Official Report of Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session, 41st Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tursday, November 28, 2019 Morning Sitting Issue No. 301

THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Fourth Session, 41st Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Darryl Plecas

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. John Horgan Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance...... Hon. Carole James Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training...... Hon. Melanie Mark Minister of Agriculture...... Hon. Lana Popham Attorney General...... Hon. David Eby, QC Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Minister of State for Child Care...... Hon. Katrina Chen Minister of Education ...... Hon. Rob Fleming Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ...... Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy...... Hon. George Heyman Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ...... Hon. Doug Donaldson Minister of Health ...... Hon. Adrian Dix Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Scott Fraser Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology...... Hon. Bruce Ralston Minister of State for Trade...... Hon. George Chow Minister of Labour ...... Hon. Harry Bains Minister of Mental Health and Addictions...... Hon. Judy Darcy Minister of Municipal Afairs and Housing and Minister of Citizens’ Services ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction...... Hon. Shane Simpson Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture...... Hon. Lisa Beare Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Claire Trevena

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Ofcial Opposition...... Andrew Wilkinson, QC Leader of the Tird Party ...... Dr. Andrew Weaver Deputy Speaker...... Raj Chouhan Assistant Deputy Speaker...... Joan Isaacs Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Acting Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk Assistant — Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ...... Susan Sourial Sessional Law Clerk...... Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QC Parliamentary Counsel ...... S. Suzie Seo Acting Sergeant-at-Arms...... Greg Nelson ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal) ...... Penticton Abbotsford-Mission ...... Simon Gibson Bains, Hon. Harry (NDP)...... Surrey-Newton Abbotsford South ...... Hon. Darryl Plecas Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Abbotsford West ...... Michael de Jong, QC Beare, Hon. Lisa (NDP)...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Boundary-Similkameen...... Linda Larson Begg, Garry (NDP) ...... Surrey-Guildford Burnaby–Deer Lake ...... Anne Kang Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River South Burnaby-Edmonds ...... Raj Chouhan Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal)...... Prince George–Valemount Burnaby-Lougheed...... Hon. Katrina Chen Brar, Jagrup (NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Burnaby North...... Janet Routledge Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)...... Surrey South Cariboo-Chilcotin...... Donna Barnett Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ...... Vancouver–West End Cariboo North ...... Coralee Oakes Chen, Hon. Katrina (NDP)...... Burnaby-Lougheed Chilliwack...... John Martin Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...... Burnaby-Edmonds Chilliwack-Kent...... Laurie Troness Chow, Hon. George (NDP)...... Vancouver-Fraserview Columbia River–Revelstoke...... Doug Clovechok Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...... Joan Isaacs Coleman, Rich (BC Liberal) ...... Langley East Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Hon. Selina Robinson Conroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)...... Kootenay West Courtenay-Comox ...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Darcy, Hon. Judy (NDP) ...... New Westminster Cowichan Valley ...... Sonia Furstenau Davies, Dan (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River North Delta North ...... Ravi Kahlon de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford West Delta South...... Ian Paton Dean, Mitzi (NDP)...... Esquimalt-Metchosin Esquimalt-Metchosin...... Mitzi Dean D’Eith, Bob (NDP)...... Maple Ridge–Mission Fraser-Nicola...... Jackie Tegart Dix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kamloops–North Tompson...... Peter Milobar Donaldson, Hon. Doug (NDP)...... Stikine Kamloops–South Tompson ...... Todd Stone Eby, Hon. David, QC (NDP)...... Vancouver–Point Grey Kelowna–Lake Country...... Norm Letnick Elmore, Mable (NDP)...... Vancouver-Kensington Kelowna-Mission...... Steve Tomson Farnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP)...... Port Coquitlam Kelowna West...... Ben Stewart Fleming, Hon. Rob (NDP)...... Victoria–Swan Lake Kootenay East ...... Tom Shypitka Foster, Eric (BC Liberal)...... Vernon-Monashee Kootenay West ...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Fraser, Hon. Scott (NDP) ...... Mid Island–Pacifc Rim Langford–Juan de Fuca...... Hon. John Horgan Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ...... Cowichan Valley Langley...... Mary Polak Gibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Langley East ...... Rich Coleman Glumac, Rick (NDP)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Maple Ridge–Mission ...... Bob D’Eith Heyman, Hon. George (NDP)...... Vancouver-Fairview Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ...... Hon. Lisa Beare Horgan, Hon. John (NDP) ...... Langford–Juan de Fuca Mid Island–Pacifc Rim ...... Hon. Scott Fraser Hunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Nanaimo ...... Sheila Malcolmson Isaacs, Joan (BC Liberal) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Nanaimo–North Cowichan...... Doug Routley James, Hon. Carole (NDP)...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Nechako Lakes ...... John Rustad Johal, Jas (BC Liberal)...... Richmond-Queensborough Nelson-Creston...... Hon. Michelle Mungall Kahlon, Ravi (NDP)...... Delta North New Westminster ...... Hon. Judy Darcy Kang, Anne (NDP)...... Burnaby–Deer Lake North Coast...... Jennifer Rice Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal)...... Shuswap North Island ...... Hon. Claire Trevena Larson, Linda (BC Liberal) ...... Boundary-Similkameen North Vancouver–Lonsdale ...... Bowinn Ma Lee, Michael (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Langara North Vancouver–Seymour ...... Jane Tornthwaite Leonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ...... Courtenay-Comox Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...... Dr. Andrew Weaver Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal)...... Kelowna–Lake Country Parksville-Qualicum ...... Michelle Stilwell Ma, Bowinn (NDP)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Peace River North...... Dan Davies Malcolmson, Sheila (NDP) ...... Nanaimo Peace River South...... Mike Bernier Mark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) ...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Penticton...... Dan Ashton Martin, John (BC Liberal)...... Chilliwack Port Coquitlam ...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal)...... Kamloops–North Tompson Port Moody–Coquitlam ...... Rick Glumac Morris, Mike (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...... Nicholas Simons Mungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP)...... Nelson-Creston Prince George–Mackenzie ...... Mike Morris Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ...... Cariboo North Prince George–Valemount...... Shirley Bond Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)...... Saanich North and the Islands Richmond North Centre ...... Teresa Wat Paton, Ian (BC Liberal)...... Delta South Richmond-Queensborough ...... Jas Johal Plecas, Hon. Darryl (Ind.)...... Abbotsford South Richmond South Centre...... Linda Reid Polak, Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Langley Richmond-Steveston...... John Yap Popham, Hon. Lana (NDP)...... Saanich South Saanich North and the Islands...... Adam Olsen Ralston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Saanich South...... Hon. Lana Popham Redies, Tracy (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey–White Rock Shuswap ...... Greg Kyllo Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond South Centre Skeena ...... Ellis Ross Rice, Jennifer (NDP)...... North Coast Stikine ...... Hon. Doug Donaldson Robinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) ...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Surrey-Cloverdale...... Marvin Hunt Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal)...... Skeena Surrey-Fleetwood ...... Jagrup Brar Routledge, Janet (NDP)...... Burnaby North Surrey–Green Timbers ...... Rachna Singh Routley, Doug (NDP) ...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey-Guildford ...... Garry Begg Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ...... Nechako Lakes Surrey-Newton...... Hon. Harry Bains Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal) ...... Kootenay East Surrey-Panorama...... Jinny Sims Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Surrey South...... Stephanie Cadieux Simpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Surrey-Whalley...... Hon. Bruce Ralston Sims, Jinny (NDP)...... Surrey-Panorama Surrey–White Rock...... Tracy Redies Singh, Rachna (NDP) ...... Surrey–Green Timbers Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. George Heyman Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna West Vancouver–False Creek...... Sam Sullivan Stilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)...... Parksville-Qualicum Vancouver-Fraserview ...... Hon. George Chow Stone, Todd (BC Liberal)...... Kamloops–South Tompson Vancouver-Hastings ...... Hon. Shane Simpson Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal)...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Vancouver-Kensington ...... Mable Elmore Sullivan, Sam (BC Liberal)...... Vancouver–False Creek Vancouver-Kingsway ...... Hon. Adrian Dix Sultan, Ralph (BC Liberal)...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver-Langara ...... Michael Lee Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ...... Fraser-Nicola Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ...... Hon. Melanie Mark Tomson, Steve (BC Liberal)...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver–Point Grey...... Hon. David Eby, QC Tornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Vancouver-Quilchena ...... Andrew Wilkinson, QC Troness, Laurie (BC Liberal) ...... Chilliwack-Kent Vancouver–West End...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Trevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) ...... North Island Vernon-Monashee...... Eric Foster Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond North Centre Victoria–Beacon Hill ...... Hon. Carole James Weaver, Dr. Andrew (BC Green Party) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Victoria–Swan Lake ...... Hon. Rob Fleming Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal)...... Vancouver-Quilchena West Vancouver–Capilano ...... Ralph Sultan Yap, John (BC Liberal)...... Richmond-Steveston West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...... Jordan Sturdy

Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; BC Green Party 3; Independent 1

CONTENTS

Tursday, November 28, 2019 Morning Sitting Page

Routine Business

Introductions by Members...... 10859

Tributes ...... 10860 Service as Green Party leader by Andrew Weaver Hon. J. Horgan

Introductions by Members...... 10860

Tributes ...... 10860 Service as Green Party leader by Andrew Weaver M. Polak

Introductions by Members...... 10860

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 10861 Response to addiction and public safety issues in Quesnel C. Oakes Carol MacLeod and workers compensation case N. Simons Canadian Walk for Veterans J. Isaacs Accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities B. D’Eith Seed orchard on Saanich Peninsula and work of Cathy Cook A. Olsen Business award recipients in Esquimalt-Metchosin M. Dean

Point of Order (Speaker’s Ruling) ...... 10863

Oral Questions...... 10863 Conditions in forest industry and government response S. Bond Hon. D. Donaldson D. Barnett LNG Canada project and CleanBC industrial incentive program S. Furstenau Hon. G. Heyman Afordable housing targets and construction of new units T. Stone Hon. S. Robinson Rebate for renters S. Cadieux Hon. C. James Addiction recovery centres in Abbotsford and Langley M. de Jong Hon. J. Darcy Hon. J. Horgan

Reports from Committees...... 10869 Public Accounts Committee, second report, November 2019 S. Bond M. Dean

Motions Without Notice...... 10870 Appointment of acting Auditor General S. Bond

Tabling Documents...... 10870 Report on the administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2017-18 and 2018-19 Motions Without Notice...... 10870 Amendment to standing orders on prayers Hon. M. Farnworth

Petitions ...... 10870 M. Polak

Royal Assent to Bills...... 10871 Bill 33 — Securities Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 37 — Financial Institutions Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 38 — Climate Change Accountability Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 39 — Miscellaneous Statutes (Minor Corrections) and Statute Revision Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 40 — Interpretation Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 41 — Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Bill 42 — Fuel Price Transparency Act Bill 43 — Election Amendment Act, 2019 Bill 45 — Taxation Statutes Amendment Act, 2019 10859

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 the job we do without the support and patience of our family back home. Fortunately, this week my wife has decided to Te House met at 10:05 a.m. join me down here and provide that patience. Would the House make the most patient woman I know, [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] my wife of 26 years, Lianne Milobar, welcome.

Routine Business Hon. S. Robinson: We have 15 staf from my ministry who are joining us today from the project and business ser- Prayers. vices area in the corporate services division of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. Tis team assists staf within the min- Introductions by Members istry to help plan and deliver technology solutions that not only support our government but the citizens of British Col- Hon. D. Eby: It is an incredible honour for me to stand umbia as well. in this House to draw members’ attention to three national I thank them for their incredibly important work and ask championships brought home by the UBC Tunderbirds this that everyone please make them feel welcome. year: gold in women and men’s rowing and, particularly and most recently, in women’s soccer. D. Routley: I really feel good about this introduction. My Why I’m emphasizing women’s soccer is we have two friend Steve Arnett from Ladysmith is here. members of the team that brought home the national cham- [10:10 a.m.] pionship to British Columbia here in the Legislature today. Now, Steve Arnett is serving his third year in an appren- We have Emily Moore, from Victoria, and Anisha Sangha, ticeship as a grandfather, and I’m hearing he’s doing pretty from Burnaby. Tey’re both members of the UBC women’s well, although his wife Cathy is clearly a successful graduate soccer team. already. It’s 43 years that they’ve been together, I believe. She Now, it was an exceptional game. I’ll note that Emily is has retired from a lengthy career in the volunteer sector as the Tunderbird’s goalie and did not allow a single goal the an ofce administrator. entire tournament. Anisha played exceptional defence the Now Steve is here, and it makes it special, because today whole way through. Not only did she make a great save in royal assent will be given to the UN declaration on the rights extra time, but Emily Moore also has a personal relationship of Indigenous peoples legislation. Steve is a seventh-genera- with the Legislature. Apparently, she’s the great-great-great- tion registered Métis B.C. citizen with Ontario roots. His ori- grandchild of Premier Richard McBride, who served here gins begin generations back with a Wisconsin Ottawa great- from 1903 to 1915. grandmother whose progeny led to his great-great-great- Would the House please join me in congratulating the grandfather, who fought as a Métis voyageur with the British Tunderbirds and welcoming these two exceptional athletes in the War of 1812, as did others from his Drummond Island to the premises. Métis community. Afer Drummond Island was ceded to the U.S. in estab- Hon. H. Bains: It is with great pride that I say today…. lishing the Canadian border, he was awarded a 20-acre plot Joining with me, joining with all of us in the House, is my in Tiny Township on Georgian Bay. Pierre Giroux was one senior MA, Karen Cooling, and her daughter Pam Cooling. of the original 22 signatories, along with fve of his relatives, Karen has been with me since the frst day that I was on the 1840 Penetanguishene Métis petition prior to efec- sworn in as minister. Let me say this. If you haven’t had a tive control. chance to meet Karen or a chance to work with Karen, you I appreciate the indulgence of the House. It’s so important are really missing out. I frst met Karen in early 2000 when to Steve that he be in Hansard on this very important day. Karen and I worked on a project together. From day one, He served many years as a social worker, managing the when I met with Karen, I was moved by her dedication, her Nanaimo Youth Services Association. His dedication has passion towards workers’ rights, women’s rights and her real afected thousands of people, and I raise my hands to him. desire to leave this earth, for our future generations, cleaner and environmentally friendly. D. Davies: I’d like to introduce a few new members to this Tomorrow is Karen’s last day with my ministry and with Legislature here today. Tose, frst of all, being my beard and our government. I’m going to miss her, and I know my staf the member for Shuswap, his moustache. Of course, down will miss her. at Skeena over there, you can see another beautiful, sporty Would this House please join with me in thanking Karen moustache. Tat’s just to mention a few of the new members for all the hard work she has done over the last 2½ years. Let’s in this House today. give her and wish her a happy retirement. Of course, this is wrapping up Movember here in a couple Tank you, Karen. of days. Tank goodness. Some of us, unfortunately, can only grow facial hair. A little challenge growing it elsewhere. So I P. Milobar: As we all know in this House, we cannot do take advantage every time I get to grow hair. 10860 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019

I’d also like to introduce the rest of our team for our Introductions by Members caucus. Of course, we have the members for Vernon-Mon- ashee, Delta South and Kootenay East and Cam Ehl, David E. Ross: In the House today we have Adam Tang. I met Somerville, Dion Weisner, Sam Arno Burgess, David Adam Tang long before I became an MLA. He is basically Decolongon, Kevin Dixon. Tose are the members of our a consultant that was trying to make a connection between team, and I’m proud to say that we’re the only registered B.C. and Asia in terms of the LNG opportunity. He is now political party in Canada that has a team in Movember. trying to make the connection between the immigration Would the House please welcome these things on our policies, in terms of B.C., in terms of what’s happening in faces and thank the rest of the team. Kitimat and Terrace, to try to ease the burden of some of the issues we have around land and labour shortages. Hon. S. Fraser: I just want to acknowledge that there are Would the House please welcome Adam Tang to the a number of guests in the audience here, in the gallery and House. in the precinct, that are here to bear witness to royal assent being given to Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indi- Hon. K. Chen: I’m very happy to see that my administra- genous Peoples Act. I just want to acknowledge all of those tive assistant, Lindsay Banh, is joining us for question period in the audience here today, in the gallery and that are in the for the very frst time. I am very fortunate to have Lindsay, building and thank them for being supportive. who actually worked at the Minister of Education’s ofce, and her coming over to my ofce six months ago. A. Weaver: I wish the House to welcome a person who She has made my schedule every day really smooth. I’m has been working in the Legislature on behalf of me as an able to take a little break in between my busy meeting sched- individual, when I was here as an independent, and more ules. I cannot thank her enough and also all the incredible recently with the caucus. His name is Aldous Sperl. professionals that we work with in this Legislature. None of us can do the jobs that we do without the excep- I would like to ask the House to make Lindsay feel very tional legislative staf that we work with. Aldous came here welcome. in the early days, when I was sitting as an independent, and then moved to work with independent Vicki Huntington as Tributes one of her legislative assistants for a number of years before actually returning to the Legislature as our Whip’s organizer. SERVICE AS GREEN PARTY LEADER It’s going to be a great loss as he moves on to Yukon, to the BY ANDREW WEAVER dark nights. Hopefully, they don’t move to daylight savings time and they stay on standard time. M. Polak: Following on the Premier’s recognition, on With that, would the House please make him welcome in behalf of the members of the opposition caucus, I would just his last question period, as he’s here today. like to ofer to the member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head, on his last day in the Legislature as leader, our congratulations. Tributes We don’t always agree on things, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be in this building. But there’s no question that SERVICE AS GREEN PARTY LEADER the member has made a tremendous impact for his con- BY ANDREW WEAVER stituents and for his party in this House. Tat certainly is deserving of acknowledgment, and I hope that he wears that Hon. J. Horgan: Following on the member for Oak Bay– warmly in his heart as well. Gordon Head, I want to take this opportunity, on his last day as Leader of the Green Party in the Legislature, to wish him Introductions by Members all the best as a backbencher in a caucus. I know that he’ll adapt to that position seamlessly, without any difculty. A. Olsen: I’ve got a few people to introduce into the Legis- It has been a real privilege working with him. Both of us lature today. First, I’d like to acknowledge my friend Katrina have acknowledged publicly, and certainly privately, that if Stipec and a couple of her colleagues, Leah Ramsay and Jac- you had asked us three years ago if we would have become queline Clare. Tis is their frst time in the chamber and the friends, that was “Not on your life” from both of us. But gallery watching question period. that has happened. Tat’s proof to all of us members — from As well, I’d like to welcome my chief and the vice-presid- every corner of the province, every political persuasion — ent of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Chief Don Tom, and that if you really work hard at things, you’ll get a good result. his Movember, which I see is coming along quite well. Welcome to the back bench, soon to be, Member for Oak Chief, well done. Bay–Gordon Head. I also would like to just raise my hands to Aldous Sperl. [10:15 a.m.] Aldous and I have worked alongside each other for the past three years. He worked in my constituency ofce before coming to the Legislature and was a really important part of Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10861

the reason why I’m here, in supporting me through the elec- efects of addiction lead to increased criminal behaviour and tion campaign. signifcant self-harm. With limited recovery beds and access I raise my hands to you, Aldous, to you, Chief Tom, and to to mental health services for those we care about, in small Katrina and her friends. communities, the impacts are multiplied. In response, members of my community are banding Hon. G. Chow: I would also like the House to welcome together because, quite simply, police, health and social ser- my executive assistant, Teresa Ho. She’s joining question vices are overwhelmed. A new group called Concerned Cit- period for the frst time. She has been working with me for izens of Quesnel has pulled together because of this the last six months. She has extensive experience in feder- increased criminal behaviour and is creating an environ- al and provincial governments. Would the House welcome ment where we can take back our community. Teresa Ho. Tey have documented hundreds of cases, including a double-amputee senior who has had his house broken into M. Dean: Today I rise to recognize Darrell Walker. Darrell no less than four times while he was in the home sleeping. was born in 1925. In the 1940s, he worked in the Esquimalt With the intruder being so close, one victim was able to snap shipyards, and he joined the Canadian navy. He is a great a photo. Tis is just one example that Evelyn Towgood and organizer and activist, and he always has volunteered in the Deb McKelvie and their fellow citizens of Concerned Cit- community where he lived. izens of Quesnel have documented in no less than two thick He spent the later part of his career with the Victoria volumes of complaints from the victims of crime. Many seni- Boilermakers, and for the past few years, he’s been caring ors no longer feel safe to shop downtown at a time when for his wife, which is where he is today. Unfortunately, he business owners are already feeling the downturn in con- was meant to join us in the gallery, and I was going to sumer spending as a direct result of the crisis in forestry. spend lunch with him. What is required here is leadership. I’m talking about We’ll put that on hold, Darrell. leadership from Northern Health, the RCMP, the court sys- I’d just like everybody to know that he’s watching at home. tem and our business community — but most of all, all levels So would you please show him your appreciation. of government and elected ofcials. Te citizens of Quesnel I’dalso just like to recognize Emily Moore, who’s the goalie deserve leadership. Tey deserve all of us working together. for the UBC Tunderbirds. She saved all fve shots on goal I am calling on everyone to come to the table, to look at how to help them get the gold. She’s an Esquimalt High graduate, we can access increased resources and tear down the silos. and she’s here today with her grandparents. Let us champion a northern recovery centre. Let us take Congratulations to Emily and the whole team. back our community. Let us protect our citizens. I reject the premise that this is happening everywhere and nothing can Hon. L. Popham: Joining us today is an amazing young be done. Let us lead together in hope. woman, Brianna Leppard. Not only is it Brianna’s birthday today, but it’s also her frst time joining us in the gallery for CAROL MacLEOD AND QP, even though she watches it every day from my ofce WORKERS COMPENSATION CASE where she works as my incredible administrative assistant, along with Lisa Oldham, my administrative coordinator. N. Simons: Russell MacLeod retired from Howe Sound Anybody that knows these two or comes into our ofce Pulp and Paper, in Port Mellon on the Sunshine Coast, in knows that the two of them are quite the duo. 2012, almost 40 years since he started his career as a pipe- [10:20 a.m.] ftter. Two years into his retirement, he was diagnosed with I know all of us here feel fortunate to have the staf that acute myeloid leukemia, AML, and died the following year. we do. We couldn’t do our jobs without them. I’d like the In the gallery today is Carol MacLeod, Russell’s wife. members to give Brianna a warm happy birthday applause Knowing that her husband had been exposed to chemicals and welcome her to the chamber and thank all of our sup- and suspecting ever since his diagnosis that they were a portive staf. cause of his illness, Carol applied for survivors benefts from WorkSafeBC in 2015. Te board denied her claim in June Statements 2017, saying there was no published study linking AML with (Standing Order 25B) working in a pulp mill. She gathered more evidence and requested that the review division look at the case again. So RESPONSE TO ADDICTION it went back to the board. She was denied a second time. AND PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES IN QUESNEL In May of 2018, based on additional information, including how many hours her husband had been exposed to ben- C. Oakes: At the heart of any small town in British Col- zene, the review division sent the fle back to the board umbia is a sense of community. It is a sense of belonging, again. “It’s just speculation,” they told Carol. “Te evidence is and it’s a sense of pride. Unfortunately, the addiction crisis lacking.” Te board denied her claim for the third time. is eroding the sense of community, as ofen the spiralling Carol was undeterred. She wanted justice for her late hus- 10862 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019 band. Armed with evidence from the International Agency Canadian Walk for Veterans to celebrate the role Canadian for Research on Cancer, she went to the review division troops played 75 years ago in securing Dutch freedom. again, but this time they wouldn’t refer her case to the board. I want to thank Marc Burchell and his entire team, who Four denials and Carol started to feel it was a lost cause. have worked so hard to make the Canadian Walk for Veter- “Tey want you to give up,” she told me. ans the success that it already is and for making this special With the encouragement of Anya Keefe, an expert occu- day of recognition possible. pational hygiene ofcer, they gathered more evidence and appealed to the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal. It ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION was a fresh set of eyes and an open mind that Carol attributes FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES to the tribunal’s October ruling that, in fact, Russell’s leukemia was due to his employment. Her claim was accepted. B. D’Eith: Since 1992, December 3 has been celebrated [10:25 a.m.] as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. About one Carol says that her success was due to the encouragement billion people around the world live with a disability. Here in and assistance of many, including Prof. Karen Bartlett of British Columbia, there are more than 926,000 people over UBC, CAREX, Anya Keefe, Don Rheaume of Unifor, Unifor the age of 15 with some form of disability. Tat represents rep Lance Lacey and Jesse Guenther of GKS Law Firm. nearly 25 percent of the population. As people age and live Carol says: “I hope that winning this case will open doors longer, the number of people with disabilities and the sever- for others who work in pulp and paper mills, chemical ity of the disabilities will likely increase. plants, the oil and gas sector and any job that involves expos- Accessibility and inclusion are fundamental rights recog- ures to chemicals.” She has a message for all the workers nized by the UN convention on the rights of persons with in this province, which she calls “Russell’s rules.” Know the disabilities and are prerequisites for the enjoyment of other dangers, use your safety equipment, beware of your sur- rights. Under the convention, “disability results from the roundings, and pay attention to your health. interaction between persons with impairments and attitu- dinal and environmental barriers” that hinder their engage- CANADIAN WALK FOR VETERANS ment and efective participation in society on an equal basis with others. J. Isaacs: On October 19, I had the opportunity to support Te disability community is diverse and vibrant. Te an incredible cause and walk shoulder to shoulder in the experiences of people vary according to the nature and second annual Canadian Walk for Veterans. Last year I severity of their disability, as well as other individual charac- attended the frst walk, and I’m encouraged to see how much teristics. Social and economic factors such as gender, sexu- it has grown. With ten walks held across Canada, this ality, race, language and religion can greatly impact how national movement is bringing communities together to people experience and think about disability. show solidarity and support for the sacrifces of our military Tis year’s theme for International Day of Persons with veterans and those who are currently serving. Disabilities is: “Te future is accessible.” With this in mind, Tis year’s walk also recognized the important contribu- the government is looking to introduce the province’s frst tion of all frst responders — police and frefghters as well as accessibility legislation next year. To inform that work and to those who work in health care or on the front lines in difer- uphold the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the ent capacities, who day afer day respond to severe and trau- government is committed to legislation that seeks to identi- matic situations that can be life-altering. fy, remove and prevent accessibility barriers. Tis year’s theme was suicide prevention. Soldiers and I would like to encourage all members who haven’t had frst responders regularly face extremely distressful situ- a chance to visit engage.gov.bc.ca/accessibility and provide ations. Te efects of their life’s work can accumulate over their feedback on what inclusion and accessibility could look time. As a result, many sufer from PTSD and other mental like in this province. illnesses that can lead to thoughts of suicide. We need to [10:30 a.m.] support those who are struggling and listen to their stories and their experiences. With understanding, compassion and SEED ORCHARD ON SAANICH PENINSULA care, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental ill- AND WORK OF CATHY COOK ness and give people the confdence to ask for help when they need it. A. Olsen: Over the past two years, I’ve spoken a lot about We are sincerely grateful for the many years of whole- our relationship to trees. Mostly, I’ve talked about how we hearted service our veterans and frst responders have given are cutting them down, but today I’d like to focus on another to our communities and for dedicating themselves to the job aspect of the industry. of keeping us safe. By joining the Canadian Walk for Veter- In 1965, the seed orchard on the Saanich Peninsula, now ans, you are supporting veterans and all frst responders to operated by Western Forest Products, opened its doors. It’s live a full and healthy life following their service. now the oldest continually operating seed orchard in Next year the Kingdom of the Netherlands will join the Canada. In 1980, a tree nursery was built, and the frst crop Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10863 of seedlings was produced in 1981. Over the years, the seed genous Business Awards in Esquimalt, recognizing how they orchard has produced enough seed for over 137 million “tie practices of the past with the economies of the future.” seedlings. Five primary species are harvested from within I congratulate Animikii Indigenous Technology on winning the coastal forest ecosystem: western red cedar, yellow cedar, the category of an 11-plus-person enterprise and Salish Sea- Douglas fr, hemlock and spruce. side RV Haven on winning in the industry-business partner- Te fruit of the orchards, such as the one on the Saanich ship of the year. Peninsula, are the cones. Seed is extracted from the cones, Our community is strengthened by these excellent busi- and seedlings are grown in the nursery. It’s all a vital part of nesses and services, and it’s a real privilege to be able to rec- the reforestation eforts across our province. ognize them here in the House. On a recent tour of the Saanich Forestry Centre, I immediately recognized that the people who work there strive for Point of Order excellence. One such individual is a constituent of mine by (Speaker’s Ruling) the name of Cathy Cook. She has worked at the Saanich Forestry Centre for 39 years. I was immediately taken by Mr. Speaker: Before we begin, if I may say a word. Cathy’s passion for her job, which she is retiring from at the On Monday, November 25, afer oral question period, the end of this year. During her time at the centre, she has man- Premier rose on a point of order stating that the member for aged the seed orchard, pursuing the mission of the orchard Richmond-Steveston and the Leader of the Ofcial Opposi- through eight diferent owners. tion used unparliamentary language. Under Cathy’s guidance, the nursery has an incredible rate I took that matter under advisement. Pursuant to practice, of success. And 2018 was her third-highest rate of germin- Speakers have ruled that if the Chair did not hear the ofens- ation, at 92.8 percent. Over her career, which included oth- ive language or phrase or if the ofensive language was not er seed orchards, Cathy has overseen the development of an recorded in the debates, the Chair cannot be expected to incredible 197.2 million plantable seeds. Today I raise my rule in the absence of a reliable record. In this instance, the hands to the work Cathy has done over her career ensuring unparliamentary remarks are not captured in the Hansard that our forests can be replanted. transcript. Speaking about relationships, in my brief time with [10:35 a.m.] Cathy, I can see that she is deeply connected to each one However, may I cautiously note that it is my impression of the millions of seedlings that she has raised. She leaves that the tone and tenor of oral question period has improved behind an impressive legacy, one that will certainly be dif- dramatically over the session. I want to thank all members fcult to follow. for their support in this matter. We’re about to begin now the last oral question period of BUSINESS AWARD RECIPIENTS the year. Indeed, it’s the last one of the decade. I would like IN ESQUIMALT-METCHOSIN to encourage all members to take the opportunity to end the fall sitting in a positive and productive manner and to ensure M. Dean: Right across our province, small businesses and that we hear both the question and the answer. not-for-profts play a central role in creating thriving, livable Tank you very much. communities for people. I am always impressed by the contributions these organizations make. Today I stand to recog- Oral Questions nize the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in Esqui- malt-Metchosin and to highlight some of the excellent work CONDITIONS IN FOREST INDUSTRY in our community. AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE Every year the WestShore Chamber of Commerce part- ners with the Goldstream News Gazette to celebrate some of S. Bond: British Columbia’s forest industry is in a crisis. the West Shore’s favourite organizations and places. Com- Mass layofs and shutdowns are announced daily. Tis munity members are given the opportunity to vote, and this week we learned of 50 layofs at Western Canadian Timber year over 40,000 votes were cast to determine some of the Products, including mechanics, welders and hauling con- standout contributors. tractors. Congratulations to everyone who participated and was Vice-president Don Banasky said: “It’s horrible to think recognized. While I don’t have time to highlight all of the that government is not jumping over hoops to assist in areas work being done, I will mention a few winners: Colwood other than optics. Tat’s what it feels like for us. We would Dental Group, Olympic View Golf Club, Red Barn Market, simply like to have an ear. So would the rest of the industry. Colwood Back to Back Chiropractic, school district 62, Te time for action is now.” Down to Earth Gardens, Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic, When will the Premier and his government start paying Wild ARC, West Shore Women’s Business Network and My- attention and do something? In the words of Don Banasky, Chosen Café. “the time for action is now.” We also have two of the winners of the provincial Indi- 10864 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019

Hon. D. Donaldson: Our thoughts and sympathies go Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, if we may hear the out to all forest workers that are encountering difcult times response. because of, largely, a global issue around lumber prices. We have embarked on action, unlike the previous government, Hon. D. Donaldson: Te Leader of the Ofcial Oppo- which ignored the trends that were coming for the coast sition and the member who just spoke claim they want a forest sector. We have embarked on actions through the review of the stumpage system. But the ofcial opposition coast forest sector revitalization initiative. It’s an initiative critic for Forests says: “Our stumpage system…. If it were to that we took on immediately upon forming government. be artifcially adjusted, we would be in trouble in terms of Part of those actions that we’ve already implemented our neighbours to the south of the border and the tarifs and involves driving more logs to domestic production and mov- duties that are in place.” ing more fbre out of the forests so it can be used for value- Tey can’t get their story straight. We know that political added purposes. Tat is what we’re doing. Tat’s taking intervention in the stumpage system right now would make action. Tat’s understating the long-term trends and matters worse when it comes to the sofwood lumber dis- addressing them as a responsible government concerned agreement. about forestry workers and communities across the province. D. Barnett: Sigurdson Forest Products is a family-operated business located in Williams Lake. President Brian Sig- Mr. Speaker: Te member for Prince George–Valemount urdson wrote an urgent letter to this government on Novem- on a supplemental. ber 18, and I raised it directly with the Premier last week. Brian writes: “We are facing a fnancial hardship due to S. Bond: Well, thank you very much to the minister. the state of the forest industry, as a result of high stumpage Toughts and sympathies are appreciated. But what workers rates. We currently owe approximately $4.6 million and are want, what families need, is support and action from this looking for temporary relief.” government. To the Premier, will Sigurdson Forest Products receive the Let’s be clear. Even at the NDP Convention recently, the stay on payments they need to keep on operating, yes or no? Steelworkers made it clear to this Premier that the action really amounted to a lack of support. Tey weren’t happy Hon. D. Donaldson: We have concerns with how con- either. Te Steelworkers told the Premier directly. In fact, tractors are able to survive in this difcult climate. We’ve dir- the Premier has also heard repeated calls to deal with the ectly put resources towards contractors and to those who are stumpage system. Instead, he’s done absolutely nothing while involved in the forest sector. the forest industry is in free fall. Just ask the Steelworkers. As far as the particular letter that was written by a member Tey brought it up at the recent convention. of the member’s constituency that was directed towards the Here’s what company president Brian Dorman says. “Te Finance Minister, those are the kinds of considerations and government is taking too much of our sales price for deferrals of stumpage that rest with those decisions within stumpage. Fify percent of our sales go to the government, the Finance Ministry. which is unacceptable for any sound business to move for- We are attuned to what is going on in the Interior. Tat’s ward.” Tat’s exactly the same for First Nations woodland why we’ve launched the Interior renewal process. It’s because tenures as well, which is why nobody is operating on them at as we all knew, and as this government knew, there was going the moment. to be a decrease in the number of trees, the volume available, It’s all talk and no action. Te industry and communities through the mountain pine beetle epidemic being over. We are desperate for specifc action on stumpage. took a view that we need to get the input from people around Today it’s the minister, the Premier, anybody over there. the province, especially in the Interior, into coming up with It’s their chance to stand up and commit today to fxing the new ways of approaching that issue. stumpage system. We embarked on the Interior forest renewal process. We’re attuned to the concerns of those who are concerned about Hon. D. Donaldson: Well, I want to point out that on the lumber prices globally, and we’re making adjustments October 1, the Interior rates on stumpage decreased by 12 accordingly. percent and the coast rates decreased by 24 percent. Te stumpage system that was put in place by the previous gov- Mr. Speaker: Te member for Cariboo-Chilcotin on a ernment is responsive to the lumber prices globally. supplemental. [10:40 a.m.] What we really have here is an opposition in disarray. Te D. Barnett: Tis is an important employer in my com- Leader…. munity, which operates a sawmill, a planer and a fnger- jointer. Tey have already had to lay of 50 employees, and Interjections. another 190 jobs are at risk. Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10865

Tis is a crisis, Premier. Will temporary relief be granted I want to take this opportunity to talk about the program or not? that we introduced just under a year ago to reduce emissions in British Columbia signifcantly, in all sectors. It’s called Hon. D. Donaldson: As I said in my previous answer, CleanBC. those are decisions that come out of the Ministry of Finance. Te members of the Green caucus and the Leader of the Tere are a number of factors to consider. Tird Party worked with us on developing a plan to reduce What I want to inform the member of is that there are emissions across all sectors. We have implemented that investments going into her constituency to assist with the plan, and we continue to implement that plan. We under- overall picture in forestry. We opened a community worker stand that it will take a number of steps and a number support program ofce in 100 Mile House two weeks ago. of stages to reach our target. We’re committed to reach- [10:45 a.m.] ing that target, and we introduced accountability legisla- Understanding the impact of the global downturn in com- tion and passed that accountability legislation in this ses- modity prices, we’ve managed to direct Forest Enhancement sion, in order to ensure that British Columbians can hold of B.C. funding into areas that are important — for instance, us accountable for what we do. in the member’s constituency, the recently announced We have had success. Te Minister of Municipal Afairs $707,000 to Cariboo Pulp and Paper to bring 74,000 cubic and Housing is building zero-energy, efcient buildings metres of wood out of the forest near 100 Mile House. throughout the province. Perhaps more importantly… Tese are the kinds of initiatives we’re taking. We understand the impact the global downturn is having on the eco- Interjections. nomies of the Interior, and we’re determined to address it. Mr. Speaker: Members. LNG CANADA PROJECT AND CLEANBC INDUSTRIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM Hon. G. Heyman: …the Minister of Municipal Afairs and Housing is investing signifcantly in retroftting social S. Furstenau: Over the last decade, the royalties coming housing for those who can least aford high energy bills, to in from natural gas have fallen considerably. Last year the live in comfort with lower bills and greater afordability. total value was $102 million compared to a decade earlier, We have a number of measures in transportation and when it reached $1.3 billion. At the same time, far more gas industry, and I’ll be happy to talk about them at greater was produced. length. Part of this decline, of course, has been due to the declin- Te member knows we have a plan. We’re on track. We ing market prices for gas, but part of it is also the infamous have accountability, and we have the best and most energy- deep-well credit program. My colleagues and I have raised efcient carbon reduction program in North America. the issue of the deep-well credit several times in this House. It is an outdated fossil fuel subsidy currently sitting at well S. Furstenau: I’m not sure what to say to the minister that over $2.6 billion in credits. Just this year companies claimed I didn’t ask the question of for answering a question I didn’t $631 million in deep-well credits — revenues that did not ask. But I’ll try again. come to the province for a natural resource that belongs to [10:50 a.m.] the Crown. I’m just going to try again to ask the Finance Minister a Added to this is the bouquet of over $5 billion in govern- question. In light of the Climate Accountability Act and the ment subsidies, once you add it all up, that have been given transparency and accountability that this government has to LNG Canada, a single plant that is soon to become B.C.’s made a commitment to, I think that it is important that the largest carbon polluter. Meanwhile, the rest of B.C. has been public knows very clearly how much the oil and gas industry told to tighten its belt. is getting in subsidies from this government. A couple of weeks ago Order-in-Council 580, 2019, was I’m going to ask the Minister of Finance again the same signed and released, which clarifes some of the details about question. What percent of the carbon tax above $30 a how the CleanBC industrial incentive program will operate, tonne will LNG Canada get back through the CleanBC particularly in relation to the fscal framework for LNG industrial incentive program when it starts operating in its Canada. frst eligible year? My question is to the Minister of Finance. What percent of the carbon tax above $30 a tonne will LNG Canada get back Interjections. through the CleanBC industrial incentive program when it starts operating in its frst eligible year? Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. G. Heyman: Tank you to the member for the ques- Hon. G. Heyman: To the member opposite, that’s exactly tion. Te member’s question is situated in the context of cli- what the CleanBC program is intended to do: clean the air mate action and greenhouse gas emissions. across B.C. and across the planet. 10866 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019

I gave the context of the overall emissions reduction that the number is only 2,279. Tat’s on page 5. Over half of strategy in CleanBC because it’s very important, as part of an the units have no funding. Tat’s also on page 5. And 59 per- answer, that we understand that reducing emissions across cent of the projects are behind schedule. Tat’s on page 12. all sectors, including industry…. How many units have been completed as part of the min- Te program to which the member refers is called the ister’s community housing fund? Zero. How many student CleanBC program for industry. It is scheduled — through housing units have been completed provincewide? Zero. a combination of rebates based on highest-performing, Recognizing…. across-the-globe industries with respect to carbon intensity — to get money back so that they can continue to invest in Interjections. emission reduction strategies. Tis program, coupled with [10:55 a.m.] technological incentives, will reduce 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by the year 2030, in addition to all Mr. Speaker: Members. of the other measures that are being taken. I know that the members of the Tird Party disagree with T. Stone: I’m sensing a bit of prickliness on the other side. this approach, but it is critically important. Te truth hurts, Mr. Speaker. If the members opposite… Recognizing just what a failure the minister and her housing plan have been, will she stand up here today and tell Brit- Interjections. ish Columbians not how many announcements she’s made, not how much rhetoric she’s put out there… Mr. Speaker: Members. Interjections. Hon. G. Heyman: …would just give me a second or two, I will give them the answer they’re seeking. Mr. Speaker: Members. It is critically important that we keep the economy mov- ing in British Columbia while lowering emissions, that we T. Stone: …but how many actual units of housing has she keep people employed in British Columbia while we work completed — has she opened and are actually occupied by together with industry to lower emissions. Tat’s exactly people — to the end of this year? what we’re doing. LNG Canada is eligible for exactly the same framework Hon. S. Robinson: Tere are over 3,000 people who now as all of the rest of industry in British Columbia. Te rebate have a home who didn’t have a home before we were in gov- they will get for the additional $20 a tonne by the coming ernment. More than 6,300 units are under active construc- years…. tion. In fact, I think it was just last week…. Tere is a seniors housing project in development in Kamloops. And the Interjections. member opposite would know.

Hon. G. Heyman: Listen carefully, members opposite. Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kamloops–South Tomp- Listen carefully. Tis is what you’re waiting for. son on a supplemental. Tey will be eligible because they are matching the highest-performing carbon intensity in the globe for 100 T. Stone: Well, 3,000 people would be about 2,000 units, percent of the carbon tax above $30 a tonne. And if they not the 22,000 units which she claims to have delivered, or meet that standard on review in fve years, they’ll continue. anywhere close to the 114,000 units that British Columbians are supposedly going to see over the next ten years. Mr. Speaker: Minister. Te minister’s failure to deliver housing, unfortunately for British Columbians, also extends to rental units. She has Hon. G. Heyman: And if they don’t, they won’t. no plans to increase housing supply. Note this, Mr. Speaker. Only 1,364 rental units were built in the city of Vancouver AFFORDABLE HOUSING TARGETS last year. Tat compares to 17,450 units built in Seattle last AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW UNITS year. Her rental housing program has also opened the doors on a grand total of 71 afordable housing units provincewide T. Stone: Just like the NDP’s broken child care promises, — 71 in the entire province of British Columbia to this point, the Housing Minister has also failed to deliver on the NDP’s 2½ years into their mandate. housing commitments. According to a report from Central 1 Credit Union this Based on the numbers in her own reports…. Again, this month: “We anticipate….” is B.C. Housing’s afordable housing investment plan report frst quarterly update. Of the 22,000 units of new housing Interjections. that the minister claims to have delivered, B.C. Housing says Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10867

Mr. Speaker: Members. Hon. C. James: Tank you to the member for giving me an opportunity to talk about the incredible accomplishments T. Stone: According to a report from Central 1 Credit that we have had as government. Te list would be long, so I Union this month, “We anticipate an undersupply of con- think I’ll stick with this session only. Ten if there are more struction,” to result in “price escalation and rental hikes.” questions, I’d be happy to talk about the rest of the things My question to the minister would be this. Given her we’ve done in simply 2½ years. complete failure to increase housing supply, will the minister at least give renters the $400 renters rebate that they Interjections. were promised, or will this become the NDP’s next broken promise? Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, it’s really very clear to me, and I Hon. C. James: Let’s start of with, I think, the biggest think to all the members of the House, how little they under- accomplishment this session, which is the passing of the stand what construction involves. Tey do not understand UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples in this the process. In fact, I’d like to tell the member and teach the province. member a little bit about construction. Clearly, he doesn’t understand how it works. Interjections. In the spring of 2018, we launched a new community housing fund to fund afordable rental housing for families Mr. Speaker: Members. and seniors. Te project in his own community — they applied, and last fall we announced that they got the funding. Hon. C. James: I am so proud that the last of MSP bills are Ten the projects have to go through the municipal steps, out. As of January 1, no more MSP bills. Child care spaces, including design, rezoning and public hearings. Perhaps housing, afordability for families…. they don’t really understand that process, but we also know that it takes some time to get it through the formal process. Interjections. Ten, of course, you need a development permit. Mr. Speaker: Members. Interjections. Hon. C. James: On the renters rebate, we began the work Mr. Speaker: Members. already by expanding the opportunities for the RAP program, expanding the opportunities for the SAFER program Hon. S. Robinson: It was received in February 2019. Ten so that more seniors are getting afordable housing. I’m they need a building permit, which this project just received. pleased the member is interested in what we are going to do I was so pleased to see that the two members from Kamloops in the next two years. were able to join me to celebrate the shovels hitting the ground on November 15 so that 150 more homes are coming Interjections. to their communities. Mr. Speaker: Members. REBATE FOR RENTERS Members, I noted that the question period had improved dramatically. Te word I meant was “somewhat.” S. Cadieux: Te mandate letter for the Housing Minister says: “Deliver an annual renters rebate of $400.” ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTRES IN [11:00 a.m.] ABBOTSFORD AND LANGLEY I have an NDP budget planning document that shows that the rental rebate was costed at $163 million annually and was M. de Jong: I have a question for the Minister of Mental supposed to be implemented this year. But guess what. It’s Health and Addictions. I’m going to a fundraiser tomorrow another NDP broken promise. Even the NDP members say night for the Abbotsford Women’s Centre. Tey, of course, it’s dead and was never anything more than empty rhetoric. have operated an addiction recovery centre for many, many To the minister…. years. Tey don’t receive any government funding. Tey’ve been very successful. Interjections. Tis year, of course, the situation is critical because in addition to their operating dollars, they are having to cover Mr. Speaker: Members. the cost of being evicted — evicted because of policy changes made by this government. Te same thing is happening to an S. Cadieux: Come clean, Minister. Are renters going to addiction recovery centre for men in Langley, which is being receive the promised rebate, yes or no? forced to close. Tose people are being evicted. 10868 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019

Her colleagues don’t seem to care. But she, in her mandate people so they get the support they need early in life before letter, is charged with the task of creating an addiction we get into addictions issues. strategy, including a focus on improving access. Well, she’s Foundry youth centres, which are one-stop shops for not improving access. She’s not even maintaining access. She youth at risk, whether that’s substance use or mental ill- and her government are eliminating access. ness…. We have announced spending for 19 Foundry Will the minister whose job it is to advocate on behalf centres in urban and rural communities across British of those sufering from debilitating addictions step in and Columbia. assure the women’s centre and the centre in Langley that they On the issue of recovery centres, recovery homes in this will not be evicted, that they will continue to be able to reside province, under the previous government, have been the where they are residing today and get the addiction treat- wild, wild west, with virtually no enforcement of any rules ment they require and deserve? to ensure that there’s safe care, quality care in our recovery homes. We’ve introduced tough new regulations that come Hon. J. Darcy: Tank you to the member opposite for into place December 1. the question. Issues related to the agricultural land reserve We are proud of our record of beginning to build an entire we have already canvassed in this House. I won’t be speak- continuum of care for treatment and recovery in the ing to that. province of British Columbia — something that government I’m very excited to have the opportunity to talk about ignored for 16 years. what we have done on the issue of recovery. Our government…. Te Premier and I, a few months ago, launched a Interjections. Pathway to Hope. Tat is our road map for improving mental health and addictions care in the province of British Col- Mr. Speaker: Members. umbia. It has been embraced from one corner of the country Te member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental. to the other, from people on the front lines working in mental health and addictions. M. de Jong: Well, I’ll tell you who’s not excited. Te Our Pathway to Hope is focused on several aspects. It is women at the Abbotsford Women’s Centre who don’t know focused on… where they’ll be living this time next year are not excited. Te men in the addiction recovery centre in Langley are not Interjections. very excited because they’re not sure where they’ll be. Te centres that have operated successfully, without any Mr. Speaker: Members. reliance on government funding, are being forced to close at their present location because of policies enacted by this Hon. J. Darcy: …prevention. It’s focused on treatment government at a time when this minister is charged with and recovery. the very task of protecting the interests of those vulnerable people. Interjections. In response to a straight-up question about what the minister is doing to advance her mandate, to protect those Mr. Speaker: Members. people, she stands up and can think of nothing better to say [11:05 a.m.] than make political accusations. I think it is tremendously disappointing, and the people watching this in those homes Hon. J. Darcy: It’s focused on enforcement, and it’s also are going to be tremendously disappointed. focused on harm reduction. Has the minister intervened? Has she taken steps? Has she Let me start with prevention. We are so excited that we actually done something consistent with the mandate she are working upstream. We are starting early. We are invest- was given by the Premier to defend the interests of those ing in children and youth. We’ve expanded programs in our recovery centres, to defend the interests of the people receiv- schools, for prevention, for our children… ing that vital service, that vital addiction recovery treatment, or is she just going to stand up again and make political Interjections. accusations that will do nothing to help the most vulnerable people in our society who are counting on this minister to Mr. Speaker: Members. stand up for their interests and step in where her colleagues have so miserably failed? Hon. J. Darcy: …so that mild-to-moderate issues don’t become worse. Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for his question. He We have already initiated two child and youth mental has raised this issue in the House previously. I’m certainly health teams in school districts in Maple Ridge–Mission and aware of it. I’ve been working with the Minister of Agricul- in Comox. Tat’s about wraparound care for our young ture to fnd a way forward for the women in question with respect to Abbotsford. Te Langley issue is new to me. Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10869

I look forward to correspondence from the member or the Motion approved. members from Langley in that regard. We’ll do everything we can to help, as all governments should do. I do want to S. Bond: I ask leave of the House to move a motion to say, while I’m on my feet, that the work of the Minister of adopt the report. Mental Health and Addictions has been unparalleled and the frst of its kind in the country, as all members know. Te Leave granted. challenges are signifcant. Te member for Cariboo North made a statement, call- S. Bond: I move that the report be adopted, and in doing ing on all of us to work together today, as we started ques- so, I would like to make some brief comments. tion period, on the challenging issues that are happen- Tis report constitutes the committee’s unanimous ing in her community and, indeed, right across British recommendation to appoint Russ Jones as acting Auditor Columbia. I know every member has certainly not just General. empathy but concern for the challenges that individuals Following written notice by Carol Bellringer, Auditor in our home communities face when it comes to mental General, of her resignation for personal reasons, efective health and addictions. December 31, the committee carried out a recruitment We are doing our level best with the resources available. process to identify a candidate to serve as acting Auditor We continue to have a robust economy, a triple-A credit rat- General. On November 26, the committee unanimously ing, the highest job creation rate in the country, economic agreed to recommend the appointment of Mr. Jones as act- growth exceeding every other jurisdiction in the country. So ing Auditor General. I believe that the resources are there. We’re going to work Mr. Jones brings strong professional and academic with the people involved to get solutions to the members’ credentials and broad senior management and fnancial questions. accounting experience, including service as acting Auditor [11:10 a.m.] General in 2013 and 2014. Committee members were While I’m on my feet, if I may, since we’re extending ques- impressed with his knowledge of public sector accounting tion period and this is my last opportunity of the decade, I principles and his approach for the caretaker role of the act- want to go back to a question that was raised by the member ing Auditor General, in providing continuity for the ofce for Kamloops–South Tompson. until a permanent Auditor General is appointed. He referred to the Central 1 housing report. He didn’t Committee members recognized the high level of know- read the frst line, which says that B.C.’s housing markets are ledge and experience of all the candidates in the recruitment recovering much faster than expected because of the good process, and their professionalism and record of dedicated work of the people on this side of the House and the mem- public service. Te committee wants to thank all of the can- ber sitting right there. didates for their interest and engagement and for their com- I’ll always lament that there’s no more chance in this dec- mitment to the work of this very important ofce in British ade for someone on that side of the House to ask questions of Columbia. the Minister of Health, because we always know how enjoy- I know that Mr. Jones and Ms. Bellringer are in the gallery able that is, certainly for the people here and the people who today. On behalf of the committee and all Members of the care about health care in British Columbia. Legislative Assembly, I would like to express our heartfelt I’m also very saddened that we’re not going to get another gratitude to Carol Bellringer for her important service and question to the best Finance Minister in Canada, who has contributions to the province as Auditor General over the done extraordinary work patching billion-dollar holes cre- last fve years. [Applause.] ated by the member for Kamloops–South Tompson and a Carol served our province exceptionally well. She is highly whole litany of other issues. regarded across the country. It’s always exciting to end question period, but the end of a Carol, you are always well prepared and professional in decade is particularly delightful. Tanks for the opportunity. your relationship with the Public Accounts Committee. We want you to know that it will be difcult to replace you, but [End of question period.] we wish you all of the very best in your next endeavours. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Reports from Committees Deputy Chair, the member for Esquimalt-Metchosin, for her very collaborative approach; the other members of the sub- PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE committee — the members for Surrey-Guildford and Rich- mond-Steveston; and all of our committee members for their S. Bond: I have the honour to present the second report hard work and collaboration. of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts for the fourth session of the 41st parliament. I move that the report M. Dean: It’s my honour today to rise, as well, to be taken as read and received. acknowledge the work of our Auditor General who is now outgoing, Carol Bellringer. She really did create a fantastic 10870 British Columbia Debates Thursday, November 28, 2019 reputation for British Columbia across the whole of the dear friend Ray Harris. It is him. He’s waving. I’m not intro- country. I think all of us have appreciated her years of ser- ducing someone else. Tat’s wonderful. Ray is a great guy. vice and her leadership. I’m earning points here — right, Ray? [11:15 a.m.] He’s a counsellor with the Stz’uminus First Nation. He’s I appreciate that she’s leaving us with a great legacy of a a commercial fsherman. I was very happy to be a member, very good executive team, and I appreciate the work of the along with him and the member for Saanich North and the executive in helping us move forward. I thank everybody Islands, on the Premier’s Wild Salmon Advisory Council. who put themselves forward for this acting position. Welcome, Ray Harris. Congratulations to Russ Jones. It’s an important interim position that he’s taking on. I really appreciate his long ser- Tabling Documents vice to the province, as well, and taking on this role at this critical time. Hon. S. Robinson: I have the honour to present the report I want to say thank you to the Chair of the subcommittee on the administration of the Freedom of Information and and the Public Accounts Committee, the member for Prince Protection of Privacy Act. George–Valemount. I appreciate her leadership, especially steering us through this extra piece of work at this busy time Hon. B. Ralston: I seek leave to make an introduction. of year and in such a short time frame as well. Tank you to everybody who were members of the sub- Leave granted. committee and, actually, all of our members of the Public Accounts Committee. We do an awful lot of work, and I Introductions by Members appreciate everybody’s eforts. Of course, we couldn’t have gotten this work done without Hon. B. Ralston: In the gallery today are two groups from the Clerk to the committee and her team as well. We really Kwantlen Park Secondary School in my riding. Tey’re here appreciate your professional and supportive work. with their teacher, Karis Brynjolfson. Would the House please make them very welcome. Motion approved. Motions Without Notice S. Bond: I ask leave of the House to move a motion appointing Russ Jones as acting Auditor General for the AMENDMENT TO province of British Columbia. STANDING ORDERS ON PRAYERS

Leave granted. Hon. M. Farnworth: By leave, I move: [Tat efective immediately, the Standing Orders of the Legislative Motions Without Notice Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows: Standing Order 25 is modifed as follows: Te daily routine business of “Prayers (morning or afernoon sit- APPOINTMENT OF ting)” is replaced with “Prayers and Refections (morning or afer- ACTING AUDITOR GENERAL noon sitting)”. Standing Order 17A is modifed as follows: S. Bond: I move: Section (1)(c) listing “Prayers;” is replaced with “Prayers and Re- fections;”.] [Tat pursuant to section 7(1) of the Auditor General Act (SBC 2003, Chapter 2), Russ Jones be appointed as Acting Auditor General to ex- ercise the powers and perform the duties of the Auditor General, ef- Leave granted. fective December 31, 2019, and continuing until an appointment is made under section 2 of the Act.] Motion approved. Motion approved. Petitions D. Routley: I seek leave to make an introduction. M. Polak: I rise to present a petition on behalf of the Den- turist Association of British Columbia. Leave granted. Hon. M. Farnworth: I know that we’ll be waiting for the Introductions by Members Lieutenant-Governor. I would just like to take this opportunity, at the request of the amazing staf who serve us here D. Routley: I wasn’t sure about making the introduction, in this institution…. Tey remind us, each and every one of because with my failing eyes, I wasn’t sure if I was seeing my us, to please empty our desks when we leave so that they don’t have to do it. Tey have enough work as it is. Thursday, November 28, 2019 British Columbia Debates 10871

By the way, I take this opportunity to thank all of them for gives me hope for a better world. I thank you for your splen- the work they do and wish them a very, very merry Christ- did work. mas and happy new year. HÍSW̱ ḴE. [11:20 a.m.] Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the Mr. Speaker: Members, I am advised that the Hon. Janet chamber. Austin, Lieutenant-Governor, is on the precinct. Please remain in your seats. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested to Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the House, at its rising, attend the House, was admitted to the chamber and took do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction of her seat on the throne. the Speaker, afer consultation with the government, that the public interest requires that the House shall meet or until the Royal Assent to Bills Speaker may be advised by the government that it is desired to prorogue the fourth session of the 41st parliament of the Acting Clerk: province of British Columbia. Te Speaker may give notice Securities Amendment Act, 2019 that he is so satisfed or has been so advised, and thereupon Financial Institutions Amendment Act, 2019 the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and, Climate Change Accountability Amendment Act, 2019 as the case may be, transact its business as if it had been duly Miscellaneous Statutes (Minor Corrections) and Statute adjourned to that time and date. And that in the event of the Revision Amendment Act, 2019 Speaker being unable to act owing to illness or other cause, Interpretation Amendment Act, 2019 the Deputy Speaker shall act in his stead for the purpose of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act this order. Fuel Price Transparency Act Election Amendment Act, 2019 Motion approved. Taxation Statutes Amendment Act, 2019 [11:25 a.m.] Hon. M. Farnworth: I wish everyone safe travels home. In Her Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Gov- Enjoy the time of until we assemble again next spring. ernor doth assent to these acts. With that, I move the House do now adjourn.

Hon. J. Austin (Lieutenant-Governor): ÍY SȻÁĆEL NE Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. SĆÁLEĆE HÍSW̱ ḴE ȻENS ENÁ TÁĆEL. It is an enormous privilege on this historic day to grant Motion approved. royal assent to Bill 41, thereby enshrining the human rights of Indigenous people in law. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until further ENÁN U HE'LEȻ NE SĆÁ LE ȻENS Á TSĆÁ. notice. It touches me deeply to think of the work that you have done all together, your unanimous support for this work, Te House adjourned at 11:30 a.m. which gives me hope for true and lasting reconciliation,

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