Fift h Session, 39th Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(HANSARD)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Morning Sitting Volume 41, Number 7

THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, SPEAKER

ISSN 0709-1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC

Fifth Session, 39th Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism ...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture ...... Hon. Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government ...... Hon. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ...... Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Education ...... Hon. Don McRae Minister of Environment ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Minister of State for Seniors ...... Hon. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...... Hon. Minister of State for Small Business ...... Hon. Minister of Justice ...... Hon. Minister of Social Development ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...... Adrian Dix Deputy Speaker ...... Assistant Deputy Speaker ...... Dawn Black Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Harry Bloy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...... Roderick MacArthur, QC Clerk Consultant ...... E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ...... Gary Lenz ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, George (BC Liberal) ...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Mission ...... Randy Hawes Austin, Robin (NDP) ...... Skeena ...... John van Dongen Bains, Harry (NDP) ...... Surrey-Newton ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Barisoff , Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Penticton Alberni–Pacifi c Rim ...... Scott Fraser Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Boundary-Similkameen ...... John Slater Bell, Hon. Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie Burnaby–Deer Lake ...... Bennett, Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Kootenay East Burnaby-Edmonds ...... Raj Chouhan Black, Dawn (NDP) ...... New Westminster Burnaby-Lougheed ...... Harry Bloy Bloy, Harry (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed ...... Richard T. Lee Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Valemount Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Brar, Jagrup (NDP) ...... Surrey-Fleetwood Cariboo North ...... Bob Simpson Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Panorama Chilliwack ...... John Les Cantelon, Ron (BC Liberal) ...... Parksville-Qualicum Chilliwack-Hope ...... Gwen O'Mahony Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ...... Vancouver–West End Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Norm Macdonald Chong, Hon. Ida (BC Liberal) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Comox Valley...... Hon. Don McRae Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...... Burnaby-Edmonds Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ...... Douglas Horne Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–Point Grey Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Diane Th orne Coell, Murray (BC Liberal) ...... Saanich North and the Islands Cowichan Valley ...... Bill Routley Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...... Guy Gentner Conroy, Katrine (NDP) ...... Kootenay West ...... Vicki Huntington Coons, Gary (NDP) ...... North Coast Esquimalt–Royal Roads ...... Maurine Karagianis Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ...... Burnaby–Deer Lake Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...... Hon. Rich Coleman Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission Fraser-Nicola...... Harry Lali de Jong, Hon. Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford West Juan de Fuca ...... John Horgan Dix, Adrian (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kamloops–North Th ompson ...... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ...... Stikine Kamloops–South Th ompson ...... Kevin Krueger Elmore, Mable (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kensington Kelowna–Lake Country ...... Hon. Norm Letnick Falcon, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kelowna-Mission ...... Hon. Steve Th omson Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ...... Port Coquitlam Kootenay East ...... Hon. Bill Bennett Fleming, Rob (NDP) ...... Victoria–Swan Lake Kootenay West ...... Katrine Conroy Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) ...... Vernon-Monashee Langley...... Hon. Mary Polak Fraser, Scott (NDP) ...... Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Maple Ridge–Mission ...... Marc Dalton Gentner, Guy (NDP) ...... Delta North Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ...... Michael Sather Hammell, Sue (NDP) ...... Surrey–Green Timbers Nanaimo ...... Leonard Krog Hansen, Colin (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Quilchena Nanaimo–North Cowichan ...... Doug Routley Hawes, Randy (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Nechako Lakes ...... Hayer, Dave S. (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Tynehead Nelson-Creston ...... Michelle Mungall Heed, Kash (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview New Westminster ...... Dawn Black Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey–White Rock North Coast...... Gary Coons Horgan, John (NDP) ...... Juan de Fuca North Island ...... Claire Trevena Horne, Douglas (BC Liberal) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain North Vancouver–Lonsdale ...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Howard, Rob (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond Centre North Vancouver–Seymour ...... Jane Th ornthwaite Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ...... Delta –Gordon Head ...... Hon. Ida Chong James, Carole (NDP) ...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Parksville-Qualicum ...... Ron Cantelon Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ...... Esquimalt–Royal Roads ...... Krog, Leonard (NDP) ...... Nanaimo ...... Krueger, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–South Th ompson Penticton...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP) ...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Port Coquitlam ...... Mike Farnworth Lake, Hon. Dr. Terry (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–North Th ompson Port Moody–Coquitlam ...... Joe Trasolini Lali, Harry (NDP) ...... Fraser-Nicola Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...... Nicholas Simons Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby North Prince George–Mackenzie ...... Hon. Pat Bell Lekstrom, Blair (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River South Prince George–Valemount ...... Hon. Shirley Bond Les, John (BC Liberal) ...... Chilliwack Richmond Centre ...... Rob Howard Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna–Lake Country ...... Linda Reid MacDiarmid, Hon. Dr. Margaret (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fairview Richmond-Steveston ...... Hon. John Yap Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Saanich North and the Islands ...... Murray Coell McIntyre, Joan (BC Liberal) ...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...... McNeil, Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–False Creek Shuswap ...... George Abbott McRae, Hon. Don (BC Liberal) ...... Comox Valley Skeena ...... Robin Austin Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ...... Nelson-Creston Stikine ...... Doug Donaldson O'Mahony, Gwen (NDP) ...... Chilliwack-Hope Surrey-Cloverdale ...... Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River North Surrey-Fleetwood ...... Jagrup Brar Polak, Hon. Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Langley Surrey–Green Timbers ...... Sue Hammell Popham, Lana (NDP) ...... Saanich South Surrey-Newton ...... Harry Bains Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Surrey-Panorama ...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond East Surrey-Tynehead ...... Dave S. Hayer Routley, Bill (NDP) ...... Cowichan Valley Surrey-Whalley...... Bruce Ralston Routley, Doug (NDP) ...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey–White Rock ...... Gordon Hogg Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ...... Nechako Lakes Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Sather, Michael (NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver–False Creek ...... Mary McNeil Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Fraserview ...... Kash Heed Simpson, Bob (Ind.) ...... Cariboo North Vancouver-Hastings ...... Shane Simpson Simpson, Shane (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Kensington ...... Mable Elmore Slater, John (Ind.) ...... Boundary-Similkameen Vancouver-Kingsway...... Adrian Dix Stewart, Hon. Ben (BC Liberal) ...... Westside-Kelowna Vancouver-Langara ...... Hon. Dr. Moira Stilwell Stilwell, Hon. Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Langara Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Sultan, Hon. Ralph (BC Liberal) ...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver–Point Grey ...... Hon. Christy Clark Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver-Quilchena ...... Colin Hansen Th orne, Diane (NDP) ...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vancouver–West End ...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Vernon-Monashee ...... Eric Foster Trasolini, Joe (NDP)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Victoria–Beacon Hill ...... Carole James Trevena, Claire (NDP) ...... North Island Victoria–Swan Lake...... Rob Fleming van Dongen, John (Ind.)...... Abbotsford South West Vancouver–Capilano ...... Hon. Ralph Sultan Yamamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...... Joan McIntyre Yap, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond-Steveston Westside-Kelowna ...... Hon. Ben Stewart

Party Standings: BC Liberal 45; New Democratic 36; Independent 4

CONTENTS

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Morning Sitting

Page

Orders of the Day

Th rone Speech Debate (continued) ...... 12887 Hon. I. Chong G. Coons C. Hansen M. Sather D. Hayer

12887

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 to come clean. I think he needs to let us know what their election platform is. Aft er all, I've heard that they're try- Th e House met at 10:03 a.m. ing to force an early election. If they're trying to force an early election, they must be ready. Th ey must have a [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] platform. So where is it? Where is that platform? I have no idea. Prayers. It's even more disconcerting. I think taxpayers feel it's more disconcerting. Not only have they not shown us Orders of the Day the platform; we have an opposition leader believing that he is going to be the Premier. He's even hiring staff , as I Hon. T. Lake: I now call debate on the Speech from understand it. I fi nd that amazing — hiring staff , choos- the Th rone. ing who should be in charge of the provincial civil service. Now, some would call that arrogant. I'm not saying it's Th rone Speech Debate arrogant. However, it does seem a little presumptuous, I (continued) would think. So again, I challenge the NDP to come clean with their plan. Hon. I. Chong: When I last spoke and we adjourned…. I have heard a few things, though. I've listened to some I believe I have just over ten minutes, so I will do my best of their supporters — or who I believe are their support- in earnest to wrap up some of the comments I want to ers. Most recently I think it was on Voice of B.C. I heard convey with respect to the throne speech and certainly Doug McArthur mention Forest Renewal B.C. Is that reiterate once again that I am in support of it. what we're looking forward to — that boondoggle, that billion-dollar boondoggle and the six-foot-high page of [D. Black in the chair.] regulations that stifl ed the forest industry and caused loss of jobs? It is ensuring that we look at the speech with the Now, I know that there are some members opposite strength that is within it, and that is the focus of having who have no idea what Forest Renewal B.C. was, because an ability to move our economy forward, ensuring that they weren't here… we have a plan. Th at plan and that way forward, as has been identifi ed in the throne speech, is in fact an ability Interjections. to take a look at our abundance of natural gas, to liquefy it and export it to a market that is in dire need of that, to Deputy Speaker: Members. Members. ensure that when we are able to receive those revenues to not have undirected spending but to focus it and to Hon. I. Chong: …but I would suggest these members have those funds come into a prosperity fund, one that ask some of the former members who were there what can be used over time to eliminate our provincial debt. this was all about. It really just about killed the forest in- [1005] dustry. It certainly did. Forest renewal. And it's being Th at is a vision that is forward thinking. Th at is a vi- talked about again. Hard to believe. sion that requires planning. Th at is a vision that requires Now, corporate capital tax. We have heard that. We leadership. And that is one of the reasons why the sup- have heard the corporate capital tax. And although the port of this throne speech is so important. Imagine not NDP says it will only be on the fi nancial institutions, we having any debt in this province. It is hard to imagine. know their record. It starts in one place, and it spreads What I was having a look at, in trying to understand like wildfi re. So I would have some concerns about that. where the NDP opposition was coming from…. And But what I fi nd most disturbing — and I think many it's been hard, because they have not at any point con- taxpayers do — is that they have already indicated that veyed to us what their vision, their plan, is. I've heard a they do intend to repeal the balanced-budget legislation. few things about: "Well, we're going to be modest." Well, What does that mean? When unchecked, the NDP in what does that really mean? If there is no plan to elimin- the '90s…. What they were doing…. Th ey were passing ate the debt, if there is no plan to take advantage of this special warrants to cover off overspending all the time. abundance of our natural gases here in British Columbia, Now, again some members might not know what spe- then you would have to…. cial warrants are, and I don't blame them, because under Well, you would lead one to believe, then, we're going our administration, we never had to pass special warrants to be taking a look at increased taxes — I don't know to because we were controlling spending. I see some mem- what extent — possible cutting of services — again, to bers chuckling, and they're not sure…. But special war- what extent, I don't know. So I think it is important that rants are not a way forward. Special warrants, in fact, are the NDP…. unchecked spending. So I would be very concerned, hon. And I would challenge the leader that I think he needs Speaker, from what I've heard and what I've seen so far. 12888 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What's been leaked out, in little dribs and drabs, is a re- been augmented, been provided for, the additional tax turn to the kind of fi nancial disarray, uncontrolled spend- cuts making families' lives more aff ordable that could ing, fi scal mismanagement that happened in the 1990s. I have occurred if they did not allow that kind of uncon- don't think taxpayers want that, nor do they deserve that. trolled spending to take place? And that's one of the reasons why I would challenge the Now, I'm not saying that the debt hasn't risen. No. But NDP opposition leader to reveal to us exactly what is in let's put that in perspective. We have greater assets in his election platform. Th en we could cross those off if place. We have new hospitals with cancer centres. We they don't intend to do those things. have a Canada Line that is used daily by hundreds of [1010] thousands of people. Then we don't have to talk about them anymore. What did the NDP show for their capital outlay? I Wouldn't that be grand? Th en we could talk about the think it was three fast cats. Oh, yes. It was three fast cats. positive things that I think they're trying to convey. Aft er And however else they contributed to their escalating all, the leader did say he wants to be very positive. I'm provincial debt, I believe there was a mill that kept receiv- still wondering when we're going to see that. ing additional dollars that they couldn't bail out. We want to know, as well, exactly where they stand Those are the financial practices of the NDP. They when it comes to the fi scal future of the province. Do they might think that I have forgotten. I have not forgotten. intend to return us to a GDP-to-debt ratio level that the Th ey might think taxpayers have forgotten, but taxpay- bond-rating agencies rejected? Do they intend to have ers have not forgotten. Taxpayers will be reminded of credit downgrades again? Because right now they're not that kind of fi scal mismanagement very, very soon. As indicating that they're going to have any kind of disci- soon as they reveal their election platform, I would hope. pline that would stop that. We worked very hard on this side of the House, really Interjections. hard, to get to that balanced budget, to have credible bal- anced budgets so that the bond-rating agencies allowed Deputy Speaker: Members. us to maintain — not only allowed us, but fi rst of all, up- graded — our credit rating and have even maintained Hon. I. Chong: I just want to take the last few mo- them in spite of the global fi nancial uncertainty and in- ments that I have to once again thank all those who have stability that is happening. supported me in this job: the residents and constituents Th e bond-rating agencies have still said that they have of Oak Bay–Gordon Head who allowed me to serve them confi dence in this government. Th at is why we have in- for 17 years — an honour and a privilege. I look forward vestors who are still looking to come to this province, to to serving them for another four years. bring their dollars, because of the confi dence they have [1015] had in the administration of our fi nancial sources here I want to thank, as well, all those colleagues that I've in this province. had the pleasure of working with and who are not re- turning to this Legislature aft er 2013 — on both sides of Interjection. the House, hon. Speaker, yourself included. I will miss seeing you, because you have done this job in a very Hon. I. Chong: Th at's not the same. Th at is not the professional manner. Th ere are a few others on the other same as the NDP. I am already hearing people who are side I will miss, but maybe not as much as I will miss you. concerned about the NDP possibly getting their hands Once again, I will say unequivocally that I support this on the treasury again, because those dollars will evapor- throne speech. I believe it has a vision, and I believe it ate. We will see job losses once again. We know that we is important that we compare our vision to what I hope will see credit downgrades fairly quickly. we will soon see revealed through the NDP opposition. What a credit downgrade means…. People wonder why we talk about it. It means more debt-servicing costs. G. Coons: Again, it is an honour to stand and respond You know, I recall — because I did debate this in the to the Speech from the Th rone, the last opportunity I will 1990s — the provincial debt that the NDP had, which have to do this. Before I put forward some thoughts on they racked up over ten years. Th ey doubled it. When the throne speech, I'd like to take some time to thank and they took over from the Social Credit, it was about $17 give my best wishes to colleagues from all three sides of billion. By the time they got to 2001, it was $33 billion, the House — I guess there used to be four sides of the I believe. House — those again submitting their services to and Th ey doubled it. And the interest at that time, if you for British Columbians and those who will assess and were to put all of the debt-servicing in one ministry, reassess where they've been for the last while and where amounted to $2.7 billion. Th at is over $7 million a day in they plan to be in the near future. interest. Wow. Th at's right — $7 million a day. Can you I do want to off er my gratitude to the member for imagine the kinds of essential services that could have Penticton in his time as Speaker and, as well, to all of Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12889

the other members who have taken time in the chair. sure about the end, because she's in Costa Rica right now Also, to the members for Peace River South and Surrey- and I'm not too sure if she's coming back. But I do want Cloverdale, who, as Transportation ministers over the to express my gratitude to Lois and to my two wonder- years, allowed signifi cant and pertinent debate on the ful daughters, Hannah and Breton, who have put up with ferry fi le despite government policy that has morphed the trials and tribulations of my escapades. Th ank you so our ferry system from a safe, reliable and aff ordable ser- much. I love you both. vice that was a key component of our transportation I want to recognize the huge contributions of my staff infrastructure to a fl otilla of profi t-and-loss centres. We over the years, the legislative assistants I've had: Christina have to remember that B.C. Ferries is not only important Hunt, Lucy Mears, Angela Miranda and Joleen Badger. to those that live and depend on the ferry service. It's an Th ank you for all the work that you've done. integral part of our provincial economy. My constituency staff over the period were Erika I want to acknowledge some of the people that are leav- Rolston, who is now with the member for Saanich South; ing the House — the members for Shuswap, Vancouver- Judy Carlick-Pearson; Anna Lamb-Yorski; and currently Quilchena, Kamloops–South Th ompson — who have James McNish, who's in the offi ce right now. A special spent many years in here and I'm sure going to miss. thank-you to Pauline Woodrow, who has stabilized and Whenever the member for Kamloops–South Th ompson directed the offi ce for close to eight years. Her work, her joins the debate, it reminds me of the foghorns up in contributions, her coordinated eff orts, I believe, have Rupert, so I think that's going to be missed around here. made the North Coast constituency offi ce one of the best Th ere are some members of the Finance Committee in the province. Th ank you, all. who are retiring — for Chilliwack, Surrey-Tynehead. I want to acknowledge the many people that have guid- Again, Surrey-Tynehead — we have to remember the ed and supported me on my journeys through the realm comment about the Port Mann Bridge, the widest bridge of politics. I do have to admit that politics, eight or nine in the world. Perhaps it should have been a lane wider, years ago, was not on my radar. I was in the right place at with the ice bombs coming down, but besides that…. the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time. But I do want to talk about one other person in the House I do think that it's been an experience and a real honour that has been here just about every day in the last eight to be in the Legislature. years that I've been here, attending the House around I want to thank some close friends — Peter Northcott, here. He's a cousin of mine, and I do want to mention Fred Beil, Marty Bowles and Jamie Scott — who were that my mother's maiden name was Cantelon. So down there to convince me to run. Th e executive of the North the family tree there, I do want to wish the member for Coast NDP have to have signifi cant gratitude given to Parksville-Qualicum the best of health. We have to re- them — Gloria Rendell and Dave Smith as presidents, member that cousin Ron was the black sheep of the who are instrumental in the election planning. A huge family. thank-you to two tireless workers, Gina Clark and Of course, I do want to acknowledge the four mem- Andrew Laforest, for their dedication and the hard work bers of our caucus who, like myself, are moving on to big- they've done provincially and federally. ger and better things: the member for New Westminster, I do recall during the two by-elections that happened thank you for your service in both provincial and federal last April in Port Moody–Coquitlam and Chilliwack- politics; the member for Coquitlam-Maillardville; Maple Hope that Craig James, the Clerk of the Legislature, com- Ridge–Pitt Meadows; and, of course, the guy from Delta mented that since 1871 there have only been 883 MLAs North. We can't forget him, who, I can attest, has tact- in the province that have come in here. With B.C. with fully handled numerous issues of concern not only in this a population of six million, that's a pretty small number. House but in his own constituency. It is a real privilege to be elected and sit in this chamber I do believe Winston Churchill said it best when he making decisions on behalf of British Columbians. stated: "Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell As far as the North Coast constituency, the fi rst elec- in such a way that they look forward to the trip." So I toral race was in 1916, and that saw Th omas Duff erin do want to thank those colleagues of mine that are also Pattullo elected — Duff . He was elected and re-elected moving on. seven times from 1916 to 1941 and was the 22nd Premier I want to acknowledge the caucus that I've spent eight of B.C. from 1933 to 1941. So there is signifi cant history years with. I do see a big future for British Columbia on in the North Coast and Prince Rupert riding. May 14, and I do thank all of them. In the time since 1916 there have been ten MLAs for [1020] Prince Rupert or the North Coast constituency. For the I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my family fi rst time, aft er the May 14 election, the North Coast will for their encouragement, their support and guidance have its fi rst female member of the Legislative Assembly, over the last eight years. A huge thank you to my wife and that will be Jennifer Rice. I'm really looking forward and partner, Lois. We've been together 32 years, and to that historic moment. In the nomination that we had she's been there from the very beginning. I'm not too for the North Coast, we had two excellent candidates, 12890 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Jennifer Rice and Joanna Larson. Either one would have the shellfi sh, the cockles, the seaweed, the oolichans, the been an excellent candidate. I congratulate them both herring. Th at has sustained First Nations in the regions and thank them both for putting their names forward. for tens of thousands of years. If these are put at risk at Now, it's a real honour to represent the constituents all through unsustainable practices, there will be push- of the North Coast and British Columbia in this incred- back and strong resistance. We've seen that in many of ible place. Th e constituency that I represent, the North the projects that have been proposed for the north coast. Coast of British Columbia, is such a diverse region with Although there's been a 41-year moratorium on off - issues and concerns that are unique to each area of the shore drilling for oil and it's been in place in the Hecate province. I feel blessed to represent the many munici- Strait and the Queen Charlotte Sound for 41 years, this palities, regional districts, the school boards and First B.C. Liberal government is still bent on drilling in the Nations in the region. Hecate Strait. Th ose on the north coast will oppose it. On my last trip to Bella Coola, which was about two Open-net fi sh farms. North coast residents fought against weeks ago, I mentioned in a meeting that I'm the MLA, the introduction of fi sh farms on the north coast, and basically, for the Great Bear rainforest. Th e North Coast they won. Right now there's a moratorium on any fi sh constituency encompasses the Great Bear rainforest. I farm applications on the north coast. had an elder correct me, saying that I was a representa- Th e Sacred Headwaters was mentioned in the throne tive not of the Great Bear rainforest but of the Nuxalk speech. That's the headwaters of three pristine, key Nation, the Oweekeno, the Kitasoo/Xai'xais, the Heiltsuk, salmon-bearing rivers — the , the Nass the Haida, the Nisga'a, the Tsimshian, whose traditional River, the . If you look at the history of territories make up the area called the Great Bear rain- that, it's been nearly a decade of a fi ght for Shell drill- forest. Th at put a diff erent perspective onto things, when ing in the Sacred Headwaters. It sounds like this govern- I understand and realize the signifi cance of that riding. ment at the last minute came in and said: "Look at what [1025] we've done. We've solved the problem of the Sacred Just recently, last weekend, last week was the 54th All- Headwaters. We put a moratorium on there." Native Basketball Tournament. For 54 years it's been hap- If we look at the history, in 2004 Shell was awarded pening, the largest sporting event, I would say, in Canada a tenure to drill in the Sacred Headwaters. Th ey drilled — 54 teams, four divisions and a week long. It goes from three exploratory wells and had plans to drill 14 more a Sunday to a Saturday, and thousands of people come by 2008. In 2005 the elders blockaded the access into the community. roads for Shell. Th at ended in several arrests. It's been a I do want to acknowledge some of the winners of the long history of fi ght. Since then, communities and people event. In the women's division it was Nanaimo Spirit, and in the north stood united for nearly a decade in defence the intermediate was Kitamaat, the Haisla Pride. In the of these three rivers. seniors, it was the Skidegate Saints. In the masters, it was Finally, we do have the necessary moratorium to pre- the Haida Watchmen, from Old Massett, so the Haida vent any drilling in the Sacred Headwaters. Th at is the dominated that. It was an excellent tournament. fi ght, the resolve of the people from the north, protecting When we look at the north coast…. When I fi rst start- their environment, protecting their resources, protecting ed running, for the 2005 election, I'd knock on the door their jobs. and say, "What are the issues?" and they'd say: "I don't [1030] really have any that I can think of." Th inking it would be When we look at the Enbridge project…. Coastal First health care, education, the economy, basically, I would Nations have initiated their own moratorium on tankers say: "Well, what about, um, fi sh farms?" Th e key com- within the traditional waters. Every First Nation, basic- ponent on door-knocking was the opposition to open- ally, along the pipeline route is opposed. We look at the net fi sh farming and drilling for oil in the Hecate Strait. municipalities. Th e Skeena–Queen Charlotte regional Th e number one priority throughout the region on district, the Kitimat-Stikine regional district — they are the north coast and in northwest British Columbia is the opposed. Th e Smithers council, Rupert, Terrace, Masset, environment — clean air, safe water, unpolluted land — Queen Charlotte, Sandspit — they are all opposed to the because that's what sustains the multitude of jobs that project. But again, we have this government, the B.C. we have. Clean, safe, unpolluted water and land drives Liberal government, pushing forward and being pro- our economy. Whether it's forestry, agriculture, tourism, pipeline, as the minister said a year and a half ago. Th e fi sheries — those are the jobs on the north coast. If we UBCM has taken a stance against tankers and against look at fi sheries alone, if we look at the diverse number the pipeline. of jobs created in the commercial or sport industry, we I think what's equally outrageous is the equivalency look at shellfi sh aquaculture, crabbing and prawning — agreement signed in 2010 by this government that dimin- thousands, tens of thousands of jobs alone. ishes our ability to infl uence major projects in our prov- A key component for the north coast, I believe, and ince by handing over decision-making powers to Harper the central coast is traditional harvesting — the clams, and Ottawa. So B.C. has no person, nobody to represent Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12891

our interests. [1035] But there is an out. We heard that out yesterday. A Now, I do have to comment about the environment right to have a say can be reclaimed with 30 days' notice. piece and the LNG gas facilities, where the throne Again, we were stressing to the government the import- speech talks about having three liquid natural gas fa- ance of that by encouraging the Premier and the mem- cilities operational by 2020. Work is underway for ten bers on that side of the House to take action and protect others. Th is gold rush for putting LNG into northern our statutory right for the fi nal decision on the Enbridge British Columbia is something that I think has to be project, and they still failed to do that. looked at carefully. As the Premier is proposing massive Now, in the throne speech there are a few areas I'd like expansions of resource extraction, she hasn't addressed to talk on. We look at post-secondary education. Th e gov- concerns, especially from those in northern British ernment says they're going to help families save for post- Columbia, about environmental impacts. secondary education. But under this government student Th ere are concerns about fracking in the northeast, debt has risen to be the highest west of the Maritimes, about water use and other environmental issues. We've an average of $27,000. With a ten-year repayment per- put forward — and I believe we have to enlist — an ex- iod that debt even climbs higher, to $34,000. Tuition fees pert panel to look at a broad review of fracking, look- have doubled under this government, and the Advanced ing at having public hearings, consultations with First Education budget is going to be declining. It's forecast to Nations communities, industry, environmental groups decline by $70 million between 2012 and 2013 to 2014-15 and citizens. We need to look at and ensure that we make — the largest cut. So it's sort of smoke and mirrors again changes to protect B.C.'s water resources, and we have to with this throne speech. question how the exponential growth of LNG impacts Th e agriculture industry. My brother-in-law Jim Elliot, our climate action plan. from Oyama, is the ex-president of the Okanagan Tree It seems that this Premier, this government, have put Fruit Cooperative. I know the importance of agriculture, their eggs all in one basket, especially with the prosperity not only in the Okanagan but throughout the province, fund. You know, the night of the throne speech a couple and again, there's nothing in the throne speech to sup- of us met with some proponents of some LNG projects, port the B.C. agriculture industry, no commitment to and they were shocked and concerned about the pros- local purchasing. perity fund, the $100 billion mythical prosperity fund Education. I do have to talk about education and the that appears to be just a political gimmick laughed at ridiculous ten-year agreement that the government has by pundits and questioned by the industry. I heard that put forward, a farcical attempt to create a calm in the loud and clear meeting with proponents the night of the education realm. Teachers have called it ludicrous. Media throne speech. commentators have written it off as grandstanding. You Th e future of this fantasy fund ignores the need to take know, I think that what this government needs to do is care of B.C. today — the real plan that's needed for skills look at the dire needs in public education that are being training to ensure that British Columbians are ready for ignored by this government. Th ere's nothing to deal with the jobs of the future. the consequence of the previous decade of underfund- Now, I noted the transportation and infrastructure ing, nothing about growing school board defi cits, school section, and we looked at some projects — you know, closures, overcrowded classrooms, reduced services for replacing the George Massey Tunnel, some four-laning students with special needs. All of these are due to this of Highway 97, the South Fraser perimeter road, the government's policies. Evergreen line, but nothing — nothing — in the throne Noel Herron, a respected former school principal and speech about ferries. school trustee, said: "It's very clear that the gap between Th ere's a consultation process that's just ended. We're rhetoric and reality has widened dramatically since 2001. waiting for the report. Th e minister has said: "Oh, the re- It is an appalling, decade-long record of multiple cut- port might come out, but we aren't going to act on it be- backs, repeated missteps, policy reversals and instances fore the election." I think that this government needs to where the province has opted for ideology over clear pub- take a strong stance and come out with support for our lic needs. Th ese varied, oft en snap, piecemeal, discrimin- transportation, important transportation infrastructure atory and regressive policy decisions impacted negatively at B.C. Ferries. on every single aspect of public schooling since 2001." It was said that ten years ago, basically, the B.C. govern- Th at's what we've seen in the education system. ment unveiled a brand-new, not quite arm's-length coast- Now, what we also failed to see in the throne speech is al ferry model. It promised jobs, economic development, anything about commitments to reducing poverty or a modest fare increases, better service — all with no new poverty reduction strategy. Nothing about tourism, arts public debt. What have we seen? Well, we've seen a mod- or culture or, more specifi cally, Destination B.C., Creative el that had no business case. It's falling apart. Fares have B.C. Nothing about forestry, one of the driving forces in skyrocketed. Ridership has gone down. Finally, aft er ten the province. We heard nothing last week. years, the government is going out and consulting people. 12892 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Th ey have the opportunity to show some leadership on failed model — there was Bill 20. It fi nally made B.C. the ferry fi le, and they do nothing. Th ey sit on their hands. Ferries subject to FOI. It looked at the interest of ferry I looked at some of the projects that were mentioned: users, which was ignored in the legislation, and the the South Fraser perimeter road, a $1 billion project and search for alternate service providers, or privatization, of rising. I go back to the Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, $144 B.C. Ferries was also deemed not mandatory. million, with SNC-Lavalin getting $179 million over 30 Th ey also dealt with the board of director confl icts. years, so $6 million a year for maintaining and operat- Th ey reduced the board's remuneration. Executive pay ing it; Sea to Sky Highway, $1 billion, with $100 million was somewhat looked at, where even though the cur- a year for maintenance; the Port Mann Bridge, $3 billion; rent executive were grandfathered in with their multi- the Cariboo connector, four-laning between Cache Creek million-dollar contracts and $300,000-a-year pensions…. to Prince George, on the books for $2 billion. Hopefully, in the future we'll be dealing with that. All of these projects…. A year later, Bill 14. Th ey set fares and mandated a re- view. Th en we saw Bill 47, where fi nally there was a de- Interjections. fi ned defi nition for ferry users. Th ey had to be taken into account. Cross-subsidization was allowed, user pay was G. Coons: I'm glad that you are touting public tax- eliminated, and the commissioner was given more power payers' dollars going into projects that support trans- to force B.C. Ferries to do plans, review policies and do portation infrastructure. Th at's where B.C. Ferries falls public consultations. into the line. What drove B.C. Ferries into the ground under the B.C. [1040] Liberal government was the no freedom of information, We need to make B.C. Ferries part of the transporta- the cross-subsidization limitation, the user-pay model tion infrastructure so that ferries and terminals are in- where, if a new ferry came into service, it had to be paid cluded with the infrastructure, as all British Columbians for by the users — all those things are gone now. pay in their taxes. Th at the Cariboo connector, as the I think this throne speech basically lacked courage and minister said, is costing a huge amount that all taxpayers vision. I believe last year the throne speech was given are paying for — those in Powell River, those on Quadra over a radio show. Th at's perhaps where the Premier Island, those on Haida Gwaii. I think those people in should have done her throne speech this year — again, Prince George, in Mackenzie, should also feel privileged on CKNW. to pay for the infrastructure for B.C. Ferries. Now, seeing the end of my time, I do want to thank We need a long-term vision. This government has the constituents of North Coast for putting their faith in failed B.C. Ferries, and that's the middle piece of the me for the last eight years. I was going to refer to Corky puzzle — the long-term vision. We haven't had one for Evans' speak, his fi nal speech, and some of his recom- over ten years under this government's model. We have mendations to new MLAs — you know, love the build- a $1.3 billion debt. Th ere's interest debt of $72 million a ing; refuse to make decisions about land you haven't year. But we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle. seen or visited; listen up; what you cannot fi x, leave it We don't know the projects, the contracts, that B.C. alone — but I think one thing I would advise to people: Ferries has committed to. We don't know about the va- be true to yourself. Be true to your convictions. Be true cation centre, the new atrium and the management cost, to your constituents, and always consider what's best for because we don't have access to those fi nances. We need the public interest. to ensure that B.C. Ferries and their management struc- [1045] ture, with the outrageous bonuses and pensions and sal- I think aft er a decade of B.C. Liberal policies, it is time aries paid to the Million-Dollar Man and some of his for a change — a positive change that's going to benefi t other cohorts, are brought under control. We have two families in all regions of the province. I think next May boards of directors that don't really do too much to help 14 we're going to see a real change in this province, a real the system and have failed, I believe, in ensuring that we change for the better. have addressed the real needs of B.C. Ferries. I do want to, in the short time I have, look at where C. Hansen: You know, I think one of the things that we've gone with B.C. Ferries. In 2003 it was basically members of this chamber realize very soon aft er they be- putting the fox in the henhouse. Th ere was no scrutiny, come MLAs is how intricately issues are overlapping and no accountability, no access to information. Th ey were how much interconnection there is between issues that exempt from FOI. Some of the key components of the come before us in our elected capacities. Liberal policy were user pay and no cross-subsidization When you think about the importance of good health to the smaller routes. Th e number one priority was the care, good education, support for young families…. fi nancial sustainability of the ferry corporation. Th ese don't happen in isolation. Th ese are all things that What happened is that in 2010 — seven or eight years happen because we have a strong economy. Without a aft er this quasi-privatized legislation came into play, a strong economy we can't have many of the benefi ts we get Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12893

from the various social programs that families in British initial draft of that piece of legislation, which is probably Columbia enjoy in every corner of this province. my fi rst kick at trying to pretend I knew how to be a legis- Th ere's one theme in the throne speech that I wanted lative draft sman. I don't think any of the language that I to highlight, because I think it's key to everything else draft ed was in the fi nal version, but at least I can claim that we do as we look forward to the strength of British to have a small role in that part of it as well. Columbia as a province and our ability to really meet [1050] the needs of British Columbians and British Columbia I spent a lot of time. I know my son was a newborn at families in the decades ahead. It's an area that is of con- that time, and I was away from home a lot at that per- siderable passion to me, going back for the last 30 years, iod, travelling across Canada, meeting with offi cials from which I'll talk about in a little bit. provincial governments to get them on board with the We oft en think about our ability to fund the health foundation. care system and the education system based on the econ- I remember that at the time one of the provinces we omy. When we talk about the economy, we think about were encouraging to participate in the establishment of the importance of jobs, we think about the importance the foundation was the province of Quebec. At the time of skills training, and we think about how we would not it had a PQ government. It went without much celebra- have a good health care system or a good education sys- tion, but it was quietly noticed in circles all across Canada tem if we didn't have a strong mining sector in British that when Quebec came on board and agreed to be one Columbia, if we didn't have a strong forest sector, if we of the founding funders of the Asia Pacifi c Foundation, didn't have the technology sector — all of those sectors it was the fi rst time that a PQ government had ever pro- that are really the backbone of the B.C. economy and the vided funding for what was a national Canadian entity. I backbone of the jobs that in turn allow families to have think it just refl ects the importance that all jurisdictions that paycheque that is so important to their quality of life across Canada placed on the emerging Asia-Pacifi c at in British Columbia. that period of time. But even when you start looking at each of those indus- But it was really an uphill battle. I can remember go- tries and their relative importance to British Columbia, ing and talking to business groups across Canada, speak- there's still one more area that I think is of overriding im- ing to university audiences and chambers of commerce portance to the B.C. economy as we look forward into the and others, and at that time people still didn't recognize future. Th at's probably summed up in two words: Asia- that Canada was a neighbour to the Asia-Pacifi c. People Pacifi c. When you look at the dynamism of so many of talked about the Far East instead of talking about the our industries in British Columbia, it is really being driv- Asia-Pacifi c region as the near west. I think, as is pointed en by the tremendous growth that we've seen in the Asia- out in the throne speech, that today the Asia-Pacifi c is Pacifi c region over the last number of years. not an emerging part of the world; it has emerged. And My involvement in Asia-Pacifi c aff airs and Canada's I think it was really the work that was put in back in the relationship with the Asia-Pacifi c actually goes back…. 1980s and 1990s that got us to where we are today. It will be 30 years, actually, this May that I was re- I want to talk a bit more about some of the recent his- cruited to assist with the establishment of the Asia Pacifi c tory over the last 12 years as well. You know, I also ques- Foundation of Canada — the national organization head- tion at times whether or not there's still a lot of work to quartered in Vancouver that has served this country, I be done. A couple of years ago I saw a headline that was think, very well for these past 30 years. It tends to keep a result of a national politician who was speaking at the a low profi le, but I can tell you that the work it does and Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Th e headline in the the work it has done over those 30 years is incredibly im- article in the Vancouver Province at the time said that portant to the economy of Canada and, in particular, the this particular national political leader was urging the economy of British Columbia. business community to look east for future opportun- I was recruited 30 years ago to help with the establish- ities. I read the headline, and I kind of thought: "What's ment of the foundation. It was a volunteer board that was that about?" As I read the article, I realized: "Oh, he was made up of leading Canadians from all across Canada. talking about the Far East." Th ere were university presidents. Th ere were CEOs of I think that's still a challenge we have in British banks. Th ere were the executive vice-presidents of ma- Columbia: to make sure that leaders and Canadians in jor corporations. Th ere were professors from universities. general from all parts of Canada appreciate the import- Th ere were leaders from the medical community, really ance of our near west across the Pacifi c and what that's representing every single province and the territories, as going to do to the economy of Canada in the future. well, that were coming together to help put the founda- When you start looking at what happened in the ear- tion in place. ly 1990s, we saw a time when our forest exports to the I was brought in on a contract to do the machinery, to United States fell off . We were in a period of recession. actually put the organization in place. In fact, it was in- Th e housing starts in the U.S. dried up. Now, does this corporated by an act of parliament in 1985. I draft ed the sound familiar? It's because history repeats itself. 12894 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Th e reason I revisit that is because I think it's so vitally ported into China of 1,500 percent — just a phenom- important that we not allow history to repeat itself again. enal increase. Th ere's actually a story that I heard about in the early In fact, in 2011, for the fi rst time, we exceeded $1 bil- 1990s of a British Columbia company that, because their lion in exports, and we know that growth is still there. markets in the United States had soft ened considerably, But it was some painstaking eff orts. It was the current started exploring some new opportunities in the Asia- Minister of Finance, who was Minister of Forests at the Pacific region. And they actually got some contracts time, who opened that offi ce in Shanghai, and it was ac- for shipping British Columbia product into that market. tually the current Minister of Jobs who made frequent Th ey were successful for about a year supplying that mar- trips into China to build that relationship and to work ket. Apparently, the companies that were buying the pro- with governments. duct were happy with the quality that they were getting I think it's a classic example of what governments have from British Columbia. to do to build markets. It's not a case of ministers and Th en what happened? Th e U.S. housing market came government leaders sitting in Victoria and setting up of- back. Th e demand for British Columbia wood products fi ces — although we've done that, and that's an import- came back from the United States. Th at particular com- ant part of this process as well. It is vitally important that pany, I think, made a decision that is still haunting us to- cabinet ministers and the Premier actually travel to Asia day. Th ey cancelled their contracts to ship to their new and meet with government offi cials and industry leaders customers in the Asia-Pacifi c so that they could fi ll their in those countries to build that relationship and, in turn, new orders that they were getting from their traditional build those markets. customers in the United States. I knew about this story in the mid-1990s, but it came [H. Bloy in the chair.] back to revisit me as a minister when I was travelling in Asia because I was meeting with a business group in the I had the privilege of doing several trips to Asia in Asia-Pacifi c, one of the Asian countries, who told me my capacity as Minister of Economic Development. I about this story. I kind of thought: "Th is is a story that had responsibility for the Asia-Pacifi c Initiative at that has really made the rounds." It damaged our reputation time, and I can tell you from fi rsthand experience that as a reliable supplier, signifi cantly. those are not fun trips. A lot of people sort of say: "Oh, But there's a lot of work that has been done, I think, well, you've got a cabinet minister spending X number of to build back that reputation. I think back to 2003 when thousands of dollars to get on a plane and travel through we as a government opened offi ces in Shanghai — this Asia." I can remember one two-week trip where, I think, was the Canada wood project — to try to build markets on average I got four hours of sleep a night for two weeks. for British Columbia lumber in the China market. Even I came home absolutely exhausted. though it was an offi ce that was there to represent Canada But I can tell you it paid dividends for British Columbia and the offi ce proudly fl ew the Canadian fl ag, it was pri- because of the meetings that were set up that would never marily funded by British Columbia and the federal gov- have happened had it not been for a cabinet minister or ernment, with some participation from other provinces. the Premier leading that group. Th ose doors would not But it was really an initiative that was there to help to have opened. I think the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and drive British Columbia exports. Skills Training can testify to the importance of building [1055] those relationships, because I think part of his legacy is A lot of people said: "You know what? It's probably that stellar job that he did in opening up those markets a waste of money, because in China they don't live in a for us. A lot of that tremendous increase that we saw in wood culture." Th ey don't use wood in construction very our lumber exports to China, I think, is a direct result of much — very little, actually — and in fact the word, I'm the time and eff ort that he put into building those mar- told, in Chinese for a wood-frame house is a word that kets. It's something that we have to continue. we would probably translate into something like "shanty- I think that we have to change a bit of the political town." Even wood construction in China was not some- culture in British Columbia. Somehow when a polit- thing that was seen as desirable. ician spends money on travel, that's a bad thing. In fact, A lot of people said that the investment in the Canada I think we should be spending more money on travel to wood project would not reap dividends for British make sure that we can continue to build on the momen- Columbia, and by 2004 there wasn't much sign of tum that we have, going forward. progress. If you go back and look at the total lumber ex- It's not just about China. You know, I can remember, ports into China from 2003 to 2004, they hardly budged. back when I was working for the Asia Pacifi c Foundation, In 2005, hardly budged; 2006 was when they started to it was all about Japan at that time. I can remember giving take off . Th ey started to increase exponentially in the speeches talking about how just 20 years prior something years that followed, and today, from 2003 to last year, we that was stamped "Made in Japan" was not considered have seen an increase in the dollar value of lumber ex- a quality product — in the 1960s. I can remember that Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12895

growing up as a kid. Th ere was actually a story that went our provinces across Canada. They were very famil- around about a community that was set up that was titled iar with Alberta, of course, with its energy powerhouse Usa — it was Usa, Japan — so that they could stamp and how important that energy powerhouse was to the "Made in USA" as a way of getting around the reputation United States. that Japan had at the time. We compared it to Ontario, and those provinces — and Well, 20 years later, in the 1980s, that stamp "Made in really, every other province other than British Columbia Japan" was seen as a stamp of quality, and it still is to- — were so dependent on the U.S. market. And what day. We've seen the same transition, in terms of other caught their attention — and these were Americans in countries that have emerged, in Japan today. It wasn't New York — was the fact that we had such a diversifi ed that long ago that "Made in China" was not considered export market. Th eir comment was that that, more than a stamp of quality, but it is today because they're produ- any other thing, was the signal of the strength of British cing leading-edge products that are really shaping the Columbia — that diversifi cation of market and the fact world consumer markets. Th at's true of other economies that we had seen this tremendous growth in Asia and that going forward too. we were so well integrated with the Asia-Pacifi c econ- [1100] omies at that point. When you start looking at the results that we've seen It's something that we have to continue to build go- from our marketing experts in Asia…. If you go back and ing forward. We've opened offi ces throughout Asia. Th e look at that mix of British Columbia products…. In 2001, Shanghai office is a true success story. It was diversi- 70 percent of all of the exports from British Columbia fied, actually, when I was the Minister of Economic went to the United States. By 2011 that was 43 percent. Development, to be a trade and investment offi ce — so, You sort of think: "Well, that's sort of a diminishment broader than just the wood export market. of our exports." No, it's actually a huge increase in our We also at that time opened offices in Tokyo. We markets into other parts of the world. It's that diversifi - opened an offi ce in Seoul, Korea. Subsequently, there cation that is really the underpinning of the strength of have been offices opened in Guangzhou and in the the British Columbia economy today. Philippines. Let's look at some of those countries in Asia-Pacifi c. Most recently there were offi ces opened just last fall in Japan: in 2001, 13 percent of our exports; in 2011 it was India — two offi ces, one in Mumbai, which is the fi nan- 14 percent. So we've had a good, healthy share of our ex- cial capital in India and counts for about…. Forty percent ports going into Japan, and we have been able to main- of all of the economic activity in India comes through tain that as a province. Mumbai. Also, an offi ce opened in Chandigarh, which, of China is probably the one that has seen the biggest in- course, is the capital of Punjab, which is so vitally import- crease. Just a decade ago it was a grand total of 2 percent ant to so many British Columbians in terms of their an- of our exports that were going to China. As of 2011 that's cestral and family linkages that are there today. We need up to 15 percent, and we know that that's going to con- to continue to build on that as we go forward. tinue to grow as we go forward. I think when it comes to our trade relationships with If you look at the other Asia countries, ten years ago it Europe and our trade relationships with the United was 4 percent. Now, a decade later, it's up to 12 percent. States…. Yes, those are diff erent in the sense that you can I can remember when I was Minister of Finance and build those trade relationships in terms of a corporate- we did what was a periodic — it worked out to about to-corporate relationship. It's not as pivotal for govern- every two years — visit to some of the investment hous- ments to be involved in building trade relationships in es in New York and Montreal and Toronto. Th ose visits those parts of the world. It obviously helps. by the Finance Minister of the day were important to [1105] make sure that those fi nancial houses really had British I think we've seen the success of our offi ces and our Columbia on their radar and really understood the im- B.C. representatives in Europe in terms of how they have portance of that. been able to build economic activity for British Columbia, Th is was right aft er the recession. I think it was late particularly in terms of attracting inbound investment to 2009 when I did my fi rst investment trip with staff from British Columbia. But it's not as dependent for a polit- the Ministry of Finance. I took with us a slide deck that ical leader to be part of building those relationships. It's sort of showed the underpinnings of the B.C. economy an area that I think we need to focus on going forward. — where our strengths were, how the economy had come If you look at some of the other successes — the agri- through the recession. Th e fact that we had a triple-A culture industry, for example…. Seizing some of the credit rating was something that they noticed. new markets in Asia has really been a central part of our Th ere was actually one slide that stood out in the eyes agricultural strategy in British Columbia. Th at is part of the people I was meeting more so than any of the of what's going to help grow our agriculture sector to a other slides, and that was a pie chart showing the mix $14-billion-a-year industry by the year 2017. of our exports. We showed some of the other countries In 2011 we saw our seafood exports to China reach 12896 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

record levels. We've seen B.C. wine exports go up by 300 by an annual average of 0.2 percent. France actually was percent since 2008. Th ose are the kinds of numbers that zero. Th eir real GDP growth was fl atlined during that I think we will continue to see, if we don't lose our focus period of time. In the United Kingdom we actually saw and don't lose sight of how important that is to the fu- an annual average yearly decline of 0.6 percent. Japan ture as we go forward. was down by 0.8 percent. Italy was down by 1.1 percent If you look at how the B.C. economy has fared over the on average over that period. last number of years, it is really seizing those opportun- Now, Canada fared tremendously well, relatively ities in Asia that has been pivotal to that. I think there has speaking to other countries. Even right through that re- really been a huge shift in the corporate culture in British cession, the worst recession that the world had seen since Columbia as well. Unlike the early 1990s, when some the 1930s, Canada still grew at an average rate of 1 per- short-term opportunities were seen in exports into the cent during that period of time. Asia-Pacifi c region, I think there is now a solid recogni- [1110] tion that Asia-Pacifi c is there as a permanent part of our British Columbia during that period of time had even economic activity in the years to go forward. a higher average rate of growth at 1.1 percent. Now, 1.1 We need to make sure that that message gets spread percent is not stellar when you look back over the course across Canada, because I'm not convinced that Canadians of history, but relative to the other jurisdictions around in the other parts of Canada recognize the importance of the world and relative to other parts of Canada, we fared Asia to their economic future. Th ere's not enough recog- extremely well. nition that British Columbia is not Canada's back door It's one of the reasons why we have seen job creation in off the east coast. It is, in fact, our front door to these British Columbia now, once again, hitting record highs, growing Asia-Pacifi c markets for the future and some- and we have seen the number of people employed in thing that we can't lose sight of. British Columbia at all-time highs in spite of the fact that Canada has certainly fared very well compared to we went through such a devastating recession. It really is other countries around the world as we've gone through as a result of the markets that we had built in the Asia- the economic challenges of the last 4½ years. In fact, if Pacifi c region that we were able to sustain that kind of you look at that period of time from 2007 to 2011, over growth during that very diffi cult time. We see that growth that fi ve-year period, and you look at the annual average starting to increase, and the projected growth for British real GDP growth of countries around the world…. Columbia, of course, still running ahead of what is ex- You look at a country like Germany, which is con- pected for Canada as a whole, as a result of those markets. sidered one of the economic powerhouses in the world. In the fi nal few minutes that I have, I just wanted to Yes, they're facing some of the challenge of the eurozone, close. It's counting down the number of days that those but they're actually getting the huge benefi t of the fact of us who are not seeking re-election have to serve in this they are in the eurozone. I would say that if Germany still chamber and to serve our constituents. It has truly been had its deutsche mark today, it would have signifi cantly an honour and a pleasure for me, over these 17 years, appreciated in these last number of years as the euro has to represent the constituents of Vancouver-Quilchena. gone through its challenges. Th ere are a lot of people to thank who have supported In fact, if you compare the exchange rates of the me during that period of time. Swiss franc, which is not part of the eurozone, obvious- I particularly want to acknowledge the support from ly, and the value of the euro, the Swiss franc, of course, the staff who work in the Legislature. Whether it's the has appreciated tremendously against the U.S. dol- Hansard staff , the staff who work in the dining room, the lar and against the euro. Th at's made the exports from staff who keep the buildings in such great shape, the staff Switzerland a real challenge. Switzerland is an exporting in the library — such a phenomenal resource to those country, and the value of their currency has been chal- of us that serve in this chamber — the security staff , the lenged by that. Clerks or the Sergeant-at-Arms staff , they really help us Germany has had the benefi t of a depressed euro rela- do our job in such a profound way. We owe them a pro- tive to what the German currency otherwise would be, found thanks for the support they give us. and hence, their unemployment rates are at all-time Th ere was a book that was written by one of our federal lows. We have seen their export markets showing huge politicians a number of years ago, and I think the title of success over that period of time, because you can buy a the book was Th e House is Not a Home. I think there are Jetta or a BMW for a lot cheaper than you would have lots of times that we would much sooner be in our own been able to buy if their currency had appreciated in a homes in our constituencies than being stuck in the legis- way that would probably really, truly refl ect what's hap- lative buildings for hours and hours at a time. Sometimes pened in their economy. it feels like days. For some of those all-night sessions that In Germany over this last fi ve-year period from 2007 some of us have had to endure over the years, there are to 2011 the annual GDP growth went up by 0.6 percent. truly better places to be. Now, that fares better than the United States that went up But given that we have spent so much time in these Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12897

buildings as MLAs, it is really a tribute to the staff who reer with Port Metro Vancouver. Sheryl Seale was with work here that we are able to do our jobs and that it is as me, I guess I would say, during my most diffi cult time comfortable as it can possibly be as we go through and in the Legislature and remains a very good friend. Sid do our work. Ramsoondar was a very capable constituency assist- I would like to say thanks to colleagues on both sides ant, easy to work with. Sid has gone on to a career with of the chamber. It is really a pleasure to have the oppor- border security services. Finally, I'd like to thank Renee tunity to work with individuals who are so dedicated to Poley and Melissa Lazeo, who fi lled in admirably when I their communities, dedicated to the province and dedi- needed some extra help. cated to Canada. Here in the Legislature, I want to thank Gurbrinder I think when you look around this room at the per- Kang. Gurbrinder is my legislative assistant and has been sonalities and the backgrounds of those of us who serve for a long time. Gurbrinder has assisted me to a great ex- as MLAs, we come from very diff erent walks of life. We tent, and I want to thank her for all of the help and sup- come from diff erent occupations. We have diff erent ex- port that she's given me. perience. Finally, I want to thank my constituency association, Some of us are quite young, and some of us were especially to Craig Spears for his years of leadership, and young. Some of us are older. Some of us, when we fi rst got now to Bob Goos, my current constituency president. elected, didn't have quite as much grey hair as we have You know, there are a lot of things one could talk about now, and some of us, when we were fi rst elected, had hair, aft er ten years or eight years in the House. Of course, and maybe not so much anymore. But I think one of the there's not time to get around to all of them. But I did real gift s, one of the real benefi ts of being able to work in want to mention one that sticks out in my mind, in my this environment is getting to know people and learning time here. Th is goes back to the fi rst session. I'm not from their experiences. sure of the year, actually — maybe around 2006 or 2007, It really is a place where the whole is so much greater something in there. than the sum of its parts, because we all come together We were having one of those delightful all-night ses- with our diff erent backgrounds to work to try to make sions of the Legislature. I always found them really excit- this province a better place and to serve the interests of ing up until about midnight or one o'clock. Th en it starts our constituents. getting really draggy. With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportun- One night I was sitting in this House, House duty. It ity to speak. was about 2:30 in the morning, and the unforgettable [1115] Corky Evans was here in the House. Corky decided to sing a song. He sang Woody Guthrie's song about people M. Sather: I, too, am joining the growing ranks of killing you with a six-gun or a fountain pen. Now, I have the nearly departed. So I wanted, before I got around never heard anybody else…. I don't know. Some mem- to talking about the throne speech, to thank a few of bers have been here a lot longer than me, but I have never the people that have helped me over the years. I can't heard anybody else sing in the Legislature. So that alone get to all of them by any means, including a whole lot caught my attention. of my colleagues who have been exemplary in the work I don't know if it's allowed by the House, and I can't they've done. remember who was in the chair at the time. Maybe it was First off , I want to thank my lovely wife, writer and you, Mr. Speaker. He's shaking his head. He was here. So painter Annette LeBox. Being the spouse of a politician, he kindly allowed Corky to continue, but to top it off , the I think, is sometimes as diffi cult or even more diffi cult lights went out. It was just eerie. We all, on our side of than actually being a politician. the House, always thought that Corky had some special I couldn't have made it through the rough spots with- powers. It was a bit spooky maybe. But that was some- out you, sweetheart, so thank you. thing I'll never forget. Th anks also, of course, to my able constituency assist- [1120] ants, both past and present. My current constituency as- So on to the Speech from the Th rone. You know, the sistants are Donann Kinar, who has been with me since throne speech, as the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill I began in 2005. Donann has a really wonderful touch used to remind us, is their time. It's the time when as an with constituents, which reduced the number of stress- opposition member you have to just kind of suck it up, ful encounters that I had to deal with. Second is Carly because the government has all the capacity to imple- O'Rourke. Carly's lightness of heart and style makes us ment their plans. Th ey've got the human capacity and the all feel happier. She's just a bright light and a very posi- fi nancial capacity to do that, so it can be kind of a diffi cult tive person to be around. day for opposition members. I also wanted to thank some of my past constituency Th is is the eighth throne speech that I have witnessed assistants. Carmen Ortega was with me in 2005 and in the House, and it was really, I have to say, remark- assisted me at that time and has now gone on to a ca- able for its lack of substance. Really, there were only two 12898 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

specifi c proposals. One was to establish a prosperity fund, Only 15 percent of B.C. gas is consumed in B.C. Th e and another was to produce legislation to establish a sen- rest is exported, and of course we know that the govern- iors advocate — something that we've long supported on ment hopes to export massive amounts of gas to China. this side of the House. Th e government argues that in the case of gas exported I won't say a lot about the prosperity fund, as others to China, the gas is a transitional fuel and will help China have commented on it at length, but I would note that the to reduce their emissions. Th is is far from clear, however. price of gas has dropped more than 30 percent between [1125] 2005-2006 and projections for 2012-2013, and projected The main component of natural gas is methane, a gas revenues for 2012-2013 are only 8 percent of what much more dangerous greenhouse gas than carbon di- was realized in 2005-2006. Th ese are not indicators that oxide in a unit-to-unit comparison. It is estimated that would suggest that projections of massive earnings from if methane gas leakage amounts to only 3.2 percent or LNG are realistic, not to mention the question of the de- more of gas emissions, this will wipe out any advantage sirability of maximizing production of fossil fuels. that natural gas has over coal. Th ere was no mention, in the budget, of climate change Also, it is not obvious that exporting liquefi ed natural — not at all, not a single word. Th at is astounding, to gas, or LNG, to China will displace coal-fi red electricity me at least. Talk about prosperity, but the prospects for production as opposed to just adding to China's grow- prosperity are massively diminished by the devastation ing demand for energy. Th e bottom line is that in order brought about by climate change. for the gas industry to expand as the government is plan- Th e Iroquois reportedly said we should be living sus- ning for, and for the 2016 and 2020 GHG emission tar- tainably with a horizon of seven generations. We're way gets to be met, the rest of B.C.'s economy would have to off the mark. undertake emission reductions that are just not plausible. You know, it reminds me of that Pink Floyd song that When the government brought in the GHG reduction says: "And then one day you fi nd ten years have got be- targets, they argued that they were committed to these hind you. No one told you when to run; you missed the targets because they had put their intentions into legisla- starting gun." Well, we missed the starting gun over and tion. But we've seen the government put balanced-budget over again. legislation as well, but this hasn't been adhered to. So just So instead of working to solve the climate change putting it into legislation doesn't mean that it's going to catastrophe or at least diminish its eff ects, we're talking happen. We are giving up on the fi ght against climate about pedal-to-the metal development of fossil fuels. I change in the drive to export LNG. understand that we cannot transition away from fossil Again, I understand we cannot completely abandon fuels immediately and that the transition will be diffi cult. fossil fuel usage, at least not in the near term. But to mas- But we just can't give up. Why don't we start with put- sively accelerate fossil fuel consumption, as the govern- ting solar panels on our roofs, something that a friend of ment seems bent on doing, is foolhardy in the extreme. mine calls run of the roof. In addition to the confl ict between fi ghting climate change and maximizing oil and gas production, there Interjection. are other systemic barriers to a cleaner and better planet. Th ese barriers relate to the way in which we have restruc- M. Sather: Th e member opposite — I think he said tured our economic and social instruments over the last he has one. 30 years. Th e principal features of this restructuring were Now, I'm told that the smart grid — vis-à-vis the pro- free trade, deregulation, tax breaks that disproportion- ject that's going on with smart meters — would facilitate ately favour wealthy individuals and corporations, off - that, I understand. So let's get on with it. shoring of manufacturing, and the creation of fraudulent But let's have a look now where we're at in B.C. re- fi nancial instruments. garding actions to combat climate change. In 2007 B.C. Perhaps the most egregious of these so-called free passed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, trade deals is the Canada-China foreign investment which set targets of 33 percent decrease in emissions by protection agreement, or FIPA. Th is is another investors' 2020 and a 2012 interim target of 6 percent below 2007 rights agreement that cedes huge power to corporations, GHG levels. However, these targets do not count the ex- in this case the dictatorial government of China. Th e port of GHGs, which I'll talk about more in a minute. deal would give Chinese companies operating in Canada Th e story continues with some apparent good news. more power than Canadian companies under what is As of 2010, B.C.'s emissions had fallen by 4.5 percent. called the enclave legal status. Arbitration is done be- Th e 2012 goal of a 6 percent reduction below 2007 lev- hind closed doors, and damages are unlimited. Chinese els would have been achievable except that B.C. is try- entities already in Canada can contest all government or ing to move aggressively to market natural gas. Eighty court decisions. HD Mining, anyone? percent of B.C.'s GHG emissions are from the burning I would like to hear what our government's views of of fossil fuels. this impending deal are. Th ere was no mention of that Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12899

in the throne speech. "Th ere has to be a better way." We're devouring the sys- Speaking of HD Mining, that's something else that's tem that sustains us and the other denizens of the planet. missing from the throne speech. Th e Premier in her trips Others tell me, though: "Well, cutting that tree or to China was very vocal in trumpeting all the mining jobs draining the swamp is the price of progress." And that's that would be coming to B.C. She just neglected to tell only if they're at the place where they see value in trees British Columbians that they would not be eligible for a and marshes, because a lot of people, unfortunately, don't. whole whack of these predicted jobs. There are lots of peculiarities in life. For example, Despite the debacle that has led to the current long- oft entimes the same people who cut the trees are the ones lasting economic downturn, the processes responsible advertising to consumers to buy in a particular neigh- remain in place, largely unchanged. Yet some ask: "What bourhood because it has a lot of greenery. do the Occupy movement and Idle No More want?" Why The other response I get to restraining growth is: is that so diffi cult to fi gure out? Th ey are simply tired of "People have to have somewhere to live." Th at brings me being ripped off by wealthy corporations and their at- to the issue of the population of earth — seven billion tendant compliant governments. and rising fast — and what, if anything, should be done The goal of maximizing production and profits is to control the size of the human population. at loggerheads with the need to fi ght climate change. Now, talk about sacred cows. Here's one. Th e econo- Buying local and the 100-mile diet confl ict hugely with mists, of course, equate more people with all the good global corporatism. Buying all our stuff from China is things that growth can apparently bring. But here again, just not green. Th e transportation eff ects are huge. Th en we don't count the costs. Th e human population, in many there is all that excess plastic packaging, which you can't respects, is simply destroying the planet. In my opinion, even open, much of which ends up in the ocean as small this is unavoidable unless we can limit the growth of our particles which are adhered to by bacteria and danger- numbers. ous chemicals and are then ingested by humans and We have to count the cost to understand the damage. other animals. It's overstated but true that despite our knowledge, our [1130] vast knowledge, we have a very limited understanding Chinese workers save 30 to 50 percent of their month- of our physical surroundings and what eff ect we have on ly income. Th is massive capital is lent by Chinese banks them. We need to educate ourselves. No matter that in to our banks at cheap rates, so we can go on consuming British Columbia our population is low, relative to most and spending and, in the process, running up huge debts. of the earth. Our reach is great. Our eff ect is huge. We're losing our means of production and are now rel- You can't count the costs unless you see them as costs. egated to being consumers. Here's where we need not only the scientists but the art- Th is system is economically and environmentally be- ists, the writers, the poets, the musicians, the spiritual reft . However, the current economic system, as defi cient people, the children. It's all about learning. It's not the as it is, does create jobs and wealth. economists, the bankers, the developers, the politicians, So how do we make the economy work while pro- who will lead us out of the mess we're in. Real progress tecting and enhancing the environment, including fi ght- won't happen until we understand what the artists, writ- ing climate change? Obviously, it means we have to do ers, poets, musicians, spiritual people and children are some things very diff erently. We will have to function in saying. a way that will oft en be outside our comfort zone. We will Our approach to work will probably have to change. have to put the interests of the whole ahead of our own Work-sharing is a concept that is already in place in some interests, while ensuring that incentives for individuals countries. We'll probably have a little less wealth, but we and groups to excel are still there. might actually have some time to enjoy life. We need to put things on the table that typically don't [1135] get serious consideration. For example, is the reality of Th is comment is only applicable to the vintage crowd growth, including economic growth, actually working among us. Remember in the beginning how we were told for us? If we conclude that it is not — and the situation that computer technology was going to lead to an era of regarding climate change is one strong indicator that it increased leisure? It's not working that way. We work is not — then what can we do diff erently? more and more, we consume more and more, and we Certainly, the case for growth has a lot of merits, as I've have less and less time to enjoy life. Work-sharing would alluded to. But in my view, we're failing to understand, or help us regain more balance in our lives. we're ignoring, the costs. One of these costs, but by no In summary, we will have to tread much more lightly means the only one, is climate change. on our precious planet. But I think that in the process we I fi nd the way people tend to think about growth in- will come to discover and rediscover that while we have teresting. For me, when we destroy another heritage tree gained a lot in knowledge, we've lost a lot in quality of that supports wildlife — and virtually all trees do support life. We need to slow down. We need to relate more and wildlife — or we drain another wetland, I say to myself: better. We need more leisure time in which to do this. We 12900 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

need to stop and smell the roses, as they say. We need to spending and that Surrey would benefi t greatly from hav- value what we have, including all of the other creatures ing our government in power. that we share the earth with. Over the past 12 years we have made enormous strides, If we do these things, I'm convinced we will emerge and Surrey has gained many great assets that were lacking from where we are into a much better place. Call it uto- before our government took offi ce. It took a great deal of pian, if you will. But why would anyone want to turn their work, a lot of convincing and asking and getting support back on utopia? As John Lennon said: "Call me a dream- from my colleagues, ministers and MLAs, a huge invest- er." We all need to dream — to dream, perchance to learn. ment of provincial money and asking the deputy minis- I want to wish all the best to all of the members of the ter and the other staff to help. As a result of all of those House. I'll see you around. eff orts, I am very proud to say we have achieved unparal- leled benefi ts. Th at was all about setting goals and plan- D. Hayer: I'd like to speak to the throne speech. Th is ning for the future. throne speech is all about thinking and planning for the [1140] long term. Th e planning for the construction of liquefi ed I promised from the outset in 2001 that I would do natural gas plants is realistic and necessary. Planning for everything I could to bring about the replacement of the long-term prosperity and for the permanent, well-paying Port Mann Bridge. Th e new Port Mann Bridge is now jobs that will sustain our economy over the years and for open. It is the widest bridge of its type in the world and the future generations is vital. not only off ers ten lanes of traffi c but future capacity for It is what the government does and must do. It must light rail. Th e new Port Mann Bridge improves everyone's set plans, set goals and must work diligently towards commute time and eliminates the almost day-long traffi c them. A government without a long-term plan, with- gridlock that generated an enormous amount of pollu- out long-term goals, that only accomplishes short-term tion into the air and created costs of millions of dollars achievements, will do little to sustain our province and a year to our economy and to individuals and families. our people into the future. Additionally, the bridge was constructed on a design- Another vitally important issue is international trade, build principle in which the company building it is re- particularly with the rapidly growing economies of sponsible for the cost of any remedial work that needs China, India, Korea, Taiwan and other South Asian coun- to be done. Not only is the new bridge in place, but our tries. With the billions of people in those markets, it only Highway 1 will have four lanes each way all the way from makes economic sense to encourage trade and cultural McGill Street in Vancouver to 216th Street in Langley. exchange with them. International trade will strength- This was achieved with an incredible $3.3 billion in- en B.C.'s economy and will be a signifi cant job creator vestment that not only benefi ts my constituents and the throughout our nation. rest of Surrey but all of British Columbia and the rest of Our federal government recognizes the importance of Canada, because it is the main route for all of the com- international trade, and our government here in British mercial transport to and from our ports. Columbia has made some great strides of our own. We We did not just stop with the Port Mann Bridge. We now have two new trade offi ces in India and one in China. are building and have already partially opened the South But we can't just rest on our current success. We must Fraser perimeter road, which was in the planning stage increase the number of offi ces and do all we can to fos- from 1970, but no government had touched it. Th is will ter the strongest economic ties possible. Th at is our fu- not only provide access to and from Deltaport for com- ture, because increased international trade will create mercial and container transport, but this route will take thousands more jobs and will encourage investment in big, heavy trucks off residential streets, making neigh- B.C. and across Canada, which will greatly strengthen bourhoods much safer. our economy. We have also built and rebuilt all new overpass inter- For too many years we relied on our neighbour to the changes on Highway 1 in Surrey, something that never south, and to some extent, we still do. But the true wealth occurred with any previous provincial administration in trade, a real job creator for our province, our coun- since the original Port Mann Bridge was completed in try, will only come when we expand our economic rela- 1964. Not only that, but to further improve access north tionship with Asia-Pacifi c nations. At the same time, we and south of the freeway, we built the 156th Street under- must keep our economic relationships strong with other pass and also added a new pedestrian overpass just west areas, such as South America, the U.S. and the European of 152nd Street and another just east of 160th at 168th continent too. Street. Again, the throne speech and this government are all Th ese overpasses allow walkers and cyclists to link up about planning for the future and setting goals to achieve to the parks, for residents of Fraser Heights, Guildford, those goals. For instance, when I was fi rst elected 12 years Fleetwood, Tynehead, Port Kells and Barnston Island and ago in 2001, I set a number of goals that I would achieve connect those communities to walking trails and recrea- to ensure Surrey was not overlooked in the provincial tional facilities. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12901

With all of our fi nancial investment, all of Surrey's ma- over 1,400 construction-related jobs. At 188,000 square jor traffi c roads have been upgraded: four lanes on 176th feet, this outpatient hospital is larger than the entire Street, Pacifi c Highway, from the U.S. border to Highway Surrey sports and leisure complex in Surrey. It includes 1; four lanes on Highway 10 from Langley to the junction six operating rooms and ten procedure rooms, with fur- of Highway 91 in Delta; four lanes on Fraser Highway ther expansion capacity; new state-of-the-art medical from Surrey centre into downtown Langley; four lanes equipment, including an MRI and two CT scanners, radi- of 96th Avenue and road upgrades throughout the city ology, bone density, mammography, ultrasound, nuclear of Surrey. For the benefi t of cross-river commuters and medicine and cardiac diagnostic equipment; extensive to strengthen the major industrial park area, Port Kells, space for community clinics, including a breast health the Golden Ears Bridge was built and is open. program, a urology clinic; the fi rst comprehensive HIV/ One of our major objectives when I was fi rst elected AIDS and hepatitis C program in the Fraser Valley; an MLA was to have Surrey Memorial Hospital upgraded enhanced family practice clinic with GPs; and other en- to meet the needs of my constituents and all Surrey resi- hanced clinics for other chronic diseases such as asthma, dents. Th at has happened. Th e structure is complete, and diabetes and heart diseases. fi nishing work is now underway on eight new fl oors and Millions and millions more have been spent on edu- on two fl oors below the basement. cation for our children in Surrey, for K-to-12 students Th e Surrey Memorial Hospital tower. Th is construc- in Surrey, with new schools being built, many others tion project is one of the largest investments in health improved and upgraded, and seismic work being done care in the history of British Columbia — more than a across the city to make our schools safer for our children, half billion dollars being spent right in Surrey, which is for our students. the largest investment in B.C.'s history. Surrey school district is the largest school district in When completed, the eight storeys above ground and the province. Since 2000 the enrolment at schools has in- two storeys below ground of the critical care tower will creased by around 15 percent, but the funding for educa- mean that 151 new beds will have been added to Surrey tion has been increased by more than 56 percent. Since Memorial Hospital, along with a new, large emergency 2001 over 51 capital and seismic projects worth more department, about fi ve times larger than the old one. than $243 million have been completed in the Surrey It will also expand many other services offered at school district, including the new schools. Surrey Memorial Hospital, including the new prenatal Surrey received 58 new classrooms for full-day kinder- centre of excellence for high-risk newborns, new chil- garten, including additions and new modular classrooms. dren's emergency department and a large adult inten- Th e province has invested nearly $1.3 million since 2007 sive care unit. It will also include partnership with UBC to establish and operate 20 StrongStart B.C. centres for medical school, Kwantlen University and Simon Fraser Surrey to support early learning. University. Kwantlen University provides the nursing Also, our government fi xed the CommunityLINK pro- program, to create and expand the clinical academic gram, which was a problem for the Surrey school district campus of care at Surrey Memorial Hospital. since the '90s. Our Minister of Education fi xed that, and Th ese new improvements vastly increase the health the Minister of Finance helped us with getting some ex- care opportunities. It has also become a magnet for other tra funding. campus-of-care investment on the adjacent lands, includ- For our schools, I have provided over $40,000 in ing the facilities for mental health and for those suff ering bursaries to seven senior secondary school students from addictions. in Surrey since 2001. These schools include Fraser [1145] Heights Secondary School, North Surrey Secondary, But Surrey Memorial is not the only health care facil- Holy Cross secondary, Guildford Park Secondary, Pacifi c ity we have created in Surrey. We recently opened the Jim Academy School, Johnston Heights Secondary and Pattison Outpatient hospital. Th at was completed with Surrey Christian School. another $239 million of provincial investment in Surrey. We also increased the Surrey campus of Simon Fraser On May 30, 2011, we offi cially opened the $237 mil- University at Surrey City Centre. Today, at this campus lion Jim Pattison Outpatient hospital. Th is is the fi rst fa- in Surrey of Simon Fraser University, over 7,000 students cility of its kind for Fraser Health and British Columbia. attend classes there. Back in 2001, before we were elected, It combines day surgery and diagnostic procedures with there was Tech B.C. there that only had 173 FTE — full- community services, a specialized clinic and programs, time-equivalent — students. all within one building. It will see around 450,000 out- We upgraded Kwantlen Polytechnic University to patient visits a year and has a capacity to serve up to full university status so that our children don't need to 600,000 patients, annually, by 2020. leave our home, or Surrey, to receive the fi nest in post- Construction on the project began in September 2008. secondary education. It is now open, and it was on budget. During the con- On top of that, we expanded the Kwantlen University struction the Jim Pattison Outpatient Centre resulted in campus in Newton. We also opened a new world- 12902 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 19, 2013

class trade and technology training centre of Kwantlen rate before 2001. University in Cloverdale to ensure our children do not Over the past 12 years the province has invested $2.8 fall behind in skilled-trades training, and we are well- billion to provide aff ordable housing for low-income in- equipped to take advantage of today's and future employ- dividuals, seniors and families in communities across the ment opportunities. province. In Surrey last year the provincial government Additionally, and certainly a benefi t to students and invested more than $31 million to provide subsidized the community at large, our government invested sig- housing and rent supplements for more than 7,100 low- nifi cantly in the construction of Surrey's new $30 million income individuals, seniors and families. Surrey centre library, which provides educational and We also opened Surrey's Maxxine Wright Centre in entertainment resources for our entire community. Th is support of women and their children at risk of home- exceptional facility is part of Surrey's grand plan, part of lessness and began construction of the YWCA Alder our Surrey mayor Dianne Watts' grand plan, to create a Gardens. We also built the Quibble Creek Health and new Surrey city centre, complete with new city hall and Phoenix Transition Housing Centre for individuals at huge civic square. risk of homelessness and with mental health and addic- [1150] tion issues. We in government are proud of the accomplishments of Surrey and its citizens and have been doing all we can [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] to ensure they benefi t from our government. Part of these benefi ts was the transfer of 70 acres of Law and order, the criminal justice system and the land in the heart of Surrey, Green Timbers, to the city of rights of victims taking precedence over the rights of Surrey for the expansion of a natural park, plus funding criminals has been always fi rst and foremost with me. for an all-weather artifi cial turf playing fi eld for sports I have always worked diligently on behalf of victims. use as part of a decision to promote physical activity in However, the revolving door of our court system needs individuals of all ages. Th is will encourage not only the to be closed. We must ensure that courts refl ect Canadian healthy lifestyle but will provide a valuable activity place values and that the rights of victims are stronger and for our youth, to discourage them from turning to crime more important than those of the criminals. Judges must and gang membership. We have provided many pro- take the rights of the victims into consideration when grams to keep kids and students out of gangs. passing sentences on the perpetrators of crime, and they We have, over the past 12 years, made record invest- need to hand out more jail terms and prison time to deter ments in the expansion and improvement of seniors care and discourage repeat off enders. in B.C. It is my fi rm belief that the government needs to Most crime is committed by repeat off enders. Th at is do as much as possible for our seniors because they are why I am encouraged by the many pieces of recent legis- the ones who have, through their labour, created a prov- lation that manage the justice system and focus on crime ince we all so strongly believe in. that have been introduced and passed by our govern- Seniors created the economy, the towns and cities we ment, including the Family Law Act; the Civil Resolution live in. Most importantly, they created a community that Tribunal Act; and the Criminal Asset Management Act, feels of belonging, where people feel comfortable and which gives the government authority to manage and dis- welcome. Because of them, British Columbia and Canada pose of property forfeited as a result of criminal prosecu- is the best place in the world to work, to live, to play and tion or seized during an investigation in anticipation of to raise a family and to operate a business. forfeiture. Anything we can do to reduce the fi nancial in- Because this government believes in the value of our centive associated with crime and deter criminals by re- seniors and the enormous contributions they have made moving profi ts from their illegal activity is a step forward. to our province, our nation, we have made many invest- We also passed the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act ments to make life better for seniors in their retirement and amended the Judicial Compensation and the Off ence years. Acts, as well as one that enhances the enforceability of the We have increased spending on residential care and as- family maintenance order. We also passed bills that now sisted living by more than 51 percent since 2001 — from recognize work-related cancers for fi refi ghters through- just over $1.1 billion to $1.7 billion. We have opened hun- out B.C. dreds and hundreds of new residential care and assisted- Surrey's fi refi ghters are one of the best in Canada. Th ey living homes in Surrey in the past 12 years. In 2010 alone work very hard. Th ey donate a lot of time and money to our government increased spending for residential care our community. by $106 million over and above the client contributions. [1155] Another of my goals was to see an increase in the min- Just last week, Mr. Speaker, with your help, the British imum wage. Th at happened. Since May 2012 all work- Columbia Fire Fighters Association held its B.C. Fallen ers are now benefi ting from the current $10.25 per-hour Firefighter Memorial service at the rear of the B.C. minimum-wage rate, compared to $7.80 minimum-wage Legislature and unveiled a statue at the rear of the B.C. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12903

Legislature in memory of all those who have lost their running out. What I will do is thank all the members of lives. the House, family, friends, supporters, volunteers and all Firefi ghters work very hard every day around B.C. pro- of the MLAs at the end of my speech. tecting the lives and property of the citizens that they I now move that debate be adjourned, and I reserve serve. In doing so, some have paid the ultimate price in my right to continue at the next sitting. carrying out this service to their communities. In 2004 a permanent B.C. memorial monument for fallen police D. Hayer moved adjournment of debate. and peace offi cers was also built on the B.C. Legislature grounds. Motion approved. We now have new legislation, the Emergency Intervention Disclosure Act, for fi rst responders, which Hon. R. Coleman moved adjournment of the House. includes paramedics. Should they in the line of duty be ex- posed to a person's body fl uids, they have the right to re- Motion approved. quest testing of that person, to ensure that life-threatening communicable diseases are not passed on, that immediate Mr. Speaker: Th is House stands adjourned until 1:30 medical countermeasures can be taken if they are exposed this aft ernoon. to communicable diseases. I have a lot more to say on this, but I know my time is Th e House adjourned at 11:57 a.m.

Hansard Reporting Services

Director Robert Sutherland

Manager of Reporting Services Christine Fedoruk

Editorial Team Leaders Laurel Bernard, Janet Brazier, Robyn Swanson

Technical Operations Offi cers Pamela Holmes, Emily Jacques, Dan Kerr

Indexers Shannon Ash, Julie McClung, Robin Rohrmoser

Researchers Jaime Apolonio, Glenn Wigmore

Editors Kim Christie, Aaron Ellingsen, Deirdre Gotto, Jane Grainger, Betsy Gray, Iris Gray, Linda Guy, Barb Horricks, Bill Hrick, Paula Lee, Donna McCloskey, Bob McIntosh, Anne Maclean, Constance Maskery, Jill Milkert, Lind Miller, Lou Mitchell, Karol Morris, Dorothy Pearson, Erik Pedersen, Janet Pink, Amy Reiswig, Heather Warren, Arlene Wells, Anita Willis

Published by British Columbia Hansard Services, and printed under the authority of the Speaker.

Printing Agent Crown Publications, Queen's Printer for British Columbia 563 Superior St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V7 www.crownpub.bc.ca

Daily and annual Hansard subscription information is available from Crown Publications.

www.leg.bc.ca

Hansard Services publishes transcripts both in print and on the Internet. Chamber debates are broadcast on television and webcast on the Internet. Question Period podcasts are available on the Internet.