First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tursday, December 17, 2020 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 14

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tursday, December 17, 2020 Afernoon Sitting Page

Routine Business

Tributes ...... 309 Kurt Gustafson L. Doerkson

Orders of the Day

Committee of Supply ...... 309 Supplementary Estimates (No. 3): Other appropriations (continued) M. Bernier Hon. S. Robinson

Supply Motions...... 316 Report of resolution from Committee of Supply Hon. S. Robinson Funds granted for public service Hon. S. Robinson

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 316 Bill 2 — Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3) Hon. S. Robinson

Second Reading of Bills ...... 316 Bill 2 — Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3) Hon. S. Robinson

Committee of the Whole House...... 317 Bill 2 — Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3)

Report and Tird Reading of Bills...... 317 Bill 2 — Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3)

Royal Assent to Bills...... 317 Bill 3 — Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 Bill 2 — Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3)

Tabling Documents...... 317 Parliamentary calendar, 2021

309

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 knows, when they opened up the system for parks reser- vations, how the system crashed. We promised to get Te House met at 1:33 p.m. this money out by Christmas. We’ve kind of lef it to the eleventh hour. So one of the concerns I have is: what are [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] the alternatives, or is there a guarantee from the minis- ter that we’re not going to have any technological issues Routine Business tomorrow when this rolls out?

Tributes Hon. S. Robinson: In developing a program like this, the member asks a good question, because the volume KURT GUSTAFSON could be considerable. Our ministry does have considerable experience with L. Doerkson: Tank you for the privilege to introduce massive uptake programs, if I could use that word to one of my constituents, known as Mr. Fix-It. describe what this is. Te emergency beneft for workers Sadly, Kurt Gustafson passed away on November 22. is an example where they processed many, many applica- Mr. Gustafson was survived by his daughter, Bev; her hus- tions a day through that system. It’s using a similar sort of band, Daryl; and his sons Kerry, with wife Janice, and framework. Staf have done additional testing of the sys- Daryl and his partner, Tamara. Mr. G. was further sur- tem, as well as have acquired extra server capacity to deal vived by seven grandchildren and ten gorgeous great- with the volumes. grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, Jane, Kurt was a Williams Lake icon. M. Bernier: Many a day is not quite 3.7 million. Maybe I’d like to ofer my most sincere condolences and sym- it was thousands a day, as the minister just said, but again, pathy to the family, friends and, of course, our community that’s not 3.7 million. for the loss of Kurt Gustafson. Let’s be clear. I mean, I don’t want it to have any prob- lems. Te government made a commitment to have this to Orders of the Day everybody by Christmas. Te last thing we need is to see any issues. So I hope that there are no technological issues. Hon. M. Farnworth: I call Committee of Supply, sup- I hope that all goes smoothly. Tat’s what we want to see plemental estimates of Ministry of Finance, Bill 3. on this side of the House as well. I just was raising the question, obviously, because we Committee of Supply want to ensure that if we have to, there are other altern- atives to make sure people get these funds by Christmas, SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (No. 3): as was promised. Let me get a couple of detailed questions OTHER APPROPRIATIONS out of the way, because inquiring minds do want to know (continued) on some of this. It’s very important, because there has not been a lot of information that’s been put out by the min- Te House in Committee of Supply; S. Chandra ister, by government, on a lot of the application qualifca- Herbert in the chair. tions or criteria specifcally. [1:40 p.m.] Te committee met at 1:35 p.m. Let me just start with the frst one. When we’re putting in the spreadsheet, when people have to put in on the On Vote 52(S): contingencies (all ministries), pandemic application online…. As the minister said, we’re hoping response and economic recovery, $2,000,000,000 most people will do it online, as it’ll run smoother and help (continued). them meet the deadlines that they’ve put forward. When people are flling this, the 2019 data that the government M. Bernier: Hope everybody had a good, quick break is asking for, is the line application that they’re putting for- over lunch. Looking forward to getting back into, as I was ward before- or afer-tax income from last year? alluding to beforehand, some specifcs that we want to cov- er of in the time that we have. Hon. S. Robinson: In putting this together, we determ- First, I want to ask the minister…. We lef of talking ined that it’s best to use standard requirements for deter- about 3.7 million people eligible to apply for this grant. mining income and determining eligibility, based on other Te minister has said…. Actually, she started saying last tax credit eligibility criteria — for example, other pro- week, but again today in the House, that, starting tomor- grams where you need to determine income. So we used row, for encouraging people to apply…. the net income, which is line 236. I didn’t know this. It was Just wondering what work was done and what line 236 where you fll out your form. backups might be in place. As I think a lot of public You start with your total income, which apparently is 310 British Columbia Debates Thursday, December 17, 2020 line 150. Ten you make a number of deductions, and that M. Bernier: People in that situation, obviously, are results in net income, and it’s on that basis. People are going to be happy to hear that. going to be asked to put in their net income in terms of We’re hearing today of all of the letters that are going determining eligibility. out from the federal government to people who applied for and received COVID funding and who are now being told M. Bernier: Just to confrm, because the minister has by the federal government that they did not qualify and said it outside the House…. I don’t know if she said it have to pay it back. Tat’s part of that confusion, which is inside the House. Apologies if she has. why we’re asking some of the questions today — to make Te application that people go through for this pro- sure that we have a fairly fair and robust program going cess…. Whatever they qualify for, whether it’s the $500 or out that is going to people that need assistance. the $1,000, is tax-free With the information that people have, and with the qualifcations that the minister has talked about, what Hon. S. Robinson: Yes, it is. about an example of somebody that maybe doesn’t have a fxed address? How will they be treated through this? M. Bernier: With that, I’m just going to ask a few ques- [1:50 p.m.] tions, then, around that. First, do people on EI or social assistance qualify for the full amount, then? Hon. S. Robinson: As we said earlier, the goal is to move this beneft out to people as quickly as possible. As Hon. S. Robinson: Providing they meet all the require- a result, doing it online is the fastest way to get money ments, they are absolutely eligible. into people’s accounts. Tese payments will be online, and [1:45 p.m.] banking information will allow the system to fow sooner. We do recognize that there are people without fxed M. Bernier: We’ll dive into that answer. Tat’s an inter- address, and they, too, need this resource. We are in the esting answer from the minister. We’ll dive into that one in process of building a system for early in the new year, just a second, around whether they are eligible or not. where those without fxed address can receive these Can the minister confrm, then…? Discussions obvi- cheques. We just did not have the time to build two sys- ously took place, and she has verifcation through the fed- tems simultaneously. But it’s only for…. Te system for eral government around it being tax-free, or non-report- people without fxed address is for people on income able even, through their point? assistance and disability assistance, so that we can make I mentioned EI as an example. As the minister is well sure that they get the resources that they need. aware, I’m sure, anybody who is on EI must claim any other sources of income that they might have acquired M. Bernier: I hope the minister — I think she is, maybe in the previous reporting period. Have the approvals — is just as disappointed with that as I am. I say that from the federal government happened that she can jus- only because people on disability, people with no fxed tify here — that they won’t have to report that and be address, maybe somebody that doesn’t have an actual bank deducted of their EI? account…. I would argue that those are probably some of the most vulnerable people. I think the minister would Hon. S. Robinson: Tis beneft will not be used to agree with that. reduce eligibility for EI. Te whole point of this exercise, I thought, when we started, was to say: how do we get out and help the most M. Bernier: Just to confrm, then, using that lan- vulnerable people? Te minister just said that they were guage…. I want to go back to more simplistic terms for in a hurry to put this program together. Tey weren’t able people who are sitting at home right now on EI. If they to deal with that portion of it. So unfortunately, it sounds qualify under the parameters and guidelines that the min- like a lot of the people that are the most vulnerable people ister has put in, they will not have to report it to the federal aren’t going to have assistance by Christmas and not until government. the new year. It’s non-taxable, as we’re saying in B.C. So that means I know, genuinely, the minister is probably not happy it will be non-taxed federally when people fle next year with that either. We want to get it out, and the commit- their income tax for 2020, because they’ll have to report ment was to help people by Christmas. She says early in that they received these funds. Have they confrmed with the new year. To all of those people that are struggling the federal government that this is not taxable? right now looking for help — early in the new year, frst week, second week. Tey’re going to miss the Christmas Hon. S. Robinson: I just want to confrm for the mem- deadline. I guess that’s something the ministry is working ber that it will not be taxed federally or provincially. on right now to roll out as quickly as possible. Can the minister be a little bit more specifc for those people? Thursday, December 17, 2020 British Columbia Debates 311

Hon. S. Robinson: Yeah, it is disappointing. I mean, for Hon. S. Robinson: Well, I think it’s not an accurate sure. Making sure that we have supports for people is very assessment to say that everybody on income assistance important to this government, and I think it’s important or disability assistance isn’t going to be able to access the to everybody in this House. I certainly know that people recovery beneft online. In fact, most of those folks will be from all sides want to take care of those who are most vul- able to do that. Most of those folks have bank accounts, nerable. and most of those folks will see their beneft as soon as It is for that reason that the crisis supplement, which within fve days afer applying, ideally. includes December, is there for those people. It’s why we’ve Five days is what we’re looking at, in terms of the online added an additional supplement that will continue to be banking system. It’s sort of the average. Te sooner people part of people’s assistance for January, February and March apply, including those on income assistance and disability — an additional $150. Again, we’re working as quickly as assistance, the sooner the resource will be available to we can developing a parallel system for those that don’t them. Tat is most of those recipients. have, perhaps, a bank account. Tat is a challenge. It very I want to clarify again that in 2017, our government much is a challenge. We’re working hard to get people to increased — for the frst time, I think, in a decade — get a bank account, because it means we can fow resources income assistance by $100. It had been a decade since much more easily. there’d been an increase. Ten in 2019, we increased it Te other part that certainly has been identifed to me, again, another regular $50. We’ve put together a poverty and I know the members opposite would fnd is important, reduction plan and a whole host of other measures to help is making sure that we also have checks and balances for people, to lif them out of poverty. Tere’s more work to be fraud. We’ve certainly heard that the federal government done. I’m not saying for a second that we are not done with program also had some…. Tere were issues of people that work. fraudulently claiming benefts that they weren’t entitled to. Ten a worker beneft was made available for those who So making sure that we have these checks and balances is found they had lost their jobs. What that meant is that absolutely critical. Staf are working diligently to develop people on income assistance and disability assistance wer- the parallel system that has all the checks and balances like en’t eligible for that beneft. So we put together a program an online system, and the goal is to work as quickly as we for this particular group, to help back in March, because can to get these resources into people’s hands. we wanted to make sure that people had some additional [1:55 p.m.] resources to help them through the toughest times — get- ting extra sanitizer, masks, things that they needed to keep M. Bernier: I completely appreciate that checks and bal- themselves safe. We recognized that. ances need to be there to stop fraudulent activity. Te Here we have a recovery beneft that everyone is eligible whole point of the exercise that we’re going through and for, including those on income and disability assistance. what government is trying to achieve as their statement on Tat’s a key element here. Not like the worker beneft — this is to get money in the hands of the most vulnerable again, that separated out diferent people. Tis is for every- people that need it. body. On top of that, we are adding an additional $150, We also canvassed earlier, to the minister…. Interesting because that is the right thing to do, additional help. that she brought it up just now, in her answer, because I know the member is trying to suggest somehow that it doesn’t quite match some of the things that we’ve been this is a clawback. Te program, the crisis supplement, hearing earlier. Te minister just said that vulnerable ends. It ends. It ends this month. Tere is nothing beyond people and people with disabilities are going to be getting that. Rather than just have the program end, we’re saying $150 a month for a few more months, into the new year let’s do another supplement on top of the recovery beneft — not all the way to the end of when they’re going to be so that people can have some support over the next num- putting a budget forward, it sounds like. It’s only for a few ber of months. more months, because there is a deadline, unless the gov- We are certainly continuing to do the work. I know ernment is going to extended that $150. But they’re getting that my colleague the Minister of Social Development and $300 right now. Poverty Reduction is doing the work and addressing what Te minister, in responses yesterday, today and other ways we can act to help reduce poverty in this throughout the week, has been: “Tey’re not going to lose province. out, because they’re going to be able to have this $500 by Christmas.” So even though they’re clawing back the $300 M. Bernier: I acknowledge that the government put for- to $150…. “Don’t worry. You’re getting $500.” Now we’ve ward a program that ends this month. But it also ended just found out that most of them, or a lot of them, are not three months ago, and they extended it when it ended. Te going to get that until the new year. reason why they extended it, and what they told the public, Is the minister willing today, then, to say that nobody is that the crisis is still here. “We’re going through a COV- will be clawed back until it’s confrmed that they’ve ID pandemic, and the crisis is still here.” received the $500? [2:00 p.m.] 312 British Columbia Debates Thursday, December 17, 2020

Te minister has now said that it ends this month. Does they have lost their jobs. Tey’re in dire need. Tey’re try- that mean the crisis has ended? No, we know it hasn’t. I’m ing to fgure out how to pay their mortgages, put food not asking that as a question of the minister. What I’m on the table, buy the shoes for their kids. Tey’re on EI. saying…. I’m asking the minister to acknowledge that this Tankfully, they’re on EI and have some income coming program was put into place because of the COVID crisis, in right now. Tey’re on EI and qualify for EI. Why? It’s and people were genuinely needing supports and helps, because they worked in 2019. which we supported earlier this year in this House. Te It’s disingenuous to say that people on EI are actually government extended it because the crisis was still ongo- going to be able to qualify, because arguably, a lot of ing. Tey have the opportunity to say: “Te crisis is still them won’t, based on what the minister and the govern- ongoing. We’re still hearing from everybody that the crisis ment has put forward. If I have a welder in my riding, is still ongoing. So we’re going to extend that $300 for or somebody working in the mill, that made $65,000 or another three months.” $70,000 last year, or $80,000 last year, they were doing Instead, what they’re saying, at Christmastime, is: okay. A single guy, probably bought a little pickup. He “We’re not going to. We’re reducing it from $300 to $150.” was paying the expenses on that, saving up some money, Tey’re trying to pat themselves on the back by saying: “It’s maybe even lucky enough to buy his frst home. Tings not a clawback, going from $300 to $150, because — look were doing okay. at us — we’re putting in a new program.” People aren’t ask- [2:05 p.m.] ing for a new program. Tey’re asking for the minister and COVID hits. He loses his job and is trying to fgure out the government to extend the existing program that was how to get by right now. I thought the whole point of this put in place this year. exercise was to look at people that were afected by COV- I acknowledge it’s a new program. I acknowledge that ID, not to look at what happened in 2019. So in a scenario it’s because people are looking for supports that, maybe, like I just mentioned, would that person qualify for this they didn’t have in the past, and we’re in a crisis situation. beneft, and should they be applying tomorrow? People are asking for help right now from this minister and government, because the crisis is still ongoing. Hon. S. Robinson: I think what the member is getting It’s $150 for a few more months, while they’re now wait- at, if I’m reading into the question, is…. He’s suggesting ing, for some, to be able to apply and get the $500. Mean- that we target those who have lost their income this year, while, we just passed a bill in the House — afer we voted in 2020 — that we target those who’ve lost income in 2020. against it, government passed a bill — to extend having to In order to make that determination, we would have to put a budget forward now until the end of next April. wait for the 2020 tax returns. We wouldn’t really see those Tis $150 is going to expire — or the program will be until the end of the summer or maybe into the fall. over — well before that, a couple of months, unless the One of the things that we did as a government in deter- minister is willing to say that it’ll be extended until then. mining the criteria was to have a signifcantly high enough Meanwhile, the Premier is saying: “Don’t worry. Tere threshold to capture those people who likely need it the might be future hope for you in the next budget, but we most. In our modelling, we are blanketing 3.7 million Brit- don’t know what that’ll be.” ish Columbians that we already know meet that threshold. We can bicker on the terminology of a reduction or a Tis is about having a broad program to capture those who clawback. Tat’s not what we’re here for today. We’re here are struggling the most and likely to struggle the most, giv- to put money into the pockets of people who need help. en what we know at the time. It’s disappointing that there are some people…. I’m glad to If we were to wait…. We could have chosen to do that. hear what the minister is saying — that the majority of the We could have chosen to wait to determine who would be people in that situation are going to be able to apply and eligible based on…. Again, tax return is the simplest and will get help. We all want to see that. most efcient way to go. But if we’re still in the 2020 tax Before I get into some other questions that I want to, year, and people aren’t going to start fling until later, in the on some of the answers the minister said earlier…. Actu- new year, they won’t have been processed. ally, no. I’m going to go to those now. Te minister and I Tis is about choices, and I recognize that the member had a discussion around EI and people on social assist- is going to recognize that we made a choice. We made ance. Te answer from the minister was that, absolutely, a choice to have a high enough threshold to capture as they get the money if they qualify. Tat’s an interesting many people as possible that could use the help, so that choice of words from the minister. Why would some- we can act now instead of having to wait six or eight or body be on EI right now? Somebody’s on EI right now ten months from now. because they lost their job this year. Arguably, they lost their job because of COVID. M. Bernier: I do, obviously, recognize that the minister Tis COVID relief funding — I’ll use those terms for and government made a choice. We’re just discussing now — to help people and that we’re trying to approve here whether it was the right choice for people at this time to in the House is supposed to go to those people, because Thursday, December 17, 2020 British Columbia Debates 313 match up not only with an election promise but to match Why do they have to apply? Will the minister change that up with helping people that are in need. today and say tomorrow…? “You’re right. Tese people I’m just kind of curious, though. Te minister said this that we’re hearing from don’t have to apply. If you’re on EI, was the easiest way to roll out the money. People on dis- you qualify. Here’s your $500. If you’re on any form of dis- abilities and some seniors, vulnerable people that were ability assistance from the government right now, we know receiving the $300 monthly payment from the government you qualify. Here’s your $500.” that’s now going to roll down to $150 — did they have Will the minister change that so they don’t have to apply to go through a whole application process based on 2019 tomorrow? data? [2:15 p.m.] [2:10 p.m.] Hon. S. Robinson: I appreciate the member’s intent to Hon. S. Robinson: I was trying to discern the question. try to make something as simple as possible. I want to It sort of got a little bit confusing, as I was asking staf for assure the member that we had — I had — similar ques- clarifcation. I ask the member to forgive me if I don’t quite tions about how we make this as simple as possible to help hit the mark with an answer. I suspect he’ll just ask again. as many people as possible. Certainly, with a program of People on income assistance and disability assistance do this size, it’s administratively challenging. It’s challenging have to apply for the recovery beneft. Te recovery sup- to put together a program and make sure that it gets where plement is included in their assistance cheques. it needs to go as quickly as possible. Te member had raised the challenge that the federal M. Bernier: Maybe be a bit more specifc to go along government is seeing now — having to ask for money back with this. We were just talking about the $300 top-up, because people weren’t really eligible. Money went out, additional supports that a lot of vulnerable people have and they didn’t meet the requirements. been receiving. One of the concerns that was raised when you have Did they have to apply for that? Was there a process for a broad application program for British Columbians that them to apply, based on what they made in 2019, as we has an income threshold and there’s one group that already are trying to do with this program? Or are all the people receives benefts from the province…. Te risk of a double that are on disability right now — payments or maybe application — for example, if it’s automatic, and then assistance payments from the government — who received you’re invited to apply online, and you get an application that $300…? Was that just automatically given to them or online, and they receive, automatic through their income deposited to them because the government already knew assistance process or the disability process — was also very they qualifed? great that it would be considered, I guess, an overpayment or a doubling up. Hon. S. Robinson: Yes, it was automatic. We didn’t want to create that confusion. Tat was seen to be a greater risk. Because it is such a broad program M. Bernier: Te minister has known me long enough, that is for all British Columbians with a certain income so she probably knows where I’m going now afer this, threshold, it was felt that it would be administratively bet- then. ter and more accountable to run it this way. If it was automatic for those people, because govern- I want to thank the member for his questions. Tey are ment had the data that they were people that were vulner- questions that I asked and others have asked around: “How able and they would need it and the government has that do we keep this as simple as possible and get money into information, why do they now have to apply for the $500? people’s hands as quickly as possible.” At the same time, the government has the information of Tis was a challenging piece that we wrestled with and people who are on EI right now because they lost their felt, at the end of the day, that this was the best route to go job this year. Why don’t they just get the money directly from an administrative framework. deposited into their account tomorrow? Why do they have to apply? M. Bernier: I appreciate that answer. Te government If it’s about helping the people who need it right now, has the information. Tere wouldn’t be a duplication that government has lots of information at their fngertips to I could see. If the government is already giving the $300 get. People don’t have to go through an application pro- to help these people, they already have the information of cess, especially a lot of these people that are vulnerable. who’s on EI. We could have, then, in my thought process, Tey received the $300. It’s going down to $150. Tey actually saved a lot of time here and even had a parallel should be able, tomorrow, to get that $500 deposit, no process. diferent than the $300 that was automatically deposited If you’re already receiving EI, if you’re already on disab- because the government had the information. ility from the government, if you’re already in the system Tere are choices made by government. Why are these — if I can loosely say that — with that information, no people, who are struggling right now and vulnerable…? 314 British Columbia Debates Thursday, December 17, 2020 need to apply. Te Premier made a promise that you would the member trying to fnd an alternate framework. In talk- have this money by Christmas. Here it is. ing with staf, many options were certainly explored. Tere If you are not in any of these systems, to be able to prove are a number of rationales for why the system that the that you’re in need right now, there could be an applica- member is proposing would not work. tion process. Or even more simplistically, follow through First of all, with large payment programs like this one, with the promise that the Premier made and just every- there is always concern about fraudulent claims. I guess body get the money. I know it sounds funny saying that. it’s a target for fraudulent claims when they’re this large. But at the time, going by the Premier’s comments, there It would be a challenge, without unverifed information, were no parameters. Tere was no application. Tere was to look to make sure that it met the risk assessment for no need to justify to access the money. Te announcement that. And it would be very difcult, once payment is made, was that if you vote for us and we win the election, you’ll to then recover it. One of my staf even suggested that if get it by Christmas. somebody then moved to Ontario, we would never be able Now I do appreciate where the minister was going, to recover that payment. So it would be very, very hard to though, with the intent of making sure, I guess, that they manage if they fle taxes outside of British Columbia. changed the promise that people who didn’t need it didn’t Te other thing is that when we have this kind of pro- get it. So they put a process in place. Tat was the choice gram, it has to undergo the fnancial risk and controls that they have made. Again, it’s disappointing on some of review at the ofce of the OCG to make sure that we are the choices, though, on how they’re rolling this out. We managing the risks to the signifcant funds that are going are now hearing that there are going to be some vulner- to be delivered to British Columbians. Tis was the frame- able people who were expecting this and hoping for it and work that got supported, using the 2019 returns. needing it that might not get it. I believe there could have Finally, there was a call made to CRA to fnd out if there been a more simplistic approach to make sure those people were any possibilities and what it would look like. CRA is received it. absolutely swamped and unable to adjust their program to Te minister has chosen, and the government has accommodate any changes that we would be making, so chosen, to use 2019 data, which we’ve highlighted, we’ve it was a given that that was of the table. It wouldn’t have heard and I’ll maybe even ask another question on that, been possible to actually make that happen. which is pre-pandemic, pre-crisis. Did they every think…? With all of those things taken into consideration…. I Maybe this will be my question. appreciate the member’s commitment to try to drive the [2:20 p.m.] resource as expediently as possible. We did the same. Tis Did the minister ever think: why don’t we put this was the best outcome and the best tool, framework, that money out…? I’ll give the government the choice to say it we could put together that would deliver to the people that could still be through an application process, maybe, like need it most, do it in a timely way and also have the risks many other things. If you qualify under these parameters mitigated when you have such a signifcant undertaking. — it’s not 2019 data; apply here; and you will get the fund- ing. Te minister is worried about fraudulent access to that M. Bernier: Cognizant of the time, I’m going to ask…. I funding. Would that not be captured when somebody fles guess it might be more of a statement based on the minis- their 2020 taxation? ter’s answer just now, and then we’ll come back, probably, For instance, my child turns around and says, “Oh, I’m for some closing remarks. going to apply and get that $500,” even though they might I just want to highlight, back then, what the government have worked all year long and they didn’t qualify. When and the minister have chosen to do as far as the criteria. they fle their taxes next year, it would be caught by gov- I appreciate that she acknowledged the fact that this side ernment that they applied for the $500 and they did not of the House is trying to help them meet their commit- qualify based on their 2020 tax return, and that $500 ment on getting the money out right away, by Christmas, would be deducted from any tax refund or they’d owe it because that’s what we want to see too. Tat’s the commit- back to the government. ment they made. We applaud the fact that there are people And if the government puts specifc criteria in place and right now that need help and want to get it, and we applaud information, so people know “Don’t bother to apply or you that we want to get it to them. will have to pay it back,” which maybe the federal govern- Here are some of the challenges with what the minister ment should have done a better job doing, I’ll give them just said and with the program: the confusion around who that…. Was that not considered an option? It truly could qualifes and who doesn’t. If you’re on EI right now, lost have been out by Christmas, truly gone to people that need your job this year because of COVID, and you made too it now, and anybody who didn’t qualify would have to pay much money last year when things were okay in your live- it back next year, not based on 2019 data. lihood and your family and your workplace, you prob- [2:25 p.m.] ably or may not qualify this year. If your fnancial cir- cumstances were great and your business was doing good Hon. S. Robinson: I want to express appreciation for last year — you know, a mom-and-pop operation — and Thursday, December 17, 2020 British Columbia Debates 315 you haven’t got the supports you needed through the small just hope the minister acknowledges…. From my very frst business grants but you’re hoping to because your income question almost, when I stood up in the House and we is really low this year due to struggling business, you might started this debate, I said: is there anybody right now in not qualify. the province of British Columbia who has been negatively I’ve heard stories out there, and I’m sure the minister afected by COVID, who is struggling in their life right has heard the same ones, of the confusion around how now to make ends meet? Is this government willing to this is going to roll out. If you’re a married couple and guarantee that they will have the money by Christmas to you were making $175,000 last year — you both had really help them out? Te minister wasn’t able to answer that. good jobs — and then earlier this year, through troubling Now I see why. Because there are a few faws. circumstances…. Maybe a separation took place in the Now, I will give this minister credit that she is genuinely house, in that family. You now have a single mom with a trying to meet the obligations that have been put in front couple of kids and hardly any income, maybe, at all, trying of her, based on a promise during an election from the to fgure out how this Christmas is going to go, who prob- government and, I’ll say, because of this crisis situation ably won’t qualify because it’s based on last year’s income. we’re in and the needs of the people. I think the House also [2:30 p.m.] needs to acknowledge, though, that it’s not going to quite An extreme circumstance could be somebody in Van- meet the bar. couver, I’ll use, who has a $10 million or $15 million home. I’ll end by just saying that we encourage everybody who Everything runs through their business. Because of is struggling, everybody who feels they qualify, to apply. If accounting on paper, they didn’t make much money last you need help, apply for the help. We want to see that. If year, even though they’re living in this multi-million-dol- you don’t, please don’t, because there are many people that lar mansion. Guess what. Tey can apply. Tey do get it. need help right now. I’m raising these as just some, maybe, extreme I look forward to coming back in this House, hopefully examples, but it’s to highlight the fact that there are faws early in the new year, where the minister can actually stand in this process rolling out to ensure that the money actu- up in this House and report. I’m hoping she won’t wait till ally goes where government and the opposition was then to report how many people have applied and how it’s intending, if the minister wants this bill in front of the helped people. We haven’t been able to get that on the busi- House, this supplemental estimates portion, to pass, to ness side yet from government. I’m hoping we will get it on make sure it gets out tomorrow. the people side for this $2 billion that government wants I think the point, though, again, is to…. Maybe I’ll end to pass here very shortly. with this, because noting the time, I might not get an [2:35 p.m.] opportunity to stand back up, it looks like. We’ve been ask- I will end by wishing everyone a merry Christmas, hop- ing questions for the last few days of this minister, as the ing everybody gets through the struggles of 2020 that we only bill that came forward, the only supplemental change all have talked about, and we wish everybody the best 2021 that came forward, to actually ensure that not only is gov- and look for a brighter future next year. ernment going to be transparent and accountable but that the supports are going to people. Because this is people, Hon. S. Robinson: I thank the member for a good series again, that we’re talking about. Te minister said that yes- of questions. I know that it’s hard being on that side and terday, and we agree. It’s how we help people. doing the work yourself. I want to commend the fne job Tere are people struggling right now all throughout the that he has done in crafing questions and helping every- province. As the opposition, we want to see them get the one. British Columbians understand what government is supports they need too. Te line of questioning over the trying to do, what our intent is and how we’re developing last few days, and yesterday and today specifcally, around programs to deliver that. the $2 billion, is to just make sure that…. We want to see it I want to also remind everyone that starting tomor- get out. We want the minister and government to be think- row…. Te ofcial launch of the recovery beneft is tomor- ing of every opportunity to make sure that money does get row morning. Our commitment is to get money out as out to people. quickly as possible to as many people as possible. My concern is, though, based on some of the answers I also, again, want to take a moment to thank the public from today and how this is rolling out, that that’s not going service. Te series of questions that the member had asked to happen. Te commitment to make sure everybody has were questions that I put forward and others have put money in their accounts by tomorrow and by Christmas is forward to them around trying to craf a framework that not going to happen. Tere could have been alternatives. would move money out as quickly as possible to as many Tere could have been diferent ways of rolling this out people as possible who needed it. I want to thank them for to meet that election promise, which, more importantly, their hard work, for being on the other end of my earpiece means to help people. and refreshing my memory and identifying some areas Te minister has given her choices today and the gov- where the member asked a question that I didn’t know the ernment’s choices of how they choose to roll this out. I answer to. Tey were helpful to me. Mostly, I want to thank 316 British Columbia Debates Thursday, December 17, 2020 them for working so quickly and so diligently to get this Introduction and program together, to get it together so that we can support First Reading of Bills British Columbians. I look forward to this House passing these estimates, BILL 2 — SUPPLY ACT, 2020–2021 recognizing that people really do need their government (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 3) and they need their government to be responsive and that we all get to do that together on all sides of the House. Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her With that, I, too, want to wish everyone a safe holiday, Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Supply a brighter future for 2021, and I look forward to seeing Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3). everybody again in the near future. Hon. S. Robinson: Tis supply bill is introduced to Vote 52(S): contingencies (all ministries), pandemic authorize additional funding for the operation of gov- response and economic recovery, $2,000,000,000 — ernment programs for the 2020-21 fscal year. Te House approved. has already received, taken as read and agreed to the report of the resolution from the Committee of Supply Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the committee rise, afer consideration of the supplementary estimates. In report resolution and completion. addition, the House is resolved that there be granted from and out of the consolidated revenue fund the Motion approved. necessary funds towards defraying the charges, expenses and disbursements of the public service of the province Te committee rose at 2:38 p.m. for fscal year ending March 31, 2021. It is the intention of the government to proceed with all Te House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. stages of the supply bill this day.

Te Committee of Supply reported resolution. Mr. Speaker: Minister, would you move the motion that the bill be read a frst time. Hon. M. Farnworth: I call for the consideration of the reports of the resolution from the Committee of Supply. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be introduced [2:40 p.m.] and read a frst time now.

Supply Motions Motion approved. [2:45 p.m.] REPORT OF RESOLUTION FROM COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY Mr. Speaker: Members, in keeping with the practice of this House, the fnal supply bill will be permitted to Hon. S. Robinson: I move: advance through all stages in one sitting. [Tat the report of resolution from the Committee of Supply on December 17 be now received, taken as read and agreed to.] Bill 2, Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates No. 3), introduced, read a frst time and Motion approved. ordered to proceed to second reading forthwith.

FUNDS GRANTED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE Second Reading of Bills

Hon. S. Robinson: I move: BILL 2 — SUPPLY ACT, 2020–2021 [Tat there be granted to Her Majesty, from and out of the Consol- (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 3) idated Revenue Fund, the sum of 2 billion dollars towards defray- ing the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fscal year ending March 31, 2021. Tis sum is in addition Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 2 be read a second to that authorized to be paid under section 1 of Supply Act, time now. 2020–2021.] Motion approved. Motion approved. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 2 be referred to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration forth- with.

Bill 2, Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Thursday, December 17, 2020 British Columbia Debates 317

Estimates No. 3), read a second time and ordered to In Her Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant- proceed to a Committee of the Whole House for Governor doth thank Her Majesty’s loyal subjects, accepts consideration forthwith. their benevolence and assents to this act.

Committee of the Whole House Hon. J. Austin (Lieutenant-Governor): Tank you very much. BILL 2 — SUPPLY ACT, 2020–2021 As always, I want to thank all of you for your truly, truly (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 3) splendid work and also to wish you much happiness this holiday season. I do hope you’ll all be able to spend some Te House in Committee of the Whole on Bill 2; personal time with your immediate households but also to S. Chandra Herbert in the chair. fnd those opportunities to connect via Zoom or telephone with the others in your life who are important to you. Te committee met at 2:49 p.m. Obviously, this time will be diferent for all of us, but I so very much look forward to the chance when we can Clauses 1 and 2 approved. all gather together once again. I’m hoping to host a fab- ulous party at Government House, and don’t we so need Preamble approved. it. When the renovations are done at Government House, I promise you it will defnitely be a party to remember and Title approved. a way for me to visibly express my appreciation for all that you do. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the committee rise and I wish you peace and every possible happiness and suc- report the bill complete without amendment. cess for the season and for the new year. Tank you all so much. HÍSW̱ ḴE. Motion approved. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the Te committee rose at 2:50 p.m. chamber.

Te House resumed; Mr. Speaker in the chair. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Report and Tabling Documents Tird Reading of Bills Hon. M. Farnworth: Before I move the adjournment BILL 2 — SUPPLY ACT, 2020–2021 motions, I seek leave to table a document. It doesn’t usu- (SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES No. 3) ally appear until early in the new year, but given the nature of this session and this year and everything that we’ve been Bill 2, Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary coping with in terms of COVID, I thought it appropriate Estimates No. 3), reported complete without amendment, to table the calendar for next year. read a third time and passed. Leave granted. Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, her honour the Lieuten- [3:10 p.m.] ant-Governor is in the precinct. Please remain seated while we await her arrival. Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the House, at its rising, do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested to the Speaker, afer consultation with the government, that attend the House, was admitted to the chamber and took the public interest requires that the House shall meet or her seat on the throne. until the Speaker may be advised by the government that [2:55 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.] it is desired to prorogue the frst session of the 42nd par- liament of the province of British Columbia. Te Speaker Royal Assent to Bills shall give notice to all members that he is so satisfed or has been so advised, and thereupon the House shall meet Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: at the time stated in such notice and, as the case may be, Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 may transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned In Her Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant- to that time and date; Governor doth assent to this act. Tat, by agreement of the Speaker and the House Lead- Supply Act, 2020–2021 (Supplementary Estimates ers of each recognized caucus, the location of sittings and No. 3) 318 British Columbia Debates Thursday, December 17, 2020 means of conducting sittings of this House may be altered who make this place work so well and so efciently, partic- if required due to an emergency situation or public health ularly during this COVID time. We should all give them a measures, and that such agreement constitute the author- big round of applause. [Applause.] ization of the House to proceed in the manner agreed to. I hope everyone has safe travels home and enjoys some Te Speaker shall give notice, to all members, of the agree- time of. ment and shall table it for it to be printed in the Votes and With that, hon. Speaker, I move the House do now Proceedings of the House at the next sitting; adjourn. Tat, in the event of the Speaker being unable to act, owing to illness or other cause, the Deputy Speaker shall Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. act in his stead for the purpose of this order; in the event of the Deputy Speaker being unable to act, owing to illness Motion approved. or other cause, the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole shall act in his stead for the purpose of this order; Mr. Speaker: Members, again, I also would like to say and in the event of the Deputy Chair of the Committee thank you for your trust and your friendship. It was a short of the Whole being unable to act, owing to illness or oth- session, but it was a very fruitful and productive session. I er cause, another member, designated collectively by the hope you have a wonderful time with your family — only House Leaders of each recognized caucus, shall act in her with your family. Be safe. I hope to see you soon. Tank stead for the purpose of this order. you very much. Take care. Now this House stands adjourned, per the motion we Motion approved. passed.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I’d like to take this opportunity for Te House adjourned at 3:13 p.m. all of us in the House to thank the staf in the buildings Hansard Services, Reporting and Publishing

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