there, and businesses are still suffering because of crime around not just there, but around tent cities that are pop- ping up all over the province. “Prince George’s top cop says city needs help from province to address social issues downtown. ” “How the Opioid Crisis is Hammering B.C. ’s North. ” “‘Really fed up’: businesses abandoning downtown in B.C. Interior cities due to housing, opioid crisis. ” One of the journalists that I admire, Daphne Bramham: “Time for a serious debate about how to deal with the opioid crisis. ” Then I heard this week…. An

article was published in Postmedia, I think in Calgary, is that Alberta, because of the investments that they’ve put into recovery, has now become or is getting to become a leader in treat- ing addictions. That goes really flat in the face of this min- istry, because that government has done more with regards to recovery than this government has for the amount of time that they’ve been in government, which is very tragic, I would say. I’ve visited many cities around the province. Oppen- heimer Park is only one that the media tends to concen- trate on.

But I’ve seen this in Nanaimo, Parksville, Terrace, Victoria, Maple Ridge, Grand Forks, Surrey, Kelowna and Penticton. Take your pick. I have been there. The sad

part is that we know the solutions: access to immediate and seamless detox treatment and recovery options, and a gov- ernment that is committed to delivering those services in seamless care without the gaps. No, that is not happening now. Then, just before I leave this topic, I want to talk about what happens to the first responders. I already mentioned that first responders are suffering because of PTSD because of the opioid crisis. I brought forward a private member’s bill last year on trying to space out the distribu- tion of welfare cheques.

I got tremendous support on that from first responders. [2:55 p.m.] To date, I have seen nothing from this government, even considering that perhaps, maybe, it would be better and have less effect on first responders if these cheques were distributed more equally throughout the month as opposed to one day. It’s been evident — quite frankly, everybody has documented it — that the overdoses increase around that welfare cheque day. The other thing about…. As I said, I’ve been on a few ride-alongs with police, and they spend an exorbitant amount of time on mental health and addictions.

If some- body has to be admitted to hospital, then those police or first responders are spending a lot of time in hospital wait- ing for them to be seen by a doctor. That comes out of their budget. Of course, they would be wanting a lot more ser- vices, at least in the hospital, in the overdose triage. In St. Paul’s, where I went, they do an excellent job. But I think, for the time that I was there, which was early in the evening, there were cohorts of six police that were there waiting with their patients to see doctors.

They sometimes spend hours and hours of time in hospitals waiting for their patients to be seen by a doctor. Again, these are the things that are not being fixed by this government. These are the things that first responders and doctors, obviously, have brought forward to me. So I stick with — my way of saying — my score to be about a C-minus or a D on this. It’s not just the opioid crisis or mental health and addic- tions that people are upset about with regards to this budget.

There was a report out last week that said that B.C. ’s provincial budget fails to give adequate funding to victims of crime, youth at risk of homelessness, people fleeing domestic and sexual violence and women who need legal aid. This is from community groups. I’m going to quote Karin Kirkpatrick, who’s the CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver: “The wait time is unacceptably long for victims of support.

The organization has 18 support workers for victims embedded in police and RCMP departments across Metro Vancouver, helping those who suffer assault, exploitation and trafficking. ” And they can’t access the supports. But Kirkpatrick says that there aren’t enough workers, and there’s not enough stable funding to handle all the cases. We know that the report that was just announced last week from the Representative for Children and Y outh, who had gotten youth to devise a government plan…. Cer- tainly, they wanted a distinct plan to end youth homeless- ness and start implementing it by the end of the year.

I didn’t see any budget numbers that would go to support the homeless youth that we have in all of our cities. Moving on to other topics, my colleague the member for Chilliwack-Kent has done an excellent job of getting down to the nitty-gritty of the number of child care spots. He indicates that the NDP have abandoned their plan to implement universal $10-a-day child care for all parents who need it. This was one of their premium promises in the 2017 election. Gone.

They backed away from univer- sal child care, saying subsidies for child care will be based on need rather than need or want, as the NDP promised in their 2017 platform. The $10-a-day daycare is still a temporary pilot program with 2,500 child care spaces. That’s just 2 percent of 119,000 total spaces. Temporary means that it ends. Par- ents in North Van that I know, who have approached me, are worried about when that ends. So the $10-a-day day- care plan is a ten-year plan. The year’s funding, $675 mil- lion, will flatline at one-third of the projected cost, which is $2 billion of a full $10-a-day program.

Three years from now, the NDP will be five years into their ten-year plan at one-third of that funding. Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11143

While more families, 28,000, happen to pay less than $10 a day under government subsidies, that was also true under our government. This is not part of the $10-a-day plan. They claim to have funded 10,400 new spaces, but in actual fact, only 2,000 have actually been delivered. [3:00 p.m.] What about transit? Transit I hear a lot about with this government, except for…. They quietly cut funding for public transit in Tuesday’s budget — quietly. Provincial funding for public transit operations fell almost 2 percent to $119 million in the budget, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

All of the projects that they’ve mentioned, and my col- league from Kamloops went through a whole list, were actually B.C. Liberal projects that they’re taking credit for, including the Lower Lynn highway improvement project, the bottom of The Cut, in my riding — $198 million. We announced it before the last election. It’s merrily com- ing along. I’m sure we’ll see the ribbon cutting happen in the next little bit about that. But unfortunately, that wasn’t their project. That was ours.

The only thing that they can really, really take credit for, for instigating a transportation project, is actually the Pattullo Bridge. So we will be replacing a four-lane bridge with a four-lane bridge — yippity-doo. And the Pattullo Bridge is going to be $100 million higher in cost because of the decision on the other side to impose union-only requirements. Then, just before I leave transit, I’ d like to mention to the others across the line who say they’re the only ones that care about transit that the CBC, one of their reporters, did a tweet a while back.

He talked about the transit SkyTrain extensions and building of the Evergreen line, the South Perimeter Road, Port Mann Bridge, Golden Ears Bridge, Canada Line, Pitt River Bridge and Millennium Line, all done under the B.C. Liberal government. I see my time is almost up. So I’ d like to just summarize some things that are in the budget that I haven’t men- tioned. There’s a 7 percent added PST tax that’s going on Net- flix — and it’s not just Netflix; it’s Amazon Prime, Dis- ney+, Apple TV , Crave TV , Y ouTube Premium — and also on carbonated sugary beverages.

What this means is that it’s going to target all of them that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. It applies to soda drinks in both can and bottled form, including those purchased in stores, kiosks, cafés, restaurants and vending machines, as well as soda drinks in dispensable forms, such as soda fountains and soda guns. We’re thinking about all of those small mom-and-pop organ- izations that are suddenly going to be faced with dealing with another tax. By the way, there are 24 either new or increased taxes that this government has put on British Columbians since they got into government.

The only reason why they’ve got these new taxes is because it was the only way they could balance their budget. Our member for Prince George–Valemount, who is the co-Finance critic, did an excellent job in her remarks with regards to going nitty-gritty and absolutely coming to the conclusion that the only reason why we’re dealing with these 24 increased or new taxes is because that was the only way that they could balance their budget. R. Singh: It is such an honour to be standing here and talking about our budget.

Before I do that, I really want to thank my constituency staff, Sarina Grewal and Balkaran Singh, for all the assistance that they give to me and to the constituents of Surrey–Green Timbers. So a big thank-you to them. I’m so pleased to stand today and speak to you about our government’s third budget, Budget 2020, which is all about the work that we are doing together to build a stronger B.C. for everyone. We have made a lot of pro- gress, and Budget 2020 is our plan to keep B.C. mov- ing forward. We are putting people first.

This is what we have always said. [3:05 p.m.] I remember when I was running for election in 2017. This is what I was hearing from people — that they were being neglected and that they were falling behind. I’m so proud that our government, through this budget, is put- ting people first and making different choices than the former government. We are repairing the damage that their choices created and fixing the problems facing fam- ilies today. Budget 2020 is about making life more affordable, improving the services that people count on and creating good jobs and opportunities in every corner of British Columbia.

We cannot afford to turn back. There’s much more to do, but by focusing on people, life in B.C. is getting better every day. Budget 2020 is a plan that builds on the progress that we have made. It is a plan that makes life more affordable, it’s a plan that protects and strengthens the services that we all count on, and it’s a plan that creates good jobs and more opportunities. We continue to build on the actions we laid out in Budget 2018 to improve access to affordable hous- ing and child care, from building the homes people need to increasing access to quality, affordable child care spaces.

We fast-tracked our investments in our K-to-12 schools and classrooms. Budget 2020 provides even more resources to improve those learning environments to make sure all kids can succeed. This includes giving chil- dren with diverse abilities and needs the supports they deserve to try and get ahead. We are providing the additional investments needed to continue repairing and strengthening our health care sys- tem. From tackling wait times for surgeries, increasing access to MRIs and taking better care of our loved ones, we are seeing real results. 11144 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

I’m so glad that, over the next ten years, our province will see more than 860,000 new job openings in health care, early childhood education, skilled trades, tech and much more. Budget 2020 looks to this future. We are put- ting college and university within reach for more people and ensuring B.C. companies have access to the skilled tal- ent that they need. We are building infrastructure to improve services, cre- ate jobs and support our growing province. B.C. is grow- ing. We know that. That’s what we really need to put the investment….

We need to build and expand our infra- structure across the province, and that’s what Budget 2020 projects — record levels of three-year capital spending to expand and sustain provincial infrastructure over the three-year plan. This includes capital investments in schools, hospitals, roads, transit and housing. I will go more into detail on what is happening in my community. Talking about infrastructure, I’m so glad about changes that we are making to two of our old bridges and the new investment that we are doing in replacing the Pattullo Bridge.

This is something that we have been hearing from my community a number of times. Every- where we went, that was one topic that we heard about. I’m so glad to see that investment coming. Just at the beginning of this year, I was standing with the Premier when we finalized those plans. We have given the con- tract out. This is such great news, not just for me but for all my community of Surrey. These kinds of projects help to create jobs, ensure that people have access to the services that they depend on and support our trade corridors and businesses to keep goods and people moving.

Work on approved projects in our infrastructure plan is expected to support over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction. Making housing more affordable also remains a key pri- ority for our government. We are working hard to tackle the housing crisis by addressing speculation, closing loop- holes and cracking down on fraud, making renting more secure and building more affordable homes for people across British Columbia. We put our Homes for B.C. plan in place in 2018 to work with partners to build 114,000 affordable homes, with a historic investment of $7 billion over ten years.

This plan will also create more than 54,000 jobs. It will also strengthen local economies by providing the housing that employers need to attract and keep workers. Over the first two years, nearly 23,000 homes were completed or are underway in nearly 90 communities across B.C. [3:10 p.m.] I’m so glad that one of those…. Surrey is also one of the places where supportive housing is happening. B.C. Housing is providing a record $29 million in capital fund- ing to RainCity Housing supportive recovery, which will create almost 130 supportive recovery homes in Surrey.

Over the first two years, nearly 23,000 homes were com- pleted. They’re also underway in nearly 90 communities throughout B.C. This includes more than 5,200 new mixed-income affordable rental homes. For individuals and families who rent their homes, the government has limited their yearly allowable rent increase to the rate of inflation — to 2.6 percent in 2020. We are giving more support to help families and seniors afford rent through the rental assistance program and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters. This is something very important.

In my constituency, we hear from a number of seniors who are really struggling with the rent. Putting a cap on that rent and also providing assistance through the organizations like SAFER, I think, goes a long way to help- ing our elderly community. Budget 2020 continues our investment in housing with the fiscal plan reaching a record high of $4.3 billion over three years to support housing initiatives. This includes $50 million in program spending for homelessness initiat- ives also.

Over the next decade, more than 860,000 new job opportunities will open up across B.C., and more than 75 percent of these jobs will require some post-secondary educational training. With new opportunities in every region, it’s critical that British Columbians have access to the training and education that they need to benefit from B.C. ’s momentum. That’s why we eliminated tuition fees for adult basic education and English language learning pro- grams within the first 100 days of forming government. I can say that this is so important for the people in Sur- rey. Surrey, as you know, is a fast-growing community.

It gets more than 1,000 people who make Surrey their home. Most of those people are new immigrants, just like me. I was a new immigrant to this country in 2001. We see those new immigrants coming to Surrey every month. These are the resources. These efforts that our government is put- ting in, in adult basic education and also English language learning. This goes a long way to help these people come to this new country, to their new city, and get the skills they require to get into the job market. Last year in Budget 2019, we eliminated the interest from all new and existing B.C. student loans.

Budget 2020 takes the next step in making life more affordable for B.C. students. A new needs-based, upfront B.C. access grant will remove barriers to education and provide supports for learners to complete their studies. This new grant will benefit more than 40,000 students in B.C. attending public colleges and universities. I have heard from so many parents. As I mentioned, my community has a lot of newcomers, a lot of new immig- rants, who are really working hard to get their children the education that they deserve.

But sometimes I hear from these new families that it is really hard for them to afford post-secondary education. I think this new grant that is coming up, this new access program, will really help not only the students but also the families who are struggling. Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11145

They really want their kids to do very well. This new grant will really benefit those families. The B.C. access grant also expands eligibility for stu- dents pursuing shorter-duration certificate and diploma programs, which means that labour market priorities like early childhood educators, health care assistants and trade workers will receive support. [3:15 p.m.] Budget 2020 also fulfils the government’s commitment towards expanding post-secondary technology program- ming.

This will complete a six-year expansion that will res- ult in 2,900 new post-secondary spaces in science, techno- logy, engineering and mathematics — the most significant investment in tech programming in more than a decade. I’m so proud that out of these 2,900, more than 500 seats are in my community of Surrey. With a fast-grow- ing community like Surrey, we needed more seats. We needed our kids to stay in the community that they grew up in and get the post-secondary education. So proud of this investment.

In 2018, Childcare B.C. was launched as our govern- ment’s plan to bring affordable, accessible and quality child care to families across the province. I’m so glad and I think I’m so privileged that I sit on the child care working group. I’m so proud of the work that my colleague the member for Burnaby-Lougheed is doing to make Childcare B.C. a reality. I really commend her for her work.

In less than two years, with what the member for Burnaby-Lougheed has done, our government has funded more than 10,400 new licensed child care spaces and helped parents save thou- sands of dollars through the affordable child care benefit and the child care fee reduction initiative. Childcare B.C. also recognizes the important work of early childhood educators and supports and grows the workforce through targeted wage increases and bursaries. Investment in total child care program funding will reach a record high of $2 billion over the next three years.

Out of this, I’m so proud that my community of Surrey gets more than 1,200 child care spaces, with the help of the different child care providers there. So thankful to our government for making that a reality. For me, that means a lot. Coming here as a new immig- rant with a two-year-old child, I did not have access to affordable child care. I remember me and my husband struggling with how to take care of my young child. Seeing these new changes coming in and helping the younger families makes me so proud of the work that our govern- ment is doing.

The growth in child care funding will continue to create thousands of child care spaces, reduce costs for parents and support the workforce our kids rely on. As announced as part of Budget 2019, government will implement the new B.C. child opportunity benefit this fall. This will help to make sure children in B.C. have the opportunity to thrive. The benefit provides a monthly tax-free payment, putting more dollars in the pockets of low- and middle-income families with bene- fits as high as $1,600 a year for the first child and higher benefits for larger families.

The child opportunity benefit will replace the early childhood tax benefit, which ended when your child was six. The new benefit will provide support until your child turns 18, with families receiving up to seven times more over your child’s lifetime, up to $28,000 for one child and up to $40,000 for two children. For anyone raising a child, they know how transforma- tional that kind of support would be.

From the ability to put healthy meals on the dinner table to being able to buy your child a good winter coat or enrol them in activities like soccer, dance or art, that kind of support is going to make an incredible difference. Kids in British Columbia deserve the support needed to set them up for future success. High-quality K-to-12 edu- cation has been a priority for this government from the beginning. As a mother of two children, this has been my priority. I see the efforts that our government is putting in, the efforts that we are putting in to improve our schools and to give our kids a better start.

We have hired more than 4,200 teachers and 2,000 new education assistants, and we have announced more than 80 capital projects for building, expanding and upgrading schools. [3:20 p.m.] For that, I can say, for my community of Surrey, which, as I mentioned before, is one of the fastest-growing com- munities…. We were seeing that the previous government was not giving Surrey the attention that it deserved. We saw, during the previous government, that more and more kids had to study in the portables. But what our gov- ernment is doing is putting the efforts….

Our efforts are demonstrated by a record $2.7 billion budget for new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and land purchases for future schools. Also, these investments are helping up to 7,300 students in Surrey move from portables to classrooms by September 2022. These are the numbers till September 2022, but I can say that until now, we’ve had more than 2,500 students move from portables to the new and better classrooms. I think that is really good for Surrey families and Surrey children. Interjection. R. Singh: It is. We have also opened 100 new playgrounds, benefiting more than 25,000 children.

It was such a great moment for me when I was…. In December last year, I had the oppor- tunity to open up a new playground in my riding at West- erman Elementary. The joy on the children’s faces that I saw that day, and the little cards that they made for us — they were so happy to be able to play in that playground. It was really emotional for me, because that was the school, Westerman Elementary, where my child, my son, 11146 British Columbia Debates Monday, February 24, 2020

started school more than 15 years ago. So it was such a proud moment for me and for my government. Budget 2020 also provides the Ministry of Education $339 million over three years to continue to support the K- to-12 education system. This brings the total investment to over $20 billion over the fiscal plan. The new investment includes funding to support approximately 5,100 new stu- dents, including students with special needs, as of Septem- ber 2019, and for additional projected growth for Septem- ber 2020.

Making sure people can get health care when and where they need it continues to be a key priority, with over $1 billion in additional funding over the next three years. This builds on previous investments we have made to give people faster and better access to the day-to-day health care services they need. We are opening new urgent primary care centres in communities across the province. I want to mention here that Surrey was one of the first cities to have an urgent care centre, and we are really advocating with our Minister of Health to have a second urgent care centre for Surrey.

With the growing community that we have in Surrey, we are really looking. All the Surrey MLAs are advocating for a new urgent care centre, a second urgent care centre for Surrey. Interjection. R. Singh: Also, hearing from the colleague from the other side, it was such a great moment to stand with the Premier and the Minister of Health when we announced the second hospital for Surrey. This was something that we have been hearing from the people of Surrey. Every third house that I have gone to, this was the thing that they talked about. So I’m so glad that we have purchased the land. Interjection. R.

Singh: I see my colleague talking about the Surrey hospital. He should remember that it was their govern- ment that sold the land that we had allocated for the Sur- rey hospital. [3:25 p.m.] That was allocated. If we still had that land, this process would have been much quicker, and it would have been the Surrey hospital that would have been in the budget today. Unfortunately, this is not what the previous gov- ernment thought. Their Minister of Citizens’ Services…. I don’t know what he was thinking when he decided to sell off that land.

We made a commitment to the people of Surrey that we will build the hospital. The land is purchased, and the hos- pital will be built. Whatever the members opposite might be saying, this is our commitment to the people of Surrey. This is our commitment, and we will see that happening very soon. People are talking about health care. Obviously, I had to talk about the Surrey hospital, but I also want to talk about how people are getting the surgeries and diagnostic procedures that they need, much faster.

The wait times for hip and knee surgeries are falling, and the number of MRIs being done each year has increased by over 23 percent. We are also improving access to PharmaCare by reducing or eliminating deductibles for 240,000 B.C. families with net incomes under $45,000. When this government was first elected, we set out with a plan with people at the heart of it. Our commitment was to make life better for people, to make life more affordable, to improve the services British Columbians rely on and to create more opportunities for everyone. People are starting to see the progress.

When we fully eliminated MSP premi- ums on January 1, 2020, we delivered one of the largest middle-class tax cuts in a generation, saving individuals up to $900 a year and families up to $1,800 a year. I meet so many constituents who are so thankful, who are so happy to see this cut happening. For a number of years, they were paying this unfair tax in the form of MSP payments. When this was eliminated this year, I heard from so many of my constituents who are so happy.

They are saving the money that they will be able to invest in their families, in their children and in the things that mat- ter to them the most. [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Once our policies like the B.C. child opportunity benefit are fully implemented, families with an income of $100,000 will see a 22 percent net reduction in their taxes, with $80,000 will see a 42 percent net tax reduction in their taxes, and with $60,000 will see a 60 percent net reduction in their taxes. This is compared to when we first formed the government. Our plan is working, and we are sticking with it.

Budget 2020 is all about building on the progress that we have made: from new measures to keep life affordable, to new investments in schools, hospitals and roads that will mean better services, thousands of good jobs and training pro- grams to ensure that people can take advantage of these opportunities. This is a budget that keeps building a better, stronger B.C. for everyone. P . Milobar: Thank you for this time to speak to the budget. I have to say that I’ll touch on a few of the remarks of the previous speaker, from Surrey–Green Timbers, as well.

After a throne speech that could best be characterized as “meh, ” we’ve followed it up a week later with a budget that was kind of the same: meh. Y ou know, it’s really quite shocking. When you go through the various programs, what’s become apparent, in listening to the few speakers Monday, February 24, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11147

that have spoken to this point from the government side, is that they’re very good at reading whatever has been put in front of them by the speechwriters in the back rooms, to make sure that the speaking lines of the government are maintained and the slogans are maintained. [3:30 p.m.] I know that slogans are a big part over there, but the reality, when you really dig into the numbers….

I would challenge any of the future speakers coming from the gov- ernment side to, maybe, think back to all those 16 years that they were in opposition, when they would actually look with a critical eye at the numbers being put in front of them and actually dig into the numbers. The numbers they are parroting on their speeches simply do not mesh with the reality of what’s in the documents. The previous speaker spoke at great lengths about Sur- rey and the hospital. I’m from Kamloops. We have a long history with NDP governments and promised health care initiatives.

We were promised a cancer clinic during Mike Harcourt’s election. As soon as the election was over, the cancer clinic was pulled and moved to Kelowna instantly. So I’m always a little bit leery with NDP health care promises. In fact, in the last election with the $420 million hospital expansion that was soon to be getting going, the NDP candidates were very hesitant to actually commit the gov- ernment to that project continuing on. They would not actually publicly commit to it during the election. It made people in Kamloops very nervous about what health care plans are.

To the people in Surrey, I would say be careful about what promises are made when it comes to a new hospital. Because when you look in the budget book, and the simple reality is this. In the budget book, for the people at home that aren’t aware, the fiscal plan on page 48 through to 52 is a guide. It’s a guide for projects over $50 million of capital spending. It’s an ongoing running guide. It shows projects that are already underway. It shows projects that are slated within the years within this fiscal plan. This fiscal plan goes from 2020-2021 to 2022-2023, so it’s for the next three years.

Lo and behold, on pages 50 and 51, where health facilities are all listed, for the next three years, there’s nothing for Surrey. It talked about Surrey hospital that the previous speaker just was talking about. The promise isn’t there. Now Surrey is much larger than Kamloops. Kamloops’ hospital expansion is $420 million for this next phase and $80 million for the first phase. Both of those would have wound up in this book. One’s still in this book actually, because it’s being worked on. It started under the B.C. Liberal government. The other one started and completed under the B.C. Liberal government.

The only thing I can think is that unless the government thinks they’re building a hospital in Surrey for under $50 million, there is no promised hospital on its way over the next three years in this fiscal plan. We have challenged all the members from the government side from Surrey to point to the page number in the budget that the Surrey hospital is accounted for. Not one has been able to, because it simply does not exist. What also doesn’t exist for Surrey is any money for SkyTrain. That doesn’t seem to be in here at all either. There are certainly some broken promises in Surrey’s future.

It does make one question the r

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20200224pm-Hansard-n313
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20200224pm Hansard n313
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	e7ae142ed8dc1b57ef0e07f8694c4e99168aa7b1

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