Second Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Morning Sitting Issue No. 66

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Second Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Morning Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 1683 Bill 13 — Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2021 Hon. H. Bains

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 1683 Small Business Awards and businesses in West Vancouver–Sea to Sky area J. Sturdy Visual impairment and checkered eye badges D. Routley Mining Month and mining resources T. Shypitka Child care on Mayne Island J. Routledge Logan Stankoven and hockey championship win P. Milobar Noise pollution and vehicles with modifed tailpipes S. Chandra Herbert

Oral Questions...... 1685 Youth addiction services and youth stabilization care legislation P. Milobar Hon. S. Malcolmson T. Halford COVID-19 response and use of rapid testing A. Olsen Hon. A. Dix Subsidized housing and rent freeze B. Stewart Hon. D. Eby Co-operative housing leases and protections for tenants T. Stone Hon. D. Eby Funding for school fruit and vegetable snack program M. de Jong Hon. L. Popham I. Paton

Personal Statements ...... 1691 Apology for comments made in the House Hon. N. Simons

Tabling Documents...... 1691 Ofce of the Auditor General, independent audit report, Management of the Conservation Lands Program, May 2021

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills ...... 1691 Bill 5 — InBC Investment Corp. Act (continued) M. Dykeman G. Kyllo S. Furstenau T. Shypitka

Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room

Committee of Supply ...... 1700 Estimates: Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (continued) T. Wat Hon. M. Mark

1683

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 Bill 13, Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2021, introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be Te House met at 10:04 a.m. placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House afer today. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Statements Routine Business (Standing Order 25B)

Prayers and refections: G. Kyllo. SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS AND BUSINESSES [10:05 a.m.] IN WEST VANCOUVER–SEA TO SKY AREA

Introduction and J. Sturdy: Last week communities from across the pro- First Reading of Bills vince recognized small business as part of the 18th annual Small Business B.C. Awards. Tis year, naturally, it was the BILL 13 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS virtual edition. AMENDMENT ACT (No. 2), 2021 I’d like to acknowledge all of 558 nominated businesses, from Okanagan tiny homes to Bowen Island Integrated Hon. H. Bains presented a message from Her Honour Health. Tere were a record number of nominations, 937 the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Employment in all, from 88 communities, which really speaks well to Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2021. the passion of the sector in very challenging times. Tis year’s awards not only recognized entrepreneurial innov- Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be introduced and ation, determination and perseverance, but in response read a frst time now. to the pandemic, entrepreneurs inevitably had to demon- I’m pleased to introduce Bill 13, the Employment Stand- strate adaptability and resilience. ards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2021. Tis bill amends the In West Vancouver–Sea to Sky, 16 businesses were nom- Employment Standards Act to provide up to three days of inated from across the region, from Bowen Island, West paid sick leave related to COVID-19 for employees in Brit- Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler. Sectors included ish Columbia. Tis paid leave will be available to employ- transportation, wellness, recreation, food and beverage ees until December 31, 2021. and even new ways to deliver integrated health services in Tis new leave will better support workers during the small communities. pandemic, giving workers three days of paid leave for cir- Tree West Vancouver–Sea to Sky businesses were rec- cumstances related to COVID-19. At the same time, we ognized as fnalists in their respective categories: Sḵwál- know we need to support businesses that are already strug- wen Botanicals from Squamish, for the people’s choice gling due to the pandemic, so the province will be stepping award in best community impact; Chiwis Kiwi Chips, also up in a major way to support employers with the costs. from Squamish, for best solopreneur; and Sea to Sky Sour- Te bill also amends the Employment Standards Act to dough BReD in Whistler, which was not only a fnalist in provide B.C. employees with a permanent entitlement to the best youth entrepreneur category, but founders Nata- paid personal injury and illness leave. Te new paid leave sha and Ed Tatton also won the award. From baking sour- will be efective January 1, 2022. Te number of days that dough loaves for friends to running a 100 percent plant- employees will be entitled to each year for paid person- based, vegan-friendly retail bakery in Whistler’s Creek- al illness and injury leave will be set by regulation, afer side, the couple is baking their way to small business suc- consultation with employers, workers, Indigenous part- cess one loaf at a time. ners and other stakeholders over the coming months. [10:10 a.m.] Having paid sick leave is good for businesses, good for I hope we’re all inspired to see the hard work and deter- workers, good for our communities, and it will help our mination from so many small business owners. It’s critical economy recover faster. that we better support small businesses in this very chal- lenging time, whether through recovery grant programs, Mr. Speaker: Members, you heard the motion. It’s frst staf recruitment or reduced tax burdens. reading of the bill. I trust this House will be as committed, focused and innovative as our small businesses are. Motion approved. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be placed on orders AND CHECKERED EYE BADGES of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House afer today. D. Routley: Tis message is a statement from Pat Ports- 1684 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 mouth, my friend who has worked tirelessly for her life on and zinc, all key ingredients to renewable energy, infra- behalf of people on the blindness spectrum. structure and electronics. Most people who use a white cane have severe blind- It might also interest you to know, Mr. Speaker, that as ness, and they use the cane as a tool for independent travel. province, B.C. is the largest producer of copper and steel- Some people use the white cane as a symbol, strictly to making coal in the country. Four of the largest of these indicate to others that they have some degree of blindness. coal mines are proudly in my region of Kootenay East. We People on the blindness spectrum who do not need a white are also the second-largest producer of silver in the coun- cane as a travel or safety device may choose to use a cane try and the only producer of molybdenum. Mr. Speaker, or a checkered eye badge to indicate that their vision is let’s not any of us forget the hundreds of aggregate and impaired. Now, the checkered eye badge is, as it suggests, gravel producers. an eye with a checkered iris and indicates that the person B.C. is excellently poised to being a world mining lead- is visually impaired. er. We have the hard-working people, the natural abund- Te awareness of a person’s hidden needs can alleviate ance of metals and minerals and a world-dominating tech- confusion, frustration and embarrassment for people nology sector to back us up. All we need to get us over the with blindness and those with whom they interact. What fnish line is a fair and speedy permitting process, strong people who wear the symbol want you to do is under- fscal policy that allows us to compete and funding to per- stand that they have some kind of visual impairment. petuate the mining cycle with strong geoscience. Keep in mind that there’s a spectrum of types and Te truth is nobody does mining better than British amounts of blindness. Te checkered eye symbol gives Columbians. We have the highest environmental, safety you only one piece of information — that I am on the and human rights standards in the world, supported by a blindness spectrum. deep commitment to responsible, culturally sensitive de- Since visual information may or may not be useful for velopment and production, along with meaningful First people who wear the checkered eye, here are a couple of Nation partnerships. tips. If a person seems to be struggling and in need of help, In conclusion, I would like to congratulate, on this ask them frst. When giving directions, ask if a person can Mining Day, associations like MABC, AME, Geoscience actually see any of the landmarks that you might reference. B.C., East Kootenay Chamber of Mines and the B.C. Teir mission is to make it more comfortable for people Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and all those work- who have vision impairment and increase the understand- ers and suppliers. ing of their predicament. It’s to educate the public about the two options for self-identifcation. [Interruption.] Te checkered eye project was founded in 2000 by Libby Taw, a stay-at-home mom in Port Elgin, Ontario. Living Mr. Speaker: We noticed something the member did. with low vision herself, Taw noticed an unmet need and We’ll deal with it later. rose to the challenge. Signifcant collaboration has oc- [10:15 a.m.] curred with Rotary clubs and chambers. I’d like to celebrate these eforts and encourage all mem- CHILD CARE ON MAYNE ISLAND bers: if you see someone with a badge, feel confdent that you understand them and maybe let them know. J. Routledge: Mayne Island is getting a new child care Tank you very much to Pat Portsmouth. centre. Now, it’s in Saanich North and the Islands, but it’s also been part of my life for almost 40 years, and I MINING MONTH AND MINING RESOURCES thank their member for encouraging me to speak about this initiative. T. Shypitka: Each May we observe Mining Month in Tis isolated community of 1,000 is composed largely British Columbia for a very good reason. Mining Month of retirees and weekenders. Te local economy, driven by 2021 gives us the opportunity to learn more about how the tourism and seniors’ infrastructure, functions only be- industry is transitioning to accommodate the demand for cause working-age adults are willing to locate there, and renewable energy and a low-carbon future. they are having families. It’s a baby boom. It also starts with thousands of British Columbians who Like elsewhere, these young couples need two incomes are directly employed within a mining industry that pro- to make ends meet, and there are few child care options, vides good-paying jobs. Plus it creates even more employ- so the Mayne Island Early Childhood Society was created ment indirectly for those who supply equipment and in 2018. Tere are 30 families living on Mayne Island with materials throughout the province. children under the age of six. Twelve of these families can As a matter of fact, B.C. has a global reputation as a access child care; 17 are wait-listed. leading jurisdiction for mining rich, diverse mineral de- Tanks to a new spaces grant, plans are being developed posits in every corner of the province, such as gold, lead for a permanent facility that can accommodate more fam- ilies and respond with fexibility to the needs of those who Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1685 service this island economy. It will house an existing pro- NOISE POLLUTION AND gram that celebrates the unique environment. VEHICLES WITH MODIFIED TAILPIPES It’s nature- and place-based. Children learn to navigate the forest safely and steward the ecosystem. It’s STEM- S. Chandra Herbert: To the driver, it’s loud. It’s strong. based. Tere’s a lot to learn about science in the forest. It’s It’s powerful, muscly. It makes seniors jump. It scares community-based. Tey visit local farms and businesses, babies. It’s strength. making themselves known and knowing others. Tey To the rest of us, it’s arrogant. It’s mean. It’s inconsid- bring these lessons and experiences back to the classroom erate. It’s not nice. It doesn’t make you look too cool and in storytelling, arts and crafs and dramatic play. makes us mad at you. Once I can visit Mayne Island again afer the pandemic, To my son, he says: “Papa, look,” — he’s four — “there I look forward to seeing the child care kids out and about goes a fart bike. Tere goes a fart car.” I asked him why in their iconic choo-choo. and, well, I guess you understand why he thinks the loud motorbikes or loud cars or trucks that modifed their tail- LOGAN STANKOVEN pipes might sound that way. AND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP WIN [10:20 a.m.] But a message to all those who think that it sounds cool: P. Milobar: Earlier this spring my colleague from Kam- if a four-year-old thinks that you sound like you’re farting, loops–South Tompson kicked of the WHL season, and I probably not so cool. will be having hockey-themed comments today, but spoil- It’s a challenge that’s bugged my constituents in the West er alert, I am not the singer out of the two Kamloops rid- End for many years. Indeed, people all across the world ings, so there will be no singing today as a result. are struggling with how you deal with people that modify But it does seem ftting that as the WHL season winds their tailpipes on their vehicles to be as loud as possible, to up and our Kamloops Blazers have now clinched their be as obnoxious as possible. Under the B.C. law, it’s illegal second back-to-back B.C. title against stif competition, I to ride a bike or a car or a truck with a modifed tailpipe. thought I’d take a couple of minutes here to highlight the But in the last year, fnes were issued only 24 times, accord- accomplishments of one young man from Kamloops — ing to the ICBC stats that I got. Te police are too busy. and, actually, Team Canada — at the recent U18 World Other places around the world are trying to fgure out Championships that were held down in Texas, where ways to deal with this. Is it sound cameras? Is it banning Canada won the gold medal. the modifcation? Is it blitzes like the police do in Vancou- Logan Stankoven is a Kamloops born and raised hockey ver to try and alert people not to do this? Tere are all sorts player who was actually drafed by the hometown Blazers, of ways to address it. We just need to start. and that is no small feat, to play with the pressure of your I’m pleased to be working with constituents and with hometown fans. It’s exciting but can also put a lot of pres- folks at the city of Vancouver to look at ways to address sure on a younger player. Logan has excelled for years, this issue. With more people at home and the summer always playing up in age and excelling in that way. coming, the complaint level, I know, will only go up as the Tis year he was fortunate enough in his draf year to noise level goes up. be selected to go down and take time away from the Kam- So don’t be a fart-car or a fart-bike driver. Tink of your loops Blazers, the team he loves so much, to represent Ca- neighbours. nada at the U18s. Tere, with his hard work and dedica- tion, he was quickly…. His leadership abilities were recog- Oral Questions nized instantly. Logan was fortunate enough to be appoin- ted an assistant captain for Team Canada — again, a very YOUTH ADDICTION SERVICES AND high honour when you consider the leadership and talent YOUTH STABILIZATION CARE LEGISLATION any Canadian hockey team assembles at any age group. Down there, Logan wound up being ffh for Team P. Milobar: When the Premier put his political ambi- Canada in scoring as we brought home the gold, and in tion ahead of public health and then tried to camoufage it fact, scored the winning goal for Canada in the gold medal by throwing his partners in the Green Party under the bus, game, which was very exciting as well. he said: “We took steps this summer to address the chal- To Logan, to all of Team Canada — I would ask this lenges that families faced when it comes to the scourge of House to please pass along our sincere congratulations for opioids, and we were rebufed by our colleagues in our so- all their hard work and dedication and the excitement that called stable administration.” we’ll have watching them as their careers develop over the Well, the Premier may have thrown the Greens under next few years. the bus, but he was all words, with no action or follow- through, based on his quote. It is now eight months later, and there is still no action. Last week Vancouver Island saw 1686 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 the death of two children, one just 12 years old. Tey didn’t Hon. S. Malcolmson: Again, my thoughts are with the get the help they needed. family and the friends of the two young women who lost Can the Premier tell those parents why, afer using it as their lives this month, and many more. Tat over 1,700 a political excuse, he has taken no more action on helping people have lost their lives to the toxic drug supply in this families? year of the pandemic is heartbreaking. Our work to expand the system of care has been going Hon. S. Malcolmson: Tank you to the member for the on the last few years, and it continues. Te unprecedented question. Te death of a child is a tragedy that no family investment announced this past month by the Finance should have to face. My heart goes out to them. Minister, half a billion dollars to build up that mental We’ve been working hard to build up the system of vol- health and addictions response, is work that carries on. untary supports and have added services in so many areas Again, unprecedented investment. in response to the families that have told me and told col- Tere is so much more work to do. Yet to have just leagues how hard it has been to access service. Despite the already almost $100 million of this budget dedicated par- number of new supports built in, young people still fall ticularly towards supports for children and families, to be through the cracks, and for that, I grieve along with the doubling youth treatment and recovery beds is unpreced- peers and friends and families that have lost young ones. ented in British Columbia’s history. Te approach that we’ve taken…. Although understand- To be training up new health care support mental health ing absolutely that there are parents who do believe, and I workers in many of our universities and post-secondary agree with them, that stabilization care might have made institutions. To have added to new school districts the a diference in the lives of their children, the focus that I integrated child and youth teams, trying to get ahead of have as minister right now is on building up that system of problems, trying to address problems while they’re still voluntary care. small, before they build into a crisis. Tat will work to save lives right now, and it will also Tis is work that we’re doing across the continuum of facilitate the complex conversations that are ahead of us care, building up those voluntary supports, which will as we re-address legislation to stabilize young people afer give a diferent favour to the public consultations and an overdose and work to connect them with care before work around stabilization care legislation, work that is they’re discharged. ahead of us. But our focus right now is on building up voluntary care. Mr. Speaker: Te Opposition House Leader on a sup- plemental. T. Halford: Tat answer is little comfort to this 12-year- old’s family. Tat answer is too late for this 12-year-old’s P.Milobar: Well, let’s be clear. Tat 12-year-old was sev- family and for this 12-year-old. en when this Premier took over the reigns of government. Ally Tomas overdosed three times before and ended It’s been fve years. up at Victoria General Hospital. Te fourth time, as we Te Premier thought that Bill 22 and protecting chil- know, was fatal. As her family was looking for help, Ally dren was important enough to plunge B.C. into an election fell through the cracks. As the minister just put it moments and put the government on hold for two months in the ago, our youth are falling through the cracks. Tose are the middle of a pandemic, even though Bill 22 was widely words of the minister in this House today. panned by many. He insisted this was the reason that he had to go to an election. Interjection. Well, this pandemic is one public health crisis. Te opioid crisis is another one, and it’s been going on for T. Halford: Sorry, I’m being heckled by the Attorney that fve years. Te Premier’s words are cold comfort to General while I ask about the death of a 12-year-old. the families. [10:25 a.m.] Interjections. Here’s another quote from the Premier. “I believe this is an important bill because I’ve talked to parents who’ve T. Halford: Be respectful. lost children. Tey wanted government to do something so there was at least a legacy for the loss of a loved one.” Mr. Speaker: Members. Let’s listen to the question, Once again, here we are eight months later, and there is please. no new legislation. None on the horizon. It seems like the Premier was only worried about his legacy eight months Interjection. ago, not bringing forward legislation in a meaningful way. Again to the Premier, when will the Premier be introdu- T. Halford: Sorry, I think the death of a 12-year-old is cing a new bill that helps parents and families? serious. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1687

Mr. Speaker: Please continue, Member. their loved ones deserve better than what this government has given them. T. Halford: As Ally’s mom put it: “If I was able to be My question to the Premier is this. Where is the legisla- there for her, if I had the help and she had the help, I think tion that he promised to deliver in the summer? It’s eight she would be here right now.” months later, and our families can no longer wait. Te Premier justifed a pandemic election that put gov- ernment on pause by saying he needed a majority to help Hon. S. Malcolmson: Te death of a child in these cir- families like Ally’s. cumstances is something that…. My question to the Premier today is: where is that help for Ally’s family? Interjections.

Hon. S. Malcolmson: We’ve heard from families who Mr. Speaker: Member. lost children to overdose, who believe that better care afer Minister. an overdose would have saved their child. Our govern- ment agrees, which is why we are trying to build up the Hon. S. Malcolmson: May I proceed? mental health and addictions response system for young people across the entire continuum of care. Mr. Speaker: Te minister will continue. Tat young children, young people still fall through the cracks is a [audio interrupted], something that weighs on Hon. S. Malcolmson: Te death of a child in circum- every person, of course, on the front line; every peer; every stances like this is something that the coroner will invest- friend. It’s a heartbreaking loss for someone so young. igate. I look forward very much to the advice of the coron- Again, I extend my condolences to the family and er and that of the Representative for Children and Youth. friends of the two young women on Vancouver Island who We want to know, from the analysis that we’ll receive from died to overdose this month. We remain as a government them, whether stabilization care would have helped in this deeply committed to building up that system of care, to to prevent these two deaths. I’m hungry for that advice and preventing loss of life to drug toxicity, to tackling addic- that information. tion and mental health problems while they are still small We also want to learn as much as we can about what problems. services were ofered and how it is that young people still [10:30 a.m.] continue to fall through the cracks, despite the number of Building up, doubling the number of youth treatment new supports that we have added in the time that we’ve beds. Working to build up better post-overdose connec- had in government, and whether the investments that we tion to care. Tat’s what last summer’s legislation was have planned ahead are going to be adequate to continue intended to do. We did hear that getting the voluntary care to respond to the increased toxicity in drugs that’s been built up and on the ground is an important companion to caused by the pandemic but also the intense pressure that that legislation, and that is the work that we’re doing right young people are on and the mental health supports. now. We’re working as hard as we can to build up those sup- I appreciate the member’s support for both building ports, to build up that system of care to save lives. We will up more services and for a legislated solution. Tey must learn every lesson that we can from the loss of these two work together, and that is the work that we’re determined young lives. We will honour the process that the coroner to do. and the Representative for Children and Youth has laid out for us to do that, with respect, and do everything we can as Mr. Speaker: Te member for Surrey–White Rock on a a government to prevent further loss of life. supplemental. COVID-19 RESPONSE AND T. Halford: When this story broke, the minister and the USE OF RAPID TESTING Premier both said they couldn’t respond due to privacy, but let’s give them the facts. A 12-year-old has lost their A. Olsen: Te results from a University of British Col- life. She overdosed four times, and she did not get the help umbia trial of rapid testing in frst-year residents has come she needed. back with positive results, positive cases and positive fnd- I’ve got two 12-year-olds in my house. You can smirk all ings. Twenty-fve PCR-confrmed cases were caught in this you want, but at the end of the day, when we are talking trial, stopping further transmission from spreading from about the death of our youth…. highly infectious yet asymptomatic people. Te trial’s res- We are talking about legislation that this Premier prom- ults noted that students preferred to test themselves, when ised to bring in and then used it as an excuse to head us given the option, and efectively decreased the spread of into an election. I think British Columbians, I think our COVID-19 due to great engagement. youth and I think the families and those that have lost Te study from UBC shows success using rapid tests 1688 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in communal settings and that people are wanting agency called for rapid tests in the workplace and said that B.C. is in what they can do to bend the curve. Directives to stay dragging its heels. home and stay safe are passive and have exhausted people. My question is again to the Minister of Health. Why has Rapid tests are a tool of engagement. Tey give people this government created barriers to access rapid tests in something to do. Tey give people an action and an active the midst of this pandemic? role to play in our pandemic response. My question is to the Minister of Health. Will this gov- Hon. A. Dix: Hon. Speaker, I’m really surprised that ernment be using the results of this study to implement a the member, on this precise point of how to use testing revised rapid testing strategy in British Columbia? — which surely, amongst all subjects, should be guided by [10:35 a.m.] scientifc experts and is, in British Columbia…. Suddenly it becomes a partisan issue. It’s not a partisan issue. Hon. A. Dix: Tank you to the member for his question. Our policy is guided by the Canadian committee. I would start by disagreeing somewhat. I think that We’ve heard regularly from Dr. Dhalla and Sue Paish, there is a role for all British Columbians, and British Col- who will be familiar to members of the House and who umbians have done an excellent job in following public are chairing the federal committee, and from Dr. Bonnie health guidance, engaging with one another on it and fol- Henry and the BCCDC. lowing public health orders. You’ve seen that repeatedly as Our policy around rapid testing was based frst on valid- case counts have gone up and then come down because of ating the test, which was important, then doing a series of the actions of British Columbians. pilot projects and setting out a policy and now using them With respect to rapid testing, our policy is directed by more and more as the technology evolves. Tat is based on our scientifc experts at the BCCDC and the provincial the scientifc evidence. health ofcer. We laid out that policy in detail on March It’s not a trade agreement where one political party 3. Dr. Bonnie Henry did on behalf of the province. Tat has one position and another has another position. We allows for an increased use in rapid testing. are being guided by Dr. Bonnie Henry, by the BCCDC, Some of the technology that the member is talking by federal advice and by the scientifc evidence. Tat will about is very recent here in British Columbia. Some of the continue to be the case in the coming days and weeks of technology that’s been used in other jurisdictions isn’t yet this pandemic. licensed in Canada. Absolutely, the idea of responding to this pandemic is SUBSIDIZED HOUSING AND RENT FREEZE to adapt and adapt again. So all studies that are put in place on the issue of rapid testing are reviewed by both the B. Stewart: Tenants of subsidized housing in B.C. were BCCDC and the provincial health ofcer, and they’ll be shocked to learn that they did not qualify for the rent used to guide policy in the days to come. freeze under this government. Te B.C. Housing notice tenants received says: “Te government of B.C. rent freeze Mr. Speaker: Te member for Saanich North and the does not apply to…rent-geared-to-income.” Islands on a supplemental. Why is the Premier raising rent on people in subsidized housing in the middle of a pandemic? A. Olsen: Tank you to the minister for the response. A government of Canada news release, from Health Hon. D. Eby: Rent-geared-to-income is exactly as it is Canada, just a couple of days ago talks about testing and described. You pay the rent that you can aford according screening as important tools to help reduce the risk of out- to your income. breaks quickly, to identify and isolate cases and to limit Te reason why there’s not a rent freeze required for that spreading in workplaces and in the community. It goes group is because it’s directly tied to the tenant’s income. on to say that across the country, rapid tests have already If you’ve lost all of your income because of COVID, then helped to identify and stop the transmission of over 11,000 your rent goes down accordingly. If your income has gone confrmed cases of COVID-19. up despite COVID, you pay rent accordingly. It’s a very Te reluctance of this B.C. NDP government to remove carefully tailored mechanism. barriers to rapid testing is, frankly, astonishing. Tey did, To be blunt, the entirety of people living in supportive fnally, change the restrictions to allow non-medical pro- housing are paying well below market rent. It’s support- fessionals to administer rapid tests in the workplace. As of ive, afordable housing geared to the individual person’s last week, 33 workplaces have applied for these point-of- income. care tests, and zero have been approved. [10:40 a.m.] British Columbia is falling behind on rapid testing in the workplace. We have used 1 percent of the rapid tests Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kelowna West on a sup- in our stockpile, with more than a million of these tests set plemental. to expire this fall. Te federal industry advisory panel has Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1689

B. Stewart: I think that when it comes to the pandemic Hon. D. Eby: Tis is an issue we’re dealing with across issues, that answer is a bit insensitive. Te fact is that the province. Tere are a number of co-ops that were these people are still renters. Tey’re still paying, to B.C. established by the federal government when they used to Housing, a rent. Te Premier is the only landlord in the support co-op housing — they don’t anymore — and that province who gets a raise in rent this year. He has exemp- are on leases that are expiring. South False Creek in Van- ted his government from his own rent freeze rules, and the couver is another example. Tere’s a very large co-op in tenants who need it most are the ones who pay. Burnaby. Why is the Premier playing by a diferent set of rules I appreciate the member drawing this to my attention. and charging B.C. Housing tenants with rent increases, or Of course, I’ve heard about it from local members as is this just another botched NDP plan? well. B.C. Housing continues to work with co-ops that are in distress like that, and I’ll make sure that they are Hon. D. Eby: I guess I would take the member’s concern working on that. I thank the member for raising that more seriously if he hadn’t just been on the radio advoc- important issue. ating against free cell phones for low-income people. Let me read the quote. He says he’s on the side of the people in Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kamloops–South supportive housing. Well, that’s interesting. He blamed the Tompson on a supplemental. fact that Telus is providing free cell phones. He said: “So, frankly, the reason that homeless people are coming….” T. Stone: Well, we know why the government won’t First of all, he said, homeless people are coming to British step in to protect these homes. Te answer is because Columbia from across Canada. Te reason is “because it’s the developer evicting them is the International Union the best option in Canada,” in a lot of cases, because the of Operating Engineers pension fund. Te Co-operative government has “even provided cell phones.” Housing Federation of B.C. president, Tom Armstrong, So the member… says: “Now the union pension funds trustees say to themselves: ‘We have to get a market return on the value Interjections. of our property.’” Te IUOE just happens to be the same union that has Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s listen to the answer. donated over $590,000 to the NDP. It just happens to be one of the NDP’s 19 hand-picked unions that are beneft- Hon. D. Eby: …is on the radio advocating against low- ing at taxpayers’ expense from the NDP’s discriminatory cost cell phones for people who are homeless or at risk of union-only mandate on major infrastructure projects. homelessness. Ten in this question period, he says rent Again the question to the Premier is this. Why is the geared to income is somehow unfair to people when it’s Premier throwing 220 British Columbians, mostly seniors actually geared to their actual income. Te member needs and those on low incomes, out of their homes in this to get his stories straight. Whose side is he on? afordable housing co-op to reward the NDP’s union donors? CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING LEASES AND PROTECTIONS FOR TENANTS Hon. D. Eby: Let’s be frank. If we had already purchased the building, the member would be standing up saying T. Stone: Tri-Branch housing co-op is home to 220 ten- that we purchased it to favour the union. If we didn’t, ants in Coquitlam, all of whom are seniors and low- we’re not purchasing it to favour the union. Tere’s no win income earners. Tese residents were shocked to learn here. But I can tell the member, if he’s legitimately con- recently that their lease will not be renewed next year. It cerned about the tenants in the building, that B.C. Hous- will expire. Tey have written to the Premier to ask the ing is working with the union to have negotiations about Premier, to urge the Premier, to purchase the land so that an appropriate price, based on appraisals. Tat conversa- these folks can retain their afordable co-op housing units. tion is ongoing. Te president of Tri-Branch, Dave Pylypol, says: “Tey’re [10:45 a.m.] in a panic. Tis is home to many, many people for four I’m well aware of the issue, and we are concerned about decades.” the tenants in the building. Te vital issue, to us, is protect- Interestingly enough, Tri-Branch is located in the riding ing the tenants and making sure that they are looked afer. of the MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. He’s nowhere Tat is defnitely a priority. I thank the member for raising on this issue. Tis co-op is literally in the backyard of the the issue and for his encouragement to buy the building. former Housing Minister and the current Finance Minis- ter. She’s also missing in action on this fle. FUNDING FOR SCHOOL FRUIT Te question is this. Will the Premier step up, and will AND VEGETABLE SNACK PROGRAM he save these hundreds of afordable co-op homes in Coquitlam? M. de Jong: For over 15 years, the B.C. school fruit 1690 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 and vegetable nutritional program has been creating an [10:50 a.m.] exciting direct link between students in the classroom and farmers. Today over half a million students, in over 1,400 Hon. L. Popham: Tank you again for the question and schools right across British Columbia, receive regular for highlighting an amazing program that has been oper- shipments in public schools, in First Nations schools. Tey ating for a number of years, bringing fruits and vegetables receive regular shipments of fresh fruit, vegetables and and milk to schools around British Columbia. We will be milk. It’s been a tremendous success — until now. looking at ways on how to support this type of program. Why do I say that? I say that because — unbelievably, I’ll be having discussions with the Minister of Health and for me and, I think, many others — the small society that the association in the near future. runs the school fruit and vegetable program has been told But the member is correct. In some cases, this is the that the government funding that they have been receiving only fresh produce or fruit that schools receive, especially for over a decade, that allows them to provide fresh fruit, in our northern communities. But we’ll be working within vegetables and milk, is ending and won’t be continued. the Ministry of Agriculture, within our Feed B.C. program My question is to the Agriculture Minister. Can she to look at ways to support more fruit and vegetables that please explain why her government is eliminating funding are grown and processed in B.C. to be distributed in B.C. for a program that has provided half a million students throughout all of our major institutions, including Health. with fresh B.C. fruits, vegetables and milk? I. Paton: Well I, personally, am happy to say I’ve been Hon. L. Popham: Tank you for the question. Te fruit very involved over the years with B.C. agriculture in the and vegetable program is something that has been very classroom. I've worked with Ms. Pat Tonn on this project, valuable, and we have worked with the association for a which 98 percent of teachers in B.C. have told us how number of years. Te funding for the fruit and vegetable important it is for this program to continue with children program comes from the Ministry of Health. We have had in schools getting milk, vegetables and fruit and going discussions on how to fnd ways to support this incredible home and telling their parents how important it is for association. them to continue to eat those products as they grow older. Te B.C. school fruit and vegetable nutritional pro- M. de Jong: Well, that might be the frst example of gram has been seeking funding since February. On passing the nonexistent buck that I’ve seen in this House. March 22, they met with the Minister of Agriculture. In Look, I’m troubled that the minister continues to speak April, they emailed her, saying: “Will the program be in the past tense about a program that has been such an government-funded, or is it no longer supported? Te incredible success, that has been funded by previous gov- answer is required by May 10” — which was yesterday — ernments and by this government until now. Here’s what “in order to prepare plans and order B.C. products.” But people say about this. Tis is from the Chalo School on the budget came, and the deadline passed yesterday with Mile 293, Alaska Highway, from someone that’s worked no funding for the program, no money for fresh veget- there for six years: “I can tell you with 100 percent honesty ables in the classroom, yet $4 million for more spin doc- that the vegetables that we receive at the school are the tors in the Premier’s ofce. only vegetables that some of our students get.” Why did the Premier fnd the money for spin doctors I got a handful of letters from Quadra Island, from Mer- in his ofce but not for B.C. fruit, vegetables and milk for ritt, from Big Lake Elementary, from Clinton, from École children in classrooms? Martha Currie in Surrey, from right across British Col- umbia, touting the benefts of this program. All of this Hon. L. Popham: Tank you to the member for the costs between $3 million and $4 million. Tat’s roughly the question, again highlighting a program that is very valu- same amount that the Premier’s ofce budget is going up. able and is something that many schools in many parts Te society is now at their wit’s end, and I hope the min- of British Columbia depend on. We will be working ister will take account of this. Without the funding com- together with the association and the Ministry of Health mitment from government now, they cannot plan to oper- and the Ministry of Education to look at how a program ate into next year, into the next school year. Tey’ll have can continue. to notify the 1,000 farmers that their products aren’t going We know that the earlier that children get a taste of fresh to be required. Tey’re going to have to notify the 4,000 British Columbia produce in their lives, the more chance volunteers, that help distribute the products to students, that they will have to be healthy eaters. Tis is something that their help is no longer required. that I’m very interested in. I know the Minister of Health Te merits of this program speak for themselves. Will is, and the Minister of Education, and we will be working the minister stand in this House today and confrm that together to fnd a way to distribute this amazing produce the funding, that has kept this program alive and made it around the province. such a success, won’t be ended but will continue? Give the kids their milk money. [End of question period.] Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1691

Personal Statements Tabling Documents

APOLOGY FOR COMMENTS Mr. Speaker: Members, I have the honour to present MADE IN THE HOUSE this report: Management of the Conservation Lands Pro- gram from the Ofce of the Auditor General of British Hon. N. Simons: During the question period, I used a Columbia. word, an unparliamentary word, and I would like to apo- logize for that. Orders of the Day

Point of Order Hon. M. Farnworth: In this chamber, I call continued second reading debate on Bill 5, InBC Investment Corp. Hon. D. Eby: I rise on a point of personal privilege. Act. In Douglas Fir Room, Committee A, I call continued I was incredibly…. I understand this is a place where debate on the estimates of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts debate takes place on sensitive issues. Certainly, I took and Culture. exception with some of the debate during the member for Surrey–White Rock’s remarks. Second Reading of Bills I think where my concern about unparliamentary conduct arises is the fact that the entire government BILL 5 — InBC INVESTMENT CORP. ACT side is wearing masks, yet the member suggested that (continued) the government side was smirking about the death of a 12-year-old. It was a fundamental misrepresentation. It M. Dykeman: Tank you, hon. Speaker, for the oppor- was inaccurate. tunity to continue. Although I’m continuing from yester- I ask that the member withdraw it. day and I can’t remember the exact sentence I was on, I will start where I believe I ended of. Mr. Speaker: Tank you, Members. It’s true that all members wear masks here. Nobody can [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] see people’s faces. Tat’s true. However, at the same time, the Chair heard a comment I was talking about the contradictions in listening to from the minister which was not acceptable and, as well, some of the members opposite speak in regards to the was unparliamentary. Te Minister of Social Development InBC bill, and the contradictions truly are glaring from the and Poverty Reduction used a word that started with “l,” opposition. In one sentence, you’ll hear: “Oh, do not spend and that’s not acceptable. I ask the minister to withdraw any money. Wait, you’re not spending enough money.” that as well. Tat’s complete tommy-rot. If obstinance is a measure of [10:55 a.m.] efective opposition, then I believe that the opposition is hitting it out of the park. Hon. N. Simons: Mr. Speaker, I will withdraw the word Bill 5 builds of targeted, important and needed sup- I used to defne what the member for Surrey–White Rock ports we have provided through this pandemic. I’m not said. Tank you. sure if the members opposite have been at the same session of government that I have, but in case the supports Mr. Speaker: Tat’s fne. Tank you. provided were missed, just a few of them include $800 mil- Again, Members, I just want to remind everybody lion in ongoing supports. that yes, it’s understandable that in the question period, It builds on: the targeted grants and services announced everybody is passionate and concerned about the issues in StrongerBC; $150 million in support of increased that they’re dealing with in their own communities, and employment incentive tax credit, which is ongoing; $35 those questions must be raised. But we don’t have to be million to help B.C. farmers with temporary foreign work- personal. ers; $10 million over three years to expand the domestic At the same time, please try to understand that we are market for B.C. products; $235 million in PST savings for conducting business on behalf of all British Columbians. businesses; and $195 million in funding to continue the We are being watched. Be careful with our behaviour and small and medium-sized business recovery grant. our comments. So again I would politely and in a friendlier Tat’s just to name a few. I mean, we also have $70 mil- manner ask each and every one of you, when you stand up lion for the Canadian emergency commercial rent assist- to ask a question and answer questions, be careful, because ance program, $60 million in other targeted emergency we are being watched, and it’s our responsibility to conduct fnancial relief and $31 million that allows liquor licences, our business in a very responsible way. Tank you. such as for restaurants, bars and tourism operators to pur- chase beer, wine and spirits at reduced wholesale costs. I just heard the other day from one of my constituents 1692 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 and friends, Wally Martin, and he has initiated many edge businesses, and this bill — this plan — will support energy-efcient and organic practices at his bed and businesses, attract them to this province. breakfast in Langley East, including installation of solar In my riding alone, we have fantastic innovative busi- panels and reduction of electrical energy use by 80 per- nesses like CubicFarm Systems Corp., who provide cent. He is now an independent power producer and sells unique, automated, on-site, commercial-scale food and energy back to B.C. Hydro. I had the honour to tour his livestock feed technologies, working to transform the agri- passive house recently, and he wrote to me to thank us for culture system to enable local food and feed independ- our support. He is the recipient of a one-time small and ence. Langley has many other innovative businesses — an medium-sized business recovery grant. agriculture sector, tourism, air transportation, food and He said: “We’re excited to complete relevant meaningful beverage processing, manufacturing and several innovat- improvements to our tourism business and the historic ive home-based businesses. hotel. Tis assistance is greatly needed and will position Investments made by InBC will have, as I mentioned us to serve the community in many important ways. Te before, a triple-bottom-line mandate, and they will focus assistance will not only help us but will support a number on producing a fnancial return while also making British of local suppliers and contractors as we complete numer- Columbia a better place for people, communities and busi- ous improvements.” Tis is just one example. nesses to thrive. So it’s considering the people, the planet [11:00 a.m.] and the profts. Tat is a wise investment. Tat is forward- It’s prudent, and it’s good governance to be a forward- looking. Tat’s what a province needs, especially as we sup- thinking government. For 16 years, many of us felt like we port this province to be the leader that it is, as it comes out were experiencing whiplash. As once again…. A member of this pandemic. of the opposition in this last sitting referred to the Hunger InBC will take both public and private enterprise and Games a number of times. I can tell you right now, coming pursue economic development through meaningful part- from a school board background, hon. Speaker, that was nerships — entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. like the Hunger Games. Tis fund with critical capital will be provided to B.C.- Wow. I remember my son’s frst day of school, being told based companies so that they can grow and stay in this he had to bring his own toilet paper, nine reams of paper, province. It’s about investing — keeping people here, keep- napkins — buy every supply known to mankind just to ing businesses here, providing good-paying jobs here, sup- go to school. To quote the Hunger Games again: “Destroy- porting companies here. Tis will create family-support- ing things is much easier than making them.” Tat would ing jobs in all regions of this province. describe those 16 years quite aptly. Supporting start-ups and helping promising businesses Proper planning, forward thought and investment in scale up is a wise investment. Attracting world-class talent support of businesses is good governance. Our govern- to our province will continue to invest back into our ment is working to make things, to build things, to have province, so this will stimulate innovation, family-sup- a prosperous, secure and equitable British Columbia. porting jobs, a resilient economy that works for everyone. Tat’s something that our government understands and As I mentioned before, this province is known for its prioritizes. innovation, and that’s why even though this has been We understand that we need to build a future. Tat you such a challenging time, our province has been persever- can’t…. And I cannot believe I’m responding to the oppo- ing through it. Tese types of investments will allow our sition, explaining this. You can’t just keep taking. You can’t province to remain resilient no matter what we face in just keep spending. You have to actually build a future. the future. Tat is what this government is committed to. We’re looking, with the InBC bill, to provide meaningful InBC will have a triple-bottom-line investment mandate partnerships. Tat’s how we build provinces. We look at aiming to establish B.C. as a globally competitive low-car- what sorts of partnerships you can bring together, what bon jurisdiction; promote values that make life better for sort of innovation will come out of that, and what sorts of people in B.C., including job creation, advancing, recon- entrepreneurs will look at that innovation and say: “Tis is ciliation with Indigenous peoples, promoting diversity and a place that I want to invest in.” inclusion; and achieving a fnancial return on investment. [11:05 a.m.] It’s not about just handing out cash to your buddies. It’s Although we heard from the opposition recently — not about turning around and saying: “Well, we gave the members opposite were talking about how there wasn’t people that we felt needed money, money.” No, we’re look- enough support — as I mentioned a minute or so ago, ing at a fulsome plan, one that says: “Okay. Well, let’s invest there has been tons of support. But this is about the next in this province, and let’s also support people that need step. Tis is about planning. Tis is about looking to the help now.” Tat’s a balanced approach. Tat’s why I’m so future. Tat’s why it’s such a privilege to stand up and excited about the InBC bill. speak in favour of this bill. Tis is exciting for our province. We are known interna- Aligning our province with signifcant changes in the tionally as an innovative province that’s home to cutting- world, like environmental change, social change, techno- Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1693 logical change and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, Now, I was very proud to serve as the parliamentary sec- is good for our province. Te return on that will be stable, retary to then Minister of Jobs and Skills Training with well-paying jobs — a prosperous future for our province. responsibility for the B.C. jobs plan. Tat jobs plan was ini- With that, I can’t state my support enough for this bill, tially adopted in 2011. It was a long-range strategic plan but I will take my seat and thank you for the opportun- that set out eight diferent areas of the province that had ity to speak in favour of this wise investment for our a huge opportunity for signifcant growth, and it was province. extremely successful. We know what happened in the 1990s. I know that was G. Kyllo: I am proud to rise today and take my place to a long time ago, but afer three terms of NDP government, speak on Bill 5, InBC Investment Corp. Act. B.C., for the frst time in the history of our province, was As all British Columbians will know, businesses have a have-not province. We went from No. 1 in economic been struggling over the last 14 months on account of growth to No. 10. We had the highest unemployment rate COVID. Tere are over 8,000 businesses that have already in Canada. It took a lot of heavy work from 2001 through been lost, and an additional 25,000 businesses are cur- to 2017 to get B.C. on top. rently at risk of closure, representing employment for [11:10 a.m.] upwards of 300,000 British Columbians. Yet what do we see? We see a government that fails to Tis particular bill that’s before us today sets out spend- have any broad economic strategy. What has happened ing plans of $500 million. Te frst tranche…. My under- over the last fve years is that we’ve seen a continual standing is the frst $100 million will not be available for erosion of the competitiveness of British Columbia as a any businesses to actually make application for, for a full jurisdiction. year. Te member speaking before me spoke about the need Businesses are struggling now. Tis House, all members for investment attraction. Well, I’ll tell you what. When of this Legislature, unanimously approved a $5 billion companies are looking to invest in British Columbia…. additional increase in spending in March of last year so We have great geography; we have a highly skilled work- that government would have the resources to provide force. But businesses — this is an extremely competitive those necessary supports for businesses. Te need was last marketplace. Our corporate tax rate in British Columbia year, throughout the entirety of 2020, and it continues today is a full 50 percent higher than our neighbouring today. Tis bill that is before us is far too little, far too late province of Alberta. In Alberta, it is 8 percent. In B.C., it is and defnitely misses the mark. 12 percent. It is important that B.C. remains competitive, Te one program that government did put forward, and right now it is not. their $345 million COVID restart program, sat for over We have an employer health tax that was brought in by fve months while the Premier did his broad public con- this government, put an additional $1.9 billion of addi- sultation. Now, it’s interesting. When businesses are strug- tional new tax burden onto the backs of B.C. businesses. gling and there is an opportunity for government to If we look to neighbouring jurisdictions with which B.C. provide those supports, it takes fve months of consulta- competes, like Alberta for example, they do not have an tion with a broad swath of British Columbians, and we employer health tax. B.C. is saddled with some of the only saw the plan announced as part of the NDP’s snap highest-cost tax pressure of any jurisdiction in Canada. election platform. So when we look to this particular bill and the necessity Just think about that for a second. All members of this it to support businesses now…. As I said, 8,000 businesses Legislature unanimously approved a $5 billion spending have already been lost. Tere are an additional 25,000 plan — so government had the resources so that they businesses that are at risk, representing employment for could provide those necessary supports for businesses that 300,000 British Columbians. are struggling — fve months before they even announced Teir restart program: an absolute abysmal failure. Tis the program. Ten the Premier chose to put his political program will not be up and running and available for busi- self-interest ahead of the health and well-being of British nesses to even make application to for a full year. So the Columbians, and not a penny fowed from that fund for question that I have is: where are the supports for busi- upwards of three months, on account of that unnecessary nesses today? Actually, direct funding supports from Brit- snap election. ish Columbia to help support businesses are one of the When the government had an opportunity to provide lowest in Canada, one of the absolute lowest in Canada. supports for businesses, they failed miserably. Of that ini- Tat’s ofensive. tial $345 million announcement, it’s my understanding Now, there’s been lots of conversation and media cov- that less than $200 million, as of today, has actually gone erage in recent weeks about a lack of transparency. We’ve out the door. Businesses need support today. I certainly seen a reluctance of this government to share very import- don’t disagree that there is a need for a longer-range plan, ant health data. Only afer a leaked report was actually but where is the broad economic strategy for this govern- shared with the media, now government is suddenly wak- ment? It does not exist. 1694 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 ing up to the need and necessity and fnally agreeing to All we have seen from this government is additional tax start sharing that data. burden layered onto the backs of already struggling small With respect to the additional $5 billion of costs that businesses. Businesses are at an absolute breaking point. was applied to Site C, it’s been absolute crickets with re- I was talking to a jeweller the other day. He was sharing spect to the actual information that led to coming up with with me that he and his wife have been working around that astronomical number. Vaughn Palmer, one of the the clock trying to make their lease payments, trying to most esteemed journalists in British Columbia, asked gov- keep their business open. Teir employees are taking ernment on this particular bill: “If this truly is one of the home bigger cheques than they are. Tey have utilized a most transparent and open governments in Canada, let’s signifcant portion of their savings in order to bolster up have a look at the business plan.”Sorry. Won’t be disclosed. and to actually try and get through here, because they are Excuse given: cabinet confdentiality. optimistic business owners. Tey see the opportunity for a It’s a business plan. Five hundred million of British Col- bright sky on the other side. umbian taxpayer dollars are being set up for this particular Where is the support for this government? Tere isn’t fund, and the government will not share a business plan? any. Despite the government sitting currently, this budget, Tey won’t even share with British Columbians or the $3.1 billion…. Now, that’s $3,100 million of COVID con- media the diferent work that was undertaken in order to tingency. When providing the opportunity for paid vac- actually put this plan together. cination leave for workers, interesting — Bill 3, less than Ten we have to also have a look at the board appoint- three weeks of broad public consultation, and government ments. Now, this is ofensive. If there is going to be an is able to move forward, putting additional tax burden on independence of the management and the oversight of the backs of B.C. businesses. InBC…. Tere was no call. Tere was no open call for But when faced with the opportunity to actually provide individuals that have signifcant expertise to actually make supports for businesses, the Premier of this province, who application to actually sit on the board, to help guide the put himself as the chair of the Economic Recovery Task direction of this huge, monumental $500 million in invest- Force, fuddled around for fve months before British Col- ment? No. It wasn’t even listed on the CABRO website. So umbians saw the slightest semblance of a plan. And then who gets appointed? Who makes those decisions? that plan was shelved, for the most part, in order to satisfy [11:15 a.m.] the political self-serving interests of this government. Tese appointments are critical to the success of this With money not fowing, businesses need support now. program. It’s also critical to the independence. But what I’m certainly fully supportive of a plan, a broad economic do we see? Te majority of the nine-person board have strategy, but it does not exist. Tis current government is strong ties to this government. British Columbians should very big on spending plans, but when it comes to the rev- be under no illusion that these board appointees…. Tey enue side of the ledger, the opportunity to support family- were identifed and selected by this government. Tere was supporting businesses, to support and attract new invest- no open call. ment to our province, an absolute failure. Tey’ve identifed the individuals that they feel, in their [11:20 a.m.] own opinion, would provide the best oversight for this I’m very concerned, as I think British Columbians are organization. So nine of these members — Carole James, in an increasing amount — lack of transparency, lack of a former Finance Minister, leader of the NDP; two deputy plan, handpicked and selected board members. Just think ministers; a Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives eco- about this for a second, when we have a look at what the nomist; special adviser to the Jobs Minister Glen NDP claimed to be their community beneft fasco. Te Lougheed. CBA scheme excludes 85 percent of construction workers You just have to think: how is it that British Columbians from actually working on Highway 1 construction jobs in can trust this government, a government that actually has this province. Te gross misuse of tax dollars is ofensive. purposely withheld important health data from British I was proud to be part of the previous government. In Columbians, a government that is unwilling to share a 2015, I stood with the then-federal MP in Revelstoke to copy of the business plan that actually led to the devel- announce a 2.5-kilometre highway expansion project for opment of InBC? You’ve got a government that has hand- four-laning at Illecillewaet, 46 kilometres east of Revels- picked their own board appointees to actually have over- toke. Tat project was initially budgeted at $35 million. sight and to manage the InBC fund. For a multitude of reasons, the project didn’t move We see a time when businesses are struggling, and the forward. What did this government do? Tey rean- golden plan that comes forward from the fscal managers nounced the same project, not at $35 million but at $64.2 of this province is a plan that doesn’t put a penny out the million. Te same project. Oh, actually, Mr. Speaker, I door to help any struggling businesses today, without the should retract that. Tey actually reduced the project. It’s frst dollar even available for application for a full year. no longer 2.5 kilometres. Tey reduced the scope from Tat is ofensive. Tere is no business plan. Tere’s no 2.5 kilometres to 2.1 kilometres and nearly doubled the broad economic strategy. Tere has been no tax review. cost of the project. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1695

Guess what happened when British Columbians were able to grow up here, so they end up being acquired by U.S. invited to have the opportunity to actually bid on this pro- companies or move elsewhere, and we lose the talent, the ject. Tere was only fve verifed bidders. Te bids…. Te business activity and the potential growth of a tech ecosys- lowest bid was over $84 million. Tis is a $35 million pro- tem in our province. gram that was actually reduced in scope by 20 percent, yet Te B.C. Tech Association has said, in responding to the the cost is over two times the magnitude as it was origin- announcement of a strategic innovation fund: “Tis has ally budgeted. Te disrespect for taxpayers is absolutely a huge potential to support the growth of B.C.’s tech start- concern. ups with funding for the programs and supports necessary A signifcant portion of British Columbians work in the to scale.” private sector, and they’re the ones that need support. Tey However, they also noted that there may be missed need support now. Government has the fnancial ability. opportunities in the way that this fund has been designed Government has a signifcant COVID contingency fund and structured. I’ll dig into this more in committee stage. but are hesitant to use it. Generally, this government has come up short when it When I questioned Bill 3 in this Legislature — now, Bill comes to outlining an ambitious direction for our eco- 3 is the Employment Standards Amendment Act, which nomy and taking the steps to make it a reality. actually provides paid leave for workers to get vaccinated. I Tis fund has the ability to support something of a shif certainly appreciate the value of that, but government had in our economy — the growth of emerging technologies the opportunity, through a tax credit or otherwise, to actu- and innovative companies that align with our goals — but ally provide funding for those businesses. But what do we it doesn’t make up for a lack of vision and ambition. Gov- hear from this government? Nothing. Zero. No funding. ernment needs to be clear about what it is trying to achieve We have a government that seems incredibly at odds with a fund like this and set the mandate and scopes so with the private sector. I don’t know why that is. Businesses that decisions are efective and support the growth of our are struggling now. Tey need the supports. economy in a positive direction. With that, I will take my seat, but I certainly have signi- Te opportunity for this fund to support innovative fcant concerns on the timing, the lack of transparency and technologies that help us tackle the central crises of our the actual outcomes of the InBC Investment Corporation time, including the climate crisis, is important. It could Bill 5. help us to seize the economic opportunities that we have in British Columbia by developing technologies that address S. Furstenau: I’m delighted to have the opportunity to and provide solutions to the climate crisis. speak to Bill 5. For many years, we have shared concerns of experts and Our caucus has been calling for a strategic innovation industry leaders about the opportunities B.C. is forgoing fund for a long time, including through the entire minority by not having investments targeted at growing this part of government. We welcome the intention behind this bill. our economy, in comparison to other provinces — notably, Tere are, indeed, exciting possibilities here, but at the Quebec and Ontario. B.C. has been way too pensive and moment that is all that they are. Tey are possibilities. has missed opportunities to leverage federal investment. We do have a number of questions. I’ve heard these We are very hopeful that this can start to signal a shif in questions also raised by the members of the ofcial oppo- how we approach this sector. sition about some of the choices made in this legislation We have seen some concern about the picking of win- and in the structure of the fund, about the independence ners and losers through a fund like this, or that this of the board, about how efective this fund will be at meet- amounts to corporate welfare. However, a well-designed ing its goals and about transparency and accountability. and strategic innovation fund isn’t in the business of pick- We are supportive of the principle of a strategic innova- ing winners and losers. It’s in the business of investing stra- tion fund, which can support the growth of tech compan- tegically in our economy and supporting innovation that ies here in B.C. and strengthen and grow our tech sector, aligns with our goals and values and fxes gaps in the eco- and create more quality jobs in British Columbia. It can system that exist today that are barriers to growth. also encourage innovation that aligns with our strategic We still don’t know how this is going to be executed in goals and strategic advantages, especially around climate practice, and we have a lot of questions that will remain. and life sciences. Te structure of InBC and how it will work in practice and Tech sector growth has been an issue in British Colum- how well it will fulfl the promise and potential will abso- bia. We have a signifcant problem where we lack the infra- lutely need to be dug into at committee stage. We need structure to support tech companies to grow to scale and more priority around the investment criteria. Section 4 to anchor in British Columbia. It has been identifed for of this bill says that the purposes of the corporation are quite a while that this has disadvantaged our province in as follows: “(a) to make investments that achieve a fn- terms of expanding in this industry. ancial return; (b) to make investments that support the [11:25 a.m.] social, economic, and environmental policy objectives of Too ofen we have promising start-ups, but they aren’t this government….” 1696 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Tere is some concern that we have around this. We Deputy Speaker: Tank you to the Leader of the Tird absolutely support the idea of a triple-bottom-line Party. approach, particularly regarding sustainability climate impacts. But we are concerned that this language is too T. Shypitka: I’d like to take my place here in speaking to vague, and we absolutely need to know more. Bill 5, entitled the InBC Investment Corp. Act. Te NDP’s economic and environmental policy object- Of the top, I have some mixed feelings about this bill. ives currently include massive fossil fuel subsidies and bet- Like with other bills I’ve seen over the past four years, the ting on LNG. As we can see from graphs that have been title and the second reading interpretations can be mis- released this week, B.C. is a signifcant outlier of western leading. As they say, the devil is always in the details, and countries and democracies in terms of reducing our green- I think it is key that the people of B.C. can rely on my side house gas emissions. While the rest of the world has gotten of the House to make sure we uncover those details. on board and is reducing those emissions, ours are going Let me start of by saying that as we look to the recovery in the wrong direction. of our province from the hardships that this pandemic has We are concerned that we would see hundreds of mil- brought us, we need to utilize every aspect that our gov- lions of dollars deployed to attempt to clean up inherently ernment, people and industry have to ofer. Tere is a real dirty fossil fuels. Or, as it should be, is this money actually opportunity in turning this health crisis into an oppor- going to go to innovative companies that can help tackle tunity for us in British Columbia to rise above the rest of the climate crisis? It’s impossible to actually answer this the planet in manufacturing a made-in-B.C. plan that will question from the defnition, and I think that we can all stimulate growth, encourage and promote skills training agree that “trust us” is not enough at this point. We need and partner with Indigenous communities for the beneft more clarity on the board’s mandate and scope of activities of all British Columbians. and the structure of how decisions will be made, including We have the smartest and brightest people on the globe the independence of the board chair. right here, and we have the means to do it. We have four Te bill lays out a structure that includes representation strong pillars of our economy that have never let us down: from within the public service and the private sector. agriculture, forestry, fshing and, of course, in this month However, it is a little surprising that InBC’s board has been of May, mining. But we also have a ffh pillar that has appointed already. News came out late last week. But given spawned from these other four pillars, and that is our that we are in the process of debating this legislation right growing and booming technology sector. now, it seems a little presumptive to appoint a board before Our tech sector is wide in scope, including interactive the legislation has actually passed the House that enables and digital media, information and communications the framework for that to happen. and engineering services. Tis expanding sector also has [11:30 a.m.] a symbiotic relationship with our original four pillars of Even with a majority, I think it is important for a gov- the economy in providing clean technology for mining, ernment to respect the processes and procedures of this oil and gas extraction and life sciences for agriculture, House, and of course, we will want to properly under- fshing and forestry. stand the process that was used to appoint this board We have some of the best educational institutions any- and the plan. where in the world. I speak to institutions such UBC, I’ll point to the comments made in the Vancouver Sun BCIT, Simon Fraser, Capilano, Emily Carr, the Justice by Vaughn Palmer. He mentioned that the InBC Corp. will Institute, Kwantlen Polytechnic, Royal Roads, UNBC, be governed by principles of “transparency and accountab- UVic and my alma mater, the College of the Rockies — all ility,” as what the Minister of Jobs mentioned in his open- told, dozens of private and public universities and colleges ing comments. But when he asked the minister for the with fne and proven track records in graduating our new- business plan on which this high-risk venture was based, est bright minds. he was told it was a “confdential document for cabinet Our land base in British Columbia is second to none eyes only.” and is one of the few places on earth that includes ocean, As Mr. Palmer points out, this half billion dollars for desert, fertile plains, rocky mountains, rainforests, fresh- this investment fund is public money, and so is the risk, water lakes and streams and the most diverse species of but the business plan is the exclusive property of the min- fsh and wildlife anywhere to be seen. B.C.’s unique geo- ister and the cabinet colleagues. I think that what we need graphical location to markets of the largest importers in to see is a far greater level of transparency on this and the world, like the United States, China, Japan, Mexico, many other issues related to this government. Hong Kong and South Korea, is a defnite advantage to Overall, we support the intent and the principle behind harness. We have the means indeed. this bill. We need to have many questions answered, and Government’s role and responsibility, in my opinion, is we need to see much more detail on how this will be to harness these advantages and to create the conditions implemented. We will be pursuing these questions at com- that allow growth for jobs and industry and to allow us to mittee stage. compete fairly with any jurisdiction on earth. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1697

[11:35 a.m.] mapping our natural resources so that others can come Te way that government creates these conditions is behind to explore, discover, develop and produce. It is crit- through legislation, regulation and policy. Tis is what all ical that this important information continue as fuidly in of us in this House are hired to do, in part. Tis is perhaps order to provide consistent data. our biggest task we’ve been assigned with, and it is super Finally, we need to protect our critical metals and min- important. erals here in Canada. Just last month the federal govern- However, what Bill 5 represents is something a little ment developed the Canadian minerals and metals plan, beyond what my colleagues and myself envision as what which includes a list of 31 critical minerals and metals. government’s role is supposed to be. Using public money Tis list is integral to contributing to Canada’s economic to invest in order to facilitate what government should be and national security, achieving Canada’s transition to doing through other means, such as legislation, regula- low-carbon futures and requirements by Canada’s interna- tion and policy, is a dangerous proposition that has a good tional allies such as the United States, the EU, the U.K., probability of failing. Australia, Japan and South Korea, which may need these Government has more than enough problems right now minerals for economic and national security reasons to get many of these projects of the ground. If the govern- themselves. ment is sincere about economic recovery and getting jobs Many of these metals and minerals, such as copper, back in place, we need immediate action. Bill 5, if brought molybdenum, nickel and rare earth metals are here in forward, will allocate funds that will not be able to make B.C., not to mention the only aluminum smelter outside of investments until the spring of 2022, and even that will not Quebec, and we need to fnd more, as the government of have an immediate efect, as this is a three-year rollout. Canada has suggested. Tis will leave our economy in an idle position for at least With such a strong mandate from the federal govern- another year. Tat is simply not acceptable. ment, now is the time to coordinate eforts with Geo- Government cannot take their eye of the ball. Te focus science B.C. and approach the federal government togeth- that is required to address the hardships that our B.C. busi- er to leverage provincial funding of public geoscience. Just nesses have endured for the past 14 months…. To ask right there, we can boast a 100 percent return without for another year is just simply too long to wait. If gov- much use of public money, while simultaneously provid- ernment wants to do something immediately to get some ing expert mapping and data collection to the treasured good, high-paying jobs and benefts to Indigenous and metals and minerals we have in this province and in order non-Indigenous communities across the province, then I to move to a low-carbon future. have a long laundry list of items they may want to jot Tere is nothing wrong with getting good companies of down. the ground, and access to capital is most defnitely a bar- We can start, frst, in our natural resource sector and rier to business. But with this bill, it seems like govern- improving our permitting and application times. We have ment is pledging to turn a new leaf. We have seen for 14 seen notice of work and other forms of permitting go months now the botched rollout of public money already. from 120 days to 300 days and more. We can do this by A previous speaker mentioned that part of the $5 billion enforcing our permitting ofces with proper resources and the government asked for 14 months ago is still yet to get a system that truly understands mining and oil and gas into businesses’ hands that desperately need it. Some will extraction. never get the chance, as those businesses have gone insolv- We can accomplish this by breaking down the silos ent already. between ministries so that only necessary referrals to other [11:40 a.m.] ministries come back to the permitting ofce in a timely Tis government has proven time and time again that fashion. Government can ofer higher capacity to First managing the public’s money is about as successful as jug- Nations, in collaboration with industry across the pro- gling chainsaws. It always ends in a disaster. I have guide- vince, so that the industry can rely on timely and well- outftters and fshing guides in my region that have not informed consultations with our First Nations partners. seen a drop of business for the last two seasons. By the Tis bill represents investments to providing funding. time InBC takes efect, they’ll be into their third season Well, if it is funding that government is interested in, then and not likely around anymore. Tey also fear they will fall I would suggest they can start with replacing the funding through the cracks yet again. to organizations like Geoscience B.C., which had unan- Just in the mining sector alone, we have at least half imous, all-party support and was recommended by the a dozen projects that just need the last extra push to get Standing Committee on Finance for this year’s budget, of into production. Artemis’s Blackwater, Osisko’s Cariboo $6.5 million. Gold, Skeena’s Eskay Creek, the extension of Newcrest’s Further to that, government can develop a long-term, Red Chris, Ascot’s Premier — these fve mining projects sustainable funding mechanism to fund Geoscience B.C. represent about 3,000 high-paying jobs and $2.2 billion at $5.5 million per year for fscals 2022-23 and ’23-24 and in expenditure. Tis will cost nothing for us to get this beyond. Tis money will go a long way to identifying and 1698 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021 over the goal line, and it will be a huge injection into our First, there is no decrease in the real income of the economy. government from this tax cut. If you remember, there For the sixth project, it could be many others, like was an increase, actually, because for the frst year, there Seabridge’s KSM, Kutcho Copper, North Coal in the Koo- was a double dip from the government: half the MSP, tenays or the silver, gold, copper Galore project. Tese are and of course, there was a new EHT that was brought in. shovel-ready projects that are just sitting, waiting to just Only in NDP-land can a tax cut bring more revenue to give that last extra push. government. Also, there are 275 exploration projects that represent Te second piece is that it did not decrease real in- an additional 3,850 jobs and an additional $500 million come. Te key word there is “real” income, because even spend — ironically, the same amount of money the gov- though the MSP was gone, real income for the middle ernment wants to take from the taxpayer and make them class is decreased because of how the EHT trickles down cough up for their investment scheme. Yet instead of polit- to everyday families. ical will, we have not seen this government bring online [11:45 a.m.] one new project to production yet. We haven’t seen a new First, employers are mostly middle-class and the back- mine from this government since they took power in 2017. bone of our economy, and they count. Second, municip- Another rationale for why government should stick to alities, health authorities, police and fre services will have government and not take a shot at being investment an increased cost, and that goes back in the way of higher brokers is that even if successful, the business environment fees and taxes. Te B.C. Liberals were going to eliminate needs to be competitive. If government can’t get a hold of half, with no substitute tax, in the frst year and the other fscal policy and improving process and regulation, then half in the following year. Tis would not have brought any all this experiment will do is set up more businesses to fail. replacement tax. Tis would have been a tax cut. I was a business person for over 30 years, and at the end of Speaking of taxes, our carbon tax in B.C. is the highest the day, a business person just wants to be lef alone with in the country, with the additional caveat that there is the least amount of input from government. no protection for those emission-intensive, trade-exposed Entrepreneurs have an inherent ability to dream, create industries. Te U.S., Australia, Russia and the Middle East and succeed and fy. All they need is government to clear pay no price for carbon. Miners in Chile only pay carbon the runway. Government has the ability, as long as it has tax on their electricity generation, at $5 per tonne of CO2. the will, and I don’t believe this government has the will. B.C.’s carbon tax is currently $45 per tonne. We see that clearly in what the government has created for Tere are currently 14 operating mines in B.C. and two business. Te NDP have introduced 23 new and increased smelters that sustain 35,000 jobs, provide $1 billion in tax taxes and made us an uncompetitive jurisdiction. revenue to government and account for 25 percent of B.C.’s B.C. has the third-highest top marginal tax rate in exports. As the mines become exhausted, new ones may Canada, which impacts the recruitment of tech jobs like not get built, due to the high cost. New replacement mines sofware development engineers. Washington state, to the will get built, and they will produce emissions. It just won’t south of us, has no state income tax. According to tal- be in B.C. Te NDP government’s own Mining Task Force ent.com, a sofware developer earns $27,000 less in B.C. identifed 25 areas of concern for mining in B.C., with car- than they do in Ontario. bon pricing and the absence of protection for EITEs, or, as B.C. has a higher corporate tax rate than Alberta and I said, emission-intensive trade-exposed industries, being Ontario — 12 percent here, 8 percent in Alberta. We used the top concern. to be less, actually, at one point. Now in Alberta, their tax As the task force identifed, the lack of protection for rate is 50 percent lower than what B.C.’s is. B.C. also has mines and other EITE industries, like pulp and paper the employer health tax, which is a tax on jobs. Alberta or forestry, under B.C.’s carbon tax is the single greatest doesn’t, and Ontario and Quebec have both moved to barrier to the competitiveness of B.C.’s mining industry. reduce the HT burden on small business. Tis comes from the government’s own Mining Jobs Te member from Chilliwack boasts that the elimina- Task Force. tion of the MSP was the largest middle-class tax cut in “Within the next 20 years, nine B.C. mines are expected B.C. history, which is just plainly false. Te defnition of a to reach the end of their production and close, leaving only tax cut — for the member from Chilliwack and every oth- fve operating mines in 2040. Tat means the jobs, com- er member on the NDP side that continues to drink the munity benefts and revenues for public services will dis- orange Kool-Aid that gets served up on that side of gov- appear along with them. Tere is no guarantee B.C. min- ernment — is this: a tax cut is a reduction in the rate of the ing will continue.” Tat came from a report. Tat’s an actu- tax charged by a government. Te immediate efects of a al quote. Tis is something that InBC will not be able to tax cut are a decrease in the real income of the government tackle, and government needs to step up now to identify it. and an increase in the real income of those whose tax rates Now, members on the other side will argue that this have been lowered. Well, that is clearly not what happened fund will propel low-emission technologies. We’ve heard with elimination of MSP. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1699 that even from the Green speaker. But why are we rein- handled setting up an oversight assurance board with the venting the wheel when industry and our tech sector are Site C project. Te board that was set up — that reported already doing this? For example, water treatment facilities to B.C. Hydro — was chaired by the chair of B.C. Hydro in my home in the Elk Valley have been in the works for himself. What is the compensation of the CEO and CIO? years, in consultation with the Ktunaxa First Nation. Teck Are we talking $300,000, $400,000, $500,000 a year? Coal is investing well over $1 billion in solving selenium All this structure comes at a cost, as we’ve seen with a issues that come from 100 years of waste rock from com- lot of our Crown corporations. What we are saying on this panies that have come and gone. side of the foor is that we want to make sure we promote Tis technology is online right now, and in the coming B.C.’s emerging industries while getting the best return for months, it’ll treat over 50 million litres of water per day. taxpayer dollars. Tis is good news not only for the Elk Valley but for the Will the government policy criteria have a proftability world. Mine sensoring and smart shovel technologies have requirement? If not, that would be an issue for me. As been advanced to substantially reduce waste rock, which we’ve said before, picking winners and losers with taxpay- will, in turn, reduce water use and emissions for transport- ers’ dollars is a risky game. ing the waste rock. Electrifcation of our natural resource Te independence of InBC is also questionable. A sector has been ongoing for years. Less carbon intensity — couple of weeks ago when I frst jotted down my notes for it’s the objective, and it’s working. this debate speech, I noticed that there was no posting for Te energy sector covers the entire value chain, from InBC on the CARO government website. Maybe govern- upstream production to downstream end use in conven- ment can correct me on this, because who gets appointed tional and unconventional oil and natural gas extraction could very well impact the independence of investments. and processing. Tis includes petrochemicals, renewable Te independence is arguable when you have a govern- energy, bioenergy, innovative hydrocarbon use, carbon ment minister that appoints the chair and the members, capture and storage. Te list is endless. who ultimately select the CEO and CIO. Just over the past week, we have found out some more [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] details on how independent this new board of directors will be from government and that there are no direct We do it best in Canada, and B.C. has been leading the ties. But of course, we now see what I feared two weeks way for at least a decade. So you see, the private sector ago. Te majority of the nine-person board have strong has a frm grip on this already. If allowed and encour- ties to the NDP. aged, our free enterprise system always rises to the chal- So it’s a nine-person board. Carole James, former Fin- lenge. We all need to recognize this and give ourselves a ance Minister and leader of the NDP is on that board. Two pat on the back. government deputy ministers, who will absolutely do what Te member for North Vancouver–Seymour talks about government tells them to do. Canadian Centre for Policy how we all need to put on our thinking caps to address the Alternatives economist. Special adviser to the Jobs Minis- environment. Well, that is a major slap in the face to our ter. Tat is fve out of nine, just over 50 percent. Go fg- tech sector, to all the industries that are leading the world ure. It makes it handy, come voting time. How can the in best environmental practices. If she were to have her NDP seriously expect British Columbians to believe that way, she would shut all our industries, only to chase that this board is independent of government or that invest- demand to other countries that would make us all cry with ment decisions will be shielded from NDP infuence? their human rights and safety and environmental stand- As the Green leader said…. Sorry. Noting the hour? ards. If we do not support these sectors right now and make Mr. Speaker: Noting the hour, Member. them more globally competitive, we lose our share to countries that have abysmal records on controlling their T. Shypitka: Noting the hour, I take my place and ad- emissions. Tis is referred to as carbon leakage. Tis gov- journ the debate. ernment and members like the one for North Vancou- ver–Seymour are guilty in enabling this leakage to con- T. Shypitka moved adjournment of debate. tinually increase. [11:50 a.m.] Motion approved. Environmental, social and governance, or ESG, is a big part of reducing carbon emissions and part of corporate Committee of Supply (Section A), having reported planning. Te list goes on. Te lack of detail and clarity progress, was granted leave to sit again. with the structure of this corporation is also a big concern. Te board structure is critical. We have heard the minister Hon. S. Robinson moved adjournment of the House. say they will have expertise. What expertise? No defni- tion. Will there be conficts? We’ve seen how government Motion approved. 1700 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 question of the day, from the sector around reopening and this afernoon. restart and the easing of the health order. Of course, these decisions aren’t being made lightly by Te House adjourned at 11:53 a.m. the provincial health ofcer. Tey’re done, as the mem- ber appreciates, for the safety and best interests of Brit- ish Columbians. Government doesn’t make those uni- Proceedings in the Douglas Fir Room lateral decisions. We take the evidence-based approach from the PHO. Committee of Supply In tandem, we are working with the sector. Te member mentioned meetings and conventions and travel and tour- ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF ism, etc. All of those folks are impacted because of gather- TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT ings and the limitations because of the health order. (continued) We’ve put together a tourism advisory table, in order to give us counsel. Tere’s representation across the sec- Te House in Committee of Supply (Section A); tor that’s going to help inform government — recogniz- P. Alexis in the chair. ing that I’m not the only member at the cabinet table, that many of us are working on our restart plan. Te Te committee met at 11:07 a.m. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation gets the same questions as well. When are we going to On Vote 42: ministry operations, $156,797,000 open up the economy? When are we going to open up (continued). diferent sectors of the economy? We take that advice from the PHO and have an advisory Te Chair: Good morning, everyone. We’re meeting table giving us the counsel, not only what the issues and today to continue consideration of the estimates of the concerns are but their advice on how and where we’re Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. going to start as those restrictions ease up. I now recognize the member for Richmond North Centre. T. Wat: I appreciate the minister’s response. But on April 28, 2021, Walt Judas of the Tourism Industry Asso- T. Wat: Good morning. Tank you, Madam Chair. ciation said the following: “We know there’s going to be I understand that the B.C. Meetings and Events demand for meetings and events. One of the things we Industry Working Group submitted a Safe Restart Plan did as a follow-up, because we haven’t had a formal reply Proposal to the minister on March 1. So far, the group from the PHO yet…. We sent a letter this past week to say: has not heard back from the minister. Both the tourism ‘We’d love the minister’” — that is this minister — “‘to be a industry and British Columbians fully appreciate the gov- champion on our behalf.’” ernment’s focus on the safe rollout and logistics, but we Minister, there’s a lot of trust, anticipation and expecta- need to have a plan that looks beyond the next four to tion on the minister to champion the tourism industry on six weeks so the tourism industry has some indicators that their behalf. As the minister keeps saying, this is a people’s will demonstrate reopening. ministry. Te tourism industry is dying, and they’re look- I’m sure the minister and her staf are reviewing the Safe ing upon the minister to champion it at the cabinet table. Restart Plan Proposal, but they cannot just sit on the doc- I defnitely understand that this has to be the cabinet ument. As the reopening documents say, in the opening: decision and based on the order coming from the PHO, “We recommend our proposal be considered a frst step in but the minister has to champion on their behalf. I have the overall tourism and hospitality recovery plan in B.C. another question that I would like the minister’s By gradually easing restrictions on gathering size in this response there. tightly controlled environment where compliance is a top Why is it that the flm sector, which also has strict meas- priority for business meetings and events, we can safely ures, had an approved reopening plan, while we have jump-start the wider tourism economy, leading the way heard nothing related to the events sector, which can also for other sectors to follow suit.” enforce strict measures because they have proven to be so Other jurisdictions such as Saskatchewan, Alberta and professional and to be able to do it? New York have already announced their reopening plan [11:20 a.m.] with phases 1, 2 and 3. When will British Columbians learn about the reopening plan? Hon. M. Mark: Te frst area that the member oppos- [11:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.] ite was going with, talking about Walt Judas…. Since I became minister, Walt Judas has defnitely been in my Hon. M. Mark: I appreciate the question from the loyal VIP lane. I lean on him heavily for his expertise. He is opposition. Tis is defnitely the question of the hour, the a champion for his trade. I’ve learned a lot from him. I Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1701 respect his advice. It’s why he’s part of the tourism advis- supports? Tey are on the brink of collapse, and they really ory table, has helped with the circuit breaker and has can’t wait any longer. given us that counsel. To me, being a champion at the table is leaning on Hon. M. Mark: I appreciate the member raising the people that drive the expertise, being their advocate. Te question of anchor attractions. Again, another group member opposite was a member of cabinet. I mean, we that has actively reached out to my ofce. We’ve had a can’t all get what we want. Trust me. It’s a negotiation, chance…. I’ve had a number of briefngs with this sec- and that negotiation is the interests, sometimes the com- tor to understand what the needs and implications are. plementary interests and sometimes the competing When I think of anchor attractions, I think of iconic interests. places that we’ve gone to for years that are important to My whole ministry fle is about people playing sports, our families and our communities and that we go out of gathering, going to events, music festivals, going to confer- our way to visit. ences, travelling, being shoulder to shoulder with people. Te program details are going to be coming in the next Everyone in my fle is impacted by this pandemic. couple of weeks. Tat’s the best I can tell the member. To the second part of the member’s question, whether I’m not going to make the announcement here. But I will it’s around flm or whether, for me, sports — skills and be making the announcement shortly, detailing what sup- drills — every single day, all hours of the day, the question ports are going to be available. is: “When can we go back?” But part of the premise of I’m really proud that we were able to commit $120 mil- the member’s question is around who decides. And who lion in Budget 2021 to help the sector. Tis was a call to decides and reviews and considers thoughtfully all of those action, again leading to the task force. Te task force has safety plans and who can start or not start is done by public been a driving force to tell government what we need to health ofcials. do, and we’re doing that work. [11:25 a.m.] When the member asks questions about being a cham- Te Premier has made it very clear. Who does he want pion, to me, that’s what a champion is — a champion for to guide us through this pandemic? It’s going to be those change, not a champion for the status quo. We’re moving that have a background in medicine, those that have an forward, and I’m really proud of that work. understanding of epidemiology and how to roll out vac- cinations and help a province navigate its way through a T. Wat: It is really good to hear from the minister some global health crisis. I have a role to play as an elected of- very positive news that the anchor attractions can expect cial, and we respect the lane of the PHO. But there’s no a great announcement in the next couple of weeks. We are single recipe that dictates what the PHO considers. counting the days to your big announcement. I appreciate that the member, just like everyone in my [11:30 a.m.] sector, is looking for that one-two-three recipe, and it’s I want to clarify with the minister that the minister going to lead us to the same conclusion. Tat’s not the case, says $120 million. Are all of those dollars for the anchor because there are so many factors, whether it’s the size of attractions? places or how close you’re going to be. Meanwhile, I would say unequivocally that the PHO is Hon. M. Mark: No. constantly thinking about trying to mitigate closure and trying to keep things as open as possible, knowing how T. Wat: Okay. devastating it is on all the sectors. Arts and culture — Madam Chair, can I move on? people probably didn’t appreciate arts and culture as much till now, in the middle of a pandemic, when you can’t go to Te Chair: Please continue, Member. the places that you wish to. I hope that helps satisfy the member opposite’s question. T. Wat: Tank you. I heard the minister said no. So they will get part of the $120 million. Well, I hope the anchor T. Wat: I appreciate the minister’s response. But if other attraction operators will have much positive news ahead. jurisdictions, as I cited earlier, like Saskatchewan, Alberta, As the minister is well aware, there are so many anchor New York and a whole lot of other places can have their attractions — iconic attractions, as she said. reopening plan announced, I don’t see why we cannot. In my riding, there’s the Richmond Night Market. Tis Let’s move on. I don’t think I can get any response from is not just my riding’s anchor attraction. Tis Richmond the minister. Night Market has operated for 21 years. It’s the biggest and Yesterday the minister mentioned that details on sup- longest-running outdoor event in B.C., averaging 12,000 ports for large attractions will be coming soon. Many have to 15,000 visitors every evening. It’s the largest night mar- been waiting for over a year for supports. Can the minister ket in North America. Talking about tourism, the Rich- share with us when these anchor attractions can expect mond Night Market was featured on the front page of the New York Times in 2018. It was a colour, front-page report. 1702 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, May 11, 2021

So we can see how much positive an efect this Richmond that’s on all of us to do, and also, building of yesterday’s Night Market has brought to British Columbia. questioning, to be an advocate. Yesterday the operator of the Richmond Night Market, Te federal government has recently announced, in Raymond Cheung, wrote me an email asking me to con- their budget — which was a day before ours — relief that’s vey, right now, his way of thinking to the minister. Let me also coming to events and festivals. Tey also recognize read it out: that the sector has been challenged because we can’t gath- “In all my 20 years of success running the Richmond Night er. I would invite the member to commit to working with Market, I would never think we would end up in bankruptcy and me, as she said before. If there’s anything our ministry can pleading for support help. It has been over one year of the COVID. do to put resources in their hands to help them apply, that I still don’t see any accurate steps taken by the government to sup- port our business. is a call to action that I invite her to step up to. “We were forced to close for our entire season last year, and this government still has no plan to reopen our night market. How do T. Wat: Tank you to the minister for informing me they expect that any business can survive two years without any once again that I have to work with her. I’m sure the income? Our night market is carrying over 300 small businesses, with over 3,000 jobs every summer and ofen millions of visitors. I minister must be excited to hear that I am the champion don’t understand how the government doesn’t see the value of our for her ministry. business — not even a single gesture of help.” In fact, when I frst talked to Raymond, he did not even I hope the minister can respond to Raymond Cheung of bother to apply for the small and medium-sized business the Richmond Night Market. grant. He said that he’d heard, from all his business asso- ciates, that it was like a nightmare applying for this grant. Hon. M. Mark: I guess the frst place that I want to go is You have to go through hundreds and hundreds of pages, to, of course, acknowledge how important these places are and spend hours and hours when they’re in small business — I don’t know how many times I’ve waited in line to get — granted that they have the time — and they have to get through to the Richmond Night Market with my kids — the accountant to do it. Anyway, as I’m the champion for and how, to me, I see those opportunities as like a cultur- the minister — for the ministry — I succeeded in convin- al exchange, to go and experience diferent foods. To me, cing him to apply for the small and medium-sized busi- the best way to experience culture is through food. At least ness grant. Lo and behold, he was successful, and he got that’s how it has been in my family. $35,000 recently. [11:35 a.m.] Let me cite some fgures for the minister to see how Te frst place I wanted to acknowledge is that these it’s like a drop in the bucket. Te Richmond Night Mar- festivals, all over the province, are being impacted. Te ket, between when they went public asking for help and fundamental reason why — I really want to underscore today, will have been on the hook for $585,000 in leases, this for the member; I want these places open too — is the not to mention about all the other ofce expenditures piece around staying in your own lane and respecting the and the thousands of dollars they wasted last year in scientifc, medical advice of public health ofcers, who are ordering all the paraphernalia from China to prepare for saying that these places are risks to spreading COVID-19 their 20th anniversary. Will the Richmond Night Mar- and the variants. We don’t want to talk about it, because ket receive enough funds to cover this shortfall, or might we’ve been living through it for the last 14 months, coping they have to close? and surviving. I recognize that this is a challenging time [11:40 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.] for businesses of all stripes. I appreciate — because the member opposite has a duty Hon. M. Mark: Again, I appreciate the member raising to be an advocate. Tat is her role in opposition, to speak the question and issue with respect to the night market on behalf of the Raymonds of the world, who are vitally and advocating for her community. I imagine, as the critic important. But there are supports available. Tat is the on behalf of the loyal opposition, she’s advocating for every work that we’re doing. My colleague the Minister of Jobs, constituency that’s impacted, because people can’t gather. Economic Recovery and Innovation is rolling out the I’m really, really pleased to hear her encourage her con- small and medium-sized business grants. Te Tourism stituent to apply for the small and medium business grant. Task Force called on government to dedicate funds for Tat’s one program. Tat’s one program in a wide range tourism-specifc industries. of programs that we’re trying to roll out the door as a Te member opposite mentioned a whole bunch of government, recognizing that individuals and business…. small businesses that make up the nucleus of this festival, Because you can’t have businesses without employees, the night market. I’d encourage her to encourage folks without people. to apply. It’s incumbent upon all of us as MLAs to be Whether it’s deferrals on hydro, whether it’s subsidies resourceful and understand what…. If people call our con- for rent, whether it’s the wage subsidy to help the worker, stituent’s ofce, we tell them where to go: “Tis is where whether it’s an ICBC rebate to help with your afordability, you can turn. Tis is what supports are available.” I think whether it’s the emergency beneft to help you just have a bit more change in your pocket…. All of those things col- Tuesday, May 11, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1703 lectively are decisions that government is making, while federal government, from their 2021 budget that says we also have to balance those measures of being fscally more supports are going to come to festivals and events responsible — stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. We’re going here in B.C. to have to pay it back. Someone has got to pay it back. We hope that the spectrum of supports are going to help Te Chair: Tank you, Minister. I ask the minister to the Richards of the world that she’s talking about, recog- move the motion for progress, please. nizing that there is a wide range of folks. To her audience of small and medium businesses: apply for the grant. Te Hon. M. Mark: I move that the committee rise and door is still open. Tat’s free money that they don’t have to report progress and ask leave to sit again. pay back. It’s not a loan. It’s the most comprehensive and most generous grant program in the country. I’m proud of Motion approved. that. Tat’s my suggestion to the minister — to encourage Te committee rose at 11:49 a.m. the business owner to apply for that. We’re going to be advocating for those dollars to come to B.C. from the

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