Fift h Session, 39th Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(HANSARD)

Th ursday, February 28, 2013 Morning Sitting Volume 43, Number 1

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

ISSN 0709-1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable , OBC

Fifth Session, 39th Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism ...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture ...... Hon. Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government ...... Hon. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ...... Hon. Minister of Education ...... Hon. Don McRae Minister of Environment ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Minister of State for Seniors ...... Hon. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...... Hon. Minister of State for Small Business ...... Hon. Minister of Justice ...... Hon. Minister of Social Development ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...... Deputy Speaker ...... Assistant Deputy Speaker ...... Dawn Black Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...... Roderick MacArthur, QC Clerk Consultant ...... E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ...... Gary Lenz ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, George (BC Liberal) ...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Mission ...... Austin, Robin (NDP) ...... Skeena Abbotsford South ...... Bains, Harry (NDP) ...... Surrey-Newton Abbotsford West ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Barisoff , Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Penticton Alberni–Pacifi c Rim ...... Scott Fraser Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Boundary-Similkameen ...... John Slater Bell, Hon. Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie –Deer Lake ...... Bennett, Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Kootenay East Burnaby-Edmonds ...... Raj Chouhan Black, Dawn (NDP) ...... New Westminster Burnaby-Lougheed ...... Harry Bloy Bloy, Harry (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed Burnaby North ...... Richard T. Lee Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Valemount Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Brar, Jagrup (NDP) ...... Surrey-Fleetwood Cariboo North ...... Bob Simpson Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Panorama Chilliwack ...... Cantelon, Ron (BC Liberal) ...... Parksville-Qualicum Chilliwack-Hope ...... Gwen O'Mahony Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ...... –West End Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Norm Macdonald Chong, Hon. Ida (BC Liberal) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Comox Valley...... Hon. Don McRae Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...... Burnaby-Edmonds Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ...... Douglas Horne Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–Point Grey Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Diane Th orne Coell, Murray (BC Liberal) ...... Saanich North and the Islands Cowichan Valley ...... Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Delta North ...... Guy Gentner Conroy, Katrine (NDP) ...... Kootenay West Delta South ...... Vicki Huntington Coons, Gary (NDP) ...... North Coast Esquimalt–Royal Roads ...... Maurine Karagianis Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ...... Burnaby–Deer Lake Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...... Hon. Rich Coleman Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission Fraser-Nicola...... Harry Lali de Jong, Hon. Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford West Juan de Fuca ...... Dix, Adrian (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kamloops–North Th ompson ...... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ...... Stikine Kamloops–South Th ompson ...... Elmore, Mable (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kensington Kelowna–Lake Country ...... Hon. Norm Letnick Falcon, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kelowna-Mission ...... Hon. Steve Th omson Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ...... Port Coquitlam Kootenay East ...... Hon. Bill Bennett Fleming, Rob (NDP) ...... Victoria–Swan Lake Kootenay West ...... Katrine Conroy Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) ...... Vernon-Monashee Langley...... Hon. Mary Polak Fraser, Scott (NDP) ...... Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Maple Ridge–Mission ...... Gentner, Guy (NDP) ...... Delta North Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ...... Michael Sather Hammell, Sue (NDP) ...... Surrey–Green Timbers Nanaimo ...... Leonard Krog Hansen, Colin (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Quilchena Nanaimo–North Cowichan ...... Doug Routley Hawes, Randy (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Nechako Lakes ...... Hayer, Dave S. (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Tynehead Nelson-Creston ...... Michelle Mungall Heed, Kash (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview New Westminster ...... Dawn Black Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey–White Rock North Coast...... Gary Coons Horgan, John (NDP) ...... Juan de Fuca North Island ...... Horne, Douglas (BC Liberal) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain North Vancouver–Lonsdale ...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Howard, Rob (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond Centre North Vancouver–Seymour ...... Jane Th ornthwaite Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ...... Delta South Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...... Hon. Ida Chong James, Carole (NDP) ...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Parksville-Qualicum ...... Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ...... Esquimalt–Royal Roads Peace River North ...... Krog, Leonard (NDP) ...... Nanaimo Peace River South ...... Krueger, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–South Th ompson Penticton...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP) ...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Port Coquitlam ...... Mike Farnworth Lake, Hon. Dr. Terry (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–North Th ompson Port Moody–Coquitlam ...... Joe Trasolini Lali, Harry (NDP) ...... Fraser-Nicola Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...... Nicholas Simons Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby North Prince George–Mackenzie ...... Hon. Pat Bell Lekstrom, Blair (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River South Prince George–Valemount ...... Hon. Shirley Bond Les, John (BC Liberal) ...... Chilliwack Richmond Centre ...... Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna–Lake Country Richmond East ...... Linda Reid MacDiarmid, Hon. Dr. Margaret (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fairview Richmond-Steveston ...... Hon. John Yap Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Saanich North and the Islands ...... McIntyre, Joan (BC Liberal) ...... –Sea to Sky Saanich South ...... Lana Popham McNeil, Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–False Creek Shuswap ...... George Abbott McRae, Hon. Don (BC Liberal) ...... Comox Valley Skeena ...... Robin Austin Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ...... Nelson-Creston Stikine ...... Doug Donaldson O'Mahony, Gwen (NDP) ...... Chilliwack-Hope Surrey-Cloverdale ...... Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River North Surrey-Fleetwood ...... Jagrup Brar Polak, Hon. Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Langley Surrey–Green Timbers ...... Sue Hammell Popham, Lana (NDP) ...... Saanich South Surrey-Newton ...... Harry Bains Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Surrey-Panorama ...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond East Surrey-Tynehead ...... Dave S. Hayer Routley, Bill (NDP) ...... Cowichan Valley Surrey-Whalley...... Bruce Ralston Routley, Doug (NDP) ...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey–White Rock ...... Gordon Hogg Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ...... Nechako Lakes Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Sather, Michael (NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver–False Creek ...... Mary McNeil Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Fraserview ...... Simpson, Bob (Ind.) ...... Cariboo North Vancouver-Hastings ...... Shane Simpson Simpson, Shane (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Kensington ...... Mable Elmore Slater, John (Ind.) ...... Boundary-Similkameen Vancouver-Kingsway...... Adrian Dix Stewart, Hon. Ben (BC Liberal) ...... Westside-Kelowna Vancouver-Langara ...... Hon. Dr. Moira Stilwell Stilwell, Hon. Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Langara Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Sultan, Hon. Ralph (BC Liberal) ...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver–Point Grey ...... Hon. Christy Clark Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver-Quilchena ...... Th orne, Diane (NDP) ...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vancouver–West End ...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Vernon-Monashee ...... Trasolini, Joe (NDP)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Victoria–Beacon Hill ...... Carole James Trevena, Claire (NDP) ...... North Island Victoria–Swan Lake...... Rob Fleming van Dongen, John (Ind.)...... Abbotsford South West Vancouver–Capilano ...... Hon. Ralph Sultan Yamamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...... Joan McIntyre Yap, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond-Steveston Westside-Kelowna ...... Hon. Ben Stewart

Party Standings: BC Liberal 45; New Democratic 36; Independent 4

CONTENTS

Th ursday, February 28, 2013 Morning Sitting

Page

Orders of the Day

Budget Debate (continued) ...... 13167 J. Brar

Tabling Documents ...... 13167 Offi ce of the Auditor General, report No. 11, 2013, Health Benefi ts Operations: Are the Expected Benefi ts Being Achieved?

Budget Debate (continued) ...... 13167 J. Brar Hon. S. Bond N. Simons Hon. N. Yamamoto R. Fleming

13167

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 Surrey is also a young city. Th ere are over 100,000 people under the age of 19, and Surrey has the largest Th e House met at 10:02 a.m. number of youth of all B.C. municipalities. [1005] [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Th e population growth brings with it unique econom- ic opportunities and challenges to address the growing Prayers. needs of our growing population. Th erefore, the people of Surrey watched the budget speech with deep interest, Orders of the Day hoping it would address some of the challenges facing our people. Over the years the B.C. Liberal government Hon. T. Lake: I now call for a return to response to has shown it is not up to the challenges facing our fast- the budget. growing community. We still see chronic problems with education, income inequality, transit and health care. Budget Debate Surrey residents are fi nding it hard to travel on public (continued) transit, schools badly need funding, and we see the visible signs of poverty and income inequality in parts of the city. [Applause.] Th ere is no good news in this budget for the people of Surrey. B.C. Liberals claim that this is a balanced budget. J. Brar: Th anks to the member. Quite a good begin- It is not a balanced budget. Th is is the fi ft h defi cit budget ning and in the spirit of friendship, at least to start the day. in a row. In fact, it is a bogus budget. Let me tell you why this budget is a bogus budget. [D. Black in the chair.] First, the total projected surplus for this budget is just $197 million — just $197 million — and the projected It's always a real honour to stand up in this House and defi cit for last year's budget was $968 million. In reality, respond to the budget speech. Th is is a rare opportunity today the defi cit for the last fi scal year is now predicted to to speak for the people of Surrey. I exist in this House be- be $1.2 billion. In other words, the defi cit, as projected by this government, and the reality of the defi cit — there's cause the people of Surrey have elected me as their repre- a variation of $232 million. It is $232 million more than sentative three times in a row. Th erefore, I would like to they projected last year. convey my sincere thanks to the people of Surrey for giv- Th e question that the people of British Columbia are ing me the opportunity and for putting their faith in me. asking is: how realistic is it to have a defi cit of $197 mil- lion when their last-year defi cit was over, by their projec- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] tions, about $232 million? Secondly, they used accounting tricks to move ex- The city of Surrey is the second-largest city in the penditures from one year to the other year. Th at is an- province. other thing they did, and that's why this is a bogus budget. And it is not only the opposition saying it. Media are say- Mr. Speaker: Hon. Member, sorry to interrupt you, ing it, political pundits are saying it, and the accountants but I have a report that I have to table. are saying it. Let me tell you what a well-known, respected reporter, Tabling Documents Vaughn Palmer, said on February 20 in the Vancouver Sun. "Another fi scal trick saw the government bring for- Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honour to ward into the outgoing fi nancial year, meaning the one present the Auditor General's report No. 11, 2013, Health ending this March 31, about $150 million worth of pro- Benefits Operations: Are the Expected Benefits Being gram spending that would have otherwise been booked Achieved? to the incoming year, meaning the one beginning April 1." Continue, Member. Th at means they have moved the $150 million expendi- ture from the budget year, which is the next year, from Debate Continued the previous year. Th irdly, this is a bogus budget because the Liberal re- J. Brar: Th e city of Surrey is the second-largest city in cord of making predictions about revenue is very, very the province. Surrey welcomes over 1,000 new residents poor. Last year, for example, the B.C. Liberal predictions every month and is proud to be called the fastest-growing for natural gas revenue were wrong by half a million dol- community in the country. lars — half a million dollars over just a six-month period. Th at's why this is a bogus budget. [D. Black in the chair.] Fourthly, this is a bogus budget because this budget in- 13168 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

cludes $800 million of revenue from a fi re sale of public plus, as defi ned by the government. Th erefore, there is land and assets. Th is is unrealistic and simply not cred- a disclosure issue this government continues to refuse ible. Again, this is not only the opposition objecting to about those properties, and that's why this budget is a it. Th e people of British Columbia are asking questions bogus budget. about it, and the media are asking questions about it. Th is Th ere is bad news for the people of Surrey. Th e list of government has been silent, not responding to many of those properties includes fi ve properties in the city of the questions being asked. Surrey. Th e city of Surrey, the fastest-growing popula- [1010] tion in the province, in the country, which needs a lot of Let me tell you what Vaughn Palmer on February 20 properties to build schools, to build hospitals, and fi ve of stated in the Vancouver Sun: "Th e most controversial those properties are included in the city of Surrey. Th ere saw the inclusion of $800 million worth of scheduled are two lots on 192 Street in the middle of a fast-growing asset sales, mostly government-owned land that has been community. declared surplus, marketable or both. Previous govern- Th ey also sold a former school board offi ce, located ments have sold off assets from time to time as well. I next to the city hall, and they are selling two schools. I don't recall them doing it to this extent, nor as a route to don't know which the schools are, because they don't a balanced budget." Th at's what Vaughn Palmer is saying disclose the information. But the most controversial from the Vancouver Sun. and most objectionable piece of land this government Today in the Vancouver Sun I read a completely dif- has put on sale is the 15-acre lot in the Panorama Ridge ferent new layer about that. Th e government planned to neighbourhood in Surrey. Th is is a piece of land that was sell off fi nancial instruments. Th at's what is reported in purchased more than 15 years ago by the previous gov- today's Vancouver Sun by Jonathan Fowlie. Th is is a new ernment to build a new hospital for the growing popu- item which has never been disclosed before. Th is is what lation of Surrey. Th is is a perfect location to build a new Jonathan says: "Th e B.C. Liberal government's controver- hospital at the corner of 152 Street and Highway 10. sial plan to balance its budget by selling off public assets [1015] includes the disposal of hundreds of millions of dollars… This is a location that is in the middle of a grow- of what it is calling 'fi nancial instruments.'" Th at's what ing population and with an excellent road network to the newspaper is saying today. three other hospitals in the region: Peace Arch Hospital, Langley Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. But the Interjection. B.C. Liberals have put that piece of land on sale to bal- ance the budget just before the election, so they don't care J. Brar: Madam Speaker, the member for Chilliwack is about the needs of the fastest-growing community in the objecting to my comments. I think he will have a chance province. Th at is the people of Surrey. to speak to the budget, and he should stand up and speak to the budget when his turn comes. Th at's why this is a bogus budget, because we don't About this sale of these properties. Th is government know whether the sale of those 100 properties will ma- has been very secret about disclosing the list of those terialize and will bring the money they have projected properties. We have asked them in this House, and the in the budget. people of British Columbia have been asking about that Another thing is that this is not the fi rst time. Th is list, and this government has been completely secret. Th at budget is actually nothing but a repeat of the 2009 pre- brings a lot of suspicion about the sale of those proper- election budget. If you remember, Madam Speaker, it was ties. Th e argument used by the government, in my opin- in '09, just before the election, that they presented the ion, is baseless and does not stand the test of the market. budget saying that the total defi cit would be $495 mil- What they are saying is that by disclosing the list of lion. Not a penny more. Th at's what they said. And it's not properties, the price of the property is going to go up. only what they said during the presentation of the budget. Th at's the argument this government is using. Th at is Th ey kept repeating it during the election campaign. But a baseless argument, in my view. In my view, the more as soon as the election was over, what did the people of buyers, the better the price of the property. Th erefore, I British Columbia fi nd? Th at that was completely wrong. would like to ask the government that they should make Th e actual defi cit was over $2 billion, fi ve times more than the list of those properties public. the prediction made by this government in the '09 budget. (a) Th e public of British Columbia has the right to Clearly, this government, the B.C. Liberal govern- know the list of those properties. ment, misled the people of British Columbia. Th ey mis- (b) Th e more buyers, the better the price, I think, is the informed the people of British Columbia about the formula. Th e more people that know about it, the better prediction about the budget and particularly about the the price that the people of British Columbia can get for defi cit. that property. Th e other thing they said during the pre-election cam- (c) People will judge whether those properties are sur- paign, that…. Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13169

J. Les: I rise on a point of order, Madam Speaker. I to live on the welfare amount, to experience fi rst time believe I heard the member opposite suggesting that what life is like for the 800,000 people living in poverty the government misled the people of British Columbia. in this province, because it is very hard for me to believe, I believe that to be unparliamentary language, and he and I think it's very hard for any member of this House should withdraw. to believe, that we have 100,000 children living in pov- erty in this rich province we call "Th e best place on earth M. Farnworth: Madam Speaker, it is a time-honoured, to live." It's very hard for me to believe that over 90,000 long-known parliamentary fact that the term "misled" is British Columbians use a food bank every month. perfectly acceptable parliamentary language. Th e term We have a wealthy society. We have a wealthy province, "deliberately misleading" would be unparliamentary, but and we can do better. We can do better, and I think the "misleading" is parliamentary. people of British Columbia want us to do better, particu- larly the way we look aft er the most vulnerable people Deputy Speaker: Th ere is no point of order. Would the of the province. Th is budget does not address that issue. member for Surrey-Fleetwood please continue. I lived on the provincial income assistance for a month, beginning January 1, 2012. I met a lot of people living in J. Brar: Th ank you, Madam Speaker. You know, we live poverty, living on welfare. I listened to their stories, very in the fi nest democracy on the earth, and people have heartbreaking stories, and there is a message to all of us. the right to object, but at the same time, if you say to the Under the B.C. Liberals life has become less aff ordable. people of British Columbia that the total defi cit will be Life has become less aff ordable for families. Th at's the $495 million, and, in reality, it's $2 billion, I don't know message, and that message was very clear. what word you would use to explain that. I just said "mis- British Columbia now has the highest level of income led," but I don't know. What word would you use to say inequality and the highest rate of poverty of any prov- that, as to what happened there? ince in Canada. Th is budget off ers absolutely no hope Th e other thing they said during the pre-election in for those people. '09…. Th ey didn't mention in the budget at all about Th e B.C. Liberal record is very clear when it comes the HST. Th ey said they had no plans to introduce the to supporting or assisting the most vulnerable people. HST in the province of British Columbia. Not only that, A report released by the Toronto-Dominion Bank in but they actually gave that commitment in writing to December 2012 shows that British Columbia has the the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association. highest level of income inequality in Canada. Th ey also gave that commitment in writing to the Greater Similarly, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Vancouver Home Builders Association. states that in 2009 the top 20 percent of earners in British But that was during the election campaign. As soon Columbia had 44.8 percent of aft er-tax income, the most as the election was over, because they said the total defi - of any jurisdiction in Canada. Th e bottom 20 percent cit would be $495 million and, in fact, it was $2 billion, had the smallest share, with only 4.5 percent of income. they were looking for new cash. So guess what hap- Th e gap between the rich and the poor is highest in this pened. Just a few weeks aft er the election, they imposed province because of the policies of the B.C. Liberal gov- the HST on the people of British Columbia. Th at's what ernment for the last ten years. they did. It was a complete surprise for the people of Th e B.C. Progress Board annual report, 2006, empha- British Columbia. sizes the fact that…. Th is is a board established by this [1020] government. Th is is the board established by the B.C. What happened after that we know. The people of Liberal government. British Columbia stood up to this government. They [1025] signed petitions. Th ey answered the future of the HST Th is is what they say: "Low income matters for two rea- through the referendum — and we still continue, the sons. First, equality of opportunity is an important goal people of British Columbia still continue, paying HST, in British Columbia. All children, irrespective of their so- even aft er that HST was defeated through a legal process, cial background, should have an equal chance to succeed through a referendum process. People still keep paying it. in the province, and there is compelling evidence that Th at's why the people of British Columbia don't believe children from low-income families are at greater risk." the budget of this government. Th at's what the B.C. Progress Board said. Th e other issue, which is not part of this budget, is the Th e second thing they said: "Governments and society issue of income inequality. Th is is very close to my heart. as a whole bear important collective costs that fl ow from Th e budget fails to address the growing income inequal- high levels of economic marginalization in the province." ity in our rich province. Th at's what the B.C. Progress Board says. Income inequality has been growing in every part of Th ere is a clear diff erence between our vision and the British Columbia since the B.C. Liberals took over in B.C. Liberals' vision, as indicated in this province. Th e 2001. Th at's why I accepted the welfare challenge last year B.C. Liberals' economic and social policies have left B.C. 13170 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013 with the worst poverty rate in Canada for several years in and the number of portables has gone up to 292 last year. a row, according to Statistics Canada. Th e B.C. Liberals Th at is equivalent to 12 elementary schools, and that is have refused to follow the lead of eight other provinces not good for Surrey families and students. and territorial governments that have comprehensive [1030] poverty reduction plans in place or under development. Th e B.C. Liberal government record on education is We cannot aff ord not to take actions to address the very disturbing. Th is government, the B.C. Liberal gov- growing gap between the rich and the poor. We must ernment, championed a law that strips teachers of the start addressing income inequality with a pragmatic ap- right to negotiate smaller classes and enhanced school proach, with clear targets and timelines. Th e B.C. Liberal support for students. In 2001 the B.C. Supreme Court government has continuously refused to take steps in declared that law unconstitutional. Th at's what happened. that direction. In 2001 and '02 the B.C. Liberal government slashed Th e government and the people of British Columbia education capital funding by 47 percent, from $450 mil- want us to take action. Th at's why we have tabled, the lion to $240 million, and then continued to reduce it over New Democrats have tabled, a Poverty Reduction Act in the following ten years. Th at's what happened. the Legislature that would result in a poverty reduction In 2010-11 there were more than 16,000 classes that plan to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people of broke the B.C. Liberals' own class-size and composition British Columbia. We are committed to bringing change law — 16,000. B.C.'s student-to-educator ratio was the for the better. We are committed to bringing change for worst in Canada in 2009 and '10, as per Statistics Canada. the better, one practical step at a time. Post-secondary education is another story under the B.C. Liberals. Th e B.C. Liberals have failed to make post- Interjection. secondary education a priority in this budget, resulting in lost opportunity for young students. Th e Liberals singled J. Brar: I know, Madam Speaker, the member for out the Ministry of Advanced Education as the only one Chilliwack has diffi culty listening to all of these facts, to receive a cut in the 2012 provincial budget, and they you know, because it's hard for him to digest the factual did the same in this budget at a time of a serious skills reality. shortage. It makes absolutely no sense to cut funding for Education is another story, and this budget does not post-secondary education. Th at's what the B.C. Liberals address the chaos this government has created in the did in the budget. education system. In 2001 the B.C. Liberals promised to At a time when students in this province have roughly the people of British Columbia that they would provide about $27,000 average debt, it doesn't make sense not to "the best education system, so that no child is left behind." have a need-based grant program for students. At a time Th at's what they said. when 80 percent of the jobs in the future will require In reality, they did the opposite. Th ey closed over 150 some level of post-secondary education, it doesn't make schools in the province, and they cut capital funding for any sense to cut funding for the Ministry of Advanced building new schools in every budget, particularly in the Education. Th at's what this government has done in this fastest-growing community of Surrey, as well. Under the budget. B.C. Liberals, a decade of confrontation with the teachers Access to education and skills training is key to grow- has damaged our school system completely. Th e ability ing a sustainable economy. Th at will attract investment, of our public education system to meet the needs of stu- create good jobs and build a ladder of opportunity into dents, particularly those with special needs, has declined. a stronger middle class. But this government has a com- Th is budget does not address the key issues facing pletely diff erent vision. our students. Class size, composition, support for spe- To conclude — I don't know how much time I have — I cial needs students remain key educational priorities, just want to re-emphasize that this is a bogus budget be- and this budget does not address those priorities. Th is cause it is not a balanced budget. Th is is the fi ft h defi cit budget is a missed opportunity, and particularly when it budget in a row. In fact, it is a bogus budget because they comes to the city of Surrey — as I said earlier, the fastest- used accounting tricks to move expenditures from one growing community in the province. Th e B.C. Liberals year to the other and because this budget includes $800 have cut capital funding for the Surrey school district million revenue from a fi re sale of public land and assets. since 2005. Th e Surrey school district didn't receive a Th at is unrealistic and simply not credible. penny to build new schools since 2005. It's a bogus budget because critical issues like train- Th e Surrey school district is the largest school district ing and reinvestment in our land base and investment in the province and one of a few growing school districts in climate change are missing in the budget. Th is budget in the province. At this point about 7,300 students are at- will not fi x the credibility gap that the B.C. Liberals have tending schools in portables. In other words, around 10 desperately tried to fi x with more than $16 million in percent of the students in Surrey have no real classrooms, taxpayer-funded ads. and they receive education in portables. Th at's the reality, Th ank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13171

Hon. S. Bond: I very much appreciate the opportunity We live in a fantastic province. We live in a province to stand today in the Legislature and provide some com- that is on the verge of being even greater, and we have ments about Budget 2013. such possibility and such opportunity. It means we have [1035] to be strategic and we have to be thoughtful. We have to I will have, certainly, more to say about the budget spe- be bold, and we have to grasp the opportunities that are cifi cally, but I do want to take the opportunity as I stand before us. in this House, and as I do each time that I get to speak, Member aft er member on the opposite benches has to recognize what an unbelievable privilege it is, whether gotten up and looked back. Lots of criticism but very you are in government or in opposition or an independ- little positive planning for the future. We can stand here ent in this House, to serve British Columbians aft er hav- all day and can debate whether or not the members op- ing been elected by your constituents. posite believe that the budget is balanced. It's an amazing place. It's an opportunity to teach the What is absolutely astounding to me is that we talk rest of British Columbia about all parts of the province. about what happened in terms of previous budgets, but I live in a beautiful riding. I'm extremely proud of it. I what's completely ignored in the comments is the fact am very honoured to be the MLA for Prince George– that the world faced a global economic downturn. Valemount. If you look around us, British Columbia is better pos- It's also a place where we get to disagree with one an- itioned today than virtually any other jurisdiction in other. Hopefully, that's in a respectful way. I think British North America. In fact, you don't have to just listen to Columbians expect that of us. members on this side of the bench. When you actually I want to begin by recognizing, as virtually every mem- look at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, ber has, that we get to serve in this place and we get to be for example, they said that if you're going to invest any- as successful at our jobs as we are because of a number where, choose British Columbia. of groups of people. First and foremost are our families. When we look at a triple-A credit rating, that is not an Certainly, I, like others, have had exceptional support insignifi cant accomplishment. Th ere are very few juris- from my husband, my children and many, many close dictions that have managed to retain and have successive friends and colleagues. When you've been in public offi ce credit upgrades. of some sort for almost two decades, there is a long list We don't hear anything about that on the other side of of thank-yous. I'm very grateful to my family and friends the House. In fact, if we look back to the 1990s, we had for the unbelievable support that they continue to give. successive credit downgrades in British Columbia — a But I also know that in order to be eff ective in our jobs pretty staggering diff erence. as MLAs — and, certainly, as a cabinet minister — there [1040] are teams of people who work to support us every single I remember one of the things that compelled me to day. I am always grateful, and I want to very much recog- run in the fi rst place, when I fi rst decided to run as an nize my own constituency assistants, one of whom is not MLA. I was so embarrassed that British Columbia had feeling very well today in Prince George. I'm sorry for been moved from have status to have-not status — a rich that. So to Katrina and Dorothy, who make my world a and beautiful province. At a time when other jurisdic- lot more simple — I appreciate them. tions were actually prospering, our province was going Here in Victoria I have a very busy portfolio and a in exactly the opposite direction. Th at not only made me team that literally helps to hold everything together in sad but concerned me greatly. what is a complex and diffi cult ministry. To Evan, Mike, If we look at the comparison today…. Th at was then, Damon, Raz, Rahim, Lara, Kim and Candice — they are and this is now. Let's talk about why it's important to an exceptional team, and I'm very grateful to have their place a balanced budget before the citizens of British support on a daily basis. Columbia. I can assure members of this House that one I also want to recognize two other members of the thing we're clear about is we're not prepared to saddle House. We have been a great team, and we enjoy working future generations with debt. We're going to continue to together — the member for Prince George–Mackenzie look at debt reduction. We're going to continue to look and the member for Nechako Lakes. at economic investments in this province. One of the things that helps when you're here in In fact, we just heard from the opposition Finance crit- Victoria is making sure that you're bringing a strong and ic the other day that the plan on the other side is: "You united voice for your part of the province. I can't begin know what? We're going to balance the budget, but we're to tell you what an honour it's been to work with both going to take one fi scal cycle to do that. In other words, of these members, working hard on behalf of the people we're going to build up the debt, and we might get around who live in the northern part of British Columbia. to balancing a budget in four or fi ve years." It's pretty rich You know, we stand in the House, and we hear…. Th e that we sit and listen to members on the opposite side of member who just spoke previously. Th ere was hardly one the House talk about this balanced budget, when in fact positive sentiment in the entire speech. they have laid it out for British Columbians. 13172 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

One thing we do know about their plan is that they 1998 the unemployment rate was 14.1 percent. I live in plan to have a defi cit. We don't know how big it is. We do a beautiful, prosperous place full of resources that need know that it'll take them four or fi ve years to get around to be developed responsibly and sustainably — 14.1 per- to actually balancing the budget. So how big will that cent. Let me tell you what it was last month. Last month defi cit be? where I live the unemployment rate was 4.5 percent. Th at Day aft er day: "Let's add more to education." We just was then; this is now. heard that from the member opposite. "Let's add more." For the fi rst time in the history of British Columbia He neglected to point out that there are 65,000 fewer chil- we're training doctors outside of the Lower Mainland. dren in the education system, and we continue to invest Why is that important? Because families in northern record amounts of funding in education in the province. British Columbia deserve a physician, and we've learned Th e same is true for health care. All we hear about on that if you actually train those physicians closer to home, the other side of the House is that we've cut funding to they'll stay there. health care. Th e last time I looked at the budget docu- Th is government in the beginning of our mandate had ment, it says that over the next three years we will in- the foresight to say that you need to move the training crease funding to health care by $2.4 billion. closer to home so that northern students would have I don't know how you get the math to work it out to be the opportunity to train and be physicians closer to their a cut — $2.4 billion. Th e health care budget has grown homes. Th at's exactly what we did, and we're seeing that to the largest budget in the history of this province, and we now can retain and recruit physicians to the north yet it's characterized as a cut. in a way that simply wasn't possible. We have a medical It's also hard to sit and listen to the member previous program in northern British Columbia. Th at wasn't even to me speak about child poverty. Now, we should be very contemplated before we became government. clear. Th ere is not a single member in this House, whether It doesn't stop there. I know many members in this they're on that side of the bench or this, that doesn't care House travel extensively. I travel back and forth to my about children in this province. Child poverty isn't and home. I try and do it every week. But I can't tell you how shouldn't be a partisan issue. Every single person in this many times, Madam Speaker, I sit beside someone on a House cares about that. plane who has had to leave their loved one in Vancouver What the member opposite failed to point out is that for cancer treatment. I want you to know that's not an B.C.'s poverty rate is at its second-lowest point in the past easy ride home when they're feeling like they want to 20 years. Only 2008, before the recession, showed a bet- be close to the person that they love. Is it fair that they ter result, and until the recent recession British Columbia should not be able to be treated closer to home? Of saw a dramatic, consistent decline in the poverty rate. In course not. fact, since 2003 our child poverty rate has dropped by 45 Let's look at what happened then and now. Northern percent — 19.2 percent in 2003 to 10.5 percent in 2010. residents wanted a cancer centre for decades. Th e an- Th at is a higher rate of decline than the national average. swer was: "No, there are not enough people. You don't No one in this House believes for a moment that that's have a large enough population base." Well, I want you good enough — no one. To stand in this House and sug- to know we looked at that, and we said: "Th at's simply gest that there should be a partisan approach or that not good enough." people feel diff erently about reducing child poverty is I can't begin to tell you what an unbelievable day it was simply unacceptable. when we opened the northern cancer centre. It was emo- Madam Speaker, when you look at Budget 2013, one of tional, and it was a demonstration of what Prince George the most important things we have looked at is how we and the north looked like then and what it looks like now. make tough, practical decisions so that we can make sure We only have to look at our post-secondary institu- that our families in British Columbia can be protected tions. I sat and listened to: "We don't invest, we haven't as much as possible through what are very diffi cult eco- done anything, and nothing has changed." Th at's simply nomic circumstances. But to suggest that the budget does not accurate. We have invested millions of dollars, both nothing for families, once again, is simply not accurate. in infrastructure and in training programs, and this [1045] budget continues that practice. I want to refl ect on…. We spend a lot of time talking I am a fi rm believer in training people closer to home, about how that was then and this is now. I want you to making sure we have the workforce of the future. I look at where I live, for just a few minutes — what it was know this. I'm pretty excited that at this point in British like then and what it's like now. One of the most import- Columbia's history we actually have jobs looking for ant things for families in British Columbia is that they people instead of people looking for jobs, which was cer- have a chance to have a job so that they can care for their tainly the circumstance back then. children, so that they can meet the dreams and hopes Now, when you talk about investing in infrastructure, they have. government is going to invest…. Th ink about this. Over Let's look at the unemployment rate where I live. In the next three years, despite what we just heard — "no Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13173

investment, nothing is happening" — government is go- some opportunities into the budget for families. We have ing to invest $10.4 billion in taxpayer-supported capital a B.C. training and education savings grant, a chance for projects — $10.4 billion. families to start that…. Th e north has been such an amazing benefi ciary of the strategy that we've had in place. It's so discouraging to Deputy Speaker: Excuse me, Minister. Th e member sit on this side of the House and listen to people say that for Delta South seeks leave. the north has been neglected. Nothing could be further from the truth. V. Huntington: I seek leave to make an introduction, [1050] Madam Speaker. I live there, and I've watched investment at the College of New Caledonia, at the University of Northern British Leave granted. Columbia. We're training more nurses. We're training physiotherapists. We're training doctors. We're training Introductions by Members skilled workers at the College of New Caledonia. In fact, we made the single largest investment in the College of V. Huntington: I'm very pleased today to be able to New Caledonia's infrastructure since the day it was built. introduce 30 grade 5 and 6 students from Pebble Hill And we will continue to invest $10.4 billion in taxpayer- Elementary in South Delta. Th ey're here today with their supported capital projects over the next three years. teacher, Mr. Scott Preddy, and many of their parents. I If we look at health care…. In 2000, I believe, approxi- hope members help me welcome them to the precinct mately 6,000 people went to an arena in Prince George, today. and do you know what they said? "We don't have the health care services we need." Th ese 6,000 people said: Debate Continued "We've had enough. We deserve better health care op- portunities." Hon. S. Bond: Well, now we know where they're from, Th at's exactly what they got under the B.C. Liberals and that makes it even easier for us to have that conversa- over the last 12 years — investment aft er investment in tion. So welcome to the precinct today. We hope that you health care. And as I've suggested, we look at the out- enjoy your visit here and have an opportunity to under- comes. We have a cancer centre now. We're going to open stand government and how it works a little bit better. a cancer lodge very shortly, and what a project that is. Hopefully, it might inspire you to think about, possibly, a Th e generosity of northern British Columbians. Yes, political career somewhere in your future. It's a pretty im- government contributed a small amount to that project portant job and exciting — lots of opportunities for you. — small in terms of the total project; certainly not small As we look at our budget, we think about the B.C. when you think of a $2 million contribution. But the training and education savings grant — an opportunity millions of dollars that were raised for that project were for families to plan for the future, to make sure that their raised in the north, across the north, by generous donors. children have a head start when they get the opportun- We have physicians staying in the north. ity to go to a post-secondary education. Six thousand people said then: "We've had enough. It's We have a new B.C. early childhood tax benefi t. Again, not fair. We don't get equitable service." Th at is not the we hear, "No investment," yet $146 million to support ap- case today. We have a new set of circumstances in north- proximately 180,000 families in our province with chil- ern British Columbia, and we are very proud of the ac- dren under six years old. Families will receive additional complishments and the investments that have been made support. Th at's important. over the past 12 years. Th is budget ensures that the health We have a new early-years strategy that will invest care budget in British Columbia, as I said, will increase over $76 million over three years to support the cre- by $2.4 billion — hardly a cut. ation of new child care spaces and improve the quality When we talk about the budget and how we invest in of child care and early-years services. All of these things families, we know that families are challenged. One of are investments that the balanced budget in 2013 brings the most important things for families today is that their to the table. children get the opportunities that they deserve. It's fan- [1055] tastic because, as I stand here in the Legislature today and But when we think about why it's so important…. You I look up, we've got some guests in the gallery. I'm not know, we sit and we listen to the rhetoric and the back- sure where they're from, but they're students. and-forth. What's critical is that we recognize that for fu- It's important, whether you're on this side of the House ture generations, we have to make tough decisions. We or that side of the House. Th e work we're doing here to- have to be in a position at times to say: "No, we simply day and in the years past and future is to make sure that can't aff ord to do that now." We have to look aft er the young people, like the ones visiting us in the gallery to- priorities of health care. We have to look aft er educa- day, have every opportunity to be successful. We've built tion. We have to make sure we have strong transporta- 13174 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

tion infrastructure. trate on those signifi cant cases that need to be in court- In fact, really very personal and important to me now rooms? is that we have an accessible, transparent, aff ordable jus- One of the things I am most proud of, which we have tice system. Th e fi rst thing that I hear…. When the ques- worked on as a government, is the signifi cant changes we tion is asked, "How do we ensure that system is in place have made to the Family Law Act in this province. For in the province?" the fi rst answer is: "Let's just write an- decades the act remained status quo. When we looked at other cheque. Let's just invest more money, and that'll fi x the issue of family law, one of the things that I thought a all of the problems." lot about was the fact that families who fi nd themselves Well, it's about much more than that. It's about foun- in confl ict need to be supported in ways that don't neces- dational challenges. When you look at what the issue is sarily mean litigation. in the justice system…. Geoff rey Cowper was a very re- Do we really want to be solving, in courtrooms, issues spected lawyer who did work to look at justice reform. In that are diffi cult for families? Th ere are far better ways. his report one of the things he said was that we have to We look at mediation. We look at other ways of sup- grapple with a "culture of delay." We're not going to fi x porting families. Th e Family Law Act, which will come the culture of delay by simply writing a bigger cheque. In into force very shortly now, in March, takes a new ap- fact, this budget provides over $1.1 billion to support the proach to supporting families who find themselves justice system in British Columbia. unfortunately caught up in the justice system in the Madam Speaker, you know, for most British province. Th ose are the kinds of innovative things that Columbians, that's a pretty big number — over a billion we need to look at. dollars to ensure that we have a justice system that works [1100] and that people can have confi dence in, in our province. The issue of impaired driving — we've debated it But we have to ask some of the tough questions. At a time in numerous ways in this House. In fact, there have when the crime rate is the lowest that it has been at in been challenges. I had to bring that law back into this over three decades, when there are fewer cases going to Legislature aft er the courts said to us: "You need to do courtrooms in British Columbia, why does it take longer this diff erently." We did that, and there are benefi ts to that. to fi nd resolution to the issues that victims face? Obviously, we will continue to refi ne a law that is leading We know that it's tough enough to be the victim of a the country in the reform that it has brought. crime, to suff er some great, horrible circumstance. Is it made any easier by the fact that it takes so long to come [H. Bloy in the chair.] to resolution? Of course not. Just as I believe the issue of child poverty isn't a partisan issue, I don't believe that Why does it matter? Well, fi rst and foremost, it matters having a great justice system should be a partisan issue because it takes impaired drivers off the streets. Over the either. course of the time the law has been in place, we know Where we may diff er is how we get to that place where that over 100 people have gone home to their families, we can remove that culture of delay. I believe that before who would not have without the tough and focused legis- you start to add more dollars…. And we certainly hear lation that this side of the House put in place. Th ose bene- about it — add more judges, add more legal aid, add fits are priceless. But if you look at it from a reform more this, add more that. First we have to fi gure out if perspective in terms of the justice system, it also means what we have is being invested properly and if the system that impaired-driving cases are far fewer in the court- is working eff ectively. rooms than they were previously. I'm very excited about the work we've been doing. We're also looking at civil disputes in a diff erent way. Yesterday or earlier this week, I think, we released a white We should be able to deal with strata issues and small paper, too, and a community safety and policing plan. claims without taking up excessive court time. That We're looking at innovation in the system. We're look- doesn't mean there isn't the opportunity at the end of that ing at how we bring stakeholders and partners together process for a judicial review, a judicial process. But why in the system to talk about how we can improve this jus- can't we begin to resolve those issues outside of court- tice system. Th e fantastic news is that in this budget, the rooms? Th at's why we brought that legislation through Justice Ministry's budget was increased. We wanted to be the House. sure that, fi rst and foremost, we could protect front-line In fact, we'd like to do the same thing with traffi c tick- police offi cers, and our budget includes a signifi cant in- ets. Picture this for a moment. Communities want more crease to do just that. police offi cer time. Guess where a lot of them spend their But we're at a pivotal moment in the time that we have time — sitting outside of traffi c court, only to discover to look at justice and look at reform. Th at takes cour- that their case won't be called today. age, and it takes cooperation, and it takes momentum. It Th ere are diff erent ways we can approach the justice means we have to ask ourselves: what are the things we system, and it's essential that instead of simply saying, can take out of the courts today so that we can concen- "Let's just add more money. Let's just keep putting more Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13175

taxpayer dollars into the system," we need to be bold. We But there are some members on both sides of the need to be innovative. In the words of one of the recent- House who are leaving. On a personal note, I'd just like ly appointed Supreme Court justices…. He said to me: to say my best wishes to each and every one of them who "You need to be persistent if you are going to succeed in I have had the opportunity to trade baseball signals with change and in reform in the justice system." So we will or chat with in the hallways or exchange some jokes with continue to look through our white paper, through other and get comments on my haircut from. I think that, in initiatives at laying out a path in British Columbia for truth, the hallways of this building are oft en more tem- looking at reform in the justice system. pered than perhaps this chamber is. As I am close to the end of my time, I want to focus just Th at being said, I also have colleagues on this side of for a couple of minutes on the budget. You don't get to the House who are off to do other things — pursue their the place we fi nd ourselves in today in British Columbia retirement perhaps or just get on to other new and excit- without a great deal of hard work and discipline. We can ing adventures. I'd like to particularly mention — well, all debate that in this House, but there's something we can't four of them…. But the member for Delta North…. Or debate because it's simply the fact. Th ere are only two is it Delta South? I just call him by his fi rst name, which jurisdictions in Canada that are in a position to balance we don't do in this chamber very oft en. He's going to be their budget. We are one of them. spending a bit of time in Powell River, so I'm trying my In fact, it has taken a decade of fi scal prudence, con- best to be nice to him now, knowing that perhaps he's go- trolling spending, looking at making those tough deci- ing to be closer than I would have otherwise suspected. sions, making sure that we are making tough choices so Th e member for Coquitlam-Maillardville, who is a that investors have confi dence in our province, looking wonderful MLA, has represented her constituency with at sustainable economic development. At the end of the great spirit and has served her community for a long time day, it's not a partisan issue. British Columbians want prior to being an MLA as well. the best health care options they can have. Th ey want Th e member for North Coast, who I spent a lot of time the best education opportunities for their children. Th ey with, has been a spark, an energetic superstar in cau- want great transportation infrastructure. cus. He has worked extremely hard on an issue that is Th ey want safe communities to live in, appropriate of huge importance to my constituency, and that is the policing. Th ey want community-based policing. Th ey ferries. He has been an outstanding critic and someone want to make sure — yes, to the member opposite's point who has brought to the fore the concerns of our con- — that we are addressing poverty and child poverty in stituents and made them known to successive Ministers British Columbia. But to do that you have to have sound, of Transportation, who have not necessarily been in the strong economic principles and a vibrant economy. We position to make the necessary corrections to that system have a track record that demonstrates we can do that. that would have made life more aff ordable. We are one of two jurisdictions in a position to present Of course, there's also my friend the former counsellor a balanced budget. and biologist — still a biologist — the member for Maple [1105] Ridge–Pitt Meadows, who besides being an eloquent Today I am very proud to stand and support bal- spokesperson for the protection of the environment and anced budget 2013. It lays out the path for the future of agricultural land has also been a steadfast supporter of British Columbia. It demonstrates prudent fi scal manage- mine in my attempts to become a better birdwatcher. ment. Most importantly, it supports families in British His skill in that area is matched, perhaps, by very few in Columbia in the way they deserve to be supported. this chamber. Th eir personal style and their generosity have made life Deputy Speaker: The member for Powell River– in this chamber easier, and I thank all of them. So while Sunshine Coast. [Applause.] we see members departing, there will be new members in this House aft er May. My best wishes, on a personal N. Simons: Th ank you for that wonderful, wonderful note, to everybody. reception. I most appreciate it. I'd like to also thank people who work in my offi ces in It's my honour and privilege to stand in the House and Powell River and in Davis Bay on the beautiful Sunshine respond to Budget 2013. I thank the minister and mem- Coast — also known as the Gulf Coast Riviera. It's true; ber for Prince George–Valemount for her comments — it was referred to as that at one time. some of which, I would like to say, I agreed with. Th at Both Maggie Hathaway and Kim Tournat have been was my fi rst positive statement. Th ere will be some others. amazing advocates for my constituents on issues of im- Obviously, in the Legislature of British Columbia there portance to them, whether they be individual issues will be diff erences expressed in this chamber. Because of where people come to the offi ce and need some help the system we have in place, it's not oft en that we stand navigating the complexities of government or systemic up and give the other side our compliments, our grati- issues that aff ect a broader number of people and need tude and our thanks. to be addressed perhaps in this chamber. 13176 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

[1110] politically aware as I should've been. I was not familiar Th ey have both been wonderful in helping me carry with the political parties and their views, but I certainly the concerns of my constituents to this chamber and, became aware. in some cases, in having some success in changing the When I saw that a ministry that had gone through approach of this government on some issues after a quite a bit of diffi cult time with the Gove inquiry that considerable amount of arm-twisting and, shall we say, came about because of mishandling of cases in Vancouver, prodding. I was going to say "coercion," but that would've I thought that the attention paid to that situation was ne- been the wrong word. cessary. I think the government of the day took a bold So my thanks to the staff in Powell River–Sunshine step to ensure that the problems in the child welfare sys- Coast and, of course, to the staff here, who are always tem would be addressed and that they'd fi nd some solu- working hard and who we fl y by quickly, carrying papers, tions and that perhaps we would learn something from and sometimes only see in passing. that as we went forward. But then I saw the 23 percent I'd like to say thank you to the class from, I believe, cuts, which were later reduced to 11 percent. Delta who are presently exiting the chamber. I will not [1115] take that personally. I understand that they have other I suppose, in a way, if you're getting hit, you want the classes to go to or other things to do in this wonderful person who's hitting you to stop or slow down. It doesn't capital city. So thank you for coming to the legislative really eff ect the change that you want. An 11 percent cut chamber, and I hope that this place…. only sounds good in relation to not being a 23 percent You will remember this place. Perhaps you'll be back. cut. But an 11 percent cut to the ministry that's respon- Perhaps we'll be mentioning you in speeches for the ac- sible for ensuring that children — children who cannot complishments that you make in your lives, whether speak for themselves, who live in most cases in a degree you're a musician or an athlete or a bureaucrat. I hope of poverty that we shouldn't tolerate in this province…. this chamber is a place that you can have pride in as you Th e services that were in place to make sure that they grow up. It is a place of great importance to the people were safe, that they had opportunities, were the services of this province. that were cut in 2002. Eleven percent had a huge impact We've oft en talked about issues — very specifi cally, on the children throughout this province. about the direct connection that this chamber has to the Th ose were decisions made then by many of the mem- quality of life and the safety of young children, to the bers who are still in government. I still wait for some quality and safety of our drinking water, to the protection justification for those or some acknowledgment that of our natural environment, to the promotion of equal- they were ill-conceived. Without that, the public of the ity and a better system of governance. I think this cham- province sees a government that has not learned from ber's relevance to the people of this province, whether it's its mistakes. noticed or not, can't be understated. For that reason, I'm We just received a report from the Representative for proud to be able to stand here and represent what I be- Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Th e re- lieve are the important concerns of my constituents liv- port ostensibly was on the tasering of an 11-year-old ing in Powell River–Sunshine Coast. boy in Prince George. Th is 11-year-old boy had some I should start, perhaps, to talk about one thing that I behaviour issues that resulted in police getting called would've hoped was in this budget but wasn't. I know that quite regularly to where he was living, which I might when I talk about the cuts I see to programs and services add changed quite oft en in his young life. Th e police to people with developmental disabilities, children or responded by trying to subdue the young fellow with a adults, the government side will just shout back: "Spend Taser and were successful, obviously. more money; spend more money." When that news broke, we had to say: what was go- I take off ence to some degree with that, because, quite ing on? An 11-year-old who can't be charged under the honestly, it's not always about fi nding more money to Criminal Code and whose life has obviously taken some spend, but it's using the money that we have in a better turns which have caused him some trauma — how is it way, more eff ectively, and to priorities that I think many possible that we ended up in a society where an 11-year- on both sides of this House sometimes would agree to. I old could be tasered? could list a litany of expenditures made by this govern- Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond did a comprehensive re- ment or other policy directions that they've taken over view, not of the specifi c incident where the police showed time which have, in fact, reduced our ability to target re- up and tried to subdue the young fellow, but about the sources where they really need to be. child's life. He was born in the late '90s. He grew up es- As a former child protection social worker, I remember sentially under a government that, when he was about quite well the announced 23 percent cuts to the Ministry four, cut the services that were the most important to him. of Children and Families in the early 2000s. I had a prob- Th e representative specifi cally says in her report that in lem with them, not because I wanted to criticize the 2002 she didn't understand why the child development government…. Quite frankly, at that time I was not as offi ce wanted to cut back his services 50 percent. Th at Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13177

question remains unanswered in the report of the repre- Deputy Speaker: Proceed, please. sentative. It is incomprehensible, I think the words were — or for reasons unknown to the representative — that Introductions by Members the social worker was asking for a 50 percent cut in this child's access to child development programs. R. Fleming: With us today are 24 grade 5 students and Th ose are the programs that try to address the disabil- eight adults from Selkirk Montessori School. It's a won- ities or the delay in a child's learning. Th is little fellow, derful facility in my constituency down in the Burnside- who ended up getting tasered when he was 11, was a Gorge area. Th ey are joined by their teacher, Ms. Arlene client of those services — a client of the services that Ewart, and I would ask the House to please make these were being forced to be cut in 2002 because of the 11 per- children and adults welcome here in this House this cent cut in services to Children and Families. So we see morning. a more recent symptom of a bad decision made in the early 2000s that I think really needs to be acknowledged. Debate Continued I would also point out that in the same years when those budget cuts were coming into play in 2002, there N. Simons: I join my colleague from Victoria–Swan was also a push towards deregulation. I know "deregula- Lake in welcoming the Montessori kids. Somehow the tion" is a bit of a buzzword. When people say, "We don't kids never sit in the other gallery, so I'm just presuming like red tape," they're oft en referring to regulations. they're up there. I take your word for it, and the fact that Let me point out that the regulations in our province you wave at them from the other side of the House, I'm are in place to protect us. Whether it's health regulations sure. It seems just as quiet as it was earlier. to make sure that our restaurants are clean and we won't I was just talking about the previous budgets of this government in the context of this current budget and be likely victims of food poisoning…. Our water qual- the thought that needs to be put into the impact of cuts ity is regulated. Regulations exist in order to protect the to services to not just children but adults with specifi c public interest. vulnerabilities. Th ere are some regulations that are perhaps redun- I just want to talk about vulnerability. We always talk dant, perhaps over the top, and some regulations need- about vulnerable people in our society. What is that vul- ed to perhaps be changed. But in the context of budget nerability? Th e vulnerability in my mind is to be sus- cuts of 11 percent to a child welfare agency or organiza- ceptible to a life that isn't lived to its fullest — you know, tion, when you put that and juxtapose it with the fact a life where its trajectory is hampered by poverty or by that at this very same time the Ministry of Children and involvement unnecessarily with the health system, the Families was deregulating faster than any other ministry justice system, the mental health system or addictions in the province in 2002…. services. You know, these are kids and adults who need [1120] the support of a society that cares in order for them to Th e Ministry of Children and Families, in fact, won live a quality of life that we could look at and say: "We're an award presented by the then minister responsible for proud of that" or "We can accept that." deregulation, the Deregulation Sprint Award, for the I've had the pleasure and privilege of being the critic ministry that achieved its deregulating targets the fast- for both the Ministry of Children and Families and cur- est. So in my mind this really refl ects the personality of a rently for Community Living B.C., both of whose cli- government that in its zeal to appeal to those who think ents would be considered in the category of vulnerable regulations are all bad, to prove that they are interested — vulnerable to harm, vulnerable to a poor quality of life in deregulating, creates an award system for ministries. if their needs are not addressed appropriately. I see in How fast can you deregulate? It's not about how well you the budget, this particular budget, things that would…. can deregulate or how much thought goes into the de- If I were a parent of a person with a developmental dis- regulation process, but just how fast. ability or if I were a self-advocate or if I were a brother Th ey won an award. I'm sure it's a lovely award, but I or sister or relative of someone with a disability, I would think it would be an award that I would hide, because the say: "I do not like what the future holds for them under result of their cuts in regulations…. As a result of their this government." cuts in services to children at the time, the impact was It's not a question of saying: "Well, just throw more devastating. Just one little symptom that we see was an money at it." But there are some fi xed costs in govern- 11-year-old whose needs were not met because of cuts ment. Th ere are some fi xed costs that we should expect made at that time. to provide, especially for children at risk, especially for adults at risk. I don't think we should be making com- R. Fleming: Apologies to my colleague from Powell promises, and I don't think we should be trying to River–Sunshine Coast, but I just would seek leave to achieve the impression of a balanced budget on the backs make an introduction. of the most vulnerable in our communities. 13178 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

I'm sorry, as the Minister of Justice earlier said she was way. A plan would be a good idea because then you can sorry. I'm sorry about the impact that this budget is go- see if you're succeeding. If you don't want to know if ing to have on them. you're succeeding or not, maybe that's when you don't [1125] have a plan. But I would say there were just $16 million, We hear repeatedly of the image of parents sitting $11 million…. around a dinner table and saying: "You know, Son" — or I have to tell families that I'll try and advocate. "I'll try daughter, whatever the case may be — "we just can't af- and advocate for you to get a van so that you can drive ford it." your child around town. I'll try to advocate so you can I can understand it. I sat around a dinner table with get a ramp built for your front steps so you don't have to my parents. My parents raised six children. I know I was strain your back carrying your 16-year-old up the stairs. shielded from any of the concerns they had around the I'll try and advocate for you if you're resorting to in- cost of living, but I don't remember my parents saying: stalling a pulley system to take your son up the stairs be- "I'm sorry we can't aff ord food" or "I'm sorry we can't af- cause the government doesn't have money for a stairlift ." ford something that you need, because we've spent it on You know, I'll try to advocate, and I'll do so with a cer- something purely aesthetic." So when I hear the govern- tain degree of resentment — but dedication, nonetheless ment chastising us for saying that there should be more — because I see expenditures of this government and I see resources into a particular area…. where some of the spending is going. I would understand that chastisement if they were not, I'm not saying everything this government does is bad. at the same time, putting millions of dollars into adver- I take issue with that characterization. I don't raise issues tising that sort of contradicted their previous position aff ecting my constituents because I want people to throw on advertising — that is, advertising prior to an election. more money at it. I would accept it more if the government hadn't chosen [1130] to spend $11 million on a festival to celebrate artists. I I don't say that ferry fares are unaff ordable, and busi- recognize the importance of that, but this is a tough time, nesses are going under because people can't aff ord to and I say that right back. We can't aff ord certain things travel, and it's all the government's fault. I'm just saying: because we have more important priorities, and I think why aren't the priorities of this government to address no one would disagree. I would ask any of the members the real economic and social needs of our communities? opposite if they would disagree. We see a lot of this. You know, it's almost like fresh paint Maybe a wheelchair for a kid who needs a wheelchair on a building that is not in good shape. Prioritize, priori- is more important than the Bollywood fi lm awards that tize. Do not burn the kitchen table to provide heat and were created for the government's purposes. Maybe a dad then expand to your walls. Eventually you have nothing who's looking aft er a child with disabilities shouldn't have to heat. Th ere's no point. to spend six months trying to get approval for gloves so Celebrations are important, and recognitions are im- that he can provide personal care to his teenage daugh- portant, but we see, unfortunately, this trend that I think ter. Th is fellow shouldn't have to wash his gloves because the public sees as well. It's cynical, but it's accurate, and the government won't pay for another box of gloves, es- that is a government that is attempting to put a shine on pecially in the context of $11 million for a fi lm award something that is tarnished. or a $16 million budget for self-serving ads. Th at's what What I see as tarnished is the record over good times I'm saying. and some bad times. We came through very good times I'm not saying: "Just create a new stream of revenue." while we were sitting here in opposition, and we went I'm saying that the stream of revenue is fl owing in — or through bad times while we were sitting here in oppos- trickling in, even. We'd better use that for things that'll ition. Th ey take the credit in the good times, and they make our communities better. We should really try to use blame us in the bad times. We're still on this side, but that to invest in order to address the concerns that have not for long. been raised in this House. I think, really, we need a government that takes re- I know it's diffi cult for a government, especially indi- sponsibility, places the amount of attention necessary on vidual members, to see that our record on child poverty the issues that will create a better society in the long run. in this province is by all accounts — when I say "by all It's just disappointing to me that, you know, criticisms accounts," by almost every measure — not good enough. of the budget are met with: "All you want to do is throw Put a number on it. Second worst, worst, third worst, more money at it." No. We want to have deeper discus- least best? It doesn't really matter. Where it does matter sions and better decisions around the money that we do is to a child who's growing up in that and whose fi rst fi ve get from people in this province. years of life are living in poverty because the government We talk about taxpayers. I'd like to talk about taxpay- just doesn't want to do a plan. ers. I'd like to talk about people who don't pay taxes. I'd Maybe they don't want to have measures that they like to talk about all the people in this community, our may not achieve, but a plan would be a good idea any- environment. You know, we have a broader interest to Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13179

represent than simply those who are giving government Canada, an A in red tape reduction this year — the only money. We have a broader interest. We have a broader jurisdiction in Canada to receive an A. interest to the children, and we have a broader interest to I take great exception to the member for Powell River– our environment, and we have a broader interest to those Sunshine Coast when he remarked about the great work kids who are yet unborn and the future of this province. that this government has done on red tape reduction. Can I maybe just turn now to the issue around justice? But like the member opposite, the ministry, Children Th e Minister of Justice and member for Prince George– and Families, and this government place the safety of Valemount talked about how our justice system, in her children and families in British Columbia as their high- words — and I would disagree ahead of time — is "more est priority. Th e ministry is always evaluating the regula- accessible, transparent, aff ordable." But I know that in tions to ensure that they're eff ective, that they're relevant, 2002, 28 courthouses were closed. that they're streamlined — to ensure that they provide You know, the first thought is that these delays in children and families in B.C. an environment that is safe. people's trials are unfair, and we'll have cases thrown Despite a global economy that continues to be in tur- out, and in fact, we do. Drug dealers — cases have been moil, we have fulfi lled our promise to balance the budget thrown out of court. Th at's a shame, because we had a in fi scal 2013-14. I am proud that this government has system where there were delays and there were ineffi cien- balanced the budget — something that only two prov- cies, but closing 28 courthouses out of 64 was probably inces in Canada have managed to accomplish. Th is is a not well-thought-out. However, it refl ected the need to modest, responsible budget, and we are being very, very cut the budget in 2002. prudent. It's across-the-board thoughtless. Almost across the Balancing the budget is a core value of this govern- board, it's just an inappropriate way to be governing the ment. In eff ect, we're making a commitment to not spend province. any more than we take in. Balancing the budget allows Those communities…. Burnaby, Castlegar, Chase, us to create the economic conditions that will stimulate Chetwynd, Creston, Delta, Fernie, Grand Forks, Hope, job creation and help the province grow. Balancing the Houston, Invermere, Kimberley, Kitimat, Lillooet, Lytton, budget means managing taxpayers' money with respect, Maple Ridge, Merritt, Oliver, 100 Mile House, Parksville, and it sets out a sensible, realistic plan to guide our prov- Princeton, Revelstoke, Squamish and Vanderhoof — ince for the next three years. those courthouses were closed. And it's not just the im- Let's contrast that with the actions of the NDP. Th e pact on the criminals and the victims. Let me point this NDP have said that they plan to return to defi cit budgets out. and overspending, with a promise to balance the budget It's not just the victims and the criminals who deserve some time in the next few years — eventually. We don't a swift er justice. Th ese are the courthouses in which chil- really know. Mr. Dix says that more money should be…. dren who have been removed from their parents will ap- pear with a social worker and with the family. Th ese are Interjections. the kinds of things that we need to address. A government that prioritizes self-promotion over the Hon. N. Yamamoto: Sorry. The Leader of the needs of its children, its disabled or the seniors of this Opposition says that we should spend more money in a province, I think has its priorities wrong. I know that number of areas — thank you for listening — but refuses they may be making the best eff ort, and I would not criti- to provide very many details. Remember, we are talking cize any eff ort. However, I believe that the government about taxpayers' money. We're talking about spending has run its course. It has made some mistakes. It is not taxpayers' money, hard-earned money. He's refusing. all bad. Th ere are good people on the government side. Th e Leader of the Opposition is refusing to tell us how [1135] he would spend it. I disagree strongly with the priorities that they've fi xed What we've done is we've off ered a clear, detailed plan for themselves in this budget, and for that reason I can't — one that is balanced, and one that will grow the econ- support the budget. I'd have liked to have seen a little bit omy. Th e NDP is proposing higher spending and bigger more for those who needed it and a little bit less for the government, without providing details. pomp and pageantry that is not deserving. With that, I British Columbians do have a choice, a clear choice. think I've made myself clear. Th ey can look to a proven government that understands fi scal responsibility, a government that has made some Hon. N. Yamamoto: It is an honour to rise today to tough choices to ensure that our children and grand- speak in support of Budget 2013, but before I start, I just children are not saddled with overwhelming debt. Or, wanted to address some of the comments that the mem- they can choose a group that doesn't understand that ber opposite, the member for Powell River–Sunshine you can't spend more money than you earn, that you Coast, just made. can't make promises you can't keep, and you can't tax CFIB gave British Columbia, the only jurisdiction in and spend beyond taxpayers' ability to pay. 13180 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

Th is government took an unprecedented step of en- budget and about half to investment in families, jobs and gaging an independent, highly regarded top fi nancial economic growth. forecaster to review B.C. government's revenue and eco- Th at includes spending in such areas as a sports and nomic forecast for the 2013 budget. Th e former Bank of arts legacy fund. Th ere's additional funding for increased Montreal chief economist, Dr. Tim O'Neill, concluded RCMP policing costs, including offi cers hired to combat that the province's economic and revenue expectations organized crime and gang activity, and additional mon- are sound and prudent, and we've adopted a very cau- eys to provide carbon tax relief for commercial green- tious economic forecast that refl ects the global uncer- house vegetable growers and fl ower growers. tainty that still exists. Mr. Speaker, you can't ask for a New measures introduced in this budget will help better recommendation than that. make family life more aff ordable for British Columbians Budget 2013 is all about planning for B.C.'s future. We raising children — including the B.C. training and edu- should not spend money we don't have, and we won't cation savings grant. For example, a new B.C. early leave a legacy of unnecessary debt for our children and childhood tax benefi t will provide $146 million to ap- the next generation. proximately 180,000 families with children under six Th at approach will give our province an edge in at- years old. Eff ective immediately there will be a one-time tracting new investment in a still uncertain global econ- education savings grant of $1,200 for families to put into omy. We can look towards a future of growth, opportunity an RESP. About 90 percent of B.C. families with young and prosperity. children will be eligible for this. Th e board of trade has also had extremely positive B.C.'s new early-years strategy announced by the things to say about our budget. Th ey have categorized Premier last week will invest $76 million over three years their feedback under four headings. Th ey are: debt re- to support the creation of new child care spaces and to duction, spending restraint, tax competitiveness and improve the quality of child care and early-years services. economic vision. Th e B.C. early-years strategy is an important investment For debt reduction, they've awarded us a B-plus. Th e in our children and their futures. It's about helping par- Vancouver Board of Trade wanted government to main- ents balance the demands of work and raising a family, tain an 18.3 percent debt-to-GDP ratio in 2014-15, and and setting up children for life-long success. they were pleased to note that not only did we achieve The goal of this government is one that I support the 18.3 percent, but we were, in fact, able to lower it to wholeheartedly — that is, to control spending, keep 18.1 percent in 2015-16. taxes low, keep our triple-A credit rating and a balanced [1140] budget. Th is budget also received an A-minus for spending re- In education, on the North Shore we've been par- straint. Th e board of trade has noted that "for an election- ticularly fortunate. In both bricks and mortar and qual- year budget, there is remarkable constraint on spending, ity of education, this government has demonstrated its and we acknowledge the discipline required to identify commitment to ensuring B.C. students get a world-class $1.1 billion in savings in various ministries and Crown education. Our infrastructure commitments have made agencies." our schools safer. Th e seismic upgrading of many North Th e Vancouver Board of Trade has also acknowledged Shore schools is either complete or well underway. the difficulty for governments in achieving balanced When I walk up the hill to my offi ce, I pass Queen budgets in a diffi cult fi scal environment without increas- Mary Elementary, currently undergoing seismic up- ing revenues and, in recognition of that work, has award- grading and heritage restoration, and I think of all those ed us a B-minus for tax competitiveness. generations of students that will learn within those walls Th e fi nal area of examination from the board of trade safely, getting one of the best educations available any- was that of the overall economic vision. Th e board of where on the globe. Th e results speak for themselves. B.C. trade determined that our budget, combined with the grade 4 students, some of who will be educated in that throne speech, demonstrates clearly that our govern- building, have been shown to be amongst the best read- ment's priority of balancing the budget using cautious ers anywhere. and realistic assumptions, spending constraint and tar- What will those students do when their time in our pri- geted economic development in natural resources and mary and secondary education is done? It's my hope that the Asian marketplace is worthy of a mark of B-plus. they will make one of the best investments anyone can In every area of the budget this government has found make and continue on into some form of post-secondary the balance between ensuring that services to British education. In the future, as we've all heard, 80 percent of Columbians are maintained — in fact, expanded where jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. necessary — and not overreaching or overpromising. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a government that is Th is is actually very diffi cult to achieve, but we've done it. making that investment just a little bit easier. At the same time, we found savings of close to $1.1 bil- A child that will be starting their education in the fall at lion in ministries and Crown agencies, and we are put- the rebuilt Queen Mary School will be able to benefi t from ting about half of that towards achieving the balanced the $1,200 grant for their RESP that I spoke of earlier. Th at Thursday, February 28, 2013 British Columbia Debates 13181 will grow and allow them to pursue the education required ground at Seaspan, the shipbuilding facility that will be to seize the opportunities of the future. Whether it's at- building the Coast Guard's new icebreakers. Projects like tending the new Bosa Centre for Film and Animation at these are going to be driving the economic growth over Capilano University for a degree in visual arts or train- the next several years. I have the golden shovel from that ing in shiatsu massage at the Canadian College of Shiatsu groundbreaking hanging on my wall in my offi ce. Th erapy, a training centre in my riding that recently cele- Speaking of my offi ce, in North Vancouver I'd like to brated its 15th anniversary, post-secondary education is thank Matthew Naylor and Erin Rennie, my two con- essential to our future prosperity. stituency assistants who so ably serve the constituents of [1145] North Vancouver. Th ey are young, they're enthusiastic Th is government is providing new help for parents to and products of our great post-secondary system. Th is ensure that our children get the education they deserve. budget is protecting their future, the next generation, From early learning investments that will total $76 mil- ensuring that they have jobs, opportunities and import- lion over three years, students can proceed into an edu- ant services like health care and education for the times cation system that is hiring new teachers and teaching when they have families and kids. assistants. I'm very proud to be the Minister of State for Small Students can take advantage of the $18 million of Business. I think this fi ts me like a glove, this role. I'm a funding for arts programs. And as the former president former small business owner myself, so I bring a lot of of the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation, I've seen my own personal experience and knowledge to this role. fi rsthand the great impact that programs like Artists for I think we all know that small business is integral to the Kids have on the lives of children. Th is is $18 million that health of the province. But there are some pretty incred- is very well spent. ible statistics about small business in B.C. One of the reasons why I love North Vancouver is that Ninety-eight percent of all businesses in British we've embraced the arts. Our community came together Columbia are small businesses. Th e small business sec- and supported Artists for Kids for many years. Th e new tor employs over one million people, making up 56 per- Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art was built in part- cent of private sector employment. It generates 29 percent nership with the North Vancouver school district and the of B.C.'s GDP. Small business owners live and work in Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation and the generos- our communities. Th ey employ many people in our com- ity of B.C. arts patrons. munity. Th ey support local causes and charities and par- But North Vancouver is more than that. North ticipate in local events. Vancouver also has a strong waterfront industrial pres- Th ey don't just own and operate their own small busi- ence, a vibrant restaurant and retail sector. Tourism and nesses. Th ey are also your Little League coaches. Th ey the fi lm industry add to the colourful fabric of the North bring oranges to soccer games. Th ey raise money for Shore. Th e North Shore and North Vancouver is a very, your hospital foundations. Th ey serve on their PACs. very healthy, balanced community. Th ey are moms and dads and aunts and uncles. If busi- And I'd like to add that the North Vancouver Chamber ness is the backbone of B.C.'s economy, small business of Commerce won the B.C. Chamber of Commerce is its heart and soul. award last year — an incredibly strong, involved cham- As Minister of State for Small Business, I had the op- ber. I think when you look at communities all around portunity recently to present the Queen's Diamond British Columbia, if you see strong community chambers Jubilee Medals to three incredible people in British of commerce, you also see strong communities. Columbia: Dee Dhaliwal, Doug Smith and Ruby Sharma. Our focus on increasing trade and economic diversifi - Th ese three individuals have contributed to enhancing cation will be a huge boost to the North Vancouver econ- the economic environment of their communities. Th ey omy. We are a trading province, and North Vancouver hold a passionate belief that giving back to the commun- is the focus of much of that trade. Over the past ten ity in which they live, work and play is a fundamental years the proportion of B.C. trade with Asian markets responsibility. Th ey refl ect the spirit and the passion of has doubled. Th is can only be a good thing for North small business people in British Columbia. Vancouver–Lonsdale, a riding whose terminals are the [1150] gateway to the Asia-Pacifi c for B.C. coal and lumber, In the fall of 2012, immediately aft er the Premier ap- grain and potash from the Prairies. pointed me as Minister of State for Small Business, with Th e North Shore trade area terminals and industries the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, we began a process of generate 5,000 jobs just on the North Shore and 12,000 consultation with the small business owners and oper- jobs in B.C. Many of these people work at Neptune ter- ators across B.C. that was unprecedented. Th e goal is minals, Lynnterm, Cargill, Richardson and Seaspan to create a small business accord that will hold govern- Marine. Th ese numbers are not abstractions. Th ey mean ment accountable to small businesses in B.C. to ensure real jobs for real people, and this economic growth is that we are the most small business–friendly jurisdic- what will pay for those services that we demand. tion in Canada. A few months ago I had the opportunity to break Not only did I travel to many communities throughout 13182 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 28, 2013

the province, participating in both chamber of commerce their employees. events as well as specifi c consultations on the accord, but In conclusion, I am extremely proud of this govern- we undertook an on-line survey as well as a hugely suc- ment's record of sound fi scal management, and we are cessful Twitter town hall in which we reached 35,000 dis- building on that foundation. It was a huge accomplish- tinct individuals. ment to balance this budget. A recent CFIB survey re- We are only a few weeks away from announcing our vealed that 93 percent of small businesses rank this as fi nalized B.C. small business accord, which will provide their top priority. guidance to government to ensure that the proper tools, Small business owners know that they can't spend support and regulations are developed for small business. more than they make. Th is government knows that as Th e Premier has set a clear mandate to make B.C. the most well. With this budget, we are being proactive at keeping small business–friendly jurisdiction in Canada, and I'm debt aff ordable and have produced a balanced budget for very excited about the work that is underway to get us there. fi scal 2013. Th is takes discipline. As I've said, since I became the Minister for Small I am proud to invite all members of this House to sup- Business I've travelled to almost every region of the prov- port the 2013 British Columbia provincial budget for fi ve ince to meet with small businesses across all sectors to simple reasons: it's modest, it's responsible, it's achievable, discuss their successes and challenges and to see what it's prudent, and most importantly, it's balanced. the province can do to improve the business climate in B.C. "Providing certainty" is a phrase that came up oft en. R. Fleming: I will begin my remarks now and then We as a province can provide business with certainty continue aft er the next sitting of the House. in many ways, including sound fi scal management, con- I appreciate the chance to respond to the government's sultation on policy changes and programs. Critically, we budget bill this morning and later on, because it is some- can provide certainty to business by balancing the budget. thing that is worth examining very carefully. Th at's what we've presented: a balanced budget for fi scal We are so close to an election now — 11 weeks away. 2013-14. Nothing fancy, nothing extravagant — just sim- We've seen this play from the Liberal playbook before, in ple, credible and balanced. 2009. British Columbians will well remember a budget Let me read you a quote from the president of the B.C. that was tabled that called for a defi cit that was, in the Chamber of Commerce, John Winter. He says: "Business words of the then Premier, "$495 million, maximum." has been clear. Government's priority was to get its fi s- [1155] cal house in order. Budget 2013 does that in a balanced Aft er the election was over, we came back to this place way that controls spending while making modest in- in the fall of 2009. Th ere was a big surprise there for creases to taxes." British Columbians that played out over the summer As I mentioned earlier, we had to make some tough around imposing a that the Liberal choices to balance the budget. One of them was to in- Party had specifi cally promised not to introduce. And crease the general corporate income tax rate by a mod- lo and behold, the September 2009 budget had a defi cit est 1 percent. However, we are not increasing the small projection that was six times larger than the one that was business tax rate. promised in the bogus pre-election budget. Th e small business tax rate is 2.5 percent. Under the NDP, it was 4.5 percent — almost double. Th e small busi- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] ness threshold before the small businesses have to pay tax is now $500,000. Under the NDP, it was $200,000. Th is British Columbians are going to look at this budget saves small businesses about $20 million a year. that has been tabled in the same light that they saw the We recognize that there are many challenges that small 2009 budget tabled from this B.C. Liberal government. business owners face, and we want to do what we can to Noting the hour, I would like to reserve my place to help them grow and succeed. Small business owners or continue remarks at the next sitting of the House. their employees don't have the opportunity to contrib- ute to a pension plan. In fact, just one in three workers R. Fleming moved adjournment of debate. in B.C. belongs to a registered workplace pension plan. My sister has a health food business, and my brother Motion approved. works for a small contracting company. Neither of them has the option of saving for retirement through a group Hon. T. Lake moved adjournment of the House. pension plan. We'll be announcing today that we will be working with the federal government so that perhaps Motion approved. one day my sister and my brother will be able to have the opportunity to pool their retirement savings with a Mr. Speaker: Th is House stands adjourned until 1:30 regulated pension program to make it easier for hard- this aft ernoon. working British Columbians to save for their retirement. Th is is a huge step to support small business owners and Th e House adjourned at 11:56 a.m. Hansard Reporting Services

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Editors Kim Christie, Aaron Ellingsen, Deirdre Gotto, Jane Grainger, Betsy Gray, Iris Gray, Linda Guy, Barb Horricks, Bill Hrick, Paula Lee, Donna McCloskey, Bob McIntosh, Anne Maclean, Constance Maskery, Jill Milkert, Lind Miller, Lou Mitchell, Karol Morris, Dorothy Pearson, Erik Pedersen, Janet Pink, Amy Reiswig, Heather Warren, Arlene Wells, Anita Willis

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