1977 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 31st Parliament

HANSARD

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

Official Report of

DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Hansard)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1977

Afternoon Sitting

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CONTENTS

Routine proceedings

Speech from the Throne (Hon. W.S. Owen) — 1

Survivorship and Presumption of Death Amendment Act, 1977 (Bill 1) Hon. Mr. Gardom.

Introduction and first reading — 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1977

The House met at 2 p.m.

This being the first day of the second session of the 31st

Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia for the

dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation of the Hon. Walter

Stewart Owen, Lieutenant-Governor of the province, dated December 11,

1975, hon. members took their seats.

Prayers.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having entered the House and

being seated upon the throne, was pleased to deliver the following

gracious speech.

HON. W.S. OWEN (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly:

I welcome all members to this second session of the 31st parliament

of British Columbia, and express my confidence that you will discharge

your duties wisely for the lasting benefit of all the citizens of this

province.

As we begin a new year, my government is pleased to report that much

progress has been made in developing effective economic and social

programmes for the people of the province while containing the growth

and size of government. The programme you will be asked to consider at

this session continues that policy of positive action through

legislation which my government believes will lead over the next decade

to the sure and sound development of the province, providing the

desired economic and social benefits. All members will be challenged in

terms of time and energy in dealing with legislative matters that will

be presented for their consideration.

I note with sadness the death during the past year of William

Neelands Chant, who was elected to this Legislative Assembly in 1953

and served as Minister of Public Works from 1956 to 1972. Mr. Chant

worked long and hard in public service for his fellow British

Columbians.

It is also with regret that I learn of the death of Roy Thomas

Cummings on May 25, 1976. Mr. Cummings was a valued and popular member

of the 30th Legislative Assembly for Vancouver–Little Mountain.

The province also suffered a loss in the passing of Mr. Robert Cecil

Steele, a member of the Legislature for Omineca from 1949 to 1952.

We also mourn the deaths in 1976 of two notable British Columbians:

Mr. T.G. Norris, a former justice of the British Columbia Court of

Appeal, and Mr. Roderick Haig-Brown, author and environmentalist.

During the past year the province was honoured by the visits of many distinguished

people. His Excellency, Governor-General Jules Leger, accompanied by Mme. Leger,

opened the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements in Vancouver in June

last year. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau addressed that assembly. Both the Governor-General

and Prime Minister made official visits to Victoria and to Government House.

It is worth noting that this Vancouver meeting was the first United Nations

conference to be held in a city that is not a national capital. More than 100

countries were represented either by a head of state or by a senior government

representative.

Among other visitors to our province were United States Senator

Henry Jackson, Governor Dan Evans of Washington state, Governor Robert

Straub of the State of Oregon, and Stefan Olszowski, Foreign Minister

for Poland.

A tri-partite meeting was held in Victoria between my first

minister, Governor Jay Hammond of the State of Alaska, and Commissioner

A.M. Pearson of the Yukon Territory.

In all, 15 ambassadors accompanied by other representatives from their countries paid official visits during the past year.

My government is pleased to welcome back into the House, after a

short absence, the first member for Vancouver East and the Honourable

Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Barrett, who was successful in a

by-election in his constituency on June 3, 1976.

The past year has been one of challenge and difficulty for all of us

in British Columbia. It was a year in which my government was required

to face serious economic problems and to deal with them decisively. My

government established and practised a policy of restraint and

accountability, and because of that was able to take a number of

positive actions to provide our people with tangible benefits. During

the past year, this Legislature passed

an Act to provide for the

appointment of an Auditor-General, upon the recommendation of a special

committee of this assembly and during this year my government

introduced, for the first time, the practice of providing quarterly

financial reports to keep our people informed on the state of their

province.

Steps were taken to improve the operational efficiency of Crown

corporations and agencies. To ensure that government ministries

exercise restraint in their use of office space, this Legislature

passed the B.C. Buildings Corporation Act. To improve ferry service in

the province, the ferry system became the responsibility of a Crown

corporation under the British Columbia Ferry Corporation Act.

My government reports that improved performance has been shown

during the year by the Crown corporations. My government believes that

much of the credit for the improvement must go to the citizens who have

accepted responsibility on the boards of the corporations. While

maintaining

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accountability, my government has attempted to

de-emphasize political influence in the operation of the corporations

and rely on people of talent and energy to manage the affairs of the

corporations in the best interests of all their fellow citizens. I add

my thanks to that of my government for the fine work being performed by

these directors of our Crown corporations.

In regard to direct services to people, I was pleased that the

members of this Legislature enacted the Guaranteed Available Income for

Need Act which greatly expanded income support for people in genuine

need. This legislation, which came into effect in October last year,

extends benefits by lowering the qualifying age to 55 and covers

single-parent families, single mothers abandoned with children, and

certain handicapped persons.

Significant progress has been made in the development of health

care. The home-care programme has continued to grow and expand its

services throughout our province. My Minister of Health has announced

that construction is to begin on a major addition to the medical school

at the University of British Columbia to train more doctors for our

people.

I am pleased to report that in 1976 eighteen major hospital projects

were underway or completed throughout British Columbia at an estimated

cost of $33.5 million. Emphasis has been placed on the need for

extended-care beds. At the end of the year, there were 4,320

extended-care beds in British Columbia; more than 1,600 additional

extended-care beds were under construction or in the planning stage

and, of these, about 500 are expected to be opened by the end of March

this year.

My government has over the years, moved to decentralize programmes

for the mentally disabled by making treatment services available at the

community level. Out-patient clinics have been opened in Victoria and

Vancouver under the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission to assist

mentally disturbed persons. During 1976 there were greatly increased

admissions to the province's 30 community mental health centres and to

the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service. This increase has been

accompanied by a decrease in the patient population at Riverview

Hospital. In October, 1976, there were 1,240 patients at Riverview

compared with 1,396 a year earlier. This change is making it possible

to use Riverview increasingly as a specialized referral centre.

To encourage stability and productivity in the mining and petroleum

industries, this Legislature last year approved the Prospectors

Assistance Amendment Act, the Mineral Resource Tax Act and the

Petroleum and Natural Gas

(1965) Amendment Act. I am pleased to report

that the petroleum and natural gas industry significantly revived

exploration and development within the province in 1976. For example,

the number of wells authorized for drilling as of December 15, 1976,

was 173. This contrasts with the corresponding figure of 78 for the

same period of 1975.

Mineral exploration in the province during 1976 has almost tripled

over the activity recorded in 1975. My government is hopeful this

activity will increase further during 1977 and result ultimately in new

mining production in British Columbia.

During the first eight months of 1976, the total value of all forest

products shipped in British Columbia reached $2.86 billion, a 28 per

cent increase over the corresponding period of 1975.

My government intends to provide more opportunity to the private

sector this year and in the years ahead. The strong, positive action

taken by my government in the year just past to restrain demands upon

the economy and encourage initiative and enterprise by our citizens has

provided a broad base on which to build. It is now the intention to

develop investment in the province by encouraging those who live here

to keep their capital at work in British Columbia, and by encouraging

those who live outside our borders to invest here. It is my

government's firm belief that the province will develop through

investment by people, not through investment by government. My

government welcomes the recent announcement by a major forest

corporation of a $125 million capital programme in British Columbia.

While my government has worked hard for economic and social

improvement, it is concerned that the rate of unemployment as this

session opens is still unacceptably high. There has been growth in the

provincial economy during the year, and the economy has shown an

encouraging improvement in its capacity to absorb new people into the

work force. But more jobs must still be provided.

My first minister advises that the need for restraint and the

lowering of expectations in all sectors of the provincial economy must

continue. This province, along with all other provinces, joined the

believes that British Columbia's restraint in this crucial year should

extend beyond the guidelines. Building a strong and productive economy

that will pay significant social dividends is slow, steady but

painstaking work, and all the citizens of the province will be

challenged in this endeavour.

An exporting province such as British Columbia cannot afford to

price itself out of world markets. The major industries involved in

producing for the world must continue to make their contribution to

government in the form of taxes if social programmes are to be

maintained and improved.

My government believes this province must pause and let the rest of

the world catch up in terms of costs. If our people can hold down their

demands this year and next, my government believes there will be

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more benefits for all in the years that follow.

This period in which we live presents a challenge to all British

Columbians, for government by itself can only play a

part in restoring

vitality to the economy. All the people must participate.

For its part, my government has participated actively in discussions

on the national scene and has proposed positive measures that will meet

the regional and economic realities of today.

I am pleased to report that the Office of Intergovernmental

Relations, which is responsible to my first minister, has made it

possible for British Columbia to achieve much greater impact on the

national and international scene.

This new office, for example, is developing a capacity for a more

co-ordinated approach to trade missions. The Canadian Ambassador to

Japan, Mr. Bruce Rankin, and the Canadian Ambassador to China, Mr.

Arthur Menzies, visited British Columbia in September and October to be

briefed on my government's priorities in our relationships with

countries on the Pacific Rim.

Across the country today there are those who would seek a simple

solution to some of Canada's problems by breaking up this great

confederation. My government believes it can offer a better solution.

My government has been arguing for a more flexible union between the

regions and the national government to keep Canada strong — and

together. My first minister believes that a country as large in area

and as small in population as Canada cannot live and grow within a

rigid federal system. If it can be recognized that there are five

different regions in Canada, that different solutions are required in

those different regions, and if a working relationship can be developed

between those regions, then my government believes Canada will be a

stronger country, not a weaker one.

During the year my ministers represented British Columbia at various

national meetings dealing with the constitution and other matters

falling within their jurisdictions.

Apart from making recommendations on the constitution, my government

ministers have made other recommendations designed to encourage

solutions to pressing economic problems facing Canadians today. My

first minister has recommended that various income supplements and

equalization payments be rationalized into a single income programme to

bring greater equity to all Canadians rather than contribute to the

cost of expensive government. My government believes a negative income

tax would accomplish what existing programmes and equalization payments

have failed to do — guarantee a basic standard of living for families

and individuals whose incomes are below an established "poverty line."

Current federal studies supplementing the findings of the Special

Senate Committee on Poverty should be made available immediately to the

provinces to form a basis for federal-provincial discussion on ways of

achieving equity in the Canada we know today.

Participation in meetings of the national and provincial governments

is a clear sign that my government is not acting in isolation from the

national government in the solution of our problems. A new spirit of

cooperation exists between my government and that in Ottawa in

discussions embracing the coastal ferry system, extended and improved

rail transportation and other development in our north and utilization

within our province of funds from the Department of Regional Economic

Expansion. My government hopes to conclude new agreements in this

regard this year as part of its economic strategy for British Columbia.

In the last year this Legislature passed the Government

Reorganization Act. This Act provided for the reorganization of

portfolios previously known as "departments" into "ministries" and for

greater public understanding of the programmes for which each ministry

is responsible. The Department of Consumer Services became the Ministry

of Consumer and Corporate Affairs; the Department of Recreation and

Travel Industry became the Ministry of Recreation and Conservation; the

Department of the Provincial Secretary became the Ministry of the

Provincial Secretary and Travel Industry; and the Department of

Transport and Communications became the Ministry of Energy, Transport

and Communications.

On October 29 last year I was pleased to administer the oath of

office to the Hon. James J. Hewitt, who was sworn in as the Minister of

Agriculture; to the Hon. James Roland Chabot, who was sworn in as the

Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources; and to the Hon. Sam Bawlf,

who was sworn in as the Minister of Recreation and Conservation.

All my ministers have applied themselves diligently to the tasks

ahead and you will be asked to approve a number of proposals aimed at

achieving my government's goals of economic development leading to

greater job opportunities and improved social benefits for our people.

In addition to instituting accountability in financial affairs by

establishing the office of auditor-general, my first minister advises

that you will be asked to bring accountability into human affairs by

establishing, at this session, the office of ombudsman for British

Columbia. This will honour a commitment of my government.

A more adequate "conflict of interest" statute for public officials

will be placed before you for your consideration and approval at this

session.

Just as my government believes there should be an effective decentralization of powers and

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responsibilities on the national scene, so does my

government believe that this concept should apply to relationships with

the local governments within the province.

At this session you will be asked to approve legislative proposals

to provide a formula for sharing between my government and local

governments.

My government will propose legislation that will expand the

responsibility of local government in the field of community planning.

You will be asked to approve legislation which will give our

citizens more direct access to the regulatory process that controls the

quality of community development and the use of land.

My Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has advised me that he

will introduce an Urban Transportation Authority Act which will

co-ordinate provincial and local government roles in providing public

transportation.

You will be asked to approve legislation for the universal registration of mobile homes in our province.

My government made a commitment to improve the quality of life for

the people of British Columbia and I am pleased to advise you action

will be taken on this through a number of proposals which will be

placed before you during the session.

My government's continuing concern for the improvement of benefits

to senior citizens will be further expressed during the legislative

session. My Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has advised me

that you will be asked to approve a programme which will provide

monthly shelter allowances for persons over the age of 65 years.

I am pleased to report that my new Minister of Recreation and

Conservation intends to provide senior citizens with the free use of

provincial campsites.

I am more than pleased to report to you that my first minister has

advised that my government will continue to place health, education and

human resources programmes at the top of its priority list.

This will include a programme of universal Pharmacare. As members of

the Legislature are aware, previous governments implemented support

programmes for the provision of necessary prescription drugs to social

assistance cases as early as 1933, and to low-income persons in July

1972. In 1974, these two plans, which together served more than 200,000

persons, were amalgamated and benefits extended to those over 65 years

of age. This action provided Pharmacare to about 450,000 people, or

about 25 per cent of the population of this province. I am pleased to

say this plan will be adjusted at this session to provide a more

realistic Pharmacare programme which will assure that all the

approximately 2.5 million people in British Columbia have assistance in

the purchase of prescription drugs.

My government, through the Ministry of Health, is expanding its

services in the treatment of those suffering from alcoholism.

Increasing alcoholism is of great concern. Approval was given during

the year for the Alcohol and Drug Commission to develop an improved

programme of services throughout the province which will ultimately

include provision of a residential treatment centre in each of four

areas. At the year-end, detailed planning was underway for a

detoxification unit in New Westminster and a model residential

treatment centre in the Lower Fraser Valley. These are but two examples

of new steps which are being taken.

Bearing in mind the great distances and difficult terrain of this

province, my government has taken steps to improve the air ambulance

service throughout British Columbia. This service will now be available

between the remote areas and major treatment centres without heavy cost

to the patient.

My Minister of Health reports to me that this equalized plan will

include the provision of escort service to patients where necessary.

When this escort service is authorized in advance, there will be no

cost to the patient.

Through the newly structured Ministry of Education, my government

has embarked upon a programme to emphasize performance in education.

School programmes will now fall into three categories — that which must

be learned, that which should be learned, and that which may be

learned. The material which must be learned will be contained in a core

curriculum to be introduced in our schools in September, 1977. The

goals of a core curriculum, distributed in booklet form by the Ministry

of Education, are now being studied by parents, trustees and teachers.

My Ministry of Education will introduce legislation that will lead

eventually to the provision of financial support for non-public schools

for the first time since the introduction of the Public Schools Act of

My Ministry of Human Resources and my Ministry of the

Attorney-General have been given the responsibility by my government

for a co-ordinated and more effective system of developing programmes

for children in care.

My government will establish top priorities within these two

ministries so that, once again, British Columbia can lead Canada in the

provision of services to those children of our province who are in need

of public care.

I wish to report to you that my Attorney-General will be placing

before you a substantial number of revisions to various statutes which

fall within the jurisdiction of his ministry.

My government will direct considerable attention to enhancing the

strength and importance of the family unit in British Columbia society.

The family court will

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continue to provide support and counselling for

families experiencing a crisis. However, in those instances where all

help has been exhausted and divorce is inevitable, my government

proposes to introduce legislation which will ensure that property is

shared justly between the partners to the marriage.

My government believes that the treatment of children is a measure

of a society's worth. Unfortunately, a very few have generated a great

deal of public concern through their continued illegal behaviour. I am

advised that my government plans to strengthen our ability to both

protect the public and help these youngsters who pose a serious threat

to themselves and society. For this reason legislation will be

introduced which will permit authorities to contain young offenders

under the age of 17 in secure environments. They will be given an

opportunity to learn how to live as law-abiding members of society.

My government proposes an aggressive attack on the impaired driving

problem. My Attorney-General will be taking special initiatives to

co-ordinate and focus government resources to remove the drinking

driver from our roads. The people of British Columbia will be called

upon to take personal responsibility for reducing this social — and

criminal — problem.

Legislation will be introduced updating the present Land Registry

Act. My government has a continuing concern for the workers of British

Columbia and desires that they should be able to enjoy a high standard

of working conditions. My Minister of Labour has reported to me that

this Legislature will be asked to approve a new uniform code which will

govern the quality of the working place;

One of my government's programmes to create more jobs includes a

programme to improve working opportunities for the young people of

British Columbia. My Ministry of Labour has been given the

responsibility for co-ordinating with all other ministries and the

private sector a more effective summer employment programme.

As I have related to you, the priorities of my government are

designed to improve the quality of life for the citizens of British

Columbia — and not to be ignored is the fundamental fact that the

provision of an adequate highway system is an important way in which

this objective can be reached.

During the latter part of 1976 the highway reconstruction and resurfacing programme

was intensified to help stop the deterioration of our existing highway system.

This programme will continue during 1977. Traffic counts on all highways, however,

continue to grow at astonishing rates. This tends to reduce the desired level

of service for our people. The Trans-Canada Highway, in the summer months particularly,

is overcrowded and indications are that it will get worse. My government will

continue to add additional passing lanes where practical to temporarily improve

the level of service.

In the long run, however, I am advised a new route is needed from

the interior to the coast. The last major new highway route to the

coast in the southern part of the province was the Hope-PrincetonHighway, which was completed 28 years ago, in 1949. For these reasons, my government

has directed my Minister of Highways and Public Works to proceed as soon as

possible with the design and construction of a highway from Merritt to Hope

through the Coquihalla Pass. This will require the construction of 70 miles

of new highway.

From the beginning, my government has recognized that maximum

benefits and opportunities for our people can only flow from successful

resource industry and business development. I have reported on

encouraging signs of activity in our forest and mining sectors. In

addition, I am pleased to report that the land resources of our

province are to be managed to provide more of our own food, For

example, my new Minister of Agriculture advises that programmes will be

implemented to expand the production of quality forage.

My government recognizes that to achieve the maximum benefit from

our resources for the people of this province it is necessary that a

team approach be developed within government itself. Efforts of

government must be co-ordinated. For this reason my government has

given the Ministry of Economic Development the prime responsibility for

advancing a flexible economic strategy, and that will involve a number

of different ministries. This responsibility includes the development

of new markets, the promotion of jointly sponsored programmes with the

federal government, and the extension of opportunity to the private

sector.

My government continues in the belief that government cannot be

expected to develop a sound economy on its own. Only with willing and

imaginative assistance from thousands of participants in the individual

enterprise system can we expect our province to prosper. My Ministry of

Economic Development will have the continuing responsibility of

channelling this participation into a united effort for the benefit of

us all.

My government continues to recognize the need to improve

communication at all levels between its ministries, boards,

commissions, and Crown agencies. A comprehensive review of information

services within the public service of this province was conducted in

1976, and it is our intention to continue the process of implementing

of those changes which will lead to more effective operation of

government, and improve the flow of information to the citizens of

British Columbia.

Recognizing that travel is of great economic importance to the

people of this province, new initiatives are being undertaken by my

government to

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further improve tourism in British Columbia.

New programmes have been started, and others restructured, to bring

about functional improvements. One new programme is aimed at British

Columbians, creating a greater awareness of the benefits of tourism to

the people and the province. At the same time, a convention division,

operating out of Vancouver, will stimulate that side of the industry,

further promoting British Columbia as a year-round destination for

travellers.

During this session my government will express its continuing

concern for the consumer in our society. My two ministries of Consumer

and Corporate Affairs and Energy, Transport and Communications have

been directed by my government to make major advances on behalf of the

consumer.

New legislation will be introduced by my Minister of Consumer and

Corporate Affairs to develop an umbrella of protection for consumers

through amendments to the Consumer Protection Act and the Motor Dealers

Licensing Act, and in a new Travel Industry Act.

I have been informed that the Ministry of Energy, Transport and

Communications will place before this Legislature measures to help

those consumers in our province who want to use electricity in areas

not now covered under the existing system of rural electrification

grants.

As this Legislature knows, my government has been studying the

report on gasoline marketing in British Columbia, prepared by the

British Columbia Energy Commission. It is looking for ways in which to

keep prices down and, at the same time, ensure that the small retailers

of gasoline will continue to play an important role in the marketing of

gasoline.

As already described, my government's concern for the quality of

life for our citizens ranges over all the ministries on which I have

reported to you so far.

However, my government wishes me to advise this House that the

Ministries of Environment, Recreation and Conservation and the

Provincial Secretary and Travel Industry will be placing before you

during this session new measures which will further achieve this

government's basic objectives of bettering the life of the citizens of

British Columbia.

Many of these new measures are interrelated, and they include a new programme of grants for community museums.

My Ministry of Environment and my Ministry of Recreation and

Conservation will be working together for the purpose of expanding our

inventory of open space.

I have been advised by my Minister of the Environment that this

Legislature will be asked to approve a new Green Belt Act to protect

ecologically sensitive areas and to designate certain areas for

environmental purposes.

For the first time, the outdoor and indoor leisure services of government have

become the responsibility of a single ministry. This will implement the commitment

of this government to broaden support for recreational activities of all kinds

and to make them more effective.

My Minister of Recreation and Conservation has also advised me of

new programmes designed to consolidate the planning and presentation of

historic and archaeological sites and heritage buildings. An important

part of this programme will be the provision to communities of

technical assistance in the heritage field. In addition, under this

ministry, my government will be able to provide a more broadly based

service to our citizens who seek to maintain fitness and participation

in lifetime sports.

Of great interest is my advice from this new ministry that this

assembly will be asked to approve legislation which will enable this

province to participate with Canada, Alaska, and the Yukon in

establishing the Klondike Gold Rush International Park.

This assembly will also be asked to approve legislation which will

establish a B.C. Heritage Trust to assist the many people in our

province who are seeking to preserve our unique history.

Together, my Ministry of Environment and my Ministry of Recreation

and Conservation will give special attention to the management of the

new 200-mile coastal economic zone in relation to the ongoing salmonid

enhancement programme.

In

summary, my first minister assures me that all our ministries

will enjoy a broad mandate for developing and furthering programmes

which will improve the quality of life for all the citizens of British

Columbia.

My government is approaching this session and the year 1977 in a

spirit of cautious optimism. My ministers believe they have prepared

the province through a programme of restraint and prudent management

for the economic recovery that shows signs of getting underway. The

programmes which will be laid before you for consideration are, in the

opinion of my government, logical and desirable, and are an indication

of the benefits that can be earned by a people devoted to restraint and

hard work.

Mr. Speaker, hon. members, I leave you now with the confidence that

all matters which may come before you will receive your most careful

attention, and I pray that Divine Providence may guide your

deliberations. I leave you now to the discharge of your legislative

duties.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the chamber.

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, in order to prevent mistakes, I've obtained a copy of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor's speech,

[ Page 7 ]

Introduction of bills.

SURVIVORSHIP AND PRESUMPTION

OF DEATH AMENDMENT ACT

(1977) On a motion by Hon. Mr. Gardom, Bill 1, Survivorship, and

Presumption of Death Amendment Act, 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.

MR. G.V. LAUK (Vancouver Centre): Is that the Don Phillips Protection Act?

HON. G.B. GARDOM (Attorney-General): Mr. Speaker, I move that

the appointment of Ian B. Izard of Victoria as Law Clerk and

Clerk-Assistant to the Legislative Assembly, approved by His Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor, by and with the advice of his executive council on

the second day of December, 1976, and effective on the first day of

January, 1977, be now ratified pursuant to the provisions of

section 44

of the Constitution Act, being

chapter 71 of the Revised Statutes of

British Columbia (1960).

Motion approved.

HON. W.R. BENNETT (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I move that the

speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into

consideration at the next sitting of the House, and that this order

have precedence over all other business except introduction of bills

until disposed of.

Motion approved.

HON. G.M. McCARTHY (Provincial Secretary and Minister of Travel Industry): I move that the Votes and Proceedings

of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker, and that

he do appoint the printing thereof and that no person but such as he

shall appoint do presume to print the same.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that the select

standing committees of this House for the present session be appointed

for the following purposes: on standing orders and private bills; on

public accounts and economic affairs; on agriculture; on municipal

affairs and housing; on labour and justice; on health, education and

human resources; on transportation and communications; on environment

and resources, which said committees shall severally be empowered to

examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be

referred to them by this House, and to report from time to time their

observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons,

papers and records, and that a special committee be appointed to

prepare a report, with all convenient speed, of lists of members to

compose the above select standing committees of this House under

standing order 68(1), said committee to be composed of the Hon. Grace

McCarthy, Hon. R.H. McClelland, Mrs. Jordan, and Messrs. King and

Gibson.

Motion approved.

MR. W.G. STRONGMAN (Vancouver South): Mr. Speaker, I would

like to respectfully move that Harvey Wilfred Schroeder, Esq., member

for Chilliwack electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this

session of the Legislative Assembly.

MR. W.S. KING (Revelstoke-Slocan): Mr. Speaker, the member

for Chilliwack has acquitted himself well and judiciously in the chair,

and I take pleasure in seconding the motion.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I would move that report No. 9

of the Select Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Private Bills

adopted by this House on February 27, 1973, relating to oral questions,

be adopted by this House for the present session.

Motion approved.

HON. MR. GARDOM: Mr. Speaker, I move that on each Monday,

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this session there will be two

distinct sittings on each day: one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and one from

8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and on each Friday there will be one sitting from 10

a.m. until 1 p.m. unless otherwise ordered.

Motion approved.

Presenting reports.

The following reports were presented by Hon. Mrs. McCarthy:

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

Members of the Legislative Assembly Superannuation Act, year ended

March 31, 1976.

Forty-first annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Public Service Superannuation Act, year ended March 31, 1976.

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

the Municipal Superannuation Act, year ended December 31, 1975.

Eighth annual report of the business done in

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pursuance of the College Pension Act, year ended August 31, 1976.

Thirty-fifth annual report of the business done in pursuance of the Teachers' Pension Act, year ended December 31, 1975.

Sixteenth annual report of the business done under the Public

Service Benefit Plans Act, policy year July 1, 1975, to June 30, 1976,

group life insurance programmes.

The Capital Improvement District Commission statement of receipts and disbursements for the year ended March 31, 1976.

Hon. Mr. Gardom presented the report of the Law Reform Commission of British Columbia concerning The Rule in Bain v. Fothergill.

Hon. Mr. McClelland presented the 1975 annual report of the Department of Health.

Hon. Mr. Wolfe presented the Public Accounts for British Columbia

for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1976, the return submitted in

accordance with

section 46(2) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of

British Columbia (1960); refunds and remissions made under

section

46(1) of the Revenue Act, Revised Statutes of British Columbia (1960),

during the calendar year 1976; the statement of unclaimed money

deposits under authority of the Unclaimed Money Deposits Act, Revised

Statutes of British Columbia (1960), for the fiscal year ended March

31, 1976.

Hon. Mr. Gardom moves adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The House adjourned at 3:12 p.m.

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