Official Report of Debates (Hansard)

First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 19

THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. John Horgan Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...... Hon. Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries...... Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Mitzi Dean Minister of State for Child Care...... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services...... Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Education ...... Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ...... Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy...... Hon. George Heyman Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Afairs...... Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation...... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...... Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...... Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Afairs ...... Hon. Josie Osborne Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction...... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ...... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of State for Infrastructure ...... Hon. Bowinn Ma

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

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

CONTENTS

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 433 Bill 4 — Firearm Violence Prevention Act Hon. M. Farnworth Bill 9 — Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. J. Osborne

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 434 Message of thanks and COVID-19 response F. Donnelly Clarence Boudreau S. Bond Community Social Services Awareness Month N. Sharma Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in White Rock T. Halford Pentlatch language revitalization A. Walker Role of social workers D. Davies

Oral Questions...... 436 COVID-19 response for hockey and sports teams S. Bond Hon. J. Horgan COVID-19 response for tourism attractions T. Wat Hon. J. Horgan Data collection on long-term COVID-19 cases S. Furstenau Hon. A. Dix COVID-19 response for tourism attractions and community events T. Stone Hon. R. Kahlon L. Doerkson COVID-19 response for arts organizations C. Oakes Hon. R. Kahlon Government response to COVID-19 P. Milobar Hon. R. Kahlon Hon. J. Horgan

Speaker’s Statement ...... 442 Conduct of members during question period

Reports from Committees...... 442 Finance and Government Services Committee, annual review, budgets of statutory ofces, March 2021 J. Routledge B. Stewart Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills ...... 443 Bill 6 — Home Owner Grant Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier J. Sims D. Davies M. Starchuk T. Shypitka S. Chant L. Doerkson M. Elmore A. Olsen A. Mercier Hon. J. Osborne D. Coulter J. Brar Hon. S. Robinson Bill 8 — Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier J. Sims D. Coulter M. Elmore A. Mercier S. Furstenau P. Milobar J. Brar Hon. S. Robinson

Trone Speech Debate (continued) ...... 468 Hon. N. Cullen K. Greene 433

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021 ernment Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter. Tis bill proposes amendments to the Local Election Campaign Te House met at 1:35 p.m. Financing Act that builds on the work of this government to improve the transparency and accountability of cam- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] paign fnancing in local elections for British Columbians. Amendments to the Local Government Act, School Act Routine Business and Vancouver Charter will improve and modernize the administration of local elections. Prayers and refections: R. Russell. Te amendments to the Local Elections Campaign Fin- ancing Act include enhancements to the regulatory frame- Introduction and work for elector organizations; an increase to the time First Reading of Bills period during which election advertising is regulated before an election; clarifcation of the activities that fall BILL 4 — FIREARM VIOLENCE under election advertising rules; implementing sponsor- PREVENTION ACT ship contribution limits, similar to the limits we previously imposed to limit the infuence of big money in campaign Hon. M. Farnworth presented a message from Her contributions; enhancing enforcement tools by providing Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Firearm Elections B.C. with additional investigations tools and the Violence Prevention Act. ability to impose progressive enforcement through administrative monetary penalties; and minor changes to help Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced ensure that the local elections fnancing framework is and read a frst time now. efective and works as intended. I’m pleased to introduce Bill 4, the Firearm Violence Te amendments to the Local Government Act, School Prevention Act. Te Firearm Violence Prevention Act will Act and Vancouver Charter include changes to ensure that provide police with new tools to address the misuse of fre- candidates have access to residential properties, such as arms, particularly the use of frearms by gangs and organ- strata properties, to canvass voters and distribute candid- ized crime to perpetrate violence. Te legislation closes ate information; address the disenfranchisement of some gaps in the existing federal and provincial frearms individuals by removing the requirement that individuals schemes by introducing new prohibitions and measures must have been a resident of their community for at least that will enhance the safety of British Columbians. 30 days in order to vote; and ensure consistency among the choices that a court has when declaring an election invalid Mr. Speaker: Te question is frst reading of the bill. to improve efciency for local governments. We’re proposing these amendments to respond to issues Motion approved. identifed following the 2018 general local elections. Tese elections were the frst in which a full suite of campaign Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be placed on fnancing rules under the Local Elections Campaign Fin- the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting ancing Act applied. Te amendments will more closely of the House afer today. align the campaign fnancing rules for local elections with those established for provincial elections in the Election Bill 4, Firearm Violence Prevention Act, introduced, Act, while continuing to account for the unique nature of read a frst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the local elections. day for second reading at the next sitting of the House Te changes in the campaign fnancing rules will apply afer today. in relation to the 2022 general local elections so as not to [1:40 p.m.] impact any ongoing and scheduled by-elections. However, the new rules relating to sponsorship contribution limits BILL 9 — LOCAL ELECTIONS STATUTES will be made retroactively, efective from tomorrow, to AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 prevent prohibited sponsorship contributions from being made between the time that the legislation is introduced Hon. J. Osborne presented a message from Her Honour and royal assent. the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. Mr. Speaker: Te question is frst reading of the bill.

Hon. J. Osborne: I move that the bill be introduced and Motion approved. read a frst time now. I am pleased to introduce Bill 9. Tis bill amends the Hon. J. Osborne: I move that the bill be placed on the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, the Local Gov- 434 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of CLARENCE BOUDREAU the House afer today. S. Bond: He is a singer-songwriter who goes by the Bill 9, Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, name Penny Slim. He gets that name because he was born introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on in Penny, British Columbia, located on the northeast side orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of of the Fraser River, east of Prince George. the House afer today. Just recently Clarence Boudreau, a.k.a. Penny Slim, turned 90 years old. Well, as you can imagine, we were Statements all very disappointed that we couldn’t give Clarence the (Standing Order 25B) big birthday celebration that he deserves, but his family and our community made it a memorable occasion non- MESSAGE OF THANKS etheless. AND COVID-19 RESPONSE Clarence started playing music when he was fve years old, and he hasn’t stopped since. He has written many ori- F. Donnelly: Mr. Speaker, frst I’d like to ofer my con- ginal songs, including one about the 2018 wildfres that gratulations on your historic election as Speaker. has garnered a lot of attention. Te smoke was unbearable, I’d also like to acknowledge that I’m on the traditional and it meant that Clarence and his wife, Olga, were stuck unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation. inside because they were sick of the thick smoke. It seems Since this is my frst time speaking in the House, I’d a ftting topic for Clarence to sing about, since Clarence like to thank the people of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain for served as a fre warden for about 30 years. placing their trust in me. I’m excited to get to work on Clarence Boudreau has his very own YouTube channel, their behalf to secure funding for new schools, like Burke where you can check out his songs, including the wildfre Mountain secondary and middle; more child care spaces one. and afordable housing; better support for seniors; and, Clarence and his wife, Olga, have been married for of course, providing relief to hard-hit businesses, families almost 70 years. Tat will be another memorable event as and individuals. they celebrate their anniversary in July of this year. Te [1:45 p.m.] frst song that Clarence ever wrote was a ballad called “Full Tank you to all who helped on my campaign. You Moon,” and it was a tribute to his wife Olga. Te words go know who you are. I couldn’t have done it without you. I something like this. “Full moon, full moon, I’ll be hum- ofer my congratulations to all members on their election ming the tune as we walk hand in hand by the river.” or re-election and to those who stepped up for the election Clarence, we want to recognize your milestone birth- and put their names on a ballot. day, the incredible story of your love for Olga and the Tese are certainly challenging and unprecedented gif you are to our community. Our wish for you is times. COVID-19 has taken so many from us and dramat- continued good health and much happiness with your ically altered our lives — making sure we keep our dis- beloved Olga. We can’t wait to celebrate your 70th wed- tance, wearing masks, keeping up with work responsibil- ding anniversary. In the meantime, we look forward to ities, care for children, operating schools and businesses. another Penny Slim original. So many have been isolated for months. Our lives have Happy birthday, Clarence, from all of us here in the B.C. been turned upside down, especially for our most vulner- Legislature. able citizens. I would like to acknowledge our provincial health COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES ofcer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and her team. Dr. Henry has AWARENESS MONTH been a pillar of strength, providing sound advice and leadership since the pandemic began. She has done a remark- N. Sharma: I rise virtually today to acknowledge March able job leading the fght, alongside our tireless Health as Community Social Services Awareness Month. Tis Minister. month is an opportunity for British Columbians to rec- All our health care workers should be commended, ognize the important work of community social services along with front-line workers and essential service pro- workers and to thank them for their resilience, commit- viders. As vaccines continue to roll out, we’re fnally begin- ment and dedication to their role. ning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, we Troughout the past year, we’ve all struggled with the still need to look out for one another, especially for these efects of COVID-19. Community social services agen- next few months. cies have been there to provide support and assistance. Let’s keep each other safe and healthy so we can focus Tey’ve stepped up by adapting their services and com- on recovery. Let’s work together for the sake of our amazing up with innovative solutions to deliver the programs ing province. and services that British Columbians need, ofen in very trying circumstances. Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 435

Some of you may have used the community social ser- PENTLATCH LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION vices sector. Certainly, most of us know of an individual or family that has turned to this sector for help. Whether A. Walker: I’m joining you today from the traditional it’s a newcomer looking for language skills training before territory of the Pentlatch-speaking people, a territory starting a job search, a woman looking for shelter to exit an defned by a language that has not been spoken fuently abusive relationship, an at-risk youth in need of safe coun- since the passing of Chief Joe Nimnim in 1940. I bring selling services or a senior looking for help to access a local to this House, for the frst time ever, a Pentlatch phrase: food bank, community social services workers are there to ts xwi yahm. provide help and assistance. Franz Boas, in 1886, spent three weeks with these [1:50 p.m.] people and recorded their vocabulary and their stories, but In British Columbia, over 2,000 agencies employ more their language has been sleeping for the last 80 years. A than 46,000 individuals who work in the community language previously spoken by thousands of people in this social services sector. Take a moment to think about their area for countless generations is now being revived. critical role, the work they do and how they contribute to Trough the leadership and the tremendous work of building healthy and caring communities in B.C. As we Chief Michael Recalma, Jesse Recalma, Mat Andreatta, look to building a strong and inclusive economic recovery Sarah Quinn, who works with the Ministry of Indigen- and a better future for British Columbians, these workers ous Relations and Reconciliation, Sarah Kell, Su Ur- will continue to play a vital role. banczyk, Lisa Recalma and so many others, life is being I would like to invite all members to join me — in fact, breathed into this sleeping language once more. Waking everyone in B.C. — in recognizing March as Community this language allows the descendants of the Pentlatch Social Services Awareness Month. people to reclaim their identity, to recognize and connect with their history and to own their own future. I COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR commend the incredible and tireless contributions these FUNDRAISING WALK IN WHITE ROCK people have made. You may ask: “What does ts xwi yahm mean?” Well, in T. Halford: Today I am proud to talk about an event that these uncertain times that we live in today, I share with I participated in. Tat was the Coldest Night of the Year for you this simple but important lesson. Ts xwi yahm means Sources B.C. “wash your hands.” Te White Rock Coldest Night of the Year virtual event I would like to ask my colleagues to join with me in con- raised more than twice its target, bringing in $220,000 for gratulating these hard-working people for their tremend- homeless prevention services on the Semiahmoo penin- ous progress in revitalizing the Pentlatch language. sula. Te virtual event kicked of on February 19 and ran through February 21. Any time during that three-day peri- ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS od, participants were encouraged to complete either a two or a fve kilometre walk close to home. D. Davies: Te Dalai Lama once said: “It is not enough Now, being a rookie MLA, I chose to do this walk with to be compassionate. You must act.” my six-year-old daughter Sasha. I will be very honest. We March is recognized across Canada as National Social did not complete two kilometres. We completed one lap Work Month. Tis incredible group of people have com- around our local track at the South Surrey feld. I will say mitted themselves to working to help people. Tat’s how that, doing this as one of my frst events, it was an absolute my opening quote fts this statement so well. It recognizes privilege. the many thousands of social workers in British Columbia I want to point out, too, that on the day that I was sworn and, indeed, across the country who have taken on this in, my frst meeting as the MLA for Surrey–White Rock most notable profession. I can speak from the know, as was with the White Rock Pride Society. At that time, I was I’m reminded every day. You see, my spouse is a registered invited to participate, with the White Rock Pride Society, social worker. on their team for the Coldest Night of the Year. Tat was [1:55 p.m.] led by captain Ernie Klassen. Trough Ernie’s eforts, we Over the past year, communities across our province actually raised over $16,000. have come together and gone to great lengths to help I should also point out leadership by example. Sources prevent the spread of COVID. At the same time, the B.C. CEO David Young and his team, the Virtually Virtu- impact of the pandemic on our mental health has been ous, raised over $60,000. unavoidable to most of us, if not all of us. Tat is why Today I would like to say thank you to all the parti- this month it is especially important that we recognize and cipants who participated in the Coldest Night of the Year honour this special group of front-line workers, who are and raised awareness and much-needed funds for our there to support the most vulnerable members of our com- most vulnerable. munity and are the safety net for people who fnd them- 436 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 selves in a time of crisis, whether because of COVID or George, in Kamloops, in Kelowna, in Victoria and in Van- otherwise. couver, and all of them will be hitting the ice again very, Our social workers are essential to meet the needs very soon. Tat’s good news for the kids; it’s good news for of British Columbians, who are facing overwhelming the teams. We can do that, according to Dr. Henry, in a safe uncertainty, are carrying the pain of loss or are subject and efective way. to the economic health and social inequalities that exist Tere’s going to be more news about both hockey in our province and which have been made worse by the leagues. Tey provide an economic beneft. Certainly, pandemic. the WHL restart will be a bonus for Kamloops and Our health and well-being go beyond just physical Kelowna. It will also be a difcult time for those teams, health. Te essential work that many social workers do because outside of those two cities, they will not be hav- every day ensures that those who feel they have no one to ing revenue coming in. turn to can always reach out and fnd a helping hand. I We understand the issue. We’ve been working on it encourage all British Columbians to reach out and thank for a number of months. I regrettably have to say, “Stay our social workers. tuned,” at this point.

Oral Questions Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on a supplemental. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR HOCKEY AND SPORTS TEAMS S. Bond: Te Premier is right to point out the role of the WHL in our communities as well. We’re delighted to see S. Bond: We know that the Premier is sitting on hun- that they’ll be returning to play. Having said that, there will dreds of millions of dollars in unpaid relief funds from be no fans in the stands, and there have been signifcant his government’s botched grant program. It seems that his economic impacts. incompetent Jobs Minister can’t get relief to those who [2:00 p.m.] need it. So we have some ideas about how those funds I know the Premier would forgive me for reminding could be used for some desperately needed support. him that my Prince George Spruce Kings swept his Victor- Twenty-two community hockey teams from the West- ia Grizzlies in the last championship that we saw each oth- ern Hockey League and the B.C. Hockey League have er play against. written to the Premier. Together they are asking for $9.5 Te bottom line is, and the Premier is aware of it, that million so that WHL teams and B.C. Hockey League you can’t have a league without teams to play in it. It’s teams, like the Premier’s own Victoria Grizzlies and my more than just the 22 local hockey teams. From local foot- Prince George Spruce Kings, can survive without fans in ball teams like the Langley Rams to baseball teams like the the stands. Victoria HarbourCats, community sports teams across the A simple question. Hopefully, a very simple answer. Will province are struggling to survive without funding from the Premier provide B.C.’s local hockey teams with the $9.5 this government. So I’m pleased to hear that there’s con- million in funding they need to survive the hockey season? templation around the local hockey teams. Will the Premier agree today to step up and deliver Hon. J. Horgan: I want to thank the Leader of the funding more broadly to community sports teams before Opposition for her question. Although I quibble with the end of the fscal year? Simple question, yes or no? some of the preamble, I absolutely share her view that the BCJHL brings people together. Hon. J. Horgan: I love it when someone with as much She and I shared an arena together. We had not so much ministerial experience as the hon. member says: “Simple physical distancing at that time. She cheering on her team, question, yes or no?” If there’s anyone in this place, aside me cheering on mine. Te important thing for both of us from the member from Abbotsford, who knows that that was to see young people learning the benefts and value of is just not true, it’s the Leader of the Ofcial Opposition. sport, which is something that is profoundly important to But I understand the intent. me and, I believe, to all members of this House. Tis has been, as we all know, an extraordinarily chal- Te question was straightforward, and I’ll do my level lenging year for all of us, wherever we may live, whatever best to give a straight answer. I have been in discussion we may do. But the impact on minor sports, the impact on with BCHL leadership. We’re working with the minister junior sports…. Whether it’s junior football, whether it’s responsible. Te minister is here to answer further ques- my beloved Victoria Shamrocks, whether it is any organ- tions on this issue. ization that all of us can name from our communities, We are not yet in a position to make a fnal determin- they’ve been afected by the pandemic. ation on the funds that have been requested, but there is We have done what we can to make sure that there’s good news. Although both the member and I talked about a framework in place so those organizations can engage our BCHL teams, there are also WHL teams in Prince with government. As I said, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 437

Culture and Sport has been involved in those discussions events must shut down for good before the Premier will be with the two leagues that we talked about with respect to competent enough to act? hockey. I am engaged in casual discussions, I would call them — I’m not talking about money with these organiza- Hon. J. Horgan: I know my spouse, Ellie, has visited tions — with others, whether it be junior football, whether Butchart Gardens a number of times, when she’s been able it be the Western Lacrosse Association and others. to do that, to keep that attraction going. Local visitors are I appreciate very much the Leader of the Opposition critically important. raising this question. I think it’s another one of those times If I understand the member from Richmond correctly, when we can all say: “Yeah. Tis is something we need to she wants us to open up the border. She wants us to invite get into. We need to make sure we put our shoulder to the people from around the world to come to British Colum- wheel, provide the resources to keep these organizations bia to keep these tourism operations going. Tat’s just not going until they can get back on their feet and get bums in going to happen. Not on our watch. seats.” [2:05 p.m.] I thank the member for her question. Again, if there Now, again, had the member started with a more appro- are further questions, I’m sure she could take it up ofine priate question — how can we work together to address or further through question period with the minister these issues? — I’d be in a better position to answer it. But responsible. I can say if we’d now…. If we’re degenerating back into…

COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR Interjections. TOURISM ATTRACTIONS Mr. Speaker: Members. T. Wat: We are having another example of British Col- umbians paying the price for the Premier’s incompet- Hon. J. Horgan: …partisan hyperbole, then I can say ence. quite confdently that the minister responsible for jobs, Attractions like the Richmond Night Market in my rid- economic recovery and investment is on the job. We’re ing are going into a second summer with no support from going to see results for people very, very soon. I know he’s this government. Last year they had to scrap $800,000 going to be up any minute now, giving it right back to you. worth of memorabilia due to the cancelled 2020 season. Tey are also on the hook for a monthly lease of $65,000. DATA COLLECTION ON My question is to the Premier. What relief is the Premier LONG-TERM COVID-19 CASES providing to attractions like the Richmond Night Market? S. Furstenau: I want to start by saying I absolutely sup- Hon. J. Horgan: I’ll certainly, again, take issue with the port taking every efort to minimize the fatalities asso- preamble from the member. I’m sure that the three newly ciated with COVID-19 and the evidence-based response elected New Democrats from Richmond will have a difer- to prioritize the vaccination of elders. I also think there’s ent view on the competence of the government. But per- room in the discussion, especially with the recent approval haps in her isolation, not just because of the pandemic but of the AstraZeneca vaccine, to consider not only years of because of the absence of Richmond MLAs to talk to…. life lost but years of life limited by the long-term health I know that the three members on this side of the House impacts experienced by some COVID-19 patients. are welcoming any intervention she may have to As the head of the Center for Post-COVID Care in strengthen the night market and keep Richmond going New York has estimated, at least 10 percent of COVID-19 through the next number of months as we fnalize our patients end up developing chronic symptoms. Most long- plans on vaccinations and get British Columbia back to haul patients are women, relatively young, and many only work. experience mild illness when frst infected. Added to that, recent data from the U.K. suggests that roughly 15 percent Mr. Speaker: Te member for Richmond North Centre of kids under the age of 16 have at least one lingering on a supplemental. symptom fve weeks afer their initial diagnosis. My question is to the Minister of Health. Te answer T. Wat: I guess I’ll take a no from the Premier. can be short and, hopefully, sweet. Is his ministry collect- Here’s yet another example of the Premier’s unaccept- ing data about long-term COVID illness experienced by able incompetence. Butchart Gardens employs over 500 British Columbians, and if so, where is the information people during the summer, but they rely on international being posted for the public? visitors. We are going into our second summer without support for attractions. Hon. A. Dix: Te member will know — and I appreciate Again my question is to the Premier. How many of these her question — that this subject, the issue of the impact of 438 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

COVID-19 as a long-term impact, is at the centre of our [2:10 p.m.] responses. Rural and remote Indigenous communities had high We have many centres of excellence that are supporting priority. Health care workers who serve those, who are people who are addressing COVID-19. Te point she most vulnerable, have been very substantially immunized. makes is an important one, in terms of both immunization Tat reporting we’ve done consistently. and in terms of the future of the pandemic. Tis pandemic Our plan for the coming months was laid out on has had a profound impact on people’s lives — those Monday. It again focuses on an age-based approach but who’ve lost their lives, those who got sick and those who also includes those with specifc needs who are not in continue to deal with that. the age-based, including those, for example, with develop- Tose issues, and how we deal with those issues, are mental disabilities. something that has been repeatedly reported on and With respect to the AstraZeneca vaccine and, poten- answered by Dr. Bonnie Henry in our public briefngs. tially, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, we are doing We’d be very happy to set up a briefng about those with modelling based on the evidence. Reports and recom- the hon. member so she can get a sense of the actions we’re mendations are made by the BCCDC and Dr. Henry based taking in support of people who are dealing with the long- on the evidence of what would have the most positive term efects of a pandemic and of a virus that can have efect both on the outcomes for people and on the outcome deep impacts on people of all ages. of the pandemic in British Columbia. Tat ongoing review will guide us as we use, potentially, S. Furstenau: I do look forward to a briefng, and I other vaccines. It could be AstraZeneca or Johnson and will ask in the briefng again about the collection of data Johnson or others. Tese are considerations. around people who are experiencing these long-term Everything we do is based on the evidence. Every per- symptoms and where that data is publicly available. son who is immunized is followed on their immunization As reported in the New York Times, COVID long-haul path. Every person who tests positive for COVID-19 gets patients report a stunning array of mysterious symptoms: support and is involved in contact tracing and follow-up fatigue, pain, insomnia, memory problems, brain fog. Tis support. Tat efort will continue based on the evidence should, as the minister points out, raise important ques- in B.C. and led by our extraordinary team of public health tions for how we organize our COVID policies in B.C., professionals. which professions are prioritized for vaccination and the level of risk we are expecting front-line workers to take. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR Younger people may be less likely to die, but the long- TOURISM ATTRACTIONS term impacts from this virus are not always trivial. For AND COMMUNITY EVENTS health care workers and teachers, who have the highest number of WorkSafeBC COVID claims, respectively, as T. Stone: We have yet another example of an organiza- well as the 12,000-plus recorded cases for children and tion that’s been lef fapping in the wind because this gov- teenagers, this is particularly worrying. ernment can’t seem to shoot straight when it comes to get- My question, again, is to the Minister of Health. How is ting supports out to organizations that have been decim- the minister accounting for long COVID in decision-mak- ated by this pandemic. ing, and how is he preparing to support long-haul patients, Te Pacifc National Exhibition is a beloved summer both medically and in the event that they are unable to attraction. We all can recall time spent there as kids or work or go to school, while navigating a long and uncer- taking our kids there. Last year the PNE lost almost 90 tain recovery? percent of its revenue. Te pandemic has led to 100 full- time staf layofs and the loss of 4,100 part-time jobs Hon. A. Dix: Well, the member will know that we have associated with the PNE, yet the PNE has had no gov- established three specialty clinics in British Columbia to ernment support. address the needs of people who are dealing with the My question to the Premier is this. Will the Premier step ongoing efects of a COVID-19 infection. Tat efort, up and deliver the relief to the PNE that is so desperately which is a signifcant efort in our health care system, is needed by the end of this fscal year? something that’s been ongoing for some time. I’d be happy to brief the member on it. Hon. R. Kahlon: I thank the member for the question. Te member talks about immunization clinics and the Certainly, we know there are many businesses that are decisions that will be made. We’ve made it very clear from struggling. I know that not having international tourism the beginning, from December in our briefng, then Janu- and not having the ability for businesses to attract even ary in our briefng and then this week in our presentation local customers has been hard, especially for some of our about immunization plans, that the focus of our efort is tourism operators, some of the larger tourism operators. to deal with those who are most vulnerable. So long-term I know that the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture care was frst, then assisted living. has been engaging with them about the challenges they’re Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 439 facing and how we can navigate that and support them. I Te minister will proceed. suspect she’ll have more to say on that very soon. We do appreciate the member raising that concern. It’s Hon. R. Kahlon: Obviously, his incompetence is a bit of something we’ve heard. We’ve been engaging with them a hard thing for him to deal with. for months now to make sure that we understand fully the We know it’s a tough time. We know it’s difcult times challenges they face now as well as the challenges they face for businesses. We know it’s tough times for our tourism going forward, coming out of the pandemic. operators. When you can’t have international tourists come in and your business relies on that, it’s certainly a Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kamloops–South challenge for businesses. Tompson on a supplemental. Interjections. T. Stone: Well, simply put, words are not good enough. Talking about continued engagement is not good enough. Hon. R. Kahlon: Now, the member wants to continue. Saying that you’ve been working on it for months is not Maybe he wants to hear more about his incompetence. good enough. Imagine a minister who runs ICBC into the ground and Tis is a minister that established a $300 million pro- then hands away free buildings to lobbyists. Now, if he gram six months ago and has only managed to push $50 wants to keep going, I can keep going on this because I’ve million out the door. Tat’s incompetent. Tis is a minister got a long list. that refuses to loosen up the eligibility criteria so that these I’ll talk about the businesses that are struggling right dollars, the very dollars that are there to help organizations now. We know it’s a difcult time. We know if you can’t who need it, businesses that need it, get that support…. have international tourists here…. We know that even if Tat’s incompetent. you can have domestic tourism here, these businesses are Tere are a few more examples of organizations that struggling. We know there are grants available for many desperately need help. Tey have been hit hard by the pan- businesses that have less than 149 employees. Tey can demic and are, again, struggling because of this govern- apply. Many are applying. ment’s incompetence. Over 60 percent of the dollars…. Te Vancouver Art Gallery’s revenue has fallen by 75 percent. Science World’s revenue is down 85 percent. Te Interjections. Vancouver Aquarium was forced to close and needs funds to feed its animals. Tese attractions are struggling, while Mr. Speaker: Members, a question was asked. Now let’s the Premier, the Minister of Jobs, the Minister of Tourism hear the answer. and the government generally do nothing to support them. Hon. R. Kahlon: Over 60 percent of the businesses that My question, again to the Premier, is: will the Premier have applied for the grants so far have been tourism oper- provide the supports that are so desperately needed by all ators. Money is going out the door. We’re going to continue of these organizations so that they can make it not just to work with the larger operators that have over 149 through this fscal year but well into the future and be employees — to both work with them on the challenges enjoyed by British Columbians from across the province? they’re facing now as well as how they can be successful in [2:15 p.m.] the years ahead.

Hon. R. Kahlon: Te member mentioned incompet- L. Doerkson: We have another example of British Col- ence. Imagine a minister that runs a proftable insurance umbians paying the ultimate price for this government’s corporation and turns it into the red — billions and bil- incompetence. Communities like Williams Lake host lions of dollars. Tat is incompetence. stampedes and festivals that bring in economic activity Imagine a minister…. and help to celebrate our local culture. Sadly, the Williams Lake Stampede had to cancel their Interjections. event last year and may not be able to open again this year. Te question to the Premier is: will he commit to Mr. Speaker: All right, Members. Okay, Members. providing some relief to these struggling community Members will come to order. events?

Interjections. Hon. R. Kahlon: Tank you to the member for asking his frst question. Welcome to this House. Mr. Speaker: Okay. Hon. Speaker, thank you for raising the concerns that Minister, take your seat, please. he has in his community with the rodeo. I’ve had the Are we fnished? privilege of attending that rodeo. It’s a fantastic event and 440 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 draws people from throughout the region and outside of able to get out the door. Will the Premier provide arts the country as well. funding for theatres and arts societies before the end of We know it’s a challenging time with the rodeo having this fscal year? been cancelled. I’m happy to meet with the member and even with the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture to Hon. R. Kahlon: Tank you to the member for the engage with the rodeo to see how, again, we can support question. I’m happy to engage with the member regarding them in the current challenges they’re facing as well as how the theatre in her community that wants to access funding. they see their economic recovery going forward. We’ve had theatres that have applied for and received money. I know that a theatre in Trail just recently got L. Doerkson: Tese groups would like engagement money. Tey sent me a really lovely note about how the from our government. Tis is what we need help on right dollars have helped their business and how they see their now. future now because of the dollars. Yet another couple of examples of this government’s I would say to the member that if they have less than incompetence. Communities like Quesnel have had to 149 employees, they certainly can apply. Money is avail- cancel Billy Barker Days now for two years in a row. Tey able. I would encourage her to help them with their applic- just made the announcement recently. Armstrong has had ation and to guide them to the place where they need to be. to cancel the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede If she would like us to engage with them directly to help last year and may not open in 2021. I believe many events them, we’re happy to do that. in our province are seriously at risk of never coming back. When will the Premier support these events so that they Mr. Speaker: Te member for Cariboo North on a sup- can be there for British Columbians when it is safe to plemental. reopen? C. Oakes: Well, perhaps the minister should give the Hon. R. Kahlon: Tank you again to the member for same advice to his own ministers. the question. His question was that these organizations Ana Rose Carrico of the Red Gate Arts Society says that want to engage with government, and that’s what I’m ofer- venues like hers might not be able to stay afoat fnancially. ing. I’m ofering to join him, if he would like, to engage She’s in a minister’s own backyard. Perhaps the ministers with those organizations. could actually go and help their own constituents and do It’s a challenging time. I think the public knows that their jobs. She says: “Te venues that have the ability to when you can’t have international tourists here, when you survive are the ones that are going to have money. Te can’t have people traveling to other communities to visit smaller, more local venues will have to shut down.” and also attend these important events we all love to Hey, if the Arts Minister won’t act and the Jobs Minis- attend, it’s a challenge. I think the member understands it’s ter won’t act, will the Premier step up or let arts societies a global pandemic. We’re going to see this challenge for close for good? some time. I’m willing to engage with the organization that he’s Hon. R. Kahlon: Te member may be aware that mentioned, as well as my colleague from the Tourism, Arts there’s $25 million, part of StrongerBC, for the B.C. Arts and Culture Ministry. We’ll have that conversation in the Council, which directly supports these organizations. coming weeks. Te member may want to direct the concerned groups to the pot of money that the Arts Council has available. COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR As part of StrongerBC, we also have millions of dollars ARTS ORGANIZATIONS available for theatres and other organizations of that kind that want to pivot and do some infrastructure C. Oakes: Well, we’ve heard today that the government upgrades to their facilities. has a strong understanding of what is going on and that Tose dollars are available. If the member would like, they understand the challenges. she could reach out, and we can get her direct contacts [2:20 p.m.] for the businesses so that she can help them in her com- We have more examples of British Columbians paying munity. the ultimate price for this Premier and this government’s incompetence. One in four art workers lost their jobs last GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO COVID-19 year, and groups are in desperate need of support. Arts societies across the province are facing another year of P. Milobar: We have, yet again, another example of this almost no revenues. Organizations like Island Mountain Premier’s incompetence and his minister’s incompetence Arts in my riding, theatres and independent cinemas are when it comes to distributing the funds that this assembly begging this government for assistance. unanimously approved almost 12 months ago now and Tere is money that this government has not been that are still sitting there. Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 441

Since we’re hitting year-end, it’s critical that these dollars incapable of being able to operate, have been having the get out the door, especially for agencies that don’t currently same request for 11 months on money that was approved qualify. Many local B.C. museums, for example, don’t qual- in this assembly 11 months ago…? Perhaps the Premier ify. Tey’re run by non-profts. Tey’re not able to access can let the minister in on that memo. the small business recovery grants that are out there, and When is that money going to go out to these groups? they could be closing for good. You’re sitting on it. Tere are hundreds of millions of dol- Again to the Premier, the Premier has had over 11 lars sitting there, as we approach the fscal year-end at the months now to help these groups out. Will he commit end of this month, that haven’t gone out to these groups. today to helping them before the end of this fscal year, When will they get an answer that they’re going to survive when that money disappears? or that they’re going to have to close for good?

Hon. R. Kahlon: Te member has his timelines mixed Hon. J. Horgan: I was just asked a question. I won’t up. As he’ll know, this program was launched in late Octo- thank him for doing so. ber. We made signifcant changes to the program on I will say to the House, particularly to the ofcial oppo- December 21. Since then, we’ve seen a signifcant increase sition for the line of questioning today, that they’ve iden- in applications. tifed a whole host of agencies, businesses, operations that We’ve seen $51 million go out to small businesses. Tat are struggling. We get that because it’s happening in our has helped 30,000 employees, and 33 businesses in his constituencies as well — 57 of them on this side, 30 on that community, he’ll be happy to learn, have gotten that side of the House, 87 across the province. It’s not one way money. Tat means a lot to the 33 businesses in his com- or the other here. It’s all British Columbians. munity. I know that 33 is maybe a small number to those Now, we together, collectively, put $10 billion into the that live in Vancouver, but it’s signifcant in smaller towns B.C. economy between budgets — unprecedented. Tat in the province. money is spent, Member. It’s spent, and you know it is. Te I’ll say to the member that the pandemic has shifed funds that we have available have been targeted to small throughout the last year, and so have our supports. We’ve and medium-sized businesses. been nimble all the way through the process, and we’re going to continue to be nimble. We’re going to continue Interjections. to engage with organizations that don’t fall below the 149 employees mark. We’re going to work with them to fnd Mr. Speaker: Members. support, not only how they can survive now but also how they can go forward. Hon. J. Horgan: What we are doing now, in cooperation [2:25 p.m.] — the Minister of Jobs, the Minister of Tourism — is reaching out to the very organizations that you’ve articu- P. Milobar: Tat’s very concerning. It highlights…. I lated and saying: “How can we make this work for you?” know the Premier and the mutual admiration society on Tat’s what we’ve been doing. the other side of the House don’t like to hear the word “incompetent” today. So blundering, bungling, amateur- Interjection. ish, incapable, inept, clumsy. You name it. Tat was highlighted in that last answer by the minister. Hon. J. Horgan: “How about a cheque?” says the mem- Here’s a simple timeline for the minister. On March 23 ber on the other side. “How about a cheque?” last year, unanimous support…. And $1.5 billion was supposed to be targeted and earmarked to help businesses Interjections. and agencies. It hasn’t been spent. It hasn’t gone out the door. We’re asking the minister and the Premier questions Mr. Speaker: Members. about agencies that don’t even qualify and if they can still get help, and the minister goes back to prepared speaking Hon. J. Horgan: If only that had been the attitude of the notes about businesses we’re not even asking about. ofcial opposition when they were cutting programs for Te question was about museums that don’t qualify for people. If only that had been their position when they were any grants. Tey’re about the PNE, which doesn’t qualify abandoning people through 16 years of neglect. for any grants. Tey’re about animals needing food at an aquarium. Instead, the minister talked about ICBC. If you Interjections. want to talk about incompetence and not trying to answer a question, that’s it right there. Mr. Speaker: Order. Again to the Premier, when will these groups, who have been asking for 11 months — most of whom have been Hon. J. Horgan: We will address these issues in a closed for those 11 months because of health orders or 442 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 responsible way to meet the interests of all British Colum- J. Routledge: I ask leave of the House to move a motion bians wherever they may live. to adopt the report. Here is a news fash for the member from Kamloops. It’s a global pandemic, dude. Get with the program. Leave granted.

[End of question period.] Mr. Speaker: Member, continue.

Speaker’s Statement J. Routledge: I move that the report be adopted. In doing so, I would like to make some brief comments. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS DURING QUESTION PERIOD Mr. Speaker: Proceed.

Mr. Speaker: Members, you may think you know that J. Routledge: Tis unanimous report summarizes the making a big noise is a good way of doing question period. committee’s recommendations for the budgets of the Te Chair doesn’t appreciate it. province’s nine statutory ofces. Also, I want to share with you that I have received phone Committee members met with all statutory ofces in calls from members who may not be sitting in the gallery. February to carefully review their budget proposals for Tey used to come here but not anymore. Tey still watch the upcoming three fscal years. Te committee supported us. Tey listen to the language being used today. I heard necessary increases to address non-discretionary pressures the words “competence,” “incompetence,” “incompetent” as well as additional funding to support ofces with ful- numerous times. flling their legislated mandates. Committee members appreciated the eforts of the ofces to fnd innovations An Hon. Member: So? and efciencies and encourage all statutory ofces to continue to fnd these opportunities to ensure fscal respons- Mr. Speaker: So the point is…. If the member will sit ibility and prudence. down and listen before I fnish my statement. Te point Te committee also acknowledged the challenges is that let’s be temperate in our language in our debate, posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on because the public is watching. Opposition members have each ofce and extends its appreciation to all ofcers and every right to ask these questions. I understand they’re their staf for their continued work on behalf of British passionate and all that, but be careful. Be careful. Columbians and for their engagement during the budget review process. Interjection. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all com- [2:30 p.m.] mittee members for their diligent and thoughtful consideration of the budget submissions, and particularly recog- Mr. Speaker: I’m not stopping you from asking a ques- nize the Deputy Chair, the member for Kelowna West, for tion — incompetent. I’m not stopping you. All I’m saying his support and work during this process. is it was used so many times. People take notice of it. Just be careful; that’s all I’m saying, okay? B. Stewart: I want to thank the Chair for her remarks You have the right to ask questions. We will have a won- about this report. I know that it was an incredibly difcult derful debate in the House every day. timeline to work with, and the Clerk of Committees and their staf really pulled out all the stops, as well as all of the Reports from Committees statutory ofcers, to do their job. Te presentations were, indeed, gratifying — to see FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT the challenges that they face, some of the innovations SERVICES COMMITTEE that were presented. I know that there were fairly sub- stantial increases due to legislative pressures and oblig- J. Routledge: I have the honour to present the frst ations, such as the Ofce of the Police Complaint Com- report of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and missioner, the Ombudsperson and the Human Rights Government Services for the frst session of the 42nd par- Commissioner as well as the Auditor General. We look liament titled Annual Review of the Budgets of Statutory forward, as a committee, to seeing their future progress Ofces, a copy of which has been deposited with the Ofce reports and making certain that they’re thoughtful in of the Clerk. terms of the challenge of the resources that British Col- I move that the report be taken as read and received. umbians have in these tough times. I just want to thank all of the committee members Motion approved. from both sides of the House for their thoughtful and probing questions. We look forward, as a committee, to Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 443 the reports coming back and updates on the progress receive the full grant they are entitled to, while ineligible of their individual ofces and the Case Tracker System, applicants will not receive a grant. Tese amendments do which is a part of this. not change existing eligibility criteria for homeowner grants and do not change grant amounts. Motion approved. Te amendments also modernize the Home Owner [2:35 p.m.] Grant Act, ensuring consistency with other modern statutes and providing more tools to increase efcient recov- Orders of the Day ery of amounts owed to government. Ministry staf con- sulted with local governments and the Union of B.C. Hon. M. Farnworth: I call second reading on Bill 6, Municipalities on changes to the program before the Home Owner Grant Amendment Act. amendments were fnalized for introduction. Ministry staf have also worked closely with local governments on [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] process and system changes to ensure that the transition to centralization is as seamless as possible. Second Reading of Bills As well, we have confrmed that there is no notifcation required under British Columbia’s Declaration on the BILL 6 — HOME OWNER GRANT Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act because the province’s AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 homeowner grant program does not apply on treaty First Nations lands or Nisg̱ a’a lands. Treaty First Nations and Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 6 be read a second Nisga’a Nation administer their own homeowner grant time now. programs. Although they have the same eligibility require- Tese amendments enable the full centralization of the ments as the provincial homeowner grant program, these homeowner grant program, a program that provides prop- eligibility requirements are not changing with centraliza- erty tax relief for 1.1 million B.C. homeowners each year. tion. Te treaty First Nations and Nisga’a will continue to In December 2020, government introduced the Finance administer their own homeowner grant programs under Statutes Amendment Act. Tis act ensured that all their treaty property tax agreements and in accordance homeowner grant applications must be provided to the with their laws. province for the 2020 and 2021 tax years, efectively Similarly, the provincial homeowner grant program removing local government’s legal obligation to collect and does not apply on the reserve lands of a taxing First process homeowner grant applications. Tis was the frst Nation. If they provide homeowner grants to residents, step in centralizing the homeowner grant program. Te they do so under independent property taxation authority. amendments in this bill are the fnal steps to ensure the Te province will continue to be available for discussions province meets its commitment to fully centralize the pro- with treaty First Nations and Nisga’a Nation on future gram as announced in Budget 2020. alignment with the administration of the homeowner Afer listening to our municipal partners, who said that grant program. administering this program was a burden, we made the [2:40 p.m.] decision to centralize the program. Te province already In summary, these amendments deliver on the commit- administers homeowner grants for rural properties, and ment made in Budget 2020 to centralize the homeown- it makes sense to centralize and streamline the program. er grant administration, enable our government to meet Local governments support this change, as it removes an another commitment in the 30-point plan for housing administrative burden and ensures that they will not need afordability and beneft both local governments and B.C. to collect and store sensitive personal information. homeowners by ensuring that a more efcient and efect- Tis is important as the province meets its commitment ive homeowner grant program will be delivered. from the 30-point plan for housing afordability to collect social insurance numbers on homeowner grant applica- M. Bernier: Tank you to the minister for her opening tions. Collecting social insurance numbers adds rigour to remarks on Bill 6. I understand there are going to be a few the homeowner grant administration to help fght tax eva- people getting up and speaking to the bill. sion, reduce fraud and ensure people are paying the right Let me start by maybe just highlighting some of the amount of tax. issues, challenges and things that we’re going to bring up Centralization not only lifs an administrative burden when we get to committee stage on this bill later on in from our local government partners but will also make it this session, whenever that may be. I think it’s fair to say faster and easier for homeowners to apply. Tis means all that, obviously, there are some reservations around this owners will have access to an online application as well and some skepticism that we might have on this side of the as being able to apply over the phone with a government House. agent. Centralization also ensures all B.C. homeowners When you look at the government’s success rate right are treated fairly. Tis means that eligible applicants will 444 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 now, lately, of trying to administer and roll out programs, 50 years or lived in B.C. for 75 years or that they’re actually it hasn’t been very successful. Obviously, we have to really on a pension which, by the way, the government knows scrutinize and ask the tough questions — is government about because it might be a government pension…. ready for this? — because government has been trying to Tese are some of the frustrations that we’ve seen in the roll out programs with no success. province over the last few years, specifcally the last year We heard today in question period that 16 percent of with some of these COVID recovery programs that have money that was approved by this entire House a year ago not worked. Now the government wants to centralize, as has managed to go out to help businesses. We continue to the minister says, to get more information. get phone calls or emails day afer day from people in the [2:45 p.m.] province of British Columbia who were expecting a COV- On the one hand, we’re always telling people: “Don’t ID recovery cheque in their bank account by Christmas, as give out our social insurance numbers to people.” Now was promised by the NDP government, and so many have, the minister is saying: “Te government wants your social unfortunately, not seen that assistance and help. insurance number in gathering for the homeowner’s grant Whether it’s citizens on the ground, whether it’s busi- in order to make sure they know who you are and they can nesses or whether it’s communities, people in this province gather more information on you.” have not seen this government fulfl their promises. So I I guarantee you that just that comment alone is going have a hard time understanding why, at this time, gov- to spark people wondering: “What’s up?” People are going ernment…. As the minister mentioned many times in her to wonder why the government wants yet more informa- brief opening remarks on this bill: centralization. tion from them that they may or may not have had to sub- Well, centralization…. What I see under the NDP gov- mit before. For me, the comments that I’m hearing from ernment is more about control. It’s about gathering infor- people are: “Tis is just another example of government mation that they can use on people. Tese are some of the trying to control me. Tis is government trying to control concerns that I’m hearing: “Is this just another attempt by my life by them centralizing and getting that information.” this government to get more of my personal information? Now, I hope the government is going to be doing, when Why do they want it, and how are they going to use it in this passes, which I assume it will — the government is years down the road that could negatively afect me?” going to support this — a very robust exercise on educa- We’ll get into discussions again in committee stage. I’m tion for people who are going through this. pleased to hear the minister acknowledge that the idea Te minister said 1.1 million people, obviously, are here is not to change the eligibility requirements or the homeowners in this province. But when you look at monetary amounts that people will be eligible for under a the record of this government of targeting and almost homeowner’s grant. Tat’s good news, but I want to dive penalizing through taxation, through information and into that a little bit further later on. through programs that they’ve done in the past — Te minister, I think, was acknowledging that it’s simple almost targeting and penalizing homeowners — there and straightforward, this process. Well, unfortunately, I is a reason why homeowners might be a little skeptical don’t know if it is. about why government wants to centralize and start tak- Right now, in a lot of parts of rural British Columbia, ing on this information. it is…. For 25 years, it’s been a process where, you know, I’m seeing this on social media already. People are say- a senior couple goes to city hall. Tey fll out the forms ing: “What’s up? What’s the hidden agenda?” Of course, we for the application for their homeowner’s grant. While have to ask those questions in this House to get govern- they’re there, they give a cheque and pay their taxes ment on record of what their plans actually are, if there are minus that amount to the city. I don’t know if I have con- any other ones. If there’s not, I welcome the minister and fdence that this change is not going to negatively afect this government to set the record straight for the people some of those people who, for 25 years, have done some- who have concerns that there might be a hidden agenda by thing a certain way. government doing this. Tere are a lot of parts of British Columbia, especially We’ve also heard from local governments that do have in rural B.C., that don’t have the connectivity, that don’t some frustrations or challenges with this that it’s actually have access to the Internet. We saw that actually roll out, something that they weren’t quite prepared for. Obvi- the negative problems with that, this last December when ously, the minister has mentioned support for this. Well, people were trying to apply for their COVID recovery that’s great, I guess, for some, but not for all. We want beneft, unanimously approved by this House to try to go to make sure we get some of those issues addressed and out by Christmas. brought forward. Te amount of people that said, “I couldn’t apply One of the big things, again, that we’re going to want because I don’t have Internet, and the phone number you to talk about during committee stage is making sure, as I gave me didn’t help,” or people who did apply, who didn’t said a few moments ago, that government is not centraliz- receive the funds, who were asked a whole bunch of ques- ing, as the minister said, to gather this information to fur- tions to actually have to prove that they were married for ther target and penalize and hurt homeowners in British Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 445

Columbia. Te government keeps touting their 30-point stuf with the magic devices in their hands or on their plan. Tere has been new legislation that’s been brought desktops that they are looking for more and more things forward, too, recently. It just goes to, again, the fact that that they can do online, do safely and proceed. Don’t get there is unease out there with the intentions of govern- me wrong. Like me, many others cannot wait to get back ment. to the pre-COVID time, somewhat the pre-COVID time, I look forward to getting up in committee stage and so that we can go out and do things in person. addressing some very specifc detailed questions about Tis particular bill is in response to the minister paying this. But at this point, the government and the minister attention to what the municipalities were telling us. And have given me no reason why I should be able to support you know what? I’ve been very proud of the work of this this bill. I don’t have the comfort that has been given to government, because we have focused on listening. Listen- be able to support something without that information ing is very important. We learn so much from it. What that so many people in B.C. are asking about, about the we heard from the municipalities was how cumbersome, intentions of this bill. Tere has been no communication time-consuming and costly it was for the municipalities to around it, for the most part, to actual homeowners. Tat’s administer this legislation, the homeowner’s grant, which, why we have 1.1 million people who are homeowners who by the way, they have been doing since 1957. Tey have are going to have those questions on the intentions of this been doing it since 1957. government. Our population has grown. Home ownership has I look forward, on their behalf — and any future grown, though I can still tell you that many are still homeowners, hopefully lots of them, in the province — to struggling to aford to buy a house. If any of us watched what this will mean going forward. With that, I will look the news this morning, we know that the real estate mar- forward to some of the further comments and look for- ket has picked up again, maybe due to the low interest ward to committee stage. rates. People are getting concerned. “Can we aford to buy a house?” But we do have a large number of people J. Sims: It is a pleasure today to rise and speak in the who do own homes already, and they do access the people’s House. homeowner’s grant. So what this bill will do is allow Tere is nothing more important to the people of British online applications, and the system will be centralized. Columbia than housing. I can remember just a few years Tis is a way to take away an administrative burden that ago, and hearing from members…. I hear almost every day existed on municipalities. how important housing is. It’s fundamental. It’s founda- Only my colleagues across the way, in opposition, could tional. I’m so proud of the work that the government has turn a piece of legislation that actually assists another level done to address homelessness. We still have a lot to do. We of government with administration and to lower the work- have to address afordability. load for them and streamline this as something nefarious [2:50 p.m.] and something underhanded that is going on with a difer- It was very difcult for me to listen to my predecessor ent agenda. speaking about some of these issues and not acknow- Let me assure my colleague that over the last year we ledging the problems they created in the housing market have learned that we do have to have more safety systems when they were in government. But the bill we have before and security systems in place, but we’ve also learned that us today is fairly straightforward. Tere are no hidden diferent levels of government are fnding safe ways for us agendas here. I don’t think you could have anything clearer to engage and interact online. Tis is what it’s going to be. than this piece of legislation. Tis is instead of manually flling out a form and then hav- What we have been going through over the last year has ing to mail it. You will be able to go to the government been…. I’m sure we are all aware of it. We live it every day. website, hit a click button. Te form will open up. You will It’s a worldwide pandemic, a pandemic that has turned the complete it, and you will send it. world on its head, inside out, upside down, however you [2:55 p.m.] want to say it. During this time, so many things have been If you need assistance and you need help with it, there highlighted to streamline work and to make it easier for will be call centres, and you will be able to call and get the people of British Columbia to deal with processes. this done centrally. Tere will also be help available for Over the last year, we’ve had to learn to do so many people at Service B.C. centres. Everybody knows that there things online. I can tell you I ended up doing things online, are MLAs in every part of this province who also will be paying bills and things, which I had always said I was not a resource to assist people who are absolutely struggling going to do. I ended up doing banking online. I’ve ended with this. up communicating with my grandchildren on FaceTime I think, when I look at the work that the minister has ad nauseam because there is no other way to communicate done, this is long overdue, probably. It is streamlining. It is with them. making things easier. It is, in many ways, compatible with What I’ve learned during this time is how we can all the way we are doing things right now. adapt. People have got so used to dealing with so much Also, for me, I always look at, if another level of govern- 446 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 ment is being impacted, what their reaction is. You know, dren, my grandchildren and many other people’s children they’re happy about it. and grandchildren who are thinking: “I want to be able to Let me read to you a quote so we can get it into aford to buy a house and how challenging housing aford- Hansard. Here we have a quote from Brian Frenkel, who ability is.” I want to remind everybody how the housing is the president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Tat market was out of control when we frst got elected. We did means all the local governments across B.C. from corner put a 30-point action plan in place, and some of it began to to corner to corner. have an efect. It was having an impact. But now, with the Tis is what he has to say. “For more than a year, local interest rates…. government and the Ministry of Finance staf have been I was shocked the other day, when I was looking on their working together to ensure the smooth transition of this website, at a bank ofering interest rates of 0.99 of 1 per- program to the provincial government,” said Brian Fren- cent. Tis was about a week ago. I couldn’t get my head kel. “Tis change will provide administrative improve- around that, because I was a house owner at a time when ments requested” — and I really want to focus on that, interest rates went up to 18 percent, and I know the impact requested — “by local government and supports the that had on us. implementation of the provincial housing plan.” What has happened is that because of COVID, for a How unique to have a government that is responsive, while, people were not buying. Right now, interest rates that listened to local government, heard their concerns are low, so more are qualifying for mortgages. Te housing and moved forward with a legislative agenda afer a year- market is hot again. Tis is a concern. long consultation. So what could be secretive about this? I know for everybody who is in the housing market, you What could be hidden about this? And when I’m looking see your house price go up, and it makes you feel good. at how this will make things easier for people, I’m thinking Your equity is being built up. But for those wanting to it’s common sense. enter the market, they begin to have cold sweats, think- As all of you know, I am a teacher, and I always have to ing: “Will I ever be able to enter the housing market?” Tat use a teacher analogy somewhere. I always think if some- is why I am proud of the billions and billions of dollars thing will pass the nod test with somebody in kinder- that our government has committed to building afordable garten, it’s okay. It’s okay to move forward with that. I housing and also housing for the middle class as well as would say, if I was to explain to my great-granddaughter, addressing the homelessness issues that exist. who is not in kindergarten yet — she is four — that this is I wish there was a magic pill for this, but we don’t have what we’re going to be doing and this is why, she would be one. But I can tell you that having addressed some of the sitting there going like this, because it does make sense. It major concerns around the money laundering issue, which does make sense. was allowed to run rampant by the previous government, I am very, very proud of the work done by the minister, we did begin to see an impact of that. in consult. I know two ministers have worked on this, and We all have a lot more work to do, and I’m looking for- I acknowledge the work done by all of them. ward to getting on with that. But in the meantime, what Once again, I want to assure people that this is to make I do want to say to folks is: when you get new pieces of it easier. You can go to the government website online. legislation, sometimes they’re very simple and they have a And by the way, just to make this crystal-clear, this is lot hidden behind them. When I was listening to my col- not an increased cost for individuals. Te threshold has league from the opposition speaking, I kept thinking: is already been determined, right? Tere is nothing that’s there something here that I might have missed in my read- going to be taken away at all. It’s just a way to access the ing of it? Is it more than it is saying? homeowner’s grant. Ten I began to do my reading again, and I thought: you If you’re fnding it difcult…. I do know that there are know what? Tis was a request. Tis is a result of consulta- parts of this province, having travelled from corner to tion. I know that the opposition, when in government, corner, that do have connectivity issues. Tere are parts really did not believe in consultation or listening. I don’t that do, and I acknowledge that. think it was part of their vocabulary or their actionability, For them, they do have phone calls. Tey can pick up so for them, it ofen does come as news and ofen as a bit the phone and get a lot of this done on the phone. Tey can of a shock that there is a government that does listen to also visit their local Service B.C. centre and the MLA ofce people, that does want to be responsive, that does listen to as well, if they need additional help, because usually the other levels of government. connectivity in our government ofces is a little bit more We do believe in working together in collaboration. stable at times. Well, I’m not going to say too much there, Working in collaboration is very, very critical. Tat doesn’t because we have had issues. But let me tell you that there just mean within a party and outside or within one caucus are many, many places people can go for help. or the other. I believe in working in collaboration with all [3:00 p.m.] of us in the House to fnd the best way forward to serve While I’m up here talking about this legislation, as we British Columbians. All of us come here to do that. talk about a homeowner’s grant, I know. Tey are my chil- I think this is a good time for me to thank the constitu- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 447 ents of Surrey-Panorama for having elected me and sent My colleague already spoke to this briefy. Whether we’re me here to represent them again. I am always honoured talking about the business grants rollout, whether we’re and in awe of their trust. I would also like to thank every- talking about the COVID relief, we have seen nothing but one who worked on my campaign. Once again, I will say issue afer issue with people trying to get through on this it is a privilege, always, to represent the people and to fght telephone line. for them. Tere are 1.3 million homeowners in British Colum- As we look at this legislation, I’m hoping every member bia. Well, that was a 2016 stat. Tose are a lot of people in this House will fnd a way to support this legislation, that are going to be phoning, all at around the same because this legislation is there to help to streamline and time, when those tax notices come out across British to make sure that we reduce the burden on municipal gov- Columbia. Tey are worried, and people have reached ernments as they try to administer this particular provin- out to me. Even some municipalities in my riding have cial program. reached out to me. Tey’re really concerned about how Te municipalities seem to be very happy with it. Tey this is going to roll out. don’t seem to have concerns. I think the public, when they If you look at home ownership amongst 65-year-olds realize how much easier, more streamlined, everything is, and older, 78 percent of people in that age bracket own will be much happier with this as well. their own homes. It’s probably safe to say that many of [3:05 p.m.] those in that age bracket aren’t necessarily avid Internet As I said before — and before I stop talking — they can users, who are quite content with going into their city hall go online, get information from gov.bc.ca, homeowner’s and signing of their piece of paper and handing it in, in grant. Tey can go to the call centre. It’s a toll-free phone a one-stop-shopping manner. Of course, that is now not call, folks — 1-888-355-2700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to available. So our concern is: is government ready for this? 5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. Go to a Service B.C. What has been demonstrated over the past number of centre nearest them, and if all else fails, they can contact months is…. We don’t think so. British Columbians cer- their local MLA and get some assistance that way. tainly don’t think so. I can read lots of things. I’ve had As I was saying, a big shout-out to the minister for the people reach out to me. Tis is one elderly person in my work she has done with the municipalities and for this col- riding. Tose people who are not connected to the Inter- laborative moving forward to fnd a solution for a problem net, like senior citizens who never use a computer…. What that existed. exactly will happen when others cannot apply, but they might still qualify? Is that task going to be administered or D. Davies: I’m pleased to rise here today — well, not in picked up by the municipality? Or is the province going to the House but in the House virtually — to continue debate have some alternative means to fx this? on this bill. I’m certain that my colleague from Peace River [3:10 p.m.] South, as well as others, is looking forward to examining Tese are questions that people are asking me. One of this in committee stage. my friends goes: “Well, I guess this is one more thing that My remarks will be fairly short today. I just wanted to I’m going to have to do for my parents.” We are already bring up a few points from an angle of more rural and seeing kids of elderly folks now having to pick up doing northern remote communities that are within my riding of these other online pieces that we’ve already seen govern- Peace River North. ment move to in many ways. I want to follow up on the member for Surrey-Panor- I said I was going to keep my remarks short. I just ama, her comments. I’m glad that she did go back and talk wanted to bring forward some of the concerns that have about how that connectivity is maybe not necessarily great been raised to me over the past weeks. It’s really about all over the province. I can attest to that, Mr. Speaker. I people. Unfortunately, this bill is not about people. It is have communities in my riding, and they are, across the not going to be as easy as I think the government thinks it province…. might be. Many people, again, don’t feel that government As the member said, you cannot just pick up your magic is going to be ready, as they’ve demonstrated already, to devices, because they don’t work. Tere are many areas receive, really, another 1½ million phone calls or interac- across the province where there is no cell service. Tere tions via Internet. are many parts of our province that have poor, if any, We have a lot of concerns. Tey will be brought up a connectivity to the Internet. Tere are still parts of the little bit more during committee stage. I hope to be able to province where people have poor landline connectivity. also speak during that time. It is important to know that I’ve had people reach out to me since this was frst these points are addressed by government. We do look for- brought up. Please, you would have to excuse me and ward to some robust discussion as we move forward. As I many British Columbians if they’re not fully confdent in said, I’ll keep my remarks very short. I will leave this to the the government rolling out more online services, more next speaker. “call us; we’re here to help” services, because we’ve seen those fail and fail again over the past number of months. M. Starchuk: It is my honour to stand here for the frst 448 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 time to speak on a bill that is so pointed at what I used there before. Te same eligibility that’s there. Te only to do. minor change is the amount of dollars that are assessed We see here that the local government is asking for this. to your home to make you qualify. It has gone up a small I can tell you, from my four years as a councillor, the bit. Over 90 percent of British Columbians will qualify for lineups, the streams that were there at city hall of people this grant. Tose 90 percent will beneft from that in a time that were trying to pay their taxes. Tey were trying to get when housing markets are on the rise again. their grants and the confusion that was there. It was con- One of the other parts to this program is that it says fusion young and old. that there’s no cost. It’s in there as “no cost.” But the cost Tis program that’s inside of here, to streamline it, to that’s there to its savings to the municipalities will be the put it in concert with the rest of the province, is a very, cost of the time that they don’t have to have those people very wise thing to do. It’s expected to be quicker; it’s administering this program. Again, I want to emphas- expected to be fairer. ize that it’s the municipal governments, it’s the local gov- We hear the stories about how we’re worried about a ernments that are asking the province for this service to social insurance number, and what’s going to happen. continue the way it’s going. Tere’s a level that makes believe that it’s nefarious when, Te program, when it unrolls, also has the ability for in fact, it’s the actual tool that will be used to ensure that that person that does not have a computer, does not have a that person making the application will get what’s justi- phone line, does not have that ability to meet somebody in fed for what level of a grant they’re going to get back to person, to still go through that paper application process themselves. that’s there. You can call an agent. Tey can make arrange- When we think about and when we hear about the seni- ments. Tey can ensure those paper trails that that person ors’ population — they’re not capable, or it’s tough for would like to do. We’ve got many people in our constitu- them to be online — I want to just say one thing. I will not ency that still like to receive their notices. Tey still like to give the age of my mother out, but I can tell you that she receive their bills. Tey still like to have that tactile feeling will be in the frst dose of vaccines. She has no issues with of paper before they pay something that’s out. learning how to get online. She’s fortunate. She has a com- When the province takes over this part — when the puter. She has other people to talk to. billing comes through, the grant application comes Tose are the simplicities of how this thing works. through — it’s going to be the centralization that’s going Tose of us that have taken the time to go online and do to be more efcient for the actual homeowner. As it sits the clicks that are there ahead of time will be able to see in today’s world, with the municipal governments provid- that it’s not a difcult situation for the people that are ing that service, there are errors that can happen within there. the municipalities because of the familiarity that’s there for When we take a look at the municipal governments, them to process these grants. they’re asking for the provincial government to do this. By going to a centralized location, we’ll be able to have Tey know the amount of time and efort that’s there for those people in a more productive way, that are doing their staf, that they have to pay out of their budgets to that grant application on a regular basis, to be more ef- administer something that is a provincial grant. It just cient than the system that’s there today. Going to this grant makes sense to listen to those municipal governments and application process makes it consistent throughout the release them from the burden of the application process province of B.C., where we already have areas that have that’s there. this grant application process in place for those smaller We talk about the phone network that will be there for communities. those people that may not have a computer, that may not I stand here today supporting this bill, supporting the be able to connect. We have those services that are there. minister and those people that were in consultation with Te majority of the people that we fnd, that are out there, those municipalities in getting what it is that they were are able to do it online. So the phone system should not be afer. Te burden that was there on the municipalities was overburdened. greatly provided to us to take a look at. For those people that feel that they still need to have I know from my riding, Surrey-Cloverdale, it is just a some in-person help, Service B.C. is there. But I want to portion of the city of Surrey where the local governments stress that our constituency assistants are there as well. take care of all the ridings that are there, and they speak on Tey will be well-versed in that. Tey have our phone their behalf as a whole. Tey are the ones that are asking numbers. A special little shout-out to Denise and my new for us to do what we are doing here today. employee Naz, that will be there to help out those people I support this motion. I like everything about this that need that extra help to walk them through the steps motion. I like everything that’s inside of it with regards to that are there. the consultation that the government has had with the loc- [3:15 p.m.] al municipalities. No changes have been made to the program’s eligibility requirements or benefts. It’s the same program that was T. Shypitka: Bill 6. I’d like to take my place and talk Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 449 to the Home Owner Grant Amendment Act, 2021. We’ve mistake. Passing more authority to the province, or to Ott- heard from a couple members on both sides already on awa, only leads to decisions that will hurt you later.” Next this. quote: “Tis makes me very angry.” Tis is about switching gears. It’s about switching the Te next couple of quotes here are from very strong, I process. I think it was the member for Surrey-Panorama know, NDP supporters. Tat’s cool with me. I get along that said it has been in place since 1957. We also have with all of my constituents. Tis person is a really good heard words on making it more simple and more fair. friend of mine. He believes in what this government has We can take both those descriptions. I think the min- been doing to a large part so far, and this is what his quote ister herself said fair. Tis makes it more fair. We heard was: “It was already as streamlined as possible.” Te next the member for Surrey-Cloverdale say it makes it more person says: “I wonder how much will be saved by people fair. I’m just wondering what they mean by that. Are they failing to apply. Not a good thing.” meaning it was never treated fairly in the past, since 1957, Tere’s already a groundswell on this bill. I don’t think where people seemed to get a quick response on flling it’s as simple as what government is trying to make it look in their homeowners grant application? Tey’d go down; like right now. I think it needs to be a relook at this bill. they’d pay their taxes. Seemed pretty fair for, you know, 60 I think that’s what we’ll be doing when we get to com- years almost. mittee stage, dissecting a little bit, maybe asking for some [3:20 p.m.] changes. Who knows? I think we need to do what’s best for Te simple part…. I think the member for Surrey-Pan- the people of British Columbia and really examine it as a orama and the member from the North Peace region whole. talked about the magic device. Te member for Surrey- I’m going to make it quick here but just alert members Panorama talked about listening to people. of the House that this is not as simple and as fair as what Well, this magic device isn’t so magical when you’re in government is saying right now. If government is truly places like Grasmere or Baynes Lake or Hosmer or Newg- genuine about making this simple and fair, then perhaps ate and many places in my riding that just have no con- a hybrid system could be put in place. Perhaps we could nectivity at all, whatsoever. Tey enjoy what they’ve been have a little of both. Maybe we can have our cake and eat doing for many years. Tat’s simply going to their local it too. Tat might be something that might be suggested in municipality and paying their taxes and, you know, mak- committee. ing a day of it. “We’ll go into town and go shopping.” It’s I want to go forward. I want to just reach out to both all been done very simply in the past. I don’t think this sides of the foor and say: “Let’s make this right for the addresses simplifcation at all. people in B.C. and not for what you’re told is right.” Look Tere are also issues with personal information that the deep, and see if this is actually going to help or hinder. government is getting. A lot of people don’t think that’s I mean, we look at some of the online processes that right. Tey get a little freaked out, to tell you the honest have gone on so far. We look at the B.C. recovery grant. truth. I don’t blame them, seeing what’s been happening so Tis is something that was done online, a grant that was far with this government in the last three or four years. promised before Christmastime. Here we are into March, A hidden agenda perhaps. Tere are a lot of conspiracy and I think only half of it’s been applied for so far. Not a lot theories out there. What’s this leading to? Only time will of people happy with that process. tell. Some are very worried about where this may go. If we look at the speculation tax applications, a lot of Maybe the elimination of the homeowner’s grant altogeth- people missed those deadlines. I’m not too sure how many er. Who knows? people got caught in the cracks on that one. I know there I was in municipal government for a number of years. were a lot of angry British Columbians about that process. Tis issue was never raised at the table, of this being an [3:25 p.m.] administrative burden to the municipality. I understand Te B.C. Parks reservation process last summer. What a how municipalities and councils…. Any time you can get disaster that was. It was a simple online reservation pro- rid of any kind of provincial downloading, sure, I’m all in. cess, but it fell very short of what was promised. Ten, of But it’s got to be done in a way that is good for the con- course, government grants for small businesses here in the stituents and the citizens of the area. I don’t think this is province. We don’t need to go into too much detail on that really addressing that, in this bill. one to shine a light on how disastrous that has been so far. Te member for Surrey-Panorama says that we need to People are skeptical about what is simple and fair. listen more. She was really eager to give some quotes. I’ll leave it at that. We’ll look at joining you all later in I pulled a few quotes, just from my page for today, men- committee stage. tioning this bill. We’ll throw a couple at you. First one: “Tis makes no sense. How will it streamline it? Now we S. Chant: I’m honoured to have the opportunity to fll out the grant and sign it when we pay our taxes. How address the House on this important topic. simple is that? Now I have to apply to the province? I am speaking to you from the unceded territories of the Ridiculous.” Another person quoted here: “Wow, huge Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. I appre- 450 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 ciate the opportunity to be learning, living and playing in they can do — fantastic. Give it to the provincial gov- these areas. ernment — it is something that applies to people right I fnd it really interesting that a group of people can look across the province — and let the municipalities use their at something that is straightforward and that is moving us resources of time and people, get them so that they can use into the 2000s and say that it is some kind of conspiracy that elsewhere. to defraud our seniors or to make things more difcult — [3:30 p.m.] when we have an alphabet of communities throughout our We also make sure that this gives the people access to province, all of which have people that we are committed their tax benefts. Again, we have people that actually have to supporting as best as can be, when we work with the not ever applied for their homeowner’s grant, for whatever municipalities and we hear from the municipalities that reason. Is it a language issue? Is it a knowledge issue? Is it tell us that this process has been a burden for many years. a “because I don’t need it” issue? Tere are many reasons I can attest to that. I’ve stood in those lineups. Tat it why people don’t apply. If it’s because it’s an oversight, let’s was equitable and fair at all times…. fgure out a way to deal with that. My niece, who is an adult — I am old — purchased I heard somebody say: “You know what? Tis is just one a home two years ago, and she knew nothing about the more thing to add to what I do for my senior parents.” homeowner grant until her parents said: “Have you Okay. If you’re having difculty with managing your senior applied for it?” She said: “No. It doesn’t apply to me.” She parents, look for other ways to support that. Tere are oth- had to learn about it. er things available. Across the board, there’s always going to be a challenge We’ve got to come into the 2000s. We’ve got to allow our with anything we implement, anything that anybody systems to move forward. If we keep doing a lot of these implements. things on independent and diferent bases, it will allow for inequalities amongst the folks that we are trying to provide [N. Letnick in the chair.] service for. It already has, in a couple of ways. What we want to be able to do is move forward and provide a steady It surprises me that we’re talking about connectivity and efective system for this. still, 20 years later. Tere was another government in Perhaps we are learning, over and over, from the dif- power for many, many years that maybe could have ferent things that we’ve tried to do during the pandemic. addressed this connectivity problem but apparently hasn’t. Over and over, people are talking about having challenges Tat’s another thing that we’re looking at addressing. getting through for their COVID benefts. My constitu- Is it something that we are going to consider in terms of ency assistants have been working every day with folks implementing this program? Of course it is. to get them access to their COVID benefts and to cir- Tere are structures in place to support people that have cumnavigate and work around these various barriers that not the capacity to use…. Whether it’s connectivity, everybody is tossing up. whether it’s cognition, whether it’s capacity to have equip- We will get there. It’s not easy. Te province is very ment, whether it’s economic, the structures are there to large. We’ve got a huge variety in what we serve. We can support those people. Every person in this House that has still do it, but we have to work together, and we have to risen to speak to this matter is part of that structure to sup- hear what people have to say. I appreciate what everybody port these people, to do what needs to be done in order for has ofered, from across the House, about things that are them to beneft from this. concerns. Great. Bring it to the committee. Let’s work it Te question of fair and equitable treatment. We’re not through. Let’s get it solved. Let’s keep moving forward. looking at what’s fair for everybody. I don’t know…. Here Let’s not stay in 1957, when this all frst started. We’ve been we are back at Te Lion King. Life is not fair. All of us have doing this method for all that long. things to do in our lives that sometimes are harder to do I can tell you that all of your communities have evolved. than at other times. Tis is not one of those things. Tis is We all know this. I hope that when people are looking at going to be relatively straightforward; it’s going to be relat- things that government is bringing forward…. It’s a hope; ively simple. it’s not a guarantee. Tere is no intent of nefariousness. Te connectivity issues. I heard it. I’m sure we will get We are very, very lucky. We live in one of the parts of further discussions on that, and we will work on solving the world where we are safe to bring forward our discus- those problems. Tat is our commitment to the people of sions, to bring forward our concerns, to bring forward British Columbia. Tat is why we collaborate. Tat is why our arguments. We can do this in a safe and respect- we work together. ful environment, listen to each other and work things Te bit about the municipalities. Absolutely, anything through — rather than being removed from our place, that we can do to reduce the workload for the municipal- sent away or imprisoned for saying what we have to say. ity, to give them the time and the resources to devote to We need to celebrate that. other things that are more [audio interrupted] with their We have bills that are straightforward and simple and — own areas, more concerned with the myriad of things that need I say, a very bad word — housekeeping bills, which Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 451 are based on work that was done last year. We’re bringing lines may not even be an option in some of those rural it through to get it sorted out and fnished so that we can areas. I think we need to understand exactly what we’re get on to other stuf that’s important and that needs to be referring to when we talk about rural. addressed as well. I wanted to talk about seniors a little bit. Tis came up Tank you so much to our Finance Minister for the about a month ago in my riding. I can quote Glenda Wing- work that she is doing on so many diferent fronts. Let er, who advocates on behalf of seniors in our community us support something that is good for the people across and runs the seniors centre in Williams Lake. Glenda the province and that is something that we can get behind Winger reached out to me and suggested that seniors in readily. Let’s not tear it apart. our community are going to have a massive issue with this. I thank you for your time. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for Now, I can appreciate the comments that were made the opportunity to speak to the group. earlier. My mom is pretty good on an iPad too. I can appreciate that. But we must acknowledge that there are a lot L. Doerkson: My comments will be brief today. I just of these seniors that are not good with an iPad. Tey’re wanted to make a couple of comments around the word not good with a computer. In fact, they may not even “simplicity.” I’ve heard that a number of times today. have a computer. I can point out just how important this Certainly, I think most of the members on this side of is, because that seniors centre that Glenda Winger oper- the House would appreciate simplicity going forward. Te ates…. She is actually committed to bringing in volunteers problem is that we really haven’t seen that in the track to help seniors in our community to fll out any of these record. For the short time that I’ve been in ofce, I haven’t online applications. seen simplicity in anything that we’ve done. I guess my question to that point is this: if the burden [3:35 p.m.] was supposed to go to the province, why is it ending up at I understand that the bill will centralize the adminis- a seniors centre? Our seniors centre is now going to accept tration of this program. I guess I have to start by asking: that burden that was at the city level and is now at the pro- why fx something that isn’t broken? Many of our residents vincial level, but ultimately, they will fnd themselves deal- have conveyed to us that, simply put, the program works. I ing with it. I also have no question that our ofce will have think the last member spoke to the fact that we might look very much time invested in this as well. to taking the burden away for other things in municipal- At the end of the day, I believe that connectivity, those ities. I think municipalities would be excited to hear that types of things, are defnitely issues throughout all of rural from the member. Ultimately, I guess my question is: why B.C. I appreciate what the government is trying to do by would we fx what isn’t broken? ofoading this burden from our cities, but I am very, very As to the simplicity, I can assure you that ofces in concerned, going forward, how it will play out. the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding, which I’m pleased to represent here today, have been extremely busy trying to sort M. Elmore: I’m very pleased to rise today. out what was supposed to be a simple project in the B.C. I’m joining you from the traditional territories of the recovery beneft — not just for businesses. It has been a Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in our nightmare fguring it out for our residents as well. Te virtual hybrid sitting. complexities around that are many. Simply put, we have [3:40 p.m.] people that applied back in December and still have not I’m very pleased to speak in favour of second reading received their $500 in March. I’ve seen the application pro- for Bill 6, the Home Owner Grant Amendment Act. I just cess myself. It should be simple; it hasn’t turned out that want to give an overview of that and some of my remarks way. I’m defnitely fearful of that. and thoughts on the signifcance of Bill 6. I also wanted to bring rural B.C. — of course, I’m the Starting in 2021, B.C. homeowners will apply for their critic for Rural Development — to the forefront, because homeowner grants through the province, not their I believe a couple of members here have referred to con- municipality, which many had been doing. Te advant- nectivity. I think one of them laid the blame at our feet for age of that is that it will make applying for the grant 16 years of ignoring connectivity. I might point out that it quicker and easier. has been four years for the government to deal with it, if Te homeowner grant program provides tax relief to they saw it as a problem, but I can assure you it hasn’t been B.C. homeowners each year. I know that my ofce and dealt with in my riding. I can assure you that in much of many ofces across the province assist in this process with rural British Columbia, it is a very signifcant issue — very homeowners in our area. Te change to provincial admin- signifcant. istration will streamline the process and ensure that every- I know it’s not just connectivity. But when you get into, one who is eligible receives a reduction in their annual I think, comments that we’ve heard earlier here today…. property taxes. We heard about the magical device and online. Simply put, Prior to this change, local governments administered at Big Creek in rural British Columbia, those devices don’t the program in municipalities. Te province administered work, and online is not an option. In many cases, phone the rural grant program. We had diferent administrative 452 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 responsibilities. It was Budget 2020 that announced the is time-consuming and a burden. Certainly, listening to centralization of the program following discussions with municipalities is important. Tey have a lot on their municipalities that told government that administration of plate. I’m pleased that the provincial government was the yearly grant program was a burden. able to work in collaboration and take that recommend- Annual tax notices will continue to be sent by muni- ation from municipalities and support municipalities in cipalities but will include a link to the province’s online terms of delivering this service. So that’s positive, cer- grant application. Homeowners should apply once they’ve tainly in my mind. received their property tax notice. If they’ve not yet I think the benefts, as well, not in terms of relieving applied for their 2020 grant, they can do so retroactively. municipalities of that administrative responsibility but It will now be online at the government website to be that there is also a beneft to homeowners themselves, accessed. where we expect that this process will lead to quicker In terms of Bill 6, I’m pleased with these changes. I application processing and also help to be more systematic think it will help to assist, to streamline the process, make and have more transparency and be able to help prevent it more efective. Fundamentally, I’ve heard, particularly ineligible homeowners from being penalized as well. We from municipalities…. It was afer hearing from, and our look at those as real benefts to the overall program that government engaging in consultations with, local govern- have been identifed. ment partners that the province is now taking over admin- Folks will be advised of these changes on the website, istration of the homeowner grant program to ease the bur- information which is important to advise everyone across den on municipalities, which was requested. B.C. in terms of this change, besides us discussing it in the What are the advantages? Centralization has other Legislature as we’re doing now. Tere will also be notices benefts, such as full online access, phone service, quicker sent out with municipal and rural property tax notices. So application processing and ensuring that those who are everyone will be advised, and municipal websites will be entitled to a reduction in their property taxes receive it. updated, as well, to direct homeowners to the gov.bc.ca Tere’s some difculty in terms of the rural administration homeowner grant online portal. Ten there’s an informa- in Metro Vancouver being administered diferently. Tat’s tion line available as well. Tese are all positive steps. an advantage in terms of it coming together under the pro- In terms of the phone call-in centre to address support vincial government. that’s needed, there are also in-person visits that they can It doesn’t result in a change to program eligibility for make to a nearby Service B.C. centre. So we have the B.C. homeowners. Let’s be clear. It’s working in partner- online portal, which we’re encouraging folks to access. We ship with municipalities, who levy the property taxes in also have information on the websites. We also have a May. In terms of streamlining the process, similar to previ- 1-800 number that people can access, and there’s in-person ous years, new grant applications will be reviewed in May support available at Service B.C. centres. Te locations of 2021, when tax notices are mailed out. Service B.C. centres are listed online, and we have a num- We know that over 90 percent of B.C. homes are eligible ber of ofces across British Columbia. to have their property taxes reduced through the We’re really making an attempt to ensure that we can homeowner grant program. Tis provides tax relief to B.C. provide these services, support British Columbians to be homeowners throughout the province. Te province is able to successfully fll out the application and submit their now administering the homeowner grant program. Muni- application for the homeowner grant. cipalities are no longer receiving homeowner grant applic- What’s diferent? Obviously, no longer will individuals ations. It’s important for folks to know that. Te province be applying through their municipality. It’s the program is currently also accepting retroactive 2020 homeowner and eligibility. Tere are no changes that have been made grant applications. to eligibility requirements or benefts. As of January Besides the online application portal, there’s a telephone 2021, the B.C. homeowner grant threshold is set at line for folks to access. I know the previous speaker was $1.625 million, and this ensures that the same percent- talking about accessibility and facilitating a service, partic- age of homes in British Columbia, more than 90 percent, ularly for seniors and older folks who own their homes but are under that threshold and eligible for the full may not be that familiar or comfortable with the online homeowner grant in 2021. Te eligibility requirements process or, across B.C., have issues around connectivity. and benefts are not changing. Tere’s also no charge for Certainly, there’s a toll-free line that’s available for folks to homeowners to apply. So certainly that’s an issue of fair- also avail and get that service, if they require it. Tat, I ness, which I think is positive. think, is an important consideration and important sup- Overall, I’d just like to summarize, I think, that this is a port for folks who are not comfortable with accessing the key component. It’s positive to support, to listen to muni- online portal. cipalities and to be able to deliver better service to B.C. [3:45 p.m.] homeowners applying for this grant. It’s in the context Why did we move to centralize? I mentioned we heard of eforts of our government to bring afordability to the from local governments that administering the program housing market right across the continuum. Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 453

We have a number of initiatives, from supportive hous- I think what’s important is that the government under- ing to rental build to social housing to supporting stands that the support for these changes comes from the homeowners, right across the continuum. Tis is an Union of B.C. Municipalities. For all of us whose careers important key, an important part of that plan, to ensure in politics started at the local government level, we know that our priority around ensuring that afordability is cent- about that relationship between the province and local ral and an important priority for that government, for our government. We know the challenges. We’ve experienced government, that we make this commitment to British the challenges. So on one end, it’s with arms raised and Columbians. Bill 6 is one step towards that goal. with hands raised that we thank the provincial govern- I want to just end my remarks there. Tank you very ment for taking on this responsibility. much for the opportunity to speak in favour of Bill 6 at However, I think that it’s important that the administra- second reading. tion of this is smooth and that it be much smoother than [3:50 p.m.] we’ve witnessed over the last number of months. We heard in question period today and question periods past the Deputy Speaker: Are there any other members that challenges that the government has had in administering would like to speak to the motion? these programs that we’ve all been told will roll smoothly. Te member for Saanich North has put up his hand. Going a little further, I think that it’s important to rec- You have the foor. ognize that the government has had some advice, I believe, in the MSP Tax Force, the basic income panel, around the A. Olsen: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Nice to homeowner grant and around some changes that could be see you in the chair this afernoon. Tank you for the made to the homeowner grant that would support more opportunity to speak to Bill 6, the Homeowner Grant residents and support British Columbians, and there are Amendment Act, 2021. some recommendations that are not appearing in this I’m just wanting to step in on the second reading debate legislation. here to note general support for these changes in easing [3:55 p.m.] the administrative burden on our colleagues in local gov- As we go forward to the committee stage of this bill, I ernment, noting that this has been a responsibility that think it’ll be a good opportunity to canvass with the Min- they have taken on, on behalf of the province, to adminis- ister of Finance whether or not the government is con- trate the homeowner grant. sidering those other recommendations, whether or not I’m just wanting to note that with respect to the pro- this is the full suite of changes that are intended for the vincial government, who is now going to be accepting the homeowner grant, or whether we can expect to see some challenge of administrating this grant, some of the ques- further changes to this important program for many tions that I will have at the committee stage of this debate homeowners — in fact, for most homeowners — in British will be on the delivery of that grant and the ability of the Columbia. government to administrate this new responsibility that is With that, I just wanted to be able to step into this going to be coming in-house to the province. debate and to raise those points. It’s really, I think, to As we’ve witnessed and heard over the last number of encourage the government to ensure that if, in fact, mem- weeks and months with the personal beneft, the individu- bers of the government are going to stand in the debate al B.C. recovery beneft, as well as the small and medi- and talk about the ease of administration for this program, um-sized business recovery grant, the provincial govern- that that, in fact, be what is delivered should this bill pass ment…. A lot of the language that I’ve heard from my col- — that British Columbians who are applying online are leagues on the government side of the House here today able to do so with ease and that there are not huge delays, has been: “Don’t worry. We’re going to deliver this. It’s like we’ve seen in the administration of other programs for going to be fne. It’s just a few clicks online. It’s going to be British Columbians who are looking for the support from all done, and everything will be fne.” their government. Tat’s the same kind of language that we heard prior to With that, I’d like to raise my hands to the Speaker for the new year, the change of the calendar year, with respect giving me the opportunity to speak today on this bill. I to the several other benefts that the provincial govern- do see some of the others now have entered this space, so ment has put in place. “Don’t worry. It’s easy. We’re going I will take my seat, or I will just roll back a little bit and to roll out this money; $300 million will be rolled out.” In thank you for the opportunity to speak to Bill 6. fact, we haven’t seen that to be the case. HÍSW̱ ḴE SIÁM. Tank you. I have constituents in Saanich North and the Islands that are still waiting for their recovery beneft. I’ve been A. Mercier: I’d like to thank the House for giving me told, and my staf have been told: “Don’t contact us on this opportunity to speak to the Homeowner Grant behalf of individuals who are waiting for that recovery Amendment Act. beneft, because we’re just overwhelmed with requests on I can’t think of a better example of administrative this.” 454 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 competence than this act. I mean, this is just the hall- really alleviates the burden and the pressures on municipal mark of political competence to be able to centralize governments across this province. administration like this and reduce red tape. I would hope that even the members of the so-called free enter- Deputy Speaker: Were there any other members wish- prise coalition would line up behind something that is ing to speak to Bill 6? just so bureaucratically competent as this practice. What Minister of Municipal Afairs, you have the foor. this does, ultimately, at the end of the day, is centralize administration of the grant in the hands of the province. Hon. J. Osborne: Tank you very much, hon. Speaker. What that does is alleviate the pressure on our muni- Great to see you in the chair. cipalities and our municipal elected ofcials. Tat’s just It’s a pleasure to stand, or rise, in the House and speak good, competent public policy. in support of this bill. As most of the members know, I I can’t think — other than, of course, the members of am a former small-town mayor and can speak with some this House — of a harder-working group of elected of- direct experience in watching a town administrate the cials than the people, the women and men, that represent homeowner grant program. our local communities. Tey work so hard. I’m just think- I want to spend a little bit of time talking about that, ing of all of the elected ofcials in the two Langleys, of the and I also want to spend a little bit of time talking mayors and council, and all of the hard work that they put about what I am hearing as the Minister of Municipal in, day in, day out, to serving the public and doing it com- Afairs from local governments on the monthly calls petently. We owe them that same diligence of returning that I undertake with them, having been a mayor on that type of competent administration. those same calls when the former Minister of Municipal Te centralization of the administration of the Afairs and Housing was in her ofce. homeowner grant into the hands of the province is the way We know, and we’ve heard directly from local govern- to do that. It’s a beneft that’s going to pay of in spades. ments, that they are looking for every opportunity they I’d like to really…. I don’t intend to speak to this motion can to simplify their lives and to streamline processes like for too long, because I think that just the legislative com- this. Tis is an excellent example of that. petence of this is so evident that it’s hard to belabour that When I say streamline, what I mean is: Tis is a grant point. But the fact is that the Minister of Finance, the that comes from the province directly to a homeowner. former Minister of Housing, has done such a good, strong, But for years, municipalities have played this middle-per- credible and competent job, in not just this act, but in rep- son role. Tat provides a point of contact for citizens to resenting the province to municipalities. walk into their local government ofces and speak to Tat’s something I know, because I hear about it from somebody and ask questions. But it increasingly, with the elected ofcials all of the time, from local elected ofcials growth in our communities, has become more and more in my region, and not all from my riding or ridings of of an administrative burden to municipalities. even the governing party of the NDP. I hear mayors and Sometimes what people don’t see from the outside is councillors from Liberal ridings tell me constantly that the how much of the administration and operations take Minister of Finance has done a tremendous job at repair- place behind the scenes. It is more than simply flling ing the relationship of the province with the municipal- out the paperwork or going online to your city’s website ities. Tat’s a relationship that, over 16 years, the previ- and flling out the form there. It’s what happens behind ous government, the B.C. Liberals, did everything in their those doors and behind the scenes where staf are work- power to destroy. ing to align the homeowner grant with the property tax [4:00 p.m.] roll and make all the decisions that they need to as they At the end of the day, we need to bring back that politic- compile the paperwork and present it to the province in al and administrative competence. We’ve been doing that order to receive the money back. over three and a half years. I’m proud to be a member of Again, this is a grant program that goes directly from a government that’s doing it. I’m proud to stand up and the province to the homeowner. So this removes the speak to this act. I’m excited to see this implementation. middle person, which is municipalities right now, and Really what this is, is this is the other side of the debate streamlines in that sense. All orders of government are we had the other day about the Residential Tenancy Act, continually looking to improve their services. Tis is which was relief for renters. Well, this is about helping another example of exactly how the province is helping homeowners and would-be, prospective homeowners. local governments do this. Tis is going to be applicable…. Te eligibility require- We’ve had indications that this would be coming for ments haven’t been changed. So this is going to be applic- some time, so municipalities and regional districts that able to over 90 percent of folks buying homes in this I’ve been talking to are saying that they’re preparing and province. Tis is just good, competent public administra- they’re getting ready. Now, many larger urban centres tion that helps our residents and our communities and already have online enrolment programs, and it’s the smal- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 455 ler centres that maybe are still using the paper method. But ments that administering the program is time-consuming they’re preparing too. and a burden. If we do it this way, it will lead to quicker Tey know they’re going to have to communicate to application processing as well. their residents. Local governments communicate to their Homeowners who would like to pay their taxes or defer residents really well. Tey have systems in place. Tey’re their taxes…. I’m also very lucky — well, maybe not lucky able to let people know what’s going to happen. Tey’ll be — that because I have a disability, I get to defer my taxes, able to answer questions and direct them to the appropri- which is kind of a bonus. Maybe not the best way of put- ate site so that people can enrol and get their homeowner ting it, but there’s always a silver lining in every cloud. Tis grant. will make it a lot quicker and a lot easier for me to go and It’s also important to remember that for those folks who defer my taxes when I go to defer them. don’t have access to technology, there will be a phone line When we centralize this, we’ll be able to defnitely set up. It’s already underway, and people can phone in to streamline it. We’ll have quicker application processing. get the help that they need to be able to register properly We’ll also have online access, phone access. Te province for their homeowner grant. already administers this program. It’s just basically in rural Again, this is about being responsive to local govern- areas, so this will help that. Tere will be no change to ments, hearing their concerns. I spoke today to a director the eligibility to any homeowners that currently get it or of fnancial services in a municipality. I asked her directly: homeowners that will get it in the future. “How do you feel about having this alleviated from the I also found it easier not just for the basic homeowner’s work you do?” She explained to me exactly what happens grant, but — I might have said this already — I have a behind the scenes, once again, and how it is going to sim- disability. So I also applied for the disability grant online, plify her life and make it easier to focus on the services that which was really terrifc. local governments are delivering to people in their com- We’re going to have to pay our taxes shortly, in May. munities, make it easier for them to focus on the work that So along with the information on that, there will be infor- they need to do. mation on how the new process works and how easily to [4:05 p.m.] apply. Similar to previous years, new grant applications Once again, we heard from local governments that will be reviewed in May 2021, when the tax notices are administering this program is time-consuming. Te pre- mailed out. So a great idea. parations are underway. Municipalities, regional districts Over 90 percent of B.C. homes are eligible to have their are ready to do…. Regional districts, of course, people property taxes reduced through the homeowner grant pro- living in rural areas, already did apply directly to the gram. Tis will provide tax relief to B.C. homeowners province. But all local governments will take an important throughout the province. role in communicating this information out to their resid- Tat’s about all I have to say. Tis bill is a bit of a no- ents. brainer. It cuts red tape. It streamlines the process. I think With that, thank you very much. it gives fair access to everyone who needs to apply.

Deputy Speaker: Are there any further speakers on Bill Interjection. 6? [4:10 p.m.] I recognize the member for Chilliwack. D. Coulter: I know we can rely on you and your good D. Coulter: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to be nature and generosity to allow that, though. Tank you speaking in the House for my second time while you’re in very much. the chair. It’s great. It’s like nostalgia for me. Tis is going to be a great program. You may ask your- I’d like, frst, to just…. Tis might grate the nerves of self: where can homeowners apply in person? We can some of my younger colleagues. I am a Gen X-er. So I encourage homeowners needing additional assistance to was able to buy a house and have applied for homeown- phone our call centre. Agents are able to help them com- ers’ grants in the past. I think I’m the last generation. plete the application themselves, or agents are able to com- Tat’s what they’ll refer to us as, shortly, when everyone’s plete applications on their behalf. If homeowners need renting. additional support, they can have a call centre agent help I’ve applied for many homeowners’ grants in my time, them complete their application over the phone. and I fnd that this bill is eminently reasonable. It will Homeowners who still feel they require in-person streamline and make things a lot better. Having to go assistance are able to visit a nearby Service B.C. centre, down to city hall and apply, ofen in-person, is a bit of a which also makes this a great way of applying for this pro- burden to apply for the homeowner’s grant. gram. Instead of having to go down to city hall, it’s located I’ve already applied this year and last year online. Tat in one centre. was the system, so we’ve already been doing this. I think Can homeowners still apply through their municipality? we can continue on with it. We heard from local govern- No. Homeowners can fnd the link to the new provincial 456 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 online application at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. Tey can “I still want to make a paper-based application. Can also apply to the program through an agent. I?” We understand that some people are not comfortable Did we change the program eligibility? I mentioned using an online application to access programs. before that we had not. Everyone who has already gotten Te province’s online application is safe and secure. the homeowner grant the old way is still eligible. Te eli- It uses the same technology the B.C. government uses gibility remains the same. to administer all of its major programs, including the What is the homeowner grant threshold for 2021, and provincial sales tax and the homeowner grant for rural how does it compare to threshold levels in recent years? property owners. Te homeowner grant threshold for 2021 is $1.65 million. Tere will…. Te threshold in 2020 was $1.525 million, while it was $1.65 million in 2018 and 2019. In the majority of B.C. M. Bernier: Does that mean the answer is no? I’m try- communities, almost every home is valued below the ing to understand. It’s a good question. threshold. Te 2021 threshold will keep approximately 92 percent D. Coulter: Yes. It’s a great question. Te answer isn’t of homeowners eligible for the grant, the same percentage necessarily simple, member for Peace River North. South. as last year. Homes valued above the threshold may qualify Sorry, that was…. for a partial grant. Te grant is gradually phased out at the rate of $5 per $1,000 of assessed value. Interjection. Tere’s no charge to homeowners. Tere will be no extra levy applied for this program, which is terrifc news. B.C. D. Coulter: Yes. I know where you are from. You were homeowners can apply now for their 2020 retroactive Education Minister when I was…. grant, and that’s terrifc too. Tey can apply for their 2021 Oh, sorry. Sorry. Yes, I will only talk to the Chair. homeowner grant coming up. Tey can’t pay their taxes or, Continuing along with the paper-based application, in my case, defer them yet, but that will come soon too. there will also be phone-based support to help them suc- Any 2021 homeowner grant applications will remain cessfully complete their application. If you still want to in the application system until municipal property taxes make a paper-based application, please phone are levied in May. Applications will be marked as pending 1-888-355-2700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., approval until our local government partners confrm how excluding statutory holidays. Ask a call centre agent. You much tax is due. Once municipalities confrm the tax want to receive the paper-based application. amount, applications will be reviewed and, if eligible, approved. Interjection. What about B.C. homeowners who want to apply before May 2021 or who want to apply for a retroactive grant? D. Coulter: Yes. A very good point, I just heard. Some- Can they do that with local governments? one was asking if the MLA’s ofce could lend a hand. All of us in here…. We all have a constituency ofce, Interjection. or we will shortly. Yes, we can do casework. We can help people out with applying for their grant. Absolutely. Tat’s D. Coulter: I will tell you, member for Surrey-Panor- a terrifc point. ama. No, local governments will no longer be accepting “What if homeowners don’t have access to the Internet homeowner grant applications. Te province is accepting or a computer?” one might ask. Homeowners will be able retroactive 2020 applications to the homeowner grant pro- to complete their applications with an agent at a call gram, once again, at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. centre. Tey can have a call centre agent help them com- Tey can apply for their 2021 homeowner grant. Please plete their application over the phone at 1-888-355-2700. note that any 2021 homeowner grant applications will “Why do I have to provide my social insurance num- remain in the application system until municipal property ber?” many people have been asking me. taxes are levied in May. Applications will be marked as pending approval until our local government partners Interjection. confrm how much tax is due. Once municipalities confrm the tax amounts, applications will be reviewed and, if D. Coulter: Yes. eligible, approved. Collecting information such as a date of birth and social Do you know any other questions I’ve been getting? insurance number will also allow us to better determine eligibility for those who qualify. Interjection. We also know, from reviewing this program, that ofen [4:15 p.m.] seniors are not applying for the correct grant amount. Tis means they are not receiving the full grant they are eligible D. Coulter: Yes, I will. for. By requiring eligible B.C. homeowners to provide their Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 457 social insurance number, we can confrm their eligibility D. Coulter: Oh yes, without a doubt, just in case people and ensure they receive the maximum beneft they are eli- missed it. gible for, and it helps us prevent fraudulent claims. Te website, again…. Te member for Peace River “What if I don’t want to provide my social insurance South has suggested I read it again. I think he’s right number?” other people have been asking me. Well, all on this score: gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. And the num- homeowners applying to the grant program will be ber, once again: 1-888-355-2700. You want to do this required to provide their social insurance number. Col- Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding lecting information such as a date of birth and social statutory holidays. insurance number will also allow us to better determine I hope everyone has got the website and the phone eligibility for those who qualify. number by now. I think I’ve said it enough. We know, from reviewing this program, that ofen seni- With that, I just want all my colleagues to support this. ors are not applying for the correct grant amount. Tis I’m sure they will. It is just really a no-brainer and makes a means they are not receiving the full grant amount that lot of sense for our province of British Columbia. they’re eligible for. By requiring eligible B.C. homeowners Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Once again, it was to provide their social insurance number, we can confrm great to be here with you. their eligibility and ensure they receive the maximum beneft they are eligible for, and it helps us prevent fraudu- J. Brar: First of all, I would like to say a super job done lent claims. by the member for Chilliwack. I think for a lot of the ques- I think I mentioned this before, but I’d just like to put a tions asked by the member from the opposition, you have point on it. Why did the government decide to centralize given very clear, straightforward answers to them, with full homeowner grant administration? Well, we’ve heard from patience and respect. Tanks to you. local governments that administrating the program is I also would like to join and say I’m really pleased to time-consuming and a burden. It is expected to lead to support Bill 6, the homeowner grant program. quicker application processing as well, which will help [4:25 p.m.] prevent ineligible homeowners from being penalized for First of all, I would like to make it very clear that this late property tax payments. bill doesn’t change the homeowner grant program’s eligib- [4:20 p.m.] ility requirements or benefts. Te 2020 homeowner grant How are we telling B.C. homeowners about this change? threshold is set at $1.625 million, ensuring the same per- Our website has up-to-date information about this change centage of British Columbia homeowners continues to be as well as the homeowner grant thresholds for 2021. You eligible to reduce their property tax bills. can fnd this information at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. Over 90 percent of B.C. homes are eligible to have their Municipal and rural property tax notices will also property taxes reduced through the homeowner grant pro- include information about centralization and a link to the gram. Tis provides tax relief to B.C. homeowners website. Most municipal websites have been updated and throughout our province. direct homeowners to gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant for Tere is no change to program eligibility for B.C. information to apply online. homeowners. I want to make that very clear. What we are How will homeowners now apply to the program? I’ll let changing is the administration of the homeowner grant you know. All B.C. homeowners will now be able to apply program. Starting this year, the province is taking over for their homeowner grant online at gov.bc.ca/homeown- administration of the grant program to reduce the burden ergrant. Homeowners can now apply, but their applica- on municipalities. tions won’t be reviewed until municipal property taxes are Tere will be only one place for people to make applica- levied in May. If homeowners need additional support, tions for this grant program. I think that’s a good thing for they can have a call centre agent help them complete their people, a good thing for local governments. application over the phone at 1-888-355-2700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. Deputy Speaker: Excuse me, Member for Surrey-Fleet- I will say, Mr. Speaker, that I’m very happy I got to speak wood. If your TV is on, or something else, could you turn in front of you again. It’s been my pleasure. it of? We’re getting a lot of feedback. I will say that this program makes tons of sense. I cannot Tank you very much. Please continue. think of a better way to streamline it. I know all members in this House should support it, especially those who are J. Brar: Tanks for that intervention, Mr. Speaker. talking about cutting red tape. Centralization of the homeowner grant program has other benefts as well, such as full online access, phone M. Bernier: You should do the website and phone num- service and quick application processing, ensuring that ber one more time. those who are entitled to a reduction in their property taxes receive it, making sure they receive it. Tis is a good change for everyone in the province of British Columbia. 458 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021

We are doing this afer listening to local government Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be referred to partners. We’re not doing it in isolation. We’re listening, a Committee of the Whole House to be considered at the and we’re acting on that. I’m very proud of the work done next sitting of the House afer today. by the Minister of Finance to make it easier for homeowners and for the local governments. Bill 6, Home Owner Grant Amendment Act, 2021, read It should be noted that the province already administers a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole the grant for rural homeowners. So it makes sense to cent- House for consideration at the next sitting of the House ralize and streamline the total program. afer today. Tis bill opens the door for homeowners in all municipalities to submit their applications directly to the Hon. S. Robinson: I call Bill 8. province instead of through their municipal ofces. Tat’s the change we’re making in this piece of legisla- Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Minister. tion. Tis will make it easier for people, on the one hand. We are now moving to Bill 8, Finance Statutes Amend- On the other hand, it will reduce the burden on muni- ment Act, 2021. cipalities. It is that simple. We are going to inform B.C. homeowners about this BILL 8 — FINANCE STATUTES change. Tis is a big change, as the member for Chilliwack AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 said very clearly. Te B.C. government website has up-to- date information about this change already, as well as the Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 8 be read a second homeowner grant thresholds for 2021. People can fnd the time now. information at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. Tese amendments will fulfl the commitment of my Municipal, local and rural property tax notices will also predecessor, Minister James, to establish a single regulator include information about the centralization and a link to of real estate under the B.C. Financial Services Authority. the website. Tey will do that as well. Most municipal web- Tis bill responds to recommendations from a report sites have already been updated and direct homeowners to the government commissioned on the regulation of real the B.C. government website for information and to apply estate. Tose recommendations were later echoed in an online. So it’s made it very simple for people. expert panel’s report on combatting money laundering If, afer all of the information on the website, they in B.C. real estate. Both reports noted the inefciencies have…. Tey view the information. In case they need any of the existing co-regulator model where the ofce of the additional information, they can call the call centre. Te superintendent of real estate and the Real Estate Coun- number there is 1-888-355-2700. It’s Monday to Friday, cil of B.C. share responsibility for regulating real estate 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. in the province. I would like to conclude by saying that Bill 6 brings Te B.C. Financial Services Authority currently regu- good changes for people, good changes for local govern- lates fnancial institutions, pensions and mortgage brokers. ment. Terefore, I’m very proud to support Bill 6, and I’m By making the CEO of the BCFSA the superintendent of very proud of the work that the Minister of Finance has real estate, we are moving to create a more unifed sys- done on this bill. tem across sectors. In addition to bringing the ofce of the Tank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity. superintendent of real estate and the Real Estate Council [4:30 p.m.] together under the BCFSA, we are also making amendments to ensure that the regulation of real estate is more Deputy Speaker: Te Chair recognizes the Minister of efcient and more transparent. Finance to close the debate. Te frst change involves changes to the discipline process. Te current model has the majority of cases, even Hon. S. Robinson: I want to thank all the members for those that are uncontroversial and uncontested, proceed participating in this important debate, recognizing that, via a notice of discipline hearing. Tis has created a back- as a government, our commitment is to make life easier log of complaints and proceedings. and better for the constituents that we all represent in this Under the new proposed model, there will continue to House and the recognition that this bill will, in fact, deliv- be three levels of escalating discipline: letters of advise- er just that for British Columbians. ment to provide a warning for a marginal infraction, administrative penalties to impose fnes and/or education [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] requirements and discipline hearing orders for the most serious infractions. With that, I’d like to move second reading. I look for- Under the new model, administrative penalties will cov- ward to the committee stage with the Finance critic. er all but the most serious of contestable contraventions. Furthermore, when discipline hearings are required, there Motion approved on division. will be no requirement for board members to be involved Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 459 in the discipline process. Instead, the superintendent will primarily in respect to the incorporation, amalgamation have statutory authority over discipline hearings. Tis and winding up of fnancial institutions — to the superin- should ensure that complaints are dealt with quickly. tendent. Tese changes will shif the focus of the BCFSA We are expanding the conduct that is subject to admin- board to a corporate oversight model, allowing BCFSA to istrative penalties. We are also expanding the maximum operate more efectively as an organization as it acquires a penalty from $50,000 to $100,000. Te superintendent new major set of responsibilities under real estate. may also require remedial education as part of the penalty Finally, I would like to note that we have done an assess- structure or allow penalties to be discounted for early payment of this legislation as it relates to aligning with the ment, incentivizing a quick resolution. United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous It’s important to note that individuals who receive an Peoples and the calls to action of the Truth and Recon- administrative penalty may still request a hearing. If the ciliation Commission. Bringing the ofce of the real estate request is granted, they cannot receive a discipline penalty superintendent and the Real Estate Council of B.C. under that is more than their original administrative penalty. the BCFSA, as Bill 8 proposes, does not uniquely afect the [4:35 p.m.] Indigenous rights described in the UN declaration. When licensees do appeal a discipline decision to the We will continue to work with the Financial Services Financial Services Tribunal, the decision of the superin- Authority, as we do with all of our Crown agencies, to tendent will remain in place until the tribunal grants a ensure that we work in cooperation with Indigenous stay of the decision. Under the existing model, any appeal peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting to the tribunal means an automatic stay of the decision. reconciliation. Tis includes asking the authority to create Tis poses a signifcant risk to the public, as real estate opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconcili- licensees can continue to operate until the conclusion of ation Commission recommendations through the author- their appeal. ity’s mandate. We are also changing how the rules that govern licensee conduct are made. Te rules will now be subject M. Bernier: Tank you to the minister. to the Regulations Act, which will ensure that rules are I’ll be very brief with my comments, unlike the bill itself, drafed consistent with government drafing conven- which is quite lengthy. I look forward to digesting it in a tions. Tis includes ministerial approval, which means lot more detail and listening to some of the answers when that the government will have an opportunity to ensure we get to committee stage. that its priorities continue to be refected in the regula- Tis bill that the minister has put forward is 179 section of real estate. tions long, and it covers 11 acts that need to be modifed or Under the proposed legislation, licensing fees will now adjusted in some way. It’s very, very comprehensive. Even be set by regulation. Te BCFSA will have the authority though it sounds simplistic, what we’re trying to accom- for setting fees for education and will also collect fees on plish here, there’s a lot of detail that needs to be done. behalf of the Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Obviously, we want to look…. We’re in favour of any- Corp. and the Real Estate Compensation Fund Corp. thing that’s going to help streamline and make things a Regarding the real estate compensation fund, the fund little bit more efcient and efective for our regulators. Tis that provides compensation to consumers if their deposits actually builds on the previous work that was done around are misused, the superintendent will now have the author- consolidation and that was going to take place within the ity to hear compensation claims and to determine com- B.C. Financial Services Authority. Tis is something, more pensation amounts for consumers. Tis will continue specifcally…. those consumer protections previously provided under the As was mentioned, the bill is looking at that authority authority of the Real Estate Council. being moved to the superintendent of fnancial institutions To ensure that the corporations under the act, like and some of the work around the work that they do. the compensation fund corporation I just mentioned, One of the things, because it was brought up in the past, continue to meet their obligations, we are ensuring that that we brought up was just around making sure the…. board members who were formally appointed by the Te concern is that there could possibly be fee increases, Real Estate Council are now appointed by the Lieuten- specifcally around the fnancial sectors, as a result of some ant-Governor-in-Council, the BCFSA and/or others, per of these changes. We want to make sure that we talk about the regulations. that, fnd out if that’s indeed moving forward, what the Te proposed legislation also includes amendments to plan will be, if fees are going to be fair — that’s what’s the Financial Institutions Act and the Credit Union Incor- very important — and make sure that the accountability poration Act that vest most regulatory functions currently around organizations is still strong and still present there with the BCFSA board in the superintendent of fnancial with the amalgamation. institutions. [4:40 p.m.] Te amendments will allow delegation by ministerial Obviously, we support this being nimble, forward-look- regulation of certain other major regulatory functions — ing, to make sure that it’s going to address the challenges 460 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 but also some of the opportunities that we have here in when you have a fragmented approach to something that balancing the interests of the sectors that we have in the is that critical to almost every British Columbian. province as we move forward with the consolidation that We heard reports of money laundering happening we have here and that the government has put forward throughout our real estate, and they were deeply dis- under this act. turbing, not only for us as elected people. I know people With that, the big hope, like always, is…. We hope it were glued to their TV sets. Tey had that aha moment. works as it’s intended and look forward to further discus- Te aha moment was…. House prices kept going up, but sion with the minister. there was no rhyme or reason at that time. Ten they saw the videos of bags full of money — rolled up, an elastic J. Sims: It is my pleasure today to rise and speak, at band around them and thrown into dufe bags — going second reading, on Bill 8 — I am wearing my glasses, as into our casinos. you can see — the Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. [4:45 p.m.] I want to thank the minister for her words and for the A lot of people had that aha moment and said: “If we’re hard work that she has done on this fle. I also want to going to do anything, money laundering has to be acknowledge the work of her predecessor — who did gar- addressed.” As you know, in 2018, the government did set gantuan work over the last parliament to get us to where up an independent review of B.C.’s real estate regulators, we are — and her stellar work in this area as she looked because we wanted to make sure we were being protected at the regulations that existed and the ones that had to be from some nefarious practices that we were hearing about. streamlined. A lot of them were in the media at that time. I love it when I hear the words “efciency,” “transpar- One of the key recommendations that came out of ency” and “accountability” together. We heard the minister this particular review, the report, was for the province speak about this. I think that is exactly what this bill has to move to a single real estate regulator. Tey said that the potential to achieve in the real estate industry. I am would improve efciency and help close any investig- delighted to see these regulatory changes brought forward, ative loopholes that existed. Tey were there, and they because it was important that we bring everything under were pointed out to us. one umbrella. Now, this recommendation was also brought forward, Currently, as we all know, BCFSA…. Tat is the B.C. surprisingly — not — by the expert panel’s report on Financial Services Authority. Sometimes we use all of money laundering. Tey absolutely saw the need to these acronyms in here, and people are thinking: “What address this, to close loopholes and to make sure that are they talking about?” many of the nefarious practices would stop and that we Te B.C. Financial Services Authority currently regu- could once again look at a housing market…. lates B.C.’s fnancial markets, including our credit unions. We know that we live in a free market, mixed economy All of us have credit unions right around the province. and that the real estate market is open to supply and Many of us use them religiously and are very, very touched demand. But the spikes we saw in real estate, going up by by the work they do in every community. Tey regulate hundreds and hundreds of percent, were really far more trust companies, registered pension plans — always grate- than that. I’ve been around for quite a while and lived both ful for that — insurance companies and mortgage brokers. in England and Quebec and then, since 1977, here in B.C. I What this amendment today does is add the Real Estate have never seen those kinds of increases that I saw during Services Act. It will give the BCFSA authority with respect that time. Many people, in their minds, have linked that to to these three things: education and licensing for real the money laundering that took place. estate professionals, establishing new rules governing the Now, as I said earlier, all of us want to put systems in conduct of real estate professionals and investigation and place that will provide us with efciency, transparency and discipline for licensed and unlicensed individuals. accountability. You know, sometimes when we pass legislation in here, When I think about money laundering and the gar- we think: “Okay. Is it really…? What impact is it going to gantuan work done by our Attorney General, as well…. I have on people out there in the real world?” Well, I can tell really thank him for his work. I think British Columbians you that this is going to have a huge impact on people out had their eyes opened wide. Tey were glued to the TV set, in the real world. as they are now, where they got reports of updates from All of us in this House know…. I think my colleagues the inquiry that was going on. It’s because of the work that from both sides of the House have to agree. What we saw was done by the Attorney General, the Finance Minister, happening to our housing market and what we saw in the the Minister of Housing and everybody working together arena of money laundering and the many other not-so- that we were able to get to this point here today. nice practices that came to light all made it very, very obvi- You know, whenever we pass legislation, always one of ous for the need to centralize and to have an umbrella reg- our biggest concerns is: is this really good? And if it is, who ulation so that you could move forward not only on invest- actually supports it? I think that’s always very, very telling. igation but then on enforcement as well. It does not help Well, let me tell you that Erin Seeley, the CEO of the Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 461

Real Estate Council of British Columbia, has this to say ious. Again, it seems to be that we’re into a lot of repetitive about this legislation. “Today’s changes will help modern- use of certain words today, so why would I change that. ize and strengthen our regulatory system, while keeping For me, absolutely…. Tose who do their jobs well, the the focus on protecting consumers. Public protection con- professionals who care…. Tey do care very deeply when tinues to be our priority as we move toward a single regu- they provide services, whether it’s to the seller or to the lator and beyond.” buyer. Tey do want to do their job well, and they do want Ten Micheal Noseworthy, who’s the current head of the to weed out those who are giving their whole profession a ofce of the superintendent of real estate, had this to say: bad name. So they do want to have regulations. Tey do “By concentrating our expertise under BCFSA, we will be want to have enforcement. building on our strengths and streamlining our work to A big shout-out to the real estate agents who gave their better protect consumers in B.C. As the fnancial services input into this and saw the need to move forward to and real estate markets are rapidly changing, we will focus improve a system and to make it more efcient, more on innovation and continuous improvement, bringing a transparent and more accountable. single lens to the oversight of fnancial services and real With that, Mr. Speaker, thank you. As always, it’s won- estate with enhanced information-sharing.” derful to see you sitting in that chair. Tat is good for consumers. Tat is good for the public. It is good public policy. Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Member. I’m very, very proud, once again, of both our Finance Now recognizing the member for Chilliwack. Ministers for the work they’ve done on this fle and for bringing this forward. As I said, any time we can improve D. Coulter: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that this is accountability, transparency and efciency, it is always a my frst time speaking before you. So this is a real treat. good thing. British Columbians are always, always looking You know, all my fellow MLAs and all the staf here at out for that. the Legislature have been just terrifc with me. Tis is my [4:50 p.m.] frst week ever being here. I’m a little rusty sometimes, a Not too ofen do we pay attention, those of us who are little wobbly when I speak. Sometimes rote when I speak not involved in regulatory oversight. We just carry on. It’s of of paper and stuf like that. So I really appreciate it. only when things start going wrong, either with an indi- I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to do just vidual or with a group, that suddenly we wake up, and we a quick shout-out to my LA. She helps me all around the realize that there are loopholes that have to be closed Tere building, opens doors for me and makes sure I fnd it to are systems that have to be changed, and I am glad that we the west annex, wherever that is. All I know is how to fol- are doing that and, in doing that, by making sure that we low her, so far, but I’m learning my way. Her name is Cailin are coming under the umbrella of the BCFSA. Tyrrell, and she is terrifc. What we’re doing is bringing in investigative capacity, I’d like to speak to this act today. Like the act previous making more efcient use of our resources, and we will that I spoke to, this is very sensible, seems like a no-brain- have increased confdence, both in buyers and in sellers. er, again. It streamlines a process that we don’t need to Tat’s what our regulatory bodies are there for — to make make any more complicated than it is. sure that the public has confdence in the system. I do like what the member previous to me was talking We also want to make sure — and I’m, once again, very about: money laundering. Tat has been a big problem proud of the work in this area — that our province has in our province, and it has flled the housing market and world-leading protections against money laundering and made housing more expensive, for sure. tax evaders. Creating a modern, efcient and efective reg- [4:55 p.m.] ulator is an essential part of that. Tis act is great in that respect, where it will reduce any Yes, the inquiry is going on. Yes, we’ve taken many steps risk of that. It’ll streamline the regulation in British Col- to address money laundering. Many more to take. But umbia. It’ll centralize expertise with a single organization an essential part of that is putting regulations in place so that will make it much harder to get around the rules. oversight, as well as enforcement, can all come under an Tese recommendations come from an expert panel’s umbrella and are overseen by the same body. report on money laundering. So you know, coming from As I was saying, I’m very happy with these changes. I there is a great spot to be coming from. know that a number of real estate agents in my riding I talk By bringing it under the one group, we’re consolidating to…. I had a conversation about this with them. Tey were regulatory overview of almost the entire provincially reg- happy that we were moving forward. Tose who are doing ulated fnancial sector, including real estate. We want to their jobs…. Sometimes certain groups get a bad name. build on this strong foundation to make sure we’re regulat- Let me tell you, real estate agents — there have been some ing in the most efective way possible, and having a single amazing ones, and there still are. Tere will be a few who regulator is a way of doing that. may engage in nefarious practices. I’ll use the word nefar- I know the previous member gave out some acronyms. Tere are members of these places. Tere are CEOs and 462 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 stuf, and I thought that it’s worthwhile to read the quotes “Today’s changes will help modernize and strengthen our of how they feel about this. regulatory system while keeping the focus on protecting From the B.C. Financial Services Authority, or BCFSA. consumers. Public protection continues to be our priority Blair Morrison is the CEO there, and he says: “Bringing as we move toward a single regulator.” What our govern- the regulation of fnancial services and real estate under ment is about is making life better for folks. Combining one roof will allow BCFSA to become a modern, efcient money laundering, streamlining regulation and regulators and efective regulator for B.C.’s entire fnancial services is going to make life better for folks. sector. By integrating and enhancing its investigative, I’d just like to say, Mr. Speaker, and I’ll maybe leave you compliance and enforcement capacity and approach, BCF- with this, that it was a pleasure to be able to speak to you SA will provide strengthened consumer protection and today. I hope I have many more opportunities to do this. I foster increased…confdence.” thank you for the hard work you’re doing in that chair. Te chair of the board of directors of the B.C. Financial Services Authority is another supporter of this amend- Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. ment. He says: “BCFSA’s board of directors welcomes the Recognizing the member for Vancouver-Kensington. evolution of B.C.’s regulatory regime with the introduction Welcome, Member. of these legislative amendments. Te board of directors takes its accountabilities relating to approving BCFSA’s M. Elmore: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. strategy and providing operational oversight seriously. We I’m speaking to you from the unceded traditional territ- look forward to working closely with the CEO to deliver ories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. BCFSA’s mandate as we move forward.” I’m very pleased to be speaking today in favour of Bill Tis will help reduce the efect of money laundering on 8, the second reading of the Finance Statutes Amendment our real estate market and make housing cheaper. I think Act, 2021. Tis is an act that will be of beneft to the real I mentioned this to this chamber before. I’m a homeown- estate industry. Overall, the impact will be to ensure that er. I am from Chilliwack. Prices in Chilliwack have gone there’s more efcient and coordinated oversight from the up 140 percent in the last year. Te average price of a B.C. Financial Services Authority. single-family home in Chilliwack is up over $610,000. Last Te province is making these legislative amendments to month, February, saw over 500 single-family home sales. pave the way for the B.C. Financial Services Authority to Te year previous in Chilliwack only saw 200 home sales become the single regulator for real estate in B.C. later in in the month of February. So housing is already becoming 2021. Just to back up and to understand the context in out of reach for folks. terms of where Bill 8 has come from…. I would have a very difcult time afording it today, In 2019, the province announced that B.C. would be coming up with a down payment and getting into the moving to a single regulator of fnancial services and real housing market. I got in, in the 1990s, because I’m still a estate by bringing the responsibilities of the Real Estate Gen X’er and, like I said before, probably the last gener- Council of B.C. and the ofce of the superintendent of real ation to be able to aford to own their own homes, or at estate, those two, together under the BCFSA. Te amend- least for now. But once we make changes and make life ments that we’re discussing will help create a single author- more afordable for British Columbians, including homes, ity responsible for regulating real estate in B.C. to ensure a I think that will change. more coordinated approach to all segments of the fnancial Te other organization my friend from Surrey-Panor- services sector. ama talked about was the ofce of the superintendent of I want to get into some of the initiatives and, really, the real estate, the OSRE. Te current head of the ofce of recommendations for the bill today that we’re discussing the superintendent of real estate said…. Tese organiza- and why it’s a good move for the sector, for the fnan- tions are pro this amendment, if I hadn’t put a point on cial sector, but also for all British Columbians. Creating a that before. single regulator for real estate was a key recommendation [5:00 p.m.] from the real estate regulatory structure review in 2018 Micheal Noseworthy says: “By centralizing our expert- as well as the Expert Panel on Money Laundering in B.C. ise under BCFSA, we’ll be building on our strengths and Real Estate in 2019. streamlining our work to better protect consumers in Brit- I want to get into some more of the problems of money ish Columbia. As the fnancial services and real estate mar- laundering that have really come to light in British Col- kets are rapidly changing, we will focus on innovation umbia and that have contributed towards distorting our and continuous improvement, bringing a single lens to real estate market and why Bill 8 is so crucial to really take the oversight of fnancial services and real estate with steps to ensure that we close those legislative and regulat- enhanced information-sharing.” ory gaps that allow money laundering to really continue Do you know who else is for this, Mr. Speaker? Te unchecked in our economy in British Columbia. Real Estate Council of British Columbia. Te CEO of the Te BCFSA currently regulates B.C.’s fnancial services Real Estate Council of British Columbia, Erin Seeley, says: market right across the continuum. So that folks are famil- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 463 iar, it includes credit unions, trust companies, registered ory overview of our entire provincially regulated fnancial pension plans, insurance companies and mortgage sector, including real estate. brokers. Te amendments that we’re discussing today, Tis is to get away from the tendency for silos to operate introduced to the Real Estate Services Act, will give the and for agencies not being able to coordinate and com- BCFSA authority with respect to, also, a continuum in a municate amongst themselves and really not being able to range of areas, including the education and licensing for have an integrated system to be able to identify and track real estate professionals, establishing rules governing the problems, particularly around money laundering or other conduct for real estate professionals, and investigation and issues that come up. Tat’s one of the advantages in terms discipline for licensed and unlicensed individuals. of having a more efcient system. [5:05 p.m.] Tis change, as well, streamlines regulation in B.C. and It will bring together all of these aspects in a central centralizes that expertise within a single organization so body in terms of the administration, investigation and dis- we have the confdence that the oversight is there and that cipline and in terms of a greater efciency in the sector. In our systems are functioning, that the departments are able addition, amendments here in this legislation were intro- to communicate amongst themselves and that we can be duced to empower the superintendent of fnancial insti- assured that the oversight is functioning in British Col- tutions with most regulatory decision-making functions. umbia. Clearly, it was not. Clearly, there was a failure pre- Tis will enable the BCFSA to operate more efectively. viously in terms of these types of activities mentioned Really, we’re calling on the BCFSA to acquire a new set of around money laundering really being able to proceed responsibilities around real estate. Tese changes in Bill 8 unchecked in our economy. will enable the BCFSA to become a fully integrated fnan- [5:10 p.m.] cial services sector regulator later in 2021. We want to make sure that our province has world-lead- What does all of that mean in terms of British Colum- ing protections against money laundering and tax evaders. bians, going forward? I know that my colleagues previ- It is just a terrible example that British Columbia is known ously have talked about the issue of afordability of hous- for worldwide. We’re referred to now as the Vancouver ing in real estate, the unchecked experience of money model around money laundering. Te unchecked money laundering that was brought to light and these diferent laundering happening in our province is recognized as a matters. So the work of the Real Estate Council of B.C. model in itself, worldwide, in terms of how money laun- and the ofce of the superintendent of real estate and dering really goes unchecked. the B.C. Financial Services Authority have been vital and I note the Finance Minister taking this very seriously, important in terms of setting up a framework to regulate the previous Finance Minister and our government taking the real estate sector. this very seriously. We need to take concerted action and All British Columbians will know. We’ve heard the stor- to send a message that Vancouver is not the model for ies, and we have seen the skyrocketing increase in terms of criminals to launder money in our province. real estate really putting home ownership out of the reach In British Columbia, with Bill 8, we want to send a mes- of so many British Columbians. We’ve all witnessed that. sage to the world that our province has world-leading pro- So the recommendation is in terms of, number one, what tections against money laundering, against tax evaders, has been causing that and brought to light the stories. and we will create a modern, efcient and efective regu- My colleague from Surrey-Panorama mentioned the lator. Tat’s an essential part of that. videos of folks coming into casinos with bags full of cash, Just with reference, in terms of the…. We’ve heard from $20 wrapped in 10,000 groups, sums — laundering previous colleagues about the impact of money laundering through casinos, connected to how that was raised into real estate, particularly, and how it has distorted real through means of particularly the drug trade and really estate, driven up prices. Where did the money that was fuelling the laundering into real estate and other luxury laundered in the millions of dollars, through casinos and goods. We need to take steps to put an end to that. other ways and into real estate and into luxury goods, I’m pleased that Bill 8 is looking at closing some of those come from? Tere are currently panels underway to really regulatory loopholes and gaps and ensuring that we have investigate the ill-gotten millions of dollars, ofen fun- the regulatory framework in place to really send a mes- nelled through the illicit drug trade and connected to the sage and that British Columbians can be confdent that tragic opioid deaths and the opioid drug trade. their government is taking this issue seriously and that all Just a really inexcusable lack of oversight, lack of invest- authorities do not tolerate money laundering and this type igation, lack of regulation to allow these types of activities of illegal criminal activity in our province. to continue unchecked in our province, not only distorting Bill 8 builds a strong foundation to make sure that we’re our real estate market but really just wreaking destruction regulating this sector in the most efective way possible. on the lives of so many British Columbians. It is unaccept- We’re bringing real estate regulation under the BCFSA. able, and that is why I’m pleased that Bill 8 is coming for- We’re also consolidating — bringing together the regulat- ward and taking a strong stand in terms of ensuring that 464 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 these types of illegal activities will not continue unchecked that we have an efcient and modern and also very robust in our province. regulatory framework. What will these amendments do? Once the legislation Once these amendments pass — I know we’ll go comes into force, the BCFSA will take over regulating real through the committee stage — we can expect that the estate. Tat was previously the responsibility under the timeline expectation as well is for BCFSA to take over the RECBC and OSRE. To facilitate this, in terms of the regulatory oversight of real estate later in 2021, later this responsibility, there would be consolidation with resources year. It’s been a process many years in the making. Tat is and staf. Tat is added in addition to the regulation of what we’re looking forward to. the…. Te BCFSA already oversees the regulation of the I just want to end with the commitment and also the fnancial services market, which, I mentioned previously, message that the concern that I’ve heard from constituents includes credit unions, trusts, pension plans, insurers and from Vancouver-Kensington — really, across British Col- mortgage brokers, so it’s an integrated and efcient model. umbia…. I think it’s important for us to send the message, We know that including and bringing the real estate sec- loud and clear, to British Columbians that our government tor under this umbrella, in terms of the continuum of the is committed to cracking down on tax fraud and money fnancial sector, will allow for joint investigations and the laundering. It won’t be tolerated. opportunity to streamline resources. I mentioned that it Tat’s why we launched an open, independent public gets away from the silo efect, where we don’t have the abil- inquiry into money laundering. It’s currently underway. ity to communicate for these types of…. It creates gaps We need to get to the bottom of this and really ensure in terms of communication between agencies. So that’s an that we understand really, with the full depths of investig- important step. ation, how this was allowed to occur in British Columbia Tis was a key recommendation. It doesn’t come out of — not just British Columbia — really making us the worst thin air. I referenced that it was brought forward in the example around the world, known as the Vancouver mod- real estate regulatory structure review in 2018. As well, el. Unacceptable. the recommendation was echoed by the expert panel on Te inquiry is underway, but we’re not waiting for that money laundering in their own report. Certainly, going to conclude. Tere are a number of recommendations that forward, this is an important recommendation, recog- were made by the expert panel on money laundering that nized by experts in the feld and really guiding us in terms we’re bringing forward. of our way forward. We’ve undertaken consultation to update and modern- Bill 8. I feel very passionate about this. We have a ize the Mortgage Brokers Act as well as a consultation responsibility as a government to make sure that people in to look at potentially creating a regulatory framework for our province are buying homes with confdence, that there money services businesses and also requiring businesses are securities in place and that they can be assured that to keep transparency registers in their corporate records criminal elements don’t get a free run in our real estate, in and consulting on creating a central registry of benefcial our economy or in our province. ownerships of B.C. companies. It’s really along the lines of [5:15 p.m.] ensuring that we have transparency, that we have account- We’re building recommendations. Tis is a strong ability and that the regulatory framework is clear, in place, foundation, bringing the two organizations together and and that there’s oversight in the sector. really improving efciencies and providing the clarity, with Signifcantly, in November, we launched the landowner a single regulator model versus a dual model or areas that transparency registry, which is Canada’s frst public end up in diferent silos. So this is a positive step. registry of benefcial owners of land and an important step It also can be characterized as a single real estate reg- to ending the hidden ownership of real estate in B.C. We ulator model, with a clear recommendation that has know that this was one of the avenues — that money laun- stemmed forward from, also, the real estate sector’s regu- dering in real estate was able to be transacted through latory framework as well as the review of money launder- the hidden ownership of purchases of land. So that’s an ing in real estate — so how those two areas came together, important step to really stop that practice. unfortunately, in the history of our province here in Brit- [5:20 p.m.] ish Columbia. Tere’s still more work that needs to be done in terms of We know that we want to ensure that our real estate bringing transparency to B.C.’s real estate market and mak- market is not vulnerable to manipulation and abuse, so ing sure everyone is paying their fair share. Tat’s expected this is a step to ensure that there are safeguards against of British Columbians. Te majority of British Columbians that. It’s also a step…. I mentioned the ability for an integ- play by the rules. We want to ensure that British Columbi- rated investigative capacity and the efcient use of ans can be assured that their government is putting rules resources. Tis was identifed as well, previously — that and practices in place to bring an end to criminal parti- diferent departments weren’t able to communicate and cipation and manipulation in our real estate sector, in our that created these regulatory gaps. We want to ensure that economy, and that it won’t be tolerated. we learn those lessons and that we ensure, going forward, I’m pleased with Bill 8. It has been a long time coming, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 465 and there’s still more work to do. But it’s a positive step to West coalition, for the things they’ve done to this province. send a clear message and to bring in a consolidated and Tey tried to turn this province into a casino. Look at what centralized regulatory body to oversee real estate and the they did to our housing market. fnancial sector, to provide certainty. It’s also appreciated in terms of support from real estate Deputy Speaker: Just to remind the member — sorry, agents and fnancial agents, too. Te vast majority observe Member — that we are speaking to Bill 8, the Finance Stat- the rules and are penalized as well. Tey are the legitimate utes Amendment Act. businesses. Te vast majority of businesses and real estate Tank you, Member. agents in British Columbia play by the rules, and they’re ones who are also victims of illegal activities and money A. Mercier: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. laundering. To be able to continue unchecked in our I’m just laying out here the history of how we’ve gotten province…. here to this act, which is money laundering. You want to I’d just like to close my remarks and say that I’m pleased look at the fact that our housing market was turned into to speak in favour of the second reading for Bill 8, the Fin- a casino. Te reaction to that, once the public pressure ance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. I look forward to the mounted to be great enough, was to act in a reactionary committee section and to seeing this act, Bill 8, enacted manner and set up a dual regulator. and bringing important, needed changes here in British [5:25 p.m.] Columbia. What this bill does is that it acts on the advice from an expert committee to set up a single regulator to compet- A. Mercier: I’d just like to start by echoing some com- ently streamline administration and to administer fnan- ments made by the member for Chilliwack. I would also cial services, to administer and to regulate the real estate like to thank my LA, Cailin Tyrrell. She has been showing sector. Te only people who have anything to fear from the member for Chilliwack around, and I think it’s great this act are bad actors. Tis is a model of administration that she has been doing that. that will allow for the more efcient regulation of tax eva- Aristotle said that virtue was to call a thing by its name, sion and money laundering in this province, something and I can’t think of another word to call the Finance Stat- that was very eloquently spoken to by the member for utes Amendment Act except for “competent.” Tis is a Vancouver-Kensington just moments ago. competent act and a mark of competent public adminis- It’s hard to think of ways to be against this act. Te cur- tration. Frankly, this type of competence legislatively has rent model was put in place quickly in 2016 by the pre- been a breath of fresh air over the past 3½ years. It’s a big vious government, in response to pressure from the now part of the reason why I got elected in my community of Attorney General, on reports of shadow fipping in the real Langley: people were sick of the Liberal incompetence of estate industry. We took a step back, and we said: “Okay, the previous government. let’s do a thorough review here, and let’s act on the expert Tere are so many examples of that — just a litany of advice.” Tat’s how we’ve gotten to where we are now with examples of that — that we can go over and that have led the introduction of this bill. to us this act here today and to me standing in this House Tis bill will, as has been said, transfer regulation here today speaking to that act. to the BCFSA so that joint investigations can be con- We can talk, frst, about contract fipping. Tis was a ducted, so that you’re not in a dual-model regulatory government — the last government, the opposition — environment where you’re regulating in silos and where that, the last time they were in, laid of more women in a there’s the ability for bad actors to game the system in a single day than any other government in the history of this very complex fnancial and business environment. Tis country. I’ve got family members that were laid of there. is the kind of competent administration that we need. My nephew’s mother took a $10-an-hour pay cut to do It’s the kind of competent administration that the people the same job because the last government, the Liberal gov- of British Columbia, and the people of Langley, expect ernment, didn’t respect collective agreements, ripped them from their representatives. up, until they were smacked down by the Supreme Court Tis has broad support — broad support. Tat’s because of Canada. the only people that I think who can legitimately say that We saw that behaviour again. Tey didn’t learn that les- there are issues with this bill have to be, just by the fact of son. Tey went and they provoked a strike with the BCTF it, pro–tax evasion and pro–money laundering. Tis bill is as some kind of collective bargaining strategy. Now that’s aimed at addressing those harms, those social ills, that we just…. It’s incompetent, and the people of British Colum- have identifed as a problem. Tere’s a place for gambling, bia are tired of that level of incompetence. and it’s in a casino. Tere’s no place for money laundering, I mean, you look at the breath of fresh air that the NDP whether that’s in a casino, in our housing market or in our has brought. You want to talk about collective bargaining province more generally. I think that’s just a hallmark of in public sector education. We got a deal. You want to talk competent public administration. about the free enterprise coalition. It should be the Wild I’d just like to say a word, as well, about the former Min- 466 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 ister of Finance, who has really been a paragon of admin- Another conclusion of the Maloney report: “Te istrative competence. We’re seeing that continued by the amount of money laundering is signifcant, but it’s difcult current Minister of Finance in the work that she has done to measure.” Tey estimate conservatively that in 2018 it on this bill. I really think that that ought to be lauded by was $7.4 billion in British Columbia. One of the reasons this House. why it’s difcult to measure the extent of money launder- I’d like to thank the House. I think the points here ing — this is something we’ve been talking about a great are very self-evident. I think it would be very difcult deal this week — is the lack of data. Conclusion 4 from the to vote against this. I think that anybody that actually Maloney report is that the analysis that they did “demon- believes in free enterprise, that actually believes in hav- strates the need for data collection, combination and sharing a functioning, working market in the province, is ing improvements to distinguish between legitimate and going to support this bill. money laundering real estate activity.” Te Maloney report also indicates — this is where we S. Furstenau: I’m delighted to stand today and speak to get to with Bill 8 today — that “regulatory responses to Bill 8, the Finance Statutes Amendment Act. money laundering are best-practice anti-money-launder- Just sort of following on the comments from the mem- ing measures.”So having regulations in place, having a reg- ber I just heard, I think it would be really important to ulatory body, having clear expectations and then enforce- recognize that there’s a great deal of common ground in ment is going to be essential if we’re going to efectively the Legislature, across all three parties, when it comes to address money laundering in British Columbia. understanding how essential it is that money laundering One of the other conclusions of the Maloney report — be addressed in British Columbia. Also, I would say how this is going to take me to another report on what we’re essential it is that we ensure that housing is used for people doing here in British Columbia — is that “B.C.’s proposed to live in, in this province. I think that if we were to spend benefcial ownership registry for land is a major step for- more time focusing on what we agree on, we might actu- ward.” British Columbia has brought in a public registry to ally be able to deliver the best policies and the best legisla- combat money laundering, the benefcial registry. Unfor- tion for the people of British Columbia. tunately, there is still quite a bit of work to be done on that. Bill 8 creates a single regulator for real estate in British I’m hoping that in conjunction with bringing in a single Columbia, bringing the responsibilities of the Real Estate regulator for real estate, we’re also going to see improve- Council of British Columbia and the ofce of the super- ments to the benefcial registry that was brought in. intendent of real estate together under the B.C. Financial Tere’s a report from the C.D. Howe Institute, B.C.’s Services Authority. Public Registry to Combat Money Laundering: Broken on Arrival. Tis report indicates some of the signifcant prob- [N. Letnick in the chair.] lems that we have with the registry. Tere is no system in this registry for proactive verifcation of the identity of the Government announced in 2019 they would do this, true benefcial owner of real estate. Tat’s one of the prob- and it follows from a recommendation from the Real lems. So the registry might not be able to provide us with Estate Regulatory Structure Review in 2018, known as who the ultimate owner is, as opposed to just the person’s the Maloney report. I want to just look at some of the name on a land title. conclusions of the Maloney report, because I think it’s Te registry has restrictions on key-word search tools, important to put into context what this bill is trying to limiting the ability to connect benefcial owners with address: the extent of the money laundering problem in money-laundering criminals. Te registry has no con- British Columbia. fdential tip line associated with it. It doesn’t have sanc- [5:30 p.m.] tions that include prison time. So the costs of being Te conclusions of the Maloney report include that sanctioned under the registry can just be seen as the cost “money laundering signifcantly damages our society and of doing business, because money laundering is indeed a causes ongoing harm” and that “it facilitates other criminal very, very big business. activities, contributing in particular to drug trafcking and Also, “the information on the registry will be unreliable, the violent crime and opioid deaths that result” in British difcult to access, difcult to process. And even if it helps a Columbia. searcher spot a falsely declared benefcial owner, the ability I think that this is another thing it’s incumbent on us to to communicate that discovery to…law enforcement of- do in our work here: to recognize that initiatives, policies cials and their ability to leverage it to catch criminals will and legislation are connected to a multitude of real-world be curtailed.” Finally, what the C.D. Howe report indic- problems that people are living with right now. In our ates as “the biggest faw” with the registry is that “there eforts to solve these problems, let’s always pull ourselves is no requirement that registry ofcials…independently back up to that place of being in service to the people of verify…identifcation information fled on the registry.” As British Columbia. How do we most efectively solve these in, you don’t need to produce ID. problems? If we go back to Bill 8, I think what we want to be Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 467 very aware of is that we take steps in British Columbia to to question and scrutinize and make sure that it has been address money laundering, which is a signifcant problem well-thought-out and is actually going to accomplish what connected to unafordable housing prices. It’s connected to the stated goal is. It’s actually what people in British Col- the opioid and overdose crisis that we’re facing, connec- umbia are paying us to do. ted to a lack of revenues that should be fowing to gov- I hope that the government members will understand ernments because of money that is being moved without that’s a crucial part of democracy. Tat’s actually what we access to governments’ being able to identify it. should have. Any legislation that’s worth enacting, by any [5:35 p.m.] political stripe, should be willing to stand up to the scru- Let’s ensure that if there are issues that are raised, if tiny and the proper questioning that is required, let alone there are faws, that government is very proactive in in a piece of legislation that has 179 sections in it. Tis is addressing those faws, because it’s essential that as we pro- not a small piece of legislation. ceed with trying to fx these very serious problems in Brit- Of course, we have to take ongoing steps against money ish Columbia, we’re not creating ongoing loopholes, ongo- laundering. No one ever disputes that. Tis side of the ing weaknesses in our eforts to address them. House certainly looks forward, afer waiting for over four With that, I will indicate that we are going to support years, to see some sort of money-laundering charge issued this bill. I think this is a good step. But I also think that somewhere in the province of British Columbia under the there is a signifcant distance for us to go in British Col- current Attorney General, who has been the Attorney umbia before we’ve actually truly solved the money-laun- General for four years now. dering problem that we have in our province. We, unfortunately, have not seen anything brought forward in the way of a money-laundering case. So perhaps P. Milobar: My comments will be brief, but I did feel this legislation will help the Attorney General fgure out a it important to add our voice one more time. I know our way to bring forward charges for money laundering. It cer- critic has done a good job outlining with his brief com- tainly does happen in British Columbia. It happens around ments as well, but it seems that the government side of the the world. We’re aware of that. We’re all aware of that, and House took a lot out of those three minutes’ worth of com- we need to take those actions. ment from our critic. [5:40 p.m.] I just want to make sure it’s very clear at this point that Again, I just wanted to assure the other side of this we are supportive of the bill. We’ve made that clear with House that although they may feel that this is a competent our critic’s comments, but as with any legislation and as way to bring forward legislation, legislation of this size and with any good governance structure, any piece of legisla- complexity…. To make sure that it’s not full of incompet- tion should be able to stand up to the scrutiny of ques- ence, it’s important to have that scrutiny. Tat’s what we tioning to be able to understand what exactly the clauses look forward to in committee stage — making sure that in that legislation mean to people in the broader com- things have been thought through properly, that there are munity so that people in the broader community have a not bigger loopholes or problems that are going to be cre- good sense of what is actually being proposed and being ated, as the Leader of the Tird Party just indicated as well. brought forward under legislation. Tat is why, at this point, we support this bill, but we As we’ve seen time and again by this government, both also reserve the right to do the people’s business and prop- before the snap election and afer, a lot of legislation has erly scrutinize this same bill to make sure the interests of come forward with serious faws in it. It’s had to either British Columbians are truly being protected by anything be withdrawn before the debate even happens, as we saw, being brought forward. which was then used as an excuse for a snap election because it was so seriously fawed in legislation, or there J. Brar: I’m really pleased to support Bill 8, the Finance have been signifcant amendments that needed to be made Statutes Amendment Act. both by the Tird Party and by our party on several pieces Once this legislation comes into force, the B.C. Finan- of legislation. cial Services Authority, BCFSA, will take over regulating I can remember one particular piece of environmental real estate. Tis was previously the responsibility of two legislation when I was the critic. I believe there were about organizations: the Real Estate Council of B.C., RECBC, 12 to 13 amendments that the minister had to agree actu- and the ofce of the superintendent of real estate, OSRE. ally had to happen because there were structural faws Bill 8 creates a single regulatory body for the real estate within the legislation that had been rushed forward. industry. Tat’s the major change we have as part of this I just want to assure the new government members…. bill. When we see that level of incompetence in some legisla- To facilitate this, resources and staf will be moved over tion, because we heard competent raised quite a bit over to the BCFSA. Te BCFSA already oversees the regula- the last few speeches, we want to make sure we’re doing tions of the fnancial service market, including credit uni- our jobs on behalf of all British Columbians so we can be ons, trusts, pension plans, insurers and mortgage brokers. supportive of a piece of legislation but indicating we want Bringing the real estate sector under this umbrella allows 468 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 for joint investigations and the opportunity to streamline and modernize the Mortgage Brokers Act and consult- these forces. ing to potentially create a regulatory framework for Tis was a key recommendation brought forward in money services businesses. the Real Estate Regulatory Structure Review in 2018. Tat Most signifcantly, in November, we launched the land recommendation was echoed by the Expert Panel on owner transparency registry, which is Canada’s frst public Money Laundering in their own report. We want to make registry of benefcial owners of land and an important step sure that our province has world-leading protections to ending the hidden ownership of real estate in B.C. against money laundering and tax evaders. Creating a Prior to this, people were able to establish numbered modern, efcient and efective regulator is an essential companies, and nobody knew, if you looked at the com- part of this. pany, who actually owned the company. With this, that Why are we making these changes, and what does it is going to be changed. Now people have to actually mean for the people? I think it’s an important question to declare who the real owners are of the company and ask. We have a responsibility as a government to make sure where they live. people in this province are buying homes with confdence We will continue to work to bring transparency to the and securities in place. When I buy a house, I should be B.C. real estate market and make sure everyone is paying absolutely confdent and clear that the only work done by their fair share. Tis work is timely and much needed at professionals is done with…. Tat I can trust all the work. this point in time for the people of British Columbia. Tat’s very important for me, and that’s very important for I would like to conclude by saying I fully support Bill the people of British Columbia. 8, the Finance Statutes Amendment Act, and thanks for Te work OSRE and RECBC, the two organizations, the opportunity. have done so far has been very vital in our efort to regulate the sector. We are building on the strong foundation that Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the Minister of Finance the two organizations have created. Tanks to them for to close the debate. their work. While eliminating the inefciencies and lack of clarity created by the dual regulatory model, we are now Hon. S. Robinson: I’m pleased that a number of my moving to a single regulatory model. colleagues here in the House took part in the second What exactly is changing when these amendments reading of Bill 8 and spoke of our commitment as a come into force? Te BCFSA is led by a board of direct- government to establish a single regulator of real estate ors and Blair Morrison as CEO and superintendent of under the B.C. Financial Services Authority and that this fnancial institutions. Te amendment today will make bill will do just that. the CEO of BCFSA the new superintendent of real estate With that, I move second reading. and will transfer over the associated authority with that role. Tese changes will also ensure that the BCFSA has Motion approved. authority over education and licensing for real estate professionals, establishing the rules of all the conduct for Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be referred to real estate professionals, and investigations and discip- a Committee of the Whole House to be considered at the line for licensed and unlicensed individuals in the mar- next sitting of the House afer today. ket. Tat’s very important. [5:45 p.m.] Bill 8, Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, read a As well, most regulatory functions currently with the second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole BCFSA board will be transferred to the superintendent of House for consideration at the next sitting of the House fnancial institutions under the fnancial institutions legis- afer today. lation. Tis change will allow BCFSA to operate more efectively as it acquires a new, major set of responsibilities Hon. S. Robinson: I call Speech from the Trone. regarding real estate. Our government is committed to cracking down on tax Trone Speech Debate fraud and money laundering. Tat’s why we launched an (continued) open, independent public inquiry into money laundering, which is currently underway. However, we are waiting for Hon. N. Cullen: Do I indicate through voice or rais- the results of the inquiry to act. ing a hand if I would like to speak to the Speech from We have made progress on several recommendations the Trone? provided by the Expert Panel on Money Laundering in B.C. Real Estate, including requiring businesses to Deputy Speaker: Either is fne. You have the foor. keep transparency registers in their corporate records and consulting on creating a central registry of benef- Hon. N. Cullen: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. cial ownership of B.C. companies, consulting to update Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 469

We are all growing accustomed to these new ways of stantly protect and hold sacred what all British Columbi- doing things. ans, and in fact many people around the world, come to As a former Member of Parliament, I’m used to just enjoy, which is beautiful British Columbia. jumping up and trying to catch your attention in order to It is also the place in the throne speech that spoke to speak. Tose days are not with us yet. Hopefully, they’ll this where reconciliation hits the ground. Tis is where the return soon so we can all gather together in the Legislature ideas and the hoped-for aspirations in the UN declaration and be with one another, because I think the debate is on the rights of Indigenous Peoples ofen meet the real always benefted by proximity, in most cases. I’m sure there world — the real-world challenges of decolonizing gov- are some exceptions. ernment structure, of changing the way that institutions I join the House this evening from Smithers, British that are long-entrenched in our province have to adapt and Columbia, my home, which resides in Wet’suwet’en ter- rethink the way that we make decisions when it comes to ritory, specifcally in the Gidimt’en clan. It is an honour the land base, child care services, health care, education for me to be raising my family here and to have so many and on and on. friendships that I cherish in that community and in the What I’ve seen from this government is that in the broader Bulkley Valley community. passing of the UN declaration, it was putting a marker in [5:50 p.m.] the ground — that this is the way, the path forward for I have lived here for quite a number of years now. As this province to realize its full potential. It was required I mentioned, I previously served the residents of north- of us, of all of us, whether we are new to this province western B.C. as a Member of Parliament, which I ended a or have been here for generations — or, like the First couple of years ago. Very few of us in elected ofce get to Nations, since time immemorial. All of us have to meet choose the time of our departures. Ofen it is chosen for at some place in the middle, where we can fnd that com- us. mon ground that is so sacred, to build up our province I’m in that fortunate minority where I was able to step in a more full and prosperous way. Tat starts with away from federal politics and, lo and behold, found reconciliation. myself re-entering public life, maybe to the chagrin of my Now, the Speech from the Trone was one of the most family and defnitely not in my plans, but an opportunity brief, I suppose, in our province’s history. Many comment- to work with others to make our province better, stronger ators noted that it was direct and to the point. I would and more progressive. It was an opportunity that support- like to aspire to that same goal. I’m reminded of times ers of mine and many friends from across many com- when I’ve stood in the feast hall of the Wet’suwet’en. As I’m munities urged me to do. being introduced, ofen by an Elder, they will use a phrase I now represent Stikine, which is the largest riding in in Wet’suwet’en in their instructions to me as a speak- British Columbia. In my response to the Speech from the er — and then, thankfully, translate for me, because my Trone, I think it is important for the voices that come Wet’suwet’en is terrible — that they will invite me to come from rural and remote British Columbia to be represented and address the community and that, hopefully, I can do in this conversation. that while standing on one leg. Tere is ofen the old turn of phrase in our province that It’s a nice reminder. Of course, the objective — as you there is no hope beyond Hope. As I was scrolling through can’t talk for too long, most of us, while standing on just the various government programs and the constant look- one leg — is to speak to the community with full heart ing for equity from this government towards not just servi- and mind, but don’t talk too long. Ofentimes, at these cing the large populations in this province but also looking occasions, we are also breaking bread, and I never aspire to the smaller communities, the more remote communit- to stand between a good community and dinner. So my ies — be they on Vancouver Island, in the Interior, in the comments, hopefully, tonight will not do that for anybody, north or in the northwest where I live — it makes me quite realizing that it’s near the dinner hour for many. proud to see the lens through which this government is [5:55 p.m.] looking at issues. Now, of course, the speech itself, the Speech from the Knowing that we, of course, have to pay good mind Trone. Much of what has happened to us in these last 12 and attention to the large cities — the Vancouvers, Vic- months has been seen through the lens of a global pan- torias, Kelownas — and making sure that infrastructure is demic — something some may have said they had fore- being done and that our cities are thriving and bringing seen. But for many of us, COVID was not a term that we those deep cultural benefts, economic benefts, interna- were too familiar with, and it was hard for us to imagine tional relations that we all beneft from, it is also important all of the diferent implications that a pandemic would and a needed constant reminder that those of us who live have on our lives — not out of the ridiculous Hollywood in small-town British Columbia are ofen those that are thrillers about what a pandemic might look like but in the going in to work in the resource sector. real, day-to-day interactions. Tose of us that are intimately connected to the natural Te changes that we would all have to make, the sacri- environment are stewards of the land and looking to con- fces we would all have to make, the extraordinary changes 470 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in the way that we conduct business in just our daily lives can do things, behave in ways and conduct our businesses — everything that has happened since then has been seen and our daily lives in ways that just adapt to the circum- through this lens. As many have said, it has exposed both stances that are in front of us. It is quite remarkable. the good and the bad about our society, our individual I give particular kudos, of course, to our Health Min- communities and what may be happening in our lives. ister and his staf — who have guided much of this pro- It grieves us: the loss of each and every person in British cess — and also, as we’ve formed a new Ministry of Columbia, in Canada, and globally who has passed away Mental Health, to that new minister who has come in. due to this pandemic. Te losses have predominantly been Because the mental health side of this equation is so dif- experienced in our elder community. Tose that hold the fcult to put our arms completely around, it’s ofen hid- stories in our communities have been most susceptible to den. It’s ofen flled with too much stigma to talk about this pandemic, falling ill and, unfortunately, sometimes depression, anxiety and all of the things that can come passing away. It has also afected the most vulnerable. to anyone. Rich or poor, of whatever ethnicity, religion Tose with other health pressures, economic pressures or not — this can afect all of us. going on in their lives, have also been more vulnerable to For much of my life, this stigma surrounding mental this pandemic. health has been so strong that people were unable to talk What I am most proud of is the way that our communit- about it. But increasingly — not just with average, ordin- ies have responded, that people have taken up the direc- ary people but also with celebrities, politicians, people of tions and the guidance from the good Dr. Bonnie Henry, certain public stature — being able to talk about their own putting on masks — something that you’d have to think mental health struggles has opened up the door, as I know that, about a year ago or more, was hard to imagine — it has, to allow us to be able to talk to that friend, to each of us, with our own diferent ways of being around the neighbour, to a relative who doesn’t seem like they’re the world, all following to the most part, prescriptions that doing as well as they could be. will allow us to keep each other safe and fnding in each [6:00 p.m.] of us that common decency to protect that store worker, Ten it’s making sure that we have supports in place. As to protect that nurse, to protect that teacher, and that we Dr. Bonnie Henry said, there was no mental health sys- would all look in diferent ways to keep ourselves and one tem, really, of coherence in this province when we formed another safe. government a few years ago. We’ve been building it, slowly Tis government certainly understood that, looking and steadily, providing more beds for people struggling through the lens of equity and social justice, which, I with addictions, making sure that we’re addressing difer- think, are at the core of what it is to be a New Democrat ent issues simultaneously, and wrapping around individu- in a New Democrat government. It meant that we had to als who need that support, rather than treating it like it’s make sure that we were taking care of the most vulnerable. the hidden disease that it has been in the past. Tat’s why you saw support for those with the lowest Of course, the pandemic has added extra weight to that income. You saw support for those in rural and remote issue and the importance of being able to address it in all communities when the vaccines began to roll out. We the things we do, as colleagues. made sure that we were paying attention to the evidence In my former political life, I watched colleagues and the science and not playing politics with any of this, in struggle with mental health issues. But for those of us trying to understand where the supports could go the fur- in public life, that was not an acceptable thing to talk thest, and that we’d help people stay at home, because we about, it seemed, because it showed weakness. It showed were requiring them to do so. vulnerability. It showed something that would make you Also, we’d support those locally owned businesses that perhaps unelectable, in a career-limiting move. Tat was are the very lifeblood of the communities that I repres- difcult, because if we’re not able to talk about it, address ent, in Telkwa, Smithers, Hazelton, New Hazelton, South it, as elected ofcials, does that not, then, afect the way Hazelton, all the way down the line in Stikine and fur- that we govern ourselves, the policies we push forward, ther up north to Dease Lake, Iskut, Telegraph Creek, and the budgets that we approve? all the way to the far north in Stewart. It’s remarkable to We need to be able to talk about it more, and I’m seeing see how we’ve been able to adapt. It’s remarkable to see more and more of it. It is nothing but encouraging. the resiliency. Our government has been dealing with a double pan- Tat’s a word I would like to focus on in this speech. It demic, really, at the same time. Te second one hasn’t got- may be a term that we throw around casually from time ten nearly as much attention as it ought to, and that’s the to time. “Tis is a strong person” or “Tis is a resilient opioid crisis. We saw the numbers recently out from the community.” But we only know it when we see it. We only coroner’s ofce — one of the highest numbers ever in a know how strong we are, how resilient we can be togeth- January release in this province — and the devastating er, when we’re actually tested. Of course, that’s what this efect this is having on so many families in our communit- last year has been: an incredibly difcult test on many of us ies. Again, a crisis like this knows no bounds. People could — showing how we can be resilient and adaptable, how we have tried to stigmatize drug addiction and the efect that Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 471 had on people and who they were. It was always a “they” we’re talking about the most vulnerable still. We’re talking conversation. about people north of 90 years of age, 85 years of age who Tis crisis has brought it, unfortunately — and in some will be able to receive their shots. So many of them have ways, fortunately — home to many of us that we are one not been able to see their grandkids, their neighbours or degree, two degrees, three degrees at most removed from talk to anyone face to face in a real human way in more somebody who has been dealing with an opioid addiction. than a year. We’ve seen all the lawsuits and the unethical behaviour [6:05 p.m.] of some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Now, with distribution, how do we distribute vaccines world pushing opioids through prescriptions at the doc- equitably, safely and in a manner in which everybody can tor’s ofce. People end up getting hooked and then going patiently understand that help is coming. Tey might not to unclean sources on the street. Te border closures and be frst in line, they might not be second, but we’re doing whatnot certainly afected that. this based on the evidence. We follow the numbers. If We were bending the curve down. We were wrestling the numbers lead to us saying that this is the conclusion this issue to the ground, talking about it in a fulsome way, around vaccines and vaccinations, then that’s where we bringing in program supports, and then of course the pan- follow. Vulnerable populations on the Downtown Eastside, demic hit. Te supply questions came up — the challenge rural and remote First Nations communities — we know of dealing with two pandemics at the same time — and the the social determinants of health guide us that way. efect has been devastating. Again, as I said earlier, the idea that the politics was Now, as we think about this pandemic, and it was taken out of these decisions, that we were looking to the addressed in the throne speech, it seems like if we think evidence, that we were following the CDC’s advice, Dr. back to the early days, it’s been sort of one difcult crisis Henry’s advice, was so much better throughout all of this, afer another. First was: what do we do about travellers, as we watched in contrast to other jurisdictions, be it other and how do we close borders? Can we even close our bor- provinces or in the U.S. or in other parts of the world, ders as a country, as a province, as communities? where politics was at the centre of the conversation. Politi- I saw many of the northern communities that I rep- cians — some of them now former politicians — who led resent, particularly First Nations communities, who have their people astray, I would argue, as many have, ended up a deep and horrible history with pandemics. We’ve all — costing much more human sufering and loss of life. well, we should have all — read about the various smallpox Staying connected has been incredibly important. I’ve epidemics that settlers brought in, governments brought watched, just in the small communities that I represent, a in, we think, as a institutional practice of an attempted new attention to our elders, making sure that we’re fnding genocide. And then we saw communities shut down ways to reach out and care. entirely. Tat was our frst question dealing with this. Now, the response from our government was what a What is this disease, and how do we do it? good social democratic government should do. We’ve Ten there was workplace safety. What can stay open? hired more health care workers. Now, we saw other What can be closed? What do we do with kids? What do provinces that are led by much more conservatively we do with our schools? Are they safe, or are they not? minded leadership, and they cut health care workers into a Do we have enough PPE, protective equipment, for hos- pandemic. pital workers, never mind those of us going about our We’ve hired more contact tracers, more than 1,500. I daily business? Each of these presented another challenge don’t have the current numbers. I don’t have that near for this government, for us as communities and for the photographic if not totally photographic memory that our national government. And with each of these, we’ve been Health Minister does in being able to recall the specifc struggling and accomplishing things that we didn’t think number each and every moment. It’s an incredible gif, and were possible. Now we’re dealing with variants, all the dif- one I would wish for. ferent variations of this disease and what that impact has Hiring those contact tracers gave us the ability to look on health care policy. at, when there was an outbreak, when there was COVID And now vaccines. Happily, we have a discussion going being spread, who those people also contacted and then on in this country and in this province right now on what be able to contain the spread and get things under con- all the diferent vaccines mean. What a good problem to trol. Because every time we would hear of another out- have, where we have a challenge over how this vaccine is break, we would also hear news of an outbreak that had good for this and the extension of the length of shots. now diminished. It was nice to see that it was confrmed today by our Te only way that happened was because we were able national health advocates and by the CDC for Canada that to tell British Columbians: “You may have been exposed. the extension of frst shot to second shot is backed up by It’s time for you to stay home, keep yourself safe, stay away credible evidence and that that now enables us to be able to from your family, until we can get you a test that shows apply frst shots to 70,000 more British Columbians, who that you’re clear of COVID.” Tink about the number of will all be grateful. Teir families will be grateful, because people who were afected by that, who were saved the grief 472 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 of having to go through COVID, being sick or being hos- chagrin of those on the other side, no longer could big cor- pitalized. porations, big unions, big donors write massive cheques. We were also able to recover back all of the surgeries Remember the former Premier? She took a fight over that had been cancelled because our hospitals were not to Alberta at one point and, I think, raised somewhere able to handle them. In the fall months of last year, and near $1 million in one night from very, very happy donors going into this year, we were performing a record number in Alberta because she was going to push projects that of surgeries, getting the backlog taken care of — all those helped Alberta, I suppose, or helped them specifcally. I other vital surgeries. Because that’s the secondary efect, as don’t know if it actually helped the province of Alberta, but we all learn about pandemics. It’s not just the pandemic that’s all gone. Tat’s a structural change that this govern- itself, as brutal as that is — all the people that fall sick, all ment went down through. the people that unfortunately pass away. It’s the pressure I listened to a member in the previous debate from the on our health care system, that health care systems can go opposition talk about how much he really wanted to see to a certain point and then past that into a breaking point. charges in money laundering. I’m not sure if he’s been Again, we didn’t see it in British Columbia, thankfully, watching the Cullen inquiry — no relation, but certainly but we did see it in other jurisdictions, very wealthy jur- proud of what is being accomplished there — in exposing isdictions that didn’t invest in health care workers, didn’t what was going on under the last government in this invest in contact tracers, just simply thought that wishful province, the amount, through casinos, in rentals and thinking and some sort of divine providence was going to property speculation…. Canada had become known…. save them. It didn’t. It just simply didn’t. I saw this as a Member of Parliament. I watched the Of course, the worry is now that we see other juris- reports coming in. B.C. was known, in particular — dictions relieving all of their measures now they’ve had a Vancouver especially — as a good place for narcotraf- few vaccines — mostly south of the border. I fear for their fckers and gangs to wash and launder their money people, that the politicking of this again is leading to very, through real estate and through the casinos. Our spy very difcult outcomes. agencies and the Interpol people that we work with had Now, part of protecting people is making sure that we’re identifed British Columbia and Vancouver for years as protecting people in their homes — making sure people contributing to global crime. have a home, that there wouldn’t be evictions during this If you think about who these actors were…. Tis is pandemic, that we would freeze rents and make sure that not a movie. Tis is not some, you know, interesting little people could stay in their homes if they were renting, and subplot. Tese were people who made their money of of that we had income supports to individuals and to families the destitution and the elimination of entire peoples and to make sure that they could pay the rent. needed a place to take all of their ill-gotten gains and clean I grew up in rental homes, a single mom, a cashier at a it all up. British Columbia was welcome to them. Tis past grocery store. And getting month to month, it always…. government, either through incompetence or a blind eye, Kind of opening up the electricity bill, the heating bill, and just simply allowed this to go on for years. Now we’re see- hoping that it all added up. I watched my mom struggle ing the testimony that messages were brought to leaders in with this. I know what that’s like. I feared sometimes, when the past government. Tey probably didn’t think to them- I looked at some in the opposition, that there was a lack of selves that it was that important. sympathy or a lack of understanding. Back to our small towns, because that’s what I care I guess I could understand that in that it’s not a lived about. I’m looking out my window of my basement here, reality. If you were born privileged, through no grace of and I’m thinking about all the small businesses on our your own, you just happened to come to upper middle Main Street in Smithers and in Telkwa and all down the class or a wealthy family, you never had that moment, that line in Hazelton — those that have been struggling to experience, the experience of what it’s like to not be able keep their doors open, being able to continue to hire to pay the rent, of making the decisions between enough people with living wages, family-raising wages so that we food on the table and making sure the kids have shoes to could actually keep this community alive. And you just be able to get to school. Tose are real decisions, really don’t see in most communities…. Some have sufered, hard decisions that families face every day. for sure. Some businesses, especially in the tourism sec- [6:10 p.m.] tor, have really been hit hard, and we’ve brought support I’m proud that our government understood that and to them as well. that we saw that the nefarious practice of renovictions A lot of these small businesses have stayed open. that have gone on for too long in this province under Tey’ve adapted. Tey’ve found ways. Tey’ve gotten sup- highly speculative owners…. Tat practice is now not just port both from our provincial government in putting out being stopped in the pandemic, but we’re making struc- funds and the federal government ofering wage subsidies tural changes, fundamental changes similar to those struc- that were critical to keep people going, keep businesses tural changes like in our democracy, making sure that big going. I’m so grateful for that leadership from our local money was taken out of the politics. I know much to the chamber of commerce and from all those local business Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 473 owners and from our government in understanding how Tey’re able to support families, able to keep people with important this was. a roof over their head, and hopefully, it’s something that Something that doesn’t get talked about enough was they can pass on to their children. that one of the largest tax cuts in B.C. history was under Of course, we’ve been investing in schools. I’m looking this government, in that we cut MSP premiums that every at the Walnut Park school that’s being built right now, British Columbian had to pay. For a lot of families, this was where my kids attend class in the old school. Tey’re very a savings of somewhere between $900 and $1,500 a year, excited to get into the new school when it’s ready. Hos- each and every year, money that they could go out and do pitals in places like Terrace and other health services that other things with. we’re able to invest in…. It seemed so important to us to do this, because not only I note — and I know my time is coming short now was it a tax cut, and that was a benefcial thing to working — that this government, when I look through the spend- people; it was also a declaration about what public health ing announcements, has been doing an incredible job of care and public medicine meant — where it had become avoiding the temptation of previous governments of put- eroded, less and less and less under previous governments, ting a political lens on where the money goes. I’m think- where it was public but you were paying more and more ing, in particular, of the Terrace hospital, which is one of and more. Te encroachment of private health care was our largest hospitals here in the northwest, and a lot of our coming up greatly under previous governments who had very important surgeries go on there. It’s this government ripped up contracts with HEU workers, reneged on legally that’s going to build that hospital. Despite electoral losses binding arrangements with those workers who were pre- in the Skeena riding, we’re making sure that the invest- dominantly women, predominantly minorities with, I sup- ments are going in. pose, a lot less power than the previous government was I’m thinking of the investments we made in Fort St. concerned with. James and in other places, in Burns Lake and Fort Fraser, In Stikine, representing this beautiful part of the in Vanderhoof and Prince George. I’m thinking of the world…. I would say to members and other people watch- refections of the mayor of Vanderhoof when the Premier ing tonight, if you haven’t spent the time, when it is safe visited some time ago, when we could visit, that he was the to travel, come up the road through these beautiful com- frst Premier to come by. Tis is not a community, historic- munities here in the northwest. Travel all the way up ally, if you know the politics of Vanderhoof, that votes for through the far north up into Atlin, the little nook at the our party. Yet this government has taken upon itself that it top lef corner of your map, if you’re following along at is government of all British Columbians. home, and visit these exceptionally beautiful and resilient I see that refected in the throne speech. I see it in the communities, places that have been here, in some cases, recent funding for arts and culture development in our since time immemorial and with deep and vast cultures. province. Te money is being spread around, and it’s being We are connecting these communities better, investing spread around to the best needs and the best impacts, in transportation, better roads, better airports, better which is what I think British Columbians ultimately hope Internet so that people can stay connected, that they can for. Whatever their political persuasions, they’re looking do their business. Tey can raise their families in these for competency. Tey’re looking for some sense of communities. We’ve seen — there have been recent reports decency. nationally but also here in British Columbia — that there While we all have our political opinions, and the voters has been wave afer wave of young families, in particular, of this province, the citizens of this province, have their but other British Columbians, realizing that the cost of liv- political opinions, at the end of the day, we’re hoping for ing in the cities, the cost of living back east, has become so a better province. We’re hoping for a better place to live, a extraordinary. better place that we can pass down to future generations. [6:15 p.m.] Tat’s why this government put $1 billion into the Tere’s this amazing quality of life that can be had. But CleanBC program. Te Minister of Environment is we have very little vacancy in many of our small towns, administering, with all sorts of developments, the electri- and we are investing in more afordable housing to that fcation of our transportation system so that we can drive efect, to make sure that people who are living on working cars that no longer pollute. wages, as we call them, are able to get a home and a roof I look to the mandate letter that I’ve been given — my over their head and getting rid of the speculation in our working orders from the Premier. I’ll wrap up here. I’ve markets, getting rid of the money laundering and the been charged with working with the Minister of Forests, rampant excess where people have for too long — some Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Develop- — treated the ownership of a home as simply some sort of ment to be able to reform or give options of reforming investment deal, treating it like an investment rather than that ministry, developing a coastal strategy for British Col- the home that it is. umbia — because we’re one of the only coastal provinces It seems to me that we’ve been moving increasingly in without a coastal strategy — and supporting the good good ways that way so that homes are what they are. work of the Minister of Environment in building a water- 474 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 shed strategy, which will have funds attached to it to be be rented. We’re already having…. I received a call not too able to sustain our watersheds in this province so that we long ago from somebody in one of those afected neigh- do leave a better province for future generations. bourhoods. She expressed how difcult it was to walk her I’m very proud to have listened to the words in the kids to school past empty home afer empty home. In the throne speech — the general direction and guidance for wintertime, when it’s dark, it felt a little bit scary, because this government. I’m excited and looking forward to the you’re alone. budget that will be coming imminently that will set out the We’re humans. We desire connection. She was very next year’s plan and looking forward, as so many of us are, happy to say that there are people moving back into the as all of our constituents are, to a day when we can gather neighbourhood, and there are neighbours to wave at. Tat back again together, that we can move past this pandem- feeling of aloneness is improving. But obviously, there is ic safely and know that we came out of it stronger, because still more work to do in getting the speculation out of we are a resilient people. We are a resilient province. the market, getting more empty homes rented and making I thank you for your attention, Mr. Speaker, and the sure that seniors and families have a place to live in the House for its attention at this time. community and participate. One of the other things that’s really important for our K. Greene: I’m speaking in support of the throne riding…. We’ve got such interesting geography. We have speech. I just wanted to take a moment to thank the people suburban neighbourhoods. We’ve got more density, but of Richmond-Steveston for their belief in me. I’m humbled we’ve also got a lot of agriculture. Agriculture is defn- to be able to represent you in the province. I’m able to be itely a value that we share in the riding. We’re very happy here because of the support of my family, without whom to have so many small-scale farms producing wonderful this wouldn’t be possible at all. food that is bought very locally — like hyper-local. It’s I did want to speak about how it’s important — the work amazing to be able to go on a ten-minute bike ride and that we’re doing as government and what is set out in the collect all the groceries that your family needs for the throne speech — and why it’s important to us in Rich- week — all the fresh produce. mond-Steveston. We’ve got small-scale farms producing CSA baskets. If [6:20 p.m.] you’ve never heard of a CSA basket, I really recommend Richmond-Steveston is — I’m sure, like every other looking it up. It’s a really afordable way to get really good member — the best place in British Columbia. But we have local produce and then support farmers at the same time, a few issues that I think are really well addressed by the because then they have more certainty on their product direction that we’re heading. being purchased for the year so that they can get that First up is housing. I can’t underscore how much the money up front and be able to plant accordingly. housing crisis has really afected us here in Steveston, We also have lots of farm markets. So if you miss out being one of the most desirable places to live in the most on your CSA basket, you’ve got the option of going to a desirable province in the world, but then also being hit farm market for that fresh food. I think some of the pro- by the money laundering crisis and speculation crises. It’s grams that we’re working on with Buy B.C. and bringing really afected us. We’ve had quite a number of families forward food hubs are defnitely speaking to the values of and people not unlike myself or other young families the people in our riding. where this is the place they’d like to live. Tey’ve been here I’d also like to talk about the economy. It’s also very for quite some time, and it’s become unafordable, and important for folks in Richmond-Steveston, especially there are no options for them to be able to stay. with supports for tourism and small business. We have a Tey move away. Tat damages…. Every time we lose plethora — I never thought I’d use that in a sentence — of somebody because of the afordability in our riding, we small businesses in Steveston. lose part of the fabric of our community. I think it’s just [6:25 p.m.] such a shame that we have families literally moving 50 We have everything from speciality lingerie to help minutes down the road because it’s just not afordable. women who have ftting problems because of mastectomy Tere are streets in some of the small neighbourhoods in or other issues, or you’re looking for that customized our riding where there are so many vacant homes. Tere experience, all the way through to tea. We’ve got an amaz- are more vacant homes than occupied homes, and that’s ing tea merchant with specialized blends. I recommend just tragic. the Steveston blend if you’re looking for something with Homes are meant for people to live in. Tey’re not as much kick as cofee; it’ll get you going in the morning. meant for investment vehicles. Tey’re meant for people to We’ve got all those small businesses. We have the brewer- live, reside, work and play and be part of the community. ies, with the Taphouse. Such a bounty. So having these sup- We’re losing seniors. We’re having those folks move away ports for small business and tourism is really important — to fnd those afordable options. being able to reach into the community and make sure that I’m really happy to say that we’re already making pro- they’re supported. gress. We’re already seeing those empty homes starting to We also have a lot of flming in Steveston, so we’re mak- Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 475

ing sure that we are going to situate ourselves so that when surges, the water comes up quite high, and there is quite a things start getting better, we have these options. Filming. lot of concern in the community, a bit of anxiety when you I don’t know if anybody has heard of the program Once see the water that high. Upon a Time. It ran for quite a number of years. It made [6:30 p.m.] Steveston quite famous. Teir merchandise was even sold, We are safe. It is a great diking system, but there is still and we would have tours going through. So we’ve had some of that anxiety. Once Upon a Time, a big show when it was flmed. Super- It’s really important that we continue to support action natural was flmed for quite a number of years. on climate. I’m really appreciative of how that is worked One of the interesting things that happened because into the mandates for us to move forward. Tis govern- of COVID is that sadly, one of the productions was shut ment’s also supporting local action on climate, which is down, just basically overnight. On Garry Point, there was really great when you have those really functional partner- a creepy abandoned village that was built in a way that ships where each party respects the other. respected the local ecology, and it was just lef as a set. For example, in Richmond, we passed a plastic bag ban. Tere was fencing around it to keep it safe, but there was, It was wonderful that we could get cooperation from the in Garry Point Park, a creepy abandoned village for quite ministry to be able to have that be passed and approved a number of months before they could return to flming. so that the local government was supported in taking that Tat program was called Midnight Mass, and that was action. One of the reasons that plastic bag bans are so apparently a Netfix production. If the set is anything to go important to the people in my community is because of by, it will be a very creepy show indeed, if you’re into that the externalities that plastic bags have in the environment. sort of thing. A plastic bag discarded into the environment doesn’t We also have a vibrant fshing scene. I know that a lot of degrade. It doesn’t turn into anything except for smaller folks may think of Steveston as a place with a lot of restaur- bits of plastic. If it’s a large bag, it can choke sea life. If it ants, which we are very fortunate to have. Lots of oppor- breaks down into smaller pieces, it’s consumed by smaller tunity to choose your dinner there. We also have the Steve- things down the food chain. ston Harbour Authority, and that is the biggest small craf What happens is those smaller creatures get eaten by harbour in Canada. the bigger creatures, and we eat the bigger creatures. Now Tis, I think, is a really interesting place to be, because we’ve got plastic in us. Speaking as a parent that doesn’t you think of the fshing industry and you might not think want to think about her children consuming food that of Steveston. You might think of Steveston as a tourism could have plastic in it, which could contaminate our own destination, but it’s really fantastic. If you ever have the bodies, this is defnitely something that it’s really import- opportunity to head down to the harbour authority and ant that we think about and support, particularly our local take a look, you will see that it feels like boats to the hori- governments that are working so very hard, with the zon. So it’s really fantastic. You can buy your fresh produce resources that they have, to make their communities the at the dock, but they’re also selling, wholesale, to all over best possible place for their residents. the Lower Mainland and beyond, really. We also have a lot of green jobs in Richmond. We’re We have other operators, such as Skipper Otto. Tey actually a hub of innovation and leadership in green tech- have a community-supported fshery, so you can prepur- nology. We have two businesses in Richmond that, within chase your fshing product for the year, very much like one the last fve years, have won the Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the CSA baskets at a farm. Ten that helps them get of the Year Award. I have been at those award events and more certainty on who’s purchasing their product as well. seen the calibre of businesses that are coming up for nom- It’s ethically caught. You even get to fnd out who was the ination on these kinds of awards. Tey are really excep- fsher that caught that particular product that you bought. tional. For us in Richmond to have the very, very top cal- So if you bought salmon, it’ll have the fsher’s name, maybe ibre is, I think, really something to be proud of. even a picture, the name of their boat. So you really get a We’ve also got leaders and new ideas in Richmond — sense of: where did this food come from? It’s so important for example, recycling battery technology and LED light- that we understand where our food comes from. ing technology. Tere are a lot of technology companies One of the other issues that is important to the residents that I think we can be really proud of in Richmond that are of our riding is action on climate. Tere is defnitely a leading in a number of diferent areas, but in particular in sense of vulnerability in Richmond about climate change. green technology. We are, on average, one metre above sea level. We are sur- It’s also really important for my riding to take action rounded by many, many kilometres of dikes that are very on antiracism. We need to be antiracist. Our community well managed by the city of Richmond — planning ahead is diverse. It’s vibrant. It’s so important that every single into the future, raising the dikes appropriately and main- person in our riding feels like it’s home, like they belong, taining them very well. because it is their home. We need to continue to do anti- You do feel that vulnerability, and I notice that when we racist work. We need to fght back against the abhorrent do have king tide events at the same time as we have storm actions of a few, and we need to continue to do the work 476 British Columbia Debates Wednesday, March 3, 2021 of examining systems to ensure that there is equity in our open. Tat school is at about 110 percent capacity, so it systems. needs to be open for the community. It needs to be safe. I want to really emphasize how much value there is in It’s going to be made safe. A school that was on the chop- Richmond-Steveston for the diversity in our community. ping block is now open, and it’s being made safe. Tat just We all chose that place to live because we enjoy that kind speaks to the values that we have here. of community. We enjoy the exchange of ideas and the I did want to talk a little bit more about our Steveston camaraderie that we can have with each other, coming small businesses. We have such an amazing group of ded- from around the world and bringing diverse perspect- icated small business owners delivering services and deliv- ives. It is an absolutely wonderful place to live. I abso- ering goods to the people in our riding. We have very loyal lutely think that my children are fantastically lucky to be customers, which is what makes it so fantastic. able to have the experience of having such a wonderful We have the Steveston village area. It looks like heritage, place to grow up. but it is also forward-thinking. We’ve got that one foot in [6:35 p.m.] the past where we appreciate what has come before us. We Tis government is also working on bringing much- value that, and we also look forward into how we are going needed infrastructure to Richmond. For quite a long, long to grow. How are we going to adapt? time, we really felt that we weren’t quite getting the atten- Adaptation is something that the Steveston businesses tion that we needed. In particular, I’m so proud that this have done particularly well, even overnight. It is no small government is bringing forward the Richmond Hospital thing for a business owner of a small business to be able replacement tower, which is just so desperately needed. It to say: “You know what? We need a website. We need to had basically been sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. Noth- be able to order online. We need to be able to do curb- ing had been progressing at all until we came forward and side pickup. We have to do all these things.”And you know started the ball rolling. Not only getting the ball rolling — what? Tey have. Tey’ve turned and leaned into this crisis doubling it. and continued to safely deliver the products and services I think that that really speaks to thinking about the that people in the riding depend on. future. Not thinking about just what is going to be right [6:40 p.m.] for tomorrow or next year but what’s going to ft a decade Te customers have been particularly loyal in making from now. We can’t shortchange our community. We’re sure that they are deliberately building into their routine growing very quickly. that they are going to be supporting local businesses, that We’ve got an aging community. We are expecting to they are going to be ordering dinner from their favourite have a very high percentage of seniors in the next ten South Asian restaurant, that they are going to be able to get to 20 years. Tat’s great. We’ve got fantastic longevity. If gifs from their favourite gif shop. Tat’s one of the ways I am correct, and I’m quite sure I am, we have some of that I think Steveston is so special. It really is a community. the longest-lived seniors in the world — I think second It’s not a collection of people; it is a community. to Japan. I think that we’re doing something wonderful Speaking about community and heritage, I think that in Steveston, in Richmond. Maybe the water is particu- Steveston has got a great collection of tourism destina- larly good and the air is fresh of the sea, but these are tions, so when it is safe to do so, I really encourage people the things that we need to think about as we’re looking to come and visit Steveston. We do have these amazing into the future. heritage assets. We’ve got the Britannia Shipyards. Tey’re School seismic upgrades are something that particularly from the turn of the century. Tis is from when boats hit close to home. Parents fought so hard for seismic really were wind-powered, and they were wooden. Tis is upgrades in 2016, and they’re being delivered now. Tere the way back track. are so many schools that had absolutely been neglected. It’s We’ve got the Britannia Shipyards with the Chinese not acceptable to have schools that will fall down in even a Bunkhouse. We’ve got the Murakami House. Farther moderate earthquake. along, in the village centre itself, we’ve got the Japanese It’s really great to see Hugh Boyd high school has been Fishermen’s Benevolent Society building, which was built delivered. It looks great and is functionally great. Te tech- from community eforts of the Japanese nikkei in Steve- nology wing has been moved. Te old technology wing has ston when they frst arrived in the village, all the way been taken of. Te school is now safer and more function- through until internment. al than when it started. It was built as part of a collection of buildings to support the nikkei community and make sure that the needs of the [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] people were met. I think it’s really fantastic that we were able to preserve that building. It’s right next to the heritage We’re also seeing upgrades on McKinney. Dixon is post ofce. It tells the story about the village of Steveston. going to be upgraded. For Dixon, it is particularly special Steveston, for those who don’t know, is named afer one for me because they were going to have their school be of the founding families in the area. One of the original closed in 2016. It was a hard fght. Tat school was kept settlers was the Steves family. Te Steves family has been Wednesday, March 3, 2021 British Columbia Debates 477 there since the founding of the town all the way through Tere are 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees planted at to today. Tey are still living in the area, still farming in Garry Point Park. When they are in bloom, they’re abso- the area, the same area. Coun. Harold Steves is on Rich- lutely stunning. Right now, we’re asked to stay close to mond city council. He has been on for quite some time — home, so maybe not this year, but do put it on your list of very dedicated to Richmond and has an amazing historic things that are really fantastic about Steveston. We would knowledge about the area. have a cherry blossom festival and really celebrate the We do have Doors Open Richmond, which is an amaz- nikkei culture and other cultures that have been in the area ing opportunity to be able to go through the city and learn since the founding of the village. about really interesting things that you might not have I was fortunate enough to talk to folks of Japanese des- known about Richmond. If there is the opportunity to go cent at the cherry blossom festival. A gentleman said to to Harold Steves’s farm, I really recommend it. He has got me how much the cherry blossoms reminded him of his amazing artifacts, and it is a working farm, so you really youth, where they would sit…. Te tradition is to sit under get to understand the history of Steveston — and some of the cherry blossom tree and drink sake with your friends. the more colourful stories that you’ll ever hear. Tat is a very important tradition so that they could feel We also have the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, which is connected in the turn of the season. It was very special to another cannery from the turn of the century. I do recom- me, because to me, it meant that no matter where you are mend, even in the summer, bringing a hoodie or a sweater. from in the world, Richmond-Steveston welcomes you. We It’s quite cold in there. One of the reasons is it’s built over have something for you, and we’re here with open arms. the water. It’s wood construction. It is not airtight, which is With that, I would like to support the Speech from the good when you’re handling and packing fsh. It was a fsh- Trone and recommend Richmond-Steveston to our packing facility. domestic tourism industry when we get there. Tey do have a line set up as if it was a working facility. If we’re able to, by next October, they ofen have ghost K. Greene moved adjournment of debate. tours, which I highly recommend. It gives you a little bit of the favour of that industrial building. Tere honestly have Motion approved. been horrifc accidents there when it was in use back at the turn of the century. So mark that on your calendar for Hon. J. Osborne moved adjournment of the House. when we all are vaccinated and we can travel safely. [6:45 p.m.] Motion approved. Moving farther along, we have Garry Point Park, which is really a shining jewel. According to Coun. Harold Steves, Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. who is the expert in the area, that was saved from devel- tomorrow morning. opment in a very forward-thinking moment of council, to make sure there is that wild nature right on the very corner Te House adjourned at 6:48 p.m. of Steveston, right where the ocean meets the river, where the wind whips through your hair no matter what kind of weather is happening in other places.

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