First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tursday, March 4, 2021 Morning Sitting Issue No. 20

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

ISSN 1499-2175 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries...... Hon. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Minister of State for Child Care...... Hon. Minister of Citizens’ Services...... Hon. Minister of Education ...... Hon. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy...... Hon. Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ...... Hon. Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Afairs...... Hon. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation...... Hon. Minister of State for Trade...... Hon. Minister of Labour ...... Hon. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions...... Hon. Minister of Municipal Afairs ...... Hon. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...... Hon. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction...... Hon. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ...... Hon. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Minister of State for Infrastructure ...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Ofcial Opposition...... Leader of the Tird Party ...... Deputy Speaker...... Assistant Deputy Speaker...... Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel...... Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services...... Artour Sogomonian Clerk of Committees...... Jennifer Arril Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ...... Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst...... Karan Riarh Acting Sergeant-at-Arms...... Greg Nelson ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Alexis, Pam (BC NDP) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Abbotsford-Mission...... Anderson, Brittny (BC NDP) ...... Nelson-Creston Abbotsford South...... Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party)...... Penticton Abbotsford West...... Michael de Jong, QC Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...... North Island Boundary-Similkameen...... Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–False Creek Burnaby–Deer Lake...... Hon. Anne Kang Bains, Hon. Harry (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Newton Burnaby-Edmonds...... Hon. Raj Chouhan Banman, Bruce (BC Liberal Party) ...... Abbotsford South Burnaby-Lougheed...... Hon. Katrina Chen Beare, Hon. Lisa (BC NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Burnaby North ...... Begg, Garry (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Guildford Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...... Peace River South Cariboo North...... Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal Party)...... Prince George–Valemount Chilliwack ...... Brar, Jagrup (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Chilliwack-Kent ...... Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal Party) ...... Surrey South Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–West End Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...... Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Coquitlam-Maillardville ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed Courtenay-Comox...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP)...... Burnaby-Edmonds Cowichan Valley ...... Sonia Furstenau Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview Delta North...... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Delta South ...... Conroy, Hon. Katrine (BC NDP)...... Kootenay West Esquimalt-Metchosin ...... Hon. Mitzi Dean Coulter, Dan (BC NDP) ...... Chilliwack Fraser-Nicola ...... Cullen, Hon. Nathan (BC NDP) ...... Stikine Kamloops–North Tompson ...... Davies, Dan (BC Liberal Party)...... Peace River North Kamloops–South Tompson...... de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)...... Abbotsford West Kelowna–Lake Country ...... Norm Letnick Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...... Esquimalt-Metchosin Kelowna-Mission ...... Renee Merrifeld D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission Kelowna West ...... Dix, Hon. Adrian (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kootenay East...... Doerkson, Lorne (BC Liberal Party) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Kootenay West...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Donnelly, Fin (BC NDP) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Langford–Juan de Fuca ...... Hon. John Horgan Dykeman, Megan (BC NDP)...... Langley East Langley ...... Eby, Hon. David, QC (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–Point Grey Langley East...... Elmore, Mable (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kensington Maple Ridge–Mission...... Bob D’Eith Farnworth, Hon. Mike (BC NDP) ...... Port Coquitlam Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows...... Hon. Lisa Beare Fleming, Hon. Rob (BC NDP) ...... Victoria–Swan Lake Mid Island–Pacifc Rim...... Hon. Josie Osborne Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ...... Cowichan Valley Nanaimo...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Nanaimo–North Cowichan...... Greene, Kelly (BC NDP) ...... Richmond-Steveston Nechako Lakes...... Halford, Trevor (BC Liberal Party)...... Surrey–White Rock Nelson-Creston ...... Heyman, Hon. George (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Fairview New Westminster...... Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Horgan, Hon. John (BC NDP) ...... Langford–Juan de Fuca North Coast ...... Kahlon, Hon. Ravi (BC NDP) ...... Delta North North Island...... Kang, Hon. Anne (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby–Deer Lake North Vancouver–Lonsdale...... Hon. Bowinn Ma Kirkpatrick, Karin (BC Liberal Party)...... West Vancouver–Capilano North Vancouver–Seymour...... Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal Party)...... Shuswap Oak Bay–Gordon Head...... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Lee, Michael (BC Liberal Party)...... Vancouver-Langara Parksville-Qualicum...... Adam Walker Leonard, Ronna-Rae (BC NDP)...... Courtenay-Comox Peace River North ...... Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kelowna–Lake Country Peace River South ...... Lore, Grace (BC NDP)...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Penticton ...... Ma, Hon. Bowinn (BC NDP)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Port Coquitlam...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila (BC NDP)...... Nanaimo Port Moody–Coquitlam...... Mark, Hon. Melanie (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Powell River–Sunshine Coast...... Hon. Nicholas Simons Mercier, Andrew (BC NDP) ...... Langley Prince George–Mackenzie...... Merrifeld, Renee (BC Liberal Party)...... Kelowna-Mission Prince George–Valemount ...... Shirley Bond Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kamloops–North Tompson Richmond North Centre...... Morris, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie Richmond-Queensborough...... Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal Party)...... Cariboo North ...... Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)...... Saanich North and the Islands Richmond-Steveston ...... Osborne, Hon. Josie (BC NDP)...... Mid Island–Pacifc Rim Saanich North and the Islands ...... Paddon, Kelli (BC NDP) ...... Chilliwack-Kent Saanich South ...... Hon. Lana Popham Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ...... Delta South Shuswap...... Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)...... Saanich South Skeena...... Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Stikine...... Hon. Nathan Cullen Rankin, Hon. Murray, QC (BC NDP) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Surrey-Cloverdale ...... Rice, Jennifer (BC NDP) ...... North Coast Surrey-Fleetwood...... Jagrup Brar Robinson, Hon. Selina (BC NDP)...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Surrey–Green Timbers...... Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal Party)...... Skeena Surrey-Guildford...... Routledge, Janet (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby North Surrey-Newton...... Hon. Harry Bains Routley, Doug (BC NDP)...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey-Panorama ...... Russell, Roly (BC NDP)...... Boundary-Similkameen Surrey South ...... Rustad, John (BC Liberal Party)...... Nechako Lakes Surrey-Whalley ...... Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Sandhu, Harwinder (BC NDP) ...... Vernon-Monashee Surrey–White Rock ...... Sharma, Niki (BC NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Fairview...... Hon. George Heyman Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal Party)...... Kootenay East Vancouver–False Creek...... Simons, Hon. Nicholas (BC NDP)...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Fraserview...... Hon. George Chow Sims, Jinny (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Panorama Vancouver-Hastings ...... Singh, Aman (BC NDP) ...... Richmond-Queensborough Vancouver-Kensington...... Singh, Rachna (BC NDP)...... Surrey–Green Timbers Vancouver-Kingsway...... Hon. Adrian Dix Starchuk, Mike (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Vancouver-Langara...... Michael Lee Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kelowna West Vancouver–Mount Pleasant...... Hon. Melanie Mark Stone, Todd (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kamloops–South Tompson Vancouver–Point Grey ...... Hon. David Eby, QC Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal Party) ...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Vancouver-Quilchena...... , QC Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal Party)...... Fraser-Nicola Vancouver–West End ...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Walker, Adam (BC NDP)...... Parksville-Qualicum Vernon-Monashee ...... Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal Party) ...... Richmond North Centre Victoria–Beacon Hill...... Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer (BC NDP) ...... New Westminster Victoria–Swan Lake...... Hon. Rob Fleming Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal Party)...... Vancouver-Quilchena West Vancouver–Capilano...... Yao, Henry (BC NDP) ...... Richmond South Centre West Vancouver–Sea to Sky......

Party Standings: BC NDP 57; BC Liberal Party 28; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS

Tursday, March 4, 2021 Morning Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 479 Bill 5 — Insurance Corporation Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. M. Farnworth Bill 10 — Supply Act (No. 1), 2021 Hon. S. Robinson

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 479 Kelowna General Hospital R. Merrifeld Chamber of commerce business award recipients in Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows B. D’Eith Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society I. Paton COVID-19 impact R. Russell Work of Saanich North and the Islands constituency ofce A. Olsen Marcelina Perdido Agulay M. Elmore

Oral Questions...... 482 Delay of COVID-19 vaccine second dose for seniors and staf in long-term-care facilities S. Bond Hon. A. Dix R. Merrifeld Disaggregated data collection and use A. Olsen Hon. D. Eby COVID-19 vaccination plan approach and priorities J. Tegart Hon. A. Dix B. Banman M. Bernier M. de Jong

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills ...... 487 Bill 9 — Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. J. Osborne D. Ashton J. Sims C. Oakes M. Starchuk

479

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 10, Supply Act (No. 1), 2021, be introduced and read a frst time now. Te House met at 10:04 a.m. Bill 10 provides interim supply for ministry operations and other appropriations for approximately the frst three [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] months of the 2021-2022 fscal year. Bill 10 also provides interim supply for a portion of Routine Business government’s anticipated fnancing requirements for the 2021-2022 fscal year, including an amount equalling one- Prayers and refections: Hon. S. Malcolmson. third of fscal year 2020-21, estimated capital expenditures, [10:05 a.m.] loans, investments and other fnancing requirements; and an amount equalling one-half of fscal year 2020-21, estim- Introduction and ated disbursements for revenues collected on behalf of and First Reading of Bills transferred to specifc programs and entities.

BILL 5 — INSURANCE CORPORATION Mr. Speaker: Te question is frst reading of the bill. AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 Motion approved. Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 10 be placed on the Insurance Corporation Amendment Act, 2021. orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House afer today. Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a frst time now. Bill 10, Supply Act (No. 1), 2021, introduced, read a I’m pleased to introduce Bill 5, the Insurance Corpor- frst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day ation Amendment Act, 2021. Tis bill amends the Insur- for second reading at the next sitting of the House afer ance Corporation Act to provide for an ICBC fairness today. ofcer, who will be appointed by the Lieutenant-Gov- [10:10 a.m.] ernor-in-Council. Tis new ofcer will have a legislative mandate to review and make recommendations to ICBC Statements to resolve individual customer complaints as well as with (Standing Order 25B) respect to policy and process related to customer fair- ness. KELOWNA GENERAL HOSPITAL As a government appointment, the fairness ofcer will have greater independence from ICBC and be independ- R. Merrifeld: Heritage Week was just a week ago, and I ent from ICBC’s claims arm. Tis is intended to increase enjoyed celebrating by looking back at what Kelowna Gen- transparency and trust in ICBC. eral Hospital was back in 1908. It started with a donation of land from Kelowna Land and Orchard and only had 19 Mr. Speaker: Te question is frst reading of the bill. beds when it frst opened. One of the frst physicians at KGH was Dr. William Knox, who was a pioneer in med- Motion approved. ical care in the Okanagan. He was also the only doctor in Kelowna during both World War I and the 1918 Spanish Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be placed on fu pandemic. Dr. Knox single-handedly treated patients the orders of the day for the second reading at the next sit- during the epidemic. Dr. Knox’s eforts were impressive, ting of the House afer today. but the hospital was losing money and was on the verge of closing when nurses, merchants and the community ral- Bill 5, Insurance Corporation Amendment Act, 2021, lied to help keep the hospital open. introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on Over the decades, KGH has changed greatly. Today it orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of ofers a full roster of service and has thousands of employ- the House afer today. ees, and with the addition of the clinical academic campus, the hospital is raising the next generation of doctors. BILL 10 — SUPPLY ACT (No. 1), 2021 But what is KGH? What sets it apart? Well, it’s the ded- ication, expertise and spirit of service of the hospital staf, Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her pioneered by Dr. Knox in the early 1900s and evident Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply throughout the hospital’s history, extending to today. Act (No. 1), 2021. While the hospital building itself has changed through the years, that spirit still persists. 480 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021

Today, a year into this pandemic, I celebrate all of the and dedicated group of volunteers with the Delta Hospital nurses, support staf, doctors, technicians, administrators Auxiliary Society. Soon afer the hospital was built in 1980, and front-line workers who continue to serve the Interior the hospital auxiliary opened a gif shop and café inside Health Authority region and the constituents of my riding the hospital, alongside an incredibly successful and popu- in Kelowna-Mission. But I also hear your fatigue. I can lar thrif shop in Ladner village. only imagine your sacrifces. I believe that we would not [10:15 a.m.] be faring as well through this time without your eforts. Tanks to the generosity of many in our community, Tank you for extending a smile, a kind word, and giv- the society has done so well that they now own one of the ing us your expertise, which continues to give us hope to largest storefronts in Ladner village. Tousands of volun- get through this trying time. teers have done their part over many decades, and cur- rently, 450 volunteers remain actively involved with the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARD society. Tese volunteers work tirelessly to ensure our RECIPIENTS IN MAPLE RIDGE, community benefts from funding for new equipment, MISSION AND PITT MEADOWS programs, recreational therapy and student bursaries. In addition, the society recently contributed just over B. D’Eith: Tis year it’s especially important that we $2 million towards the construction and administration of acknowledge businesses, organizations and individuals the Peter C. and Elizabeth Toigo diagnostic centre at Delta who contribute to our communities. I want to take this Hospital. Tis contribution is just one of over $22 million opportunity to highlight the winners of our recent cham- the society has donated towards new services and equip- bers of commerce Business Excellence Awards in Maple ment at our hospital. Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows. On a personal note, I am incredibly proud of my family’s In Ridge Meadows, Friends in Need Food Bank was close afliation with the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society. recognized as Non-Proft Organization of the Year. Paul It started with my father, who was an original member Gurm was the winner of the Community Spirit of the of the team that helped build community support for the Year award for his fundraising work. Westgate Flower construction of our own local hospital. My sister Glenda Garden received the Small Business of the Year award, was also a registered nurse at the Delta Hospital for many and Matteo Signorelli was recognized as the Under 40 years, and my wife Pam is the vice-chair of the Delta Hos- Professional of the Year for his indoor bike and skate pital Foundation. Most importantly, this brings me to my business park, the Air Rec Center. Lisa Craik was hon- mother, Marjorie, who was an original society member oured as Business Leader of the Year for her work with from 1969 and continued — pre-COVID, of course — to Re/Max lifestyles realty. drive into Ladner twice a week to volunteer at the thrif In Mission, Perfect Piece Optical received the Customer shop and at the hospital’s extended care ward. Service Excellence award. Pressland General was awarded Like many societies across B.C., COVID-19 has posed Exceptional Business of the Year. Studio FITRx won the unprecedented challenges to the auxiliary society. To make Resiliency Award for their innovation in maintaining matters worse, a suspicious fre in December has lef them operations while responding to the COVID-19 disrup- on the hook for restoration fees and renovations to fx this tions. Silk Degrees home decor received the Marketing damage. Yet ingenuity has them temporarily back up and and Communication award. My friend Michelle Pufer running in a vacant storefront across the street from the and the Mission Community Services was recognized as damaged building. Non-Proft Organization of the Year. Business Ethics of the Despite what can only be described as a trying time, I Year Award went to Excalibur Electric, and Dailey Health want to sincerely congratulate the tremendous eforts of and Wellness clinic was recognized as the under-40 entre- our Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society, our Delta Hospital preneur of the year. Foundation as well as our outstanding doctors, nurses and During the COVID-19 pandemic, our businesses and staf at our beloved Delta Hospital. Our community is organizations have overcome huge obstacles, and they appreciative of all you do to provide excellent care and ser- deserve our support and appreciation. vice to those who need it. On my behalf and on behalf of the member for Abbots- ford-Mission and the member for Maple Ridge–Pitt Mead- COVID-19 IMPACT ows, I wish to congratulate the 2020 chambers of com- merce Business Excellence Awards for business and non- R. Russell: Good morning. I join you today from profts and the nominees who are all very deserving in down the hall, in the traditional territory of the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Mission. Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking people, as opposed to the nsy- ilxcən-speaking people’s territory, where I have the hon- DELTA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY our of living and playing. Tose that know me know how passionate I am about I. Paton: Today I would like to talk about a very special Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 481 mitigating the devasting impacts of COVID on all of us Te values are the foundation of Butchart’s training pro- — on our happiness, on our quality of life — whether that gram, and they are the basis of my commitment to the is because of the fact that we’re social beings and we can’t people of Saanich North and the Islands. interact how we traditionally have, or whether it’s because I’m humbled that they have again chosen me to occupy we’ve lost loved ones, or whether it’s because businesses their seat in this chamber. I’m motivated by the trust that we’re involved with are struggling. Tough, as a brief tan- they put in me to serve their interests, to speak as their gent, I must say how impressed I am by the great com- voice and to act as their advocate in this parliament. petency demonstrated by the Minister of Jobs, Econom- As provincewide advocacy goes, there is no single great- ic Recovery and Innovation through both his passion for er issue in our email in-box than the protection of old- reducing barriers, his advocacy for economic recovery and growth forests. his action of delivering a diverse suite of supports for busi- Te lack of primary care providers tops the lists of local nesses to thrive and reimagine themselves. issues. Tousands of seniors in my riding are still unat- But back on track, I want to touch upon a diferent chal- tached. lenge that lies ahead: how to hang on to the positive dis- A close second is transportation — rapid bus transit on ruption that COVID has created in all our lives. It’s not all the Saanich Peninsula, roads, highways and ferries on the bad, and hanging on to the good is going to be key to our Gulf Islands. I’m thankful to have already had an excellent thriving in the years of recovery ahead to ensure we actu- conversation with the new Minister of Transportation, and ally do build back better. I look forward to the good work to come. For example, the uptick in appreciation of local food However, today I’m asking the powerful voices of and the importance of food security, both local production Saanich North and the Islands to participate in two public channels…. For example, in my riding, a venue has seen consultations currently underway in our riding. Te pro- a 300 percent increase in transactions in volume of local vincial government wants your input on the Keating Cross food distribution as well as dramatic increase in cash Road fyover project, and B.C. Ferries is seeking your input donations to food banks to meet the extreme increase in on a new schedule to serve the southern Gulf Islands. demand. I believe our challenge is to cement those im- Please have your voice heard. You can fnd the links provements of awareness and care in food security, going to these consultations on our constituency ofce website, forward. saanichnorthandtheislands.com. Or the agility shown by our professional public service and health care community in implementation of tele- MARCELINA PERDIDO AGULAY health services. In rural B.C., where the Centre for Rural Health Research at the University of B.C…. Last year they M. Elmore: Our dear friend Marcelina Perdido Agulay documented that remote and rural residents pay, on aver- was looking forward to her retirement and spending more age, $2,234 out of pocket for a single specialist appoint- time with her husband and grandchildren. Instead, her life ment. Tis matters. Creative models of care, delivery and was cut tragically short when a drunk driver hit her car in access matter for us. North Vancouver Tuesday night. She died soon afer, and COVID has been brutally difcult for all of us, econom- her husband, Leo, remains in critical condition. ically and psychosocially. But we now must have to work Lina, as she was fondly called, was kind, caring, prin- hard. We have to work hard to identify the gems among cipled and fearless. She was a doting mother and grand- the rubble of the fallout and ensure that those facets of mother, an active union member, a community organizer compassion and well-being continue to shine, as was said and a part of our B.C. NDP family. in the morning refection, to mirror and grow whatever In order to provide for her family, she made the difcult beauty we fnd. decision to leave her young son Leomar and husband behind in the Philippines to work in Hong Kong and then WORK OF SAANICH NORTH AND Canada as a caregiver in the 1990s. THE ISLANDS CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Her daughter-in-law Jovy recounts how Lina was a very devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her grand- A. Olsen: We get thousands of emails each year into the daughter Pia says she will miss Lina reading to her every Saanich North and the Islands constituency ofce inbox. day. She will also be terribly missed by her grandson Pio. We’ve always responded to all of those emails within a few Jovy recounts how Lina’s passion was the community. hours of receiving them — no auto responders, just con- Jovy says that the family is overwhelmed and moved with stituent-focused service. so much support from people contacting them to tell them [10:20 a.m.] how Lina changed their lives. It comes from my days working in hospitality and cus- Lina was an active BCGEU member of Local 303 and tomer service. I had the honour of working at Butchart an early childhood educator. She was also part of Filipino Gardens. Te Gardens have trained tens of thousands of community groups like the Sanchez-Mira and Grupo people in our community to deliver world-class service. Ilocano Association of B.C., where her husband, Leo, is the 482 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 director. She was an organizer with Migrante B.C., a com- Te member will know — and she acknowledged that, I munity group that works to empower migrant workers. think, in her question — that long-term-care and assisted- Lina was a Sunday school teacher, a part of a com- living facilities have been the top priority in our immuniz- munity of faith and also a very gifed crafer and enjoyed ation plan. It’s extraordinary that 97 percent of staf mem- making crafs. bers targeted…. Of our target, 92 percent of long-term- But she was more than a member of these and other care residents have received their frst dose. You can see groups. Lina was a community leader in the kindest, truest the impact of that. We went from 42 active outbreaks in and best sense. She volunteered in local, provincial and long-term-care homes on January 15 to six today. federal campaigns, and she was a member of the executive Te efectiveness of the dose was laid out in detail in the for the B.C. NDP in Burnaby North. presentation by Dr. Penny Ballem and Dr. Bonnie Henry She sided with the oppressed and with workers and on Monday. Te member will also know that British Col- migrant workers. Her love for them lives in our hearts and umbia and, indeed, all jurisdictions in Canada, it would in our commitment to also continue in the struggle for a appear, have changed their position with respect to second just world. She encouraged all of us to follow her legacy. dose and the immediacy of the need for the second dose, We are all better because she was in our lives, and she which has now been extended to 16 weeks. touched us all in diferent ways. She made our communit- Tat decision, which has been put in place this week, is ies and our world better. She will be forever missed and intended to provide more protection for people across the forever loved. province to allow us to deal with the pandemic better. I Paalam Manang, Lina. Goodbye, Sister Lina. May you agree with the member, and the member knows this. We’ve rest in eternal peace. talked about it on a number of occasions personally — the impact of the pandemic on people in long-term care. We Oral Questions will be proceeding. People will not have to wait for changes in activity and access in long-term care based on the sci- DELAY OF COVID-19 VACCINE ence and the evidence. SECOND DOSE FOR SENIORS AND STAFF Provincial health ofcers and our public health team IN LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES have made decisions about vaccinations. We will now be moving to improve access for seniors in long-term care — S. Bond: Every member in this House knows that some something, to my way of thinking, that is of course long of the most tragic outcomes of the pandemic have been in overdue for people living through this pandemic in long- long-term-care facilities. We’ve all seen the heart-wrench- term care and in assisted living. ing photographs, the stories of separation and people los- ing their loved ones, who may have died alone. Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on [10:25 a.m.] a supplemental. Staf and families in long-term care were extremely relieved, and they felt a glimmer of hope that they were a S. Bond: Well, thank you very much. I appreciate the priority for phase 1 vaccination. Many long-term-care res- Health minister’s response. Tere has certainly been a idents in British Columbia have received two doses of the great deal of debate across the country about the extension vaccine. I think it’s fair to say that staf, residents and fam- of the second dose. Te theme of the question today is ilies expected that everyone in phase 1 would be receiving about the fact the minister just said that we will be “mov- two doses. ing to.” Ten perhaps there should be a discussion with the You can imagine how concerned Wendy Bingham was very people that are still expecting a second dose, some of when the second dose appointment for her mother was the most frail, vulnerable British Columbians. abruptly cancelled yesterday. It was cancelled on the very Tat situation wasn’t the only one. If this government day that it was scheduled to take place. Wendy writes for is going to move to a new protocol, the very people who her mom. Tis is what she said it means: “Another two are expecting a second dose — and they were expecting a months of being locked in their facility with no interaction second dose — should at least have been told. Tey were with the outside world.” Well, I’m sure the Premier and promised. Tey believed it. everyone in this place can understand how upsetting a Let’s look at what else happened. People were anxious. last-minute cancellation of a second vaccination would be. Tey were waiting. Tey fully expected a second dose. If Can the Premier explain why that scheduled second this government is making a conscious choice to move dose was cancelled on the very day it was to have been giv- away from that protocol, they forgot to tell the very people en, causing additional anxiety and stress for that resident, who believed they were going to get a second vaccination. for the staf, and for their family? Tere is inconsistency in British Columbia. Many long- term-care residents have received a second dose. Tere is Hon. A. Dix: Tank you very much to the hon. member confusion and inconsistency. for her question. On Tuesday, about 200 residents, essential visitors and Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 483 staf were scheduled to receive their second vaccination R. Merrifeld: People understand the government has at Orchard Manor and Hawthorn Park. Tey were sched- updated its vaccination plan. Tis isn’t really about the uled to receive it. Diana Chappell was confused as to why updating. Tis is about promises. Tis is about expecta- this long-term-care home didn’t get its second dose, say- tions. ing: “Tere is an absolute letdown on a human level, and See, people don’t understand why some vulnerable seni- also the fact that these facilities were one of the last facilit- ors who were expecting to receive a second dose had that ies in the area to get the second vaccination.” promise broken. Kyla Coates said her family was so [10:30 a.m.] relieved when her 92-year-old grandmother, who sufers Again to the Premier, if the government is moving from dementia, was given her frst shot. And now she’s ahead and making a decision to extend the period of time, upset as to why her grandmother’s home was excluded the very people, the most vulnerable, frail British Colum- or singled out from the completion of phase 1 afer she bians, should at least have been told, and, more import- authorized 42 days consent. antly, this government should have delivered on the prom- Te Premier told us that we should “know the diference ise for phase 1 residents. Will the Premier commit to doing between phase 1 and phase 2 and phase 3.” that today? To the Premier, can he explain to Kyla why some vulner- able seniors in phase 1 received the second dose while the Hon. A. Dix: In British Columbia to date, in thousands promise was broken to her grandmother? of locations around British Columbia, the public health ofcials have delivered doses to British Columbians — Hon. A. Dix: I would say this: I think the priority 300,000 doses, roughly, today. Te majority of those doses, that British Columbia has given to people — especially of course, are frst doses, and all of the people who received in long-term care, to vulnerable seniors, to vulnerable frst doses will receive second doses — all of them. communities — is clear from the data we release every Te decision that was taken based on the evidence, evid- single day. Tat has been our priority from the begin- ence that was presented last week, evidence that has been ning, and that efort is working. Look at the evidence presented to British Columbians, evidence that was an- to show the impact that it’s had and the quality of life nounced publicly, in a decision that was announced pub- already in long-term care and will have in the coming licly on Monday…. All of those people received them, weeks as we make changes to improve that quality of but the delay between frst and second doses has been life in long-term care. We are, of course, adapting, as we extended. Te decision that was taken was straightfor- have and as every person listening to us has in the course ward, based on the science and based on an efort to pro- of this pandemic, our plan to the evidence. Tat is what tect people across British Columbia. I think everyone would expect us to do. I am very proud of the efort to protect people in long- [10:35 a.m.] term care and its impact. I ask the member to review the Te idea that you would make a decision to extend the presentation given both to our caucus and to the people of period between frst and second doses and then delay that British Columbia on Monday, which lays out in detail the for weeks and weeks and months, if that is the opposition’s impact of the frst dose and why British Columbia and oth- plan, is not the correct approach. Te correct approach er jurisdictions are proceeding with this approach. We’re is to follow the science, to follow the guidance of public doing so to help keep people safer given the supply of vac- health, to make decisions that are in the interests of people, cine in Canada. We’re doing so to ensure that people who the interests of our most vulnerable and the interests of are sufering from other aspects of the pandemic — the people around the province. Tat’s what Dr. Bonnie Henry efect of the pandemic on all aspects of our life in British has done with this decision, and I encourage the member Columbia — can receive relief sooner. We are doing so in to support it. a way that absolutely protects those in long-term care and assisted living. Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kelowna-Mission on a I know that the member is correct to advocate for supplemental. people who have already received their frst doses and to make that case on their behalf. Tey will receive second R. Merrifeld: I appreciate the minister’s points. But doses. But to proceed with this and to allow us to expand appointments were made, promises were made, and prom- our immunization campaign based on the science was a ises were broken. decision taken by public health ofcials and a decision, It’s not just seniors who are concerned about this of course, that I support. It’s supported by the National change. Let’s talk about Ailene, who is a health care assist- Advisory Committee on Immunization, supported by pro- ant in long-term care. Tis is her experience. She says: “I vincial health ofcers in every jurisdiction in Canada. received my frst COVID-19 vaccine on January 11 and I think it’s the right decision for all of us, and I ask the was to get my second dose today, 50 days later. I took the member to consider supporting it. day of work, because I also work as an education assistant. My appointment was for 11:25 a.m. I went to the appoint- 484 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 ment early. Tere was no one waiting at the screening sta- My question is straightforward and to the Premier. Does tion. If Fraser Health was able to notify me by text to make the Premier agree with this statement? an appointment, could they not also have easily sent one out cancelling it?” Hon. D. Eby: Tank you to the member for the Does the Premier think it’s fair to have health care work- thoughtful question. We, as a government, and the par- ers arrive to an empty room when they were expecting to liamentary secretary who is leading this work around the get a second dose? Can he promise to do better for health importance of data to inform government decisions, to care workers? inform our policies and the importance of disaggregated race data to understand our blind spots and to understand Hon. A. Dix: I think it’s fair to say that our commitment whether the initiatives that we have put in place are disad- to supporting health care workers is a matter of public vantaging a particular group or are not addressing under- record. Te member will know, in this House…. Tis came lying concerns…. before the pandemic, and it has been in place since the I agree with the quote — that what we measure and how pandemic. It’s the reason why essential health care workers we measure it is critically important. I’ll put a caveat on it. have been immunized in such large numbers: 56,000 We asked the Human Rights Commissioner to advise us front-line health care workers, 20,000 community work- about how best to move forward in this area. ers, 39,000 workers in long-term care and thousands more [10:40 a.m.] in assisted living and in the community and throughout She cautioned us, and this is the second and third sen- British Columbia. tence of her executive summary: “By making systemic It indicates our priority in immunization, but it’s not inequalities in our society visible, data can lead to posit- just in immunization. When we implemented the single- ive change,” as the member is suggesting. “But the same site model in B.C., more efectively than in any jurisdiction data used or collected poorly can reinforce stigmatiz- in Canada, it was because we recognized the fundamental ation of communities, leading to individual and com- inequality that health care workers had faced for a decade, munity harm.” and a decade before that, as a result of policies that had So we need to collect this data, but we need to be in explicitly targeted them. partnership with communities that are afected to make Of course there are challenges in managing an immun- sure that we avoid the caution that’s been given to us by ization campaign of this nature. Of course we feel for our Human Rights Commissioner to avoid individual and everyone involved. I wish everyone in B.C. would have all community harm in our eforts to do that. their shots right now. But we are dealing with the vaccine supply that’s provided by the federal government, with the Mr. Speaker: Te member for Saanich North and the limitations that our federal government is facing. We are Islands on a supplemental. delivering that based on the evidence, directed by public health ofcials — not by politicians but by public health A. Olsen: I thank the Attorney General for that ofcials — in order to keep people as safe as possible dur- thoughtful response. I appreciate the agreement with ing a pandemic. that statement. I am proud of those health care workers. I am proud Tere is a cost to delay. Tere’s a cost to every moment to be in a government that has always backed health care that there is a delay. While the government sits on the side- workers, and we’re going to continue to do it. lines with this issue, we have to ask the question: who is paying that cost? Certainly, there is cost to this govern- DISAGGREGATED DATA ment, no doubt. Tere is going to be increased cost by not COLLECTION AND USE fully understanding the picture that is in front of us. However, the real cost of inaction is on those vulnerable A. Olsen: For my question today I’d like to start with a populations that my colleague and I have been talking quote from Dr. Alicia Sasser Modestino, who is a public about for weeks, the vulnerable populations that Sasser policy professor at Northeastern, PhD in economics from Modestino refers to being negatively impacted by bias Harvard University. creep and exclusion from decision-informing data sets. Tis week on CBC she stated: “It’s no secret that unless As the Attorney General pointed out in his response to you measure something, you can’t really talk about it and my frst question, in June of last year, the Premier wrote to you can’t fx it as an issue. Troughout our society, as we the B.C. Human Rights Commissioner and requested her are collecting data, there’s bias in who we are collecting advice on how to move forward with the collection of race- that data on, how it is interpreted and who gets studied. and ethnicity-based data. As the Attorney General pointed If you are excluding groups from your feld, then you’re out, there was a response from the Human Rights Com- going to have that bias creep in, and you’re not going to be missioner. Yet nine months has passed. Nine months has able to fx the problems that face vulnerable populations.” passed, and every day that’s passed since then, there have been negative impacts on British Columbians. Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 485

I ask my question again to the Premier. What substantial Hon. A. Dix: We were informed, of course, last Friday progress has your government made in nine months that of the decision by the government of Canada and Health puts us in a diferent place than when that letter was draf- Canada to approve AstraZeneca as a vaccine — as our ted back in June? third vaccine in our immunization eforts in British Col- umbia and across Canada. We were informed earlier this Hon. D. Eby: Tank you, again, to the member for week — or on the weekend, in fact — that some Astra- drawing attention to this very important issue. Te mem- Zeneca would be coming next week. Initially, that ber asks what steps our government has taken, and he AstraZeneca will be used to deal with outbreaks and issues quotes a human rights commissioner who didn’t exist around the province that require immediate attention of before we were elected into government. I thank the mem- vaccination. ber and the agreement that we had that re-established a Our public health ofcials are putting together a plan human rights commissioner so she could give us advice on based, again, on evidence as to how AstraZeneca and, important issues like this. potentially, Johnson and Johnson — once that vaccine is We’ve worked with communities across the province to approved, and we expect it to be — are used in British re-establish a Resilience B.C. Anti-Racism Network. We’ve Columbia. It will be, again, based on evidence — not on almost doubled funding for that program to provide even a discussion of politics between one group or another but more support for community groups responding to based on the evidence as assessed by public health ofcials. racism. And as always, those ofcials and all of us will go out and Te member knows we’re working to reform the Police present what that evidence is and what the basis for those Act. Fighting anti-Indigenous racism in health care. We’re decisions is. Tat will come in the coming weeks. stepping up even further with the COVID-19 rise in hate- related incidents that we’ve seen, especially anti-Asian B. Banman: Tis pandemic has been with us for a year racism, with $1.9 million in new recovery money to sup- — a year. Tere is no excuse for this government not to port important community work around that. We’ve give clear answers and detailed information about the increased multiculturalism grants. We have upcoming order and the criteria for vaccinating priority groups. Our anti-racism public education programs. dedicated police and frefghters put themselves at risk of I understand the member wants to move quickly. Every- exposure to this virus every single day. body wants to move quickly on this. But I also want to We know that AstraZeneca is arriving in British Col- emphasize the challenge of moving quickly by yourself and umbia, and it comes with an expiry date. First responders the importance of going a long distance in partnership, deserve clarity and a plan for when and how they will be which is slower but necessary and critical in this realm. vaccinated. Te problem is that they and we have just seen Again from the Human Rights Commissioner: “As this government break its word, break its promise to the experts in their own lives, community members are the most vulnerable, our seniors. So essential workers do not ones best equipped to identify priorities and risks in trust this government. potential data collection projects.”Tis will happen, but we To the Premier, on what priority basis will frst respon- will take the necessary time to ensure the afected groups ders be vaccinated? are direct, involved partners in this. I know the member agrees with that, and I know he Hon. A. Dix: For today, I’m going to ignore the unbe- understands that. Tank you again for raising this issue. lievably disrespectful statements made about our provin- cial health ofcer and our public health team embedded in COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN that question. I’ll ignore it today because these issues are APPROACH AND PRIORITIES so important to people in B.C. On January 17, we presented our detailed immunization J. Tegart: B.C. teachers and education staf have kept plan, a plan that we have followed efectively and to the let- our schools open and are on the front line every day. ter. Earlier this week, on March 1, having briefed the oppo- Tey’re stressed and afraid. But this government has failed sition and many other groups, we presented the next phase to listen for their calls for additional layers of protection in of our immunization campaign. our schools. Our focus — and we have been clear from the beginning Front-line essential workers in our schools need to — is to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19 frst, know if they are being prioritized and when and how they by vaccinating them frst. Tat’s why in long-term care, for will be vaccinated. AstraZeneca is arriving in British Col- example, more than 70,000 people have received their frst umbia. We know it must go to a younger cohort, and it immunizations, and you’ve seen the efect of that. We said comes with an expiration date. we’d do it; we did it. With respect to assisted living, the [10:45 a.m.] same: we said we’d do it, and we did it. With health care To the Premier, on what priority basis will teachers and workers in our acute care settings, the same. For Indigen- other educational workers be vaccinated? ous people in rural and remote communities, the same. We 486 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 did it by following public health and by the extraordinary We’ve seen the efectiveness of these vaccines and what work of public health professionals and health care work- they can do in communities. ers around our province. We got word this past weekend about the amount of Tat continues now. We have laid out our age-based vaccine in British Columbia. Te opposition has now approach with respect to Pfzer and Moderna, meaning mentioned hundreds of thousands of people that they that we’re going to protect those most vulnerable frst, believe should get priority. Of course, we have right because those who are older are the most vulnerable to now…. In the month of March, we’re going to have prob- severe outcomes from COVID-19. Tat is the plan we’re ably around 60,000 doses of AstraZeneca — doses that we going to continue to do. will use, of course. We have a relatively small amount of AstraZeneca com- Te approach here is to lay out an immunization ing into the province. We are going to use it to efectively response that’s based on the science, that protects those deal with situations in communities, in the initial stages. most vulnerable, that takes the most action we possibly We are, of course, going to use all of it. And then we’re can to reduce community spread. Tat is the approach that going to present a plan that’s, again, systematic, follows the has been recommended by our provincial health ofcer, advice of public health, addresses those who are most vul- Dr. Bonnie Henry, and the team at the BCCDC, and we’re nerable to COVID-19 and addresses those who are most going to continue to follow that approach. likely to spread COVID-19. One can play politics in trying to pit groups against [10:50 a.m.] groups. I don’t think that’s where British Columbians are Tat’s the way you would expect a competent, thought- at. I think they overwhelmingly support our approach to ful province…. An immunization campaign based on the protect those most vulnerable frst. Tey are happy that people who do immunization campaigns every day, who people in long-term care have received doses across this do this work every day — public health ofcials across B.C. province — more than 90 percent. Tey’re happy about I am so proud of them. I am so proud of the work we’re that, even if it means they don’t get their dose yet. doing in this campaign, and I’m so hopeful about its posit- We are going to move forward in the same way with this ive impact for people in British Columbia. immunization campaign. I continue to be proud of our public health ofcials who are putting the people of B.C. M. Bernier: Let’s be clear. Tis is not about being dis- frst. If you want to know the principles of this campaign, respectful to any health leaders at all. Tis is about ask- go back to January 17, go back to December, and see what ing questions that the people of British Columbia have we said and what we did. because there have not been clear direction and clear answers given by this government. All we’re asking for M. de Jong: Te problem the minister doesn’t want to are clear criteria and the order that the vaccination pri- seem to acknowledge — in fact, seems to take great ofence orities will be for groups in British Columbia. Tese at the opposition pointing out — is that when you pull the people are asking. rug out from under a 90-year-old at the very last minute We all know the pandemic has been here for a year. by denying them the vaccine they were promised, people We’ve had lots of time to put together a better plan and lose confdence. Tey stop trusting you. better priorities and to communicate that to the people Stephanie Smith of the BCGEU says this: “It’s a matter and to the groups, especially now, as we’ve been hearing, of clarity. Our members work in corrections, supportive with the AstraZeneca vaccine coming. It has an expiry housing, child care. Tey want to know when their turn date. We’re told that it could expire within just a few weeks. will be.” Now, the Premier has said nothing, and nothing So to be told that we’ll have a plan in a few weeks, when the minister has said, quite frankly, provides anything that vaccine expires in a few weeks, is cold comfort to approaching clarity, despite the passage of time. many people. [10:55 a.m.] What I want to know is: which industries will this gov- If the Premier and the minister are prepared to unilat- ernment actually consider essential? What about those in erally change the rules on vaccinations for a 90-year-old in transportation of our much-needed goods; maybe the a long-term-care facility, how can a child care worker or a workers in camps, or those in the energy sector; what corrections worker have any faith in any of the assurances about our agriculture and food-processing workers? Will that the minister purports to make today? the Premier today answer that simple question and let these groups know when they will be prioritized? Hon. A. Dix: I guess the hon. member wishes that we engage in immunization politics by some sort of political Hon. A. Dix: Te basis of our immunization campaign popularity contest. Tat’s not what’s happening here. throughout has been to protect those most vulnerable frst. We are protecting those who are most vulnerable frst. Tat fundamental ethical principle has guided us and has We laid out our plan on January 17 for phase 1. When been, I believe, given the amount of vaccine we’ve received we announced our plan on March 1 for the next phase from the federal government, extraordinarily efective. of immunizations, we made a signifcant change between Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 487 frst and second dose, one that was supported by the sci- that use LECFA, local governments and boards of educa- ence. tion. If the opposition disagrees with the National Advisory Tese changes will more closely align the campaign fn- Committee on Immunization, if the opposition disagrees ancing rules for local elections with those established for with Dr. Bonnie Henry, if the opposition disagrees with provincial elections in the Election Act while continuing Dr. Réka Gustafson, if the opposition disagrees with public to account for the unique nature of local elections. Spe- health ofcials, they, of course, have every right to make cifcally, the proposed amendments will enhance the reg- that disagreement clear. You can have it your way; you ulatory framework for elector organizations, increase the can’t have it both ways. time period during which election advertising is regulated We support public health. We support an immunization before an election, clarify what activities fall under elec- campaign that protects our most vulnerable frst. I’m tion advertising, implement sponsorship contribution lim- proud of the ofcials who have put it together, and I’m its, enhance enforcement tools by establishing additional proud of the efort that’s been made by everyone in British investigations tools and administrative monetary penalties Columbia — public health ofcials and the people of B.C. and make minor changes to help ensure the local elections — to deal with this pandemic over the last year. I know fnancing framework is efective and works as intended. they will show the same courage and the same determina- [11:00 a.m.] tion in the coming months. Te work undertaken to bring forward today’s amend- ments was signifcant, and I would like to thank ministry [End of question period.] staf as well as the governments and organizations who made Bill 9 possible. Tese amendments address specifc Orders of the Day issues identifed by ministry staf as part of monitoring work undertaken during the 2018 general local elections, Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued second reading and they respond to recommendations made in the B.C. debate on Bill 9, Local Elections Statutes Amendment Chief Electoral Ofcer’s report on the 2018 general local Act. elections. We developed this bill following consultations with key [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] stakeholders, such as Elections B.C., boards of education, First Nations that use LECFA and the Union of B.C. Muni- Second Reading of Bills cipalities, which represents B.C.’s 189 local governments and the Islands Trust. BILL 9 — LOCAL ELECTIONS STATUTES As local elections also include board of education elec- AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 tions, the Ministry of Education and the B.C. School Trustees Association were also consulted. Consultations Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Members. If you wouldn’t were held with the Sechelt Indian government district, mind taking your business outside of the chamber if you’re as LECFA applies to elections of the Sechelt Indian gov- going to have chitchat, that would be great, so we can get ernment district advisory council members. Notice was on with the orders of the day. also provided to all modern treaty nations in relation to amendments to permit canvassing in condominium and Hon. J. Osborne: I move that the bill now be read a similar buildings. second time. Central to this legislation are changes that will enhance I’m pleased to rise in the House today to speak to this the regulatory framework for elector organizations. Over important piece of legislation which continues the work 64 elector organizations participated in the 2018 general that was started when many of my colleagues were sworn local elections. Tey were primarily active in communities in, in 2017. in the Lower Mainland, but where they are active, they can Te proposed amendments to the Local Elections Cam- have a signifcant infuence on local elections. Tey parti- paign Financing Act, otherwise known as LECFA, will cipate in elections by endorsing and campaigning together build on the landmark changes our government made in and on behalf of their endorsed candidates. Elector organ- 2017 to help put an end to big money in politics and put izations are increasingly being recognized as civic political people back at the heart of provincial and local elections. parties. Bill 9 continues the ongoing work to strengthen ac- Many of the changes we are proposing respond directly countability and transparency in local elections. In 2018, to the B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer’s recommendation from we saw the frst wave of general local elections under the their report on the 2018 general local elections. As part full suite of campaign fnancing rules. Bill 9 responds to of the B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer’s role in administering the analysis and consultation following the 2018 elections, LECFA, they are required to provide a report on their including consultation with Elections B.C., First Nations experience administering LECFA in each general local 488 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 election and may make recommendations for legislative adjusted each year for infation, and are consistent with the change. provincial contribution limits — again, $1,200. Sponsor- Tis new framework will result in elector organizations ship contribution limits are important to limit the poten- being treated more like provincial political parties under tial infuence of large donors on discourse during an elec- the Election Act but continues to accommodate the ele- tion. Sponsorship contribution limits will work to further ments that make local elections unique from provincial level the playing feld in local elections and refect the elections. Bill 9 will create a new centralized registration recommendations of the B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer. framework that will be administered by Elections B.C. Creating new investigative powers and establishing a Currently the registration of elector organizations, also more robust administrative monetary penalty framework known as civic political parties, is overseen by each local will greatly improve the ability of the B.C. Chief Electoral government. Elector organizations register with a local Ofcer to conduct investigations and make compliance government by fling endorsement documents for each and enforcement decisions under the act. Currently, the election in which they intend to endorse a candidate. Local Elections Campaign Financing Act only includes Elector organizations will be required to be registered in monetary penalties in relation to exceeding election order to accept campaign contributions, endorse candid- expense limits or the amount allocated under a campaign ates or incur election expenses. As part of being registered, fnancing arrangement and in relation to exceeding elec- they’ll need to fle an annual fnancial report with Elec- tion advertising limits. tions B.C. Tis report will provide greater transparency Te new administrative monetary penalties generally into the fnancial activities of an elector organization out- mirror those found in the provincial Election Act, and side of an election year. they allow Elections B.C. to also issue monetary penalties In addition, elector organizations will be prohibited for additional violations of LECFA, which are more efect- from receiving non-campaign contributions that have ive than ofences that must be prosecuted through the been used to fund operational expenses in non-election courts. Examples of the violations Elections B.C. will now years, meaning elector organizations will be required to be able to issue include failing to register as an elector fund all expenses through campaign contributions. Tis organization or a third-party sponsor, advertising that fails change will remove the ability of organizations, such as to include sponsorship information, and for accepting businesses and unions, from supporting these elector prohibited campaign contributions, sponsorship contribu- organizations indirectly by providing funds for operation- tions and loans. al or administrative use in non-election years. New investigative tools also include the authority for the Tese changes will also increase the period of time dur- B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer to seek court orders for infor- ing which election advertising is regulated before an elec- mation from third parties, such as fnancial institutions, tion. Election advertising is currently only regulated dur- and to request records from social media companies, like ing the 29-day campaign period. Te proposed amend- Facebook, that ofer advertising to identify who is spon- ments will extend the length of time that election advert- soring advertising. Tis builds on the existing enforce- ising is regulated by creating a pre-campaign period that ment framework to ensure the B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer will precede the campaign period by 60 days, consistent has the tools they need to conduct efective investigations with the provincial Election Act. of potential rule contraventions, and it will create greater Changes to the rules governing election advertising consistency with the tools available for conducting invest- will enhance the transparency of advertising by making igations under the Election Act. it clear who is sponsoring advertising during the pre- Minor changes to the Local Elections Campaign Finan- campaign period. Tis will also provide greater consist- cing Act are being proposed to facilitate the administra- ency between election advertising rules under LECFA tion of campaign fnancing requirements in local elections. and the Election Act. Tey are intended to ensure that the Local Elections Cam- Te types of activities that are captured as election paign Financing Act functions as intended and that the advertising will be clarifed. Tis will ensure that paid B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer has the necessary authorities canvassing activities, such as door-to-door canvassing or to continue to efectively administer the campaign fnan- canvassing by telephone and mailing election materials cing rules under the act. on a commercial basis, will be subject to election advert- Tese minor amendments include expanding the B.C. ising rules. Chief Electoral Ofcer’s authority to make minor correc- [11:05 a.m.] tions to disclosure statements and supplementary reports, Establishing sponsorship contribution limits will limit to include annual fnancial reports and extending late fl- the amount that can be contributed to third-party advert- ing timelines for supplementary reports and annual fnan- ising sponsors, consistent with changes made in 2017 cial reports, consistent with the existing timeframe for dis- establishing a $1,200 limit on campaign contributions. closure reports; changing the current three-day require- Sponsorship contribution limits will track with the cam- ment to allow candidates and elector organizations to paign contribution limit, approximately $1,200 a year but modify a campaign fnancing arrangement, known as a Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 489

CFA, up until general voting day; and specifying that an her, myself and my peers in the Legislature have the oppor- administrative monetary penalty applicable to an en- tunity to administer. dorsed candidate or an elector organization in relation to For me, it is something that I do not take lightly. I know exceeding a CFA allocation between a candidate and an that each and every one of my peers in the House do elector organization would only apply if both the CFA lim- the same. We know we are entirely privileged to have this it and the candidate’s or the elector organization’s overall opportunity, and I just want to ensure that it carries on in expense limit is exceeded. an appropriate way and a continual way, because we can Finally, proposed amendments to the Local Govern- never forget where we come from. ment Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter to address I’d also like to say to the minister that I have the incred- concerns raised by local government, administrators and ible pleasure of coming out of municipal politics and the public regarding specifc aspects of local elections regional politics, similar to her. And I also come from administration. Tese changes will ensure candidates have an area, similar to her, that relies an incredible amount access to residential properties, such as strata properties, on tourism. I look forward to some return to normality, to canvass voters and distribute candidate information. where both of our areas again can host the world in the Tey’ll address the disenfranchisement of some individu- entire vistas that we are so privileged to have in our als by removing the requirement that individuals must respective areas that make a huge diference. have been a resident of their community for at least 30 Again, Minister, I look forward to working with you. days in order to vote. And they’ll ensure consistency Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for the oppor- among the choices that a court has when declaring an elec- tunity today to address Bill 9, the Local Elections Stat- tion invalid to improve efciency for local governments. utes Amendment Act. Te electoral process is a founda- Together, these changes will enhance the elections ad- tion of our democracy, whether it’s federal, provincial or ministration framework for future local elections in B.C. local government. As we know, many of us have arrived In conclusion, these proposed changes to the campaign from local governments and some actually from the fed- fnancing rules for local elections will further build up the eral government. I’m glad to hear their input into pro- comprehensive framework already established in the Local vincial politics. But once again, I say that we have to rep- Elections Campaign Financing Act to ensure people are at resent the people from where we’re elected, and that is the centre of government decision-making. most imperative. [11:10 a.m.] Any electoral process should never be written in stone, Te amendments will strengthen the transparency and this legislation is intended to reinvigorate how we and accountability in the campaign fnancing activities choose our elected ofcials at a local level. In this case, of local elections participants, particularly elector the bill particularly amends the Local Elections Campaign organizations, and provide the B.C. Chief Electoral Financing Act, Local Government Act, School Act and the Ofcer with more tools when investigating potential Vancouver Charter. Furthermore, Bill 9 will closely align contraventions of LECFA in making compliance and with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act rules for enforcement decisions. those established for provincial elections within the act. Te proposed amendments will frst apply to the 2022 Tis is one of the reasons why I, and I hope my fellow general local elections. Tis delay in application is to members in the B.C. Liberal caucus, will be supporting ensure the smooth transition of the new rules and so as to this legislation in principle only afer a thorough discus- not impact any ongoing or scheduled by-elections between sion with the minister and her staf at the committee stage, now and the next general local elections. as long as no issues are discovered that would afect ad- With that, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you and the versely the citizens who we represent. In the meantime, it members of the House. I look forward to hearing from my is worth noting that a great deal of this legislation pertains colleagues in the continued debate today on the second to campaign fnancing at the local level. And because this reading of this bill. reform is necessary in an advancing digital era, we have to take a hard look at this. Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Minister. In summary, as the minister has said, the legislation Recognizing the member for Penticton. establishes a pre-campaign period for election advertising regulation from 29 to 89 days, includes paid canvassing D. Ashton: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. I greatly appreciate activities as election advertising, requires civic parties to that. register with Elections B.C., fle annual fnancial reports First of all, I would like to recognize the Minister of instead of just during an election year, bans civic parties Municipal Afairs. I congratulate her on her win in the last from accepting non-campaign contributions to pay for election and congratulate her on her appointment. I look operational expenses in non-election years, provides Elec- forward to working with her, in conjunction, for the best tions B.C. with new investigative tools to support investig- interests of all people in British Columbia that people like ations and to ensure that the processes are fair and equit- able for every individual that puts their name forward. 490 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021

It provides Elections B.C. with additional penalties to the auspices of Elections B.C. and have to report how and fne people who do not comply with the rules and the what they are doing. process, and it also removes the 30-day local residency Under civic partnerships, to keep up with the modern requirement in order to vote, as that has pros and cons. era that we’re all in right now, Bill 9 requires civic parties Tat is something that I’m quite sure will be discussed dur- to register with Elections B.C., to fle an annual fnancial ing the committee process. It allows access for strata prop- report instead of just during the election year, and that, erties and other properties for canvassing. Tat has always again, is very important. Tis is a feature of the legislation been an issue. that recognizes that people do take part in the local demo- [11:15 a.m.] cracy on an ongoing basis. I think that’s very important, I look upon my peers that are from the Lower Mainland not only for them to be registered but for the general pub- and look at all those large towers inhabited by residents lic to know who and what so they’re supporting the can- and wonder how they have the opportunity to be able to didates of their choice. show those residents what they want to do for them. Tat’s I mean, it efectively bans civic parties from accepting a difcult process, and I hope that that also comes into non-campaign contributions to pay for operational ex- consideration in the future. penses in non-election years. Again, this is long overdue. It also removes a requirement of a ministerial order With staf salaries and ofce supplies and etc. that some to trigger a by-election if the courts declare the election campaign and some parties carry on, even not in election invalid. And by moving forward, it applies, 2022 and bey- years…. Tat all has to be funded through election cam- ond, to all local elections and by-elections. In regards to paigns. I really think that this is long overdue. the pre-campaign period, in the spirit of fairness…. Again, Te bill also provides Elections B.C. with new investig- in a rapidly advancing digital era, it is necessary to estab- ative tools to investigate the following, and it can request lish a pre-campaign period for election advertising regula- the records from companies that deal with online advert- tion from 29 to 89 days. ising to understand who is sponsoring that advertising and While this bill does cover electronic advertising, it also how much was spent. It can also request a court order covers traditional mediums such as billboards and televi- seeking records from fnancial institutions. sion commercials. More importantly, this legislation will In addition, this legislation provides Elections B.C. with require the sponsor to be clearly identifed — who will additional penalties to fne people who do not comply have to say who is sponsoring and what during the pre- with these rules. Again, politics in a democracy…. Te campaign period. Tat is very, very important today — best democracy level, as far as I’m concerned, has always that people actually know who the person that is asking for been the local level, and it’s good to see these rules coming their support represents and who the people or the organ- in. Tere are new violations as failing to register a party izations are behind them in their possible support of that or failing to include sponsorship information on electoral individual who is running for ofce. advertising and accepting prohibited contributions and As advertising continues to develop at the digital level, sponsorship contributions and loans. Tese are violations this legislation covers paid canvassing activities also as that should be looked at. election advertising. Tis includes paid individuals who [11:20 a.m.] go door-to-door and support a candidate or a party. Tey I hope that the Chief Electoral Ofcer uses his discre- will, thankfully, be subject to election advertising rules. tion wisely on all of these, and I look forward to the oppor- For me, again, this is incredibly important, especially dur- tunity to have the opportunity again during the committee ing COVID. Not many of us appreciate somebody knock- process to speak directly to the minister, to speak to her ing on our door that we don’t know. Unfortunately, it may wonderful staf that I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with be a sign of the times in the future, and we just want to over the years, and let’s make this better for everybody in ensure that everybody that is in support of a local candid- the province that runs, whether it’s at the local level and/ ate is recognized as so and ensure that that is documented or the provincial level. When I say local, that is municipal and handled properly. politics or school boards and/or regional politics. One feature, the way I look at it, that is a long time Hon. Speaker, I would like to wrap up at this point in coming is the third-party contributions of up to $1,200 a time and once again thank the minister for this oppor- year matching the donation cap. Tird parties have pros tunity and thank you for the opportunity. I look forward and cons in the way they support and how they support, to coming up ASAP in committee stage, and I can assure and I’m very glad to see that something like this is being the minister that we’ll have lots of good questions for her brought forward. and her staf. On that note, I would also like to see, and I will be ask- ing the minister…. Because there are entities out there that J. Sims: It is a pleasure today to rise — well, not rise; I’m train and give advice in many ways, and some are more going to sit — and speak on this motion today. I remem- efcient at doing it. My understanding is there are actually ber when I frst got elected in 2017 and the kind of fnance schools, and I am hoping that they will also come under rules that existed for provincial elections at that time. Hav- Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 491 ing come from being an MP to that, I was amazed at the election — because that’s what they become when they unlimited bounty that could be given by businesses, by group together — to register with Elections B.C. so that unions and individuals. At that time, I also remember the they can accept contributions, endorse candidates or incur many articles, not only national and provincial but inter- election expenses. Currently, elector organizations register national, that were written about the wild, wild west. with each local government or jurisdiction where they I’m very proud of the work that the Attorney General endorse a candidate. So this is a diferent requirement now. did at that time to bring forward legislation that would Now they have to register with Elections B.C., and then set limits for provincial, and some of that work was done they get governed by the rules that exist. for the municipal at that time as well. However, what Tey have to be accountable for the funding they happened during the 2018 elections…. It was realized that receive, not only during the election year or for the period there were some areas that still needed to be addressed, so of the election. But every year now, they will have to fle this legislation actually aims to do that. a report on their fnances — incomings and outgoings. For this legislation to be put together — just so we Tat’s really important as well, because if you don’t have know, it wasn’t written in a vacuum. It was written in con- this going on for the full election or for the between-elec- sultations with Elections B.C., with their input; the Uni- tion cycle, what you can get is, once again, that unfair, on of B.C. Municipalities, which represents every one of unfettered fundraising that could really impact. B.C.’s 189 local governments and the Islands Trust; First You know, when we start to look at fundraising and put Nations that utilize the Local Election Campaign Finan- a level playing feld out for everybody, the main goal here cing Act; and the B.C. School Trustees Association, which is to put the voter, those who vote, actually at the centre of represents all the boards of education. So input was sought the decisions that are made and to take away big business, from all of these groups, and then this legislation was put big unions — I’ll use the same term — or big developers together. with deep pockets putting in large sums of money with the I always think that when legislation is introduced, it’s hope that they can then start infuencing policy. I think always worth fnding out what the partners or those who this legislation is long overdue, and I’m actually absolutely participated in the input have to say about it. I have a quote delighted that this is here. here that I will have to read out because I didn’t mem- Also, there will be changes around election advertising. orize it, from UBCM president Brian Frenkel, and this is Te pre-campaign period is now going to be extended what he has to say. “Tese changes strengthen the rules from 29 to 89 days, which means that pre-campaign peri- governing local government election fnance by increas- od election advertising — billboards, commercials, how- ing transparency,” said Brian Frenkel, president of UBCM. ever it is; radios, which are very popular in my part of the “Local governments endorsed a call for these changes in woods — spending limits will apply during the campaign 2020, and we appreciate the government’s response well in period, and there will be accountability for the pre-cam- advance of the next local government general election.” paign period as well. It is so good to see that this legislation does have over- And there will be now new limits on third-party advert- all support. Hearing my colleague from the opposition, ising. So you can’t just go to a friend with deep pockets, I think there’s a lot of consensus to be found from the or an organization, and they’ll say: “Oh, you don’t worry comments he made, and I want to thank him for the about it. We’ll do the advertising for you.”Once again, they comments he made acknowledging that we do need to will have spending limits that are the same for everybody. have some guidelines and that these things do need to Tat, once again, makes it fair. get addressed. It’s good to make rules, but unless there are investigative [11:25 a.m.] tools and enforcement, they are just there as guidelines. I want to thank, once again, our minister for the work What this legislation does is modernize our election fnan- she has done on this, and I want to now start to highlight cing for local government. Tat means there are tools now some of the changes that we are going to be seeing. for investigating and enforcement. I’m very, very happy to One of the frst things in here is going to be…. Tere see that. Te Local Elections Campaign Financing Act now will be improvements in the regulatory framework for has it so that the B.C. Chief Electoral Ofcer can investig- elector organizations. We have provincial parties. We have ate and can request records from companies that deal with federal parties. And I know this is going to come as a online advertising to understand who is sponsoring that surprise to some of the smaller municipalities around the advertising and how much was spent and request a court province, but in many of the larger municipalities, medi- order to seek records from fnancial institutions. um-sized and maybe even small, there have been parties or [11:30 a.m.] pseudo-parties ofen called elector organizations, but they All of us like to think that all of us are going to follow basically operate like a civic party. the rules, but as we know, people will fnd a way. Having Tat’s why these rules are…. Tere will be requirements these enforcements in place is really good. now for these civic parties, elector organizations or group- Changes are also being made to help with the adminis- ings of people who get together to work together for an tration of campaign fnancing, such as extending late fling 492 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 timelines, allowing Elections B.C. to make minor correc- colleagues from Surrey will attest that we’re not any difer- tions and allowing candidates and elector organizations to ent than Vancouver or some of the other bigger municip- modify a campaign fnancing arrangement up until elec- alities when it comes to the kind of moneys that have been tion day. spent in the past. Tere is also an improved framework for monetary pen- I am hoping that this piece of legislation will encour- alties. Tere will be penalties for failure to register as an age [audio interrupted] to put their names forward to be elector organization or a third-party sponsor, penalties if able to serve as a school trustee or to serve as a local gov- you fail to include sponsorship information for the ads ernment as well. We already have rules for the provincial that take place and penalties for accepting prohibited cam- and federal. paign contributions, sponsorship contributions and loans. [11:35 a.m.] So, basically, this piece of legislation not only closes Tis does not stop people from donating. Tis does some of the loopholes or some of the problems that were not stop people from playing a fnancial role in elections. pointed out to us, but it also puts penalties and enforce- Te only thing this does is say there’s a limit of $1,200. ment in place and modernizes that part of the act. Some And when there is a limit of $1,200, that is exactly what people are going to be saying: “Who does this act apply it means. to?” Local governments. Tat includes your municipal Now, with this piece of legislation, there will be enforce- government, and it includes the school trustees as well — ment tools at the hands of Elections B.C., but also to so your local boards of education. Tat’s why it is really, investigate if big companies, those with deep pockets, are really important that this legislation come in at this time. maybe fnding creative ways in order to support their can- Now, I know there will be…. I was shocked, and I didate or their electoral slate of choice. know many of you will be shocked, when I heard a col- As I’ve said before, for many people around the prov- league who ran previously as a city councillor saying ince, the idea of civic parties at the local level may not that one of the organizations in the city where he ran even have entered their world. But in the larger cities and, spent over $4 million on a municipal election. I know certainly, in some of the middle-sized ones, people do get that for those of you who I’ve met as I’ve travelled in the together as a group to run on a platform, and there is noth- province before, that is just incomprehensible. But I can ing wrong with that, just as we have provincial and fed- tell you, coming from the Lower Mainland, I fnd that eral parties that run on common platforms. For me, hav- incomprehensible as well. ing electoral organizations is what happens, and if it’s what Tat is why we really had to look at making it more happens, then we need to make sure we have governance of a level playing feld. With the previous fnancing rules in place to ensure that the election fnance rules apply to and without the limits, what could happen is that those them and can be enforced as well. who had connections with people with deep pockets, With that, I am going to say that I would like to end my whether it be organizations or whether it was individu- words. Before I go, I do want to acknowledge my staf. I als, could gather large sums of money and could then have a brand-new LA here in Victoria, Pavan Sodhan, and impact the local media in a huge way by doing big buys. he is stellar and getting to know the job. I’ve really appre- Tey had an advantage over those who may not have had ciated all the support he has provided me with since I have those abilities. come to Victoria — setting up the new technology and I think that when you run to be a school trustee, when everything else. So thank you, Pavan. you run to be a city councillor or a mayor or whether you As always, thank you to Mindy Bansal and Jen Campbell run to be an MLA or an MP, your own fnancial situation, back in my riding, who do stellar work in that area. who your friends are, who is going to donate to you and I do want to say farewell to Naz Sabharwal, who has lef who you can persuade to give you big dollars should not be us and has gone on to work for another MLA. We will miss determining who runs. Our democracy is stronger when you, but the next MLA is very lucky to have you. we have an open and a transparent system where every- I do support this legislation, and I’m really happy to body has the ability to run, where they are playing by the see that this legislation has support from across the aisle same rules and where there are limitations on the moneys as well. that can be collected. Now, is this going to stop some municipalities spending C. Oakes: It truly is an honour to have the ability to more than others? Absolutely not. But what it is going to speak today. do is it’s going to limit how much a group, a business or I would like to recognize that I’m speaking to you today an individual can donate to that company. Tat way, more from Lhtako territory. people will actually get engaged in civic fnancing — with I haven’t had the opportunity to congratulate the Min- this piece of legislation. Tis is not an issue that is new ister of Municipal Afairs, and I would like to do that. For — issues around election fnancing. I know that I’ve been many of us, we come from local government and certainly hearing about it for a long, long time, and I defnitely know have had the privilege of working with the minister in the that other members of the Legislature hear about it too. My past when she was the mayor and really appreciated the Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 493 thoughtful approach that she brought forward. I certainly just want to make sure we’re providing credit to the tre- look forward to working with her today. mendous amount of work that has been done for a signi- I think it’s also really important to acknowledge the fcant amount of time on recommendations and consulta- incredible work that has been done on both this piece of tions throughout a signifcant amount of time. legislation, the Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, Now, I probably want to go on record, not to be a con- and the Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act from trarian, but perhaps more of a historian. Te member for 2014, because I think it’s important to know, and maybe Surrey-Panorama mentioned some of the changes that contrary to some of the speakers that may be speaking made it sound like they were new changes. Tey are part today, that this piece of legislation is work that has been of the local election campaign act, which was originally thoughtfully crafed over many, many years, multiple gov- brought forward in…. Te frst piece of legislation was ernments, and has really engaged local governments and brought forward in 2014, of course, requiring candidates various associations across this province. to fle fnancial disclosures, ensuring that candidate cam- I was the minister in 2014 when we introduced the Loc- paign disclosures are published online, ensuring that the al Election Campaign Financing Act. I’ll provide a little bit sponsorship information is published of all election of history and context to that when we did that on March advertising, requiring third-party advertising sponsors to 26, 2014, but I really want to acknowledge Heather Brazi- register and disclose their expenditures, and establishing a er, who is the public servant and incredible staf member new compliance and enforcement role for Elections B.C. that was the key lead on pulling this together, and all of her Also, the LESAA, the companion piece to the campaign incredible team. fnance legislation, established how election participants We can come forward as elected ofcials and present will transition to the new campaign fnancing rules. Part of pieces of legislation. I think sometimes what ofen gets the 2014…. One of the biggest changes that happened is, missed is the incredible amount of efort and work of all of of course, extending the term of ofce for local elected of- our incredible public servants behind the scenes that are cials from three to four years — that was based on recom- working so tirelessly to support us on bringing things for- mendations put forward by UBCM — and then moving ward. the general election voting day from November to Octo- [11:40 a.m.] ber, beginning in 2018. I am in support of this minor piece of amendments to Part of the reason why a lot of these…. Why sometimes the Local Election Campaign Financing Act, because it’s the 2018 will be brought forward is because it was a recom- part of a phased-in approach that was originally talked mendation as a phased-in approach to the legislation that about when this piece of legislation was originally brought was brought forward back in 2014. Lots of feedback was forward. Again, LECFA was frst introduced March 26, given at that time. One of the things that I think is critic- 2014, in this House. I was proud to have the opportunity ally important…. At the time, Rhona Martin was the chair to have brought that forward, because we did agree that of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Of course, UBCM put transparency and accountability in local elections were a considerable amount of efort into this piece of legisla- critically important. I was very proud of the work that was tion. I know that they continue to do that, so I think it’s done, and I’m proud that the work continues today. I want important that they are acknowledged in this process. to thank the government for doing that. I wanted to highlight the fact that the work to ensure Back in March 2014, we did table the two bills, the accountability for third-party advertisers was part of the LECFA and LESAA. I think it’s important for me to go original elections campaign fnancing act. What wasn’t a through a little bit of the history, because it was built on part of the original piece of legislation, and what we are an incredible amount of work from 2010 from a joint dealing with today — and that’s why I certainly support British Columbia–UBCM government elections task force this piece of legislation forward — is that it hadn’t set for- that had brought forward 31 recommendations to mod- ward the expenditure amounts. Tat’s part of the conver- ernize local elections. Part of what we’re doing today, and sation that we are having today. part of what we are discussing in the minor changes that [11:45 a.m.] the minister’s bringing forward, really was built on a tre- It was felt back in 2014, when a lot of this work was mendous amount of work and consultation that happened being done, that a phased-in approach was the responsible back in 2010. thing to do to ensure that the changes were appropriately Te 31 recommendations to modernize local elections, able to be established. Elections B.C. had come forward including the incorporation of local election campaign fn- at the time, discussing the need to make sure any of the ance rules into one act, which simplifes it and makes it, changes that were being brought forward in LECFA certainly, easier…. It was also built on the fact that the provided the ability for both government and Elections legislation — in fact, what we are talking about today — B.C. to be able to communicate that appropriately out to was built on a white paper that was brought forward in the public, and I think the foundation remains the same. September of 2013, with really broad consultation, as the When I look back on my speaking notes to LECFA, minister has commented in her opening remarks. But I they’re so similar to the speaking notes that were brought 494 British Columbia Debates Thursday, March 4, 2021 forward today by the Municipal Afairs Minister, so it’s ally brought forward this piece of legislation, and educa- good to see, certainly, some consistency there. I think it tion was a key cornerstone. speaks to the fact that we’ve got some incredible staf that On any change that needs to happen, we need to make work behind the scenes to make sure, as ministers and as sure that people have the ability to understand what the governments, that we’re well prepared. changes are and why those changes are being made. I look Of course, at the original time, the history lesson here forward to the Minister of Municipal Afairs…. I know is that the work we did as B.C. Liberals was to ensure that that she will be going out to work closely with stakeholder transparency and accountability were being brought for- groups to look at how we educate out in the communities. ward, with the idea that to keep democracy strong, we [11:50 a.m.] need to keep the rules governing local elections up to date. I think it is critically important that we encourage Tis is, of course, what we’re doing here today and debat- people to get involved with local elections. You could ing before the House. probably tell that I’m incredibly passionate about encour- Consulting and having those discussions with stake- aging people to get involved at their local level. I certainly holders, looking at what we introduce in legislation and can express my most sincere appreciation for all of the how we modernize local elections to maximize fairness, mentors and coaches that I had when I began my foray transparency and accountability is something that I’m into politics, as many of us here in the House start in local proud is being continued with today. Sometimes it’s dif- government or school board. cult when you move from government to opposition that I think the more that we can encourage citizens across important work that happens doesn’t get forgotten and this province to look at getting involved and engaged with continues and improves, and I think that’s a refection of the activity in our communities, the better our democracy what excellent government is. will be. I am so proud to have the ability to go and speak Tis is an extension of work that, certainly, I was proud to so many young people across the province — and, more to be a part of, but so many in local government and so specifcally, now with the critic role I have. many organizations were as well. I was just reviewing some All of us in this House want to ensure that the next of my previous notes from back when we introduced the generation feels both the opportunity and the challenge original piece of legislation. Tere was important work to step up, to be engaged with and to be a part of your that was done on what third-party contributors looked like local democracy. I think this is just one more step, one and taking, certainly, a phased-in approach to implement- more tool that we’ve built on work that was done, certainly, ing the task force recommendation. back in 2014. But it goes back far more than that — back UBCM, which was such a key, critical cornerstone of to the frst recommendations in 2010 by the UBCM, in the original piece of legislation — and of course, here the recommendations that they brought forward, and then today — talked about the importance of having a phased- later, the white paper. in approach and looking at how the legislation ensures I will be supporting this piece of legislation, and I want accountability of third-party advertisers, not directed to to thank the minister for bringing it forward. candidates but advertising on their behalf. How do we look at that? I’m glad that there’s more clarity that has been Deputy Speaker: I’d like to recognize the member for provided today. Tat’s building on important work that Surrey-Cloverdale. Of course, we’re close to the hour, but was done early on. we might as well get a few remarks in while we can. New rules to make third-party advertisers accountable, by making them register with Elections B.C. and fle cam- M. Starchuk: Before I get into my comments, I want paign fnancial disclosure statements that identify contri- to make comments about the member for Surrey-Panor- butions received and money spent on third-party advert- ama and one of her staf members that has lef her ofce ising — that was a cornerstone that we looked at back in to come to my ofce. It is a great addition to have Naz 2014, but more work needed to happen as it evolved. I’m Sabharwal as part of my staf. glad that this piece of legislation being brought forward Bill 9 is exactly what’s needed to address the campaign today looks at that. We believed back then, as we do now, spending in what we call the municipal Wild West. Com- that the public needs facts about the campaign that pro- ing from that municipal background, I’ve experienced the mote honesty, fairness and, ultimately, public confdence spending of 2014 and 2018 and the vast diferences that in local elections to make sure that we have requirements were there. We’ve heard some of the other members make that are consistent with provincial rules. references to 2018’s loopholes and how this is going to I was listening to the member for Surrey-Panorama. change that. I would much rather use the term “inconsist- Ofen, some of the challenges early on were: what’s the encies” in how things were applied, and the creativeness diference between federal, provincial and local election that was around that, to kind of skirt some of those issues. rules? Tat is something that…. Tis particular bill per- Tis legislation follows what the B.C. municipalities have tains to local government. I think consistency was an been asking for. It creates something that is fair and trans- important cornerstone that we looked at when we origin- Thursday, March 4, 2021 British Columbia Debates 495 parent for everyone. It translates into governments that [11:55 a.m.] work better for people. It is taking a look at all of the aspects of campaign fn- When we talk about electoral organizations, I was ances. It is taking a look at how it’s spent, how it’s accoun- part of one of those for a number of years. We know ted for. Te world of operating expenses now falls into all exactly how that campaign spending goes, and it does of the categories that are there. Te accounting is there, not always apply to other areas inside the province of and the registration is in place. Lastly, there is a greater B.C. I believe there are only 13 of these, and this is what amount of emphasis placed on a penalty. Te penalties are will make them accountable as to how the money comes far greater than what they were before, and they mean in and how the money goes out. Tese civic parties will something. In the past, somebody could have the ability to have to ensure that the money that comes towards them ignore what was there and take the minor consequences. as donations and the manner in which it’s spent is with Noting the hour, I reserve my right to continue in the the most transparency and follows what’s inside the bill next sitting and move adjournment of the debate. that’s in front of us today. With regard to transparency, when we talk about stake- M. Starchuk moved adjournment of debate. holders, the key stakeholders were all consulted. Tey include the people from Elections B.C., UBCM, First Motion approved. Nations that utilize the Local Elections Campaign Finan- cing Act, and the B.C. School Trustees Association repres- Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. ents the board of education. Motion approved. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 What Bill 9 does is it levels the playing feld. No longer this afernoon. is the ability there for large corporations or unions to write those cheques to make the playing feld unlevel. Bill 9 will Te House adjourned at 11:56 a.m. ensure that the fnancial checks and balances are inside there. Everything that’s inside this bill is very comprehens- ive.

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MANAGER OF PUBLISHING SYSTEMS Dan Kerr

TEAM LEADERS Mike Beninger, Kim Christie, Barb Horricks, Paula Lee, Julie McClung, Karol Morris, Glenn Wigmore

EDITORS Erin Beattie, Janet Brazier, Sophie Crocker, Tim Ford, Jane Grainger, Betsy Gray, Iris Gray, Mary Beth Hall, Sophie Heizer, Louis Henderson, Bill Hrick, Jennifer Isaac, Quinn MacDonald, Anne Maclean, Claire Matthews, Jill Milkert, Sarah Mitenko, Erik Pedersen, Janet Pink, Robyn Swanson, Antoinette Warren, Heather Warren, Kim Westad

INDEXERS Shannon Ash, Robin Rohrmoser

RESEARCHERS Hannah Curran, Brooke Isherwood, David Mattison

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS Pamela Holmes, Daniel Powell, Patrick Stobbe

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