Third Session, 39th Parliament

official report of Debates of the Legislative Assembly

(hansard)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Morning Sitting Volume 20, Number 3

the honourable bill barisoff, speaker

ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC

Third Session, 39th Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council...... Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of Agriculture...... Hon. Ben Stewart Attorney General and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation...... Hon. Barry Penner, QC Minister of Children and Family Development...... Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Citizens' Services...... Hon. Mary McNeil Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Environment...... Hon. Murray Coell Minister of State for Climate Action...... Hon. John Yap Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Small Business and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Services...... Hon. Colin Hansen Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands...... Hon. Pat Bell Minister of State for Mining...... Hon. Randy Hawes Minister of Labour...... Hon. Iain Black Minister of Natural Resource Operations and Minister of Energy...... Hon. Steve Thomson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing...... Hon. Rich Coleman Minister of State for Building Code Renewal...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Minister of Science and Universities and Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development...... Hon. Ida Chong Minister of Social Development...... Hon. Kevin Krueger Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment and Minister Responsible for the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat and Minister of Education...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Shirley Bond

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Leader of the OfficialO pposition...... Dawn Black Deputy Speaker...... Linda Reid Assistant Deputy Speaker...... Claire Trevena Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole...... Harry Bloy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...... E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Clerk Assistant...... Robert Vaive Clerk Assistant and Law Clerk...... Ian D. Izard, QC Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees...... Craig H. James (on leave) Clerk Assistant and Acting Clerk of Committees...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sergeant-at-Arms...... Gary Lenz ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, George (L)...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Mission...... Hon. Randy Hawes Austin, Robin (NDP)...... Skeena Abbotsford South...... John van Dongen Bains, Harry (NDP)...... Surrey-Newton Abbotsford West...... Michael de Jong, QC Barisoff, Hon. Bill (L)...... Penticton Alberni–Pacific Rim...... Scott Fraser Barnett, Donna (L)...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Boundary-Similkameen...... John Slater Bell, Hon. Pat (L)...... Prince George–Mackenzie Burnaby–Deer Lake...... Kathy Corrigan Bennett, Bill (Ind.)...... Kootenay East Burnaby-Edmonds...... Raj Chouhan Black, Dawn (NDP)...... New Westminster Burnaby-Lougheed...... Harry Bloy Black, Hon. Iain (L)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Burnaby North...... Richard T. Lee Bloy, Harry (L)...... Burnaby-Lougheed Cariboo-Chilcotin...... Donna Barnett Bond, Hon. Shirley (L)...... Prince George–Valemount Cariboo North...... Bob Simpson Brar, Jagrup (NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Chilliwack...... John Les Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (L)...... Surrey-Panorama Chilliwack-Hope...... Hon. Barry Penner, QC Campbell, Hon. Gordon (L)...... Vancouver–Point Grey Columbia River–Revelstoke...... Norm Macdonald Cantelon, Ron (L)...... Parksville-Qualicum Comox Valley...... Don McRae Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP)...... Vancouver–West End Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...... Douglas Horne Chong, Hon. Ida (L)...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Diane Thorne Chouhan, Raj (NDP)...... Burnaby-Edmonds Cowichan Valley...... Bill Routley Coell, Hon. Murray (L)...... Saanich North and the Islands Delta North...... Guy Gentner Coleman, Hon. Rich (L)...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Delta South...... Vicki Huntington Conroy, Katrine (NDP)...... Kootenay West Esquimalt–Royal Roads...... Maurine Karagianis Coons, Gary (NDP)...... North Coast Fort Langley–Aldergrove...... Hon. Rich Coleman Corrigan, Kathy (NDP)...... Burnaby–Deer Lake Fraser-Nicola...... Harry Lali Dalton, Marc (L)...... Maple Ridge–Mission Juan de Fuca...... John Horgan de Jong, Michael, QC (L)...... Abbotsford West Kamloops–North Thompson...... Dr. Terry Lake Dix, Adrian (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kamloops–South Thompson...... Hon. Kevin Krueger Donaldson, Doug (NDP)...... Stikine Kelowna–Lake Country...... Norm Letnick Elmore, Mable (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kensington Kelowna-Mission...... Hon. Steve Thomson Falcon, Kevin (L)...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kootenay East...... Bill Bennett Farnworth, Mike (NDP)...... Port Coquitlam Kootenay West...... Katrine Conroy Fleming, Rob (NDP)...... Victoria–Swan Lake Langley...... Hon. Mary Polak Foster, Eric (L)...... Vernon-Monashee Maple Ridge–Mission...... Marc Dalton Fraser, Scott (NDP)...... Alberni–Pacific Rim Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows...... Michael Sather Gentner, Guy (NDP)...... Delta North Nanaimo...... Leonard Krog Hammell, Sue (NDP)...... Surrey–Green Timbers Nanaimo–North Cowichan...... Doug Routley Hansen, Hon. Colin (L)...... Vancouver-Quilchena Nechako Lakes...... John Rustad Hawes, Hon. Randy (L)...... Abbotsford-Mission Nelson-Creston...... Michelle Mungall Hayer, Dave S. (L)...... Surrey-Tynehead New Westminster...... Dawn Black Heed, Kash (L)...... Vancouver-Fraserview North Coast...... Gary Coons Hogg, Gordon (L)...... Surrey–White Rock North Island...... Claire Trevena Horgan, John (NDP)...... Juan de Fuca North Vancouver–Lonsdale...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Horne, Douglas (L)...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain North Vancouver–Seymour...... Jane Thornthwaite Howard, Rob (L)...... Richmond Centre Oak Bay–Gordon Head...... Hon. Ida Chong Huntington, Vicki (Ind.)...... Delta South Parksville-Qualicum...... Ron Cantelon James, Carole (NDP)...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Peace River North...... Pat Pimm Karagianis, Maurine (NDP)...... Esquimalt–Royal Roads Peace River South...... Blair Lekstrom Krog, Leonard (NDP)...... Nanaimo Penticton...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Krueger, Hon. Kevin (L)...... Kamloops–South Thompson Port Coquitlam...... Mike Farnworth Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP)...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Port Moody–Coquitlam...... Hon. Iain Black Lake, Dr. Terry (L)...... Kamloops–North Thompson Powell River–Sunshine Coast...... Nicholas Simons Lali, Harry (NDP)...... Fraser-Nicola Prince George–Mackenzie...... Hon. Pat Bell Lee, Richard T. (L)...... Burnaby North Prince George–Valemount...... Hon. Shirley Bond Lekstrom, Blair (Ind.)...... Peace River South Richmond Centre...... Rob Howard Les, John (L)...... Chilliwack Richmond East...... Linda Reid Letnick, Norm (L)...... Kelowna–Lake Country Richmond-Steveston...... Hon. John Yap MacDiarmid, Hon. Dr. Margaret (L)...... Vancouver-Fairview Saanich North and the Islands...... Hon. Murray Coell Macdonald, Norm (NDP)...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Saanich South...... Lana Popham McIntyre, Joan (L)...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Shuswap...... George Abbott McNeil, Hon. Mary (L)...... Vancouver–False Creek Skeena...... Robin Austin McRae, Don (L)...... Comox Valley Stikine...... Doug Donaldson Mungall, Michelle (NDP)...... Nelson-Creston Surrey-Cloverdale...... Kevin Falcon Penner, Hon. Barry, QC (L)...... Chilliwack-Hope Surrey-Fleetwood...... Jagrup Brar Pimm, Pat (L)...... Peace River North Surrey–Green Timbers...... Sue Hammell Polak, Hon. Mary (L)...... Langley Surrey-Newton...... Harry Bains Popham, Lana (NDP)...... Saanich South Surrey-Panorama...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Ralston, Bruce (NDP)...... Surrey-Whalley Surrey-Tynehead...... Dave S. Hayer Reid, Linda (L)...... Richmond East Surrey-Whalley...... Bruce Ralston Routley, Bill (NDP)...... Cowichan Valley Surrey–White Rock...... Gordon Hogg Routley, Doug (NDP)...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Vancouver-Fairview...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Rustad, John (L)...... Nechako Lakes Vancouver–False Creek...... Hon. Mary McNeil Sather, Michael (NDP)...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver-Fraserview...... Kash Heed Simons, Nicholas (NDP)...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Hastings...... Shane Simpson Simpson, Bob (Ind.)...... Cariboo North Vancouver-Kensington...... Mable Elmore Simpson, Shane (NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Kingsway...... Adrian Dix Slater, John (L)...... Boundary-Similkameen Vancouver-Langara...... Dr. Moira Stilwell Stewart, Hon. Ben (L)...... Westside-Kelowna Vancouver–Mount Pleasant...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Stilwell, Dr. Moira (L)...... Vancouver-Langara Vancouver–Point Grey...... Hon. Gordon Campbell Sultan, Ralph (L)...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver-Quilchena...... Hon. Colin Hansen Thomson, Hon. Steve (L)...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver–West End...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Thorne, Diane (NDP)...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vernon-Monashee...... Eric Foster Thornthwaite, Jane (L)...... North Vancouver–Seymour Victoria–Beacon Hill...... Carole James Trevena, Claire (NDP)...... North Island Victoria–Swan Lake...... Rob Fleming van Dongen, John (L)...... Abbotsford South West Vancouver–Capilano...... Ralph Sultan Yamamoto, Hon. Naomi (L)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Sea to Sky...... Joan McIntyre Yap, Hon. John (L)...... Richmond-Steveston Westside-Kelowna...... Hon. Ben Stewart

Party Standings: Liberal 47; New Democratic 34; Independent 4

CONTENTS

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Morning Sitting

Page

Introductions by Members...... 6277

Orders of the Day

Throne Speech Debate...... 6277 R. Sultan P. Pimm D. Black T. Lake N. Macdonald Hon. I. Chong

6277

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2011 popular vote, managed to reduce B.C., with all our natural attrib- utes, to the slowest growth per capita in Canada; to ninth in min- ing, just in front of Prince Edward Island; and, for the first time in The House met at 10:03 a.m. our history, experiencing net migration out of the province. We became a have-not province, and our provincial debt was down- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] graded twice. "We should all remember how" — he continued, referring to Prayers. the sitting Premier — "he almost immediately returned us to our rightful first place and stimulated economic investment, lowered taxes, eliminated the insidious capital tax and returned sound fis- Introductions by Members cal management to our government. Our credit rating has been raised to triple-A, and we're again a have province contributing D. Black: Mr. Speaker, I wanted to have an opportun- to the federation. "Thus, we now have the lowest corporate and small business ity…. Yesterday I was pleased to have my entire family taxes in the G7; the lowest income tax under $120,000 earnings in the Legislature. It wasn't a day to make introductions, in Canada; the expansion of 60 parks and six ecological reserves, but if you'll allow me, I'd like to mention that my hus- for 1.9 million hectares, three times the size of P.E.I.; the largest band, Peter, was here. My sons — David, Matthew and post-secondary university expansion in our history, with the cre- Stuart Black — were here with their wives and partners, ation of seven new universities, 20 leadership research chairs and nine regional innovation chairs in the fields of medical, environ- Maya, Joanna and Takako. All of my seven grand- mental and technological research; and the 2010 Olympic Games, children were here, which made it a very special day to a project which transformed not only British Columbia but also me — seven grandchildren. They are Meagan, Lauren, Canada." Ian, Christopher, Maggie, Rebecca and Kate. I was de- Well, how was such a transformation possible? What lighted to have them with me. were the policy keys? That's the lesson for the day.F or an- swers, we should look more closely at the numbers and Orders of the Day the policies which generated them, comparing the most recent decade with the decade which preceded it. Hon. R. Coleman: I call business today, the response The policies of the leader and the team he assembled, to the throne speech. now about to exit, can most readily be assessed over an interval of about nine years, because that's how the Throne Speech Debate numbers happen to be presented. Their results can be juxtaposed against the results of the matching, by co- R. Sultan: I move: incidence, nine-year interval when the NDP were in [We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative government. Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg leave to With considerable liberty, I shall rather loosely use thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour the phrase "earlier decade" to refer to the period from has addressed to us at the opening of the present session.] the final Socred year of 1991, a baseline reference point In thanking Your Honour, I have some observations for the incoming government of the '90s, and 2000, its to make. final full year of operation. We could just as well call it the NDP decade. Likewise, I shall use the phrase "most [C. Trevena in the chair.] recent decade" or "current government decade" to refer This is a milestone moment in the history of our prov- to the period between 2000, the baseline inherited by ince — the simultaneous changing of the guard on both the incoming B.C. Liberal government, and 2010. sides of the Legislature. We have a dozen good people So how does the current government decade compare — six from each side — locked in combat, each of them with the NDP decade? Well, the contrasts are striking. submitting their case for party leadership to us, the cus- Let's start with population. As has already been alluded tomers, their followers. to, Canadians vote with their feet. In 1991, the last year [1005] of the Socreds, 35,000 people moved into B.C. from else- With new leaders will inevitably arrive new policies, where in Canada. In the final year of the NDP 15,000 and as we ponder this changing of the guard, it's helpful people left the province. to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the poli- The present government came into office, and in the cies of the past so that we may better understand those last year we have information 7,500 people have made which worked well for British Columbians and those their way back to B.C. from the rest of Canada, and total which did not. in-migration from all sources has quadrupled. It was a What a difference political leaders can make. To huge vote of confidence from these migrants, you might illustrate, one of the lions of the Vancouver financial call them, for the current government and not much of community recently observed: an advertisement for the policies of its predecessors. "It's hard to believe, in looking back, that in two short terms the Let's take a look at the policy differences, starting Harcourt-Clark government, with a mandate of only 39 percent with the mix and magnitude of government spending in 6278 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

these two different decades. My data source is the most But we weren't hit as hard as most parts of the world, recently published Ministry of Finance Financial and and we recovered faster. So that suggests we were in fact Economic Review. doing something right. Now, we all know left-leaning governments tend to How was it done? Well, infrastructure investment is expand and centre-right governments tend to shrink. the classic response of government to deep economic Everybody knows that. So did government shrink on downturns, and it really helped in our case. It's in the the current leader's watch? Well, not exactly. construction sector that the contrast between these two [1010] decades is most apparent. In the '90s non-residential Consider the numbers as measured by GDP. During building permits, government and non-government, the NDP decade government expenditures grew a total grew by 15 percent, barely keeping pace with inflation. of 14 percent. During the present leader's decade gov- That's over the full decade — 15 percent. ernment expenditures grew by more than twice as much In the current government's decade non-residential — 32 percent. building permits grew by 60 percent, a multiple of four. What was the mix of that accelerated government Wow. No wonder they had that great big celebration spending? The government of the NDP decade re- for the Premier last week down there at the construc- duced the share of GDP dedicated to health care from tion association. Undoubtedly, aggressive infrastructure 6.7 percent to 6.5 percent. In contrast to the current spending by government helped with cooperative mu- government's decade, the share of GDP dedicated to nicipalities who dug deep. Infrastructure funding from health care reversed direction and grew from 6½ per- the Harper government in Ottawa made all of this pos- cent to 7.8 percent. How about education? In its decade sible, and it made a difference. the previous government rather sharply reduced the Who benefited? Under the dialectic which occasion- share of GDP devoted to education from 5.1 percent to ally grips this House, there's sort of a zero-sum game at 4.4 percent. With the current government decade, the work between business and workers for a share of the shrinkage continued, but it's certainly a much, much pie. We don't have to embrace that rather quaint view lower rate — from 4.4 percent to 4.1 percent. of the world to ask seriously: how well has labour done What about debts and deficit? Recently I've heard and how well has business done in the two contrasting individuals on the benches opposite portray their dec- decades? Did labour share in all of this economic activ- ade in power as one of high fiscal virtue. Well, between ity of the current government decade just past? And the '91-92 and fiscal '00-01, folks on the other side racked answer is yes, it did. up cumulative government deficits equal to 3.6 percent B.C. doesn't particularly lead Canada in labour in- of GDP — deficits. In contrast, despite some ups and come indicators. Our salaries and wages per worker are in downs — deficit, surplus and so on — when you take fourth place behind Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, the cumulative impact of the current government's dec- and we've got some catching up to do. ade between '01-02 and '09-10, cumulative government [1015] surpluses equal 2.6 percent of GDP. In the NDP earlier decade, personal income per cap- Let's talk about economic growth. Growth helps bal- ita grew by only 18 percent. In the current government ance books. Growth makes everything possible. As decade it grew by 38 percent — by any measure, a large measured by growth in GDP, the Royal Bank recently increase in the pay packet, twice as high in the decade of ranked us second to Manitoba. It happens to be a gov- our soon-to-leave leader as it was under the leadership ernment that typically has a different view of the world, of the previous decade. so give them full credit. But in truth, we've had our ups There's a lot of talk about minimum wage. For youth and downs here in B.C. in a topsy-turvy world. ages 15 to 24, average hourly wages — about $13.62 — If we measure GDP growth in B.C. relative to the rest are the third highest in Canada. For all workers, the of the world combined — and there are such figures now average hourly wage last month was $23, up 28 percent — what's the gross domestic product of the world? Some from slightly under $18 in '01, when the government interesting results. In the previous decade, under the came into power. former government, B.C.'s growth just about equalled How about disposable income after taxes? NDP dec- the growth of the world. In the most recent current ade — it grew by 20 percent. Current government decade government decade B.C.'s GDP growth was 50 percent — it grew by an astonishing 43 percent. We appear to be higher than the world GDP growth rate, which suggests closing the wage gap with those other provinces. that maybe this government has been doing something Well, labour did rather well by my assessment of these right. numbers, much more than they did, in fact, when their Now, there was a huge contraction of economic activ- allies happened to be in control. But were these merely ity in the world in 2009 in response to the financial crisis. crumbs falling off the table from the really big party tak- We were hit hard in B.C. There was a huge impact — and ing place at the business round table at the top? Was it the scurrying around on the budget, as we're all aware. business which really cashed in? Hardly. Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6279

Here's the shocker. Maybe you should campaign on Side note to new leader: if you think voters were it. Total corporate profits before tax quadrupled in the angry over this little HST tax surprise — and boy, were earlier decade under the NDP, and they merely doubled they angry — then watch out for the larger, broader under the government decade. I don't understand these and deeper anger of the business community when you numbers. I don't have an explanation for it. I'm just re- say: "Oops. Sorry, we made a mistake. We're cancelling porting the facts. it. We're going back to the PST." Hold your hat, leader. What can we learn from this? What are the keys to suc- That's not a pleasant thing to contemplate. cess? Memo to incoming leader: the first key to success is A second major British Columbia success was our de- low taxes. This government cut personal, small business or termination in the most recent decade to run a relatively corporate taxes in every budget since 2001. Astonishing. clean provincial balance sheet. The ratio of accumulated The result was an unmatched tax environment. deficits — that is to say, our debt in proportion to the The global accounting firm KPMG regularly assesses economy — is a good report card on any regime's cumula- the tax competitiveness of 95 cities in ten countries tive fiscal prudence, or lack of it. Canada as a whole does around the world. They compare the total tax burden reasonably well on this measure, particularly compared to faced by companies, including income tax, capital tax, our wild and crazy friends south of the border. sales tax, property tax, miscellaneous local business Within Canada how does B.C. look? Pretty good. The taxes and statutory labour costs. I'm sure value-added three provinces with the highest debt-to-GDP ratio, taxes are in there somewhere. From that they compute a 2010-11 time period, are Quebec, 48 percent — outstand- total tax index for each location expressed as a percent- ing winner; Nova Scotia, 40 percent; Ontario, paragon of age of the total taxes paid by corporations in the U.S.A. all things conservative, 36 percent. What? The three prov- In their 2011 scenario this international accounting inces with the smallest debt-to-GDP ratio are Alberta, 5 firm shows Vancouver as having taxes 41 percent below percent; Saskatchewan, 7; British Columbia, 16. the U.S.A. average, 41 percent below the U.S.A. bench- Memo to incoming leader: let's keep it that way. Ontario, mark, making Vancouver the lowest-cost tax jurisdiction Nova Scotia and Quebec will pay a heavy price. "What in the world of all the cities studied by KPMG. I find it price?" you ask. Well, you may read about the sad fate of hard to believe these numbers myself. I dealt with people. Greece, Spain and Ireland in the daily financial press, and They say: "Are you making them up?" I say: "Well, look I don't have to go into the details for you here. it up on the Internet. It's KPMG. They're not necessarily Further memo to incoming leader: if additional infra- a pal of ours." structure spending is warranted, and I'm a big fan of that The transformation of B.C. from a jurisdiction char- — sensible infrastructure, that is, because we've got lots acterized as penurious in terms of taxation to one with of dying sewer systems, decaying bridges and homeless unmatched low taxes in the current government decade people who need some place to live — let's arrange to is, I believe, remarkable. Despite continued weakness put the risks of that investment onto the private sector in the economies around us, B.C. continues to outper- so that our own balance sheet integrity is not put fur- form. Could our tax policy perhaps have something to ther at risk. It's my impression that in the earlier decade, do with it? that would be considered dangerous and unacceptable Tax breaks aren't confined to business. Most individ- doctrine. uals living in this province now pay between 37 percent Let's complete this tour of the current government and 75 percent less in taxes today than they did in 2001, decade with a brief listing of some of the specific -ac when the present government came into office. The complishments to be written in the report card of the basic personal income tax credit increased by 17 per- outgoing leader. I've got three pages here, which I don't cent last year to $11,000. British Columbians earning think time permits me to go through. Let me just men- up to $118,000 per year paid the lowest provincial in- tion a few. come taxes of any jurisdiction in Canada. An additional Environmental. Cleaning up Britannia mines; doub- 320,000 British Columbians at the low end of the in- ling transit ridership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; come ladder were expunged totally from the income tax first government with a drinking water protection plan; records. They just don't pay income taxes. ordering Victorians to stop discharging their untreated Finally, I would be remiss not to emphasize the eco- human waste into the Strait of Juan de Fuca — and it's nomic success of the HST tax. Conceived in haste. about time. Wretchedly introduced. But cash rebates mean low- Services quality. Student achievement in the public income British Columbians are net winners from the education system — right up there towards the front of HST. Even the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives the class on global comparisons. We gripe about educa- says so. So I'm very confident that the many winners tion a good deal and lament it, but we are actually, on a from this new HST tax regime will vote to keep it when global basis, very, very good. the appropriate question is asked. Hospital waiting lists, lowest in Canada. Cancer treat- [1020] ment outcomes, just about the best in the world. If you 6280 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

get cancer, heaven forbid, get it in B.C. Discovering fered by one of our own members, and I know that red and implementing the now standard global therapy for light will come on shortly. "When it comes to health eliminating the transmissibility of HIV. Thank you, Dr. care in the current system in this province, there are Montaner. four areas we need to focus attention on. Provide better Mass transit — Canada Line, Evergreen line, new and more comprehensive services to the sickest pa- B.C. Ferries fleet, on and on. Industrial transportation tients to bring costs under control. A small percentage — Gateway, south perimeter road, Port of Prince Rupert, of patients cost the system the most money because the Rupert to Chicago rail. system is failing them." I won't go into the details, but Sports and cultural. Skating oval, Callaghan Valley, she has some sensible suggestions. B.C. Place, a good start on the Horseshoe Bay–Deep "Secondly, create a new role in the health care sys- Cove rec path. tem to help people manage their own health." Hmm, Highways — Sea to Sky, Kicking Horse. On it goes. we've been there in this Legislature, and she's calling for Health care institutions — Abbotsford cancer cen- more. tre, mental health and addictions wing at Lions Gate "Three, expand and better coordinate mental health Hospital. Max Cynader's brain health centre at UBC. I services." I think we all agree with that. "Increase the could go on. availability of treatment and care; talk about dementia Education — film centre at Capilano University, soon." That's something I'm perhaps more imminently seismic upgrades at dozens and dozens of our schools. faced with than most of you. "Ensure that mental health Social infrastructure — 6,000 new residential beds and professionals are appropriately regulated." over 7,000 obsolete residential beds replaced, hundreds Finally, improve health care in northern and rural of housing spaces for the Downtown Eastside, homeless British Columbia. and rental subsidy program for 8,000. A good menu. I recommend her full brief to you So it's been a decade of formidable leadership, but all. It could be one of the first orders of business of now what about our future leadership? the new leadership, so I commend these points to the [1025] Legislature. In the few moments which remain, I would try to of- In closing, I have composed a final note to our next fer some suggestions about where we should be going in leader, whoever he or she may be. It reads as follows: the future decade. No lack of choices. For example, what "Your predecessor was so bold as to dream large, not should be our continuing reform of one of our current small; to build, not to tear down; and to advocate what Premier's passions, the public education system? It's no is good for our grandchildren, not necessarily what is exaggeration to say that all else depends on this. These good for us. We expect no less from you." are our children; this is our future. The number one pri- That, dear colleagues, is my response to the Speech ority, in my opinion. from the Throne. This leads into the knowledge economy, and with a nod to the member from Langara, what is our science P. Pimm: First of all, I'd like to start by saying what an and technology strategy? In terms of annual contribu- honour it is and has been to serve the people of Peace tion to GDP, high-tech contributes about $10 billion, River North. It's truly a privilege to represent them which is greater than the mining industry, the forestry here in the Legislature in our beautiful capital city of industry, the oil and gas industry and agriculture com- Victoria. bined, by a fair margin. I want to recognize the endless support that I have re- What level of support should be extended to our re- ceived from my wife, Jody; my children, Jennifer, Kristi, search universities, venture capital corporations, BCIC, Matthew and Shane. They're my support structure back Genome B.C., B.C. Cancer, TRIUMF and the Michael home. For that I thank them. Smith Foundation — all critically important knowledge I'd like to thank my constituent assistants Jennifer institutions? Wilkinson and Gayle Clark for the help that they give Payoffs from knowledge tend to be long term. our constituents in Peace River North while I'm here in Politicians are pressured to think short term. That is one Victoria. I want to thank them for managing the day-to- of our dilemmas. day issues and serving the community so well. I'd also I could go on at some length about the challenges in re- like to thank Lyndsey Easton, Ryan Shotton and all my placing our forest industry. I could talk further about the support staff here in Victoria for all of their help on a challenge of looking after kids too frequently subjected daily basis. to abuse, neglect, poverty and murder. What do we do Last but not least, I also want to thank my local when parenting fails, beyond the instinct to reach for the supporters and those who believe in the sometimes un- Rolodex to call the media? Lots of unfinished business. popular decisions we have to make for the betterment of Let me close with some glimpses of a suggested policy our province. prescription in the most complex area of all, health, of- [1030] Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6281

This is my third opportunity to stand in these cham- We made some tough decisions over the past months, bers and speak to the Speech from the Throne. As we and we did so because we felt they're the right deci- move forward to 2011, we have lots to look back on and sions for the people in this province and what was best to be proud of and much to look forward to. to strengthen our economy. Some of our decisions were It's hard to believe it was only one year ago that we not popular, but doing what is right is not always the were hosting the greatest sporting spectacle the world popular or easy thing to do. has seen to date. What an Olympics we had, from Take HST, for example. I know that people still want Alexandre Bilodeau winning Canada's first gold medal more information about HST, but people are now real- on home soil to Denny Morrison's gold-medal per- izing that it's not quite as disastrous as some have led us formance to Sidney Crosby's golden goal that sparked to believe, and they're seeing some of the benefits that the nationwide celebrations. We showed the world what it actually can have. The forest industry, for example, British Columbia and Canada have to offer. is benefiting from HST right now, and we're starting In the days and weeks following the Olympic and to see companies reopening mills and indicating dir- Paralympic Games much of the media reported that ect linkages to the savings they're realizing from HST. something had changed in Canadians, and I'd agree By lowering the tax on new investment, the HST is en- that there was a transformation. I'm proud that it was couraging capital investment, making B.C.'s economy here in this province that for 17 days the world got to more tax competitive across the country and around the experience our diverse culture, beautiful landscapes and world. friendly hospitality. When I look at the community of Mackenzie and see The exposure and buzz created aboutB ritish Columbia how happy the folks are that have gone back to work at during the Olympics was priceless. Nearly half the the mills, I believe we've made the right decision. Canfor, world's population tuned in to watch at some point or B.C.'s largest forest company, says they're going to spend another during the Olympic Games. The business and $62 million on upgrades in the province. That includes investment opportunities our province gained as a re- Vavenby mill outside Kamloops that's been closed for 19 sult of the Olympics are showing why hosting the games months. When it's reopened later this year, it's going to was such a huge success on and off the ice and snow.O ur put another 140 people back to work. province and our country's Olympic legacy will live on, In my riding HST is very important to the small and all Canadians and British Columbians can be proud business sector. The input tax credits that benefit small that they got to be part of something so very special. business are even more pronounced in northeast- We now find ourselves on the eve of a new era inB ritish ern communities because there's one small business Columbia with an opportunity to vote on who will lead for every ten people. Small businesses are a lifeline for the province as our next Premier. We're so very fortunate northern communities. We know the importance of the to have six great candidates for the job, and with the new HST for businesses, and we can't afford to put them at a weighted voting system, people from all across the prov- disadvantage. ince will be represented in a fair and balanced way. [1035] I'm very pleased that the people in my riding of Peace In my constituency the welders, farmers, contract River North will have the same voice in electing our next operators, truckers and pipefitters operate their own Premier as the fine folks here, in the Lower Mainland small businesses, and they are now starting to see some and Victoria. I congratulate the delegates for overwhelm- of the benefits that HST has for them. ingly supporting and deciding on this new system which We're trying to build a strong province where in- can give equal representation across the province. vestment is encouraged, jobs are created and strong On February 26 we elect a new Premier to lead us communities are built. The harmonized sales tax creates forward through 2011 and build on the legacy and an environment for all of these things. It's the single lar- achievements of our current Premier, who has worked so gest thing that has levelled out the playing field between hard to do what was best for our province. He deserves Alberta and British Columbia companies. the recognition of being a true leader and somebody All that being said, we've heard loud and clear that who really cares about British Columbians. He will go the people want to have their say on HST. We've heard down in history as one of the best Premiers ever. this, and we've responded, so on September 24, 2011, I look forward to our opportunity to build on the past all British Columbians will have a chance to be Finance successes of this government and to continue along the Minister for a day and vote on the HST referendum. path of strengthening British Columbia. I know that This referendum is supported by all the leadership northern B.C. will play a vital role in the future of the candidates running to become the next Premier. It will province by attracting investment and creating jobs. We be an important step in B.C.'s future. We have a chance are truly ready for a decade of the north. Whether it's in to keep B.C. competitive and forge ahead. Resorting the northeast, northwest, north-central, the north will back to the provincial sales tax would be a step back- drive the economy for the next decade. wards for our province. That's why I strongly encourage 6282 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

people to inform themselves about the facts about HST This government has recognized the importance of before they vote in the referendum. the natural gas industry, something the NDP failed to If you have questions about HST, there's a website recognize and capitalize on. Very little summer drilling filled with factual information. It's not a pro-HST web- occurred under the 1990s NDP. Instead, oil and gas was a site. The website explains the facts and answers toB ritish seasonal industry that did not offer year-round employ- Columbians' questions about HST. Becoming informed ment. Under the 1990s NDP, the tax and royalty regime and educating yourself on the facts about the HST is was not competitive. As a result, industry invested else- the only way to make a decision about it. Becoming in- where. Revenue averaged just $460 million a year. formed about the facts about HST, again, is a good way [1040] to make an informed decision about it. I'm proud of the record that we've maintained and hope I'm confident with my decision to support the HST, that we continue to partner with the oil and gas industry because I've seen firsthand how it helps businesses and to keep people in the northern communities employed, gets back to work for people. That is why I'll be voting keeping the economy of British Columbia strong. yes in the upcoming referendum, because I know that Another project that's very important to the future of British Columbians want to build a strong economy and the natural gas industry will be the Kitimat LNG plant. create more jobs. B.C. is Canada's gateway to the Pacific, and the Kitimat– I'm proud of what the government has been able to Summit Lake pipeline is an important component of do for my communities in Peace River North over my our natural gas sector moving forward. As the cleanest- time in office. One that I'm particularly proud of is the burning fossil fuel, natural gas demand is expected to $297 million investment in the new Fort St. John hospi- increase in the future. tal and residential care project. This is a state-of-the-art B.C. will have an important role in providing this fuel facility that will serve the residents of northeastern to expanding markets in Asia. These projects will cre- British Columbia. This government's investments in ate significant economic opportunities. The investment health care continue to address the growing needs of cost of the pipeline is expected to be $1.2 billion alone, our province. and the Kitimat liquid natural gas project will reportedly We also have the family residence program. This pro- create approximately 1,500 person-years of work during gram provides a subsidy for each family with a child in its construction and a hundred permanent positions B.C. Children's Hospital. In the district of Taylor the once the terminal is in operation. government provided $950,000 in funding for the de- Industry has stated that these positions will remain velopment of eight affordable apartments for the seniors in the communities wherever possible. So again here rental housing program. This is the type of support that we have an example of job creation and how this gov- the north is getting from this government, and I'm proud ernment is working hard to make B.C. an attractive of the record we have established since I was elected. destination for investment. Outside health care, many projects have been import- Another major project that will help support British ant to increase the strength in the north. A $187 million Columbia is the Site C dam — the decision to pursue upgrade to the SYD road from Fort Nelson to the Horn Site C at the time when B.C. Hydro forecast that B.C.'s River basin. This is a road that is vital to the north mov- electricity needs will grow by 20 to 40 percent over the ing forward. next 20 years. The province andB .C. Hydro are planning This project, and many like it, supports the natural gas now so that British Columbians will continue to enjoy industry that's so important in northeastern B.C. and to the benefits of clean, reliable and affordable electricity the rest of British Columbia. The total industry capital into the future. investment was $7.9 billion in 2008, a 154 percent in- Since 1990 our population has grown by 1.25 million, crease over 2001. The industry has invested almost $38 an increase of 38 percent. It's projected that by 2020 our billion in B.C. since 2001, and the oil and gas sector em- population will increase by over 650,000 more — an- ployed over 22,000 people in 2008. other increase of 15 percent. By 2030 it's projected that We've developed the new royalty programs to encour- the population will grow by 1.2 million, a 28 percent in- age summer drilling, production of wells and jobs that crease from today. We do need to meet that growth. were previously not feasible. Our royalty programs re- Site C will have a thousand-megawatt capacity and sulted in more than $1.3 billion in additional revenue produce 4,600 gigawatt hours of electricity each year, to the province since July of '03. B.C.'s oil and gas indus- enough to keep the lights on in 400,000 households try is governed by some of the toughest environmental throughout the province. This is why our government regulation in the world, and last year the natural gas sec- is moving forward with stage 3 of the five-stage process tor proved once again that it's extremely important to to build Site C, the clean energy project. The third stage the province's economy. Summer drilling increased by includes a rigorous environmental assessment and con- 50 percent in 2010 over 2009, and tenure sales brought tinued consultation with the public, stakeholders, local in over $800 million again in 2010. communities and First Nations. Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6283

The regulatory review phase is expected to take about forward to continuing to manage and strengthen our two years. It's anticipated that Site C will be available for economy under the control of our future Premier. domestic electricity needs by 2020. If constructed, Site With that, I'd like to second the motion. C will contribute to the local and provincial economy by creating an estimated 7,650 direct construction jobs D. Black: Earlier this morning I had an opportunity to through the construction period and up to 35,000 direct mention to the House that my family was here yesterday and indirect jobs through all stages of the project. for the Speech from the Throne. Some of them were able to We have an opportunity to develop a northeastern stay overnight and stay in Victoria, and they're with us in electrification plan that would deliver power to Fort the gallery today. I'd just like to make mention that my hus- Nelson and into the Horn River. The Horn River de- band, Peter, is here. My son Stuart; his wife, Takako; and velopment is going to be huge with the Liard Basin two grandsons Ian and Christopher are in the gallery. My and Cordova Basin as well. It's extremely important son Matthew; his wife, Joanna; and my two granddaughters for us to produce this as an avenue as well as making Meagan and Lauren are in the gallery, and I appreciate very Fort Nelson a viable service centre for the Horn River much the House making them welcome this morning. region. I rise to respond to the government's Speech from the The northwest electrification of B.C. has its own de- Throne, but first let me say to this House and to all my mands, and we're working hard to address these as well. colleagues here that it's an honour to stand here today The northwest transmission line will bring clean, green as the interim Leader of the OfficialO pposition and the energy to many rural and remote communities. The unanimous choice of my caucus. 340-kilometre line will run from Terrace to Bob Quinn As a grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren on Highway 37 North. The total investment of this pro- and, as I might be able to say, as a rather seasoned pol- ject is pegged at over $400 million. Electrification of this itician, this is not a job that I either expected or sought. part of the province will foster economic opportunities But it is one that I'm determined to fulfil to the best of throughout the region in mining and clean energy pro- my ability on behalf of all British Columbians. I bring to duction. B.C. Hydro has also signed agreements with this role a love for this province and this country and a First Nations to provide them with economic develop- lifelong commitment to public service. ment funds and training. I want to take a moment just to thank the many British The doorway to the Pacific and Asia is one we need Columbians who have offered me their kind words of en- to make sure we capitalize on. Another project that's couragement and support. I would also like to pay tribute headed in that direction is the Ridley Terminal expan- to my predecessor, the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill. sion. We see Prince Rupert as a pathway to strengthening The member forB eacon Hill served the people of British business ties and relations with Asia. Just this last year Columbia well, with dignity and with honour. She made the port of Prince Rupert recorded its strongest volumes a lasting contribution to my party, to British Columbians ever, following up on a 12-year high in volumes from and to our public life, and she remains a powerful voice the previous year. The port of Prince Rupert has grown for a more compassionate and just British Columbia. not only in size but in significance, given the increasing Thank you to the member for Beacon Hill. demand for resources from and to Asian markets. This I stand here at a crucial time in our province's his- only highlights B.C.'s opportunity to take advantage of tory. Despite having been in power for ten years, little our position as a gateway to the Pacific. progress has been made by the B.C. Liberals on funda- All of these projects are examples of how this govern- mental issues that shape our future. First Nations treaties ment is planning for a strong future in our province and are stalled. Greenhouse gas emissions are rising. Child putting in place resources that will manage and provide poverty is worse here than anywhere else in Canada for for that future. seven years running. Tens of thousands of forestry jobs [1045] have been lost in British Columbia. I must say that I'm extremely proud of our outgoing The recent disappointing unemployment figures Premier and all of the accomplishments he's made over were brushed aside by the Minister of Finance, but they the past ten years while he was at the controls. Our taxa- show an underlying economic weakness that cannot tion is not even comparable to 2001, when he took over be ignored. Today the unemployment rate in British the reins. When he was given the honour of Builder of Columbia is higher. It's higher here than anywhere else the Decade, it could not have been more fitting. He will in Canada west of the Atlantic provinces. For a govern- go down in history as one of the best ever. ment that likes to spin its economic credentials, the fact In closing, I'd like to echo my hope, my confidence that so many British Columbians are without work is an that with the election of the new Premier, along with the indictment of its economic record. With rising costs and continued hard work of the elected MLAs, we can con- stagnant wages, many wonder if they'll be able to afford tinue to grow as a province and lead the country. I like a home, raise a family and save for the future. the direction we're headed in as a government and look [1050] 6284 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Just last week we saw a TD economic report that showed province. The environment — they barely mention it. British Columbians are the most economically stressed in Health care — we hear the same tired calls for further all of Canada. This will come as no surprise to that young privatization, and one candidate's proposal would ac- family that's struggling to pay the half-million-dollar tually amount to hundreds of millions in cuts. Education mortgage on a modest home in B.C. In my community in — just what are they saying? I haven't heard it discussed New Westminster I meet families every day who struggle much. Cleaning up government — nothing, nothing with the basics, and I worry about the future their children concrete. Rising costs, stagnant wages. will inherit. Finally, they say they'll increase the minimum wage Our economy is just not working for far too many — finally, after ten years.B ut they offer little else for aver- British Columbians. They're being squeezed by this age families who are struggling today. government's actions and by its ongoing inaction. The [1055] narrow agenda that has driven the B.C. Liberals for ten Madam Speaker, make no mistake. The next Premier years has made life harder for hard-working British of British Columbia, no matter who wins, may change Columbians, and too many others have simply been left the face of this government, but that person will not behind. We can and we must do better. change the substance of this government. The B.C. After ten years of a Liberal government, it's time for Liberal leadership race is proving that. Same old, same change. It's time for real change — change that offers old, same old. hope for a better future, change that puts people first, The Liberals are just not up to today's challenges, and change that British Columbians can trust and change to frankly, the level of hypocrisy is staggering. a new government with a new vision. In the next elec- Christy Clark promises a family-first agenda. This is tion, whenever that might come, I am confident that the same Christy Clark who sat at Treasury Board and British Columbians will choose change and elect a new slashed budgets for B.C.'s most vulnerable children. New Democratic government for British Columbia. This is the same Christy Clark who closed hundreds of Yesterday's Speech from the Throne was a powerful schools in British Columbia and the same Christy Clark example of why British Columbians do want change. I who was part of a cabinet that even tried to cut school understand that the Premier is just a few days away from lunches. I'm sure that families in British Columbia may retirement. But come on — a walk down memory lane be happy to hear Ms. Clark is concerned about them, and the history of the last ten years as only this govern- but they know from experience just what she means by: ment could write it? "Families first." The throne speech powerfully demonstrates the drift The member for Surrey-Cloverdale promises that he of this government. The B.C. Liberals have been run- will listen — this from the person who, when he was ning on empty for months. The government is tired. It's Transportation Minister, gave himself the power to lost touch; it's unsure of what to do next. ThisH ouse has steamroll over municipalities. You'll forgive me if that been adjourned for eight months. Critical issues have promise sounds just a little hollow. been ignored, and the throne speech failed to address The member for Abbotsford West says he will restore any of them. openness to government — this from the same person Even more troubling, the B.C. Liberals don't seem to who quietly paid $6 million of your money, my money, know right from wrong — 6 million taxpayer dollars for our money, to cover the defence costs for Liberal opera- Liberal insiders convicted of corruption — $6 million, tives convicted of corruption. $6 million. A growing dirty tricks and election expense The member for Shuswap's slogan is "The people are scandal involving the former Solicitor General and key coming." Well, I'll give the member that. After ten years campaign operatives installed, no doubt, by Liberal head- of Liberal incompetence, ten years of Liberal deception, quarters. More unanswered questions about B.C. Rail, the ten years of Liberal broken promises, the people are B.C. Rail corruption scandal, that touch on the credibility coming. They're coming to throw the B.C. Liberals out of at least two Liberal leadership candidates. of government once and for all. Is it any wonder that so many British Columbians, But before that happens, the B.C. people do have an- whatever their political stripe, are coming to the conclu- other job to do. They have to pass judgment on theH ST, sion that the B.C. Liberals simply cannot be trusted? Is it the most regressive and ill-timed tax shift in B.C.'s hist- any wonder that so many British Columbians are cynical ory, a tax that drives up costs for families and businesses about their government? The response from the Liberal in every community in our province. leadership candidates doesn't offer us much hope. Sure, TheL iberal leadership candidates all seem to think that they all promise to do a better job of listening. But listen the HST is just a great idea. Most of them actually signed carefully. They all sound the same — more of the same, off on it in cabinet, and they were part of the decision to more of the same. spring it on British Columbians with no warning. The HST — they all support it, despite the toll it's But now they want to be Premier, and they're looking taking on average families and small business in this for forgiveness. So let me give the B.C. Liberal leader- Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6285

ship candidates a chance to do something concrete. and Rob Sherf, who also works in our North Kamloops Here's their chance to put their money where their office, and the support staff here in Victoria —Andrew mouths are. Lane, Jeff Melon and SamO lyphant — for providing the Yesterday I served notice that I will be introducing support that's needed when you are trying to do a good a bill this session to change the Recall and Initiative job on behalf of your constituents. Act. My bill would give British Columbians a chance I also want to say thank you to Premier Gordon to vote on the HST as early as June. If the B.C. Liberal Campbell for 27 years of public service, ten of which leadership candidates are serious, they will call on their were…. government to bring my bill to the floor of this chamber and pass it. Pass it here before we leave. Deputy Speaker: Member. That's my challenge to the B.C. Liberals who want to be Premier. If you want to show you are different, then T. Lake: I beg your pardon, Madam Speaker. prove it in your actions. Pass my bill, move up the refer- endum, and let British Columbians vote on the HST. Interjection. The HST and the way that it was brought in are part of a larger problem with the B.C. Liberals. They simply T. Lake: The member for Point Grey. Thank you, hon. don't get it. The throne speech spoke powerfully to that colleague. drift. The B.C. Liberals have been in power too long. For 27 years of public service and ten, of course, as They've forgotten who they are here to serve. It's time Premier of this great province.... I wish him all the very for them to go. best in his years ahead and hope it provides him with [1100] many, many enjoyable hours with his family. He well de- Today's challenges require a fresh start, a new ap- serves that. proach and a government that truly does put people As we celebrated the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic first; a government that understands that we are stronger Games this past year, many, many good things were when every young British Columbian has the oppor- happening throughout the riding of Kamloops–North tunity to make the most of themselves; a government Thompson.I just wanted to highlight some of those things that understands we are all better off when the least ad- that have happened since we were last here in Victoria. I vantaged among us are given a hand up; a government know the media make it sound like we've had 250-some- that understands that in today's world, sustainable eco- odd days off of work, Madam Speaker.B ut of course, you nomic growth is the path to secure jobs and a healthy know and my colleagues in the House know that we've environment; and most important of all, a government all been very busy in our constituencies or ministries or that understands that our most important assets are the assigned tasks to do the work of a public servant. skills of our people, the diversity of our neighbourhoods In Kamloops again, as we celebrated the 2010 and the strength of our communities. Olympics, we also celebrated the 40th anniversary New Democrats understand this reality. We have the of Thompson Rivers University, which started out as energy, the determination and the humility to provide Cariboo College in 1970, as a comprehensive regional British Columbians with a government they can trust. It post-secondary institution. is time for a change in British Columbia. It's time for a [1105] new government with a fresh approach. New Democrats, In those days Cariboo College was mostly a collec- in partnership with British Columbians in every region tion of mobile buildings that were put together. People and every community, are ready to deliver on that chal- were experiencing post-secondary education in the lenge. We're ready with the promise of a better future for Kamloops region for the first time. every British Columbian. At that particular time I was growing up in the Okanagan and went to Okanagan College, which was a T. Lake: It gives me great pleasure to rise in the House similar and competitive institution. I remember visiting today and respond to the Speech from the Throne that Cariboo College while playing volleyball and was very was delivered yesterday. envious that Cariboo College in Kamloops had a gym- Before I do that, I just want to, as we have the honour nasium of their own, whereas in Okanagan College in to do, thank the people that are important in our lives, to Kelowna we didn't even have a gymnasium to use. allow us to do the work in the public service. Of course, The motto of Cariboo College was quansem ilep, a above all, is our family — my wife, Lisa; my daughters Chinook word meaning "to strive ahead." Certainly, that Shannon, Stephanie and Gemma; and of course my dog sums up the 40-year history of what is now Thompson Pal, who keeps me sane by making sure I get him out for Rivers University. From its beginning as a community a run most of the time when I'm at home. college without a campus to its status today as an out- Also, I want to thank Paula Kully, my constituency as- standing university, TRU has gone from strength to sistant, who is visiting Victoria for the first time this week, strength. 6286 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

As I mentioned, I think one of the differences over intensive care unit. Thanks to this redevelopment and the last decade in Kamloops and the region has been renovation, intensive care services have been expanded the development of TRU supported by this govern- to meet the increasing needs of the Kamloops region. ment. Most recently, that support extended to the new As many of you know, Royal Inland serves a huge area house of learning currently under construction. This of the Interior and is the third-largest trauma centre in will be a centrepiece of this comprehensive university. It British Columbia. With that, we've seen increases in pa- is inspired by the design of the traditional Keek-wili pit tient volume, acuity and length of stay over the years. houses of the Interior nations and features a sod roof, a In fact, more than 500 patients were treated at the ICU living roof, and 492 beetle-kill log roof panels. last year. The new ICU will include 17 private patient rooms [L. Reid in the chair.] with five airborne isolation rooms, including a bariat- ric room; a new family entrance, waiting area and quiet This house of learning is made possible by more than room; improved functional and visual layouts, as well as $20 million in funding from the province of British improved and enhanced infection control. Columbia, as well as significant funding from the gov- [1110] ernment of Canada and the generosity of benefactors There's also adequate support space for staff.O f course, like the amenable Ike Barber, who contributed $1.5 mil- the staff at Royal Inland is just exceptional. When you lion to create a centre where people from all over British are in a high-pressure situation like an intensive care Columbia can come together to discuss problems, as he unit, it is extremely important that staff have the needs says, on an even playing field, where people are sitting that they require for the workspace and to look after in a round room that does not consider status. We all their patients in the best way possible. talk as equals. This 1,440-square-metre ICU is about 80 percent lar- He wants people from all over British Columbia to ger than the old space on the fourth floor. Funding for use this facility. He speaks of the strength of the entire that project is being shared between the Royal Inland province and the need for the focus to be around the Hospital Foundation, the Thompson Regional Hospital province rather than centred in one area of the province District and the province through the Interior Health such as the Lower Mainland. Authority. The Royal Inland Hospital Foundation is This building is also supported generously by Mark working hard to raise money and this past week an- and Ellen Brown, who this past year announced a contri- nounced that Mark Recchi, world-renowned hockey bution of $2 million, the largest pledge ever to the TRU player from Kamloops, is now the new ambassador for Foundation. This building will be built to LEED gold the hospital foundation. standards and will be one of the most environmentally Since 2002 Interior Health, through the province of B.C., responsible, cost-efficient buildings inK amloops and, of has invested over $883 million on capital projects to bet- course, a very healthy place for all who work and study ter serve the Interior residents. Royal Inland has benefited there. from a number of those investments, including about $17 I had an opportunity to tour the facility in just the million to the Hillside psychiatric centre; $13.9 million for last week, and it is truly an amazing building. It will the redevelopment of the hospital's second floor, includ- help support Canada's newest law school in 35 years ing new state-of-the-art emergency and medical imaging that will soon be opening — in September of 2011 — departments; and $2.5 million for a new electrical system in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University. That law upgrade, which enables the purchase and operation of a school, the first in 35 years in Canada, also received a new CT scanner as well as a digital mammotome, which boost with a $125,000 gift by Fulton and Co., a law firm is critical to diagnose and help treat women that are at risk in Kamloops with over 100 years of history. of suffering from breast cancer. The recent announcement of Wally Oppal, QC, as Over the next three years B.C.'s health care system chancellor of Thompson Rivers University will also, of will benefit from investments such as new medical course, increase the profile in the legal profession, and equipment and modernized health facilities as part of a we hope that will kick off our law school in a very, very $2.6 billion health sector capital plan. positive manner. In addition to the great Royal Inland Hospital in I was also glad to be at TRU recently when the prov- Kamloops, we also have a great collaboration between ince contributed $260,000 for a contribution towards the health authority and the city of Kamloops which an electron scanning microscope, which will aid in re- is recognized around Canada. It is one of only three search projects in the science faculty there. strategic health alliances, and this alliance won the But the university isn't the only institution that has B.C. Medical Association's 2009 Excellence in Health benefited from the last ten years of provincial govern- Promotion corporate award. ment support. On January 31 we celebrated the official This health alliance takes advantage of the tremen- opening of the Royal Inland Hospital's new $11 million dous facilities that have been constructed in Canada's Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6287

tournament capital, particularly the Tournament Capital These will be of great benefit not only to the seniors they Centre, which is a huge complex of a wellness centre, serve but, of course, to all British Columbians as we try gymnasia, swimming pool, sports medicine clinic and to relieve the pressure on the hospital system and the also a gymnastics facility. need for acute care. With this partnership, we see people who have suf- There are many determinants of health. We know the fered from cardiovascular disease. Once they've been social determinants include housing. Adequate hous- treated by their acute care physicians, they are sent into ing has been addressed, I think, by many, many different the vascular improvement program in which specially levels of government over the last five years in particu- trained kinesiologists will guide their recovery through lar when I think all of us across North America realized exercise and also through other sorts of approaches, in- that housing needs were not being met for many in our cluding meditation and looking at the entire person to society. I don't want to say that any one government can try to get them back on track as they transition from a take credit for doing any more than any other. I think all very scary diagnosis and treatment back into a healthier of us across North America…. You can point to numer- lifestyle. ous governments and numerous programs that have all We were able to tour the Tournament Capital Centre tried to focus on the problem of homelessness. recently with Dr. Kendall Ho, who is the director of the I know in the United States they've had a federal pro- eHealth strategy office at the UBC Faculty of Medicine. gram that's been very successful. Places like Calgary I met Dr. Ho through my position as Parliamentary have done an enormously successful job. I think also, Secretary for Health Promotion and participated with when we look at the Lower Mainland and around British Dr. Ho in a number of outreach opportunities to talk Columbia, we have some very good success stories. to people about healthy living, particularly around So I'd like to talk a little bit about some that are hap- diabetes. pening in Kamloops, starting with the Rendezvous Hotel, We took part in a diabetes awareness seminar that which was purchased last January at a cost of $853,000. was partnered with SUCCESS to the Chinese com- TheR endezvous Hotel was…. Well, it was an interesting munity in Vancouver, through the intercultural on-line venue, not that I was all that familiar with the insides of network in which Dr. Ho is doing a great job reaching the venue. But needless to say, there were many police out to the multicultural community, overcoming some investigations centred around the drug trade and many of the communication challenges that exist when we're calls for service to this particular business. talking about promoting healthy living. When the opportunity came up to purchase the hotel I invited Dr. Ho to come to Kamloops to show him and turn it into a shelter, the province stepped up. Now what we were doing in the Interior with our alliance with we are in the process, through the Canadian Mental Interior Health and the city of Kamloops. He has used Health Association and their award of the bid, to move that model and will take that back to look at how he forward with renovations and complete this former can partner with Interior communities to reach out to rooming house, which was in deplorable condition, to a First Nations particularly, as well as the growing multi- new, well-maintained facility assisting Kamloops' most cultural community in the Interior. vulnerable citizens, both men and women. We all know, with the demographics of our population I'm very proud to see that transformation occur, and I changing, that the need for looking after our seniors is want to thank the Canadian Mental Health Association imperative. In December Interior Health put out a ser- in Kamloops as well as the AIDS Society of Kamloops, ies of requests for proposals for development of 482 new which are also partnering in that project. residential care beds throughout the Interior, 125 of It's a project which I think is a great example of gov- which will be built in Kamloops with contracts expected ernment's comprehensive strategy Housing Matters to be awarded this spring and completion hopefully by B.C., which was launched in 2006 and, I think, has done 2013. a great deal to break the cycle of homelessness. [1115] For seniors housing — there are those in the seniors This is a significant investment in seniors health community that have difficulty meeting the economic care, and these are in addition to other programs such challenge of housing in our province. Just a month ago as assisted living and caring for people in homes and a the federal and provincial governments gathered to program that we have supported through the seniors in- celebrate the opening of Golden Vista, a new 46-unit formation centre in Kamloops to try to help people that housing for seniors just down the street from my con- want to stay in their homes with things like household stituency office. repairs, lawn and garden repairs, clearing sidewalks so This is a project put together by a former CFL star, that people can stay in their homes longer and stay out Stefen Reid, who is from Kamloops. It was great to see of the acute care system. Stefen come back to his hometown and contribute in In Kamloops and throughout the province we are the way that he is. Fifteen of those units are dedicated updating, modernizing and adding thousands of beds. to low-income seniors, giving them an ability to live 6288 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

independently in their home community, close to the In September of 2010 the Sun Peaks Education resources and supports that they will need. Society formed a community-based school called the Now, $900,000 was contributed from the federal gov- Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is the product ernment of Canada's economic action plan. Again, these of a parent-driven initiative through the Sun Peaks units will be managed by the Canadian Mental Health Education Society. The whole group around that soci- Association, which is a non-profit organization dedicated ety, the entire community, has come together to support to raising awareness and promoting health of all people this centre. through services, programs and public advocacy. They have a website, www.balancededucation.ca. Their As we leave Kamloops, in talking about some other goal is to foster a fresh learning environment which goes areas of the constituency in the North Thompson, I beyond the norm, where all students are inspired to be just want to touch on another project that I think was the best that they can be. It is the only school I know of important to my constituency and other constituen- in Canada where the students actually ski to school. cies around the province, and that was the work of the I'm also very proud to say that Sun Peaks Resort Ranching Task Force of which I was co-chair as parlia- was rated by Condé Nast Traveler as the No. 2 resort mentary secretary. in Canada, second only to Whistler. Every year more The Premier realized that the challenge of the ranching and more people discover what a great place it is. This industry was huge, suffering from the downturn in the year Sun Peaks reports growth from Australia and economy, suffering from BSE, suffering from drought, Washington State, up to a 20 percent increase, which the Canadian dollar. All of these were conspiring against reflects an overall trend in the Kamloops area, which a ranching industry that had a long and storied history was just highlighted in our local media, where Tourism in British Columbia. Kamloops reported revenue from accommodation was [1120] up 14 percent in 2010 over 2009. I was very proud to work alongside the British Certainly, a lot of reason for optimism in Canada's Columbia Cattlemen's Association as well as other tournament capital, where sports and tournaments have stakeholders from throughout the industry to identify attracted people from around the world. Of course, hav- challenges that the industry was encountering, includ- ing such a great natural outdoor environment, including ing government regulation and legislation. Sun Peaks so close, it's a natural draw. We were able to have a cross-ministerial approach In 2011 Kamloops will host the Western Canada that identified some of the ways which we could aid that Summer Games with thousands of competitors, coaches, industry and, at the end of the day, were able to come support staff and, of course, thousands of volunteers.I 'd up with $5 million, in cooperation with the federal gov- like to thank those volunteers who are making that hap- ernment, to support research and marketing initiatives pen, as we watch the Canada Winter Games occur at the which I think will make this industry sustainable into moment and Team B.C. — doing very well, I might add. the future. The community of Barriere, the district of Barriere, is We travelled to China and Japan to work on opening a growing community that has only been incorporated up those markets to Canadian beef. We are well on our for the past few years. They are being supported by fed- way to doing that. Once we are able to get Canadian beef eral and provincial government programs such as the into China, I know that will definitely have a positive Towns for Tomorrow program, which has allowed them impact on the price that farmers receive for their pro- to develop critical infrastructure projects that assess duct and will help lift up the entire industry. climate change, sustainability and overall health and Moving up the riding, the newest municipality in livability. British Columbia is the mountain resort municipality of Barriere is using some of their infrastructure fund- Sun Peaks. They have extremely good leadership under ing for a community park improvement project, which Mayor Al Raine and his council. They have a commun- includes a new field house and a new bandshell, where ity that pulls together in many different ways to meet they can have community events, and also a new multi- the challenges of a small but growing resort municipal- use greenway project in that community park. ity that, of course, in the winter has a lot of people there The town road inB arriere will also be revitalized with that aren't full-time residents. Then, in the summer, an infrastructure planning grant. They're also looking the full-time residents are left to make sure that they to our new Towns for Tomorrow program to help with have all the infrastructure necessary to create a vibrant their new water system. community. We all remember the fires of 2003 that just about de- One of the challenges was schooling. A lot of the kids stroyed the town of Barriere. We know that a sawmill in that region would have to be bused to the nearest there in Louis Creek in the Barriere area was destroyed, school, close to Kamloops. The parents of that commun- putting a lot of people out of work and creating a huge ity said, "You know what? We can put together our own vacuum in that community. school," which they did. [1125] Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6289

TheN orth ThompsonE conomic Development Society celebrate the 100th anniversary of B.C. Parks, I want to was formed. Contributions came in from governments, talk about Wells Gray, which was put on the map in 1939 from private citizens, from the corporate sector, and as a B.C. provincial park. It is a huge and very beautiful that helped a whole number of initiatives throughout park, integral to the community of Clearwater. the valley, one of which was the development of the So many tourists will experience Clearwater. We Louis Creek industrial park. I'm happy to report that want to make sure that more and more understand and just recently the Ministry of Environment has issued a know about Wells Gray, and with that, the Minister of certificate of compliance. After four years of looking at Environment toured the park with me last November the project, a certificate of compliance has been issued, and agreed. and now the land can be subdivided, handed over to the We have started to implement new signage, through the district of Barriere for a very important economic de- Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, on Highway velopment opportunity. 5 to make sure that everyone who drives by Clearwater Economic development, of course, comes from local understands that just down the road there is beautiful leadership. It comes from leaders like Carmen and Barb Wells Gray Park, which is featured on a new website that's Smith, who were nominated and awarded citizen of the been created by Wells Gray tourism and marketing man- year in Barriere. Carmen and Barb have been in the com- ager Heather Steere. I encourage you to visit that website, munity for many years. They are founders of one of the my colleagues, and when you get some time this summer, district's most important employers, at a cedar mill. They I hope you'll take the time to do some river rafting, some contribute in many, many different ways, including lend- hiking and fishing in beautiful Wells Gray Park. ing their swimming pool to the community for swimming In summary, as we celebrate the one-year anniversary lessons. Everybody in town knows Carmen and Barb of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Kamloops– Smith and has benefited from their generosity. North Thompson region is looking forward to the future As we move north to Clearwater, this is a community as well. that faces tremendous challenges. The downturn in the I know we as political parties are looking forward forest sector, with the falloff of the U.S. housing market, to a new era, with both parties undergoing leadership hit Clearwater very hard. Close to 200 people were em- contests. I wish all of those who have stepped up to run ployed at the Vavenby sawmill operated by Canfor. In as leaders of both parties the very best. I want to thank July of 2009 that mill was put on a closure for a tempor- each and every one of them for doing that, because it ary period until market conditions improved. I'm very takes great courage to put yourself on the line in order happy that just a few days ago Canfor announced that to be a leader. that mill would be reopening, with $24 million in in- [1130] vestment and 140 direct jobs. That community could Madam Speaker, with that, I will say that this throne not have received better news. speech, I think, has talked about the last ten years, but it I want to thank the Minister of Forests, Mines and sets the tone for the next ten years. In Kamloops–North Lands and his team for what they have done for the Thompson we look very much forward to the next ten forest industry, because without the huge developing years in British Columbia. market in China, this mill would not be reopening this year. Canfor sends 30 percent of its product to China N. Macdonald: It's good to be back here. I've par- now, whereas in the past it was a minuscule amount. ticularly enjoyed some of the debate today, and not to That enables mills, like Vavenby, to ship their product degrade any of the recent speakers, certainly it's always to the United States and Japan as those markets turn good to hear from the member for West Vancouver– around. So I just want to say a big thank-you not only to Capilano. I think he sets the standard. He always comes the ministry but also to the union and the workers that prepared. sat down with the company to cooperate and determine Some of the conclusions that he reached I would dis- how they could make that mill vital again. agree with, and certainly, there's a very good article We're supporting the district of Clearwater with from Paul Willcocks that looks at the Progress Board $50,000 for the community resource centre, another and reaches different conclusions than the member has. important outcome of the North Thompson economic But there's no doubt that the member comes prepared development fund, and transitioning them over to a and speaks to the standard that we should have in the new model with the district of Clearwater as they apply House of debate that is prepared and comes from a base for permission to purchase the Dutch Lake elementary of knowledge, which the minister has. Excuse me. It's school, a school that has been closed for seven years and "member." It should be "minister." now can be redeveloped into a community hub that will I also want to commend the member for New be critical for the people of Clearwater. Westminster, who has taken on a role for us that's very As I end my comments, I want to just touch on Wells much appreciated by the opposition. We're proud to Gray Park, one of B.C.'s finest provincial parks. As we have her up and speaking for us. 6290 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

As previous speakers have said, there has been a lot The system that we go to school…. I'm a teacher, as of change in this House over the past period that we've many MLAs would know, and we teach children that this been away. It shouldn't be a surprise that there's been a is the system that we use to create legislation. We have lot of change because of the period of time that we have truncated it in this House repeatedly, and why? We don't been away. This is a ridiculously long period to go with- sit for September, October, November, December. It's a out this House sitting, and it points to the fact that the problem that we need the new leadership that comes to set schedule for sittings is about as real to this Premier address. This House needs to work differently, and it's as the open cabinet meetings. It is as real as that. A child heartening to hear members on both sides running for could have been conceived and born in the period this leadership making those sorts of commitments — that House has not sat. they're going to make this place work better. People ex- There has never been aL egislature that has been more pect it. expensive and has done less for the people of British With the HST, it is interesting what people said when Columbia than this one at this time. That is wrong. you actually were talking to people about the harmon- People expect us to be here, and they expect us to hold ized sales tax. I think all members understand that the the government to account. They expect the govern- implementation of the harmonized sales tax bothered ment to come and be accountable. people tremendously — the way it was done. I hear There has been a failure there, and it doesn't just sit many members saying that they get that, that that was with the Premier. It sits with all MLAs who enable that. the problem. This is our House. It's the people's House, actually. We You could have an argument on the tax from me. I am went door to door, and we knocked on people's doors. still hearing from my area that it is a tax shift that's prob- We said that we would be their representatives. Implicit lematic. But the bigger problem was the way it was done. in that is that we're going to show up here and do the job I think what is encouraging for British Columbians is that people elected us to do. We're the Members of the that people actually stood up and did something about Legislative Assembly. it. In Columbia River–Revelstoke people have raised a Now, I'm sure for government MLAs that was a bit whole host of issues over that eight- or nine-month per- of a painful process. It nevertheless was an encouraging iod, and I'd just break them down into three basic themes. process in that people, not only who are activists but also The first is around democracy and due process.A tremen- those who have never been particularly active, organized dous amount of discussion by people on that issue. themselves. I mean, I watched Bill Vander Zalm come to The second, which other speakers have alluded to, is many of my communities. He did not have an organ- on the piece of social equity, on the fairness, social jus- ization in place. He showed up without notice and had tice. Those issues come up again and again. community members go out and organize themselves. The third, and this is particularly for people in rural In my area they collected 30 percent of the signatures in areas, is around the care of our shared resources, par- a pretty short period of time. ticularly with our land and streams. I think for urban I would participate as a volunteer, signing up signa- MLAs, as well, you hear about health care, about some tures, and I would stand out in front of the post office of our Crown corporations, about education — those with people who have never been particularly politic- shared resources and what's happening there. ally active. That it worked and that they were successful People have views that they want their MLAs to bring I think all of us here should be pretty impressed with. It forward to this House. There are no questions that there shows that people do watch and do care. are problems in all of those areas that need to be addressed, The message I would take from it, as much as on tax and the expectation is that we are going to come here and policy, is that they expect us as MLAs, and the govern- address them. There's no question that that is what is ex- ment in particular, to do better, to really lay out exactly pected, that government MLAs are going to put forward what they are going to do in an election. positions and defend them, and that we are going to come I would say the 2009 election was a failure on many, forward and try to find weaknesses in their positions, not many counts. It's the HST that bothered them, but it was to score points but to strengthen legislation. also the budget, the deficit that was forecast being six It is not only that we don't sit. I'd ask MLAs to remem- to eight times off what was guaranteed. That bothered ber that all of the important pieces of legislation that people. The idea that health and education were being have been passed in the last two years have been passed protected did not resonate with people. Three failures using closure, whether it's the carbon tax; whether it is that point to the illegitimacy, I would say, of the govern- the changes to the Election Act; whether it is the so- ment. What it led to, quite correctly, is that the Premier called green energy plan, which is, in my area, a hugely heard, no doubt, from MLAs and has stepped down. controversial piece of legislation; the HST. All depended In my view, what needs to happen next, and I hear on the use of closure. this from people…. There is an expectation of another [1135] election. Governments need mandates, and what I hear Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6291

from at least one member of the leadership hopefuls We have to do better with children in care. We have to on the Liberal side is that there's an understanding that do better with our young in general. That's a point that there needs to be a mandate. What I would say to MLAs was made very well by the member for West Vancouver– here is that when a new set of leaders is chosen, we need Capilano, and it's one that we agree on. But to do that, to go to an election. We need a government that is legit- we actually have to put in place the programs and have imately here with a mandate, and that does not exist the Legislature function in a way that we can make it today. happen. The second thing that people talk about, and talk The third thing that people talk about repeatedly is about repeatedly, is around social equity. It is around a our public lands and the care that needs to be taken strong sense that is backed up statistically, but we see with those streams. There are two issues in my area. The it in our communities. I think intuitively we know that IPP issue — the independent power project issue, as it's British Columbia has become less fair. We have seniors called — is problematic still for a number of reasons. who are finding life more and more difficult, and it is First, it's clear that local areas, rural communities, based upon many decisions that are made here in this should have a say on whether those projects go ahead Legislature by the government. or not, and that was deliberately removed by legislation [1140] by the B.C. Liberals. That is a mistake, and it should be Politics is about choices and about what is import- repealed so that if projects are to go ahead, they have ant. If seniors were as important as the rhetoric from the support of communities. These communities under- the government suggests, then they would be treated stand whether a project makes sense or not. differently. In Revelstoke people point to existing independent There is a strong case that since 2001 the life for sen- power projects and say: "How can you be against them iors has been made more and more difficult.I would just when they exist there and they seem to be working?" The point to a few examples from the past year, maybe even difference is that the community had a say on the pro- the past number of months. MSP payments going up, jects. The community was able to judge whether it made residential care rates going up. At the same time, this sense or not. The projects were changed because of that House passed tax cuts for banks of — what? — $100 process, and the ones that made sense went ahead. The million. And it's a repeated pattern. Corporations and ones that were judged not to make sense did not. Local banks paying less; seniors on fixed incomes paying more. input. At the same time, the quality of services is degraded. Second, I have over 20 to 25 streams with projects It is incredibly difficult for seniors. All of us in our of- that are expected to go ahead. It is a huge concentration fices hear the same thing. We all say that they have to be of these sorts of projects in a way that does not make treated with the respect that they deserve, but it has to sense. The overall environmental impact of the projects happen. It has to be more than words. All of us recog- needs to be looked at in a regional manner. nize that there's a cost to that, but we need to go out [1145] and make the case that wise investments in looking after Third, where it makes sense, they should be public. people and wise investments in infrastructure are good They should certainly provide a public benefit. Those are things and that if tax dollars are used properly, this is a the things that people repeatedly come and talk about. tremendous, positive thing. The other area is around forestry. There is an - eco I know that in my communities there have been nomic crisis, and there is a forest health crisis. None of investments by this government that were wise invest- those are simple. The economy of the United States has ments. In fact, in the local papers I'd be the first to say changed. The products have changed. There are ongoing that that's the case. We depend on infrastructure. We de- issues that will continue around trade into the States. pend on services. We need to continually be fighting for We have lost approximately half of the employment those things. It's not just seniors. We have issues around in forestry over the past ten years, and that is something children in care. We have issues around education. We I will use in question period to throw back at anybody have a whole host of issues that need to be dealt with. who asserts that B.C. Liberal forest policy is a success. Now, we could never get it perfect, but we need to aim But it is far more complex than an exchange in question to as close as perfect as possible — especially in certain period would allow. areas, in particular, with children in care. There are things going on in the States. There are This Legislature, this government, has the ability to things happening in other parts of the industry that take children from parents. If you have that right, you have impact and are necessarily going to be complex. take on a tremendous obligation to do that job properly. We do have to figure out how to get more jobs from this Now, the only defence that I hear is that other govern- vast resource. ments have failed as well, but surely, even as somebody The second thing we need to do is look after the -re makes that argument, they must realize the weakness source. We have taken away our capacity — by "we," I of it. mean the government has taken away the capacity — to 6292 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 15, 2011

fully understand what is going on, on our public lands. been sitting behind for a number of years, serving with We don't do inventory properly. We don't do the re- him. When I first met him in 1995, when he spoke about search properly. There are so many shortfalls there that public service, it was quite clear that all he was attempting we need to address as a House and that we need to ad- to do was to encourage people to be involved. dress as legislators. Whether they decided to seek office, whether they I would propose that a reasonable thing to do would decided to run campaigns, whether they decided to be be to have a forestry committee that worked so that we involved in public policy, all that he was asking from could look at information and present solutions to this people from all walks of life was to get involved, to be in- government. That is something that we have been call- volved, to be a part of good public policy. For that, I am ing for, and my predecessors as Forests critics have been forever grateful that the member for Vancouver–Point calling for, for the past five years. Grey, the Premier, reached in and got me stimulated in The Vancouver Sun had an article where they esti- that way so that I would offer myself to public life in this mated the value of our public lands at $1 trillion. That way. Again, I want to acknowledge his contribution, as is a publicly owned asset. Even if it was half of that, it is I'm sure others will over the course of the next number far and away our most valuable asset, and we have not of weeks. looked after it properly. It impacts not only future fibre I want to just take an opportunity to quickly talk supply and employment, but it relates to water. It relates about some things in my riding of Oak Bay–Gordon to salmon. It relates to so many parts of the quality of Head and try to, as well, in the very short time, make our life that need to be addressed. remarks about the throne speech, obviously. I know that we have limited time. I want to just finish No one can ever say politics is dull in this province. I with two things. certainly would not say so, especially after having gone There are no reasons why thisH ouse needs to only sit through a rather difficult period of time in the last 60 for four days. There are all sorts of issues that need to days, where the recall process was underway in the rid- be looked at. We need to get to the bottom of the B.C. ing of Oak Bay–Gordon Head. But I want to address it Rail scandal. That needs to be addressed. Those ques- in a positive light. tions that we have waited eight years to ask could be I want to thank the literally hundreds and hundreds of addressed as we continue. people — some who I had not known for long, some who We could change the date for the HST referendum. I had never met — who took the time from their sched- People are distressed as much by the uncertainty as by ules to come out and work and volunteer for me. the HST itself. There are a host of issues that could be For those who also stopped me in the grocery stores, addressed in terms of policies with children, issues with in the retail stores, in the bank lineups, walking down seniors, issues with forestry. All of that work should be the street, walking my dog, to take an opportunity to done. For us to only sit four days and then to step away offer me a kind word of encouragement; to tell me that again really devalues this institution, in my mind. while they did not follow politics greatly, they had fol- With that, I know that others are having to speak. It's lowed the work that I had done and that was enough good to see everyone, and it's nice to be back here. for them to not sign a recall petition; to remind me that they had supported me, perhaps in the past — not Hon. I. Chong: I rise in my place, as well, with an op- always, perhaps — but wanted me to continue on for portunity to respond to the throne speech. But before I the term that I was elected to serve, for the full four begin, I do want to offer my congratulations to the in- years…. terim Leader of the OfficialO pposition, the member for It is one of the reasons why I fought so hard to ensure New Westminster. that the recall did not succeed. It's for that reason, as I I want to also thank the former leader, the member say, that I wanted to thank the hundreds and hundreds for Victoria–Beacon Hill, for her contribution. While of people who came out to do that. we obviously, over the years, did not always see eye to eye on a number of areas, I think we would agree that [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] we both value the honour and privilege that we have to serve the public. I know I can speak quite candidly. I also want to acknowledge that while there were [1150] certainly thousands of people who did sign the peti- In the community, when we were at events together…. tion, I will reach out to those individuals. I recognize I know that she wholeheartedly enjoyed being in her that a number of them will never vote for me or constituency, and certainly, I want to wish her well as support me, but there are some there who have felt she continues to contribute more in that fashion now disenfranchised. As someone who is elected to public that her duties are less onerous for her. office, we certainly owe it to ourselves and to those I also want to take an opportunity to acknowledge our who support us or want to support us to find a way Premier, the member for Vancouver–Point Grey, who I've to come to a meeting of minds, maybe not always to Tuesday, February 15, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6293

agree but certainly to represent them. I will endeav- We have seen an initiative called ActNow B.C., a health our to continue to represent them to the best of my promotion initiative that has been, specifically, particu- abilities. larly highlighted by the World Health Organization to With respect to the throne speech, ordinarily we would ensure that we continue to support healthy living. see a speech that allows us to take a look at a vision for [1155] the next year. Obviously, in the period of political time Those are a number of things that have happened in that we're in, it's not possible to talk about that vision the past ten years. Those have not been easy tasks to without, obviously, offering some perspective. So I'm achieve, but we have under good leadership. going to do the perspective in that regard. I want to talk While I would like to continue on and elaborate on about the last ten years, of what has happened that I've other areas of effort that we have made and will con- seen of significance under a B.C. Liberal government. tinue to make as a government, I do know that time is We have seen the largest-ever investment take place not with us this morning. in our transportation and public transit sector. We have seen the largest-ever investment in our post-secondary Hon. I. Chong moved adjournment of debate. sector with respect to facilities, as well as with a new ex- pansion of spaces. We've seen a new relationship with Motion approved. our First Nations. While that has not come to a conclu- sion, it certainly has developed far greater than anyone Hon. R. Coleman moved adjournment of the House. had ever expected. We have seen the most successful ever Winter Motion approved. Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted by a juris- diction, one that included all Canadians and one that Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30 allowed them to share it with pride. We have seen a this afternoon. triple-A credit rating be restored to this province, the highest ever in Canada. The House adjourned at 11:56 a.m.

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