First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Morning Sitting Issue No. 10

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. 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. 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 –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 ...... 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 ...... 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 (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 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, December 15, 2020 Morning Sitting Page

Routine Business

Tributes ...... 223 Gary Steeves Hon. G. Heyman

Introductions by Members...... 223

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 223 Seniors Activity Centre and meal program in West Vancouver K. Kirkpatrick 20th anniversary of Coastal First Nations J. Rice Advocacy work by Katherine McParland T. Stone Richmond South Centre non-proft sector response to COVID-19 H. Yao Work of Salvation Army in Kelowna area B. Stewart Overdose response in rural communities R. Russell

Oral Questions...... 226 COVID-19 response for disability and income assistance recipients S. Bond Hon. J. Horgan D. Davies Hon. N. Simons COVID-19 rapid testing program for long-term-care facilities R. Merrifeld Hon. A. Dix M. de Jong Access to information on COVID-19 in schools J. Tegart Hon. J. Whiteside

Tabling Documents...... 231 Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, report, A Parent’s Duty: Government’s Obligation to Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Elections B.C., annual report, 2019-20, and service plan, 2020-21 to 2022-23

Motions Without Notice...... 231 Membership change to Finance Committee Hon. M. Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Committee of the Whole House...... 231 Bill 3 — Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier

223

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 energy and long-term plans. He brought excitement to his work, and he gave the benefts and rights of union repres- Te House met at 10:02 a.m. entation to literally thousands of working people in British Columbia. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] When he retired, he went on to work as an island trust- ee. In that role, he fought for environmental issues. He Routine Business fought for community health issues and was engaged. He helped resolve a number of community diferences and Prayers and refections: D. Davies. disputes. Gary will be missed by everyone who knew him, not Tributes just in the labour movement but in the communities in which he lived and on the ferries on which he met and GARY STEEVES talked to people. My condolences to his family, to his wife, Marina, to all Hon. G. Heyman: My old friend and my old co-worker of his many friends and colleagues, to those he helped and Gary Steeves passed away last week. I frst met Gary when mentored and to all of those who may never have met him we were both in our 30s. I met him at a union meeting in but who beneft in their daily working life from the work Terrace. Gary was addressing a roomful of young union that Gary gave all of us. activists, telling them that there was really no distinction between the importance of their union activism and their Introductions by Members union goals and their political activity and engagement. It was obvious, as I watched him with some fascination, E. Ross: Tere is little doubt that the ’80s produced that Gary was a great maritime storyteller. He had a way the best music and the best movies of our generation. of communicating, and you could just tell that he loved It also produced something very special to me back in people. Gary found a home in British Columbia and in the 1986 — my frst daughter, who turns 34 today. She was B.C. Government and Service Employees Union. a gif to me and my wife, and she changed my trajectory As I looked over many of the comments about Gary’s in life. She gave me more focus, gave me more direction passing that showed up on social media, it’s obvious in terms of what I had to do as a father. She, in turn, gif- that so many people found him to be encouraging, to ted me and my wife with my frst granddaughter, who is be engaging. He never talked down to union activists. eight years old, as well. He supported them; he gave them encouragement. His Happy birthday to my daughter, Megan Ross, who turns humour was always evident, and he always made all of 34 today. Happy birthday, Megan. us feel welcome. Please join me in wishing happy birthday to my daugh- [10:05 a.m.] ter. Gary and his wife, Marina, ofen opened their home to all kinds of people. I remember being at their house years Statements ago with Larry Guno, who was at the time the MLA for (Standing Order 25B) Atlin and who was preparing to do some remarks on the amendments to the labour code, amendments that people SENIORS ACTIVITY CENTRE AND in the labour movement found to be taking away rights MEAL PROGRAM IN WEST VANCOUVER and opportunities for working people. Larry wanted to understand what it meant in real terms, what it meant to K. Kirkpatrick: I spoke recently to Adine Mees, the workers on the shop foor, and Gary told exactly the kinds CEO of the West Vancouver Foundation. She told me of stories that Larry could use in his bill debate. about an extraordinary example of an organization that Gary was also well known for his commitment to labour reinvented itself virtually overnight as a result of COVID. history and his knowledge of labour history. He took Seniors rely on the West Vancouver Seniors Activity people on walking tours, whether it was in Vancouver or Centre as a place to gather, connect, take a class and in the Maritimes. He told stories about the places and the access healthy meals through the Garden Side Café. But people that made us appreciate the commitment, the sac- earlier this year, when COVID restrictions were being rifce and the long history that was the building of a strong put in place, that all changed. When the centre had to labour movement in British Columbia and elsewhere. close, it lef many seniors in the community more vul- It was a pleasure to work with Gary. It was a pleasure, nerable than ever. when I was president of the BCGEU, to have Gary work Te staf of the centre care deeply about their seniors. with me. He was a central fgure in creating an organizing Tey called every one of their 6,761 seniors on their con- culture in the BCGEU and in the B.C. labour movement. tact list to check in to make sure they were doing well. When Gary came to my ofce, he’d be flled with ideas and What they discovered is that the issue of seniors’ poverty 224 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 and food insecurity had been an issue even long before the watchmen who are the eyes and the ears and the protectors pandemic and that the pandemic had made it even worse. of the coastal territories. Tey supported renowned eco- What happened next was an incredible transforma- tourism operations, like Spirit Bear adventures and lodge tion of services. Overnight the café began ofering free in Klemtu, ofering wildlife and cultural tours that show- food to people and delivery food services. By May, this case Kitasoo/Xai’xais culture. Tey’ve supported award- program was operating seven days a week. Tey added winning businesses, like Metlakatla-owned Coastal Shell- a night shif to keep up with the demand. By November, fsh in Prince Rupert. Tis fall the scallop hatchery and this program had delivered more than 22,000 meals to processing facility received the Vancity sustainability more than 350 seniors. award at the B.C. Food and Beverage Awards. Tere was no funding for this program when it popped Tese are some examples of the accomplishments of up overnight. Advisory members of the centre were per- Coastal First Nations. Tere are many more examples of sonally paying for some of the meals that were being how the CFN have created a successful conservation eco- served. But through a coming together of the community, nomy that protects the environment and creates meaning- partners and individuals, the centre now is funded for the ful jobs for coastal peoples. next 12 months to continue this program. I invite all members to check out their 20th anniversary [10:10 a.m.] stories page to learn more at coastalfrstnations.ca or Trough the West Vancouver Foundation, up until #CFNStrongerTogether on social media. December 31, the Ian and Rosemary Mottershead found- ation will match donations up to $100,000 to help support ADVOCACY WORK BY what is now called the Feed the Need program. More KATHERINE McPARLAND information can be found on the website of the West Van- couver Foundation. T. Stone: On Friday, December 11, a collection of Tank you all very much. Happy holidays to everyone. people from all walks of life in Kamloops slept outside in cardboard boxes. Tey did this in order to shine a piercing 20th ANNIVERSARY OF light on what a young person living on the street experi- COASTAL FIRST NATIONS ences. Te event, hosted by A Way Home Kamloops, was also a fundraiser in support of programs and initiatives J. Rice: Te Coastal First Nations Great Bear initiative that are focused on making the lives of at-risk youth better. was envisioned two decades ago to assert First Nations Well over $100,000 was raised, double the original goal. leadership in creating a new conservation-based economy Unfortunately, the founder of A Way Home Kamloops in the traditional territories of the north and central coasts was not there this year, for, sadly, on December 4, Kather- and Haida Gwaii. Today the CFN alliance includes many ine McParland passed away. Kamloops lost someone very First Nations I represent as MLA for North Coast — the special that day. Katherine was a force of personality, an Gitga’at, Gitxaala, Council of the Haida Nation, Heiltsuk, endless well of energy and positivity. When she came to Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk, Old Masset, Skideg- see you, as she so ofen did with me, you simply could ate and Wuikinuxv. not say no to her. She was a person of action who fnished In the 1990s, the impact of resource extraction indus- every sentence and every meeting by saying: “So what do tries such as industrial logging and commercial fshing we need to do to make this happen?” had taken a toll on forest and ocean resources, and the She lived the very notion of paying it forward. She was region’s economy seriously declined. Jobs were becoming an unrelenting advocate who devoted her life to those she more scarce, and communities were struggling. A new sought to help. She led by example, using her actual exper- approach was needed. ience as a young person who aged out of the foster care In the early 2000s, leaders from B.C.’s central and system and experienced resulting homelessness but then north coasts and Haida Gwaii came together to address resolved to do all she could to help other young people stay these challenges and sign the declaration of First Nations of the streets and transition into a safe, healthy and sup- of the North Pacifc Coast. In 2003, a coast-wide alliance portive environment. was ofcially born. Since that time, the CFN alliance has While her work ofen took her to provincial and nation- worked together to put in place a world-leading model al tables, such as co-founding the B.C. Coalition to End of land and marine use planning that incorporates Indi- Youth Homelessness, sitting on the board of B.C. Housing, genous values and ecosystem-based management and participating in the federal government’s Advisory Com- that combines First Nations traditional knowledge and mittee on Homelessness and speaking at countless confer- modern science. ences, she never ever wavered in her commitment to help Tis year Coastal First Nations celebrates 20 years of those closest to home — like her work to set up safe suites, this alliance. I’ve had the pleasure to virtually partake in a program that provides housing for at-risk youth, with the anniversary celebrations of their accomplishments. on-site counselling, life skills training and meal support, Tey’ve established a network of coastal guardian Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 225 or her eforts that led to Kamloops being the frst city in and directors of non-proft organizations and charities for Canada to participate in a youth homeless count. their continued support of Richmond residents. [10:15 a.m.] Tank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity Katherine, we are so very grateful to have known you. to speak. We are thankful for the lives you have saved and impacted for the better. Rest in peace, knowing that your work, your WORK OF SALVATION ARMY legacy and your dream to eliminate youth homelessness IN KELOWNA AREA will endure. B. Stewart: “I hear your SOS, your SOS. I will send Mr. Speaker: Te member for Richmond South Centre. out an army to fnd you in the middle of the darkest night. It’s true. I will rescue you.” Tese are some of the RICHMOND SOUTH CENTRE NON-PROFIT words from Lauren Daigle’s Help Rescue Christmas song SECTOR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 from the Salvation Army TV commercial. Tis is the call of the Salvation Army — to provide hope and support H. Yao: Mr. Speaker, congratulations on getting elected for those in need. to a position of such exceptional honour. I’m proud to be In my riding and throughout Kelowna, we have seen one of many witnesses to your historical success. countless examples of generosity this holiday season. From I acknowledge the fact that I’m speaking from the the kettle campaign outside local shops, with their new $5 unceded territory of the Musqueam Coast Salish people. I tap feature, and other initiatives, the combined efort of thank them for allowing us to live, work and play in their toy drives and donations by local residents and businesses territory. contributed $22,000 in donations in a single day to the I’m deeply grateful to the people of Richmond South west side Salvation Army, allowing them to purchase holi- Centre for trusting me to represent them. Richmond day gifs for others. South Centre is not only geographically located in the Earlier this month restaurants throughout West Kelow- heart of Richmond; it is also where the heart of Richmond na and Peachland participated in Rudolph’s dine-out day. resides. Te majority of Richmond’s non-proft organiza- Residents went to the participating restaurants, ate and tions and charities call Richmond South Centre home — donated to the Salvation Army at the same time. Eleven organizations like Richmond Pathways Clubhouse; Rich- local restaurants ofered the option of adding a $5 fee to mond Society for Community Living; SUCCESS; Touch- their bills in order to support local families. All the pro- stone Family Association; Richmond Cares, Richmond ceeds went towards the Salvation Army Christmas gifs Gives; Foundry Richmond; Chimo Community Services; of hope program, which ensures that children and teens and many more. throughout West Kelowna and Peachland wake up to Due to the pandemic, the needs of the people of Rich- something special on Christmas Day. mond have grown exponentially in quality and complexity. Te community generosity is really awe-inspiring, espe- British Columbians are experiencing unprecedented pres- cially since Kelowna was named as one of the nation’s top sure during this challenging time. Troughout all of this, donating cities and especially during this difcult time, non-proft organizations and charities have continued to where the generosity is needed more than ever. People are courageously serve our community. However, their ability struggling fnancially. To see those more fortunate really to serve efectively has been hindered by limited fundrais- reach into their pockets and provide holiday-saving sup- ing opportunities and a reduction in the number of volun- port is great. teers wanting to help during this pandemic. [10:20 a.m.] Joyce Alisharan, president of Chimo Community Ser- I applaud the Kelowna and West Kelowna chapters of vices, mentioned in a discussion the challenges they were the Salvation Army as well as those in every community in facing on a number of fronts. Tat is why I eagerly volun- B.C. Your tireless eforts are more than needed and war- teered to support their Coldest Night of the Year fun- ranted this holiday season. draiser. It is important, now more so than ever, to celebrate the unsung heroes who, without expectation of recogni- OVERDOSE RESPONSE tion or reward, work tirelessly to continue to support our IN RURAL COMMUNITIES community. I know my esteemed colleagues in this chamber will R. Russell: One of the most indelibly memorable events fnd their own meaningful ways to support their local from my campaign was a genuinely serendipitous oppor- organizations during this very challenging time. I’d tunity to walk for a few kilometres with Kevin Redsky. encourage my Richmond colleagues to also continue to Some of you will have heard of him. He is the champion connect with Chimo Community Services. of the Hope in the Darkness national walk for youth men- Lastly, I would like to thank all employees, volunteers tal health. In 2018, they walked all across the country. Tis 226 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 year he walked from Manitoba through Saskatchewan, for her new-found concern for vulnerable populations in Alberta and B.C. British Columbia. We walked, and we talked about the importance of com- I went back to my ofce yesterday to confrm some data munity-led safety nets and those kinds of safety nets com- that I shared with the public yesterday. I just want to reit- posed of champions from faith-based communities, spir- erate some of the points I made. itual groups, the RCMP, social services, education and For the interests of those new members to the Liberal beyond. It was heartbreaking, and it was full of hope. caucus, you’ll be interested to know that between 2001 and What I wanted to speak to you about today was not spe- 2016, the B.C. Liberals increased contributions monthly to cifcally around youth mental health but more the opioid people with disabilities by $200. Tis government did that crisis and our toxic drug supply. I wanted to clarify and in two years, not 16 years. People new to the caucus will be reiterate how the needs in rural B.C. are diferent and read interested to know that for people on income assistance, a brief excerpt from a report, ODAX 2019, from an event the B.C. Liberals increased that monthly stipend by $100 that was held in Kamloops last year. “While it is ofen over 16 years. We increased it by $150 in two years. stated that the majority of deaths are in urban centres of [10:25 a.m.] Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, small and Members will be interested to know, also, that since mid-sized communities have made up between 23 to 27 the pandemic hit British Columbia, we have increased, percent of all paramedic-attended overdose events occur- annually, the contributions to people with disabilities and ring each year from 2016 to 2019, including 30 to 34 per- people on income assistance by $2,250. Yet somehow in cent of all illicit drug toxicity deaths.” their indignation, the B.C. Liberals fnd a place to say their Stigma and isolation are diferent in our rural com- $200 contribution to vulnerable populations over a decade munities in B.C. From the same report: “Seventy percent and a half is superior to $2,250 in the past 12 months. of deaths in small and mid-sized communities occurred in private residences while about half of deaths in urban Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on areas were in private residences.” We know part of the her frst supplemental. solution: empowering our local communities to take lead- ership and to help build those social safety nets. I want S. Bond: Well, we should be clear about the indignation. to give a shout-out to groups like Moms Stop the Harm, Te indignation is coming from persons with disabilities, which are active in Oliver, and champions like the Unity organizations and British Columbians who are being skate shop in Osoyoos. impacted by the decision that this Premier made not a year I just wanted to reiterate that I’m thrilled to hear ago or two years ago or way, way back in the past. the announcement, last week, about funding for rural, Te Premier can laugh. Te bottom line is that the remote and Indigenous communities to take action on indignation that the opposition is expressing is the view this crisis in our communities. It’s good work, putting of hundreds and hundreds of families that are being control back into their hands, and it makes me proud to deeply impacted by the decision that this Premier made be part of this House. a week ago. Let’s hear what it means to a parent like Scarlett Nelson, Oral Questions who said about the decision that this Premier made a week ago: “To take this away…. I’m going to have to go to the COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR DISABILITY food bank twice a week again. I’m worried about January. AND INCOME ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS It’s the hardest month for the whole year to manage.” Te government admitted that it could have done a bet- S. Bond: Yesterday we heard the Minister of Health ter job in making sure that front-line workers got their admit that there has been a signifcant delay in sending out promised pandemic pay. We agree. pandemic pay that was promised to front-line workers. He Will the Premier stand up and make a similar admission was actually forced to apologize for letting those workers — that, in fact, he made a mistake — and reassure families down. He admitted that the government could and should and parents like Scarlett that he will end the clawback? have done a better job. Te Premier, in stark contrast, refused to admit that his Hon. J. Horgan: Certainly, Charlotte will be able to government made a mistake in cutting assistance to more access the child opportunity beneft — $1,000 per child, than 200,000 low-income seniors and disabled persons in another $800 for every subsequent child — a new program British Columbia. Te impact of that decision has caused introduced by this government, not to the age of six but to anger, uncertainty and pain. the age of 18. Tat helps families. Will the Premier today do the right thing — stand up Some of the Liberals on the other side weren’t here when and end the clawback? the heartless group that ran this province up to 2016 elim- inated the transportation subsidy for vulnerable popula- Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the Leader of the Opposition tions, forcing them to stay at home rather than go out and Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 227 interact in the community. We reinstated that transporta- Te people you’re talking about right now, hon. Mem- tion allowance. ber, will have the same amount of money. In fact, they’ll We’ve increased the employment action tax credit. We have 50 bucks more in their pocket as a result of the COV- did a host of other initiatives over the past 2½ years. And ID beneft and the COVID beneft supplement that we put we’re just getting started, hon. Members. British Columbia in place. now has a poverty reduction strategy. Since the pandemic hit, $2,250 is going into the pock- It makes sense to normal people that if you want to dig et of vulnerable populations. We had the support of the yourself out of a hole, the frst thing you do is stop digging. opposition at that time, as we should have. I cannot Te Liberals never got that. Te second thing you do is understand why the frst piece of business for the new you build a comprehensive plan — not a month-by-month Leader of the Opposition is to play politics with an issue plan, not a politically motivated plan but one that will help her party did nothing about — nothing about — for a people. Tat’s what we’re all about, and that’s what we’re decade and a half. doing. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on a second supplemental. Mr. Speaker: Members, let’s have a question, and let’s have an answer. S. Bond: Let’s talk about a month-by-month plan. Let’s talk about families who are worried they’re going to have D. Davies: Well, it’s quite clear that it is making the Pre- to make a second trip to the food bank or won’t be able to mier very uncomfortable to answer these questions. All aford a jacket for their child. Tat’s not about 16 years ago he’s been doing is refecting everything that we’ve asked, or fve years ago; it’s about last week. It’s about one of the and he’s not dealing with the issue. It is this Premier and frst actions that this newly elected Premier took. He can this government that have done this clawback. stand up and bluster and spin and do whatever he wants. Tis is what Kier Gray has to say: “Slashing the COVID We know that when he does that, he knows he is wrong. beneft in half when the pandemic is far from over will Tis government made a mistake. Tey can characterize force disabled and impoverished people to make it however they want. Tey are cutting the supplement to impossible choices between sanitizer and medication, low-income families and persons with disabilities. masks and groceries.” To make matters even worse, yesterday the Premier To the Premier, will he do the right thing today and stood up here in the Legislature and hinted: “By the way, reverse this decision? we’ll go through the budget process. And you know what? We might just make it permanent.” Hon. N. Simons: I thank the member for Peace River So here families sit. Tey sit worried and upset and North for the question. frightened and angry at this Premier’s decision. People should know that when the workers beneft Te Premier has an opportunity right now. He doesn’t was established in March for a three-month period, have to wait for a budget process which, by the way, will people on income assistance, people on disability assist- take these families until May. He could stand up today, just ance and people receiving the seniors supplement were like the Minister of Health did yesterday, admit he made a not eligible for that workers beneft. So the province mistake and stop the clawback now. instituted a $300-a-month supplement. Tat supplement [10:30 a.m.] was renewed, not once but twice, and it brings us to this month, where everyone I just mentioned will be getting Hon. J. Horgan: I’ll just remind the member that the a $300 supplement. In addition, the province instituted frst thing this government did was bring forward a supply a recovery beneft, which is eligible. People on income bill that will put $1,000 in the pockets of families — all assistance, disability assistance and the seniors supple- families — and $500 in the pockets of individuals. ment are eligible for that. I appreciate that the member from Valemount is spiral- I urge people to ensure that they make their application. ing into the stratosphere. It will result in them receiving, actually, more money by the end of March than they otherwise would have. Interjections. Mr. Speaker: Te member for Peace River North on a Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. supplemental.

Hon. J. Horgan: Her party, when given the opportunity D. Davies: I’m bafed by the responses that we’re get- to help vulnerable people — not just for one month, not ting from this government. So are British Columbians. for just one year but for 16 years — increased disability Viveca Ellis is the director of the B.C. Poverty Reduction pensions by $200. Coalition. Tis is what Viveca has to say: “We’re dropping 228 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 the poorest and most at-risk individuals further below the rect. Te frst doses of vaccines will be going to workers poverty line in January, in the middle of a pandemic. It’s in long-term care. not the kind of action that we need to see in British Col- One of the ideas is to bring tests to long-term care to umbia at this time.” stop new infections in long-term-care facilities. I think Mr. Premier, do the right thing, and reverse the that makes sense. It’s guided by the science, and it’s guided decision. Will he do that today? by the provincial health ofcer. Tat doesn’t mean that the situation in long-term care is going to get immediately bet- Hon. N. Simons: Tank you very much for the follow- ter right away, but every time we immunize someone, it up question. What the member should be telling con- makes things better. stituents, as I have been, is that, in fact, they are eligible As we discussed, rapid testing is not the answer in long- for more money than they would have been under the term care, although it has uses there. Tat’s why we are current system. engaging right now in pilot projects in long-term care: I sat in the opposition benches for, I think, 12 years, (1) because there are insufcient numbers of rapid tests when we repeatedly asked the government to pay a little bit and (2) because rapid tests are insufciently accurate with of attention to people living in poverty and to maybe make respect to asymptomatic cases. As the members know and a plan to try to address the issues that we saw all around us as Dr. Henry has repeatedly explained, we are using rapid for all those 12 years in opposition that I sat there. And it testing in British Columbia to help assist in dealing with started before that. the COVID-19 crisis and pandemic. As soon as we became government, we increased dis- I think it’s fair to say that this is not an ideological ability rates. We instituted a poverty reduction strategy, question. It’s not a question of one political policy against and we’ve continued to follow with that goal — to reduce another. It’s a medical and health care question. I have poverty. taken the advice of people who are responsible, who do [10:35 a.m.] this in their lives, in terms of the advice with respect to As a reminder to the member for Peace River North and testing. Teir advice is to use rapid testing in the way that to his colleagues, our constituents are eligible to apply and we’re using it in British Columbia. are eligible to receive, in fact, more money by the end of I think I’d say that it’s important to have and continue March than they otherwise would have. For example, indi- to have this…. To suggest that, in any way, the situation viduals will receive $50 more. Single parents will receive a in long-term care is not my frst and foremost priority and considerable amount more — $500 more. the frst and foremost priority of Dr. Henry and every- I think that it’s important to remind British Columbians one else is incorrect. We’re taking every possible action to that all 3.7 million British Columbians are eligible for this protect people in long-term care because we know, as the beneft. Tey should apply, and they will receive it. member suggests, the vulnerability of people in long-term care to COVID-19. COVID-19 RAPID TESTING PROGRAM FOR LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES Mr. Speaker: Unfortunately, the audio was not very clear. Next time it will probably be working all right. R. Merrifeld: Te arrival of the vaccine yesterday Te member for Kelowna-Mission on a supplemental. brought a glimmer of hope, but health ofcials have been clear. Te vaccine isn’t getting into long-term-care homes R. Merrifeld: Well, I’ll try to respond to whatever I any time soon. Tat’s why the call for widespread use of heard. I think I heard the minister say it wasn’t accurate, rapid testing in long-term-care facilities is growing louder. but it is 70 percent accurate. Isn’t 70 percent now better As of yesterday, there were 1,305 active COVID cases in than 90 percent in three days, with 30 more exposures? long-term-care homes. Tat number continues to increase. Te net present value of rapid tests does seem real. Why is this so serious? Well, the COVID-19 mortality I do agree with the minister when he said that it does rate for those above 80 is 39 percent. A study done by Dr. not mean it’s going to get better right away in long-term- Rohit Vijh of UBC showed that “every extra layer of pro- care facilities. I believe that’s what he said. Te reality is tection can save lives.” Rapid testing is an additional step. that the B.C. government is already using rapid tests. It’s To the Premier, given that rapid tests are an additional using them in First Nations and in rural B.C. populations. level of protection, will he now act to protect our vulner- We’re also seeing them used for asymptomatic subjects at able seniors and mandate rapid testing in all long-term- airports or on flm sets. care homes? Te question is: why aren’t we doing the same for our most vulnerable populations, like seniors, students, their Hon. A. Dix: First of all, with respect to vaccines, families, caregivers, teachers? the member suggests the vaccines will not be used to [10:40 a.m.] address the situation in long-term care. Tat’s not cor- Time magazine’s headline “How We Can Stop the Spread of COVID-19 by Christmas,” written by Harvard Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 229 epidemiologist Michael Mina, says the number one way to Hon. A. Dix: Well, I, frst of all, want to express my stop the spread is routine widespread rapid testing. solidarity with the member for Abbotsford West. It afects Yes, there’s hope with a vaccine. But the next four his family. It afects my family. It afects people across B.C. months in long-term-care facilities are going to be rough, with family members and residents who are dealing with with some of the highest numbers of deaths we’ve seen so lockdowns in long-term care as a result of our outbreak far. response. It’s a very serious situation. Will the Premier do the right thing and implement the So he will understand that if the decision was made widespread use of rapid tests to protect our vulnerable that rapid testing would assist in that, we would make that populations of seniors and students? decision. Tat is not the evidence before us in B.C. Let’s be clear about that. It’s a question that Dr. Henry and that Hon. A. Dix: Te priority given to long-term care is others have repeatedly answered in this respect. refected in our use of the vaccine, the Pfzer vaccine, You only do things and you only make an issue if they which will be going to protect workers in long-term care. make things better. Te evidence is, and he will know, that I think that’s an important consideration. It doesn’t resolve rapid testing is not licensed in Canada in asymptomatic the question right away, but we are working to provide a cases. It’s important to note that. ring fence around long-term care to protect residents, to [10:45 a.m.] protect staf, to protect everybody. It’s important to note that there are issues, especially As I’ve noted, rapid testing has its uses, and we are using in respect to asymptomatic cases — not symptomatic but it in responding to COVID-19 in British Columbia. Tat asymptomatic cases — with the accuracy of rapid testing. advice is being driven by people who know this question, Inaccuracy in this area is a major problem, with respect to who know the appropriate uses of the testing. Te tests outbreaks. that we have are not licensed in Canada for asymptomat- We are using rapid testing, and we are looking at ways ic testing. Tey are not licensed in Canada because of lim- to use them to enforce our layers and enhance our layers its to their accuracy. You make decisions in this pandemic of protection in long-term care. But this is not an ideo- to protect people, and you make them the best decisions logical question, where the opposition argues one thing based on the scientifc evidence. Tat’s what’s happening in and someone else argues another. We are making decisions B.C. based on the best possible advice of our experts in the area, Te member refers to Michael Mina, who is an advocate and our experts in the area, Dr. Henry and many others, for home tests. Well, there are no home tests licensed cur- have said that we are using rapid testing in the appropriate rently in Canada at all. So the approach we’re taking to way, considering its limitations. rapid testing is to use it where it is helpful in preventing If the member thought for one second that we believed the spread of COVID-19. Tat’s what we’re doing. We’re rapid testing would make things better in that way, then we following the science in order to do it. I think that’s the would of course be using it, and we are, in a limited way, to appropriate approach in B.C. see what more can be done.

M. de Jong: I want to tell the Premier and the Minister Mr. Speaker: Te member for Abbotsford West on a of Health about Peter. Peter is 91 years old. He lives in supplemental. a care facility in Langley. Last month an employee tested positive, and his home went on lockdown. I think the Pre- M. de Jong: I’m not trying to advance ideology. I’m try- mier and the minister know of when that happens. Te ing to advance common sense. Te minister knows better senior residents of that home are isolated in their rooms than virtually anyone that we have entered the deadliest for virtually all day, all night. phase of this pandemic, and seniors, particularly seniors in Jack lives in a care facility in Mission. Te same thing care facilities, are going to bear the brunt of that risk in the happened. On Sunday, Jack turned 92. He didn’t see his weeks and months ahead. wife, didn’t see any members of his family. In fact, he Tere is a tool — not a perfect tool but a tool — called couldn’t even have a phone call with them because the staf rapid testing that is being used at airports. It’s being used in the facility were too busy dealing with the lockdown on movie sets, for heaven’s sakes. It’s being used in rural caused when COVID entered that care facility. communities. It’s being utilized across Canada to reduce Jack is my dad. But this is happening everywhere. Tis the risk. is happening to thousands of people. I, quite frankly, do not understand the government’s, the Look, rapid testing reduces the risk; it doesn’t eliminate minister’s, the Premier’s reluctance, refusal to deploy that the risk. We can’t eliminate the risk of transmission, but tool in a way that will reduce the risk to seniors living in if we have a tool that will signifcantly reduce the risk of care facilities that have already sufered and for whom this transmission to seniors living in care facilities, for heaven’s tool will not only add an additional layer of protection but sakes, why aren’t we using it? will improve their quality of life. 230 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Hon. A. Dix: Again, to the member, I would say that most important things we can do throughout this pan- the approach that we’re taking with respect to rapid testing demic. It’s important for children to have access to in-class is to use it in the areas in which it can be efective. As he learning. We’ve been working very hard with our partners knows, rapid testing in asymptomatic cases is not licensed over the course of the pandemic to ensure that there are for that, and there’s a reason for that. robust safety plans in place and that we have robust lines of You only add and implement things if it makes things communication so that we’re communicating to the best of better. In the judgment of all of our medical experts, our ability the circumstances that are occurring in schools. that’s not the case. We are, in fact, using rapid testing in We are working on a regular basis — daily, in fact — a selective way and in a very similar way to other juris- with our partners to ensure that those communication dictions in Canada. lines, those notifcation systems, are in place. We’ve We are going to continue to take absolutely every step recently seen, in fact, in the Fraser Health Authority, we can to protect long-term care. Tis is the most import- changes to try and respond to what is absolutely, I can ant priority right now. It’s the reason why we need every- understand, terrifc anxiety, particularly with parents in body in the community to engage in physical distancing those areas where we’re seeing increased community and to not engage in gatherings over this holiday season. transmission. It’s the reason why our long-term care workers are working We’ll continue to work very hard with our partners in so hard, and we’re taking all the steps we’ve taken to pro- that regard. tect long-term care. We’re going to continue to do that and take every step possible, including, where it’s helpful, Mr. Speaker: Te member for Fraser-Nicola on a sup- where it makes things better, rapid testing, to do that. plemental. We’re going to continue to do what we’ve done from the beginning in British Columbia: not make decisions based J. Tegart: Other provinces provide the daily number of on what sounds good but on what’s based on the medical new cases, how many are related to students and staf, how evidence led by the extraordinary public health team that many schools have reported a case, how many are closed is leading our response. and even how many confrmed student or staf cases there are per school. In B.C., this government says it does not ACCESS TO INFORMATION even know, and it is unable to provide a daily total number ON COVID-19 IN SCHOOLS of in-school exposures. Again to the Premier, we have anxious parents, students J. Tegart: British Columbians have trusted public and staf. Will you ensure that every parent in the province health to share information. Tis has been a critical ele- has access to the information they need to know that their ment in our COVID response so far, yet for months, par- child is safe in school? ents, teachers and staf across the province have dealt with rising anxiety and concern related to COVID in our Hon. J. Whiteside: I do want to thank the member for school system. a concern that we all share with respect to taking all steps Te government has ignored these concerns. An inad- that we possibly can to do our best to alleviate anxiety, equate notifcation system that varies from school district to the greatest extent possible, during this unprecedented to school district is clearly not working. period that we’re all living through. To the Premier, will he give parents the information I know that we have seen increased case counts, they need on school exposures today? increased transmission in communities, particularly in the [10:50 a.m.] Fraser Health region, and that has given rise to increased anxiety, absolutely. We’ve seen the provincial health ofcer Hon. J. Whiteside: I’d like to thank the member for the direct her staf to form a rapid response team to better question, my frst in this House. I’d like to say that it is a support health authorities and schools to work through tremendous honour to stand here in this House as the new responding to the need for information when we are see- Minister of Education. ing notifcations. I want to say that I know what an exceptionally chal- We’ve seen developments in Fraser this week — the lenging time this is for all of us in our communities and introduction of a new early notifcation system that we are particularly for those who are on the front lines of dealing monitoring very closely and that by all reports so far is with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly folks in our helping to provide more information more quickly. Our education sector. I want to very much express our incred- approach to contact tracing, which has been such an ible gratitude for the exceptional work that is being done important part of the COVID strategy, is aiding in that by teachers, by support staf, by administrators — of regard greatly. We have committed to hiring 1,200 new course, our rights holders — and by parents and kids to contact tracers; 1,100 of those are already in place and are keep our schools safe. working around the clock to support our ability to contact We know that keeping kids safe in school is one of the trace and to get information out to parents. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 231

We will continue to work with our partners and contin- I don’t want to throw anybody of when I ask for clause 1 ue to work to improve communications on the ground so or clause 2. that we can work to alleviate anxiety to the greatest degree We’ll start with clause 1. that we can. On clause 1. [End of question period.] Hon. S. Robinson: I want to acknowledge and let Tabling Documents people in the House know that I’m attached to AirPods, attached to my staf, who are in several far-of ofces, Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honour to pres- scattered all over, perhaps in the capital regional district. If ent the following reports — A Parent’s Duty: Government’s members could just bear with us as we work with the tech- Obligation to Youth Transitioning into Adulthood, from the nology. Tey normally would be sitting behind me here, Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, providing me with expert advice on this committee stage, December 2020. as we go through the clauses. A second report — Modern Elections for Modern Times: I do want to ask, frst of, if the Chair is going to be 2019-20 Annual Report and 2020-21–2022-23 Service Plan, invoking the Santa clause at any point in time. I couldn’t from Elections B.C. resist. Come on. It was such an opportunity. [10:55 a.m.] I want to acknowledge that I’ve got numerous staf who are attached to these very precious AirPods. Heather Motions Without Notice Wood is the Deputy Minister of Finance. Doug Foster is assistant deputy minister. I’ve got Fisnik Preniqi, Richard MEMBERSHIP CHANGE Purnell, Tifany Ma, Joanne Glover, Chris Ferguson-Mar- TO FINANCE COMMITTEE tin, Jordan Goss, Jef Henderson and Janette Demianchuk, who are on the other side of this, helping us get through Hon. M. Farnworth: I seek leave to move a motion to this part of the bill. substitute a member on the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Te Chair: Now to someone close to the Santa clause, geographically, the member for Peace River South. Leave granted. M. Bernier: Tank you, Chair. We’re not of to a good Hon. M. Farnworth: By leave, I move: start if this is how it’s going to proceed for the only bill, the [Tat Mike Starchuk, MLA replace Rick Glumac, MLA as a Member only piece of legislation that we’re debating at this point. of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government [11:05 a.m.] Services.] I do appreciate a little bit of humour, I guess. In light of how this year has gone for most people in the province Motion approved. of British Columbia, if we can throw a little bit of humour into a serious situation, I think that’s important. Orders of the Day I also want to maybe start of just by acknowledging the staf that I normally get the opportunity to thank Hon. M. Farnworth: I call committee stage of Bill 3. face to face — hopefully, they can hear me, not only [11:00 a.m.] through the ear piece but through Hansard — and thank them for, obviously, all the amazing work that all our Committee of the Whole House civil servants do. I just want to start of…. Before I get into quite a few BILL 3 — FINANCE STATUTES questions that we have on this only piece of legislation in AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 front of us, I do want to say that I’m a little disappointed in how this has gone. I’ll get into some specifcs, obviously, Te House in Committee of the Whole on Bill 3; on the specifc bill. But where the disappointment is…. N. Letnick in the chair. We get called to Victoria, being told that this is the most important piece of legislation that’s facing the people of Te committee met at 11:02 a.m. British Columbia right now that we need to deal with. Te minister spoke for probably a grand total of four minutes Te Chair: We’ll be dealing with Bill 3, the Finance in her introductory and closing remarks, with no explana- Statutes Amendment Act, 2020. In the past, we’ve actually tion of why we’re here, really, or why this bill is so import- gone through bills section by section. We’ll do that, but the ant to the people of British Columbia. terminology now is being transferred to “clause by clause.” Not one NDP MLA stood up in the last week to defend 232 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 this only piece of legislation. Not one NDP MLA spoke to today, this time in the House, looking at this bill as well as defend it, to explain, especially the newly elected MLAs supplementary estimates. from the NDP. Not one of them stood up to explain. We have more work to do in terms of building a budget “Tanks for electing me. I’m glad I’m in Victoria, because that takes all of these things into consideration and that this is so important to the constituents in my riding.” continues to be there for British Columbians. So what we Right now in the province of British Columbia, we have have before us is an opportunity to make sure that we can a lot of people looking for help. We have families that are build a meaningful budget, one that addresses the current facing isolation. We have teachers, like we heard today, challenges that people are experiencing now, in the pan- that are looking for assistance. Front-line workers still demic, but also for recovery for years going forward. waiting for their pandemic pay. Communities trying to fgure out how to get through the remainder of this year, M. Bernier: Tis is an easy question for the minister. not knowing what hope will look like next year. Vulnerable What changed? What has changed? people who are pleading for help, only to hear that there We have, for the most part, the same civil servants, bur- are going to be clawbacks to the money that they’ve eaucrats, who are doing the work. Every other year gov- become dependent on to get through. ernments have been able to put forward a budget on time, We know people have lost their jobs. We know com- without having to come to this House and ask for a change munities, again, and businesses are looking for a plan of — or an extension, really — in the time needed to put what is going to happen now and in the short term to together a budget. Except for last year, of course, when help people get through the remainder of this year. Of all then Finance Minister Carole James came to the House the things that we are hearing and that the people in the and asked for an extension. province of British Columbia are asking for, the last thing I guess to the minister, what has changed in the last I have ever heard was that they said: “Please put a bill on six months, other than the fact that she’s been unable to the foor that will delay accountability and responsibility of stand and say that she’s been able to do her job to put a the government we just elected.” budget forward on time? What’s changed that she needs In the midst of a global pandemic, in a crisis that’s more time? facing the province of British Columbia, the most import- ant piece of legislation that this government puts forward Hon. S. Robinson: Te member asked what he says is a is to delay their accountability, to delay the job that they simple question. I have a simple answer: COVID. COVID are supposed to do. has changed everything. I guess my frst question, afer that introductory, would We need to be thoughtful. We’re certainly hearing be to the minister — to explain, hopefully quite fulsomely, from economists trying to do their job and understand- to this House, since we didn’t hear it from one person on ing what the future looks like. It’s incumbent on us, as that side: why is this the most important piece of legisla- a government, to make sure that we, too, are paying tion that we need to be discussing right now? attention to how things have changed, how COVID has changed everything. Hon. S. Robinson: As I said in our second reading We’ve been a government that has been responsive to debate, this piece of legislation is about the required date British Columbians’ needs, making sure that we’re there to present the budget with main estimates — to extend for them when they need us most. We’ve been rolling out it to allow additional time for a budget process. I know programs all through this year. Going forward, building a the member knows well that the budget process begins recovery, we need to make sure that we understand how in the summer. COVID has changed everything. [11:10 a.m.] [11:15 a.m.] In order to gather the information that’s necessary, in In addition, we need to be thoughtful about the initi- order to have the public servants that work on our behalf atives that we’ve started, but we also need to be thought- put together a comprehensive budget for tabling here in ful about the initiatives that are coming from the federal the Legislature, there is precious time that is needed in government. We need to understand what they’re rolling order to make sure that it’s robust. out for Canadians and how we can layer on top of that, Te member is right. We are here in an unprecedented how we can build on that work as well. Tat’s what Brit- time with signifcant challenges, and our government has ish Columbians deserve, and taking the extra time, tak- been there for British Columbians all the way along. In ing the extra month is going to help us deliver that for March, we brought forward a signifcant efort to make British Columbians. sure that there were resources to help individuals and to help families get through the start of the pandemic with M. Bernier: I’m sure a lot of people will be bafed by our action plan. Ten we unveiled a recovery plan, an eco- that answer, the main reason being: was the minister not nomic recovery plan, in September. Here we are again, aware of COVID just three months ago? Well, I know the answer to that. I know what she would say. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 233

Ten Finance Minister Carole James stood in this necessary to analyze the information that we have, to look House only a few short months ago, before an election was at the forecasts that are required to build a budget, to make called, and brought this same act to this House and said sure that we understand where the federal government is to everybody that we need — at that point, in the midst going around their investments in Canadians and making of a pandemic — to give ourselves an extra three months. sure that we can build a budget that works for British Col- In case there’s an election in the fall of a year, we need an umbians today and into the future is absolutely critical. extra three months. She assured this House at that time that that extra M. Bernier: I’ll say this with all due respect to the min- month that was being asked for, for this House to vote ister. A few short months ago, this summer, we put this on at the time, changing it from the end of February to act on the foor for debate to add an extra 30 days, in the the end of March, still within the same fscal year, that middle of COVID. But the minister just stood here and that would be more than adequate. Tat was just a few said: “But things change.” short months ago when the Minister of Finance of the day At the time, we started seeing, possibly, the decline of said that extra month was more than adequate. Tis House people contracting COVID-19. She just says now that voted. Tis House voted to extend, and it passed. “things change,” and we started to see that go up. We star- I ask the minister again to maybe be a little bit more ted to see it being an issue. We started seeing a problem in specifc, because she can’t say: “COVID happened.” Well, British Columbia, obviously, as the minister is alluding to, COVID has been discussed for eight, nine months. Te because the COVID rates started going up. We started hit- Premier said, just a short while ago when he called an ting that second wave. And what does the government do? election, that the business of government would not be Calls an election. delayed, that work would continue, that he was satisfed Tey can’t have it both ways. You can’t sit there and say: that there would not be any delays in the work of govern- “We need to delay our jobs because of COVID, because of ment. the impact it’s going to have, and we want to make sure….” Again, the frst piece of legislation that that same gov- Obviously, they weren’t aware, I guess. And now, at the ernment, afer elected, put forward was to delay the work same time, they say: “But it’s not that bad. We’ll call an they have to do and the responsibility of reporting out to election instead to secure a majority government.” the people. Again to the minister, I’m hoping she can be Meanwhile, the Premier stood and said that the work of a little bit more specifc. To say it’s COVID doesn’t cut it. government would not be delayed. Tat was only a short Everybody knows it’s COVID. Everybody is dealing with six weeks ago. So I go back to: what has changed? We can- COVID. What specifcally is happening within the Min- not use the excuse of COVID changing when this govern- istry of Finance that they were not able to get this done on ment goes out and says: “We’re doing all of this great work time? for COVID. We were aware. We’re planning, and we’re doing this.”Yet we see nothing. You can’t have it both ways. Hon. S. Robinson: Tis pandemic has continually been Tere’s obviously something that’s happening within the evolving and changing. When my predecessor Carole ministry. I know we have a new minister. But typically, James stood in this place and tabled this bill, it was in the afer elections, we have new ministers. Sometimes mid- summer, and things were looking reasonably well for us. election we have cabinet shufes and new ministers, and We could see how well we were responding, how well Brit- budgets have always been able to meet the timelines that ish Columbians were responding to this pandemic. we have a piece of legislation for. Tat’s why we have this [11:20 a.m.] legislation — to ensure that the government of the day, As time has progressed, we are now in a second wave. whoever that is, has a template, a guideline and an expect- We see signifcant challenges and need to invest more in ation of them for the people of British Columbia to be able British Columbians as we ride through the second wave. to hold them accountable. Ten we have, now, vaccine right here on the horizon, Maybe I’ll ask this. Tis summer when they brought this and I know people around this place and throughout Brit- piece of legislation forward to change it, saying that they ish Columbia, Canada and around the world are probably would need more time just in case there was going to be an doing a similar jig to what Dr. Henry did the other day, election, was the minister aware there was going to be an looking forward and looking out. It’s an ever-evolving situ- election? ation. Being responsive to an evolving situation, I think, is absolutely critical, and it’s what British Columbians expect Hon. S. Robinson: No, I was not aware, is the short of their government. answer. What we’re saying is that things have changed since the [11:25 a.m.] summer as well. We are in, I would argue, a more pro- Again, I want to reiterate to the member that COVID tracted efect because of the second wave. Tings have got- has certainly created challenges for everyone right around ten worse in terms of the pandemic. Making sure that we the globe. It’s absolutely, I think, critical. can build a budget, making sure that we can do the work I think British Columbians would expect their govern- 234 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 ment to take the time to build out, to get the information So it’s a little bit disingenuous to suggest that this is the that is necessary to build a budget, one that will refect only piece of work that we’re doing here in Victoria right the changing landscape that COVID has created on our now. Tere’s a whole lot of work that is going on here in the forecasting, on our ability to understand the impacts to House this month. budgets so that we can make a plan, because budgeting is about a plan. Making sure that we take the extra bit of time M. Bernier: I believe my words were: “Tis is the only to have a plan for British Columbians is, I think, what Brit- piece of legislation that’s in front of the House for debate.” ish Columbians would want from their government. Te minister brought up sections, clauses, of the bill that we will get to. I defnitely have questions further M. Bernier: Putting a plan together is not what they on that. But that’s going to be awhile, because we need want; it’s what they expect. It’s government’s job. Tat’s to really wrap our heads around what government’s why you put your name on a ballot and try to get elected thoughts are — again, about why they need this delay — to hopefully put forward a plan and something for the in time to report to the people of British Columbia on people to look at and judge you by. what their fscal plans are, what the fscal shape of the We have legislation that’s put into place to put para- province is right now. I’m going to have some other meters around those expectations of government — of all questions around that in a little while. ministries, especially the Ministry of Finance. Tere are Te minister is using the idea that it wasn’t expected, expectations for the people of British Columbia of what maybe, that things have changed — and using COVID. they expect of their government and what they’re going to Dr. Bonnie Henry gave this entire House briefngs this see in a fscal plan and a fnancial plan going forward. summer at the same time that the government put this Again, the Premier said there would be no delays in the bill on the table for us to add 30 more days. We had work of government. Te minister just said: “Well, they’re briefngs all around the same time, everybody in this facing challenges.” Well, no kidding. Every British Colum- House and the public, that warned and cautioned us that bian right now is facing challenges. Te tourism sector has a second wave was coming, that told everybody to be been screaming all year long, looking for supports. People prepared and to do what they could to try to avoid that. with disabilities are wondering why they’re being clawed She was very specifc that a second wave was probably back. Businesses are wondering if they’re going to make imminent, that it was coming. it to the end of this year. People are hoping they have a For the minister to say that they didn’t know it was chance to visit with loved ones soon. coming…? I’m trying to fgure out which way it was. We Te economic realities in the province of British Col- were all briefed that a second wave was coming and that umbia right now are vague, at best, because of the lack of we should plan accordingly. Was the minister not part of communication and plan of this government. those briefngs at the time? I’m just kind of curious on that. Maybe I’ll ask the minister again, in light of those com- I know that we were all told it was coming, so for her to use ments: of anything that this government could have done COVID and changes and a second wave as excuses for a to help the people in the province of British Columbia delay is also disingenuous unless, of course, they were not right now, why is this the only piece of legislation that was paying attention. brought forward for the minister to have to justify why she Was the minister aware a second wave was coming? Did needs more time to do her job? she pay attention to those briefngs from Dr. Henry? And if that’s the case, again, why is a delay needed? Hon. S. Robinson: I think it’s important to get on record that we are here in this House — we’ve called mem- Hon. S. Robinson: Of course we knew that there was bers back — to also table supplementary estimates for the a second wave coming. Of course we were paying atten- recovery beneft. Tat, to me, is absolutely critical. tion, just like all British Columbians were paying attention We’ve certainly heard from British Columbians that at three o’clock every day, glued to whatever tool they had they are struggling now. Getting money into people’s at their disposal — whether it was an iPad or a phone or pockets so that families can pay their bills, buy groceries, just tuning in from whatever social media they had avail- buy new winter coats for their children, if that’s what able or television — to listen to what the updates were. So they need to do — they’re able to do that. Tat’s been of course we knew. absolutely critical. Te part that we didn’t know is the impact. How is this [11:30 a.m.] going to impact? How is this going to impact our eco- We’re here this month, here in this time, to do that work, nomy? Tis is unprecedented. Unprecedented. What’s it which is absolutely critical for British Columbians. going to mean for businesses? What’s it going to mean for I also want to point out that in this bill is also a piece families? What’s it going to mean for students? Are we about the homeowner grant, which is also timely. We’re going to be able to open schools or not open schools? Are also going to be debating that. I imagine that the member places of business going to be open or not open? Which will have some questions about that component of the bill. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 235 businesses? How is it going to play out? Tese were all Hon. S. Robinson: We’ve been there for British Colum- unknowns. bians since COVID hit our province, and we’ve been hit I want to take a small minute to speak to how proud hard. So we started out with a raf of supports for people. I am to be a British Columbian and how people did Te B.C. emergency beneft for workers — we support respond. Tey responded and have been heeding Dr. $1,000 for people who’ve lost income. We were one of the Henry’s advice. Tey’ve been doing their very best. Tis is only few provinces that had a rent supplement for a num- all new for all of us, so making sure that we understand the ber of months, helping people. impacts of the second wave is absolutely critical. We provided a three-month credit for B.C. Hydro for It’s absolutely critical that we take the time to work with customers who lost income due to COVID-19, saving the public service to understand what the impacts have them hundreds of dollars. We’re now delivering a recovery been, what impacts are going to be around for a short peri- beneft. We’re doing a whole raf of actions to help people od of time, what impacts are going to be around for a long get through it, get through the impacts. Tese are the period of time and that we build a budget and that we take impacts that we are seeing. the time. We’re also investing in communities and continuing to [11:35 a.m.] invest in communities. We’re building roads and mass We’re not asking for a long time. We’re asking for a few transit. Our capital plan is one of the most robust in his- extra weeks to take the time needed in order to make sure tory. We’re investing in communities so that we can con- that we can build out a budget that works today and into tinue to keep people employed and keep the economy the future and also that we understand what the impacts going in a way that makes a diference, again, for people. are around the investments that the Canadian government [11:40 a.m.] is making. We need to understand how that all layers in We’ve launched, as well, signifcant supports for busi- so that we can build on all of the various programs and nesses. One of them is the small and medium-sized busi- make sure that British Columbians, at the end of the day, ness recovery grant. Tat work is underway. Tere is a are continuing to be supported. myriad of numerous other benefts that we have unveiled I want to point out to the member that we have been and brought forward to help people, to help businesses and there all the way along. Nothing is going to change. We’ve to help communities, including making sure that we con- continued to provide supports for British Columbians. A tinue to have transit, continue to support municipalities. few extra weeks, which is all we’re suggesting in this bill, I know the federal government has been there with us to till we can table a budget that takes into account all those help local governments and transit authorities continue to considerations is what we’re saying would make a difer- deliver services. ence for British Columbians. Te other thing that we need to recognize is that not everybody has been hit equally. I think Dr. Henry talks M. Bernier: It’s not quite a few extra weeks. Tey’re about: “We’re all in the same storm, but we’re all in dif- striking out the words 120 days and adding 150 days for ferent boats.” I think that’s an apt analogy. We know, for the time allotted. We can debate over two, three, four example, that the tourism sector has been hit particularly weeks, but that’s not the point. hard. It’s for that reason that I know that my colleague the Te point is that the NDP government is trying to make Minister for Tourism is right now, at this very moment, it sound like nobody has ever faced a crisis before. Yes, I looking through a report that that industry put together want to say this is, in so many ways, unprecedented. We’ve specifcally looking at their particular issues. been hearing the challenges. We’ve been hearing the issues. I want to make sure that we can respond to that, I know our side of the House has. Every single member on respond to it appropriately within the context of the this side of the House stood up over the last week to talk budget. So we’re going to need the time. A rushed budget about what they’ve been hearing and asking that question is not what British Columbians need or expect from their of why a delay is needed. How is that going to impact? government. Tey expect their government to gather all Te minister just said that they need to have this infor- the relevant information, understand what’s happening mation because people are sufering and people are having now and use that to help build a plan for the future. Tat’s challenges right now. Can the minister maybe explain, what we’re saying this bill will help us do. then, to all of the people who have been contacting the government, who have been contacting us, who have been M. Bernier: Is the minister saying that all the other speaking loudly right across the province that they need NDP governments that were put forward did not gather help, and they need answers, and they need some kind of information and that they rushed through the process? certainty now. Can she explain to them how 30 days more, and waiting Hon. S. Robinson: Absolutely not. another entire fscal year before any shed of hope or light around what the plan is for the province, helps those M. Bernier: Well, is the minister, then, saying that they people who are looking for help now? weren’t listening to all of these concerns leading into them 236 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 15, 2020 calling an election, to be able to put the information for- process works. I know how the reporting goes. I know ward to put a budget following the timelines that every what the minister is going to have to do, presenting to this other government in the past has been able to meet? House and then doing the media aferwards, putting all the documentation and reporting out to the public, meet- Hon. S. Robinson: I just gave a perfect example. Te ing with stakeholders, etc., etc., afer a budget. We will tourism sector said that they wanted to put together a walk through the timeline afer lunch, because I’m very task force. It was led capably by Tamara Vrooman, putting curious, and I’m sure that people are as well. together a plan for recovery for this particularly hard-hit Te minister said that this is COVID. Again, I don’t sector. Tey want us to consider their recommendations. want to really dive too much into the technicalities of Now, I suppose what the members opposite would do COVID. I appreciate and, again, understand and empath- is they would ignore that, because that’s essentially what ize with the situation that government is facing, that the they’re saying they would do. Tat’s not who we are on people of British Columbia are facing. But we’re not the this side of the House. We listen to what people have to only jurisdiction going through this. say. Tis report has just hit our desks, and we need to ana- Can the minister tell me all of the other jurisdictions…? lyze it and identify the best way forward to make sure that Everywhere in the world, obviously, is facing COVID. But that sector can get the supports that it needs as part of the let’s just say in Canada. How many other provinces have budget process. had to put bills forward to delay putting a budget forward Te member also knows that under what I would call because of COVID? normal circumstances, the budget process starts sever- al months earlier. With the March date, it is truncated, Hon. S. Robinson: I checked with some smart people because it is a new government. But really, we have a on the other end of my AirPods, who said that most other COVID situation here that has lef the entire world in a jurisdictions do not have legislated dates. Just to make a framework of doing their best to try to fgure out: how little bit of a point on this, for our national government, it’s do we move forward? How do we gather the inform- been over a year since they’ve brought forward a budget. ation, understand the implications and pull together a So we are seeing that the impact of being able to pull plan, an economic plan that is going to work now and together a budget is being challenged. into the future? Tis bill says: “A few extra weeks so that Tere is actually some…. Te smart people, again, at the we can get it right.” other end of my AirPods are saying that they’re starting to hear other governments take a look at some of the chal- M. Bernier: With the minister saying that, will she lenges of putting together some budgets. stand in the House, then, and confrm that nobody in this However, having said that, we recognize the import- province will be negatively afected in any way by the delay ance of putting together a budget. We recognize the of an extra four weeks, waiting now until basically May importance of gathering all of the information. We rec- before they know what the budget is going to be? ognize the importance of investing in people, investing [11:45 a.m.] in businesses and investing in communities. We’re com- mitted to doing that work. All we’re saying to this House Hon. S. Robinson: First of all, the extension is until is we need more time in order to gather all that inform- April, not May. Members keep talking about May. It is ation and put together a robust and meaningful budget April. for now and well into the future. Tis bill ensures that funding will continue until 15 days afer the budget is tabled. Tis ensures that nothing M. Bernier: I’ll go back to my question before that. changes from the current status until 15 days afer the Well, let me just say, frst of all, I know there are smart budget is tabled. people on the other end that are doing great work. [11:50 a.m.] M. Bernier: I’ll just ask the minister this, then, since she Maybe I’ll ask this, then, frst. Were all those amazing wants to keep referring to: “It’s only until April.”Is she will- public servants on vacation for the last couple of months ing to make an amendment to make it April 1, rather than while there was an election, or were they still working April 30, for this bill, then? behind the scenes putting a budget together, like the Pre- mier said they were doing? Hon. S. Robinson: No. Hon. S. Robinson: I don’t need to go talk to the smart M. Bernier: I think it’s fair to say, then, that if some- people in order to provide this answer because, I have to thing is presented in the House at the eleventh hour, basic- say, the public service has been busting their tails. Tey ally, on the very last day in April, the public really doesn’t have absolutely been busting their tails on behalf of British know until May. Columbians to make sure that we can continue to be there Tat’s pretty factual, I would say. I know how the budget for them, to roll out numerous programs that they have Tuesday, December 15, 2020 British Columbia Debates 237 developed on the fy. Maybe we’ve never been able to wit- Te committee rose at 11:51 a.m. ness just how quickly they put together these programs. I have to say, in my previous iteration in this govern- Te House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. ment as the Minister of Housing, witnessing how B.C. Housing put together a rent supplement program in days Te Committee of the Whole, having reported to help thousands of British Columbians make rent was progress, was granted leave to sit again. unbelievable. Tey continue to do that. Tey continue to roll out programs because they know that British Colum- Hon. S. Robinson moved adjournment of the House. bians need it. Tey know that they have a responsibility, not just to this House, but to all British Columbians. So Motion approved. they are working diligently, multi-tasking quite ofen. I think many of them are actually quite exhausted. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 With that, I’m noticing the hour. I move that the com- this afernoon. mittee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again. Te House adjourned at 11:53 a.m. Motion approved.

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