Second Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 61

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Second 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)...... –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 –Burke Mountain...... Fin Donnelly 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 ...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ...... –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 ...... 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 Richmond South Centre ...... 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

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introductions by Members...... 1513

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 1513 Bill 6 — Accessible British Columbia Act Hon. N. Simons

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 1513 Heart failure awareness M. Babchuk ALS awareness S. Bond Paul Horn B. D’Eith Experience of hearing impairment during COVID-19 K. Kirkpatrick Rod Murphy and National Day of Mourning for workers R. Leonard Edward Westphal T. Halford

Ministerial Statements ...... 1515 National Day of Mourning for workers Hon. H. Bains G. Kyllo S. Furstenau

Oral Questions...... 1517 COVID-19 vaccination plan and role of pop-up clinics S. Bond Hon. A. Dix Hon. J. Horgan COVID-19 vaccination plan and role of pharmacies re second doses R. Merrifeld Hon. A. Dix COVID-19 response and paid sick leave S. Furstenau Hon. J. Horgan G. Kyllo T. Stone Hon. H. Bains COVID-19 travel restrictions and enforcement E. Ross Hon. M. Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Budget Debate (continued) ...... 1522 Hon. N. Simons R. Merrifeld B. Anderson J. Tegart M. Elmore E. Ross H. Sandhu J. Rustad B. D’Eith C. Oakes J. Brar

1513

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 new accessibility standards in areas including the built environment, employment and delivery of services. Te House met at 1:34 p.m. Tis bill complements the Accessible Canada Act and builds upon models for legislation developed in other jur- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] isdictions. It will help us create a B.C. where everyone can fully participate in their communities. Routine Business British Columbians with disabilities have been central to the development of this legislation and will continue to Prayers and refections: D. Coulter. be central in its implementation. Guided by the principle [1:35 p.m.] of, “Nothing about us without us,” our work will continue in line with the United Nations convention on the rights of Introductions by Members persons with disabilities.

Hon. B. Ma: It is my absolute honour to introduce to Mr. Speaker: Members, the question is frst reading of the House today an incredible and unstoppable woman the bill. who has joined us virtually, Squamish Nation Elder and leader Doris Paul, also known by her traditional name, Motion approved. Xele’milh. Elder Doris is a survivor of the Indian Resid- Hon. N. Simons: I move that the bill be placed on the ential School who, in her words, grew up “above her pain orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of and bloomed into an Indigenous woman who wanted to the House afer today. live, wanted to love and respect her culture and tradi- tions.” Doris has a passion for community safety that has Bill 6, Accessible British Columbia Act, introduced, led to initiatives such as the Integrated First Nations Unit read a frst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the with the North Vancouver RCMP, the First Nations court, day for second reading at the next sitting of the House the North Vancouver integrated domestic violence unit afer today. and the North Shore’s violence against women committee’s Strength and Remembrance Pole. Statements For her work to improve community safety, deepen In- (Standing Order 25B) digenous cultural understanding, and for her work in reconciliation, especially for missing and murdered Indi- HEART FAILURE AWARENESS genous women and girls, she was one of nine British Col- umbia Reconciliation Award recipients this year. M. Babchuk: I’m happy to stand in this chamber today Would the House please join me in congratulating Doris to talk about heart failure awareness. Paul on her award and thanking her for all of her work. [1:40 p.m.] Tis ofen misunderstood condition afects over Introduction and 600,000 Canadians and, contrary to most people’s beliefs, First Reading of Bills cannot be cured. Heart failure is a condition that develops when the heart muscle becomes damaged or weakened, BILL 6 — ACCESSIBLE and the weakened, damaged heart muscle impacted can- BRITISH COLUMBIA ACT not pump enough so that it’s strong enough to move the blood through the lungs and the body, especially during Hon. N. Simons presented a message from Her Honour increased activity or when it’s under stress. Te most com- the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Accessible mon causes are coronary artery disease and high blood British Columbia Act. pressure. Tis year the Canadian Heart Failure association’s Hon. N. Simons: I move that the bill be introduced and theme is “Living well with heart failure.” Now more than read for the frst time now. ever, it’s important for those living with heart failure to I’m pleased to introduce Bill 6, the Accessible British take care of their health by self-monitoring symptoms, Columbia Act. Tis bill will provide the foundation on reducing dietary salt, increasing daily activity, keeping which we can build a more accessible and inclusive British blood pressure low, taking medications as prescribed, Columbia that works for all of us. stopping smoking and following up regularly with their Trough the introduction of new tools and mechan- health care providers. isms, we will support the identifcation, prevention and In B.C., heart failure clinics have successfully pivoted removal of barriers that people with disabilities face in to telemedicine to help support heart failure patients, to their day-to-day lives. Tis work will involve developing assist and manage symptoms and medications, to emphas- 1514 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 ize self-management and self-care skill development and community social services careers as a community sup- to identify changes in their status. Sustainable lifestyle port worker and educational assistant. He was also an edu- changes, such as diet and physical activity, are paramount. cational assistant instructor. I’d like this House to join me in applauding the Cana- Outside of his work at Riverside College, Paul has run dian Heart Failure association and its partners on their ini- his own business, BootStrap Consulting, for over 25 years. tiative to make May 3 through May 9 Heart Failure Aware- He’s been a project lead and instructor for Community ness Week. Cares: Mental Health Training for nine years in Mission. Tis is developing and delivering mental health training ALS AWARENESS for frst responders, both online and in classrooms. [1:45 p.m.] S. Bond: Te diagnosis is devastating. Tis horrible dis- Paul has also been active in many community project ease means that eventually you will lose the ability to walk, initiatives in Mission, especially working with the most to talk, to eat, to swallow and, ultimately, to breathe. vulnerable and at risk in the community. He’s one of the ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is also known as main organizers of the Stone Soup Initiative, a network Lou Gehrig’s disease. Whether you are living with ALS or of community groups and individuals working to reduce caring for someone with ALS, the challenges can be simply homelessness and poverty in Mission. It’s no surprise that overwhelming. Tere are no proven efective treatments. Paul was the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award in Te average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with 2016 from the district of Mission. ALS is two to fve years. Paul is no stranger to working in the city hall. From During my time as an MLA, I have met with people liv- 2005 to 2011, he was a councillor for the district of Mis- ing with ALS and their families. I have been a regular par- sion. ticipant in the ALS Walk in Prince George and spent time We know that Mission has a unique set of challenges with representatives of the ALS Society of B.C. and, more ahead, because it’s expected to double in size over the next recently, ALS Action Canada. ten years. Tis includes work that has to be done on the Te stories I have heard have inspired and moved me, Mission waterfront, representing nearly 296 acres of land; and I know that is the case for anyone in this chamber completing the much-needed sewer crossing of the Fraser who has heard those stories. It is one thing to hear the River; planning infrastructure needs for the community stories, and it is something else to take action. Tere are with roads; and, of course, services and everything else some important things we can work on together. We can that that growth encompasses. provide support and hope. Every day matters in the fght Te member for Abbotsford-Mission lef big shoes to against ALS. fll, but I know that Paul will rise to the occasion with Clinical trials and clinical research are vital to ALS the job in front of him. On my behalf and on behalf of patients. Many Canadians have access to trials, and we the member for Abbotsford-Mission, I’d like to congratu- need to ensure that British Columbians can access them late mayor-elect Paul Horn and very much look forward to here at home. We can also work to ensure that there is a working with him. full-time ALS physician and appropriate space and facilit- ies in place. We can support the ALS Society of B.C. as they EXPERIENCE OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT work to deliver Project Hope. DURING COVID-19 Today I want to recognize the hard work that is being done to deliver life-changing care to so many B.C. families K. Kirkpatrick: I’m honoured to speak in the House impacted by ALS. We have a chance to do more and to today. make a greater diference. I hope that all of us will commit Friday begins Speech and Hearing Month in Canada. to doing our part. Afer all, time is of the essence. Tis pandemic has been particularly difcult for those who rely on reading someone’s face to communicate. PAUL HORN I was raised by a mom with signifcant hearing loss. Tere are things we take for granted every day, like using B. D’Eith: Today I wanted to share that the district of the telephone, ordering at a restaurant or asking a sales Mission has a new mayor-elect. On Saturday, April 24, clerk a question. Hearing impairment is not visible to oth- Paul Horn won the mayoral by-election in a landslide vic- ers. It’s interpreted by others as not paying attention or not tory, with 41 percent of the vote. caring what someone is saying. I’ve been out with my mom I have had the pleasure of working with Paul during when someone speaks to her. She may not notice, or she’s my time as MLA for Maple Ridge–Mission in many of his just too embarrassed to try and answer because she doesn’t roles. Paul has a long history of dedication to public ser- understand what they’ve said to her. vice and the community. For the past 19 years, Paul has Can you imagine being in an airport or, for that matter, been an instructor at Riverside College, a unique educa- being on B.C. Ferries, when even those without hearing tion and skills-training facility in Mission. He focused on impairment have to struggle to understand what the an- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1515 nouncements are? Not understanding is very stressful. and staf who have kept daycares and schools safe and who Have you missed something important? Have they chang- teach the children and youth to be safe too. ed your gate? Did they cancel your fight? Is the fre alarm Te list is long in a pandemic. Let it inspire every one of going of? us to be active in the cause of worker health and safety in With the assistance of great audiologists, and organiz- all ways and everywhere. ations like Wavefront Centre for Communication Access- ibility, there are many tools to keep our deaf and hard- EDWARD WESTPHAL of-hearing community safe. In my mom’s home, ringing the doorbell sets of fashing lights, a phone call sits on a T. Halford: Every great community is made up of di- machine that she can read what the caller is saying, and verse and unique individuals and characters that call it her morning alarm is under her pillow and shakes her home. In White Rock, one of those characters was a friend awake. of mine called Edward Westphal. Edward was a person Te pandemic has impacted us all diferently. Most deaf that faced some very unique challenges in life and em- and hard-of-hearing people are exceptionally good at lip braced them wholly. reading or speech reading. Tey rely heavily on facial Ed was born in Vancouver on June 17, 1948, and he was expressions to understand context. Masks, which are a brought up in Ladner. His brother John gave him his frst very important health measure, have added a signifcant guitar at the age of 11, and from then on, music was his burden and frustration to those relying on those physical salvation. Troughout his life and most of his adult life, he cues. So if you ever wonder why I overenunciate my words spent most of his time in front of the iconic whale wall or sometimes or speak a little too loudly, now you know. the pier. He was a busker, playing his guitar. If I could ask one favour of B.C. Ferries for all of us: I got to know Ed, as my mother had a restaurant in please install reader boards. Ocean Park and in South Surrey there, and Ed would play most afernoons in front of my mom’s shop. Quite ofen ROD MURPHY AND NATIONAL DAY my mom would take Ed a sandwich and say, “Ed, this is OF MOURNING FOR WORKERS on the house,” and he would eat his sandwich. He fnally came into my mom’s shop and said: “I don’t want to take R. Leonard: I look forward to the words of remem- this for free anymore. I want to make sure that I’m provid- brance from the Minister of Labour and other leaders in ing you something in return.” So my mother said: “Okay. this House on this National Day of Mourning. I was eager How about you start giving my son some guitar lessons?” to refect on the origins of this day. Tat was a bond that was…. It wasn’t me that got the In 2017, an unassuming stranger from Churchill, Man- guitar lessons. Tose that know me know that I am music- itoba arrived in Courtenay-Comox to go electioneering ally inept. But my brother and his relationship started with me. I later learned what a privilege I was given by then, in terms of learning how to use a guitar. this activist, Rodney Murphy, who had been a federal NDP We lost Ed a month ago. We lost Ed due to cancer. Member of Parliament for 14 years. Tirty years ago this White Rock lost an iconic character, and there will be a year, as a private Member of Parliament, he set out to have deep void in front of that whale wall in the months ahead. Canada become the frst country to declare this day in law I would like to point out that Ed donated all of his music- to memorialize killed and injured workers. Over 80 coun- al instruments and his guitars to Options Community Ser- tries have since followed the lead of Canada. vices Society so that many people in those places can use Rod Murphy did not start out as a labour activist, but those going forward. So Ed’s legacy will live on. union leaders inspired him to take up the cause of worker health and safety. He recognized that his Workers Mourn- Ministerial Statements ing Day Act was built on seven years of marking this spe- cial day by the Canadian labour movement, along with NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR WORKERS decades-long work to better address safety in all work- places. Hon. H. Bains: Today is the National Day of Mourning While we hold those who have been injured or killed here in B.C. and across Canada. Today I rise to ask all on the job close in our hearts and thoughts, this day also members to join me to remember the lives lost or forever shines a light on prevention of workplace injury, illness changed by workplace injury and illness and to help pro- and death. I’m inspired by the workers who face danger mote the importance of workplace health and safety. in the workplace during the pandemic, and I’m thankful In B.C., 151 workers lost their lives because of a work- for employers who are keeping their workers’ safety top of related injury or illness in the past year. We stand together mind. and ofer our deepest condolences to the families, friends [1:50 p.m.] and co-workers who lost someone close to them. When In health care, all who keep patients safe. ECEs, teachers people die in the workplace, it is profoundly heartbreaking and is unacceptable. We all have come together to address 1516 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 the workplace health and safety challenges posed by COV- our eforts to protect workers and to ensure every British ID-19, but there are hazards in the workplaces beyond the Columbian feels safe and healthy at work. It is critical that virus. We must strive to make workplaces as safe as pos- we reinforce our commitment to prevent further tragedies sible today and every day. in the workplace. We all have a role to play in making workplaces safer. Because of the pandemic, public ceremonies commem- I’m asking all workers and employers in B.C. to come orating the Day of Mourning are occurring virtually this together and create a strong culture of safety. Workers year. I’d like to thank the many staf and volunteers who have the right to a safe and healthy workplace and have helped put together this year’s virtual gathering, which the right to return home safely to their families at the took place at 10:30 a.m. and can be viewed at the Day of end of their shif. Mourning website: www.dayofmourning.bc.ca. A moment of silence was also taking place this morn- G. Kyllo: I rise in the House today to acknowledge the ing at 10:30 a.m. to remember those workers who have National Day of Mourning across Canada. Today families, died of a workplace injury or illness. I encourage all workers, employers and communities across British Col- members of this House and fellow British Columbians to umbia are coming together to remember those who have take a moment to honour these lives and to think about lost their lives or who have been injured in the workplace what we can do to improve everyone’s safety and well- and to further our commitment to creating safe and being at work. healthy workplaces. [1:55 p.m.] S. Furstenau: Today on this National Day of Mourning, Every worker in B.C. has a right to go home safely at the we recognize workers who have been killed, injured or end of each and every day. Yet in 2020, 151 B.C. workers sufered illness as a result of work-related incidents. Today tragically lost their lives to workplace injury or illness. In across B.C. and across Canada, we remember the lives lost 2019, 140 workers. Before the pandemic, B.C. was already to incidents at work. In British Columbia in 2021, we hon- challenged by the number of workplace fatalities. our the 151 people who died on the job in the past year Now with an emerging third wave and rising cases, the and all those who have had their lives changed by injury global pandemic continues to have a tremendous impact and illness at work. on our workers and our workplaces. COVID has shed a COVID-19 has shown us how essential it is to be safe light on many of the dangers B.C. workers face in the at work and how far we have to go to ensure that work- workplace every day and has brought many additional ers are able to be safe from illness. Essential workers in challenges to them as well. COVID has reignited our sectors across our economy have been showing up day debate about basic workers’ rights, such as British Colum- in and day out, despite signifcant risk to themselves and bians’ ability to confdently take a sick day without the their families, and too many have paid the cost of ill- risk of not being able to pay rent, grocery bills or other ness and death in this last year. We must recognize their expenses. courage and sacrifce. Tis pandemic has also shown us that some of the most We cannot talk about these workers as heroes without vulnerable members of our communities are the essential making the necessary changes to protect and support their workers serving our front lines, keeping our communities health and safety, as has been made clearer than ever in safe and preventing our health care systems from being the midst of this terrible third wave. We need to ensure overwhelmed. Two weeks ago today COVID took the life that workers do not have to choose between staying home of a nurse for the frst time here in British Columbia. when sick or providing for their families. Diana Law, a patient care coordinator at Peace Arch Hos- Today I join other members in this House, the labour pital, was described as being a very giving person, com- leaders, workers, families and loved ones to honour those mitted to the care of her patients and the well-being of who have died or had their lives altered by an injury at her colleagues. Our hearts go out to Diana’s loving family work. Any life lost at work is one too many, and we must and friends, who are undoubtedly feeling a monumental constantly renew our commitments to making workplaces amount of grief and loss at this moment. safer and ensure that everyone can come home safely to Te Day of Mourning is about more than mourning our their families at the end of the day. losses in the workplace. It is also about taking a moment to refect and remember all of those who have put their lives Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I invite the House to at risk every day to make our communities safer. We’ve observe a moment of silence in memory of workers killed, come to recognize that our front-line essential workers are disabled or injured in the workplace and those inficted not just our health care workers. Tey’re also our teachers, with industrial disease. our police ofcers, our fremen, our grocery store clerks, restaurant workers, delivery drivers and everyone else who [Te House observed a moment of silence.] faces risks in their workplaces each and every day. On this National Day of Mourning, we must redouble [2:00 p.m.] Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1517

Oral Questions the minister’s answer, and I do have a great deal of respect for the fact that he knows and manages his fle well…. COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN Let me make it perfectly clear to, apparently, some AND ROLE OF POP-UP CLINICS member who thinks that this isn’t the case. We want to make sure that British Columbians have the opportunity S. Bond: We’ve been told repeatedly that people in hot to be vaccinated when they are promised. spots will be prioritized to get vaccinated. We’ve been told to register and to follow the guidelines for registration and Mr. Speaker: Trough the Chair, Member. booking. What do we see? Surprise pop-up clinics that in no way guarantee the people who need it are actually the S. Bond: We also want to ensure…. We’re very glad that ones getting vaccinated. people are actually eager to get their vaccinations. Tat It is total chaos. Tere are hours-long lineups. People actually matters to us, on this side of the House. We’re very waited in line for four, fve, six hours. People camping out happy about that. overnight because they heard rumours about unconfrmed What we’re not happy about is that the Premier doesn’t clinics on social media. We are told that people are even take the opportunity to get up and stand up and tell British driving in from other areas to these clinics, while front- Columbians why, yet again, there is another mess. We star- line workers can’t get vaccinated because they’re busy at ted with pharmacists who didn’t know that they were on work, and local residents get lef out. the list to give out vaccinations. We moved to travel Will the Premier get up today and admit that surprise restrictions, which…. People still don’t know exactly how pop-up clinics have caused added concern and anxiety those work. Now we have pop-up clinics. and that he will ensure that those who live in hot spots Again, we care that people get vaccinated. But I’m sure and those front-line workers receive the vaccination that that the members opposite don’t believe that you should be they’ve been promised? sleeping overnight in a tent to wait for the vaccination that you have been promised. Hon. A. Dix: Tank you to the member for her ques- Tere is one person who needs to be able to stand up tion. and tell British Columbians how he is going to clear up the Te member will know that our primary COVID-19 confusion and anxiety that’s been caused in British Col- immunization campaign is age-based, focused on clinic- umbia. I’m sure that even the Premier would agree that ally vulnerable people, as well, and focused on Indigenous rumours on social media are not a valid vaccination plan. people 18 and above. In fact, it is hurting and hindering workers and people Tis evening people 58 and above, born in 1963 and who have language barriers. before, will be eligible to book their appointments. As we [2:05 p.m.] get more vaccines in the next week, that number will Members might want to dismiss my comments. But increase. I encourage everybody to register. how about the comments of a physician from Burnaby? To address hot spots, particularly in the Fraser Health Here’s what he had to say. Dr. Narang, a family doctor from Authority, the Fraser Health Authority has formed a num- Burnaby, says: “Tese are the same people that aren’t going ber of pop-up clinics. I’m happy to inform the member to be able to get to the pop-up clinic. It’s going to be the that the four that were added yesterday immunized 4,100 people who are…sitting on Twitter or who do not have the people and that overall, in Fraser Health, almost half of the language skills to interpret it and accessibility to a car to immunizations yesterday took place in the ten community get to these appointments.” health areas. Tere are more than 40 in Fraser Health that Will the Premier commit today to ensuring that those are currently assessed as hot spots. British Columbians who need the vaccination…? We Tis is one other measure to deal with transmission, just agree with that. Tey need it now in order to continue to as the immunizations of many school staf, of many front- bend the curve in the third wave. Tey were promised by line workers are taking place — and others have done so this government that those who were prioritized, includ- — now and in the past few months. I think that our vac- ing front-line workers and hot spots, would get their vac- cination efort has been, overall, extremely successful. Yes- cination. terday we were able to reach hot spot areas, which we hope Would the Premier ensure today that they, indeed, get will help serve to reduce transmission in this COVID-19 them? pandemic. Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on for her questions. She will know that as of today, 1.7 mil- a supplemental. lion British Columbians have received their frst vaccin- ation. She will know that just shy of 40 percent, 39.66 S. Bond: Well, thank you very much. While I appreciate percent, of the eligible people for vaccinations have taken their frst dose. Tis is positive news. 1518 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Te member referred to the possibility of vaccine hes- In that time, people will get lots of information and lots itancy. It clearly is not the case here in British Columbia. of advanced notice. Again, all good news for all of us. It is useful for everybody to register. It takes two min- It’s my job and my role as the head of the cabinet and utes. Almost two million British Columbians have re- the head of the executive council to make sure that all of gistered. Te system has been extremely successful, in par- the people that have been given tasks have the space and ticular, at targeting those clinically vulnerable, 180,000 of latitude to take on those tasks — never more important, in whom have been vaccinated. my opinion, than during a global pandemic. Our pharmacy campaign so far — I know it was charac- I want to endorse the position of the Leader of the terized otherwise just a few minutes ago — 185,000 doses Opposition in afrming the extraordinary work done by sent to pharmacies, 163,000 vaccines delivered with more the Minister of Health over the past 14 months. He, along- appointments booked and the rest to be used up in the side public health ofcials and with the support, most coming days. All of those individuals will be eligible for days, of every member of this Legislature. I say that quite second doses, and I encourage everybody in the coming sincerely. Virtually 99 percent of the time, for those watch- days to register. ing at home, all of us in this place agree on the fundament- [2:10 p.m.] al principles that are before us today. Yes. Some will have booked their own appointments I cannot, in good conscience, interfere in the processes with London Drugs or whoever it is that’s booking ap- that health ofcials are putting in place to make sure we pointments. It’s important and valuable to register. I can address those hot spots. I’ll leave it to them to decide say that well in advance of needing a second dose, which what the best method is to deliver a scarce resource to a for people who were vaccinated in April will be August, demanding population. people will have all the information they need to proceed. I believe that we have a good track record to this point in time. We’re going to continue to work to make sure Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kelowna-Mission on a that those vulnerable populations — those that have pre- supplemental. existing health conditions, who are being prioritized, those front-line workers that desperately need to have those vac- R. Merrifeld: Honestly, I listen to that response from cinations — are getting those vaccinations. the minister, and I’m still confused. People don’t know if We have a shortage of supply and a narrow window to it’s the government that’s making appointments or if it’s get that into the arms of British Columbians. I’ll leave it to the pharmacy that’s making appointments. Te B.C. phar- public health ofcials to make those important decisions. macists association is saying something completely difer- ent than what we just heard: “Tose who have received COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN AND their frst doses at a pharmacy will be contacted by their ROLE OF PHARMACIES RE SECOND DOSES pharmacist for a second dose.” Tese are basic questions that shouldn’t even have to R. Merrifeld: Unfortunately, it’s not just the Premier’s be asked. Will the Premier please provide some basic surprise pop-up clinics causing confusion and chaos. clarity about re-registering for vaccine appointments so People who got vaccinated at their local pharmacy are that people can be certain that they get their second now being told afer the fact that they also need to register doses on time? on the government website, but the pharmacies and their clients were not informed at the time. While many are still Hon. A. Dix: I encourage everyone to register with our struggling to get their frst dose, we can’t have any confu- Get Vaccinated website. It’s a valuable thing to do. It’s easy sion on the second. to do. Almost two million people have done it. It takes Can the Premier please clarify. If you have an existing approximately two minutes. I think it’s worthwhile for second-dose appointment booked with a pharmacy, is it everyone because it will also provide, as we go forward, in still valid? the future, access to your vaccination information. Tat’s something that’s useful to do regardless of when you got Hon. A. Dix: I’m encouraging everyone in B.C. to your vaccine. register for a COVID-19 vaccination on our Get Vaccin- Tere are many people, as the member will know, who ated website. Tis is an important principle that will assist received their immunizations — lots of those in long-term them throughout the vaccination process — as the mem- care and assisted living but in other places, especially ber suggests, involves two doses. health care workers — who were vaccinated in advance With respect to people who have received Astra- of the website coming into being. We are continuing to Zeneca at pharmacies, that would have happened at encourage people to get registered. It’s pretty straightfor- some time in the next four weeks, and there is some time ward. Te people who were immunized in the pharmacy before their second appointment will have to be booked. campaign will get their second dose in August or in Sept- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1519

ember, and there will be lots of information provided to do abundantly clear that there were gaps and defciencies in that. the program, we continued to lobby and advocate and I appreciate that the hon. member expresses the view were given assurances that there would be a fx. We waited that she’s confused, but I don’t think there’s any reason to till the federal budget was presented and found that there add to that confusion. It’s pretty straightforward. Go and was no fx available. We are now seven business days since get registered, and let’s go. that time.

COVID-19 RESPONSE AND Interjections. PAID SICK LEAVE Mr. Speaker: Members. S. Furstenau: Yesterday the Premier fnally announced [2:15 p.m.] an intention to fx the gaps in the federal sick pay program that leaves people forced to choose between staying home Hon. J. Horgan: I’ll remind, again, the members from when they feel unwell or providing for their families and the ofcial opposition that we wanted to bring in three leaves all workers much more vulnerable to COVID. In the hours of paid time to get a vaccination, and they spent four midst of this third wave, fxing the gaps in the federal paid days debating it — four days to give people three hours of sick leave program is long overdue. to get a vaccination. So I’m encouraged that when we bring I’m happy to hear of this intention, but I’m concerned legislation in this time, it will pass in one day. about the timeline and the fact that there are still no details on an immediate program. Like many of the big issues Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Tird Party on a supple- facing British Columbia, this government seems to be mental. waiting on federal leadership instead of being proactive. Creating a program to fx the gaps on paid sick leave S. Furstenau: Tank you to the Premier for his res- should never have been put on the shelf, hoping that ponse. another level of government would take the lead. I think that right now, in this third wave, what workers My question is to the Premier. Why did his government are concerned more with is not who’s leading the discus- wait until afer the federal budget, leaving us so far into sion but who’s leading the implementation of a policy that this pandemic and into this third wave, before deciding to will ensure that they can stay home when they are sick act on sick pay? without risking being able to not pay rent or buy groceries. Te Premier said about designing a sick pay program: Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leader of the Tird Party “It’s not about speed. It’s about making sure we get it right.” for her question. She will know that this government has I respectfully disagree. Right now time is of the essence. been leading the discussion across the country with Workers should not have to choose between staying home respect to paid sick leave. For over a year now, I’ve been when sick or providing for their families. On this Day of raising this issue at national tables that I have the privilege Mourning for workers who have been killed, injured or of sitting at, representing all of us and bringing these issues exposed to illness at work, we need to know that this gov- forward. I was given a commitment. ernment will work to protect workers right now. Although I have to confess: it was lonely at that time. We need an immediate emergency program, or we are I don’t recall ever hearing from the ofcial opposition missing the most critical period of time during this pan- a word about paid sick leave until yesterday. But I will demic, when people urgently need the supports in place so say…. that they do not go to work when they feel unwell. My question again is to the Premier. Can we get clarity Interjections. on exactly what the government is working on and when exactly this program will be rolled out to support workers? Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s listen to the answer. Hon. J. Horgan: Again, I appreciate the question from Hon. J. Horgan: I want to commend the member for the Leader of the Tird Party. As of two o’clock today, we Shuswap for acknowledging today, on this most important have, I think, unanimous consent in this place to bring of days, that we have all come to a new realization and forward a paid sick leave program. Tat will be happen- understanding of the importance of these issues because of ing in the days ahead. I look forward to the very brief the challenges that we’ve all faced. So I lif my hands to the debate and the implementation of a program that will member for Shuswap for acknowledging that today. protect workers…. With respect to the federal government, we had com- mitments from the Minister of Finance and the Prime Interjections. Minister that there would be an efective national pro- gram. When they launched their program and it became 1520 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Mr. Speaker: All right, Members. Te member for Shu- Hon. J. Horgan: Again, I thank the member for his swap has the foor. new-found enthusiasm in this area. He may well remember that last spring, when we were G. Kyllo: Workers deserve to be safe and protected, advocating on behalf of British Columbians to the feder- especially during a pandemic. Last year the Premier was al government for a national sick pay program, we wer- adamant that he was ready to implement a provincially en’t joined by the B.C. Liberals at that time, but we were funded sick pay program. Last May he said: “We’re pre- joined by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. We were pared to go it alone. We do have alternative plans in joined by the boards of trade from Vancouver and from place.” But he hasn’t done it. Once again, we have a Pre- Surrey, as well as the B.C. Business Council, as well as mier who shows up, makes big promises, messes up and the B.C. Federation of Labour. fails to deliver. To the Premier, what is the Premier’s plan for a provin- Interjections. cially funded sick pay program that he claimed to have ready to go a year ago? Mr. Speaker: Members, we’ll listen to the answer.

Hon. J. Horgan: Again, two consecutive days of interest Hon. J. Horgan: Even the independent contractors in workers from the ofcial opposition is a day to celebrate. had to suck it up and support the government. Imagine I’ll remind the member who was just on his feet that he that. But despite that, the farm team for that organiza- spent four days in this House, 6½ hours, debating the mer- tion couldn’t fnd the temerity to stand up and support its of three hours of… this mission. I’m grateful they’re doing it today. I look forward to unanimous consent at the appropriate time Interjections. in the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker: Members. T. Stone: What we’re talking about here today are thou- sands of hard-working British Columbians — front-line Hon. J. Horgan: …to get a vaccination. So I am workers, essential workers, in many cases, young workers, heartened by the volume coming from the other side people of colour, lots of women — that have been bearing that their new-found enthusiasm for workers isn’t just more than their fair share of this pandemic, who were confned to ripping up their contracts, but instead, they promised by this Premier one year ago that a sick pay pro- want to help them. gram would be put in place, and the Premier didn’t do it. Tank you, Member, for your support. Te ofcial opposition actually wrote to the Premier…

Mr. Speaker: Te member for Shuswap on a supple- Interjections. mental. Mr. Speaker: Members. G. Kyllo: Well, I was just trying to do our part. Te only bill that was actually on the foor for debate in this Legis- T. Stone: …in May of 2020, encouraging and urging the lature was Bill 3. government to get on with a sick pay program. Perhaps he Yesterday the Premier claimed: “It’s not a simple pro- needs to be better briefed. cess. Tere is no structure in place.” But a year ago he Te Premier is blowing it. He’s blowing it for said he had a plan that was ready to go. So if there’s still 20-to-39-year-olds. He knows that that’s the case. Yester- no structure, it’s because he’s botched it. Hard-working day the Premier said: “Paid sick leave is critical to get men and women took the Premier at his word when he through the pandemic.”But Laird Cronk and the B.C. Fed- said that he had a plan in place a year ago. Tey don’t eration of Labour say the Premier is failing, and he’s had want excuses now. this to say: “Te budget fails to ensure paid sick days and I can think of one group who are really counting on to remove the untenable decision for workers between the Premier not to blow it — the 20- to 39-year-olds, who staying home sick and paying the bills during a pandemic.” don’t want to have to choose between paying their rent or Te Premier said he had a plan ready to implement a getting people sick. year ago. What is the Premier’s plan for a provincially fun- To the Premier, will the Premier tell us why he told ded sick pay program? everyone that he had his own provincially funded plan when it is now apparent that nothing could be further Hon. H. Bains: I’m really happy to answer this question from the truth? and thank the opposition for this question. [2:20 p.m.] I know that the B.C. Liberals are waking up today to this new issue. I’m surprised, actually, that they have taken an interest in workers’ rights now. I don’t need to remind this Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1521 member that he was part of a government who, for too modicum of credibility when it came to standing up for long, for 16 years, disrespected the workers and showed working people of British Columbia. If only that was the nothing but contempt for the working people. case. Tis was the government that cut benefts to injured I mentioned the organizations that have traditionally workers. Tis was the government that shut down half of been supportive of the B.C. Liberals: the B.C. Business the employment standards ofces and fred half of those Council, the boards of trade, the chambers of commerce. workers. If that wasn’t enough — roadblocks to justice for To a person, they stood together with us and said we need those most vulnerable workers in B.C. — they threw in a a national plan in Canada. We need a national plan in self-help kit. Tey were told that the workers felt that their Canada. rights were violated. Tey were told: “Fill out these papers. Go talk to your own employer. You’re on your own.” Interjections. I’m not even talking about how they ripped up the collective agreement that was legally negotiated. Only Mr. Speaker: Members. the Supreme Court of Canada told them their actions Just a second. Wait a minute, Premier. were…. Members, you asked the question. Now let’s listen to the answer, please. Interjections. Hon. J. Horgan: Tank you, hon. Speaker. Hon. H. Bains: When they were [audio interrupted], we Again, I’m grateful that I’ve heard today from at least were working for the last year to provide support for work- one member of the ofcial opposition, the member for ers, making sure that workers don’t lose their jobs when Shuswap, that he recognizes and acknowledges the they are sick with the COVID sickness. We will continue importance of moving expeditiously on this. So when to work. We will have a plan in place. I’m looking forward we bring it to the Legislature, when we return from the to getting their support on that. constituency week, I’m grateful that he will second the motion, and all of the members on that side will vote up Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kamloops–South unanimously to support paid sick leave for British Col- Tompson on a supplemental. umbia.

T. Stone: Well, what a pathetic, nonsensical answer that COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS was. Tis is the same Labour Minister who, just the other AND ENFORCEMENT day, said: “As the Premier has said, if the feds fail to work with us, I think we, as British Columbia, will fnd our own E. Ross: We are a third of the way through the Premier’s ways.” travel restrictions, and we still don’t have answers on how Te Premier made it very clear. Te Labour Minister has it will be enforced. Tese include basic answers about what said that they would put a program in place. More import- happens at the actual police checkpoints. People want to antly, the Premier, the head of the executive council, has know if a police ofcer enforcing a checkpoint will turn said that he had a plan ready to go one year ago, and we’re someone around or if they’ll just give them a fne and let still waiting. So are the thousands of British Columbians them continue. whose health is at risk. Tey’re still waiting. Which is it? Will the Premier tell us if police can detain [2:25 p.m.] and turn people around at checkpoints or not? People took the Premier at his word when he said he had a plan a year ago, and they certainly don’t want his Hon. M. Farnworth: As I indicated last Friday, later excuses today. But this is the whining that we heard from this week the enforcement provisions will be made public the Premier yesterday: “It’s sad, I think, sad to say that at in terms of the details of how the COVID checks will month 14, we haven’t resolved this issue. It was a critical take place when they’re implemented by the police in the issue 12 months ago, and we’re still talking about it. Tat province of British Columbia. disappoints me.” I can tell you that we’ve been engaged in discussions Do you know what’s sad and disappointing? It’s a Premi- with police in terms of how things will work, in terms of er who broke his promise on sick pay and can’t deliver. the legal services branch, in terms of how the order will be Te question is this. Te Premier is sitting on $3.1 bil- constructed under the Emergency Program Act. I can tell lion of contingencies in the budget — $3.1 billion. Where you we’ve had discussions, not only with members of the is his plan for a provincially funded sick pay program — a BIPOC community but with local government. I can tell program that he claims to have ready to implement — that you that the opposition is going to be briefed tomorrow. workers across this province desperately need today? What I can tell you is this — that most British Columbi- ans understand what’s in place, which is to stay local, stay Hon. J. Horgan: If only the ofcial opposition had a 1522 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 within your health authority. Tat’s what they’re already Budget Debate doing. (continued)

Mr. Speaker: Te member for Skeena on a supplemen- Hon. N. Simons: I can wait a couple of seconds while tal. people exit the chamber in advance of my conclusion. It’s quite all right. I don’t always like to stand up while people E. Ross: To be honest, that doesn’t answer the question. are walking out of the room, but it happens sometimes. People need to know right now what the police powers are at the checkpoints, and they should have known the day [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] that the Premier made this announcement about check- points in the frst place. Police and the citizens of B.C. need I think it’s my frst…. Well, I hate to disappoint my dear an answer. Tey deserve an answer, with all the confusion colleagues from the other side of the House, but I have adding to the stress and anxiety of this COVID crisis. very few minutes lef — 16 minutes. However, I think it’s We don’t know if the police will be detaining drivers clear to all members in this House that I’m very supportive or not and whether or not they can force drivers to turn of this budget. I’m very pleased that we have a government around. Will the Premier be turning around drivers at the in place that’s taking care of the people of this province checkpoints, yes or no? through a difcult time — that is creating resilience in our communities and encouraging all members of the public Hon. M. Farnworth: I can tell the hon. member that the to adhere to the public health orders. We continue to do Premier most defnitely will not be turning around people that. We continue to make all eforts to get through this at checkpoints. difcult time together. Tough what I can also tell the hon. member is that the With that, I would like to conclude my remarks. Tank police who will be working at the checkpoint or check- you for this opportunity. points are professionals who are well trained, know their job and know how to treat people respectfully and cour- Deputy Speaker: Tank you for your long remarks, teously. So it’s not a question. Tey’ve been doing it for a Member, very much. very long time. Te member for Kelowna-Mission. What we have been working with is the police in terms of the order as it will be in place, how it will be implemen- R. Merrifeld: All right. I was getting ready for a 16 ted and where it will be implemented. minute…. Yeah, thank you. [2:30 p.m.] It is truly a privilege to rise today and represent the We’ve also made it clear over the last week that, for fne residents of my Kelowna-Mission riding. Tis is my example, it is not going to be random around health frst provincial budget, and I was really excited to get authorities but will be at the borders between those health my frst one as an elected ofcial. I’d actually been anti- authorities — in particular, the one between the Lower cipating that day since October of 2020, because to me, Mainland and the Interior. Tat’s because that’s where the budgets are way more than just numbers on a page. In issue of stopping the spread of the virus is most efective. fact, a budget is your road map. It’s your way forward, We are already seeing that the restrictions that have forward to a really exciting future. been put in place when it comes to ferries, for example, As I watched the Finance Minister deliver her budget are working extremely well. I can tell the member, for speech, I refected on the amount of work it takes to pre- example, that already, on this past weekend, the pare the budget document. I want to acknowledge the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay route: vehicle trafc down 24 behind-the-scenes staf that worked tirelessly to assemble percent; passenger trafc down 34 percent. I can tell you our provincial budget and thank them for their eforts on that in terms of the Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay route: behalf of B.C. vehicle trafc down by 37 percent; passenger trafc down I also want to acknowledge that these are extraordinary by 42 percent. Tat’s already on reduced capacity. times. I know that phrase has been overused, but we all You know what? Te public understands the restric- need to recognize that we are in the most signifcant mo- tions. Te public understands the need to stay local. It’s a ment in British Columbian history, a moment that will be shame they don’t. in our textbooks for social studies and will be analyzed and studied by our students of all grades. It’s humbling to [End of question period.] know that our actions today and tomorrow will infuence the course of British Columbians’ history. Orders of the Day [2:35 p.m.] We have never needed a road map more desperately. Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued debate on the Tis pandemic has shown clearly the gaps in our sys- budget. tems, created by a lack of attention, a lack of preparation Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1523 and so many other factors. But they became even more no rest. We’ve asked them to isolate from their families and evident with the pandemic’s light shining through every to make enormous sacrifces. crack in our society. One would think, considering these facts, that a large History books will, unfortunately, speak of the great investment in our health care system, both in people and inequities of this pandemic: how racial minorities largely facilities, would be warranted, given our last year, espe- had to take on greater risk, as they make up a larger por- cially since, during the last election, this NDP government tion of our front-line workers, and how they lost income promised to hire 7,000 new front-line health care workers and risked their health; how youth were some of the hard- and open a second medical school so that we could edu- est hit in the pandemic and how, in numbers of ill as cate the next generation of our doctors, nurses and other well as their jobs and futures, they were threatened; how front-line professionals. Well, right now, based on this women lef the workforce in record numbers; how small budget, it appears they are not going to make good on any and medium-sized businesses closed, and are still closing; of those promises. how our mental health took many of us to our knees; [2:40 p.m.] and how, during this time, the greatest divide between the Tis government should also be thinking about how haves and the have-nots has emerged. it’s going to recruit and retain health care staf that have As I read this budget, I realized that the other subtitle become severely fatigued as a result of this pandemic. in our grandchildren’s textbooks will read: “NDP govern- What’s in the budget for them? ment chooses to go into the largest defcit in history, while I also hear from constituents that they can’t fnd a family not addressing pandemic gaps.” I did pay attention to what doctor. In fact, there are many in this province that can’t my riding would care about. Tey need economic help for fnd family doctors, yet we just closed the urgent care small businesses, which is at the highest percentage of the centre in Kamloops. But we’re going to open up a cancer entire province. Tey need housing afordability in a des- clinic in Kamloops, right? Nope. It’s not there. perate way. Tey need better health care, specifcally can- We know that in a preventative health care system, cer care, and access to GPs. We need opportunities for access and regular visits to a family doctor provide better our youth. We need sick leave for workers. We need new outcomes for overall health. So what does it say when I tell schools, for the ones that are falling apart, and child care. you that over 750,000 people, or 15 percent of our total Wait. Tere’s more, starting with the fact that my com- population, in B.C. are without a family doctor? Well, it munity, as many across this province, has been devastated tells me we don’t have a preventative care system. It seems by the COVID pandemic. Tey, just like many in B.C., will like this should be an important priority for the govern- need to rebuild — rebuild our economy, rebuild our jobs, ment, no? Not in this budget. rebuild our health care system and, ultimately, rebuild our COVID-19 has also exposed another gap in our health confdence and our hope. Not only do we have to take care care system. It has been a struggle to get accurate data. of people during this pandemic, but we also, as a govern- And I can only imagine the frustration felt by staf in our ment, need to provide the tracks for British Columbia and public health ofce as they attempt to assemble the data British Columbians to move forward. so Dr. Henry can make important decisions and brief the Let me be clear. Tere is no plan forward in this budget public. It’s a fact that British Columbians want to do the for any of that. Now, don’t get me wrong. Tere are some right thing. Tey want to listen to the advice of the PHO. half-measures. Unfortunately, the lack of reliable data and transparency Here’s an example of one. First, let’s take our health care has lef many with a concerning level of mistrust and frus- system. To say that we have stretched the capacity of our tration. front-line health care professionals absolutely to the lim- We heard that this was a resource issue. Well, what a its would not fully express the level of their contribution to perfect moment, like a budget, to rectify that wrong and our province in the face of COVID-19. Teir stress levels to bring those resources to this desperately needed data. are extraordinary, and only getting worse. I have cried with Fund the data collection, the timely reporting, and up- nurses. I’ve heard their stories of holding dying COVID grade the outdated systems that we currently use to track patients’ hands, knowing that they will be the only human data, like Excel spreadsheets and by hand. Tis budget touch, as they pass from this life into the next. would be an opportunity to invest in these processes and Doctors and specialists — how about them? Well, start to rebuild that trust. they’re at their breaking point. Radiologists and oncolo- It would also help us deal with one of the hardest hit in gists are sitting at the brink, staring down the barrel of this pandemic: racial minorities. Kulpreet Singh, founder a cancer tsunami. How about the anaesthesiologists, who of the South Asian Mental Health Alliance, says: “If we are there when we increase the number of surgeries that take a look at the demographics of the communities, we we want to do, as well as when we need to be intubated for can see what we have already suspected, which is that a ventilator to recover from COVID-19? We have asked all people who are working in essential work — front-line of these individuals, and so many more, to put themselves jobs, predominantly from racialized and marginalized in harm’s way, to work evenings and weekends, on little or communities — are being adversely afected in greater 1524 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 numbers by the pandemic.” Singh goes on to say: “Te health issues. In fact, studies show that two-thirds of all surge of cases and disproportionate impact the virus has of our youth are experiencing mental health issues right had on the South Asian communities could have been mit- now. Tey are drowning, and we aren’t saving them. In igated had there been race-based data collection.” fact, we’re blaming them for the pandemic. Te irony is Tere is lip service from this government about erad- that we could save them. icating racism, but this budget actually shows us that the Quoting Jennifer Charlesworth, B.C.’s Representative government doesn’t seem to understand how to fx this for Children and Youth: “Many of the mental health chal- gap that’s been shown in glaring form in a pandemic. It lenges children experience are preventable. All are treat- doesn’t understand how to correct the wrongs — not in able. We weren’t meeting the needs prior to the pandemic, this budget. In fact, the very health authority that controls so we have to ramp up our capacity during and post pan- data has had their budget cut by $1.1 billion. demic.” Yet the budget only included $97 million for men- Another missed opportunity? Let’s talk about Surrey tal health supports for children and youth, $53 million to hospital. According to the budget document, there seems expand the early psychosis intervention program, $14 mil- to be some internal debate as to whether it’s a new hospital lion for the First Nations Health Authority and $8 million or a net-new hospital or a renovated hospital, completed to expand eating disorder care and suicide prevention. in 2027, 2028. Tere’s no spending in the three-year fscal Charlesworth, the children’s representative, said the plan to support construction. So even when completed, it’s budget made some good investments in areas such as only 168 beds — 168 beds in Surrey, our fastest-growing Aboriginal child development programs, but she also municipality. argued that the expansion of the integrated youth teams in Ten there’s Richmond Hospital, another promise this schools is only going to reach 24 of B.C.’s 60 education dis- government campaigned on. Where is that in the budget? tricts. And despite bolstering the popular Foundry centres, And then cancer care, another election promise by the which I personally love, that’s only going to be available to NDP government — a ten-year cancer plan. Well, I guess a handful of communities. the cancer plan starts next year, because there’s not any sig- Te new money, she argues, does little to reduce the nifcant investment from this government. In fact, there wait-list for CYMH services. Charlesworth added that we hasn’t been any signifcant investment in cancer care in the need to have “a fundamentally expansive and more robust last four years of this government. Tis despite the signals child and youth mental system” available to everybody. that B.C. is slipping in our outcomes, our recovery rates Something is terribly wrong with the priorities of this and our wait times. NDP government. Tat’s shown not just in their health [2:45 p.m.] priorities but also in their economic ones. I’m starting to sense a theme that this government We all know what a hit our small businesses and tour- doesn’t grasp the problems that are facing British Colum- ism sector have taken all over British Columbia. In my bians, because then…. Let’s talk about mental health. B.C. riding, it’s been felt. It’s ricocheting echoes of destruc- has a mental health crisis. Te next epidemic wave will be tion amongst businesses, and it will clearly have con- this one — parents on the phone with me, desperate to fnd sequences for years. Many of the attractions that count help for their young adult, seniors dying of loneliness and on tourism are struggling afer a year of being either most of us stuck in an anxious social state. Tis epidem- closed altogether or operating sporadically at very re- ic also manifests in the number of British Columbians we duced capacity. Tese aren’t large-scale operations. Tey lose every month to opioid addictions. can’t absorb the losses that they’re experiencing without Last year 2,000 families lost a loved one — sons, daugh- support from this government. ters, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers. Tese victims [2:50 p.m.] are dying, ofen alone. Since 2017, 21,000 people have been Given that fact, I should have been able to fnd a very diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Of that number, signifcant investment to help rebuild that sector. Instead, only 5,000 received treatment. According to the Ministry what I found was half of what they have asked for. Disap- of Mental Health and Addiction numbers, they are pro- pointing, to say the least. jecting, targeting, a 2- to 5-percent increase in recovery. What about our support for our small and medium- Am I reading that correctly? Are we going to see, then, a sized businesses? Surely, given the fact that 98 percent 2- to 5-percent decrease in opioid deaths? of our business sector is small and medium-sized, there Tis despite a $500 million investment. Where is the would be a plan to help them get back on their feet. No. money going? Well, it’s certainly not the minister’s ofce. Tere is no new and no signifcant funding for jobs or for Her budget is smaller than the Premier’s. It’s not in com- economic recovery, no new money for our struggling res- plex care housing, because we’re only getting 195 new taurant industry that is continually punched back down by treatment beds — 2,000 opioid-related deaths and only COVID restrictions. 195 new treatment beds. Tis problem is far worse than we Oh sure, there are reworked and re-added grant pro- previously thought. grams, but that was so botched by this NDP government Our children, our youth are sufering with mental the frst time around that there is little to no faith in it. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1525

But $3.1 billion, though, in unallocated recovery funding, the sixth most expensive place to rent in Canada. Instead with zero plan to deploy when people need help right of taking action and working to increase supply across now…. Tis NDP government doesn’t understand small the entire housing sector, this NDP government has aban- businesses and where their needs are at. No clue. doned their commitments to renters. How about a good old-fashioned jobs plan? Nearly [2:55 p.m.] 40,000 full-time jobs lost during the pandemic have not Under the governance of this NDP Premier, housing been recovered. Te private sector alone is behind 42,000 prices are higher than ever, and new construction of jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels. Te only jobs plan homes is down signifcantly. Low housing supply equals seems to be the expansion of government by 60,000 pos- high prices — economics 101. BCREA says the average itions. Judging by the response we heard when this fgure home price in B.C. is up 20.4 percent, year over year, for was brought up in question period, it leads me to believe March 2021. In the Central Okanagan, the average price of that this is, in fact, the plan: bloat government, expand a single-family home is now $829,400; last year, one year government, while failing to provide the necessary sup- ago, $667,700. ports to the private sector. British Columbians are discovering that their dream of Te private sector jobs are the ones that actually con- owning their own home is out of reach. Tere is no plan tribute to our GDP. Tey don’t cost taxpayers money. But from this government to increase the supply of housing, it’s actually worse than this, because there are no supports decrease red tape in local housing development or take any for these businesses to help people get by immediately, tangible action to improve afordability. In fact, the NDP right now, today. government is predicting continued high pricing in hous- Despite the Premier promising a “made-in-B.C. solu- ing, as their property transfer tax revenue line item is pre- tion,” there is no paid sick leave in this budget. So essential dicted to remain the highest in history, not just for last year workers that can’t aford to stay home…. Tese essential or this year but for the next three years in a row. workers, that are typically youth, women and racial minor- Te NDP housing plan has failed. Instead of taking ities…. Well, they can’t aford to stay at home if they don’t accountability and using this budget to take action, they’re feel well, so they go to work. Over and over we’ve heard the using it as a cash cow, priorities amiss. Premier tell British Columbians: “Stay home.” But his gov- I watched with eager anticipation for an announcement ernment has provided no direct assistance to those work- on child care. I raised my three kids and built my business ers that have no choice. Lack of understanding by this gov- at the same time, and it was excruciating. I still remember ernment. taking that leap and paying for child care. I didn’t know if We all pay taxes, right? It stands to reason that we I’d have enough money to pay for it. In fact, for the frst should understand taxpayers. But looking at this budget, two years, I didn’t. I paid more in child care than I took by the end of this NDP’s second term, they’re going to add home at the end of the day. But I believed in what I was an equivalent of $10,000 in additional debt for every single doing, the business I was building, and I kept going. British Columbian. Te revenue to pay that debt comes Tat is not the case for everyone. I’ve heard from con- from only one place: the taxpayer. stituents who are moving out of the Okanagan because life British Columbians are even going to now pay a soda is not afordable and there are no child care spaces. I have tax. Tat sounds good, doesn’t it? Discourage the over- spoken to others in my riding who are desperate to fnd indulgence in sugary drinks like pop. Promoting healthier quality child care to get back into the labour force. Tese habits, right? Not so fast. Tis tax applies not to just sugary are highly trained, qualifed professionals who are opting drinks but to all carbonated beverages, including sugar- out in order to take care of their kids. We know that in free alternatives or the most popular beverages, soda order to be serious about rebuilding the economy post- water. So this isn’t actually a tax to promote a healthier life- COVID, we have to get parents into the workforce. But style. It’s just a run-of-the-mill tax grab. without an afordable child care plan, this is not possible. So 53 percent of British Columbians are now $200 or Despite the NDP’s continued promises, there’s no uni- less away from insolvency. What does this government do? versal $10-a-day daycare in this budget and no delivery Tey add a soda tax. Oh, wait. Tat’s in addition to the of the 24,000 new child care spaces that they had already 23 new and increased taxes since they formed govern- promised. Tere are only 75 $10-a-day prototype sites that ment. Something is terribly wrong with the priorities of will be added, for a total of 3,750 spaces. this NDP government. We need a clear plan for our province now. When the Remember the promise for the renters? Election prom- newly announced federal plan takes shape, we can move in ise, twice over — a $400 annual renters rebate. Nope. Not lockstep to create as many spots as we can. And 3,750 child in this budget. Tat’s vanished. Te NDP promised more care spaces are barely a drop in the bucket and do nothing rental afordability, and in my riding, that matters. Kelow- to address this immediate problem. We need to get seri- na’s rents have increased over 5 percent in March versus ous, or we won’t beneft from the economic boost of hav- February. Oh, wait. One month — 5 percent. Tis despite ing parents able to be involved in the workforce. Priorities, a rental freeze brought on by COVID. Kelowna is now priorities, priorities. 1526 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

How about our education system? Teachers, educational highlight the work that he did in the Legislature for all aides and admin staf have been strained this last year. We British Columbians. have asked them to do so much to keep our kids safe, As the Nelson Daily News reported, August 30, 1972, to provide an education under considerable stress and to was a momentous day for British Columbia and for the adapt to our changing reality. What thanks do we provide provincial riding of Nelson-Creston. Tis was the day the them? Tis budget cuts $53 million from school districts’ province elected its frst govern- budgets. In Surrey, parents and teachers were promised ment and the Nelson-Creston riding elected its frst NDP real classrooms instead of portables. At the start of the pre- MLA, Lorne Nicolson. Lorne served the riding’s constitu- pandemic school year, there were 361 portables in Surrey. ents for 14 years and was the minister responsible for Nothing in this budget to address this — just a cut to the housing from 1983 until he retired in 1986. school district. I’m going to share a story that I think depicts the type In closing, I have to say that my frst provincial budget of leader Lorne was. Tere was a time that Lorne, who experience was a disappointment. I expected more. I ex- happened to be home in his constituency, snuck into the pected a silver lining. I expected to fnd hope, to fnd salve back of Taghum Hall. Taghum Hall is a little hall about for the weary souls amongst us and hope for the future that ten kilometres outside of Nelson, just for that local con- we have together. I wanted to see a budget that includes text. Te locals there were having a meeting. It was in measures that every single British Columbian can point to protest of the Department of Highways’ plan to upgrade and see how it’s going to help them recover from a year of the wooden Taghum Bridge. Te residents had long com- COVID darkness. plained about the condition and safety of the bridge but [3:00 p.m.] did so in the hope that it would be replaced by a new, much We need to fx the cracks that the pandemic shone more expensive concrete bridge at a diferent location with through and showed us were there and make right the in- better alignment. equities that this government’s policies have only helped to Now, the meeting, as some meetings do, started to get reinforce. We need to make sure that we’ve learned from fairly heated. At one point, an attendee demanded: “Where the lessons of the pandemic and that this sacrifce does not is our MLA? Why isn’t he here to represent us?” At that go to waste. We need to instil confdence in British Colum- point, Lorne, who had gone unnoticed, quietly stood up bia, confdence in our ability to fashion our own destiny, and said: “Here I am. I came to listen so I could represent to set and achieve goals, to aspire for a better life. your concerns to the Ministry of Highways in Victoria.” I am by nature an optimist. I really do want to give Now, this completely defused the situation, and Lorne this government the beneft of the doubt, but sadly, there was true to his word. He not only carried the residents’ is not much to celebrate in this budget. Tis is the NDP’s concerns to the minister but managed to persuade the second term. Tey seem to just be bumbling through it. department to change its mind and to commit to the new No big, bold ideas. Just fancy words and little, if any, fol- bridge, which was completed a few years later. low-through. [3:05 p.m.] I won’t give up. I will keep raising the voices and aug- Now, I thought this was a really beautiful short story menting the concerns of the residents of Kelowna-Mission that depicted what type of a leader Lorne was. I just want and the residents of British Columbia. I’m going to do so to celebrate the life that he had and thank him for all of the here, in this place, and fght to make sure that this govern- service that he provided for the constituency but also for ment has more to ofer us. Right now they are failing to all British Columbians. meet the needs of this province. Tank you, Lorne, for your service. Tank you, hon. Speaker, for allowing me this time. Now back to the budget. When I look at this budget, this is the budget that I expected. You might ask why. When I B. Anderson: I appreciate the opportunity to speak very look at this budget, this is directly what we promised Brit- much in favour of this budget. ish Columbians during the election. Tis budget refects I want to acknowledge that I am on the traditional, un- what British Columbians voted for. What British Colum- ceded territory of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt and Syilx peoples. bians voted for was…. Tey wanted investments in people. Before I dive into the investments that we’re making in Tey wanted this government to carry them through the the people of British Columbia in this budget, I would like pandemic and into recovery. to celebrate a life today. Tat is the life of Lorne Nicolson. When we look at this budget and all of the great things Lorne is a former B.C. NDP MLA for Nelson-Creston. He that it’s providing across the province, in every corner of passed away earlier this year. this province…. I really think that all British Columbians First of all, I would like to extend my condolences to his are able to look at this budget and say: “Tis is the budget family, especially Frances, his wife of 62 years, sons Sean I voted for. Tis is going to take me through. We are going and Cameron as well as his sister Karen, several family to get through this pandemic.” members and many, many friends. Now, there are major, major investments in health care Although I did not know Lorne personally, I wanted to in this budget. I mean, how could there not be? If any- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1527 thing, during a global pandemic…. I think all Canadians to open up again more. We’re able to visit with our loved kind of sat back and realized how very fortunate we are ones. We’re able to go out and go to the theatre. that we have universal health care in Canada and in our [3:10 p.m.] province, of course, of British Columbia. I am so grateful Now, I can’t wait to see a live performance again. Tese to see these increased investments in our health care sys- are moments that are going to feel so special. I can’t ima- tem. gine. I’m going to get to dance around. Not too long ago my dog, who I love very much and We have lots of music festivals in the Kootenays, and who spends most of her time with me, had to get surgery. being outside in the elements and dancing with hundreds Afer her surgery, she was healing up really well. I posted or thousands of people is such an amazing feeling. Right a photo of her on social media. I just said: “Every time I now, that feeling feels so far away, but if we follow these pay my vet bill, I am just so grateful that we have univer- health care restrictions, or the public health orders, we are sal health care for humans in Canada.” To which my very going to get to that point where, when our friend comes to dear friend responded: “Every time I pay my vet bill, I wish town, we’re going to be able to give them that big hug. health care was as inexpensive and as accessible as it is for I was hoping to see my grandma here in a few weeks — my pet as it would be for me.” She is American. She spent it’s her 90th birthday — but unfortunately, we’re going to years without health insurance. have to hold of on that, too, just a little bit longer. Celeb- When I look at this budget and I look at the investments rating your grandma’s 90th birthday seems pretty essential that we are making in health care, including mental health to a family, but it’s not, because it’s not safe right now to do care, I think how grateful I am for these investments. You so. We’re going to wait of, and we’re going to celebrate her know, we’re investing in cancer care. Today I am wear- and the amazing life that she’s had, and the work that she ing…. Tis is Cancer Awareness Month. I don’t think still continues to do, when it’s safe to do so. there’s a person in British Columbia whose life has not When I look at this budget, I see that we are working for been touched one way or another by cancer. people. I just want to thank the Finance Minister for all of Today actually happens to be my grandfather’s…. the incredible work that it took to pull everything togeth- Well, it would have been his 83rd birthday. When I was a er, to pull our platform together and all of the promises we teenager, he had a long battle with cancer, and he passed made, and then create a budget that is going to ensure that away. British Columbia is resilient, moving forward. With this Grandpa Dave, I am thinking of you today. budget, I absolutely see that happening. I am so glad we are investing in a new cancer centre in We look at what has happened with our businesses, the Interior. Tis will mean that people from rural B.C. are and some of our businesses have had an extremely hard going to have better access to cancer care. Tat is going time. But we have been investing in small businesses. We to be so impactful, not only for the patients but also for have more business support for small and medium busi- the families and for the loved ones of these people. Having nesses than any other jurisdiction in Canada. We know care close to home is incredibly important for our medical that small businesses are the backbone of our local eco- system. nomy, of our provincial economy, but also our local eco- In our rural area, that is one of the things that I hear the nomies. We know that when we spend money at local most. We want to see investments in these rural areas so businesses, that money gets recirculated into our com- that people are able to access health care at home. Tis is munities. It’s absolutely critical that we support them now what we’re seeing in this budget by expanding the budget so that they’re able to thrive later. for health care. So I am so grateful to see these invest- I have been making phone calls and talking to business ments. owners and asking them how they’re doing. One business A part of these investments is the vaccine rollout. I don’t said if it hadn’t been for the supports that I specifcally told know about you, but for every single person in my life, them about and really encouraged them to apply, they’re when they let me know they have either gotten their vac- not sure if they would be able to still be open today. cine or have registered for their vaccine or have booked Because our government is investing in small busi- that vaccine appointment, I feel a tremendous sense of nesses…. Tey’re small businesses that we know would relief and hope. Just yesterday my dad was able to get his be doing well, but we’re in a pandemic. Now is the time vaccine, and my mom goes in for her shot probably in a that we need to support them so that they’re able to few minutes here. thrive in the future, so that they’re there when we all get Te more people that we’re seeing getting vaccinated…. back to normal. Tat is something that I am really look- We’re going to see those numbers increase and increase, ing forward to. and then we’re also going to see, if we follow the health One of the most exciting announcements that I think we restrictions, that our cases are going to decrease and have recently made is from our Minister of Jobs and trade. decrease. Tat means that if we all follow the public health Now, in B.C., this investment fund…. Tis is an absolute orders that are in place, hopefully — and I know every game-changer. I’m already receiving text messages from single person in British Columbia wants this — we are able really creative businesses that are going to make change 1528 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 and do great things for British Columbia, wanting to know get them ready for school, but it’s also really important for more about this strategic investment. Tis investment, the the economy. If parents aren’t able to work…. Of course, fact that it is triple bottom line…. It’s planet, people and some parents are able to stay home and want to stay home, profts, because, of course, we need to be considering these and that is a wonderful choice if that is the choice that you three things at all times for a business. want to make. But other parents either have to go to work If you can’t make a proft in business, you’re not a busi- or want to go to work or both. We need to ensure that there ness. You can’t move forward. Proft, of course, is in there. is safe, appropriate and afordable child care for everyone It’s always important. Businesses must make profts. But if in the province. we only focus on profts, and we forget about the people What I see with this budget is that we are moving for- and forget about the environment, that’s a huge problem. ward again on child care, with our $10-a-day child care Tat’s actually a problem that I think we have seen with program. I know that we’re moving in the right direction, globalization: that we are so far removed in many ways also, when people are seeing what this government is do- from the people and from the environment with some of ing, and then they’re wanting to stand up and say yeah. these decisions that we make, there’s this long chain of With economic recovery, now the federal government impacts that happen. also wants to be supporting child care, and we welcome What this investment does is…. Tis investment is these investments because we know from the plan that we going to take money and invest it in businesses that have developed that this is so important. Having that part- are creating environmental change or solving those huge nership is only going to mean that, more quickly, we are environmental problems that we must face, that we have going to be able to deliver on the $10-a-day child care pro- to face. Or they’re going to be investing in things that are gram and expand it to more families. going to be making social change — medication, health We’re very fortunate here in the Kootenays. Selkirk Col- care. lege was able to create a partnership, and we are getting, I I can’t wait to see what some of these investments are think, 24 new child care spaces up at the Silver King cam- going to be. I’m absolutely…. Some of the work that I have pus, which is in Rosemont in Nelson. Tat was a great seen that British Columbians have done…. Tey’re so cre- partnership between some local non-profts here and the ative, and I think what this money is really going to do is provincial government to increase the number of child attract a lot of those businesses that might be trying to fg- care spaces here. Because it’s partnered with the college, ure out where they want to work. there are also going to be training opportunities for early [3:15 p.m.] childhood educators. When they see the quality of life that we have in British By having that close proximity, it’s a really well-designed Columbia, along with being very business-friendly — and space. It’s great that it’s integrated with the actual educa- we have this new strategic investment — I think we are tion and the program, and it’s going to be supporting not going to be the place that people want to start and people only community members but students, teachers, faculty want to stay. We know that once people are in B.C., they and staf. Tis is going to be a great thing for the Selkirk don’t want to leave. Tat’s why people keep coming to our College community but also the community of greater province. Most people have dreamed their entire lives to Nelson, sort of, in general. come live in British Columbia, and we are so grateful that When we’re seeing these investments in child care, we this is our home and that we get to call it our home. know that those dollars are then going to be recirculated I’ve felt so grateful during the pandemic. I’ve lived all again and again throughout this community as parents are over the world, and there is nowhere in the entire world able to go to work and children are able to get that really that I’d want to be right now except for in British Colum- high-quality child care experience. I know that we have bia. I think that’s because we know that we are taking care some absolutely excellent…. I just want to say that I’m of each other. Our communities are stepping up, and we’re really excited about that. taking care of each other. When I look at this budget, this Another thing, in terms of health care, that I want to budget is focused on recovery so that we’re able to move talk about, which I’m really excited is moving forward, is forward. Te future is going to look bright. Mount St. Francis. Mount St. Francis — if you’re not a loc- When I talk about economic recovery, I always think al, that probably doesn’t really mean very much or any- that the frst piece…. Tis is something that I heard previ- thing to you. But if you’re from this area, it means a lot. ously when I was on city council. When the pandemic frst Tere’s a fairly large piece of land in Nelson that used to hit, what was one of the biggest challenges for families? It house a facility. It was a health care facility called Mount was child care. I was hearing from parents, but I was also St. Francis. It closed about a decade ago. When it closed…. hearing from grandparents that were all of a sudden mov- Tere has been no heat on for a decade in that building. ing around the province to try to fnd child care or try to [3:20 p.m.] support their children and their grandchildren. Tere have been groups that are trying to fgure out We know that child care is absolutely critical, not only what we’re able to do with this land. Tere’s a covenant on for the social well-being, the development of children, to the land so it can only become another health care space. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1529

We know that we’re at a defcit of long-term-care beds in to actually tell where they…. Where one ends, the oth- our region. We are going to be getting 75 long-term-care er begins. It’s really important that we’re protecting these beds in a brand-new facility. areas in our community. Te vision for this facility is absolutely incredible. It’s Also, the Harrop-Procter Community Co-operative — not just a long-term-care facility. Tere has been a local they are also going to be doing work to protect Harrop- group here working. Tis is something I have never heard Procter. Tis is a beautiful little community just across the of before. Tey’re working directly with Interior Health ferry, across sort of from the Balfour area on Kootenay and providing…. Tere’s that back-and-forth between this Lake. Tey have Harrop-Procter forest products. Tere are local group that has been a strong advocate for long-term the beautiful community forests there. Tey’re also going care and also a health campus. Tey want to see child to be doing more work to ensure that that community is care up there. Tey want to see other services up there protected against wildfres. — afordable housing, potentially, up there as well. Maybe We’re seeing the same thing in Kaslo. It’s great to see addictions services. that across our region, we are getting more investments for It’s an entire community of people. It’s not just some- wildfre interface protection, which we know is absolutely, where where people in long-term care sort of go and are critically important. tucked away. Tis is going to be an absolutely beautiful Tere’s a great project that’s actually going on. It’s up space. Tat property, when you’re there, you can see the in the park that is sort of north of Nelson. Tere’s private beautiful Kootenay Lake. You can see the mountains. Tis land, so it’s the private land owners with B.C. Parks and is going to be a place where, I think, people are going to local logging companies. Tey’ve all been able to work look forward to moving into, rather than it being some- together to fgure out how they’re able to strategically do thing that people want to resist because they want to stay wildfre…. Logging, but logging to ensure that wildfre in their homes. isn’t able to sort of sweep through that area. Tere’s a lot of Particularly, what we saw coming out of other pro- dead beetle kill. vinces…. It was very scary to be in a long-term-care facil- [3:25 p.m.] ity. In some cases, it was scary here in British Columbia. Generally, in parks, there is no logging, but because of I think, also now, that the lessons that we learned from the risks and all of these factors, we’ve actually been able to COVID…. It will mean that the design of this specifc come to a great solution where B.C. Parks is working with space will be designed in a way that — and, hopefully, the local forestry industry and with landowners to make none of us ever have to experience anything like this pan- this all work together. demic ever again — we’re more prepared because of the When I was speaking with them, when I sat down and design and the layout. We’re prepared for this, if it were had a meeting with them…. Tis isn’t happening across ever to happen again, which will also help protect seniors, the province, so we’re really lucky that it’s happening here, of course, for things like infuenza season. I’m just really but I think it’s something that could be modelled in difer- glad to see that this is moving forward — Mount St. Fran- ent areas across the province. cis. We also have Kalesnikof. Tey have their mass timber Another thing that I want to talk about that, for our facility, and that facility sits just right on the boundary region, people are very passionate about…. It’s climate between Nelson-Creston and Kootenay West, and it’s pro- change. Our communities…. We’re in a rural area, and one viding this mass timber facility. Tey’re doing forestry of the things that we love about it is that we have direct from seedling or from sapling all the way to these mass access to nature. What that also means is our risk for wild- timber frame buildings. We’re going to start seeing these fres is huge. When you go out into the back country, you go up around the province. Te embedded carbon foot- can see that, and it can be dry. print is so much lower than in concrete and steel buildings. I was on a hike. I think it was two weeks ago. Tis is So I’m really excited. a hike along Kootenay Lake. It’s a pretty easy hike. It’s We are going to be seeing, hopefully, some going up well-shaded. It’s April. It was powder dry. Normally, I in our riding shortly but also across the province, really wouldn’t expect those kind of conditions until about July showcasing what the…. I really see this as the future of or August. the forestry industry that we’re taking. It’s the right log to We know that we need to clean up the forests around the right mill — that there’s the value-added product, that our communities to keep our communities safe. Now we’re we’re managing our forests appropriately. Tis is going to seeing that type of investment. Te Creston Valley Forest be the best way to build our economy, keep our communit- Corp., they’re doing operational treatment, and there’s ies safe from things like wildfre. going to be one prescribed fre. One of the things that Kalesnikof is doing is they are Tis isn’t a small area. Tis is 57.6 hectares. But what doing some work, again, to protect the city of Nelson from this is going to do is help to protect the community of wildfre danger. But they’re actually going to be turning it Creston and the adjacent communities. You look at Cre- into an agroforestry project. Now, if you don’t know what ston and Erickson and the rural area, you wouldn’t be able agroforestry is, basically think of a food forest. 1530 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Tis is going to be between Nelson and Cottonwood future leaders program, that’s going to be 5,000 young Lake, adjacent to the Rail Trail, which is an extremely people that are positively impacted, that are going to be popular trail that extends…. You can actually take it all paid for jobs or for internships. Tey’re getting their frst the way from Troup, which is a beach on Kootenay Lake, foot in the door, and that is absolutely critical. and go all the way up to Salmo, if you wanted. I have I know, as a young person, trying to fnd that frst sort of only made it up to Ymir for a beer on that trail before, “real job” is not easy, but it’s so important. Once you’re able but it’s possible from Nelson. It’s a great little ride, and to do that, then you can start to build your actual career. if you ever get the opportunity to stop at the Ymir Hotel But without that sort of clear pathway forward, it can be there, it is a very good time and one of the most eclectic a challenge. I’m so thrilled to see our future leaders pro- places you’re going to see. gram. I’m really excited to see how this really changes the Kalesnikof is going to be building that absolutely beau- lives of so many young people. tiful food forest there. I think that this is going to be a showcase for things that we’re able to replicate across the [N. Letnick in the chair.] province. I’m tremendously proud of the work that is done in my riding, because I think there’s a lot of innovation I want to thank, again, the Minister of Finance for all that’s happening. of the incredible work that she did to pull this budget Some of these organizations, like Kalesnikof, I think it’s together and the Premier on his leadership to get us a third or fourth generation family business. It might even through this pandemic. Tis is the budget that British be ffh. Tey’re really invested in this community. So we’re Columbia voted for. We are delivering on our promises. seeing great things happen because of it. Tis, to me, is exactly what government should be doing. When I look, again, at this budget, I’m excited. We’re We are listening to what the people want, and we’re seeing transit free for all people under 12 years old. Now, providing that for them. this is a great thing for families. It’s going to be saving fam- We’re going to hit the ground running, once we’re able ilies money, but what I also like to see is it’s habit-form- to get our vaccine numbers up and our rates lower. I can’t ing. If kids are used to getting around via public transit and wait until we’re able to embrace our loved ones again. I are using public transit, they’re not waiting on their 16th know every single one of us in British Columbia is really birthday, like: “I want to get my driver’s licence. I want to excited for that. get a vehicle.” Tey’re going to be happy they have the free- I just want to say thank you so much, Speaker, for the dom to get around on transit. opportunity to enthusiastically speak in support of this You’re getting people moving away from this mentality budget. I am really proud of the work that we are going to that the only way we move around is sort of one person, be doing together. or maybe if you’re lucky, you’re car-pooling or you’re with your spouse or your kids in your vehicle. But we see so J. Tegart: Tank you to the member for Nelson-Cre- many people just driving with one person in that vehicle. ston. Your enthusiasm is incredible, and it’s good to see By shifing people over to things like active transporta- new faces in the House. tion or transit, we’re going to be seeing our transportation It’s a pleasure to stand in the House to respond to GHG emissions start to decrease, which is critically Budget 2021. Tis is probably one of the most important important. When we look at that pie of the GHG emissions budgets in our lifetime; 2020 was a historic year in the in British Columbia, transportation is one of those key lifetime of British Columbia. In March 2020, this House areas where we need to start lowering our GHG emissions, recessed for two weeks. During those two weeks, British just like setting targets, specifc industry targets. Tat’s Columbia declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19 going to also help reduce our GHG emissions, which is pandemic. Te world was in turmoil. We were asked to absolutely critical as we move forward and we realize the hunker down, work from home. Schools closed. Long- plan of CleanBC. term care facilities and hospitals were in lockdown. Keep We’re leaders in this now, and we’re going to continue to your contacts to your immediate family in your home. have to push that. We know we’re going to have to reduce We were stunned. How could this happen? But we were our GHG emissions, and there’s going to be innovation. okay. Everyone would obey the public health orders. We I’m excited because I do believe that this InBC investment were on top of this. But it went on and on. fund is going to help fuel some of that innovation so that It attacked our seniors, who were in long-term care and we’re going to be fnding creative solutions to help us and assisted-living facilities. People were dying. Tey were get- help the planet fgure out how we’re going to mitigate and ting COVID. Tey were sick, and family wasn’t allowed adapt to climate change. to visit. Tey were dying alone, without family with them, [3:30 p.m.] surrounded by people in full coverage of PPE, from head Te last thing I would just like to say is that when I to toe. Te only contact was their eyes, full of care, support look at this budget, I see that this budget is focused also and, ultimately, sorrow. on young people. When we’re looking at the StrongerBC Families said goodbye over a telephone, on FaceTime Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1531 or on Zoom. Hearts were broken. People were guilt-rid- in a situation like we found ourselves in, in 2020…. To den. How could this be happening? Moms, dads, grannies, each and every one of you: thank you. To our teachers, our grandpas, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, special teaching assistants, support staf and administrat- grandchildren — COVID did not stop. It took whoever ors who have worked so hard to keep our children safe, was in its path. No family celebration of life. Limited num- ensuring that our kids have routine in their day, trying so bers allowed. Tey died alone; families grieved alone. hard to meet each student’s needs in these trying times…. Still, this disease carried on. If you came in contact From the school bus driver to the janitorial staf, keep- with someone with the disease, chances are you were the ing children safe was so important to you. Tank you. You next carrier. Families are sad. Communities are sad. First have all given so much. responders are sad. Te world is sad. Still, COVID goes [3:40 p.m.] on. Transit drivers, store clerks, bank staf, grocery workers. [3:35 p.m.] You have all gone above and beyond to ensure that we As it passes from person to person, it grows stronger. are safe and our communities are safe and that we are all It deviates. It spreads some more, much more rapidly this provided for. Firemen, police, paramedics, our front-line time round. We have to stop this. It has taken far too many. heroes. So many who have reached out and comforted a We pray each day that our scientists will fnd a cure, and neighbour, a person in their community, even strangers, COVID marches on. which is why Budget 2021 is so important in British Col- Our young people have been so afected this past year. umbia’s history. I think about high school children and the efects on their We have had an unprecedented year, a year of COV- lives: no grade 12 graduation, no family gathering to celeb- ID-19 and all that entails. But let us go back to March rate this milestone in their lives, no party with friends. It’s 2020. We began the COVID journey with all parties in the like grad didn’t even happen. How can this be? No good- House giving unanimous agreement to an unprecedented byes to classmates, to teachers who made such a diference spending bill that allowed the government to address the in your life, who inspired you to reach for the stars, who COVID challenge, recognition that we would have to put knew you at your best and at your worst but still believed partisan politics aside and work together as we fought this in you. pandemic. I was proud to be a member of this House that Te younger ones miss their classroom friends. Tey agreed to that. miss their sports. Tey missed play dates — six-year-olds It would be naive to think that this would be easy. But expressing their fear of taking COVID home and making we all have a common interest: the health of each and Nana sick. every British Columbian. We were a coalition, committed We wonder what the long-term efects will be. Many to serving the health and welfare of British Columbians have lost loved ones, grandmas and grandpas, with no way during an unprecedented pandemic. Working together, we to say goodbye. Tey are all sad. When will it be over? We could show that we could put the health of people before think about our most vulnerable, who ofen are challenged our politics. It showed we had built goodwill and trust over to get out and be social, who are ofen isolated, whose sup- the previous three years. ports are now limited due to COVID protocols: “Does this Ten, in the fall of 2020, Premier John Horgan took that disease not understand how much we need to be together goodwill and threw it back in our faces. and with each other or how much I miss my social worker and my counsellor? I don’t understand. I just want things Deputy Speaker: Member, I’ll just remind you not to to be the way they were. Does anyone notice? Does anyone use names. care?” I think about each and every British Columbian who J. Tegart: Sorry. Te Premier took that goodwill and says: “I’m okay — just hanging in there. I can’t wait until threw it back in our faces. Te decision to call a snap elec- this is over.”But they’re out of sorts. Tey haven’t seen fam- tion ensured that goodwill and trust evaporated in a few ily for months, even though they live in the same com- short minutes. So much for putting the health and welfare munity — the new grandchild that was born in July that of British Columbians frst. So much for collaborating with you held once. People are sad. Tis is so hard. the three parties in the House. So much for trust. I think about everyone who showed up to work to In the meantime, COVID continued on — more cases, provide the front-line services that we need to survive — more deaths, more sadness. Politics became more import- the medical staf who held the hands of our dying loved ant than people. Government came to a halt. Months ones; the ambulance attendant who ensured our loved passed before government was back in place. Te cases ones got to where they needed to be; the staf in our long- rose, and more people died. More British Columbians term-care and assisted-living facilities who showed up, day were sad. afer day, to provide services to our seniors in a caring and Now we fnd ourselves examining Budget 2021. I think loving way. British Columbians were looking for a budget of hope. To our frst responders, who never, ever imagined being 1532 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Vaccinations are underway. Although seemingly haphaz- health impact of a year plus of COVID will be on our fam- ard some days, they are getting into people’s arms. ily and friends, never mind the impact on our frst respon- People are looking for a plan. A plan that addresses the ders, people who have lost loved ones, people who have challenges of the past year. A plan that assists young people lost their businesses and people who have lost their jobs. and gives them hope. A plan that recognizes the challenges Tey are looking to government to provide support and facing small and medium-sized businesses. A plan that hope for the future in Budget 2021, and I’m sad to say that supports tourism and its associated businesses, which have I don’t see that inspiration in this budget. been hit so hard in the past year. Tey are on their knees, [3:50 p.m.] asking for a lifeline from this government. A plan for eco- Day afer day the COVID numbers continue to be high. nomic recovery. People are still dying, and 1,517 have died as of April 26. Our people are stressed and worried about the future. My hope is that vaccination can bring a halt to the rising Tey are looking for supports for mental health, stability COVID numbers and deaths and that we’ll see a better for the education of their children, jobs and opportunities future for us and our children and our grandchildren and for our young people, support for our seniors, support for our great-grandchildren. our resource sector, support for our tech sector, support Tis budget shows a signifcant defcit, one that wasn’t for our job creators, our entrepreneurs. Tey are looking unexpected. But of all the times in the history of British for a jobs plan. Columbia, this is the time to think big. Tis is the time [3:45 p.m.] that British Columbians need us. Each of us in this House Again, as we sit in this House and discuss, we have more has a choice. I challenge you to think outside the box, to positive COVID cases and, unfortunately, more deaths. think big and to think bold. Tere are a number of areas in What do we see in Budget 2021? What I see is status this budget that have contingencies that aren’t identifed. I quo. No vision. No innovation. Little support for job cre- truly believe that that gives us room for innovation, room ators. Cuts in natural resource ministries. Cuts in public to budget for things that we haven’t thought of before. education. Cuts in health care. Like, really? Nothing big I remind everyone here that British Columbians are and bold at a time when we so need hope. counting on us, and it is up to us to be accountable to Remember, COVID numbers continue to rise. Too them. many loved ones are dying. We are now into the third wave. Our youth see little hope in the future. Tey are Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, just a reminder. We’re ofen our front-line workers, in our restaurants, in our not supposed to be using our telephones, even from home. grocery stores, in our seniors facilities, with a Premier Tat includes earbuds. If you’re having a conversation two- who has publicly blamed them for the spread of the virus. way, that’s considered a telephone. You can listen, but you Shame on him. Oh, yes, and they are the last to be vaccin- can’t speak. Sorry about that. If you want to speak, stand ated. How about that as a thank-you for the work you do? up, and we’ll recognize you in a speech. I would remind every representative in the House: you were elected to be big and bold. We are at an unpreceden- M. Elmore: I’m honoured to be joining you virtually ted time in history. We have come through and are con- from the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squam- tinuing to experience a pandemic that is worldwide. If not ish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. now, when? When will be the time to think big? It’s a great honour to rise as the MLA for Vancouver- COVID has disrupted our daily lives. It has disrupted Kensington and speak in favour of Budget 2021. I’d like how we live, how we interact, how we do commerce, how to begin my comments and just appreciate the remarks we educate our youth, how we work. from my colleague previously, the MLA for Fraser-Nic- I challenge every elected person in this House to step ola. You could really hear just the impact of COVID-19 outside your comfort zone, to use this time to think difer- in her community. I think it really laid it out for all of us ently, to envision a future we have perhaps never thought to relate in terms of the unprecedented challenges that of before, to encourage innovation, to embrace change, to all of us have faced in British Columbia. Certainly, we’re be the change you want to see, to know there is an end all in this together. to this year of COVID, to embrace what we have learned My remarks, with respect to the budget, are certainly through these tough times and to think not only about the following on many colleagues, remarking on, really, the next generation but about the next seven generations. Put incredible challenge that we are in. It’s a global COVID-19 partisan politics aside, and let’s think big. pandemic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, once in a gen- I have to say I’m a little disappointed in a rather lack- eration, once in a century, that has resulted, around the lustre Budget 2021 at a time when I believe we need bold world, in untold human sufering and death, challenges to and innovative ideas and actions. We have come through a the unravelling of social relationships, and individual and very difcult year. Friends that I consider strong, focused societal loss of lives and livelihoods and prosperity. and driven are telling me they are feeling out of sorts. It’s really strained health care systems and revealed, and I would suggest that we have no idea what the mental also contributed to, widening inequalities. We’re seeing Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1533 this around the world. What I think when I refect on our ID-19 — with uneven development, but certainly, there’s B.C. Budget 2021 is that there are also some lessons that hope on the horizon. have emerged, I think globally and also refected here in COVID-19 has also really exacerbated inequalities and B.C., and captured within our budget. Tis is the acknow- income disparity. It’s contributed to that. Dr. Bonnie ledgment of the importance of a public health care system Henry has characterized that we’re in the same storm, but and can’t be underestimated. people are in diferent boats. It’s impacted people difer- We heard the remarks from my colleague from Nelson- ently, particularly those working in low-wage essential Creston, talking about her friends in the United States who jobs and also racialized communities. So our budget rec- don’t have access to public health care. ognizes that and takes signifcant steps to support British [3:55 p.m.] Columbians. Te value of public health care, in the context of this Budget 2021 focuses on our province’s response and pandemic, has become crystal-clear. I think it’s also been recovery from the pandemic. Priority one is protecting the really crystallized for folks in British Columbia, across health and safety of British Columbians. Tat goes hand Canada, around the world, the value of our public services in hand with supporting people and businesses to contin- and the important role that they play to support all of ue to manage through the efects of the pandemic and also us collectively, now facing this collective challenge of this doing the work moving forward in terms of recovery. pandemic — also, the importance of centering support We know that there is a broader economic picture in and the role of government. terms of expecting recovery in the year ahead. We know I think this is a critical issue in terms of what the role of that British Columbia is poised to have a stronger recovery government is in providing public services, in investing in than the national average, and it really speaks to the resi- services that support citizens. I think this is a real contrast lience of our province. To go hand in hand with that, in terms of really laying bare, from the previous govern- B.C. has provided more supports per capita for people and ment, policies of austerity, policies of underfunding pub- businesses than any other province, and that’s refected in lic services and policies really shifing public services to our budget. privatized interests. [4:00 p.m.] Tat has emerged globally and, I will say, also across I’d like to speak to a couple of the key components that Canada and British Columbia. I think it has shifed atti- are addressed in the budget. Te primary issue, I think — tudes of British Columbia. We have really gone through the foundation that’s important, that will lay the ground incredible times and faced incredible stress — individually, work for our success to make it through the pandemic — is families, businesses who have contracted COVID-19, had our health care system, which is so important and crucial. family members who have been sick and hospitalized — We know it’s shown not only in British Columbia, around and also just really disrupting all of our lives. the world, the value of a strong public health care system. I want to echo, I think, the sentiments of all members We know more and more people are becoming vac- in the House about appreciating the dedication and pro- cinated. Budget 2021 continues to invest in funding for fessionalism and commitment of our front-line health care health, as well as mental health, to continue to support workers, who have really been there to support us, recog- folks sufering from COVID-19 and also to expand ser- nizing essential workers who have really stepped up and vices that British Columbians rely on. played the role. Just, as well, that these challenges of our We know, as well, there is unprecedented investment in generation…. the largest-ever vaccination program in B.C.’s history to Also recognize the sorrow as well, not being able to ensure that every British Columbian can receive their vac- connect and not being able to support loved ones who cine. I have registered with the online program — it is were in hospital and, unfortunately, who pass away, not quite easy — and am waiting for my schedule. I appreci- being able to grieve. Tat has impacted many of my friends ate the efciency of the vaccination program as well. Te and folks in Vancouver-Kensington and really had reper- funding and expansion for our health care services are cussions around the world with family members in other critical and key. countries. So the challenges have been immense. Hand in hand, in terms of the challenges, is the need to Our government, I’m proud to say, in Budget 2021, in support folks. It has put unprecedented pressure on folks’ unprecedented times, also has an unprecedented invest- mental health. We know that young people, because of ment in terms of supporting British Columbians through the limited social interaction…. Te B.C. government has this pandemic. We are now in the third wave. Te virus has prioritized keeping schools open. Tat has shown to be mutated, and variants are becoming more infectious. But such a critical factor for development for young people. we also have a mass vaccination program underway, which Tat helps, but we know that there is incredible stress and is also providing some hope in terms of getting through incredible mental health challenges for young people right this. I am very confdent that British Columbia, Canada across the board. Tat’s why Budget 2021 makes the histor- and the world will emerge from this challenge of COV- ic investment in mental health services and also to address substance use issues. 1534 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Tese are challenges that are unprecedented and so im- seniors. It’s really important to move away from an insti- portant and critical. I want to talk about a few of the men- tutionalized model of care to a quality of care model. Cer- tal health supports and talk about some other components, tainly, having adequate staf who are adequately com- as well, in our health care system, so critical. pensated is such a key component of that. Budget 2021 will invest in new mental health supports Our government has also made a commitment to build- for young adults and youth through schools, expanding ing beds and ensuring that seniors have access to their own the very successful Foundry centres which have been rooms in the public sector, with non-proft organizations. shown to be a great model initiated from the previous gov- Tat’s a key commitment for seniors, moving forward, in ernment. Our government is expanding that to ensure we British Columbia. have integrated child and youth supports. Tat has been I know I hear, from many folks here in Vancouver-Kens- expanded to more school districts. ington, of challenges around housing, challenges around We are also providing the First Nations Health Author- child care and challenges around afordability. I’m pleased ity more funding to further deliver mental health and that Budget 2021 takes signifcant steps and makes invest- addictions services to Indigenous peoples and increasing ments to address these key concerns raised by British Col- access to the full spectrum of substance use treatment and umbians. We are on track with our ten-year plan. recovery services, including funding for opioid treatment. We’ve made the single-largest investment in housing We know that we are facing the dual crises of the COV- in B.C.’s history. To date, we have 26,000 new housing ID-19 pandemic crisis and also the opioid overdose crisis, units, and we’re continuing to build on that through concurrently needing to address those two crises that are the HousingHub, which is an innovative model to bring taking just an incredible toll on British Columbians now. together developers and non-profts and organizations A key support to help people get on the path to recovery that deliver housing, to bring them together to build is with new substance use treatment and recovery beds, so afordable housing. We have an additional $2 billion key to break that cycle of addiction. Expanding support investment to support thousands of new homes for for health care. Te largest, record investment in mental middle-income families and an anticipated 9,000 new health and substance use services. units over the next three years. Also, ensuring that seniors are supported. We know that In addition to complementing our housing strategy is seniors were really at the forefront, in terms of being vic- addressing social and afordable housing; housing for timized by COVID-19 through illness and through death. middle-income families, seniors, and Indigenous people; Our government took immediate steps to address stafng and housing for women and children leaving violence. levels in the long-term-care sector. Previous to the COV- Here in Vancouver-Kensington, we have a new commit- ID-19 pandemic, we increased the residential care hours ment underway and the building construction of seniors’ per resident per day to bring that up to 3.36 hours a day. housing down Fraser Street. We also have two additional [4:05 p.m.] housing projects underway, being built. Tose are very Once COVID came in place, we also instituted the positive additions — very appreciated, much needed — single-site order, where staf could work for full-time that are being addressed with Budget 2021. hours and receive the benefts at one facility. Ten we also We know, as well, the issue that we’ve seen really levelled up wages across the sector. exposed — the widening and deepening gap of income Part of the contrast, in terms of ensuring that seniors inequality. Our government has taken steps to address were adequately supported and that they had quality care that. Raising the seniors supplement, the frst increase in in the long-term-care sector, was bringing these measures the seniors supplement, doubling that. Also, the largest in that had been dismantled by the previous government. increase for income assistance. Also, income assistance Looking at COVID-19 really made it clear, in terms of the for people living with disabilities, those who are really importance of a strong and regulated long-term-care and needing that support. Tose are important commit- assisted-living sector — the importance of that. We’ve seen ments as well. other jurisdictions, other provinces, who are still grappling [4:10 p.m.] with these issues. Certainly, it’s a key commitment. Coupled with a priority around addressing inequality, As well, with seniors care, we know that seniors, from there is addressing afordable housing. We have invest- a policy perspective, prefer to stay in their homes and live ments in child care. We have increased supports to seniors in community. Our government recognizes that and has through the seniors supplement and also through income additional funding to support seniors to age in place and assistance. Coupled with that, as well, are investments in to be supported in the community. We are also continuing really ensuring that there is an opportunity for training to support the hiring of staf in the long-term-care sector. and gaining new skills. Tose are key commitments and really fundamental in We have new training spaces that also have been br- terms of ensuring that seniors are supported, that they ought in — training spaces in the health sector through have adequate care and that we look at quality of life as the health care access program. New additional funding well. Tat’s one message that I hear, loud and clear, from for training programs through our StrongerBC economic Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1535 recovery plan, a focus on Indigenous skills training and, cism, for men to stand against violence against women and also, targeted work-integrated learning placements for to really take action. 3,000 post-secondary students. Tis is a focus in terms of Tese issues have really been brought to the forefront bringing together all these pieces to ensure that in these and really magnifed in the challenge of the pandemic. unprecedented times we are providing supports for British It also requires leadership from all of us across the aisle, Columbians to not only make it through the pandemic but across British Columbia, to take a stand against all forms to gain the skills to be successful moving forward. of hate and violence. On the one extreme…. We know that Budget 2021 supports British Columbians by investing assault is on the one extreme, and on the other extreme…. in health care. We’re expanding our primary care centres Objectifcation, verbal slurs and assaults, and jokes are on and urgent care centres across British Columbia, investing that other continuum. All of these attitudes are important in infrastructure with hospitals in Surrey and also Rich- to take a stand on, to really bring an end to these instances mond and really laying that foundation. of hate. Te component of investing in our capital spending is Today I talked to a constituent in Vancouver-Kensing- also integral. Our budget has prioritized supporting public ton who had been the victim of a racist slur and attack. services, providing opportunities for British Columbians, It was on Fraser and 41st Avenue. He was sitting in his addressing inequality but also looking at investing in our car, and someone drove up. His name is Steven Ngo, and infrastructure, which also underlines and is an important he has been on media, so I can talk about his story. Two foundation of our economic recovery. It also generates young Caucasian men drove up beside him, shouted racial jobs. It generates opportunities, and it’s an important in- slurs and then threw some garbage at him. Steven made vestment moving forward. We know that previous govern- attempts to report to the police and really talked to me ments haven’t prioritized that. Budget 2021 represents a about needing to ensure that we address barriers for historic — the largest — investment in capital infrastruc- reporting hate crimes. ture in our province, the largest capital plan, which is sig- He is also undertaking community eforts to bring folks nifcant. together across all communities to raise awareness, to We know that the issue of inequality has really been encourage people to speak out and to work together to highlighted during COVID-19 and, as well, accompanied bring an end to this racism. He’s a member of the Feder- by unacceptable increases in racism across our province ation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and also works with the — anti-Asian racism and, really, racism against Indigenous Vietnamese Professionals Association of B.C. — to come individuals as well. It’s really brought that out. We know together to talk with communities to break the silence, to that in Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department have really report these instances and to encourage people to reported an over 700 percent increase in anti-Asian hate intervene and take an active role. Tat’s a positive example, crimes. Burnaby, as well, is reporting an over 350 percent in terms of how we need to address these issues. increase in hate crimes. I wanted to raise, as well, just the problems around I recently spoke with a number of seniors. Tey also racism that I’m hearing from across British Columbia. We raised concerns about not only racism that particularly the know that in terms of our vaccination program, because elderly face; also a rise in anti-Semitism, a rise in hate of the disproportionate impact on health and the social crimes against seniors from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, determinants of health, Indigenous communities were pri- transgender and queer community — right across the oritized for vaccinations. Tere were individuals who board, concerns about these increases in hate. came forward, Indigenous folks who came forward, who As well, partly with the stress from COVID-19 but also faced racism around their being able to get the vaccina- because we have institutionalized and systemic racism and tions. What’s really needed is for us, as British Columbians, misogyny that’s built into our society, we are seeing to understand our history and to learn about the history of increasing assault against women, particularly racialized colonization and why Indigenous communities were pri- women. Tat’s a real concern. Reports from organizations, oritized for the vaccination protocol. Battered Women’s Support Services, concerns for women Moving forward, Budget 2021 also makes a commit- feeing domestic violence — that they have a more difcult ment around reconciliation. At the core is the declaration time getting out of abusive relationships because of the on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a restrictions on movement. journey that each of us takes and that moves forward every [4:15 p.m.] day — individually, collectively and also as a government. All of these issues are very concerning, and our govern- So I’m pleased with the commitment of our government, ment takes them seriously. Tese are issues that are not of in Budget 2021, to recognize the importance of recon- a partisan nature and really require all of us across British ciliation and to move forward to address those historic Columbia — at all levels of leadership in the community, injustices. all levels of government — to take a stand. We all have a We know, as well, that the challenges moving forward role to play, to come together to take a stand against ra- will be not only in terms of adequate funding for public services, ensuring that the supports are in place to support 1536 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 our small and medium businesses. We know that the expecting a budget that would actually bring us out or industries of tourism, particularly in the hospitality sector, actually set the table for getting us out of the COVID crisis have been disproportionately impacted, and supports are that we’re in. Tat didn’t happen. We don’t have a budget going to them as well. here that is actually looking forward to the time when we [4:20 p.m.] can open up our society. Hand in hand, as well, and refected in Budget 2021 It’s quite surprising, because this government actually is the commitment around the environment, which I got mandated, by their own vote and by their own ask, wanted to reference. I’ve got a couple of minutes here be- to have a budget later in April. Normally, we would see fore I wrap up. this budget in the third week of February. But because Tose are key as well, not only in terms of the con- the NDP government granted themselves some extra time, tinued investment in CleanBC, which looks to reduce they brought in a budget that actually fails British Colum- emissions from three priority sectors — transportation, bia and fails British Columbians themselves. buildings and industry — but also in terms of our If you look around the world and you look around in approach and prioritization for the environment diferent jurisdictions, governments everywhere, leaders around…. It’s really across the board, in terms of conser- everywhere, are actually planning to get out of this COV- vation, protecting wildlife. We had the wildlife protec- ID crisis. Tey’re planning through the budgetary process, tion initiative, restoring wild salmon. in response to this pandemic — but not in B.C., unfortu- It’s also ensuring that our economy transitions to a low- nately. It’s such a shame, because B.C. has so much to ofer. carbon economy and also to a value-added manufacturing [4:25 p.m.] economy. We heard my colleague from Nelson-Creston I understand the anxiety, the stress, of what British Col- talk about mass timber and how that is a more sustainable umbians are going through, not only in terms of the isol- utilization of maximizing value from our forest sector. ation that we’ve all strived to actually achieve but also the Tese are some important components of Budget anxiety of losing an income, of losing a job, of not being 2021. I’m going to wrap up with some key highlights. It’s able to visit our loved ones in hospital or even being able made clear with the pandemic just how vitally import- to visit our loved ones down the street, much less across ant our public health care system is, our public services, the borders. And now, given this, that we’re where we can’t and folks on the front line. I know that these are key, and actually interact — and we understand the reasoning why British Columbians recognize that. I think how we’re we can’t interact — this B.C. government comes up with going to get through this pandemic — we’re just making vague, confusing rules on travel restrictions in B.C. — cur- it through the third wave — is really all of us standing rently, as we speak, right now. together, supporting each other, and really coming Whereas other governments are actually planning for together as communities. their recovery, this government is actually going the It’s been an unprecedented, challenging time. I want opposite way, with spend, spend, spend. Yet everybody to thank my colleagues and all British Columbians for understands, at least on this side of the House. We under- their eforts. Te leadership of Dr. Bonnie Henry and stand what it means to get an economy back on track and our provincial health ofcers, as well as our Ministry how important it is to get that economy back on track. of Health, has been exceptional, facing this challenge. I I’ve heard a lot about it here today: “For the people.” know that we will persevere. Budget 2021 takes us in the Well, what does that mean, apart from the job losses, apart direction we need to go, supporting people, investing in from the revenues that are not coming into government? our communities, ensuring that there are opportunities What does that mean? Ultimately, it means: how do we get for all British Columbians to make it through this unpre- our society back on track at the same time? Because that’s cedented challenge. what an economy does. A large part of our society, here in Canada and B.C., is actually based on a good, strong E. Ross: On behalf of my constituents of Skeena, I’m economy. I know a lot of the members in here have never pleased to provide my insight and commentary into mentioned this before, because you’ve had the privilege of Budget 2021, this NDP government’s ffh budget in a row, having an economy — took it for granted. dating back to the 2017 Budget Update. Well, talk to any First Nation in B.C. or Canada that Firstly, I’m pleased to comment on this budget because has no economy. Come to my village. We have no shop- it’s in stark contrast to the supply bill, Bill 10, that we just ping malls. We have no car sales. We have a small, little got through debating, which had no numbers. It had no gas station, but the biggest employer on our reserve is the information. It was a one-pager just saying to the taxpay- chief and council. And it’s not enough. It’s not enough ers of B.C.: “We want billions of dollars to be forwarded to to depend on a job under chief and council. It’s limiting. the NDP government, but we don’t want to tell you how Tat’s why you see so many First Nations branching out we’re going to spend it.” of their reserves and trying to engage in the external eco- In terms of the budget, at the very least, we’ve got some nomy outside of their communities. numbers to talk about. But unfortunately, everybody was Teir reward is actually some of the answers that any Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1537 level of government has not been able to address in the pay in terms of decades, paying of this debt, paying of last 50 to 100 years. We’re talking about the social issues these defcits. Our grandkids will be paying of these def- — substance abuse, suicides, kids going into government cits. care, people going into prison. Tis is what a strong eco- Not only that, we’ll be paying the interest on these debts. nomy does. Tis is why so many First Nations signed on to What’s that number going to be, just in interest payments LNG, from Prince George to Kitimat. Tey were trying to alone? Is it going to be $1 billion, $2 billion? If the credit use the economy to address their social issues. rating drops, if that drops, that interest payment goes up. Tat’s why it was so disappointing, for the whole time I A responsible government understands this and plans for was working on the LNG, from 2004 to 2017, to fnd out it. Tere’s no planning here. that the NDP were actually opposing it. Nobody came to Ultimately, it’s our kids and our grandkids who are my ofce to talk about: what did LNG mean to my com- going to have to see programs getting cut or like what we munity? What did forestry mean to my community? What have seen in last four years — more taxes. If it’s not more did mining mean to my community? taxes, it’s going to be: let’s increase the taxes that we already No thanks to this NDP government, things have turned have. Let’s spend, spend, spend, and at the same time, let’s around in my village. We’re not talking about those social tax the B.C. citizen with 23 new or newly created or raised issues anymore. We’re talking about what’s next. We’re taxes here in B.C., at a time when everybody acknowledges talking about the $20 million condominium that we built this is the greatest sufering that we’ve seen in the 21st cen- right in the heart of the city of Kitimat. We’re talking about tury. Let’s put more pressure on the British Columbian. how that’s going to be the future for our people, our kids We knew it was going to be tax, tax, tax, spend, spend, and our grandkids. spend, and there’d be nothing lef in case of a rainy day. It’s really unfortunate to see that this budget actually Now we’ve got the rainiest day in at least my 55 years of does not address the economy, because the economy has history on this earth. Tat $2.7 billion surplus would have always been the strong foundation of the Canadian society. come in handy today. Yet when you look at our neighbours, to the south, to the It’s fscal responsibility that’s lacking here. Tere’s not east, to the north, every government and jurisdiction is even a vision of fscal responsibility here. How, currently, trying to plan how to recover economically. do we see the revenues coming in? I know, but nobody [4:30 p.m.] wants to admit it. Te revenues that are coming in are What this is going to lead to is a very competitive play- through the high cost of housing in Vancouver and other ing feld. All these jurisdictions that surround B.C. will be urban areas of B.C. I can see why the NDP are slow to competing for those investment dollars to come to their address that. It’s revenue for B.C. It’s going to come from areas and their regions. Tey know what it means to the logging, with the high cost of lumber. Tat’s how the B.C. common average citizen in terms of their society, as well as government is going to try to keep up with the revenues. a job to get a mortgage, to go on vacation, to buy a car, to But nothing more than that. buy a truck. Tey know what that means. So all our com- [4:35 p.m.] petitors are going to be very aggressive. Tere’s nothing really in this budget or anything in the last four years that says to me that the NDP are actually [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] truly concerned about the economy. All I’ve seen so far is tax, tax, tax, and spend, spend, spend. You can’t keep going We’ve already set the stage here in B.C. on how not back to the taxpayers for the revenues while you ignore the to be competitive. Yet governments all around the world economy, while you ignore the private sector. Sooner or — at least competent governments — at the same time later, that taxpayer is going to get tapped out. that they’re trying to be competitive and bring back their Tat taxpayer, like what we’re seeing today, loses their economies, they understand the threat of no economy job. You don’t have that tax base to depend on. Or like coupled with ever-expanding defcits and accumulating what we’re seeing right now, where the taxpayer or the more and more debt, with no way to pay that debt. developer or the investor gets fed up with the jurisdiction- Every jurisdiction is actually trying to build up their al framework that we see here in B.C., and they take their economy so they can actually manage the debt and the investment dollars to Alberta, where they have an 8 per- defcits that they’ll be incurring. It’s a parallel process. But cent corporate tax rate as compared to B.C.’s 12 percent tax not in B.C. Tere’s no plan for economic recovery in B.C. rate. Or they’ll head to the United States. We have seen this Even before this pandemic hit us, we knew there were before in B.C. going to be defcits and debt. We knew it. You could pre- Tis time it’s taken to a higher level. Now we are going dict it. Te NDP government ridiculed the B.C. Liberals to incur record amounts of defcits, and on top of that, the for having a $2.7 billion surplus. Yet, running a govern- debt. I suspect that this government is not really putting ment is just like running your home expenses. It’s the same together a plan on how to address the debt or the def- thing. If you don’t put money away for a rainy day, you’re cit. Tey’re going to leave that to my grandson, which is a going to end up paying for it. In this case, we’re going to shame. 1538 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021

When we talk about this, when we talk about the burden don’t see this government anxious to answer them. Wood- that would be borne by taxpayers — this year alone, just fbre, out of Squamish. Tese are all shovel-ready. in spending, is $10 billion. Tat’s what the taxpayer will be Yes, I understand that there are no PST revenues that burdened with. Tat represents an additional $10,000 debt are going to come to B.C., because the B.C. NDP actually per B.C. taxpayer by 2023, by the rate we’re going. I have got rid of that. Tey gave LNG Canada a PST tax holiday. heard a lot about this, on how we’re going to get our eco- Understandable. So, you know, we can’t get that in terms of nomy back. Well, there’s no proof of that in the budget. revenues. We also understand that the 3.5 percent LNG tax In fact, if anything, when our society opens up, the eco- is gone, thanks to the NDP. So we can’t depend on those nomy is going to recover naturally. It will. Tat’s not dif- kinds of revenues, and we can’t really depend on the rev- fcult to predict, but unfortunately, there are some sectors enues coming from the carbon tax above and beyond $30 that will not come back. If they do, it’s going to take a long a tonne, thanks to LNG. time. A lot of the businesses that have actually gone under We always hear the NDP talking about how the B.C. in the last year? Tey’re not coming back. Te family busi- Liberals are always playing to the elite and their friends, nesses, the small entrepreneur, the small business person yet they gave the biggest tax breaks in B.C. history to LNG are not coming back. In most cases, when they lost their Canada, to the amount of billions and billions of dollars. I business, they lost everything. think those revenues would’ve really come in handy today. Tis is only going to lead to poorer outcomes for the Yet we are only talking about two trains for LNG Ca- future of B.C. It’s going to take a long time to rebuild. nada. Tat’s all we’re talking about. We still have two While you’re rebuilding, you are going to have to actually more trains, because LNG Canada expects to export 6.5 divert a lot of those revenues towards trying to address the million tonnes annually. But with the additional two defcit. You are going to have to divert a lot of those rev- trains, they’re actually talking about exporting 26 mil- enues towards addressing the debt. You are going to have lion tonnes annually. Can you imagine what it’ll do to to divert a lot of those revenues to addressing the interest the economy of B.C. if Chevron gets of the ground? on that debt. Te billions of dollars that you will spend in Why are we not talking about this? trying to address the defcit, the debt and the interest pay- I mean, the hard work that was done by First Nations ments can be better served for our future generations in from 2004 to 2017, in partnership with the B.C. Liberals, terms of highways, hospitals, schools. is actually what made LNG possible. It could’ve made But no. Just because of the fscal irresponsibility and the us one of the wealthiest successful provinces in B.C. We politics, our grandkids are going to inherit higher taxes still have an opportunity, given that there are more pro- and program cuts. jects ready to go. [4:40 p.m.] How did 20 minutes go by so quickly? I’ve only got Meanwhile, our competitors will take advantage of that. ten minutes lef. I’m going to cut short on that, because I Tey already are, given the politics of B.C. B.C. could only think there has been enough said about the economy. But get one approved LNG project: LNG Canada. A $40 billion the budget does not mention anything in terms of prac- project — could only get one approved. What happens in tical initiatives on how to get our economy back, or even the United States? Te United States admits that B.C. has stronger, for that matter. some of the cleanest LNG in North America. So their pro- I only have time to probably address one more topic. posal is to take B.C. LNG and export that same product of What I do want to talk about is the treatment of our front- the United States’ shores. line workers, specifcally doctors and nurses. Now, I hear If there’s one ask for a shovel-ready project that I’d ask the talk in here. Everyone is acknowledging the hard work the government to look into, it’s doing an investigation that our front-line workers have been doing for us in this on why Chevron cannot sell their 50 percent stake in the COVID crisis. We’re talking about health care workers, Kitimat LNG project. Tere’s got to be a reason. It’s been whether it be in clinics or hospitals. I even heard the NDP a year. It’s fully permitted. Te pipeline is permitted. Te government mention it quite a number of times. But supply is there. Te market is there. Te terminal is per- underneath that, this NDP government, for some reason, mitted. You’ve got First Nations support from Prince has undermined our doctors and nurses. George to Kitimat. [4:45 p.m.] Why can’t they sell that project in a world hungry for In one case, you’re praising them, but on the other hand, energy? Tere’s got to be a reason. If there’s anything in you’ve undermined them. For what? For a racism charge. terms of what could actually help the economy of B.C. To call the whole health care system…. Putting them recover, there it is. It’s ready. Good to go. All we need is to under the category of being systematically racist. How can understand why it can’t be sold. you, on one hand, praise our doctors and nurses and, on While we are at it, why can’t Cedar LNG get of the the other hand, accuse them of being racist? It’s just a blan- ground? Cedar LNG in Kitimat. Tat’s actually owned by ket accusation. Tis is not fair. Tis is not right. Te doc- the Haisla Nation. Tese are billion-dollar questions. I tors and nurses all across B.C. can’t defend themselves. Yes, you say the health care system is systematically ra- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1539 cist, but what does that even mean? Te system for health Nobody has made an apology to the doctors and nurses care in B.C. is not just the hospitals. Tere’s a number of B.C. — nobody. Te doctors and nurses that I have of diferent organizations associated with health care in talked to in Kitimat and Terrace, who cried, saying that B.C. Tere are committees. Tere’s the doctors college, the they’re not racists, have also said that they have actually nurses association. Tere are health authorities. Even us, as sufered along with their patients for the last ten, 20 years. legislators, we’re part of the health care system. We actually Tey’ve sat beside the beds of patients, no matter what lay down the rules. their race is, and cried with the families and patients. Tey Are you saying all these organizations and all these peo- didn’t look at skin colour. Tey didn’t look at anything. ple associated with health care are racist? Tat is unfair, Tey were following the policies and procedures, but at because the face of health care in B.C. are the doctors the end of the day, they’re human. When they witness suf- and nurses. Tey’re the ones that are taking the brunt of fering, they sufer too. Tey have feelings just like every- these accusations. For what? For politics. Te doctors and body else. nurses, especially in the hospitals in Kitimat and Terrace, So be careful with the politics. Be careful with the accus- have actually become the focal point of the racism charge ations, no matter what it is, but be extra careful when you in B.C. Te doctors and nurses there, in Kitimat and Ter- are accusing an entire profession of being racist. If you do race, chose to be there. Tey wanted to be there. fnd incidents of racism, deal with it. Have an investiga- Now, afer an eight-hour shif or a ten-hour shif of try- tion. Get the witnesses on record. Deal with it, and make ing to deal with COVID, they have to go straight home sure you put in some kind of policy where it doesn’t hap- because they’re afraid for their safety. Tey go home to pen again. cry. Male doctors and female doctors, male nurses and I’m not naive to think that racism doesn’t exist, but I female nurse go home to cry because they’ve been labelled don’t think it exists in a system. Most likely, it could be in as racists. Tey can’t defend themselves. Tat is wrong. individuals, but I haven’t seen it yet. In my whole lifetime For this government to simply agree, to say, “Oh, yes, of being a public leader, I have actually been called to three the whole system is racist,” and not even deal with any of or four racism incidents. Out of those four, two of them the specifc allegations, not even deal with that…. Even the came back that I could say, yes, that was based on racism report that’s going to come out of Kitimat, we’re not going — two of them. But I didn’t condemn a whole system. I to see the results of that. It’s not going to vindicate Terrace didn’t condemn a whole organization. I just pointed out and Kitimat hospitals or the doctors and nurses. that it was a specifc incident, and that was an individual If the report is released, it’ll be redacted, meaning key responsibility. information will be lef out. Mostly what we’ll have to rely If we are going to support our front-line workers — the on is if any of these cases go to court. Tat’s going to take a police, the health care workers, those young people that couple years. Tat’s what most politicians rely on, of course are actually working in our grocery stores or in the cofee — the amount of time that it takes a case to go through the shops — then it’s got to be unequivocal support. It can’t be courts. For what? with the bad politics. It can’t be that, for the sake of a vote, We’re seeing this not only in the health care system but because like everybody likes to say now, we’re all in this other organizations where a blanket statement has been together. If we’re going to get out of this successfully, we’ve made in terms of racism, and then it’s just lef. Yeah, we’ll got to do it together. set up committees. Yeah, maybe we’ll tour the province. But it will not help those doctors and nurses who now H. Sandhu: I would like to begin my response to Budget want to leave Kitimat and Terrace, because not only do 2021 by acknowledging that today I am virtually joining they feel bad for being labelled as racists; they fear for their you from the unceded territory of the Okanagan Indian safety. Tey also fear for their family. Tey fear for their Nations. I thank them for their stewardship of this land. kids going out on the playground or going to school or I thank the staf and the hon. Minister of Finance for their spouses going to work. their hard work to prepare this budget. Racism, apart from the political agenda of calling our Before I begin my response, I want to express my grat- health care system racist…. We can see real racism in itude and want to thank the constituents of Vernon-Mon- terms of what we’re watching on social media or on the ashee for doing their part and for their patience to deal news. Tat’s real racism. Te Asian lady that got beaten with the pandemic and for making many adjustments, up outside a business in the United States — that’s real including several sacrifces in their lives. racism. I would like to thank and proudly acknowledge, once [4:50 p.m.] again, my incredible and hard-working CAs at our Vernon Te Asians, whether or not they’re getting yelled at in constituency ofce, Josh and Emily. Both Emily and Josh the streets or in schools or in places of work, that is racism. continue to work so hard and with so much passion to help You can address that. You’ve got evidence. You’ve got the the people of Vernon-Monashee. I am so happy to share video. Tat’s the kind of racism that you can address, not that Vernon-Monashee has such a great team working at these blanket statements. our ofce who are well connected to the community and 1540 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 are always eager to go above and beyond to help our con- actual sources, like the Budget 2021 document in this stituents. case, so we can share the right information with people I would also like to give kudos to our amazing and hard- rather than making stuf up to mislead British Columbi- working staf at the Legislature, including my LA, Pavan- ans. We have every reason to appreciate and be proud of preet, for their ongoing support. the improvements and additions to the public services. I express my sincere condolences to the family mem- We have witnessed a diference and felt frsthand the res- bers who have lost their loved ones to COVID, including ults of cuts versus additions to the vital services and the some of our health care workers that we’ve lost to COV- direct impact on people. ID and the lives lost in the opioid crisis. No words can I’m not sure why members of the opposition are not describe your pain and the sorrow you’re going through impressed with us highlighting our government’s work, afer your loss. and they don’t like when we do the contrast when it’s need- [4:55 p.m.] ed. I try not to do too much contrast, to stay more posit- Tis is no secret — that this pandemic disproportion- ive. I just question: is this the fear of reminding people why ately afected the most vulnerable people, highlighting the some initiatives are taking longer and how the improve- inequalities and gaps that exist. Terefore, investing in ments in services are the steps in the right direction? Or such services…. Tese investments are so crucial and some other reason? I don’t know. urgent. Tis budget is solely focused on investing in these Ironically, many members of the B.C. Liberal caucus areas, and this is why I’m proudly supporting this budget. still talk about the 1990s, which they can if they want to, I acknowledge and thank our front-line workers, frst yet they get so ofended when we talk about 2016 or a few responders, doctors, nurses, therapists, care aides, health years back. I wonder why. Even many of my constituents care support staf, administrative staf and professionals, also highlighted that during our many conversations. who are undertaking the largest vaccine rollout plan in Te other frustration some members of the opposition Canada’s history, for doing such an incredible job. Tank shared is that members of the government side blame the you all for doing such an incredible job. I thank you from B.C. Liberal government for their failures on many fronts. the bottom of my heart. It’s not called blaming. It’s contrast, to compare govern- I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our ment’s priorities and the impact on people. Contrast is essential workers in retail, trucking, farming, trades, hos- very important in order to fll the gaps and to learn from pitality, small businesses and many volunteers with non- the previous failures when important and vital services proft organizations. Also the daycare workers, social like health care, mental health, housing, child care and stu- workers and our incredible teachers, for continuing your dent housing were not fully supported. work and dedication during these unprecedented times. [5:00 p.m.] I am proudly speaking in favour of Budget 2021, as this In fact, the B.C. Liberals implemented massive cuts and budget addresses helping everyone, including the most increased the privatization of services in health care and vulnerable and marginalized British Columbians, by leav- especially many nursing homes. I won’t go into the details ing no one behind. Budget 2021 is also focused on improv- of previous failures, as British Columbians are well aware ing vital services, like health care, mental health, afordable about those times. I will stay focused on the positive housing, seniors care and safer schools, and focused on aspects of Budget 2021. I’m not saying that my colleagues economic recovery by creating 85,000 jobs. on the other side don’t care. Tey sure do, no doubt, as Te economy grows when people have more and equal all of us stepped into this very important role to serve the opportunities, with fair wages and better services, as people of our constituencies. Kudos to all of my colleagues people become more productive when their mental and from both sides of the House for all you do. physical health is taken care of. When parents have better Te only diference is that the various parties, our gov- and afordable, safer child care, it makes it easier for them ernments around the world and in Canada, have diferent to be productive individuals of our economy. It’s no secret priorities and policies, as we have all witnessed in the past. that cuts and austerity only beneft the few, and it hurts the Some governments historically invest in the few interest economy and services. It takes a long time to fx the years- groups and support privatizing versus adding and improv- long neglect. ing services. And at the same time, some historically and I have been hearing frustration from some of the mem- at present invest in people, focus on marginalized, less for- bers of the opposition. Some ask why members of the gov- tunate people and embracing diversity, inclusion, environ- ernment are so proud of this budget. Some advise that ment, and they leave no one behind, as Budget 2021 clearly we need better writers for our speeches. Let me, respect- focused on these key areas. fully, be clear to my colleagues from the other side of the I am shocked today, hearing one of the headlines I was House. I’m not sure about you, but most of us, including briefy reading. I want to point out that unlike the B.C. myself, write our own notes, as there is nothing better than Liberals, we, the B.C. NDP government, believe the public authenticity and a message from the heart. money for services should be spent to help British Colum- Yes, it is important to get some information from the bians, not redirected to election campaigns. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1541

Recently what we are hearing about the B.C. Liberals munity-based multidisciplinary mental health and sub- and the Baldy Hughes treatment centre is shocking. Te stance use services, support and expand the number of B.C. Liberals, according to that investigation, gave the Foundry centres, expand the First Nations Health Author- facility millions in tax dollars. Te opposition leader and ity’s ability to deliver mental health and addiction services Kevin Falcon personally delivered the half-a-million-dol- to Indigenous people by investing $14 million. Besides lar cheque. Ten the executive director, a former B.C. Lib- that, 195 new substance use treatment and recovery beds eral stafer, forced the residents to volunteer on the cam- throughout the province to help more people to get on the paign of the opposition leader and Kevin Falcon. More path to recovery. details about this can be found online as the Business in So $61 million to improve access to quality of mental Vancouver journalists did their investigation. health services, including expanding eating disorder care Well, coming from a health care background, I have and better access to suicide prevention services and early seen the diference and direct impacts of cuts and invest- psychosis intervention. To address substance use and over- ments on the patients, seniors and health care staf. Tere- dose emergency response, our government has added fore, I welcome this budget, which is investing more in $330 million over the fscal plan to provide a full spectrum health care. I want to congratulate many of my constitu- of substance use treatment and recovery services, includ- ents graduating from the care aide course today, as I have ing $150 million for opioid treatment. And 195 substance received thank-you texts. People in my constituency and use treatment, as I mentioned, in the communities around are so grateful for a government for giving us an throughout the province will help more people to get on a urgent care centre in Vernon and an MRI. And now people path to recovery. have faster and quicker access to diagnostic and medical One of my constituents and a small business owner, Kal, care. shared her thoughts afer the recent investment: “Having I also thank our B.C. government for hiring many nur- lost a sibling to drugs, I truly appreciate the eforts made ses in mental health and substance use areas, as I have seen by the NDP government. Tank you for sharing. I watch frsthand how helpful it has been. Tis is a great resource this on TV with a smile.” Kal shared this under one of my — to refer patients to our highly dedicated teams. We’re posts that I shared regarding the mental health initiatives also getting eight additional treatment beds in Vernon- previous to this budget as well. Monashee at Bill’s Place to help people in need. Under child care, Budget 2021 also doubles the child Vernon’s overdose prevention site is saving lives. Tere care spaces, with improved wages for child care providers. were some media headlines sharing such a positive story Currently more than 36,000 families in B.C. have access of these investments. Since the opening of this site in Ver- to $10-a-day child care. Our government’s commitment to non, we had approximately 3,400 visits. Hundreds of visits expand child care and early learning to create jobs, stim- were consumption-related, and many were frst-time users ulate the economy and make sure that children can have needing more information, guidance and help. the best possible start in life is a much appreciated efort Colleen McEwan, director of mental health and sub- by many parents I talk to regularly. stance use, shared: “We have had 30 overdose events since As I previously also mentioned, the nurturing care and we opened that site. Of those, 29 were managed by staf investment in the early years of a child leaves a lasting at the site. One had to go to the hospital, but luckily none impact and a positive impact on a child’s life. Tis also died.” Tis is how these investments save many lives. enhances their mental health from early on. Investing in Every life saved is a step in the right direction and child care is investing in B.C.’s future. Tere is no doubt encourages us to continue these eforts so that no one about that. Our government’s announcement of opening must lose their loved ones to the opioid crisis. We do have new child care centres in Vernon and Coldstream is going much more to do, and therefore, I’m reassured that Budget to help many parents in Vernon-Monashee. 2021 addressed the mental health and opioid crisis pro- Tis budget also focuses on economic well-being and actively by government making the largest mental health support for local businesses and individuals and families. investment in B.C.’s history. Budget 2021 will continue the Not only that, students across the province have told us expansion of mental health and substance use support to that fnding afordable housing on campus was a huge better connect people to culturally safe and efective care challenge. So I’m excited to share that our government is — $500 million in new funding over the fscal plan to spending over $66 million for 376 new student housing expand mental health and addictions services. beds at the Okanagan College, and this includes 216 beds [5:05 p.m.] at Kelowna campus, 100 beds at Vernon campus and 60 We’re also building a better network of mental health beds at Salmon Arm campus. Tis means an expansion support for youth by investing $97 million, the mental of student housing in Kelowna and the frst-ever student health in schools program, and expanding the numbers housing project in Vernon and Salmon Arm. on integrated child and youth teams from fve to 20 teams Tis investment will beneft generations of students across B.C. by 2023 and 2024. throughout the region, and with this project, we are also Te additional services support more school and com- investing in B.C.’s forestry sector by using mass timber 1542 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 construction. We announced the mass timber project at 29-unit project at 25 Avenue. Tis project aims to provide BCIT last fall that will support the construction of a afordable housing to low-income families and seniors. 464-bed, 12-storey student housing project at BCIT Burn- Under highway improvements, for the 97 and Stickle aby campus. Te mass timber project helps the local com- Road intersection in Vernon, to improve safety, and the munities and the First Nations thrive. Tis project alone single-lane southbound extension of 20 Street to the south will create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs. Our end of the existing Stickle Frontage Road, to accommodate B.C. government understands how partnership, innova- future expansion, a total of $15 million was provided by tion and legacy projects contribute to a strong and a resili- provincial government. An intersection improvement was ent economy. completed in December 2018, and the extension of 20th Our track record is delivering on more on-campus stu- Street was completed in 2019. So investments are made in dent housing, and it speaks for itself. Since 2018, our gov- infrastructure and to improve the highways as well. ernment has funded over 2,000 student beds compared to Te B.C. recovery beneft. For many families, in many the 130 beds over the 16 years under our B.C. Liberal gov- ways, when we go through hardship, every support helps. ernment. We are well on our way to meeting our com- I still receive many kind messages and cards from many mitment to invest $450 million over six years to provide constituents texting and sharing their stories of how the about 5,000 new beds at public post-secondary schools B.C. recovery beneft helped them. throughout B.C. Tourism, farming and small businesses are some of the [5:10 p.m.] major contributors in our economy in Vernon-Monashee, Not only that, but we are also investing in student and Budget 2021 focuses on a robust economic recovery housing at the University of British Columbia Kelowna, plan to continue to support small and medium-sized busi- with 220 beds, a student housing project at Skeena com- nesses. Steps were taken by the government to support our mons. It is a $25 million project. So $18.7 million is businesses through property tax cuts, deferred tax pay- provided by the provincial government, and $6.2 million ments and B.C. Hydro rate relief. Te small and medium- is by UBCO. My daughter, who is also a student at sized business recovery grant and, recently, the doubling UBCO, excitedly shares with me the amount of appreci- of the circuit breaker grant as well, are well received and ation and excitement her fellow students have shared for much appreciated by businesses in my community. this much-needed investment. I have had the opportunity to meet many business own- I’ll talk a little bit about housing in Vernon. B.C. Hous- ers recently, like Lisa and her neighbouring business own- ing is providing $5 million of capital funding, through er, who had discovered about the grant from me, and then the afordable rental housing program, to the Vancouver I told her to encourage other business owners if they were Resource Society for the Physically Disabled’s 41-unit not aware. Just recently Lisa excitedly told me that she’d afordable rental project in Vernon, on 27 Avenue. Besides received the grant and how grateful she was. Now she’s able that, B.C. Housing is also providing the capital funding to to buy new equipment for her business and pay the rent. a new Aboriginal housing development, through provin- Tese stories are really heartwarming, and it encourages us cial investment in the afordable housing program. Ver- to do the job that we’re all doing, no matter which side of non Native Housing Society is receiving $4.4 million for a the House we are on. 38-unit project for Vernon, and $2.4 million in deepening [5:15 p.m.] the afordability funding. I’m glad that Budget 2021 is guided by our core prin- Te province is also providing capital funding of ap- ciples, including climate action and reconciliation with proximately $12.8 million for two permanent modular Indigenous People. Our government is making signifcant projects. Te two projects will be operated by Turning investments in our beautiful B.C. parks. At the time when Points Collaborative Society. A new permanent modular more British Columbians are safely enjoying our spectac- housing project will be located on the land owned by B.C. ular outdoors, we’re boosting the Parks budget by $83 mil- Housing at 27 Avenue and 35 Street, which will provide lion over three years. Tis will help to build new campsites, 52 supportive housing units for the people transitioning to expand trails and to create better parks. out of homelessness. Tis is a completed project, and many Our government also introduced the bold, frst-of-its- people are already benefting from that. kind $500 million strategic fund to invest in B.C. business A new permanent modular housing shelter with ap- to spark innovation and create jobs. Tis will also move us proximately 45 beds at 43 Street will expand the capacity of forward on issues like climate change, diversity and inclu- the current homeless shelter and transition housing devel- sion and reconciliation. B.C.-based businesses will have opment at Howard House. In addition to that, B.C. Hous- the capital to position us as front-runners in the post-sec- ing is providing capital funding of Habitat for Humanity’s ondary pandemic economy. B.C. afliate — $150,000 to complete the building of one I’ll just simplify some of the highlights of this budget for triplex, which will provide three family units. B.C. Hous- my constituents. ing is also providing approximately $3.1 million capital Tere is $2 billion for more homes, on top of the exist- funding to the Canadian Mental Health Association for a ing housing investments. Te largest funding of mental Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1543 health supports in B.C.’s history. Doubling the $10-a-day I would like to say thank you to all of the people of child care spaces, including 75 more universal child care Vernon-Monashee, once again, and to British Columbians, spaces. Doubling of wage enhancement for early child- from the bottom of my heart, for doing your part and hood educators. Some of the largest increases to income for making many sacrifces and adjustments in your lives support for the people with disabilities and seniors since to deal with the pandemic. COVID has brought the best 1987. Construction of new schools across the province. and the worst out of people. We have clearly seen this. Over $800 million for small business supports. More high- However, it is reassuring to know that we have more good speed Internet across B.C., especially in rural and Indi- than bad in this world, which makes our communities genous communities. Massive increases to health care and beautiful. mental health care funding, as I mentioned earlier. I would like to thank every individual from my riding Free transit for kids 12 and under. It’ll save families $672 for showing your strength, resiliency and care, to help. We annually per child. Having three children of my own, I can have hope on the horizon, with the vaccine, but COVID appreciate this investment and how it’s going to make a variants bring more challenges for us. Terefore, we still positive impact and teach our children to use the public need to hold the line for a little bit longer. Together, we can transit more. do this. And $290 million towards the reconciliation initiatives. I conclude my remarks by proudly supporting Budget Tere are many more investments to replace old infra- 2021. Tank you so much for giving me this opportunity structure, adding tens of thousands of new jobs. So why to speak. wouldn’t I be so proud of this budget? B.C. Fruit Growers Association is also glad to see the J. Rustad: It is an honour, once again, to have an oppor- support for local farmers in the 2021 provincial budget. tunity to speak on behalf of my constituents in Nechako Te provincial Agriculture Ministry will receive a $4.4 Lakes. I want to, as always, start by acknowledging them — million increase to its core budget, which now sits close to acknowledging the great people in the riding and all that $100 million. Te B.C. Fruit Growers Association’s general they do. I thank them for their continued support in send- manager, Glen Lucas, said that the investment is a step in ing me to Victoria. the right direction. Mr. Lucas said: “From an overall per- Budget 2021 touches on a lot of things, but there are a spective, it is a good trend and trajectory for the agricul- couple of other things that I want to mention right at the ture budget.” start. First of all, today is the Day of Mourning, and as We’re investing $258 million to help to keep long-term someone who has been injured in the workplace, I know care facilities safe, hiring up to 3,000 health care aides and what it means. It’s an important day to be able to recognize improving care for seniors living at home. We’re also rais- the need for safety and also recognize the people that have ing the seniors supplement by $50, the frst increase since lost their lives in their day-to-day work. All of us in this 1987, which will also help 80,000 seniors with low income Legislature need to continue to do everything we can to to make ends meet. make sure that people can go to work and come home Part of our budget is that — given the pandemic and safe, to be able to do all the work that helps to make this unforeseen investments that we had to make to support province such a great place. individuals, families and small and medium-sized busi- I’ve thought about the budget, and I’ve read through nesses, health care and education and other areas — the the budget material and gone through this in many, many defcit was predicted to be more than $13 billion, but it is ways, looking at things. Tere are some things in this at $9.7 billion. We are predicted to move back towards the budget that I actually think are okay. I think it’s good to see balanced budget within fve to seven years. some additional spending on mental health. Mental health Te B.C. NDP presented three consecutive balanced and addictions are such problems in this province. Te budgets up to February 2020, before the pandemic hit. devil, of course, is always in the details, but I’m encour- We have maintained a triple-A credit rating, and this was aged that there is some additional money, at least notion- achieved without siphoning money away from Crown cor- ally, allocated towards doing some things here. porations. I am confdent that we will come out of this All you have to do is walk through places like Strath- pandemic even stronger. cona Park. You don’t even have to go that far. You can go Given the pandemic and the need to stimulate the eco- into many of the communities, even in my riding, and you nomy, to keep people safe and healthy, to address the needs can see some of these issues that need to be addressed. that will arise by this pandemic, we cannot penny-pinch. Tey need to be worked on. My hope is that what is talked For a government, people come frst, and we know the about in this budget will actually come about. importance of investing in people by adding and improv- Te previous speaker, the speaker from Vernon-Mon- ing services. Tese investments always pay of in the long ashee, talked about diferent priorities. I agree. Tere are run when we have healthier and vibrant communities with diferent priorities, and there are diferences in opinions. equal opportunities for everyone. It’s important to recognize that, because there is no neces- [5:20 p.m.] 1544 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 sarily right answer. It depends on what your priorities are age investment, there are a couple of areas where it can within government, what it is you’re trying to do. really make a diference. Services for people are important, and those are critical, Yes, there’s the support that’s needed for people on especially at times of going through a pandemic, but also things like mental health and education, health issues in what we leave to our children — what the world will look general. But we also have to think about things like pro- like afer our time — and to their children and to their ductivity. We need to be able to be competitive with our children’s children. When we start talking about ringing neighbours. Tere are also things about our overall com- up huge amounts of debt — yes, there is defcit spending petitiveness — as I just said, productivity is one piece that’s needed, and there are times when that’s important — of that — to be able to attract the money, to create the running defcits is a tax on a future generation because, at jobs, to grow our economy at a faster rate, to aford these some point, they have to pay for it. I think that that’s an investments and to aford, going forward, being able to important piece to think about. balance our budget. Yet there is virtually nothing in this Under this NDP government…. Tey’ve been there now budget for that. for four years, and through this budget, they are going to I’ll get to some numbers on that in a minute. Te reason double the provincial debt — double it — in such a short why I’m saying that is that in the budget numbers, it says period of time. Some people say, “Well, we can aford it,” that by the third year of this budget, we’ll return to, basic- or: “It’s okay.” ally, 2 percent growth, yet budget spending is anticipated Tere’s something else to think about: interest rates. For to expand by 4 to 5 percent. It is a recipe for fscal disaster, example, the ten-year bond in Canada has tripled, in terms just like it has always been under the NDP. Tey just don’t of the actual interest being charged. What is that going get it. Tey don’t understand how an economy works. Tey to do to debt payments? Yes, it’s still low, but that tripled don’t understand how a budget needs to work. Tat’s really in just six months. What happens if it does that further? unfortunate, because the people who really will end up How much of the budget will then start to get eaten up by paying the bill are our children and our grandchildren. interest payments, just to try to manage a budget? Troughout the budget, you look at it, and I talk about [5:25 p.m.] productivity and competitiveness. Te budget, of course, Tere’s no recognition whatsoever that I could fnd in talks about many, many things. For example, it talks about this budget, any sort of consideration to any potential bringing support for people. Te word “support” is men- increase in interest rates that may be coming, particularly tioned 2,482 times. Te reason why I bring this up is that on the long end, as we face things like infation. Tat’s there was a good analysis done on the federal budget — an important piece to think about when you’re putting the 739 pages of the federal budget — which talked about together a budget. some of these numbers. It got me thinking, and I wanted Yes, investments are needed. Taking on debt is needed, to look at what was said about the B.C. budget. but how we aford it, how we pay for it over time, also Te word “Indigenous” was mentioned 979 times — needs to be taken into consideration. Tat usually means an important issue, important things to be talking about that, as a province, as an organization, we need to think — yet “productivity” was mentioned just 14 times. It about how we can grow the economy at a faster rate than wasn’t even a focus; it just happened to be in passing, we’re growing spending so that we can improve our GDP, a mention. Te word “competitiveness” was only men- we can improve our debt levels, and we can make it aford- tioned 31 times. So as the member for Vernon-Mon- able because those additional revenues will be coming in. ashee said about diferent priorities, clearly, this govern- Yet in this budget, there is nothing but lip service towards ment has a very diferent priority. any of that sort of component. [5:30 p.m.] To put it another way, under the NDP, we have seen sig- I get it. We need to support people. It’s important, espe- nifcant increases in spending. Te budget, back in 2017, cially going through this pandemic and the challenges that was around $47 billion. By the end of this term, it’ll be people have faced, but it leaves a huge, gaping hole in $69 billion on an ongoing basis. We are talking about more terms of our future. You cannot keep spending at a 4 to 5 than a 40 percent increase in spending in just the frst term percent growth, massively increasing debt, and only get- of this government plus the length of this budget — a 40 ting a 2 percent GDP growth. It is not possible. percent increase in spending. Tat’s one thing I like about math, when you look at What has happened in our economy during that period math, because it’s impervious to spin. Well, actually, it’s of time? Well, it has been averaging 1½, 2½, maybe 3 impervious to the stuf that comes out of the back end of percent. In other words, over that period of time, we are a bull, but since I can’t use that language, it is impervious expanding spending at more than twice the rate, if not to spin, because math is math. It’s straightforward. You can three times the rate, that the economy is actually growing. talk about it from various ways, but at the end of the day, It’s important to think about that in terms of investments, math is pretty straightforward. It’s pretty simple stuf. because if you want to bring in capital to be able to encour- I think about this budget and the pieces that have gone into it, and it is unfortunate, because it missed Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1545 a huge opportunity. I said this in my response to the word “habitat” isn’t even mentioned once. Not even once. throne speech, because the throne speech missed that Here we are, having a huge problem with declining wildlife same opportunity, which is to talk about a path about populations, particularly the ungulates. At the same time, how British Columbia can grow in various ways to actu- massive increases in predators. Nothing. ally improve the lives of future generations beyond just [5:35 p.m.] spending on services. Previously, the NDP government, in their platforms, You think about it. Every jurisdiction in the world is talked about improving funding. Tere was a $20 million going through the same thing right now with COVID. commitment. Tat’s all gone. Tere is nothing I can see in Everybody’s economy’s been hit. Everybody’s tourism this budget for that. As a matter of fact, forestry itself was has been devastated. Everybody is struggling, putting only mentioned four times in the budget. Four times. To money into the economy and productivity and trying add insult to injury, the forestry budget has been cut, con- to fnd ways to be able to grow, to be able to support sistently cut, each year of the three-year mandate, at a time jobs, to be able to overcome these challenges. Te NDP’s when we have huge issues. approach has been to add 60,000 jobs to the public ser- vice. Okay. Well, that’s still down 40,000 jobs in the [N. Letnick in the chair.] private sector. Ultimately, it’s the private sector that drives the soundness of an economy. Tere was over two million hectares of land that were Like I said, every jurisdiction is going to be competing burned a couple of years ago. Te budget made a very with us. So what’s B.C.’s edge? Yes, we’ve got great people. vague reference about tree planting. Okay, tree planting We’ve got very skilled and capable people in this province. is good. We’re going to get up to 300 million trees. Tat’s We’ve got beautiful scenery. We’ve got lots of natural just barely above what we normally plant. We need to be resources. But according to Russ Taylor, we are one of the around 350 million trees a year if we want to even start least attractive places for the forest sector to invest. Why? touching the amount of rehabilitation and work on that Because we’re uncompetitive. We need to fgure out how to ground. change that. To top it all of, the one organization in B.C. that has According to other reports, it takes 168 days longer just held that responsibility for doing so much of that work to build a warehouse in this province than it does in places is Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. Tey’re out of in the United States. So 168 days longer. How is that com- money, and there’s nothing in this budget to put new petitive? How does that help with productivity? How do money into that organization or even to create a replace- we fx these kinds of problems? ment organization. I guess that’s how much the NDP My colleague from Skeena talked about the Chevron really care about the environment — lots of virtual sig- LNG project. Here you’ve got a fully permitted pipeline nalling, very little in terms of actual real action on the — a fully permitted project, ready to go — and they can’t ground that’s going to beneft people in Nechako Lakes even give it away. Tey can’t even fnd somebody to buy it. or the province as a general. Tey’re not willing to make the investment, because they Like I say, it’s a lost opportunity. Tere is so much that look at it and say we have too many challenges here in this could have been done, laid out in a throne speech that province. Why? We’ve got to fx this problem, people. talked about how we improve our province both socially As bipartisan as you want to make it…. I mean, yes, I’m but also economically — how we get to a place where we blaming the NDP for many of the problems, but the reality could have that strong economy that can continue to sup- is simple. We have to fx these problems, or our province port programs and services so that future governments are is going to be in real tough shape going forward. We have not going to have to be saddled with the fscal irresponsib- to fx these problems, or we’re not going to see the wage ility that we are seeing today. gains that we need to see for people so that they can be able I had the opportunity a number of years ago during the to aford these challenges. We have to fx these problems, beginning of the…. No, actually, it wasn’t the beginning. because we are going to see infation. We are going to see Te pine beetle epidemic started under the NDP and was an eroding of our quality of life unless we can grow faster completely mismanaged. When we had to really ramp up, than what we’re doing. at the height of the pine beetle epidemic, I had a chance I think about forestry. I have the opportunity and the to hear a presentation from a fellow who was in Tumbler honour to be the forestry critic. I went through this bud- Ridge. get, and I thought: “Oh, well, there’s lots of extra spending. Tere were lots of communities that were saying: “You Maybe there will be some things here that will improve know, we need the services so that we can help our things on the environment.” people get through and be able to keep people in the I’ve got to tell you. Wildlife wasn’t even mentioned in community.” He stood up and said something very hon- the budget. Going through it in word search, wildlife was est and very straightforward that is worth repeating. mentioned twice, only in terms of the Wildlife Act. Tere He said: “When the coal mines shut down in Tumbler is nothing for wildlife, and there is nothing for habitat. Te Ridge, it wouldn’t have mattered if they had had a pool 1546 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 or any number of other services. People would have lef remember that lesson because they are doing the exact because they didn’t have a job.” same things again. It’s an important point to think about. Services are crit- So how do we change that? It’s a perfect opportunity ically important, but at the end of the day, you have to have to strike a blue-ribbon panel on competitiveness, on pro- an underlying economy. You have to have underlying eco- ductivity, to look at our province and come forward with nomic activity to be able to support families so that fam- solid recommendations that would be implemented, not ilies will stay there, so that children will be able to stay in just paid lip service to, not just the virtual signalling on it communities, so that people can retire in communities. If but to actually make a diference. A lost opportunity. It’s the work isn’t there, people leave. It doesn’t matter what really unfortunate. types of services were there and in place. For the people of Nechako Lakes…. We depend on I’ll never forget that presentation because it was in the natural resource sector. Tat’s why I talk about it such stark contrast to what everybody else was saying at so much. Forestry, mining, agriculture are the core that the time, but it was a moment of truth that needs to be supports the communities. Tat’s the core that supports thought about. people being able to volunteer, that supports people How do we think about that economy? Well, unfortu- being able to help out, whether it is food banks or nately, as I mentioned about the forestry budget, the min- whether it is shelters or whether it is people’s football ing budget also declined. Yes, there’s talk about getting team or soccer team or playing hockey. low-carbon initiatives to be able to support industries like You need to be able to have that economic activity forestry and mining, but the reality is really simple. within the area. You need to be able to have those oppor- According to the mining industry, if we don’t see a new tunities to be able to really build the solid fabric of a mine opened up, by 2040, there’ll only be fve mines lef in good community. this province. Yes, government supports are critical. Tey’re import- Some people may say: why does that matter? Well, you ant. I thank the government again, as I have a number of know, if you want a green economy, you need copper. You times, for looking at having, actually, a line in the budget need base metals. You need to be able to extract those min- now for building a new hospital in Fort St. James. I look erals out of the ground to be able to support the kind of forward to that. Still need to work out what the plan there efort to have those green initiatives. Tat means you have is going to be in terms of stafng. Tat’s something that to be able to attract capital. can be worked on. In my riding, I’m very fortunate. I’ve got a number of Te community of Fort St. James…. If it didn’t have a mining operations in Nechako Lakes, in and around the forest industry, it wouldn’t need a hospital. If they didn’t area. One that we’ve got great hopes for is the Blackwater have those kinds of investments, you wouldn’t have the project. It’s a large gold mine, with other products that will people wanting to live there. Yes, it’s a beautiful place, and be produced with it. Tey think they might have a line there are the First Nations communities in the area. Tat’s now on the capital. But I have seen numerous projects that their home; they’re going to stay there. But population are ready to go, and they cannot attract the capital in this would drop of pretty dramatically if we didn’t have that province. sector — and mining, for that matter, too. It comes back to the same issue that I talked about from One of the mines that supports Fort St. James and the beginning. What actually is B.C.’s competitive position Mackenzie, which is Mount Milligan…. You know what compared to other jurisdictions? Has anybody done the the most recent report says? It’s got nine years lef. So analysis and actually looked? Mining reports do, and they what’s going to replace that? It’s 500 to 600 direct jobs. don’t rank us very well. You’re talking about 1,000 jobs, direct and indirect, that [5:40 p.m.] go into the area. What’s the replacement? What’s the What is our productivity compared to other jurisdic- plan for attracting the capital and attracting the kinds of tions? I listened to a report just this past weekend that things that are going to support those people to be able said that down in the United States, for every dollar that to have those jobs? is going into helping productivity, there’s only 58 cents I’ve gone on quite at length on a number of these things, in Canada that’s going towards productivity. Well, you obviously. I’m going on because it is important to think can see what the end result of that’s going to be. If we’re about. I know the talking points that the government side not as productive and we’re losing ground, if we’re not as has. Tey go through. I’ve been on the government side. competitive and we are losing ground, that money can You see these points about: “We’re spending money here. go anywhere. We’re doing this. We’re doing that. Aren’t we doing great Unfortunately, people are mobile too. If those jobs and things?” It’s all the spin. All that stuf that I talked about. opportunities start going elsewhere instead of coming to Te reality is that the core and the economy and the math British Columbia, people will follow. Te NDP learned are impervious to that spin. that lesson in the 1990s, with more people leaving this I also looked at this program that’s going to be set up. province than coming into it. Unfortunately, they didn’t I’m really interested in seeing the details of this InBC pro- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1547 gram — $500 million to go into it. Tat’s going to have tell you. Every other jurisdiction in the world is doing it. these three priorities: people, the planet and profts. Well, So what are we doing? Where is the plan? that’s interesting. If the company is not making money but Once again, I think that is a bit of a lost opportunity it’s doing really well on the other two, does that make it a — that we did not have a coherent plan, other than basic- success? It can’t aford to operate except with a government ally shovelling money of the back of a truck, to be able subsidy. Is that successful? to really attract the kind of business and try to rebuild the [5:45 p.m.] sector that has been hurt so hard. It will be interesting to see just how this works. Te In going through this, like I say, I…. Tere are things unfortunate part is…. Tere’s a bill coming up, and I’m in this budget that I think could be helpful. Tere are sure I’ll get a chance to talk about it. It certainly sounds certainly some things in the budget which will help like a slush fund to support local priorities from this gov- some people in my riding, but there is a lot that is miss- ernment. ing. A lot that really should have been in this budget to When I looked at…. Another thing in there that I really be able to see the people of Nechako Lakes be able to am looking forward to, when we get into the estimates…. prosper and to continue to be able to support the famil- What exactly is a notional allocation of $3.5 billion, start- ies and communities. ing in 2022 and 2023, for caseload pressures? I thought I hope, in terms of these budget speeches…. We all get the whole point of doing all this spending and trying to these opportunities to speak to the budget and speak to the get things going was to improve the economy so that you throne speech. Lots of people get their…. “Here are your would have less people relying on government and govern- speaking notes from the centre. Now go out and deliver ment services. these speeches.” Why is the budget talking about needing $3.5 billion I tried to give this speech today to give people some- in year 2 and year 3 for caseload pressures? It’s curious, thing to think about in terms of what really matters and and it’s a direct contradiction to what the government the things that need to be talked about, whether it’s in the has been talking about in terms of the actual goal of caucus room or in the back halls or opportunities to meet the economy, in terms of building and doing things. A with ministers. Te things that really do matter in terms of notional allocation. the core of our economy and the core of how we need to Tere are so many things that a person could touch on build a sustainable, healthy province for all of British Col- with regards to the budget. I guess, maybe, I’ll close with umbia. this. [5:50 p.m.] For the people living in the Lower Mainland, as well Once again, I want to thank the people of Nechako as the people living, really, across the province, the envir- Lakes for the opportunity to be able to be here to voice onment and wildlife matter. Yet there’s no efort at all on their concerns, to be their voice for the things that matter wildlife and wildlife recovery. No plan to be able to reverse in Nechako Lakes. the decline in ungulate populations. No plan to be able to I look forward to listening to other debates that come up manage predators. No mention of it in the budget. I think here on the budget. that’s an important piece that is really missing that I, once again, want to highlight. B. D’Eith: I want to, frst, thank the Speaker and the I think, for the people across the province, when they Clerk’s ofce, the Legislative Assembly Management Com- think about support and they think about how an eco- mittee and public health for allowing me the privilege of nomy is built…. Well, let me rephrase that. Most people being able to stand up here in person today in this amazing don’t think about these things. Most people just listen to building to take my place in this debate in the middle of a the virtual signalling and those other things. At the end pandemic. I want to thank all of the hard work that’s gone of the day, they should listen to it. Sixty-fve to 70 percent into allowing all of us, all members, to be able to parti- of our economy is consumer-driven, but consumers can- cipate in the Legislature and do the work of this province. not foot the bill to be able to expand our economy unless Tank you so much. we are seeing the kind of economic growth that’s needed. I I also want to thank my constituents and all the people think that’s just one piece, that whole connection. of British Columbia who’ve done the right thing. I would Te last thing I’ll touch on…. My riding gets a little bit say that if you look at what has happened during the pan- of tourism that comes through. It’s a beautiful area with so demic, the vast majority of people are listening to public many lakes, so many outdoor recreational opportunities, health and doing the right thing. Tat is why British Col- but tourism has really taken a hit. umbia is doing relatively well in the global pandemic, and What are we doing, as a province, to stand up and say: we should all be very proud of that efort. “We’re leaders. We want you to come here. We want to try I also want to thank the mayors — Mayor Morden from to fnd ways to really expand this province’s reputation and Maple Ridge and the former mayor who is now the MLA have people look at us as the destination of choice”? I can for Abbotsford-Mission — for working so hard with the provincial government during the pandemic. Also, one 1548 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 of the silver linings from the pandemic is that, I believe, I’m very proud of both of our Finance ministers that our working relationships are that much stronger between we’ve had, and I think they’re doing an exemplary job, not the province, between the federal government, certainly just spending in the right places but being prudent. It’s between the province and our municipal governments. I compassion and prudence. Tat’s the distinction — com- would like to thank them, and I really look forward to passion and prudence. doing so much more with the things that are coming from Let’s think about some of the things that are import- this budget. ant. One of them, of course, is health and mental health, Tis budget, at its core, is about: “Look, we’re going to because nothing really is more important than our spend money on trying to recover British Columbia from health and our safety. It’s so important. Tis budget pro- this incredible crisis that we’ve been in. Why not spend tects the health and safety of British Columbians. Tere that money wisely? Why not make British Columbia bet- are some really important enhancements. Tere’s $900 ter?” Tat is what this is all about. And not just better. Bet- million for health-related COVID-19 management, ter for everyone. So the goals of Budget 2021…. I’d like to including, of course, the vaccine rollout, testing and read them out, because I think they do set the table, so to screening, and PPE, personal protective equipment, for speak, for my talk today. our front-line workers. Tere are really four key areas. One is to protect the I would like to say, of course, our front-line workers health and safety of British Columbians with enhance- have worked so hard. Tey’re tired. But if you’re out there ments to health care, mental health and addiction ser- listening, we really appreciate everything that you’re doing. vices. Tat’s $3.1 billion. Also, to support people in busi- We’re nearly there. Just keep going. We know how hard nesses by expanding upon services and programs that you’ve been working and the risks you’ve been taking to people rely on and providing businesses with extended keep us all safe. grants, incentives and tax exemptions to weather the Of course, $200 million to prepare for economic recov- pandemic. Tat’s $4.5 billion. ery, including funding to support community infrastruc- Te third is to prepare B.C. for recovery, with new ture and skills training for youth — very important. And investments in training and job creation, CleanBC and $1.1 billion to reserve to support any unanticipated or community infrastructure. Tat’s $1 billion. And, of urgent health relief measures, because as we saw with this course, to provide pandemic and recovery contingencies third wave, we know we have to act quickly and be nimble. to ensure that we can pivot and provide supports so that Part of the funding, of course, is to expand urgent and the province can overcome from the pandemic. Tat’s primary care centres and reduce wait times for surgeries. $4.6 billion. We saw during the pandemic how important it was to I want to take a step back and look at the broader eco- expand our surgery capacity and diagnostic services. Our nomic picture. Obviously, we’ve had a tough time econom- Minister of Health is committed to that. Tere’s $748 mil- ically throughout the entire planet. Te global economy lion in the budget for that. has sufered greatly from the pandemic. But the private Of course, mental health and addictions. We’ve talked sector is forecasting growth in Canada and the provinces about the pandemic a lot, but our other public health as we move into recovery. Of course, we saw these impacts emergency is the opioid crisis. We recognize that and, of last year, but we are expecting the recovery. In fact, recent course, the Pathway to Hope that was launched by the pre- forecasts have shown that we may be recovering better vious Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, in the last than the national average, which speaks really strongly to government, really made that pathway for a system of care. the resiliency of the British Columbia economy, which is We’re seeing an increase in Foundries, mental health really important. in schools. Tere’s going to be $500 million over three I have heard the B.C. Liberals talk about their fears of years to expand and to improve mental health services. spending right now. Te reality is that there isn’t an eco- Tat’s for a full spectrum of substance use treatment nomist in the world that I’ve heard who thinks that aus- and recovery, opioid treatment and 195 new treatment terity is the right measure right now. I fnd it fascinating and recovery beds. Tat’s a commitment. I believe that’s to hear from the other side the type of philosophy that really important. smacks of austerity, the type of trickle-down economics in Of course, in response to the pandemic, $585 million a time when we need to spend money. over three years to hire thousands of new health care [5:55 p.m.] workers to build capacity. So once again, spending the In fact, it’s so important that we stimulate the economy money in the right places to make sure that we come out to get things going. To say: “Well, you don’t know how to of this pandemic stronger than ever. deal with the economy….” Well, look. We had three bal- Locally, we’ve had a lot of work that was done. We have anced budgets. Before the pandemic, we had the lowest a Foundry in Maple Ridge that we’re really excited about. unemployment in Canada. We have a triple-A credit rat- It’s doing really well. It has been helping, especially, a lot ing, and we’re looking really good moving forward right of young people with mental health issues over the pan- now. So I disagree. I don’t think that’s true at all. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1549 demic. School district 42 has a pilot project for embedded B. D’Eith: Aw, I got a little chirp. Tat’s awesome. I’ve mental health and addiction services. been hoping I might get one. We have a new MRI In Maple Ridge. We have an urgent Tank you. You’re supposed to…. Te other side is sup- and primary care centre that just opened in Maple Ridge, posed to chirp. and both primary care networks have been launched in Maple Ridge and Mission. In the budget, Ridge Meadows Interjection. is going to receive $5.3 million for an automated drug dis- tribution system, which is very important, and $12.9 mil- B. D’Eith: Exactly. lion for OR mechanical upgrades and other work to the Anyway, the other thing that was very important, and I hospital. Tat’s very important. was very proud of this, from the Finance Committee was We did accomplish a lot in our frst term, but coming on the elimination of interest on student loans. Tat’s huge for the heels of 16 years of neglect, there’s more to do. Tere’s students, a game-changer — and moving the grants to the so much more to do to fx health care in our province. front so that they have upfront grants for students. It’s very Again, spending the money to make our lives better. important for them to be incentivized to go into post-sec- As far as supports during the pandemic, B.C. has the ondary. highest supports per capita for people in businesses in Now, new — the B.C. child opportunity beneft. Of Canada. In the budget, we have over $1 billion for supports course, in the middle of the pandemic…. Tis is $1,600 per for people and businesses, including ongoing supports for child. It’s huge. It’s game-changing for families, and it was people experiencing homelessness, business recovery pro- rolled out in October. grams and allocations to support tourism. ICBC, afordable car insurance. We all got our rebates We all saw the rollout of the COVID recovery beneft, — fantastic. But there are also going to be savings of up to where people were receiving $500 as individuals or $1,000 $400 on the renewed policies and a lot more services for for families. Tat is much-needed relief that millions of people, moving forward. Really excited about that. British Columbians are enjoying right now. It’s very, very Free transit for kids under 12 — huge for families. Tat’s important. going to save up to $672 per child. And of course, as part [6:00 p.m.] of the CleanBC strategy, no PST on e-bikes. I’ve heard a lot Our work making life more afordable actually started, of people are getting, especially seniors…. I had one seni- obviously, in 2017 and continues in this budget. In last or who’s 65, and she started riding an e-bike. Tat got her fall’s provincial election, of course, the opposition…. Te back into riding and her health. Now she doesn’t need the only thing they could come up with for a tax promise e-bike because she’s riding a real bike, with no engine. ended up with making yachts cheaper by $70,000. So I think it’s about fnding the right balance, not making Interjection. promises for the top 1 percent. Our policies are aimed at saving individuals and fam- B. D’Eith: Tere you go. Tank you, Member. Remem- ilies money so they can get ahead. A good example of ber, you’re on my side of the aisle. that was the elimination of MSP premiums. Tat saves Now, as far as business supports, even though we are families up to $1,800. Tat’s real money in their pockets. at 108 percent of employment numbers right now, there Now, B.C. Liberals opposed that. Tey opposed it; they are certainly certain businesses that have been impacted. wanted to get rid of it. It’s unbelievable. Tat savings…. Tourism, restaurants, gyms, hotels and, of course, festivals It was the most regressive tax that we had, and it was and music venues have been hit hard. Tat’s why it was so actually one of the biggest tax cuts we’ve had in this important to have programs like the small business recov- province ever, for people. ery grant, which provides up to $10,000 to $30,000 for eli- In my riding, eliminating the tolls on the bridges. Te gible businesses. It’s over $300 million. tolls basically penalized regions — Surrey, Langley, Chilli- Te launch online grant is wildly successful. Tat grant wack, Maple Ridge. Tat’s what the tolls did. Other people gives $7,500 to eligible businesses to create online shop- didn’t have to pay tolls in other parts of the province, but ping so that they can pivot during the pandemic. Incred- those residents did. We got rid of those tolls. Tat saves ibly successful, to the point where an additional $30 mil- families and people up to $1,500. And I can tell you, these lion was added to that, and applications will continue businesses…. I know one business that had business across throughout the summer. the bridge. Tey were able to hire a new employee with the Of course, being nimble is so important during the pan- amount they saved from the tolls. So important. demic, so the circuit breaker business relief grant is so We’ve talked about child care. I’ve heard a lot from the important because it helps…. It works in tandem with the opposition. Nice that they care about child care all of a federal money, the Canada emergency rent subsidy. But sudden. We have families that are saving up to $19,000. it gives that extra amount of money to those that were afected specifcally by health considerations. Interjection. If you add that to things like the wholesale liquor prices, 1550 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 the permanent wholesale liquor prices, that’s a game- Te flm industry is booming. Tey worked very hard, changer for restaurants as well. Now, in addition to that, and you have to give a lot of credit for the amount of restaurants, bars and breweries are still able to operate on industry and the government and public health working patios. Tey can still do takeout. Gyms are still able to do together to come up with protocols that they could oper- individual, one-on-one activities. Te circuit breaker grant ate. will help get these businesses through the short term. Book publishers took a hit. People aren’t going to book- [6:05 p.m.] stores, but we renewed the tax credit for book publishers. Of course, there are so many businesses that are im- Tey’re very happy about that as well, and we’re of course pacted by this — 14,000. Because of the travel restrictions, maintaining tax credits for flm, television and animation it was added to hotels. Hotels have been added as well, of video games. so that means it’s up to 20,000 businesses that are eligible I was asked by the Premier, when the pandemic started, now. Of course, the eligibility criteria were made much to reach out to all of the arts and culture and creative in- easier for businesses to apply. Businesses are applying for dustries and fnd out: “Okay, what can we do? How can it every day, and millions and millions of dollars are going we help?” We got amazing feedback. Te one word that out the door every day. Of course, the circuit breaker has stuck out was “fexibility.” A lot of them had to cancel added $75 million more money so that restaurants can their events. A lot of them had funding for specifc pro- get involved, and that’s really important, especially during jects. So what did B.C. Arts Council do? What did Creative these travel restrictions. B.C. do? Tey allowed fexibility. Tey said: “Look, if you I was so excited to hear about InBC. Tis is a frst-time can’t do that, pivot and do something else. Do something $500 million strategic investment to provide B.C.-based online. Do something in streaming.” Tere are just amaz- businesses with capital so that we can recover stronger in ing stories that have come out of that. the pandemic. It’s going to be…. Well, the legislation is Tere are also these resilience supplement grants that being introduced to create an InBC investment corpora- have been going out through B.C. Arts Council. Local tion with $500 million, and it’s designed to help to diver- groups like our ACT Arts Centre and the PLAY Society sify the economy and grow potential businesses in the received that money, and they’re going to be using it for province that need that growth. things like video equipment to be able to flm shows so Te really interesting thing is that it’s got a triple-bot- that families can still watch online. tom-line investment mandate, which means it will estab- I was also very pleased to see $22.5 million for Amplify lish British Columbia as a globally competitive low-carbon B.C. over three years. Tis is part of StrongerBC. Tis is jurisdiction. It will promote values that make life better for the biggest commitment ever in music. It’s very exciting. people in B.C., including job creation, advancing recon- People and companies and music have been asking for this ciliation with Indigenous People, promoting diversity and for a long time. What it does is it provides stability. Tat’s inclusion and achieve a fnancial return on investment. another big word, “stability” — fexibility and stability and Wow, that doesn’t…. knowing that they can count on it. Te other side are like: “What? Return on investment? [6:10 p.m.] Huh.” Go fgure, right? And that’s what is so important Now, how is it helping? Lindsay MacPherson, who is the about this. It’s a triple bottom line. I don’t hear any chirp- executive director of Music B.C., said: “At a time when our ing, because that is a really amazing program. industry is still struggling, this is a vote of confdence in Te next issue is tourism. Tourism, obviously, has been our recovery. Whether you are a touring artist, a sound hit, and there’s $100 million to support major anchor at- engineer or a concert promoter, this news is all we need tractions and $20 million for community destination right now. Te province has heard and understood the funding as well. challenges our sector is facing. Teir continued support Now, I’m the Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film, with a three-year commitment means Music B.C. can and I wanted to spend a bit of time on arts and culture maintain programs like SoundON and build new oppor- and festivals and music, because we all know that music tunities to develop emerging B.C. talent.” and festivals and theatres were some of the frst to be shut Karen Aird, who is the acting CEO of the First Peoples down and probably will be some of the last to come back. Cultural Council: “Long-term funding is essential to the So they’ve been hit pretty hard. growth of the Indigenous music industry in British Col- Diferent sectors within arts and culture in the creat- umbia, as Indigenous artists face additional barriers to ive industries have been hit diferently. We all know the success. Amplify B.C.’s support of our Indigenous music flm industry shut down in the spring, but because B.C. initiatives has been key to increasing opportunities for was so great at responding to the pandemic and listen- Indigenous artists in many areas of the industry. As a ing to public health, we were one of the most attractive result of this funding, we have seen Indigenous music places for the flm industry to come back to. In fact, in professionals thrive, and we are grateful to the province. the fall, they had the biggest fall — not during the pan- With this certainty, we can continue to support artists demic but the biggest fall ever. year afer year.” Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1551

Tere were 100 Amplify grant recipients in March — families. Also in Mission, B.C. Housing is providing capit- actually, 113 — who got $1.27 million in support. We al funding to Habitat for Humanity for townhouses. Sup- asked: “Is it helping?” One artist, Teon Gibbs, who is a rap- portive housing through B.C. Housing is going to be built per and a producer, said: “It’s defnitely hard to be an artist on Hurd Street in Mission — very important — with the right now, when we can’t perform and tour. Tis grant is community services as an operator. really great because it’s helping us to produce and release [6:15 p.m.] our next project so that we can keep building our audience People are so excited in Mission about Boswyk centre and hopefully have a bigger audience to tour when it’s safe seniors housing. It’s going to be complete in the summer of again. Support like this is truly a diference-maker, and 2021. It’s 74 units of seniors’ housing in partnership with through all of the uncertainty, it’s going to help us grow DOM, B.C. Housing and the Mission Association for Seni- our careers.” So it’s really helping. ors Housing. I’ll tell you, there’s such a huge demand for Of course, the pandemic hit live music venues very seniors’ housing, and I’m so excited about this. hard, and there’s a really great story of adaptation and Tere’s also a $13 million investment in Maple Ridge, resilience from the Duncan Showroom in Cowichan. It’s and there’s a 94-unit low- and moderate-income renter a small, 60-seater, theatre-style showroom. Because they housing that’s going up. Tat’s just about built now too. were livestreaming before the pandemic, they were in a Of course, we have two temporary supportive housing great position to switch to streaming as the main format units in Maple Ridge that helped us resolve the tent city giving musicians a space to perform. that had been dividing our city for so long. We’re in very John Falkner explained that the showroom hit the good negotiations and discussions with the city on a full ground running last March. Tey removed seats, extended spectrum of housing for the city that includes seniors, low- the stage and put a safety plan in, and they were able to income, family, youth supportive housing and, of course, pivot in the summer to do an online festival. He goes on we’re committed to treatment beds in Maple Ridge, work- to say: “I was going to have to close by the end of Septem- ing with the city. ber. Afer 17 years, I couldn’t let that happen.” Receiving It’s also very valuable to note, too, that in the Katzie a $10,000 Amplify B.C. grant kept his doors open. “We’ve Nation, which is on the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows side, never applied for a grant in all the years we’ve been doing we’re building housing on reserve. Tis is going to be this. Tis grant allowed me to go to my landlord, to the transformative for the Katzie Nation in being able to bring electric company, let me stay in the game. More than that, people back to the reserve, many of whom have ended up it reinforced the value of what we’re doing.” on the street. Tis is so important, this type of funding, this type of As far as infrastructure development, we’re going to put commitment. Te province’s investment in Amplify B.C. is a record amount of money into infrastructure. Develop- doing more than keeping the lights on. It’s sparking innov- ment has been happening throughout my area. Highway ation and fuelling resilience in the B.C. music industry. I’m 7 — we fnished Haney Bypass. We fnished the Silverdale so proud of that. four-laning, and I’m so excited that the fnal four-laning I’d like to turn to a couple of other things. I’m not going between 266 and 287th Street is going to happen. It’s so to be able to get through everything I wanted to. Tere’s important. just so much good stuf in this budget. But I did want to Also, for Mission, in terms of infrastructure, there’s $11 talk briefy about housing. Of course, the 30-point hous- million for twinning the sewage pipeline across the Fraser ing plan on afordability was launched in the last term, and River. Tis is really important because Mission will prob- this budget really ramps things up. ably double in size over the next ten years, and we need Of course, the opposition wanted to get rid of the spec- that infrastructure. We need that infrastructure to be able ulation tax. I’m not sure they care about the fact that there to support that many people coming into Mission. So that were 18,000 units of rental housing that were freed up due approval was very, very important. It was a very important to this. Maybe that’s immaterial to them. commitment. We’re also committed to building a new high Budget 2021 continues to deliver on afordable homes as school in Mission, and that will continue. part of a $7 billion, ten-year Homes for B.C. strategy and Of course, child care is a game-changer for us. It’s so — this is really important — a $2 billion renewable fnan- important, as one of our biggest priorities. For years, the cing opportunity through the HousingHub program. opposition neglected the child care system and lef families So what’s happened? Tere are over 26,000 new homes behind. Tey ignored the needs of B.C. families. Tey lef that are completed or underway since 2018, as Budget a huge shortage of ECE workers, which we’re trying to fx 2021 continues to invest in more low- and middle-income now. It took them four years to create as many spaces as we housing. And the HousingHub will facilitate the creation created in the frst ten months of being in government. of 9,000 units of rental housing — really important. Now, the pandemic obviously shone a light on how We can see this happening in my area. In Mission, for important child care is to our area. Tere’s now going to example, the Lookout Society, with the HousingHub, built be $233 million of new base funding over the three years. 70 new, afordable homes for low- and middle-income Tat’s going to create so many spaces, 400 new spaces, 1552 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 for children of Indigenous families — 2,000 more families C. Oakes: I’m fne. to access supportive childhood development programs. We are literally holding our breaths and hoping that we We’re going to double the number of children receiving will not have any more roads collapse. We hope for safety child care for less than $10 a day, through prototype sites. of our constituents and fear that what is happening right In Maple Ridge alone, the programs that we have, the now needs immediate action. We are worried that it will temporary emergency funding — $23 million. Te get lost in the crisis of the pandemic. amount of money going back to parents to reduce fees Tis was certainly not the response to the budget and benefts: $11 million. Te total number of spaces in speech that I had prepared, and I certainly commit to the Maple Ridge increased: 301. Te total number of early stakeholders that I’ll work on your behalf to raise your childhood educators receiving our wage enhancement: 51. concerns. Tat’s $306,000. It’s making such a huge impact. Heritage No government controls the weather, so my remarks Park Childcare Centre could take double the number of this evening, as they relate to the budget, is the hope that $10 a day or less prototype sites right now. the Premier, the government, will not neglect the emer- I wish I had time. Tere’s so much good stuf here. I ging crisis that is currently taking place in Cariboo North wanted to talk about CleanBC and all the wonderful things and fnd the necessary funds in this budget to assist. but, unfortunately, I only have a minute lef. I wanted to We are currently experiencing a third year of spring talk about education. I wanted to talk about reconciliation, freshet, and I begin my comments with the voices that I’m which is so important. I know that some of my other mem- hearing hourly by my constituents. How many more roads bers will be talking about vulnerable people and disabilit- need to be collapsed, destroyed forever — detour roads ies. I have all this, but it’s only 30 minutes, you know? It’s that are glorifed goat trails that are more ofen requiring only 30 minutes. 4-by-4s — before this government and the Premier under- In closing, I really want to reemphasize that this budget stand that the provincial transportation network is cur- puts people frst. I mean, it puts the health and safety of rently in jeopardy. people and the services they count on frst. Supporting Public safety is in jeopardy. Food security is in jeopardy. businesses and sectors during the pandemic, during the We have already had two of our largest market gardens recovery, is critical. Investing in recovery in terms of build- retire last year because of the incredible impact these ing a clean, strong and sustainable economy that works for detours are having, not to mention the countless produ- everyone is what this is about. cers across the region that are impacted. I know that it’s been a tough year. COVID-19 has Te economy is in jeopardy. Look at the impact in the challenged all of us, but you know? We’re resilient. It’s Cariboo around just our forestry, our mining, our agricul- amazing how B.C.’ers have been resilient. We look afer ture, our tourism and our small businesses that all contrib- each other. I just see this every day in our community ute to the provincial GDP, the revenues paid in taxes to — people going out of their way to stand in line to take support this province. takeout from restaurants, to make sure that their favour- Now, I apologize that I am quite emotional. But I ite restaurant stays around, or going to the food bank encourage members to take out their phones and to go to and volunteering, or doing all of the things that need to Drive B.C. and look at the magnitude of roads that are cur- be done to keep people safe. rently impacted, have detours in place or are completely [6:20 p.m.] impassable and closed, and note that the list is growing It’s so important that the work that we do helps people every single day. but creates a better British Columbia, moving forward. Roads and communities are impacted from Horsefy, Tis budget supports people now to stay safe and healthy, Likely, Big Lake, Tyee Lake, McLeese Lake, Soda Creek, but it actually looks to the future as well. Really, it’s about going all the way south down Highway 97 — Kersley-Dale building a future that’s stronger and better for everyone in Landing Road, Durrell Road, auxiliary roads that lead to British Columbia. prime agricultural lands like West Fraser, Narcosli and Quesnel-Hydraulic residence. And now the backup road C. Oakes: Tonight I join and speak to this Legislature for Highway 97, the Quesnel-Hixon Road, which is regu- virtually about an emergency that is getting worse by the larly used as a backup, is completely shut down. hour. Our roads are literally crumbling before our eyes, Every hour, as the rain comes down, as we speak, I and we need help. As I listen to the rain come down, it is live in fear of what the consequences will be. I know we a plea to this House to listen and understand what is cur- have yellow school buses with our school children on these rently taking place, what is currently happening in my rid- roads, and I hope nothing will happen. ing of Cariboo North. [6:25 p.m.] It feels very much like it did during the wildfres. Te I raised the alarm bells in this Legislature on March 6, stress of, hour by hour, watching weather reports…. warning that more needs to be done to prepare. In fact, I began raising the alarm bells in 2017-2018, when I began Deputy Speaker: Would you like us to take a recess? to hear that reports of hydrology impacts, geotechnical Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1553 studies and lidar were showing the considerable risks fol- no one taking responsibility, and those that are responsible lowing the wildfres. take the time to point the fnger to somebody else. Te public should understand what the risks are and “Te Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure plans trans- that the government has a responsibility to provide for portation networks, provides transportation services and infra- safety. While the wildfres may be out and while one does structure, develops and implements transportation policies and administers many related acts, regulations and federal-provincial not see the towering fames, the impacts of the fres are funding programs.” burning deep in the ground, and now we are faced with a Tis is in their service plan. crisis of water management. Right now, without the government taking proactive “Te ministry strives to build and maintain a safe and reliable transportation system and provide afordable, efcient and access- steps, communicating with the public what is actually hap- ible transportation options for all British Columbians. Tis work pening and increasing measures on managing water — includes investing in road infrastructure, public transit, coastal and like maintaining and upgrading culverts, ensuring ditch- inland ferry service…active transportation network improvements ing is done everywhere, gravel maintenance, and the list and other more socially and environmentally responsible modes of transportation.” goes on — the minister cannot celebrate the success of this budget and proudly highlight how they will be invest- And: ing in a few culverts in the region and think that that is “Te ministry invests in highway rehabilitation and side road improvements, which includes road resurfacing, bridge rehabilita- adequate to ensure that they’re maintaining the provincial tion and replacement, seismic retrofts, intersection improvements transportation network. and upgrades to smaller side roads to help connect communities.” Te minister and government have been quick to talk Over 200 roads damaged from last year, many com- about funds for roads in my riding — for example, calling pletely destroyed, a transportation system that is very vul- West Fraser Road as a true form of supporting rural B.C., nerable right now. Just go on to DriveBC.ca to understand when the funding actually came from the federal govern- what is happening on the ground. I would suggest that the ment’s disaster fnancial assistance program. I continue ministry, and this government, is failing on these targets to raise this because I know how we’ve had to use every miserably. single legislative tool available to push this government Let’s take another look at a goal in the service plan: into action. “Lead negotiations for the next round of federal-provincial Last year, I do believe, there were 220 roads that were infrastructure programs.” Well, I would say negotiating impacted in the Cariboo, the majority in Cariboo North. zero dollars for disaster fnancial assistance, which you can How did the minister do when ensuring that we would look at in the budget, is not exactly meeting the objectives get disaster fnancial assistance? Turn to page 156 of the laid out. budget. Te number in the budget for the disaster fnancial [6:30 p.m.] assistance to help us to deal with all of the impacts last Another goal for this service plan is to “improve trans- year: zero dollars. Now, put aside that cost, because now portation network efciency to provide British Colum- this will have to come out of B.C. taxpayers. bians with safe and reliable access to the services they Let us consider the people who’ve been evacuated from depend on.” I would be happy to invite the minister, the the homes, many who will not ever be able to return to Premier, the cabinet to come to the Cariboo and to travel their homes. Many of these people have raised their fam- on the multitude of roads in the Cariboo — specifcally the ilies and celebrated all-important milestones of their lives. detour routes where many constituents have found them- Many are seniors. Now they are not getting covered by selves travelling on for years — and measure how efcient, insurance, because the evacuation was in a landslide with safe and reliable these roads are. no disaster fnancial assistance because the provincial gov- Yes, they most certainly depend on these services. But ernment has not made the agreement with, nor had the we certainly have not seen anything from this government thought of negotiating with, the federal government on to take action, long-term action, on what they identifed in how landslides will be compensated, as landslides, unlike the service plan goal. wildfres and foods, are not tied to a weather event. Let’s look at some of the other objectives: improve high- We have a local state of emergency right now in Ques- way safety and reliability; monitor highway safety and nel. We have homes and businesses on evacuation order improve high-risk locations; safety and reliability; low-cost and alert. It is our hope that the province understands the improvements; work with public safety partners to identify needs and responsibilities, as outlined in the MOTI service safety improvements; and examine highway safety and plan, to negotiate with the federal government to access reliability issues, considering climate forecasts, seismic these funds. hazards and adaptive capacity of transportation infra- Let’s take a deeper dive into the service plan that accom- structure. panies the budget document. It is important to do this, We know that the ministry has the seismic reports fol- clearly, to understand the responsibility of government. lowing the wildfres of 2017 and 2018. Tey know what Quite frankly, constituents of Cariboo North are tired of the adaptive capacity needs are in the Cariboo. What we 1554 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 would like to know from this budget is: how are you actu- are they going to do? How will they really shif policy to ally going to take action on these objectives — not just manage climate adaptation? Please, stop the insulting rhet- a press release but how much you value these things and oric of how MOTI is being held up across country as a take real action? I looked in the service plan budget on leader in climate adaptation when year afer year our roads page 14, and I actually see a signifcant reduction in the are literally collapsing around us. spending that this government will be doing to meet these [6:35 p.m.] targets. I understand that the government does not control the Another objective is to “ensure a high standard of pro- weather, but they do have a responsibility in how we vincial highway rehabilitation and maintenance.” Again, respond to it. At best, the resources we get are a few addi- come to the Cariboo and see what’s going on, on the tional culverts and the hard-working men and women that ground. Another objective is to “provide excellent ser- are trying to maintain these roads as best they can. I do vice to British Columbians. Key strategies: communicate want to thank them for their eforts. I know my constitu- and engage efciently and efectively with the ministry’s ents want to thank them. I know that they are equally as stakeholders.” frustrated, because I hear from them that they are regu- We need updates from this government. We need to un- larly trying to get the necessary inventory to safely main- derstand what is happening with so many of our roads. tain the roads. Our constituents are asking. Tey’re calling on this gov- Te resources to do this are not coming — or, at best, ernment to update us. What is the plan for the entire trans- piecemeal — to the riding. I have binders of letters written portation network, as we see it collapsing literally day by to the various ministries on the state of our road infra- day? We want to know what the long-term plan is of this structure. Tere’s nothing more frustrating, when waiting government. We just feel that we’re pleading with the gov- years to get a road fx and seeing constituents having to ernment to come and to make this available. travel extra hours on bad detour roads, to get a response I can share that our ofce has repeatedly asked for up- back from the province that it has been recognized as cli- dates. I’ve got binders of letters I have sent the ministry mate leaders. and this minister. Our constituents defnitely require an Here’s a suggestion to the Premier and his cabinet and update. Who exactly is the government communicating any member who wishes to see what’s happening on the with? ground: come ride one of our yellow school buses with our Another objective is to “invest in transportation op- students for several hours each way on these detour roads. tions that enhance network efciency and support cli- On this journey, really contemplate if you still feel the mate change objectives.” I will go into that a little bit policies, the budget and actions you are taking are really more — about some solutions that, I think, are import- delivering meaningful results for people. ant to put in place. Te Premier said in this House, ofen, to share our solu- I look at the budget, and there is actually a reduction in tions to issues. Well, I’ve shared the following over many the improvements that require immediate action to main- years, since the wildfres, to various ministers, so now I tain the integrity of our transportation system. Te alarm will direct these solutions to the Premier. bells that I have and continue to make are not political grandstanding. I’m calling on this Premier to take action. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] At this point, I do not see the necessary funds in the MOTI budget, the service plan. Perhaps there are items In order to maintain the integrity of the transportation that he can contribute from either the uplif he’s exper- and road network in British Columbia, a seismic shif is ienced in his budget or, at the very least, the additional required on how you manage areas that have been im- funds, the Premier’s budget, to communicate with and pacted by environmental epidemics and wildfres — true update British Columbians. Maybe we could get some of climate adaptation. It is a seismic shif, as we required in those communication dollars to help communicate what is previous governments, to understand the very real risk happening with our residents in Cariboo North. of earthquakes along our coast and tsunami risks and to Please, the constituents of Cariboo North need to have make the signifcant policy change, the massive invest- the updates on these road conditions. Te Premier has an ment in infrastructure, to mitigate those risks. obligation to share the risk that we have been exposed to I understand what I’m calling is a signifcant shif of and to understand, from all of the reports that govern- government. I understand it will be expensive. I’m not an ment has gathered, that the Premier has a responsibility to engineer or a scientist, but I know my riding. I know my update the constituents on each of the roads that have been constituents very well. I’ve listened to our First Nation Eld- destroyed and to provide an update on what will be done ers. Tey were the frst to raise the alarm bells following to fx them and the timeline. the wildfres on what they were experiencing on the Te Premier has a responsibility to outline how they ground and the very real concerns at the impact on the will maintain the integrity of the transportation network. ecosystem that is currently happening. What are they going to do diferent? What maintenance One cannot see the amount of landslide activity that Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1555 has been going into our rivers and streams during the how to make suggestions. I think that is truly representat- last few freshets to understand how vulnerable the integ- ive of who the people of the Cariboo are. rity of our streams and rivers and aquatic ecosystems I think it’s important to share one of her closing com- are. I’m getting updates across the riding, literally hour- ments, because I think it represents so many people in ly, of land slippages into rivers and areas that I didn’t the Cariboo: “I’m a hopeful and optimistic person, not even know were vulnerable. wanting to complain about things unless I can ofer some Where in this budget does the government address the constructive solutions. My hope is that in this email, it growing concern of ancient slide complexes? How are they truly helps you understand the magnitude and deterior- measuring the impacts on our rivers and streams? We have ating road infrastructure situation here in the Cariboo, the B.C. forecast and the B.C. Wildfre that measure and and that you will take immediate, appropriate actions to take actions on foods and fres, but who is managing the keep this part of our beautiful province functioning as it landslide fle? should.” I want to thank my constituents from across the riding. I thank the members of this House for providing me the I know how frustrating it is for you when you hear of one opportunity to make some emergency comments to the road and you think: “Why isn’t the government” — or your budget. It’s certainly, as I said, not the budget response I MLA, for that matter — “focusing on my road?” had prepared. I thank the members for listening. I hope Te extent and magnitude of roads are so great in the some immediate action can be taken and that this govern- riding of Cariboo North and there are so many areas ment will address the deteriorating situation in the Cari- impacted that in the past, I’ve come to the Legislature with boo. Tank you. lists of roads that need addressing, and by the end of the day, that list has expanded. So for today, I’m not going to J. Brar: I’m really pleased to stand up in this House read a list, as the reality, with the rain that we are currently today to support Budget 2021. experiencing, the condition of groundwater, the state of I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional our infrastructure, our culverts, our ditching and the lack territories of the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking people, specifcally of water management, has put our entire riding in a state the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. of crisis. I would also like to thank the people of Surrey. I exist Please, on behalf of the constituents of Cariboo North, in this House because of the people of Surrey, who elected take my comments to heart and take some action. It’s not me as their representative fve times, and that is certainly a just our region that is in jeopardy, but the impact will be rare honour. Terefore, I would like to convey my sincere on the rest of the province as well. thanks to the people of Surrey-Fleetwood for giving me In closing, I thought it was important, as a representat- the opportunity and for putting their faith in me. ive, to raise the voice of one of the constituents that have Budget 2021 is about helping people now, and creating come forward. Tis is just a letter that I received in the last conditions for a strong economic recovery. B.C. has faced two hours. many challenges in the last year because of the COVID-19 “Dear Minister Rob Fleming: pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted all of us. British Col- “Our Cariboo roads are crumbling before our eyes, and we need your help. I’m writing as a current constituent of the Cariboo-Chil- umbians continue to struggle during this challenging time. cotin who regularly uses the roads in my constituency and those in People are worried about their health and their future. Cariboo North, specifcally the roads in and out of Horsefy Lake. When the pandemic hit our province last spring, our We are permanent resident property owners at Horsefy, and now government promised British Columbians we would be we permanently reside in property in Williams Lake. “Te purpose of my email is to draw your attention to the un- there for them for as long as it takes to recover. Tat prom- fortunate deteriorating roads in our constituency and make con- ise stands today, tomorrow and forever. Tat’s why Budget structive suggestions and implore you, as the Minister of Trans- 2021 continues to respond to the challenges of the pan- portation, to put the vision and the funding necessary to immedi- demic now and prepares us for the future. ately improve the situation as well as plan for future road mainten- ance in the area.” Budget 2021 is about helping people now, and why we’re building the foundation for a strong recovery by protect- [6:40 p.m.] ing the health and safety of British Columbians, support- Tis constituent put some very important, positive ing people and businesses as we continue to manage things forward. She recognizes that there is no easy or through the efects of the pandemic, and doing the im- quick fx, but she also highlights the fact that public safety portant preparation work so that we can be ready to seize is at high risk when even ambulances don’t want to carry the opportunities that recovery will hold. Terefore, pro- people over these roads. I’ve heard this on multiple of the tecting the health of people, supporting people and busi- detours that we have currently have in place and other nesses, and preparation work to build a strong economy roads that we have. When you can’t even get an ambulance remain the key priorities of this budget. or a fre truck onto these roads, it is of critical concern. [6:45 p.m.] I want to thank Nancy Miller for sending me this letter, Before I move on to the budget details, I would like and she goes on at length with some optimistic ideas on 1556 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, April 28, 2021 to do a brief review of the broader economic picture. centre. New urgent and primary care centres in com- When the pandemic hit, B.C. was an economic leader munities around B.C. will ofer better care close to home. in Canada. B.C. was among the leaders in employment Budget 2021 supports afordable and accessible child growth across the nation. Four years ago, prior to the care. We know that quality, afordable and inclusive child pandemic, B.C.’s unemployment rate remained the low- care is critical to families, communities and the economy. est in Canada at 4.7 percent. We had a triple-A credit [6:50 p.m.] rating. Budget 2020 was a balanced plan focused on the In 2018, we launched Childcare B.C. to bring afordable, priorities of British Columbians. We were one of the accessible and quality child care to families across the country’s fastest-growing economies, with a low unem- province. Since then, we have funded the creation of over ployment rate and steadily rising wages. Tat was not the 26,000 new child care spaces, with thousands more new case for 16 years under the B.C. Liberals. spaces funded each year under the new spaces fund. Despite the challenges of the last year, our strength Budget 2021 provides funding to create more spaces remains. B.C. enjoys abundant natural resources, is a gate- and better support early childhood educators with wage way to Asia and has highly skilled people. We are already increases and continues to work towards a universal and seeing positive signs for recovery. In recent weeks, private inclusive child care system in B.C. We are more than sector forecasters — these are private sector forecasters, doubling the number of children who can get care for Mr. Speaker — have updated their near-term economic $10 a day or less through the universal child care proto- growth projections for B.C. to show a strong recovery. Te type program. projection shows B.C.’s recovery is expected to be better Budget 2021 funds more homes for British Columbians. than the national average, and it speaks to the resiliency of We have worked very hard to tackle the crisis by address- B.C.’s economy. ing speculation and have maintained a freeze on increas- Making health care better and preparing us for future ing rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working challenges remains the key focus in Budget 2021. Te last towards meeting the commitment in our 30-point plan year has highlighted the importance of strong health and to build over 114,000 afordable homes over ten years. To mental health services. We are truly blessed to have a date, more than 26,000 new homes have been completed strong, universal health care system in our province. or are underway. Budget 2021 provides more than $4 billion in funding Budget 2021 continues to fund new low- and middle- for health and mental health to continue to protect people income family housing units with funding through non- from COVID-19 and expand the services people rely on. proft providers. We are providing $2 billion in additional Tis includes the continued support for the largest-ever funding to expand the HousingHub program and to work vaccination program in B.C.’s history to ensure that every with the private sector to build more housing for the British Columbian can receive their vaccine. people of British Columbia. Tis will help to give 9,000 We can fnally see the fnish line in sight. Over 1.7 mil- new homes for families over the course of the next three to lion people have already received their frst vaccine, with fve years, on top of the 1,000 units that have already been thousands more getting it every day. Te city of Surrey completed to date. remains a high priority for our vaccination program, and A central commitment of our government is to make as of today, over 150,000 people, maybe more, in Surrey life more afordable for people. Budget 2021 focuses on have already received their frst vaccine. Tanks to Dr. investments that will ensure that no one is lef behind as Henry and the Minister of Health for doing an exceptional we continue to fght the pandemic and move into recov- job for the people of Surrey to ensure people are vaccin- ery. Tese investments build on previous measures taken ated as quickly and safely as possible. to make a diference for people every day, including more Budget 2021 also includes funding to reduce wait time afordable child care, which we are continuing to expand for surgeries and give patients faster access to the help on in this budget. they need, and supports our seniors with improvements in Te elimination of MSP premiums. Te B.C. child long-term care and home care. Budget 2021 includes the opportunity beneft that families started receiving last largest investment in mental health services in B.C. his- October, which will deliver full savings for the frst year tory, which will help build a network of mental health sup- in 2021. Te elimination of bridge tolls and student loan ports for youth through schools and new Foundry centres interest and more afordable car insurance. Tese meas- and integrated child and youth supports in 15 more school ures and those in Budget 2021 all make life more aford- districts, improving access to mental health services able for the people of British Columbia. throughout B.C. Budget 2021 continues to provide measures to help Budget 2021 will also focus on building critical health businesses adapt and prepare to seize the opportunity care infrastructure, with $7.8 billion in capital investments that recovery will bring. We didn’t wait to get support to support construction projects like new and upgraded into the hands of businesses that needed help. Budget hospitals, including the new Surrey hospital and cancer 2021 builds on supports we have continued to provide over the last year. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1557

Noting the hour, I reserve my spot to continue my Motion approved. budget speech at the next sitting of the House. With that, I move adjournment of the debate. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow. J. Brar moved adjournment of debate. Te House adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Hansard Services, Reporting and Publishing

DIRECTOR D’Arcy McPherson

MANAGER OF REPORTING SERVICES Laurel Bernard

MANAGER OF PUBLISHING SYSTEMS Dan Kerr

ASSISTANT MANAGER, REPORTING SERVICES Barb Horricks

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, Kendra Heinz, 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

Copyright © 2021 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Te Ofcial Report of Debates (Hansard) and webcasts of chamber proceedings are available at www.leg.bc.ca.

For inquiries contact: Hansard Services 612 Government Street Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Telephone: 250-387-3681 Email: [email protected]

Published by Hansard Services under the authority of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.