First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 32

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills ...... 773 Bill 11 — Court of Appeal Act Hon. D. Eby M. de Jong Hon. D. Eby Bill 10 — Supply Act (No. 1), 2021 (continued) D. Coulter T. Wat

Speaker’s Statement ...... 778 Respectful language in debate

Second Reading of Bills ...... 778 Bill 10 — Supply Act (No. 1), 2021 (continued) M. Starchuk R. Merrifeld S. Chant C. Oakes K. Paddon T. Shypitka Hon. S. Malcolmson M. Lee G. Kyllo H. Yao B. Banman Hon. N. Cullen A. Wilkinson

773

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 has pointed out, our highest court in this province, I think, is celebrating 111 or 112 years of operation. I remember Te House met at 1:32 p.m. that because when I sat in the Attorney’s chair some time ago, it was the centenary of the Court of Appeal. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] [1:35 p.m.] It has rendered decisions on some of the most import- Orders of the Day ant questions — societal questions, legal questions — that have arisen in our society. It is one of the three branches of Hon. M. Farnworth: I call second reading debate, governance. I remember a former chief taking exception Court of Appeal Act, Bill 11. when I suggested that the judiciary represented one of the three branches of government. He didn’t like that term. I Second Reading of Bills changed it to governance. But he wasn’t particularly fond of that as well. BILL 11 — COURT OF APPEAL ACT I think it is a basic tenet of our parliamentary demo- cracy that between the executive branch, the legislative Hon. D. Eby: I move the bill be now read a second time. branch and the judicial branch, the three together are the Te Court of Appeal Act was enacted in 1982, with the agencies that our society relies upon to govern behaviour most recent revision in 1996. Over the years, amendments and ensure there is equality. have been made to the act that have afected its overall Te objective that the Attorney has laid out in ensuring organization and usability. Tis has caused confusion for that the court is composed and operates and enjoys a jur- litigants trying to navigate the appeal system. isdictional authority that is modern, organized and under- standable by those litigants who use it is, I think, a laudable [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] one and deserving of support. Tere is no question that over time, as changes in technology, changes in procedures Currently the act includes provisions that combine mat- occur, it can become a bit of a labyrinth to navigate — not, ters of statutory nature with those of practice and proced- by the way, just on the part of unrepresented litigants but ural application, which fall more appropriately within the even those who enjoy the assistance of able counsel and scope of the rules of the Court of Appeal. Changes to the the support that exists for lawyers. It can, at times, be con- act and the rules for the Court of Appeal are part of a user- fusing. centred approach to modernize, improve access to justice, Te Attorney, in his brief remarks, spoke of — I think, and make the legislation easier to understand. Te content legitimately — the emergence of new technologies and the of the act and the rules will be reorganized to have the gen- adopting of new technologies. It’s hard to talk about or eral powers reside in the act, and all aspects of the proced- think about positive features associated with something as ure in the rules. debilitating as an international worldwide pandemic, but Te language used in the act and the rules will also be the degree to which institutions, like the courts, have adap- harmonized for improved usability. With this bill, there ted and begun to use those technologies probably falls into will be increased clarity to sections in the act that were that category. not previously articulated or were consistently misunder- As we look ahead to the committee stage debate that will stood. Increased profle will also be given to sections that take place, I likely will want to ask the Attorney the degree are most frequently referred to. Feedback received through to which some of that technology will become, in his view, the public consultation was reviewed and considered in a permanent feature of the dispensation of justice. these amendments. I think the Court of Appeal now does broadcast, if that’s Te need to modernize the courts is not a new pursuit. the right term, some of its proceedings and the issuance of It is an important and ongoing work in partnership with decisions. It has always been my view that if we are to ask our courts to improve access to justice. Te impacts of of the population a broader understanding and support for COVID-19 have highlighted the necessity of embracing the work undertaken by the courts, we should be examin- the fexibility of audio and video appearance methods and ing ways to utilize technology to provide people with more the importance of integrating remote and electronic op- of an opportunity to watch and observe the workings of tions within our court system. the court, including the Court of Appeal. Te act and rules amendments take a user-centered To the extent that this legislation and the subsequent approach to provide a comprehensive, easier-to-follow rules that will become an important part of that package guide for the appellate process. While there are benefts to allow for that or facilitate that will be of interest to me. the operations of the Court of Appeal, we believe that lit- When the Attorney introduced the bill, he spoke of — and igants will beneft the most from these changes. I think he mentioned a few moments ago again — the increased phenomenon of self-represented individuals. It M. de Jong: To the Attorney, the Court of Appeal, as he is a reality, to be sure, to what extent that is…. A phe- 774 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 nomenon that is the product of other challenges or prob- the minister, the Attorney General, to close second read- lems…. Access to legal representation is something that is ing debate. very much the subject of debate. [1:40 p.m.] Hon. D. Eby: Tank you to my critic for his remarks I may seek the Attorney General’s views on that in a and insights. I’m glad the staf was able to be of assistance general way when we contemplate the specifc provisions to him in answering questions and helping him prepare for of the legislation. Te rules package and the rules that sub- committee stage. sequently guide the operation of the court will, of course, With that, I move second reading. be very important. I think the Attorney General can anti- cipate some questions from this side of the House around Motion approved. the composition of the rules of practice committee and the degree to which he believes that that agency or that body Hon. D. Eby: I call continued second reading on Bill 10, will continue to bear responsibility for rule changes. Supply Act. All of this, of course, takes place in the context, it should [1:45 p.m.] be mentioned, of a white paper that the Attorney General and the government made available, I think, at the tail end Deputy Speaker: Te member will have to move that of 2019, the fall of 2019, that followed in some work that into Committee of the Whole, Bill 11. Tis is in reference had been initiated two or three years before that. I should to the bill that just fnished second reading. Tat must be point out that I am grateful to the staf within the Min- moved to committee, Minister. istry of the Attorney General for the opportunity to speak with them earlier today and pose some questions about Hon. D. Eby: Tank you to the Clerk. I got ahead of any signifcant diferences between the content of the draf myself there. bill that was attached to the white paper and what we have I move that the bill — that bill being Bill 11 — be com- before us today in Bill 11. mitted to a Committee of the Whole House to be con- Tey were very obliging in pointing out a few areas sidered at the next sitting of the House afer today. where there are some diferences. At the moment, they don’t appear to me to be signifcant diferences. But I think Bill 11, Court of Appeal Act, read a second time and the Attorney can anticipate perhaps several questions referred to a Committee of the Whole House for relating to any of the changes that were provoked by the consideration at the next sitting of the House afer today. publication of the white paper and the feedback that he and the ministry received. Deputy Speaker: Now we’ll move on to the next one. Always a bit tricky, of course, in dealing with the courts on these matters, for no other reason than to Hon. D. Eby: I call continued second reading on Bill 10, ensure that their independence from the executive and Supply Act. legislative branches are properly respected. But I expect to receive and anticipate receiving assurances from the BILL 10 — SUPPLY ACT (No. 1), 2021 Attorney General at the committee stage of this bill that (continued) signifcant discussions and consultation took place with the court. And that he and, therefore, the House can be D. Coulter: I’m happy to continue debate here on Bill satisfed that the legislative product before us enjoys the 10. support of the court — that it is designed to provide stat- Bill 10 is just going to allow us to continue to be utory governance around the act. What we have before responsive to the needs of people, business and com- us will speak to the powers that the court enjoys and the munities and to see through the pandemic and into a individual justices enjoy. strong economic recovery that supports all British Col- Te rules will speak ultimately to how litigants can umbians. It’s an interim spending bill in between now access and operate to take advantage and receive the bene- and our budget. It’s not uncommon for governments to ft of that jurisdictional authority. I will expect to pose sev- have interim supply bills. eral questions to the Attorney General about that interplay I’ll just speak quickly about the budget and whether and the timing around the fnal publication of the rules. it will support people through COVID. Budget 2021 will I believe that that will be the extent of my comments at continue to focus on keeping people safe through the pan- second reading for this bill. I look forward to the oppor- demic, and we’ll do this with an eye to how we position our tunity to pose some of those, and perhaps a few other, province to seize the opportunities that recovery will ofer. questions to the Attorney when we get to the committee Te path forward is not the same for all people or sectors stage shortly. of the economy. Recognizing this, our support and invest- ment must be targeted now, which is why we so desper- Deputy Speaker: Seeing no further speakers, I turn to ately need to pass Bill 10. Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 775

At the start of the pandemic, with greater uncertainty Tis is why we need this interim supply bill today, so about how the impacts would be felt, we invested with that we can continue to support British Columbians dur- broad tools to quickly provide support to as many people ing this difcult time. I just don’t understand arguments as possible. As we continue through our pandemic from the other side. Tey’re not even arguing about response and recovery and identify those most afected, whether we should support people. Tey’re arguing about our support has become more targeted to address the spe- things that have nothing to do with this bill. Like I said, cifc needs of particular groups and sectors, and it’s sup- I’m almost speechless. I’m having a hard time articulating porting all sectors. my thoughts here, because it is so sort of bizarre to me that At the same time, we’re maintaining the fexibility to we are even debating this. respond to new and changing circumstances and to sup- We’re debating whether we are going to pay nurses, doc- port people and businesses across B.C. You’ll see this fex- tors, teachers, social workers, whether we’re going to sup- ibility refected now in our day-to-day decisions, and you’ll port folks in poverty through our social programs. I know see that refected in our budget, as well, when it comes next that the B.C. Liberals don’t want to pay people fair wages. month. Tey’re obviously against community beneft agreements, Tere’s been lots of talk about ICBC in this debate. I which ensure fair wages for local folks, Indigenous people, don’t really want to bring it up again and afect folks’ women and other underrepresented groups. I know they tender feelings over the disastrous management of ICBC don’t want to pay people a fair wage, but now they don’t under the last government. Tere have been comments want to pay people at all. from other members of the House that we’re calling them I’m probably going to end it there before I get angry. I’d criminals. We’re certainly not calling them criminals. We just like to urge my colleagues across the aisle to vote yea don’t believe it’s criminal. for this bill. A lot of people are talking about ICBC, but not enough people are talking about the fre sale that the B.C. Liberals T. Wat: I rise in the House this afernoon to speak on had when it came to land — selling land to many of their Bill 10, Supply Act, 2021. I look forward to continuing the donors, actually. So $493 million worth of land to balance debate on this subject. their budget. Tis is land that they could have gotten $860 Many colleagues on this side of the House have already million for. Tat’s $367 million worth of public assets that eloquently spoken on why they are so, so disappointed at the B.C. Liberals forgo by selling of this land in a fre sale this bill. I feel it extremely crucial that I have to speak as — just beyond the pale. well, even though I might be repeating some of the com- Also, I think it’s easy to forget the draconian cuts that ments made by my colleagues earlier. Te typical proceed- the B.C. Liberals made to our public services over the ings that take place when debating a supply bill like this years. It brings me to tears, really. It’s, in many ways…. Not one, particularly one that would take such a substantial in many ways; it is shameful. I mean, this is…. Now we’re sum out of a budget, which we know is already under the getting lectured about budgets and the like. I’m just…. As strain of COVID, is for it to follow the unveiling of a new you can tell, Mr. Speaker, I’m almost speechless. budget. [1:50 p.m.] Tis is my third term that I have the privilege and hon- We’re getting lectured about budgets and supporting our to serve the constituents of Richmond North Centre. I people through COVID. Folks don’t want to pass this bill, have to be responsible to my constituents to ensure that all which would be very irresponsible — very irresponsible — the proceedings of the Legislature are proper and transpar- yet the record of the previous government is just shameful. ent. I honestly don’t know how my honourable colleagues I don’t know how you can keep a straight face and lecture on the other side of the aisle can explain to their constitu- us afer that disastrous record. ents that this government doesn’t follow the process in this I was a school trustee for four years under the B.C. Lib- people’s House. erals, and I remember the cuts — lots of cuts, no increases. Tis is not unusual responsibility or irresponsibility, as We had to cut busing. We had to cut supports for students suggested by the previous member from Chilliwack. Tis that desperately needed these supports. Every year we is a matter of transparency, which this NDP government were cutting educational assistant hours, which just is so proud of. Where is the transparency of this bill? I’m afected the most vulnerable students and was really upset- speechless too. ting to me. I’m still a little angry over it. [1:55 p.m.] Also, here in Chilliwack, very few capital projects. But in Usually these supply acts pass with little debate. Tey the last three years of my tenure as a school trustee, under allow the government to continue to function and serve a B.C. NDP government, we have two new schools on the a necessary purpose. But as we all know too well, very way. We have business cases that have been accepted by the few things in the past year have unfolded as they usually Ministry of Education for several expansions in our school do. Tis order of business has been followed by govern- system. Tis is the diference that this government is mak- ments for decades, and it’s a key tenet for maintaining ing in the lives of British Columbians. openness with the B.C. public, especially when we are talk- 776 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 ing about a government that burned through nearly all of — all this in an efort to keep rates as afordable as possible the $2.7 billion budget surplus — just listen, a $2.7 billion for the average driver. budget surplus — lef over by the previous government, What did our government do when we were in ofce? even before the pandemic. We brought in balanced-budget legislation, fxed budget Unfortunately, over the past three years, amidst two dates, the Economic Forecast Council — all steps that simultaneous health crises, we have watched as this gov- make B.C. the leader in Canada for sound, transparent ernment has returned to a pattern that we have all seen fscal management, all necessary to correct the mistakes of before. Tis government has quietly and gradually undone the previous NDP government. all the safeguards that the previous government put in Te members opposite make their misleading state- place to ensure transparency — this is a very important ments while, at the same time, their cabinet colleagues word, transparency — and responsibility around the bu- dismantle, bit by bit, the safeguards that our previous dget in B.C. government brought in to ensure transparency. Unfor- It’s no wonder we have ended up where we are today, tunately, the NDP government has chosen to not only given the fact that the current Premier, his chief of staf undo all the work of our government and delay the next and the Health Minister were all around for the notori- budget for two months, but it is also utilizing this bill to ous fudge-it budget of the 1990s. I’m old enough to circumvent a key principle, the one that ensures a gov- remember that. ernment cannot spend its supply bill appropriation like Te fudge-it budget saw that the same Premier claimed this without frst presenting a budget. the budget was balanced before the election, then sur- Afer 25 years, we can’t help but be reminded of the old prised everyone with the fact that it wasn’t afer the votes NDP playbook of corruption and secrecy that plagued the were counted. I’d just emigrated to this beautiful province previous NDP government. when I saw this unfold, and it was shocking. Now we have a Premier who called a snap election in the middle of the Deputy Speaker: Member, I would ask you to withdraw pandemic. that statement. We’re not casting aspersions or using such We haven’t had a proper quarterly report. Recovery pro- unparliamentary language against each other, even though grams have been repeatedly mismanaged, yet the Premier it may be tempting. Please try to get the best out of each comes before this House to ask for $13 billion, without a other. I would ask you do that on behalf of the people of budget and without telling us how it will be spent. It is all British Columbia. eerily familiar. Tis kind of behaviour is the reason our previous government had to bring in the protections in the T. Wat: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I withdraw my frst place, measures that this government is currently try- statement. ing to circumvent with the bill before us today. History is repeating itself. Tere’s no concrete part of Transparency is a fundamental part of government, and this supply bill’s funding or spending measures that we it is part of government’s duty to spend the budget entrus- can debate on because, by choosing to spend the supply ted to them by the B.C. taxpayers with openness and clar- bill appropriations without frst presenting a budget, this ity on its intended purpose. government is casting aside a process traditionally util- On this side of the House, many of whom were directly ized by this House to outline such spending measures. responsible for the practices that gave B.C. a glowing fn- Before this government has successfully gotten all the ancial reputation and reputation for transparency, we have supports promised to British Columbians nearly a year had to listen to backbench NDP members repeatedly and ago out the door, they are writing themselves anoth- purposely tell a diferent story in this House about our er cheque, a massive cheque, and don’t even have the budgetary practices while in government, including reven- decency to tell us what it is for. ue transfer policies for ICBC, practices that the members Tis bill ofers even less transparency at a time when opposite know full well were lawful, fully disclosed in our British Columbians are asking for more. Even if the inten- annual budgets and quarterly reports, and practices even tion of this supply bill and spending plan are good, the utilized by the NDP government of the 1990s. entire way this administration is going about it feels like While the members opposite make accusations and foul play. We see more hidden fgures and shifing spend- irresponsible statements about these revenue transfer ing from a government that is developing a reputation for policies, the facts are indisputable. Between 2012 and not being honest and open with British Columbians, and 2016, a total of $514 million was transferred from ICBC to incompetence. government to support critical government services such All of this we already know, as I’m certain that even the as health care and education. members on the government side are all too aware of the [2:00 p.m.] murky nature of this bill. I am certain that many of my Meanwhile, between 2012 and 2016, a total of $1.5 bil- colleagues will continue to use their time to speak on this lion in capital and $300 million in income were transferred bill to diligently outline more of these points. In light of from the optional side of ICBC to the basic side of ICBC all this, how can the NDP expect British Columbians to Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 777 trust a government that wants a blank cheque for $13 bil- qualify for the business grant. Yet this government has lion without giving any indication, without any measure ignored their calls to revise their criteria. Te list of our of transparency, around how they plan on spending that landmark tourism venues and events that have not got any money? grants from this government is very lengthy. I can go on We know where this kind of behaviour has led us in and on and on and on. Te aquarium, Science World, the the past. We have seen this movie before, but the sequel art gallery, etc. I don’t think I have enough time to cite all is always worse. We don’t have any faith that the NDP of them. As it stands, only 2 percent of tourism operators will spend this money well. Tey have proven themselves have been able to access the supports ofered by this gov- incompetent. ernment. [2:05 p.m.] [2:10 p.m.] When we unanimously approved $5 billion in COVID On top of this, government has made no efort what- recovery aid in March of last year, we did so in good faith. soever to delay or ofer any respite from the fxed costs Since then, the NDP have sat on that cash and failed to and expenses that these businesses are still subject to. Te adequately deliver to people and local businesses. Tey travel agency industry has seen little to no revenue since have also delayed the provincial budget, meaning that travel was restricted a year ago due to the pandemic. Yet businesses will have to wait longer for the relief they need. Consumer Protection B.C. chose to still charge them Tis includes the small business recovery grant, where just nearly $800 in licensing fees in March 2020 and again this 16 percent of the funds have been provided to businesses, month. businesses who are in desperate need of assistance. Every single dollar counts for the struggling travel I want to use my remaining time to look at this through agency and tourism-related business. Ontario and Que- the lens of those British Columbians who have entrusted bec’s consumer protection agencies have waived these fees me to bring their concerns forward in this House. Te until 2022. I don’t understand. Even afer we brought it up countless small and independently owned businesses in in question period time and time again…. Yet this govern- Richmond are sufering due to the pandemic. Many are ment is not listening. It’s not listening. Tey have chosen to still waiting on the support promised to them through the do nothing, to do nothing. I thought this government was small and medium-size business grant. To date, only $55 supposed to be listening to British Columbians. So disap- million of the $300 million approved nearly a year ago has pointed. made it out the door into the hands of these businesses. Not only does this put B.C. tourism operators at a signi- Are there any additional supports included in this fcant disadvantage to many of their counterparts in neigh- budget for the thousands of businesses this government bouring provinces; this government’s inaction on the issue has failed to help so far? Even if there are, will they be able directly contradicts recommendations outlined by the to get the funding out the door this time? It doesn’t matter tourism task force report — the task force this government how much money this government promises to put aside commissioned. Recommendation 6 in the task force for our businesses if they’re going to have to wait anoth- report is to defer and relieve the fxed costs of businesses. er year before they see any of it in their hands. Many have My ofce has received letters from 68 travel industries already and many more will be forced to close their doors to express their dismay with this government’s poor hand- permanently long before then. ling of relief for their business. I would like to read a few What about our tourism industry? As the critic for into the record here. Tourism…. Is there any additional support for them in this Lily Teo of Orient Travel: funding? Tourism operators are currently enduring anoth- “Because of COVID-19, our travel agency lost all of our book- er season without being able to rely on the interprovincial ings due to cancellations, which resulted in lost earned commis- or international tourism they need to keep their business sion. We haven’t had sales since March 2020. We have had zero in- come. Te travel agencies need help. Every dollar of savings means afoat. Tese operators have been doing their part to keep a lot to our survival. our community safe at a great cost to their livelihoods. “Te Travel Industry Council of Ontario and consumer protec- Tey have very clearly outlined to this government what tion ofce in Quebec have waived the mandatory fees. Unfortu- support they need to endure the economic challenges of nately, despite lobbying by ACTA and by travel agencies individu- ally, Consumer Protection B.C. has done nothing except refrain COVID. from moving ahead with the 2021 planned fee increases, but they Back in July, tourism operators asked for $618 million are still collecting at 2020 rates. What is the point of protecting from this government in order to make a full recovery. consumers who are not able to consume?” Remember, this is an industry that has lost an estimated Let’s listen to another constituent of mine, Dennis $16.8 billion in revenue due to COVID. What this govern- Chung of Optimal Travel: ment ofered them was a fraction of this: $100 million. Not “I would like to express that the travel industry was hit the most even all of it has made it out of the door into the hands of since the beginning of the pandemic. With zero revenue but count- tourism businesses. less cancellations and the recall of our earned commission from Many of our tourism businesses and cultural exhibits, all airlines, it’s very difcult to survive or sustain our business. I’m like the Richmond Night Market and PNE, don’t even 778 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

hoping that you can voice on our industry’s behalf, so that our pro- ernment will continue to ensure that we keep people safe, vincial government can do something to keep us going.” while creating the foundation for a sustainable recovery Tese businesses, and thousands of businesses like for everyone. them, have been waiting nearly a year for assistance from I think that’s one of the keys that our government is this government yet have been lef to fend for themselves. involved with, making sure that our citizens of British Col- [2:15 p.m.] umbia are safe during this time of the pandemic. While the announcement of additional funding is wel- Te interim supply legislation that’s here today provides come news, what good does it do when I cannot respond a bridge funding between the end of the fscal year on to the inquiries my ofce is getting from our many con- March 31 and the last day of the spring session, when the cerned businesses and outline to them what additional provincial government budget is formally passed. Intro- supports have been put aside for them? When can they ducing this kind of interim supply legislation is common expect them, and what is this government doing difer- practice in British Columbia every spring. ently to ensure that they actually get the supports out the We should be reminded that in 2017, on the second of door this time? March, there was a $22 billion bridge that was there. Ten, I sincerely hope that as we proceed, this government going back as far as March 5, 2013, there was a $19 billion will answer these questions and proceed with a promise bridge that was there. Te bridges go back to even March of greater transparency, accountability and competence so 26th of 2012, where there was an $8 billion bridge. that we can ensure we don’t lose many of our beloved busi- We know that COVID-19 has turned everybody’s lives nesses for good. upside down. It’s the same here in British Columbia as it is across Canada, as it is across North America and the globe. Speaker’s Statement While the end of the pandemic is getting closer, we’ve still got a ways to go. We will need to get through this the way RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE IN DEBATE we always have when there’s an emergency and an urgency, and that’s looking out for each other. Deputy Speaker: I watched the debate this morning, People and the businesses across B.C. — we’re working and refecting on the most recent comments by the preced- hard to fght the virus and get back on track, and as the ing member, I thought it might be useful for members to MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, I’m telling my constituents refect on Standing Order 40. that we’re there working for you. For those who haven’t read it, as they might be new to As I’ve said, our priority all along has been there to pro- the House, or for those longtime members who have for- tect the people’s health. Tat’s not going to change. gotten or chosen not to follow the rule, the rule is around [2:20 p.m.] respectful language in debate. It states around unparlia- I’ve been involved in public safety since a long, long mentary language. So folks might want to pay attention time ago in 1980, when I stepped up to that plate to talk and take a look at their speeches to see if they’re going to about public safety. Tat’s not going to change. We’ve transgress. come a long way together, and we know that we’ve got We don’t want members to be imputing false motives, further to go. misrepresenting another member’s language or accusa- Our government is investing in health care, schools, tions thereof — charges of uttering a deliberate falsehood, seniors care, to protect people unlike what’s ever happened abusive and insulting language likely to create disorder. in previous governments, where those large supplemental I really would like members to not have to have the budgets went unchecked. Chairs intervene to remind you not to be abusive to other Let’s never forget the cuts to schools, seniors programs members in the use of your language. Let’s try to get the and the health care sector, where social services were com- best out of each other for all British Columbians. pletely gutted at the cost of who needed it the most. We Tank you, Members. watched as those social services were shrunk by over 10 Now we turn to the member for Surrey-Cloverdale. percent, at the cost of those people that needed it most. When we also talk about health care cuts, let’s not forget Debate Continued about the lands that were set aside for a new hospital in Surrey. Te B.C. Liberals sold the land where the hospital M. Starchuk: Tank you, hon. Speaker, for those was going to stand and serve all of us south of the Fraser. words of wisdom. As a new member, I will try to adhere I’m pleased to be able to say that, in my riding of Surrey- to those words. Cloverdale, a new hospital is on its way in the future to With regards to Bill 10, I stand virtually to speak in take the place of those lands and that hospital that was sold favour of what is inside Bill 10. COVID-19 has been an back in 2014. unprecedented challenge, and the word “unprecedented” When we think about schools, since 2018 there’s been has been used an unprecedented amount of times. While more than 18 new schools, expansions and upgrades that we can see some light at the end of the tunnel, our gov- have taken place in Surrey. Tat’s as a result of the prior six Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 779 years to 2017, when there was only one school — one, Mr. that’s why Bill 10 is so important for all British Columbians Speaker — that came to the city of Surrey. Tat’s at a time that we have this out there. When I think about Bill 10 and when the population is growing at 12,000 to 15,000 people what’s happened and what we’re hearing in the rhetoric of on an annual basis. One school was set aside during that what’s happened in the past, I think we have to go back period of time. down to the common practice of the interim supply legis- When we talk about the budget and we talk about what’s lation that we’re talking about today to provide that bridge there…. I’m not sure why the constituents of Richmond funding. North Centre are not able to access some of the funding Tis is nothing new to British Columbians. Tis is noth- that’s there. When we take a look at the extension of the ing new. In 2012, it was an $8 billion one. In March 15, small and medium-sized business grants that have been 2013, it was $19 billion. March 6 of 2014, it was $8 billion. extended to August 31 and adjusted the requirements for March 11, 2015, it was $8 billion, the same as what it was the businesses to demonstrate revenue loss from 70 per- March 1, 2016, $8 billion. Ten March 2, 2017, it was $22 cent to 30 percent, it shows that the government is listen- billion. If I was good with math, I would add that all up ing. It shows that the government cares about those people for you to tell you how many billions of dollars, but I’m that are there. not that way. What I can say to you is it’s nothing new. It’s I know in my constituency that there’s a frm with a practise that’s considered common in British Columbia accountants and that they’ve reached out to the clients on each spring. their list. Tey’re going down that list, and they’re provid- Rather than taking up the time of this House and speak- ing help to some of those people. One of those people is ing ad nauseam about certain things that are there, I a person that I know within the restaurant business. Tey simply just say that what we’re talking about with regards do catering alongside that. Tey found this business and to Bill 10, and the importance that’s there to every British the program that’s in place, and they’re at the end of that Columbian, is why I stand virtually in the House today in process that they’ll see themselves in the neighbourhood support of Bill 10 and hope other people do as well. of $45,000. Not only are they a small business in the restaurant R. Merrifeld: I look forward to continuing the debate industry, but they’re catering to those tourists that were today on the Supply Act before us. coming. Because of the world pandemic and the travel I just heard from the member before us that this is typ- restrictions that are there, those people can no longer ical. Tis is usual. In fact, he read out all the diferent come and utilize their services that are there. amounts that we’ve seen over the last years. But what that When we take a look at the progress that we’re making member fails to recognize is that this is not usual, because to make life afordable for people, whether it’s building in all of the other situations that he just mentioned, there roads, homes, opening new schools or child care spaces, was a budget already presented. We do not have a budget those are the things that I’m proud of with our government presented. that’s there. Tese things give a head start on a strong Normally there wouldn’t be a large debate around this recovery. type of bill, because they do allow government to continue Te people of Surrey-Cloverdale are as diverse as it to function and they serve a necessary purpose. But as we comes. Tere are many young families that are in my con- know all too well, very few things in the past year have stituency, and these are the things that they need. When I unfolded as they usually do. look at the infrastructure investments that are coming to I’ve heard how much and how necessary this is, because my riding of Surrey-Cloverdale…. We take a look at the of this extraordinary nature of this time, this pandemic. SkyTrain expansion to Langley. No longer is it going to be Few alive today have seen a pandemic of this nature and done in one stage and then a second stage that gets there. signifcance. But this supply bill is not the making of a pan- It’s going to be done in one continuous build all the way demic. It is the making of an election — a snap election from Surrey centre, through my riding, into Langley. that was held in the fall — and a pattern of a lack of trans- Tat in itself is going to provide high-end jobs for those parency and mishandling of the fnances. families that are actually living inside of the riding. Tey Over the past three years, amidst these two simultan- won’t have to cross a bridge to get to work. Tey will not eous health crises, we’ve watched as this government has have to be in trafc. Te project itself, SkyTrain, will lower returned to a pattern that we’ve seen before. Tis gov- the GHGs that we have that we have to take a look at when ernment has quietly and gradually undone the safeguards we’re talking about the planet. that the previous government put into place to ensure We’re building a recovery that includes everyone. Every- transparency and responsibility around the budget of B.C.: one from the person that has the small business to the per- delaying budgets and quarterly reports, expanding the use son that’s just making ends meet. It’s not just the people at of special warrants and then fnding ways to bypass trans- the top. parency. [2:25 p.m.] Te member from Chilliwack talked about cuts. Let me We’ve come a long way, and there’s lots to do. I think remind that member why. 780 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

[N. Letnick in the chair.] other people have to say, especially the members of this House. I hold it somewhat sacred in that everyone here It’s no wonder to me why we’ve ended up where we are represents so many in British Columbia. As I’ve listened today, given the fact that the current Premier, his chief to the speeches in this debate, I’ve also listened to the of staf and the Health Minister were all around for the slanderous labels and, I will say, the tales. So being a notorious fudge-it budget of the ’90s. Let’s remember what keener, I’ve done some investigation. I actually wanted happened during that time that created the necessary cuts to know what exactly happened. of the next government. You see that time, during the last You know what I found? Well, I found out that practices NDP government, was when the NDP Premier resigned in that the members opposite know full well were lawful, disgrace. fully disclosed and transparent, which were in our annual [2:30 p.m.] budgets and quarterly reports — oh, wait, here’s a shocker, It was a scandal that saw the RCMP raid his house while even practices that were part of the NDP governments of our current Premier’s chief of staf looked on. the 1990s…. While the members opposite make accus- Tis was a time when the current Minister of Health ations and irresponsible statements about these revenue was forced to resign from his job in the Premier’s ofce transfer policies, the facts are indisputable. for backdating a memo. Te fudge-it budget saw that same Between 2012 and 2016, a total of $514 million was Premier claim the budget was balanced before the election, transferred from ICBC to government to support critical and then, ta-da, afer the election, it wasn’t — afer the government services, such as health care and education. votes were counted. Tat is $514 million that didn’t need to come from a tax- Tat’s all too similar to this Premier claiming that the payer. Meanwhile, between 2012 and 2016 a total of $1.5 election of 2020 would not have an efect on the people billion in capital and $300 million in income was trans- of B.C. — but then called a snap election in the middle ferred from the optional side of ICBC to the basic side of of a pandemic. Well, since then, we haven’t had a proper ICBC. quarterly report. Recovery programs have been repeatedly [2:35 p.m.] mismanaged. Yet the Premier comes before this House to Why? In an efort to keep rates as afordable as possible ask for $13.4 billion, without a budget, without telling this for drivers, not increasing rates by 40 percent, 50 percent, House how it will be spent. 60 percent, 100 percent in some cases for drivers of B.C. It’s all very familiar. Tis kind of behaviour is the reas- — meanwhile, giving them a pittance of a rebate back. Te on that the previous government had to bring in the pro- members make their misleading statements otherwise and tections in the frst place, measures that the now NDP at the same time as their cabinet colleagues, bit by bit, dis- government is trying to circumvent with the bill before mantle the safeguards that our previous government put us today. in place to ensure transparency. In light of this, how can What did our B.C. Liberal government do when we the NDP government expect British Columbians to trust were in ofce? We brought in balanced-budget legislation. them with a blank cheque of $13 billion without giving any We fxed budget dates. We brought in the Economic Fore- indication, any measure of transparency, around how they cast Council. We brought in the Premier’s Women’s Eco- plan on spending that money? nomic Council. All of these were steps that made B.C. the We know what this kind of behaviour has lef us in the leader in Canada for sound, transparent fscal manage- past. We’ve seen this before — now the NDP demanding ment — all necessary to correct the mistakes of the previ- more time to create a budget then tabling this Supply Act ous NDP government. bill, the government asking the House for billions of dol- Afer 25 years, wow, we can’t help but be reminded lars — $13.4 billion, to be exact — but no indication of of the old NDP playbook of corruption and secrecy that how they’re going to spend it. Well I, as a believer in demo- plagued the NDP government and nearly brought the cracy and a holder of government to account, and as one province and its fnances to the brink. Tis is history who serves as the loyal opposition, I would say that all gov- repeating itself. ernments need to be held to more transparency than that. Yet those of us on this side of the House, many of Tis issue, this whole debate, is usually completely whom were directly responsible for the practices that avoided by a tabled budget, because then everybody gave B.C. a glowing fnancial reputation, as well as the knows exactly how government wants to spend it. But surplus of funds that the NDP government had when we don’t have a budget. And the amount that’s before us they took over government, have had to listen to back- isn’t even based on pandemic funds. It’s based on a pre- bench NDP members repeatedly and purposely mislead pandemic budget that was created before the pandem- the public and all British Columbians about our budget- ic was even declared. And then I’ve listened ad nauseam ary practices while in government, including revenue about how great the government is doing right now, transfer policies with ICBC. how many diferent programs each of the ministries are I’ve listened to these. I’m kind of one of those keeners, rolling out so well. you know, one of those that really likes to hear what I’m not sure who they’re listening to, because people Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 781 in B.C. are struggling. Tey are struggling with mental public funds without a proper budget was in the 1990s, an health. Tey are struggling with low-paying jobs and part- era of budgets that I hope no one wants to revisit. time jobs that they’re just trying to substitute to make ends We’ve been told: “We need extra time because of COV- meet for their families. Tey are struggling with COVID ID. Don’t you understand, member for Kelowna-Mission? fatigue and from a lack of socialization and interaction It’s COVID. We’re in the middle of a pandemic.” I assure with those they love most. Tey’re looking for hope. you, I understand probably better even than government Tey’re looking for a plan forward. understands it, because I haven’t been in government for Tey were promised relief funds by Christmas, and it’s long. I’m newly minted. March, with only 65 percent of people eligible receiving When March of 2020 hit, I was fnancially responsible funds. Well, that’s actually not 65 percent of the people and had a fduciary responsibility to over 28 companies. I of British Columbia. Tat’s 65 percent of eligible people, can assure you that I had sleepless nights trying to fgure which means that’s really only 50 percent of British Col- out how those budgets were going to work, which proto- umbians. And as a mother of fve children, all in uni- cols were going to come at us and how it would afect us. versity, I can tell you 50 percent is a failing grade. COVID-19 has been a reality for all businesses — every Ten let’s start on the small and medium business single non-proft, non-profts that feed kids every single recovery grant, because they’ve so completely botched this morning, trying to fgure out: “How are we going to feed one. Tey’ve only gotten 16 percent of the funds to the children?” — and also every household, every person in struggling businesses in B.C., and then they brag about B.C. So why should government not be held to the same how businesses are struggling and depending on govern- standard? Why does government get to have a diferent set ment. And they quote a report that talks directly about of rules than every other company in B.C., than every oth- dependence on the federal government, not on the gov- er person in B.C.? Is the government above the law? “Oh ernment of B.C. wait. No, no, no. Let’s just change it.” [2:40 p.m.] [2:45 p.m.] We should all be concerned. Small and medium-sized Every business, every organization, every single one that businesses are the lifeblood of B.C. We are the entrepren- I was involved with before prepared budgets. In fact, at one eurs of Canada, and we have a failing record today for how of the companies, we called it the doom budget — doom we are supporting our businesses. budget 1, doom budget 2, doom budget 3, doom budget Well then, let’s talk about rentals. Wow. New rental rates 4. Diferent contingencies, diferent thresholds, diferent come out today. Well, I have to say, I guess we pat ourselves resistance. Why can those organizations, outside of these on the back for making four out of the top six most walls, somehow get it done with far fewer resources than expensive rental markets in Canada. Vancouver is No. 1. we have in here, and we can’t? Burnaby is No. 3. Victoria is No. 4. Kelowna, my home In fact, and this is ironic, the very documentation that riding, is No. 6, with a 2.1 percent month-over-month the NDP government has required for all of its grants and increase and a 5.7 percent year-over-year increase. programs, as well as from businesses applying, was all part Is that what we want to be proud of? Is that what we of their budgets. Tat was all part of the fnancial respons- want to pat ourselves on the back for? And the reason is ibility and accountability and transparency they had to because this government refuses to deal with rental sup- show this House. Yet now, this government, this NDP gov- ply and instead goes head to head with developers on land, ernment, is asking for less transparency than they required eating up, chewing up supply. Is that afecting us posit- of everyone else. Why? Tis is an issue. ively? No, it’s not. Maybe I’m Pollyanna. Maybe I’m just too new. But hon- Here are some headlines for you. Tis was afer the estly, if I don’t stand up, if I don’t tell you how upset I am bill that we had to pass last week. “B.C. Rental Market about this, I’m not doing a service to the citizens of British Could See Further Squeeze Due to Rent Freeze” and “Rent Columbia. Freeze, Construction Rules Fuel Housing Shortage.” Suc- Tell me: how will mistakes not repeat? How will the cess — 50 percent, 16 percent and the top four out of six of behaviours of those in charge of these funds, the very same what the list is that you don’t want. people who did it in the ’90s, not do it again? Te best We’re not going to receive a budget before this supply predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Te past bill has to pass. In fact, thanks to their decision — the behaviour of this NDP government shows nothing more NDP’s decision in December to delay the budget until than secrecy, incompetence and a lack of transparency. April — British Columbians are lef in the dark. I was taught that trust has to be earned. It can be lost, In reading this legislation…. Tis was quite interesting and it’s incredibly difcult to regain. I don’t see, over the for me. As a keener, you actually read the bills. It actually last 3½ years, anything that would give me confdence contains a workaround, a way of contorting the law and or have regained trust, because we’ve seen numerous freeing themselves from the fnancial rules in the Financial examples in the past year alone of this government, this Administration Act. Te NDP are legally supposed to NDP government, requesting money. Te members of this present a budget frst. Te last time this government spent House want desperately to support every British Columbi- 782 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 an going through the worst pandemic in history, and agree province is upholding. And we’re doing it without needing in good faith, and then the NDP does something very dif- to change the law. As far as I can tell, this bill represents ferent and very self-motivated. exactly the opposite. One year ago, last March, the members of this House If we are all in this together, why isn’t the NDP gov- unanimously approved $5 billion for COVID recovery aid. ernment giving us a budget? “Trust us,” they say. Trust British Columbians took government at their word when is earned, and this trust must be re-earned afer being they said how they’d use it. We, as government, expected broken in the late ’90s. it would be put to use right away, helping British Colum- bians get through a difcult time. But instead of using this S. Chant: I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the relief, instead of providing this money to British Colum- group. bians, they sat on the money for months, using it as part I come speaking to you from the unceded territory of of their election platform, consulting on how it should be the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish First used, which was actually part of their election intel. Nations. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to work, When the NDP did announce the small to medium- play and learn on these territories. sized business grant, well, support was delayed in getting I am absolutely thrilled that I’ve had the opportunity to to people. Why? Because of the election. In the more than actually see some live theatre. I haven’t seen any for ages. six months since it was announced, and nearly a year afer Here I am in a Zoom environment, socially distanced, it was approved…. Well, let’s go through those numbers away from all the things that could do me damage, and I again: $55 million out of $300 million set aside, out the am getting the opportunity to see live theatre. It’s a won- door to businesses in need. I’ll just review the failing grade derful thing, and I thank the opposition for that opportun- of 16 percent. How can we trust a government that can’t ity, because I haven’t had any for over a year. even get $300 million in promised funds out the door to Mr. Speaker, I really do ofer my thanks to the opposi- businesses in need? How can we trust them to appropri- tion for this opportunity. ately spend $13.4 billion? I don’t know. I fnd it interesting, having been involved in govern- Te long-term care report was done in October, but it ment entities pretty much all of my life — in the world wasn’t delivered until March. Site C report was done in of health, in the world of the military, in the world of all October, but it wasn’t delivered until March. We have giv- sorts of things that we could go on and on to talk about. en the government ample opportunity to prove themselves But we won’t. in the last year, but either it was incompetence that lef Fiscal year comes to an end, and whenever fscal year those reports on someone’s desk — or what? comes to an end, the budget comes afer that time. And [2:50 p.m.] guess what. Te province needs to continue. Now, this is Tis bill is just another reminder of this government a given, whether we’re in normal times…. Oh my good- failing to get relief to people. It speaks to them of delaying ness, here we are in COVID times, where nothing is nor- the budget by months, leaving British Columbians without mal, where nothing that has applied within our realms — additional relief as the pandemic drags on. We need this none of the rules that we know, none of the plans that we government to step up, to provide support to British Col- make, none of those things — has been able to be followed umbians and to provide transparency, accountability. We because COVID has been the great unknown. need a government that’s open and honest about [2:55 p.m.] everything from how they’re spending our money to When the great unknown comes along, you need some- COVID-19 data or a vaccine rollout. We need a govern- body to take charge and take the steps — whatever group ment that does what it says it will do. you’re responsible for, whatever group you’re accountable We’ve been told for the last year that we’re all in this to — to move those people forward. We take that respons- together, but clearly, this NDP government is not with us. ibility terribly seriously. It is important for us to under- Tey have a diferent standard for themselves, a difer- stand that health and safety — and I will say health and ent expectation of transparency and reporting, and will safety are what I live and breathe — come frst. change the rules of governance to suit themselves despite What would it have been like if COVID had come in everyone else being held to a universal standard. Truly, 2015? Oh my goodness, I don’t even want to think about that’s elitist behaviour. Maybe that’s who they believe it. Health departments were in shambles, we were having themselves to be, above all of the rest of us who just have problems getting people paid, and we cut back on many to — I don’t know — provide budgets, create transparency, things. report on a quarterly basis. Or at least they’re willing to Te government of the day had done all sorts of things work around good governance and change it when it to gut many, many of our social programs. Sadly, it’s the doesn’t suit them. people that are dependent on those social programs that We need a government that’s going to hold themselves have the highest impact from COVID. We all have impact to the same standards that organizations, households and, — there is no question — but those people really have that indeed, every single person that has a bank account in this impact. Had this been prior to 2017, had COVID come Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 783 prior to that time, we would have been in terrible condi- In schools, we need to continue the work. Te kids need tion, absolutely terrible. to be in school. We know this. If I had been a parent with However, we are extraordinarily fortunate, in my school-aged children and hadn’t been able to have them opinion, because COVID has followed no process what- in school…. Oh, dear. I don’t even want to think about soever. Tere has been no plan. I can guarantee that it. However, my children are adults, and I’m grateful. We everybody in this room, virtually or otherwise, has nev- need, we want, we think…. We hear all the things that go er been through a pandemic before. I know this because on in our province on a normal, day-to-day business time I’m probably amongst the oldest, in spite of what our or a normal, day-to-day time. However, it is layered over Premier and a couple of other people will say about age. with COVID, and that has taken it well out of the sphere I’m amongst the oldest, and I have not been through a of normal. pandemic. I’m a health care provider. I’d have noticed. Now what we’re looking to do is to be able to respond Truly, I would have. to that ongoing threat — it’s a threat; we know it is — I am just really grateful that we had a government in continuing, however, to keep the underpinnings, all the place that rose to the challenge, put its experts in charge things that make our province what it is, what it was and and kept the people of the province — their safety and what it will be. Tose things have to keep going. Tat’s their health — frst and foremost. Tat’s what we have been where we have to have an interim supply bill. It makes no doing, and that’s what we will continue to do. sense to say no to it, no sense whatsoever. Discussion and However, at this point, having been given a whole- debate are important — got it, understand that. However, hearted mandate by the province to continue the COVID the actual idea that the supply bill would not be supported management eforts, the interim supply bill should not at this point is, I would say, part of our drama. require a great amount of discussion, debate or perhaps Something that we can do in this pandemic is that we even a lot of thought. We have to keep the province going can forecast that the debate…. Te budget debate, as I said, until we get a budget in place. needs to be robust, comprehensive, and critical, because We have a situation that is completely unknown to we want to ensure that all people, in all pockets of the everybody, that we have to keep revising our plans for province, have as much support as possible to come away because things change. Te variables continue to change. from the horrendous turmoil that COVID has provided. We do the best we can. We get some plans in place. We are We want to get through this trajectory, to another place, prepared to hear the data, the information. We’re prepared where we can think: “Oh, look at me. I can go to live to change those plans as we need to, but we have to keep theatre again. I don’t have to depend on my computer.” moving forward. We’ve been seeing resilience, strength, creativity and Te budget is a critical part; completely agree. Te inter- tenacity. Tese are characteristics we want to maintain, im supply bill is also a critical piece. We need it to allow ongoing, in our province. We will all do our bit towards us to get into the next phase, to allow us to get towards that, including ensuring the province continues to func- the budget presentation and to allow us to have solid, com- tion while we establish a budget to take us through to prehensive and robust conversation about what the budget the place that we want to be when we’ve achieved herd needs to look like to allow our province to move forward, immunity and are actively recuperating. to allow us to continue to support our people, to allow us Mr. Speaker, thank you so much for allowing me the to hear where the needs are and move towards meeting opportunity to speak in support of Bill 10, the interim sup- their needs. To allow us to be nimble and move from place ply bill. I strongly believe that it promotes the capacities of to place and go: “Oh my goodness, look at you. Oh my all of B.C. to not only to survive but to thrive past COVID. goodness, this is how it has afected you.” How do we do that? C. Oakes: Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to As MLAs, we listen to all our people. We try really hard speak virtually. to listen to everybody. We try really hard, even if they’re I’m speaking to you today from the Lhtako First Nation, yelling at us at the top of their voices, trying to make sure with respect. that we hear the misery in their voice, or the unhappiness. I’m going to start my comments on, perhaps, some of We listen, we hear, we bring it forward, and we try to work the recent things that I’ve heard in the House. I actually as a group to do the best we can for everybody in this have my copy of Parliamentary Practice behind me. I think province. it’s critically important that I, as all members of this House, We also have to keep things going. COVID is not the stand in frm respect for the practices and for the Legis- only thing in the world. Te health system is still there. lature and for all those individuals that have come before We’re still trying to palliate people. We’re still trying to us. What is so incredibly troubling in the debate today is provide wound care. We’re still trying to provide all the that this is a bill that is taking one more step, with the NDP things in hospitals that need to be done in spite of COVID, government, of dismantling any form of transparency and that still continue on. COVID is another layer. accountability. [3:00 p.m.] [3:05 p.m.] 784 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Te member for North Vancouver–Seymour basically know what it is. I don’t know what the needs of your par- made a joke of the comments that we were bringing for- ticular group or organization are, but look, the govern- ward about our concerns of making sure that we’re fol- ment told us to trust them.” As an elected ofcial, is it my lowing transparency and accountability formulas. She due diligence just to trust somebody? No. My due dili- talked about what would happen if, you know, 2015 gence is to ask the questions that my constituent members rolled along and if that’s when COVID had happened. are asking me to bring forward. Well, I would remind the member that when the previ- [3:10 p.m.] ous administration, in 2017, lef government, we lef a I think about all of those that have been impacted this $2.7 billion surplus. past year. I want to ofer my most sincere condolences to I think about that. I think about the enormous amount all of the families that have lost loved ones during this past of money that has been lef to really help people during year. I know that COVID has had such a signifcant impact this difcult time. I also refect on the fact that if members on so many people’s lives. I also recognize that that impact of government and the NDP backbenchers that I’ve been goes much greater beyond that, because lives have changed listening to in their debate to Bill 10 have such a disregard so dramatically. and lack of understanding of fscal management to really Can I assume, because I haven’t seen the budget of understand what this bill is about…. I fnd it incredibly that $13.4 billion, that residents who live outside the concerning and troubling. What we are asking is approval Lower Mainland, people from Cariboo North who have of $13.4 billion, to be exact, without telling anyone how the to travel to the Lower Mainland for health care, surger- government is going to spend that money. ies, health care appointments…? Are those costs now I think about all of the constituents in Cariboo North going to be covered by the NDP government? Tey say that I’ve been so blessed to represent, and all of the conver- they’re looking afer people. sations over many years of listening to how hard the con- All of those health care costs that we incur as individu- stituents of Cariboo North work. To even contemplate the als who live in rural ridings in British Columbia, who do numbers of $13.4 billion and to understand what that rep- not have access to that health care in our areas…. Are the resents, to understand the tax dollars of that family of four NDP going to cover us for those costs and make sure that and how difcult of a time that they may have and how we do have an equitable health care system, that individu- hard that family has to work so that they can pay taxes, so als are not impacted by costs that perhaps people in oth- that we have the beneft and the privileges, as a society, to er parts of the province do not have to pay for? Am I to beneft from that tax base…. infer that of this $13.4 billion, there will be a dramatic shif I think of all of the seniors that are so hard-working. I in how government supports rural economies and health think of the country, and I think of the province that has care needs for people living in Cariboo North? been built because of all of these citizens in our communit- Am I to infer that of that $13.4 billion…? I have a ies and the enormous contributions that they have made. list of roads. I’m inferring that…. Te government told When I talk about these incredible individuals, when I talk me to trust them, to sign of on this interim supply bill. about these pioneers, when I talk about these community- I’m going to list the roads. I’m going to assume, because builders, when I talk about all of the heart and soul of our I’ve heard all of the NDP members before: just trust communities, I know it’s not just Cariboo North. I recog- them…. I mean, this is common practice. So obviously nize that the investments that people have made to build these roads must be included. this province, for generations and generations to come, Let’s see: Soda Creek-McAllister Road, Horsefy Road, exist in every single riding of this province. Hatchery Road in Horsefy, Likely road, Beaver Lake Road, Ten I ask myself…. As the MLAs who are representing Mountain House Road, Ransom Road, Knickerbocker, these hard-working men and women, how can they be so Pinnacles Road, Batnuni Road, Nazko Road, Marsh and disrespectful of understanding how hard-earned it is? For Garner roads, Baker, Baker hill, Quesnel, Hydraulic, us to be sitting and having a discussion of approving $13.4 French Road, Bastin hill, Kersley Dale Landing, Garner billion, without any budget from this government, without and Webster Lake roads, Crystal Street, Highway 97 North any understanding of the investments that were made to at Cottonwood, Highway 97 North at Pinnacles Pellet, help the constituents in my riding…. Highway 97 South at McLeese Lake, Borglen Road. I would like to start on the conversation of health care, Somebody just sent me a note that we’re having issues because I know many members have talked about that. We around Soda Creek. So am I to assume that if we approve have heard from nurses; we have heard from paramedics; this bill today, those roads will be fxed by this govern- we have heard from front-line care aides. We have heard ment? Is that what I’m to assume? from so many organizations that absolutely need support. Of that $13.4 billion, how are guides and outftters going Tey need more support from this government. to be supported? We’ve heard from the Premier that he How are we to go back to these agencies, these organiz- certainly understands that businesses have been impacted ations and these hard-working front-line health care pro- by the fact that international travellers cannot come into fessionals and say: “Well, we just voted on a budget. I don’t the country. Tat impacts so many tourism-related busi- Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 785 nesses. Guides’ and outftters’ businesses have been abso- cue, whether it’s treatment, addiction, mental health treat- lutely decimated, not just by the travel ban but by policy ment facilities that we’ve heard about last week…. If you decisions that this government has put in place long before don’t have the volunteers and the support organizations, COVID. I mean, they’re waiting for a refund on changes and you’re doing a complete shif into government…. If and policies that the government made last year. Tey’re you are looking at your attempts, within government, to waiting for that money. Tey still haven’t seen it. move away from any kind of support on volunteers and to Am I to assume — because we actually haven’t gone fund it all through government, I don’t even know what through estimates, and we haven’t actually seen the budget that thought process is. — that that is in this $13.4 billion? Is that what the govern- How are you going to aford that, and is that part of this ment is asking me? Is the government asking me today to, $13.4 billion? Are, all of a sudden, people in rural B.C. not all of a sudden, now change their view on how they respect supposed to have any sort of public safety access, because volunteer fre departments? I have certainly heard mem- you’ve eliminated any ability for us to access any of the bers in this House stand and make statements about the support for our volunteer organizations or our hard-work- importance of volunteer organizations and search and res- ing volunteer fre departments? cue and all of these so critically important organizations in I know that this interim supply bill is based on the our communities. pre-pandemic budget, so maybe I’ll shif there a little bit. Te truth is we’ve seen cuts for volunteer fre depart- I am sharing with this House today, and I hope that they ments in the Cariboo, the unincorporated volunteer fre will take it to heart, that this will be an incredibly dif- departments that rely so much on community gaming cult spring freshet for infrastructure in British Colum- grants and other programs that have been put forward. bia. Last year, when you looked at the Cariboo, we had [3:15 p.m.] one of the most impactful years on infrastructure that We’ve heard that there’s a reprioritization, and now we’ve seen, with over 200 areas of road infrastructure volunteer fre departments don’t qualify for money. But that were damaged. we’re supposed to trust the government. We’re supposed to I am hoping that the concerns that have been brought trust the government that they’re looking afer the people forward by incredibly informed individuals…. I’m hoping of Cariboo North. that we still have time to take steps to ensure that the type Tese reprioritization exercises, where they shif the of damage that I am concerned we are going to see in the money…. Te impact is on organizations in our regions, Cariboo this spring freshet…. Tere is still time for the like the unincorporated volunteer fre departments that government to take action. Tere is still time for the gov- step up. Whether it was the wildfres we saw in 2017 and ernment to do preventative work. 2018, whether it’s the fooding that we’ve seen over the last Whether that is going out and ensuring that we’ve got two years, we depend so heavily on these organizations. proper ditching, gravelling; making sure that we are doing I’ve brought it up in estimates before, and I get directed to culvert replacements, cleaning out the culverts; it’s making go and look at these diferent programs or grants that are sure that we are doing the necessary work to ensure that available. Guess what. Tey are not available for the unin- we don’t fnd ourselves in the position that we have been corporated volunteer fre departments. in the last few years, where we’ve seen devastating con- We hear the government, time and time again, refect sequences on our transportation corridors, the economic and have programs that they put out, but the reality is that livelihood of the citizens of Cariboo North. nobody, or very, very few people, is able to access any of [3:20 p.m.] the grants and the programs that the government is put- Quite frankly, it has greatly impacted their quality of ting forward. Te government talks about the success that life. I heard earlier, somebody in the House mention about they have in that. “Well, help your constituent apply for the investment in West Fraser Road. I do want to thank the these grants.” I have books that I would be happy to show government for that investment. But I want to remind the the ministers on the support that we have certainly worked member…. Perhaps the member is not familiar with the closely with constituents on, trying to work through the number of times I’ve had to raise and bring this issue for- programs that the government has put forward. Te min- ward. It’s a much larger story that needs to be told. isters, during previous estimates processes, have said to go I want to acknowledge that the disaster fnancial assist- and look at that. ance came from the federal government, and we are grate- Te reality is that they do not qualify because the strict ful for that investment. eligibility that the government is putting on all of these I want to put on the table here today and to read into programs has created a signifcant challenge for organiza- Hansard the fact that the regions in Cariboo North are still tions and volunteer groups to be able to access any of these dealing with the devastating consequences of the wildfres funds. in 2017 and 2018. Just because we’ve moved from those Here would be something for refection of this govern- times, those consequences still happen. But those invest- ment. If you do not have volunteer groups, whether it’s the ments have not been made. It is as if we have forgotten that volunteer fre department, whether it’s the search and res- those wildfres happened. 786 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

We put some money into the communities, we’ve made When they knew that we were talking about this bill, some policy changes, and now we move on. Well, the fact they asked me to raise it. I have committed to them that is that we are dealing with signifcant damage to road most certainly, I take every opportunity I can, when the infrastructures because we’re still trying to address the constituents want me to raise their concerns, to bring challenges from the wildfres, which have now led to sig- that forward. nifcant watershed issues. We’re having issues with biod- Te government has talked a lot about the support of iversity. We are having issues with fooding. All of those the programs and grants that they have and the announce- can be pointed back to the challenges that we had during ments that they’ve had. Te frst comment I think I will the wildfres. make is that, again, people have had considerable chal- Tis $13.4 billion — is that money that is actually going lenges meeting the eligibility of these programs. to respond to the needs that we’ve had for many years, fol- Earlier today in question period, the Minister of Jobs, lowing the wildfres? Is that money that we’re going to see Economic Recovery and Innovation talked about Science invested in ensuring that we’re not going to have the food- World. “As an MLA, why aren’t you supporting these ing and the infrastructure? Are we going to see a signifc- members in applying for these grants?” Well, so many of ant investment over the next couple of weeks to make sure these organizations are non-profts and aren’t eligible to that this damage doesn’t happen? apply for the types of grants and programs and services I rose in the House in March of 2018, and I warned this that the member talked about in the House. House about the fact of the impacts of the wildfres and Going back, again, to the member for North Vancou- what we were seeing in areas such as Nazko, with fooding, ver–Seymour talking about the love of live arts, of course which is usually one of the frst areas that we see in our we love live arts. We’ve been raising in the House region that tends to food. And how, as the watersheds get repeatedly about the challenges that arts and theatre impacted and back up into the streams of Narcosli, that is organizations are facing, because for so many of them, going to have devastating consequences. unless you belong to the Arts Council or certain organiz- We were warning the government. We stood in the ations, you’re just not able to access some of the fnancial House and said: “You need to get out there, and you need grants that this government has made available. to put investments in some maintenance.” Tis is not part For all of those groups and organizations, for all of the of the maintenance contract that the government signed individuals that have fallen through the cracks, we are of on last year with maintenance contractors. Tey put wondering how the government is going to fx that. If forward what needed to be in those maintenance con- the government doesn’t actually provide us a budget, and tracts. Let me be clear. Tis is separate. Tis is the respons- they’re asking us to vote on $13.4 billion without under- ibility of the Ministry of Transportation and this govern- standing or knowing where that money is going, it is doing ment that needs to be investing in the public safety of Brit- a very strong disservice. ish Columbia. Here are some of the constituents to whom I committed I again say that I raised it in March and April. We saw to raise their concern. Judy Kenneway applied for the B.C. a signifcant impact to West Fraser Road. We lost the road recovery grant on December 22 and still has not received through a landslide. Now, yes, it’s going to cost. Te early her money as of today. I can share with you that while this estimate was $104 million. I know it’s gone out to tender. is one constituent — and I want to thank Judy for allow- But consider the respective taxpayer money. If we do the ing me to use her name in this House, because it actually work on the preventative side of things, if we do the work points to a person — I’ve got a long list of individuals who on making sure that the ministry is investing in under- have still not received their B.C. recovery grant. standing the hydrology reports, the geotechnical My message to everyone who may be watching this is to reports…. Tey all exist. If they were to invest in the contact your MLA, especially if you have an NDP MLA. preventative side of the equation, maybe we wouldn’t have Please call them and let them know if you have not such huge costs when we see the signifcant damage, which received your B.C. recovery beneft. is bound to happen. I know that the government has put forward an MLA I hope I’m wrong. I hope that that $13.4 billion — that hotline that we call. We repeatedly are continuing to do we do not need to see a signifcant amount of that put into that work. But we’ve been working for months to try and infrastructure, rebuilding, because of the fact that this is a help our constituents access these funds, and there is a dis- government that just isn’t investing in rural infrastructure connect. Tere are a lot of individuals that continue to wait on the preventative side. I hope I am wrong. I would be to get access to these funds. I think it’s important. happy to stand in this House and say: “Look, we’ve had a I want to talk a little bit, too, about Phyllis Leblanc. Phyl- great season. We haven’t seen any of the signifcant dam- lis is fantastic. age.” I honestly hope that that is where I have the oppor- Phyllis, thank you so very much for…. Please know how tunities to stand in this House. much of a diference you make. As MLAs, ofen, especially [3:25 p.m.] in this hybrid fashion, we can have some difcult days. I I do have a couple of comments from constituents. like that you let us know very clearly what we, as MLAs Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 787 representing the Cariboo, should be doing. I absolutely Tey’re waiting for money, for an announcement from appreciate your honesty. the government. Am I to assume that this $13.4 billion Phyllis is a senior. She said that the senior supplement includes the money for New Pathways to Gold? that started last year has now been clawed back to $150. How about Cottonwood House? Cottonwood House is Te way the announcement is worded led one to believe such an incredible treasure in Cariboo North. Tey are in that you are eligible if you receive these benefts. So here’s need of funds. Am I to assume the $13.4 billion has some the diference. Te government’s great at posting all of money coming to Cottonwood House? How about Bark- these supports that supposedly are meant for all these erville Historic Town? We’ve repeatedly heard the Premi- people, but you’ve got to read the fne lines. er talk about how important Barkerville Historic Town is, and it absolutely is. Are there resources for Barkerville [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Historic Town in this $13.4 billion? How about all of the other tourism operators that are It actually means that only those seniors on income across this province and are waiting? You can get a grant assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance and to do an upgrade, when you’re really just trying to fgure those in receipt of a comfort allowance or the B.C. seniors out how you’re going to pay your suppliers and keep your supplement — $50 monthly through SDPR — actually lights on. Tere’s a complete disconnect there. qualify. I’ve got lots of questions from constituents that they’ve [3:30 p.m.] asked me to raise during this period of time. Non-profts Te government is telling seniors that you can be avail- again have been asking, small businesses who are nervous able for this money. But actually, when we go and try and about trusting this government. help our constituents with that, we fnd out that there’s a Tis government is supposed to have a small business whole long list of eligibility. If you’re not on income assist- lens in every piece of legislation. It’s still supposed to apply ance, if you’re not qualifed on these, you’re just not avail- a small business lens, yet I’m not sure we’ve necessarily able. seen that. Sixteen percent of money out the door to help Or how about Tim Nellon? Tim Nellon contacted me small businesses isn’t a huge success. How many closed about the B.C. homeowner grant. “If we haven’t received doors in every single community? Every single MLA needs notifcation of an accepted application for a grant before to take a check of the fact that their communities are going tax payment deadline, will we be made to pay taxes in full to be impacted forever because of the decisions that this or wait for a reimbursement later? Being a senior citizen government is making today. on a fxed income, this would be a huge blow to our fn- One needs to wonder what is in that $13.4 billion. How ances, and knowledge of what the process will be is very about students? Students need support. Tey’ve been lef important.” Clarity and process. out of so many opportunities. I see that my time is up, but Again, we’re being asked to approve $13.4 billion with- please don’t forget about students and all of the important out understanding what the budget is, without even initiatives and the investment in our post-secondary edu- understanding what any processes are. “Trust us.” Tat cation. Tat is so incredibly critical to ensure that we are seemed to have worked so well for Judy, who is still wait- successful post-pandemic. ing, since December, for the B.C. recovery beneft. Te government said, “Trust us,” then. Tey said: “Hey, trust K. Paddon: It’s an honour to be speaking from the us. Tese grants are coming. Money is on its way.” Tat unceded traditional territories of the Stó:lō people today. seems to be the famous line that the Premier is saying. I want to take a moment as I express my support for Bill “Help is on the way. We’re here to help all people.” 10. I realize, based on what I’m hearing today, that I may Tere are sure a lot of people that have fallen through not have introduced myself in a way that can be under- the cracks — and 13.4 billion hard-earned taxpayer dol- stood. I’m very proud to be the member for Chilliwack- lars. Tey want to know if they’re actually going to be eli- Kent, to be able to represent voices here, to carry forward gible. When the government says, “Trust us; the money’s the ideas and advocacy from this area and to bring forward on the way,” they’d like to know. the needs and the priorities from my area. Again, we’ve got a lot of concerns. Aleta and Don [3:35 p.m.] Kennedy of Nazko. Nazko always foods frst. Every single I’m not only an MLA; I’m also a mother. I also am year it breaks my heart that…. Why do we continue to see part of my community. Today, during March break here a repeat of the challenges we have and lack of prepared- in Chilliwack-Kent, as my children, my teenagers, were ness when they’ve been impacted every year? Tey’re con- at home, I actually unfortunately had the opportunity to cerned about what happens to the roads if they’re fooded have to explain to them some of the thoughts and opinions and they can’t get in for their vaccines. It’s a very real prob- being shared in the House. lem. On the government side of the House, I’m known as On the tourism side. I know I’m running out of time, a valued member. But today I had the opportunity to but I committed to raise the New Pathways to Gold. explain what the idea of a backbencher is and why that 788 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 language would be used. Now, I also heard “newly min- cess to work the way it is intended. Just like every year, that ted,” but I believe I’m on the wrong side of the House to requires the interim supply. be called that. Te pandemic is changing so much in our province. In the meantime, I will happily, as a backbencher, share Our government is working to make sure that they’re tak- these ideas. As an MLA, as a representative for Chilliwack- ing care of people. As we move through this pandemic Kent, I work very hard. I get to work very closely, although together, as we’ve seen, as we all understand, all of the val- we’re currently ofen apart, with members of my com- ued members…. We understand that it’s also highlighting munity, to hear their struggles, to hear their good news, as vulnerabilities and gaps that existed before. well, which is fantastic, to celebrate and to mourn and to [3:40 p.m.] really try and carry the priorities. I can’t express enough how difcult it was to explain I work with individuals and families, which is some- today to my children, as we watched the debate, why any- thing I’ve done throughout my career, previous to my time body would say that it’s unfortunate that they have to listen here. I do get to work with small businesses, medium- to the backbenchers, that they have to listen to the back- sized businesses, advocates across the community, busi- benchers say something. I also got to explain, which is a ness people across the community, whether it be in child lesson that we ofen speak about in my home, that there’s a care or agriculture, ofen in education, a lot of community diference between not agreeing and not understanding. service networks. What I would like to ofer is my understanding, even I think that one of the things that’s most important though that means that I don’t agree with a lot of what I’m and one of the reasons I stand so strongly for this bill hearing during the debate. But that’s a good thing, in my is because people and businesses and, I know, my com- mind. It means that we are having discourse. Now, it’s not munity need to know that the support they are depend- necessarily in a way that moves things forward together, ing on and the services that they need and depend on but it is important. I’m happy to hear the thoughts of the will continue to be there. other valued members. As many of my friends have mentioned, we do this We’ve come a really long way together, but the road to every year. I do understand and have heard from other val- recovery ahead of us is very daunting. Tere is a lot of ued members that this is not like a normal year, that in hope, and a lot of work has been done by our government. their opinion, this is wrong somehow. I hear the frustra- Te B.C. recovery beneft is helping families make ends tion at the idea that this is diferent because of COVID. Yet meet, with payments up to $1,000. I understand from oth- this is diferent because of COVID. ers that there are people who have not yet received their We understand that in order to prepare a budget that beneft. I know that my ofce works with them as well. I’m will respond to all of the things that have happened this happy that once — not that there’s a delay — we’re able to past year and the things to come in the next and to make work with them, they’re able to receive their beneft. We’re sure that that budget refects the needs of British Colum- hearing the stories of the impact that that’s making. But bians and to give us time for a hearty and healthy debate, for so many, they’re making the application and receiving where respect and positive language will be used to move their benefts in a matter of days. things forward, I hope…. Hard-hit small and medium-sized businesses are receiv- In the meantime, we do need to have this interim sup- ing grants of up to $30,000 or up to $45,000 for tourism- ply. I understand, as well, that there’s some concern from related businesses. Tis helps keep people working. the other side of the House that British Columbians aren’t We understand the pain. Here in Chilliwack-Kent, going to know what’s happening or may not trust what’s there are tourism businesses, as well, that are very hard happening. hit. We understand the pain of looking at a business I’ve also had the opportunity to explain today to my that’s been your dream, that has been your work and children that one of the ways — one of the many, many ofen your life’s work, and feeling uncertain as to wheth- ways — our government listens to British Columbians is er things are going to be okay. Our government is ofer- through consultation, is through being adaptive, like with ing that grant and that hope. the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation It’s not a loan. Tey don’t have to repay it. Tat’s to keep adjusting not only the timeline but the eligibility criteria the doors open and to keep the dreams alive until it’s safe for a grant to make it more responsive, based on the feed- for tourists to come back. back. But overall, the way that I understand what British We’re helping thousands of people upskill and re-skill Columbians are saying is that they have given our gov- and fnd in-demand jobs. I’m very excited about the ernment an overwhelming and stable mandate as we lead micro-credentials at UFV here in Chilliwack-Kent. British Columbians through the pandemic. We’re going to keep improving fairness at ICBC. Tat COVID has challenged absolutely all of us. British Col- helps make life more afordable. I know there’s been a lot of umbians are worried about their health and their liveli- conversation about ICBC and the history. I don’t feel like I hoods. Tey should not be worried about the timeline of need to get into that. our debates for the budget. We have to allow for that pro- We’re going to increase transparency in real estate and Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 789 protect people and tackle fraud. Tis is something that voices.” It’s not my voice that is heard in this place. It’s the we’ve taken on, and it’s something that we’re looking at. It voices of my constituents. all has to do, as well, with money laundering and driving I understand that there are many opinions about how up the prices of homes. we should agree or disagree. I think we can do it respect- We’ve taken action to stop gun violence. Tat was done fully. I think we can do it in a way where we move forward, here, not so long ago. even when we disagree. But that doesn’t represent a lack of Tese are things that I feel we can be proud of. So when understanding, and that doesn’t discount the value of each we’re discussing things that we have to then explain, not and every member who comes and who speaks on behalf only to our constituents but to our children and to every- of their constituents, who is elected by their constituents one that we serve, I suppose I ask for some clarity from the and whose mandate is clear. other valued members. I am very happy to speak in support of this bill so that I fnd that some of the questions in question period we can move forward together and all valued members versus some of the comments during the debate on this can contribute to the debate around the budget in a way bill are incongruous. Tey don’t ft. Are we to spend more that ensures we’re being responsive not to an idea about money and help more British Columbians or are we to what things might be, because we have a deadline, but spend less money and not continue to support the services that has been thoughtfully considered and has incorpor- and supports that we need until the budget is passed? Are ated the knowledge that we’ve gained in the last year, with we to be certain that we’re being responsive to the needs a slight delay. or are we to rush a budget that may not address the issues Tat is what I have to share. I appreciate very much the that have developed over the last year — and before? words and the things I have to think about from the other We always have an interim supply, well past the end valued members of the House. But I do urge them: Budget of the fscal, to allow for robust estimates debate. I feel 2021 needs to continue to focus on keeping people safe that those contradictions are not intentional. I do appreci- through the pandemic and into recovery. We need to do ate conversations around transparency and how important this with an eye on how we position our province to take that is. advantage of the opportunities that recovery will ofer and [3:45 p.m.] to grow from the lessons that the pandemic has taught us. I also fnd it dangerous when we stray into language and All along the way, we need to make sure that we’re focus- commentary that could be misleading. I understand that ing on people. it’s important to make sure that our thoughts are heard. For some, it’s important to make sure that those thoughts T. Shypitka: It gives me great pride and honour to speak are captured in a way that can demonstrate their passion today and rise in this House, albeit virtually, and speak to for sticking it to them. In this case, I’m focused in my sup- Supply Act, 2021. port on this bill because I’m concerned about people. I’m First, I want to mention that I am speaking from Koo- concerned about British Columbians. tenay East and the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa First Please don’t be confused. As backbencher or valued Nation. member or newly minted, my role here is to represent I look forward to this continuing debate on the Supply Chilliwack-Kent. By supporting this bill, I’m supporting Act that’s before us today. I just want to kind of go back on the services and the families and the people who need some of the comments that have been made mention by these supports, while we have vigorous debate on our members on the other side, on the government side of the budget. House. Tere are a lot of thoughts that I’ve had as I’ve listened to [3:50 p.m.] the other valued members today. My colleague from Rich- It’s to the point that we’re not debating this bill that’s in mond North Centre said that it’s no wonder we end up front of us to stop it from happening. We know it’s going where we are today. Although I may not agree with their to pass. We know it’s going out there. We have no problem sentiment in saying it, I think it’s no wonder we end up with that. What we have a problem with is the transpar- where we do today — where we have hope of a vaccine, ency that this Supply Act contains. where we have plans and money going out the door for Te member before me, for Chilliwack-Kent, says we small businesses and families and individuals, where we need this money for our public service workers. Abso- recognize and we see we have a government that is com- lutely. We support all those. We have some of the greatest mitted to supporting people who are most vulnerable. people in the world in our communities right now taking I look at my team, I look at the other valued members, on a crisis, the COVID-19 crisis. Our health care workers, I look at my friends, and I think: “It’s no wonder.” I see the our paramedics, our ambulance service, our police — we work that’s been done. One of the things that I’m focused need to keep the lights on for those folks. We need to keep on moving forward is making sure that at the end of the them assured that funding will continue. And it will. Tis day, I come back to my constituents, and I can say: “Tis bill will pass. is how I’ve worked for you. Tis is how I’ve carried your What we’re concerned with is the fact that there’s a lack 790 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 of transparency tabling this act before a budget comes out. are. We went into a snap election — unnecessary. A lot of Now, the member from Vancouver-Seymour said this is people could argue that it was taking advantage of COV- normal. He said: “We always put out a supply act before ID, of the situation. the budget.” We don’t. We put out a budget so we can make [3:55 p.m.] some line items for the supply bill. Tat’s a total reversal. We were assured at that time…. Te Premier said that It’s nothing new, and it’s nothing normal. I should say it is this would not impede government. Tis would not new. Well, maybe not. In the ’90s we did it. We did it dur- impede the safety or put in harm’s way the safety of the ing the fudge-it budget years of the NDP government. It people of B.C. Tis election would…. Government would isn’t completely new, but it is new in the last couple of dec- carry on. Dr. Bonnie Henry just recently said that she may ades at least. have made an error in not clamping down on…. Tis is $13.4 billion that we’re allocating and just signing So here we are. We’re in the election. Government has of on. Tis isn’t the frst time. Tis isn’t something that’s promised that this is not going to hamper all the good brand-new to the members of this House. As a matter of work that government does. But what did we see? We fact, this is the fourth time this has happened. Last March, saw a shortened fall session. What normally would be two we had $5 billion roll out. months’ work went to two weeks. Tat certainly got in the Let me just say that the collaboration and the work way of support for B.C. businesses and B.C. people at large. together that happened between all three sides of the We didn’t see any rollout, at that time, of any of the money. House — the Greens, the NDP and the B.C. Liberals…. Now here we are, the fourth time to the trough, and it’s If you want to talk about unprecedented times, that was $13.4 billion. Of course, this money will be spent, I’m sure, fairly unprecedented. We all knew we had to get together largely on what it’s intended for. But as the member that and work together to look out for the best interests of Brit- preceded me, from Chilliwack-Kent…. She wants it to go ish Columbians in what, at that time, a year ago, we had no out to our support workers. Of course we do. But which idea was coming down. We were in the early stages of the ones? We have no idea. Tere are no line items attached pandemic, so we hunkered down and we got together, and to this supply bill that identify where this $13.4 billion is we signed of on $5 billion to go to economic recovery and going to go. Tat’s the whole idea of having a budget in to help the people of British Columbia. front of handing money out. We have to be assured. Gov- Well, what happened? Not all that money got spent right ernment hasn’t assured us on that. away. As a matter of fact, most of that money didn’t get Like I said, the $300 million…. Let’s be clear. Tere spent right away. As a matter of fact, some of that money was also…. Sorry, I forgot the last piece. In December, we still has yet to be spent. Largely, it’s arguable that a lot of handed out the third allocation. Tat was $2 billion. Tat that $5 billion went to an election campaign. Tat’s kind of was to go to a recovery grant for British Columbians. Tat sad. We worked collaboratively together. We all, like I said, time we debated…. Tat was the only bill that went for- hunkered down, and we tried to do what was best for Brit- ward. As a matter of fact, there was only one bill. So we ish Columbians. But at the end of the day, it was a political went from two months to two weeks, and only one bill stunt, in my opinion. Tat money was lying there, waiting passed. Tat was on delaying the budget. — $1.5 billion to business recovery. It’s kind of funny. A lot of the excuses…. Tere are two As of September…. As a matter of fact, it was two days excuses that governments use. One, if they can’t answer the before the election was called — the snap election, the question, it’s either the fault of the previous government or unnecessary snap election, I might add. Two days before the B.C. Liberals. Actually, the NDP are the previous gov- it was called, there was an ofering from government that ernment now. So if they can’t answer a question, it’s either $1.5 billion would soon be in your hands. Ten there was the previous government’s fault or the B.C. Liberals’ fault. $300 million to go to B.C. business recovery. We’ve only Or it’s COVID’s fault. In this example, they’re largely using seen about 15 percent of that roll out, and here we are a COVID, because it’s unprecedented — never been done year from when it was frst promised. before. “We’re kind of of our wheels a bit here. We have Tis is not good governance. Tis is not transparency. to delay the budget, because we’re not on full deck here.” I Tis is not collaboration. Tis is not partnership. And I don’t know what the excuse really is. think everybody knows that. I don’t think I’m speaking out Tis is the second time. Te debt to GDP has only been of the side of my mouth here. I think it’s pretty obvious worse once before in our Canadian history. Te worst time what’s been going on, and it’s a little maddening. was in World War II. Now we’re sufering the second- Ten in July, we signed of on another billion. Tat was largest time in history. But there’s a glaring diference legitimate. Tat was matching funding from the feds on between what happened in World War II and now. transportation support. Tat’s what these types of supply In World War II, the leaders of the day hunkered down. and some of these special warrants that we need to get Tey didn’t run away. Tey didn’t delay budgets. Tey some of this money out the door…. Tat’s legitimate. Tat made sure they were on time so they could get the was well served for British Columbians. I think Surrey will resources out when they needed to. We went from one beneft from that a lot, and that’s helpful. But then here we of the biggest defcits in Canadian history to one of the Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 791 biggest surpluses only a few short years later, because Mining and exploration — obviously near and dear to people did the right thing. Government did work. Tey my heart. I live in a pretty industrious part of the province. did get ahead of the curve. We have four of the fve top mines in the province here, We’ve heard the Premier saying: “We want everybody but we’re in fear of losing our natural resources. Right now in B.C. to fnd another gear. Te end is almost here. Let’s we’ve got 14 operating mines, two smelters, and if we don’t fnd another gear.” “Let’s lean into the wheel,” is, I think, get on board…. We have not seen a new mine come online his actual quote. since this government has come into play, and if we don’t What about government? Do they not have the respons- get a new mine on board, we’re down to fve mines by the ibility to lean into the wheel a little bit and put a budget on year 2030 or 2040, somewhere around there. time? Tat’s not a big ask. You look around every corporate Tat’s devastating. Tat’s $1 billion into government business in British Columbia right now, and every muni- cofers every year. Tat’s $7 billion spent annually cipality, every regional district. Teir budget is on time. throughout the province. Tat’s a big hole, and we’d never Tey do due diligence, and they’re facing the same chal- fll it. And if we don’t get our permitting addressed, if we lenges — with less resources, I might add, than what pro- don’t get clarity and certainty in our permitting processes, vincial governments have. But they get it done. A lot of it’s if we don’t address certain things that make us uncompet- volunteer work. Yet in a time of crisis, in unprecedented itive, like the carbon tax, for example…. I think industry times…. actually, for the large part, supports a carbon tax, but how [4:00 p.m.] it rolls out and how to protect those emission-intensive, We hear it all the time. It’s true, but it’s getting a little trade-exposed industries that we have globally…. We need overused, I think. And I think it’s used as an excuse more to make sure that those industries are protected. than anything. You’d think, in a time of unprecedented Access to health care is another big one I’d love to see crisis, that the government would want to step it up and some money go towards, in my neck of the woods, any- lean into the wheel and get the budget out and not delay. ways. We have a really great relationship with Alberta, yet But this government seems to think it’s okay to sit back we’ve seen over the last couple of years that that access has and, you know…. “It’s COVID’s fault. We’ll just delay it. been radically restricted, to the point now where I’ve got We’re going to ask for $13.4 billion, and we’re not going to people in my riding that are making game-changing, life- tell you where it’s going.” changing decisions on whether or not they can have radi- It’s not the fact that we’re arguing that funds should be ation treatment because they’re being slotted in Vancou- released and the Supply Act should pass. Of course it has ver, which is a 13-hour drive in the best of times. In winter, to pass. Of course we’ve got to keep the lights on. Tis is it’s almost impossible sometimes. what the other side doesn’t understand. We’re not arguing Tey’re sitting around the dinner table saying: “Hmm, whether this bill should pass or not. We’re arguing on gov- jeez, I don’t know if dad’s going to be able to get his radi- ernment’s responsibility to the taxpayer. I mentioned this ation treatment because we can’t aford it. We have no sup- to a friend of mine today, that $13.4 billion is going out the port there. Mom can’t take time of work like she could door and we have no reason. Tey went white in the face. if we were going to Calgary, where it’s only a couple-hour Tey couldn’t understand how that could happen. I think drive.” Tese conversations are happening right now a lot of people in the House can’t understand how this can around British Columbia, in my area. happen. But it is, and here we are. When we talk about the bill and we talk about the Tere are a lot of good things that that $13.4 billion money, we’re not talking about: “We don’t want it going out could go to. I could think of a whole bunch right of the the door.” We’re saying: “Who is it going out to?” top of my head. We have a wildlife issue in British Col- [4:05 p.m.] umbia right now. It’s never been really addressed properly. Tis is a big issue, and it really speaks to the legacy that It’s not a partisan issue. All the governments have failed. this government is really working hard on. I don’t know We’ve never put any sustainable funding in towards wild- why they’d be working that hard on this, but let’s look at life. We’ve never put a priority on wildlife. some of the other legacy items that this government has Everybody likes to talk about how iconic and how sym- really been putting forward, like taxation, unprecedented bolic some of our creatures are, some of our great, magni- taxation by this government. I can’t even remember the fcent animals that we have this province, yet they don’t put number now. I don’t know if it’s 26 new or increased taxes. their money where their mouth is. I’d love to see some of It was 21, and I think we’re up to 26 or 27. Billions of dol- that $13.4 billion going to a proper wildlife management lars at any rate. plan. Tat would be awesome. I think it would make a lot Assault on homeowners. We’ve seen that as a legacy of people happy. I don’t think anybody would be against issue here with this government — spec tax, ALR changes, that. I don’t think you could look at any party in our Legis- Bill 15 and Bill 52, taking away the rights of landowners lature right now that would not agree that we should be on secondary homes. Now we’re seeing something with putting wildlife as a priority, and I’d love to see some of the homeowner’s grant where they’re shifing that, taking that money go towards that. people’s personal information, their SIN numbers, where 792 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 it’s never been done before. Tey say it’s fair and say it’s But the biggest argument you’ll always get when a decision simpler, but I don’t know what’s simpler and more fair than is made is they were never spoken to, and there is no going down to your city hall and checking a couple of excuse for that. boxes of and handing over a cheque. Tat’s an assault, I Tat’s what we’re seeing from this government, and think, quite honestly. that’s what we’re seeing from this bill. If I can tie it all back Residential Tenancy Act being reformed. It’s giving to that, this is a huge epic fail on government’s part as far those home investors a real hard time to be sustainable. as showing a lack of transparency. Tey can dress it up any I’ve talked to a few people who have taken the chance — way they want. Tey can say it’s COVID-related, or they no guarantee, put the money down, mortgaged to the hilt can blame us somehow. I’m not sure how they spin that — to maybe provide themselves with a little bit of a retire- one, but they’ll probably fnd a way. Te fact of the matter ment income. Tese are innocent, everyday British Col- is we’re handing out $13.4 billion of taxpayer money, and umbians, wanting to provide for themselves. Not every- we have no clue where it’s going. body has a pension, let me tell you. [4:10 p.m.] I come from the private sector. I’ve employed literally I’m not going to be a conspiracy theorist, as much as thousands of people, and I can tell you, for every business to say it’s going into nefarious programs or anything like owner, there is no guarantee. For every employee, there is that. I’m sure most of it will go in the right places. But no guarantee. Some of those employees do squirrel away it is the responsibility of government to table that so we enough money sometimes. It’s hard, but they do. Tey put can debate those in estimates and other avenues. Before the money down for a…. “Let’s maybe get a second home we pass it, we need to see the budget line items, where and rent it out. Maybe if we’re lucky and the markets are they’re attached to, so we know where it’s going, so we correct and luck is on our side and we get good renters…. can assure British Columbians. Maybe in 20 years we can pay it of, and that can be our Te member for Chilliwack-Kent said: “Business needs retirement.” Tat’s a big deal. to know the support will be there.” I think that was her Now with some of these changes, that’s just not going to exact quote. But where is it going? “Business needs to happen. I’ve talked to numerous people who were consid- know that the supports will be there.” Well, sure. Of ering it, and they say there is just no way. Tere are good course. Who doesn’t agree to that? Tat’s what we’re say- landlords and there are bad landlords, I’m not going to ing. We want business to know the supports will be there. argue with that. But there are good tenants and there are But there is no identifcation on where it’s going. bad tenants as well. Tere are lots of things that we can talk about here on this bill and what it represents. But I think, at the end of Deputy Speaker: If I might draw the member’s atten- the day, what it really means is that we need government tion to Bill 10, the Supply Act. I think the legislation he’s to step up a bit here. We are in a major crisis. Everybody speaking to was passed earlier in the session. We don’t is counting on one another to get us through this. We see debate legislation that is in the current session. Just to hope. You see the vaccine rollout, although that’s anoth- bring the member back to the Supply Act. er topic on how that’s going. But we need government to step up. Government really wants…. Tey ask us all the T. Shypitka: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate time to fnd another gear. Where is government’s part in that. I don’t want to get too far of track here. We’re talking doing the same? about a Supply Act where money is supposed to be going, I think it would have been great if government would and we’re unsure. have said: “You know what? We’re going to work around Transparency is kind of what I’m touching on here. the clock.” Transparency is something we’ve seen this government not We had a two-week session in December, which was do a lot of. We saw the caribou recovery program for terrible, in my opinion. We went from a two-month ses- example. No transparency, no consultation. So botched in sion to a two-week session, afer the Premier said: “Oh, the fact that they had to call it back. Tey had to extend it. snap election’s not going to change anything. Business as Tey had to bring a special person in to look afer it. Tat usual. We’ll still be looking out for British Columbians.” didn’t go over very well. It still doesn’t. Yet we went to a two-week session to pass one bill, which ALR reform — I said earlier — on eliminating regional was to delay the budget by two months. Wow. If that’s agricultural decision-making. We took away the regional looking out for British Columbians, then wow. I don’t even ALC, the regional agricultural land committees, put it into know what to say. I don’t want to commit myself into provincial executive, but there was no consultation with something unparliamentary, but it’s frustrating. anyone on that. Just to close, I want to say that both sides of the House Land use planning out here in my area — shutting down have to really look deep, and they have to look in the mir- access. I agree. We need to control access. Tere is no ques- ror. Don’t read of of your speaking notes, I urge those on tion. But let’s include people. Let’s talk to stakeholders. the other side, because I think you almost believe what Everybody is not going to always agree on what they hear. you’re reading sometimes. We’re not arguing about if the Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 793 money should pass, if we should be handing out the transparency and debate. Quite a diferent style of opera- money to keep the lights on. We’re saying British Colum- tion from who now is sitting in the opposition benches. bians deserve better. Tey deserve to know government is I do want to give British Columbians a sense, or a run- working for them, and they need to have some assurance down, of the way that we have been supporting British and trust that it’s spent in the right places. Tat’s what this Columbians just in the last couple of weeks. With thanks bill doesn’t represent. to my ofce team, I’ve just printed out some of my favour- With that, I’ll hand the foor over to my colleagues. ite press releases of ways that we are supporting British Columbians. Hon. S. Malcolmson: Given the year that British Col- Particularly, I think maybe the second-last speaker umbians have had and the impact of the pandemic on didn’t hear the announcement from my colleague, the every single part of our lives — the lives lost in long-term Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, of care homes, the lives lost in the overdose crisis, the ter- another unprecedented investment in supporting people rible strain on people’s mental health, the isolation people living on income assistance and people living with dis- have experienced while trying to keep each other safe and abilities. Tis was the three o’clock announcement today: the terrible impact on small business — I so appreciate “…300,000 British Columbians will beneft from the how business has stepped up and modifed their opera- largest-ever permanent increase to income assistance and tions, recognizing the imperative to keep people safe. But disability assistance rates and the frst-ever increase to the that has been at a very tough cost. seniors supplement.” It is the least that a government could do to create the People have been calling for continued investments. I stability, the investment and the solidity of the constancy believe — I’ll look to the minister for this — the previ- of fow of government investments — the dollars fowing ous government invested an extra $100 over 16 years. A so that teachers can continue to do their work, so that $100 increase in total. So this is what is new now. Tis is Nanaimo General Hospital can continue to operate and a permanent $175-a-month increase, the third increase save lives and keep people safe. in rates since this government frst formed responsibility Te imperative in this year, as has been the common in July 2017. practice in this Legislature, is that you pass an interim sup- We had already increased income assistance and dis- ply bill so that you have the time to do the budget devel- ability assistance rates by $100 per month in September opment, the transparency, the debate in the House, and 2017 and $50 per month in April 2019. Ten, during the the work in the lower houses, which is usually happen- pandemic, increased by a temporary supplement of $300 ing parallel to this chamber, where cabinet ministers come, a month, provided from April to December. Ten a sometimes for weeks on end, to answer questions from the $150-per-month recovery supplement, January until now, opposition and defend their program spending. as well as the $1,000 one-time beneft. [4:15 p.m.] Tat doesn’t even touch on the child opportunity beneft Tis process is all about transparency. And this bill that announced in the budget a year ago and implemented I speak in favour of today, Bill 10, the interim supply legis- this fall where families with one child get $1,600 a year, lation, is to support the continued fow of government families with two children get $2,600 a year and families funds, taxpayers’ funds into the services that support Brit- with three children get $3,400 a year. Lifing people out of ish Columbians. It is for the purpose of transparency that poverty and then watching the benefts that fow from that. this legislation is tabled. People that are now able to participate more fully in their Honestly, to hear from the opposition that they are now own local economy. Local business benefts from that. We concerned about transparency…. I was watching the all do better when we lif everybody up. former B.C. Liberal government for 16 years that more Last week the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and ofen than not decided, “We don’t need a fall legislative Innovation announced the extension of the small and session. It’s fne. We’ll just do our own work without any medium-sized business grants until August 31 and adjus- view of the public into operations of government” — ted the requirement for business to demonstrate revenue without any feeling that there had to be legislation passed loss. It used to be 70 percent. It’s now 30 percent. I know in or tabled or presented. Nanaimo, the chamber of commerce has been calling for Again and again, this Legislature, under the member reform on this area, and I’m very encouraged that the min- that just spoke before me, under his party’s government, ister has responded — and the very hard work of the pub- sometimes sat for 30 or 35 days a year. Even in the course lic service to get that out the door. of a pandemic, when so many people had to stay home and [4:20 p.m.] this place had to completely modify its operations, collect- Just last week a new urgent primary care centre in ively, all parties have agreed here now to do their work in Penticton, which is particularly focused on mental view of the public. Tat is what we are doing. Tat is what health and addictions. Tis is going to be the frst long- this Bill 10 is in aid of — to be able to allow that time for term primary care service initially for people with men- tal health and addictions, then adding on, as the centre 794 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 is fully implemented, more primary care support as well. Advanced Education announce new training for com- Tis is the 23rd urgent primary care centre announced munity mental health workers in a number of locations in British Columbia and the 20th to open — again, a way in British Columbia, particularly the Nicola Valley Insti- that we are continuing to keep investments fowing to tute of Technology in Burnaby and also Vancouver British Columbians. Island University in Nanaimo — training up those com- Te month previous: 100 new publicly funded addiction munity mental health workers. treatment and recovery beds, and 46 of those are new We need more people on the front line. We recognize spaces in existing treatment and recovery options. To be people, particularly from the non-proft sector, that have able to get these into place, and available to people of really been holding together the addictions and recovery all income levels immediately, these have been converted sector. Te people on the front line have been working from private-pay — which used to be, traditionally, avail- hard, unsupported, for many, many years. We’ve been try- able just to the people with the very highest incomes. Now ing to bring more support to them in the last couple of this is for the people in between — publicly funded beds. years. We recognize that there’s more to do. Te pandemic Ten the balance of the 100 beds are brand-new. has challenged all of their operations. I’m particularly I’m very encouraged that, I think, almost 20 of them are encouraged when I’m able to let people that are working in Nanaimo. I’m grateful to the John Howard Society and so hard on the front line know that there are new young Edgewood, both, for stepping up to that open grant. Tis trainees that are coming forward into the feld and are will- grant opened last summer, but the money has only just ing to step up and do the work. fowed right now. Also, just in the last couple of months [4:25 p.m.] — again, transparency about how we’re spending to invest Tere is more to come. Tere is much more to do. Te in British Columbians and make a diference where it’s budget process that will unfold just next month will, as needed most, particularly because of the increased pres- always, be something that is open to full transparency, sures resulting from the pandemic — 53 grant applications extended debate in this House and in committee. Anybody came in for people that were looking for increased support sitting at home who has got any spare time can watch all to be able to operate treatment and recovery homes. of the feed, either on television or on the B.C. Legislature’s Tese are operators that were particularly challenged by website. Everything is available to you. Nothing is happen- social distancing requirements of the pandemic. Tey had ing on the budget in this House and how it gets processed to bring their facilities down to half-capacity. Tey are now without all eyes being able to be on it. able to expand. Tat’s a $2 million investment, supported To be able to bring the investments that businesses, by all members in this House. I’m very grateful for that. It’s people in the social sector, people living in long-term care, making a diference in people’s lives. the workers supporting students and people in the health Also focused on children and youth, strengthened men- care sector…. All of that requires the support of a contin- tal health and substance use services were funded through ued budget, the solidity and constancy of support. community gaming grant programs. Tese are new pro- Tat is what our budget to come is in aid of, and for jects in Vancouver, Williams Lake, Duncan and Kelowna right now, this is what Bill 10, the interim supply act, is in — and one of the organizations that I’ve loved meeting, in aid of. Despite the objections of the members on the oth- Nanaimo, the Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation. Tey er side of the aisle, I will be voting in favour, and I’m very just do fantastic work, working with young people to get grateful and encouraged by the work of the Finance Min- them out into wilderness experiences. ister to bring us to this point, where we can do our work Although this is not part of government funding, I’m for British Columbians in full view of the public. very grateful to organizations, like Mountain Equipment Co-op and others, who donate down jackets, sleeping bags M. Lee: I rise today to speak against this Bill 10. and things so that young people can get out, particularly I heard earlier the MLA for Chilliwack talk about how Indigenous youth getting out on the land and teaching “tender” members of this side of the House were, around their peers about the benefts to mental health of travelling certain comments that were being made by the members and living in the wilderness. Tey’re very encouraging on the government bench. He went on to talk about the stories that these young people bring back. last election and how democracy works. He said words to We’ve also been able, with the support of the taxpayer, to the efect that members on that side of the House were expand — for people living in rural, remote and Indigen- elected. Tey came forward, and they brought forward ous communities — almost $1.5 million to support over- many diferent things. Tey brought forward the election dose response and awareness in communities across Brit- vote-buying mechanism in December, $2 billion of ish Columbia, a particularly challenging area where travel expenditure. Tey brought forward the supply bill, a blank may be an impediment to accessing treatment and recov- cheque. Te member for Chilliwack asserted that voters ery services. Tis funding is helping to overcome that. voted. Tat’s what they’re getting. Also, in training up that next wave of workers, I’m I think the member is forgetting, of course, the 28 mem- very encouraged to see my colleague the Minister of bers on this side of the House and the two members from Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 795 the Green Party, or the Tird Party. We each have a did we got here, we go back to just a year ago in this House, responsibility to British Columbians and our constituents on this foor. Te Premier, the Leader of the Ofcial Oppo- to hold the government accountable. sition, and the Leader of the Tird Party took the oppor- What does that mean? We know that budgets and tunity to acknowledge all of the deaths, all of the toll that throne speeches set out the priorities of the government. COVID-19 has taken on our province — over a year ago. We go through this on an annual basis. Tere needs to Today we’re about 51 weeks away from when there was be transparency and accountability in what we do. For the a special sitting in this Legislative Assembly. Tere was a member for Chilliwack to suggest that it doesn’t matter special approval, by unanimous resolution of the House, what the members on this side of the House think and that for $5 billion in COVID aid. Under those circumstances, it doesn’t matter that we’re provided with a throne speech, there were no real details either. But that was perhaps the budget, to have the opportunity to go through estim- understandable in the sense that we were in an emergency ates, ministry by ministry…. Tat doesn’t matter? situation. I appreciate that we’re still in that emergency situation, [N. Letnick in the chair.] but that was over a year ago. Te government had the opportunity, of course, with the approval of the House, to I think it’s insulting. He purports to lecture us on what look at what was to be a forecasted expenditure of $2.8 democracy is. I hear some clapping from the other side of billion for general relief for British Columbians and $2.2 the House. Well, let me say, though, this is what we’re here billion for businesses. Te actual spending would amount to do. Tis is the reason why we need the tools, the trans- to $3.1 billion for British Columbians and $1.9 billion for parency in order to do it. businesses. In August 2020, this government came back to this House to delay the provincial budget from February to Interjection. March — if an election was triggered in the fall, in efect. [4:35 p.m.] M. Lee: Okay. Well, I appreciate that I’m getting teased. Te then Finance Minister said that these changes will Tat’s fne. Tat’s par for the course here. It is, certainly. “allow sufcient time for due diligence to be done by the But you know, this is not just fun and games, of course. good public servants who work for all of us in British Col- Tis is not just fun and games. umbia.” I know how hard it’s been for all our public ser- [4:30 p.m.] vants to get through this pandemic. And as we’ve heard We are here to demonstrate and take on a responsibility time and time again, they’re expending tremendous efort and to perform it to the best of our abilities. We can’t do to navigate what has been a very uncertain time. that if what this government is presenting is nothing, no We have a role to play here. We have a responsibility. details. In fact, the way out of the requirements under the Again, there was an approval given. It was thought reason- Financial Administration Act is to rely on last year’s estim- able to extend. But there’s a limit. Tere’s a limit. ates. Last year’s estimates, the government acknowledges, When we are talking about such a signifcant expendit- are out of date. ure of the province’s resources — resources, as I know, So much has changed — we know that — under the that the member for Kelowna West spent a considerable challenge, under COVID-19 and the pandemic. But it’s amount going through…. We know, over the last 3½ years, more than just where this government issues its next press the amount of taxes and further tax burden that this gov- release for a funding announcement. It’s about: how are we ernment has raised before COVID. Now, of course, under going to rebuild this province? COVID, further expenditures to help the province I appreciate that we need to ensure that all British Col- through this time. But we ought to be having this debate, umbians are healthy and safe. And we do owe a debt of this discussion, about exactly what the government’s plans gratitude to all our health professional leadership of our are that we haven’t seen. province, and our front-line workers, who are making so We haven’t seen the kind of economic recovery plan many sacrifces to ensure that that’s the case. But we owe from this government that we ought to be. Where do we them this. We owe them the leadership of this House to see that? Well, we expect to see it further in the throne ensure that there is a path forward for recovery. And speech or in their budget, but we’re not seeing it now. recovery is not just economic; it’s all linked together. We’re being asked to approve a supply bill in the absence Tere are decisions and priorities that are refected in a of that detail, in the absence of those priority choices that budget, in a throne speech and in the estimates process. So we know every government needs to be making and with when we’re being asked to approve a supply bill for $12 bil- the scrutiny of every member of this House. lion without telling British Columbians how they’re going We know that on the eve of the snap election, on to spend the money, that’s a real challenge. We haven’t September 17, 2020…. One week before the election, we been provided with a budget, a quarterly report or even an saw this government continue to crank up news release up-to-date report on the government’s fnancial position. afer news release, government announcement afer gov- We know that when we think about and consider how ernment announcement of spending. I remember recall- 796 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 ing 30 diferent announcements and press releases going ish Columbians. British Columbians are tired of the divis- out from this government on a Sunday. Just cranking it ive nature of this government. Tey’re tired of that. out. Why is it that when we’re looking at supports for those Of course, of the supposed $2.2 billion in funds for busi- who have invested their time and energy to build a busi- nesses, we saw $1.5 billion in recovery spending being held ness, to employ British Columbians in our communities, in reserve until this government launched a so-called plan the government is not there when they really need it? We to help this province. Tis was the pre-election platform had to look at shutting down certain parts of our eco- for this NDP government’s snap election call, which they nomy and the way we do business because of the pan- launched on September 21. We know that John Horgan, demic. Tat was understandable. What’s not understand- the Premier of this province, when he stood in front of the able is this government leaving those business owners and cameras, said: “You know, I’m still thinking about an elec- employers out on a lurch, sitting on this money, making tion. I haven’t made a decision.” it so difcult to access those funds when those funds had Well, the Premier made his decision, and we all paid the been earmarked, set aside, for deployment over a year ago. price, because what happened is that this government took Tat is inexcusable. its eye of the ball. It took its eye of the ball and put gov- It does raise the question of trust. If this government ernment, ourselves, into a snap election. We lost at least a can’t even get the $300 million in promised funds out the critical 60 days in transition, in the middle of a pandemic. door to businesses in need, how can we expect and rely on this government to spend $13.4 billion? We know that Interjection. this government has continued to be delayed in the way that they’re operating. As I mentioned, they continue to M. Lee: It’s not wrong. It’s the fact. Te fact of the matter delay the budget by months and they leave British Colum- is that for 60 days, this government — every single mem- bians without additional relief as the pandemic continues ber on that side of the House and this side of the House — to carry on. We need a government that is open, honest was thrust into a campaign in a pandemic, at a time where and accountable to this House, not one that continues to we should have continued to focus on the priority plan- hide behind additional delays. ning of this government, not delaying further accountabil- [4:45 p.m.] ity, not extending the responsibility of this government to Tis is where, when we look at who is involved with put forward a budget. this government, we look at their history and their past, [4:40 p.m.] not necessarily as a government but as individuals. We are still paying that price today. We’ve seen, in Tere’s a lot about trust in this House in terms of who December of 2020, this government further delay the we can trust and who has the kind of integrity to be the budget, from March to the end of April 2021, by legislation leadership of this province. When we look at the his- and expand the special warrant authority for the period tory of the current Premier, his chief of staf, the Health lasting from the end of the fscal year to 15 days past the Minister…. As many members on this side of the House tabling of the 2021 main estimates. have talked about, they were all around for the notorious We came back in the session in December, at a time fudge-it budget of the 1990s. where the government was basically saying: “We need more time.” Again this Legislative Assembly, despite the Interjection. protestations from the members on this side of the House, extended that time. When will this stop? When will this M. Lee: Well, it’s relevant directly to what this govern- government accept responsibility, not call a snap election ment is bringing forward, because of course, we are being in the middle of a pandemic for its own political gain? asked to approve a supply bill with no details, based on British Columbians continue to pay the price for the lack estimates from last year, just so the same people that were of a plan, a lack of leadership from this government. involved in the ’90s can fudge all the numbers, because we Of course, we’ve seen what that has meant. We’ve seen can’t hold the same individuals accountable for what they the continued challenges with this government, in terms purport to plan to do. of meeting its requirements. I will say that when the NDP It is not good enough for members on that side of the government did announce the small and medium-sized House to stand up in this House and just announce release business recovery grant, that support was delayed in get- afer release afer release. Tat’s not good enough. We need ting out to British Columbians because of the election. a budget. We need a throne speech. We need to go through In the more than six months since it was announced in the estimates process. And then we go through the supply September of 2020, and nearly a year afer it was approved bill. Tat’s the sequence. Tere’s a reason for that. How else in March of 2020, the government has only been able to can members on this side of the House hold the govern- get out $55 million, out of the $300 million set aside, to ment accountable if we don’t have that? businesses in real need. Tis is at a time where businesses We know that at that time, we had an NDP Premier continue to struggle, businesses that employ people, Brit- who resigned in disgrace. We saw a scandal that saw the Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 797

NDP raid his house while our current Premier’s chief of lion in capital and $300 million in income was transferred staf looked on, a time when the current Minister of Health from the optional side of ICBC to the basic side of ICBC, was forced to resign from his job in the Premier’s ofce for all in an efort to keep rates as afordable as possible for backdating a memo. Tat same time saw a fudge-it budget, drivers. Members on the government bench continue to with the same Premier claiming that the budget was bal- make their irresponsible statements to the contrary, while anced before the election, then surprised everyone with at the same time their cabinet colleagues, this NDP gov- the fact that it wasn’t, afer the votes were counted. ernment, continues to dismantle the safeguards that the You know, this is the same kind of repeated pattern previous B.C. Liberal government brought in to ensure that we’re seeing from this government. Tey have taken transparency. advantage, at least from a fscal point of view, of our cir- Tis is what concerns me. Many would say, as the saying cumstances. We need to have a path through this as a goes: “Never waste a good crisis.” Tis government cer- province. Again, job one is dealing with the health emer- tainly is not doing that. Tat’s the reason why they seized, gency. We all understand that. But we have to have a way through the Premier’s own decision, to call an election in through this. Tis government is responsible for leading us the middle of a pandemic. through that, because they were elected to do that, as the Last week in this House we were asking questions of the member for Chilliwack would say. But we have a respons- government, about the government’s own planning for this ibility to hold this government accountable, and this gov- critical vaccination rollout. Tat is just another example ernment is hiding their plan from us. of the lack of planning and understanding by this gov- Tis is our concern. Tey are efectively circumventing ernment. Tey are scrambling. Tey’re scrambling to do all of the previous discipline and measures that we’ve what they had time to do, to plan out that vaccination rol- brought forward, that the previous B.C. Liberal govern- lout, to have an integrated online call-in system like other ments have brought forward in the past: balanced-budget provinces in this country. Day afer day this government legislation, fxed budget dates, the use of the Economic continues to demonstrate its lack of competence, its lack of Forecast Council. All steps that made British Columbia leadership. All it wants is an extension. the leader in Canada for sound, transparent fscal manage- British Columbians cannot continue to wait. We cannot ment and measures that were put in place to correct the continue to wait on this government to demonstrate the mistakes of the previous NDP government. kind of leadership we need in this province. I appreciate that in the last election this government received more Interjection. votes as a party than this side of the House.

M. Lee: It may be dismissed by the member across the Hon. L. Beare: I hear a “but” coming. way, but it’s that cavalier dismissal that really concerns me. Tis is the time for this province. It’s such a critical M. Lee: As the member across the way anticipates, yes, time. We all understand that. But it goes beyond the kind there is a “but.” Te fact of the matter is, it was done on the of mere partisanship that we continue to see from other basis of ensuring that we have a government that can be members on the other side of the House. held accountable, that can be responsible in the way that it governs. Interjection. Te way that this government continues to bumble in the afermath of that election clearly demonstrates that M. Lee: Well, you keep talking, and I’ll continue to fn- when the Premier took his eye of the ball and thrust the ish my comments here. entire province into an election, we lost time. We lost crit- Te point is…. Tis is a time where we all have to come ical time that could have been utilized to plan out the together, but we have to come together to understand budget, the fnancial afairs of this province. exactly where we stand fnancially and what the fnancial I appreciate that it’s dynamic. It’s a dynamic environ- priorities of this government are. And in the absence of ment that we’re living in. But every other government in that, I don’t see how we can approve this Bill 10. It is inap- this world seems to be able to manage. Why is that import- propriate to be doing this. ant? Because last summer when we were debating the [4:50 p.m.] Emergency Program Act with the Minister of Public Safety We know that for those sides of the House to be making and Solicitor General of this province, we know that there comments and accusations about the previous govern- were appropriate safeguards around any government that ment, including revenue transfer policies with ICBC, operates in an emergency time. Tese same safeguards knowing that those are irresponsible statements…. for fnancial transparency and accountability apply to this Te facts are this. Between 2012 and 2016, a total of government regardless of which party is in power. $514 million was transferred from ICBC to government [4:55 p.m.] to support critical government services such as health care Tey ought to apply. When we see a government ignore and education. Between 2012 and 2016, a total of $1.5 bil- and dismiss and vary from that, it should cause British 798 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Columbians real concern. Because afer all, we need to budget, provided by government, to which we could actu- ensure that there is trust and confdence in a government. ally undertake a comprehensive review in order to hold Tere isn’t any in this one, when a government continues government to account. to delay and delay. We have seen this story before. My colleagues have As I’ve said in this House, as well, in the last comment mentioned that, if we go back to the previous administra- that I can make here, as we look at the importance of tion, back in the 1990s, we saw what happened under the our transportation networks around the province and our NDP government: large on spending, low and very lax on infrastructure build, we need a government that sees the economic growth of the province. importance of maintaining those transportation networks During the 1990s, British Columbia went from being as being safe, efcient and reliable. We need to ensure No. 1 in Canada for economic growth to No. 10, the frst that people can travel safely around this province during time in the history of this province that we actually.… this time. But we also need to ensure that those networks, British Columbia, with all of the wealth of resources and whether they’re local airport authorities, bus companies, a skilled workforce, under the previous NDP adminis- regional airlines, rail, trucking, taxis, taxi services…. We tration in the ’90s, became a have-not province. Now, need to ensure that people will still have those transporta- that’s ofensive. tion networks for the progress of our economy. [5:00 p.m.] We know there are opportunities now to continue to We certainly have other reasons to be concerned. We invest in our infrastructure for this province to ensure that saw unemployment. We were actually the lowest-perform- we’ll have a strong economic recovery coming out. Tese ing province in government during the ’90s for job cre- are the kinds of priorities that we need to see from this ation — again, going from No. 1 to No. 10. So on both any government — and what the funds, the taxpayer dollars, of fscal matrix as well as job numbers, the previous admin- our province are being utilized on. Tis is the kind of for- istration absolutely failed this province. We saw folks leav- ward thinking that we are not seeing with this supply bill, ing this province in record numbers, and that really put a because we’re seeing nothing. dampening on the economy here in British Columbia. When the B.C. Liberals actually formed government G. Kyllo: It is certainly my pleasure to speak today to back in 2001, I think it’s important to note that the NDP Bill 10, Supply Act. were absolutely booted from power. We may recall that out Tis is a very unfortunate situation that we’re in, where of 79 seats, the NDP only held on to two seats. Now, think we’re debating a $13.4 billion spending bill without the about that for a second. What kind of message did British presentation of a budget. I think that any of us, either at Columbians send the previous administration? home or those of us that may have business experience, We certainly thought, when they came to power in would certainly never operate our businesses or conduct 2017, only with the support of the Green Party mem- our family households in this manner. Yet this is the man- bers…. For those who may be listening at home, just as a ner in which this current government has chosen to actu- bit of a reminder, in 2017, the B.C. Liberals won 43 seats. ally operate. Te NDP secured 41 seats, and the Green Party had It was interesting. Just as my colleague was previously three. So despite the B.C. Liberals winning the plurality speaking, I pulled out, actually, Budget 2019 — a bit of a of the vote and also securing more seats in the province, slide deck that we had put together that looked at some through a deal undertaken and now known as the con- of the signifcant tax increases that were presented in this fdence and supply agreement, the NDP were able to Legislature last year. To think that here we are, well over a entice the Greens to join them, giving them the 41 plus year since the last budget was presented, and this is largely three, which gave them 44 seats out of 87, providing the only document that we have in which to hold this gov- them the majority government. ernment to account. Boy, when you talk about a government that can’t be As you know, the job and role of ofcial opposition is trusted, we only have to look as far as the current Premier to provide scrutiny of government. Te government of the of this province. Te only reason that the leader of the day has signifcant revenues — an entire department called NDP party became Premier and took power in this government communications and provincial engagement, province was through the support of the Green Party with tens of millions of dollars they spend annually on members. But at the frst opportunity, when the now lead- professing all of the wondrous things that the government er of the Green Party was only newly minted as a new lead- is providing. er and needed a year in order to raise funds to get ready It is largely put on the opposition members, myself and for the next election…. my colleagues, with a very limited and extremely slim Just to remind members, the fxed election date was for budget, to try and actually hold this current government October 16 of 2021. Although there was much musing to account. In order for us to be efective and to actually about the potential of an election, the Premier continued achieve that goal and objective, there is a requirement and to express to British Columbians that he was not looking a reliance on the opposition party to actually to have a to call an election. But what did we see happen? He actu- Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 799 ally dropped the writ in September of this past year, tear- those funds would be made available and put into the ing up the confdence and supply agreement and, basically, hands of British Columbians that were sufering and strug- taking out the poor Green Party at the knees. gling in order to help them keep their lights on and get Again, the only reason they formed government was through this last year. with the support of the Green Party. It was a real disservice What did government do? Well, the one thing that we and a travesty, in my mind, when the current government do know is that the Premier actually appointed and anoin- put their own political interests ahead of the health and ted himself as the chair of the COVID Economic Recovery well-being of British Columbians by calling an election in Task Force. It took them fve months of meetings before the middle of a pandemic. they fnally came forward with an economic recovery plan, As we think of some of the negative consequences of a manner in which they would actually provide economic that election and what it actually caused as far as hardship, relief for small businesses. part of it is what the government is now relying on as I believe that that announcement actually came out on the reasons for postponing the budget. It’s largely attrib- a Friday. Lo and behold, guess what happened three days utable to the fact that they actually called a snap election. later, on a Monday. Well, that’s when the Premier decided So the current government breaks the legislation by calling that it was time to go back to the polls, calling a snap elec- an early election, basically contravenes the fxed election tion in the midst of a pandemic. Te funds did not roll out dates, and then turns around and uses their own eforts, into the hands of those businesses that were struggling and their own ill will in calling that fall election, as the reason looking for that very important lifeline. and justifcation for now not being able to provide a Tere are many concerns that we have. Te Premier budget for British Columbians. professed to British Columbians and to the media that the No apologies from our side with respect to the need and snap election would not hold back or defray the oppor- the necessity and the concerns we have of raising some of tunity for those funds to fow into the hands of businesses, these very important concerns that I know many British yet nothing could have been further from the truth. We Columbians have. now are fully aware, over the course of the last number Looking at last year’s budget, because again, that is the of months, that by the time December rolled along, zero only thing that we have to actually rely on, having a look dollars had actually fowed into the hands of businesses, at some of the tax-and-spend eforts and initiatives of this rather than those necessary supports. I believe that as of current government…. last week, only about $50 million, of the $300 million fund, [5:05 p.m.] has actually fowed into the hands of struggling businesses. Back in 2019, when they presented their budget, the Ten there was yet further concern that, should those three-year fscal plan showed an increase in spending over funds not be allocated and expensed by the end of March, the three-year planning period, which allocated an addi- those funds may not be available for those businesses as tional tax increase of $1,100 per person in the province. they were initially promised. Again, we have a government Tat was extrapolated to be approximately $2,500 per fam- that seems to be operating, as much as possible, in secrecy. ily. It represented a 26 percent increase in spending over We have not seen the typical quarterly fscal updates that the life of government. And that was based on an anticip- a government, under normal situations, would actually be ated balanced budget last year. providing British Columbians. Even during the estimates We now know that the defcit for this last spending peri- process last year, we had many ministers that were very od is likely upwards of $15 billion. Tat’s $15,000 million. I hesitant and reluctant to provide any information. think, for many of us, when we hear billions and trillions, Just back to the tax-and-spend government and some it’s hard to kind of quantify what a signifcant amount of of the challenges we have. We know that in order for us money that is: a $15 billion defcit, the single largest defcit to have a signifcant economic recovery, we need to make in the history of our province. sure that businesses are competitive here in British Col- I think we can all appreciate that COVID-19 has caused umbia, yet nothing is further from the truth when it comes considerable concern and signifcant reductions in reven- to the eforts of this current government. We have seen a ue for government as well as a need for additional spend- new employer health tax that came through, which adds ing. As we saw last year in March, when the Legislature the equivalent or upwards of 2 percent of additional costs was convened on an emergency basis, there was support, right onto the backs of B.C. employers. Tat’s about $1.9 both by Green Party members as well as by the entire B.C. billion of additional new taxation that is now on the backs Liberal caucus, for a $5 billion spending plan to assist with of B.C. businesses, further reducing their opportunity to COVID recovery. be competitive in an increasingly global climate. We took, then, government at their word when govern- [5:10 p.m.] ment identifed and, certainly, conveyed to us that there We saw an increase in the corporate tax. Te provincial was $1.5 billion in funding that was going to be made portion of the corporate tax in British Columbia is now available, largely for economic recovery for small busi- 50 percent higher than it is in our neighbouring province nesses. Again, we took government at their word that of Alberta. Just think about that for a second: 50 percent 800 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 higher. In Alberta, the rate is 8 percent. In British Colum- number one in Canada for economic growth. It was num- bia, it is 12. ber one for job creation. Te NDP inherited a $2.7 billion If you’re a business looking at setting up shop…. Te surplus. You compare that to the $5.4 billion structural province is actually looking at trying to attract large cor- defcit that was lef by the NDP at the end of their tenure porations. We are doing a very disservice to the oppor- back in the 1990s when they were booted from govern- tunities of B.C. businesses to attract that necessary and ment, only retaining two of 79 seats. Again, I think that important capital that’s associated with those businesses by members watching from home can understand some of having a tax policy framework that is out of step with oth- our concerns and hesitancy with just automatically rubber er jurisdictions with which we compete. stamping this Supply Act, 2021. Nineteen new or increased taxes. And this was as of Now, the legislation that’s before this House actually last year in 2019. We can add to this list now. I believe contains a workaround from the fnancial rules in the Fin- it’s now up to 21. I mentioned the employer health tax. ancial Administration Act. We also have the Airbnb taxes, additional school taxes, [5:15 p.m.] speculation tax, photo radar, cannabis taxes, ICBC unlis- Tis is something that the NDP are legally supposed to ted driver premiums, ICBC learner premiums, B.C. Hydro present — a budget frst before actually undertaking this crisis fund and ride-sharing trip charges. We’ve seen work. But as we see, that is not the case. increases in both income tax, foreign buyers tax, corporate Now, I could certainly go on at length about the budget- income tax, carbon tax, parking sales tax, Vancouver and ing process. But I think that when we look at character Victoria gas taxes, development cost charges, luxury and some of the actions of the previous administration, it’s vehicle tax, tobacco tax, PTT surcharges and TransLink worthwhile…. I know many of my members have men- property tax. Te list goes on. tioned this, but it’s certainly important for me also to go on We need to make sure that this province remains com- the record of just reminding British Columbians of some petitive with other jurisdictions, and we are going in the of the challenges that the current NDP government had. opposite direction. When we have a look at the oppor- You know, I’ve mentioned the fudge-it budget era. Tere tunity for economic recovery, economic recovery does not was also the B.C. fast ferries scandal, which diverted tens, come from increased taxes and by continuing putting if not hundreds, of millions of dollars into the construc- more tax burden on the backs of British Columbians. Te tion of fast ferries that were non-functional and actually way for prosperity in this province is to have a competitive had to be sold of at cents on the dollar. tax structure to be supportive for new investment capital, Ten we also had Bingogate. Bingogate was, again, an to make eforts to reduce red tape and to actually be invit- undertaking of members of the then NDP administration. ing to other businesses that might otherwise be looking for David Stupich is one. For any members watching at home, other jurisdictions in which to invest. you might want to just google that number. Mr. Stupich As we look at this budget, with a $13.4 billion defcit pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and one count of run- that’s actually based on a budget that’s over a year old, ning illegal gaming schemes. I’m reading this. Tis is a it’s ofensive. Tere is not a corporation on this planet report by CBC: “Stupich, who was once an NDP Finance that would actually suggest that this is an appropriate way Minister, faced 64 charges.” Now, many of those charges of doing business. So why should we as members of the were stayed in exchange for two guilty pleas. Not one but Legislature, with the sole responsibility of holding govern- two guilty pleas. ment to account, somehow acquiesce and just accept what Te article goes on to say that “for almost 20 years, this government is actually trying to do? Stupich’s Nanaimo Commonwealth Holding Society ran Te last time the government actually spent public lotteries it said were for charity, but later funnelled the funds without a proper budget…. Guess when? It certainly proceeds to a B.C. newspaper. Te wasn’t under a B.C. Liberal administration. No, it was in scandal helped bring about the resignation of then Premi- the 1990s under the previous NDP government. Tat was er ,” even though, apparently, he wasn’t dir- the era of the fudge-it budget. I believe that when the B.C. ectly involved in it. Tey certainly weren’t able to tie him Liberals fnally got into government in 2001 and checked to it. It just goes on to say: “It’s not known when Stupich under the hood and actually had a look at where the fn- will be sentenced” — this is a bit of an older article — “or ances of the province were, there was a $5.4 billion struc- if he will even be going to prison.” tural defcit. Tat’s what was inherited by the B.C. Liberals Very concerning. Apparently, $115,000 initially was set when they took power from the NDP government — a far aside in a trust account to return to charities within the cry and very diferent from the fnancial picture and the region. It was the intention for those moneys to be dis- health of British Columbia when the NDP actually formed bursed to Nanaimo-area charities. government with their Green partners back in 2017. Now, if I look about the potential of…. Not the poten- For members listening at home, for constituents listen- tial. Tere’s not a whole lot of potential with a specifc ing around the province, when the NDP came in, in 2017 budget. But if I look to my own home riding, Shuswap…. — a very diferent fscal picture. British Columbia was I’m very blessed to be the MLA for Shuswap. It’s now Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 801 my third term. I certainly appreciate the opportunity H. Yao: My frst opportunity to speak and address the to represent the hard-working men and women of the House. I rise to talk about Bill 10, the interim supply bill. Shuswap. But what we have seen in the Shuswap over Before I continue, I do want to acknowledge that Rich- this last year…. mond South Centre, which is the riding I represent, is Shuswap is very dependent on the tourism sector. We actually part of the Musqueam and Coast Salish unceded know that the tourism sector has been hardest hit of and traditional territory. I thank them for allowing us to almost any other sector in the province. I’ve had con- live, work and play in the territory. stituents both phone and come into the ofce, over the Before I continue, I do want to emphasize the fact that course of last summer, absolutely devastated. For many we are talking about an interim supply bill. A supply bill is small business owners, not only has their business income designed to actually match the gap between the previous been devastated, but they’ve also lost all of their personal year and the frst of the year, due to the budgeting process. income. Many people are talking about real-life scenarios. So I’m For many small mom-and-pop shops, it was always going to give a real-life scenario. If I’m sitting on the board the intention for many of them that they’d continue to of directors for a non-proft organization and we agree invest in their small business with the anticipation of to postpone the AGM for one month due to unforeseen one day selling that small business and it then providing circumstances, as a board of directors, we will not turn them their retirement income. But what has happened around and then demand to see that one-month budget with the loss of business income, the loss of personal from the executive director to present to the board of dir- income and the potential for many of these businesses ectors. Tat would be far more unnecessarily taxing for the actually going underwater is that not only have they non-proft sector. lost their business income and their personal income, We’re going to look at the government right now. We but any hope for any retirement income is largely being do have an interim supply bill. It is designed to refect thrown out the window. the previous year, the 2020-2021 budget, as we are match- I think we can all appreciate that government funding ing an April 2021 budgeting process, which was previously initiatives to help to support businesses are important. already approved. However, they’re of no value — absolutely no value — I have heard many individuals from the other side talk- until such time as the money actually fows into those ing about facile discussions about leadership, about what hard-working men and women and those small busi- we can do with the budget and transparency. Many of nesses. Identifying a funding program and putting the them actually mentioned that we could spend the money necessary funds within it doesn’t beneft anybody. It is only on wildlife or on health care. of beneft when the money comes out the door. As a government representative, I do want to emphasize [5:20 p.m.] one important point. Tis is to sustain the current existing As we’ve seen with the $300 million COVID restart government to move forward for one month. Tis is not funding program, it’s been an absolute failure. Here we are, talking about how we can take $13 billion and spend it over a year since the anniversary of the pandemic, and the somewhere else. Tis is how we can keep the government majority of the funds that were established and approved operational. by all parties of this House last year, back in March, are still Our goal is to move forward and be ready for the April not out the door. 2021 budget process. As a government, we are dedicated to Certainly many concerns around the lack of transpar- ensuring that we work with the opposition and work with ency, as I mentioned. No fscal updates. Typically, gov- our government to prepare for economic recovery. ernment would, under normal situations, actually provide I heard many people on the other side of the aisle talk- quarterly updates. We have not seen any quarterly updates. ing about educating us about the democratic process. So So government is really looking and asking for British Col- let me further the education process. Tey talked about a umbians, on faith, to approve Supply Act (No. 1), 2021, Bill 2020 snap election, about how that has thrown everything 10. I certainly have extreme challenges with actually doing of the track. that. I do want to emphasize…. Tere’s a major shif in British I’m certainly looking forward to listening, with interest, Columbia’s preference, which was demonstrated by the as my colleagues make further comments and, more spe- voter turnout, which was demonstrated by the voter sup- cifcally, as we actually get into the committee stage of Bill port of putting 57 B.C. NDP MLAs in this House. Tere is 10 and to having an opportunity to dissect and make fur- a need and there is a will in British Columbia for a change ther inquiries more specifcally with respect to the difer- in course of action for our government, for our province, ent sections of Bill 10 and how they are going to impact for our future. British Columbians. We’re talking about economic recovery. We’re looking at With that, I will take my seat. Tank you, Mr. Speaker, 99.4 percent, almost pre-pandemic times. We actually have for this opportunity. a job rate that is returning back. People are getting back 802 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 to work. Te economy is recovering slowly back from this ity and the ability to prepare for a comprehensive eco- situation. nomic plan coming out in April. I also want to talk a bit more about small and medium- I just wanted to go back to square one. We want to talk sized business growth, which the others have mentioned about this interim supply bill. It is, again, creating reas- many times. Tey’re ofen talking about $300 million. “Just surance for the public service to continue to work and roll it out. Just roll it out.” Yet they keep on talking about to serve. It is not talking about how we can spend the accountability and transparency. Our government is hav- money for wildlife. It is not talking about how we can ing a process to ensure the money is given to the small and spend money on other projects. It is giving the govern- medium-sized businesses that need it the most and will ment the ability to continue for one more month so we can continue the process. prepare a comprehensive bill for April 2021. Te current [5:25 p.m.] interim bill is refective of our 2020-21 budget. We encour- I know the minister who is part of the economic job age the opposite party to actually take a quick look at that. recovery has done a fabulous job in ensuring that we con- I rise today. I’m making my speech very short, but I tinue to maintain good communication with everybody, do want to emphasize the simple fact that the B.C. NDP with British Columbia’s small and medium-sized busi- has demonstrated leadership, step by step, throughout nesses and businesses in tourism, and to continuously this process. We are looking at a 99.4 percent job recov- adapt and become agile in how we can continue to support ery rate to the pre-pandemic. We are looking at small their recovery. and medium-sized business grants that are going out. I also want to talk about…. We are talking about extend- We are putting actual money, according to the member ing the budget for one month through this interim supply opposite, into hard-working British Columbian men and bill to ensure that health care can continue, to ensure that women, in their pockets, through the COVID-19 eco- teachers can continue to work, to ensure that whoever in nomic recovery grant. the public service sector — who are doing great work, I will just say that I fully support our interim supply especially during this challenging pandemic time, and bill. I would encourage the opposition to join us to con- who continue to put themselves at risk to serve British tinue our government moving forward in support of Columbians — can continue to work without a fear of put- British Columbians. ting their jobs at risk. One last note. I do know that some members opposite We also want to talk about leadership. We’re talking mentioned the COVID-19 beneft. I do know my ofce about a vaccine rollout. Many people only mentioned what has done quite a successful job of getting people the happened on Monday, but I do want to mention what is COVID-19 beneft. We encourage constituents or even happening this week. We are actually ahead of schedule the members opposite…. We would love to fnd a way to now. British Columbians are talking about economic help you and help your constituents get the proper bene- recovery, and everyone is truly betting their success on ft accordingly. people’s lives returning to normal. Te only thing that is a really key factor for that is the vaccination rollout. Te Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Member, for your frst B.C. NDP government is rolling out now ahead of sched- speech in the House. ule. Tat’s demonstrating leadership. Recognizing the member for Abbotsford South. Te B.C. Liberals in the House are also talking, during this bill discussion, about a $2.7 billion surplus that was B. Banman: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is lef behind for the B.C. NDP government and the Green indeed a pleasure for me to continue the debate on this Party. I want to turn around and ask them a question. How supply act. Tis is the frst debate that I have had with come our health care wasn’t invested in enough to keep regards to a budget. up with the pandemic today? How come Richmond Hos- I’ve thought long and hard about this particular budget. pital is still not there? For 16 years, there was no discus- It’s been my understanding that usually these supply acts sion about Richmond Hospital, except a bunch of press pass relatively quickly. Tere’s not a lot of debate. releases. We are talking about a $2.7 billion surplus, yet [5:30 p.m.] students in Richmond were still, back then, studying in As was mentioned, they allow the government to con- schools that were not seismically safe. tinue to function and take care of those necessary items Te B.C. government understood we are in a unique that need to be done. It’s the usual operation of business time. We’re in a challenging time at this point. We have at times. But let’s face it. Te times that we live in — 57 MLAs on this side working hard for British Colum- nothing about them is usual or ordinary. We are living bians, in partnership with the opposition and in part- in extraordinarily unusual times. Over the past years, we nership with the Tird Party, to ensure that we come have seen a pandemic that has rocked the world. It has out with a successful and a strong economic recovery changed the lives of many people. Tere have been many plan. Tis interim supply bill will give us the opportun- people that, sadly, are not with us now, that would have Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 803 been most likely with us had it not been for this pandemic. able to plan an election. Surely they could have planned a Patterns have changed. budget. What has not changed are the patterns of this govern- Tey’ve asked for delay afer delay. Now here we are, ment, in my opinion. You know, when I ran to become expected to trust that the moneys that are supposed to be a member of my party — to put my name forward for spent will be spent appropriately. Yet we cannot see them the election — I anticipated that the agreement that had and debate them, as what happens in good democracy. been put in place by all of the parties, during one of the Section 1 legally deems last year’s estimates to be the most extraordinary times and challenges that the world estimates for 2021, thereby exempting the supply bill from has seen, would have been honoured. restrictions under section 23 of the Financial Administra- All of the members, as I watched…. Tere was co-oper- tion Act, which states: “A sum appropriated by a Supply ation, because the public needed us to be on the same Act must not be spent for any purpose other than those page. Te public needed more than ever for all of the described in the estimates of revenue and expenditure….” parties to do what was right by the citizens of British Col- Unfortunately, we cannot debate that right now. We’re umbia: to look afer them during a pandemic. What was being asked to blindly trust a government that broke its not required, in my opinion, was for someone to calculate word, broke its promise with regards to a fxed election the odds and use a pandemic to their own advantage. date. We’re supposed to now trust that same government, Tere are a lot of British Columbians, I think, that are and for me, that trust has been broken. Delaying budgets, waking up to that fact, and I don’t think they’ll be in any quarterly reports, and expanding the use of special war- hurry to forget that fact — that it’s pretty clear that the rants, which are only to be used in extraordinary times…. snap election was called sheerly because one side knew Te argument could be made that a pandemic is an they could win. In my opinion, it was not the right thing to extraordinary time. But really, they’re fnding ways to do during a pandemic. It’s not lost on me that shortly afer bypass transparency. the election…. And I believe that the day of the election Now, I’ve been in the province of British Columbia…. was safe, but people did get together and gather. Other than when I got my doctorate and I had to leave this province, I have lived in this province my entire life. I have [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] seen my fair share of governments come and go. But I also remember, for instance, when the frst NDP government, By calling this election, I believe that the infection rates when I was young, brought in ICBC. It brought in ICBC. were in part because people were gathering as they do dur- One of the hallmark reasons was to make insurance aford- ing an election to talk about policy, to talk about candid- able for younger drivers. Yet it’s no surprise that this same ates, to talk about the leaders, to talk about the election in government has now made it some of the most unaford- general. I believe that that is in part why our numbers went able insurance in all of the land. up. We did not need to put people at risk, in my opinion, I remember Bingogate. Te scandal that that was. I to hold an election. remember the fudge-it budgets of the ’90s. Here we are My point for that is that one of the things that is with some of the very same players that were involved in required is trust. How can you trust a government that that. Te current Premier was the chief of staf, and the put their own needs ahead of the needs of the people, the Health Minister — they were all around for those notori- citizens, during a pandemic? To me, that trust has been ous days back in the 1990s. I remember the Premier of the broken. day having to resign in disgrace. I remember watching the Afer that, during the middle of this, we’ve also news when the RCMP raided his house. I remember the watched while this government has quietly, gradually time when the current Minister of Health was forced to undone many of the safeguards the previous govern- resign from his job for backdating a memo. ment put in place to ensure transparency and respons- Te fudge-it budget saw a Premier claim the budget ibility around the budget in B.C. Transparency — you was balanced prior to the election and then was sur- know, good democracy requires sunlight. It requires lots prised that it wasn’t. No one was surprised afer the votes of sunlight. It requires that because it’s that sanitation. It were counted. brings things out into the light, away from the shadows, [5:40 p.m.] away from the back rooms. Here we are in a similar situation, where for many Brit- [5:35 p.m.] ish Columbians, myself.… Tat trust, for me, has been Part of what happens now is one side of the House, our broken in some way, has been removed to take a look at side of the House, holds to account the government. Tat’s what…. We’re actually wanting to throw our hands up, what opposition does. What’s being asked of us is that and we’re not talking about small potatoes. We’re talking we should just close our eyes, because we can’t see what’s about billions, and we are just supposed to say: “Yeah, in this. We can’t debate any particular line item, because that’s good. Don’t worry about it. Yep. Fire away. I’m sure it hasn’t been presented. Had this government planned you’ll do the right thing. We don’t need to look at that.” ahead…. Tey’ve had plenty of time to do so. Tey were Tat’s not how it works. 804 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Ten, to further that trust, especially when it comes to telling us how they’re going to spend it. Te public deserve money management, I’m lef to look at the investment that better than that. Tere’s no budget, there are no reports, was put into the Massey bridge, to replace the Massey Tun- there’s no quarterly report, and there’s no update picture nel, and how that was just walked away from over political with regards to the fnancial position. ideology. I’m lef to look at the freeway expansion, which I think that this side of the House had plenty of oppor- is supposed to go all the way to 264th and actually stops tunity to plan a budget and to make sure that budget was 500 feet short of 264th — one of the ffh most likely places done in an open and transparent manner. Tat’s what good to have an accident, by the way — and it will do nothing. governance is about. Tat’s what good democracy requires It is money misspent. — that transparency. It’s no wonder, based on its track I’m not comfortable writing a blank cheque. On top record, why people have questions about trust. of that, what have we got to go on? We haven’t had a What this bill is going to do is appropriate funds for the proper quarterly report. We have recovery programs that frst quarter of the fscal year. Tat staggering amount is have been mismanaged, bungled, whatever you want to $13.4 billion. It is limited, as I mentioned, to a formula on call them. Te money is not getting to those that it was a percentage of the previous year’s budget, as it was laid out promised to help. Yet the Premier comes before this in Bill 3, the Finance Statutes Amendment Act 2020, voted House, asking for $13 billion without a budget or how it’s on last session. going to be spent. If we’re to follow tradition, generally this has been pres- Tat’s just not good enough. It’s just not right. It’s got ented afer the main estimates, and budgets are presented some sounds to it that are all too familiar. It’s this kind to the Legislative Assembly by the Finance Minister. Tat’s of behaviour that I would remind…. Tis previous gov- what normally happens, and it’s done that way for a reason. ernment had to bring in the protections in the frst place, It’s because it allows for good governance. Tis Legislature measures that this government is currently trying to cir- will now be asked to be voting on the frst quarter of a cumvent with the bill that they’ve placed before us today. fscal year’s expenses during unprecedented times, without Tis House was working collaboratively together, and having seen a budget. “Trust us. We’re going to do the right now here we are. We’re no longer, in my opinion, at that thing.” How do we know that? point where we can trust to work collaboratively. How can You broke trust for me when, during a pandemic, some- you work collaboratively together when the very agree- body looked at numbers and decided to win an election for ment that you had for a fxed election date was just ripped their own personal gain. Tis side of the House has reason up because you liked the numbers in the polls? not to trust…. But more importantly than that, the public Good democracy requires debate. Good democracy demands of us that we ask questions and say: “You know requires being given the opportunity to go over the num- what? Show us your numbers. Show us your budget. Let’s bers and check them. Te opposition is being denied that, talk about it line item by line item, and maybe we can actu- in this particular moment in front of us. ally help you spend some of it better.” I watched what our government did prior to me getting Take 264th for instance. It makes no logical sense why here. I was proud that they brought in a balanced budget. you would stop widening a freeway 500 feet prior to one of I was proud that they brought in fxed budget dates, fxed the ffh most accident-prone places in the entire province. election dates. You know what? We had one of the greatest It does nothing to help the gridlock, and it’s only going to economies in all of Canada. make it worse. Tat would be something that we should Sadly, my recollection of every time the NDP has come talk about. Tat should be something that should be open. to power is that we are lef with an economy that’s in It’s one of many things that should be open. shambles. I remember once there was a slogan: “Will the We should be talking about why it is that funds are last person leaving B.C. please turn out the lights?” I not getting to the right places. Why is it that the tourism remember graduating when the economy was in a very industry, who is hanging on by their fngernails, is being bad state. It’s been 25 years. But this is an old play. It’s lef out? Show us the numbers. Show us your plan. Show right out of the NDP playbook. You can’t have this kind of us how we can debate this bill so we can make it a little secrecy, not for this kind of money. You just can’t. I don’t better. Tere are some sections on this bill…. Section 3, for want to see history repeat itself. instance, appropriates $365 million for capital expendit- [5:45 p.m.] ures and fnancing transactions. Okay, great, but for what? I got into this because I wanted a better life for my Section 4 appropriates $722 million for disbursements and grandchildren and all of the children. I listened to my col- transfers. Okay, show us what those are for. league from Chilliwack when he said that he would be [5:50 p.m.] the last person, the last generation, to own a home. I was I am saddened that this is where we are. I am sadd- struck by the lack of hope, the lack of vision and the lack ened that the trust has been broken, and this particular of being able to encourage people. I refuse to believe in my government with this budget would rather leave it hid- heart that that is the case. den than just open up the books and say: “Here it is.” Te NDP are asking us for billions of dollars without Tey had plenty of time to do this. Tey had an oblig- Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 805 ation, during a pandemic, to do it. Te excuses that I from those that elected it. I think it’s a bit of Russian roul- have heard are just not good enough. If all it is, is copy- ette, and I have a hunch it’s going to backfre. But it need and-paste from the last budget, well, that should be fairly not. easy to debate. Yet it’s not. Let’s look at the numbers. Let’s talk about them. Let’s I don’t think that the public deserves to be lef in the work together and try and do right so that this economy dark. I think sunlight should be shone on this, especially will be strong coming out of this pandemic. We all know during these times. I think that both sides of the House that this economy is going to need help. Te tourism sector have the right to debate the budget. It’s one of the most alone will need our help. How can we help with our hands important things that we’re going to do. Yet it appears to tied behind our backs and blindfolded because we’re not me that the old playbook, that old movie, is being played able to actually look at things in a proper manner? once again. A little sidestep, a little sof-shoe. But it’s not I’m not comfortable writing a blank cheque, and neither fun and games. It’s not fun and games at all. are British Columbians. I’m not comfortable not being able I fnd it shameful. I think that the public deserves to see, to look at the numbers to help those in our community especially during a pandemic, especially when we made that need help. I believe that how this budget went around them go to the polls during the middle of a pandemic. and how it was not exposed is the furthest thing from what Tey have a right to take a look at the numbers. Tey democracy should be, and I am deeply, deeply saddened have a right to take a look at the books and see how their and troubled. money is going to be spent, to see how much of a defcit With that, I will end my remarks, and I appreciate the our grandchildren most likely will have to pay of and how privilege of being able to have spoken in front of the that’s going to be spent. I think this side of the House has House. a right to debate that. I believe that we are being robbed of that opportunity because of this. Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the member for Stikine. It’s bad enough that this election was held early. It’s bad Sorry — minister. enough that the world is where it is at the moment. I think Minister, please proceed. that there is some insight, if we were all pulling together, where we could actually improve and tweak parts of this Hon. N. Cullen: Good evening to you and to the mem- budget. I am troubled — deeply, deeply troubled — that bers and to the public watching. that hallmark of a budget has been removed. I am speaking to you from Smithers, British Columbia, You can’t play it both ways. You can’t say, “Hey, you on Wet’suwet’en territory and Gitdumden territory, to be know what? My numbers are really good. Let’s pull an elec- more specifc. tion so we can win,” and then hide the budget. It needs It’s a pleasure to be joining you and to be talking about to be exposed to sunlight. Tat’s what good democracy is Bill 10, the interim supply bill. about. We all got in this to try and do better, and collect- I’d heard before I had entered B.C. politics that the B.C. ively, I still think we can. But the way it stands, there have Liberals had a certain obsession with the 1990s. I don’t just been far too many missteps on things that should not know if it was the Beanie Babies or the “Macarena” or the have been missteps. Tere’s been far too many, I think. girl bands and boy bands that entertained us all through Trafc gridlock in the Lower Mainland is at epic pro- that wonderful decade. portions, and because of ideology, being able to fx that To my Liberal colleagues, I want to say that it’s time to was taken away. To me, that’s all part and parcel of why I let it go. We’ve had a couple of decades since then. A lot have a lack of trust that this particular budget is going to has gone on in the world. Harry Potter is no longer young. do the right thing by British Columbians, that this partic- We’ve moved on. Y2K didn’t turn out to be much of a ular budget is going to do anything to increase the hopes thing. So if all the Liberals have to go on are proscriptions of the people that are out there and are just trying to hang that they obsessed over 20, 30 years ago, it’s no wonder that on and get through this. voters had such a difcult time understanding the ofer the We’re there. Te vaccine is here. Tere is hope on the Liberals were making to the challenges that we faced in the horizon. Now is not the time to be hiding a budget, not 2020s, which is where we are right now. during these extraordinary times. Today we are debating an interim supply bill which the [5:55 p.m.] opposition has taken a new-found obsession over in trying I want to thank you for the ability for me to share some to pull back some great conspiracy theory of how the gov- of my thoughts on this particular budget. I want to thank ernment is acting and conducting itself, when interim sup- you for hearing this side out. It’s just a shame that we don’t ply bills are what governments do. Tey bridge the pro- have the ability to actually get into the meat and potatoes grams and supports that citizens rely on to take us into the of this budget, because we’re being denied the ability to budget. even look at it. British Columbians deserve the right to [6:00 p.m.] look at a budget that amounts to $13 billion. I am at a loss I know the Liberals are just so hopeful and waiting to as to why any government would want to deny that ability see what Budget 2021 will look like. Just 30 more sleeps 806 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 or so and we’ll get them there. We’ll be unveiling excit- today, and I didn’t hear a Liberal once mention it. I assume ing and important new programs to help British Colum- that they have seniors in their constituencies. I assume that bians through what everyone has recognized as unpre- they have working and poor people in their constituencies, cedented times. but I just don’t hear them mention them very ofen. Let’s take a look at what the government has done, I’ve been in opposition. I’ve spent my fair time there. I because past action is a good predictor of future action. know that the opposition’s role, and it’s an important role, Tis government has looked to support people through is to be able to hold government to account, to question one of the most trying and difcult times for so many Brit- the initiatives. Tere are times when the government is ish Columbians. We’ve seen $10 billion allocated and spent doing the right thing, and the smart thing for an opposi- to support British Columbians, to support British Colum- tion to do is to just simply say: “Yes, more of that, because bian businesses and communities at the very grassroots it’s helping people that need the help most.” I know it’s dif- level, right from the very beginning of this difcult time. fcult, and it doesn’t ofen happen. It might not get them In particular — and this is what a social democratic the odd headline or an extra tweet, but it really helps out government does — we have focused on the most vulner- British Columbians, who we all work for. able in our society, those that would be afected most by Now, we’ve seen the supports this government has done the slowdown and shutdown of certain aspects of our eco- to keep people in their homes, to make sure that there were nomy, to make sure that those people got attention frst. no evictions during this pandemic, to make sure that ren- Now, I’ve seen right-wing ideological governments, like ovictions became a thing of the past. I know, in the con- the one prior to us forming government, who focus only stituency that I represent, certainly a rural one in north- on the wealthy and well connected, making sure that they ern British Columbia, the old landlord trick of changing a have their corporate tax cuts and their wealthy tax cuts in countertop or a carpet in the hallway, evicting somebody place before anything else is done, that they can specu- for that and then jacking the rent up — twice, sometimes late on homes and drive up the prices for everybody. Te three times as much — because there was a possibility of Liberals were fantastic at taking care of their friends over making just a bit more money. those many years. Tat wasn’t the province and the place that we wanted I suppose our friends are the working people in this to live in. So we made changes to the way things worked province. Our friends, as a government, are those that are so that that couldn’t happen again. I’m still waiting to hear struggling day to day and week to week just to get by. We from the opposition how that was a good thing. Tat’s just knew 12 months ago, when this difcult journey began, a good idea. Instead, I hear: “Well, there are bad landlords, that those people would be the ones that we needed to look and there are bad tenants. Tere are good landlords, and out for frst. there are good tenants.” No kidding. What we’re trying to It is this government, more than any other govern- do is stop the bad landlords from being bad landlords. ment in this entire country of ours, that protected the [6:05 p.m.] most vulnerable in society. It was this government that supported small and medium businesses to the highest Deputy Speaker: If I might, Minister, as I gave the cau- rate of any government in this country. It was this gov- tion to an earlier member who decided to speak on that ernment that looked at not only cleaning up the messes legislation, which we passed in this session, of course, I’ll of things like ICBC…. draw your attention to Bill 10, the Supply Act. It amazes me, the audacity of colleagues across the way that want to bring up ICBC as an example of what this gov- Hon. N. Cullen: Absolutely. Tank you very much, ernment is not doing enough of. Te Solicitor General and Speaker. You can understand the temptation that we have the Attorney General have had to take that appropriately of speaking about those good initiatives, even afer they named dumpster fre back, hose it down, clean it up and have passed the House, because they are so good. It’s so then be able to operate a good public insurer once again. important to remind British Columbians of them, but I What have the results been? My goodness. Better cov- take your heeding and your warning. erage, lower rates, better service for British Columbians Now, Bill 10, the interim supply bill, allows the bridging and working people that not only help those families but to take us through to the next budget, allows the govern- help out our broader economy. If the Liberals want to keep ment to continue doing the good work that people elected bringing up examples like ICBC, my goodness, I encour- us to do, allows us to continue the progress we’ve made on age them to do so. the recovery rate. Te fact that 99 percent or more…. We also have helped out with social assistance. We saw Almost 100 percent of the jobs that were lost over the the minister out today, helping out 300,000 of our fellow course of the pandemic have been replaced, in part citizens who rely on these supports just to be able to eat, because of government support and in large part because just to be able to pay rent. Tere will be increases, the of the resiliency of this province. Te resiliency of those largest increase in our history. small and medium businesses, despite all of the things More support for seniors. Tat was just announced changing around them, having to change the way that they Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 807 operate their businesses, having to change the way they do ently from those that are not in cabinet. We believe that the the basic day-to-day activities that they had grown suc- voices representing the constituents we’re here to represent cessful at, has allowed us to recover back so many more of need to be heard, regardless of position. those jobs. And there’s still more to do. Now, that may not have been true when the Liberals Bill 10 speaks to this — that our ability to bridge and were in government. It may be that they diminished back- make sure that those support programs are there and that benchers, as they would call them, calling them these less- the wage subsidies that were brought in previously and the referenced people. Tey couldn’t have the same space and programs that people have been relying on, small busi- occupation in our debates in this Legislature. We disagree nesses and individuals alike, will still be there. Tat’s what with that. I would encourage my Liberal colleagues, this bill does. regardless of who’s speaking to them from across the foor What are the Liberals deciding to do? Well, they want — that they show them that basic modicum of respect. to talk about the ’90s. Tey don’t want to talk about the Tey were elected here, just like you. Tey have a voice 2020s. Tey don’t want to talk about this year or next year to bring to a bill like this one, just like you. Referencing or our possibility to recover as a province, at our individu- people as if they are on two tiers, that there are some voices al community level, even stronger than we went into this. that are more important than others…. We need to extend our hand to our friends across the way You’ll forgive me, Speaker, for being somewhat impas- and say: “Work with us a little bit more.” sioned about this. I’ve seen efective people from all sides Point out where you have problems, of course. But on of the House, opposition and government, from within the things that work, support it. When we’re rolling out cabinet and without. We as parliamentarians, we as legis- vaccines and we’re putting them into the arms of British lators, should do all we can to encourage people into the Columbians to keep us safe, note that. Support that. Make debate, not seek to diminish them because they hold a cer- sure that people understand that in your communities, tain position in the House. vaccines are being made available to our elders, to our [6:10 p.m.] most vulnerable, to Indigenous populations in rural and What a privilege and honour it is to sit and speak in remote communities and, more and more, to those who the Legislature of British Columbia. What a privilege it is are on the front lines and who have done so well. to represent, and attempt to speak on behalf of, others. Bill 10 speaks to continuing on the programs that we Tis constant referencing of “backbenchers,” of those less need to continue on. Now, if this is the bill that the Liberals than, infuriates me as a democrat, infuriates me as a cit- are choosing to flibuster, it’s curious to me. Tere must be izen. Regardless of where you live in the province, regard- other things that they don’t want to talk about. less of who’s representing you, we all hope for good, strong When the opposition wants to fll up the clock on some- representation. thing and say some great travesty and conspiracy are tak- I live here in Stikine, where we are hewers of wood and ing place — when interim supply bills are as old as parlia- drawers of water. Our resource industry is really import- ment, when the idea of bringing forward legislation, bring- ant. Bill 10, the interim supply bill — to allow the pro- ing forward a bill like this one, that takes us through to grams that are supporting those natural resource sector the budget, maintains the programs that people are rely- industries, supporting those workers — is something that ing on…. It is a good thing, a natural course of events in a I can easily support. democracy. I look forward to the next budget that the Finance Min- Tey can scream to the roofops that something else is ister will bring down, to see where it is that we can contin- happening, something untoward is happening, when, in ue to build a more just and socially responsible economy, fact, we know this is how governments supply the inter- one that considers the environment, one that implements im to allow and to take us through to the next so that things like the UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous programs aren’t cut, so that there aren’t suddenly people Peoples, one that actually makes the possibility of British phoning up and saying: “I expected this support. What Columbia becoming what it was always hoped for: a place happened?” where, regardless of your background and orientation, you I want to make some reference to this. It’s come up in could live, thrive and survive in this province. debate, and I think it bears some notice. Time and time Now, I know there have been a lot of speeches today. I’m again I’ve watched colleagues in the Liberal Party refer to sure there are Liberal colleagues that would like to also rise those across the way who are not in cabinet as backbench- and bring us back to the 1990s. Maybe they can start to ers who are not aware of what’s going on, backbenchers talk about their favourite boy bands. I know I have my own who aren’t in on the details. Somehow their voices are personal list. I do hope they speak to the present and the diminished. future as well — what we are doing here today as well. I considered standing on a point of order or privilege In passing this bill and allowing the Legislature to go on this. No member’s voice, in this House, should ever be through this debate, and fnally come to a Committee of diminished, regardless of the position that they hold. We the Whole and have a vote — and then move on so that the don’t treat, in our caucus, those that are in cabinet difer- programs that we’ve initiated can be supported with the 808 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 public dollars that are being allocated in this bill — we can and loose with the money of the people of British Colum- then talk about the many challenges and opportunities we bia, and where the British Columbia electorate took ferce face as a province. revenge on them for that kind of behaviour. We can come together as a Legislature, as we did a year [6:15 p.m.] ago, when it was realized that the challenges facing us in Te minister of state says, “Only 30 more sleeps,” and this pandemic were extraordinary, they were unpreceden- he asks us for $13.5 billion. Tat’s $450 million of unac- ted, and they required all of our best thinking. Tey didn’t counted, unattributed, unbudgeted money for every sleep. require tactics. Tey didn’t require flibustering. Tey Certainly, where I live and in the family I grew up in, $450 didn’t require taking up the agenda of the Legislature to million a day of unaccounted funding is not acceptable. talk about something that happened two, three decades It screams out for accountability, transparency and for a ago. It talked about us dealing with the circumstances that credible budgetary process. we fnd ourselves in right now. I think that was the best I will not accept the admonitions of the minister of of our parliaments right across this country, when people state living in Smithers as he says that we should just let could fnd common ground. It’s not ofen. It’s not neces- it go. “Tere’s no need to be here. No need to ask any sarily common, but it’s important. questions. Nothing to see here. Just give us $13½ bil- I wholeheartedly support this bill. lion.” He says he does this with the voice of our most Just one last thing. I noticed my colleague for Rich- vulnerable, with the voice of the population that he pur- mond South Centre was making, I think, his frst speech. ports to have a special access and representation for If that was his frst speech, my goodness. We’re going because he’s a social democrat. to have to get him on the rolls more and more ofen. Well, I will be talking this afernoon and tomorrow Te passion and enthusiasm he has for Richmond South about some of those most vulnerable people — the seni- Centre, his energy, are something that…. As someone ors who cannot get vaccines, the 94-year-old who’s wait- who’s spent a bit of time in some legislatures, I’m just so ing for the vaccine while their neighbours in Alberta are impressed and so enthusiastic to hear more from my col- getting it age 60 and, in Ontario, getting it age 61, while league and more from many others. 94-year-olds are dismissed in British Columbia and can’t We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of things that get the vaccine. we want to get done for this great province of ours. I look I’ll be talking this afernoon and tomorrow about the forward to the debate. I look forward to the debate that Vancouver school students who are having their education takes place even in this millennia. Tat would be fantastic, destroyed this year through the capricious behaviour of because the more we can talk about now, the more we can this government and the Vancouver school board in their talk about today and what we hope for in the future, the inability to deliver the most basic statutory requirement better of we’re serving all of our constituents. for education in high school. We have thousands of high school students in the city of Vancouver. Roughly 18,000 A. Wilkinson: I’d like to thank everyone for participat- are receiving 1.75 hours a day of education, and that’s to ing in this rather complicated but efective hybrid session. be upgraded to 2.75 hours. Are these students vulnerable? We’re all doing the best we can under the circumstances — Tey’re highly vulnerable, because they are determining my colleague from Stikine doing it through modern tech- how they enter the adult world, and this government is let- nology from Smithers. ting them founder. It’s remarkable that we can accomplish this. Of course, If that is how the minister of state purports to be many of our colleagues have reasons they are best to stay protecting the most vulnerable, he has a lot of work to away from the Legislature — health reasons or family reas- do now that he’s fnally in government afer decades in ons — and this has actually proven to be a successful opposition in Ottawa. mechanism for conducting the business of the province. Te NDP have consistently failed the students of my Before we examine the substance of the bill, which riding, the students of Vancouver, and have consistently obviously is very limited, the minister of state’s remarks failed in the vaccine rollout, which is 25 years ahead, call for a response. He asks us to let go. Well, there in terms of age groupings, in Ontario and Alberta com- are a few things we won’t let go of: integrity, transpar- pared to British Columbia, when the per-capita vaccine ency, accountability, the role of the Auditor General, the deliveries are identical, as managed by the government legislation that was passed to make sure that budgets of Canada. are accountable and transparent. Tis piece of legislation Te minister of state talks about two tiers and how he asks us to discard all of those in favour of expediency for doesn’t believe in that. Well, that certainly wasn’t apparent the government of the day. during an election campaign when the us-and-them bro- We will not let go of integrity, regardless of what the chure came out, showing who are good British Columbi- minister of state says. We will not let go of accountability ans and who are bad British Columbians. and let the NDP recreate the fasco of the late 1990s, where they ignored accounting standards, where they played fast Tuesday, March 16, 2021 British Columbia Debates 809

Deputy Speaker: Excuse me, Member — sorry — for to British Columbians, to focus on the things that are just a moment. going to be needed in the future as they spend this $13.5 billion, which they will pass in a budget. As this act pro- Hon. L. Beare: Just rising on a point. We are speaking to ceeds, they will have that money in hand. Tey will use Bill 11. I’ll remind the member, through the Chair, please. that money in the 30 sleeps until the budget, as the minis- ter of state describes it, and they will have no accountabil- Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Minister. Noted. ity whatsoever. Member, please proceed. Tis is shameful. It raises the question of why we come to the Legislature at all, except to pass one-page bills giving A. Wilkinson: Tank you. As I recall, we’re actually the government of the day $450 million to spend for every speaking to Bill 10, but that is a technicality. sleep. Tat is wrong. Tere’s no point in getting elected if Rather than engaging in the kind of hypocrisy that we it’s just to rubber-stamp one-page bills that consist of the just heard from the minister of state, the kind of bland entire budget of the province. We have to consider: what is statements that actually have no substance, that do not it we have to be concerned about? What are the things that serve the vulnerable people of British Columbia — those jump out at us that need to get addressed? high school students and seniors — we need to talk about how we ended up with this bill on the docket in the frst [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] place. We cannot forget that it was in 2000 when the NDP It’s going to be a long process as we go through this were fnally caught on the carpet, the last time that funds budget that comes up 30 sleeps from now, as the minister were appropriated without legislative approval as the NDP of state puts it, because the NDP are not telling us what’s overshot their budget by $495 million and needed special going on. Tere is no transparency at all. We have faced warrants to do so — totally unaccountable, totally un- a world where they have quietly and gradually undone all budgeted and totally ignoring the audit process. the safeguards that the previous government put in place We then moved on to 2001 when our party was obliged to ensure that transparency and responsibility. We now to amend the NDP’s Budget Transparency and Account- have delayed budgets, meaningless budgets, no quarterly ability Act to make it real, to make it something substant- reports, which the fnance ofcials who we are well ive, so that people could have credibility when they talked acquainted with are fully capable of producing, but they about B.C. budgets. Tat was 20 years ago. Special war- are being suppressed for political reasons. rants were barred, except in natural disasters and the peri- Tis use of special warrants with Bill 10 and its equi- od surrounding an election. valents is totally inappropriate in a democracy. Tat’s [6:20 p.m.] why the legislation had to be passed by the NDP in Here we have the NDP asking for $450 million per sleep, the year 2000, and then amended to give it real teeth as the minister of state puts it, with no budget, no account- in 2001, to prevent exactly this kind of behaviour by a ability, and based upon budgetary documents that they high-handed government. themselves say that, as of a year ago, were irrelevant and of We have to look at the circumstances we’re in. Tey say no relevance at all to the funding of services in British Col- it’s a pandemic. Of course it’s a pandemic. Tat’s stating umbia. the obvious. One year ago last month, in March, members We now have the consequences of the BTAA amend- of this House unanimously approved a $5 billion COVID ments in 2001 that require third-party accounting prin- recovery aid package. We fully supported that, because the ciples to be respected — generally accepted accounting wheels had come of the bus in the world economy. Te principles — because the NDP made them up as they went federal government leapt into the gap and flled it with along in the 1990s. Tey faked them. Tey falsifed fnan- programs like CERB, which we are all pleased to have seen cial statements. Te Minister of Health today was involved come in to rescue the Canadian economy and the working in falsifying documents in the Premier’s ofce. people of Canada. Tis is the record that we now see looming up once We took the government at the word they provided back more, with members of the NDP proudly stating that all of in March of 2020, when they said how they would use it. that accountability is just a lot of tosh, that it’s not really We expected it would be put to that use right away, helping all that important because we’re in a pandemic. Well, look British Columbians get through a difcult time. Instead, around the world. Why are we so special that we don’t we immediately saw the money being squirrelled away, need any kind of accountability? We don’t need any trans- being saved up for election goodies because they had an parency. We don’t need a budget. In fact, maybe there’s no alternative agenda. Tey had a plan to splash out cash just need for a legislature at all, when you’re in that kind of before an election because only they controlled when that state of mind. election would be held. We have to continue to press this party, to press the When the NDP fnally got around to announcing the NDP government, to focus on the things that really matter small and medium-sized business recovery grant, the sup- 810 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 16, 2021 port was delayed getting to people because of the election. I reserve the right to continue my submissions to the Te Premier said: “Oh no, don’t worry. Te government House. works through an election.” Tat is patently false because of the caretaker mode the government goes into. In the A. Wilkinson moved adjournment of debate. more than six months since it was announced — nearly a year afer it was approved — this lifeline for business Motion approved. has been able to get out only 16 percent of the budgeted money because of ridiculous criteria, because of a bureau- Hon. L. Beare moved adjournment of the House. cratic process. In the meantime, these small, family-run businesses are failing lef, right and centre. Motion approved. [6:25 p.m.] Just walk down any business street and see the business Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 failures while this government sits on billions of dollars of p.m. tomorrow afernoon. unspent money that could have been support, providing fnancing and keeping those businesses alive. Te House adjourned at 6:26 p.m. Hansard Services, Reporting and Publishing

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