British Columbia Hansard — Wednesday, July 27, 2016

20160727pm-Hansard-v41n1

British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)

Fift h Session, 40th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (HANSARD) THE HONOURABLE LINDA REID, SPEAKER ISSN 0709- 1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 41, Number 1

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC Fifth Session, 40th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Linda Reid EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council .............................................................................................................. Hon. Christy Clark Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ......................Hon.

Rich Coleman Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. John Rustad Minister of Advanced Education ............................................................................................................................... Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Minister of Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................................ Hon.

Norm Letnick Minister of Children and Family Development ....................................................................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink ................ Hon. Peter Fassbender Minister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................Hon.

Mike Bernier Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review .....................................................................Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Environment ..........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Finance .................................................................................................................................................. Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations......................................................................................Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ............................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacifi c Strategy and Multiculturalism ........................................................................................... Hon.

Teresa Wat Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...................................................Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Justice ...................................................................................................................................................... Hon. Suzanne Anton, QC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ................................................................................................................. Hon.

Mike Morris Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch ........................................................................................................ Hon. Coralee Oakes Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation..............................................................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services ................................................................................................ Hon.

Amrik Virk Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................Hon. Todd Stone Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness .................................................................................................................... Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...................................................................................................................................................John Horgan Deputy Speaker .............................................................................................................................................................................. Richard T. Lee Assistant Deputy Speaker ...............................................................................................................................................................

Raj Chouhan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ............................................................................................................................................ Pat Pimm Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees .................................................................................................................................

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

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS Anton, Hon. Suzanne, QC (BC Liberal) ...................... Vancouver-Fraserview Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal).....................................................................Penticton Austin, Robin (NDP) ................................................................................ Skeena Bains, Harry (NDP) ....................................................................Surrey-Newton Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ............................................... Cariboo-Chilcotin Bennett, Hon.

Bill (BC Liberal) ...................................................Kootenay East Bernier, Hon. Mike (BC Liberal) ......................................... Peace River South Bing, Dr. Doug (BC Liberal) ................................ Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ........................... Prince George–Valemount Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ................................Surrey-Cloverdale Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .................................Vancouver–West End Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...........................................................

Burnaby-Edmonds Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ........................................ Westside-Kelowna Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...........................Fort Langley–Aldergrove Conroy, Katrine (NDP) .............................................................. Kootenay West Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ..................................................... Burnaby–Deer Lake Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ............................................. Maple Ridge–Mission Darcy, Judy (NDP) ..................................................................New Westminster de Jong, Hon.

Michael, QC (BC Liberal) .............................. Abbotsford West Dix, Adrian (NDP)............................................................Vancouver-Kingsway Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ......................................................................... Stikine Eby, David (NDP) ..........................................................Vancouver–Point Grey Elmore, Mable (NDP) ................................................... Vancouver-Kensington Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ............................................................ Port Coquitlam Fassbender, Hon.

Peter (BC Liberal) ................................... Surrey-Fleetwood Fleming, Rob (NDP) .......................................................... Victoria–Swan Lake Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) .......................................................Vernon-Monashee Fraser, Scott (NDP) ............................................................Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ............................................. Abbotsford-Mission Hamilton, Wm.

Scott (BC Liberal) .................................................Delta North Hammell, Sue (NDP) .................................................... Surrey–Green Timbers Heyman, George (NDP) .................................................... Vancouver-Fairview Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ............................................... Surrey–White Rock Holman, Gary (NDP) .......................................Saanich North and the Islands Horgan, John (NDP) .......................................................................

Juan de Fuca Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ....................................................Surrey-Panorama Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ..................................................................Delta South James, Carole (NDP) .........................................................Victoria–Beacon Hill Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ........................................Esquimalt–Royal Roads Krog, Leonard Eugene (NDP) ............................................................. Nanaimo Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ........................................................................ Shuswap Lake, Hon. Dr.

Terry (BC Liberal) ....................Kamloops–North Th ompson Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) .........................................Boundary-Similkameen Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ......................................................Burnaby North Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ..............................Kelowna–Lake Country Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ....................................Columbia River–Revelstoke McRae, Don (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Comox Valley Mark, Melanie (NDP) ...........................................

Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Martin, John (BC Liberal) ..................................................................Chilliwack Morris, Hon. Mike (BC Liberal) ........................... Prince George–Mackenzie Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ..........................................................Nelson-Creston Oakes, Hon. Coralee (BC Liberal) .............................................Cariboo North Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River North Plecas, Dr. Darryl (BC Liberal) .............................................Abbotsford South Polak, Hon.

Mary (BC Liberal) .............................................................. Langley Popham, Lana (NDP) ...................................................................Saanich South Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ................................................................ Surrey-Whalley Reid, Hon. Linda (BC Liberal) ..................................................Richmond East Reimer, Linda (BC Liberal) ........................................

Port Moody–Coquitlam Rice, Jennifer (NDP) ........................................................................North Coast Robinson, Selina (NDP) .............................................Coquitlam-Maillardville Routley, Bill (NDP) .................................................................. Cowichan Valley Routley, Doug (NDP) ............................................Nanaimo–North Cowichan Rustad, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ................................................ Nechako Lakes Shin, Dr.

Jane Jae Kyung (NDP) .........................................Burnaby-Lougheed Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ................................... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Simpson, Shane (NDP) ..................................................... Vancouver-Hastings Stilwell, Hon. Michelle (BC Liberal)............................... Parksville-Qualicum Stilwell, Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ........................................ Vancouver-Langara Stone, Hon. Todd (BC Liberal) .........................

Kamloops–South Th ompson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal) ..................................West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal) ...........................................Vancouver–False Creek Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ..................................... West Vancouver–Capilano Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ............................................................Fraser-Nicola Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) .......................................Kelowna-Mission Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ..........................

North Vancouver–Seymour Th roness, Laurie (BC Liberal).................................................Chilliwack-Hope Trevena, Claire (NDP) .................................................................... North Island Virk, Hon. Amrik (BC Liberal) ............................................. Surrey-Tynehead Wat, Hon. Teresa (BC Liberal) .............................................. Richmond Centre Weaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.) .......................................... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Wickens, Jodie (NDP) ..........................................Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Wilkinson, Hon.

Andrew (BC Liberal) ........................ Vancouver-Quilchena Y amamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ................ North Vancouver–Lonsdale Y ap, John (BC Liberal) ......................................................Richmond-Steveston LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Abbotsford-Mission ......................................................................Simon Gibson Abbotsford South ..................................................................... Dr. Darryl Plecas Abbotsford West ...................................................... Hon.

Michael de Jong, QC Alberni–Pacifi c Rim .......................................................................... Scott Fraser Boundary-Similkameen ................................................................ Linda Larson Burnaby–Deer Lake ................................................................... Kathy Corrigan Burnaby-Edmonds ..........................................................................Raj Chouhan Burnaby-Lougheed ...................................................... Dr. Jane Jae Kyung Shin Burnaby North ..............................................................................

Richard T. Lee Cariboo-Chilcotin ........................................................................Donna Barnett Cariboo North .................................................................... Hon. Coralee Oakes Chilliwack ......................................................................................... John Martin Chilliwack-Hope ....................................................................... Laurie Th roness Columbia River–Revelstoke ..................................................

Norm Macdonald Comox Valley.....................................................................................Don McRae Coquitlam–Burke Mountain .......................................................Jodie Wickens Coquitlam-Maillardville........................................................... Selina Robinson Cowichan Valley ................................................................................ Bill Routley Delta North .........................................................................Wm.

Scott Hamilton Delta South...............................................................................Vicki Huntington Esquimalt–Royal Roads .....................................................Maurine Karagianis Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...................................................Hon. Rich Coleman Fraser-Nicola.................................................................................... Jackie Tegart Juan de Fuca .....................................................................................John Horgan Kamloops–North Th ompson ............................................ Hon. Dr.

Terry Lake Kamloops–South Th ompson ..................................................Hon. Todd Stone Kelowna–Lake Country ..................................................... Hon. Norm Letnick Kelowna-Mission .............................................................. Hon. Steve Th omson Kootenay East .......................................................................... Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay West ............................................................................ Katrine Conroy Langley.......................................................................................Hon.

Mary Polak Maple Ridge–Mission ..................................................................... Marc Dalton Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ........................................................ Dr. Doug Bing Nanaimo ........................................................................... Leonard Eugene Krog Nanaimo–North Cowichan ......................................................... Doug Routley Nechako Lakes ........................................................................ Hon.

John Rustad Nelson-Creston ........................................................................Michelle Mungall New Westminster ............................................................................... Judy Darcy North Coast......................................................................................Jennifer Rice North Island .................................................................................. Claire Trevena North Vancouver–Lonsdale ........................................Hon.

Naomi Y amamoto North Vancouver–Seymour ..................................................Jane Th ornthwaite Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...................................................... Dr. Andrew Weaver Parksville-Qualicum .......................................................Hon. Michelle Stilwell Peace River North ................................................................................ Pat Pimm Peace River South ..................................................................Hon. Mike Bernier Penticton............................................................................................

Dan Ashton Port Coquitlam ..........................................................................Mike Farnworth Port Moody–Coquitlam ................................................................Linda Reimer Powell River–Sunshine Coast ................................................. Nicholas Simons Prince George–Mackenzie ....................................................Hon. Mike Morris Prince George–Valemount ................................................... Hon. Shirley Bond Richmond Centre ......................................................................Hon.

Teresa Wat Richmond East ..........................................................................Hon. Linda Reid Richmond-Steveston ..............................................................................John Y ap Saanich North and the Islands .................................................... Gary Holman Saanich South ................................................................................

Lana Popham Shuswap ................................................................................................Greg Kyllo Skeena .............................................................................................. Robin Austin Stikine ....................................................................................... Doug Donaldson Surrey-Cloverdale ....................................................... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Surrey-Fleetwood ........................................................... Hon.

Peter Fassbender Surrey–Green Timbers .................................................................. Sue Hammell Surrey-Newton ................................................................................. Harry Bains Surrey-Panorama ........................................................................... Marvin Hunt Surrey-Tynehead ......................................................................Hon. Amrik Virk Surrey-Whalley..............................................................................

Bruce Ralston Surrey–White Rock ....................................................................... Gordon Hogg Vancouver-Fairview ..................................................................George Heyman Vancouver–False Creek ................................................................... Sam Sullivan Vancouver-Fraserview ..............................................Hon.

Suzanne Anton, QC Vancouver-Hastings ....................................................................Shane Simpson Vancouver-Kensington .................................................................Mable Elmore Vancouver-Kingsway..........................................................................Adrian Dix Vancouver-Langara .................................................................Dr. Moira Stilwell Vancouver–Mount Pleasant .........................................................

Melanie Mark Vancouver–Point Grey .........................................................................David Eby Vancouver-Quilchena ................................................ Hon. Andrew Wilkinson Vancouver–West End ...............................................

Spencer Chandra Herbert Vernon-Monashee ...............................................................................Eric Foster Victoria–Beacon Hill .......................................................................Carole James Victoria–Swan Lake.........................................................................Rob Fleming West Vancouver–Capilano ............................................................. Ralph Sultan West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ..........................................................Jordan Sturdy Westside-Kelowna ................................................................

Hon. Christy Clark Party Standings: BC Liberal 48; New Democratic 35; Independent 2

CONTENTS Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Aft ernoon Sitting Page Routine Business Introductions by Members ................................................................................................................................................... 13431 Introduction and First Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................................. 13431 Bill M238 — Public Health Protection Act, 2016 M.

Farnworth Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 13432 125th anniversary of District of North Vancouver J. Th ornthwaite Gladstone Secondary School A. Dix Summer Reading Club L. Larson Th e Kettle Society M. Mark Gordon McKeever J. Sturdy Achievements of B.C. students in international math competition D.

Eby Oral Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13434 Condominium presale contracts and changes to property transfer tax D. Eby Hon. M. de Jong Fixed-term leases and aff ordable rental housing M. Mark Hon. R. Coleman Automobile insurance rates and ICBC revenues to government C. James Hon. T. Stone A. Dix Y outh custody services and incident at Burnaby facility D. Donaldson Hon. S. Cadieux Income assistance policies and legal action by recipients M. Mungall Hon.

Michelle Stilwell Gun violence in Surrey H. Bains Hon. S. Anton Petitions .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13439 Hon. P . Fassbender

Orders of the Day Second Reading of Bills ........................................................................................................................................................ 13439 Bill 28 — Miscellaneous Statutes (Housing Priority Initiatives) Amendment Act, 2016 (continued) V . Huntington Hon. N. Y amamoto K. Corrigan D. Plecas S. Chandra Herbert L. Th roness J. Darcy J. Sturdy G. Holman S. Hammell J. Horgan B. Routley J. Wickens H. Bains M. Mark M. Elmore B. Ralston S. Simpson M. Karagianis M. Farnworth Hon. M. de Jong

WEDNESDAY , JULY 27, 2016 Th e House met at 1:34 p.m. [Madame Speaker in the chair.] Routine Business Prayers. [1335] Introductions by Members J. Y ap: I’m very pleased to welcome to the Legislature today, in the public gallery, two good friends who I’ve known for many years. Th ey actually live in the riding of Langley and joined me for lunch today, had a chance to say hello to the Minister of Environment, their MLA. John Galvin is a retired school principal and Wendy Galvin a retired teacher. They’re visiting Vancouver Island, spending time today in Victoria. Would the House please give them a warm welcome. H.

Bains: Th ere are a couple of introductions. First, my good friend Kuldeep Gill with his family and chil- dren. Th ey are here with a guest from Ontario. I don’t know whether they have made it up to the gallery yet. Th ey were really worried that the children they have may make a lot of noise. I said: “I doubt it. I don’t think they will make more noise than the people down below here. ” But he being from Surrey and humble, he said: “I’ll pass. ” Please help me welcome him, his family and the guest to this House. The second one is…. I’m sure the Minister for TransLink will be making that introduction as well.

Udham Hundal is here. He’s a person very, very active in the community. Th ey organize one of the largest, if not the largest, fi eld hockey tournament, inviting play- ers from all over the world. We sometimes call it mini fi eld hockey Olympics. He’s here with his friends. I would like you to please extend a warm welcome to him to this House as well. Hon. P . Fassbender: To my colleague across the way, I do want the House to know that Mr. Udham Singh Hundal is here. He’s a great supporter of sports and ac- tivities in the city of Surrey and has done an amazing job over the years. He’s also joined today by Mr.

Gurbaj Singh. He is an Olympian who represented India in the men’s fi eld hock- ey at the 2012 London Summer Olympics as a midfi elder in the right half position. He and his team also won gold at the 2007 Asia Cup as well as silver medals in the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games. Also joining us in the chambers is Mr. Gurpreet Singh Guri. He’s a national hockey player from India and a goal- keeper for the Air India hockey team. He’s also played on a number of other national and international teams. Finally, joining them and us today is Mr. Gagandeep Singh Tung. Mr. Tung is from Surrey.

He’s a member of the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club. He is opening a couple of new businesses here on Vancouver Island. I would ask the House to make them all feel very wel- come. C. James: We have a group of Victoria area residents who are in the gallery today. Th ey’re both renters and homeowners, and they’re concerned about the aff ord- ability crisis in our province. Many are also supporters of the Generation Squeeze and the code red campaign, which is seeking bold action from all members of this House on addressing the aff ordability crisis and support for a policy principle which is called Homes First.

I know they’ d all be quite happy to talk to members of all sides of the House about this issue. Th ere’s a large group, so I won’t introduce them all. I’ d just like to recognize Eric Swanson, who arranged for the group to be here today. Would the House please make them all very welcome. G. Kyllo: I’m joined in the House today by my beauti- ful wife, Georgina. She’s joined by her cousin Anne- Marie, who’s here travelling from the U.K. It’s her fi rst time back to Canada in about 25 years. She’s joined by her husband, Andy, and her two children, Luke and Hannah.

Would the House please make them feel very welcome. [1340] M. Karagianis: We have some very special guests with us today, and they are from away, not local constituents. We have in the gallery today Helle and Lynn Hertzberg, visit- ing us all the way from Norway. I’ d like the House to give them a special good welcome here today to our Legislature. Introduction and First Reading of Bills BILL M238 — PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION ACT, 2016 M. Farnworth presented a bill intituled Public Health Protection Act, 2016. M.

Farnworth: I move that a bill entitled Public Health Protection Act, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read now a fi rst time. Motion approved. M. Farnworth: A few short months ago, as part of addressing the opioid overdose crisis, the Legislature of 13431

British Columbia Debates13432 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Alberta passed legislation that exercised provincial pow- ers in order to restrict the availability of certain phar- maceutical equipment, including pill and tablet presses that can be used to illegally manufacture and distribute fentanyl. These presses are heavily regulated in the United States. Th ey are now heavily regulated in the province of Alberta. In the rest of the country and, in particular, here in British Columbia, there is no regulation around them.

Th ese presses are contributing to the crisis of fentanyl overdoses that we have in the province of British Columbia. Th is legislation will use provincial powers to regulate them and allow the province — and the police in particular, who have been asking for these powers — to crack down on these machines and shut down the oper- ators in this province who are producing these pills, who are complicit in the fentanyl and opioid overdose crisis in this province. Th is legislation I am tabling today contains similar measures to those adopted by Alberta.

It is my hope that it will receive all-party support and thus become part of B.C. ’s public health strategy, addressing the fatalities and overdoses that we are facing in this province. I am of the view, like Alberta, that British Columbia should be using its jurisdiction to target the illegal manufacture of these products. Th is bill will do that. I move that this bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting aft er today.

Bill M238, Public Health Protection Act, 2016, intro- duced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on or- ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House aft er today. Statements (Standing Order 25B) 125th ANNIVERSARY OF DISTRICT OF NORTH V ANCOUVER J. Th ornthwaite: On August 10, the district of North Vancouver will celebrate its 125th anniversary. Over the years, the district of North Vancouver has evolved into the vibrant community we see today. In 1891, with 250 residents, the district became the fi rst municipality on the North Shore, stretching from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove.

But due to reasons that no one can realistically explain, the region today we call the city of North Van left in 1907, and West Vancouver left us in 1912. Although there has been much desire over the years to amalgamate the two North Vancouvers, mostly from the district of North Van, no one is saying we could possibly marry into our affl uent neighbours in West Vancouver. But I digress. This year, MoneySense magazine rated the district of North Vancouver the eighth-most livable place in Canada, making it one of only two B.C. municipalities to crack the top ten.

Th e district of North Vancouver has also gained a reputation as a worthwhile place to visit, attracting tourists from across the globe. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and the quaint Deep Cove are some of the top attractions to #explorebc. North Van waterfront moves more tonnage than any port community in Canada. Th e district of North Van is the only deep-sea port community where alpine fauna and wildlife interface within eight kilometres of down- town Vancouver, something our heroes in North Shore Rescue know too well.

Th e district is hosting a number of events to celebrate this milestone, including a parade, a book launch, and celebrations at Cates Park. For more information on these events, visit the district’s website and attend the wrap-up party September 17. Would the House please join me in wishing the district of North Vancouver a very happy 125th birthday. [1345] GLADSTONE SECONDARY SCHOOL A. Dix: Y esterday Gladstone alumni and students held an impressive fl ash mob in support of their school and its future.

Gladstone is an extraordinary public school in East Vancouver, recognized by a national magazine as one of the top ten schools in Canada. It has a world championship–winning robotics pro- gram that has transformed the lives of its students and the culture of its school. Gladstone has led a robotics revolution in B.C. schools, leading to the creation of ro- botics programs in other districts and other communities. Gladstone is home to the largest high school dance program in the city, an award-winning program with many trophies from competitions.

But more importantly, it’s a program that allows students to express themselves in ways that words cannot. It off ers free dance educa- tion to 200-plus kids per year who cannot aff ord dance classes in studios. Gladstone has one of the leading creative writing pro- grams in British Columbia. Th e Gladstone review pub- lishes a publication every year that demonstrates the quality of the work done by its students. Gladstone has the largest learning assistance program in the city, with an innovative tradition of involving all of its diverse students in school life.

Gladstone has a re- markable and inclusive culture. As one of the students put it: “ At Gladstone, you’re not limited to excelling in just one area. Y ou can overlap in interests. Everyone works together. ” Gladstone has over 1,000 grade 8-to-12 students. No school that size has ever been considered for closure in British Columbia — enrolment so large that the student body would have to be broken into four schools if it were

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13433 to be closed. In addition, there are seven classrooms that are used full-time for adult education and six for learning assistance. Th ose 13 jam-packed classrooms are count- ed as almost empty in the capacity assessments of the Ministry of Education, but they are 100 percent full, in fact, in time and in space. Gladstone’s success is a tribute to its extraordinary teaching staff , to its parents, support workers, commun- ity and, most of all, its students and graduates.

It’s an ex- ample of all that’s great in public education in B.C. for almost 60 years, and as the students said yesterday: “It will do in future. ” SUMMER READING CLUB L. Larson: School is out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean kids aren’t continuing to use their book smarts. Across the province, children are embarking on journeys of the imagination with the Summer Reading Club. Th is year’s program theme is “Book a trip, ” encour- aging kids to tour the world, discover the universe and explore their own backyards through weekly sub-themes.

In Oliver, the Summer Reading Club has been active for 31 years, and upwards of 200 kids register annually. Th is year, boys and girls will, in addition to their reading record and contest entries, receive a special Oliver library passport to collect stamps and win even more prizes. As such, this program plays an important role in connecting children with their local public library. Across the province, 247 library branch locations serve more than 360 communities.

Th rough the support of the British Columbia Library Association, B.C. ’s public libraries, the RBC foundation and the province, this free program is available at every public library branch. Each year, this program is enjoyed by 85,000 British Columbia kids between the ages of fi ve and 12. Th rough taking

part in the Summer Reading Club, these kids de- velop a positive association with learning and become more confi dent in their reading abilities. By forming good reading habits at a young age, kids are more likely to experi- ence future academic success and become lifelong learners. Read a book this summer. THE KETTLE SOCIETY M. Mark: I t is my pleasure to rise in this House to shine a light on an outstanding organization that is mak- ing a real diff erence in the lives of people living with the stigma and challenges of mental health.

The Kettle Society has been a beacon of light in Vancouver–Mount Pleasant for the past 40 years. Th ey provide 26 programs, including outreach, advocacy, housing and health services, including a free medical clinic. Th ey currently have 200 housing units and 150 more under construction, plus a transition house for women fl eeing domestic violence. If you’ve visited the Kettle, you’ d know that the heart of their organization is in their drop-in centre. Every time I have been there, the space is full to capacity.

Th e centre is open every day, providing hot meals — in fact, 800,000 per year — plus showers, clean clothing and re- habilitation support. According to Dennis: “Th e Kettle has defi nitely saved my life. Th ey showed me self-esteem, have given me sta- bility and confi dence and a reason to continue on in life. Th ey have taught me that I am not alone, that there are other people like me that have problems.

It’s my sanc- tuary. ” [1350] According to Emily: “Th e Kettle is a place of empower- ment where members are welcomed into an accepting and genuine environment. ” Aft er being homeless for four years, suff ering from severe depression and PTSD, she says people treated her like she was a lost cause. She says the Kettle helped her to fi nd a place to live, enabling her to go back to school and get a job. Emily says the Kettle has been essential to her in her journey towards recovery. For Stephan: “Th ere are so many youths like me who have been without so much that they just stop believing in themselves.

Without the Kettle Society, so many like me would still be living outside. Now we have a home to come back to. ” Th ank you, hon. Speaker, for allowing me to share about the important contributions the Kettle makes in Vancouver–Mount Pleasant. GORDON McKEEVER J. Sturdy: Last Sunday at the Whistler Secondary School, there was a celebration of life to recognize the premature loss of a Sea to Sky trail-blazer, Gordon McKeever. Born to a military family, Gordon never really set- tled down before arriving in Whistler in 1991.

Civically minded but with a natural lens, Gordon left his mark on many aspects of the community. Aside from his terms on Whistler council, Gordon chaired the Whistler Housing Authority at a critical time, as Whistler struggled to be a complete community and realize solutions to the acute need for a range of aff ordable housing options. To Gordon, it was about balance and what was right.

As he said many times: “It doesn’t matter who gets the credit, as long as it gets done. ” To me, one of his greatest community legacies will be his contribution to the Sea to Sky trail — the formaliza- tion into an accessible trail of a historic First Nations trading route from the coast to the Interior, and now part of the Trans Canada Trail network. As project manager, Gord was instrumental in its development, and without him, it’s unlikely that the latest segment would ever have come to be. Gordon was able to fi nesse into existence the Sea to

British Columbia Debates13434 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Sky Marine Trail, the fi rst saltwater segment of the Trans Canada Trail, complete with six kayak campsites con- necting the islands of Howe Sound with Horseshoe Bay, Gibsons and Squamish. While Gordon leaves behind his wife Libby and daugh- ters Meghan and Katelyn, he also left the gift of life to many others as a donor to B.C. Transplant.

At the service on Sunday, we heard Lord Byron quoted, and it is apropos: Th ere is a pleasure in the pathless woods, Th ere is a rapture in the lonely shore, Th ere is a society, where none intrudes… I love not man less, but nature more. I ask that all members of the House join me in ex- tending our sympathies to his family and in saluting Gordon’s legacy. ACHIEVEMENTS OF B.C. STUDENTS IN INTERNATIONAL MATH COMPETITION D. Eby: I’m thrilled to share with this House that 33.3333 percent of Canada’s top-six math students call my constituency home.

Vancouver native Andrew Lin is 16 and has just fi n- ished grade 10 at UHill Secondary School at UBC. Th is young man dedicates his spare time to coaching 40 young math students at Norma Rose Point elementary school and was selected to be one of six Canadian math students to represent Canada in the International Math Olympiad held in Hong Kong just a few weeks ago. He entered his fi rst math contest when he was in the fourth grade and took top honours with the highest score. For Andrew, “Math is truly about creative problem- solving. ” He’s clearly very good at problem-solving.

Andrew was joined at this international competition by Ruizhou Y ang, also from University Hill Elementary School, a new arrival to our community from China coming to Vancouver in 2013. Ruizhou has taken top honours in numerous math competitions across Canada and has participated on Team Canada before in 2014. He’s also a badminton en- thusiast. Ruizhou was enthusiastic about representing Canada internationally and also about the problems he faced in the Canadian Math Olympiad to qualify. He says: “I enjoyed the logical fl ow and the comprehensiveness of the questions.

For example, the third algebra question could be solved by polynomial factoring, even though the question appeared convoluted at fi rst glance. ” I couldn’t agree more, hon. Speaker. Representing one-third of the entire Canadian team, my constituents played a key role in making our whole country proud this month. Team Canada placed 12th of 109 countries, putting them in the top 10 percent. Andrew received an honourable mention for his place- ment and Ruizhou received a bronze medal.

It’s important to note that another member of team Canada also hails from B.C. — William Zhao, who received a gold medal and lives in Richmond. Congratulations Andrew, Ruizhou, William, all of Team Canada, all your coaches and parents, for making us so proud of your work internationally. [1355] Oral Questions CONDOMINIUM PRESALE CONTRACTS AND CHANGES TO PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX D.

Eby: When we said it was a serious issue that pre- sale condo fl ipping was excluded from the government’s new tax, the Premier’s public relations team swung into action. “Not true, ” they said. “Nothing to see here. ” I guess they thought we’ d be out of session before the problem actually materialized in the community. Unfortunately, it’s already obvious — the implications of leaving this out of the new tax. Vancouver realtor Mike Stewart has circulated a note to clients saying: “For our clients and others who have bought presales we do off er a solution.

It is possible in many cases to assign the presale contract to a family member or friend who is a Canadian citizen or resident. For those of you who do not have that option, we may be able to sell the presale to a third party at a profi t to you. ” Can the Finance Minister tell the House why he left this massive loophole? Hon. M. de Jong: Th anks to the member for the ques- tion. I’m sure we’ll pursue this in the days ahead as well. I’m aware of the specifi c report.

I can also advise the House that I’ve been advised that the Real Estate Council and the offi ce of the superintendent have already com- menced an investigation of this matter, including the realtor involved. Th ere are very strict rules contained within the legis- lation. Th ere are very strict rules contained within the legislation that govern both anti-avoidance by a purchas- er and, of course, very strict rules that govern anyone that would attempt to counsel someone to avoid, contrary to the law, the provisions of the additional tax that are be- fore the House today.

Madame Speaker: Vancouver–Point Grey on a sup- plemental. D. Eby: Th e minister is the only person in the prov- ince who still has confi dence in the Real Estate Council. Besides which, it’s not clear what this guy did wrong. He’s just telling his clients the truth. Th e government left it out of the bill. It’s not in the bill. Tellingly, it’s not just this proposal that leaves the fl ip- ping of presale condos out of B.C. law. Th e Premier also exempted presale condos from her supposed crackdown on shadow fl ipping.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13435 Now, there’s a pattern here. Th e pattern is that the Premier’s fundraiser-in-chief, Bob Rennie, who raises and donates the money used to pay for the Premier’s $50,000 annual stipend…. Th is critical person on the Premier’s team sells, almost exclusively, presale condos through his various companies. Again to the Finance Minister: will he tell the House whether the Premier’s chief fundraiser and major donor Bob Rennie told her to stay away from taxing the fl ipping of presale condos? Hon. M. de Jong: I don’t have all of the material with me. Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. M. de Jong: Th e member is obviously reading a diff erent reaction to this from the development commun- ity than I am reading. We took steps dating back to the preparation of the budget in 2016. We created changes — to that point, the largest single changes in the property transfer tax: exemptions for British Columbians, addi- tional amounts for higher-priced properties. We collected data. We began to collect data that hadn’t been collected since the 1990s. Interjections. Hon. M. de Jong: I’ve always found it instructive when the opposition jeers at the notion of collecting facts.

It is, I understand, far more convenient politically, always has been for them, to develop policy on the basis of theory, conjecture or ideological choices. We collected that data, and we have made a choice.

It is a signifi cant choice to impose an additional tax on in- vestment by foreign nationals into the domestic real es- tate market. [1400] We should be very clear, and I have tried to be very clear, that the purpose is to discourage investment by foreign nationals to ensure that while we take steps to increase the supply of housing, British Columbians — people that live here, Canadians and permanent resi- dents — have a better opportunity at an aff ordable price to either purchase or rent accommodation and homes. FIXED-TERM LEASES AND AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING M.

Mark: Renters across Metro Vancouver are strug- gling to fi nd aff ordable housing. Even if they manage to fi nd somewhere to live, some landlords are taking advan- tage of fi xed-term-lease loopholes to raise rents far be- yond what’s allowed by the annual increase. When Michael Rattray, a Vancouver renter, came to the end of his fi xed-term lease and it was time to sign a new one, his landlord told him his rent was going up by 20 percent. Such drastic increases put renters like Michael in an impossible situation.

Th ey either sign a new fi xed- term lease and pay a huge increase in their rent or try to fi nd a new place to live in a desperately tight rental market. My question is for the Minister for Housing. Y ou’ve known about landlords taking advantage of this loophole for years. Why haven’t you fi xed it? Hon. R. Coleman: Th ere are two options for people who want to enter into a residential tenancy in British Columbia. Th ey can use the residential tenancy agree- ment that is on line and adapt it with the landlord and a tenant in an agreement on a month-to-month lease.

In actual fact, that’s probably where 90 percent or plus of all the rentals in British Columbia fall, with that particular agreement in place. Th ere has always been in the marketplace the oppor- tunity for people to sign a fi xed-term rental in a lease for specifi c reasons. In some cases, it could be somebody that’s going to be here for a year and decide they only want to go into a one-year lease and do not want to have issues with regards to it. Other people sign longer fi xed- term leases of three years plus. Th at is actually a business arrangement with two agreeing parties to do it.

Th at has never ever been an issue in and around the Residential Tenancy Act. Madame Speaker: Vancouver–Mount Pleasant on a supplemental. M. Mark: In the middle of the housing crisis, big de- velopers know this loophole, and they’re exploiting it. I’ll remind this House that fi xed-term leases can and are be- ing abused by landlords to jack up rent and put renters in dire situations. My question is for the Minister for Housing. What is the minister going to do to fi x this problem and ensure that aff ordable rentals stay aff ordable? Hon. R.

Coleman: Sometimes people are entitled to en- ter into a contract between two parties where there’s a will- ing person on either side of the contract. Th at’s what these leases are. When they expire, they expire, and the oppor- tunity to enter into an agreement between the two par- ties can continue if they wish to reach another agreement. I do get a kick out of the member saying about all the aff ordability. I will remind the member of this. Th ere is $150 million a year spent in the city of Vancouver.

Th ere are thousands of units in her own riding of aff ordable rental that were saved by this province when we bought 24 SROs and renovated them and put them back in the marketplace….

British Columbia Debates13436 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Interjections. Hon. R. Coleman: Th ere are 2,000 units that have also been built in the city of Vancouver in aff ordable rentals as we’ve gone through this. We recently announced another project that is in a partnership with the city of Vancouver and some other trusts and B.C. Housing on aff ordable rental in another area of Vancouver. We’re going to continue to work on the balance of the sites with the city of Vancouver to apply additional aff ordable rental as we go forward. AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES AND ICBC REVENUES TO GOVERNMENT C.

James: It’s very clear that this government is de- termined to wring every last cent out of the pockets of British Columbians. Y esterday we talked about the gov- ernment’s billion-dollar blunder that’s going to put B.C. Hydro ratepayers on the hook for an additional $500 each. Th at’s on top of the existing increases in B.C. Hydro that this government has put in place. Today we learned that the Minister of Transportation is planning to hike ICBC rates. Customers are going to face rate hikes in the coming weeks. Why?

Because the Minister of Finance is once again taking money from ICBC to pad the budget, and drivers are on the hook for $150 million. Could the Minister of Transportation explain why he expects ICBC ratepayers to pad the government’s bot- tom line? [1405] Hon. T. Stone: The mandate that ICBC has, very clearly, from this government — and we’re working very closely with them to deliver on the mandate — is to do everything that they possibly can to keep rates as aff ord- able as possible for British Columbians.

We are work- ing very closely with ICBC on a wide range of initiatives, everything from enhanced fraud detection to a whole wide range of other effi ciencies and strategies that we are confi dent are going to ensure that, moving forward, we’re able to keep rates within the rate-smoothing framework at the lower end of that scale. Madame Speaker: Victoria–Beacon Hill on a supple- mental. C. James: Th e Minister of Transportation conveniently left out the fact that he is taking money and giving it to the Finance Minister and leaving ICBC with the debt that he then expects drivers to pick up.

Th at’s what’s happen- ing. Th at’s why drivers are paying more. We’re at a time where life is more and more unaff ord- able for families. Th e Minister of Transportation is mak- ing this worse. He is funnelling the cash from ICBC to his colleague to pad the government’s bottom line. My question, again, is to the Transportation Minister. Why won’t the minister give families a break and stop his government’s raiding of ICBC’s budget? Hon. T.

Stone: It’s interesting to hear, from the mem- bers opposite, this conspiracy theory that they continue to spool for British Columbians — that somehow there is this transfer of cash from ICBC that goes into some big, dark black hole somewhere. Th e net income that is generated on the optional side of ICBC’s business, which is the competitive side of the insurance corporation’s business…. Th ey operate in a competitive environment on the optional side. Over the years, there has been net income available that all is consolidated on the government’s bottom line, across government.

Th ose dollars have been critical to invest in education and health care and other services that British Columbians really need. Let’s talk about the rates for a moment. The hon. member opposite conveniently leaves a few of the facts out of her question — as they oft en do. When the NDP were in power for a decade, the combined increase in rates…. Th at’s the combined rates, the basic and the op- tional together. Actually, compared to increasing a com- bined amount of 8 percent over the last ten years under our government, those rates under the NDP went up 34 percent. A.

Dix: Th e minister will be signing up for some cod- ing classes soon. Th e minister will recall that it was only a couple of months ago he wouldn’t answer questions about ICBC’s anemic, pathetic performance under his guidance. He said: “Wait for the annual report. ” Just aft er the session was over, they put out the annual report. Th e perform- ance was so bad in comparison that he made the minis- ter responsible for B.C. Hydro look like Warren Buff ett.

So $180 in annual rate increases for each motorist under this Premier, a 14 percent increase in claims costs, a $500 million increase in unpaid claims — that’s a lack of service because this government decided to cut front- line staff . A net income loss of $250 million, a $560 mil- lion drop in equity — that’s his record — and $1.8 billion, in the end, in his plan, taken into general revenue under his plan. Y ou know how much money was taken from ICBC in all of the years up to 2010? Zero.

Roughly the equivalent amount of time they spent on housing policy before 19 days ago — $1.8 billion. [1410] Why doesn’t he, for once, act in the public interest and tell the Minister of Finance that ICBC motorists can’t af- ford to give more money this year? Hon. T. Stone: Th e Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is working very hard, with our support, to do

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13437 everything they can to ensure rates are aff ordable moving forward. Th at includes strategies around fraud. Th at in- cludes strategies around executive compensation, the hir- ing of more claims staff and a wide array of other initiatives. The member can cherry-pick the numbers that he wants to throw out there. He conveniently, again, in addi- tion to neglecting to mention their record in the 1990s…. Again, a 34 percent increase in the combined rates for ratepayers, compared to just under 8 percent for motor- ists over the last decade. Interjections.

Madame Speaker: Members. Hon. T. Stone: In addition to not wanting to talk about their record and how poorly it stacks up to the last ten years, the member also conveniently neglects to talk about the very real pressures facing the corporation when it comes to the cost of claims. Claims are up over 7,000 over the last year-over-year. We’ve seen a dramatic in- crease in the cost of bodily injury claims, both as a result of increases in severity and frequency. Th is is not simply a British Columbia reality. Th is is happening in jurisdic- tions all over Canada and all over the United States.

We’re proud of the fact that here in British Columbia, we still have amongst the best insurance coverages for the best value of any jurisdiction in North America. A. Dix: Th e minister doesn’t just want motorists to pay for his incompetence; he wants to blame them for it as well. Just to be clear… Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. A. Dix: …$1.8 billion they’re scooping up that was paid for by ICBC customers — $576 per car. That’s what we’re talking about here. Oh, I know the Minister of Energy thinks it’s unfair in this House to quote from their annual report.

All of the governments in B.C. history didn’t take any money. Th ey considered ICBC a non-profi t that was de- signed to support motorists, to ensure that people could aff ord to buy auto insurance. Th is government has turned it into a slush fund — for them. Given that the annual report…. Let’s just argue…. Let’s just say that the annual report says they’re losing money. If they’re losing money, why should motorists have to send money that doesn’t exist to the Minister of Finance? Hon. T.

Stone: Again, the optional side of ICBC’s busi- ness is a competitive environment, and the motorists of British Columbia have a choice. Th ey can opt for the op- tional coverages that are purchased through ICBC, or they can opt for competitive optional products which are provided by the private sector. Profi ts at ICBC are generated on that optional side of the business. Th e profi ts that are generated there are not taken from British Columbians. Th ose are profi ts that are actually given back to British Columbians in the form of investments in health care and education.

It’s all consoli- dated on the government’s bottom line. [1415] We are working very hard to continue to keep rates as aff ordable as we possibly can, notwithstanding that ICBC is operating in an environment where there are tre- mendous pressures on their costs. We continue to have amongst the best coverages, the most comprehensive coverages, for the best value that you’re going to fi nd in most parts of North America. YOUTH CUSTODY SERVICES AND INCIDENT AT BURNABY FACILITY D.

Donaldson: Just days ago teenagers at B.C. ’s youth super jail in Burnaby rioted, taking over the facility for six hours and causing extensive damage. Corrections staff had to seek refuge in a secure offi ce until the RCMP emergency response team got things under control. Sadly, this was predictable and preventable. Experts warned…. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members. Th is House will come to order. Please continue. D. Donaldson: Teenage jailhouse riots are a big yuk- yuk on the other side.

Experts warned cuts to services in Prince George youth detention centre and the closure of Victoria’s youth detention centre two years ago by this government would lead to violence at the Burnaby centre. How can the Minister of Children and Family Development possibly justify cutting services that led to a riot and put the safety of youth and corrections of- fi cers at risk? Hon. S. Cadieux: Y ou know, it’s fascinating to listen to someone talk about something they have absolutely no knowledge of.

Obviously, they haven’t read the state- ment issued by Andrew Cronkhite, the director of pro- grams for the Burnaby youth secure custody centre, in response to that incident, to let the public know about what actually happened. In fact, let’s just talk about youth custody for a second, because it’s actually a story in British Columbia that is very positive. We have the lowest youth incarceration rates in the country. We are now operating two facilities. For the past three years, the average number of youths

British Columbia Debates13438 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 in the facility in Burnaby has been 42, which is 51 per- cent of the capacity that that centre has and is staff ed for. We provide excellent youth custody services in British Columbia. We provide excellent youth deterrence pro- grams in British Columbia. We will continue to do so. Madame Speaker: Th e member for Stikine on a sup- plemental. D. Donaldson: In this minister’s world, excellent youth custody facilities includes riots. Th e minister denies her service cuts are to blame for this violence. But no one believes…. Interjections. Madame Speaker: Members.

Please continue. D. Donaldson: No one believes this minister. The public does believe the independent Representative for Children and Y outh. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said the minister’s decision to create one super jail for youth from across the province in Burnaby produced this highly volatile situation. Th e head of the union representing corrections offi cers said people predicted there would be increasing violence with the closure of the Victoria Y outh Detention Centre. Now we’ve had a violent jail riot by teenagers. Th e minister was warned. Why did you not choose to listen to the experts? Hon. S.

Cadieux: Well, in fact, as I said, we have had either the lowest or the second-lowest youth custody rates in Canada for decades. In fact, the decline in the number of youth in custody over the last decade has been 65 percent. [1420] I actually think it’s laughable that anyone would refer… Interjections. Hon. S. Cadieux: Let me fi nish. Otherwise you won’t know what I’m referring to. …to a super jail, when a jail that is only 51 percent full — with 42 youths but fully staff ed — is hardly super.

And, in fact, to insinuate that this is because other facilities have been closed, that a riot did occur because of that, would also be incorrect, given that not a single individual involved in this incident was from the Island. INCOME ASSISTANCE POLICIES AND LEGAL ACTION BY RECIPIENTS M.

Mungall: Last week the Minister of Social Development had this to say about how her government makes policy for people with disabilities: “I think some- times government is made aware of situations when law- suits are brought forward. ” She actually goes on to suggest that it helps government to think more critically when these lawsuits are brought forward. My question to the minister is: why do vulnerable British Columbians have to lawyer up before this govern- ment will even address their mean policies? Hon.

Michelle Stilwell: As the member knows, we have some of the most progressive policies in all of Canada for people with disabilities and those receiving assistance from my ministry. We actually ensure that we have a comprehensive social safety net in place for those people who rely on assistance from my ministry. It doesn’t change the fact that people are required to pursue all other forms of income before relying on provincial as- sistance, including CPP or EI or whatever the other bene- fi ts might be, at which time my ministry then helps assist individuals to reach the provincial matching amount.

Madame Speaker: Th e member for Nelson-Creston on a supplemental. M. Mungall: People with disabilities in this province have a lot of words to describe this government’s poli- cies for them, and “progressive” is by far not one of them. Moms like Samantha Hilliard and Jessica Alford are fi ghting the maternity leave clawback — not a top-up, as the minister is trying to suggest. It’s a clawback. And rather than just do the right thing, this government is for- cing these moms, moms who are struggling to put food on the table…. Th is government is forcing them to take the issue to court.

Th e thousands of families who are fi ghting the bus pass clawback are wondering if they have to lawyer up too, because this government has been ignoring them for months. Why is it that the B.C. Liberal government is so committed to its poverty-creating policies that only threats of lawsuits will get them to address these issues? Or, in another way: why is this government so mean? Hon.

Michelle Stilwell: If we want to talk about mean, perhaps the member should look at how she’s not sup- porting her own constituents to ensure that they are be- ing supported with the transportation allowance that we are now providing for them. So 100,000 individuals around this province… Interjection. Madame Speaker: Member. Please continue. Hon. Michelle Stilwell: …who rely on disability assist- ance now have a transportation allowance added to their

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13439 monthly cheques, starting September 1. Th e mere fact that she’s arguing that we do not have the progressive supports in place is absolutely not true. It is this government that has invested in the single-parent employment initiative. It’s this government that is help- ing fund those individuals to go to school to get the edu- cation they need while they stay on income assistance, while they have their child care paid for. It’s those indi- viduals that we are helping. It’s the fi rst of its kind in all of Canada. No other province is doing it.

We are leading the way. Th ere is no doubt. [1425] GUN VIOLENCE IN SURREY H. Bains: According to police, Surrey’s latest shooting victim was not involved in any gang violence, had no re- cord and was not an intended target. His death can only be described as horrifi c and a tragedy. It is also tragic that shootings in Surrey have become so commonplace that no one is even surprised anymore when we see another report of shots ringing out. Last year there were 55 shootings. Th is year it looks like it’s going to be more than that. It’s 49 shootings this year already, and we’re just only halfway through the year.

My question is to the Attorney General. When will they fi nally start to take this issue seriously and put an end to this gun violence so that people in Surrey can feel safe in their own homes and in their own neighbour- hoods? Hon. S. Anton: I think the member opposite is refer- ring in particular, in this case, to a young man who was shot the other day. Th is is a terrible tragedy for his family, and it’s something that everyone in this House, in the community, grieves for.

Th at is why our government has been working so closely with Surrey city, with the mayor of Surrey and with the police department in Surrey on the guns and gangs strategy and on ensuring that people in Surrey can feel safe. People in this community deserve to feel safe. People in Surrey deserve to feel safe. Our government has com- mitted an additional $23 million to support the guns and gangs strategy. It’s a provincewide boost to current resourcing. It’s a number of added resources, including adding two dedicated Crown counsel. Our hearts are with the family of the young man who was shot.

Our thoughts are with Surrey, and our deter- mination is to make Surrey a safe city. [End of question period.] Petitions Hon. P . Fassbender: I rise to table a petition, on be- half of my constituents and others, that the Minister of Justice consider replacing the Family Compensation Act of 1996 with a wrongful death act. Orders of the Day Hon. M. de Jong: Continued second reading debate on Bill 28. Second Reading of Bills BILL 28 — MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES (HOUSING PRIORITY INITIATIVES) AMENDMENT ACT, 2016 (continued) V .

Huntington: As I ended my comments yesterday, I was reading a letter I had received from a constituent. Th e letter discussed this individual’s concerns regarding the current state of the real estate market. I read it in this place because it intelligently and with compassion out- lined what so many of us are feeling. [R. Chouhan in the chair.] To reiterate quickly. A fear that young people are be- ing marginalized, with a re sulting stress and anxiety that could so easily be followed by despair and apathy.

A growing resentment toward foreign buyers who not only have vast wealth but who enjoy favourable tax systems and who are spending discounted Canadian dollars. Th is is creating an unfair advantage that prevents our young citizens from buying real estate. A disruption of community and neighbourhood re- lationships as buyers leave their homes vacant. Th e lin- gering question about how cash is being brought into this country and why authorities are failing to enforce rules and regulations surrounding money transfers.

Th e treat- ment of houses as a commodity, traded as if they were a futures contract, ignoring the concept of pride in owner- ship for our young people. Th ese are incredibly important issues, and they are real. We must ask ourselves whether this legislation extends hope where, now, there is so little. At least government has fi nally agreed to let Vancouver do something. It may be too late, and time will tell, but at least the city, alone among local governments, is fi nally being granted powers to act on vacancies. [1430] So we can thank the province for that small mercy.

I hope Vancouver is successful and is able to incent land- owners to provide rentals where, now, there are none. It isn’t going to be an easy tax to administer, and negotia- tions over data sharing will require consultation with the Privacy Commissioner. While this legislation should have been passed long ago, we’re, at the very least, inch- ing forward.

British Columbia Debates13440 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 The tough job of satisfying other members of the Union of B.C. Municipalities still lies ahead. Not the least of our problems may be the impact Vancouver’s tax will have on other jurisdictions. Th en we arrive at the surprise new property transfer tax, the 15 percent boost to the tax if foreign nationals, entities, corporations and trusts are purchasing the home. I’m glad we are trying something, anything, to stem the tide of foreign money, money with which none of us can compete.

I am cynical enough to feel the province isn’t doing this because of concern for the lack of aff ordable housing and the impact that is having on our constituents. It is doing it because the polls show that while they better try to do something, they can’t aff ord to tinker with the province’s bottom line. Without LNG and without a booming re- source sector, the province has turned to the teat of for- eign money so that it can still say we’re number one.

I’m sure a great deal of thinking went into what rate of tax increase foreign capital could absorb before it stopped fl owing and whether the increase would achieve any re- lief in the price of homes. It is a balancing act, an import- ant one. But if owning a home remains unachievable, will the province move quickly and decisively to protect our citizens and their dreams of home ownership? We can only hope. Ultimately, the success of this legislation may de- pend in large part on the resources devoted to catching evasion and uncovering avoidance.

Th ere are welcome anti-avoidance measures in the bill, but individuals will continue to purchase through proxies and to fi nd other ways to skirt the new law. If the province is not prepared to devote serious resources to catching deceit, this new tax may have little eff ect. Like so many others, I welcome the fact that Bill 28 removes self-regulation from the real estate industry. As the Premier herself said, the industry had ten years to get it right, and they haven’t. However, one could be for- given for wondering where the government has been all this time.

Surely, our government deserves some respon- sibility for this failure to protect consumers. Nevertheless, the changes, including the increased penalties, are good ones. I wish the new superintendent the best of luck. He or she has a big and important job ahead. Restoring public trust in the real estate industry is of critical importance. Th e fi nal piece of this bill is the housing priority initia- tives fund, a new fund with an initial investment of $75 million that will be devoted to provincial housing initia- tives and which will be topped up by property transfer tax revenue.

It’s a worthy goal, if an unstipulated one. It’s also an interesting and rather limited initial investment, given the unexpected $500 million windfall the govern- ment received from the existing property transfer tax. Still, I hope the fund is used wisely and actually helps the people who need it most. Before ending, I would like to talk about where the government might take action in the future, especially if we fi nd Bill 28 does not slow down a wildly heated mar- ket.

Th e government is aware of the housing aff ordabil- ity fund proposal put forward by nearly 50 economists and business school professors at both UBC and Simon Fraser. It is an idea the Premier dismissed as prepared on the back of an envelope. It is an idea she should ac- tually read. Such a fund would catch the type of evasion that the new vacancy tax and the property transfer tax cannot. As the opposition critic has stated, it would focus on money, not people.

While I recognize a scheme of this nature would take more time to consider and put in place, I urge the government to look closely at the merits of this proposal, especially if the rising price of homes does not slow down. In closing, British Columbians want and expect strong action commensurate with the scale of the challenge we face as a community. Most people are deeply concerned for the future of their family and to date have not felt government has acted in their best interests. Th at needs to change. [1435] I am hopeful that Bill 28 will help cool off this real estate market.

If it doesn’t, then government must act quickly, else despair will be the result. Th e government has joined the conversation, and I’m glad it is fi nally taking action. If the data doesn’t support its choices, I hope, for the sake of our citizens, it won’t wait as long to act again. Hon. N. Y amamoto: I t’ s my pleasure to stand today in support of Bill 28, which was introduced in these chambers by our Minister of Finance.

Bill 28 will give us some of the tools we need to make housing more aff ord- able and more available in urban B.C., and in particular Metro Vancouver and in my riding of North Vancouver– Lonsdale. It’s not new that the west coast is considered the best coast in Canada. With our vibrant communities, our thriving arts and culture, our business sectors, our tem- perate weather, our rugged and alluring outdoor play- grounds, people from all over Canada, in fact all over the world, are drawn here. And you know what? We’re proud of that.

In the early 2000s, when a then have-not province made a turnaround, people wanted to come back home. Th ey wanted to come back home to B.C. Th ey wanted to live here. Th ey wanted to work here and invest here once again. We’re seeing that increase even further as B.C. leads the country in economic growth. We’re lead- ing Canada in economic growth because of work we’ve done to grow B.C. ’s economy, to increase trade, tourism, strengthen the resource sector and support sectors like fi lm and tech.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13441 We put B.C. on the map in 2010 with the Olympics, and this province is widely recognized as being one of the best places to live in the world. But managing that growth, that success, really has its own challenges — in managing transit corridors, services and providing a way into the market for British Columbians. Now, I was raised in North Vancouver. I live in a condo, would like to live in a house, although — the job that we have right now — it’s probably better that we live in a con- do. Th ere aren’t any lawns to mow.

But like some people in Metro Vancouver, I actually have chosen to live in an area of high density and in proximity to services. I’m over a single-family home with a yard, but I do have family and friends that have diffi culty getting into the market. I’m supporting this bill and other eff orts that we have taken as government in order to better regulate the mar- ket, collect better data and help plan better for the growth that we expect to continue to see throughout southern B.C. Th e city of North Vancouver is rich in culture and community.

I think, arguably, it has the best backdrop in all of B.C., with its mountain and water views. It’s really one of the most livable and walkable communities in the Lower Mainland. And that sort of quality lifestyle, actually fostered by an alluring community, does come at a price. A million dollars is not unusual for a starting price for a house in North Vancouver on the North Shore. In fact, the average price of a house is probably well over $1.5 million.

All across the Lower Mainland, in communities like mine, there were many examples of young people and families who want to grasp hold of home ownership but just can’t do that. I believe that Bill 28 will help them reach that dream. Bill 28 looks to help normalize demand, to stabilize the sector, to incrementally decrease costs and help to ensure that middle-class British Columbians can buy property in the places that they call home. So what are we going to do?

We’re going to be char- ging a 15 percent premium on wealthy foreign buyers in recognition of the fact that British Columbians deserve to have the fi rst chance to enter the market. We’re going to use that money to increase housing supply with the proceeds of the tax, seeding it with a $75 million invest- ment that helps kick-start the housing priority initiative. It will not make B.C. ’s most desirable cities any less ap- pealing. Th ey will continue to attract people and business. But I think it will help close the gap.

It will help British Columbians get into the market and strengthen our al- ready vibrant cities. It will help level the playing fi eld, because it’s not just about the foreign buyers tax. Bill 28 also strengthens the work already being done to increase aff ordable housing options in B.C. and builds on regulatory work already undertaken that dissuades market manipulation and shadow fl ipping. It forces back the curtain and demands transparen- cy from the industry.

And it will help renew the integ- rity of an industry — the real estate industry, which was bruised by a few bad apples — by appointing a real estate secretariat with new rule-making powers and providing punitive measures to ensure that everyone is playing by the same rules. [1440] Bill 28 will also allow the city of Vancouver to collect tax on empty properties and perhaps act as a proof point for the rest of the municipalities in B.C. in how to regu- late the market.

Th e work to improve housing aff ord- ability and availability does not stop at a luxury tax or a vacancy tax or taxing foreign ownership, and it doesn’t stop with the work being done by us in this House. It will require coordination and cooperation with both the fed- eral and local governments in order to provide better op- portunities and access for the people of British Columbia.

Th e Premier has been clear that this government sup- ports housing accessibility and aff ordability by increasing aff ordable housing supply, linking communities togeth- er with smart transit investments, supporting fi rst-time homebuyers who are trying to crack into the market, protecting consumers from shady practices, increasing rental supply and, most of all, keeping the dream of home ownership alive for the middle class. I want to read an email that I received from a constitu- ent who emailed me with quite a bit of anger at the in- ability for his employees to buy a house in or homes in North Vancouver.

He couldn’t see a future where his chil- dren could buy a house and remain on the North Shore. I met with him, and we had a good discussion. We didn’t have enough time to finish that. I invited the member for West Vancouver–Capilano to join me and my constituent, who invited somebody else, for a fur- ther discussion. Th is was probably about two weeks ago. I received an email from him on July 25. He said: “I just needed to send you both an email to tell you how thrilled I was to hear about the new changes to the real estate rules.

Th ey are excellent, and I believe that they will have a positive impact on the housing aff ordability crisis. “I really like the idea of the new 15 percent foreign ownership tax, combined with the fact that the revenue will be funnelled into an aff ordable housing fund. I also like that the rules are location- specifi c and that they can be expanded if need be. Finally, I was glad to hear that the government is making provisions to allow the city of Vancouver to implement the vacancy tax. “I believe that all of these changes are very positive.

I suspect that some work will need to be done to make sure that the foreign buyers are not able to circumvent the tax, but I know that this is likely in the works. “Th ank you for your hard work in dealing with the situation. I am so pleased with what you have done and for representing us so well. ” I want to make sure that we continue to provide means by which my family, my friends and neighbours on the North Shore and people throughout British Columbia can reasonably expect to secure their own home one day.

Bill 28 is about putting British Columbians fi rst, and that’s why I encourage all members of this House to sup- port this bold legislation.

British Columbia Debates13442 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 K. Corrigan: It gives me a great deal of pleasure to rise and speak on Bill 28, the Miscellaneous Statutes (Housing Priority Initiatives) Amendment Act. Th at’s a bit of a mouthful. Th is legislation purports to address what we’ve had in the Lower Mainland particularly, but also spreading to other parts of the province, which is a housing aff ord- ability crisis that has been going on for some time — well over a year. In fact, we on this side of the aisle have been raising the issue for well over a year, while at the same time, the B.C.

Liberals on the other side of the aisle ignored the problem until, coincidently, very recently, when polls revealed that housing is the number one concern of residents and high levels of dissatisfaction with how the B.C. Liberals were handling the housing crisis in this province, particularly in the Lower Mainland. We knew that, because we on this side of the aisle were hearing it from our constituents regularly — people com- ing to our offi ces who were unable to fi nd houses. We had a mother coming at four o’ clock on a Friday aft ernoon, saying: “I can’t pay my rent. I don’t know where I’m going to live.

I’m getting kicked out of my apartment. ” We’ve seen these issues for a long time. Because of the large increase in housing prices, the lack of rental space in our communities, we’ve known that this is a crisis for a long time. But the others on the other side of the aisle, the Liberals, continued to say that there was no problem. As my colleague from Vancouver–Point Grey said…. I do have to congratulate him for being the one who was raising the issues repeatedly about the housing crisis in Vancouver. As he said yesterday when he was responding to this bill, welcome to the conversation about aff ordable housing.

It is better late than never. [1445] Having housing — reliable housing, aff ordable hous- ing, housing that is okay for our families and for our chil- dren and ourselves and individuals — is perhaps the most important thing to all of us in life. I remember that back in the early 1980s, I had a toddler and a newborn. I was living in an apartment in Burnaby. We again had a superheated real estate market with sky- high mortgage rates, but I was determined to buy. My husband, not so much, but I was determined to buy. I had two little kids. I wanted a place to live that was ours.

We had one income then because I’ d left our law prac- tice in order to look aft er the children, went on mater- nity leave. We were a small business. I remember months where we were making mortgage payments with our Visa because it was just that tight every month. We lost our equity as the market crashed in the early 1980s, and we essentially had to borrow 100 percent as our family grew — 100 percent — to move from our little townhouse to a small home. We are now, my husband and I, one of the lucky ones. We got into the market decades ago. We paid off our home in Burnaby. We’ve done well, very well.

I do not begrudge those other people, older people primarily, who have been in their house for a long time, have worked hard all their life in order to buy those hous- es and now do have houses that are worth a lot. But, you know, many of them are losing their homeowner’s grant. Th ey may have low income. Th ey may be seniors with a low income, but they’re losing their homeowner’s grant. On the other hand, three of my four children live in the Lower Mainland. It is a lot tougher — or, in some cases, perhaps impossible — for them and others in their gen- eration to own a home.

One of my sons and his wife, both working hard, are looking forward to starting a family. Th ey’re interested in living in a co-op. Th at’s a great solution for housing. Unfortunately, the provincial and federal governments have not invested in co-op housing for decades. The existing stock is getting old, and there is virtually no new supply as the population grows. Th ey are fi nding it in- credibly diffi cult to fi nd aff ordable housing in Burnaby or New Westminster or Vancouver, where he’s lived all his life.

A second son and our daughter-in-law came and lived with us for three years — they took a diff erent route — while they saved up money to buy a home, and we were glad to help them do that. Th ey did. Th ey were lucky to get in a couple of years ago before the market really, real- ly exploded. Now with this proposed tax, they could see — possibly, if house prices go down — their equity gone. Certainly, they’ll lose some of it. If they had bought a year later, they wouldn’t have been able to do it at all, in fact.

My daughter, my third child that’s living in the greater Vancouver area, is entering her third and fi nal year of law school this fall and will be coming back here next year to do her articles. I’m proud of her accomplishments, and I’m thrilled that she is going to have a job, while many aren’t. She has no hope of purchasing anything over the next years and, in fact, is dealing with what many are dealing with, which is high student debt. Even as a young lawyer, she’s going to struggle to even fi nd an aff ordable place for her to rent.

I’m telling you about my family because I don’t believe my family and some of their situations are all that diff er- ent than some other families. Th ere are many families. I know my family is lucky, but my kids are going to be struggling in the housing market. Th at is just one family. Th ere are so many families across this province, par- ticularly in the Lower Mainland, that are not even think- ing it’s possible that they’re going to be able to buy a home in this superheated market. Th ey’re just hoping to fi nd a place that they can rent.

It’s a complicated issue, with many diff erent people in many diff erent situations. I don’t think our family is that unusual, but it does represent just some of the range of housing concerns in Metro Vancouver and other com- munities.

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13443 Kennedy Stewart, who is the Member of Parliament for Burnaby South, wrote a column in the Vancouver Sun a few weeks ago. He said the “out-of-control hous- ing market is causing extreme anxiety for renters and those looking to purchase a home.

It is so bad that a re- cent Angus Reid study fi nds more than 150,000 families are considering leaving Metro Vancouver due to high prices and rents. ” [1450] He also goes on to point out: “ A Bank of Canada re- port in June fl agged our housing market as a ‘national economic vulnerability’ caused by migration, high em- ployment, limited land on which to build new housing, and provincial land-use…. ” We do have to recognize that the incredible popularity of living in the Lower Mainland is part of the problem, and we do recognize that.

We do have a housing crisis, though, and we need to see what we can do about it. It is part of a larger aff ordability crisis in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Where did this problem come from? Well, I mentioned a couple of minutes ago that part of it comes because of the fact that it’s a very attractive place to live and we have a limited amount of land. However, there are also some reasons we’re in this housing aff ordability crisis that point directly back to the provincial government, to the B.C. Liberal government.

Much of the mess was created by this government, and in fact, I fi nd it a little bit ironic that they’re now looking for congratulations aft er being forced to take action. One of the reasons for the problem, the crisis that we’re in right now, was the fact that the provincial government allowed the real estate industry to regulate itself several years ago. Th ey have regulated themselves. Th ey’ve been allowed to regulate themselves. It was

an act of this gov- ernment, and it’s created a mess.

Th e advisory board report that was recently written says, among other things — this is talking about the real estate industry: “In recent months, reports of conduct of real estate licensees, and unlicensed parties engaged in exploitative activity, have increased public concern, including licensees failing to disclose the assign- ment of contracts for personal gain” — an issue that was raised in this House repeatedly and fell on deaf ears — “licensees putting their own interests ahead of those of their clients, and licensees failing to comply with federal and provincial tax laws and anti- money-laundering reporting requirements, including collusion with clients to avoid reporting requirements. ” Again, issues that we raised repeatedly in this House and fell on deaf ears, and, in fact, were met with….

We were mocked for our comments. We were dismissed for our comments.

Th e report says there were critiques that the regulator, the real estate board, “is passive in identi- fying risks to the public and not intervening to prevent harmful practices, does not levy suffi ciently large penal- ties and sanctions to create meaningful deterrence and consequences for misconduct, lacks adequate investiga- tive and enforcement capabilities, interprets its jurisdic- tion narrowly and is not accessible and responsive to the public. ” Again, all of those issues that were cited in the advis- ory board report were issues that we had raised repeat- edly over the last year and which were ignored by this provincial government.

As a former lawyer — actually, as anybody with some kind of sense of what is wrong — you know that you can’t do things like play both ends of the deal — in other words, representing both the buyer and seller. If you were do- ing things like that in the legal industry, as a lawyer, you would be turfed out. If you were in confl ict, you would be turfed out. Y et in case aft er case, real estate agents were doing these kinds of things, we were raising them, and the penalties and the attention paid by this government were negligible or missing altogether.

Here’s a second reason that the provincial government must take some responsibility for the housing crisis that we’re in right now. Th is is one that was pointed out, again, by the member for Vancouver–Point Grey. Th e question is: how did we get into such an extreme situation with regard to FICOM? [1455] Real estate in this province is regulated by the Real Estate Council, which is then overseen by FICOM, which is a provincial government agency. It’s the Financial Institutions Commission. Th e problem with FICOM is that this government knowingly, systematically under- funded FICOM.

A recent report by the Auditor General of British Columbia this time refers to credit unions, which is another branch that FICOM oversees and regulates. Because I sit on the Public Accounts Committee, I re- member dealing with that report, reviewing that report and questioning witnesses with regard to that report. Th irty-fi ve percent of the positions identifi ed at that time were unfi lled. Th ey were vacant, because this government underfunded FICOM. No wonder we ended up in this situation.

Th e agency responsible on behalf of this government, FICOM, the Financial Institutions Commission, was regularly and intentionally underfunded to the extent that it was un- able to provide the oversight and the supervision that it should have been providing of the real estate industry. Not only that, but the money that was being paid in as fees was regularly clawed back by this government. Now, the vast majority of real estate agents are hard- working, they’re honest, and they work with the best in- terests of their clients in mind. I know that.

I’ve had a few of them work for me, and their behaviour is beyond repute, very ethical. And those realtors are also. I’ve had them come to my offi ce or seen them in the neighbour- hood. Th ey were happy, actually, about the issues that we were raising, not only about the overheated market but also about the fact that there were unscrupulous dealings

British Columbia Debates13444 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 being done by some realtors, which has also, of course, fuelled this market. When you have people making deals unscrupulously, making money off it, that also raises the price of houses. Th e existing rules supposedly would have prohibited this behaviour, but the problem was largely with enforce- ment, both by the Real Estate Council and then secondly — the second problem that I talked about — by the fail- ure of FICOM to appropriately supervise and regulate. Th at’s important when you have allegations, for example, of money laundering.

Even more recently, we fi nd out that nobody seems to know who’s supposed to be in- vestigating. Th e most recent case was the investigation of SunCom. I want to mention what I think is a third reason for the housing crisis that we have in the Lower Mainland right now. Th at is the lack of investment in social housing by both the federal and provincial governments, who have legal responsibility for housing. I’m not just talking about social housing, although there has certainly been a huge lack there, but I’m talking about a lack of investment in public housing for the middle class.

I mentioned MP Kennedy Stewart, who is a colleague, a Member of Parliament in my community, in Burnaby South. He did a little research, and in the

article I was referencing earlier, he pointed out that national govern- ments in other countries invest in much-needed shel- ters and social housing, but they also invest in homes for the middle class, such as high-quality rental build- ings, cooperatives and for-purchase homes with resale restrictions — places where average families can aff ord to rent or own when the market fails to provide the kind of housing they would prefer. Here is what I believe are the interesting statistics that were provided by professors Penny Gurstein, Kristin Patten and Prajna Rao from UBC.

Th ey tracked the per- centage of public housing found in various countries around the world. [1500] As Kennedy writes in his column: “Th e results shine a bright light on Canada’s housing problem. In Singapore, 82 percent of all housing is public housing; in Hong Kong, 45 percent; Sweden, 35 percent; the Netherlands, 31 percent of all housing is public housing; Denmark, 25 percent; Austria, 25 percent; France, 20 percent; United Kingdom, 18 percent; China, 18 percent; Ireland, 10 percent; South Korea, 9 percent. Y et in Canada, only 5 percent of Canada’s current housing stock is public housing.

Only 5 percent of all housing in Canada has any kind of government support, with 95 percent of all homes being provided solely by market forces. ” Th is means that when you have housing markets heat- ing up in big cities, like Vancouver, average people must take on huge mortgages, pay high rents or leave. While the federal government and the provincial government used to build public housing, largely co-ops, in places like Burnaby Mountain in my community, federally, it all ended in the 1990s.

Provincially, the NDP government made the decision that it would continue to invest in so- cial housing, in co-ops, public housing, and continued do that and build hundreds of units a year. So 25 years of failure by the federal government. Y ou add another 15 years of failure by this government to in- vest in social housing, and that is part, a large part, of the problem that we have, the housing crisis that we have, in the Lower Mainland, which is now spreading farther out.

Of course, with this tax that’s been proposed, there are concerns that what’s going to happen is that invest- ors are simply going to move their money out past the Lower Mainland, past Metro Vancouver, because the tax that is being proposed only applies to housing in the Lower Mainland, in Metro Vancouver, and this is going to create a housing crisis in Abbotsford, perhaps on the lower Island. Th e Minister for Housing oft en talks about the money in housing, but the vast majority of that is not investment. It is fi nancing.

So when the Minister for Housing talks about putting $100 million into a project, it’s very mis- leading. Usually, the vast majority of the time, what the ministry for Housing is doing…. Th ey’re not investing in social housing. Th ey’re lending the money to somebody else and getting the interest. It’s low interest, but they are lending the money to somebody else. Th ey’re more like mortgage brokers as opposed to investors. For the most part, they lend. Th ey do not invest. What we need is in- vestment, and it’s been sadly lacking at both the federal and provincial levels for decades.

What we do now could have a great impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people. Because of that impact on the lives of families all over the Lower Mainland and be- yond, the impact on the overall livability and attractive- ness not only to families but to businesses, I believe the response has to be thoughtful, it has to be careful, and it has to be balanced. My fear and my belief is that this legislation is a hur- ried and harried response, based on political expediency, and not done on the basis of what is good public policy. How can it be otherwise? It’s not possible.

For more than a year, and up until two months ago, right up to the end of a four-month spring session, when much could have been done, much could have been discussed, much could have been planned…. When we were raising the issue of the housing crisis in British Columbia in this Legislature, and were the year previously, the response from the B.C. Liberals….

When they could have been listening, could have been consulting and craft ing careful legislation, they instead were ignoring the growing housing crisis in the Lower Mainland. [1505] I fi nd it quite ironic that suddenly this week, in the middle of summer, we’re called back, and we’re hearing heartfelt speeches about the dream of home ownership. Not a word for a year. Denials for a year or more. No ac- tion when we asked month aft er month: “What are you going to do about corruption in the real estate industry?”

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13445 Not a word. “What are you going to do about shadow fl ipping?” Nothing. Th e responses, instead, that we got…. Here are some of the responses we got. From the Minister for Housing, his answer was that housing prices are reasonable. “It’s pretty reasonable compared to other cities, ” he said. Th e response of the Premier was, essentially, that if you can’t aff ord to buy in Vancouver, then leave. Tell that to a senior who has been living here all their life. She said: “Th ere are lots of great places to live. Fort St. John is booming.

And it won’t be long before you see.... We need lots of new people up in Kitimat and Prince Rupert. Th e views are amazing, by the way. ” Th ank you, Madam Premier, if the answer for the housing crisis in British Columbia is a statement like that. Th at was a year ago. Th e Minister of Finance — here’s what he said a year ago: “Tell us about the vacancy tax.

Tell us” — he was re- ferring to our response — “about the economic wall he and his colleagues would build if, God forbid, they were ever given the chance to govern British Columbia. ” So it was dismissiveness, it was derision and not taking the issue seriously — an issue that was very serious for many people in British Columbia. Oh, here’s another one, a year ago, again, by the Minister for Housing: “I guess some people just have to get up and whine every day. I don’t know.

Y ou just have to look at the glass is half full, not half empty, right?” Of course, the Premier, again, — this was much more recently; this was just a month ago — blamed it on the cities and said, as usual, that the cities needed to look after the problem. “The real heavy lifting, ” said the Premier, “needs to come from the cities, ” and then sug- gested that municipalities needed to add $100,000 or so to the cost of newly built homes, adding that they were putting excessive fees on homes and permitting delays and rezoning hassles and so on, and blamed it on mu- nicipalities.

I mean, even this tax that is being proposed, this 15 percent tax on foreign owners, is something that is, in some ways, easy for this government, because they’re always willing to have somebody else paying the price, and this is going to bring in hundreds of millions of dol- lars to the provincial coff ers and isn’t going to cost them anything. So I can understand why they would see that, once they’ve changed their mind, as a possible solution. What’s sad is that, once again, we seem to have an en- tirely political decision being made.

What we know hap- pened is that there were some polls done recently that said that housing concerns were the most important con- cerns of the public and that they believed that the Liberal government had been handling those issues abominably. Th is, of course — the fact that we’re here now, in the middle of summer — is completely consistent with what has been an incessantly politically motivated government. And as I said, the response that we received was mocking, derisive, pompous and dismissive.

But because of the polls, I presume, and the fact that government was taking heat and the fact that we are go- ing to have an election in about ten months…. I suspect those are the reasons that we’re having sudden action now — this about-face. Th ey were forced to take action. Th e government has been, for a little while now, get- ting people to tick off the box on the forms indicating they were foreign buyers.

If somebody bought a house, they were having to tick off on a box if they were foreign buyers, if they were not Canadian citizens or residents. [1510] It seemed odd that the Minister of Finance held a press conference several weeks ago and said, “We have three weeks of data, ” and it indicated the number of for- eign buyers was quite low. He was still saying: “It’s not a problem. Nothing to see here. Move along. We don’t need to do anything. ” But what we know now is that he had other data which showed, a few weeks later, that the problem was much worse. Th ere was a high percentage….

A signifi cant portion of the money that is going into real estate in the Lower Mainland is from foreign investors. Suddenly, I’m sure, the legislative draft ers were working at a feverish pace. Th en we had another press conference, aft er we came in here this week and saw the legislation at about the same time, saying that, in fact, the data is a lot worse. Now they have a piece of legislation. What’s in the bill? I can see, from the time, that I’m not going to get a chance to talk about it, so I’m going to summarize.

For a year, we raised the issues of housing aff ordability, an out-of-control housing market, shadow fl ipping, international money laundering through the Vancouver real estate market, unscrupulous behaviour by some agents, a lack of oversight and the failures of self-regulation. Th e Liberals ignored the issues, said there were no issues, mocked and belittled us for raising the issues until fi nally it became clear, less than a year before an elec- tion, that the housing crisis was critical, particularly to Metro Vancouver residents, and that they were furious about the lack of action by this government.

Th ey were forced to do something, so we get this legislation, which is an about-face. It is weak, it has loopholes, but we are going to reluctantly support it because, frankly, it is bet- ter than nothing. D. Plecas: I appreciate the opportunity to take

part in this debate on aff ordable housing. We know it’s an im- portant issue for people of Vancouver. It’s also an import- ant issue for my constituents in Abbotsford South. In fact, as we all know, it’s an important issue for people all across this province. It’s especially important for those who need to relocate for one reason or another. As you know, hon. Speaker, I currently serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors and, in addition to that, as the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility.

British Columbia Debates13446 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 In these capacities, I have a great opportunity to trav- el around the province and speak directly with seniors about what are concerns for them, and I have a chance to listen to their concerns about aff ordability. I know one thing that seniors all agree on. It’s a uni- versal desire to stay in their homes as long as possible and to stay in their communities as long as possible. We agree with them. Th at’s, in part, why we’ve compiled a list of all services and supports that seniors in this province are eligible for.

Th e B.C. seniors guide is comprehensive and available on line to advise seniors, their families and caregivers about what programs are available on a variety of issues — in particular, as I’m going to speak about now, relating to housing aff ordability. In terms of housing, there’s a whole

section dedicated to housing, including the home owner grant for seniors, property tax deferment, the B.C. seniors home-renova- tion tax credit, the Home Adaptations for Independence program, Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters, aff ordable housing for seniors, seniors supportive housing and subsidized assisted living. Let me just talk about each of those. Home owner grant for seniors. Th e home owner grant for seniors reduces the amount of property taxes seniors pay each year on their principal residence. By applying for this grant as a senior, their property taxes can be re- duced as much as $845 a year.

If your property is located in northern and rural areas, you as a senior can save up to $1,045. [1515] We also have the property tax deferment program. Th is is a program that provides low-interest loans to seniors to defer paying all or part of their property taxes on their principal residence if they’re 55 years or older. It could also apply to a surviving spouse at any age or a person with a disability. If the application is approved, the province pays mu- nicipal and provincial property taxes directly to the tax- ing authority on the senior’s behalf.

Th is allows seniors to defer their taxes until such time as the property is trans- ferred to a new owner, at which time the taxes are then repaid to the province. We also have the B.C. seniors home-renovation tax credit. Th e B.C. seniors home-renovation tax credit is a refundable personal income tax credit to assist with the cost of permanent home modifi cations that improve ac- cessibility or help a senior be more functional or more mobile at home. Th e maximum credit here is $1,000 an- nually, calculated as 10 percent of eligible expenses.

Th e credit can be claimed by seniors, whether they own their own home or rent, and by individuals who share a home with a senior relative. We also have the Home Adaptations for Independence program. Th is program helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities fi nance home modifi cations for accessible, safe and independent living. Eligible home- owners and landlords with eligible tenants can receive up to $20,000 per home in the form of a forgivable loan. Th e exact amount is based on cost of materials and labour necessary for the required adaptations.

We also have the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters, also known as SAFER, program. This program provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible B.C. residents who are 60 years of age or older and who pay rent for their homes. Shelter aid for elderly renters pro- vides monthly cash assistance to more than 18,000 senior households, helping them stay in their homes. We also have yet another program — affordable housing for seniors. Low-income seniors, able to live independently without support services or with the as- sistance of home care, may apply to live in aff ordable housing developments.

Th ere are three types of aff ord- able housing developments in British Columbia: public housing, which is managed by B.C. Housing; non-profi t housing, which is managed by non-profi t societies; and co-op housing, which is managed by residents. Many aff ordable housing developments are listed on the housing registry, a cent ralized listing and applica- tion service maintained by B.C. Housing, and I would encourage British Columbians interested to look to that registry. Th e housing registry includes public housing and some non-profi t and co-op housing providers.

Other non-profi t and co-op housing providers maintain their own registries. Th en, of course, we also have seniors supportive hous- ing. Th is program provides specifi cally modifi ed rental homes in selected subsidized housing developments, pri- marily to low-income seniors who need some assistance in order to continue living independently. Th e program provides support services such as daily meals, 24-hour response, weekly housekeeping and linen laundry, and social and recreational activities. Th ose eligible pay 50 percent of their gross household income to live in these units.

We also have, of course, subsidized assisted living. Subsidized assisted living units are for seniors and people with disabilities who require some support but do not need 24-hour institutional care. Assisted living off ers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care, providing accommodation, hospitality services and personal care services, such as assistance with grooming, mobility and medication. Our goal is to make housing more aff ordable for all British Columbians.

Again, I encourage all seniors to consult the B.C. seniors guide to fi nd out if they are eli- gible for any of the programs I have just outlined. [1520] Speaking specifi cally to Bill 28 and generally with re- spect to the current legislation, it is designed to keep the dream of home ownership within the reach of middle- class families and to ensure that those who are in a pos- ition to rent are able to fi nd a suitable home. It is based

British Columbia DebatesWednesday, July 27, 2016 13447 on six guiding principles for aff ordable housing: (1) in- creasing housing supply, (2) smart transit expansion, (3) supporting fi rst-time homebuyers, (4) consumer protec- tion, (5) increasing rental supply and (6) protecting the dream of home ownership. All of these are given atten- tion by this government. Based on these guiding princi- ples, this bill creates new measures to help make home ownership more aff ordable. In conclusion, we know that much remains to be done.

As others have said here, this is a very complicated issue, but we are taking positive steps to help keep the dream of home ownership alive and within the reach of middle- class families. We are interested in ensuring that those who are in a position to rent are also able to fi nd a suit- able home. Certainly, we are dealing with issues that will require a number of diff erent solutions, but we as government are determined to get to those solutions and keep British Columbia the best place to live in Canada. S. Chandra Herbert: Well, you know, this bill is in- teresting. It’s a bill that I’ve been….

Claiming to take action, says the bill, claiming to pay attention to the housing aff ordability crisis — when, in fact, I think the very fi rst thing I talked about in this Legislature when I was fi rst elected, in 2008, was a housing crisis facing my constituents. Over seven years later, the government has said: “What? There’s a housing crisis?” Oh, wait. No, they don’t say there’s a housing crisis. Th ey talk about keep- ing housing aff ordable, as if there’s not really a problem, but maybe there could be down the road. Well, I’ve got news for you.

In my constituency, one in four people pay more than 50 percent of their income towards rent. How can you save for university? How can you save for your parents? How can you save for your retirement? How can you pay while you’re retired when more than half of the income you receive goes to just paying rent?

Speaker aft er speaker on the government side has not even acknowledged renters at all, as if they didn’t exist in this great province of ours, as if that housing choice — for some, it’s not a choice at all, because they can’t af- ford to buy — is somehow not worthy of even reference, when the housing crisis hitting renters in some parts of our province is even worse than the housing crisis hit- ting owners. One in four in my constituency is paying more than 50 percent towards rent. For the people trying to buy a condominium in my constituency….

Well, here’s one ex- ample which might shock people in other parts of this province. A constituent of mine this weekend went in to bid on a condominium in my community. It wasn’t a fancy condominium. It didn’t have an ocean view, didn’t have anything fancy about it. Its view was of a dumpster. It was a one-bedroom. I’m told that it was put on the market at $425,000 — for a one-bedroom no bigger than around 600 square feet. My constituent bid $50,000 above the asking price. Th ey’re desperate to fi nd housing, as they’ve been evicted from their rental accommodations as the owner wanted to move back in.

So they thought: “Well, we’re tired of be- ing evicted, evicted, evicted. Let’s go aft er this condomin- ium. ” Th ey didn’t want to face multiple evictions. So they off ered $50,000 more than the $425,000 for a 600-square- foot apartment looking at a dumpster. How much did that one-bedroom, 600 square feet looking at a dumpster, sell for? It sold for over $600,000 — $600,000 for 600 square feet looking at a dumpster. Th at’s the reality that too many people are facing as they try to get into the housing market. [1525] Th e rental market is just as tough.

When you have 0.6 percent vacancy rates, landlords are able to charge what- ever they want, and people desperate to get a roof over their heads have to pay it, otherwise they’re sleeping in vans. We see that in our community. Th ey’re sleeping in the bush. We’ve seen that in our community. Clearly, that’s not acceptable either. But what does this government say when we talk about these issues? Well, the Housing Minister, the minister who is supposed to have an eye on the ball, supposed to be looking out for everyone when it comes to housing….

He said that housing prices were pretty reasonable — that $600,000 for a 600-square-foot unit looking at a dump- ster is pretty reasonable. Oh, what else did the Housing Minister say when people said that kind of response was outrageous and ri- diculous? Well, he said, “I guess some people just have to get up and whine every day. I don’t know. Y ou just have to look at the glass as half full, not half empty, right?” Right.

Looking at paying more than 50 percent of your in- come towards rent, not being able to aff ord food in some cases, constituents are telling me, or paying outrageous amounts in order to just have a roof over your head — that’s a housing crisis. Th at’s not pretty reasonable. It’s not whining to say that you can’t make the basic necessities of life work because of your income. Many peoples’ incomes have not increased. We’ve had some of the lowest income increases in this province out of Canada.

Y et we’ve had some of the highest housing cost increases in all of Canada — a 30 percent housing price increase, if you were able to try and get into the market in the last year. Th is government says that’s pretty rea- sonable. Th e Premier also decided to be helpful to my constitu- ents when she off ered them the advice of: “Well, you can’t aff ord housing in Vancouver? Move to the far north. ” Well, my constituents come to me, and they say they ac- tually are paid a really good wage. Some of them are paid very well.

Th ey look at their jobs, they look at where they live, they listen to the Premier’s suggestion, and they say:

British Columbia Debates13448 Wednesday, July 27, 2016 “Sure, move north and lose my job. Move north, lose my family. ” Th at’s not a reasonable response to this issue. We on the New Democrat side have been calling it what it is: a housing crisis, an aff ordability crisis, not just for homeowners or those who want to buy homes, but for renters too. Th is is impacting British Columbians all across the housing spectrum. What have we proposed? Well, the government has refused to acknowledge there’s a problem for years. We proposed an aff ordable housing fund and speculation fee.

We realized that some people were buying homes, buying condominiums, in our province to speculate on them, to watch as those 30 percent price increases gain, grab the profi t, cash out and get rich in some other jurisdiction. What did we say? We said: “Well, if you’re going to leave your property vacant, if you’re not actually going to use it — you’re just using it as a place to park your money — we’re going to put a tax on that, ” because we believe that that housing, which was built for housing, should be used for housing.

I’ve had business people in Coal Harbour, in my com- munity, not exactly known for being a low-income or an average-rent, average-housing-cost community…. It’s very high end, but business owners in that commun- ity are upset. What do they tell me? Th ey said that when they bought their business, when they moved their busi- ness into Coal Harbour, they expected a certain number of residents, because that’s what the city had planned for. But the city’s study shows that one-quarter of the hous- ing units in Coal Harbour sit vacant. Th ey were bought as an investment. Nobody lives there.

Y ou talk to people in Coal Harbour. Th ey’ll say: “No, I’ve never seen a light turn on in that unit, ever, and I’ve lived here for years. ” We think that that should be used for housing. When you have a vacancy rate of 0.6 percent, we need every hous- ing unit we can get. What would the profi t of that tax go into? Aff ordable housing for middle- and lower-income people, because the market is not able, and has shown itself unable, to provide housing for people in that spectrum. We need those people in our communities. Th ese people need housing.

Our job as government is to work for all people, not just the elite, as seems to be the case across the fl oor. What else have we called for? We’ve called for a task force to

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Collection	British Columbia — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20160727pm-Hansard-v41n1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20160727pm Hansard v41n1
Language	en
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