Third Session, 39th Parliament

official report of Debates of the Legislative Assembly

(hansard)

Thursday, February 17, 2011 Afternoon Sitting Volume 20, Number 7

the honourable , speaker

ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC

Third Session, 39th Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture...... Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation...... Hon. , QC Minister of Children and Family Development...... Hon. Minister of Citizens' Services...... Hon. Mary McNeil Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development...... Hon. Minister of Environment...... Hon. Minister of State for Climate Action...... Hon. Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Small Business and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Services...... Hon. Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands...... Hon. Minister of State for Mining...... Hon. Minister of Labour...... Hon. Minister of Natural Resource Operations and Minister of Energy...... Hon. Steve Thomson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing...... Hon. Minister of State for Building Code Renewal...... Hon. Minister of Science and Universities and Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development...... Hon. Minister of Social Development...... Hon. Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment and Minister Responsible for the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat and Minister of Education...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Leader of the OfficialO pposition...... Dawn Black Deputy Speaker...... Assistant Deputy Speaker...... Claire Trevena Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole...... Harry Bloy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...... E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Clerk Assistant...... Robert Vaive Clerk Assistant and Law Clerk...... Ian D. Izard, QC Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees...... Craig H. James (on leave) Clerk Assistant and Acting Clerk of Committees...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sergeant-at-Arms...... Gary Lenz ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, George (L)...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Mission...... Hon. Randy Hawes Austin, Robin (NDP)...... Skeena Abbotsford South...... Bains, Harry (NDP)...... Surrey-Newton Abbotsford West...... Michael de Jong, QC Barisoff, Hon. Bill (L)...... Penticton Alberni–Pacific Rim...... Scott Fraser Barnett, Donna (L)...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Boundary-Similkameen...... John Slater Bell, Hon. Pat (L)...... Prince George–Mackenzie Burnaby–Deer Lake...... Bennett, Bill (Ind.)...... Kootenay East Burnaby-Edmonds...... Raj Chouhan Black, Dawn (NDP)...... Burnaby-Lougheed...... Harry Bloy Black, Hon. Iain (L)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Burnaby North...... Richard T. Lee Bloy, Harry (L)...... Burnaby-Lougheed Cariboo-Chilcotin...... Donna Barnett Bond, Hon. Shirley (L)...... Prince George–Valemount Cariboo North...... Bob Simpson Brar, Jagrup (NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Chilliwack...... Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (L)...... Surrey-Panorama Chilliwack-Hope...... Hon. Barry Penner, QC Campbell, Hon. Gordon (L)...... –Point Grey Columbia River–Revelstoke...... Norm Macdonald Cantelon, Ron (L)...... Parksville-Qualicum Comox Valley...... Don McRae Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP)...... Vancouver–West End Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...... Douglas Horne Chong, Hon. Ida (L)...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Diane Thorne Chouhan, Raj (NDP)...... Burnaby-Edmonds Cowichan Valley...... Bill Routley Coell, Hon. Murray (L)...... Saanich North and the Islands Delta North...... Guy Gentner Coleman, Hon. Rich (L)...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Delta South...... Vicki Huntington Conroy, Katrine (NDP)...... Kootenay West Esquimalt–Royal Roads...... Maurine Karagianis Coons, Gary (NDP)...... North Coast Fort Langley–Aldergrove...... Hon. Rich Coleman Corrigan, Kathy (NDP)...... Burnaby–Deer Lake Fraser-Nicola...... Harry Lali Dalton, Marc (L)...... Maple Ridge–Mission Juan de Fuca...... de Jong, Michael, QC (L)...... Abbotsford West Kamloops–North Thompson...... Dr. Terry Lake Dix, Adrian (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kamloops–South Thompson...... Hon. Kevin Krueger Donaldson, Doug (NDP)...... Stikine Kelowna–Lake Country...... Norm Letnick Elmore, Mable (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kensington Kelowna-Mission...... Hon. Steve Thomson Falcon, Kevin (L)...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kootenay East...... Bill Bennett Farnworth, Mike (NDP)...... Port Coquitlam Kootenay West...... Katrine Conroy Fleming, Rob (NDP)...... Victoria–Swan Lake Langley...... Hon. Mary Polak Foster, Eric (L)...... Vernon-Monashee Maple Ridge–Mission...... Marc Dalton Fraser, Scott (NDP)...... Alberni–Pacific Rim Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows...... Michael Sather Gentner, Guy (NDP)...... Delta North Nanaimo...... Leonard Krog Hammell, Sue (NDP)...... Surrey–Green Timbers Nanaimo–North Cowichan...... Doug Routley Hansen, Hon. Colin (L)...... Vancouver-Quilchena Nechako Lakes...... John Rustad Hawes, Hon. Randy (L)...... Abbotsford-Mission Nelson-Creston...... Hayer, Dave S. (L)...... Surrey-Tynehead New Westminster...... Dawn Black Heed, Kash (L)...... Vancouver-Fraserview North Coast...... Gary Coons Hogg, Gordon (L)...... Surrey–White Rock North Island...... Claire Trevena Horgan, John (NDP)...... Juan de Fuca North Vancouver–Lonsdale...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Horne, Douglas (L)...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain North Vancouver–Seymour...... Jane Thornthwaite Howard, Rob (L)...... Richmond Centre Oak Bay–Gordon Head...... Hon. Ida Chong Huntington, Vicki (Ind.)...... Delta South Parksville-Qualicum...... James, Carole (NDP)...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Peace River North...... Pat Pimm Karagianis, Maurine (NDP)...... Esquimalt–Royal Roads Peace River South...... Krog, Leonard (NDP)...... Nanaimo Penticton...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Krueger, Hon. Kevin (L)...... Kamloops–South Thompson Port Coquitlam...... Mike Farnworth Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP)...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Port Moody–Coquitlam...... Hon. Iain Black Lake, Dr. Terry (L)...... Kamloops–North Thompson Powell River–Sunshine Coast...... Nicholas Simons Lali, Harry (NDP)...... Fraser-Nicola Prince George–Mackenzie...... Hon. Pat Bell Lee, Richard T. (L)...... Burnaby North Prince George–Valemount...... Hon. Shirley Bond Lekstrom, Blair (Ind.)...... Peace River South Richmond Centre...... Rob Howard Les, John (L)...... Chilliwack Richmond East...... Linda Reid Letnick, Norm (L)...... Kelowna–Lake Country Richmond-Steveston...... Hon. John Yap MacDiarmid, Hon. Dr. Margaret (L)...... Vancouver-Fairview Saanich North and the Islands...... Hon. Murray Coell Macdonald, Norm (NDP)...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Saanich South...... Lana Popham McIntyre, Joan (L)...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Shuswap...... George Abbott McNeil, Hon. Mary (L)...... Vancouver–False Creek Skeena...... Robin Austin McRae, Don (L)...... Comox Valley Stikine...... Doug Donaldson Mungall, Michelle (NDP)...... Nelson-Creston Surrey-Cloverdale...... Penner, Hon. Barry, QC (L)...... Chilliwack-Hope Surrey-Fleetwood...... Jagrup Brar Pimm, Pat (L)...... Peace River North Surrey–Green Timbers...... Sue Hammell Polak, Hon. Mary (L)...... Langley Surrey-Newton...... Harry Bains Popham, Lana (NDP)...... Saanich South Surrey-Panorama...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Ralston, Bruce (NDP)...... Surrey-Whalley Surrey-Tynehead...... Dave S. Hayer Reid, Linda (L)...... Richmond East Surrey-Whalley...... Bruce Ralston Routley, Bill (NDP)...... Cowichan Valley Surrey–White Rock...... Gordon Hogg Routley, Doug (NDP)...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Vancouver-Fairview...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Rustad, John (L)...... Nechako Lakes Vancouver–False Creek...... Hon. Mary McNeil Sather, Michael (NDP)...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver-Fraserview...... Simons, Nicholas (NDP)...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Hastings...... Shane Simpson Simpson, Bob (Ind.)...... Cariboo North Vancouver-Kensington...... Simpson, Shane (NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Kingsway...... Slater, John (L)...... Boundary-Similkameen Vancouver-Langara...... Dr. Stewart, Hon. Ben (L)...... Westside-Kelowna Vancouver–Mount Pleasant...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Stilwell, Dr. Moira (L)...... Vancouver-Langara Vancouver–Point Grey...... Hon. Gordon Campbell Sultan, Ralph (L)...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver-Quilchena...... Hon. Colin Hansen Thomson, Hon. Steve (L)...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver–West End...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Thorne, Diane (NDP)...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vernon-Monashee...... Eric Foster Thornthwaite, Jane (L)...... North Vancouver–Seymour Victoria–Beacon Hill...... Trevena, Claire (NDP)...... North Island Victoria–Swan Lake...... Rob Fleming van Dongen, John (L)...... Abbotsford South West Vancouver–Capilano...... Ralph Sultan Yamamoto, Hon. Naomi (L)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Sea to Sky...... Joan McIntyre Yap, Hon. John (L)...... Richmond-Steveston Westside-Kelowna...... Hon. Ben Stewart

Party Standings: Liberal 47; New Democratic 34; Independent 4

CONTENTS

Thursday, February 17, 2011 Afternoon Sitting

Page

Routine Business

Introductions by Members...... 6373

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 6374 Bill M202 — Legislative Assembly Management Committee (Public Disclosure of MLA Expenses and Accountability) Amendment Act, 2011 M. de Jong

Statements (Standing Order 25B)...... 6375 Watersheds and groundwater protection D. Routley Charitable fundraising by Burnaby firefighters H. Bloy Campbell River Food Bank C. Trevena Trucking industry safety programs D. Horne Kersley Musical Theatre B. Simpson United Nations and Model United Nations program R. Lee

Oral Questions...... 6377 Communication by health authority on medical scan issues D. Black Hon. C. Hansen Investigation of medical scan interpretations D. Black Hon. C. Hansen Communication by health authority on medical scan issues N. Simons Hon. C. Hansen Investigation of medical scan interpretations N. Simons Hon. C. Hansen S. Hammell J. Kwan St. Paul's Hospital infrastructure conditions S. Chandra Herbert Hon. C. Hansen Funding for criminal justice system L. Krog Hon. C. Hansen S. Simpson Mining industry and Natural Resource Operations Ministry funding D. Donaldson Hon. R. Hawes Hon. G. Campbell

Petitions...... 6382 S. Chandra Herbert

Tabling Documents...... 6382 Property Assessment Appeal Board, annual report, 2010 Labour Relations Board of British Columbia, annual report Orders of the Day

Tributes to the Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier, and Carole James, MLA, Victoria–Beacon Hill...... 6382 D. Black Hon. R. Coleman B. Ralston Hon. C. Hansen S. Simpson Hon. S. Bond C. James Hon. G. Campbell

Budget Debate (continued)...... 6396 R. Howard R. Fleming R. Cantelon S. Fraser

Royal Assent to Bills...... 6408 Bill 3 — Supply Act (No. 1), 2011 6373

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011 I'll introduce them. They are Katie Comley, Matthew Dell, Heather Doi, Christine Fritze, Caroline Lee, The House met at 1:33 p.m. Geordon Omand, Elise Palmer, Annabel Rixen, Gordon Robinson and Graeme Scott. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] I know that if the Attorney General and Minister of Aboriginal Relations were with us…. And I know I Routine Business shouldn't note his absence, but I believe he's having a baby, if that's possible. [Laughter.] Introductions by Members The minister, like I, was a member of the legislative internship program in an earlier era. I am proud to say Hon. M. Polak: Today I had the pleasure of having that I am a charter member of the legislative internship lunch with representatives from the Boys and Girls club from 1976, which many of you will remember was Club of Greater Victoria, and they have joined us here the year that Thomas Edison invented the typewriter. in the House today. I'd like to welcome to the House That's the year thatI was a charter member of the intern- Kris Charmley, Mike Sidhu, Bob Moysey, Todd Walsh, ship program. And I want to…. Cheryl d'Estrubé and Patti Sullivan. Would the House please make them welcome. Interjections.

D. Black: It gives me a great deal of pleasure today G. Abbott: Mr. Speaker, if we could have some order to introduce a young woman that I've known for a long in the House for just a moment. time. Her name is Raj Sihota. She went to university I did want to warn the interns that the internship pro- with my son David. When she was at university, her pol- gram could for them, like me, be like the Hotel California, itical heart was actually on the other side. My son talked where you can check out, but you can never leave. to her and invited her to an NDP meeting and Youth Parliament, and what do you know, Mr. Speaker? She D. Thorne: I too would like to welcome one of the became a lifelong New Democrat. It's been 20 years, so I new interns in the legislative internment…. [Laughter.] think her heart is definitely with us now. Referring to the last speaker, the internment program. It's hard to quantify Raj's enormous contribution to Ms. Katie Comley is a constituent of mine in our party, so I won't try, except to say that we all owe her Coquitlam-Maillardville, and she has been selected a great debt of gratitude. to participate in this prestigious program. I wanted to [1335] welcome her on behalf of all of the people who live in To our party and to our movement she's been a stal- Coquitlam-Maillardville and wish her all the best, along wart for New Democrats through thick and thin. She's with the other interns. worked in various leaders' offices, and she is now taking a sojourn to do some other work and some other inter- Hon. M. MacDiarmid: We are joined today in the ests in her life. She is a great friend, a great colleague, gallery by Madam Pike's grade 5 class from L'Ecole and we will all miss her. I'd ask you all to give your atten- Keating in the Saanich school district. I had the oppor- tion to Raj. tunity to meet with these students. They're from grade 5. I had a brief meeting with them earlier, and they're G. Abbott: I have a couple of introductions to do looking forward. today. The first is to introduce a gentleman in the They know a little bit about the House, and I've told gallery today, Mr. Ed Mayne from Parksville. Ed has them that we are all, of course, on our very best behav- had a distinguished career in business in both British iour this afternoon. They've spent some time visiting Columbia and Ontario. He was until recently the great the museum to learn more about our province's history. mayor for the community of Parksville, and even more Now they're here to see how the Legislature oper- recently than that, at least until this morning, he has ates. Would the House please join me in making them been a B.C. Liberal candidate for the leadership of the warmly welcome. B.C. Liberal Party. I'd ask the House to please make him welcome. C. James: I have two guests I'd like to introduce in Also in the gallery today are ten remarkably talented the Legislature. The first is a member of my extended and very well-educated young people who have come family. Her brother Norman came to us through the fos- to participate in the annual event that we call the B.C. ter care system and lived with us for more than 20 years. legislative internship program. These are ten distin- Although he's not here, he will be here with us forever. guished young scholars who have at post-graduation [1340] applied for and now have been accepted to the intern- Would the House please welcome Bobbi Mitchell, ship program. who is here with us today, and a member, a colleague of 6374 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

all of ours in the Legislature, the former MLA for New House to make all of these students and their teacher Mr. Westminster. Would the House please welcome Chuck Campbell welcome here today. Puchmayr, my close friend. Introduction and L. Reid: I am pleased to welcome to the chamber to- First Reading of Bills day Don and Jennifer Phillips. Those of you who were elected in the '90s will recall that Don Phillips was the Bill M202 — LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY legislative comptroller. He had a distinguished career MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE with us and has gone on to have many lovely adventures (PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF MLA with his wife as they travel the globe. I'd ask the House EXPENSES AND accountability) to please make them welcome. amendment act, 2011

D. Routley: I would like the House to help me wel- M. de Jong presented a bill intituled Legislative As- come Tyler George. Tyler is a councillor from the Halalt sembly Management Committee (Public Disclosure of Nation. He's joining us today. He's come to discuss water MLA Expenses and Accountability) Amendment Act, issues that face the Halalt Nation. 2011. Tyler is a young person who pursued a corporate ca- reer in the United States and found himself back in our M. de Jong: I move that a bill intituled Legislative constituency in his home in Halalt and found himself Assembly Management Committee (Public Disclosure willing to serve the people there. He coordinates their of MLA Expenses and Accountability) Amendment Act health program. He's an active councillor and a dedi- be introduced and read a first time now. cated member of our community. I appreciate his service, as do all the band members of Halalt Nation. Please help Motion approved. me thank Tyler. M. de Jong: The bill, for members' information, ad- D. Hayer: I have one very special guest here today: dresses an issue that the House has been struggling my wife, Isabelle Martinez Hayer. She is my partner, and with. I believe as a matter of principle that taxpayers she is the one who helps me wherever we need it, one of should know how their money is being spent, and I the best volunteers — my wife for almost 30 years. She's believe that's equally true of the money we receive as here on a special day because today is the day our best MLAs to offset our expenses and to operate our offices. Premier in British Columbia is going to be here in the What's more, I believe that the vast majority of MLAs House for the last day as Premier. She wanted to be here actually agree with that proposition, and yet for some to make sure she gives her thanks. When I got involved reason, it hasn't happened. I am happily told that some in politics in '99, the first thing we went to do was go progress was made as recently as yesterday, and I'm see Premier Campbell to get his permission to see if we pleased about it. could get involved — actually, our Premier of the prov- ince of British Columbia. This bill would require annual disclosure on a public Would the House please make her very welcome and website of all the funds that we receive as MLAs pursu- thank our Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, ant to Vote 1, including expense reimbursement and the who is also retiring as leader this term, which is a his- operation of our constituency offices. I believe that the torical event today. best way to ensure that this Legislature is never subjected to the spectacle we see unfolding in Nova Scotia is to pro- R. Fleming: With us today in the House are stu- vide timely disclosure of how MLAs spend the money dents from the great school Reynolds Secondary in my that taxpayers provide to us. This bill would provide for constituency… that disclosure and enhanced accountability. Accordingly, I move that the bill be placed on the or- Interjection. ders of the day for second reading at the next sitting after today. R. Fleming: …with former alumni in the House, as one has already indicated. Bill M202, Legislative Assembly Management Com- Twenty-three students and their teacher Mr. Scott mittee (Public Disclosure of MLA Expenses and Campbell, grade 11 students from social studies, are Accountability) Amendment Act, 2011, introduced, currently in the midst of a politics and government unit. read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders I had the pleasure of visiting their class last week and en- of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the during a form of question period in that class. They are House after today. here to watch MLAs in debate today, and I would ask the [1345] Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6375

Statements Yesterday I was privileged to host a fundraising break- (Standing Order 25B) fast with Scotiabank for the Burnaby Fire Fighters Society. I was proud to present the firefighters Rob Lamoureux, WATERSHEDS AND Miles Ritchie, Jeff Clark and Randy Delmonico with a GROUNDWATER PROTECTION cheque for $3,000 from the proceeds. But we were not alone. Scotiabank, represented by D. Routley: I rise today to speak about local water- Senior Vice-President David Poole and Vice-President sheds, but watersheds in general. Watersheds are the Barbara Ruff, presented the firefighters with an addi- spring points of life and renewal. In Canada we possess 7 tional $5,000 to go to the burn fund. I hope that my percent of the world's total renewable freshwater supply. fellow members would join me in recognizing and In B.C. groundwater provides 23 percent of our popu- thanking Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society lation with their drinking water. Groundwater provides for the contributions they made to Burnaby and all of 9 percent of the total water consumption in our prov- British Columbia. ince, and B.C. groundwater consumption accounts for 25 percent of the total groundwater use in Canada. CAMPBELL RIVER FOOD BANK Fresh water is our most vital public resource. It is an essential element to life. It is, in fact, a human right. In C. Trevena: I rise here today to tell members about the my constituency, the Cowichan River Valley, which has Campbell River Food Bank. Every day volunteers work achieved heritage river status; the Chemainus River, filling boxes for families and bags for individuals. Every which the Halalt people have such a dire interest in day hungry people come in for a free can of soup and preserving and protecting; the Chemainus commun- some bread, and every week food is distributed to those ity, also dependent on the Chemainus River; Holland who cannot afford to feed themselves or their families. Creek; Chase River, with its industrialized delta…. More than a thousand people a month are served by The pressures are many: residential development, re- this food bank, by its volunteers and by its donors. People source extraction, the unregulated and sometimes poor shouldn't have to go hungry. In Campbell River kids can practices carried out in our forests, and climate change. get a hot breakfast at school. Some churches also supply The solutions are inclusive community-based man- breakfast. There's lunch at the Salvation Army, and in agement. Our First Nations need to be partners in the the evening that can of soup can be heated up. management of our freshwater resources, and we need One dad brought his teenaged sons when he regis- political leadership that will act to protect this vital pub- tered for help so they would see both the indignity of his lic resource and never allow the private control or trade having to ask for free food to feed the family and so that of this precious element. Water, drinking water, should the sons would see the unjudgmental generosity of the never be simply a commodity. volunteers at the food bank. [1350] CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING Many of those who come are regulars, once a month, BY BURNABY FIREFIGHTERS and if they're desperate and that monthly donation doesn't help, some churches in town provide a subse- H. Bloy: I rise in the House to speak of one of the best quent basket. Many of those who use the food bank are volunteer groups in Burnaby. It's no exaggeration to say the working poor. As one volunteer told me when I vis- that the Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society are pil- ited: "You can't feed a family on part-time Wal-Mart lars of our community. They do so much; it's difficult to wages." There is a large display donation cheque from know where to start. The firefighters are active and- in that store in the food bank office. credibly effective fund raisers, recently giving a combined Local companies and individuals come together to total of $70,000 to two hospitals that serve Burnaby. make the food bank work. Tradesmen are constructing For over ten years they have volunteered as preventa- an awning so people don't have to wait in the rain for tive CPR instructors for grade 10 students in Burnaby. the doors to open. "Got to give people dignity," said one Since 2005 the Burnaby Fire Fighters Society has run a food bank worker. Others are working to rebuild the in- nutritional snack program, starting with two Burnaby side of the warehouse so that the operation is smoother. elementary schools and a community centre. Today they Individuals rise to the challenge, filling a commercial deliver healthy snacks to nine centres, and that's soon trailer full of food for the food bank, filling bags distrib- to be ten. They are supported partially by one sponsor, uted with newspapers for the food bank, dropping off PriceSmart Foods. goods and cheques to the food bank. The teachers and coordinators are unanimous in their I think any one of us in this House could stand up gratitude. The kids enjoy a healthy snack in the- mor and praise the work of the food bank in their commun- ning and have improved grades and overall behaviour. ity, and maybe we should all reflect on that.F ood banks In short, it helps them become better students. should not be the norm in our cities. 6376 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

TRUCKING INDUSTRY With the brilliant directorship of Janice Butler, the SAFETY PROGRAMS energetic production of Cathy Heinzleman and the musical talent of Bev Pontius, along with a whole lot of D. Horne: This past February 2, I had the opportun- help from people behind the curtain, behind sewing ma- ity, together with the Minister of Labour, to speak at an chines, behind the lights, KMT is celebrating its tenth event in Coquitlam for the Trucking Safety Council of anniversary this year with the classic Music Man. British Columbia. The event was held to honour Clark Unfortunately, Music Man will be KMT's swan song. Freightways, who was presented with a certificate of rec- Kersley Musical Theatre will no longer be producing ognition, or COR. This was the first of these certificates plays. Yet when the curtain finally drops on KMT, the given in the trucking industry for their dedication at legacy of this production company will be enjoyed for maintaining the highest standard of safety. decades to come, as the songs and memories will linger The COR program is a partnership between the on in the hearts and minds of all those who participated Trucking Safety Council and WorkSafe B.C. and recog- and saw the shows. nizes companies that develop and implement sustainable I ask the members of this House to join me in con- health and safety systems that exceed industry require- gratulating Janice and Cathy and the whole KMT gang ments. In order to achieve its strategic safety objectives, for their decade of success and community building. Clark Freightways developed one of the most compre- hensive occupational health and safety programs in the UNITED NATIONS AND industry and provides every employee with exhaustive MODEL UNITED NATIONS PROGRAM safety orientation and training programs. Their certificate of recognition was presented to two R. Lee: Ever since its establishment in 1945 the United very deserving gentlemen: Marcus Clark, the president Nations has been an important international organiza- and owner, and Greg Rogge, of Clark Freightways. The tion for maintaining international peace and security, pride in their business was very evident as they gave the developing friendly relations among nations and pro- group a tour of their operation, which has been in busi- moting social progress, freedom and human rights. ness since 1957. [1355] I thanked them for their tireless efforts in implementing We are proud of the key role that Canada played in the highest standard of safety for their workplace. This is drafting the UN charter and the Universal Declaration the type of leadership that continually raises the standard of Human Rights. Today Canada has seven diplomatic for improving trucking safety in our province. As almost missions accredited to the UN, including offices in New everything we use in our daily lives is delivered by trucks, York and Geneva. it is extremely important to all of us. With the advent of telecommunication and air trans- portation, the spiritual and physical distance between KERSLEY MUSICAL THEATRE people is diminishing. Future generations will face many B. Simpson: Take the stories of five lively orphans, challenges and controversies. It's vitally important that two quick-witted redheads, an angelic boy who dared young British Columbians have a better understanding to ask for more, a young girl who found that somewhere of global affairs and have the wisdom and skills to pro- over the rainbow wasn't anything like home and a fly- vide possible solutions. ing imp who refused to grow up. Add to these youthful Mr. Speaker, where can our young people get the adventures the compelling stories of a beast who wins training? Model United Nations simulations are oppor- the heart of a beauty and of a father who can't resist the tunities for our young people to experience the role of a winds of change or the sound of a good fiddle. diplomat. Every year 200,000 students around the world Just for the pure fun of it, throw in the hilarious tale conduct research and investigate international issues. of a hapless wagon master and a goofy yarn about a hill- Through debate and negotiation, the students develop billy who saves his town from the A-bomb. Top all of their own solutions to the challenges before them. Many this off with the tale of a travelling salesman who con- of the universities and colleges in British Columbia have vinces entire towns that their children can learn to play made the model United Nations simulations available. I music using only the think system. am pleased to see that more and more high school stu- When you roll all of this together, what do you get? dents are participating as well. You get a decade of creative success, personal and family This Saturday the British Columbia Model United development, community building, over 100 sold-out Nations Association will host its B.C. Model UN con- shows and over 30,000 people who were enthralled ference at the University of British Columbia. Would and professionally entertained by literally hundreds of the House please join me in congratulating our youth their family members, neighbours and friends. You get leaders and wishing them a stimulating and successful Kersley Musical Theatre, or what we call KMT. conference. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6377

Oral Questions Hon. C. Hansen: I was not aware of this case, and I'm not aware of any others, but clearly it's not acceptable. COMMUNICATION BY HEALTH AUTHORITY I think that the health authority and the officials ON MEDICAL SCAN ISSUES connected to the hospital in Powell River are doing everything they can to try to deal with the situation. D. Black: Last week a man from Powell River opened We, first of all, want to make sure, as a first priority, that his mail and found two letters from the Vancouver these patients are getting access to the care that they Coastal Health Authority — both letters dated February need. We're working with their family doctors. We're 8, both signed by the same physicians. Both letters said working with them and their families. But we want to his CT scan was read by an unqualified radiologist.B oth make sure that that's dealt with first of all, and then as letters assured him they had taken every measure to fol- a second part of this, we want to make sure how the se- low up and properly read his scan. quence of events happened the way they did and how we One letter read: "There is no discrepancy between the can make sure it doesn't happen again. two reports; no follow-up needed on your part." The Again, I will certainly extend my apologies to this par- second letter said: "There is a discrepancy between the ticular gentleman. two reports which may potentially be significant. Please contact your doctor." Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition has a fur- Will the Minister of Health please first apologize to ther supplemental. this patient and then explain to him what on earth is going on? INVESTIGATION OF MEDICAL SCAN INTERPRETATIONS Hon. C. Hansen: I am not aware of the letters. I'm not aware of the details around the case that the member has D. Black: While I appreciate that the minister will raised, but obviously in the way that she has presented, apologize to the patient, I want to remind the minister that the letters — both letters — are dated February 8. this gentleman deserves an apology not just from me, Both letters were received the same day. That's only a but I think from the health authority and from the phys- few days ago. icians involved. The letter says, "The radiologist who read your scan This is clearly a situation that is not acceptable to was not authorized to do so," that he "had not com- anyone. It's not acceptable to me. The whole incidence pleted additional education required to be reviewing CT around…. It's not just this one gentleman, who ob- scans." viously must be very distressed by this, but it's all of the Can the Minister of Health tell this House how many patients who I think have been put under stress because others are practising across B.C. without the right of the misdiagnosis and misinterpretation of the scans authority? as have occurred. Given the circumstances, as the member has described Hon. C. Hansen: That is exactly the context of Dr. it, I do give him my full apology. We will certainly be fol- Cochrane's review. In appointing Dr. Cochrane to look lowing up to make sure that all patients that have been into this matter, I made it very clear on the very first involved in this get access to the medical care that they day that his very first priority had to be to make sure need and they deserve. that there weren't other radiologists in British Columbia who were practising without the proper training, ex- Mr. Speaker: Leader of the Opposition has a supple- perience and credentialing. So Dr. Cochrane will be mental. undertaking that. But I can tell you that all of the cases that have come D. Black: Well, Mr. Speaker, such incompetence, such to our attention have been made public, and if there are terrible incompetence. It's the government that's at fault. any other cases that come to our attention, we will cer- Can you imagine for a minute what this patient actually tainly be making sure that that information is public. is going through? How is he supposed to have any con- Dr. Cochrane's investigation is two phases. The first fidence in his care when he gets two letters on the same phase is this review of existing radiologists and their day, one telling him there is a problem, the other saying credentials. He will be providing that report within 30 everything is fine? days of the time that I asked him to undertake that, and To the Minister of Health again: was he aware of this we will be making his report public that he provides. We problem, and does he know, can he tell us how many will also be making his more fulsome report public when other patients got two letters with conflicting and dif- he completes the broader look at the circumstances that ferent stories? led up to this, to ensure that we can make sure it never [1400] happens again. 6378 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

COMMUNICATION BY HEALTH AUTHORITY they're fixed, and that's exactly what Dr. Cochrane is ON MEDICAL SCAN ISSUES undertaking.

N. Simons: My constituent had his scan in August. S. Hammell: I think we can all agree that this situ- The health authority knew about the problem and ation is very serious. Today the minister said that the stopped this doctor from practising that particular as- situation is unacceptable. On Tuesday the minister said pect of his profession in October. It wasn't until last the government wants to act to ensure that radiologists week that my constituent was even sent a letter — or two have "the appropriate credentialing." But they failed to letters, in this case. act, even though for over a year the British Columbia How can the minister explain that delay, which seems Radiological Society has been asking them to imple- like gross neglect? ment tougher standards for their profession. To the Minister of Health: B.C. patients really have Hon. C. Hansen: I'm not going to make apology…. had enough, so will he act on toughening those stan- I'm not going to in any way condone this, because dards today? clearly it's not acceptable. It's not acceptable to me. It's not acceptable to the medical community, and they Hon. C. Hansen: The Ministry of Health Services of- want to make sure that these issues are addressed ex- ficials meet on a regular basis with representatives of peditiously. the B.C. Medical Association and with representatives I can tell the member that as soon as I became aware of the various organizations that represent the special- of the circumstance in Powell River, I acted. I made sure ists within the medical community. There have been that we put in place the terms of reference for a thorough meetings with radiologists. They have not been on a review, to make sure that we could once again get to a subject that would be directly relevant to this particu- point where we can give British Columbians the confi- lar issue. dence that they can depend on the interpretation and But we want to work with that organization, work the diagnosis that is being undertaken by health profes- with the BCMA and, as I've said earlier, work with the sionals in British Columbia. college to make sure that the credentialing that is done, We want to get there as quickly as we can, and we are that the evaluation of competency is one that has rigour working on that as fast as we possibly can to ensure that and one that British Columbians can depend on. Again, British Columbians can have that confidence. that is work we are doing expeditiously to make sure that British Columbians can have confidence in this system. Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. INVESTIGATION OF MEDICAL SCAN INTERPRETATIONS S. Hammell: So we'll wait. While B.C. Liberals just sit and watch, Alberta is one of the provinces to bring in N. Simons: I'm sure my constituent appreciates the of- better standards. While B.C. only requires radiologists fer of apology. What I think is concerning to the people to fill in an on-line survey of their credentials, Alberta of the province is: what systemic problem can create this requires a full review, including feedback from col- kind of situation where an identified problem back as leagues, patients and other health professionals. far as 2008 isn't addressed until October but the pub- Again to the minister: why don't B.C. patients deserve lic is kept in the dark until February? That seems to me at least the same standards as those found in Alberta? the problem and the concern that people in my constitu- ency are concerned about. Hon. C. Hansen: As I have said, I fully expect that [1405] there will be changes that will come as a result of the re- How can the minister assure the people of this prov- view that Dr. Cochrane is doing. But we want to make ince that similar problems are not occurring throughout sure that we get the best expert advice, and we want to the province? make sure that there is a system put in place that British Columbians can have confidence in and that makes Hon. C. Hansen: First of all, if either the Leader of sure that anyone that is practising medicine in British the Opposition or the member was able to provide me Columbia has the full training, experience and creden- with the copies of those letters, I will ensure that they tialing to do so. are followed up on very quickly. I think the member's point that he makes is exactly the terms of reference J. Kwan: I just want to understand something from and is exactly why we've appointed Dr. Cochrane to this Minister of Health — interim Minister of Health. do that review. If there are systemic problems, then The health authority, which this government appointed, we want to make sure that they're identified and knew about this since October, yet the minister him- Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6379

self only just found out. I'd like the minister to explain To the Health Minister: why has this government kept to this House and to British Columbians how it is that 100,000 Vancouverites in the downtown core and hun- this time lag is allowed. What is he going to do to seek dreds of thousands of other British Columbians that rely those answers from the health authorities themselves on St. Paul's Hospital at risk? in not bringing the issue to the minister's attention immediately? Hon. C. Hansen: The report the member refers to that came to the health authority and the ministry this Hon. C. Hansen: As soon as it was brought to my year was actually a draft version of a report that came to attention, I can assure the House I took action. We made the ministry on February 2. What the ministry is look- sure that it was addressed expeditiously and on a prior- ing at…. It's exactly the kind of advice that the province ity basis by everybody concerned. needs, that the health authority needs, in order to deter- [1410] mine what needs to be done to make sure that our health As I've said in the House previously and as I've said facilities are adequate and appropriate for the care they publicly, the issue around why it took so long for the are expected to deliver. ministry to be notified by the health authority is ex- The ministry and the health authority are evaluating plicitly in the terms of reference that have been given to the findings in this draft report. We'll be working with Dr. Cochrane. It is Dr. Cochrane that I am looking to, to the health authority to determine what action needs to find those answers. be taken and when it needs to be done.

Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

J. Kwan: The health authority is chosen by this govern- S. Chandra Herbert: This government's Ministry ment. They put these health authorities together.I t's been of Health, back in 2004, commissioned an independ- since October that the health authorities knew about ent report that stated that the hospital's infrastructure the problems, yet the minister is asleep at the switch. He was deplorable. Electrical feeds are so old that they knows nothing about it. Maybe the former Minister of can't even be tested for fear of failure. Two emergency Health knows nothing about it, who is now wanting the generators are past their life expectancy, with one that Premier's seat. I don't know who doesn't know, but the recently failed. The plumbing fails frequently, forcing fact is, it's the patients who are not getting the information the shutdown of whole departments. The elevators fail, that they deserve and the health care that they deserve. sometimes trapping patients and doctors, and they fail, Surely the Minister of Health has got to say that this on average, 40 times a month. is not acceptable, that he wants these answers from the When will this government stop passing the buck, health authorities and that he demands to know im- take action and renew St. Paul's Hospital? mediately, the minute the health authority finds out about this incompetence. Hon. C. Hansen: Part of the legacy of this govern- ment has been that we have put more money into health Hon. C. Hansen: Again, that is exactly what Dr. care facilities in British Columbia than any other gov- Cochrane will be looking at. ernment. That includes investments that have gone into I can assure the member that when the most recent St. Paul's Hospital, the most recent of which was a $14.7 case came to light, the health authority was notified im- million investment in the emergency ward at St. Paul's mediately. We were notified immediately, and we took Hospital to improve and modernize it. action immediately. [1415] I'm proud of the fact that we have put these invest- ST. PAUL'S HOSPITAL ments in around the province. We will look at this INFRASTRUCTURE CONDITIONS technical report, as we do all of the information that comes forward, to determine exactly what needs to be S. Chandra Herbert: Today we learned this govern- done to make sure that St. Paul's continues to provide ment received an independent report back in 2004 that the excellent health care that it has to British Columbians stated that five out of six buildings at St. Paul's Hospital for the last hundred years. in Vancouver were at extreme or very high risk of failure. We also know that Providence Health Care provided a FUNDING FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM report to this government this year that states: "Should a major disaster, electrical or other infrastructure fail- L. Krog: When asked yesterday about drug-trafficking ure take St. Paul's out of service, core health services in and drunk-driving cases being dropped due to inad- Vancouver would be in chaos, as there is no surge cap- equate court resources, the Minister of Finance gave a acity in other facilities." completely inadequate answer. Now a man accused of 6380 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

killing a puppy belonging to Max Rose, a then-12-year- services to continue to erode, for us to not have ad- old cancer survivor, is getting off scot-free. The presiding equate services to be able to process the cases that are judge says that the court delay was caused by a shortage in front of us is just the continuation of that failure. It's of judges in Campbell River. not acceptable. My question, again, is to the Minister of Finance, and [1420] he's got a second chance today to give us an answer. It appears the Finance Minister isn't prepared to deal How can this government justify a $700,000 cut to the with these issues. My question would be to the Premier. judiciary budget from last year's spending, $6 million Will the Premier, in his final few days here, direct the from prosecution services and $8 million from court Finance Minister, direct the Attorney General to in fact services while alleged criminals are getting off because rethink these resources, apply the resources, get the of lengthy court delays blamed on this government's in- judges into those courts, get the prosecution services in adequate funding? and deal with these cases?

Hon. C. Hansen: As I indicated yesterday, there is Hon. C. Hansen: I will reiterate that the fiscal plan a process underway looking at the judicial system in that was set out last year and the budget for the Ministry British Columbia and how we can ensure that taxpay- of Attorney General is the same today as it was then, so ers get the best value for dollar and make sure that the there is stability in terms of their plan and their budget. court system can work as efficiently as possible. But as But let's actually look at what's happening in terms of I indicated yesterday, the ministry continues to deploy crime in British Columbia. our existing prosecutors. The ten new prosecutors hired We see that for the fifth year in a row overall crime in 2009 continue, and they will be there to protect the in British Columbia is down. We know that property public from gang violence. crimes in British Columbia are now at their lowest lev- The budget that is in place for this coming fiscal year els that we've seen in 30 years in this province. We also that was reflected in this budget is a continuation of the know that violent crimes have hit a 20-year low in this fiscal plan that we had tabled, actually, 12 months ago. province. I know that the Attorney General is working with the Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. judiciary, looking at new ways that the judicial system can function so that the interests of British Columbia L. Krog: I want to remind this minister that he's are met, so that the judicial system can work and we can been in office for ten years. This government has had continue to see a drop in those crime rates in British ten years, and now they're engaging in a process to deal Columbia in the years to come. with the crisis in the justice system. That doesn't cut it for the opposition. Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. Max's father said yesterday: "I don't know what you're supposed to tell your children — that, oh yeah, a guy can S. Simpson: Maybe the minister would like to shoot your puppy in the head, can get away with it, and he know that continuing a fiscal plan that allows crimin- just has to wait long enough, and then it all goes away." als, whether they be drug dealers or people who shoot The fact is that there are not enough judges. Court re- a kid's dog, to walk away and never appear in court is a sources in B.C. are strapped. They are being underfunded, failed fiscal plan, and it's time to change it. and cases are being dropped. This is not acceptable to The minister can read from his notes all he wants. the people of British Columbia. The reality is that British Columbians want our courts Again to the minister: when will this minister declare to work. They want criminals to be dealt with. They that B.C. is not a safe haven for violent criminals, pro- don't want them walking free, and they don't want vide the judges and sheriffs and court support necessary them getting their $6 million bills paid either, but that's and ensure that no more trials are dropped? another matter. Will this government finally do something right? You Hon. C. Hansen: As I indicated, the budget for the can do it now. Put the money in place to be able to deal Ministry of Attorney General, as set out in the fiscal plan with the criminals who are walking out of these courts, 12 months ago, continues. The ministry can count on never appearing in these courts, because you failed to stable funding, and the ministry is working with the ju- fund the system. diciary and the judicial system to find ways to ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible for the people of Hon. C. Hansen: Actually, the masters of failed fiscal British Columbia. plans are the NDP. You know, actually, that's a govern- ment…. S. Simpson: To continue with the failed process as this minister has, to allow these prosecution and court Interjections. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6381

Mr. Speaker: Continue, Minister. It's not just the mining sector that's pointing out the failed strategies of this government when it comes to Hon. C. Hansen: The bottom line is that the Ministry generating revenues. of Attorney General has a significantly higher budget today than it did ten years ago. We have more prosecu- Interjections. tors in British Columbia, we have more police in British Columbia, and we have more convictions in British Mr. Speaker: Members. Columbia. Crime is down in British Columbia, and we continue to continue to drive that progress. D. Donaldson: The former Minister ofE nergy, Mines and Petroleum Resources said: "The fundamental prob- MINING INDUSTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCE lem facing the natural resource ministries is they are OPERATIONS MINISTRY FUNDING underfunded. We work the heck out of the employ- ees, we don't have enough funds within the ministries D. Donaldson: Well, let us talk about the bottom to get permits out the door, to develop the policy, to line. The Mining Association of B.C. recently said that deal with the stakeholders, to do the work that actually the province is not well positioned to take advantage of leads to the majority of the revenue that comes in to record-high copper prices. We've lost out on potentially government." millions in revenues. The Mining Association president, So a straightforward question to the Minister of Pierre Gratton, told this government a year ago that they Natural Resource Operations. Does the Minister of were at risk of cutting off their nose to spite their face Natural Resource Operations agree with his former cab- "by making these kinds of cuts to the very ministries that inet colleague? are there to help the economy grow." He said: "Frankly, the cuts have gone too far." Interjections. With the new budget we see millions of dollars' worth of cuts to the new Ministry of Natural Resource Mr. Speaker: Members. Operations. To the minister: please explain how these cuts will support responsible mining and generate gov- Hon. G. Campbell: It's really good to hear that the ernment revenues. opposition are suddenly concerned about the mining [1425] industry. I should tell the member opposite that it's often good to talk to the mining industry about the en- Hon. R. Hawes: I'm sure the member is aware of the vironment that's been created for them before he starts number of new mines that are now approved and ready to go in this province. asking questions. I would invite the member to call the mayor of Let me tell the member opposite this, hon. Speaker. Princeton and ask him what's happening in Princeton Since 2001 mining exploration in British Columbia is with the revival of that community, which had suffered up over a thousand percent. There are over two dozen so badly with the pine beetle epidemic, but now Copper mines in process. Mountain is opening and providing huge employment, I can tell the hon. member opposite, who evidently big benefits. That town is completely rebuilding because now cares about mining, that all he has to do is listen of mining, as will a number of areas in that member's rid- carefully. We need to streamline our regulatory pro- ing as Red Chris and other mines in your area, Member, cesses. We need to make sure we move forward. We begin to open. need to ensure we encourage investment. It will cre- As you know, we are in a renaissance in mining, and ate thousands of jobs in British Columbia. That's what we are seeing unprecedented growth in mining in British this side of the House will do, and we hope he'll join Columbia today. us. [1430] Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental. Interjections. D. Donaldson: Well, it's typical of this minister and this government. It's all about what might happen in the Mr. Speaker: Members. Members. future. The people in this province want to know what's happening in the here and now — the here and now, hon. [End of question period.] Speaker. I can tell you what's happening in the here and now is that this government is making cuts to ministries S. Chandra Herbert: I rise to present a petition. that are going to affect our revenue-generating potential in this province. Mr. Speaker: Proceed. 6382 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

Petitions For me and for so many others, that was a very exciting prospect. S. Chandra Herbert: Hon. Speaker, I bring a petition I knew the member before I made the leap, but I from constituents of Vancouver–West End to call for a knew her mostly by reputation. In fact, when she ran to renewal of St. Paul's Hospital. Some 311 residents are be the leader of the , I supported adding their names to the over 10,000 names already someone else — so, in fact, did many of the people that submitted by the Save St. Paul's Coalition. she brought in to work with her on her team here in the Legislature. Tabling Documents It's a measure of her generosity and her inclusive ap- proach to politics that petty political calculations didn't Hon. S. Cadieux: I have the honour to present the really figure into her thinking. She wanted everyone on annual report of the Property Assessment Appeal Board her team, and I could tell that she would bring enor- for 2010. mous integrity and a new perspective to leading our province. Hon. I. Black: I have the honour to present the an- Over the last year and a half or almost two years now nual report of the Labour Relations Board of British that I've been working in the Legislature, I got to know Columbia. her much better and to know much better the extra- ordinary woman that she is. I've had the opportunity Orders of the Day to work with many politicians and many leaders in my time in the New Democratic Party both federally and Hon. R. Coleman: By agreement with the opposition, provincially, and the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill I ask for leave now to move into a session where we will was and is unique. spend some time to say some remarks and tributes to She is probably the most centred and calm politician our two parting leaders. that I've ever met, and that inner calm has served her well in the ups and downs of political life. She was a rock Leave granted. when we needed her to be. She became leader at a very difficult time for us. We were down in the polls, down to Tributes to the two seats in the Legislature, so it wasn't an easy choice Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier, and for her to make. It certainly was not a glamorous job. Carole James, MLA, Victoria–Beacon Hill [1435] Some called her a caretaker. Well, they clearly had not D. Black: Well, it's with very mixed emotions that I taken the measure of the member for Victoria–Beacon stand to pay tribute to my friend Carole James, a remark- Hill. She was the steady hand we needed, working relent- able woman and a remarkable British Columbian. lessly, often in obscurity, to bring the New Democratic Party back to life. She did more than that. She brought Mr. Speaker: Just to remind members, you don't use the party to the brink of forming government. the names. In opposition she quickly found her voice as a power- ful advocate for a fairer and more compassionate D. Black: Sorry. I haven't done that before. The mem- province. She didn't fit the mould of the caricature that ber for Victoria–Beacon Hill. is sometimes painted of B.C. politicians. She is certainly I also want to offer congratulations to the Premier, not the most controversial character to grace these halls. who has a very remarkable record in British Columbia, She doesn't exploit divisions. She doesn't shout or yell. being one of the longest-serving Premiers in B.C.'s She doesn't appeal to fear. It's just not her style. history. He's someone who has worked hard for the She has a basic common sense that made a lot of people of British Columbia, and he'll leave his mark traditional political theatre seem rather beside the on the province for decades to come. To Nancy and point to her. Perhaps that's because she was raised by a to your whole family, Mr. Premier, I want to say thank very strong woman who just didn't have time for such you, because it's those who are nearest and dearest to things. She certainly inherited her stiff upper lip in the us who often give up a lot and deserve so much of the face of adversity — no whining, no complaining; just credit. get on with it. The member for Victoria–Beacon Hill was the reason The week she was diagnosed with cancer, she barely that I left Ottawa to become involved in provincial pol- said a word. She went camping for a week, and she came itics. It was a difficult decision for me, but I, like many back. She did radiation, and she went straight back to others, was extremely impressed by her. I wanted to work work. with her as the Leader of the Opposition and, I hoped, Some saw Carole's commonsense personality as a as the first elected woman Premier of British Columbia. weakness, but I believe that it was one of her greatest Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6383

strengths. It gave her a capacity to reach beyond trad- from all walks of life, from every part of the province, itional political divides and to find common ground. benefited from her strong and principled voice. And Under her leadership the NDP became a more open and through her voice, the NDP again found its voice, a welcoming party to new ideas and to new people. That voice as a servant to the people. will be one of her lasting accomplishments. Carole, it's impossible to find words to match the thanks But her common sense and reasonableness should that we owe you for what you've done for all of us and for never be mistaken for a lack of passion for the job or for British Columbians. You've been an inspiration to me and the purpose of politics. Her quiet determination can be to so many others who have hope for a better, more hu- quite fierce. When she zeroes in on an issue, she is re- mane province, a better and more humane world. lentless, driven by a passion for people and a profound Your warmth, your generosity, your basic goodness sense of right and wrong. reflected well on all of us. British Columbia is a better That sense of right and wrong propelled her into pub- province because of you, and to you and to Al and to lic life. It gave her the courage to do things she thought your wonderful family who gave you up to us for seven were beyond her, from organizing her first protest as a years, I will simply say thank you. Thank you from all of child to demand that girls be allowed to wear pants in us. [Applause.] school, to putting her name forward as a school trustee, to turning her life upside down to run to become leader Hon. R. Coleman: Mr. Speaker, thank you for giving of the New Democratic Party. us the time this afternoon to say a few words about folks She doesn't know this, but we share a political story. I, that mean a lot to us. too, began my political activism as a teenager organizing Carole, I'd like, on behalf of the government side, to the girls in my school, Point Grey School in Vancouver, congratulate you on your commitment to the province to wear pants at school as well. So girls can now wear and your public service. pants. We women politicians wear our pantsuits wher- My entry into politics started in 1986 when I ran for ever and whenever we please. council, and I lost. I made myself a commitment in 1986 If there's one value that grounds her approach to pol- that I would never run for public office again. itics, it is her innate belief that every person has value, that every person has a contribution to make to the Interjections. common good, no matter what their circumstance in life. That value is in her NAD , instilled by her loving, if Hon. R. Coleman: Sometimes things just don't work rather chaotic, upbringing in a home that was teeming out the same as you think they will. with life — grandparents, parents, children and foster Ten years later I went to a speech by the then Leader children. It's been her touchstone in the ups and downs of the Opposition — actually, about nine years later, the of political life. It has kept her grounded. Mr. Speaker, it Premier of the province — at the chamber of commerce has kept us grounded. in Langley. Afterward I went to a reception and had an Whenever she returned from a trip or a tour, she al- opportunity to meet and talk to him. It was at that time I ways had a story to tell, and it was always about someone actually joined the B.C. Liberal Party because I thought who had touched her with their story of perseverance. I had just met the person that could lead us back to a co- [1440] alition of people on the free enterprise side, to lead us to She was always attuned to the shy person at the back government in the future. of the room, more comfortable meeting with people Now, I only joined the party to be a volunteer because who were struggling in life than she was in a room with I had run campaigns for years, but I still had no inten- the most powerful. Some saw that as a weakness too, but tion of entering politics — until about six months later. again, I believe it was one of her greatest strengths. I was standing in a food lineup for a fundraiser for the For her, the purpose of politics is to give people the then MLA at the Twin Rinks in Langley, tools they need to make the most of their lives, to treat and the Premier happened to be standing beside me in everyone with the dignity that is inherent within them. the lineup. He said: "I think you should consider run- That more than anything defined her leadership of our ning for us." He gave me a very short explanation as to party and her contribution to public life. why, and I bought it. She could be tough. She is tough. In fact, I've learned [1445] she's as tough as nails, but the fundamental respect she From there became a journey that I cannot describe showed to everyone gave her the capacity to reach be- to anyone in any way. I entered politics as part of his yond herself, to expand the vision for our party and to team in 1996. I served as his caucus chair and his Whip imagine a new way that politics could work. for the next five years. We went through some tough Yes, there were disappointments. There are always dis- times in opposition, some very interesting times and, appointments in politics. It is a tough and unforgiving as we refer to the 1997 session, the session from hell, business, but so much was achieved. British Columbians where we as an opposition did not look like we could 6384 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

possibly be a government in waiting or that we could "Boy, we're really trying to change the future of British possibly be a group of people that could coalesce to get Columbia here. I'm emboldened, I'm excited, and I the job done. think it's important." But coalesce we did, because the Premier put us We've had a week where we actually talked about together in a room, and we worked it through. We de- the 2010 Olympics, but there's one pretty minor story cided that we were going to handle ourselves differently, around that, which people don't know. People will re- make a commitment to each other. As we did that over member the referendum in Vancouver and the work the next four years, I believe that was the foundation we did with the Premier's leadership to get the referen- that got us to government in 2001. dum done in Vancouver so we could actually host the You know, there are stories that go: "If you spend Olympics. But what you don't know, many of you, is that some time with somebody for 15 years…." And I'm when the team was over in Europe for the bid, they all not going to get into the government agenda, because had about three-minute pieces that they had to give as you've heard me speak in this House and laud how great part of their bid. we are many, many times, so you all know that we are. [1450] [Laughter.] However, there are times that you remember As Wayne Gretzky, I believe, said it — it was either when you sort of reflect on a relationship. I reflect on Wayne Gretzky or John Furlong — there was one guy two stories I want to tell you. who spoke for a living as a politician, who practised and I reflect on sitting in a room with a group of support- practised and practised to get his piece absolutely per- ers in 1997, a year and a half after the campaign of '96, fect. The rest of the team that were there on the bid said who were basically saying: "Well, you guys should move that when the captain of the team is prepared to work on to a different leader. You should do things differently." that hard and practise that hard, we have to raise our My comment to this group of people was: "Then either game too. He led us to the Olympic bid, and we should step up to the plate, believe in this guy…. And if you got never, ever forget that. him to the chair, you'd have one of the greatest Premiers Now, my friend has one very irritating trait. in history." I believed that then, and I believe that now. But as you Interjections. go through that and you build something together…. Something else happened for me. I also got a friend for life, Hon. G. Campbell: Just one, Harry. Just one. and I'll speak about that more in a couple of minutes. I'll never forget the night on December 10 many, Hon. R. Coleman: One. many years ago when I lost my mother-in-law. The first He happens to be one of these guys that's a natural person through my door was the Premier. He made sure athlete. What he does is he'll sit and not golf for nine or my wife was okay, and he actually stepped up and helped ten months out of the year and pick up a set of sticks us through that period of time. and beat me every single time. Well, not every single I watched him as his compassion for Fred Gingell as time. he suffered through cancer was there, with the Premier For the members opposite, every year the Speaker, checking in on Fred, giving him the support and being myself, the former member for Okanagan-Penticton there for him during the time that he suffered prior to and the Premier have a little two-day golf tournament. passing away. We play a thing called "high-low." High means there are I know he was there for 's family. And I 36 points to get. You get one point for the high and one know that over the many years of the suffering of Sindi point for the low score, matching up between the two Hawkins, one of the constants was the Premier's visits teams, and you calculate this. and calls and concern for Sindi. You can't measure that So once we won. Every other time we've been beaten. any other way. But not just beaten, beaten badly. When they triple your We came into government in 2001, and you know, it number…. was kind of cool. You sit there in opposition. And those of you on my side of the House that haven't been in Mr. Speaker: Just a reminder: who's partners? opposition, I've got to tell you that the worst day in gov- ernment is still better than the best day in opposition if Hon. R. Coleman: Oh yeah. The Speaker and the you're government. Premier happen to be partners in this little event. You The vision, our 90-day agenda, our tax cuts, the con- can imagine, since the member for Okanagan-Penticton stant striving for excellence, for the betterment of B.C. is not even here to defend me…. Mind you, he never that our Premier led us through was something to be- would. He blames me every time we lose anyway. hold, something that you could get up every single I've got to tell you a little story because I'm never go- morning and be excited about, something you could ing to live this down, so I might as well tell everybody. walk into every single cabinet meeting and think: We were playing last year at Redwoods Golf Course Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6385

in Langley. If you've ever played golf with me…. I can lic service in front of this country and in this province, hit a pretty long golf ball. I just have no foggiest idea we should be so eternally grateful to them. But when where that ball might be going. So I lose a lot of golf they take it to the next step and they actually change balls — right? the direction and the history of a province, we should When you're frustrated like me when you golf, you admire them. take the next ball out of your bag, and you put it on the I got to serve with greatness. My boss, my friend, my tee, and you don't care what it is. Well, I made a little Premier, Gord — those will all be the things I will always mistake. I'm embarrassed about it, but they'll never let call him from here on forward. me live it down. We were playing on one hole, which is a You know, a man once said that the rent you pay for dogleg to the right, par 5 on the back nine of Redwoods. the space you occupy on the face of this earth is service I teed off, and frankly, I duck-hooked it into about six to your fellow men. Premier, you have paid your rent in feet of grass. spades, and I am proud to have served with you for the My partner pulled up. He says: "Isn't this your golf last 15 years. [Applause.] ball? This is where it went in." I said: "Must be." So I hit it. Shortly thereafter the Premier said, "I think you were B. Ralston: It's my opportunity to pay tribute to the playing this type of ball," so I had hit the wrong ball. It former Leader of the Official Opposition, the member was a Titleist 2. They'll never let me forget it.E very time for Victoria–Beacon Hill, and to say a few words about they want to get to me, they just say, "Titleist 2," and they the outgoing Premier. won't let me live it down. When the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill took I do think, though, that when you've had the oppor- over as our leader, the leader of our party, on November tunity like I have — the gift that I've been given as an 23, 2003, we were still very close to our…. I think it MLA to serve in this Legislature, but the gift to serve would be fair to call it a major setback in 2001, coming with someone like the Premier — you get certain bene- back with two seats, Joy MacPhail and the member for fits in life. You get to look back and say, "Why didn't I Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, 21.56 percent of the popu- think of that?" when he comes up with the next long- lar vote, a historic low in the modern era. term thinking for the future of British Columbia. It was But we came roaring back. In 2005, under her leader- never short-term politics with my leader. It's always ship, we elected 33 MLAs, and our percentage of the been long-term thinking. popular vote was 41.52 percent. That's the official tally, Whether it was the Asia-Pacific…. He told us back in and that's almost exactly double what we had in the 2001 about 2002 that it would take us about ten years to pene- election. And of course, we came very close — certainly trate the market in China if we get focused on it and we we on this side regret it; perhaps not so much on that stay with it. Today China is our second-largest lumber side — in 2009 when we elected 35 MLAs and had 42.15 exporting partner in British Columbia. As we go into percent of the popular vote. Close, but in this world not the next softwood lumber negotiation, I suspect that quite close enough. we'll be in such a strong position because we had the But I don't really want to talk about the official re- vision in 2002. Successive ministers have built on that cord. I do want to talk about the person that I know vision, but the vision came from the Premier. and recognize her accomplishments in politics here in Our ports, our infrastructure, our clean energy, the British Columbia. She attempted in the often strident new doctors and nurses being trained in British Col- and polarized political culture of British Columbia to umbia that are serving us, the public, were all long-term bring about a different and more constructive tone. Her thinking things that came from the leadership of the Pre- goal was to bring about a new style of politics in British mier, including new universities and things like that. Columbia, and history will judge the success of that, al- When I was thinking about what I'd say today, I didn't though in my view she was successful. want to get into the government stuff so much as the per- Some of her more recent political leadership led us sonal side. So I thought to myself: "What will I tell my to what we've called in our party "Our province, our children and my grandchildren about this term of office, future," where she reached out to those considered non- about the Premier of the province of British Columbia?" traditional audiences by some in our party and some I like to read books. I've read a lot of books about a lot of more generally in British Columbia. great people. You sit there and think: "I wonder what it She exhibited a tremendous capacity for the kind of would have been like to be part of history, to be serving hard work and travel that go with the office of Leader with someone that great." of the Official Opposition. She told me that her hus- [1455] band, Al Gerow, complained that one month she was I get to tell my grandchildren: "I don't need to read home only six nights of that 30-day period. Of course, about it anymore; I saw it every single day." I saw greatness, all of that travel was within British Columbia. I think I saw commitment, and I saw love for my province. that's important to add for our friends in the press gal- No matter what you think, when people put their pub- lery this afternoon. 6386 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

She takes a justifiable pride in her leadership in the I had many opportunities to talk privately with the parliamentary struggle to bring about the creation of former Leader of the Opposition, and I can tell you un- the new independent officer, the child and youth advo- equivocally that from my own personal experience she cate. That's a particular pride given her long personal is someone that feels passionately about her constitu- history of fostering children in her own home over ents. Obviously, she had huge responsibilities as Leader many years. of the Opposition but never was too busy to champion But perhaps most strikingly for me, the quality that the cause of an individual constituent and bring it for- I associate with Carole is the strikingly warm and ward to us in government. emotional response that she receives from the British It was always a pleasure to try to work with the mem- Columbians that she meets wherever she goes through- ber to find solutions to the problems of real people out the province. People in British Columbia like her, because I saw the commitment and the passion that she and they continue to like her. Her warm and optimistic had for individuals that she was there to serve. personality has touched countless British Columbians The Premier is someone that I first got to know when throughout the province. he was a member of the Vancouver city council. At [1500] the time I was the chair of the board of trustees of the She will pour her energy into new projects and new Vancouver Museum, which is actually still today the lar- ideas for her constituents and for British Columbians. gest municipal museum in all of Canada. I'm sure he She served us very well as leader of our party and as doesn't remember those meetings, but he was certainly Leader of the Opposition. one who was very supportive of what we were trying to Now I want to say a few comments about the Premier. accomplish at the time. The Premier, as the GovernmentH ouse Leader has noted, Now, there was a day that he decided that he was no has always had a strong competitive streak, stretching longer going to be the city councillor. He was actually right back, I remember, to his days as a track star at the going to run for the NPA nomination to become the University Hill Secondary School. That competitive mayor of Vancouver. I'm sure that he probably didn't streak probably served him well in politics. As I recall, realize that he wasn't quite the household name that he he beat us…. Was it more than once? probably thought he was at that time. I've never shared He brought to the job a work ethic that tired those this story with him. around him and a strong will, sometimes perhaps to his The day after the NPA nominated him to be their detriment. He exhibited a continuing curiosity about pub- mayoralty candidate, I was at a function at the mu- lic policy, reflected in his wide and regular reading and seum, and a very prominent CEO of one of our largest his commitment to literacy as an important social goal. forest companies headquartered in Vancouver came I want to join with all members and all British up to me. He patted me on the shoulders, and he said: Columbians in recognizing the service of my leader, "Congratulations on your nomination. I hope the cam- the Leader of the Official Opposition, the member paign goes well." for Victoria–Beacon Hill, and the outgoing Premier. Now, I know he had much less white hair at the time. [Applause.] In fact, he had brown hair, and I had brown hair at the time, but I think that was probably the only thing that Hon. C. Hansen: I'd like to start by paying tribute to we had in common in terms of our appearance. the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill for all of the years [1505] that she's served as the Leader of the Opposition. She Needless to say, he served with distinction as mayor did a great service to the province in terms of her ap- of Vancouver, and I think there is a whole list of accom- proach to public life, and I think that she is an example plishments that could fill up this entire afternoon in for anyone who's thinking about going into politics. terms of what he was able to accomplish as mayor. Sometimes it's tough. It's not easy, but everybody has a In 1993 there was a leadership convention, the last contribution to make, and I think that the member for time there was a leadership campaign for the B.C. Liberal Victoria–Beacon Hill made a huge contribution. Party. I had been a member of the party for many years, I also want to be careful not to put this in past tense, and I got a phone call from someone who I had worked because I think that in the case of both of the individuals with for three years in this Legislature. That was Gordon we're celebrating today, they still have great contribu- Gibson. He told me he was going to run for the leader- tions to make to British Columbia in the years to come. ship and would I support him. I said yes. But for anybody that watches the proceedings in this Like the member for New Westminster, who did not House, they perhaps see sometimes the tension between support the people we are celebrating at the time of the the opposition and government, and I think it probably leadership, I too was supporting somebody else at that comes as a surprise to many people when they realize time. I can tell you that during that campaign I saw the that outside of this chamber there is a great deal of re- leadership skills that this individual was able to bring to spect among the legislators. public life and to the B.C. Liberal Party. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6387

I'm sure if any one of us had been asked at that time in first gear. The throttle was down to the floorboards, 1993…. Certainly, if I was asked, "Do you belong to any and we were going as hard as we could. After 90 days organized political party?" I would have said: "No. I'm a it was shifting into second gear, and we were pushing B.C. Liberal." There was an incredible amount of work even harder. that had to be done to the party in order to build it to I think that was the kind of drive that this man brought an organization that was actually ready to launch a full- to the Premier's office inB ritish Columbia. He had a real scale election campaign in British Columbia and, more passion that he brought to this province, and that is one importantly, be in a position to govern the province. to make sure that families could be supported in this So when he phoned me up one day, after I hadn't province, supported by making sure…. As he often said: worked for him on the leadership campaign, I was "Leave more money in people's pockets so they can make the president of the Vancouver-Quilchena Riding their decisions." Association at the time. I congratulated him on his win, [1510] and he said: "Would you be willing to be the campaign So it's been ten years of making sure that tax changes manager in a by-election campaign in Vancouver- in British Columbia were there to the benefit of the econ- Quilchena?" I told him that I'd be honoured. omy. It was one of making sure that we saw an economy That by-election, incidentally, was exactly 17 years ago that was diversifying and that was building in new areas today. That was when he first became a member of this that had never been seen before. chamber, and I think my colleague the House Leader has My colleague earlier referenced the Olympics. When talked about some of the challenges in that first period of you think back that British Columbia only won the right time after I was elected in 1996. Those first five years in to host the Olympic Games by three votes…. That would opposition were challenging, and I totally concur with not have happened had it not been for the work that was my colleague's description that the worst day in govern- done by our Premier to make sure that we reached out ment is still better than the best day in opposition. and made sure that British Columbia put their best foot There are some quotes that I know that our Premier forward in that campaign. I can remember the elation likes to use from time to time, and there's one that I that I felt sitting in B.C. Place Stadium at six o'clock in think is quite relevant to this discussion we're having to- the morning B.C. time as we watched on the big screens day. It's a quote from Bill Gates from his book The Road that Vancouver had been awarded the 2010 Olympic Ahead. It says this: "We always overestimate the change Winter Games. that will occur in the next two years and underestimate One of the other areas which I think is so much a the change that will occur over the next ten years. Don't part of the legacy of this Premier is that he didn't always let yourself be lulled into inaction." I think that when follow the easy road. There were challenges that were you look at the accomplishments of the last ten years, tough, and he was prepared to show leadership and take it has been anything but inaction during that period of on those challenges. time. There are two that come to mind that I think would Some of you may remember the 90-day agenda. It have been particularly easy for this Premier to say: was the platform we campaigned on in 2001, and when "Let's take an easier road." One was in terms of the new we formed office, that 90-day agenda was rolled out. It relationship with First Nations in British Columbia. I included the 25 percent tax cut on the very first day of believe that he alone is instrumental in the fact that we that government and a whole series of actions that had have made such considerable progress in developing been mapped out, that were legislated in that summer, that new relationship. It's a long ways to go, needless within days of being sworn into office. to say, but that work has been done, and it would have A few years later I was talking to one of our pub- been so easy to not take that road and the tough deci- lic servants who had served this province very well sions, refocusing people's energy and people's attitudes through various administrations, and the comment towards First Nations in British Columbia the way that that he made to me about that 90 days was: "You know, he has. in the public service they couldn't wait to get through The other area which I think is fundamental — again, that 90 days, because it was 90 days of just constant tough decisions that required solid leadership — is pressure to get things done. They knew that once they around climate action and addressing the climate change got through the 90 days, things might get back to nor- challenges that we have in the world. It wasn't something mal, when things would actually unfold at a bit more just about British Columbia. It was something about of an orderly pace." reaching out to other jurisdictions, reaching out beyond I can tell you those public servants, if that was their our borders to make sure that British Columbia could be attitude, did not know the new Premier of British a leader in trying to solve the fundamental problem that Columbia. This public servant admitted to me…. He the world was facing, in spite of the fact that there were said: "Once we got through 90 days, we realized it had a lot of people right in our own back yard that made that only begun." I think the analogy was one of being in decision and that leadership uncomfortable. 6388 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

But there's one area that I think stands out above all of at the Canada Place offices. Dr. Perry Kendall came the others, and that is one where I don't think we could over from Victoria. Dr. David Patrick from the Centre have accomplished all of the things that we accom- for Disease Control was there. I was there. The Deputy plished in some of these other areas had it not been for Minister of Health was there. the approach that our Premier brought to this issue, and We walked through what we knew, and it was fright- that's federal-provincial relations. It was one of saying to ening. Then we walked through what may happen, what whichever party was in power in Ottawa, whoever was could this lead to and what are the decisions that govern- in the Prime Minister's Office, that British Columbia ment may have to make as this got worse. I can tell you wanted to be a partner in building a stronger Canada. that I was watching the Premier, and his understanding Our Premier is one who led that very much during that of the problem and his understanding of what we as a period of time. province may have to do at a time of crisis…. I think all If you look at issues around interprovincial agree- of us in the room felt some reassurance that as scary as ments, labour mobility, if you look at all of the issues that was, we had a Premier who was prepared to lead at that British Columbia has been seen as being a leader on a time of incredible difficulty. the national stage, it is because he took an approach that As we walked through this briefing and the accept- was one of not being parochial in British Columbia but ance of what may have to happen in the province…. one of saying that British Columbia is a partner with the There was sort of that point we were ready to move on to rest of Canada in building a stronger nation, not just a other things in the day and the planning and the rest of stronger province. I believe that he will truly be seen as things that we had to get underway, and a comment was a nation-builder for the work that he has done. made about something that we had to celebrate, and that One final thingI want to share with you is just a story was the fact that it was the British Columbia Michael which I think epitomizes and underscores the type of Smith genome sequencing agency that was the first in leader that he has been for us over this last ten years. It's the world to sequence the SARS virus. a time in my life that I will remember very vividly, and Unlike what was happening in other parts of the world, that was the spring of 2003. That was when we had the where scientists and researchers were trying to put the SARS outbreak in the world, and we had the first pa- DNA of that together so that they could post it and pat- tients…. Some of the first cases of SARS were identified ent it, in British Columbia they took the attitude that they in British Columbia. were going to identify the gene sequencing. You know When you think back on the angst we had about H1N1, what they did, at about two o'clock in the morning when I'll tell you, as a Health Minister at the time, just living they finally finished it after 24-7 research going on for a that day-to-day anxiety, not knowing what tomorrow is week? They posted it on theI nternet as public information going to bring…. It's easy now to look back on that his- so that nobody could take proprietary rights to that. tory and sort of say: "Well, we know the outcome. Yes, it So in this meeting there was a bit of self-congratula- was bad, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been." tions that this happened in British Columbia and that You know, when you're living that day to day, know- it was British Columbia's scientists. Then they talked ing that the next day could get worse and worse…. How about what had to happen next on that front, and that much worse would it get? How many people would was about developing a vaccine and that the world had to die before we were able to find a solution to this prob- get together to make sure that a vaccine was developed lem that was confronting the planet, not just in British as fast as possible. Columbia? For every day that got worse, we had all Well, question from the Premier: "How long does it kinds of work being done. We had great support from take to develop a vaccine?" Answer: about two years. Ministry of Health officials, from theC entre for Disease There's not time for two years. The Premier said: "What Control, from experts that they were reaching out to do we have to do as a province? What can we do as a around the world. provincial government to make sure that we drive that The one day that I will remember in that was Easter global movement to a new vaccine?" Monday. In hindsight, I can now tell you that that was They talked about it, and it was actually things that we the day when our anxiety peaked. That is the day that could do. The Premier said: "What would it take finan- the world anxiety peaked. It wasn't because of anything cially?" They said: "About this amount of money to get that sort of happened that day. It was just that the next it started." I remember the Premier turning to me as the day felt a little bit easier and a little bit easier. Minister of Health. He said: "You find $2.5 million, and [1515] tomorrow we are announcing the SARS vaccine initia- On Easter Monday, which was a holiday for many tive. We're going to lead the world." people — the Premier is not one to take holidays or days That, if you look back on history, is actually part of a off, as we know — he phoned up, and he said that he revolution in how vaccines are developed. That story, I wanted a thorough briefing on the SARS epidemic and think, epitomizes the kind of leader and the leadership what we as a province may be facing. So we met down that the Premier has offered British Columbia. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6389

I think, Premier, that you have a lot to be proud of. It's about…. I was quite active in the party at the time of that been an honour to serve with you in cabinet. It's been an election, and I know how devastating it was for all of us in honour to learn from you. I think you are an example to the party — that result and where we were sitting. everybody who aspires to be a leader anywhere, anytime We were all questioning our future. We had looked in the future. Thank you very much. [Applause.] at what had happened to Social Credit. We had looked at what had happened to the Progressive Conservatives. S. Simpson: Hon. Speaker, we're facing what we There were a lot of questions about whether the New would all know and has been said many times: a pretty Democratic Party would continue to exist in British remarkable time in the politics of British Columbia right Columbia, whether we would survive in ways that other now, a time where both the major parties are changing political parties didn't. leaders, where there's a whole different kind of energy in As my colleague the opposition House Leader said, this province at the moment. we had two members in the House — the member from What we know, of course, is that the two are the most Mount Pleasant and Joy MacPhail, my predecessor from prominent political figures who have sort of generated Vancouver-Hastings — who were doing what they could both of these changes and who have played such an im- do here. But the survival of the party was a much bigger portant role over the last number of years, the Premier challenge. and the past Leader of the Official Opposition. The member from Beacon Hill stepped up to that I've had the experience; I go back…. I first met the challenge, became our leader in 2003 and took a polit- Premier, I think, when he was the mayor, and I was a ical party that was on its knees, a political party that had community activist in Vancouver. I remember issues in a very questionable future at best, and re-established it my community and, on a number of occasions, having as a political force in this province — re-established this the opportunity to speak to the Premier in his days when political party, the New Democratic Party, back to 33 he was mayor. We didn't always agree, as we periodically seats in 2005 and then built on that in 2009. She took a have had a disagreement since I've had the opportunity political organization that had been torn apart and put to come to this place. that organization back together. [1520] In doing all of that, she demonstrated leadership traits But the thing that was always clear is that the Premier that are somewhat unique. As my leader has said, I've always had a commitment to public service. That com- had the opportunity to know many of our leaders at the mitment has been unwavering for more than 25 years. federal and the provincial level and to see their traits and The Premier has always very much believed in the work their skills, and the member from Beacon Hill brought that he did and has done and has continued to believe a whole array of skills around her ability to listen, her that. We need to all respect that commitment to ser- ability to exude that kind of thoughtful commonsense vice. As the Government House Leader said, it is a very approach that wasn't always there. challenging thing to make that commitment to service. She expressed a commitment to the most vulner- Certainly, to dedicate a quarter of a century of your life able people in our society. It's a commitment that I have to public service is a very big commitment. known from her from the day that we first met back in We know, of course, that the Premier has been called the early 2000s. Maybe it was the '90s that we first met. a number of things. He's been called a workaholic often, All the time that I've watched her, in her days as a school and certainly by many of his colleagues. I don't know trustee and that…. It's a commitment to our most vul- what else his colleagues have called him, but he's been nerable citizens. It's a commitment that never wavered. called a workaholic, and my suspicion is that that doesn't Certainly, when I got to work with her day in and day change for the Premier the day that he leaves office.I ex- out from 2005, it has never wavered. pect that we will hear of many endeavours in the future [1525] for the Premier as he looks at the next stages of his life It's a commitment that's reflected not just in her pol- and what he chooses to do. itical work but in 20 years as a foster parent — work that What I really want to do, whatever those endeavours she continues to do today, a part of her life that she's are, is to wish him the best for all those endeavours and never let go — in her work in education as a school the best for good health and to ensure that many of trustee and with the provincial organization and her those endeavours include Nancy and the grandkids and work around child care and with First Nations, which, a lot of time. Hopefully, he will have a long time doing for her, led to the added benefit of meeting the love of that and whatever else he chooses to do. I'm sure he'll be her life, Al, and going on and getting married. busy. We should all be very thankful for that. The achievements after 2005 are many. She has cham- My friend the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill. She pioned in this place many issues, and in this province. was first elected to be our leader in 2003. She took a pol- The reinstatement of theR epresentative for Children and itical party that was on its knees coming out of the 2001 Youth. That was a priority for the member for Victoria– election. She took a political party that many were talking Beacon Hill, for our past leader, and she was successful 6390 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

in advocating that position. She has advocated for cam- Hon. S. Bond: I, too, am very pleased to have been paign finance reform, to take big money out of politics asked to speak today as we pay tribute to the Premier and give politics back to the people of the province. and the previous Leader of the Opposition. She has talked, demanded and called for an increase [1530] in minimum wage — again, talking to those people who I want to begin by adding my sincere words of thanks are most vulnerable in our province and giving them an and appreciation to the member for Victoria–Beacon opportunity to have a better life — and she has argued Hill for working hard on behalf of British Columbians since before she came to this place, and has invested her and, in particular, for her constituents. Though we may time in child care. disagree from time to time from a policy perspective Over the last few years, there really have been two and have faced one another across the aisle on numer- issues that I've seen the member put at the forefront for ous occasions in question period, I know we have shared herself and at the forefront for our party and for our cau- many common goals, not the least of which is our joint cus. One has been to advance the causes of equality for passion for a top-notch education system for every child our most vulnerable citizens and to look at the places in this province. I know that personally because of our and the different ways that we could accomplish im- prior connection as locally elected school trustees. proved equality. Again, the House Leader talked about I want to share one quick story that I think character- the Our Province, Our Future initiative. izes how the public views our roles in elected office. I The second was about making the case that at the was waiting in line at the Air Canada counter to check decision-making table there has to be a seat for every- in and board my flight. The line was moving very slowly, body. Whether it's business, whether it's labour, whether and I noticed a bit of a commotion at the front of the line. it's community interests, everybody has to have a seat at Well, I finally got to the front of the line, and the ticket that table and has to be listened to if we're going to ad- agent took my boarding card, looked down, looked at vance this province in a way that we want to advance it. me and said: "Oh, this should be interesting." All of that time that that work was being done, the Curious, I waited for the next statement. "You should member demonstrated a real inner strength, I believe. As know, and you probably should know now, that the was reflected before, from 2001 to 2005 it was not the best Leader of the Opposition is on this flight too. And in job in the world — being the leader of the B.C. NDP. fact, you're both in row one. Are you okay with that?" I She travelled, meeting in Elks halls, with ten people thought for a moment, I looked him right in the eye, and here and five people over there. She continued that work I said: "Of course, as long as she's on the left side of the after being elected, once we had a caucus here, and has aircraft and I'm on the right." never wavered in travelling this province, from com- On the flight, once again we were across the aisle from munity to community, and from meeting with people one another, but our conversation was about the things — from business leaders to community leaders to people that mattered most to us — our families, our friends. We she meets on the street or in the coffee shop. She is al- got a lot of looks that day, people not sure quite what to ways taking their stories and reflecting those stories in expect from us. But what they saw is what frequently the initiatives and the policies and the approaches that happens outside the doors of these chambers — respect- we've taken as the official opposition. ful conversation between two people who both care Remarkably, even at the time when she discovered about British Columbia. that she had cancer, she never wavered. She went on to Thank you for the role that you have played in our continue that work. She took the cancer on. She beat the province, and I wish you much joy in your new role as cancer, and she went back to work. And she continued grandma to Charlie Deane Dunsmoor-Farley James. to work. But my primary task today is to join my colleagues The member has had a remarkable and distinguished in reflecting on the contributions that our Premier has track record to this point. Thankfully, we have a lot of made to British Columbia and beyond. Much has been time left. said, and very eloquently, by the previous speakers, so I I'll apologize for the legislative indiscretion now, but hope you will indulge me as I share my thoughts from a Carole, I am very proud to have had you as a friend and very personal perspective. very honoured to have had you as a leader. My hope cer- Dr. Abdul Kalam, who was the 11th president of tainly is that your future includes many more years as the India, once said: "Let us sacrifice our today so that representative for Victoria–Beacon Hill. But I know that our children can have a better tomorrow." His words regardless of what you choose to do, it will continue to be are compelling, and very likely some variation of this about public service, it will continue to be about leader- sentiment has called all of us in this chamber to a life ship, and it will continue to be about building equality. of public service. I want to thank you for all that you've accomplished, But Premier, there is no more active or fitting way to for all that you have helped us to accomplish and for all describe your motivation during the course of three dec- that I am sure is yet to come. [Applause.] ades of exemplary public service in British Columbia: let Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6391

us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a bet- that will support a northern British Columbia high ter tomorrow. While many are called to public service, school student as they pursue a post-secondary educa- few recognize what is inextricably linked with public ser- tion at the University of Northern British Columbia. vice, and that is personal sacrifice. Those of us who know The response has been overwhelming, and the schol- you well know the degree by which your all-consuming arship, I'm proud to tell you, will continue in perpetuity. passion and drive to ensure a better British Columbia for Donations have already come in to support a bursary or our children and grandchildren has impacted you per- a similar scholarship at the College of New Caledonia. In sonally and your family very personally. fact, today the endowment fund in your name, Premier, Those of us who live in northern British Columbia stands at over $115,000 from your friends in northern have many stories to tell that demonstrate your love of British Columbia. this entire province. No tribute would ever be complete without a refer- A number of years ago my northern MLA colleagues ence to the phone calls. Not only did you work long and I decided to start an annual Premier's dinner. Our hours every day; you also managed to find the time to initial event had several hundred people in attend- squeeze in phone calls. Admittedly, some of those calls ance, and now each year we host a sold-out event with were about work and what we had done, should be do- almost a thousand people. Setting a date with your hec- ing or better get moving on. tic schedule was always a challenge, but every time you In fact, when we were elected in 2001 and I had my were asked, you came, and sometimes there were higher first cabinet portfolio, it wasn't unusual to have the personal costs than others. phone ring at home. One of our then teenaged children There was the year that our dinner fell on Valentine's would come to me and say, in somewhat of an anxious Day. We apologized profusely to Nancy, and you came. tone: "Mom, it's the Premier of British Columbia on Another year our dinner fell on the night of your son's the phone." Invariably, the call would start like this. "Hi, rehearsal dinner the night before his wedding. Your Shirl. How are you? Just wanted to talk to you about an family rearranged the time, and you came. idea that I've been thinking about." Then the work would September 21, 2007, was a day that will never, ever begin. Programs to honour community volunteers, re- be forgotten in Prince George. Together we opened the search chairs, book awards — I could go on and on. Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre, we announced a But those weren't the only calls you made. Probably brand-new cancer centre for northern British Columbia, everyone on this side of the House and, I'm sure, some and we announced the runway expansion at the Prince members on the other side of the House have received George Airport. a call about something personal. The calls were often [1535] short but always important. Whether it was after a great It was a day that people still talk about, and to this day, event just to say thanks, a tough day in cabinet or caucus, many people will never know that just the night before a birthday, the loss of a loved one, the arrival of a baby you lost your mom. You told us later that you had made or a grandbaby, somehow you managed to find the time a promise. People were counting on you, and you came. to reach out and remind us that you knew what we were Public service and personal sacrifice. going through, and you were supportive. Those calls will It wasn't just dinners or events. Recently my colleague not be forgotten, Premier, and they will be missed. the MLA for Prince George–Mackenzie and I decided to Today, Premier, we want to thank you for your pub- see just how many times you had visited Prince George lic service to British Columbia. During your decades of in your tenure as Premier. We were not surprised to find service you undoubtedly had days where you woke up that the count was an unbelievable 45 visits to Prince and wondered: "Why am I doing this? Is it worth it?" We George alone. That doesn't even begin to consider can say that too, because in each of our personal lives your frequent trips, during your time as Leader of the and careers, we've had days where we've asked ourselves Opposition, to visit Dawson Creek or Smithers or Prince the very same questions. But today we want to assure Rupert or Valemount and, yes, even McBride. Every one you it was worth it. of these trips meant a decision not to do something else You have been a leader within British Columbia and and to spend countless hours on the road, in the air and, far beyond our borders. You chose to make the difficult most importantly, away from home and family. decisions, not always the popular ones. You chose to act Prince George and the north are very different places with resolve based on our core principles, and the re- than they were just ten short years ago. Millions of dol- sults have provided a strong foundation for our province lars in investment, new programs but, most importantly, to move forward and for our next Premier to build on. a sense that the best is yet to come. [1540] Your friends in northern British Columbia recently of- But today it's also important that we say a very heart- fered their thanks in a very special and fitting way.T oday felt thank-you to Nancy, to Geoff and to Nick and their a fully endowed scholarship in your name has been cre- wives and, perhaps most importantly, to Jimmy, Bowen ated, through the Prince George Community Foundation, and Sidney for their unending support and patience. We 6392 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

understand better than anyone, Premier, that public ser- ordinary journey to be able to take on this role and vice means personal sacrifice, most significantly on the responsibility. Thank you to our party and to all of our part of your family. team members for your extraordinary support over the Today we thank each of them for allowing us to share last seven years. the very best years of your life. We know that there have I think it's interesting that a number of members men- been countless missed birthdays, anniversaries and, yes, tioned the political beginnings and those nods around even the birth of grandchildren. But that trend is about the room of others who got involved in protests in their to change. Just the other day you shared with us the fact elementary and high school years. that your son called and said: "Hey, Dad, can you babysit I also want to say that my parents — just as a warning tonight?" You said it took you a moment to answer the for those of you who are thinking of putting your kids question, and then you were so excited to be able to say: into community theatre — actually put me into com- "I would love to." munity theatre in high school because I was so painfully As we say thank you today, I have every confidence shy that they didn't think I could ever speak in public. that your commitment to public service has not ended. So beware if you put your kids into community theatre. It has just entered a new phase. Premier, we wish you You never know where it may lead them. For those of many opportunities to spend time with your family and, you who want to keep out of political life, it's something in particular, a lot of hours babysitting your three won- to be aware of. derful grandchildren. [1545] You will be missed in this place, but you will be re- Most importantly, I want to say thank you to the membered for having the courage and the determination people of British Columbia. I've spent a lot of time with to sacrifice your today for the children of tomorrow. You the people of British Columbia over the last seven years, always remind us that it goes without saying, but it goes and that has been an extraordinary gift. better with saying. Premier, thank you for your public We live in an amazing province, and the people across service, your personal sacrifice and a job very well done. this province are extraordinary. What a gift it is to have [Applause.] a job where you get to work with people who are pas- sionate about what they believe in, every single day. You Mr. Speaker: The member for Victoria–Beacon Hill. may disagree with the issue that they're coming to chat with you about, but they're only coming to work with C. James: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Where you and talk with you and to bring their issue forward to begin? I want to start by first saying a thank-you to because they're passionate about what they believe in. all members of the House for your very kind words, for I think sometimes that gets forgotten in this Legislature the cards, for the phone calls, for the visits over the last — about what an honour and a privilege it is for all of us, while. I very much appreciated it, and I think as other not simply the leaders, to be able to have a job where you members of the House have said, it speaks volumes to get to work with the people of this province every single the fact that we may disagree in this House often, but we day. That's whatI 'll always remember: the people whose are all here for public service. lives have touched me over this time period. I think it's important to mention that, because public I'll think about the children and families issue that service is not often thought about with politicians these was something that was talked about so often in this days. In fact, I think we're probably below lawyers now Legislature, and Sherry Charlie's family and grandfather, when it comes to trust level. No offence to any of the who I spent a lot of time with and who we honoured lawyers in this room. in this Legislature by putting in place a children's I think we're now down below the trust level of lawyers, representative in British Columbia. That is a piece of and it doesn't do democracy well when people degrade history that was critical to that family and will always politics and the job of public service. So I want to say be remembered. a personal thank-you to all members of the House for I'll remember the business groups that I went to speak your public service to the people of British Columbia. to, who often, I have to tell you, weren't really sure why I want to say a special thank-you to our team. It's been they had the NDP leader there — many a crowd that such an honour and a privilege to be able to serve you wasn't exactly the friendliest group to come into, but for the last seven years. Now, I was going to say that I've who were willing to share their entrepreneurship and loved every minute of it, but I didn't think anybody in their expertise and the work they've done in this prov- this House would probably appreciate that or under- ince because they knew that if we were going to make a stand it or believe it. But I would say that I wouldn't have better British Columbia, we'd better make sure that all traded it for anything in the world. of us were involved in that discussion. It is an extraordinary privilege and humbling to be I'll always remember the individuals I saw every sin- able to take on a role and responsibility of leading a gle day, who are often the unrecognized heroes inB ritish political party in this province. It has been an extra- Columbia: the people who clean, every single day, the Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6393

hotel rooms I stayed in; the food fair that I'd go down Hon. G. Campbell: Thank you to all the members to, to get my 11 o'clock dinner because of being on the who have stayed today to listen to the comments about road, and the folks who worked in those jobs every sin- both the former Leader of the Opposition and myself. gle day; the senior citizens I talked to that had to go back You know, it was interesting. This week, as we had the to work, to be able to manage and cope in their lives, but throne speech and I had the opportunity to go and stand who were willing to share their stories and take the time on the balcony there awaiting the Lieutenant-Governor to do that because they wanted things to improve. Those to come in, it was really the first time that I stood there are the people that I'm going to remember every single on that balcony. I looked out over the harbour and saw day in this job. the flags waving, the British Columbia flags and the I want to offer my appreciation and thanks to the Canadian flags dotted around, and I thought to my- Premier of this province as well. I had the opportunity self: "You're one of 34 people that have had the chance to work with the Premier when he was the Leader of to serve as Premier of British Columbia in the history of the Opposition and I was involved in the B.C. School this province." Trustees Association. I took our role very seriously that It is an exceptional gift. It is an exceptional opportun- we would work with both government and opposition ity. I can't think of a more exciting, interesting task than because the job was to improve public education. I had the one that you take on when you're Premier. As I came the opportunity to have many a meeting with the critic in today, one of our staff who worked with us when I and with the Premier himself to make sure that we were was in opposition as well as in government pointed out doing what we could. to me, as the Minister of Finance said, that it was actually I want to thank the Premier for his years of service. 17 years ago that I was first elected to the Legislature of You don't take on a responsibility like this unless you are British Columbia. also passionate about improving this province. Again, I remember coming in and standing the first time I although we may have disagreed on issues, I don't know had a chance to come and stand here. You know, as we come in, we're used to it. We look around, and we think anyone who would question the kind of commitment to ourselves: "We're going back into the Legislature. that you had to improve British Columbia, so a personal Isn't this great? It's going to be question period." And thank-you as well. frankly, that didn't matter whether I was in opposition A personal thank-you to my family — always the or in government. It was going to be question period. hardest piece to get through, I think, for any of us. But you know, it is important for us every once in a My husband has been incredibly patient, as have my while. children and my mother and my father and others Maybe on a day like this it does give us a chance just in my family over the years, while you missed birth- to stand here and think of how fortunate we are that we days and anniversaries and events that have gone on. get to sit in the Legislature of the province of British And they have never, ever questioned the time and the Columbia. How fortunate we are to live in a country energy that I put into this job, (1) because they knew it like this, in a country where we celebrate our differences, wouldn't do any good to try and get me to slow down, where we accept debate and encourage it. but (2) because they knew that I was driven by making Sometimes it's nice debate, and mostly it's not. But sure that I did everything I could while I was in this role you know what? We allow it to take place. I said in my to make this province a better place for every British opening speech in this Legislature that I had been in Columbian. Nigeria and worked there for two years. That was a When I decided to run for leader, I met with an elder place where they made change with bullets, where they in the community just outside of Prince George, and were afraid of differences. In Canada we embrace our she told me that if I could run and get involved in pol- differences. itics, I had a responsibility to take what I'd learned Because of generations that came before us, they through my life and through my work and do some- opened up this incredible institution called a Legis- thing with it. I'm incredibly proud that I have done lature and parliamentary democracy that encourages that in this job, and I'm going to continue to do that in people from all walks of life, from every part of this whatever the next role and responsibility is — an ad- province to come and say: "How do you want to shape venture — in my life. your future?" [1550] Some get to sit on that side of the House, and some Thank you to my family, most importantly. Thank you sit on this side of the House, but every single person to the people in my riding who have been, again, incred- that sits in this House cares about the future of the ibly patient while I've spent seven years on the road. I so province of British Columbia. They run for office be- look forward to serving all of them and showing them cause we all want to make this province a better place the respect that they've given me over these years. Thank for each of us to live, for our kids to live and for our you, everyone. [Applause.] grandkids to live. 6394 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

Today I want to take a moment to just reflect on the Thank you very much, and congratulations for all first timeI met with the former Leader of the Opposition, you've done. the member for Victoria–Beacon Hill. It was actually As we think of our common purpose, I think it's in Penticton. It was a beautiful sunny day, and it was important to think that we often see more differences a meeting of the B.C. School Trustees Association, of amongst ourselves than folks outside do. I'll just give which the member was the chair. you an example. I think you were called chair. Wasn't it called chair? I'd been involved in public life for, probably at this point, about nine years. I was at the intermission of a Interjection. play that was going on in Vancouver. I came out, and I was going to get…. I'm sure it was a Diet Coke at the Hon. G. Campbell: President, sorry. I never get those time. I was going for a Diet Coke, and there was some- titles right. one standing beside me. I remember going, and I remember talking about He says: "Pardon me, but don't I know you from tele- education. You know, for me education is one of those vision somewhere?" I said: "I don't think you know me truly important gifts that we give our children. We live from television." He said: "I'm sure I've seen you on tele- in a time where we can actually transform education vision." I sort of puffed myself up and said: "Well, you so every child can pursue their passion and meet their might have. I'm the mayor of Vancouver." He said: "Oh, full personal needs as they go forward. In my particu- you're ?" I said: "No, Mike Harcourt is the lar comments that day I talked about Marian Wright Premier of British Columbia. I'm the mayor of Vancouver, Edelman, who is a huge advocate for children in the and it's my brother Mike you see on television." United States, and what we can do for children and help This person looked at me.H e was serious, and he was to lift them up. thinking. He was working overtime. He says: "So, there [1555] are three brothers, then?" Candidly, I felt a real common purpose and common Another time, later on, I was on the ferry going up interest with the former Leader of the Opposition. I do to the Sunshine Coast. You'll be glad to know I was go- think it's one of the important things for us as we look to ing up to your constituency there. I was sitting there. the decades ahead in this country, to recognize that we Sometimes on the ferry everyone doesn't come up and all share those common goals. We may not agree — and give you a cheer or a pat on the back, but one person sort mostly we don't in this House and in different political of stopped on the ferry. He kind of looked at me in the parties — but we share a common purpose: to have a chair and looked a little harder, and he says: "You're do- great education system that lifts every child up in our ing a great job." I said: "Well, thank you very much." He province, in every part of the province, from all differ- said: "Yeah, keep it up, Premier Clark." This is a tough ent backgrounds. job, you know. We share common beliefs. We want to have a health The point is that actually, probably for a lot of people, care system that's there not just today, but that's there for the way we carry on in here is not the way they'd like to generations to come. see us carry on. But I think the cares that we have, the The former leader and many members of thisH ouse passion we have for the province and what we can do in now have been here long enough that we've experienced the future are things that actually speak to people. It's the birth of grandchildren. Each of us has got grand- why we get elected, and it's why we should remember children's pictures in our wallets, on our BlackBerrys, how important it is that we run for office and we get somewhere in our offices. Do you know what? There is elected. not one of us that wouldn't do anything that we could As I stand here today after 17 years, I can tell you to make the life of those grandchildren better, to make this. There is no end of thanks that you can give. As the sure that we do anything we can to give them a prov- former Leader of the Opposition pointed out, the first ince that's better in the future than the one we have thanks have always got to go to your family. inherited. My immediate family — Nancy, Geoff and Nicholas I want to recognize and thank the former Leader of — but also my extended family — my sister, Cath; my the Opposition for the time and energy she put not just brother, Mike; and their families, my nephews and in this House, not just as an MLA, as a school trustee, nieces; my brother, Rob, and his nephews. All of them as someone who cared about kids, who led by her own pay a little bit of a price — or, frankly, a lot of a price — example and showed what we can do in public life in when we decide that we're going to seek public office. British Columbia. I think it's a contribution we can all I think often, when politicians say, I " want to say reflect on and we can all respect. Although I wish she thanks to my family," people say: "Oh yeah, sure, sure." hadn't done quite as good a job of restoring the NDP, I actually mean it, and I think everybody means it, be- you know, what can you do? Different people have dif- cause it's your families that lift you up. It's your families ferent objectives. that give you the energy and the opportunity to serve. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6395

I do want to say thank you to my family for the incred- agreements and ways that we can make sure they have ible support they've given me for 27 years in different better education for their kids, better health care for areas of public endeavour. their people, I think we should all recognize the incred- [1600] ible leadership skill it takes to take a major step forward Your family gets bigger when you're fortunate enough — not the final step forward, but a major step forward — to be elected, whether it's being elected as the leader of a for First Nations, which is, frankly, a small step forward party, the Leader of the Opposition or as Premier. Your in many ways for us. family gets bigger with the caucus that you have. There's We have made some progress. There is a long journey no one that can serve as a leader without a caucus that's for us to go, but I honestly believe in my heart that if offering support and commitment. British Columbians are not able to embrace a future that There are a lot of very nice things that have been said fully includes all First Nations people, that fully includes about both myself and the former leader today. But I can all First Nations children and that has the same dreams tell each and every person here that nobody does any- for them as we have for all British Columbians, we will thing by themselves. Without the incredible time and fall far short of our true potential and true promise as a effort and energy that everyone puts in, we wouldn't province. have made the positive progress that we've made, and I I have been honoured to be given two First Nations do think it's important for people to understand that. names, and I take each of those names seriously. I see It is the MLA representing their constituency, articulat- them as a step and a recognition of the steps that we've ing what is of interest and concern for their constituents all taken together in this Legislature. It is time for all that actually helps form a provincial agenda, and I want of us to say: "Let us embrace the recognition and rec- to say thanks to all of the MLAs who have served with onciliation that's necessary between First Nations and me over the last 17 years. non–First Nations people in this province." I've been fortunate, but to show you how a family feels, More importantly than that, as we do that let's lead by we've had deaths in the family that we all feel in our example so our entire country will be able to say within a hearts; we've had divorces in the family, unfortunately; matter of years: "Canada is proud of how we deal with all we've had marriages; we've had births of children and of of our First Nations, regardless of their coast, regardless grandchildren; and that is a gift that we all actually will of whether they're First Nations, Inuit or Métis people." enjoy and remember for as long as we live. It is something we can do as a country, and I believe we There's another family of people that allow us in must continue to progress on it as a country. Canada to enjoy this public life. It's the invisible family [1605] in so many ways. It's the Sergeant-at-Arms. It's the Clerk. Finally, let me say that I think one of the great gifts we It's the people in the dining room. It's the people who have in this province are the natural endowments that guide the tours through the Parliament Buildings. It's we have. We can no longer take them for granted. It is the security officers that make sure that we're safe and important for my generation now to think of what we that the public is safe as we carry out the public debate, can give to the future. What can we give to every grand- discussion and decisions that we all are called to make. I child in British Columbia? What can we give to the next want to say a special thank-you to all of them. generation of British Columbians? I want to say a special thank-you to all of the people We can give them a healthier province. We can give who have served in staffs with me — my chief of staff, them a province with clean water. We can give them a my deputy chiefs of staff, the ministerial assistants, the province that actually starts to take the necessary steps legislative assistants, the administrative assistants — to deal with the challenges of climate change. I recognize those people who often seem invisible. But there is an that there is still some debate with regard to that, but I army of people behind each and every one of us that can tell you that in other jurisdictions they are proud of helps us and lifts us up so that we can do the best that we the steps that we have taken in British Columbia. We can on behalf of the people of British Columbia. again are recognized as a leader. Not just in Canada, I want to say two special words of thanks. I want to we're recognized as a leader in Europe, we're recognized thank the First Nations leaders in British Columbia, be- as a leader in the United States, and it is something that cause while we talk about what British Columbians have we can build on. done or what the government may have done with re- We are a rich, rich province. We are rich with oppor- gard to building a new relationship, I think it's really tunity. We are rich with promise. But we cannot just important for us to understand that the real people that look back to where we were. The status quo has been are taking the major steps, the boldest steps, are First passed by. We now have to look to the future that we Nations leaders who say to us: "Once again we'll trust want to create and recognize in this House that we can you. We will trust that you will do right by us." create it. We have all the tools we need. We have all the And as they come to the table and they sit down with creativity we need. We have all the strength and com- us and they work on treaties and economic development mitment of a population that we need to accomplish 6396 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

far more than we sometimes can ever imagine. But the of British Columbia, I want to thank you, Gordon important thing is to imagine. Campbell, and you, Carole James, for a job well done. Imagine what we can be as a province. Imagine how we can strengthen this country. As we go forward, as Hon. R. Coleman: Well, the Opposition House we build on the debate, on the opportunities that are Leader and I are less than two hours away from the in front of us, I believe this: Canada looks to British shortest term as House Leaders in parliamentary history, Columbia. They look to British Columbia to make and we're not complaining about that. the difficult choices. They look to British Columbia Hon. Speaker, at this point I'd like to call budget de- to stand on the foundation that's been built over our bate continuation till the Lieutenant-Governor would history and say: "How do we move forward into the come later today. 21st century?" They look to British Columbia for leadership. Budget Debate I think we should be proud that as a province, on (continued) many occasions, we've tried to break down the barriers that divide us, the borders that separate us. I think that R. Howard: I must admit that the speech I took if we continue to strive in that direction, if we continue some care to prepare over the last day or so seems a to imagine the future we want for our children and our little inconsequential at this time, given what we've grandchildren, Canada and British Columbia will not just heard. just be a model for other jurisdictions, they will be, and I'll just pause in my comments and briefly acknow- what we do will be, a model for our children. ledge that we've just witnessed a marvellous tribute to I'll just close with this, hon. Speaker. I feel very fortun- two great British Columbians — the former Leader of ate to have had a family that supports me. One of the best the Opposition and, of course, the Premier of the prov- things that was ever said to me was when my older son, ince of British Columbia — and I would just say this. Geoff, said this: I" 'm glad you've done what you've done. The Premier of the province is the reason that I got into It will make a difference to me and my generation." politics back in 2001, and it's been remarkable to watch One of the things that I hope, and I will tell them as his journey and to have the honour to participate in just I go forward, is you can't find a better opportunity, you the last little bit of that journey. can't find a better place to live, and you can't find a bet- ter thing to do than to serve in public life. People have [C. Trevena in the chair.] said to me: "Is it fun? Are you having a good time?" And I have said to them: "Honestly, not so much." But I'll tell I stand today to respond to the Finance Minister's you this: it is rewarding. budget, but before I start, I'd also like to take the op- When I watch the people of this province, and I see portunity to thank those who support me both in them talk about their dreams, and I hear what they Richmond and here in Victoria. First and foremost is think they can do, I know that all we have to do in this my wife Trudy and son Jay, who support me day in and Legislature is lift them up so they can pursue their goals, day out, sometimes on incredibly short notice and often lift them up so British Columbians know that we are in for incredibly long periods of time. I simply could not partnership with them. It's their dreams that we're pur- do this job without their support. suing. It's their dreams that we can reach. Also in Richmond at the constituency office, Siu-Wan I believe that at the end of the day if we set our goals Ng and Chris Chan, my two constituency assistants, do a high, if we reach higher than we can probably immedi- great job for me and help me be what I hope is an exem- ately imagine, we will surprise ourselves with what we plary MLA in Richmond Centre. accomplish in this province and in this country. In Victoria we share resources, and I am really So I'll close with the words of the Lieutenant-Governor backed by a first-class team. My new legislative assistant, from the throne speech. As you sit in this Legislature, as Britney Milne, is top rate. My communications officer, you represent your constituencies: "Whatever you can Russel Lolacher, is just tops as well. Of course, we're also do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, backed by a research officer, Brittany Auvinen, and I power and magic in it." We live in a magic province. We thank them all for their support. live in a magic country, and the magic comes from those [1615] of you who contribute to public life. With respect to the budget, with a focus in my com- Thank you to each of you for the contribution that all ments on investment in our future, firstI will look to the of you have made. Thank you very much. [Applause.] past. A year ago this month we saw what this province's [1610] investment can do. The world came to B.C. for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we displayed our Mr. Speaker: At this time I'm going to exercise a little beautiful natural resources and showcased an amazing bit of parliamentary privilege. On behalf of the people economic climate. Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6397

That interest translated into investment and tourism Still on exports, exports to China are up by 63 per- dollars in B.C., and it is a lengthy good-news story. Our cent, to Japan up by 20 percent, to South Korea up by 14 investments in tourism support one of B.C.'s largest and percent, to the EU up by 19 percent, to India up by 74 most sustainable industries, worth an estimated $12.7 percent, to South America up by 22 percent, to Taiwan billion and employing almost 130,000 people. up by 8 percent and to the United States up by nearly We've seen increases for six straight months in inter- 3 percent. These positive numbers show why our gov- national visitors, according to Stats Canada's most recent ernment has established a strong overseas B.C. presence, figures. From January to November 2010 international and it appears these efforts are paying off and will con- visitor arrivals to B.C. grew by just under 4 percent to tinue to pay off in the future. more than four million visitors. Canada reported a 2.3 [1620] percent growth during that same time. What is behind all these strong numbers, and why do Overnight visitors from the U.S. rose 10.9 percent in we enjoy this strong performance? First, I think it's pru- November compared with 2009, with Canada reporting dent fiscal management, which is helping B.C. recover a 6.7 percent increase over that same period. Overnight from this recession in a position of strength. B.C.'s ef- visitor arrivals from Asia-Pacific countries rose 2.5 forts in establishing international trade and investment percent in November compared with November 2009, representatives are paying off. We are well positioned to while entries from January to November 2010 were benefit from emerging markets, especially those in Asia, up just over 11 percent, representing just over 750,000 and our province's exporters and manufacturers are visitors. playing a leading role in building our economy. As I said, this is one success story after another. In my riding of Richmond Centre investment is tan- Arrivals from China rose 10.4 percent in November gible in the form of the Richmond Oval and the Canada compared with November 2009, and of course, Canada Line. Anyone who's had the pleasure of visiting the oval now enjoys approved-destination status with China. can attest to its stunning views. It offers Richmond a This agreement is expected to increase Chinese visitors huge community gathering place. This facility is a great to British Columbia by 15 percent in 2011, an addi- reminder of the amazing Olympic and Paralympic tional 15 percent in 2012. In 2009, 160,000 Chinese events we held in Richmond and the future events we visitors came to Canada, with more than half visiting will now be able to host. British Columbia. Then there's the Canada Line taking 100,000 riders That is so significant, when we look to theA sia-Pacific daily, a number that shot up to over 200,000 during the and the key part that the Asia-Pacific will play in the de- Olympic Games. And we shouldn't forget this about the velopment of our economy in the years to come. We enjoy Canada Line: it reduces travel and congestion times for a strategic advantage in location that has allowed us to many, but it also helps eliminate 14,000 tonnes of green- establish cultural ties second to none. This government, house gas emissions each year. other governments across the country and local govern- It was an integral part of the Olympic and Paralympic ments have invested over $20 billion in infrastructure, so Games and continues to be relied on daily to get people we are really poised well for the future. home and to work. I've heard many stories from con- There's more. For the first nine months of 2010 hotel stituents that have had their travel times cut by half an room revenue was up 12½ percent to almost $1.6 billion, hour or more in the morning and, sometimes, an hour and arrivals at YVR for the first nine months of 2010 or more in the evenings. That's an amazing statement were up 3.6 percent to nearly 14¼ million passengers. that that kind of time can be pulled back from time that Our investments have made B.C. an attractive place for was spent in traffic and congestion and rededicated to visitors to come and spend their money, supporting our the family. economy during a time of global economic challenges. Of course, I should mention that this project was a When we look at exports, the world appreciates and P3. It was an investment of $2.1 billion, completed three wants what we have, and 2010 was a very good year for and a half months ahead of schedule. Investing in our B.C. exports. They increased by nearly 15 percent or communities is how we prepare for our future, ensuring $3.6 billion compared with 2009. That's almost a $10- that the services and programs British Columbia relies million-a-day increase over the last year. B.C.'s $11.7 on are there. billion worth of exports to Asia last year set a record, in- It was a different story in the '90s. The NDP record cluding an all-time high of $4 billion to China, and our speaks for itself. Overspending, destructive fiscal plan- export growth was above the national average. ning and fudge-it budgets undermined confidence in Exports of forestry products are up by 21 percent, government, raised B.C. borrowing costs and placed a energy products by 17 percent, industrial goods by 22 heavy fiscal burden on future generations. percent. Agricultural and fishing products are up by 4 We spent the last nine years working hard to bring percent, along with slight gains in consumer goods in B.C. taxpayer-supported debt-to-GDP levels back to a machinery and equipment. sustainable level after a decade ofN DP mismanagement. 6398 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

Following a steady rise through the 1990s, B.C.'s operat- omy, to a green economy in British Columbia. There is ing debt finally returned to less than it was in 1991. nothing in this budget that suggests this government Through strong fiscal management we've turned our understands the importance of protecting our environ- economy around. We are only one of two Canadian ment in British Columbia and the inventory of natural provinces that enjoy a triple-A credit rating, meaning capital that British Columbia is so blessed with. our interest costs are amongst the lowest compared to It is a budget that fails to support communities that other provinces. find themselves in transition, particularly in troubled Leading economic institutions agree that our fis- areas of the province where communities are looking for cal plan is on track, including TD Economics, BMO a way forward out of an overdependence on a resource Economic Research and CIBC Economics. CIBC states: economy that they once enjoyed. "B.C. remains a low-debt province, with a highly afford- There's a lot in this budget that will concern British able debt burden." Columbians and that I hope they come to understand The steps this government has taken before and in- and are able to pressure the government to reverse cluding the 2011 budget have shown our fiscal leadership. themselves on when we see the real budget, whenever Total capital spending since 2001 until now has been that may be. I found one of the cuts that is most disturb- more than $45 billion. Where did that money go? That ing in this budget around the area of student aid. money went to transportation projects. That money went The budget that was presented here in this House to power projects. That money went to health care and on Tuesday actually cuts the student aid package in education, where British Columbians need it the most. British Columbia by $34 million at a time when youth We are recognized nationally and globally as a des- unemployment in British Columbia is approaching 20 tination for tourism, investment and export. Leading percent, when skills training and opportunity demand economists and financial institutions agree that our gov- is growing for young people who are looking to invest in ernment has made the right decisions and taken the right themselves and find work that will allow them to raise a steps to protect us from the global economic downturn, family and build a life for themselves. At that time this and we're better prepared for a strong future. government chooses to reduce the appropriation for Investing back into our communities, creating innov- student aid. ative projects like the Richmond Oval and the Canada It happens at a time when, year after year, B.C.'s stu- Line, and supporting services and programs for British dent aid system has been singled out by the Millennium Columbians is what this budget supports. Under this Scholarship fund of Canada and others as the worst stu- government, we have a very bright future indeed in this dent aid system in all of Canada. The most paltry grants province. are here in British Columbia. The highest interest rates [1625] charged to students who do borrow through the pro- gram that is now being cut by $34 million are found R. Fleming: I appreciate the opportunity to respond here in British Columbia. There could have been action to the budget this afternoon and also recognize that it that would have reversed the situation, that would have comes after a very extraordinary afternoon, where we offered hopes and opportunities to young people when paid tribute to the former Leader of the Opposition and they're looking for them more than ever. But that was the former Premier. I wish to add my voice and my per- missing from the budget. sonal thanks to both of those individuals for, between I mean, it is absolutely appalling that a young person them, an incredible duration of public service for the can go out and borrow money for a consumer purchase people of British Columbia. — perhaps a stereo or a vehicle — and pay a dramatically I want to make a few remarks this afternoon, of course, lower rate of interest for those kinds of purchases than very directly on some of the items that were contained they can get from the government of British Columbia in the budget and some things that are very glaringly to borrow and make the single most important invest- omitted from the budget — the items that should be in ment that they will make in their lives, which is their there in the interest of the public and of making British education, that will benefit all of us. Columbia a stronger province. That's a situation that should have been addressed.I t's This has been called a status quo budget, but I think one that the bipartisan Standing Committee on Finance it must be stated that for a do-nothing budget, it has the has urged this government to look at for more than two potential, especially when you look over the three-year years. It's one that other provinces have moved on in re- service plan, to do incredible damage to the interests cent budget years, even during budget years like 2008 and the people of British Columbia. In this budget there when all provinces found themselves in the midst of a are a number of critical and wrong-headed cuts to valu- global recession. able public services. It is action that flies in the face of relatively recent There is, very interestingly, an abandonment of any recommendations this government received from pretence to show a way forward to a lower-carbon econ- , who implored the government to improve Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6399

student aid so that British Columbia's poor partici- There is no action in this budget on the 12,000 class- pation rate by low-income British Columbians and rooms in British Columbia today that are over this aboriginal British Columbians could be addressed over government's legal limit on class size and composition. time and so that more of those people from those back- Education has continued to decline as a percentage of grounds can go to school and be successful in life in GDP in British Columbia under this government. This British Columbia. budget continues that trend, and it's shameful. [1630] I want to address a number of issues related to my Now, he was paid handsomely for that report, I might critic area, Environment, and some of the things that add. The recommendations were clear, and they're we learned when this budget was revealed on Tuesday. gathering dust today in British Columbia. This was an I very much enjoy being the critic for Environment and opportunity to finally listen and act on that report, and working with the Minister of Environment. The new it is a missed opportunity. Minister of Environment — we haven't had a chance to It's been said by a number of other members, and said work quite so closely yet, but I look forward to that. very well, that it was disappointing, when there is so Certainly, it is a privilege to have this portfolio on much momentum in other parts of Canada to address behalf of the official opposition because the environ- shameful levels of child poverty right across Canada, that mental values of British Columbians are so deeply and in the province with the worst record on child poverty so widely held by people from all walks of life in every seven years in a row there was no action and no inten- part of this province. They expect to see those values tion in the throne speech to support legislation, which reflected in government policy, and they expect to see now seven other provinces have, that holds government them reflected in the budget documents that this gov- accountable to set targets and implement programs that ernment tables. They have not seen that in this budget will lead them along a poverty reduction plan. or in budgets past. There was nothing in the budget that supports- chil Particularly, I found it surprising that in the year dren, in particular, in British Columbia who live in 2011, when we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of poverty here and now. our treasured parks system in British Columbia, the B.C. Again, the question has to be: if a Premier like Danny Parks system wasn't even spared needless cuts on top of Williams, a Conservative Premier in Newfoundland, cuts that have already accumulated over the past num- can hold his government accountable to his citizens to ber of years. It's a parks system that is seen as dire by legislate targets and allow citizens to judge their per- organizations like the Outdoor Recreation Council, by formance over a number of years to reduce the scourge park users groups across British Columbia. of family poverty and child poverty, then why not [1635] British Columbia? We're celebrating a hundred years, and the parks in This government hasn't listened. They haven't even British Columbia have never been in worse shape. You listened to their own children's commissioner, who has should see, Madam Speaker, how much better sup- urged them to do just that, most recently in a report that ported parks are in neighbouring jurisdictions to British was tabled before the budget. Columbia — places like Alberta, Washington State, Let's look at education a little bit. I think the great Oregon. They understand that the parks system is inte- disappointment…. It won't come as a surprise to many gral to a strong tourism economy, that it has a number people who have tried to get this government to listen of spinoff effects, that it is something that citizens are for many, many years. It will come as no surprise that a inherently proud of. Yet our parks system is in tatters funding formula that is widely seen as broken in British in British Columbia, and this budget will make matters Columbia, that is not in tune with specific district and worse. inner-city and rural British Columbian needs, has not What's curious as well is that there are a number of been addressed. areas this government is aware of that are important to School closures will continue in British Columbia. British Columbians, that once were even declared by the We have students learning in portables at unaccept- government as priority areas, that have been cut again. I ably high levels across British Columbia. We've ramped would draw the House's attention to the branch dealing down school capital spending at this time, while that with the environmental sustainability program. goes on. The climate action secretariat has now had such Even as there is a growth horizon beginning in 2013 diminished capacity from repeated cuts that there's no — a significant one in the K-to-12 system, in the kinder- way the work that is expected of them — to prepare our garten learning years — the foundation established by province for a changing climate, to adapt to it, to miti- this budget not only fails to address the widely under- gate against it from rising greenhouse gas emissions…. stood problems in the K-to-12 education system; it We are the only province in Canada that saw its green- doesn't prepare for demographic trends that we know house gas emissions increase in the last year that they are coming here in our province. were measured, in 2008. 6400 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

We're heading in the wrong direction. Climate action Columbia. This is an industry that contributes about is urgently needed in this province. British Columbians $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually to our gross domes- live with it in their daily lives. In many parts of the prov- tic product. ince it is very acute: in the Okanagan — the recurrence [1640] of drought and the wildfire risks that are part of their It sustains thousands of jobs, hundreds of small busi- lives now; in northern British Columbia, where we have nesses across our coast and our coastal communities, seen the scourge of the pine beetle epidemic. and this government has nothing to say to it, has no We're fortunate in British Columbia that we don't programs to help enhance wild salmon stocks. It's un- have a debate, as I think the Premier alluded to, between believable that the minister has not only failed to defend those that may question the science of climate change. his jurisdiction but has shown no interest, as a province, That's not the debate we're having here. in dealing with the federal government on the salmon What we're having is a debate about what actions need crisis that we face in British Columbia. to be taken now to meet targets that have been put into I recently went to Olympia, Washington. There was legislation by this government around reducing green- something that was very illustrative about this govern- house gases. You don't do that by cutting the climate ment's neglect around not just protecting wild salmon action secretariat and those people that actually need to but putting the aquaculture industry on a sustainable better coordinate the efforts of all ministries andC rown path. This government has refused for years — again, bi- entities to reduce their carbon footprints and to put pro- partisan recommendations from the Finance Committee grams in place that will tackle climate change, but that's — to give any R-and-D funding into closed-containment what this budget does. technology. I heard the Minister of Agriculture make remarks this When I was in Olympia, Washington, I went to a morning on the budget that I wanted to return to, be- closed-containment facility that is raising Pacific-stock cause he spent some time talking about aquaculture in farmed salmon and selling it into British Columbia, British Columbia. That's fair enough. It's a part of his to Overwaitea and to Whole Foods. They have agree- ministry. It's an industry that is important to British ments with these retail giants. They are creating jobs Columbia. in Washington State and selling products in British What I found interesting was that the minister spent Columbia — jobs that could be built here in British no time disclosing some of the very unique challenges Columbia, jobs that could show that we take seriously facing aquaculture on the coast of British Columbia. global concerns about the sustainability and compat- He didn't even mention that this government is rapidly ibility of this industry and that we're putting it on a losing its jurisdictional claim over fisheries in British sustainable path. Columbia because this government failed to exercise its Forestry is another area that I think deserves some right to appeal the Supreme Court decision from 2009 comment in this budget because, at a time when British that ruled in Ottawa's favour about having more author- Columbia should be advancing carbon storage applica- ity on our coastal waters. tions and looking for innovation in forestry, we see the I can't imagine a Premier of any Atlantic Canadian Ministry of Forests badly cut again in this budget, as it province that would not have exercised the govern- was last year. ment's right to appeal to a higher court and maintain We see the B.C. Forest Service in tatters and in this a jurisdiction and an interest in coastal waters and the budget — in particular, in this year — another $21 mil- economy that comes from our oceans, but this one did. lion cut to forest health and silviculture programs at a He failed to mention that. time when many are looking at the not sufficiently re- He also didn't mention that right now British Columbia stocked areas of the province of British Columbia on a is the subject of a federal judicial inquiry into the health map and seeing an incredibly large swath of the prov- of wild salmon stocks. Justice Cohen has very wide terms ince falling under that category. of reference to look at why salmon stocks are declining in I want to spend a couple of moments on the harmon- British Columbia, and part of the interest of that commis- ized sales tax, because according to Statistics Canada sion is looking at what the fish-farming industry may be we are in a period where consumer confidence is low doing to contribute to declining wild stocks. in British Columbia. Families in B.C. are living under a This government has not made its views known on government that has added, on average, a $521 cost to this matter. They continue to ignore the growing amount their daily lives annually on household budgets. of scientific evidence that shows some of the migratory We know that the HST has dampened construction routes of juvenile salmon where there have been dra- activity and cost us tens of thousands of jobs there. We matic collapses of runs and mature stock. They refuse see it in the building permit records that are now the to look at this issue seriously. They refuse to even ac- second-worst in the country. knowledge — while he spoke about aquaculture — the We know that the HST is hurting recovery and the value of a healthy and sustainable wild fishery in British survival of restaurants and the hospitality industry in Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6401

British Columbia. TheB .C. Restaurant and Foodservices have resulted in a very disappointing decade, a decade Association has released numbers that come from their of little progress — in fact, reversals — in most of the own membership that show how many jobs were lost key economic, social and other indicators that are meas- in that sector. Here on Vancouver Island the number ured by the Progress Board. of new housing units under construction tumbled in Today B.C. ranks fourth, for example, in economic January of this year by 56 percent year over year. That's output per capita. That is unchanged from when they what the HST and the uncertainty around it are doing to first reported. We're second in real average hourly wages, our economy in those sectors. which is great, but that's exactly the same as where we But I think it's also interesting to note what the HST is were when this government inherited office from the not doing in areas that this B.C. Liberal government said previous NDP government. But in personal income, would benefit from moving to theH ST and transferring British Columbia has fallen from third to fourth. almost $2 billion onto the backs of consumers. There are other things that are more structurally dis- In British Columbia today the goods-producing sec- turbing, I think, going forward as an economy and as a tor has lost 17,000 jobs just last month. That's 3.8 percent province. In productivity, which is obviously a critical of the total of jobs that we lost. We also have seen a huge measure to how well and healthy an economy's perform- decline in manufacturing jobs — 13,000 jobs lost in ance is, we have slipped from fifth to seventh amongst January 2011. These are areas where the input tax credit provinces. In exports per capita, we have fallen from and the burden of taxes being shifted to ordinaryB ritish seventh to a dismal ninth place in the Confederation, if Columbians away from business were supposed to help you can believe it. create jobs, and we are seeing these sectors in decline. That's the ProgressB oard's verdict on this government. I want to say in the few remaining minutes that I have They've also commented on how university completion here that the government, I hope, has heard a message rates remain unchanged after ten years in power. There from this very short week of session and heard from the is a notation that even though this government claimed interim Leader of the Opposition, who very helpfully to be interested in developing science and engineering in suggested and tabled a bill that will move up the date the technical workforce, the workforce is less developed of the HST referendum from September to June. I think today than it was ten years ago and skills transfer to in- that's… dividuals pursuing those occupations is lower. I know there are a number of members, some of It's a decade of evaluation. The first report by the whom are running to be Premier on the other side of Progress Board said that by 2010 B.C. should be the first the House, who also agree with that. It would have been or second in expanding GDP per capita, personal in- nice to hear them speak to that in the House here today, come and jobs. Today, after ten years in power, British as opposed to in their own press releases, and it's taken Columbia is fourth. There is no progress that this gov- some of them a while to get there. ernment can boast about on the key indicators that [1645] matter to British Columbians. I've talked about a num- That is a piece of business that this House could have ber of them. accomplished this week. British Columbians would have This budget could have addressed some of those defi- released a sigh of relief if that had been accomplished ciencies that have developed over time around skills and within these four days. Both parties could have agreed opportunity, around training, around attacking child to do it, but here we are on Thursday afternoon, with an poverty, around addressing climate change. This budget uncertain date ahead of us for when we'll be back in this does nothing to move us in a positive direction in that place, and that business has not been done. regard. I wanted to just say a couple of things to reply to some of the information that has come from the government R. Cantelon: If I may indulge in a couple of personal side about the decade of the B.C. Liberals. I want to cite notes. I want to express the concerns and the gladness not NDP numbers but the B.C. Progress Board. on this side of the House to see the former member The ProgressB oard was set up by the outgoing Premier, for New Westminster present here in the House today. and credit to him for doing so. They began to collect and We're happy to see him well and healthy, and we hope publish reports in 2002 and now have a decade of data that that health continues for a long, long time. To him, to judge this government by. I think it's remarkable how from all on our side, we extend our best wishes for a much those numbers differ from the ones that we often good and healthy life. hear from government MLAs. I'll be very brief, but it's been said on this side of the When you look at the 21 key indicators that the House by a couple of people who served before me that Progress Board set up, the only conclusion that you can the worst day in government is better than the best day come to, and the conclusion that the Progress Board in opposition. does come to in its published report, is that this govern- To the former Leader of the Opposition, I want to say ment has been in charge and has made decisions that to her that we recognize how well she carried the banner, 6402 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

how hard she fought in this House for the issues she be- lars they get to keep after taxes are considerably more lieved in. She gained a very grudging admiration from us than in the provinces they left. We have the lowest taxes on this side of the House for how she presented herself anywhere in Canada, and they certainly appreciate that. in the House. She was a formidable foe on this floor and It's thousands of dollars a year more for these retirement certainly worked hard for the causes she so passionately people. I didn't mention a specific, and I'll try to con- believed in. I want to extend my congratulations to her. tinue to avoid it. [1650] I want to just briefly talk about some of the different On this side, I consider myself to be an optimist — areas where that positive, forward-looking approach not a cautious optimist, an unabashed optimist — about in my area of the community is evidenced in some of things. That's how I've approached life. the projects. In Nanaimo, for example, we have a new That's what attracted me to this side of the House conference centre. A lot of people said, "You shouldn't — the philosophies embodied in our Premier. He cer- do that," but the council of the day, which I'm proud to tainly is an optimist. And an athlete too, I understand. I have been part of, decided to embark on a very ambi- could see that as a point guard, I'm sure he always was tious project to build a new conference centre to attract looking forward to how he could advance the ball up people from all over the world. the court. That's how he looked at things, and he did an I was part of what we called then a shared vision, where outstanding job. That appealed to me — that positive, we approached the government and asked for funding forward-looking approach to government. It's one that to fund a multiple ask, if you want, of initiatives from I support. various parts of the community that complemented one This budget is more of that — a continuation of very another. They agreed to support one another and ad- successful programs that have been instituted over the vocate for each other's projects. It was quite a unique past ten years. I'm going to try…. This is going to be experience. We were very successful in that, and I'm difficult, because we hear numbers thrown around in proud to say that many of those things are now under- budget speeches. It's endemic in the nature of budget way or completed. speeches to use a wide range of numbers that probably The conference centre, for example, is exceeding its confuse most people. expectations. It's a jewel. It's a modern wonder in terms I'm reminded of a friend of mine who lived in Toronto of a venue for encouraging dialogue and thought and and often went to one of the major luncheons that they advancing the causes of those who use the facility. would have. The member fromC apilano could probably Under construction right now is a cruise ship terminal. tell me, but I think it was at the Canadian Club or one of They've already booked four vessels that will visit, and these business clubs that you go to. During these meet- this is going to bring people from all over the world. ings an elderly gentleman, when someone was spouting What we have found when people visit Nanaimo…. off an irrefutable number or a number that he knew Of course, all of British Columbia is a beautiful place, would be irrefutable, would raise his finger up, and that but the harbour is a particular jewel. Sheltered from invoked the phrase: "Thems with a number is one ahead inclement rain and wind and storms, it has become a of one of them without a number." magnet for pleasure boaters, and now the people from That's what we tend to do on both sides of this House all over the world will enjoy the cruise ships coming — try to throw out presumably irrefutable facts that are here and disembarking. intended to confuse the opposition but inspire the pub- When they disembark, they'll get a taste of our First lic to their way of thinking. Nations culture, as the port authority works with the I'm going to try to stay away from the big global num- First Nations to provide them with a west coast First bers. This debate is closing fairly soon, and I don't want Nations welcome. We're very happy to know that $5 to add to the multiplicity of that confusion that we bar- million from the government went into contributing to rage the public with. I'm going to try to keep it personal this project, which they funded themselves and through and try to keep it specific to my riding. the federal government. I'll comment later on how well I'm very, very happy to represent the riding of we've been able to use the multiplying effect of adding Parksville-Qualicum. It runs from Nanaimo to Parksville, federal dollars to local investments. Nanoose, Parksville itself, Qualicum Beach. It's a wide ar- [1655] ray of people and professions, very much a community I again credit our Premier for his breaking down the of people who've retired there. They've moved there to barriers — instead of fighting with the federal govern- enjoy beautiful B.C. and appreciate how this government ment, working with the federal government. So this is has been prudent and fiscally responsible so that they can another forward-looking, positive approach that the expect to enjoy their retirement secure in the knowledge community is taking to economic development. that their tax dollars that will be spent here. They in turn, the port authority people, have- sup By the way, the tax dollars that they spend here ported the airport expansion. Again, through this joint — there'll be a lot more of them, because the income dol- effort, which we call the shared vision, we were able to Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6403

add $6 million to the extension of the runway. The port briefly on the president of the university,R alph Nilson, authority…. I credit them with an outstanding business who has embraced the concept of working with the plan that laid out the benefits of extending the runway community, of complementing the training and edu- so that larger aircraft could come in. Not just larger air- cational needs of the businesses in the communities, craft, but concomitant with that was a new navigation supporting them to support jobs that can flow into the system that enabled them to come and land in weather community. that is not so favourable necessarily here on the British He's done an outstanding job and has been a real Columbia coast, especially at times in the winter. leader in our community. We're very glad to have Pres. That's gone forward, and they've gone and taken the Ralph Nilson as part of our community, as a leader in next step to expand the terminal which we partici- our community working with the businesses and the or- pated in. As with the cruise ship terminal, both of these ganizations. It's been a great partnership. projects were participated in with cooperation and fi- University status has made a lot of difference to them. nancial assistance from the federal government which Not only have they expanded their international stu- we worked very well with, happily. Their participation dent body, which is not to be unexpected — being on was essential to both of these projects. the coast and being readily accessible and open to the Another component of these projects has been the Pacific Gateway — but it's also expanded and increased Island Coastal Economic Trust. The Island Coastal the enrolment from people on the Island and nearby Economic Trust was a fund set up by our provincial Lower Mainland who want to get a university education government. It's a $50 million fund that basically was with a more modest and moderate cost to them. handed over to the Island mayors and representatives I'm happy to say that right now two of my children are appointed to look at economic opportunities and fund taking advantage of that. As a taxpayer and as a father them, either directly or through loans, and principally I'm very grateful that they have decided to start their driven by priorities from the mayors. It's been an out- education and probably complete a good portion of it standingly successful operation. in Nanaimo so that they're near to me. I love them both Both of these projects received supplementary fund- dearly, and it's nice to have them close to me. They won't ing from this organization. It's been very good, and have to embark to UBC or UVic to further their educa- I credit Barry Janyk from the Sunshine Coast in his tion. It's important to me and it's important to all the leadership of this trust. parents that this facility is now available with a broad- Those are two of the projects in Nanaimo that moved ening range of opportunities for them. forward and that are expanding the opportunity, that [1700] are bringing people to Nanaimo. Once they come to I want to comment, too, on how well they're advan- Nanaimo, they say: "Why don't I move my business here?" cing. They're doing what we would call applied research. And that's a good reason. The answer is: "Why don't we?" They're doing things in the lab, for example.I was in the We do have the lowest personal taxes, which makes it chemistry lab. They have a portable gas chromatography easier to attract highly skilled, highly trained employees. system that will analyze the air. They've taken this up to We have a great, beautiful climate in Nanaimo, undoubt- the tar sands so that they can actually move it around edly. Perhaps Parksville would say it's arguably the best and determine what the toxins might be in the air near in Canada, with some justification. We have the lowest different facilities and further away, so it can measure corporate taxes. We have the lowest small business taxes. the relative effects of being near what might be a source Why not invest in Nanaimo? of pollution. That is happening today, Madam Speaker. One of These students are really excited and enthused because the organizations that we've been working with, one they can see the reality, the application of the knowledge of the business opportunities, is a film studio. We they're learning in the business. One of them was a phar- would be premature to announce it, but we know that macy student. He had no interest in chemistry, but now it's coming very, very close. A major film studio, we he's really got hold of this future that he might have in hope, will be located in Nanaimo which will provide chemistry and moving forward with it. a different type of industry from the traditional re- These are some of the things. We're looking forward to source-based industries in Nanaimo and expand the the First Nations, as well, expanding their opportunities opportunities for our young people. within the city and becoming, as the Premier alluded to That's what we need — forward-looking businesses earlier, I would say, full partners. that will expand the opportunity for our youth so that With respect to First Nations, I think the Premier they can stay on this great green island, this beautiful nailed it. Until we embrace and agree and move forward place in British Columbia. together as partners with First Nations, we'll be a second- Another component of the ask was to grant accredit- class province, and we'll be a second-class country. The ation to Vancouver Island University, to move it up to a rest of the world looks on to us and says: "Yes, we're inter- fully fledged, accredited university.I want to comment ested in your history of First Nations, aboriginal peoples, 6404 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

but how are you treating them? Are you giving them a the secondary manufacturing, that we don't ship raw fair shake?" logs. That's the last-case scenario, frankly, of at least I would say it's the right thing to do. It's a thing we keeping the business going, of at least keeping people in must do, but beyond that, of course, there's an economic the forests working. But the key is to mill those products component as well. People will buy and judge our prod- and to send finished lumber. ucts based on how fairly we treat our First Nations people. We can only do that if there's a demand for this pro- But the first element, that we must treat them fairly and duct. There's no sense saying, "Well, send the raw logs to properly and equitably, is an immediate imperative. the mills; don't ship any," if the mills themselves have no Now, the forest industry is a great…. On this great customer for the lumber that they mill. That's the first green island…. One thing that Vancouver Island and step, and it's happening, and it's turning around. the coast does better than anything in the world is grow [1705] magnificent fir and other related species.F or a long time One of the other very heartening aspects and de- that's been not the best business, as we've been so de- velopments that I was personally involved with in a pendent on the forest usage and the demands of our small way…. I was greatly excited by the enthusiasm of lumber from the United States that the business has de- the workers of Nanaimo Forest Products. It's been just clined tremendously. over two years ago now that they took over the mill at That is changing, and changing dramatically. We are Harmac. They were told by everybody: "You'll fail. You now shipping almost as much lumber daily to China have no hope of succeeding. You're wasting your time. and the Asia-Pacific market as we are to the United You're throwing away your money." States. No longer will the United States have their foot Well, I was happy to be there in the courthouse with on our throats, so to speak, with respect to our ship- them and talk to the then Attorney General and his staff, ments of lumber. to say: "Give these people a shot. Let them have a kick We will expand that market. I want to assure you that at it. Tell the judge that they have to respect that this is that market is growing, and it will grow exponentially. about employment of people in a mill. This is about em- TheC hina market may be slowing, but nevertheless, the ployment in the community and the secondary effects of market is so immense that they are just beginning to get everybody that supports and feeds business and indus- the taste of the use of lumber in facilities. I want to credit try into that mill." Pat Bell for the work that he has done… He was persuasive, and I'm happy to say that the judge didn't rule in favour of the people that wanted to buy the Deputy Speaker: Member, no names. mill, break it up and ship it to, perhaps, China. He gave these employees a chance. They committed $25,000 each R. Cantelon: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. to become partners in this operation. When your mill Carried away in my enthusiasm. The Minister of Forests. has just gone bankrupt…. Think about it. You then say: …in expanding those markets. He's acknowledged "I want to start this up" — in a questionable market — in that by people like Western Forest Products. Not "and I'm ready to take $25,000 of very limited and fixed long ago I had the opportunity to visit one of the saw- resources and put it in and become a partner." mills that opened up because of the China market. I'm Well, they did, and they've succeeded. They've suc- quoting from his letter — Mr. Don Demens, senior ceeded beyond their own expectations, as pulp prices vice-president of sales and marketing. He thanks me for have gone up and their efficiencies improved. They're participating in the commemoration of the reopening shipping pulp all over the world at very competitive of this mill. prices. In fact, I was there recently. From a core of 235 "This is a good-news story," he says. "The government's hard people, they've now added another 55 people to nearly work and energy in identifying new markets in China for B.C. lumber has paid off for Western, and the 35 people back at work 290 people. in Ladysmith are proof positive of the success of this initiative. So 55 new employees. These are high-paying, quali- All told, 200 or more people are working in the mills and log- fied, highly skilled jobs. This is the core of our forest ging operations of Western Forest Products than was the case a industry. If we were to lose the pulp mills, I would sub- year ago. As we move closer to full production, we see our current head count of 2,650 rising by 500, to 3,110." mit that the entire forest industry would collapse behind He goes on to say: it. The pulp manufacturers depend on the output and "The diversity of the coastal forest profile requires us to develop what is basically waste material from lumber — the successful markets for all the species we harvest, and we appreci- chips from sawmills. That feeds into the pulp mill and ate that the partnership and support we receive from the provin- that feeds their markets. cial government in supporting coastal forest products, whether They're an absolute key. Without the pulp mills, we it's the continued promotion in critical markets like Japan, North America…or in developing countries, in China, promotional can't have sawmills. Without the sawmills, we can't have activities improve our ability to sell our products." pulp mills. I know that all members on this side of the House It's an important change. This corrects the imbalance, share the wish that we process the logs, that we expand because basically, the forest industry lost its integra- Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6405

tion as the bigger companies split up and got rebought. that this is a band that's pushing me every step. If I slow This reintegrates the industry and makes it a very viable down, they're behind pushing me forward. concern. There's a federation of community organizations led They're not stopping there. I'm very proud to say by Tom Davies and many other prominent people in the they've invested $28 million — to answer some of the community that are committed to seeing this happen. members opposite concerns about environmental con- They're committed to seeing this new facility move in cerns — to use less fuel, to become more energy-efficient and take root, so to speak. It will involve a different ap- and to lower their cost. proach to health care. It will have an urgent health care In lowering their costs, I certainly have to mention centre, which is badly needed in the Oceanside area. that HST has been a major factor for them and for all Right now, if someone has any kind of trauma — and related lumber industries. Basically, unlike some 300 that may be a moderate trauma — they need to trans- companies that do have value-added taxes, they used to fer to NRGH, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. So carry the burden of provincial sales tax forward as a core from 7:30 to 10:30, this facility would attend to their component of their costs and then have to compete in a urgent care needs. The experience in other areas — in market that's usually price-taking. They take what they Ladysmith and Chemainus — has been that 75 percent can get. of people who present with symptoms in these kinds of So very simply, on their hydro bill alone in the mil- facilities can be treated and sent home. So rather than lions of dollars, 7 percent saves them nearly $300,000 have to take what can be a very trying, dark, rainy drive a year just on hydro — never mind all their other input to NRGH with your spouse or loved one, you'll be able elements — and makes them more competitive. That to get treatment right in the community where you live. money that they save — as you can see, Madam Speaker So it's important to do that. — they're putting back into jobs in the community of Now, as an anecdote, we decided a few months back: Nanaimo and making it a vibrant, exciting place to live. "Let's update people and see how people feel about this. Is It gives a future for the young people. It's been said it really needed?" We had a little meeting, and we had a by both sides of this House that we should look ahead hall for 200 people. We thought: "We'll just let them know to where our children and our grandchildren are. We it's happening." So 500 people showed up. I was happy to need to have these kinds of highly skilled jobs, trades say that the Minister of Health at the time was more than jobs, to create a core of our industry. I'm happy to see happy to address the people in the hallways, as well as to it's happening. later address the people in the hall, very effectively, and It's been an exciting thing to watch. I always look to reassure them that, yes, this is happening. forward to the luncheons where they invite me out to Just recently we received the commitment from the update them, and it's always been good news. Vancouver health authority, from the chair and the CEO, I mentioned that I represent Parksville and Qualicum that land has been set aside and, yes, it will be built. We as well. We have, I think it's demographically true, one hope as soon as possible. Certainly, within months this of the oldest — I hate to say the word, but that's the right new facility will go. It'll have an urgent care centre. It'll word — demographics in Canada in Parksville-Qualicum. have radiology. It'll have a lab. It'll have associated facili- But, I hasten to add, it's a healthy demographic. ties for diabetes, post-stroke care. In British Columbia we have the highest life ex- Basically, it's going to reach out to the community and pectancy. That is even higher in my constituency of say, "Here's your health situation," and treat them in a Parksville-Qualicum. They're an active group. They're a multidisciplinary way to help them take responsibility healthy group, and they participate and live life to the and accountability for their health care. As I mentioned fullest. earlier, they're already tuned into this approach, and One of the concerns of them is health. I want to tell they welcome it so they can receive the treatment and you that — and this, again, is part of our government in- support and help they need. itiative — we're looking forward to new methods. Certainly, if we're going to control health care costs, [1710] you can't just rely on sending someone to an emergency If we're going to control health care costs, if I may di- department, getting a quick fix and sending them out. gress a minute, we have to get how we administer and That doesn't work, and that's not how it happens. This how we deliver health under control. We need to have will allow people to obtain diagnosis, ongoing care of people take accountability and responsibility for their what might be a chronic condition, or a remediation if own health care. it isn't a chronic condition. So people will take respon- So I'm very happy to say that we're looking at what sibility and seek treatment near where they live and be we would call a new Oceanside health centre, a wellness part of that treatment. centre as well as an urgent care centre. Now, I feel like I see this is certainly an important event. My con- I'm at the front of the band of people in the commun- gratulations go out to Tom Davies for all the hard work ity who are making this go forward. I want to tell you that he has done with his community groups to push 6406 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

this agenda forward and push me forward. I hope he courage investment, that encourage growth. I believe that takes note that I'm referring to this in the House and we'll see more and more businesses come to Nanaimo as trying to do my part of the job. our markets expand. We are the gateway to the Pacific. That's not the only part of the health care system that We are leading Canada. We're leading Canada in how we've worked on. I want to tell you that in Nanaimo we cooperate with the federal government. We're lead- Regional General Hospital many, many adaptations ing Canada in innovative ways to simulate business. have been made. I would close by saying that we want to leave this a better place for our children. It was pointed out to me Interjection. that now that I have grandchildren…. I don't feel that way, but I seem to be phasing into a different genera- R. Cantelon: Yes, and I share your excitement. tion of my life. I don't think of myself as a grandfather, but apparently I am. So we want to make sure that their An Hon. Member: I need health care now. opportunities aren't hampered by the excesses of our generation; that we protect our environment; that we R. Cantelon: Well, I hope there's an urgent health provide them education; that we continue to manage in care centre near you, sir. Yes. a sound, prudent fiscal way so that their opportunities In any case, we've made many improvements. The may be greater than ours. most recent one at the NRGH is a new emergency de- partment. They've done a couple of things. Firstly, S. Fraser: I've been waiting patiently. I appreciate the through a $20 million innovation fund…. Basically, they member for Parksville-Qualicum's enthusiasm. I may put it to the emergency doctors to say: "If you can im- not share it, but the clock is running out, so I'm going prove waiting times, if you can make the system work to try to be as quick as possible. I realize I will be cut off better, we'll front-end the cost of doing that." because of the time overrun now. It has been very successful. Waiting times have It was 260 days since we last sat — June 3, I believe. dropped dramatically, but the next important thing is a So as we are debating today Budget 2011, the public $39 million expansion of the emergency to modernize that I talk to, the people from Alberni–PacificR im, are it and to treat patients with different needs according to certainly not so enthusiastic. The rudder of the ship of their needs. For example, there'll be a psychiatric section state, if you will, was tied in place on autopilot eight so that people with mental issues can be treated directly months ago. for them. There won't be this mingling of people with For the people of British Columbia and the people of different maladies, awkwardly, in the emergency room. Alberni–Pacific Rim to come across a budget that was Pediatrics will also be available as a separate line. delivered earlier this week that we are debating today, What particularly encouraged me was the fact that which is a status quo budget, a do-nothing budget, is this created a lot of jobs and that local contractors — shocking. The problem with tying the rudder of govern- names that I saw, familiar as local names, on the sides of ment and just letting it roll and then changing nothing trucks — were building this. shows a complete lack of understanding of what's hap- [1715] pening on the ground in British Columbia today. As we All of these infrastructures are part of what we've roll along with no changes to the budget, we actually done, what this government's been part of, in provid- do…. The process that was put in place in previous ing employment during what has been a catastrophic budgets rolls on. economic global situation. We haven't been part of it. The net result for the people of British Columbia is We've been mainly insulated from it, and we're coming a massive loss of many public services — just going to through it. We're ready, as markets in China would indi- name a few, just a few, ministries — and with this budget, cate, poised to take advantage of new opportunities in we're seeing that continuation. the world. We look forward to that. There's an overall budget for Aboriginal Relations I've generally avoided, I hope, too many numbers. I and Reconciliation — decreased. There's funding for mentioned "worldwide." My nephew right now is with…. negotiation and implementation of negotiations for His partner is from Ireland, and her parents experienced treaty — decreased. The Attorney General's budget is firsthand what happens in an economy that's going badly. decreased. The Ministry of Agriculture's budget is de- It was a catastrophic thing for her father to nearly lose creased. No new investment for children and families, his house. Then when you have to remortgage it over after that shocking report from Mary Ellen Turpel- there.... They had extreme difficulty doing it. Lafond that demands resources be put in place to help We have a better banking system, we have a more children in care. stable government, and certainly that's what we try to There's a cut in Citizens' Services. There's a cut in the encourage. We can't create business, but what we can do Ministry of Environment again. There's a cut for forest is create the platform for it with taxation policies that en- resource stewardship programs. The list goes on and on Thursday, February 17, 2011 British Columbia Debates 6407

and on. As the ship of state's rudder is tied, we are roll- ting every grant there is for post-secondary education. ing towards an iceberg. Big problem. The problems caused by not being a dynamic entity Another big problem that's really, really not addressed when you're a government, by not addressing the issues in this budget is the fact that seniors in residential care and letting them roll on, are all felt by the public on the in my constituency and across the province have been ground all the time. So 256 days, and we come back here, levied a new funding formula, which is causing huge and we get a do-nothing budget. amounts of hardship. We have seen a government that [1720] has suggested last year…. The Ministry of Health de- Now, it's not really a do-nothing budget. There's scribes the new rate structure as a more equitable rate something that stands out as quite unique, as far as I structure that will reduce the burden on low-income can see, as far as I've looked back, and that is the con- seniors and support ongoing improvement to the resi- tingency fund that's left in place for the new incoming, dential care system. Madam Speaker, what it has done upcoming Premier. is cause misery, uncertainty, and 75 percent of the resi- TheL iberal Premier, the new person moving into that dents in seniors care, in residential care are being levied seat, will be getting about a billion dollars for discretion- a major increase. ary funding at a time when we're seeing cuts in all the ministries, critical cuts to many services, and of course [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] cuts to gaming grants and non-profits that do the good work in the communities — in my communities, in It is unfair, and it's causing hardship. None of that, the Alberni, on the west coast, Tofino, Ucluelet, Parksville, tens of millions of dollars that are being pulled out of Errington. their pockets…. People — many times not able to de- All of those organizations are facing major cuts. But fend themselves, relying on us in this House to do that the priority has been to not address any of those issues, job against government decisions — are losing the to see the continued dismantling of basic public services money they need to support themselves in any kind of and to allow the new Premier to have unprecedented quality of life, and their families are being affected too. funds set aside while we're running a deficit. So that's I understand there's $54 million that is being sucked borrowed money. That's not sound fiscal management, out of seniors' pockets in residential care. Now, that's and that's what a budget is supposed to be all about. going into the ministry, but it's not falling down into The member for Parksville-Qualicum also raised a the seniors care facilities. So it's not improving quality. few issues that cross into my…. We have shared terri- What it's doing is, it's $54 million that is going towards tory, if you will. Our constituencies have joint issues providing a slush fund for the incoming Premier, hon. with health care and education. The health care centre Speaker. he's referring to, in essence, appears to be something of [1725] smoke and mirrors. I'm hearing of tragedies as this happens. I've met There's no new money going into the entire area of families. I've met husbands and wives who have been Oceanside. No. There is a new building to be built, and partners — for 56 years, in one case, in a place called Fir it has to be paid for out of the same budget that was Park Village in the Alberni Valley — and they've had to there last year. So how there can be new services is baf- do involuntary separation to try to avoid going into pov- fling to me, and the people of Parksville, Qualicum, erty because of these changes. Errington, Coombs, Dashwood, Bowser, Deep Bay are We see an unprecedented slush fund created through all speaking out, raising the red flag about what ap- this budget that's running a deficit. So it's borrowed pears to be misinformation and a travesty, when it's money going to the incoming Premier. It's being sucked considering health care for probably the oldest demo- right out of the pockets — to subsidize this — of seniors graphic in the country. in residential care. It's coming right out of students who The member for Parksville-Qualicum failed to - men are at the brink of losing their high school. tion the failures in education. Qualicum Beach is facing These issues should be addressed in the budget. This the spectre of losing their high school. It's being fought is the place and the time to do it. The public has been by every citizens' group, including parents and teachers, waiting 256 days that we haven't sat in this place, the business groups, because of a flawed funding formula that people's House, to have these issues addressed, to have has completely failed to be addressed in this budget. us in this House shake our heads collectively and go: What we've seen to rub salt in the wound of the "Whoa. There are problems existing in communities, on students and parents is the $34 million cut to help stu- the ground, that the budget needs to address." dents, after they graduate, to get into post-secondary But we got a budget that does nothing — less than education and training. This is at a time where we are nothing. It allows the damage that's been foisted on already probably the worst in Canada for student debt, many communities to continue and accelerate. And it and this government has made an art form out of cut- prioritizes funds, discretionary funds, to an incoming 6408 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 17, 2011

Premier to use as they see fit at some future time at the S. Fraser moved adjournment of debate. expense of seniors, of students, of children in care. We in this place on all sides of the House have a Motion approved. responsibility to bring a budget into this place. It's [1730] a requirement of this place to do that. I understand we're here for that — for four days only — but the Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, if you remain in your budget doesn't address any of those issues. It does the seats, the Lieutenant-Governor is in the precinct. opposite. It perpetuates a ship of state with the rudder tied and the problems expanding to the people in the His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor entered the province. It provides no leadership, and it provides no chamber and took his seat on the throne. guidance. Royal Assent to Bills Interjection. Clerk of the House: S. Fraser: It's a status quo budget, Minister. It's a Supply Act (No. 1), 2011 problem for the people in Alberni–Pacific Rim. It's a In Her Majesty's name, His Honour the Lieutenant- problem for the people on the west coast of Vancouver Governor doth thank Her Majesty's loyal subjects, Island. Tofino GeneralH ospital under this government's accepts their benevolence and assents to this act. watch has lost obstetrics from budgets that didn't recog- nize the need for health care where you need it, when His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from you need it. the chamber. On the west coast in communities like Ucluelet, [1735] Tofino, Nuu-chah-nulth communities, there is a mini baby boom. There is nothing in Budget 2011. There is [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] nothing to address reinstating obstetrics at the Tofino General Hospital. Hon. R. Coleman: I move that the House at its rising It's the opportunity to address these kinds of issues do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction in this House. The time is at budget time, and we have of the Speaker, after consultation with the government, a budget. You know, the Minister of Finance said it's a that the public interest requires the House shall meet status quo budget, which means that the ship of state or until the Speaker may be advised that the govern- runs with the rudder tied and no apparent govern- ment is desired to prorogue the third session of the ance. 39th parliament of the province of British Columbia. I understand and the people of British Columbia The Speaker may give notice that he is so satisfied or understand the challenges for both parties — leadership has been so advised, and thereupon the House shall changes. It is understood. There is still, rightfully so, an meet at the time stated in such notice and, as the case expectation that there will be governance in this place, may be, may transact its business as if it had been duly that first and foremost this place will sit, that we will adjourned to that time and date and that in the event have sessions of government and that when we do have of the Speaker being unable to act owing to illness or sessions of government — fleeting though they may be other cause, the Deputy Speaker shall act in his stead under this government — we will address the real issues for the purpose this order. through the budget, through the throne speech. This brings to an end the very successful House We've had four days here. This is the fourth.E veryone leadership of the official opposition's House Leader and is looking and pointing at me. I realize the clock has run my House Leader tenure in this House — which is prob- out. ably the shortest but most successful in parliamentary Is it the Speaker's wish for me to…? I would like to re- history, I might add. We will retire to somewhere else. serve my place in this debate, hon. Speaker, and I would move adjournment… Hon. R. Coleman moved adjournment of the House.

Mr. Speaker: Of debate. Motion approved.

S. Fraser: …of the debate. Thank you for the protocol. The House adjourned at 5:37 p.m. Hansard Production

Acting Director Robert Sutherland

Post-Production Team Leader Christine Fedoruk

Editorial Team Leaders Laurel Bernard, Janet Brazier, Robyn Swanson

Technical Operations Officers Pamela Holmes, Emily Jacques, Dan Kerr

Indexers Shannon Ash, Julie McClung, Robin Rohrmoser

Researchers Jaime Apolonio, Mike Beninger, Morgan Lay

Editors Heather Bright, 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, Peggy Pedersen, Janet Pink, Amy Reiswig, Heather Warren, Arlene Wells, Glenn Wigmore

Published by British Columbia Hansard Services, and printed under the authority of the Speaker.

Printing Agent Crown Publications, Queen's Printer for British Columbia 563 Superior St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V7 www.crownpub.bc.ca

Daily and annual Hansard subscription information is available from Crown Publications.

www.leg.bc.ca

Access to on-line versions of the official report of debatesHansard ( ), webcasts of proceedings and podcasts of Question Period is available on the Internet. Chamber debates are broadcast on television.