British Columbia Hansard — Thursday, February 19, 2004 (37th Parliament, 5th Session) (h0219pm-11) (h0219pm 11)

h0219pm-11

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

5th Session, 37th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) Thursday, February 19, 2004 Afternoon Sitting Volume 20, Number 11 THE HONOURABLE CLAUDE RICHMOND, SPEAKER ISSN 0709-1281

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Honourable Iona Campagnolo 5TH SESSION, 37TH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Claude Richmond EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations ...............................................................................................................Hon.

Sindi Hawkins Deputy Premier and Minister of Children and Family Development ................................................................................ Hon. Christy Clark Minister of State for Early Childhood Development...................................................................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Minister of Advanced Education................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Shirley Bond Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries..................................................................................................................... Hon. John van Dongen Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations..................................................................................... Hon. Geoff Plant Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services ................................................................................................ Hon.

Murray Coell Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services...................................................................................... Hon. Gulzar S. Cheema Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services................................................................................................................... Hon. Ida Chong Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Tom Christensen Minister of Energy and Mines...............................................................................................................................................Hon. Richard Neufeld Minister of State for Mining...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Pat Bell Minister of Finance.........................................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Gary Collins Minister of Forests................................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Michael de Jong Minister of State for Forestry Operations.................................................................................................................................. Hon. Roger Harris Minister of Health Services.........................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Colin Hansen Minister of State for Mental Health and Addiction Services ....................................................................................................Hon. Susan Brice Minister of Human Resources........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Stan Hagen Minister of Management Services ............................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Joyce Murray Minister of Provincial Revenue.................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Rick Thorpe Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General...................................................................................................................... Hon. Rich Coleman Minister of Skills Development and Labour......................................................................................................................Hon. Graham P.

Bruce Minister of Small Business and Economic Development ...............................................................................................................Hon. John Les Minister of Sustainable Resource Management ....................................................................................................................Hon. George Abbott Minister of State for Resort Development............................................................................................................................... Hon.

Sandy Santori Minister of Transportation...........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Kevin Falcon Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection ............................................................................................................................... Hon.

Bill Barisoff LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Deputy Speaker ....................................................................................................................................................................................John Weisbeck Leader of the Opposition .......................................................................................................................................................................Joy MacPhail Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole..............................................................................................................................................

Harold Long Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ........................................................................................................................................... E. George MacMinn Clerk Assistant.........................................................................................................................................................................................Robert Vaive Clerk Assistant and Law Clerk ...............................................................................................................................................................Ian D.

Izard Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees ....................................................................................................................................... Craig H. James Clerk Assistant and Committee Clerk ..........................................................................................................................................Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sergeant-at-Arms............................................................................................................................................................................. A.A.

Humphreys Director, Hansard Services ..................................................................................................................................................Anthony Dambrauskas Legislative Librarian ..................................................................................................................................................................................Jane Taylor Legislative Comptroller...............................................................................................................................................................................Peter Bray Published by British Columbia Hans ard Services, and printed under the authority of the Speaker by the Queen's Printer, Victoria.

Rates: single issue, $2.85; per calendar year, mailed daily, $298. GST extra. Agent: Crown Publications Inc., 521 Fort St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 1E7. Telephone: (250) 386-4636. Fax: 386-0221. www.leg.bc.ca Hansard Services publishes transcripts both in print and on the Internet. Chamber debates are broadcast on television and webcast on the Internet.

Party Standings: Liberal 75; New Democratic 2; Independent Liberal 2. ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Abbott, Hon. George (L) ..........................................................................Shuswap Anderson, Val J. (L)............................................................... Vancouver-Langara Barisoff, Hon. Bill (L)...............................................Penticton–Okanagan Valley Bell, Hon.

Pat (L) ..................................................................Prince George North Belsey, Bill (L)....................................................................................North Coast Bennett, Bill (L) ..............................................................................East Kootenay Bhullar, Tony (Ind. L) ................................................................... Surrey-Newton Bloy, Harry (L).....................................................................................Burquitlam Bond, Hon. Shirley (L)..........................................

Prince George–Mount Robson Bray, Jeff (L) ........................................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Brenzinger, Elayne (L)..................................................................Surrey-Whalley Brice, Hon. Susan (L)...................................................................... Saanich South Bruce, Hon. Graham P. (L) ................................................. Cowichan-Ladysmith Campbell, Hon. Gordon (L) .............................................. Vancouver–Point Grey Cheema, Hon.

Gulzar S. (L)............................................Surrey–Panorama Ridge Chong, Hon. Ida (L) ......................................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Christensen, Hon. Tom (L) ...................................................... Okanagan-Vernon Chutter, Dave (L) ..............................................................................Yale-Lillooet Clark, Hon. Christy (L) ....................................................Port Moody–Westwood Cobb, Walt (L) ................................................................................Cariboo South Coell, Hon.

Murray (L) ..........................................Saanich North and the Islands Coleman, Hon. Rich (L)................................................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Collins, Hon. Gary (L) ..........................................................Vancouver-Fairview de Jong, Hon. Michael (L) ........................................Abbotsford–Mount Lehman Falcon, Hon. Kevin (L) ............................................................ Surrey-Cloverdale Hagen, Hon.

Stan (L) ......................................................................Comox Valley Halsey-Brandt, Greg (L) ............................................................Richmond Centre Hamilton, Arnie (L)..............................................................Esquimalt-Metchosin Hansen, Hon. Colin (L) .......................................................Vancouver-Quilchena Harris, Hon. Roger (L) ................................................................................Skeena Hawes, Randy (L)............................................................... Maple Ridge–Mission Hawkins, Hon.

Sindi (L) ........................................................... Kelowna-Mission Hayer, Dave S. (L) ..................................................................... Surrey-Tynehead Hogg, Gordon (L)................................................................... Surrey–White Rock Hunter, Mike (L) ..................................................................................... Nanaimo Jarvis, Daniel (L)........................................................North Vancouver–Seymour Johnston, Ken (L)..............................................................

Vancouver-Fraserview Kerr, Brian J. (L) ................................................................ Malahat–Juan de Fuca Krueger, Kevin (L)................................................... Kamloops–North Thompson Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP)................................ Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Lee, Richard T. (L).........................................................................Burnaby North Lekstrom, Blair (L)................................................................... Peace River South Les, Hon. John (L)....................................................................

Chilliwack-Sumas Locke, Brenda (L) ............................................................. Surrey–Green Timbers Long, Harold (L) .................................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast MacKay, Dennis (L)......................................................... Bulkley Valley–Stikine McMahon, Wendy (L).............................................. Columbia River–Revelstoke MacPhail, Joy (NDP) ............................................................

Vancouver-Hastings Manhas, Karn (L) ..............................................Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Masi, Reni (L) ..................................................................................... Delta North Mayencourt, Lorne (L)............................................................Vancouver-Burrard Murray, Hon. Joyce (L)............................................................. New Westminster Nebbeling, Ted (L)..................................................... West Vancouver–Garibaldi Nettleton, Paul (Ind.

L) ...................................................Prince George–Omineca Neufeld, Hon. Richard (L) ....................................................... Peace River North Nijjar, Rob (L).....................................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Nuraney, John (L)..................................................................Burnaby-Willingdon Orr, Sheila (L) .............................................................................Victoria-Hillside Penner, Barry (L)......................................................................... Chilliwack-Kent Plant, Hon.

Geoff (L) ........................................................... Richmond-Steveston Reid, Judith (L)....................................................................... Nanaimo-Parksville Reid, Hon. Linda (L) ..................................................................... Richmond East Richmond, Hon. Claude (L)...................................................................Kamloops Roddick, Valerie (L)............................................................................

Delta South Sahota, Patty (L).......................................................................Burnaby-Edmonds Santori, Hon. Sandy (L) .............................................. West Kootenay–Boundary Stephens, Lynn (L).................................................................................... Langley Stewart, Ken (L)........................................................

Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Stewart, Richard (L)........................................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Suffredine, Blair F. (L)..................................................................Nelson-Creston Sultan, Ralph (L) .........................................................West Vancouver–Capilano Thorpe, Hon. Rick (L)............................................................Okanagan-Westside Trumper, Gillian (L)..................................................................Alberni-Qualicum van Dongen, Hon.

John (L)..................................................Abbotsford-Clayburn Visser, Rod (L)...................................................................................North Island Weisbeck, John (L).......................................................... Kelowna–Lake Country Whittred, Katherine (L).............................................

North Vancouver–Lonsdale Wilson, John (L)..............................................................................Cariboo North Wong, Patrick (L)..............................................................Vancouver-Kensington LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Clayburn ........................................................ Hon. John van Dongen Abbotsford–Mount Lehman................................................Hon. Michael de Jong Alberni-Qualicum ........................................................................

Gillian Trumper Bulkley Valley–Stikine ................................................................ Dennis MacKay Burnaby North................................................................................ Richard T. Lee Burnaby-Edmonds.............................................................................. Patty Sahota Burnaby-Willingdon ........................................................................John Nuraney Burquitlam............................................................................................

Harry Bloy Cariboo North..................................................................................... John Wilson Cariboo South........................................................................................Walt Cobb Chilliwack-Kent ................................................................................ Barry Penner Chilliwack-Sumas ........................................................................... Hon.

John Les Columbia River–Revelstoke .....................................................Wendy McMahon Comox Valley .............................................................................Hon. Stan Hagen Coquitlam-Maillardville............................................................... Richard Stewart Cowichan-Ladysmith .........................................................Hon. Graham P.

Bruce Delta North.............................................................................................Reni Masi Delta South...................................................................................Valerie Roddick East Kootenay .....................................................................................Bill Bennett Esquimalt-Metchosin .................................................................... Arnie Hamilton Fort Langley–Aldergrove....................................................... Hon.

Rich Coleman Kamloops ......................................................................... Hon. Claude Richmond Kamloops–North Thompson.......................................................... Kevin Krueger Kelowna–Lake Country .................................................................John Weisbeck Kelowna-Mission ...................................................................Hon. Sindi Hawkins Langley........................................................................................... Lynn Stephens Malahat–Juan de Fuca.......................................................................

Brian J. Kerr Maple Ridge–Mission ......................................................................Randy Hawes Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows............................................................... Ken Stewart Nanaimo .............................................................................................Mike Hunter Nanaimo-Parksville..............................................................................Judith Reid Nelson-Creston......................................................................... Blair F.

Suffredine New Westminster .................................................................... Hon. Joyce Murray North Coast .......................................................................................... Bill Belsey North Island.......................................................................................... Rod Visser North Vancouver–Lonsdale .................................................... Katherine Whittred North Vancouver–Seymour ..............................................................

Daniel Jarvis Oak Bay–Gordon Head.................................................................Hon. Ida Chong Okanagan-Vernon ..............................................................Hon. Tom Christensen Okanagan-Westside................................................................... Hon. Rick Thorpe Peace River North ...............................................................Hon. Richard Neufeld Peace River South ..........................................................................Blair Lekstrom Penticton–Okanagan Valley...................................................... Hon.

Bill Barisoff Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain......................................................Karn Manhas Port Moody–Westwood ...........................................................Hon. Christy Clark Powell River–Sunshine Coast............................................................Harold Long Prince George North .........................................................................Hon. Pat Bell Prince George–Mount Robson................................................. Hon. Shirley Bond Prince George–Omineca .................................................................

Paul Nettleton Richmond Centre ...................................................................Greg Halsey-Brandt Richmond East ............................................................................ Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ...................................................................Hon. Geoff Plant Saanich North and the Islands..................................................Hon. Murray Coell Saanich South............................................................................. Hon. Susan Brice Shuswap ................................................................................

Hon. George Abbott Skeena .......................................................................................Hon. Roger Harris Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................................Hon. Kevin Falcon Surrey–Green Timbers.....................................................................Brenda Locke Surrey-Newton ..................................................................................Tony Bhullar Surrey–Panorama Ridge................................................... Hon. Gulzar S.

Cheema Surrey-Tynehead .............................................................................Dave S. Hayer Surrey-Whalley ........................................................................ Elayne Brenzinger Surrey–White Rock.......................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Burrard .................................................................. Lorne Mayencourt Vancouver-Fairview..................................................................Hon. Gary Collins Vancouver-Fraserview .....................................................................

Ken Johnston Vancouver-Hastings......................................................................... Joy MacPhail Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................... Patrick Wong Vancouver-Kingsway............................................................................ Rob Nijjar Vancouver-Langara...................................................................... Val J. Anderson Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .............................................Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Vancouver–Point Grey..................................................... Hon.

Gordon Campbell Vancouver-Quilchena ............................................................. Hon. Colin Hansen Victoria–Beacon Hill ...............................................................................Jeff Bray Victoria-Hillside.....................................................................................Sheila Orr West Kootenay–Boundary ......................................................Hon. Sandy Santori West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................... Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Garibaldi............................................................

Ted Nebbeling Yale-Lillooet .....................................................................................Dave Chutter

CONTENTS Thursday, February 19, 2004 Afternoon Sitting Routine Proceedings Page Introductions by Members ....................................................................................................... ............................................. 8669 Statements (Standing Order 25B) .............................................................................................................................. ............. 8669 North Shore Rescue Team R. Sultan Multiculturalism in Surrey B. Locke B.C. Council for Families V.

Anderson Oral Questions................................................................................................................. ......................................................... 8670 Taxation levels J. Kwan Hon. R. Thorpe J. MacPhail Review of surgical services by interior health authority B. Suffredine Hon. C. Hansen Tendering process for roadwork contracts B. Lekstrom Hon. K. Falcon Safety improvements to Highway 10 T. Bhullar Hon. K. Falcon Funding for women's centres and services R. Sultan Hon. I.

Chong Budget Debate (continued)............................................................................................................................... ........................ 8673 Hon. R. Thorpe M. Hunter B. Locke P. Wong Hon. M. Coell D. Jarvis R. Lee Hon. R. Harris R. Nijjar G. Hogg

8669 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 The House met at 2:04 p.m. Introductions by Members J. MacPhail: I'm not sure that this will be welcome, but the member for Surrey-Whalley told me she is about to turn a different age tomorrow. She's also about to become a motorcyclist as she does that. Noth- ing about middle-age crises, please. I think we should all wish her a happy birthday. J. Bray: Today I had the pleasure of hosting a guest at lunch who had purchased lunch with their MLA to sup- port a fundraising campaign in a local school.

We had a very interesting lunch, and he was so intrigued that he wanted to stick around and watch question period. I'd ask the House to please welcome Mr. Paul Holden. [1405] R. Sultan: Present in the House this afternoon is an eminent North Shore entrepreneur and a great believer in the free enterprise system. Would the House please welcome Peter Kains. Hon. I. Chong: Today I would like to welcome a number of students — in fact, 40 grade 11 students. They are accompanied by three adults: Ms. Anne-Marie Thibaud, Mr. Claude Gross and Mr. Jean-Luc Teyssier.

This school group comes from Avignon in the south of France, and they're on an exchange with Mount Doug- las high school, which is my former high school. I know they have had a tour, and they're interested in seeing how this Legislature works — in particular, question period. I would ask the House to please make them all very welcome. L. Mayencourt: I'd like to make welcome the fol- lowing guest, Leon Leontaridis, who is an accom- plished tenor studying at the University of Victoria. Leon is the husband of my le gislative assistant, Alison Leontaridis, and she's in the gallery as well.

Also join- ing them is Jamie and Megan Huckabay. Jamie is a political science student at the University of Lethbridge, and he's also the secretary of the Lethbridge Liberal Party riding association and in town visiting his sister Megan. Megan is a music education student at the University of Victoria, specializing in choral music and science education. Also joining us in the House are some good friends of mine from the Brewers Association of Canada: Mr. Daniel Fontaine, Greg D'Avignon and Marco Dekovic. We also have an extra-special person in the gallery, Mr.

Stephen Rogers, who was the MLA for Vancouver South some years ago and a former Speaker of this House. Would the House please make them all feel very welcome. M. Hunter: I see up in the gallery a constituent and good friend of mine, Jacinthe Eastick. I don't know if her husband, Peter, is with her. Yes, he is. I want to introduce him too, because Peter is a man who runs the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies on Gabriola. I hope the House will welcome both of them here today. Statements (Standing Order 25

B) NORTH SHORE RESCUE TEAM R. Sultan: I wish to speak this afternoon about he- roes. I refer to the North Shore Rescue Team, 40 volun- teers who regularly put their lives on the line to rescue people from the backyard wilderness stretching from Indian Arm to Bowen Island. In no other major North American city are citizens 20 minutes away from where they can immediately get into trouble in the wilderness. Virtually within our city limits, people have been k illed in snow avalanches, have been plucked off mountainsides by helicopter or have simply gotten lost and died.

From small beginnings 38 years ago based on one mountaineer helping another, the team today is fully equipped for an all-weather response 24 hours a day, winter or summer. Equipment is purchased through contributions to them from organizations such as the North Shore Credit Union and Safeway.

About twice a week the team is called out to look for snowshoers who have not returned from the back country, to rappel down steep cliffs to rescue stranded rock climbers, to follow snowboarders' tracks into the icy gullies of Cy- press, Grouse and Seymour or to carry out smashed mountain bikers who have greater cojones than com- mon sense. For risking their necks, these 40 people are paid absolutely nothing. Search manager George Zilahi told me that members believe serving on this elite team is their way of putting something back into the commu- nity.

What a refreshing ideal — to put one's own life on the line year after year to rescue others without com- pensation. As we try to rebuild the tradition of volunteer con- tribution in this society, the example of the North Shore Rescue Team should inspire us all. Mr. Speaker: I hope Hansard has a Spanish-English dictionary. [1410] MULTICULTURALISM IN SURREY B. Locke: I rise today to speak to multiculturalism. Without a doubt, B.C.'s diversity is a critical asset con- tributing to our economy, ou r prosperity and our iden- tity as a province and a coun try.

But more importantly, both the Minister of State for Multicultural Services and myself are encouraged by some local initiatives in our home city of Surrey — initiatives that celebrate the over 90 different languages spoken in our schools. From curriculum development to administration to the classroom, Surrey school district takes advantage of the

8670 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 tremendous opportunity to expose children to the world right in our own co mmunity. Schools encourage students to share traditions and foods. As a mom, I have baked shortbread for my children to share with other children's pakora, sushi and spanakopita. Surrey teachers, administrators, PACs and parents should all be congratulated for creating a healthy dia- logue and cultural exchan ge. Encouraging open ex- pression and emphasizing flexible minds are vital to developing healthy analytical skills in our children and youth.

Thank you should also go to Surrey Memorial Hospital. Our hospital now boasts one of the largest birthing centres with private rooms for all the new moms and their families. This is appreciated by the new South Asian families whose tradition it is to share in the occasion. As well, a small temple has been opened in conjunction with the hospital's existing chapel. In addition, Surrey parks department has also con- tributed by adding multicultural signage so everyone can enjoy our parks. Our province is becoming more diverse every day.

Thank you to the Premier who appointed the new Min- ister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Ser- vices, reflecting our provincial government's commit- ment to embracing our cultural diversity. My Surrey colleagues and I welcome everyone to visit our vibrant, inclusive, multicultural city of Surrey. B.C. COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES V.

Anderson: In the throne speech last week, it was stated: "Later in the year the Premier will host a series of round tables aimed at engaging B.C.'s families in a discussion about their hopes and aspirations for the future." This is a very significant promise, for it fulfils an ongoing partnership of the B.C. Legislature which has continued from 1975 to the present. In 1975 and 1976 two conferences were held in co- operation with the government of the day about family life in B.C., bringing together representatives of com- munities from across British Columbia.

The result was an all-party resolution in the Legislature, a unique process, to form the B.C. Council for Families as a part- nership with the B.C. Legisl ature, the B.C. community and the faith communities of B.C. It was my pleasure to share in that important process. The council was originally formed by an order-in- council of the Legislature and became a non-profit or- ganization in 1977 to fulfil the mandate for the support of families.

For 27 years the council has fulfilled its vision in developing, co ordinating and supporting programs across B.C., for which it has gained national and international recognition and praise. The council has developed and tested courses for premarriage preparation; Nobody's Perf ect program, a parenting program for high-risk parents of children from zero to six; a Parent-Child Mother Goose Program on early childhood, social and literacy development; Ready or Not! for parents of 12-year-olds and under; suicide education and awareness in the school system; and training programs for trainers in family life.

The coun- cil is excited about the Premier's focus on families and looks forward to sharing with him in this process. Mr. Speaker: That concludes member statements. Oral Questions TAXATION LEVELS J. Kwan: Can the Minister of Provincial Revenue tell this House how much more a two-income family of four making $30,000 a year will pay in provincial taxes in the next fiscal year compared to last year? [1415] Hon. R. Thorpe: Thank you very much for that question. Let me say that under the previous govern- ment, a family of four making $30,000 was paying a tax of $3,739.

Under our government, including health premiums, they are paying $3,540 — a savings of $189. Let me also say that under the NDP's alterna- tive budget, they want to increase taxes on those f a m i l i e s b y 2 7 p e r c e n t . T h a t i s u n a c c e p t a b l e t o o u r government. Mr. Speaker: The member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant has a supplementary question. J. Kwan: Well, the fact is that a two-income family of four making $30,000 a year will pay $435 more in provincial taxes in 2004 and ' 05 than they did last year.

Those numbers come directly from the budget docu- ments — the government's own budget documents. Can the Minister of Provincial Revenue tell this House how much more a senior couple with an income of $30,000 will pay in provincial taxes as a result of this budget? Hon. R. Thorpe: Our government committed, un- der the leadership of our Premier when we were run- ning for election, to make sure we had the lowest per- sonal tax rates for those making $60,000 or less. Our government is achieving that goal.

In fact, families throughout British Columbia will continue to pay less taxes under our government than they did in the NDP government of 2001. In fact, they want to increase taxes on seniors, on everyone working in British Columbia, between 27 percent and 71 percent. That is unaccept- able. Our government won't go backward. We're going forward to bring out the very best in all British Colum- bians. Mr. Speaker: Member for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant has a further supplementary. J. Kwan: The fact is that this government is collect- ing $1.9 billion more in regressive taxes.

The fact is that a senior couple with an income of $30,000 will pay $128 more in provincial taxes than they did last year. Again,

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8671 the numbers come directly from the government's own budget books. Can the minister tell this House what the situation is for a two-income family making $60,000 a year? Hon. R. Thorpe: Let me talk about a family of four that, including health premiu ms in the year 2001, paid $6,895 in tax. In this budget , this 2004 budget, they will pay $6,349 — a savings of $546. In fact, when Carole James and the NDP get finished with this family, they'll have an additional tax bill of $1,700 a year. That is not acceptable to British Columbians. J.

MacPhail: My gosh, I wish we could call an elec- tion so we could discuss these matters. I bet you British Columbians will be looking to this government's record on what they promised and what they've delivered. Let's just sum up. A family with two kids with both parents holding down two minimum-wage jobs will pay over $400 more in provincial taxes, while a family with a joint income of $60,000 will pay $128 more than last year. Now, the Minister of Finance has said the reason… Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Order, please, hon. members. Let's hear the question. J.

MacPhail: …provincial taxes are going up for low- and middle-income British Columbians — he said today — is because property va lues are increasing. Did h e f o r g e t t h a t i t w a s l a s t y e a r t h a t h e i n c r e a s e d p r o p - erty taxes? Let me get this straight. Bob and Mary Smith, from their minimum-wage jobs, go home to close a real es- tate deal on a $300,000 house in the lower mainland. That's the Finance minister's explanation of why that family is paying more in taxes this year. This govern- ment has its priorities all wrong.

Can the Minister of Provincial Revenue justify soaking poor and middle-income British Columbians to pay for the tax giveaway to the wealthiest British Columbians and big corporations? [1420] Hon. R. Thorpe: You know, British Columbia is moving forward. British Columbia is now number one in job creation, number one in new housing growth, number one in small business confidence, number one in destination for immigration investors. In fact, people that those two members drove out of British Columbia are moving back to British Columbia. We want our best and brightest back here in British Columbia.

The facts of the matter are simple. We promised to balance the budget. We're doing that. We said we'd invest in health care, and by 2006-07, $3 billion more will be invested in health care, $313 million invested in K-to-12 and $105 million invested in advanced educa- tion. It's time those two members over there got on the wagon of success here in British Columbia. Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition has a supplementary question. J. MacPhail: Well, let's see what moving forward un- der a Liberal agenda means for these families.

One family, a $30,000 income family, will be paying $435 more this year than last. Maybe that's not much to this minister. Now, the Finance minister had another explanation of why this family was paying more. He said: "Well, they're buying more, and so they're paying more in sales tax." Did he forget that he raised the sales tax himself? Is the memory of this government one hour long, one week long, one year long or zero? Perhaps for everybody in this caucus, $435 is noth- ing. But for a family of four living on $30,000 a year, it's a big bite out of their budget.

Can the minister explain why his government, from last year to this year, is gouging more out of low- and middle-income families in this province to cover his big tax cut? We haven't even got to tuition hikes, ICBC, hydro, health care, Pharmacare premiums. Just on straight taxes they're gouging the heck out of $30,000 families. Hon. R. Thorpe: It's very hard for those members over there to accept that British Columbia is moving forward, increasing jobs — that people are moving off the welfare rolls, having jo bs themselves and able to look after their families. Let's look at the facts here.

A taxable income family of $10,000 under Carole James's plan will increase $110; $20,000 — increase $387; $30,000 — increase $664. And the list goes on and on. It's about tax, tax, spend, spend — the NDP — and British Columbians have had enough of that. Mr. Speaker: The member for Nelson-Creston. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please, hon. members. Order, please. The member for Nelson-Creston has the floor. REVIEW OF SURGICAL SERVICES BY INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY B. Suffredine: Last year the interior health authority sanctioned an independent review of surgical services in our region.

Now, few services are more highly valued in small communities than surgery. The recommendations that result from the surgical review include a number of choices. Changes to surgical services in those small communities could actually affect their ability to attract new people to our communities, so how the recommen- dations translate is vitally important. Can the minister tell residents in my riding what those recommendations are likely to mean to them? Hon. C. Hansen: This is actually a great news story for residents of the interior health authority. As is hap- pening throughout the province, we have approached

8672 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 this with the philosophy that every hospital cannot be an island unto itself. If we're really going to meet the needs of patients throughout this province, we have to look at the whole health care system as a network of services. The IHA has gone out for a surgical review to look at how that network works to meet the needs of resi- dents of that region. They'r e asking themselves where what k ind of procedu res ca n be done m ost effecti vely and in the most timely fashion.

The IHA has gone out to meet with communities to talk to them about why this is actually going to improve access to care so that people can get faster access and better access. I think that's good news for everybody. [1425] TENDERING PROCESS FOR ROADWORK CONTRACTS B. Lekstrom: My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Improving roads and road mainte- nance is of vital importance to the people of Peace River South, as it is to everybody in British Columbia.

In the past, though, tendering processes for construc- tion contracts have often been released far too late in the season so that construction companies can plan ahead. Can the minister please tell myself and this House what plans are in plac e to ensure the tendering process for roadwork contract s is released sooner and in a more timely fashion? Hon. K. Falcon: Actually, the Ministry of Transpor- tation currently undertakes a year-round tendering process, but I appreciate the comment from the mem- ber.

As I was up in the north a couple of weeks back, that was a very common theme that I heard from many of the contractors. The ministry's objective now is to tender one-third of our capital rehabilitation and heart- lands programs by March 31 of this year so that they're ready for this summer's construction season. This represents 70 contracts representing almost $150 mil- lion worth of work in the heartlands, and I think that will be very well received.

I might also add that that's particularly important news after a decade of neglect where we saw the pre- vious government invest virtually nothing up in the heartlands of British Columbia. Today, as part of our three-year program of investing $1.3 billion, $838 mil- lion of that $1.3 billion will be invested in the heart- lands of British Columbia. SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO HIGHWAY 10 T. Bhullar: My question is to the Minister of Trans- portation about Highway 10 in Surrey and the area that I used to at one time live — a very dangerous stretch of the highway. Numerous people would be killed on that highway.

In fact, I'd come upon accident scenes where individuals were killed. It's a very, very dangerous highway. Are there any plans whatsoever to expand this highway, given the danger that it presents? Hon. K. Falcon: Yes, you're right about that road. This is a road that the community — and, frankly, all of Surrey — has been crying out to ha ve widened and the safety improved now for decades really. That program has been a n n o u n c e d .

W e w i l l b e w i d e n i n g i t t o f o u r l a n e s f r o m 122nd in Delta to 176th Street in Surrey, which will then have a four-lane corridor going all the way through from Langley to Delta. That is something that the work is be- ginning on just as soon as we can complete the environ- mental studies, which the federal government requires us to go through, and the engineering studies, which are nearing completion. The good news is that the moment we can get shovels in the ground and tractors on the road, we will have that underway. FUNDING FOR WOMEN'S CENTRES AND SERVICES R.

Sultan: My question is to the Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services. A few weeks ago I attended a very lively forum hosted by the North Shore women's coalition. There was a discussion of a variety of issues, including the provincial government's deci- sion to no longer fund women's centres. Can the minis- ter explain what the government is doing to ensure that front-line service to wo men experiencing violence is not compromised? Hon. I.

Chong: Firstly, as the Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services, I'm very happy to hear that my colleague the member for West Vancouver– Capilano is participating in dialogue around women's issues in his community. I am very proud to serv e with a Premier who is committed to providing direct services to women at risk. On the North Shore we provide over $1 million in annual funding for transition houses, for safe houses, for second-stage housing, for counselling for women who have experienced abuse, under our Stopping the Violence programs.

Across the province we provide over $33 million annually for our Stopping the Vio- lence programs for women who have experienced abuse and for children who have witnessed abuse, and we will continue to provide those direct services. Most women's centres have told us that they will re- main open. Some, like the North Shore women's centre, have formed partnerships with local governments. Some have formed partnerships with other community organi- zations, and they will continue to provide those services. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. [1430] Hon. I.

Chong: This government will continue to provide funding that focuses provincial dollars on maintaining direct essential services for women escap- ing violence. [End of question period.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8673 Orders of the Day Hon. G. Plant: I call response to the budget speech. Budget Debate (continued) Hon. R. Thorpe: It's a pleasure to continue my de- bate here on the budget speech. I want to start this af- ternoon talking about bringi ng out the best, bringing out the best in our student achievement in K-to-12. You know, under the leadership of our Premier, we have placed a very, very high priority on education. In this budget we announced a major new initiative to address literacy.

The Premier himself is establishing a Premier's ad- visory board on literacy. This is a Premier who cares about our children, cares ab out our students and is actually taking and showin g leadership. With respect to funding on K-to-12, over the next three years our government will be putting an additional $313 million into K-to-12 education. This is good for our students today. This is an investment in our future, and it's go- ing to bring out the best in British Columbia.

W h e n w e l o o k a t b r i n g i n g o u t t h e b e s t i n a d - vanced education, our government has committed to creating 25,000 new spaces by the year 2010. In fact, we will create 12,000 new spaces in the next two years. We have and are developing and will be an- nouncing a new comprehensive strategy to increase access to advanced education institutes in British Co- lumbia, because we know this, too, is key to our fu- ture and key to bringing out the very best in British Columbia. Funding has been increased to institutions so that they can provide for the students and the courses that are required there.

By the year 2006-07 we will have increased funding to higher education institutes by $105 million, providing opportunity to all regions of British Columbia. I want to bring out an issue and talk about how we're bringing out the best in health care in British Columbia. You know, the members over there for Vancouver-Hastings and Vancouver–Mount Pleasant continually mislead British Columbians in talking about cuts to health care funding. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Our government, to date, has increased funding to health care by $2 billion, and by the year 2006-07 we will have increased funding to health care by $3 billion, to $11.3 billion — an increase since we took over from the NDP of 36 percent here in British Columbia. Bringing out the best in British Columbia means that our government, under the leadership of our Pre- mier, is aggressively pursui ng having the national cen- tre for disease control located here in British Columbia.

We have the brightest, we have the best, we have the expertise, and we believe it's in Canada's interest to ensure that the national centre for disease control for Canada is located here in British Columbia. That will continue to bring out the very, very best in British Co- lumbia. When I look at my riding of Okanagan-Westside, I think it's important, with respect to health care, to take a moment and talk about the Summerland Health Cen- tre. As you know, our health care system was not sus- tainable as we know it, and we've had to make some changes.

They've been made in a thoughtful manner, and we have been working very, very closely with the community. [1435] This centre houses a vari ety of services under one roof for the community. Services include public health, home support, home care, long-term care assessment, community rehabilitation, speech therapy, community social work, lab services, imaging services, day surger- ies, extended care and diabetic education. The centre has seen significant decreases in wait-lists for X-rays and day surgery while increasing the number of people who are coming to Summerland for their treatments.

In fact, X-ray technicians are now seeing 800 patients per month. Lab staff are seeing over 900 patients per month. The reforms in health care are working, and they're working for the people in the riding of Okanagan- Westside. With respect to assisted living, the interior health authority has recently made a call for expres- sions of interest to develop a new facility for seniors and adults with disabilities. This is good news for Okanagan-Westside; this is good news for British Columbia. But you know, the real test is what the constituents think. Let me just quote a couple of articles from papers.

A resident from Penticton came up to the Summer- land care centre, and he was so pleased. He said he was 100 percent pleased with th e surgery and treatment, a n d h e e x p r e s s e d t h i s i n a v e r y y u m m y w a y . H e brought homemade baked apple muffins for the office staff, nurses and doctors. That's one British Columbian showing how he appreciates th e changes in things that are going on. Irene Kennedy from Penticton recently came to Summerland health centre for eye surgery. She had glowing comments about the service: "They were right on time.

Everyone was just wonderful, and I was de- lighted when they gave my friend and I a cup of coffee while she waited to drive me home." She went on to thank all of the nurses and the folks that are working in the Summerland health centre. When we see people working together for the bene- fit of British Columbians, we know that things are working for us. With respec t to working and people providing services in Okanagan-Westside, I'd just like to compliment the parent advisory councils in the West Side, Westbank, Peachland and Summerland for the tremendous work they are doing with the schools and our children.

They know that we will continue to work with them so that they can provide and show guidance to our students and help them along, whether it be with computers or other supplies they need to enhance their education. You know, Mr. Speaker, all of the hard work that members in this House…. People throughout all parts

8674 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 of British Columbia could be at risk because the true NDP colours have been shown once again. Carole James and the NDP, through their economic brain trust, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, have told British Columbians — and I suppose they do de- serve a pat on the back for coming clean and telling British Columbians their views…. What they want to do is roll back the clock. They want to take us back to where we were. They want to take British Columbia backwards, and we all remember the decade of the nineties, the disaster under the NDP.

They've told us they want to, as a minimum, increase personal taxes by 27 percent. For nurses and teachers, we see increases ranging from 40 percent to 50 percent in their taxes. For doctors, we see 66 percent to 75 percent increases in their taxes. What is all this going to do? It is going to do what the NDP did to British Columbia before. It is going to drive our best and brightest out of British Columbia when so many of them have now come home. That is wrong. The economic backbone and the heart of our prov- ince is small business, and what does the NDP…?

What do those two members over there want to do to small business? They want to increase their taxes by 71 percent. They want to destroy small business in British Columbia. [1440] They're also talking about forming a public bank. Many British Columbians will remember their experi- ment under the Premier of the day, Premier Glen Clark, when they introduc ed Four Corners bank. Now they want to take that concept, and they want to super- size it. They want to bring in a public bank, and they want to use people's pension funds.

They want to take royalties away from our forest industry, they want take royalties away from our gas and oil industry, and they want to skim from Crowns to put into this new public fund, NDP bank. We know what happened to the Four Corners bank. We know it has to be closed down. We know that it has lost over $6 million of taxpayers' money. This has the possibility of losing hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayers' hard- earned money, especially their pensions. They also now are saying in this budget that they want to return to subsidies. The NDP want to return to subsidies.

They want to have the jobs and timber accord, and they want to have Power for Jobs. Do we not re- member? I know I remember, being the minister respon- sible for the Skeena Cellulose file, that the NDP took $425 million of taxpayers' money and wasted it on sub- sidies to that industry. That is absolutely not acceptable. Then the most alarming of all — and that's why it's so hard to take those two members over there seriously — is that now they are talking about not balancing a budget until the year 2010.

No t only are they going to put British Columbia in jeopardy today, but they are also going to put the children of British Columbia in jeopardy tomorrow. They're going to put people like my grandson in trouble, because they just want to tax, spend, tax, spend. The NDP have shown us their socialist model does not work in British Columbia. We need a model here in British Columbia that rewards those who want to work hard. It rewards those who want to take a chance. Mr. S p e a k e r , t h e y h a v e t o b e s t o p p e d . I t ' s a v e r y c l e a r choice.

It will be a very clear choice, and it's very inter- esting that members of the NDP are now calling for an election. The ballot choice will be very clear. Do you want disaster, taxes, subsidies, public banks owned and run by the NDP, or do you want a free enterprise system where those who want to work hard get to make choices because they're going to have more money in their pockets? Do you want a government that's com- mitted to fiscal prudence and conservatism? Those are the choices. Our budget is about moving forward in British Columbia and building and bringing out our very best.

I am proud of the choices our government has made. We said we were committed to balancing the budget, and that's what we've done. We said we would do it over three years. That's what we've done. We said we would protect British Columbians by making sure it was a legislated requirem ent. We've done that. We said that if we could, we would add money to health care. By the time this budget concludes, it will be $3 billion that has been invested — an increase of 36 per- cent over the NDP. There's $313 million in K-to-12 edu- cation and $105 million in advanced education. Our government stopped subsidies to business.

We now have a competitive business climate. We're seeing companies move here from th e United States and from around the world, and that is creating jobs. We said we would cut red tape by one-third, and we're doing that. We said we'd introduce fair and balanced labour laws, and we've done that. Our budget shows an under- standing of the needs of British Columbia, for all parts of British Columbia. It reflects fiscal realities — some- thing that the two members over there have never un- derstood and, quite frankly, never will understand. It's about building for the future.

It's about having leadership and a Premier here who has a vision for the future on how we can bring out the very, very best in British Columbia. It's about welcoming the world to British Columbia not just to visit but to relocate here, to invest and to raise their families. It's about building a world-class, prosperous community in all parts of Brit- ish Columbia. This budget reflects leadership, vision and com- mitment to our principles. We said we would do it. We did it. Has it been easy? Th ere have been challenging times, and there will continue to be challenging times.

But we have a team that ha s tremendous leadership, a team that works together, and British Columbia has turned the corner. [1445] We are on the road to prosperity. We are building a future. We are bringing out the best in all regions of British Columbia, in all sectors of British Columbia. In the Spirit of 2010 our government will continue to lead; to create opportunity; to pr ovide education; to provide

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8675 health care; to provide for those truly in need; and to create and make sure we have a business climate here that allows individuals and small businesses to make decisions, to take chances, to succeed and to lead in the world. Yes, this budget is about bringing out the very, very best in British Columbia. It's about leading to the fu- ture. It's a budget that I will proudly vote yes for. M.

Hunter: I a m d e l i g h t e d t o b e a b l e t o r i s e t h i s afternoon to speak in support of the budget, which the Minister of Finance introduced just 48 hours ago in this chamber. For me it was a special day on Tuesday. One of the reasons I sought public office…. I can tell you that many people have asked me since: "Why would you do this? Why would you tear yourself away from your family? Why would you put yourself in the public eye at your ripe ol d age?" My answer, for the most part, was that I believed that under the former government, the respect the taxpayers' dollars is due was missing.

It was absent, and I felt that I could do something about this. One of the major reasons that I ran and I stand in this place today is because I believe that public finances are a public trust that is one of the most important values we have in a democracy. The Minister of Finance ro se in this House to an- nounce what he had promised and what we had prom- ised the people of British Columbia almost three years ago, and that came to pass. We have followed the law. We are doing what we said we would do. For me this is absolutely the crucible of what this government is about.

I, therefore, am ex tremely pleased and thankful that we have been able to get where we have come. There are a lot of people who are being told we've gone through the last two and a half years of tough times and difficult adjustments in British Columbia because we cut income taxes, because we cut business taxes. I think that is the most misleading argument I've heard in a long time, but it continues to have currency. It needs to be restated over and over again that in June of 2001, when this government took office…. This isn't the government speaking.

This is a group of independ- ent financial analysts who looked at the books, who took the public accounts of British Columbia. They didn't get paid for their work. They worked for a month or six weeks, and they identified what I think in our heart of hearts we all knew — that there was a structural deficit in the public accounts of this prov- ince. What we didn't know and what really came as a surprise was the depth of the deficit. I can't help but acknowledge, because the auditor general has said so, that there was a surplus in the fi- nances of this province arou nd the turn of the decade.

We also have to recognize how that occurred. It oc- curred because we were at the fortunate end of some very high energy prices, particularly electricity in Cali- fornia and natural gas in North America, that created revenue streams for British Columbia that were unsus- tainable. Even the former Finance minister of the last sorry government, Mr. Ramsey, acknowledged that the revenue streams could not carry on the way they were. So a $4 billion structural deficit was the legacy of the decade of despair and demolition that we have now begun to turn around.

A $4 billion deficit is a lot of money, and it has taken an awful lot of hard work on behalf of every one of us in this government, on the government side, to work with our communities, with people, to make sure we can actually turn that around and start to produce the kind of economic streng th in this province which we should have, which we did have and which will enable us never to have to look at those kinds of num- bers again. [1450] The New Democratic Party sugar-coats this. They say this wasn't a structural deficit. Their math is always suspect.

Even earlier today we heard math, and I don't know where it comes from. They want us to forget the decade of decline. They ask if people are better off to- day than they were three ye ars ago. I think the answer to that is pretty clear, and I' ll talk about it a little later. What I see in my community is a whole bunch of signs that show that not only are people better off, but they actually know they are, an d they're moving forward in their economic lives in a way that is very, very encour- aging.

Last year when I spoke to the budget, anticipating the good news that we've heard this week, I accused the opposition members of being mistresses of myth. I still think they are. I still do n't think they get it. As the last speaker indicated, the Carole James budget that was published a week ago shows that the new leader of the NDP still doesn't get it. They have learned noth- ing. They're like the Bourbo ns. They still don't under- stand how public finances must work and how strength in the economy is the fundamental basis for all that we value as a society and that we expect govern- ment to provide to us.

To me, the NDP budget — the Carole James budget — apart from all the scary th ings that are in there…. You know, it's like a Halloween movie that doesn't have a happy ending. That budget just confirms the New Democratic Party thinks that individuals, investors, families and businesses large and small in British Co- lumbia are simply cash cows — cash cows for their great schemes, including public investment banks. I know there is cynicism across Canada about our banking system, but at least we don't have bank fail- ures in this country in th e commercial banking system.

At least, we haven't had on e for a long time. We have structures and management systems that protect our money. Would you invest in a public investment bank set up by the New Democratic Party in British Colum- bia? I suspect you wouldn't. I know I wouldn't, because I would like to retire with a few assets. If there's one sure way of frittering away your assets, it's to put them in a socialist bank. The NDP dried up the cash cow that was British Columbia once before. They did it through the 1990s. The evidence is clear. We all can remember what hap- pened.

I, like the Minister of Provincial Revenue, am happy that the people of British Columbia face a pretty

8676 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 clear choice. The choice is stark and it's obvious. The choice is between a government that sees an economic plan, that has put forward an economic plan, that has delivered an economic plan , a budget and a fiscal framework that is sustainable… . It's going to lead Brit- ish Columbia forward and lead us to progress and cap- ture what we can be as a province of Canada and as a society.

The choice, the alternative as set out in the Carole James budget and building on the kind of approach that they showed us in spades through the 1990s, is simply to go back to the future — going back to an age where your taxes were high, where the government decided what you should do with your money and where the government decided how you should live your lives. To me, this is a very, very clear choice that is being presented to the people of British Columbia. The choice is about growth. It's about personal responsibility and taking personal responsibi lity for what you do. It's about a responsible government.

Every member of this caucus knows what responsibility means and is pre- pared to accept it and live it day in and day out. It also involves respect for the taxpayers' money, the taxpayers' dollars. They're the elements of what this government represents and what this administration stands for and is building upon. We can reward hard work, or the alternative is to penalize initiative. It's pervasive state intervention. It's crippling taxes, and I mean crippling taxes. Can you foresee, can you look at your bank account — imagine your bank account?

Imagine the bank account of the working family mak- ing perhaps $40,000, $50,000 or $60,000 a year in this province. Imagine the tax load that Carole James and the NDP are planning to impose on those working families in British Columbia. You think that's not crip- pling? Well, it's even worse when you look at what they would be planning to do with small and large businesses. Here we are, Mr. Speaker — the growth leader in Canada in jobs. You know, we've reversed what was happening. In 2001 we were last. We're first. Why is that? It's because we have a plan. We do what we say we are going to do.

We are going to balance the budget in 2004-05. That is creating confidence. [1455] The number of small businesses in this province is increasing rapidly, and it's small businesses, as we all know, that create the majority of the jobs in our society. With the crippling taxes that the Carole James NDP budget would introduce into the corporate sector, I suspect — I know; I'm very confident — that small businesses would not invest in British Columbia. They would be driven, along with their potential employees, along with people who would purchase their goods and services….

The Trans-Canada Highway between here and Calgary…. The Mini ster of Transportation would have to budget a huge amount of money be- cause there are going to be ruts in that road so deep that you won't even be able to get there, if the NDP budget were to become the law of this land. All of that — the promise of ruin of our province versus an agenda which sees growth, which sees peo- ple being able to make choices about their future — is bringing our young people back to British Columbia from Alberta and Ontario and elsewhere. The choice is clear.

I think the budget presented the other day is simply a confirmation of the choices put side by side with the alternative from Carole James and the NDP. I want to talk a little bit about the impact of the '04- 05 budget and the fiscal plan in my part of the prov- ince. You know, we all talk about the '04-05 budget. One of the things that's important about our financial planning in this government is that we're not just going year to year, lurching around, deciding what we should do year by year, but we actually set out a plan. We started setting out three-year plans in 2001.

The fact that we have a fiscal plan, that people can see the direction we're going, to me is a hugely impor- tant feature of our fiscal planning. It's not talked about much, but you know, anybody in the province can pick up this book and can say: "Oh, what does the govern- ment have planned in the area I'm interested in three years down the road?" We can start to have — and we have started to have, in my view — a pretty healthy debate about how budgets will unfold, how programs will unfold.

It is much more healthy, much more open and much more helpful to decision-making and policy than the system that was in place before. It's one more re- form that this government has introduced to make us as politicians, as servants of the public, accountable to those people who elect us. To go back to my local area and what I think are the impacts of this budget and the direction that we are proceeding in this province, wh at is it doing? Well, as y o u k n o w , m y r i d i n g i s N a n a i m o . I t ' s n o t j u s t p a r t o f the city of Nanaimo and some of its neighbourhood areas on Vancouver Island.

It also includes a few of the Gulf Islands, the biggest being Gabriola Island. I have to say that in my riding, ther e is a confidence. The city of Nanaimo is confident in its own future. The people who live on Gabriola Island are confident in their own future. They are debating right now whether or not they want to become a second island municipality, modelled on the way Bowen Island went.

I don't know whether that decision will be pro or con, but the fact that people are there, thin king about thei r future, ex- pressing confidence, buying real estate, I think is a measure of development that I find very encouraging. I talk about real estate. Like the rest of the province there's a huge amount of confidence in real estate in the Nanaimo region. We had a 24 percent increase in hous- ing starts in 2003. We have reports of people moving into the area from right across Canada and parts of the United States.

I happened to see a welcome wagon piece in the Gabriola Sounder , which is one of the weekly newspapers on the island. It mentioned names of people who had come to live on Gabriola Island, who had bought property there over the summer — the hottest real estate summer in Gabriola's history. These people…. I think only two of them actually relo-

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8677 cated from Canada. The rest were from other parts of the world. If that isn't confidence in what we are doing in British Columbia — bringing new people, new blood, new ideas — I don't know what is. There's confidence in Nanaimo in the investment community. Just as one exampl e of that, I want to cite an initiative that I've spoken about in the House before. Some three years ago, when we got elected, there were some investors who looked at the opportunity of bring- ing in some competition to B.C. Ferries for passengers.

We now have, as of late last fall, a ferry operation, a high-speed catamaran, that takes passengers from downtown Nanaimo to the SeaBus terminal in Van- couver in 80 minutes. [1500] It is making a difference. The service has had some reliability problems, some startup teething problems, but like the service that preceded it ten years ago, it is having an impact. People are starting to look at Nanaimo as a place where you can actually live, where you can get to the lower mainland when you need it. You can get right into downtown Vancouver to do your shopping.

It's investments like this and confi- dence people have in regions like mine that are going to move this province forward, bring more people here, and more goods and services. I think it's an excellent indication of the kind of investment we're seeing out- side of the very obvious and very welcome real estate boom. Other members have talked about our education system. I want to say that in Nanaimo, I am very confi- dent — and I know other people are confident — about education. I know that in the K-to-12 system, we have had enormous problems coming to grips with budgets.

We all know about this in this House, how difficult decisions can be. My school district in Nanaimo has had a lot of debates, and they have taken some tough decisions. I know that the school district — and, I think, the parent advisory council — is confident about the future. They're confiden t about the reforms we've brought into education so that the parents and volun- teers can actually go and have a say in how the school district manages the education system in K-to-12.

I think it's worthy of note, for all those who have talked about the budget cuts, that the increase this gov- ernment has provided to every student in the K-to-12 system since we took office is over $500 per student, at a time when enrolment in th e K-to-12 system is in de- cline. I think that is something we should be recogniz- ing. Of course there are problems. There are always going to be problems in resource allocation, but this is not something we should be shying away from. We are increasing resources in education. We should be proud of it.

In the post-secondary system, of course, we have Malaspina University College, which I think is one of the primary post-secondary institutions in the prov- ince. It is not the biggest, by any means, but it certainly is an institution which has achieved enormous pro- gress in the last ten years or so. At the moment Malaspina University College is raising money in the community to expand its library. Construction has started and is going on. In the last couple of years Malaspina University College has built a trades train- ing building. They built a new teaching building, where the nursing program is taking place.

There is a new international building. That's important because Malaspina University College attracts literally hun- dreds of foreign students to British Columbia and to Nanaimo every year. In fa ct, Malaspina University College has the highest percentage of private funding of any post-secondary institution in the province. That is pretty important to me, and it is another sign of how confident people are in our community. Malaspina is growing; it's expanding. It's a very important part of our future. I look forward to working with them to keep going in the way they've been going.

We've got confidence in sports, in arts and in cul- ture. You know, life isn't just about money. It's not just about rushing from one place to another. Life is about being well rounded. We had a debate in this chamber just a few days ago about the value of team sports. Well, you know, in Nanaimo we are very fortunate. We've got an excellent B.C. Hockey League team. We've got schools that are famous around the province f o r w h a t t h e y d o o n t h e s p o r t s f i e l d . W e h a v e a n a r t s community which is extremel y active. We have a new gallery in Nanaimo which is doing extremely well.

We have a cultural community, including Vancouver Is- land Symphony, which is making Nanaimo a place that is attracting people because those kinds of cultural and sports facilities exist. We have new owners of our BCHL hockey team, which is, again, a sign of confidence in our community — a confidence that is grounded in the work this gov- ernment and this Minister of Finance have done to es- tablish B.C. as a place wh ere the economy can grow — and we have a solid foundation for that. Even in recent years where tourism has been prob- lematic…. In Nanaimo last year the numbers were up.

It is an interesting phenomenon. We have the fortune in Nanaimo of being close enough to the Pacific Northwest, to the United States, and the so-called rubber-tire traffic in Nanaimo is up. People who were planning to stay for one night, I'm told by hoteliers in town, were actu- ally staying for two and three nights because we have an awful lot to offer, and we have an awful lot of po- tential to develop in that area. [1505] The business community is expressing confidence in this government and in our community. The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce was voted by its peers the Chamber of the Year in 2002-03.

We have an airport which is in a position where it needs some…. It's got a management plan; it's got a development plan t h a t i s g o i n g t o h e l p m a k e s u r e t h a t w e h a v e i n o u r region an airport that can service our needs. The member for Nanaimo-Parksville this morning talked about the Nanaimo convention centre, and it is long-awaited. It has had a couple of hiccups, but it is going to happen. We have the property. We have the people. We have the location. We have all the market-

8678 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 ing advantages to make Nanaimo into a very success- ful conference centre for conferences up to a thousand or 1,200 people. We have a harbour authority in Nanaimo, which is a federal-provincial body which manages the Nanaimo harbour, that has expressed huge confidence in the future of our area, responding to what this government is doing and how it is creating economic growth and prosperity. I have talked about this a number of times in this House before, and it's very relevant to this budget.

We have a community which is determined to deal with social issues — social issues that predated this gov- ernment and that will probab ly post-date it, but social issues which I think without question have come to the fore because of some of the tough decisions this gov- ernment has had to make to deal with that structural $4 billion deficit. I have a huge amount of pride for the volunteer and not-for-profit community in Nanaimo. I can't say enough about what they do , and I can't say enough about how they have responded to the challenges that have been placed in their way.

Those organizations — and there are many of them and many hundreds and thousands of people who spend their time trying to help people who are less fortunate — are now working with the city of Nanaimo. I give credit to the city on that, because there is confidence in our community. There is confidence enough to face up to the issues that are there in our community and to try and work to- gether to do something about it.

People in the not-for-profit and volunteer commu- nity are pleased that we are working to try and get rid of the underpinnings of th e culture of entitlement which, frankly, has been something that's been there throughout my adult life — you know: "If you can't make it, well, don't worry. The government will do it f o r y o u . " C l e a r l y , t h a t k i n d o f a n a p p r o a c h i s n o t o n e that we in this government want to carry on. We think, and I certainly believe, that people who need help must get help.

We must focus on those who need the help the most, but I think the days when the culture of enti- tlement was part of our society…. I'm pleased to see we are moving away from that , and we're moving away from it with the assistance of people who are offering their time to help people in partnership with us. I'm confident because we've seen a significant re- duction in unemployment in my region. Nanaimo has had some tough times with unemployment over the years. In the last few months we have moved down from an unemployment rate of over 12 percent to an unemployment rate of under 9 percent.

That starts to make a huge difference. Frankly, unemployment num- bers can come and go. They go up and they go down and to some extent depend on how many people are working in the forest industry this month versus next. You know, there's another good sign. We have a forestry industry in coastal British Columbia that is starting to show signs of coming awake from a slumber which I think has been going on for 25 or 30 years. It's 25 or 30 years that we have seen the evidence of an industry in serious trouble — low rates of return on equity, an aging workforce, an aging capital structure.

We're starting to see some important investments in the coastal forest industry, and my community is very much a part of the coastal forest industry. Despite the fact that most of the industry exists in parts of the re- gion which are not obvious from everybody's front door, they exist at Duke Po int and in the south end of Nanaimo. There are extremel y important forestry in- dustry facilities in my town. There's a major pulp mill.

There are four major wood pr ocessing facilities, many smaller ones, a whole bunch of forestry contractors, a major forest equipment manufacturer, consultants and so on — all part of a business that has been seeing tough times. The reforms that this government has brought into forestry are going to have and are having an important impact. We're investing more money in the 2004-05 budget in forestry to help drive this industry and help that industry move this province forward as it can and as it once did. [1510] We have a lot of confidence in our community in health care as well.

I say this in spite of the fact that just a few short weeks ago, we went through a very diffi- cult and troubling dispute with our emergency room doctors in Nanaimo. I'm pleased that situation has been fixed. I think that in the end, credit goes to all parties involved in that dispute, who were able to come to the table for the good of society and for patients. Now that the situation is fixed, we can again start to look forward to what is going on in the central Is- land region, particularly at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where there is a $29 million investment going on today in a new surgical suite.

By the way, that sur- gical suite was promised 18 years ago. There is now a shovel in the ground, and there are builders actually working to put that into re ality. That means there are going to be modern surgical suites in Nanaimo Re- gional General Hospital. That means we are going to be able to attract new specialists. I've always asked the question: how come we have a problem attracting doctors and specialists to Nanaimo? It's a place that pe ople are, frankly, flocking to. I include neighbouring areas.

Everywhere from Maple Bay to Qualicum is part of the region in which I live and which is serviced by this hospital. How come we can't get more doctors here? The fact was that for 18 years new surgical suites had been promised, but people won't come to where there are old facilities. That's changing. That is going to be reflected in new services in Nanaimo — a hospital facility that will be a referral facility. The chronic un- derfunding that plagued the central Vancouver Island area forever in health care services has been, thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Health Services, if not completely eliminated….

We've gone a long, long way to eliminating it and making sure that in the Nanaimo area we have the kind of funding for health care that is reflective of the population and the age mix that we have.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8679 I think, as well, that th e aboriginal community in my part of the world is expressing confidence. I'm ob- viously anxious about the de cision that the Snuney- muxw first nation are going to make with respect to the agreement-in-principle that was initialled some 15 months ago.

I don't know what their decision will be, and I don't intend to coax them one way or another, but I do think that irrespective of that, there is a lot of work going on in my firs t nation, the Snuneymuxw first nation, that gives me encouragement that we are going to be able to move forward. They are actively working on shellfish development programs with assistance from Malaspina University College, which, by the way — I didn't mention this — has an excellent and new Cent re for Shellfish Research. That's one of the specialties that we have in our area.

The Snuneymuxw are interest ed in and have tried to become involved in some property development ideas in Nanaimo. That will eventually happen. The leader- ship of the aboriginal community is strong, and it's determined. I enjoy working with them to make sure that the benefits of what we are doing in this govern- ment are indeed made available and become available to people of all racial backgrounds in our society. Nanaimo is a growing industrial and service centre. As I said before, that growth and development is going to be greatly assisted by wh at's going on in the coastal forest industry.

Of course, it is largely a result of all the confidence that we have in the various sectors of the community, which I've tried to describe. As well, we are, in our community, very well lo- cated to be a community that benefits from oil and gas development in British Columbia — whether it's off- shore or on land. We have in Nanaimo a service indus- try, a manufacturing sector, lawyers, accountants — all the people that, with a busine ss, you need to deal with.

I'm sure that they, like me, will be very pleased to hear that the recent report from the federal government gives us, essentially, hope that we can move forward with the oil and gas initiative in a relatively short pe- riod of time. Our community is changing. I've talked about how many people are moving to Nanaimo and Gabriola. That rapid population growth brings benefits and chal- lenges. New residents tend to be older, frankly.

They have more disposable income, and real estate prices are going up, but it does mean that some of the pressures on our health care system in our region are going to increase. [1515] When we're looking at this budget, we have to look at how this budget and the fiscal plan set the frame- work for us to be able to deal with these issues. That, to me, is perhaps one of the more important features of how our fiscal plan is working. We don't have to lurch from crisis to crisis.

We can actually plan out how we're going to try and deal with the demographic chal- lenge we know is coming at us in health care — just as one example of how fiscal planning works. A balanced budget, which this is, means that we individually and collectively as a society can make choices and address issues like health care and educa- tion. A balanced budget an d the fiscal plan that ac- companies it mean fiscal prudence. It means fiscal dis- cipline. You know, government finance is no different from a household.

When a mom has a kid and a kid says, "Mom, I need a new pair of running shoes," mom sometimes has to say to that child, "You know, I can't afford to buy them this week," or "I can't afford to buy them this month, but we've got a plan. We'll carry on, and we will get you those shoes eventually." British Columbia is moving to that point in its fu- ture where the results of what we've done are going to have huge benefits, and I look forward to working with British Columbians to make sure that happens. B.

Locke: It is my privilege to rise in response to the 2004-05 budget on behalf of my riding and the con- stituents in Surrey–Green Timbers. I want to congratu- late the Premier and the Minister of Finance for a job well done — a job that required vision and long-term planning, a job that often meant making the difficult decisions, and a job that to ok incredible perseverance because there was always an easy way out. But you know, British Columbians didn't want the easy way out.

As the Chair of the Finance and Gov- ernment Services Committee, I travelled the province from Dawson Creek to Prin ce Rupert, from Cranbrook to Surrey and many points in between. We talked with rural and urban folks, talked to industry and business, and the message was loud and clear from British Co- lumbians everywhere to stay the course. Yes, it isn't easy, and sometimes we don't like it. But we owe it to our province, our children an d ourselves to get B.C. back on track, to put our pr ovince in a position where we can make choices — positive choices for the future of this province for all British Columbians.

There is no doubt that belt-tightening is difficult. Given the additional pressures of the past few years like 9/11, fires, floods, pine beetle, SARS, the melt- down of the dot-coms and the U.S. protectionism af- fecting our number one industry of forestry, some said i t c o u l d n ' t b e d o n e . S o m e s a i d : " L e t ' s t a k e t h a t e a s y way out." The Premier and the minister resisted and did exactly what they and this government said we were going to do — balance the budget.

Getting our fiscal house in order and bringing B.C. back as the number one province in the country was why I ran for political office in the first place. Deficits and debts are a legacy that will haunt our youth if we don't take charge of it. I want the future fo r my children and for all B.C. children to be a bright one. Rising from the squander ed nineties is a strong, positive British Columbia with an economy ready to regain our status as the envy of the country. As a mom, I want to thank the Premier and the Minister of Finance for their leadership. As of now, the future looks much brighter.

The Premier didn't stop th ere. This year also saw the most exciting outcome ou r province has ever seen with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While others shared the dream, there is no doubt in my mind

8680 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 it was the vision and drive of the Premier that pushed our bid over the top. Talk to kids and adults in sport. They share the dream every time they step onto the ice, every time they strap on thei r skis or boards and every time they do just about any sport. I'm a ringette and hockey mom.

I talk to kids every day, and they are excited no t just about being an ath- lete but about being a spectator or about being a volun- teer — simply about being part of the energy and en- thusiasm that the games will bring to our province in the run-up and during the games. The Olympics will also be about prosperity that will follow for our province well after the games.

Imag- ine three billion people all over the world watching their TVs and seeing this am azing province, this jewel we all call home. [1520] With all those eyes on our province, there is no doubt that showcasing B.C. before the world will gen- erate new revenue for many industries well beyond 2010. Hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, construc- tion, restaurants, resorts and recreation are all excited about the future. Thank you for giving all of us — most importantly, the children and the athletes — a dream come true right here at home.

Add to the excitement winning the bid to host the 2006 World Junior Hockey tournament. Again, thanks to the Premier for going above and beyond, for pulling out all the stops and getting these games not only for Vancouver but also for Kamloops and Kelowna. I know Surrey will also see players at our arenas prac tising, and we have great hopes that maybe one of our young hockey stars will be part of the team representing Canada. In 2006 we'll also see the world Little League tour- nament held right in my home community of Surrey.

Thousands of talented kids will hit the diamonds hop- ing to bring home the gold to their country — all of this adding to the vibrancy and economy of our commu- nity. The B.C. Winter Games this weekend in Port Al- berni may just be where one of those athletes starts their incredible journey. Ce rtainly, there will be many dreams by young athletes about 2006 and 2010. I want to talk about some other aspects of this budget too. This budget and the ones before it are all part of a long-term plan — a plan that will see B.C. prosper and send signals around the globe that this province is open for business.

Be it the 25 percent tax decrease when we got into office or the removal of the corporate capital tax, the purpose and direction are ones that say we want your business. We have lots to offer. Bring your business and your jobs to B.C. That signal is resonating. The old, strong British Columbia is back. Gone is the decade of despair. Gone are government interference, burdensome taxation and ridiculous overregulation that discouraged businesses and sent them elsewhere. We see that business energy increasing every day. Business optimism is up, and new businesses are look- ing at B.C. quite differently.

In my riding alone we see an increase in economic optimism, with new busi- nesses like J.P. Morgan Chase opening up, bringing over 800 jobs to city centre. A high-powered company like J.P. Morgan moving into town will boost Surrey's reputation in the investment world. Surrey's housing is booming, with housing starts up more than 13 percent over the previous year. Today our city stands at over 390,000 people, and we have lots of room to grow and develo p. It is anticipated that within the next ten years Surrey's population will over- take Vancouver's and that we will be the largest city in the province.

That population is young. It's families, it's multicultural, and it's very ambitious. This budget ad- dresses many of those aspects of life in Surrey. Thanks to the Premier, we now have a Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services. Inte- grating and welcoming new British Columbians is positive for our city and good for business too. Last November, I was privileged to be a part of the India trade mission. The synergies between B.C. and India, especially the Punjab , are extensive and the op- portunities for business tremendous.

We are already building steel houses in Su rrey to meet the housing needs in India, and with over 1.2 billion people in India looking for housing, this business is sure to grow. There are so many other opportunities for envi- ronmental, agricultural and educational businesses to be further nurtured and developed. This new ministry will explore and encourage those relationships for both countries. I know this is the passion of the new minis- ter, and we will see this opportunity flourish not only in our relationship with India but for all countries and new immigrants looking to settle in B.C.

While some may not consider social infrastructure as part of economic developm ent, there are strong ties between a sensible, responsive social infrastructure and business growth in a community. Good social infra- structure is responsive to the needs of all citizens in a c o m m u n i t y a n d i s p a r t o f the encouragement of busi- ness to locate in an area of the city. The challenge for government is to respond to that need in a sensitive manner that respects the demographic and growth in the community. [1525] Certainly in my own community of Surrey that is a significant challenge.

Ou r city has grown exponen- tially, and with that growth comes many needs for services to enhance the quality of life in our commu- nity. Those issues include housing, hospitals, detox and recovery beds, and services for families, children and youth as well as K-to-12 and post-secondary. Services that lend a hand to people so they can be a positive contributor to the province are critical — services that help those who genuinely need help. [J.

Weisbeck in the chair.] While there are partnerships between levels of gov- ernment, there are also significant opportunities for the private sector's involvement in the social safety net on a P3 basis. The Abbotsford hospital is a good example of that, but there are other opportunities in the areas of affordable housing for families and seniors, and per-

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8681 haps even detox. Those projects provide a win-win-win to the province, to the busi ness and, most importantly, to the people, families and seniors living in their new homes. Non-profits are already taking this initiative. This year I was privileged to join in the celebration of the opening of Salamat house in Surrey, a development for families that was made possible by the Ismaili commu- nity, to the delight of 28 new families.

Not only did this project provide good housing, but it provided jobs and a brighter future for over 100 people, mostly children, who are now living in this lovely little townhouse de- velopment. I want to personally thank the Premier for recogniz- ing that growth in Surrey needs attention. Thank you for recent transportation improvements and for other critical infrastructure that is contributing to the positive development of our city.

I must acknowledge that it is particularly surpris- ing to me that the previous government chose to ignore and let down the people of Surrey by not addressing the human caring and safety needs in our community — needs that affect the lives of every single citizen in Surrey, be they troubled or healthy; needs that have always been growing in our city to the point that we now have the highest number of homeless people re- corded in the entire province. The previous government obfuscated their responsi- bility to my community.

Th ank you to the Premier for caring and for recognizing that Surrey has to respond to those needs in a local manner. This budget speaks to p e o p l e w i t h m u l t i p l e b a r r i e r s t o e m p l o y m e n t t o e n s u r e they get the support they need by increasing the minis- try's budgets by $80 million — good news for those who may just need a little extra help overcoming challenges. Surrey is a very young community. In fact, our school district is the largest in the province by over 3,000 children, so you can imagine that education is important to our community .

This budget addresses the K-to-12 system in a very significant way by boost- ing the overall funding by $313 million over three years. Add to that the fact that our district is growing and the out-of-the-box thinking of our very progressive school board…. The impact on our schools in the com- ing years will be positive and significant. Our commitment to post-secondary will also be a boon to our community.

Our youth are looking for post-secondary opportunities, and this budget ad- dresses that issue with addi tional funding that will provide access — in fact, 12,000 new spaces by 2007, an ambitious achievement, but one that was so necessary because the previous government chose to play politics with post-secondary students. This government's actions and commitment are needed by students and bu sinesses alike, and Surrey students will be the beneficiaries. In closing, I am so proud to be a part of a govern- ment that takes its role as the keeper of the public purse so seriously.

This budget is a turning point for British Columbia. The opportunity for everyone looks brighter as of now. [1530] P. Wong: I t i s a n h o n o u r t o r i s e i n t h i s H o u s e t o respond to the Speech from the Throne and the Minis- ter of Finance's budget speech. First, I would like to congratulate my hon. col- leagues the Minister of Finance and the Premier for delivering this province's first balanced budget in the last 15 years.

Like all of my colleagues in this House and British Columbians across this great province, I was delighted that the government delivered on its election promise and fiscal commitment to all British Columbians, including future generations, with a bal- anced budget. As a chartered accountant, I'm pleased that the government has adopted the practice of GAAP, or gen- erally accepted accounting principles. By utilizing GAAP, the government produces budgets and support legislation that are truly accountable and transparent.

Users of this information and the public at large will find this information more understandable, cost- effective, reliable and timely. Becoming GAAP-compliant, as outlined in the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act passed in 2001, is another example of how this government has consistently acted upon its commitment to all citizens and residents of our great province. Also, as an ac- cou ntant and m em ber of the Select S tandin g C omm it- tee on Public Accounts, I wo uld like to take this oppor- tunity to commend the work of Mr.

Wayne Strelioff, the auditor general; Arn van Iersel, the comptroller general; and their staff, who have worked hard to im- plement these best practices in financial reporting. We have a balanced budget. Our province's finan- cial strength is sustainable. According to the report titled Indicators of Government Financial Condition pub- lished by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Account- ants, the measurement of sustainability is demon- strated by the ability of a government to maintain exist- ing programs and meet existi ng creditor requirements without increasing the debt burden on the economy.

In other words, can the government continue to raise revenue in order to spend the way it does now? I be- lieve it can. The Finance minister's revenue projects are conser- vative compared to those published by the private sec- tor. Additionally, the Finance minister has shown fore- thought and advanced planni ng by including contin- gency funds that will help mitigate against any unfore- seen natural or economic di sasters similar to the many that this province endured in 2003. One indicator of sustainability for government is the comparison between net liabilities and the size of the provincial economy.

Th at is the gross domestic product or GDP. I'm pleased to see that B.C. has a sta- ble net-liability-to-GDP ratio that's around 20 percent. This is a key figure that indicates the province is able to maintain existing programs and reflects the health of the provincial economy. This is only possible through creating efficiencies in government spending, introduc- ing economic measures th at stimulate our economy and reducing some of the money-sucking holes within

8682 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 government, such as unnecessary regulations. This government has already eliminated over 90,000 such red-tape measures. A balanced budget has always been part of our vision for prudent public policy. Today the Finance minister has tabled a balanced budget with a $100 mil- lion surplus. This is clear evidence that our plan is working. The independent Economic Forecast Council is forecasting B.C.'s economic growth to rise by 2.8 per- cent in 2004 and 3.1 percent thereafter.

Our commit- ment to stay the course and ensure competitive tax rates, reduce the regulato ry burden and balance the budget will ensure a thriving and diversified B.C. economy. The Finance minister said there would be no more cuts in all ministries in the government. This is good news. In fact, as a result of being on track and on budget, the government is able to direct new money back into priority programs and services for British Columbians. [1535] One of the top priorities in my riding is the urgent and immediate need of a hot-lunch program for the poor school kids in Vancouver-Kensington.

I have per- sonal experience in a poor family. I have learned that most hungry school kids do not learn well in school. Many parents in Vancouver-Kensington have told me they need food for their ch ildren. They would appreci- ate it tremendously if the Finance minister could give top priority to reinstating the inner-city school hot- lunch program. To help hi gh school students, I will continue to garner more financial assistance and schol- arships for the needy students of Sir Charles Tupper Secondary and John Oliver Secondary.

Comparing the government's budget with that suggested by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alterna- tives, I'm further reassured that the B.C. Liberal gov- ernment is on the right trac k. I was dismayed at read- ing the CCPA budget, which depicts a high degree of backward movement in this progressing world, by which I mean the new Internet era. The so-called Solutions Budget suggested setting up a public investment bank to stimulate private sector investment. The NDP government already tried this with the highly unsuccessful example of the Four Cor- ners bank. That has lost over $6 million of taxpayers' money.

To repeat the same error is an absolute waste of the taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. The government is presently on the right track to attract more private sector investment. The recent $1 billion investment in B.C. Rail by Canadian National Railway is a good example. I was surprised to find that the Solutions Budget proposes to increase the gas tax by 5 cents per litre. That is a 150 percent increase over the 2-cent fuel tax announced by the government several months ago. Worse still, the NDP 's Solutions Budget penalizes hard-working people with low income.

If one earns just more than $20,000 a year, the income tax rate would increase by 26.4 percent. One who earns more than $30,000 a year will see a tax rate hike of 25 per- cent. For the top marginal tax bracket, a tax rate in- crease of 74.6 percent is proposed. This is alarmingly high. While reading this document, I had to ask myself if this is the NDP way to drive prospective investors and other high-income earners, such as medical specialists and talents, to the United States.

It is an ill-advised and irresponsible approach that would penalize all British Columbians, quite different from the current Liberal government budget. The pr oposed Solutions Budget would balance in the year of 2009-10 — six years away. During that time British Columbians could expect to add close to $20 billion more in debt for our grandchil- dren to pay. I do not believe the NDP budget would support any British Columbian, let alone those who are disadvantaged or marginalized — those who the NDP purport to represent.

With respect to providing real and lasting opportuni- ties to poor people, I recall a lesson from one of my teachers that has always stayed in my mind: "To all of you students, I am not giving you any fish, but I am teaching you how to fish. This will benefit you for the rest of your life." I was plea sed to hear that the current Liberal budget has put aside $300 million employment program money to retrain those in need of new and en- hanced skills and people who want to improve their life and their future without constantly relying on welfare.

By learning to fish, these workers will significantly im- prove their lives. While acting with compassion and ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity, it is our responsibility to provide a hand up, not a handout. Both budget and throne speeches rightly discussed British Columbia's economic development. We are all aware that the year 2003 presented some difficult chal- lenges and tried the determination of all British Co- lumbians. Like the rest of the world, we felt the impact of 9/11 and its global economic consequences.

Closer to home, industries and communities have been rav- aged by health concerns such as mad cow disease and SARS. Natural disasters such as floods, drought and forest fires have wreaked havoc on communities. [1540] I do not need to dwell on those events, but I think the response of British Columbians and the govern- ment in the face of those crises deserves mention. Communities in the heartl ands where I witnessed firsthand the forest fire de vastation have begun to re- build. Their confidence is up, and the commitment to and the passion for this province are revitalized.

Dur- ing the critical period of the forest fire over 9,000 vol- unteer firefighters risked li fe and limb to save homes, communities and precious natural resources. Hun- dreds of volunteers journeyed to the devastated areas to help out — cooking, clothing and consoling families. I was honoured to co-chair in a fundraising cam- paign, the We Love B.C. team. The Chinese community in the lower mainland raised more than $310,000 for the North Thompson Relief Fund through a series of events such as dinners, T-shirt sales and including per- sonal donations.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 8683 What truly amazed and touched me was the com- passion that British Columbians demonstrated and the strength and resilience of the fire victims themselves. Travelling to Kamloops and meeting with residents affected by the tragedy, I was struck by how much hope and optimism they demonstrated. This can-do attitude reminds one of the original pioneering spirit shared by the first British Columbians and the pride, drive and energy seen in today's citizens.

One of the things that I would like to see happen today and into the future is having this spirit and com- passion applied continually within our society, our communities and our neighbou rhoods. It is wonderful when people step up in the face of tragedy, but each and every day children, fa milies and individuals are disadvantaged, disabled and marginalized. Many live in environments adverse to economic growth, personal development or long-term health. I believe we have the ability to work together as a people to help each other and to provide love and warmth where it may be lack- ing.

In order for the government to provide more ser- vice to those less well-off in our society, we need to generate revenue from a larger base of taxpayers. Peo- ple moving to B.C., people returning to work and peo- ple earning more money will all help to do this. We must remember that all British Columbians — through personal income tax, property tax and sales tax — gen- erate government revenue.

That is why we need a pru- dent government to responsibly manage our public purse, to ensure that the services essential to our com- passionate and civil society are maintained and that our hard-earned tax dollars are invested wisely and well. Asia. Having seen the potential of economic devel- opment opportunities in Asia, the Premier has twice travelled to the region to promote trade. B.C. is Can- ada's gateway to Asia and will benefit the most from investment in this relationship. Not even a decade ago China proudly emerged as the manufacturing hub of the world.

It has now be- come the largest global buyer of copper, coal, pulp and other resources that our province can supply. A large number of families in China once below the poverty line have now achieved middle-income status. It is not surprising that close to 600,000 self- supporting or government-funded Chinese students have gone abroad to learn English. Many of those stu- dents study in Vancouver. I quote Mr. Darcy Rezac, managing director of the Vancouver Board of Trade: "The recent wave of Chinese immigration to Vancouver has resulted in good and recent connections being made between here and China.

That should mean growing prosperity for the city." However, we still need to see more signs of that investment. [1545] We have a vibrant Chinese community in the lower mainland and throughout the province. This commu- nity contributes greatly to the multicultural fabric of British Columbia and Canada but also has a significant impact on the local economy. Networks of people, business and services provided by the Chinese are a huge component of the long-term economic sustain- ability in British Columbia. We must work harder to encourage more direct Chinese investment in B.C.

All British Columbians will reap the benefits. I have high hopes for the recently appointed Minister of Small Business and Economic Development to pursue this connection and bring not just prosperity but culture and technology to B.C. China has contributed greatly to human civilization for thousands of years, from gun- powder to acupuncture an d even a SARS vaccine. China's impact on global society is seen around the world. Why not encourage this innovation right here in our own back yard? I would like to talk about the riding of Vancouver- Kensington.

Like my hon. colleagues in this House, I see the efforts of British Columbians to make invest- ments in our community and the province at large. I see small and medium-sized businesses contribute greatly to the economy and create new jobs. I see citi- zens developing and implem enting events, networks and other initiatives aimed at strengthening our soci- ety. Take, for example, the Better Community Partner- ship Outreach Network, or the BCPON, created by me together with Johnny Fong and Bill Lim. This innova- tive organization brokers re lationships between indi- viduals and organizational donors and recipients.

Al- ready the BCPON has facilit ated the donations to groups in Vancouver-Kensington, including the South Vancouver community policing centre, Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School, the Riley Park group and many more. The South Vancouver community policing centre itself has become an instrumental part of our commu- nity. Const. Mark Jarvie, Dr. Tony Gill and Andrien Balaz have attended many community meetings and have made themselves available to answer questions and concerns of Vancouver-Kensington residents.

Tom Avendano and Eleanor Guerrero-Campbell of the Mul- ticultural Helping House Society work day in and day out to provide a host of services for new immigrants to smoothly integrate within society. The Victoria Drive Business Association, under the direction of Fancy Tam, Sam Chan, Steve Yeun, Taryna Ho and Elena Agala, are wo rking with small and me- dium-sized businesses in the riding to stimulate busi- ness along Victoria Drive corridor and encourage peo- ple to shop and consume close to home and invest in their own community.

Steve Gardner of Little Moun- tain Place, Paul Calderhead of Kensington Community Centre, Joel Bronstein and Igrid Steenhuisen of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House and their staff are providing much-needed care and accommodation to children, parents, families and seniors. Peter Wohlwend, Theresa and Harvey McAuley, Dennis St. Aubin and Marcia Choi of Dickens Commu- nity Group are great community volunteers in helping revitalize the neighbourhood and fight crime in the community. These British Columbians are but a few examples of all those who are making real and lasting

8684 B RITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES T HURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004 contributions to our provin ce and who are strengthen- ing both the economy and the civil society. In conclusion, I would again like to congratulate the Finance minister and the Premier for presenting a balanced budget. It is also balanced between eco- nomic development and the social well-being of our province. British Columbians are people of great re- solve tempered with compassion. We are a people of great ambition and work ethic but firmly committed to civil society. We have the ability to restore our province to the utopia it is.

The government has given us the tools and created the climate to do just that. Exciting events are just around the corner. Opportuni- ties are endless, and potential will be achieved. The sky's the limit for British Columbia. I'm grateful and honoured to be along for the ride. Excitement and positive change are in the air, and I'm sure British Columbians across this great province of ours feel it and will capitalize on it. [1550] D. Jarvis: Permission to make an introduction. Leave granted. Introductions by Members D.

Jarvis: During question period I had some school children in here, and I was unable to introduce them at that point. They are about a dozen children from Windsor House alternate school in North Van- couver. They are here under the auspices of Ms. Fran Brown. Would the House please make them welcome. They're somewhere now in th e premises looking at the beautiful building. Debate Continued Hon. M. Coell: As always, it is a privilege to ad- dress the House. Today it is a special honour for me to respond to the budget, a budget that delivers one of our legislative commitments.

Firstly, congratulations to the Premier for his strong leadership and to the Finance minister for presenting a balanced budget, a budget that meets our govern- ment's commitment to sound fiscal management. It is an important step towards prosperity, a future with sustainable government programs supporting healthy communities, a province where people want to live, a province where people want to work and a province where investment is attracted and retained. I would like to acknowledge the hard work by many, many people that went towards achieving this budget.

As we know, commi tment and discipline are the key to achieving goals. We believe sound fiscal management is a key to a better British Columbia, where the shadows of a decade of decadence are fad- ing. This budget is a catalyst towards a sustainable, prosperous future for all British Columbians, their communities and the province as a whole. Our province was built on a vision of achievement, and we are working to reclaim that vision for all of us. Now we can say the words "prosperity," "spirit" and "British Columbia" in the same sentence.

I'm proud to support the presented budget, and I thank everyone for their hard work and efforts. I am proud to be the Minister of Community, Abo- riginal and Women's Services. The ministry was formed when we took office less than 36 months ago. A ministry has come together from a broad spectrum of areas to offer the broadest range of programs and ser- vices of any provincial ministry. With the core review we found ways to more efficiently and effectively de- liver programs to be accountable to the taxpayers of British Columbia.

We were able to draw on the power of different programs and of staff and expertise coming together. From the beginning, the importance of partnerships and relationship-building was recognized by my ministry. The core review might have meant rethinking a corporate culture while meeting physical challenges.

We met those challenges and continue to follow the ministry's vision of safe and healthy British Columbia — communities where individuals can take responsi- bility for their futures; where people are self-reliant; where women, seniors, aboriginal people, new British Columbians and new Canadians can realize their full- est potential; where we celebrate cultural diversity; where public safety systems and physical infrastruc- ture ensure a high quality of life for all citizens. Our work and our successes in this ministry are based on relationships.

We work with many partners, stakeholders, communities and other levels of govern- ment from across our diverse program areas. Our min- istry could be defined by the word "community." We are a ministry where economic realities and social con- cerns intersect and overlap. We are continuously work- ing towar

Document details

Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	h0219pm-11
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	h0219pm 11
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	f27f46a79cef4848964a1eda1b5a7c73ae775f04

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