Second Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday, April 19, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 51

THE HONOURABLE RAJ CHOUHAN, SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Second Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. John Horgan Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...... Hon. Anne Kang Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries...... Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Mitzi Dean Minister of State for Child Care...... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Citizens’ Services...... Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Education ...... Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ...... Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy...... Hon. George Heyman Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Nathan Cullen Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Afairs...... Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation...... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Minister of State for Trade...... Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...... Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Minister of Municipal Afairs ...... Hon. Josie Osborne Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction...... Hon. Nicholas Simons Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ...... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of State for Infrastructure ...... Hon. Bowinn Ma

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

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

CONTENTS

Monday, April 19, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introductions by Members...... 1231

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 1231 Bill 3 — Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021 Hon. H. Bains

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 1231 Hardy Bay Seniors M. Babchuk Organ donation and Logan Boulet G. Kyllo Volunteers N. Sharma S. Cadieux Redevelopment of Riverview lands and role of Kwikwetlem First Nation F. Donnelly Search and rescue services and personal responsibility J. Sturdy

Oral Questions...... 1233 COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions and support for restaurant industry S. Bond Hon. R. Kahlon M. Bernier COVID-19 response and use of rapid testing and travel restrictions S. Furstenau Hon. S. Malcolmson Hon. M. Farnworth Crime victim support benefts for former children in care K. Kirkpatrick Hon. M. Dean M. de Jong Property taxes for small businesses and split assessment proposal T. Stone Hon. D. Eby Budget provisions for school districts J. Tegart Hon. J. Whiteside P. Milobar Hon. M. Farnworth

Orders of the Day

Trone Speech Debate (continued) ...... 1239 E. Ross Hon. R. Fleming T. Wat F. Donnelly Hon. B. Ma Hon. A. Kang Hon. J. Osborne M. Starchuk M. Elmore Hon. J. Whiteside

1231

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 ting through the COVID-19 pandemic is removing barri- ers so that we can all access the vaccine easily when it’s our Te House met at 1:33 p.m. turn. A key part of that is ensuring that no one will lose pay if they need time away from work to attend a vaccina- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] tion appointment. By helping to ensure that as many employees as possible Routine Business are vaccinated, paid leave will play a vital role in British Columbia’s continuing fght against the spread of the Introductions by Members COVID-19 virus.

C. Oakes: Tis morning I had the opportunity to make Motion approved. a statement about the importance of post-secondary edu- cation in looking at pandemic recovery. Tis afernoon, Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be placed on the virtually, it is truly a privilege to listen to the graduate stu- orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of dent associations of British Columbia to understand spe- the House afer today. cifcally the importance of graduate programs across Brit- ish Columbia, the work that they’re doing and ways that Bill 3, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2021, we can encourage and continue investment in graduate introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on programs in British Columbia. orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of Would the House please help me welcome the graduate the House afer today. student associations of British Columbia. Statements F. Donnelly: I ask all members to join me in acknow- (Standing Order 25B) ledging my brother Liam Donnelly, who recently announced his retirement as head swimming and diving HARDY BAY SENIORS coach from Simon Fraser University. Liam was one of the youngest university head swim coaches in Canada when M. Babchuk: I’m honoured today to stand and recog- he started his career almost 30 years ago. He was one of nize an extremely valued group in Port Hardy, which is a Canada’s longest-serving university swim coaches. Over community in the north end of my North Island riding. his 30-year career, he produced numerous gold-medal Te Hardy Bay Seniors’ main goals are to keep seniors con- swimmers and record holders. nected to the seniors centre and to each other, to combat I know that my parents, Val and Cy; his wife, Leia; their loneliness and isolation and to let seniors know they are three daughters — my nieces Kira, Teagan and Brynn; and not forgotten. our whole family are as proud of him as I am. I ask all Over the last three years, Hardy Bay Seniors has grown members to join me in congratulating my little brother on from 71 members to 220. As mentioned, they maintain the his amazing career at SFU. Hardy Bay Seniors Center, where, pre-pandemic, mem- [1:35 p.m.] bers regularly got together for an amazing range of inclus- ive activities. Of course, this has been curtailed by COV- Introduction and ID-19, but the seniors centre continues to be a hub of meal First Reading of Bills production and food distribution. Hardy Bay Seniors tackled COVID-19 head-on, set up a BILL 3 — EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS watch list to connect the seniors with phone calls, looked AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 for resources, and collaborated with community to provide nutritious meals, gif baskets and gif cards for Hon. H. Bains presented a message from Her Honour grocery stores. Tey have formed a cooking group that the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Employment produces 70 meals a week — 50 meals for delivery to vul- Standards Amendment Act, 2021. nerable seniors, ten for volunteers and, recently, ten to share with the homeless coalition. So far over 2,700 meals Hon. H. Bains: I move that the bill be introduced and and groceries have been delivered. read a frst time now. Daily Facebook postings, either a joke or an inspiration- I’m pleased to introduce Bill 3, the Employment Stand- al quote, weekly newsletters and phone calls by the watch ards Amendment Act, 2021. Tis bill amends the Employ- list volunteers show just how connected the group is. Tey ment Standards Act to provide up to three hours of paid are run by an elected volunteer board who give generously leave per dose for employees in British Columbia to of themselves and make this time very easy for our citizens receive their COVID-19 vaccine. in Port Hardy. An essential part of B.C.’s immunization plan and get- I want to take this opportunity to recognize their pres- 1232 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 ident, Rosaline Glynn, who has recently been nominated involves at least 1.5 million people across this province. for the Order of B.C. Congratulations, Rosaline. Tat is the rate at which British Columbians volunteer. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the services National Volunteer Week takes place from April 18 to the Hardy Bay Seniors have provided to the seniors of Port April 24, and the theme for 2021 is “Te value of one, the Hardy and say happy National Volunteer Week to all of the power of many.” Tese sentiments feel especially relevant volunteers in the north Island and British Columbia. during these unprecedented times. As British Columbians I have been asked to convey a message: don’t forget have always shown, but particularly through this pandem- you’re going to be a senior if you live long enough. Tey ic, we can do great things when we work together for a encourage all members of this chamber to acknowledge common purpose. that seniors are a vital part of our society. Volunteer hours every year in this province are estim- ated to contribute a value of $6 billion to our economy and ORGAN DONATION AND represent the equivalent of 146,000 jobs in their labour LOGAN BOULET hours. Tis kind of unpaid work weaves the fabric of our society and creates benefts that can not be measured by G. Kyllo: It’s Organ Donor Week here in B.C. and all dollar value. Tis past year, we’ve also seen volunteers across Canada. stand up for equality, for democracy and for a kinder, more [1:40 p.m.] inclusive world. All movements and social change begin On April 7, the House recognized Green Shirt Day to with people organizing in their communities and donating remember Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet, their skills and time. whose selfess act of registering as an organ donor before Volunteering is an act of kindness that has the power to his tragic death not only saved six lives but inspired hun- transform lives. Please join me in recognizing every one dreds of thousands of Canadians and people around the among us who gives back. You’re creating a stronger, more world to register as an organ donor. sustainable and resilient province for all. Even though it’s estimated that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives, less than a third of British Columbi- S. Cadieux: Indeed, it is National Volunteer Week in ans are currently registered as an organ owner. Canada. I’m proud to live in a province where so many Now, Organ Donor Week is part of April’s Organ Dona- individuals volunteer. Whether it’s formal commitment to tion Awareness Month. It’s a time for all of us to make an a group or simply helping someone in your community, it efort to sign up and to continue the conversation so we all matters. Te last year has been challenging for British can inspire others to register and help save lives. Members Columbians, yet in a time of crisis, our best shines are also encouraged to share their stories and to encourage through. We come together as a community and care for others to register through social media using the hashtags one another. Volunteers are so ofen the glue that holds the #loganbouletefect, #livelifepassiton and #taketwominutes. community together. Remember that it takes less than two minutes to register, Studies have demonstrated that helping others kindles and British Columbians can sign up through the B.C. happiness. During the pandemic, we can all use a little transplant website: transplant.bc.ca. of that. Right now, in Surrey, volunteers are making huge Let’s all take a moment to continue the conversation and contributions. Options Community Services is celebrating help ensure that no British Columbians will ever need to its 50th anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign wait for an organ transplant again. Please take the initi- for an important afordable housing project. Fify local ative whether you’re on your PC, your laptop or cellular women have volunteered to each raise $25,000 towards the phone. Visit transplant.bc.ca, click on the button, register, project, which is absolutely amazing. A shout-out to my and please take the initiative. All you need to do is just constituency assistant Kiran Dhaliwal, one of the millen- answer your personal health number, your name, your nial volunteers in the group, who has already met her goal address and date of birth, and register your wish. — outstanding. We never know when we might need an organ donor, While we see so many people of all ages step up to help but taking two minutes to register, like Logan Boulet, others in our community through this difcult year, last could prove to be a lifesaver for someone in need. summer, Southridge School student Nora Zhu and a group of her classmates raised money to help fund a meal pro- VOLUNTEERS gram for front-line workers at Peace Arch Hospital. Ten there’s my friend former CKNW intrepid reporter N. Sharma: Today I rise virtually to discuss something George Garrett, who helped co-found the Volunteer Can- that involves 44 percent of all British Columbians over cer Drivers Society and has helped so many through that the age of 15. Tat number is only since the last statistics endeavour. He also took time to volunteer on my election were taken, and I suspect it’s now much higher. Tis rate is campaign in the fall. also higher than the national average. By my measure, this [1:45 p.m.] To the thousands more in communities all over the Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1233 province, people making a diference for others: kindness Lower Mainland, visitor numbers have ballooned in the does win, and love wins. Te theme for this year is “Te back country. It’s not unreasonable to anticipate that this value of one, the power of many,” and doesn’t it just say it growth trajectory will only continue. all? Tese volumes have highlighted another lesson — a lack To volunteers in communities across this province, we of regard for the true nature of personal responsibility say thank you and happy Volunteer Week. while out on the landscape. “Take only photographs and leave only footprints” seems a maxim from the past. “Be REDEVELOPMENT OF RIVERVIEW LANDS prepared for self-rescue” is another adage that needs more AND ROLE OF KWIKWETLEM FIRST NATION emphasis. In the Sea to Sky and, indeed, across the province, search and rescue teams are in place, albeit ofen F. Donnelly: People in my community and throughout overburdened. B.C. care deeply about the Riverview lands in Coquitlam. Rescue and retrieval is costly, both in dollars and even For over 100 years, the Riverview lands housed thousands more in time commitment from the thousands of volun- of mental health patients and staf, set amongst a world- teers, not just for training and response but also for fun- class arboretum and a series of what have become some of draising. It’s time that the SAR funding model receive a B.C.’s most historic buildings. fundamental review and a real consideration to profes- Tough the hospital ofcially closed in 2012, much of sionalizing at least some of these services, if only to avoid the site is still used for mental health treatment and by volunteer burnout. People’s reliance on technology, as well non-proft organizations, public programs and the flm — be it a cell phone or a GPS rescue beacon — is poten- industry. tially dangerous and must not be the primary rescue plan. Recently Kwikwetlem First Nation renamed the 244- While a trip plan is fundamental, an anticipation that acre site səmiq̓ ʷəʔelə, which means the “place of great you and your group will get yourself out of trouble is what blue heron” in the traditional language of the Kwikwetlem. should be expected. Trouble may arrive and SAR may back Chief Ed Hall explained this name was chosen because you up, but personal responsibility dictates the importance of the land, which was once a roosting site for the great of having a plan to help yourself. Trip planning, training blue heron, due to its proximity on the foodplain of the to obtain the knowledge and skills you may need and tak- Coquitlam River. ing the essential gear with you and your crew are just the I was honoured to attend a powerful renaming cere- basics. mony on behalf of the Attorney General, with the Finance “Know your limits and stay within it” is true for more Minister. Our government is working with the Kwikwe- than just gaming. A great place to start is to visit adven- tlem First Nation to develop a master plan for the site, turesmart.ca and leave a plan as your frst stop to being which will beneft the nation and the people of British Col- prepared. umbia for decades to come. [1:50 p.m.] Te planning process has ofcially started and will engage the public and key interest groups. Te frst virtual Oral Questions community information session to outline the public engagement process was held on March 30. An online sur- COVID-19 CIRCUIT BREAKER vey to identify suitable activities is now open for you to RESTRICTIONS AND SUPPORT FOR provide your feedback as a member of the public advisory RESTAURANT INDUSTRY group as well. Te deadline is April 23. I encourage everyone interested in this site’s future to S. Bond: Well, despite us asking the Premier repeatedly engage with B.C. Housing during this important public last week, we’ve heard absolutely nothing about a guar- planning process. antee that the circuit breaker grant that was announced would be extended if current health restrictions are. SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES Afer more than 60 years, the owner of the famous AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY Round Up Café in Surrey is calling it quits. Te owner, Dennis, says: “It wasn’t on our terms to go out. Current J. Sturdy: As we’ve collectively stayed close to home restrictions made it tough to even break even and try to during this past year, among the many things we’ve get ahead.” Tere are hundreds of restaurants just like the learned…. One of the more impactful realizations is what Round Up Café that may also close because this Premier we have in our own backyard. People are active in every refuses to take additional action. corner of the province, from hiking to ski touring to Let’s try it again today. Will the Premier commit to mountaineering to whitewater kayaking. We’ve seen a dra- extending the circuit breaker grant program if health matic increase in people getting out on to the land. In restrictions continue for weeks ahead? the Sea to Sky where access is but a short drive from the Hon. R. Kahlon: I don’t think there’s a person in this 1234 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

House that doesn’t know that it’s a challenging time for available. Te member talked about extending it. Tere’s businesses throughout B.C., in particular our restaurant no need to extend. Te program is available for businesses. industry, which is at half capacity. If they don’t have out- We strongly encourage them to do so. door dining, it’s even more challenging just relying on As far as the budget goes, you know, the budget will be takeout and then sometimes delivery. tabled together. I know that the opposition is excited to I’m not quite sure the member’s question about extend- see it, certainly us in government are excited to see it. We ing the program…. Te program is available until June for think that it’s going to continue to meet the needs of Brit- businesses to apply. Money is available right now for them ish Columbians, just like the last budget did and just like to apply if they need so. We’ve been encouraging busi- the budget before that as well. nesses to apply, even today when we had a meeting with folks that represent restaurants and breweries and pubs M. Bernier: Look, workers in my riding and around across the province. We made the case for them to contin- the province are actually just getting sick and tired of the ue to push and remind their members that the dollars are arrogance and disdain being shown by this minister and available. this government. Imagine this: afer 90 years of opera- Tat being said, we’re going to continue to engage with tion…. Most of us in this House will remember going out them just like we have from the beginning. We’re proud of as a kid or taking your kids out for a Pirate Pak. Tere are the supports we’ve put in place. We’ve listened, we’ve been not too many things in this province that symbolize B.C. nimble from the beginning, and we’re going to continue to more than White Spot. be so until we’re out of this pandemic. [1:55 p.m.] Tanks to this Premier, this government and their Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on decisions, my local White Spot is being shut down per- a supplemental. manently in Dawson Creek, which means people are out of work permanently from this place, thanks to the S. Bond: Listening is one thing, taking action that actu- health orders, too many taxes and too much uncertainty ally meets the needs of restaurants across British Columbia by this government. is apparently completely foreign to this minister. Every I know Jason. Jason works there. He’s worked there since single day in British Columbia more and more and more high school. He’s worked there for 30 years. He contacted businesses are at risk of permanently closing their doors me to say: “What do I do now? What is the government and that’s the best answer that the minister can up with. going to be doing for me? Afer 30 years working there, I’m Lef out of this equation, completely lef out, are the now out of a job, as well as 40 other people that work in young front-line workers who were given no hope and no this establishment.” funding by this Premier. Te more the delays, the more To the Premier, will workers like Jason be seeing any and more bills become due at the end of the month. Take new fnancial relief or support at all to help them now, los- the words of longtime server Taesa Hodel, who says: “It ing their jobs, to help them pay their bills? really shows you that there isn’t much support.” Yet again to this Premier. Yet another program Hon. R. Kahlon: Again, I think everyone understands botched, bungled and out of touch with the needs of that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s going young front-line workers in British Columbia. Will the to be a challenging time until we can start seeing these minister get up today, fx the gaps in this program and businesses that have been relying on operating at full provide desperately needed money for restaurant work- capacity. Until they’re able to do so, it’s going to be a ers in tomorrow’s budget? challenging time. Again, I know the members don’t like hearing this, but Hon. R. Kahlon: Te circuit breaker program has been it’s a fact. We have the highest per-capita supports for very positively received. I mentioned many quotes to the people and businesses in this country. We’re proud of that. Leader of the Opposition last week. Te chamber presid- It’s refected in the job numbers that have been coming ent said to the media: “We applaud the B.C. government through, even in a pandemic. We’re still, as a province, for their quick action to provide the fnancial supports doing well compared to other jurisdictions. businesses need.” ABLE-BC said: “Tis announcement is I feel for the young person who has lost that job. Tat’s a lifeline.” I’ve got pages for the member from Kamloops, why, just even a couple of weeks ago, the Minister of who jumped in, of quotes from business stakeholders who Advanced Education announced millions in new skilling think this program is actually hitting the mark. and re-skilling programs at our various universities, part- You know why they think that? It’s because they worked nering with B.C. Tech Association, partnering with a with us on it. We listened to them. We engaged with them. whole host of diferent organizations. We announced a We worked on the details of the program with them, so youth employment program — $42 million that helps put they know it hits the mark. We know it hits the mark. people to work in parks, helps clean our oceans and gets We encourage businesses to apply for that program. It’s them their frst tech jobs. Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1235

We’re putting the supports in for people just like that — including rapid testing in workplaces and regions where who’ve been displaced from work — and we want to create cases are high. Non-invasive tests, like a gargle test, could more opportunities for them so they can get good-paying be done twice a week, with government acting on the pos- jobs and be able to stay here in British Columbia. itives and confrming those with PCR tests, as is happen- ing in the U.K. right now, where every single citizen has Mr. Speaker: Te member for Peace River South on a access to free rapid testing in that country. supplemental. [2:00 p.m.] Tis could be a signifcant element of a plan, going for- M. Bernier: Well, that answer just highlights the dis- ward. We can restrict interprovincial travel, as is seen in connect from this ministry and this government of what’s other provinces, to limit the spread of variants and focus happening on the ground. People are losing their jobs now. our attention on British Columbians. We could be pressur- Tey have bills to pay now. Tey’re looking for help and ing the federal government to get serious about restricting support from this government now — not later, now. international travel. In a small community like Dawson Creek, losing an My question is to the Premier. Cases have risen dramat- employer like White Spot is huge, not only for the jobs lost, ically. Hospitalizations are breaking records. What is the but for the community itself. Jason and so many like him line at which government will use the tools that are avail- are just feeling lef behind by this Premier and this govern- able to them? ment. Jason says: “Tanks to these lockdowns, I’m now out of a job. If this was indeed a state of a emergency, this Pre- Hon. S. Malcolmson: Tens of thousands of people are mier would be helping out businesses and employers and getting immunized every day, but the fnal mile of the workers now.” pandemic is proving more difcult and the situation is, Again, will the Premier help Jason and many other indeed, serious. workers like him with fnancial relief now — not later, Te Health Minister has spoken at length, and Dr. now? Henry has answered multiple questions from the media, about where and why rapid testing can be used and where Hon. R. Kahlon: I do think, from the question…. I it is used best — for example, in remote communities. hope that the member does support needs for restrictions Right now the Health Minister and Dr. Henry are speaking to keep COVID numbers down. It wasn’t entirely clear about new measures in a press conference around COV- from the question — the way he phrased it — whether he ID-19. supports measures that have been advanced by the provin- We’ll keep taking the advice of public health around cial health ofcer. It’s critically important. I saw the pres- how to best use the resources available and continue to entation from the provincial health ofcer. work together to fatten the curve and keep people safe. I appreciate that business is struggling in Dawson Creek. We saw the numbers. We know they’re consider- Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Tird Party on a supple- ably high in Dawson Creek. Te measures we’re putting mental. in place are to ensure that we can keep communities and people safe — again, historic investments to support busi- S. Furstenau: One of the advantages we have, with nesses and people in this province. We’re proud of the sup- COVID-19 and the rate at which it’s transmitting around ports we’ve put in place. the world, is we can look to jurisdictions that have actually Of course there’s more to do. We’re going to continue managed to get variants under control, like the U.K. One to do that. I’m looking forward to seeing the budget of the tools they’ve used has been rapid testing. I think we tomorrow so we can show the public there are going can look outside of our own borders to look for solutions. to be more investments in people and businesses across Troughout this pandemic, we’ve heard from the Pre- this province. mier and the Minister of Health that public health meas- ures are up to the provincial health ofcer and those who COVID-19 RESPONSE AND USE OF RAPID advise her. Last week, however, the Premier commented TESTING AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS that travel restrictions were a decision he and his cabinet were discussing. Te Globe and Mail wrote: “Premier John S. Furstenau: Given what’s unfolding in other parts of Horgan will meet with his cabinet to debate further Canada right now, British Columbians are looking to their restrictions as the latest measures, imposed March 29, government for how we are going to avoid the same out- have so far failed to slow the third wave.” comes in B.C. Last week the Premier said vis-à-vis COV- I think British Columbians should have some clarity ID: “We will use the tools that are available to us if we about exactly how decisions are being made when it comes believe they are efective.” Te Minister of Health said he’s to responding to this pandemic. open to our suggestions, so let’s give some. My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier or Experts are calling to signifcantly ramp up testing, somebody from cabinet clarify for this House and for the 1236 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 public who is making decisions about public health meas- [2:05 p.m.] ures and what the process is for that decision-making? We know that supports for victims of crime did not reach many former children in care. Hon. M. Farnworth: Well, obviously, as the member Will the Premier direct the Ministry of Children and stated, the provincial health ofcer has been making Family Development to identify the number of former orders and recommendations which have been put in children in care whose victim’s benefts were not pursued? place for British Columbians to follow. At the same time, we also take advice in terms of — the Hon. M. Dean: Tank you again to the member for this member mentions — travel restrictions, and as has been question. It is a really important matter in my ministry, indicated, cabinet is looking at various options and various making sure that we provide supports for children and methods in which those could be put in place, and how youth who have been in government care. they could be put in place and how they could be enforced. I know the member will know that in my mandate letter, I would also take the opportunity to remind the mem- I am asked by the Premier to make sure that we create a ber that it was this government that dealt with the federal cross-government approach to make sure that we’re able government and put in place the frst international travel to provide successful transitions for children and youth restrictions in this country that ensured that people had to who have been in government care and to make sure that quarantine, that ensured that people had to have a plan in they’re able to fulfl their potential. Already the govern- place when they arrived to Canada, because there are liter- ment has taken really important steps to make sure the ally hundreds of thousands of Canadians who live outside supports and services are there — for example, the tuition this country and have the right of return. waiver. Tat is a wonderful program that so many young I can tell you that, for example, when we started back people have told me has been liberating for them to access. in April, less than 50 percent of travellers returning to this I am mandated to work with many of my colleagues province had any sort of plan in place. Te latest statistics across government to make sure that we do build that show that close to 85, 86 percent of Canadians returning to successful transition. I’m absolutely committed to making the country now, to British Columbia, have a plan in place sure that we do that successfully. on how they’re going to quarantine and how they’re going to self-isolate. M. de Jong: I’m trying to reconcile the minister’s last We will continue to take the steps that are necessary by answer — the words — with the actions of her ministry. working with the federal government and working with We know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of our provincial health ofcer to ensure that the proper former children in the care of government, who did not travel issues are dealt with and that they’re dealt with com- receive benefts to which they were entitled, as victims of prehensively and in the best interests of the people of this abuse or other criminal misconduct. Many of those chil- province. dren, many of those victims, were Aboriginal children. Tey are now endeavouring to come together and pur- CRIME VICTIM SUPPORT BENEFITS sue their rights, pursue those benefts that they were FOR FORMER CHILDREN IN CARE denied. Yet inexplicably, the Ministry of Children and Families is opposing their attempt to pursue their rights as K. Kirkpatrick: For many years, there have been vic- a group of victims. tims of crime in care and custody of government who did Can the Minister of Children and Families explain why not receive benefts they were entitled to receive. Govern- her ministry is opposing — actively opposing — these vic- ment let down vulnerable children by failing to apply for tims, who merely want to pursue the benefts they should victim supports such as counselling. have received as children in the care of government? To the Minister of Children and Family Development, has the ministry identifed how many individuals there are Hon. M. Dean: Tank you to the member for the ques- for whom victim’s benefts were not pursued? tion. Our government is absolutely committed to making sure that we provide supports for children and young Hon. M. Dean: Tank you to the member for the ques- people, who have been in government care. tion. Tis is an important matter that I will discuss with I’m working diligently with other colleagues and min- my team, and I will get a response back to her. isters in government to make sure that we’re able to build that system, not just for children and youth who are in care Mr. Speaker: Te member for West Vancouver–Capi- now but to make sure that we’re able to create that pathway lano on a supplemental. for now, and into the future, for children and young people to fulfl that potential. K. Kirkpatrick: Te Premier’s mandate letter for the Minister of Children and Family Development calls for her Mr. Speaker: Te member for Abbotsford West on a to ensure support reaches all youth. supplemental. Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1237

M. de Jong: Well, again, I’m having great difculty Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kamloops–South reconciling what the minister has just said with what is Tompson on a supplemental. taking place this week, with her ministry in court, actively opposing the application being brought by this group of T. Stone: Well, this government has been in power now victims to have their claim heard as a group of victims. for a full term. Tey’re actually into their second term. We It’s the minister’s job. She has her role. She is a member have proposed a solution, three years in a row, to address of cabinet, specifcally to defend and advance the interests this challenge of rising property taxes in a meaningful way. and protect children in care and, if necessary, protect their It is clear that the minister has completely botched the fle. interests afer they leave the care of government. Why isn’t As I just said, there is a solution. A broad coalition of she doing that? stakeholders, including a working group of mayors, in an Instead, she has apparently directed her ministry to act- intergovernmental committee that was formed a number ively oppose the applications of these former children in of years ago — small businesses, chambers of commerce, care, who are seeking nothing more than the rights and non-profts…. Tey all support the solution that we have benefts that they were denied when they were in the care brought to life in this chamber in bringing it forward three of government. times, that solution being a commercial property subclass via a split assessment classifcation. Hon. M. Dean: Tank you to the member. You will Now, last week the Premier said: “I don’t believe it’s fair know that any matter before the courts I’m unable to com- to tax people for space that doesn’t exist.” ment on. Again, if the Premier is serious about giving small busi- [2:10 p.m.] nesses a fghting chance to survive, will he tell his minister to scrap her failed interim tinkering and axe the tax now? PROPERTY TAXES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND SPLIT ASSESSMENT PROPOSAL Hon. D. Eby: Tere are a lot of members in this House that could fairly stand up and talk about trying not to T. Stone: For three years, we’ve been asking this gov- botch a fle, but with all due respect to the member, I don’t ernment, urging this government to provide real solutions think he’s one of them. I say that from experience. to help small businesses, which have faced massive prop- We will address the issue. Te Minister of Finance will erty tax increases based on the development potential of address the speculation tax issue, and the Minister of the airspace above their heads. Instead, the Finance Min- Municipal Afairs will address, once and for all, the split ister put together an interim tool that, one year later, not assessment issue, as we committed to when we put the one of the 162 municipalities in British Columbia believes interim fx in place. is workable. I say that because not a single one of those municipalities is using the tool a year later. BUDGET PROVISIONS FOR Now, with the NDP imposing further speculation taxes SCHOOL DISTRICTS on the air above small businesses, the same minister is promising yet another interim measure. J. Tegart: School districts throughout British Columbia My question to the Premier is this. What exactly is this are facing huge defcits and the possibility of major cuts. government’s latest interim plan, and why doesn’t he solve Te province’s incompetence in delivering a budget on the problem, permanently today by throwing a lifeline to time has only added to the stress for teachers, students and all those small businesses that are out there, that absolutely parents. need the help and are barely hanging on? Surrey could face a $43 million shortfall; in Richmond and Victoria, more than $7 million; and more than $4 mil- Hon. D. Eby: I know that the member has heard the lion in Vancouver. Minister of Finance say that she is aware of this issue and To the Premier: why are you making school districts will be putting in place a solution for it in relation to the choose between cutting staf, cutting supports or cutting speculation tax. I know the member was also here, because programs? I was here, too, when the member was on the government side of the House and the issue of split assessments gener- Hon. J. Whiteside: Tank you to the member for the ally was raised. Tey went many years without addressing question. I know that we all, across this House, value edu- this issue. cation. I will say that, over the course of our government’s It is a challenging issue, but I can assure the member tenure, we have made signifcant investments in education, that, with the Minister of Municipal Afairs, we will on both the operating and the capital side. Now, we have address this issue. He can rest assured that it will be some sequencing going on here, because school districts, addressed once and for all. of course, are required by March 15…. We tell them what their operating grants will be, and they commence their planning for September, as they’re required to do. 1238 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

[2:15 p.m.] Tey don’t have assurances that the extra funding for We’re going to see a budget tomorrow, delivered by our COVID supports will still be in place in September. Finance Minister. I am very much looking forward to the Can the minister confrm today that all of these extra commitments that this government has historically made, supports for PPE, for extra staf, extra custodial work — all with record increases in investments in education. We’ll of the COVID supports that school districts currently have see what that looks like tomorrow, but there’s no question in place — will still be funded in September for them? that, over the last three years, we have seen signifcant increases in education, both in operating and capital. I’m Hon. J. Whiteside: Tank you to the member for the very much looking forward to tomorrow. question. Our government has worked very closely with all of our education partners, rights holder groups, Mr. Speaker: Te member for Fraser-Nicola on a sup- throughout the course of the pandemic to ensure that plemental. schools have the resources that they needed in order to ensure that the safety plans in our schools are fully J. Tegart: Te pandemic has been tough on parents, implemented. teachers and students. Trustees, with little support from Again, I will say that our government has made record the province, have worked to negotiate through these investments in every single aspect of education. We have unparalleled situations. In particular, the needs for mental built new schools. We have seismically upgraded health supports and meal programs have seen an uptick as schools. We are building new playgrounds. We are families struggle. investing in mental health. We have mental health integ- To the Premier, will he commit today to increasing sup- rated teams rolling out in school districts. We are mak- port for mental health and meal programs so that students ing the investments that kids and families need, in order and families who are relying on them don’t have to worry to ensure that they get the education they need. We’re about them being cut? going to continue to do that, and I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow. Hon. J. Whiteside: She raises very important sup- ports that students receive in our education system — Mr. Speaker: Te Opposition House Leader on a sup- it’s not only the learning; it’s the access to mental health plemental. supports and to meal programs — and knows the importance of retaining kids. Making sure that kids have P. Milobar: Te reality is, though, that districts right access to those programs in school has been a funda- now are facing huge defcits, and we know this to be a fact mental part of our government’s approach to how we — $43 million in Surrey; Richmond and Victoria, $7 mil- have dealt with the pandemic. lion each; $4 million in Vancouver. Kamloops is in a def- Tere have been remarkable stories, I want to say, of cit, despite draining their reserves. It’s simply broken right teachers, principals, school staf and trustees stepping up now, and all that the people are looking for at the school to ensure that kids have access and that families continue district tables, are assurances from this government that to be connected to things like meal programs. Our govern- cuts will not have to happen. Unfortunately, we can’t get ment has made record investments to correct many years that today, it sounds like. of underfunding of our education system. We are going [2:20 p.m.] to continue to do that. We are going to continue to make I’ll ask one last question to the minister. Tere’s been sure that kids have access to the quality education that they talk about the consultation being done across the spec- need and to the supports that go along with that. trum. How much consultation has been done with the BCTF about the promise around child care in schools? P. Milobar: Back in December, when the only bill that Tat is in another area that the Teachers Federation is we had to debate was delaying the budget for two months, very concerned about — the lack of consultation from this we raised, several times, that delaying the budget would minister and this government on changes that are being have an impact on groups and agencies and governmental brought forward by this government. bodies, like school districts. We were told: “No, it won’t have any impact.” Hon. M. Farnworth: I must say that I do fnd it inter- We just heard the minister say that school districts had esting, the questions that have been asked in the House to start getting budgets in by March 15, which is usually a today, a lot of them budgetary questions. I can anticipate month afer the budget has already been introduced. Tis the excitement of the opposition, afer realizing that a gov- year, it’s a month before the budget is introduced, so there ernment we have had in power now since 2017 has made is a lot of worry for school districts. record investments not only in education and in health Te member for Kamloops–South Tompson and I met care and in transportation and in infrastructure right with our district last week. Tey have a budget shortfall. across this province, has fought a pandemic, ensuring that Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1239 all British Columbians get through this and come out of should have come to them in the frst place. But this NDP this pandemic stronger. government is arguing against that? It goes beyond ofens- Tey want to know what’s in that budget tomorrow. ive. Tere are more words — “tasteless.” Well, I can tell them. Tomorrow afernoon… To still come up with a land acknowledgment and talk about how much you respect First Nations, First Nations Interjections. issues, and then claim that you can’t talk about an issue because it’s in the courts, when, really, what we’re talking Mr. Speaker: Members. about is a position of the government…. We’re not asking you to divulge your strategy or your argument. We’re ask- Hon. M. Farnworth: …the Finance Minister will stand ing you: how come you’re not matching your actions with in this House and deliver a budget that they will, in fact, be what you say with your rhetoric in the House? Tat’s what proud to support. we’re asking. I am looking forward to that budget being delivered To argue against Aboriginal children and non-Abori- tomorrow but, most importantly, given all the requests for ginal children that came out of care? Tis government is the spending that they have made and all the programs arguing that “no, you don’t deserve that beneft that should that they want to see in place, that they vote for that budget be coming to you, because you came out of government when we have that vote in this chamber. care.” Aboriginal or not, where is the caring? [2:25 p.m.] [End of question period.] Where is the long-term outlook for these kids, and now these young adults, that defnitely will need a leg up when Orders of the Day it comes to establish themselves in society? Another thing: respect. You know, we hear a lot about Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued debate on the what this government is doing in terms of negotiating throne speech. Aboriginal rights and title away from the treaty table, away from the courts. Negotiating one of most complex issues Trone Speech Debate in Canada. Tis is under the…. I’m thinking it’s under the (continued) guise of the UNDRIP bill, which is a vague and general bill. It will be interesting to fnd out how that plays out. Te E. Ross: I’d like to pick up where I lef of on Tursday other half of that will probably be negotiated on the basis in relation to the government’s true opinion and attitudes of Aboriginal rights and title established in the courts of towards First Nations. B.C. and Canada under section 35. Not once have I heard this NDP government talking [N. Letnick in the chair.] about woman’s equality or their attitude towards First Nations issues. Not once have I heard them talk about the You know, what they say in the House doesn’t match three female hereditary chiefs that had their titles stripped up with what they say outside of the House. Some of the because of the very topic that the B.C. government is nego- actions of this government in relation to First Nations tiating with these First Nations leaders in the frst place. issues are still, as I said on Tursday, ofensive. Arguing in Chief Teresa Tait-Day, Chief Gloria George and Chief court that the Nuu-chah-nulth people, who are trying to Darlene Glaim supported LNG development, and they fght for their rights and title…. Trying to argue and try- had their hereditary titles stripped by males. Now we fnd ing to put their argument on them that they gave up their the B.C. government negotiating with those same leaders rights and title, and that they should prove that they gave and negotiating — guess what? — LNG development. up their rights and title, is ofensive. If there is such a push for women’s equality and have Tat doesn’t even match up with any type of argument a diferent attitude towards women, especially women in that exists in case law in regards to section 35 of the con- leadership, why has not this government made any men- stitution, much less your own bill that you’re breaching, tion of these three brave women, who are trying to stand your own political bill, UNDRIP. And you’re telling a First up for the future of their people, for the future of their kids Nation that they’ve given up their rights and title and they on LNG development? Why are these three female leaders should provide proof. Tat is ofensive. not at that table negotiating for what’s best for their kids And still be running around, patting yourselves on the and their grandkids? Tey’re the ones that care most their back, talking about how much wisdom you’ve gained from future. First Nations people and how much you know about them In that same breath, we also fnd out that the chief of and bragging about your First Nations heritage…. Ten the Tk’emlúps band has actually got defamatory accus- fnding out that this government is actually arguing ations against her — Chief Rosanne Casimir, who only against children that came out of government care, that are wants to support economic development and wants the fghting for a beneft that should be coming to them, that outsiders of her territory. She gets linked to sex trafck- 1240 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 ing, a libelous term. Can the government come out and say government…? Part of their explanation was that that was something on behalf of that First Nation in the same way about federal jurisdiction, because it’s shipping. that they’re defending logging in the Premier’s own riding? Well, let’s take a step back a couple of years. It didn’t stop It seems that this government only gets involved in those this government or the B.C. Premier from teaming up with issues when it’s politically right for them, politically right Governor Inslee from Washington state to stop oil tankers for the NDP. It doesn’t matter if it’s not right for the Indi- from leaving Vancouver harbour. Isn’t this the same jur- genous people. It doesn’t matter if it’s not right for the B.C. isdictional argument? Why is it convenient now to blame people. Only if it’s politically correct at the time. this all on the feds, when back then, this B.C. government But it’s all good, because we make land acknowledge- teamed up with the United States to stop Canadian oil? But ments. Since this is a response to the throne speech…. By they never said a word about Governor Inslee’s oil parking the way, that was a response to the throne speech because right across from Victoria that was carrying Alaskan oil for a large part of the throne speech was directed at UNDRIP the refneries of Washington state so they could sell gasol- and Aboriginal people in the insurrection. But apart from ine and diesel to B.C. that, there is no substance to the actual economy, espe- I think the cruise ship industry is actually fundamental cially when we talk about economic recovery. I found this to the B.C. tourism industry, especially in the largest places one of the most important subjects because I link up the that have built up the infrastructure and built up the busi- economy to the health of the society. But in this case here, nesses around it to take advantage of it. Alaskan leaders, by these two areas have been separated. the way, are just doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Tere has been incredible loss to the B.C. economy and Tey’re looking afer their people. Tey’re looking afer an incredible amount of stress. A lot of people have lost their jurisdictions. Every jurisdiction around the world is their businesses. A lot of people have lost their jobs. A going to become more and more aggressive in getting their lot of these people will have long-term losses and stresses. economies back on track for the sake of their societies — And yes, some of them will have to leave their homes. everywhere except B.C, which is a shame. Tey’ll have to leave the province. Tey’ll have to leave the We’ve also been talking in this House, for a number country. Especially the breadwinners. Tis is tough. of years — as long as I’ve been here, anyway — about I come from a place where there is no economy. Now, women and equality. It’s quite shameful that this govern- thankfully, I’m living in Skeena, where we do have an eco- ment doesn’t actually speak up, in terms of Aboriginal nomy, thanks to the First Nations and the previous govern- leadership, for hereditary leaders that lose their titles or ment to 2017 who had the foresight to fght for LNG since speak up for the chief councillor who’s actually under libel- 2004, did all the heavy lifing. lous charges right now, accusations. Ever since 2004, I’ve [2:30 p.m.] taken a diferent look at women’s issues, basically because I thank all those people at those tables — all those an academic at a conference actually changed my opinion Aboriginal leaders. I thank the previous government for and changed my outlook. reconciling Aboriginal rights and title with the economic Don’t get me wrong. We’re a melting pot of culture and wishes of B.C. I thank those people. diversities in Canada, but we’ve always had a track record Tere’s more to do in this economic crisis, this COV- of always trying to improve what we’ve done, including ID crisis, that we’re in the middle of, especially when addressing those issues that afect women — dispropor- we talk with the tourism and restaurant sectors, which tionately, mind you. How women are being treated, still, have been hit especially hard. Tere is no light at the end in most sectors, is ofen not brought to light. My example of the tunnel for these workers, these people and these of Teresa Tait-Day, Gloria George, Darlene Glaim — that businesses, especially when we’re talking about the con- never made the papers. It didn’t get high-profle coverage fusing messaging that keeps coming out of this govern- in our media, and it’s wrong. ment. Even customers aren’t sure which restaurants are Connected to that — and there is a lot of connection open and at what times or under what conditions. So it’s here, in terms of how we’re viewing women — ultimately, not surprising that these businesses are folding up. In we also have to think about the safety, because nobody turn, they’re asking questions: “What next? Where do I could’ve predicted 20 years ago the drug problem that we go? What am I going to do?” have here today in B.C. It’s quite surprising, when it comes to tourism, that this [2:35 p.m.] B.C. government was caught unaware of the Jones Act, had I agree with everybody in this House. We have to do no idea that the United States was planning to bypass B.C. better to address addictions. We have to do better in ports, bypassing a multi-billion-dollar industry in B.C. addressing the homeless. But to think back to when the Tis government got caught surprised by it. Yet, it was in NDP were in opposition, they were claiming that they had the news. I mean, the economies of Vancouver, Victoria, all the answers and the B.C. Liberals didn’t. Well now, Prince Rupert…. A large chunk of those economies are under the NDP government, the problem has become based on the cruise ship industry. You know what this B.C. worse, and the violence has become worse, instead of Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1241 acknowledging that nobody expected the horrifc types of build a better future and build back better as an economy drugs that would be hitting our streets. and as a province. I mean, I’d never even heard of crystal meth until a few We know that this has been an absolutely extraordinary, years ago. Crock. I’d never heard of crock. Te scariest once-in-a-century year for the people of our province, for drugs in my time were cocaine and heroin, and guys my our country, for every country in the world. It is one that age were too scared to experiment with it. Te generation has been tough on families, on individuals, on people’s of today has experienced much, much harsher drugs with mental health; and tough on business owners, who have much, much harsher consequences. struggled to save payrolls and keep employees employed, What’s ironic about this is that we all acknowledge it — to face the uncertainty, to adapt to new health restrictions, that the illegal drug trade is here to stay — because now to move to new online ways of doing business, to make we’re all talking about a safe drug supply that’s been shut change quickly and rapidly, and to work hand in hand with down because of border closures. Tat’s the reason why so government to be able to do that successfully. many people are overdosing. Tat’s one of the biggest reas- [2:40 p.m.] ons. So take the politics out of it. We have a lot to be proud of in terms of the eforts that Not only do we address the addictions issue and the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of British Colum- homeless issue, but let’s start addressing the safety of the bians have put in to keep themselves safe, to keep their general public. When my wife is afraid to walk in the families safe and to look afer one another. Long before Dr. streets alone in the middle of the day — she’s afraid — then Henry implored us, at the outset of this pandemic, to be we have a problem. When women are getting attacked and kind, to be safe and to respect one another, British Colum- beaten in their own homes and one dies of complications bians instinctually were doing that. later on, we have a problem. When another woman gets One can think of the early days when we would bang beaten in her home with a hammer while the intruder goes on pots and pans, feeling a little bit better knowing that through her belongings, we have a problem. our neighbours were doing it in unison to show our appre- At the same time we’re addressing addictions and home- ciation for front-line health care workers at a time when lessness, we’ve got to think about the public safety. Tere we didn’t even know the properties of the COVID-19 vac- are many countries around the world that have been trying cine, how easily it could be contracted, when this pandem- to tackle this in many diferent ways. We don’t have to ic would end, how many people would get sick, what kind reinvent the wheel here. Past MLA Jane Tornthwaite of mortality challenge it would present to our province…. actually proposed the Portugal model in some form — Tat spirit, that ethos of being in it together — even not total, in some form. She tried to explain to us what though we have had to deal with one frustration and it meant to decriminalize drugs, the real meaning behind many setbacks along the way — has endured. It is what that. Tere are other jurisdictions. We can take those kinds will get us through to the other side of this health crisis, of models and see what’s best for B.C. We can make a tail- and it is what will make this province a stronger place, or-made approach here, for B.C. coming out of the pandemic. Tere are many ways that But at the same time, we’ve also got to be doing more we will see enduring innovations in this economy. Tere to protect those most vulnerable in our society, including are many ways that we will carry on the connections we those most vulnerable inside those camps in Strathcona have made with people, even while it was difcult to do, Park, on the streets of Terrace, on the streets of Prince even while it was six feet away, or even while it was over George. We’ve got to do more. We have, at least, got to slow a digital platform. it down a bit — get control of it — because ultimately, as Tose kinds of things have been life-changing. Tey has been said many, many times before, we’re all in this have been difcult, but in many instances they’ve also been together. positive, in terms of bringing us together — to make sure that our kids could go to school safely, to make sure that Hon. R. Fleming: Tank you so much for the oppor- we had child care services in place, to make sure that the tunity to speak today and respond to our government’s capacity of our hospital system was there to rally around throne speech. I’m honoured to be here this afernoon as the needs of British Columbians. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on the We are not there, as we know. I know that the Health traditional territory of the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking people, Minister and the Premier are, at this very moment, updat- the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. ing the people of our province about what kinds of new It is indeed a privilege to be here on behalf of my con- restrictions are being contemplated to keep us safe as we stituents in Victoria–Swan Lake to speak in favour of a face new variants, as we enter into and continue in this throne speech that gives a broad outline for this govern- third wave of the COVID-19 virus. We have a lot to be ment’s priorities, our commitments to the people of British thankful for. We have a lot of people to thank in our lives, Columbia, our commitment to make communities safer as and I know that is true for all 87 members of this House. we navigate our way through the end of this pandemic and In their constituencies, they have many, many people to be proud of. 1242 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

It’s no diferent for me when I look at the random acts of were vulnerable in terms of their businesses being chal- kindness that I have seen people do on a day-to-day basis. lenged. Tat’s because this government demonstrated I’m seeing people absolutely refuse a health care worker to from the outset that being in it together wasn’t merely pay for a cup of cofee and a snack or meal at a restaur- words. It was a call to action for us to put programs in ant, insisting that they’d take care of that for them; bring- place, which we did do. ing food over to neighbours who may have been part of I have to think of some of the things that, a year ago, an exposure alert and were required to self-isolate them- made life a little bit more certain as we were in the late selves, unable to shop for themselves and get goods and spring of 2020 and business owners and others were services; people stepping up for each other in each and uncertain about how they would survive, how long this every way to do things safely, to manage and lean on one virus would last, what kinds of measures they should take another for emotional support at critical times. where their revenues were challenged, where their ability Life has gone on; it has been very difcult. People have to meet payroll was very, very difcult. not been able to go to funerals and pay their respects, I have to say that the province of British Columbia in the way that they knew how to do, during this health worked very well with the federal government to com- crisis. People have not been able to get married as they had plement a number of initiatives. Te federal government planned to do. People had to put on hold a lot of goals rolled out things like CERB for workers in all industries that they may have had. Post-secondary students have not that were afected. Tey implemented things like the had the beneft of in-person learning and the rewards that CEWS program to help businesses that had payroll chal- come with that, learning and working with their peers in lenges. exciting programs that are part of young people’s plans to We worked right alongside them to fll in some of the build a good life for themselves in British Columbia. big gaps that threatened the viability of businesses and jobs But we are in a good place today. We have much work — things like reducing the commercial property tax rates to do. We will have to continue to lean on one another in this province by an average of 25 percent. Tat’s a $714 again, but I am not at all surprised by the commitment million investment that was made to help sustain busi- that people, right across our province, have shown for their nesses just last year. We brought in a 15 percent tax credit families, for their neighbours and for their communities. on new payroll in the third and fourth quarter of the year With over a million people in B.C. vaccinated and tens 2020 — a $200 million investment to create incentives for of thousands of people receiving their frst dose everyday, businesses to restore and create jobs. we indeed can see brighter days ahead. Last year, early in Te PST rebate, which continues right now, on the pandemic, we had to take stock of the situation that machinery and equipment — an investment of almost was unfolding very, very quickly. We had to look at what $500 million by the provincial government to nudge busi- others were doing. We had to look at the unique chal- nesses in the direction of innovating, modernizing and lenges that our province faced. We had to take extraordin- adapting their businesses and creating economic activity ary steps and, in some cases, use emergency powers to put that was vital in the province of B.C. things in place that were designed to curb the spread and Tax deferrals, implemented immediately on the carbon transmission of COVID-19. tax and all the other Budget 2020 measures, cost the treas- We had to make sure, for people who were unable to ury close to $275 million. Of course, a B.C. Hydro for- work at the time because of sudden changes in the eco- giveness program, which our government rushed to put nomy and the lockdown that we were in as a province, that in place for all those businesses that were afected by the there were relief programs created out of thin air — for frst wave of health restrictions, again at considerable cost renters, for middle-class families, for hard-hit small busi- — $10 billion worth of extraordinary interventions made nesses and for the most vulnerable — so that we could by our government to keep communities, people and busi- relieve the stress for millions of people and so that we nesses whole, to the greatest degree possible that we could. could begin to fgure out ways to build back and create as I’ll get on to some points later in my own ministry much certainty as we could, heading into very uncertain where we created — again, out of thin air — specifc grant headwaters. programs for businesses that were extraordinarily afected [2:45 p.m.] by the imposition of the health restrictions that were I can say without hesitation that I’m very, very pleased necessary to keep people healthy and safe. I think of the with the response of our government, working alongside inner-city bus companies that were facing a 95 percent communities, individuals, businesses, agencies and Crown drop in passenger trafc, out of necessity, because we were corporations, that people worked constructively together banning non-essential travel and encouraging people to and in a collaborative way that made the situation better stay at home and shelter in place. for the people of British Columbia. Regional airports saw a similar decline in trafc and We have delivered more help than any other province, revenue to run municipal airports. We created, again, pro- on a per-capita basis, to the people that needed it: those grams, worth tens of millions of dollars of relief, that were who were vulnerable on an income basis, those who absolutely vital to maintain the integrity of our transport- Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1243 ation system and to make sure that we get to the other One of the things I’m so proud of that we restored, side of this pandemic and are able to rebuild our economy which had been unilaterally cancelled in 2001-2002…. We strongly, to “Build back better,” as the Premier is fond of restored a post-secondary grants program. Not only did saying. we eliminate interest rates on student loans; we created I want to go back and talk just briefy about what I incentives through grants for those who otherwise think set us up for some additional success, built a stronger couldn’t aford to go to college or university, and that was social fabric much before the pandemic — which, of a feature of a budget just three short years ago. course, nobody could predict — and that our government We expanded, in the thousands, post-secondary edu- was busy working on in its frst mandate. One of them cation training seats in science, in technology and engin- has been an incredible help to a province that hasn’t been eering, in digital arts, in mathematics-based degree pro- afordable for many, many decades, because of our geo- grams that were long overdue because, for a long time, it graphy and a number of other reasons. We created the took extraordinary GPA levels and luck, quite frankly, to largest middle-class tax cut in B.C. history, by eliminating get into university programs that were part of the new eco- the MSP health care premiums. nomy — the technology economy that we live in, that we [2:50 p.m.] knew was facing signifcant shortages in terms of training Imagine the regressive tax that we had in place, where new young people and supporting innovators and com- billionaires literally paid the same rate of tax as people panies in our economy. who made $40,000 a year, to have health care — the only We made record increases to income and disability province in Canada with this regressive tax system in assistance rates. We introduced the frst-ever — if you can place, by the way — maintained by the previous govern- imagine this, the frst-ever — increase to the seniors sup- ment and, in fact, raised ten times. Almost every budget plement. year, over 16 years, they gouged middle-class families with It’s very complimentary today, I must say, now that we MSP tax hikes. We eliminated that regressive tax com- have some of the high-level details of the federal budget, pletely, saving middle-class families billions of dollars and that the Trudeau government has recognized the progress- putting it back into their families for activities they want to ive and successful implementation of our $10-a-day child aford for themselves and for their children. care strategy. We have created tens of thousands of seats We reduced hydro rates, which saved hundreds of dol- that have saved families tens of thousands of dollars annu- lars annually for households in British Columbia. Bear in ally, to be able to put their kids in high-quality child care mind that this is a time when prices for almost anything spaces. imaginable in the economy were going up. To eliminate a Our government has also created a spaces fund that regressive tax; to reduce utilities rates, using the power of has created those spaces in communities right around B.C. B.C. Hydro that we have…. Now we have a federal partner. I’ll await the details, but the We eliminated road tolls for those who live south of federal government has endorsed the leadership shown by the Fraser who paid this regressive, geographic-based dis- British Columbia by echoing the $10-a-day child care pro- criminatory tax, adding thousands of dollars to those who gram that we started here just a few short years ago in Brit- live in that part of the Lower Mainland to be able to aford ish Columbia. the cost of living, to free up money in their monthly I was pleasantly surprised to also see the remarkable budgets and be able to support greater afordability. We turnaround of a Crown corporation, the Insurance Cor- were doing these kinds of initiatives that were making life poration of British Columbia. I note that the opposite side better for the middle class in British Columbia. talks a lot about jobs and supporting jobs, but they cam- In terms of opportunities for young people, we did some paigned on privatizing the Insurance Corporation of Brit- extraordinary things that were, quite frankly, long overdue ish Columbia in the last election. Tey’d given up on this in this province that we couldn’t get any traction for under company that serves the interests of British Columbians. the previous government. Ideas that we put into private Tey’d given up on rate afordability. Tey’d given up on members’ bills that we advocated for, that we’d lobbied for, fguring out a way to manage this corporation, and they year afer year, that were never acted upon…. We elim- had advocated privatization. inated things like interest on student loans. What better [2:55 p.m.] investment can a young person make than in their own Tey literally wanted to take thousands of good jobs out future by borrowing money to build a better future? We of every community of British Columbia and move them eliminated the interest rates that were punitive for the debt to Toronto, move them to New York, move them to Los levels of graduates in B.C. colleges and universities. Angeles and wherever the big eight insurance companies We’re a government that has been supportive of young are headquartered — not here in British Columbia. Tat people pursuing higher education to get better jobs, to was their magic bullet. “We can’t fgure out ICBC. We’re have more income stability, to be able to build a life for just going to sell it of.” themselves and their families right here in British Colum- Well, we’ve taken a diferent approach. We have pro- bia. duced probably one of the most remarkable business turn- 1244 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 arounds that we’ve seen in the province of British Colum- employment growth record in the country at the same bia. A company that was drowning in red ink, that was time that we accelerated increases to the minimum wage. used as an ATM machine by the previous government to I would like to give some shout-outs to specifc groups produce fake balanced budgets on occasion — we have of workers and companies in sectors in B.C. during this turned it into something that is returning 20 percent of pandemic as well. As the Minister of Transportation and annual premiums right now. I was very pleased to get a Infrastructure, I want to acknowledge so many workers, rebate cheque myself, and I know that tens of thousands of whether it’s those on B.C. Ferries who have kept essential my constituents who insure their vehicles have been really travel between the Lower Mainland and island communit- pleased to save hundreds of dollars on ICBC. ies on the coast safe. We owe them a debt of thanks, and We’ve protected the integrity of that Crown corporation, we continue to owe a debt of thanks. and we’ve saved the jobs that it sustains in communities To truck drivers who have kept goods and services mov- right around B.C. We didn’t give up on it. We demanded ing — we faced shortages of basic essentials a year ago. better performance, and we got better performance from People drove through adverse weather conditions to make ICBC. Tere is more to come on that front, but what a sure that in places as far away as Smithers, in rural eco- remarkable turnaround. nomies, into the Interior and on to our border in the Rock- Let me go back to child care, because I think the federal ies. Te store shelves were stocked, and those deliveries budget, again, is going to pay a remarkable dividend for continued to be made. British Columbia’s investments that we started doing over Taxi drivers have been declared essential, and we’ve the last three years. We need to create more $10-a-day helped them with our small and medium-sized business child care spaces in B.C. Tat is our task. But I am so program to be able to be strong so that on the other side of pleased to see, in my community, the capital regional dis- this pandemic, we will continue to have ground transport- trict, thousands of new child care spaces. ation services. Tey bravely took our constituents, people I was a parent with young babies a decade ago, and in my community and other members’ communities, and more, and child care was hard to fnd. It was very difcult made sure they got to their doctors’ appointments on time, to aford. Wait-lists were long. Ofen parents who were made sure they got to all kinds of essential business activ- on maternity and paternity leave had to seek additional ities that they needed to do, in very uncertain conditions. accommodation from their employer because they had no So I want to give them a shout-out. child care. [3:00 p.m.] To see thousands of spaces opening up in my com- I want to give port workers, longshoremen and others a munity, high-quality spaces at places like Tillicum Ele- shout-out as well — $600 million a day into our economy mentary or Doncaster Elementary…. Saanich community through our port facilities. Te Port Metro Vancouver and place is opening 75 new spaces in June. Tey’ve continued our Prince Rupert and Nanaimo ports collectively have building these child care centres during the pandemic, seen, during this pandemic, 109 percent of the activity that with safe construction practices by the contractors they’re we saw in the year before the pandemic. Not only did we working with. Victoria High School is going to have a recover and support the exports and the imports that we brand-new neighbourhood learning centre with a child need into our economy and keep this open economy going care facility in it. On and on the list goes. in terms of our trade activities; we increased it. Tis is something that the previous government abso- We increased our grain exports to other parts of the lutely neglected and refused to do that’s happening, that’s world that came to rely on Canadian grain and food- helping my constituents, that’s making life better and more stufs. We increased the export of resources and fnished afordable for families here in the capital regional district, goods that are made here in Canada and British Col- and I’m proud of it. umbia to support jobs. Tose workers in our ports help I’m also proud of the wage increases that we’ve made make that happen. for minimum-wage workers in B.C. Tis is a well-stud- I also want to give a shout-out, as a parent of two kids ied section of the workforce. We know that the minim- in the public school system, to educators, support staf, um wage in British Columbia was artifcially — brutally, principals and vice-principals — everybody involved in I would suggest — held down and tiered into two tiers our school system. It flls me with great sadness to look at for workers in the economy who had to pay rent and put American news these days and see the extreme challenge food on the table. We’re moving that minimum wage up that a number of states have had, where they literally have to $15 an hour. not had kids in a classroom for coming close to 15 months It’s great to see other administrations starting to see now — the toll that has taken on the mental health and what British Columbia has done. It’s great to see that the well-being of kids in the U.S. doom and gloom from the other side about how bad it We’ve had our own mental health challenges here in our would be to help minimum-wage workers earn more has own school system, in our communities, to be sure, but in no way panned out. In fact, we’ve had the strongest we’ve also found a way to safely restart our schools and to keep them going and to support staf in schools with the Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1245 resources they need to have strong health and safety proto- of the new year, pilings are being driven into the Fraser cols in place, to be able to keep districts in every part of the River to show progress on the Pattullo Bridge. province open for kids, to help parents and families and [3:05 p.m.] communities be able to try and adapt to the new reality. Te Broadway subway is mobilizing for tunnel-boring It has taken a tremendous efort, but I think the single to complete a $2.8 billion expansion of SkyTrain from best mental health intervention we’ve made as a govern- Clark to Arbutus. Tat is the single busiest bus rapid trans- ment was to make sure that we not only reopened schools it corridor in North America, and it will soon have rapid safely this past September but that we actually restored transit investment there, in partnership with the federal school services at the tail end of the previous school year government. and fnished last June with school going into the summer- Te Kicking Horse Canyon project, phase 4 — $600 time. million that we announced. Construction started last week Let me speak a little bit about housing. Our government on that major project to continue the four-laning of high- is determined to fx some of the housing problems that way to Alberta. On and on it goes. I’m very pleased to see have challenged this province for a couple of decades now. what our government has done and will continue to do on We’re working to make housing more afordable for those kinds of investments. people. We have implemented things that the other side I do want to also thank the ministry, organizations like absolutely opposed but that have produced signifcant, the B.C. Road Builders Association and all of the com- positive results. Te speculation tax, for example, has panies and contractors afliated with that. Typically, our made available 18,000 empty homes that had the lights ministry completes about 300 to 400 projects a year in of, that weren’t housing anyone, available to be part of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. I think, the housing supply in our communities. We’re working since we assumed government, about 1,200 projects have right now with non-profts, municipal governments, First been completed by our government, representing billions Nations, businesses to build well over 100,000 homes over of dollars in investment. Right now we are tracking 95 per- the next decade. cent of those 1,200 projects being on time and on budget I see the results of this here in my own community. in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. In the capital region, we have over 3,000 homes either Our record in terms of emergency pandemic funds…. I completed, nearing completion or awaiting approvals right know members will have appreciated this in whatever part now, 800 being constructed during the pandemic and of the province they live in — around active transportation almost fnished up at the University of Victoria, the frst and putting in trails and local improvements and upgrad- time that government has made a serious investment in ing forest service roads that connect remote communities campus housing in well over a decade and a half. So to see to their regional hubs. We’ve rushed out projects. We’ve that kind of progress, to see that kind of afordable hous- put tens of millions of dollars into shovel-ready projects ing tailored towards the needs of my community and com- that had to not only be begun but completed by March 31 munities right around the province, is welcome relief and I — by last month. think is a testament to the skill and talent of ministers who I am pleased to say that of the 180 projects that we fun- have been responsible for that fle. ded on an emergency pandemic stimulus basis, all 180 of I’m very pleased to see the throne speech highlight the those projects were on time and on budget. Tat is a test- importance of advanced technology in our economic ament to the skill of local government engineers, of local recovery. We have endeavoured to make an enduring fea- communities and of contractors and businesses who flled ture of this pandemic connectivity in communities, and the supply chain gaps and made sure that those projects we will soon get close to having 100 percent of homes were delivered. And by the way, they created hundreds of in British Columbia connected to broadband Internet ser- jobs at a time when they were most needed. Again, there vice. We have seen tens of thousands of homes become are so many people to thank for that. hooked up to the Internet where they had no service pre- We do have to keep our eye on the economy. We need to viously during this pandemic. get through this health crisis. Tat was the central theme We’re working right now in my ministry to improve cell of this throne speech, which I appreciate. I think British coverage on highway networks right around British Col- Columbians, no matter what their political stripe, will 100 umbia. Tose are the kinds of things that we need to sus- percent agree with that. We have got to see out this pan- tain well afer the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, and demic in the safest way possible — protect lives. Te Min- I’m pleased to see that we used this health crisis as an ister of Health and Dr. Henry have made a number of key opportunity to advance those kinds of investments. decisions that have supported that. I’m also really pleased to see the scale of investment that But on the economy, there is reason to be hopeful. We is happening in transportation infrastructure. We have will see a budget tomorrow that will give additional reas- never had six concurrent major projects going on in the on. I look at the labour force survey results that came out history of British Columbia. But just since the turning over last month. It was encouraging to see 35,000 jobs created in that month alone in B.C. It marked the 11th consecutive 1246 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 month of job growth. We have now surpassed 100 percent cultural and culinary destinations. It is where tourists of the pre-pandemic employment levels in the province frst land by air in British Columbia, as it is home to the of British Columbia, and we have the highest level of job world-class Vancouver International Airport. Richmond recovery in Canada. is ofen the frst part of Vancouver and British Columbia Tat’s not to be complacent. Tat’s not to suggest that we that many people get to experience, and it serves us well, shouldn’t continue to work on businesses that are feeling as no other community better embodies the spirit of the pinch right now. It’s to suggest that there is hope, that diversity, openness and inclusion that we pride ourselves we can do this together, that businesses have been innov- on, as a province. ative, that they work well with government and that jobs Hovering around 80 percent prior to the COVID-19 are being created. I think that we can work with the sectors pandemic, Richmond’s hotel occupancy rate was among that are still struggling, support the ones that are seeing the highest in Canada. Diverse year-round, multicultur- signs of growth and acknowledge that we’re not out of the al attractions like the Richmond Night Market and the woods yet. Tat’s what the budget will do tomorrow. Tat’s Salmon Festival embody Richmond’s keen ability to not what we need to do: continue to make record investments only embrace its multicultural heritage and identity but in infrastructure, help businesses grow, and keep our com- celebrate it. Richmond’s tourism and hospitality sectors munities safe. are major economic drivers, having contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic output and employing tens T. Wat: It is an honour for me to rise in this House in of thousands of full-time employees and equivalents in response to the throne speech. the city. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you Tis pandemic and the events of this past year have today from the traditional territories of the Musqueam, impacted all of our communities in many diferent ways. Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Here in Richmond, many of the things that make up our As is a tradition with the throne speech, I would like community’s unique identity are the reason our com- to take a moment to remember the passing of some of munity has struggled so much over this past year. Because the community leaders and my friends and loved ones we are home to a wide variety of the small and independ- in the year of COVID-19. Nathan Fong, famous chef and ently owned businesses, our community was hit incredibly media personality. Cheryl Pederson, my good friend Chad hard by the economic challenges of COVID-19. Pederson’s mother. K.K. Wan, dentist and radio talk show Because Richmond, like many communities in B.C., host. Cheng Tseng, flm producer, actor and director. Jack deeply values family, friends and community, our residents Chow, Chinatown pioneer. Col. Howe Lee, founder of the have felt an incredible mental and emotional strain afer Chinese Canadian Military Museum. Susanna Liu, my being separated from our loved ones and our way of life. good friend. Mo Kong Lam, air travel and tourism And because Richmond is one of the most multicultural industry icon. And fnally, my beloved father, who passed communities in Canada, with a strong Asian-Canadian away on the day of my birthday. community, we became fearful of the horrifc rise in [3:10 p.m.] racism and hate crimes perpetuated against many of our Please join me in honouring their contribution to the minority groups. province. Te community and their families are mourning Because we pride ourselves as one of British Colum- their loss. bia’s great tourism destinations, our community felt the I would like to take a brief moment to thank my staf same impacts that were felt across B.C.’s struggling tour- and volunteers who have supported me, and continue to ism industry. support me, as I continue to serve in my role as an MLA, Tourism is one of our major economic drivers not just both in Richmond and in Victoria: Hannah Levett, David as a city but as a province, a $20 billion — $20 billion — Decolongon and Sam Arno Burgess and all the staf here industry that employs hundreds of thousands of workers in Victoria; as well as Trix Chan, David Shum and William in communities from all corners of B.C. Tu, my constituent assistants in Richmond North Centre. Back in July, a tourism operator asked for $680 million Of course, I would like to thank the people of Rich- from this government in order to make a full recovery. mond North Centre who have supported me since 2013 Remember, this is an industry that has lost an estimated and have once again put their faith in me to serve as $16.8 billion in revenue due to COVID. What this govern- their voice in Victoria. ment ofered them was a fraction of this, $100 million, and Finally, to my 96-year-old mother, who lost her life part- not even all of it has made it out of the door into the hands ner of more than six decades during COVID-19 early last of tourism businesses. Many of our tourism businesses year; my daughter, Tin, my son-in-law, Terry and my two and cultural exhibits, like the Richmond Night Market and grandsons, Andre and Ashton; as well as my in-law John PNE, don’t even qualify for the business grants. Yet this Chung, for their support and encouragement for me to government has ignored their calls to revise the criteria. continue to serve my constituents and British Columbians. [3:15 p.m.] My riding of Richmond North Centre is a place of rich On February 10, the Premier said that help was on the Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1247 way for large attractions. Tat was over two months ago, would allow cruise ships to bypass B.C. ports like Vancou- and we have seen nothing from this government. On April ver and Victoria, a direct attack on our sufering tourism 15, the Vancouver Aquarium was purchased by an Amer- industry. Alaskan senator Lisa Murkowski says: “Missing ican company because they could not fnd funding. another cruise season will only compound the economic According to the latest COVID-19 tourism impact fallout that’s been devastating for so many families.” report, only 8 percent of tourism businesses in the Van- [3:20 p.m.] couver, Coast and Mountains region and 12 percent of Alaska is taking direct action to protect and preserve its tourism businesses in the rest of the province have been tourism industry, at our province’s expense. Yet the Pre- able to access the small and medium-sized business grant. mier — who was warned about the issue in a February Coincidentally, only 8 percent of tourism businesses in the 12, 2021, letter from Alaskan senators Lisa Murkowski and VCM region and 15 percent of businesses in the rest of Dan Sullivan — has not spoken up on the issue. If the Pre- the province reported business as usual. Tis is in stark mier continues to remain silent on the issue, we risk per- contrast to only 51 percent of all fully opened businesses manently losing hundreds of millions of dollars in cruise in this province reporting business as usual. Tis clearly ship tourism revenue, plus the hundreds of B.C. businesses shows that this government has lef tourism behind. who rely on cruise ship trafc. On top of this, government has made no efort to delay Cruise ship tourism is responsible for $2.7 billion in or ofer any respite from the fxed costs and expenses that revenue as well as 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly in these businesses are still subject to. Tis is despite their this province. Every cruise ship that visits Vancouver own Tourism Task Force report’s sixth recommendation to brings $3 million in direct activity to the local economy. defer or relieve the fxed costs of businesses. Tey had 288 ships visit in 2019. Te travel agency industry has seen little to no revenue Tanks to this government, our tourism industry has since travel was restricted a year ago due to the pandemic, been one of the hardest-hit and least-supported sectors yet Consumer Protection B.C. chose to still charge them throughout this pandemic. Victoria lost an estimated $130 nearly $800 in licensing fees in March 2020 and again this million in tourism revenue in the 2020 season, while the month. entire B.C. tourism industry lost $16.4 billion, of an annual Ontario and Quebec’s consumer protection agencies $20 billion, in GDP. have waived their fees until 2022, yet this government has When we asked the minister in the House what govern- chosen to do nothing. A total of 68 travel agencies, mostly ment is doing to protect our tourism sector, she insisted based in Richmond, have petitioned this government to that this was a federal issue and that they are instead waive their licence renewal fees since they’re experiencing focused on the vaccine rollout. Good news, but it didn’t fnancial hardships due to COVID-19. Te travel agencies really answer our questions. While it is also welcome news have had almost zero income throughout the past year, but that government will be hiring 1,400 furloughed workers they still need to pay for their licence renewal fees and from the tourism and hospitality sector, this is less than 1 rental costs. Tey are desperately in need of any govern- percent of the sector. We want to know what steps govern- ment assistance to survive. ment are taking to ensure that our tourism sector makes a Hotel operators in the city of Vancouver have half of full recovery and isn’t subject to permanent job losses. their property taxes due at the beginning of the year. In Our tourism and hospitality industries are facing more some cases, the tax bill far outstripped their revenues for challenges than ever before and are looking for a strong the last few months. Not only does this put B.C. tourism voice in Victoria to bring forward their concerns at a time operators at a signifcant disadvantage to many of their when they feel ignored and alienated by their government. counterparts in neighbouring provinces; this government’s I will continue to do everything I can to connect with this inaction on the issue directly contradicts recommenda- industry’s leaders and stakeholders and ensure that they tions outlined by the Tourism Task Force report — the task continue to have a strong voice in this House. force this government commissioned. Government has a responsibility to prevent the spread With the restrictions on indoor dining extended, what of racism, just like they are responsible for preventing the is government going to do to support the restaurants and spread of the pandemic. Like much of their response, their hospitality industry, beyond the small and medium-sized actions feel like too little, too late for British Columbians. business grants? How is government making B.C. a wel- While government insists they are bringing forward the come place to do business, when small businesses and frst anti-racism legislation, they are quickly forgetting the tourism operators are being taxed for the air above their legacy of the previous B.C. Liberal government and the heads via the speculation and vacancy tax? What steps is steps they took to change B.C. legislation to refect anti- government taking to protect B.C. tourism operators and racism values. ensure B.C. is ready to accept tourism and recover once As minister, I worked to help implement recommend- borders are reopened? ations that were made in response to the province’s apo- Government has a record of ignoring the concern of logy to Chinese Canadians in 2014, including identi- B.C.’s tourism industry. Te Alaska Tourism Recovery Act fying historical sites, introducing curriculum about the 1248 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 legacy of Chinese Canadians and reviewing over 2,000 Tis throne speech should have inspired British Col- pieces of legislation to permanently remove discriminat- umbians to get through this fnal push and allow them ory provisions. to prosper in a post-pandemic economy. Unfortunately, We have seen escalating incidents of racism and hate it has failed to do so and instead has relied on more crimes perpetuated against British Columbia’s minority empty promises. Te Premier cannot keep asking us to community since the beginning of the pandemic. Govern- trust him when we see cases rising and the economy in ment has inherently failed to enact policy or legislation decline. Now is the time for a real plan. Why are there no immediately to efectively address these issues. However, supports for business as the third wave continues to hurt there’s more work to be done when we see the recent them economically? Where are the supports for indi- increase in anti-Asian racism in our society. Te Vancou- viduals who need them? ver police reported an over 700 percent increase in anti- If the Premier said we needed a snap election to pick Asian hate crimes. a clear direction forward, then why is this throne speech [3:25 p.m.] so muddled and opaque? Worse yet is that so many of the I stood on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery on NDP promises we are seeing in this throne speech are just March 28 at the Stop Asian Hate rally. We need to educate rehashed, unfulflled promises from four years ago. British Columbians, not just about the experiences of Asi- [3:30 p.m.] an Canadians who are experiencing racism during this Te throne speech acknowledges the hardship facing pandemic but about the discrimination historically and families and the fnancial stress that households are facing. currently experienced by Indigenous, Black, South Asian, Tis government is acknowledging the hardship, yet has Jewish, Muslim, and other cultural and religious groups in burdened British Columbians with 23 new and increased our society. taxes. It is so illogical, but they aren’t just taking more I have asked for government’s support to proclaim May money from the pockets of British Columbians. 29 as anti-racism education day. We have even been cir- Tey aren’t just taking more money from the pockets culating a petition for this proclamation. It has garnered of British Columbians; they are also wasting it. More and surpassed, I was just told, the milestone fgure of 5,000 infrastructure projects will be subject to community signatures in just slightly over a week, including from 170 benefts agreements, which may add up to $4.8 billion advocacy groups, including Punjabi, Jewish, Filipino, Viet- in overhead costs to construction projects across the namese, Taiwanese and a wide array of religious and cul- province. Te federal government has already made it tural organizations. Over 50,000 people have viewed this clear that they will not contribute additional funding petition and this anti-racism education day initiative. Brit- simply because this Premier has chosen to burden this ish Columbians are speaking up, and our government additional cost onto B.C. taxpayers. should listen. Several projects have also been delayed by this adminis- Our mission to eliminate racism and intolerance goes tration. Te Pattullo Bridge is reduced in scope yet is still beyond partisan lines. It is a mission that every member of going over price. Tis government is literally paying more this House must commit to. I’m begging you. I hope gov- for less. Calling the Massey Tunnel replacement a prior- ernment will use their time to not only connect with oppo- ity without a plan is an insult to Lower Mainland com- sition members but all British Columbians to support and muters, who are still unfairly facing the worst bottleneck promote anti-racism initiatives. in the province thanks to this government’s inaction. I remember when MLAs from all sides of this House Additionally, we know from the experience of cultural stood in honour of the International Day for the Elimin- minorities in British Columbia that racism is alive and ation of Racial Discrimination and recalled much of Brit- well in B.C., and this government is not doing enough ish Columbia’s dark history, including the Chinese head to address it. Government has a responsibility to prevent tax and the Komagata Maru. To fght against racism, we the spread of racism, but their actions feel like too little, must not only address the grim realities of our history but too late for people of colour in British Columbia. Te also acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of cultur- Speech from the Trone does not properly address the al minorities to British Columbian history and identity. need for the elimination of racism in B.C. and the need for A key example is the Chinese Canadian heritage increased education. museum, a project that members of our Chinese com- While government promises to do more, they are munity have been advocating for, for years. While I’m leaving vital anti-racism initiatives like the proclamation pleased to see government taking steps to see this project of an anti-racism education day on the table. It is time through, a temporary exhibit is a temporary solution. I for this government to stop playing politics and to sup- hope that government will map out a clear plan for the port the petition — 5,000 now, over 5,000. Te future steps of this project following the provincial budget. momentum is gathering for an anti-racism education day. It is only through education that intolerance can be [R. Leonard in the chair.] eliminated, and I call on every member of this House to commit to this important task. Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1249

Tis Speech from the Trone is an utter failure for the many have had to close or reduce services to protect tourism industry, families facing increased hardships, their workers and customers. To help them, our govern- British Columbians of colour and the overall well-being ment cut property taxes, prohibited commercial evic- and future of our province. Tis government promised to tions and forgave hydro bills. We introduced tax incent- do more and called a risky and dangerous snap election ives to hire workers and make new investments. We will during a global pandemic to achieve their power-hungry continue to support businesses that have been hardest goals. But instead of delivering on their campaign ideas, hit by the pandemic while building a more sustainable this government is recycling old partisan lines and repeat- economic future. We will support a resilient economic ing the same old promises. I must say, and I hate to say it, recovery by putting people to work and helping busi- but I have to say it. I can’t lie. I hope all members of this nesses get goods to market. House will say something from their heart. Over the next year, we will continue to provide even I am extremely, extremely disappointed by this unin- more support to ensure British Columbians come back spiring Speech from the Trone. I’m confdent, because from this pandemic stronger and more resilient. We will I’ve been talking to so many of my constituents. Tey call improve health care by reducing surgery wait times and our ofce and call me and WeChat me, WhatsApp me to building more hospitals and urgent primary care centres tell me that they feel the same. It’s simply an uninspiring all over British Columbia. We will make life more aford- Speech from the Trone. able by cutting ICBC rates by 20 percent, expanding access If this is the best the NDP can do, I’m afraid to say Brit- to $10-a-day child care spaces and helping get thousands ish Columbia is facing a very challenging next four years. of British Columbians afordable rental homes. We will support businesses with grants to help them F. Donnelly: I rise to participate in the debate on the build online stores and by supporting the B.C. strategic Speech from the Trone. I’dlike to acknowledge I’m on the investment fund. We will build more inclusive communit- traditional unceded territory of the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking ies by developing B.C.’s frst anti-racism law. We will help people and the Songhees First Nation. make new investments to boost connectivity in more rural [3:35 p.m.] communities. We will protect the environment by reform- Our government’s top priority is protecting people’s ing forestry legislation, continuing to take action on health and livelihoods while we also ramp up the distribu- recommendations to protect old-growth forests and tion of vaccines to protect British Columbians. Tis pan- improving waste management for plastics. demic has been tough on everyone, and we can fnally see As Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and the light at the end of the tunnel. Aquaculture, I’m working to tackle the tough challenges I received my AstraZeneca frst shot last week, joining that face B.C.’s wild salmon and their habitat — the the Premier and more than a million British Columbians ocean where they live and the watersheds where they’re who have also received their frst vaccine and thousands born. It’s clear British Columbians not only revere iconic more who are getting theirs daily. We need to continue to wild salmon; they also have a real afnity for our marine look out for each other and protect our loved ones. We will environment. We appreciate it for its beauty, its role in get through this. the planet’s health and for the food that it has provided I look forward to our budget tomorrow, which will for thousands of years, not to mention the jobs and eco- focus on improving health care, helping our businesses nomic opportunities. grow and hire, and investing in public infrastructure. Te 2021 salmon season is forecast to have below-aver- When COVID-19 hit the province last year, our govern- age returns coastwide and to generate signifcant chal- ment moved quickly to provide relief for renters, middle- lenges for fshers, conservation and management. Tis is class families, hard-hit small businesses and the most vul- not a new situation. Tere have been ongoing challenges nerable. In fact, the supports shown for British Columbi- for this industry for several years now. Te time for ans during this pandemic is one of the reasons I decided change, though, is now. We must focus our eforts on to run for MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain. I saw our restoring wild salmon habitat and revitalizing salmon pop- government delivering direct help for people throughout ulations. the pandemic, more than any other province in the coun- Tat is why the Premier has asked me to take the lead try, and I wanted to help. and work with the federal and Indigenous governments on Our government understands that this pandemic afects developing new strategies to protect and revitalize B.C.’s everyone diferently. As others have said, we are in the wild salmon populations. We’re going to do that by doub- same storm, but not the same boat. I am confdent, with ling the size of the salmon restoration and innovation targeted economic investments, we will all be paddling in fund. I will mention in today’s federal budget, it was just the same direction to ensure the recovery leaves no one announced that they are committing to double their $100 behind. million to the BCSRIF, which is welcome news. Small businesses in my riding are struggling and [3:40 p.m.] We will revitalize B.C.’s wild salmon populations. We’re 1250 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 going to do that by doubling the BCSRIF fund and imple- I believe it’s important to consult, learn, listen and take menting the recommendations of the Wild Salmon Advis- action. ory Council. We’re also going to ensure more B.C.-caught In the frst few months of my mandate, I’ve met with fsh is processed locally. more than 20 diferent organizations, from the fsheries To date, the BCSRIF innovation fund has supported sector, environmental non-proft organizations, the 42 projects, with more than $71 million of funding. Last aquaculture sector and First Nations. I want to acknow- summer B.C. posted an update in the development of our ledge their work. wild salmon strategy. Te update included measures to Wild Salmon Forever, Watershed Security Coalition, strengthen the legal protection of fsh habitat and obligate Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.; the Sport Fishing project proponents to minimize or avoid destruction, Institute of B.C.; First Nations Leadership Council of B.C.; harm or alteration of fsh habitat. the First Nations Fisheries Council of B.C.; Chief Ernest In 2019, the B.C. government provided the Pacifc Sal- Alfred; Western Angler, Brian Tutty; B.C. Seafood Alli- mon Foundation with $5 million to help grassroots organ- ance; Dr. Dick Beamish and Dr. Brian Riddell, the Pacifc izations and their communities with salmon restoration, Salmon Foundation; Rick Hansen; Polis; Stand.earth; B.C. conservation and enhancement projects to protect this Salmon Marketing Council. important species for the next generation of British Col- Humane Society International, Canada; Taste of B.C. umbians. Tese projects showcase the collaboration hap- Aquafarms; the Fisheries Council of Canada; the David pening right now in B.C. communities, as we work togeth- Suzuki Foundation; the Shellfsh Growers Association of er to save wild salmon. B.C.; Erik Neatherlin, the Washington state governor’s British Columbians want us to work with our federal, salmon ofce. First Nation, local and community partners to ensure [3:45 p.m.] this iconic species not only survives, but thrives into the UBC researchers Dr. Evgeny Pakhomov, Institute for future. We’re going to continue to build a wild salmon Oceans and Fisheries; Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Fisheries Eco- strategy that we can all be proud of. Like the mighty nomic Research Unit; Dr. Andrea Reid, Centre for Indi- wild salmon fghting to swim upstream each fall during genous Fisheries; Dr. Scott Hinch, Pacifc Salmon Ecology spawning season, I look forward to continuing to protect and Conservation Laboratory; Dr. Brian Hunt, the Pelagic this iconic species. Ecosystems Lab. Last month the Minister of Environment and Climate I’ve met with the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, Change Strategy announced a new economic recovery including Mowi, Cermaq and Grieg Seafood, and I’ve met investment that will help restore watersheds and wetlands with the Metro Vancouver regional district. throughout British Columbia. Healthy watersheds mean While our work may get partisan from time to time, healthy communities and a robust environment. Trough I want to also acknowledge that it’s important to work this $27 million investment, about 750 people will be hired cooperatively on issues that impact all British Columbians. to restore watersheds and protect the environment and With that in mind, I reached out to the ofcial opposition help communities mitigate the efects of climate change. fsheries and aquaculture critic, the member for West Van- Healthy watersheds, wetlands and estuaries are critically couver–Sea to Sky, to welcome his input on fsheries and important for climate adaptation, as they can reduce the aquaculture issues. I also know that there are many of his impacts and costs from increased foods and droughts and colleagues, like the member for Prince George–Mackenzie wildfres. Tese initiatives will help communities adapt to and the member for Fraser-Nicola, who have much to con- climate change by restoring threatened watersheds, wet- tribute in this area as well. lands and estuaries so they are healthier and more resilient I reached out to the member for Saanich North and the to the impacts of climate change. Islands to let him know that I welcome his input and his I’m also working closely with the Minister of State for ideas on fsheries and aquaculture. I know he is passionate Lands and Natural Resource Operations on a provincial about wild salmon, and I appreciate his past work on the coastal marine strategy. Our goal is to better protect Wild Salmon Advisory Committee. coastal habitat while supporting coastal economies. As I said in the beginning, this pandemic has taken Whether it’s recovering B.C.’s wild salmon, supporting the a toll on all of us. But it has also made us resilient and expansion of shellfsh aquaculture, exploring new tech- brought us together to work with each other so we can nologies for fnfsh aquaculture or new opportunities for adapt and overcome. mariculture, like seaweed and kelp, we are looking at a I’d like to turn my focus on how government will be range of ways to protect and support B.C.’s coastal com- continuing to help my riding of Coquitlam–Burke Moun- munities and local economies. tain. My number one priority is ensuring that Burke I look forward to working with the minister, coastal Mountain secondary and middle school receives funding. First Nations, the federal and local governments on a Coquitlam and the Burke Mountain neighbourhood have plan that supports coastal communities into the future. been growing rapidly, and our government understands that more classroom space is needed. Tat’s why we acted Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1251 fast to announce nearly $100 million in Coquitlam to add their equipment. Tey do valuable work in our com- 930 new student spaces to the district, including $52.3 mil- munity, and I thank them for their services. lion to build a new 430-seat Shefeld elementary school on Many people in Coquitlam–Burke Mountain live in Burke Mountain. Tat school is expected to be opened this apartments and townhouses, and the cost of strata insur- year, allowing more families in the neighbourhood to send ance has increased dramatically over the past two years. their children to school closer to home. I’m working closely with a number of strata councils and We understand there is more work to do, and we are managers in my riding, listening carefully to their needs committed to bringing another new school to Burke and suggestions. We’ve met a number of times, virtually, Mountain for middle and secondary school students in and they have already put forward good suggestions that the neighbourhood. I’ve been advocating for another new our government is currently reviewing. school in Burke Mountain as my top priority. I have been Our government is working hard to improve housing working closely with the Coquitlam school district and the afordability, to increase child care spaces, to improve Coquitlam city mayor and council as well as Burke Moun- transit and public infrastructure, to lower ICBC rates, to tain parents. provide better supports for seniors and people with disab- As a working parent, having a middle and secondary ilities, and more support for stewarding the environment, school in the community is very important to my con- and to support local businesses, non-proft organizations, stituent Tina. In 2016, on the promise of those schools cities and regional governments. I know there is more being built, her young family moved to Burke Mountain, work to be done. As the member for Coquitlam–Burke and she’s not alone. Shreya tells me: “Many of us made Mountain, I look forward to working with those in my the decision to purchase a home and raise our families community to ensure that they get the support they need on Burke Mountain afer being informed about plans to to live a better life. open middle and secondary schools.” Parents Erica and I’d like to acknowledge the work of a few of my col- Anthony wrote to me, saying: “We decided to move to leagues, starting with the tireless Health Minister, who has beautiful Burke Mountain because of the promise of com- continued to respond to this provincial emergency every munity services, parks, and, most importantly, schools.” day since the pandemic started last year. I also want to Te community is growing, with more and more young thank my minister — the Minister of Agriculture, Food families moving in every day. “We need a middle school,” and Fisheries — for providing me with all of the support I they say. Tanya and Arvid moved to Burke Mountain in need to deliver on my mandate priorities. I want to thank 2010, with the intention of sending their daughter to her for that. middle school on Burke. Tey simply say: “Please help.” I’m looking forward to working with the Minister of I recently met with Isabel, Terry, Damien, Nicole, Jimmy Environment and Climate Change Strategy on developing and a number of other Burke Mountain parents who told a watershed security strategy and an associated fund to me similar personal stories. Every day, hundreds of pre- tackle the tough challenges facing B.C.’s watersheds from teens and teenagers living on Burke Mountain have to droughts to foods in the face of a changing climate. I’m travel by city bus to get to their middle and secondary also looking forward to working with the Minister of State school outside the community. It’s hard on them, and it’s for Lands and Natural Resource Operations on returning, hard on their parents. and allowing our public ofcials to properly address, [3:50 p.m.] forestry and rural development policy by separating it A high school for the area has been talked about since from Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Tis I was on Coquitlam council back in the mid-2000s. Last important work needs our full attention. year I was proud to stand with the Premier to announce I know the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Recon- that a blended secondary and middle school would be fun- ciliation is excited to be working with First Nations in ded. School district 43 has submitted their concept plan B.C., supporting and accelerating the transition to co-gov- and put together a sophisticated planning team with the ernance as quickly and responsibly as possible. I know the city of Coquitlam. Tey, along with the Burke Mountain Minister of Mental Health is working hard to address the families, are ready to get this 12-acre project moving. provincial and, indeed, national emergency of the opioid In fact, Burke Mountain parents are so eager that they crisis, the real problems of addictions that impact too met with me last week to talk about that. I look forward to many of our families in B.C. working with Burke Mountain parents, school district 43 [3:55 p.m.] and the city of Coquitlam on this exciting project. I look forward to working with her and the Minister of I’m working hard to ensure Pinecone Burke Provincial Housing, the Attorney General, on the new master plan Park gets the support needed to ensure park users have a that’s being developed on the səmiq̓ ʷəʔelə, the Riverview quality experience, from enjoying Crystal Falls to hiking lands, which are now renamed by the Kwikwetlem First some of the most remote trails, and that people get home Nation and which means “the place of the great blue her- safely. Speaking of safety, I’m working with Coquitlam on”. I was honoured to take part in that renaming Search and Rescue to help fnd a suitable location to store 1252 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 announcement, along with the Minister of Finance, the Democrat government was so important for British Col- MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville. umbians at this critical time. Speaking of the member for Coquitlam-Maillardville, I I have my volunteers and my donors to thank for that, want to acknowledge the work of the Minister of Finance. as well as my amazing campaign team led by the very I remember when I frst saw her make a presentation to brilliant, very dynamic and capable Stephanie Ryan, who Coquitlam city council. I was on council at the time; she returned to manage my campaign once more in 2020. was a citizen. Her passionate, knowledgable presentation I wouldn’t be here without the steadfast support of all really impressed me, and I know it impressed my col- of the members of my local riding association executive leagues. When our paths fnally crossed again, sometime as well, which is now led by Rhonda Spence, and I’m very later, I suggested she run for council, which she did. She grateful and fortunate to have her in that role. In keeping was successful. with the trend of having smart, hard-working women by Ten she ran for MLA, and late last year was appointed my side, I’m also pleased to have Risha Sharma, Gurveen Minister of Finance and is doing the tough work of bal- Dhaliwal and Nicole Hansen, who support me in my min- ancing and supporting all the priorities in the province. isterial role out there in Victoria. We’ll see the fruits of her labour and of her ministry’s work [4:00 p.m.] tomorrow. But I want to acknowledge how proud I am to Finally, I want to thank my amazing family — my moth- see just how far she has come since that late-night present- er, my father, my sister and, in particular, my brilliant ation so many years ago at Coquitlam city hall. partner who has been with me [audio interrupted] and Madam Speaker, I’d like to thank you for the opportun- stuck with me despite my endless late nights working, days ity to provide my input to the Speech from the Trone. away from home, absent-mindedness for important dates Tank you very much. like birthdays and anniversaries and general over-obses- sion with my work. Trough all of it, he’s cared for me, Deputy Speaker: Te Minister of State for Infrastruc- kept me fed, kept me loved and safe in ways that I will nev- ture. er be able to repay. I’m really grateful to him. Te throne speech spoke of a strong and resilient British Hon. B. Ma: Tank you so much, Madam Speaker, and Columbia. I think we all owe that to our people, British it’s a pleasure to see you in that chair. Columbians, of whom I know every single member in It’s an honour for me to rise to speak in response to the the House is deeply proud. I can say that I’m particularly throne speech. I want to begin by acknowledging that I’m proud of the resiliency shown by my community of North coming to you live from the territories of the Musqueam, Vancouver over the past year, and I’m not solely talking Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh in my constituency of North about COVID-19. Vancouver–Lonsdale. I also want to start by thanking the Earlier this year a man stormed through the Lynn Valley people who supported me in arriving to the place that I community on a rampage, stabbing seven people. It is an am today, with this great privilege of serving the people of act of violence that has lef our community reeling, but British Columbia. it is the heroism and the community spirit that I want I have been well supported over the past four years to speak about today. While the violence was occurring, by wonderful constituency assistants at my community people scrambled to help one another, pulling each other ofce, but I want to particularly thank Mack and Michelle. into safety and performing frst aid until emergency Trough all of the last year, Mack and Michelle have been responders arrived. working from home but working hard and tirelessly non- Sheloah Klausen was one of the community heroes. etheless, serving the people of North Vancouver–Lonsdale. She’s a longtime biology teacher at Argyle Secondary Tey made sure that we were able to help disseminate School. Sheloah ran towards the scene and went to the information, answer questions, connect with community aid of a woman who was being attacked by the man and members and ensure that people could access the help that beat him of with her umbrella. Te attacker then stabbed was available to them through some of the most anxiety- Sheloah in the back of the head. Fortunately, she and fve ridden and stressful times in the lives of people in our other victims survived. However, sadly, the seventh victim community. passed away from their injuries. I also want to thank the incredible people, my volun- What followed this nightmarish scene, however, was teers and my donors, who came out to support my re-elec- an outpouring of support and community spirit that has tion campaign in COVID-safe ways. It was a very difcult become familiar for our beautiful North Vancouver com- and diferent campaign. Without the hustle and bustle and munity. An enormous public memorial of fowers and well social energy that normally accompanies an election cam- wishes flled the street. Hundreds of thousands of dollars paign, I was concerned about our ability to get the word were raised to support the victims and their families. All of out. I was concerned about our ability to attract volunteers this is a testament to the strength and power of our com- to our campaign, but we still found a way to do so and munity and, certainly, of love. still found a way to communicate why re-electing a New North Vancouver has had a very difcult year. Te Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1253 frst death to COVID-19 in all of Canada happened at could not have been possible without the work of British a long-term-care facility in North Vancouver on March Columbians — those who stayed home and certainly all 8, 2020. What followed were gruelling months for the of the essential workers, who I say thank you to, from the residents, their families and the staf at the Lynn Valley bottom of my heart. Care Centre. As you can tell, of course, it has been a difcult time. I personally remember the weekend following the Tere is not a single person who doesn’t have a story of announcement of the coronavirus outbreak there very how the pandemic has impacted them in some way. It’s clearly. Panicked community members and family mem- had a signifcant impact on our mental, emotional and bers had called me about a horrible situation at the care physical health, and it’s here that I really want to acknow- centre, where almost no staf had shown up to care for the ledge the strength and unity of British Columbians as a elderly, leaving families to fll in the gaps at the danger- whole. But what I admire most is our resiliency during ously understafed facility. I was on the phone, of course, these challenging times and how we as British Columbians right away to the Minister of Health, who had already have come together to support our communities, our heard about what was happening and was, thankfully, neighbours, our families and even strangers. working very rapidly to correct the situation. We aren’t quite all the way through the storm yet. We It was still early on in British Columbia’s experience still have a ways to go. But with vaccine distribution now with the coronavirus, and the fear was palpable. It was this underway, there is better weather ahead. Tat’s why our fear that a man who was later arrested and charged took government’s top priority is protecting people’s health and advantage of when he made a hoax phone call to the Lynn livelihoods as we accelerate British Columbia’s vaccine rol- Valley Care Centre that directly resulted in the staf short- lout. With over one million people in B.C. already having age that weekend. It was a very serious and very danger- received their frst vaccine dose and thousands more get- ous hoax that I could not believe somebody would do. I ting it every single day, I feel a cautious hope and an couldn’t believe that anyone would do such a thing. I can’t optimism that we’ll soon be able to come together physic- imagine what his motivation was. It was a grim and deeply ally once more. concerning start to what would follow, to become a year- With our government’s new mandate now well under- long pandemic for British Columbians, with the days still way, I fnd myself with added duties on top of my respons- counting forward. ibilities to my community as their MLA. It is an honour to Te virus did its damage and spread through care serve on the Premier’s executive council as his Minister of homes throughout the region and beyond, and people State for Infrastructure and an absolute pleasure to work were asked to stay in their homes as much as possible with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in to stay safe. I remember how critical Dr. Bonnie Henry’s delivering the transportation projects and services that words became: “Be kind; be calm; be safe” — a critically people need and rely on. Over the past several months, the important motto for British Columbians. For the most minister and I have worked closely to develop a plan for part, British Columbians did follow that motto, giving up the future while also delivering what people need today. social visits, closing down businesses, giving up wages, I’m proud to see this refected in our government’s throne staying home, all in the name of keeping their community speech. safe, not just for themselves but also for those that they COVID-19 has changed a lot about the way that we live didn’t know. our lives and certainly about the way that we travel. Trans- [4:05 p.m.] it ridership is down, around the world, and while we are But not everyone could stay home. All across British seeing promising returns of ridership in Metro Vancou- Columbia, critical workers continued their daily journeys ver, many other places are unsure of whether their rider- to their jobs in grocery stores and bike shops, into hos- ship numbers will ever recover. We have to recognize that pitals and care homes, to their jobs driving ferries, buses, people are now working from home, and video conferen- taxis, sea buses and trucks. Tey cared for our children, cing meetings have become a mainstay in our households our elderly, our vulnerable. Tey kept our homes powered. seemingly overnight. Telecommuting, I suspect, is likely Tey kept us fed. Tey kept us safe. here to stay, but there’s still a question as to what extent it We all learned who the truly essential workers of our will permanently replace physical commutes. It’s still hard societies were. Tey weren’t the wealthy stock traders, the to say right now. high-priced corporate lawyers or Lamborghini-driving Tere are some things that we know will likely not executives in expensive suits. Tey were regular people change. We know that people will continue to want safe, doing regular, underappreciated front-line jobs, many of integrated, efcient and afordable ways to get around, to whom are paid some of the lowest wages in our province. where they need to go. Tat means that as a government, Tis is why it was so important for our government to con- we must continue to strive for forward-thinking transport- tinue to raise the minimum wage, and now it is set to be ation systems and networks that meet the needs of those $15.20 per hour efective June 1. people. All of this, all of our success here in British Columbia, When the pandemic is over, there is very little doubt 1254 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 that climate change will still be an issue that we must pull government’s strategy to double the trips taken by active together to resolve for the sake of our children’s futures. transportation by 2030, and it’s part of CleanBC that will Tat means we must continue to reach for low-carbon continue to be our climate action strategy. Tis commits footprints in whatever transportation systems we enable. us to reducing overall GHG emissions in our province [4:10 p.m.] by 40 percent by 2030, 60 percent by 2040 and 80 per- Transportation systems will still need to be designed cent by 2050. with awareness of the inequality that exists in our com- Now, like I mentioned earlier, a lot has changed about munities and an intention to enable greater socioeconomic the way that British Columbians travel, but we’ve also seen justice. All of this means that the commitments our gov- how communities can fll the void that was lef by rapid ernment made prior to COVID-19 to invest in public declines in public transit usage during the frst couple of transit, to invest in afordable housing, to work with local months of COVID-19 with more active transportation. governments in order to create livable communities and We’ve seen communities open up car-free roads to encour- increase active transportation and enable micromobility age walking and cycling. I feel like I’ve never seen more — all of this — will continue to be incredibly important as casual bike riding in the communities around me than we move forward through and out of this pandemic. there has been during COVID-19. Our government’s continued commitment to priorit- In some cities, road space has been repurposed for ize public transit funding will still be critical. We’re mak- people, rather than as parking, as communities work to ing a historic capital investment. Tat means more buses expand patios and other services out into the roads that and more rapid transit but more bus rapid transit as well, were previously reserved only for what are, efectively, more SeaBus service and new rail rapid transit lines — large steel cages on four wheels. all of this representing the largest investment in transit I’m reminded of a 2019 study, actually. It was titled Te in B.C.’s history. Social Cost of Automobility, Cycling and Walking in the As mentioned earlier, transit ridership numbers are still European Union. It calculated that every kilometre driven a long way from pre-COVID levels, but we’ve been work- by a car incurred an external cost of about 17 Canadian ing closely with TransLink and B.C. Transit to ensure that cents, whereas cycling and walking brought in benefts of they can continue to provide better essential services, about 28 and 58 Canadian cents per kilometre. So while because we know how important a strong transit service there are still very important reasons to invest in roads and will be to our success on multiple levels as we begin to highway infrastructure in many parts of British Columbia, restore the economy through B.C.’s restart plan. there are also opportunities, particularly in more densely Our government intends to continue to support transit populated areas, to choose how we encourage travel beha- in B.C. and further invest in it by expanding its infrastruc- viour to rebound afer the pandemic. ture. Work broke ground, for instance, this spring on the [4:15 p.m.] Broadway subway line, a project that will expand mass Te world is diferent now, and we don’t know for sure transit capabilities along what has been, prior to COV- what lies ahead, but the need for continued focus on clean- ID-19 at least, the busiest bus route in Canada and the U.S. er, healthier transportation choices that enable livable, sus- Demolition is currently underway along the station loca- tainable communities absolutely remains. tions to make room for new stations, and we really look We know that the need for reliable road infrastructure forward to bringing the new service online in 2025. and highway networks throughout British Columbia will Our government has also heard from local governments continue to be critical as British Columbia rebuilds its eco- in the community around the need for transit options nomy and retools for the future. Highway networks con- between Surrey and Langley. More growth in Surrey and nect people to services, goods to market and communit- Langley regions means more commuters and travellers ies to communities, while bridges and tunnels help British who need efcient and reliable transportation options to Columbians navigate the challenging natural landscapes get around the region. So we’re going to be working hard of our province. So it’s important that we maintain and to deliver the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain to meet the needs replace critical infrastructure throughout our province, of that growing region. not only to maintain and improve connectivity but also as But public transit isn’t the only mode of transport- part of our work to create good, family-supporting jobs ation we need to pursue in our path towards a clean and invest in our communities. air transportation system. We need to give people more Projects like the Pattullo Bridge replacement project environmentally, socially responsible choices in how create jobs for B.C. workers and support economic growth they can move around and live their lives. Tat’s why I by providing new reliable infrastructure — in this case, was really proud to support former Minister of Trans- a new and reliable bridge that replaces an aging piece of portation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena in her infrastructure. For years, we’ve heard from community release of Move, Commute, Connect, which is B.C.’s act- members and stakeholders about the safety concerns and ive transportation strategy. trafc issues that they experienced on the bridge. Te nar- Move, Commute, Connect will continue to be our Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1255 row lanes made it difcult for people to move around lient. We’re going to be doing this by doing what we’ve safely, and at night, lane closures meant longer delays. always done, which is by focusing on people. Our government has been listening to these concerns We’ll be improving health care so B.C. is better prepared and has been engaging consistently with key stakeholders, for future challenges. We want to address cracks in the including local governments and First Nations. I’m pleased long-term care that COVID-19 has exposed. Certainly, to say that in-river work began on the project earlier this I’ve spoken about some of those. Tank goodness, we’ve year and that we’re proud of the project and the work that already addressed many of them, but there’s more to do. we’ve done with our partners in the community. Te new We’re also continuing to work on reducing surgery wait- bridge will also create safe and accessible infrastructure for times, building more hospitals and urgent primary care people who travel by bike or on foot, or who use other centres in every part of British Columbia. mobility devices, through the development of a multi-use [4:20 p.m.] path and connections. We’re also continuing to work on our promise to work Replacement of the George Massey Crossing is another toward afordability. We’ve eliminated MSP premiums so important priority for our government. Collaboration and far, which has saved families up to $1,800 per year, and community are critically important, and that’s why our introduced the B.C. child opportunity beneft, which government has taken the approach that we have on the provides families with children under 18 years old up to George Massey Crossing project. $1,600 per child, per year. Te George Massey is a vital crossing for people in Delta We’ll continue our work in making life more afordable and Ladner travelling into Richmond, Vancouver and the through changes to ICBC that will cut car insurance rates rest of the region. It’s also a critical part of Highway 99, by 20 percent. But we’re also expanding access to $10-a- which is an important trade corridor that becomes the I-5 day child care spaces. Child care investments are incred- as it crosses into our southern border. It’s the only road ibly important to my community, where we have many in the U.S.A.’s interstate highway system to run all the young families trying to not only make ends meet, but way from Canada down to Mexico, and Highway 99 and trying to get ahead. It’s also particularly important in the the George Massey Crossing is an important part of that. community of North Vancouver–Lonsdale, where many of Our government received the business case for options to the families that I serve are led by single parents. Nearly replace this crossing late last year, and I look forward to one in fve families with children in the city of North Van- providing an update on the way forward on this project couver are led by single parents, so access to child care is soon. extremely important. Over toward the east, we know that the Fraser Valley Access to afordable housing is also exceptionally is also growing at a very rapid pace, and our government important, not only for those families and individuals who has heard from people that they’re frustrated and tired of are of lower income and experiencing poverty, but also spending time away from their families as they travel along for many individuals and families who are middle income, Highway 1. Highway 1, as many of you know, is not only who require rental homes or housing options within that a major connection between communities in the region missing middle that we talk about. So our government is but a key corridor in the transport of goods and services going to be continuing our work building out social hous- within our province. Approximately $27 billion of goods ing, supportive housing, but also below-market, afordable travels along the Trans-Canada Highway to the Alberta housing for families with middle-level incomes. border alone, every year. I was really pleased to see the Attorney General, Min- Te Premier has made it clear that the concerns of the ister of Housing, announce recently the added investment people who live in the Fraser Valley are his concerns and of $2 billion into our HousingHub program, which is spe- that our government will make the Fraser Valley a priority cifcally designed to support the development of middle- for us in a way that previous B.C. Liberal governments income housing, on top of, of course, the supportive hous- did not. Tat’s why capacity improvements along Highway ing and the social housing that our government is already 1 are proceeding with haste to create a reliable, efcient funding and supporting all throughout the province, corridor to support the movement of people, goods and including right here in North Vancouver. services. Additional HOV lanes have already been exten- We’re supporting businesses with grants to help them ded along Highway 1 from 202 Street to 216 Street, and build or expand online stores. We’ve introduced legislation construction is set to begin this summer for the ten-kilo- to support the operations of InBC strategic investment metre stretch between 216 and 264. Plans are simultan- fund. Pardon me, I should say that again. It’s called InBC eously proceeding for work out to Whatcom Road. — i-n-b-c, all one word. It’s a strategic investment fund In addition to our work on transportation, the throne that will help promising B.C. frms scale up and keep more speech highlighted concrete actions that will be taken over jobs here in British Columbia. the next year and over the next several years to ensure that We’re also going to be building more inclusive com- B.C. comes out of the pandemic stronger and more resi- munities by developing B.C.’s frst anti-racism law. I’m so grateful for the appointment of the Parliamentary Secret- 1256 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 ary for Anti-Racism. Te work that she has been doing so it is a gif and an honour to be able to serve the citizens of far, her understanding of the issue, her passion for fghting British Columbia. racism, brings me great hope that we’re going to be able to Trone speeches are opportunities to express gratitude take some very serious steps towards a much more inclus- and thanks. I’m able to serve at the Legislature because of ive future here in British Columbia. my team, my friends and, last but not least, my family. I We’re also going to be introducing landmark legisla- want to give a big shout-out to my campaign team, who tion to remove barriers to accessibility and barriers to worked so hard to get me re-elected in the fall so that I inclusion that are experienced by British Columbians could continue my service to the people of British Colum- with disabilities. bia. As well, I want to thank my dedicated executive mem- We’ll continue to do our work to better protect the bers, who serve on my executive riding association. environment, of course, with sectoral targets for GHG I also want to thank my hard-working and dedicated reductions. For transportation, our sectoral targets for team of constituent assistants in Burnaby for keeping 2030 are to reduce our GHG emissions by nearly one- things going on the home front and making sure that my third. Transportation accounts for about 41 percent of the constituents are well taken care of. Special thanks to Alis- GHGs that British Columbia is responsible for. So this is on Gu, Nick Hsieh and Joe Huo for serving the citizens of an extremely…. It’s a large but also extremely important Burnaby–Deer Lake with heart, and, of course, my family. task, and we’re going to be doing that work. I want to extend my love to my parents — my mom, Suz- Finally, I see that I’m running short on time here, so anne Kang, and my dad, Colin Kang — for their uncondi- maybe I’ll end with my concluding remarks, which is how tional love and support for me. one usually ends very long speeches like this. I want to say On election night, when I was re-elected, my parents that community has really played a signifcant role in our were some of the frst to text me. Tey didn’t text con- lives over the past year, even as we’ve stayed apart. What I gratulations or anything along that line, but rather, as found is that we found ways to really strengthen the feel- a minister and minister’s wife, they reminded me: ings of community within people. As we look for ways “Daughter, you have more responsibility before you. to support one another, to lif each other up and to keep Always remember to be humble.” ourselves safe, it’s community that has brought us togeth- Tank you so much, Mom and Dad, for that reminder. er when we were physically apart. It’s community that has As well, I want to recognize my kids — my teenaged helped us weather the COVID storm. kids now — Elizabeth-Anne and Teodore, who are my [4:25 p.m.] best cheerleaders, my sunshine and my love. I’m really honoured to speak here today in support of Last but not least, I want to say thank you to all my our government’s throne speech to highlight the ways that friends, all of them, whom I call my brothers and sisters, we are looking out for our communities and the people who have continuously stood by me and supported me within them. I look forward to working with every mem- through stormy days and roller coaster rides — and that’s ber of this House to ensure that we, as a province, are able fguratively. You are all like my family, and I couldn’t be to come out of this pandemic strong, healthy and resilient. more grateful, so thank you all. Tis year is a year like no other. All of our lives have Hon. A. Kang: I’m grateful to be here on the traditional been turned upside down for the past year because of the and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and pandemic. I want to express my most sincere gratitude to Tsleil-Waututh peoples, and I thank them for the ability to our front-line workers, our health care workers, teachers gather and work on their land. and frst responders for their service and sacrifces that As an immigrant, I ofen refect on the glorious beauty keep our province and our country safe. Everyone in our of this land, especially on such a beautiful day as this one. communities and our province has been impacted by the I am honoured to rise today to speak on and support the pandemic, and everyone has demonstrated strength and throne speech. resilience that continues to inspire us. Since 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our I would like also to take a moment to point out how lives have been turned upside down, for the past year. important it is for all members elected to gather here We are still living in a global pandemic, but despite the today. Tis chamber is the linkage between British Col- pandemic, British Columbians have proven to be full of umbians and the government. Tis linkage is essential to a humanity, full of hope and love, but most of all, resili- robust democracy. Tat is why I am incredibly honoured ent. Together, we will continue to be strong and stand to be here today to share a few thoughts on the speech in solidarity as we fght this pandemic with courage and from the throne. compassion. [4:30 p.m.] I want to take this opportunity to thank the constituents of Burnaby–Deer Lake who have put their faith in me to [N. Letnick in the chair.] serve our community. It is their voices that I bring to this chamber with me every single day, and I am reminded that Not only is this an opportunity for us to refect upon Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1257 everything that we have been able to accomplish together, ing the pandemic, our government has initiated the small as British Columbians, since this government was formed, and medium-sized business recovery grant. Most recently, but it is also an important vision of how we can continue government has extended the timeline and expanded the the progress that we have made, how we can fulfl our eligibility criteria to increase the support that is desper- commitment to every citizen and how we can build B.C. ately needed for those who have been impacted. back better. One of my favourite places to shop, buy fresh produce From day one, our government has been about people. and get delicious takeout is Crystal Mall. Crystal Mall is a We hit the ground running, and we haven’t stopped since. beautiful multicultural hub in one of Burnaby–Deer Lake’s I want to thank Her Honour, the Hon. Janet Austin, for vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, opening the frst session of the 42nd parliament of British business in Crystal Mall has been greatly impacted since Columbia with words of strength, leadership and compas- the early onset of COVID-19. When the Minister of Jobs, sion in such a challenging time for our province. I appre- Economic Recovery and Innovation came out with the ciate how her speech focused on people and protecting the small and medium-sized business recovery grant, my staf health, safety and livelihoods of British Columbians dur- team and I visited Crystal Mall and all of the businesses ing the pandemic and post-pandemic, into our recovery. along the Kingsway business corridor to introduce the I want to take a moment to pay my respects to the program. We visited several bubble tea stores, Tala Florist, friends and families of the British Columbians who are Famous World Travel and On On Wonton House. Tat’s no longer with us. May our thoughts and prayers be with just to name a few. them always, and may their memories encourage us to Of course, at all times as we visited, we maintained the continue our eforts to fatten the curve and to get through prescribed physical distancing and abided by the health this pandemic and work towards building a better future. and safety measures as recommended by provincial health I know that many people across the province and my con- experts. Our government’s launch of the recovery grant stituents have been negatively impacted during this pan- was very well received. Tank you to all small and medium demic. I am encouraged that the vaccination plan is well businesses in B.C. for all your diferent contributions to underway and providing our community members with your communities. the protection they need. [4:35 p.m.] As the rollouts continue, my ofce continues to support I would also like to highlight other members of the citizens, especially seniors and those who don’t speak Eng- Burnaby–Deer Lake community who have made valuable lish as a frst language, with the resources to register for contributions to our neighbourhoods during the pandem- their vaccination. Many tell me how thankful they are for ic. Burnaby–Deer Lake is home to many organizations the multilingual services ofered by our government web- that have been doing exceptional work in supporting our sites and information dispatchers and to be able to be neighbours. Since the beginning of the pandemic, MOSA- informed with the most updated and factual information IC’s Burnaby family centre has continued to support new- about provincial health orders and the vaccination plan. comers and refugee families. Teir food hub distributes I know times are tough right now and that many famil- groceries from the food bank to family homes and sup- ies, seniors, young adults and individuals are struggling to ports 38 families in Burnaby per week, which means that make ends meet. I have heard challenging stories of seni- they are feeding 162 family members a week. ors who are having to make hard choices between pay- Burnaby Neighbourhood House also plays a signifcant ing their rent or paying for medication. Tis pandemic role in providing food to the community during the pan- has exacerbated fnancial pressures for many of those who demic. Teir free frozen dinner delivery initiative, in col- were already trying to balance a household budget. laboration with Willingdon Church, serves 600 meals per As noted in the throne speech, our government will week to seniors with mobility issues. be taking more steps to make life more afordable for Tian-Jin Temple, also located in my riding, works to British Columbians. In the upcoming 2021 budget, we support the vulnerable population with their Vancouver will continue our commitment on our 30-point housing outreach program with the distribution of fresh food and plan to build thousands more rental homes across the produce. One of their youth, Nancy Wang, was a recipient province to help to keep the housing costs down for our of the B.C. Multicultural and Anti-Racism Awards, in the communities. Emerging Leader Award. Nancy’s volunteerism aims to For the frst time ever, we have also made an increase support and lif up vulnerable people and break down ste- of $50 per month to the seniors supplement to ensure that reotypes towards Chinese youth and other youth of col- seniors have guaranteed minimum income level for those our. Congratulations, Nancy, on the award. It is so well 65 years of age and older. Our government has also made deserved. a permanent $175 per month increase to those on income April is autism month. As a former elementary school and disability assistance. teacher with a focus on special education, I want to take Small businesses are the fabric and backbone of our this opportunity to recognize parents, teachers and those communities. In response to the needs of businesses dur- who program to support people living with autism. Most 1258 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 recently, I virtually connected and met with Canucks Aut- ies, but he is also equally passionate about giving back ism Network B.C., which is a provincial network that is to his community. He currently serves as a president dedicated to enriching the quality of life of individuals of Graduate Student Society at UBC, also president of with autism and their families. I appreciate the extra Kenyan Community in B.C. Society and also a member eforts that CANBC puts in to support families at this chal- of Swahili Vision International Association. lenging time. As a president of UBC Graduate Student Society and All of these strong networks, all of these non-proft and an international student from Kenya, he shares with me community programs are all unique in their own ways. the positive impacts of our government’s initiatives in But they have one common mission: to fnd creative solu- making post-secondary education afordable and access- tions to support our neighbours, our communities, during ible to all graduate students. As he works towards his COVID-19 and beyond. I am so proud of the local and permanent residency, he is very happy to hear that his provincial organizations who champion these programs to classmate is a benefactor of provincial scholarship funds. help our community. He is vocal about issues on afordability, racism, equity, As a former teacher, a mother and a lifelong learner, I inclusion and diversity. He is also an advocate for mental believe that education is a key part to building our future. health supports. Post-secondary education and trades training give people During the pandemic, I met with students and dis- power over their own lives, and this empowerment is a cussed their need for more mental health supports for value that is deeply close to my heart. Tat is why it is a post-secondary students. Afordability is important and true honour and privilege to be serving as the Minister for on top of the minds of students, but equally important Advanced Education and Skills Training and to continue is mental health. My ministry worked with the Ministry the work of our B.C. NDP government. of Mental Health and Addictions on a new mental health Work is already underway to beneft students and their program called Here2Talk, for all students enrolled in a families in the weeks and months to come. Our govern- B.C. post-secondary program. Students, whether domestic ment has been working hard to support learners and or international, enrolled in a public or a private institu- workers. According to the labour force survey, B.C. cur- tion, studying locally or enrolled in a B.C. program inter- rently has the highest job recovery rate in all of Canada, nationally — everyone who is enrolled — can receive 24-7 with months of sustained growth. We know that young mental health support from the Here2Talk program. people, post-secondary students and recent graduates have Programs such as the B.C. access grant that supports been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Given low and middle-income students’ access to a need-based, the support and resources to succeed, our college and uni- upfront grant of up to $4,000 — this is enhancing aford- versity graduates will play an important role in our eco- ability to post-secondary education. nomic recovery. Emily, a student in the bachelor of arts at Capilano Uni- On June 1 of this year, the minimum wage will be versity, is a recipient of the B.C. access grant. She shares increased to $15.20 per hour, and the serving wage will be with me: “Receiving the B.C. access grant is such a relief. It eliminated. Tis is going to beneft not only young people isn’t just fnancial aid. It demonstrates that the community but those who have seen the service industry as their call- believes in me and the contributions I make to society. It ing. For too long the lower serving wage created a diferent means I have more opportunities to focus on my learning class of worker, and I am proud to support this increase to and my plans for the future, rather than having to worry ensure that people in the service industry are compensated about whether I’ll have enough money for my textbooks.” for the hard work they do. Emily’s story brings light to our work as a government that [4:40 p.m.] investing in afordable and accessible post-secondary edu- Te throne speech also talks about new transportation cation is not only key to student success, but it makes last- infrastructure investments, such as the Broadway subway ing impacts on students’ overall lives. expansion and the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain. Our expansion of 250 graduate scholarships this year It also talks about improvements to digital connectivity will continue our legacy in supporting graduate students, in rural and remote communities. As our post-secondary with more chances to explore and enhance their research system has shifed largely online during the pandemic, projects. We know that students, faculty, staf and the com- these connectivity investments will help students stay safe munities they live in still face unprecedented challenges to and provide increased accessibility for them to learn in their daily lives. their own homes and home communities. Tese success stories refect the positive work that our As an MLA and also as Minister of Advanced Edu- government has done and will continue to do. I have been cation and Skills Training, I love connecting with stu- impressed by the resolve and the leadership that everyone dents and listening to their educational journey. One in the post-secondary and skills-training sector has person, Kimani Wa Karangu, is one of my constituents shown, and I am committed to working with everyone to and is currently a PhD candidate in the faculty of educa- address issues head-on. tion at UBC. Not only is Kimani passionate in his stud- [4:45 p.m.] Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1259

Te Premier has given each minister a mandate letter to students can continue receiving the high-quality education direct our work that delivers on our commitments to Brit- B.C. is known for. ish Columbians. I am committed to working with my cab- As Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, inet colleagues to create thousands of new tech spaces to I am absolutely committed to continuing to support the train people for low-carbon jobs of the future, while also half a million students who are attending our post-second- ensuring that no one gets lef behind. ary institutions across B.C. Tere is light at the end of the My ministry is contributing to our government’s tunnel. Alone, we can do so little, but together, we can do 30-point plan on housing by investing in student housing so much. Together, I believe that we will all come out of at our public colleges and universities. Tese student hous- this even stronger. ing facilities aim to be net-zero carbon neutral and with Tank you, hon. Speaker, for this opportunity to speak rent below market value. Our student housing program is and support the throne speech. making quite remarkable progress. Our most recent data shows that government, in partnership with our public Hon. J. Osborne: It’s my honour and privilege to rise colleges and universities, has committed or has already today in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht territory to speak to the built approximately 6,000 of our 8,000-bed target. throne speech. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor talked about how [4:50 p.m.] budgets are about choices. Our government is choosing First, as is ofen tradition, I will start of with thank-yous to invest in students, to invest in education and to invest myself, noting frst of all the people of Mid-Island–Pacifc in the future of our province. Our government is also Rim, who have placed their faith and confdence in me to choosing to support our skilled workers and putting value represent them in this chamber. It is a true privilege to do back into B.C.’s trade system. Te B.C. Liberal government the work that I do and one that I take time every single day chose to eliminate the compulsory trades system with no to refect upon. thought to the long-term impact on our trades system I’d like to thank my constituency assistant, Andrea in the province. Our government is making a diferent McDonald, who is the face of this Legislature in my riding, choice. especially in this time of COVID while our constituency Together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Skills ofce has not reopened to the public. Her diligence in Training and the Minister of Labour, we will be working to responding to the needs of our constituents is remarkable. restore the compulsory trades system to add value to our Her guidance to new constituency assistants and to other trades jobs. Our government is also helping B.C.’s econom- new MLAs is deeply appreciated. ic recovery by investing tens of millions of dollars in the I also want to note the staf in the minister’s ofce, new skills training program for Indigenous Peoples and from Municipal Afairs, who are equally incredible and creating new training seats for health care assistants, early valued. Tey are Hannah Luscombe, Heidi Reid, Lindsay childhood educators and mental health workers. Banh, Roari Richardson and Robyn Spilker. I also wish I am deeply passionate about education and about to extend my thanks to Christine White and Jade Ash- improving the accessibility of post-secondary education so bourne, both of whom were essential in my early weeks all learners have the opportunity to be equal participants as minister before they departed to serve in a diferent in our economic recovery. I want to share a quote by Kof ministerial ofce. Annan. He said: “Education is a great equalizer of our Finally, I want to thank the public servants who work time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for in the Ministry of Municipal Afairs. While the fruits of those without.” Similarly, Jim Clyburn said: “Education is their labour are felt every day in communities across Brit- the great equalizer and shouldn’t be limited to the wealth- ish Columbia, they are, perhaps, not recognized nearly as iest few.” ofen as they should be. I thank them for the work that I know the importance of accessibility and afordability they do. of education, and I will work hard with government to In my response to the throne speech today, I divide it expand the B.C. access grant program to help keep educa- roughly into thirds. First, to provide some observations tion costs afordable. With my colleagues, I’ll be working about the throne speech and the work of reconciliation. hard to expand and strengthen the tuition waiver program Second, while there are many topics from the throne for former youth in care past the age of 27. speech that I could touch on, I know time is limited, so I’ve I know this year has been very difcult for students. chosen just a few highlights to speak to, primarily small Post-secondary education has been very diferent this aca- business and its role in economic recovery. Ten third, the demic year. I want to thank all students for being resilient Ministry of Municipal Afairs and the work of local gov- and determined. I want to express my appreciation to all ernments and communities in this time of a pandemic. university and college faculty for your agility to pivot to Tis throne speech is the frst and, I hope, the only an online model, hybrid model or in-person instruction throne speech that serves as a bridge between two states of with safe physical distancing. Public university and college reality. As it was delivered, we were still in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. 1260 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021

When this session of parliament ends, we all hope that ment and, I believe, the commitment of all members of the COVID-19 pandemic is largely, if not entirely, behind this House. us and that we’re fully focused on building a strong recov- [4:55 p.m.] ery that works for everyone, as well as continuing the hard Te member is absolutely correct. Reconciliation is a work ahead on the pressing issues of incredible import- journey with no end. I am certain that this will be some ance that existed well before the pandemic struck, such as of the richest and most rewarding work that we will do as the opioid crisis, the mental health and wellness of Brit- members of this Legislative Assembly, not just in this ses- ish Columbians and what another member referred to last sion, nor in this mandate, but for years and years to come. week as the existential crisis of climate change. As was noted in the throne speech, government recog- As a new MLA, I thought it would be instructive to read nizes that our future must be one where we share decision- throne speeches from past sessions of parliament. Over making and prosperity with Indigenous peoples who have this past weekend, I spent a few hours combing through exercised their inherent rights on their respective territor- the past 50 years of throne speeches. Tanks to the Legis- ies since time immemorial. Further in the throne speech, lative Assembly’s website, I was able to do that easily. the hard work has only just begun. To be successful, it Tradition and history are important to understand, and must be done together. they are important to honour, even though, as societies Speaking further to the work of reconciliation, the change and the very composition of government changes member for Saanich North and the Islands further noted to be more refective of British Columbians, we should that he is reminded to judge actions, not words. Tis expect and even demand that these traditions will change. reminds us all that we are accountable to the commitments Indeed, this is evidenced in the throne speech. we have made, such as those in DRIPA. Just last Friday our I noted these changes that are happening. First, the government reached an agreement to provide Wet’suwet’en acknowledgment of First Nations territories. Second, the Hereditary Chiefs $7.2 million in funding to support the involvement of Indigenous People and people of diverse implementation of their rights and title, a three-year fund- faiths in ofering prayers or refections before the throne ing commitment to support them in their work on gov- speech. Finally, that First Nations languages are being ernance and the shared goal of reunifcation within the spoken, at frst by Indigenous Peoples themselves and now Wet’suwet’en Nation. by a Lieutenant-Governor who, herself, is not Indigenous. I know that all members of this House understand that Te frst words of this throne speech read by Her Hon- part of the meaning of the UN declaration on the rights our the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia were of Indigenous Peoples is their own personal commitments spoken in SENĆOŦEN, the ancestral and ancient language to listening, learning and working with First Nations in of the WSÁNEĆ̱ people. I think it’s important to pause whose territories our ridings lie, our invisible system of a moment and acknowledge this — that the Lieutenant- boundaries that is imposed over a landscape that has been Governor, the Queen’s representative in British Columbia, nurtured and stewarded for generations and generations. for the frst time ever in a throne speech, both opened with Last Friday, in my capacity as an MLA, I met with the words in an Indigenous language, before switching to Eng- Ha’wiih, the hereditary leaders of the Ahousaht First lish, and then closed, as she has done many times before, Nation, the largest First Nation in the riding of Mid in an Indigenous language. Island–Pacifc Rim. It was an exciting and energizing I fnd that the deliberate and thoughtful and intentional meeting that went well over our allotted time as they spoke approach that Her Honour has taken in respect to learning of initiatives that are related to the Ahousaht land vision, words of the WSÁNEĆ̱ is an inspiration. To those mem- the work that they have done to engage and consult the bers in this House who did not fnd everything they were muschim, or the people, that developed their vision of the looking for in this throne speech, I trust they also fnd future in the lands that they have occupied for generations inspiration in this — what might seem like a small move and generations. but one that, put together with many actions, small and As we spoke of all the progress that Ahousaht has made large, forms part of the individual and collective journey in the past year, one of the Chiefs paused and refected of reconciliation that we are on with Indigenous Peoples. on how much has been accomplished in a year when you Te member for Saanich North and the Islands spoke to would not have thought that that could have happened. the throne speech last week, stating that “the Declaration Te pandemic, with all of the threats and the anxiety that on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is an important it brought their community, a time when people had to step forward. But just because we have taken a step for- physically stay apart, had actually brought people closer ward, it’s incorrect to assume that all is well. Tis is a jour- together, including bringing the hereditary leadership ney with no end.” closer with the elected leadership. I agree with the member. It’s entirely appropriate, in my I have been privileged to work alongside the Ahousaht view, that the member challenges this government to do people for over 20 years and have attended literally hun- more and to work harder. He certainly has my commit- dreds of meetings with Ahousaht leaders as a fsheries bio- logist, as a mayor and now as an MLA Tis was one of the Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1261 most hopeful and positive meetings that I have attended, ticularly hard hit, with a special top-up by extending the not to say that implementing their vision would be easy timelines of that program and by adjusting the eligibility work, but one that they are committed to deeply and that I criteria to make it easier for businesses to qualify, and am committed to as their MLA. then, with the circuit breaker business relief program, Let me turn now to another area of the throne speech introducing a brand-new program to support the busi- that I am passionate about as well and that matters to the nesses that have been hit hardest by this latest round of communities that I represent. Tat is small business. It advisories and restrictions. is ofen remarked, and was with the speaker previous to Te business supports have been a topic of signifcant me, that small businesses are the backbone of B.C. com- debate in this House, and I am certain that all members munities, and that certainly is the case in my riding, Mid of this House have been listening hard to the business Island–Pacifc Rim. In fact, entrepreneurs make up the operators in their communities. Teir stories inspire us. vast majority of business activity in communities like Tey motivate us on all sides of the House to advocate Tofno, Ucluelet, Cumberland and Hornby Island, for hard for their needs. I want to explain about one particular example. In Tofno alone, over one in four permanent res- business owner in my riding who I think is an excellent idents holds a business licence, which speaks to the example of resilience in the face of hardship. importance of small business to the vitality of my home Chef Ian Riddick owns a small restaurant in Ucluelet community. and has done so for the last three years. Te pandemic We ofen refect, in Tofno, how local business owners hit his business, and it was very hard. It has been for so are community members and vice versa. Tat’s the truest many restaurateurs. In March 2020, he shut down com- expression of the fact that people are our economy and pletely, but then, with the advantage of having a beautiful why putting people at the heart of our government’s recov- garden patio, he reopened to what turned out to be a relat- ery strategy is the only way forward. ively busy summer season. At frst, he’s explained to me, it I saw personally, at the beginning of the pandemic, the was the federal government wage supports and loan pro- incredible sacrifces that businesses made and how many grams that enabled him to stay open. He was able to keep small businesses had to make very tough decisions to tem- his core staf, which he says will now be his key to a suc- porarily close or reduce services to protect their workers cessful return when the pandemic subsides. and customers. Tis impacted hundreds of employees, He did not initially apply for the small and medium who are also valued residents of our community. Business business recovery program, but when the Ministry of Jobs, owners went to extraordinary ends to keep people Economic Recovery and Innovation expanded the eligibil- employed while employment insurance kicked in and to ity criteria, he successfully received a grant. In his words, ensure that staf housing wasn’t lost due to lack of work. “All the help I received from the federal and provincial Troughout the last 14 months, across British Colum- governments was exactly what it needed to be,” making up bia, we have seen small business operators demonstrate almost exactly the losses his restaurant experienced in the their skills, ingenuity and tenacity with quick pivots and pandemic year over the previous year. adaptations. As well, we have seen their incredible per- Ian didn’t just accept the money and keep quiet, though. severance. He told his business colleagues about it. In fact, he told an One of the common refrains I have heard from business owner of a wedding business about the business recovery owners across my riding, from surf companies to art sup- grant, and she successfully applied. For her business, the ply stores to restaurants, is: “I’d always meant to add online grant was the diference between still taking calls to book sales to my business, but I never had the time.” Tis gov- weddings for the 2022 season versus not answering the ernment has been at their backs with support to launch phone at all because she wasn’t sure if her business would online storefronts and e-commerce options. In fact, as the survive. throne speech mentions, over 4,000 eligible small busi- While she and the small business operators across Mid- nesses have been able to take advantage of the launch Island–Pacifc Rim riding have demonstrated incredible online program. resilience during this challenging time, our government [5:00 p.m.] understands that stories like Ian’s do not erase the In addition to that particular support, this government struggles that many small businesses still face, especially has taken signifcant steps to listen to, to hear and to sup- in those sectors that have been the hardest hit, which is a port small businesses, cutting property taxes for busi- signifcant number of businesses in my home community nesses and postponing the date that late penalties would be and in my riding. applied, prohibiting commercial evictions, forgiving hydro Early in my frst term as the mayor of Tofno, the exec- bills and, later in the B.C. recovery plan, providing tax utive director of the local chamber of commerce explained incentives for businesses to hire workers and a PST rebate his perspective to me — that government is a partner to to help businesses make investments. small business in creating the conditions for success by Te small and medium-size business support program providing the roads, water, schools and child care, as well recognizes the tourism sector, as one that has been par- as imposing regulations that are necessary to help keep 1262 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 people and the environment healthy and safe, and how the that the pandemic threw a wrench in those works would trick is for government to work with local businesses. be an understatement. But local government fnancial In working with the executive director for several years, ofcers responded swifly. Tey worked with their col- I came to understand just how important dialogue leagues and with their councils and boards to discuss risk between government and the business sector is in listen- mitigation measures, to make difcult decisions around ing, understanding, creating, adapting and tweaking laws spending, reducing spending in non-essential — or maybe and policies to create those conditions for local businesses I should call it less essential — or lower-priority services to thrive. I’m incredibly proud of the work that the busi- and reprioritizing capital projects. Our government ness community in Tofno, across my riding and across responded by providing new fnancial tools to ensure that B.C. has done throughout this pandemic. cash fows were in place so those critical services like water Tere’s been a lot of criticism from members opposite and wastewater were not disrupted. about this government’s support for small business, and it’s COVID-19 also challenged the fundamentals of local the role of parties opposite to provide that criticism. I’m democracy, including in-person decision-making and proud of how my colleague the Minister of Jobs, Econom- public presence at council and board meetings as well as ic Recovery and Innovation and his staf have themselves the ability to safely conduct voting in by-elections and ref- adapted and pivoted, expanding the eligibility of the busi- erendums. Our government responded quickly by putting ness granting programs, creating niches for particular cir- in a number of extraordinary measures to help local gov- cumstances that were not being addressed. And although ernments keep functioning efectively across this province. some might only criticize and fnd fault, it is clear to me Tis included enabling local governments to conduct elec- that an efective government listens and changes as quickly tronic meetings and public hearings, expanding the ability and efectively as it can, all the time using sound principles for our local governments to use mail-in ballots, enabling of fnancial accountability. Tat is what this government them to change high-touch interactions in elections into does and what it will continue to do. safer options like oral declarations for voter registry. I now will turn to the work of my ministry, the Ministry Just as business owners have said to me they’ve been of Municipal Afairs. It’s an enormous privilege to be the waiting for an opportunity to add e-commerce to their Minister of Municipal Afairs, and I’m grateful for the repertoire, I’ve heard from mayors across B.C. who have years of experience that I’m able to bring with me from explained that the necessity to move meetings on line local government into my new role. I want to start by was just what they needed. It was the impetus that gave acknowledging the incredible work that local governments them the ability to install the right hardware and sof- across B.C. are doing. ware in their municipal halls to ensure that the public [5:05 p.m.] had continued, safe access to council meetings, to As was noted in the throne speech, local communities decision-makers and to ensure that councillors and staf have been on the front lines of COVID-19. When the pan- remained safe as well. demic hit, communities of all sizes across B.C. respon- With the end of the pandemic in sight, our minds are ded quickly, establishing emergency operations centres to turning to what we’ve learned, and I’ve heard consistent coordinate the fow of information between the province feedback from community leaders that they’ve quickly and frst responders, health authorities, businesses and adapted to new ways of conducting meetings and hearings, residents. Tey developed COVID response plans to that they’re seeing increased participation from residents ensure that the critical services that people depend on, in watching online meetings and increased use of techno- such as potable water delivery, wastewater systems and logy to enable their voices to be heard by local decision- frefghting, would continue despite so many unknowns in makers. I look forward to continuing to work with local those early days of the pandemic. governments, supporting them further. I distinctly recall, since I was the mayor of Tofno at One of the most signifcant ways this government is the time, that, almost overnight, transformation occurred supporting communities in this time of need has been in our municipal workplaces, with hand sanitizer and sig- through the Canada-B.C. safe restart funding agreement. nage everywhere, with masking tape arrows on the foor In the early days of the pandemic, this government advoc- that were designed to help keep us all two metres apart. ated strongly to federal partners to deliver funds directly Our government has been there from the start for com- to local governments to keep them whole and to help them munities. In times of crises, people look to their leaders, continue to deliver those services that their residents and and that starts with listening and then quickly responding. businesses needed the most. Our government has done just that for local governments, In my monthly calls with mayors and regional district for communities. chairs across the province, these leaders explained to me In March 2020, when the pandemic arrived, most local just how critical restart funding has been for their com- governments had completed their budget processes, or munities. It’s helped keep recreation centres, playgrounds they were in the fnal stages of fnalizing their fve-year and local parks open for safe use by community members. operating and capital plans and setting tax rates. To say It’s helped to cover the cost of safety measures and supplies Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1263 that workers need to stay safe, and many communities primarily in the Lower Mainland. But our government’s chose to fow some of these funds through to the non- investments in B.C. communities are far more than just proft organizations in their communities that have been those specifc projects mentioned in the throne speech tirelessly serving residents, delivering critical community — investments that might seem small in comparison to services and lifing the hearts and minds of people with things like the Pattullo Bridge but that mean so much arts, culture and recreation programs in new and safe to B.C.’s smaller cities and rural communities too. Com- ways. munity halls, water systems, wastewater treatment facilit- Te throne speech speaks to the unprecedented invest- ies, recreation centres and cultural centres are all invest- ments this government is making in housing and how the ments in people, not only creating jobs while the construc- pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing conditions that not tion is underway but leaving communities with assets that only lead to homelessness but have also made homeless- will improve their physical, emotional and social health ness more visible in our communities. Te speech speaks and well-being for years to come. to this government’s unwavering commitment to help Moving forward, British Columbians’ economic and people who are experiencing homelessness, who face social recovery are very much going to depend on working housing insecurity and who feel lef out from the hope of collaboratively with communities. We continue to work ever afording their own home. Investments like these are closely with our local government partners, including the not possible without the support and direct involvement of Union of B.C. Municipalities, along with health care work- local communities. ers, frst responders, education workers, retail service [5:10 p.m.] workers and so many other British Columbians. We know Once again I express my gratitude to local governments that local governments, too, have been on the front lines of across B.C. for stepping up to the challenges in their com- COVID-19. munities. Not only are they helping to serve people who As I come towards the close of my speech, I want to are experiencing homelessness and precarious housing, return to the matter of reconciliation and how the rela- but in many cases, they’re providing municipal land for tionship between local government and First Nations is new supportive and afordable housing developments, changing in lasting and meaningful ways. Last week, a accelerating zoning amendments, waiving fees. In fact, signifcant event took place in which the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’- several regional districts — like the Comox Valley regional Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nation joined the Strathcona regional district, which touches on my riding — have established district as a full member of the board, with all the rights regional homelessness support services which enabled and responsibilities of voting and contributing tax requis- them to further leverage partnerships with B.C. Housing itions, just as any municipality or rural area participates at and non-proft housing and service providers. the board. I’m proud that our government has partnered with the Kevin Jules is the vice-Chief of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’- Union of B.C. Municipalities in the delivery of $100 mil- Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nation. In his words: “Joining the lion of safe restart funding, through the strengthening Strathcona regional district is a new experience for every- communities services program, to support communities one. Working together shows we are moving in the direc- in their work of supporting people that are experiencing tion of reconciliation. Tis is a huge step forward in being homelessness, and a further $15 million into the local gov- heard and recognized as a modern treaty nation. We look ernment development approvals program, which will forward, in working with the Strathcona regional district, provide communities with the funding that they need to to help our nation and all of our communities build and improve the efciency and efectiveness of their approvals grow together.” processes so that they can do even more than they’re Te Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconcili- already doing to help get British Columbians into homes ation noted: “Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’-Che:k:tles7et’h’’s membership that are safe, secure and afordable. on the Strathcona regional district is a tangible act of Building new partnerships with municipalities remains reconciliation that strengthens the government-to-gov- a mainstay of this government. As the throne speech ernment relationship and benefts everyone.” stated: “As we turn towards recovery, investing in stronger As a former director of the Alberni-Clayoquot regional communities will be a key priority. Budget 2021 will make district, which has four First Nations fully participating at record investments in infrastructure to keep people and the board table, I have witnessed the transformation that our economy moving.” Tere’s no dispute that investments occurs when First Nations and local governments come like these are critical to kick-starting or accelerating local to the table as equal partners. I could not agree more economies in times of economic downturn or depression. with vice-Chief Jules and with the minister. Because words Several times in the last century, we’ve seen the import- and their meaning matter, understanding the Nuu-chah- ance of infrastructure funding. nulth language meaning of these two nations is important. Te throne speech goes on to list some of the major Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ means “diferent people,” and Che:k:tles7et’h’ investments this government will continue to advance, means “people from a place where you gain strength.” We including several large transit and transportation projects, 1264 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 all gain strength by working with people who are diferent to Tanya and Kirat, and all of the volunteers that were than us. there on a day-to-day basis. Without you and the voters of [5:15 p.m.] Surrey-Cloverdale, I wouldn’t be here today. In closing, I ofer again the observation that this throne I rise in the House, virtually, to support the throne speech is truly like no other, as it is a bridge between today speech that was delivered April 12. By way of background, in the midst of a pandemic and a tomorrow of a bright- for those of you that don’t know, Surrey-Cloverdale is er future. But the hard work is not over yet. Vaccinations approximately 13,500 acres in size, with just over 6,000 of have yet to be completed, public health measures are yet to those acres that are inside of the ALR. Tat makes my rid- be lifed, and recovery will be a longer road for some eco- ing one of the largest in Metro Vancouver when it comes nomic sectors than for others and longer for some people to ALR, which means that there are a lot of young families in our communities than for others. and a lot of farmers. Agriculture is very special, and some- Te hard work of government and all members of this body doesn’t get to be my size, unless you really love food. House is really never over, and there is so much more to be Te population of the riding is nearly 78,000 people, done on our collective journey of reconciliation with Indi- which we have a large portion of the population that are genous People, on tackling discrimination and systemic young families. Te riding of Surrey Cloverdale encom- racism, on reducing inequality — so that all British Col- passes parts of Fleetwood, Port Kells, Clayton Heights umbians are able to live well and healthy, with dignity and and Cloverdale. purpose, and are able to take advantage of opportunities We have just passed the fve-year mark of the opioid that still today are only available to some — and on tack- overdose crisis, and I’d like to express my condolences to ling climate change and the alarming loss of biodiversity. the families of those who have passed on from these over- In the past, the Lieutenant-Governors have closed the doses. Te pandemic has added to the difculties around throne speech with phrases that remind us of our collect- these overdose deaths, like no other time before. ive duty, such as: “Hon. Members, I leave you now to dis- Te Health Ministry and the Mental Health and charge your legislative duties, in the full confdence that Addictions Ministry have been working diligently to your deliberations will be in the best interest of all cit- address the issues around the overdose crisis. I want to izens.” While the wording might seem a little bit stif or thank all of the front-line workers and agencies, who traditional, its meaning is true. Keeping people healthy have been responding to those people who were in over- and safe until this pandemic is over is our collective dose states. I recognize the staggering numbers, over responsibility and our common purpose. It is an essential 7,000 lives, lost during this fve-year period. But I myself precondition for economic and social recovery, a recovery and others, I believe, must recognize the work of those that leaves no one behind, and it remains this govern- front-line workers, who have reversed thousands of ment’s top priority. overdoses, with the use of naloxone, which was delivered It has been my privilege to speak in support of the by those front-line workers. throne speech. Tank you. ƛ̓ eekoo, ƛ̓ eekoo. [5:20 p.m.] With regard to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Minister. would like to express my sincere condolences to those Just to remind all members, if they’re going to have a families who have lost a loved one. Tere have been just phone conversation, they should turn of their cameras. over 1,500 people that have passed on, due to the COV- Tank you. ID-19 virus. We are 14 months into this pandemic, and I believe we’re beginning to get closer to putting the pan- M. Starchuk: I rise in the House today to respond to demic behind us. But we must remain vigilant against this the throne speech from the second session of the 42nd virus. We must follow those public health orders to a T. parliament. With the vaccines arriving and being administered, now is Before I would start, I’d like to recognize that I’m speak- not the time to let our guard down. ing to you today from the unceded territories of the Coast I would like to give thanks to all the front-line workers Salish people. Tis includes the Kwantlen, Katzie and who’ve been working throughout this difcult time. I want Semiahmoo First Nations people. to say thanks to our people who’ve helped keep our pan- I’ll be placing thank-yous at the beginning and the end tries and fridges full. Tanks to the farmers who kept of my comments today. Tanks to my campaign team, who growing our food. Tanks to those drivers who kept the worked with the constituents of Surrey Cloverdale to get produce coming to the grocers who adapted in ways to myself, the frst professional frefghter, elected to the B.C. stay open. I want to say thanks to those health care work- Legislature. Tank you to Veronica Harrison, for man- ers who are meeting and treating all of the patients — to aging an amazing group of people who showed up every the doctors, ofces, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals who day and lef with smiles as well. Tanks for pushing me to have been looking afer all of our health care matters. the fnish line, and letting Mike be Mike at times. Tanks Special thanks to those ER personnel for the work that they do each and every day. I want to take this opportunity Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1265 to give an extra special thanks to one particular Abbots- [5:25 p.m.] ford ER nurse, Andrea Svava Jónsdóttir, who is currently Te potential for new housing is also just blocks away. engaged to my son, Ryan. I’m looking forward to a time With all of this in mind, there’s great potential to create when gatherings are permitted and when we can enjoy more jobs. When you create this community with these your wedding. extra people and these extra jobs, the public will need Tanks to the paramedics, police services and law transportation that will follow soon afer. In the throne enforcement ofcers for the service that they provided and speech, where we talked about strengthening communit- continue to provide during the pandemic. Tanks to the ies, we see the steps that will be taken towards building the frefghters, who are now receiving their vaccines. Tanks Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, ensuring the line fully extends to for being patient and understanding while waiting for Langley. these vaccinations. Tanks to the Minister of Health and Te government will take the lead role to ensure this Dr. Henry for recognizing the situations in which these line is built all the way to Langley in one phase. Te line frefghters work every day. was originally going to be built in phases, but it’s now Everything was ready to roll out to our frst responders going to be done as a single build. Previously, the line was at the end of March, and like so many twists of fate during only funded to Fleetwood in phase 1, and the extension to this pandemic, the AstraZeneca vaccine was pulled the Langley station was to be built in phase 2, not know- because of the safety signal shown by the CDC. But now ing when phase 2 was actually going to come forward. Te I’m pleased to see our frefghters have received their train- provincial government made this commitment, and mak- ing, and they’re out in the community providing vaccina- ing this continuous build makes good economic sense. tions to the public. In Surrey, there are 12 frefghters each Making this a continuous build will bring jobs to Surrey, day that are working in three clinics delivering vaccina- specifcally to the Cloverdale area, in the same way that tions to the very people that they serve every day. jobs will come when we are building the new hospital here Te throne speech identifes the plan to build a new in Cloverdale. Te SkyTrain stations which come through hospital in Surrey, about which I’m very excited. Tis new my riding will serve the constituents very well. Te sta- hospital, to be built in Cloverdale, will be a great addition tions will be located in areas where you’ll fnd very many to the health care model here in Surrey. We all know how young families living today. busy Surrey Memorial Hospital is, and a new hospital in SkyTrain will get more people out of their cars. Imagine Cloverdale will take some of the pressure of of Surrey walking out of your home, getting on to SkyTrain and, Memorial Hospital as well as Peace Arch Hospital in 15 to 20 minutes later, you can be in a shopping area to White Rock and Langley Memorial Hospital in the town- get your groceries or other essentials. Imagine living in ship of Langley. Te new hospital in Cloverdale will do Clayton Heights, and you grab your family, the kids, the many things for our community. For many of our seniors backpacks, and you go to the SkyTrain station. Five or six in the community, it will give peace of mind, knowing that minutes later, you’re in Fleetwood at the leisure centre, should they require the service of an emergency depart- enjoying a skate or a swim. Imagine how simple that would ment, it’s nearby. be. Imagine how the outing will be. You don’t have to get During the campaign, I heard about a constituent that into the car. You don’t have to do your seatbelts. You just had a fall while she was out trimming a tree. Tis senior get there. knew that they had hurt themselves but did not want to Imagine how life will change for the better for those that travel all the way to Surrey Memorial Hospital for treat- already connect to SkyTrain to get to work. Imagine how ment. Her family showed up, met her in the backyard and much time will be saved on a daily basis — more time to be convinced her that she needed to go to the hospital. Her spent with your family and friends at the end of each day. daughter, who’s a nurse, wrapped up her arm and drove 15 Imagine the reduction of greenhouse gases that SkyTrain kilometres to Surrey Memorial Hospital emergency ward riders will be responsible for by getting them out of their to fnd out that there was a hairline fracture. With a new gas-powered vehicles. hospital in Cloverdale, a senior like this will no longer have Te throne speech recognizes the CleanBC plan and cli- to worry about how far away help is. mate action. Trough electrifcation, we will move more A new hospital will have the ability to energize the sur- industrial activities along with more motor vehicles from rounding community. When I see the transformations fossil fuel to clean hydroelectric power. Te province of around Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian B.C. has more EV charging systems than any other Hospital in New Westminster, I’m encouraged that there province, and we continue to add more. will be a similar hospital precinct built around this hos- I want to say that there are courier companies, now, pital coming to Cloverdale. Te potential developments that converted their entire feet to electric vehicles. Tat, around this new hospital are very exciting. Te potential to in itself, tells us that we have enough stations and enough manufacture equipment for this hospital and other med- programs to get these people out of gas-powered vehicles ical facilities are found in lands that are already properly and into electric vehicles. In fact, just the other day I saw zoned and are just blocks away. a lawn care company that had zero emissions. Tere was 1266 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 an electric car, an electric lawnmower and all the electric supportive recovery home operators as they assisted those attachments — an environmental small business success in recovery who face their addictions. story if I’ve ever seen one. As a person who was with the fre service a number Te government’s small business recovery grant pro- of years ago, I got frsthand knowledge of how these gram has seen qualifying businesses receive this grant at a registered recovery homes were functioning in the city time when they needed assistance. In my riding of Surrey- of Surrey. Tis additional funding to them will go a long Cloverdale, we have HWG, Chartered Accountants, and way in helping people in their addictions. Tis 15 per- they’ve been helping out small businesses for months now. cent addition to their funding that was established by HWG has assisted over 20 small businesses with these this ministry was long overdue. Te previous govern- grant applications. Having the government pay directly to ment had not made an increase to this funding stream these registered accountants has been received very well. for over a decade. Tere’s a long road ahead. Tis min- We all know the restaurant industry has been hit hard istry will be making new investments in the Pathway to during the pandemic. One restaurant owner who lives in Hope plan to improve mental health and addictions care the Cloverdale area has the story that really exemplifes for those people that are in need. how well the small business grant program works. Te throne speech has also made mentions that will [5:30 p.m.] help more families to get access to afordable, high-quality My friend Naresh Sachdev, of Maharaja Catering, child care and increase the number of $10-a-day spaces. reached out regarding the program. With catering being a Tis has a personal appeal to me, as my daughter Shannon large part of their business, they were really in hard straits and her three-year-old, Parker, may be needing more child when large gatherings were no longer permitted. His wife, care space afer she delivers her second child in August. Narinder, flled out the online application and received Tere were 284 new child care spaces that were confrmation that they would qualify. Tey reached out announced last month in Surrey: Junior Einsteins to HWG and began building a recovery plan. Tey were Academy had 30 spaces; Khalsa Childcare Centre, 26 soon to fnd out that because they catered in the tourism spaces; Kings and Queens Childcare Centre, 36 spaces; industry, they could apply for the additional $15,000 in Playbox Learning Centre, 44 spaces; and Sandbox Early funding. Because my staf was able to link these two busi- Learning, 148 spaces. Surrey is a fast-growing com- nesses together, the application process was seamless. munity, and there’s no doubt about it. It’s important that As we all know, in the restaurant business during this parents can access the care they need close to home. pandemic, the owners needed to pivot and fnd new ways What better way is there to segue and pivot from child for their customers to continue enjoying their new food. care to education? Te grant that this restaurant qualifed for will go a long In the three years from 2017 to 2020, there were 17 new way in retooling the delivery of their food as their in-room schools and additions in seismic improvements in Surrey. dining is put on pause and they wait to reopen. In the previous three years, there was only one new school. I’m pleased with the work that my government is doing [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] with regard to schools and keeping up with the demands of the growing population. We’re adding 500 spaces in In addition to this grant, the circuit breaker grant that the Clayton Heights high school to meet those growing was just announced will be coming to Maharaja Catering demands in Clayton Heights. soon, and this is all done with no extra work, as all of [5:35 p.m.] the information is already in place. Tis restaurant was In my riding, we are opening Maddaugh Elementary, able to pivot and convert their business. So not only is it which will have 460 spaces for kindergarten to grade 7 takeout — that they have some prepackaged meals where students. Tis school will alleviate the pressures of Kat- they’re cooked for a certain percentage…. You take them zie and Hazelgrove elementary schools. Maddaugh Ele- home, and you throw them in your oven. You cook them mentary will be implementing before- and afer-school for another 15 or 20 minutes, and you get all the credit programming. Tis will assist young working families for how the meal tastes that day. Tanks to the Minister who may struggle with getting to work at the same time of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation for rolling out as getting their children to school. Tose types of this program in an expedited manner. scheduling matters for working families will have a solu- Te throne speech also mentions supporting mental tion in this new school. health and addictions. British Columbia was the frst When I said “imagine” early on, imagine that there you province in the country to establish a Ministry of Mental are, dropping your children of, knowing that they’re safe Health and Addictions. Now, I’ve got to say that this min- and they’re at school. Tey go to school, there’s a safe spot, istry does important work for many people in British Col- and you grab them at the end of the day. umbia. Tis ministry increased the per-diem funding two I support the throne speech in its entirety. It looks out years ago by almost 15 percent to assist those registered for people of British Columbia as we recover from this pandemic. During this 42nd session of the parliament, Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1267 we’ve heard the opposition constantly refer to the tales of oured to rise and speak in favour of the Speech from the 20 years ago. I thank those members of the opposition Trone this year, 2021. for their renditions and resurrections of the term fudge- [5:40 p.m.] it budget. What I fnd interesting is one particular com- We fnd ourselves now in the second year facing unpre- ment from the member opposite in response to the April cedented challenge across British Columbia, across 12, 2021 throne speech: “Just like a second-term govern- Canada, around the world — the challenge of the global ment blaming the previous government for their inherent COVID-19 pandemic. We can see there is light character- failures, these excuses only go so far.” ized as “at the end of the tunnel,” with our vaccination pro- Te opposition’s four-term government has gotten us to gram rolling out and closing in at 30 percent of British where we are today. Some of those members of that four- Columbians vaccinated — the majority of our elderly, the term government seem to be stuck in the past. Knowing most vulnerable, vaccinated. Tat’s a positive beacon of your history has a value, but being stuck in it is another hope. But now, in a third wave of the pandemic and the story. I support the forward thinking of the throne speech rise of the variants being more infectious, certainly it’s a and look forward to making life for all British Columbians challenge. better. I wanted to frst thank all essential workers and par- Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity ticularly the health care workers on the front lines, who to thank my front-line workers, my constituency assist- have just endured incredible stress, really unimaginable ants. Both Denise and Naz have risen to the opportunities stress on the front lines in our hospitals, providing import- and challenges that come their way each and every day. ant care to folks in the long-term care sector, supporting Tey are the front-line greeters to my constituents who are seniors. Essential workers are really providing the services also facing challenges, but they’ve been amplifed by this that all British Columbians depend on. It’s been an incred- pandemic. ibly stressful time, I know, for folks — for families, indi- Denise has been by my side as my anchor CA from the viduals, communities, businesses in Vancouver-Kensing- moment the election was over. She has a particular skill ton and across the province. where an upset constituent will call and express their dis- On the one hand, it’s really taken a toll in terms of not satisfaction, as we’ll call it. At the end of most of those only the stress but also of British Columbians falling ill. I calls, she’s calmed them down, reassured them and let know that COVID-19 is an infection like no other, and it’s them know we’re working on a resolve. a terrible disease. I know many individuals, many friends Tank you, Denise, for what you do for me and our con- and families who have been infected and gone to the hos- stituents. pital and some, unfortunately, have lost their lives. It is Naz is new to our team, as she joined us in late February. very difcult. Te story goes, as well, that Denise was working in the But now, going into the second year, British Columbia is MLA from Panorama’s ofce with Naz. She told me that poised to make it through. I’m proud of this throne speech her contract to that ofce was fnished at the end of Febru- and of the steps, the initiatives and the leadership that ary, and we needed to hire her. Naz ft the job description our government has taken to support British Columbians to a T. She was the successful applicant. through this difcult time and to support individuals, to I can stand here today and say without reservation that support families, communities, businesses really to make this team is dedicated to the constituents of Surrey-Clover- it through. We know that we’re looking to put the pandem- dale, and at the same time, probably has more laughs than ic behind us, and the throne speech has laid out a plan to in any other MLA ofce in British Columbia. Yeah, we’re build a strong recovery for everyone. We’re getting close to bragging. that point. As to the new LA, Hannah, in Victoria, I look forward Our government’s top priority has been protecting to seeing and meeting her in person next week. I hope people’s health and livelihoods as we accelerate B.C.’s vac- she’s ready to add some laughter to each day we’re working cine rollout. It’s certainly no understatement to say that the together. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge we have former LA, Anmol, who has moved into the RCO role in faced in generations, certainly in over a century. We’ve got- the Legislature. She’s bright, funny, full of energy. I see a ten through it together. brilliant future ahead of her. British Columbians have come a long way by looking Tis concludes my remarks on the throne speech of out for each other. I think British Columbians, Canadians, April 12, 2021. really value our public health care system and our public services. In times of crises and, certainly, in times of the Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. pandemic, we really value our public health care system Recognizing the member for Vancouver-Kensington. and the dedication of our provincial health ofcer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and all health care and essential workers. M. Elmore: Terrifc. Tank you very much, hon. Speak- We see that the fnish line is in sight. Tere are over er. Very pleased to have you in the chair, and I’m very hon- one million people in B.C. who have received their frst 1268 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 vaccine. Tousands more are getting it every day. I’ve We know that local communities have been on the front registered as well, so I’ll be in the queue to receive it shortly lines of COVID-19. Certainly, I’ve seen that in Vancouver- — I think, next month. So just a tribute as well to the ded- Kensington. Pleased that our government has been there ication and commitment of the teams across the province to support them from the start. Trough the pandemic, we who are really doing an exceptional job to administer vac- know and have relied on local governments continuing to cines to British Columbians. It’s really been just a great provide services under very difcult circumstances and to response from health care professionals coming together keep the people providing those services working. Now, as and really providing that service. we turn towards looking forward to recovery, investing in [5:45 p.m.] stronger communities will be a key priority. We know that with the threat of new variants, we can’t Our budget tomorrow will make record investments in let down our guard. We have to maintain those levels of infrastructure to keep people and our economy moving. protection. We know that keeping people healthy and safe Investments in roads, bridges, rapid transit, as well as until we’ve got to the point of crossing the fnish line is our schools, hospitals, community centres, will continue to be collective responsibility. built across the province. Tey will be built, and there will I think it’s been a test for us. It’s been a test for this Legis- be opportunities, training programs and community bene- lature. Last year we really saw unprecedented cooperation, fts agreements to ensure that these investments support of all members of the House coming together and Brit- good job creation where it’s needed most. ish Columbians coming together across the province, from I know, in Vancouver-Kensington as well as right across all levels, all communities, working with First Nations, the the province, there are a number of very active community business community, non-profts, people volunteering to organizations that are so central and key, and I’m pleased participate and help. that the government has continued to support organiza- It’s also exposed some cracks in British Columbia. We’ve tions. I’d like to recognize some of these organizations in seen the exacerbation of inequality. It’s laid bare some of Vancouver-Kensington that just do terrifc work. Tey’ve these cracks in our society. Tat’s been to answer that chal- received community gaming grant funding. And, Mr. lenge and also the role of the government…. I’m pleased Speaker, I’m sure a few of them you’ll be familiar with. with the commitment that our government’s taken to sup- [5:50 p.m.] port people through these difcult times. We’ve got the Rainbow Band Society, West Coast When the pandemic hit, B.C. was an economic leader in Chamber Music, the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orches- Canada. We were one of the country’s fastest-growing eco- tra Society, the Shameless Hussy Productions society, nomies — low unemployment rates, steadily rising wages the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, Sophisticated — but despite the challenges of the last year, strengths still Laughter Teatrical Society, South Vancouver Little remain across British Columbia. We know that B.C. enjoys League society, Vancouver Ringette Association, the abundant natural resources. We’re a gateway to Asia with Kensington–Little Mountain Soccer Association and the very active trade, in terms of our ports. We have highly Simon Fraser Aquatics Swim Club. skilled people and just a lot of strength in our people. We know that through COVID-19, it’s put such stress We’re seeing some positive signs of recovery, but there’s on communities and support for these organizations, and still more to do. We are talking about the throne speech I wanted to thank them for their leadership and their com- and, shortly, tomorrow, our government will introduce a mitment to the community. Tey’re so key and so central. new budget. Looking forward to that and looking forward I’ve heard a lot from businesses, of course. I know that to hearing how our government will be improving health representatives across the province have been in touch care, helping businesses and also making record invest- with their businesses…. ments in infrastructure. Te focus from day one has been putting people frst. [Interruption.] Te focus has not wavered during the pandemic and will continue through the recovery. When COVID-19 frst I don’t know whose phone that was. struck, our government moved quickly to provide relief for renters, middle-class families, hard-hit small businesses Deputy Speaker: Members are reminded to turn of any and the most vulnerable. In fact, B.C. delivered more dir- devices. Tank you for the musical interlude, but I’d prefer ect help for people throughout the pandemic than any oth- to hear the member speaking. er province in Canada. Please proceed, Member. We know that, from the beginning, we were all afected by the pandemic, but not everyone was afected evenly. M. Elmore: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. I think somebody We’re all in the same storm but not in the same boat. As we is going to be up for a fne around here. move towards better days, our government will continue Certainly I’ve talked to our business…. Vancouver- to make targeted investments to ensure that the recovery Kensington is a very vibrant neighbourhood with many does not leave people behind. small businesses represented by the South Hill Business Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1269

Improvement Association and also the Victoria Drive nomy and ensure that there’s more support and that Brit- Business Improvement Association. I’ve heard, and I ish Columbians have opportunities to make it through and know, that while some businesses have been able to per- to work to build and strengthen our province. severe…. Some businesses have fourished, but many busi- We’re going to improve health care to ensure we’re pre- nesses have been hard hit with the pandemic, and they’ve pared for future challenges. My role as Parliamentary Sec- had to make very tough decisions to close or reduce ser- retary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care is…. I’ve vices to protect their workers and customers. been privileged to meet with a number of seniors and seni- From the outset, our government has made it clear that ors organizations across the province, as well as health care we would help small businesses and their employees get workers in the long-term-care feld. Tey’re very engaged through the pandemic. Early on, we cut property taxes, and very concerned about how COVID-19 has dispropor- prohibited commercial evictions and forgave hydro bills. tionately impacted seniors. Certainly, they appreciate the We introduced tax incentives for businesses to hire work- support that our government has put into prioritizing the ers and make investments. safety of seniors and elders who’ve been very hard hit and One of the especially hardest-hit sectors, of course, was really faced the brunt of COVID-19. the tourism sector. Te tourism, hospitality and cultural We are committed to fxing these long-standing sys- sector — incredibdialy hard hit. We’re going to, in the temic problems in long-term care that COVID-19 has year ahead, continue to support businesses that have been exposed. Also, in terms of health care, to reduce surgery hardest hit and also build towards a more innovative, sus- wait times, and also committed to building more hos- tainable, inclusive economic future. We’ve made record pitals and urgent primary care centres so that folks can investments in infrastructure, and this is to help support a have access to primary care wherever they are in British resilient economic recovery by putting people to work and Columbia. helping businesses get goods to market and really have that In addition, we’re committed to making life more spinof efect in local communities. afordable by cutting ICBC rates by 20 percent, expanding We’ve also invested in afordable housing and child care access to $10-a-day child care spaces and helping thou- as part of the economic development strategy, because sands of folks have access to afordable rental homes. We they help businesses attract and retain talent by lowering have supported businesses with grants to help them trans- the cost of living. We know certainly in Vancouver-Kens- ition to build online stores and, also, supported the InBC ington and other communities that there is a real crisis strategic investment fund to help promising B.C. frms of afordable housing. I’m pleased that the HousingHub is scale up and keep jobs here. Tat’s a really strategic continuing to provide an important role and really provide decision in terms of building our economic resiliency here support for the building — to hit those middle-income in British Columbia in the future. Also, to build more families and really provide those needed housing units in inclusive communities by developing B.C.’s frst anti- British Columbia, an investment of over $2 billion in low- racism law, reforming the outdated Police Act and legisla- interest-rate loans to development partners through the tion to remove barriers to accessibility for those with dis- B.C. HousingHub to fnance the construction of thousands abilities. of new homes across B.C. to middle-income families over Tis is one topic I want to reference. What’s come with the next three years. COVID-19, besides the challenge to our health, to Tis is a concrete step. Te HousingHub provides low- employment and to businesses, has also been, we’ve seen, interest-rate fnancing loans to encourage developers to just a terrible rise in anti-Asian racism and reports of anti- build new rental and afordable home ownership units Asian racism. Te Vancouver police department reported instead of market-rate condominiums, and the loan is that there is a 700 percent increase over last year. And repaid by the developer. there’s a recent report by the Burnaby police department Tis program, the scale of it…. Prior to 2017, B.C. of an over 350 percent increase. We’ve heard this across Housing’s fnancing capacity was limited to $165 million. the province, and Vancouver-Kensington is no exception Tis additional $2 billion investment in the HousingHub to that. will increase the overall borrowing of B.C. Housing up to I know that since last year, I’ve heard and felded many $2.8 billion, 17 times what it was under the previous gov- calls and cases and instances of anti-Asian racism during ernment — so a real, concrete step in terms of providing the COVID-19 pandemic. Terrible, terrible accounts of those needed units to families, for middle-income fam- folks — ranging from verbal assaults to physical assaults. ilies, over the next three years. Tousands of units are A young woman was assaulted in Gray’s Park in broad expected to follow. daylight. [5:55 p.m.] You know, it’s called anti-Asian racism, but it’s not only We know that over the next year there’ll be a number targeted against Asians. It’s racialized folks, folks with dark of steps to ensure British Columbia comes back from the skin, who are targeted. Most of the reports I received were pandemic. We’ve taken steps to support British Columbi- of verbal assaults — racist assaults on buses, on the street, ans, and now we have to look forward, to improve our eco- walking down the street. I had a case of a senior woman 1270 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 who was also pushed down, knocked to the ground. We in British Columbia that we’re seeing with COVID-19, it’s know we’ve seen those other cases, as well, in other parts really been highlighted by the Black Lives Matter move- across British Columbia, as well as instances in stores — ment and brought into mainstream consciousness in a way really escalating to assault. So right across the board, just that I haven’t seen. It’s an opportunity to…. How do we these increasing experiences. address this? Te community must come together. British [6:00 p.m.] Columbians must come together. Allies must come togeth- It’s not limited to British Columbia. Certainly, it’s across er. Racialized communities must come together. Folks who Canada, and it’s around the world. We know that it was are white, with white skin privilege, must come together. a real contributing factor in giving rise to the Black Lives Tey must stand up. Men and women must stand up. Matter movement in the United States when George Floyd Another characteristic. It’s not just…. It’s anti-Asian was killed by police ofcers. Tat really gave rise to a global racism. Who is it? Who is being impacted? Seventy per- movement, highlighting the terrible racism against Black cent are women who are the victims. Also, it’s elders and people, particularly in the United States, but it really res- seniors who are disproportionately impacted. So it’s really onated around the world. It touched the chord, the exper- the most vulnerable. It’s anti-Asian racism but also mixed ience of systemic racism, experienced not only in British together with misogyny. Columbia. We had rallies here in B.C. So that’s really the context of this experience of racism. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] I was so alarmed in terms of these accounts of what I heard was happening in Vancouver-Kensington on the Mr. Speaker, welcome to the chair. Nice to see you here. streets — people going shopping, taking the bus, walking B.C. is leading the country and the world in terms of in the park — that I last year organized a town hall meet- that demographic, disproportionately having so many ing to really bring together community leaders; the busi- women, and also vulnerable and elderly women and elders ness community; the non-profts; the neighbourhood being targeted. houses; individuals in the faith community; folks from all [6:05 p.m.] walks of life, all communities, all colours; and the First Tis is really…. We have to end this, Mr. Speaker. We Nations Indigenous community, as well — to come togeth- need British Columbians to come together, to stand up, er in a dialogue and to talk about steps to take, what we to support each other, to intervene, if they feel safe, and needed to do to put an end to these racist attacks, this to really also refect on: where does this come from? We racism that was really emerging. know that it’s a conversation to talk about institutional- When we look at the impact of COVID-19 and what it ized…. I mentioned earlier institutionalized and systemic has shown us around the world, it’s shown us that there’s racism. We know we’ve talked that our Legislature — Brit- value in a public health care system. Tere’s value in public ish Columbia, Canada — was founded on a colonial, white services. Tere’s value for governments to support people. settler, patriarchal foundation. We know that British Col- Tat’s recognized, I think, in terms of the role of gov- umbia has undertaken this refection, in terms of apologiz- ernment. It’s exposed, as well, deep inequities in terms of ing for our racist legislation that we’ve passed. racialized workers, ofen at the forefront as essential work- Tere’s certainly a need for us to refect, as well, as ers in low-wage jobs. It’s also exposed this…. individuals, as organizations, as our society and as our Ofen in British Columbia, in Canada, it’s an uncom- institutions, particularly as our government. So I’m fortable discussion to talk about the reality of racism and pleased that our government has made a commitment to the context of systemic and institutionalized racism that address that, to recognize racism, to take leadership, to gives rise to these instances. It’s not a fuke. It doesn’t come move forward and to reconcile our history, which was out of nowhere. It’s not an accident, but it really is an built on the dispossession of our Indigenous Peoples and opportunity to have these conversations and to talk about the dispossession, also, of other racialized settlers — to why there is so much racism. Why is it that we just keep reconcile with that. hearing of more and more instances? It’s an opportunity, as We’ve taken steps towards that, adopting the Declara- well, to have that conversation. tion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Tere’s much When I had my town hall, I asked the community to more to do and move forward. come together in Vancouver-Kensington. I put a call out to In the conversation around…. I’m very concerned — all the neighbourhood associations, too. We have a num- and I know this is a concern shared by my colleagues ber of neighbourhood Facebook groups, who have 1,000 — about this rise in hate. It’s in British Columbia. We’ve or 2,000 of their neighbours online. I asked them to put seen it to the south, with our neighbours, and thought out a call and to be active neighbours, to be active citizens, that maybe we were isolated by that, with Donald Trump to stand up against racism, to intervene, if it’s safe, to sup- and just the incredible dynamics in the United States. port someone if they’re the victim of racism. Tat’s part of We’re impacted, as well, in terms of British Columbians our conversation. We need allies across the board. reconciling with this reality, which is here on our streets, When we talk about how we address the rise of racism Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1271 in our communities, in our stores, in our churches. It’s government. Everyone in this House is dedicated to ensur- unacceptable. ing that we get up and represent our communities to the My conversation with the panel that I convene and com- best of our ability every single day. munity leaders…. My urge and my request to British Col- I wanted to start by giving thanks to my community umbians is to answer the call to stand up against this beha- of New Westminster and to the people who elected me. I viour. It’s also to refect, within ourselves, in terms of hav- can’t really express, actually, the honour and privilege that ing honest conversations about our attitudes and beliefs, I feel in representing such a thriving, resilient community. these beliefs of white supremacy, which are institutional- It’s a community on the banks of the mighty Fraser River, ized, and to challenge ourselves to become better as Brit- one that is on the traditional territory of the Qayqayt First ish Columbians and to make that commitment, not only Nation. on racism but, I will say, against misogyny and patriarchy, I know I’ve spoken in this House before about the against the treatment of people with disabilities, people importance of that sort of territorial acknowledgment, but with all abilities. what is particularly meaningful about that acknowledg- My time is drawing near. I want to close and say…. I’ve ment for me, in the context of our government’s com- just been so inspired by my conversations with seniors that mitment to reconciliation, is that the Qayqayt Nation is a I’ve met in my role. It’s been a humbling…. I met with nation without a land base. It’s a nation that, in fact, was seniors with the South Vancouver Seniors Network the almost extinguished from the federal records as being in other week, with my colleague from Vancouver-Langara. existence because it didn’t have a land base and because Te seniors said to me: “Mable, what are we going to do? there had been a rupture. How are we going to address this discrimination against One of the impacts of colonialism was a complete rup- BIPOC — Black, Indigenous, people of colour — seniors? ture of the traditional leadership for the Qayqayt peoples. What are we going to do to address anti-Semitism? What It took considerable work to rebuild that and ensure that are we going to do to address discrimination against seni- we didn’t lose that important heritage and that the Qayqayt ors with LGBTQ+? What’s our response?” people did not lose that important status. Really, taking from them, I think that they…. Tey It’s been a real journey, I think, for our community have it, right? Tey have that view, as seniors and elders to work with and learn about and build the relationship in our community that we look up to and that we should with the Qayqayt Nation. So I’m very grateful to have the respect. opportunity to refect on that in the context of our govern- Let’s come together, across these diferences, take a ment’s commitment to reconciliation. stand against hate, reach out, understand, challenge I also wanted, just in the spirit of giving thanks and in ourselves, have these conversations. We need to address refection on the throne speech, but also thinking about racism. It’s about talking about white supremacy. We need the journey we’ve been on for this past more than a year, to bring an end to violence against women by talking to thank the people who support the work of the MLA, of about toxic masculinity and these pieces. me, in the community. I’m so heartened. I’m pleased about the throne speech. I We have a terrifc staf who is working virtually in New look forward to the budget tomorrow and more opportun- Westminster as we get our constituency ofce settled. I’m ities as well. very grateful to have Amy Ryder and Erica Williams work- [6:10 p.m.] ing in our constituency ofce and to have had the wise Tank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity to counsel of Keefer Pelech, a constituency assistant from the speak today. previous MLA, to my term. Also grateful that Keefer has stayed with New Westminster, now working as my execut- Hon. J. Whiteside: It is an honour to rise virtually in ive assistant in my ministry ofce. this House and speak on the Speech from the Trone, a Just to say that the work of responding to and being that speech that I have to say I found inspiring and poignant, important link to people in the community is an absolutely given the stage that we’re in, in the pandemic. I’ve just critical role. really been refecting on the incredible journey that we’ve [6:15 p.m.] been on in the past, more than a year now, as we continue I just want to shout out to all of the constituency assist- to confront an absolutely unprecedented challenge to all of ant staf in all of the MLA ofces across the province, us in our communities in British Columbia, across Canada because the work that you do is very important to com- and across the world. munity-building in every single community across the I really wanted to start by refecting on some of the province. Te work that we are doing in government and content and the words that our Lieutenant-Governor had in my ofce in the ministry really could not be accom- around the importance of investing in people and the plished without the excellent staf that we have supporting importance in building strong communities, because what I do here. really, I think that is at the heart of what our government I would just like to take the opportunity to thank Veron- is about. It is, I think, what motivates us all, not just in our ica Harrison and Melissa Farrance, who were the minis- 1272 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 19, 2021 terial assistants in this ofce when I started and without of commerce, who all do just a remarkable job advocating whom I could not have managed getting through the frst for businesses, pulling them together, fguring out ways couple of months of this role. Of course, we were suppor- to pivot to get information out to businesses and ways to ted at that time in this ofce by Lisa Grant and Nicole engage the community. Hansen. Tey’ve all moved on to diferent roles in diferent [6:20 p.m.] ofces within government. We now have a great team, with We have a thriving restaurant scene in New Westmin- Breanna Viala, Leah Waters, Will Beale, Anna Lindsay and ster. Tere is so much support in the eforts of restaurants Keefer, as I mentioned. I’m very grateful for the team that to provide services to the community safely. Tat has been we have that is so dedicated to the work that we do on edu- really heartening to see. cation in this ofce. I wanted to talk, too, about the changing demographics I will say, too, that I think we all owe, all British Col- in New Westminster. It’s a community where there are umbians owe, a real debt of gratitude to the public service many more parents and young families coming to settle in for the dedication of public servants to ensuring that Brit- New Westminster. So really important organizations like ish Columbians get the services and advice and policy con- New West Family Place play a fundamental role in sup- sideration that they need. I think that our public service porting young families and young children in our com- has been called upon in particularly difcult ways in these munity. Tat is a very socially engaged and socially inter- challenging times to step up, helping government navigate active kind of work that they do. So when the pandemic this unprecedented situation that we are in. hit and physical distancing rules went in place, they had Likewise, I know that many of my colleagues, many of to pivot so quickly to fgure out how to provide services you, have already sung the praises of our health care work- and support to families at a time when it was even more ers, our frst responders — everyone who is on the front important, given the kind of isolation that many families lines protecting British Columbians, supporting us. were having to endure at the time. Of course, I am eternally grateful for the work that edu- Teir online engagement process skyrocketed, and cation workers do: the teachers, the educational assistants, they’ve reached more than 20,000 people who were enga- the clerical workers and custodians, principals and vice- ging each month for their online circle times. Teir one- principals, superintendents, trustees, and of course, par- to-one Zoom playdates. Teir morning check-ins. Tey ents and kids, who are all working so hard to keep our edu- organized chats with child development experts. Tey cation system going, to keep our schools open and safe. We have monthly birthday party opportunities for kids. Baby owe them a debt of gratitude as well. singing and baby song sessions for families. Science and I will say to all workers, essential workers, all workers crafing and fun features. Tese kinds of online opportun- who have contributed to making sure that we can buy ities are a really innovative way to connect families and food, that we can get gas when we need it, that our transit kids and have been really successful. system is operating…. Tere is just really no part of our Tey have also had to pivot to providing a lot of one- society that isn’t run by people who ofen do work that’s on-one support for families, including mental health sup- unsung and unrecognized. I think that has been a real les- ports and parent coaching and coordinating food hampers son of this pandemic — the degree to which we all rely and donations. Helping families fgure out how to navigate on each other. We have seen, I think, many acts of social applications for services that they might need. Helping solidarity throughout the course of this pandemic. families with supported referrals each month for com- Even though I know that at this point, we are all very munity services. tired, that everybody is very tired…. We are so tired of Tey also provide a toy lending library in partnership together alone or alone together, apart together — you with the New Westminster library. Tey provide toys and a know the phrase. We miss each other. We miss our fam- structure, and they’ve worked out a system where this can ilies. I was refecting on this, this past weekend, spending all be done in a safe way, physically distanced. Tere is a some distanced time with some family who are in my pickup and a drop-of. Tey organize monthly free family bubble but very much longing for an ability to do that in a fun packs that provide hundreds of early childhood devel- more normal way, as we all are. I think that we are so close opment play packs that they provide to families who need to the fnish line. them. Tey’ve arranged, again, a safe pickup at local com- But I’ve been refecting on the incredible resilience of munity centres. our communities and refecting on the resilience of New Tey really provide important programming for young Westminster in particular. I wanted just to talk a little bit children zero to six. I’ve been able to go to some of their about some of the incredible acts of solidarity and pivoting outdoor playdates. Tey ran outdoor play sessions for fam- and resilience that I’ve seen in New Westminster, wheth- ilies, travelling to diferent parks in diferent playgrounds er it’s the small business community in New Westmin- across New Westminster, all throughout the pandemic, ster, very well advocated for by groups like the Down- through the summer, through the fall, in those rainy, town Business Improvement Association…. We also have snowy days in the winter. Tere were very few sessions that the Uptown Business Association and the local chamber they actually cancelled. I can tell you that parents showed Monday, April 19, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1273 up and grandparents showed up with their young ones tions Society and the Savage Production Society. It’s just a because that kind of outlet and accessing that kind of com- real testament to how creative that sector is, that they still munity is so incredibly important to families. have found ways to provide outlets for artists to show their Te resilience by groups like family services, by groups work and for artists to be able to sell their work. like the Seniors Services Society as well, who also support Noting the hour, I reserve my place to continue at the seniors in our community and had to pivot to providing next sitting and move adjournment of the debate. services online to address seniors’ isolation in our com- munity. Century House as well, providing services to seni- Hon. J. Whiteside moved adjournment of debate. ors. New Westminster has a thriving arts scene. So when we Motion approved. could no longer have the weekly arts and crafs markets down at the New Westminster Quay or have the New Hon. M. Rankin moved adjournment of the House. Westminster art crawl, the New West Arts Council pivoted to provide other ways to support artists and crafers in our Motion approved. community. [6:25 p.m.] Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. I’m really pleased to say that there are a number of arts tomorrow morning. organizations that have received grants from our arts and culture resilience supplement, including the Arts Coun- Te House adjourned at 6:26 p.m. cil of New West, the Massey Teatre Society, the New West Museum and Archives, the Patrick Street Produc-

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