First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Morning Sitting Issue No. 3

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Morning Sitting Page

Routine Business

Tributes ...... 13 Katherine McParland Hon. S. Robinson Joe Arvay Hon. D. Eby Hon. M. Rankin Cecil Paul Hon. N. Cullen

Introductions by Members...... 14

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 14 Bill 3 — Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. S. Robinson

Presentation of Estimates ...... 15 Supplementary estimates for the fscal year ending March 31, 2021

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ...... 15 Murray United Church in Nicola Valley J. Tegart 411 Seniors Centre Society M. Elmore Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives program and Christmas fund T. Wat A Tale of Two Cities and work of Legislature G. Begg Salvation Army programs D. Davies Election of Raj Chouhan as Speaker J. Brar

Oral Questions...... 17 COVID-19 rapid testing program for long-term-care facilities S. Bond Hon. A. Dix R. Merrifeld COVID-19 impact and disaggregated data collection S. Furstenau Hon. A. Dix COVID-19 response and mental health services T. Halford Hon. S. Malcolmson COVID-19 rapid testing program for long-term-care facilities J. Tegart Hon. J. Horgan

Tabling Documents...... 22 Ofce of the Auditor General, information report, Summary of COVID-19 Pandemic Funding Allocations and Other Financial Relief Measures Ofce of the Confict of the Interest Commissioner, annual report, 2019-20 Ofce of the Human Rights Commissioner, report, Disaggregated Demographic Data Collection in British Columbia: Te Grandmother Perspective Ofce of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, annual report, 2019-20 Ofce of the Ombudsperson, special report, Course Correction: Te Ministry of Education 2019 Provincial Exam Errors Ofce of the Police Complaint Commissioner, annual report, 2019-20 Ofce of the registrar of lobbyists for B.C., annual report, 2019-20 Ofce of the registrar of lobbyists for B.C., Investigation Report 20-01, B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, designated fler: John Paul Fraser, September 24, 2020 Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, report, A Way to Cope: Exploring Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in B.C. Youth Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, annual report, 2019-20, and service plan, 2020-21 to 2022-23 Tabling Documents (continued) Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, fnancial statements, 2019-20 Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, report, Lef Out: Children and Youth with Special Needs in the Pandemic Ofce of the Representative for Children and Youth, report, Illuminating Service Experience: A Descriptive Analysis of Injury and Death Reports for First Nations Children and Youth in B.C., 2015 to 2017 Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M314/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M324/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M358/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M425/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Ministerial Order M425/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 475/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 475/2020, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 477/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 485/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 492/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 566/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 579/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 586/2020, Attorney General Report pursuant to the COVID-19 Related Measures Act regarding Order-in-Council 593/2020, Attorney General

Orders of the Day

Trone Speech Debate ...... 23 G. Begg G. Lore M. Elmore J. Rustad 13

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 I ask the House to join me in recognizing Katherine’s eforts on behalf of British Columbians and the tragedy of Te House met at 10:02 a.m. her untimely passing with just a brief moment of refection on how we can honour her work and legacy on behalf of [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] vulnerable youth through our work as legislators here in this place. Routine Business May her memory be for a blessing.

Prayers and refections: Hon. Anne Kang. JOE ARVAY [10:05 a.m.] Hon. D. Eby: It is very unfortunate news that I have to Tributes bring to the House of the sudden and unexpected passing of Joe Arvay, Queen’s Counsel. He was an exceptional law- KATHERINE McPARLAND yer. He was an exceptional person. As a law student, I studied his cases. He revolutionized Hon. S. Robinson: I rise today with some sad news. the understanding of section 15 of the Charter of Rights Katherine McParland, a well-known and well-loved res- and Freedoms that guarantees equality to all Canadians, ident of the Kamloops community and a good friend of and his work was especially infuential in recognizing the mine, passed away suddenly this weekend. rights of the LGBTQ community. He fought the censor- I frst heard of this remarkable young woman when I ship of children’s books that promoted tolerance and was Housing Minister and saw an article in the Kamloops understanding. He fought for the rights of same-sex local paper about the work she was doing. Shane Simpson, spouses to the same benefts that every other person was the Minister of Social Development at the time, and I entitled to in the country. He stood up for survival sex invited her to make a presentation about the work she was workers to say that they had a right to appear in court doing. without having to put themselves in jeopardy. She shared her story of bouncing around the foster care He was respected not just throughout the legal com- system for most of her childhood. It was followed, as she munity but across the country. He was the kind of guy that aged out of that system, by years of homelessness. It was had every right to be unapproachable and to come across from this that she was able to fnd her calling. Afer Shane as condescending. He was brilliant, yet he was the excep- and I met with her, we introduced her to the Minister of tion to the rule of never meet your heroes, because if you Children and Family Development, the member for Koo- had the opportunity and the honour, as I did, to meet Joe tenay West, so that she, too, could hear from Katherine’s and to know him, he was kind. He was thoughtful. He experience and her wisdom. I know that the members never made you feel like you didn’t understand what he from Kamloops who are here in this House knew her well understood. also. [10:10 a.m.] Katherine was unwavering in purpose and committed He was an excellent teacher. He brought that ability to to lasting change. She’d lived experience, and she married communicate the law to the courts, to his clients and to that with academic rigour by completing her master’s the public. He was unapologetic and unafraid in assert- degree earlier this year. In the few years that I have known ing the rights of even unpopular groups at the time and her, she became the co-chair of the B.C. Coalition to End to say things that now are common sense but at the time Youth Homelessness. She became a member of the federal were quite revolutionary. He dramatically reformed the Advisory Committee on Homelessness, and she became a legal landscape in Canada. dedicated member of the board of B.C. Housing. I am so grateful for the chance to know him. But more Katherine was courageous and warm, compassionate, importantly, as a British Columbian and as a Canadian, thoughtful and funny. She had an ability to draw people to I am so grateful for his work promoting the rights of all her that would help her in her mission. Someone on social Canadians. media this weekend noted that she had social chutzpah. I He lef an indelible mark. He will leave a gap that will think that’s a completely accurate description of her. not be flled. But I will note, and I hope it is some comfort I will miss her midday texts asking if I had a moment to his family and friends who are reeling right now, that for a check-in. She would ofen say that she was in awe that he was an inspiration to generations of lawyers about the she had the ability to talk with ministers of the Crown and need to be committed to public service in the work that we do work with the ministers. do and the need to recognize the rights of everybody in the I can really say, and I think I speak on behalf of my col- work that we do. leagues and all members of this House, those that knew He changed the world. He changed our country, and her, that the truth is that we were the ones who were actu- he changed our province in incredibly positive ways. I’m ally in awe of her. very grateful that I knew him. I hope that other members 14 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 had the opportunity. I’m very grateful for his life, very well whisperer.” British Columbia and Canada have lost a leg- lived. He will be sorely missed. al warrior and a legal giant. [10:15 a.m.] Hon. M. Rankin: All of us in this historic place are here He was like a brother to me. He was the bravest person in our own way because we want to make the world a bet- I ever knew, and he made all of us better for having lived ter place. We want to leave a legacy of accomplishments in our world. that help change peoples’ lives for the better. Yesterday a giant of Canadian law lef us — a tireless CECIL PAUL giant who truly changed the course of history for so many people facing discrimination and injustice. Joe Arvay was Hon. N. Cullen: I would like the House to join me my former law partner and dear friend. To read Joe’s cases in also recognizing the passing of a giant amongst us. over the last forty years is to chronicle the sweep of social Recently Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul, from the Xenaksiala Nation justice and law reform. passed away at the age of 90. Cecil was an author, a con- Were it not for Joe Arvay, marriage equality in this servationist, a cultural leader and also a very dear friend to country would not exist. Were it not for Joe Arvay, dis- me and to many. crimination against LGBTQ2+ people in our schools He was born in the Kitlope, in northern British Colum- and in our bookstores would have persisted. Were it not bia, in 1931 and soon afer was torn away from his family for Joe, the rights of Indigenous people would not have and, like so many of his generation, sent of to residential advanced to the degree that they have. And were it not school, where he experienced abuse that most of us can’t for Joe, people sufering with interminable pain would even imagine. For years — for decades, in fact — Cecil not have been able to avail themselves of medical assist- struggled with addictions. Only in returning to the Kit- ance in dying. lope, the place of his birth, was he, in his own words, even- A month ago a widow of a dear friend of mine came tually healed by that place. with tears in her eyes and asked me to thank Joe because He then dedicated his life to protecting the Kitlope, the he had made it possible for her husband’s sufering to world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. He worked with come to an end. In that historic case, Joe persuaded a many great leaders like Gerald Amos, Bruce Hill and oth- unanimous Supreme Court of Canada to reverse the Susan ers to make sure that that place that had healed him, the Rodriguez decision that had been rendered not 20 years place of his birth, would be protected for generations and earlier. Tat is the stuf of legal legend. generations to come. Joe was widely recognized as perhaps Canada’s most Cecil once said: “Build a canoe and it will be supernat- brilliant and successful constitutional and human rights ural. No matter how many people will come aboard to help lawyer. He appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada over you paddle to save your place of birth, it will never be full.” 75 times on some of the defning cases of our generation, To Cecil’s family, to his entire nation, I would like the including access to legal safe injection sites, the right of House to join me in recognizing his contribution to the workers to associate in pursuit of workplace goals and north, to British Columbia and, in fact, to our entire coun- countless cases advancing equality. At the time of his try and world. death, Joe was representing 15 children from across the country seeking more urgent government action to Introductions by Members address climate change. Te Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came S. Furstenau: I just want to take a moment to celebrate. into force during his career, and Joe was recognized for It is my son’s 15th birthday today. Peter is remarkable in building its foundation case by case. Joe’s passion for so many ways — inquisitive, curious, joyful, funny, always justice was in his DNA. He didn’t care whether there was challenging us — and makes the most incredible meals case law with him or against him. He believed that if he that we can imagine. worked hard enough and long enough, he’d fnd a way. He Happy, happy birthday, Peter. I can’t wait to see you this usually did, and ofen all of this without fees. evening. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. I believe that Joe’s greatest legacy was that he inspired an entire generation of young lawyers to try to change Introduction and the world and make it a better place. Yesterday a justice First Reading of Bills of the Supreme Court of Canada reached out to me. He said this: “What a fne man, and what an absolutely BILL 3 — FINANCE STATUTES exceptional lawyer, perhaps the very fnest appellate law- AMENDMENT ACT, 2020 yer I ever saw. And what a record of achievement. I’m not sure how he persuaded my colleagues of some of the Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her things he persuaded them of. I used to call him the court Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 15

Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be introduced Statements and read a frst time now. (Standing Order 25B) I am pleased to introduce the Finance Statutes Amend- ment Act, 2020. Te bill includes amendments to the MURRAY UNITED CHURCH Budget Transparency and Accountability Act to allow IN NICOLA VALLEY additional time for the budget and estimates development process. Te amendments provide that the budget and J. Tegart: Today I want to share a story about com- estimates will be tabled no later than April 30. munity commitment and resilience. It’s a story about a While the proposed rules will also allow for modest beautiful church located in the Nicola Valley that was extensions to release dates for quarterly reports in a fscal burned to the ground in 2019 by an arson. Te Murray year when there is a general election, the amendments still church was built in 1876 as a Presbyterian church and was ensure that fscal updates are publicly provided so that the oldest building in the Nicola Valley built with Nicola there is not a lengthy gap in public reporting. Valley lumber. Te bill also proposes amendments to the Financial If you took a peek through the windows, you got an idea Administration Act to complement the amendments to of what a 19th century church looked like back in the day. the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. Tis Tere was a pulpit at the front, pews waiting to be flled amendment ensures that limited funding remains avail- and stained-glass windows at the back. able should a supply act not be enacted by the start of a In 1927, the church became the Murray United Church, new fscal year and would only apply to address election named afer its founder, Rev. George Murray. As you can year schedule impacts. well imagine, many families in the Nicola Valley have fond Finally, the bill includes amendments to the Home memories of church events. Weddings, Christmas ser- Owner Grant Act, which is a frst step in ensuring that vices, special occasions and funerals all happened at the the province will meet its commitment to centralize the quaint little white church. homeowner grant program administration as planned for In January of 2019, the community was devastated in Budget 2020. when the church burned down by an arson. Te com- Beginning in 2021, all applications, including retroact- munity came together and decided to raise $200,000 to ive applications, will be made directly to the province. rebuild the church. I’m pleased to report that the fundrais- [10:20 a.m.] ing has reached nearly $170,000 of their $200,000 goal. Tey recently held a ground-breaking ceremony, with Mr. Speaker: Te question is frst reading of the bill. hopes of construction starting next year. Tey also an- nounced that an anonymous donor has ofered to match Motion approved. every dollar of the last $15,000 needed if this can be accomplished by January 11, the second anniversary of the Hon. S. Robinson: I move that the bill be placed on the loss of the church. orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of Tis project is a beacon of hope during a very challen- the House afer today. ging time in our province and our country. I hope that this chamber will join me in congratulating the people of the Bill 3, Finance Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, Nicola Valley for their commitment to renewal. introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of 411 SENIORS CENTRE SOCIETY the House afer today. M. Elmore: Te grey tsunami has arrived, and they’re Presentation of Estimates working to change the world. Te 500-member-strong 411 Seniors Centre Society activates the talents, strengths, SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES FOR THE expertise and skills of older adults. FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2021 Teir peer-led services since 1977 include supporting seniors; navigating the health care system; resolving pen- Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her sion issues; skills training in the digital revolution; to their Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: supplementary podcast, Powered by Age. Programs are delivered by mem- estimates (No. 3) for the fscal year ending March 31, bers. You can take art classes, yoga, Spanish and other lan- 2021. guage courses, including ESL, and also join town hall and advocacy campaigns. [10:25 a.m.] During this pandemic, they’re working especially hard to ensure seniors are connected and that they get the help they need. Along with providing these important services, 16 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the 411 Seniors is a community of vibrant, passionate and season of darkness; it was the spring of hope; it was the winter of critically engaged elders committed to bringing their wis- despair; we had everything before us; we had nothing before us; we were all going direct to heaven; we were all going direct the other dom to current-day challenges. way — in short, the period was so far like the present period that I’m so excited to welcome the 411 Senior Centre Society some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for to their new location in Vancouver-Kensington. Tey’ll good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” have a new centre, as well as a seniors housing co-op, part- Tat memorable passage is, of course, the opening nering with the city of Vancouver, B.C. Housing, the Com- paragraph from A Tale of Two Cities, an 1859 novel by munity Land Trust. Charles Dickens set in London and Paris before and dur- Tis modest but mighty organization is an inspiration ing the French revolution. Tose words, penned more for their dedication to taking care of those needing the than 160 years ago, sound eerily like where we fnd our- most help amongst us. Tey’re always pushing boundaries selves today. Times are tough, and our future is uncer- to create a just, equitable and respectful world for all. tain. But is there hope? Please join me in recognizing the exceptional service [10:30 a.m.] and leadership of the 411 Senior Centre Society. At the start of this legislative session, in facing the enormous challenges we all face together, let us all commit RICHMOND CARES, RICHMOND GIVES to working together to bring the house of hope to all our PROGRAM AND CHRISTMAS FUND citizens who are looking to us. Te task ahead of us is enormous and unprecedented. Let us join each other in T. Wat: Te holidays are a time for joy but can also fnding that path forward together. be a very challenging time, especially for the most vul- Te last paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities is not as well nerable individuals and families. Tis season brings with known but just as memorable: “It is a far, far better thing it more challenges than ever before due to COVID-19, that I do, than I have ever done; it is far better rest that I go which is why it is more important than ever that we rec- to than I have ever known.” ognize and support amazing programs like the Richmond It is my hope that we can all collectively say that at the Cares, Richmond Gives Christmas fund. end of our tenure here together. We can curse the dark- A couple of weeks ago I joined a joint drive-through toy ness, or we can light a candle. Te choice is ours. May we drive with Richmond RCMP in the parking lot of Lans- all, in this House, be candle-lighters. downe mall in my riding of Richmond North Centre. Over 300 people drove by to drop of toys and donations. Tis SALVATION ARMY PROGRAMS year this charitable campaign is able to help 3,000 Rich- mond families, children, teens and seniors with food D. Davies: Today I’m going to be talking briefy on an vouchers, gif certifcates and over 10,000 toys. organization that all of us know and appreciate, the Salva- I would like to take this opportunity to extend my most tion Army. Tis is an international organization that began sincere appreciation to CEO Ed Gavsie; co-chairs Wayne its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become Duzita, Rob Howard, Michael Chiu; and the committee. I’d the largest non-governmental direct provider of social ser- also like to thank the nine angel donors who have stepped vices in our country. Te Salvation Army ofers practical up with $10,000 each to support those in need. Special assistance for children and families, ofen tending to the thanks must be given to the 200 volunteers and, of course, basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless the many charitable donations from our community. people or supports for those in addiction. Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, which runs this In Fort St. John, their food bank operates on a drop- program every year, has been an integral part of Richmond in basis. People can come in, have a cup of cofee, grab a for more than 40 years. Teir work to support those in snack or sign up for a food bank slot. Te community meal need and their eforts to promote philanthropy and the program brings guests in to enjoy fellowship, games, and spirit of giving cannot be celebrated enough. access to case workers or just a hot lunch. In addition to Tis season I urge you all to give the extra mile to sup- food, many people are in need of clothing or household port an amazing initiative like the Christmas fund. Help a items and can fnd support there. family in need and ofer our communities that little bit of Additionally, the Salvation Army’s Northern Centre of extra holiday cheer. Hope in Fort St. John has designed a proactive program for those who have reached a point in their lives where A TALE OF TWO CITIES they are ready to move forward out of poverty and address AND WORK OF LEGISLATURE the barriers that prevent the acquisition of sustained hous- ing and career employment. Te primary goal is to integ- G. Begg: rate these individuals back into the community as self-suf- “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times; it was the age fcient citizens. of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief; Tere is little doubt that 2020 has been one of the most it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of light; it was the Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 17 challenging years ever, which has presented signifcant Ofcial Opposition, the Leader of the Tird Party and all hurdles for the Salvation Army and many organizations members of this House for your support to show that we like it. Christmas can be an extra hard season for people are committed to making this province more inclusive, with low income, and much worse under COVID-19 con- more equal and more fair for all. ditions. In the end, Mr. Speaker, my sincere congratulations, Tank you to all the Salvation Armies across the pro- mubarakan, and good wishes, shubhechhawan, to you and vince. I want to give special thanks to our local executive your family — your beautiful wife, Inder, and your kids. director, Cameron Eggie, and all of his staf and volunteers Der ahe drusat aae. who are very thankful for the generosity of residents in our community for their continued support. Te request Oral Questions for service remains high and ongoing. Tere is greater diversity of food bank users than ever before, from people COVID-19 RAPID TESTING PROGRAM that were not prepared for layofs or revenue interruption. FOR LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES Te same theme is taking place across our province. Christmas kettles will be out this year. Tey may or may S. Bond: Day afer day British Columbians, including not have a volunteer. Some will have a $5.00 tap feature for every member of this assembly, feel heartbroken when we your debit card or credit card. Whatever the case may be, hear about transmission, about outbreaks and, ultimately, please give generously. about deaths in our long-term-care homes. Te images of families being separated from the seniors that they love ELECTION OF RAJ CHOUHAN AS SPEAKER and the fear of losing that loved one should compel all of us to do absolutely everything possible to lower transmis- J. Brar: Once upon a time, a young Punjabi man came sion rates and protect our most vulnerable citizens. to Canada in 1973 for a better life for himself and his fam- Yesterday the government announced the limited use of ily. He spent his entire life fghting for the rights of every rapid tests in a small number of long-term-care homes in person and working to end discrimination and inequality. two health authorities. As a result of his work, he was frst elected in 2005 as MLA My question is a straightforward one to the Premier. for Burnaby-Edmonds, and yesterday he made history in Rapid tests would provide an additional level of protection B.C. for vulnerable seniors. Knowing that, will the Premier Mr. Speaker, your long walk to the Speaker’s chair immediately commit to the implementation of a rapid- reminds me of Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems testing program in long-term-care homes across the entire impossible until it is done.” You may have thought the province? same for many years until it was done yesterday, Mr. Speaker. It was a historic day for the people of British Col- Hon. A. Dix: Tank you very much to the Leader of umbia, and specifcally for the people of the Punjabi com- the Opposition for her question. She’ll know that out- munity and, of course, for you, hon. Speaker. breaks in long-term care, the situation in long-term care, All members of this House worked together to make afects everyone in the province, from Rotary Manor in this historic choice and a positive change in this House. her hometown to Tree Links in my constituency. I think A long-serving member of this House from Burnaby- it’s fair to say that every day, everybody in the health care Edmonds was elected unanimously as the Speaker of this system, including Dr. Bonnie Henry and all of us, are House, a rare milestone for all of us and for the Member working and doing everything we can to both assist people for Burnaby-Edmonds. It was rare because you, hon. in long-term care and to stop outbreaks in long-term care. Speaker, are the frst Punjabi person from India to be ever It’s for that reason that a number of measures have taken elected as a Speaker of a legislature in North America. place in B.C. that have not taken place in other places in [10:35 a.m.] the country, and we’ve had relative success compared to It is so because Canada is a country of immigrants, who other jurisdictions in dealing with it. come to this country with big dreams for a better life. But But I don’t think people are that concerned with what it is almost impossible to dream of becoming a Speaker of happens in other jurisdictions. Tey want us to do the House, because it seems something beyond reach. Not everything we can here, and we are. Te fact is that rapid anymore. It is not a remote possibility anymore. In fact, it testing, as Dr. Henry has explained many times…. Te can be done now. rapid tests that have been sent to us are not successful or Your story, Mr. Speaker, will inspire every immigrant efective in dealing with asymptomatic testing and, in any and person of colour to dream even bigger. Your story, Mr. event, haven’t been sent to us in the numbers available to Speaker, will also send a message to the global community put in place such a system. It would not be efective. that people in this country not only open doors to new Tat said, as with everything else, we are trying abso- immigrants but embrace them as equals. lutely everything, including a pilot project, to see in what My sincere thanks to the Premier, the Leader of the ways they could be efective in our province. Rapid testing 18 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 is also being used and being piloted in other areas where Te member will know that this week we will be pres- vulnerable people live, from the Downtown Eastside to enting our rollout plan for vaccines in British Columbia. rural communities. She will know — I’m not letting anything out of the bag [10:40 a.m.] early in this regard — that the priority of long-term care, of I just want to assure her that the reason why we’re pur- long-term-care workers and residents, in that vaccine plan suing the pilot is that we’re pursuing absolutely every will be key to managing the pandemic for long-term care option to keep people protected. Te reality is that these in the coming weeks, and I mean immediate weeks. particular tests will not do what the hon. member is asking We are going full efort on that, just as we are in ensur- us to do. If they were able to do that, there would be no ing and fnding ways to use rapid tests in the most efective reason not to do them. We are following the evidence, way, to save lives of people across British Columbia. Tere we’re following the science, and we’re doing absolutely is no issue more important to me personally and, I know, everything we can to protect everyone in long-term care. to the member and also to the critic for seniors for the I appreciate the member’s concern and the seriousness opposition, the Leader of the Opposition. Tat’s why we’re of her question. We will continue, I hope, to work together going to continue to follow the science, to follow the to provide as safe a solution as possible for everyone living advice we’ve received from our leaders in terms of testing in long-term care. in the province and make all the decisions necessary to protect our seniors. Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on a frst supplemental. Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Ofcial Opposition on a second supplemental. S. Bond: I certainly want to let the Minister of Health know that the members of the opposition absolutely S. Bond: As we continue to battle COVID-19, every appreciate the exceptional and outstanding work being day matters, and every action matters. No one is suggest- done by health care workers and particularly those in ing that the implementation of a rapid-testing program long-term care across British Columbia. Te Health Min- will guarantee the end of transmission or outbreaks, nor is ister himself has just pointed out how important it is that the suggestion that we would replace the existing testing we do absolutely everything possible. regime, but it would add an additional layer of protection. For weeks now, families, seniors organizations and even To the point that the Health Minister made, just yes- the B.C. seniors advocate have been calling for additional terday his government announced the fact that they are action from this government. In her recent comments, the going to use rapid testing in a small number of long-term- seniors advocate had this to say about rapid testing: “We’re care homes. Our question is: what is the harm in looking going to catch some of those people, maybe not all of at a provincewide rapid-testing program if it even adds a them, but some of them. We have nothing right now. Te simple extra layer of protection for vulnerable seniors? Te question is: what is the harm in using them?” time for that action is now. I am sure that the Premier would agree with me that we [10:45 a.m.] must make every single efort possible to protect our most If implementing a provincewide rapid-testing program vulnerable seniors. Te Premier has the opportunity today has the potential to provide any additional protection for to take additional action and implement a provincewide our most vulnerable British Columbians, there should be rapid-testing program that has the potential to make a dif- no hesitation in putting a provincewide program in place. ference in long-term-care homes right across British Col- Families are frightened. Seniors are vulnerable. Will the umbia. Will the Premier commit to doing that today? Premier take the action that they deserve and immediately implement a provincewide rapid-testing program? Not Hon. A. Dix: Tank you again to the member for her just in a few long-term-care homes. As the seniors advoc- question. As noted — and it has been a disappointment ate said: what is the harm in putting a rapid-testing pro- to us over the term of the pandemic — the technology gram in place? So to the Premier: will he make a commit- involved in rapid-testing has not been as efective as we ment today to expand the rapid-testing program to long- would have hoped by this point. term-care homes across British Columbia? Te fact is that these tests are not licensed for what’s called asymptomatic testing. So that is not an appropriate Hon. A. Dix: We have been using rapid tests in appro- means, and in any event, that isn’t an efective method. priate circumstances, and that action is guided by the lead- Te people who say that are the people who are expert in ing experts in public health that we have. With great this area. I am with the seniors advocate, and I am with respect to the seniors advocate, who the Leader of the everyone in this province that wants to do everything they Opposition cites as evidence, this is not her area of expert- can, but the people who know testing have drawn this con- ise. Te fact is that the rapid tests are not licensed, even, clusion, because they, too, care about people in long-term for asymptomatic people and that we have a better overall care, and their frst principle of action is to do no harm. plan to address symptomatic people in long-term care. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 19

Te purpose of the pilot project, the reason that we are in long-term care and in other vulnerable circumstances pursuing even that option, is to see under what circum- such as rural communities, such as vulnerable communit- stances you could use rapid testing to help — not to hinder ies, such as the Downtown Eastside…. So that they can be but to help — our overall protection of long-term care. efective. Tat’s why we’re proceeding, because every day we look We’re following the science. We’re following the advice at every possible option to assist people in long-term care of the people in epidemiology who lead this efort, this and to deal with outbreaks in long-term care, which, right specifc efort, of testing. We’re going to continue to do so. now, in active, long-term-care outbreaks in B.C., involve a total of 1,401 people. Mr. Speaker: Te member for Kelowna-Mission on a Regularly, I talk to the families of those people, as the supplemental. member will know. I hear their concerns, their worries, the fact of their separation, so we are taking the steps neces- R. Merrifeld: I can appreciate the minister’s comments, sary. But those steps have to be efective, and they have but there are still many voices calling for a widespread rap- to follow the science, and that’s why I’m following, in this id-testing program to reduce the number and extent of the case, the advice of Dr. Henry, the advice of the B.C. Centre current outbreaks in long-term care and to protect one of for Disease Control, the advice of those who know these our most vulnerable populations. Tat includes families areas of testing and have worked in them all their lives to like Lesley Telford’s, whose mom, Sandy, is in long-term guide our policies and will continue to do so. care. She says: “I do believe that we can do more testing. We do have to pay more attention to their quality of life. R. Merrifeld: Te minister has referenced science. We We can’t just lock people away indefnitely.” know from science that rapid tests can break stubborn Again to the Premier, how many rapid tests does B.C. bottlenecks. Tey can contain infection. Tey can sever have today, and how quickly could they be deployed to our the chain of transmission. Tey can reduce morbidity and long-term-care facilities? mortality and diminish debilitating economic costs — these tests, which can deliver results in minutes rather Hon. A. Dix: Well, I believe I just answered that ques- than days. Other jurisdictions such as Ontario have called tion. I’m happy to answer it again. We have 27,000 tests these a game-changer. of the Abbott ID NOW system and 131 of the machines. Two weeks ago the federal government gave B.C. 131 We’ve received approximately a little under 500,000 of the rapid-test machines, 27,000 test kits and 500,000 antibody Panbio antigen tests. All of them, of course, require a tests. Can the Premier confrm that B.C. has these tests and nasopharyngeal swab. All of them require a health care tell us how many have been deployed in long-term-care worker to do the swab. All of them are not licensed for facilities? use except in people who are symptomatic, and even in the case of people who are symptomatic, they are not as able Hon. A. Dix: We’ve received 131 of the machines with to pick up the virus as the regular NAT tests that we do on respect to the Abbott ID NOW tests, with about 27,000 an ongoing basis in B.C. tests. One might understand in the case of those machines I absolutely agree with the member, and people that 27,000 tests would only be able to do the tests being frequently want this: they would like there to be a magic suggested by the hon. member one time, or less than one solution or a single solution or an easy solution. Tere is time, for a long-term-care resident and less than one time not an easy solution to this worldwide pandemic. We have per worker in long-term care equally. Tey’re not licensed, to do the work. We have to trust in the epidemiologists as we said, for asymptomatic testing. who have led us so extraordinarily well in this area. Dr. Bonnie Henry has given the response on this ques- We absolutely have to do testing on a systematic basis, tion multiple times, as the member will know — that her and we have signifcantly increased our capacity to do response is founded on the science in this area. What Brit- testing in B.C. We have to ensure, as we have done in ish Columbia is doing in terms of piloting with respect B.C., our single-site model for stafng, ensure that we’re to rapid testing is not dissimilar to what they’re doing adding health care workers — more than 1,000 of the 7,000 in Ontario, and we’re going to continue to act, including already hired, as proposed by the Premier in September. ensuring that early access to vaccine, especially for long- We have to ensure that infection control procedures are in term-care workers, which will hopefully ring-fence long- place, and that efort is being made by health care workers term care, will be a key part of our vaccine plan. everywhere in the province. [10:50 a.m.] I am with the hon. member. I am with the families For the member…. I think the member is incorrect in in this area. In fact, I am one of the families in this suggesting that those tests, the 500,000 Panbio antigen area. I can tell the member that we are doing absolutely tests, are the answer in long-term care. Tey are being used everything we can, but wishing doesn’t make [audio in British Columbia. We’re taking the very steps required interrupted]. We have to follow [audio interrupted] the to ensure the best use is made of them so that people 20 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 best advice of people such as Dr. Bonnie Henry and will more information to people. But we have a pretty strong continue to do so. idea. Tat’s why the host of measures taken by the gov- ernment across government ministries has supported COVID-19 IMPACT AND people who are renting, supported people on income DISAGGREGATED DATA COLLECTION assistance and disability, supported people in vulnerable circumstances, raised up the wages of workers in long- S. Furstenau: I just want to say that I’m glad that we term care, and so on. have the opportunity to be asking questions of govern- We understand the scope of the situation, and everyone ment afer this time and being in the depths of the second understands that the impact on some is greater than the wave of COVID-19. Te public has a lot of questions, and impact on others. But I believe we can best respond by it’s important we have this opportunity to be able to ask coming together as a province. I know the member agrees them. And as we come to terms with being in the depths with that, and I know we’ll continue to do that. of the second wave, we must recognize that COVID-19 has not only exposed the inequalities in our society but con- Mr. Speaker: Te Leader of the Tird Party on a supple- tinues to deepen those inequalities. We’re not actually all mental. in it together. Some of us have the certainty of jobs that are not at risk S. Furstenau: I agree absolutely with the Minister of because of COVID-19 and can work safely from home, Health that British Columbians have indeed come togeth- even relying on delivery of groceries as a bufer from the er in the face of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean that it is risk. Others work in jobs that don’t allow them that secur- impacting us equally. I heard him agree with that as well. ity. Health care workers, teachers, principals, custodial and It is government’s job to put policies in place that recog- cleaning staf; people working in retail, food service, trans- nize that the impacts are not being felt equally and respond portation — none of them are able to stay home while con- to that unequality of impact, and to do that, government tinuing to earn a salary. We also know that this virus has needs evidence and data. We need to heed the voices of disproportionate race-based impacts, but we don’t know countless community leaders who are calling for this exactly to what extent. change and to collect disaggregated data from Black and My question is to the Premier. Telling people to stay Indigenous community leaders to the Human Rights home is not good enough. We need targeted supports that Commissioner to the South Asian Mental Health Alliance. match the realities that diferent British Columbians face. Visible minority communities have been hit harder by To create those supports, we need disaggregated data COVID-19 than the general population across the coun- about who is getting sick and where, including income and try. But in B.C., we know very little about what is actually ethnicity. When will the Premier make this a priority and going on. We are one of the least transparent provinces make the call to start collecting this critical data? in Canada when it comes to COVID-19. Most other [10:55 a.m.] provinces are far ahead of us in providing more detailed information about where cases are occurring and who is Hon. A. Dix: Tank you to the member for her question afected, yet this doesn’t seem to be a priority. and her assistance and advice during the many months of My question again is to the Premier. Why isn’t B.C. the pandemic. Te member will know that British Colum- heeding the calls of the leaders of communities who are bia was the frst to provide information around modelling, asking that we collect more disaggregated data and be the frst to do a provincewide survey to see the efects of transparent in our explanations about COVID-19 and its COVID-19 on groups across B.C. All of that information impacts? is publicly available, and we’ve continued to do so. It is the case that right now, we are not providing unique Hon. A. Dix: I simply disagree. I do so respectfully with case counts, disaggregated data. But we know what the respect to the collection of data. What B.C. is doing — facts are. We know precisely what the facts are with respect what many other jurisdictions in the country are not doing to Indigenous people. We know that people who are doing — is continuing to do case management and systematic essential work and others who are vulnerable are most contact tracing, which means we’re treating cases of people afected from COVID-19. not just as groups, but as individuals. We’ve hired, for I agree with the member that COVID-19 afects people example, over 1,100 contact tracers since August in addi- diferently. It clearly does. We only have to look at long- tion to the team of contract tracers, more than 500, that we term care. We only have to look at people with chronic dis- put in place before. eases. We only have to look at people who are doing essen- I think British Columbia and the British Columbia tial work to know that. But I disagree to say we’re not all in health system have a greater understanding of the impact this together. I think people in B.C. have come together in of COVID-19 on communities and how to address it, and extraordinary ways, and we have to continue to do so. that understanding informs our decisions. I simply dis- We will continue to add and provide information and agree with the member that we aren’t being transparent. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 21

Well, I think one important consideration, to the hon. ation, if you’re a family member of someone, I want to take member, because sometimes people did… Tis was true at this opportunity to reach out and let you know there are the beginning of the pandemic, and it’s true now. Tere is a supports especially designed through the pandemic to be desire for more information about where COVID-19 is in safe. You can go to gov.bc.ca/covid-19 or call 811. communities. But it’s also critical for us — including for all Tere are so many online and person-to-person virtual of the people most afected by COVID-19, including the supports that are available. Foundry, there’s no cost. very people that the member talks about — that privacy be Addictions. Counselling support. We have an expanded maintained, that people be protected, that they trust their the Bounce Back program, particularly focused on youth. health care system, that they can come forward so we can I’m so encouraged that this spring we launched a 24-7 contact-trace. Tose are critical values that we’ve put in mental health support line for students in post-secondary, place and have balanced here. a very strong call that came particularly from Nanaimo. [11:00 a.m.] But I’ll say, in a more focused way, we had started the We were the frst to provide our modelling. We provide work of building up a strong mental health and addictions regular, detailed information, respond to questions virtu- system in British Columbia before the pandemic hit. We ally every single day, either in press conferences or in other know even more now how badly that is needed. I want forums, and we are in the Legislature. to assure all members in the House of our government’s I’m always looking to do better. Clearly, on the case of deep resolve to invest more deeply in people and encour- taking disaggregated race-based data, we have a direction age anybody who needs help to reach out and ask for it. We from the Premier and the government to do better, and we need to do more. We will do better. will. But at the moment, the efort we’re making in Brit- ish Columbia, the extraordinary efort of our whole system T. Halford: To me it’s clear that there are not enough and our whole province, is second to none in Canada. mental health resources in B.C. We must continue to make that efort together because Last week the Canadian Mental Health Association this pandemic isn’t going away any time soon, although reported that 42 percent of British Columbians said their there is some good news on the horizon, and we’ve got a mental health has deteriorated since the start of the pan- lot of work to do together. demic. People need more help than they are getting, and the time is of the essence to get people the support they COVID-19 RESPONSE AND need. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES My question, again, is to the Premier. How do people connect to the mental health supports they need today? T. Halford: Tis pandemic is having a profound efect [11:05 a.m.] on the mental health of British Columbians. For many, the increase in social isolation and uncertainty is leading to Hon. S. Malcolmson: Again, I say to the member that the increased levels of distress, worry and anxiety. Tere is we agree there was a great hole, as Dr. Bonnie Henry said. a critical need for more mental health services than what When our government inherited government in 2017, is available today. Unfortunately, the need is only going to there was no mental health and addictions system in place. get worse in the coming months. We have worked hard to pick up the slack from the front My question is to the Premier. Where are people strug- line, the amazing families and service providers that had gling with their mental health supposed to go for help been holding the system together. today? But we have already, in the time that we’ve had before the pandemic hit, been able to get more supports on the Mr. Speaker: Te Minister of Mental Health and Addic- ground. We opened B.C.’s frst mental health and support tions. team focused through the urgent primary care centre in Surrey, an urgent response centre. We’ve opened a 75-bed Hon. S. Malcolmson: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. May I mental health and substance use division at Royal Col- frst congratulate you on your historic election. It’s a proud umbian. Tat was opened in August. We’ve opened new moment for British Columbia. Foundry centres focused on youth, a fantastic model, and I thank the member so much for his frst intervention we’ve announced the locations for eight more. Tat will be in the House, and for his frst opportunity to speak, to talk a total of 19 across British Columbia. about this double whammy of the pandemic. We know If you ask me three more questions, I’ll be able to carry how much people in British Columbia were hurting, and on the list of the work that we have done. Tere’s more we know that COVID-19 has made everything in the pan- being rolled out right now. Towards the end of the sum- demic worse, so I share the member’s concerns about the mer, all of the health authorities across British Columbia impacts. received the funds to be able to expand supports for men- Let me say, more than anything, if you are someone who tal health on the ground. We’ve got more to do and more is thinking about suicide, someone who is sufering in isol- underway. 22 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

COVID-19 RAPID TESTING PROGRAM All of those issues raised by the ofcial opposition today FOR LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES are valid issues, valid questions. I’m grateful that they were asked, and I want to continue to reach out and appeal to J. Tegart: Te pandemic is taking a toll healthwise. It’s all members of this House to bring those issues forward also taking a toll on the mental health of British Columbi- and take the responses from the people that have been des- ans — seniors who are separated from their families, par- ignated on the executive council to manage those issues ents who want to know if a school exposure was in their going forward. child’s classroom, teachers who can’t fnd out if they’ve We have a lot of work to do, but I’m confdent this new been exposed for several weeks, isolation that’s impacting and invigorated Legislature is up to that task. all of us in many negative ways. [11:10 a.m.] Today we’ve expressed the worries and stresses being felt by many British Columbians, and we’ve asked the Pre- [End of question period.] mier to implement a number of practical, thoughtful actions to address these concerns. Tabling Documents Again, will the Premier embrace the feedback that we’ve shared today and commit to rapid testing broadly across Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honour to pres- British Columbia? ent the following reports. Auditor General information report — Summary of Hon. J. Horgan: I thank the member for her question. COVID-19 Pandemic Funding Allocations and Other Fin- I also welcome the new members for their frst question ancial Relief Measures. period today. Confict of the Interest Commissioner — 2019 Annual I’m grateful for the line of questioning from the new Report. Leader of the Opposition with respect to focusing on the Human Rights Commissioner report — Disaggregated challenge of our time, the number one issue for British Demographic Data Collection in British Columbia: Te Columbians wherever they live — whether it be on the Grandmother Perspective, September 2020. Island, in the north, in the Kootenays, in the Lower Main- Information and Privacy Commissioner — Annual land — is addressing COVID-19 and making sure that Report 2019-2020. we’re there for people, for businesses and for communities, Ombudsperson — special report No. 45, Course Cor- and we have been doing that for the past nine months. rection: Te Ministry of Education 2019 Provincial Exam I’m grateful for all of the questions today. I’m grateful Errors, August 2020. for the coherent answers from ministers responsible for Police Complaint Commissioner — Annual Report the particular issues that were raised by all of the members 2019-2020. in this House. Registrar of Lobbyists — Annual Report 2019-20; and I understand that politics are now behind us, and we Investigation Report 20-01, B.C. Salmon Farmers Associ- can, all together, focus on bringing forward the issues that ation, September 24, 2020. matter to the people in our communities and matter to the Representative for Children and Youth reports — A people of British Columbia. Way to Cope: Exploring Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in B.C. With respect to the fnal point that the member for Youth; Annual Report 2019-20 and Service Plan 2020-21 Fraser-Nicola made with respect to rapid testing, pilot to 2022-23; Financial Statements 2019-2020; Lef Out: projects are in place, consistent with the response the Children and Youth with Special Needs in the Pandemic, Health Minister gave to the Leader of the Ofcial Oppos- December 2020; Illuminating Service Experience: A ition. We will build on that if the science takes us in that Descriptive Analysis of Injury and Death Reports for First direction. Nations Children and Youth in B.C., 2015 to 2017, With respect to race-based information and data, that December 2020. is being collected. We’re working with the human rights Fourteen reports pursuant to the COVID-19 Related commission. We’re working with the federal government Measures Act. on those issues. With respect to the issues around mental health and Orders of the Day addictions — again, one of the frst provinces in the coun- try to have a stand-alone minister to focus on these issues, Hon. M. Farnworth: I call Address in Reply, Speech establishing urgent primary care centres with mental from the Trone. health components attached to them, expanding acute care facilities across the province, making sure that our [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] schools have the counsellors and social workers they need for young people who are distressed at the upheaval in Deputy Speaker: We will just take a moment while their lives. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 23 members get to where they need to go so we can get on to by poverty, due to racism and those who really bear the the throne speech reply. Nudge, nudge. brunt as well, seniors. We know across British Columbia, across Canada, just Trone Speech Debate the incredible hardship and the fear of folks meeting the challenge of COVID-19. We know the steps that our G. Begg: I move, seconded by the member for Victoria– province, under the leadership of the provincial health Beacon Hill: ofcer, Dr. Bonnie Henry; and, of course, our very able [Tat we, Her Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legisla- Minister of Health, Adrian Dix; and, really, the whole tive Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg leave health care team; elected leaders right across the province; to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour all of my colleagues in the Legislature; and Indigenous has addressed to us at the opening of the present session.] leaders, community leaders and British Columbians com- ing together to really work in solidarity, to really play a G. Lore: I rise to second the motion “that we, Her leading role here in British Columbia, to ensure that we get Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative through…. Assembly of British Columbia in session assembled, beg We got through the frst wave of COVID-19, and now leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which we fnd ourselves in the current wave, with the throne Your Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the speech looking at how we emerge. It’s a global pandemic present session.” with global challenges here in British Columbia. We have [11:15 a.m.] come together to meet those challenges. Te global pandemic has also really brought devastation M. Elmore: I join you virtually from the traditional ter- to individuals, families and businesses. We’ve seen that ritories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish here in British Columbia, certainly in Vancouver-Kens- Nations. ington. I want to reference, also, the grief that is born I’d like to start by congratulating you, hon. Speaker, on out of this difculty and challenge that I’ve heard from your election as the Deputy Speaker. It’s great to have you so many families, certainly through the tragedy of people there in the chair. Congratulations. who have succumbed to COVID-19, exacerbated by the I’m so honoured to rise and take my place here virtually distance, not being able to mourn. Here in British Colum- for my fourth term as the MLA for Vancouver-Kensington. bia, folks who have passed away across Canada and around I’m very pleased to be speaking in reply and support to the the world, there’s really a very deep grief. It’s really been throne speech. First, I’d like to thank everyone in Vancou- an incredible difculty for individuals, families and busi- ver-Kensington for their trust. I’m humbled for this oppor- nesses struggling. tunity to serve them again as their representative. I espe- [11:20 a.m.] cially look forward to my role as Parliamentary Secretary It’s an incredible challenge to meet the needs, to ensure for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care. that the health of British Columbians is safeguarded and to I’d also like to thank my family; my partner, Natalie; and get us through this current wave and through to the oth- my incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic campaign team er side. I think that there are some promising signs on the and volunteers, who put in a lot of time and efort during horizon, but certainly, much more needs to be done. this unprecedented election. Te issue, as well, that I have heard here in Vancouver- As I look back to all the province has been through since Kensington around the disproportionate impact of those my frst election in 2009, through two terms in opposition, in the COVID-19 pandemic…. I’ve heard from workers a minority government in 2017, and now with the major- on the front lines, essential workers, health care workers. ity, I’m hopeful today — even as we’re in the midst of an I think British Columbians have come together to really unprecedented global pandemic — when I refect on the heed the provincial health orders so that we support those throne speech, the highlights of which pledge the priorit- front-line workers in our health care sector. Teir stories ies for the government to continue fghting the COVID-19 have come to light. Many of them are racialized, on the pandemic by taking steps to protect the health of British front lines, in essential services, lower wages — really Columbians and ensuring that people, communities and bearing the brunt of ensuring that all British Columbians businesses are supported. are safe and are cared for. Te situation we fnd ourselves in today, refected in Tat has really brought up the reality of the racialized the throne speech, is really in the grips of an unpreced- nature of those on the front lines. We’ve now come to ented global pandemic of COVID-19, the likes of which appreciate the important role of, for example, migrant we haven’t seen — I certainly haven’t seen, no one has workers and undocumented workers doing that work and seen — for the last 100 years. It’s really laid bare the the need to ensure that everyone’s rights are protected. So fault lines of those most vulnerable. Tey have been the that’s one area that I’m also proud of the leadership from ones who have really borne the brunt — most vulnerable our government on and the support from all sectors and British Columbians to ensure that we do more to bring 24 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

COVID-19 under control and ensure that we can protect health care workers and those also doing infection con- the most vulnerable and that that’s the basis for rebuilding trol. Te commitment has been made, and that’s under- our economy. way. We’re seeing more folks come on board, and we need We also heard about, and I had so many reports into to continue that, moving ahead, in terms of how we ensure my ofce about, incidents of racism, of people being tar- that seniors in the long-term-care sector are protected. geted, really feeling the brunt of attitudes of white suprem- One of the issues, as well, with respect to the necessary acy either through verbal attacks or physical attacks on our direction to restrict visits to long-term care to limit the streets, in our parks, on buses. Tis is one area, I think, potential exposure from the community…. I know I’ve where we’ve seen British Columbians come together and, heard from families and seniors the great toll this takes certainly, folks in Vancouver-Kensington come together in — the difculty of not being able to support seniors and solidarity to stand up against systemic racism in all the seniors missing that contact and support from their family forms. Tat’s another area, moving forward, that we have members. Tat has taken a big toll on seniors. to integrate and ensure that those most impacted are con- It was a decision not made lightly, and in the context of sidered and included, in terms of policy discussions. I’m the COVID-19 life-or-death situations, that was a neces- very pleased to hear the commitment of our government sary decision. But with increased investments to ensure to move forward for disaggregated race-based data as a key that long-term-care facilities can put additional protective component. measures in place to ensure that there is a more efective When we look at the issue of solidarity, the throne infection control, this has allowed more visitors to visit speech talks about where we are now and how we move their loved ones and provide that quality of care that’s so forward. In my role as the Parliamentary Secretary for important to our seniors in the long-term-care sector. Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, our province has We have additional resources going towards enhanced taken decisive action to ensure that those most vulner- infection protection. Also, a key component to ensure our able…. Ofen, it’s been seniors — not only in British Col- seniors are kept safe is that they’ve been prioritized with umbia, across Canada, around the world — who are most respect to the fall fu immunization program. Now we have vulnerable to COVID-19. We’ve seen the most deaths from 98 percent of residents in long-term care who have had our seniors. A very tragic circumstance. their Fluzone vaccination. It was with early, decisive action that our government, Tese are some concrete steps that are happening now under the leadership and direction of our provincial health and every day. Every day is an intense efort to ensure ofcer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, took steps to ensure that those that seniors are protected, that they’re safe and that we’re in long-term care were protected through addressing the doing all we can to ensure that their safety and well-being supply of personal protective equipment, to ensure that is paramount. I’m very proud of that. we had a single-site order, to raise wages and standardize We have the reality of seniors in long-term care but also wages across the sector. Tese were key. across the spectrum. We have seniors now with an increas- When we look at the commitments in the throne speech ing demographic. More people are aging. We have the sup- ensuring that British Columbians are protected, moving port to ensure that more seniors can live in their homes through this period into the new year, this is going to and in community. So that’s the spectrum. Initiatives have remain a key sector and a key area to prioritize. Certainly, been taken in long-term-care homes, to ensure in assisted- the commitment from our provincial health ofcer, living facilities that measures are put in place — the neces- through all of the front-line staf, everyone in the health sity to ensure that seniors are supported in community. care sector, to really ensure that our seniors are protected Some of the key programs that came in…. I’m sure in long-term care and in society is a key priority. It’s some- many of my colleagues got calls from seniors right across thing that I’m very proud of here in British Columbia. British Columbia who were scared, who needed to isolate We also know that the commitment towards the single but were restricted, who needed to get groceries or needed site so that workers don’t move between multiple sites and to have their prescriptions flled. So the partnership with possibly bring infection between those work sites…. Tat the safe seniors, strong communities program, a collabor- was key. Te incredible efort of all stakeholders, the com- ation between the Ministry of Health, the United Way of plexity of the whole sector, to come together to work and the Lower Mainland and bc211, was a key program. to implement that directive has really been an incredible I know that folks here in Vancouver-Kensington availed testament in terms of the commitment in this sector. of and participated in it. I thought it just a great initiative [11:25 a.m.] to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We achieved…. As of June 18, 100 percent of sites across It’s a program that supports community-based seniors all health authorities in British Columbia were compliant whose regular network has been disrupted — seniors who with the single-site stafng. In addition, the Minister of need support with virtual wellness checks, grocery shop- Health has referenced the need to ensure that long-term ping and delivery, meal preparation, prescription drop-of, care sites are adequately stafed. So we’ve put in a com- medication pickup, etc. It’s a unique program, and I think mitment to ensure that we hire more workers — front-line it really showcases that commitment and the great spirit of Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 25

British Columbians. In a time of unprecedented challenge, sectors of our economy are impacted, some more than we just saw so many volunteers come forward and want to others. Across the board, unquestionably, it’s the greatest help — British Columbians who were worried about seni- challenge. It’s the greatest challenge for all of us, right ors, who were worried about supporting those most vul- across the board. nerable. I just want to conclude. I’m pleased with our throne [11:30 a.m.] speech — the commitment that it dedicates to British Col- Te 211 program and the safe seniors, strong com- umbians to ensure that the government will support them. munity allowed for volunteers. Since the program People will support families and communities to ensure launched just in March, there were more than 11,000 that the health and well-being of British Columbians is volunteers who put their names forward. Tey have paramount. We will take steps, all the steps that we can delivered over 425,000 services to around 16,600 seniors. take, to ensure that British Columbians are safe and that So just a great example, I think, of that spirit coming those most marginalized — particularly, especially, seniors together from community; leveraging support; working — are protected and working in partnership, as well, with with stakeholders, government, the non-profts, the civic businesses. sector and also British Columbians to ensure, in these We can’t separate that. Tey’re interconnected, so we unprecedented times, that we support seniors in com- have to ensure that supports go hand in hand with the per- munity. spective that once we establish the foundation of health Another good example which is so important now and and well-being for British Columbians, that certainly is the ensures that we move forward through this time in terms foundation for economic recovery — an economic recov- of how we overcome COVID-19 and support seniors in ery that benefts all British Columbians. their homes is the Better at Home program. Tat’s an exist- [11:35 a.m.] ing community-based program, in partnership, working In conclusion, there’s a great challenge ahead of us. Cer- with the United Way of the Lower Mainland. It’s a network tainly, we can see, with the development of vaccines com- hub model, where it’s in place in over 75 communities, I’m ing and other treatments, that that is looking positive, sure, right across the province. moving forward. But the challenge still remains. Tis is my Many of my colleagues know about these programs. commitment, and I know it’s a commitment from all my Tey partner with neighbourhood houses, they partner colleagues in the House as well as all leaders across British with non-proft organizations, and they deliver programs Columbia and individuals — for us to come together and and supports to seniors in their communities to ensure to heed the advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry. that they have that support. Tese are some of the meas- Observe physical distancing, wear a mask, wash our ures that our government — working in collaboration, hands, limit social interactions, and ensure that we follow right across the political spectrum, through all sectors of provincial health orders — not just for ourselves but for British Columbia — has come together to ensure that seni- those we love, for those most vulnerable, coming together. ors are safe, that they’re supported and that their health is Tis is what I’ve been so inspired to see in British Colum- paramount. It’s a key commitment. bia to get us through the frst wave, and I know that’s what Tere’s more to be done. Certainly in my role as Par- will take us through this current wave and into recovery. liamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m so proud to be Care, I look forward to engaging with seniors, engaging speaking here with you today on the commitment from with families, working right across the sector, getting sug- the throne speech to move forward. gestions and ideas on how, together, British Columbians do everything we can to ensure that seniors, wherever they Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. I be in British Columbia, are safe, supported, happy and appreciate your remarks. healthy. With respect to the throne speech, looking at the snap- J. Rustad: As always, it’s an honour to be able to rise shot in time where we are now into this current wave of in this chamber and to be able to represent my riding, COVID-19, the throne speech lays out the commitment Nechako Lakes, and respond to the throne speech. I do that the government will support people. Te priority is want to start with some thank-yous. Perhaps even before to ensure the health and well-being of British Columbians. that, though, I want to congratulate you in your position, Trough COVID-19, we will put…. Te government, I’m and especially to our new Speaker in his appointment. It is pleased, through the throne speech, has continued the historic, and it is great to see that appointment. commitment to ensure that people, families, communities I want to thank, of course, the constituents of mine in and businesses are supported. Nechako Lakes for having the confdence in me to send Tere’s a recovery beneft for individuals and families. me back here to this Legislature for the ffh time. When Tat will be a grant that goes towards families who need it I think back to my time in starting politics, I would never the most. Tat will also beneft local businesses. We know have imagined even going into politics, let alone now that local businesses are so hard hit, and many diferent being elected for the ffh time to represent Nechako Lakes. 26 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to be able to of being able to get around and connecting with people in carry on with that work. those communities. Of course, it’s never possible to be involved in politics One of the challenges that’s come up, though…. I was without support from your family, so I want to take a happy when the throne speech talked about refocusing on moment to thank my wife, Kim, very much for her ongo- rural care and faster care, shorter times. I thought: “Well, ing support and long-sufering support, you might say. In that’s good. I’m happy to hear that government is going to politics, you spend a lot of time away from home. It’s ofen do that kind of focus.” very tough on family, far tougher than it is on you as a But here’s the reality of what’s happening on the ground. politician. In Fraser Lake today, things have never been worse in As well, I want to just mention my parents. My mom, terms of seniors needing to go in and get lab work done Molly Rustad — Mary, as she was born — God willing, will and get testing done. Seniors ofen, because of the drugs be 99 coming up just afer Christmas this year. It’s quite that they’re on, need to have a regular opportunity to go remarkable. My dad is 93½. We have them both in their in and get lab work done to make sure the drugs are tuned home, and we’re providing care for them in their home properly for their blood work. still, as they aren’t able to provide care for themselves due Tey’re being told now in Fraser Lake that they may to their health issues. I think we’re really blessed to be able have to wait two or three weeks to get in to see a lab tech to do that and be in that situation, where our family is to get the blood work done. Te reason for that is because able to support them being at home, given the situation we they only have somebody there part-time — a few hours a have with COVID and the impacts that we’re seeing today. day, three days a week or thereabouts. Tey’re told: “Well, We’re very fortunate for that, but when we went into sorry, but you have to drive to the next community.” We’re the election, my dad, who’s got signifcant mobility issues in the middle of winter. We’re in the middle of a pandem- and many other health challenges…. Te frst thing he said ic. Tey’re worried about travelling to begin with because to me was: “What can I do to help?” He wanted to go of the conditions and because of the pandemic, and they out and put up signs, knock on doors or whatever it was, can’t get these services in their community. because that’s what he’s always done in the past. Of course, I just think that is unacceptable. It’s an unacceptable he wasn’t able to do that. Just knowing that he was there to level of care that we’re seeing in communities like the support me and to support Kim in this process — as well ones that I represent — you know, small rural com- as my mom, of course — was very special, to be able to munities. Tose services were readily available in the have them there as part of it. past. We’ve never seen a situation like this under this I want to take a moment to also thank Charlie Rensby, current government, so I’m happy to hear they’re focus- who was my campaign manager. He’s a councillor in Burns ing on that. But I can tell you that over the last three Lake, and he works very hard for his community and for years, they’ve been failing. Te services have gone down the whole area. He’s very passionate about issues. I was in terms of what’s needed. very fortunate to have him be able to help me in my cam- I had some seniors reach out to me in tears because of paign. As well, of course, there’s Peet Vahi. Tis is now the the stress that this is causing. We’re in the middle of a pan- ffh campaign that he’s worked on for me, taking care of demic. Tey shouldn’t have to worry about something like signs in the area. He’s currently recovering from surgery, this kind of service and these kinds of challenges. Tese but he was a big support in my campaign. kinds of services should be readily available. Tere are so many other people to thank, but I just Once again, I heard it in the throne speech, and it was want to quickly also mention my constituency assistants. an opportunity for me to be able to talk about the realities Tey have been working tirelessly through COVID-19 and of what is facing in the communities with COVID and the before. Both Carrie Smith and Lory Derksen have been issues across my riding. doing a great job for me in my ofce, making sure that I’ve been fortunate in some ways in that some of the the needs of my constituents are looked afer, and of the retail outlets in my riding that have been able to stay people that are contacting my ofce. open have actually see an increase in business during [11:40 a.m.] COVID-19. Instead of travelling down the road to a lar- Nechako Lakes is an interesting riding. It’s made up ger community, like Prince George, they’re staying and of very small communities, the largest community being doing things more locally because they don’t want to 4,300 people, which is very diferent from the vast majority take the risk. So that’s actually been a bit of a beneft for of people in this chamber. All the small communities are some of the retail. very spread out. However, that is not widely distributed across other My riding is about 2.2 times the size of Vancouver retails. Of course, they’ve been struggling. Some have had Island, with about 30,000-plus people that live in it. It to close. Te lack of aid…. In particular, there wasn’t much makes it very challenging both for services that they want in terms of support for and recognition of those impacts and need as well as, of course, for representing, in terms on those retail outlets, as well as, of course, on the restaur- ant sector. Tere was nothing in the throne speech of sub- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 27 stance to be able to support them, and that was disappoint- talked about it many times in the Legislature here. I’ve had ing because there have been months and months of this many town hall meetings in my riding. Many times I’ve going on. Te government has well known about it, and it had opportunities for the various groups to come forward. didn’t seem to make that a priority. We did one, about a year ago now, in the riding, and When you’re talking about the small businesses in my we had over 70 people come out for it. Tat has never riding, you’re talking about mother-and-father, mom-and- happened for anything along these lines, but that just goes pop operations — a small family where one or two people to show how worked up the ranching sector, the agricul- are trying to run a business, trying to make a go of it in ture sector, is at changes that have happened to the ALR, small communities. Tey’re proud of what they do. Tey’re changes that have happened to the way that the ALC is proud of the services that they bring forward, but it is a doing things, and the new rules and components that have real struggle. Tere just hasn’t been the support, and there been brought in by this government. aren’t the avenues, I think, for them, and that’s disappoint- What’s missing from the government’s approach is the ing, to say the least. farmers, the people that actually work the land. Tey’re Across my riding, as well, I ofen think about, of course, concerned about all these other things, but it’s the people the critic role I’m in, because it’s also one of the most who are working the land that are producing the food, that important industries in my riding. It’s about 40 percent, are feeding our province and exporting the foods to oth- 45 percent of the economic activity in my riding, which is er areas. Tose are the ones that we need to be thinking forestry. Forestry, of course, struggled signifcantly in the about. You can change all kinds of rules, but if you make previous years. it so hard that people can’t do the work on the land, what We’re blessed at the moment because lumber prices are have you done? You’ve ended up killing a sector, or hurting in the vicinity of $700 per thousand board feet, so every- a sector or hurting the opportunities of a sector. Tat’s not body is working. It’s been good. It’s been solid. You know, the right approach. the contractors are out. Tey’re pretty worried about the Once again, I recognize that this is a short throne stumpage increase coming in January. But even with that speech, to be focused on one thing, but there’s a compon- increase, because of prices, they’re still going as much as ent that has been going on around the province. Quite possible. frankly, many people in the province, of course, are out [11:45 a.m.] protesting in support of what’s going on in other places in However, there’s a big problem, and that is the cost the world. It just goes to show the level of engagement that structure that’s in this province. We are not competitive. At people have on this sector, which unfortunately has not this price, everybody is competitive, where you can make had the kind of focus that I think is needed. money. But companies aren’t doing the reinvestment that’s Going back to COVID-19 and the impact, particularly needed. We need mills to be retooled for the change in the on long-term-care facilities. I mean, it’s tragic. I think fbre fow that’s coming in, for the amount of fbre that’s everybody in this chamber understands the complexity of coming in. We need those signifcant investments on the the issue, the seriousness of the issue and the seriousness ground. Companies aren’t willing to make those invest- of the approach that’s needed. We’ve got outbreaks con- ments. Tat’s going to hurt us, because all that does is con- tinuously happening in long term or in various care facil- tinue on with inefciencies within mills. ities, and the vast majority of the tragic fatalities that have Coupled with the cost structures that have been put in come from COVID-19 have come in these facilities. place by this government and the increased costs, it means Yet I wonder. You know, today in question period we that at some point those lumber prices come back down, talked about testing. We talked about the kinds of and we will be the frst to feel that impact. My riding feels approaches that could be taken, the suggestions that came it signifcantly because that is a risk. Our people are mak- from the seniors advocate and the apparent lack of will- ing hay when the sun is shining, but it is a real challenge, I ingness to go and do some of those suggestions. But here’s think, going forward. something to think about when it comes to long-term-care Tat’s something that I wish government…. When facilities and our response to COVID-19: why is it that the they talk about economic recovery, they need to be flm sector requires everybody involved in the flm sector thinking about that cost structure. Tey need to be to be tested every day — every person, every day — to thinking about the confdence that needs to be brought keep people protected and to make sure that there aren’t into this province to be able to attract those kinds of outbreaks? Why isn’t that same standard being applied to investment dollars. Once again, unfortunately, over the our long-term-care facilities? I don’t get it. last number of years, that hasn’t been there, and I haven’t [11:50 a.m.] seen any direction out of the throne speech to suggest We’re talking about wanting to be able to protect our that direction will change. most vulnerable, to protect the seniors, to protect the I also think, in my riding, about agriculture. Te sector people that built this province, and we are not taking the is probably 25 to 35 percent of the economic activity in same standards and approaches as they do for the flm sec- my riding — primarily cow-calf ranching operations. I’ve tor, to try to prevent outbreaks, to try to catch them early, 28 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 to try to be able to contain them. I don’t get it, and I hope other. It really is tragic. We need to be able to fnd some we’ll get an opportunity to be able to debate that at some way for them to get together. point in this chamber. I had one of the organizations reach out to me from I’m not an expert on COVID-19, but if these are the a community who said: “You know, we’ve been following standards that are being applied to a sector that has lots the rules. We have no more than 40 people in a very large of interactions, to try to prevent…. A majority of people room. Everybody is more than six to 12 feet away from involved in that are healthy, engaged people. Tat should each other. We go through; we do this. We have multiple be a minimum standard if we’re talking about protecting sittings. We make sure everything is clean — the whole our seniors in care facilities. Why is it not being con- process, following all the rules.” Tey haven’t had any sidered? Why is the question not even being asked or the problems, but they’re being shut down. comparison even being made? Like I say, I’m not questioning Bonnie Henry. But there It does make me wonder where the priorities are. We’re is that question that’s nagging in the community, and here being called back in this chamber to give $2 billion people are very disheartened by this. At this time of the out in $1,000 cheques to everybody as part of an election year, it can be very stressful. It’s a time of celebration, in giveaway when that money could be used and be spent on terms of celebrating Christmas, but it can also be very increasing capacity and being able to do that testing and stressful on families, for loved ones, for people that have protecting seniors in our long-term-care facilities. Where health issues, for people that are away. Sometimes it can be are the priorities? And where are the priorities of this gov- very challenging for them. ernment and this Legislature when we are letting down the I think some consideration needs to be given for our seniors that are in those facilities by not taking those steps? faith-based communities to be able to support one another Like I say, I’m not an expert. Maybe that wouldn’t help, through activities. At the end of the day, COVID is one but I think we should be doing everything we possibly can. issue, but it’s not the only issue. It’s not the only thing that I think it’s not unreasonable to be thinking that that is an needs to be considered in terms of the broad support. approach we should be considering doing. So with that, I’ve just got a few more comments I’m We’re here in the Legislature, and we’re debating the going to make, and then I’ll wrap up my comments and throne speech. We’ve had a bill introduced today that, allow somebody else to be able to continue fresh afer the quite frankly, caught me by surprise. My understanding is lunch break that we’re approaching. that the Legislature was called back to be able to pass a [11:55 a.m.] bill that would enable government to carry on the election I also want to just mention, in terms of what we’re giveaway, the $2 billion election giveaway that was prom- supposed to be here for, which is the $2 billion that will ised. I get it. Tat was part of the campaign. Tey’re going be going out to people, I do also know that food banks to have to do it. Tat’s fne. It is what it is. are struggling, and the demand is there as people have But that’s not the bill that we’re here to debate. Te been impacted by COVID-19. It’s disappointing to hear bill we’re here to debate is actually to delay introducing a that there isn’t an additional provision being thought of budget, which will create all kinds of other challenges that by this government to be able to support the food banks I’m sure I’ll get an opportunity to speak to in the debate on and communities, particularly in the small communities that bill. But I was surprised — I was very surprised — by out and around. that. I’m really going to be curious to see how government You know, in small communities…. explains that piece given that the whole stated purpose of being here was the $2 billion election giveaway. Deputy Speaker: Sorry, Member. Just noting the hour, As we go through, I look and think about my riding, and I believe the member was going to move adjournment of I think about approaching Christmas. My riding has many, the debate and return afer the lunch hour. many churches, many faith-based organizations. I’ve heard from many of them with regard to the standards and rules J. Rustad: I’ve got another two minutes of comments, if put in place. I’m not an expert, so I’m not going to question I may, Mr. Speaker. the orders that Dr. Bonnie Henry put in place. But I do know the struggles that those faith-based communities are Deputy Speaker: Tank you. Please proceed, and we’ll going through right now, particularly at this time of year, wrap it up. with Christmas — not being able to get together, not being able to share with one another, not being able to support J. Rustad: Tank you. one another. Just in terms of, as I was mentioning, food banks, in We heard today about questions about mental health small communities, the communities I represent, people and some of the challenges that are being brought up by are always there to be able to support each other. I mean, COVID-19. Tese faith-based organizations, the churches, that’s just the way we are, because we don’t have the broad play a big role in supporting families and supporting each services that we do in large urban areas. Tat’s, quite Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 29 frankly, some of the uniqueness and some of the things I Once again, thank you for the opportunity to be able to really appreciate about my riding. speak today. But I do know that there’s some support needed, both on the mental health side and on the food bank side. So J. Rustad moved adjournment of debate. I hope that’s something that government will consider. It was disappointing, once again, to see that it wasn’t in the Motion approved. throne speech. I’ll close, then, by saying this. Once again, it’s a tremend- Hon. L. Beare moved adjournment of the House. ous honour to represent my riding of Nechako Lakes, to be able to be in this chamber to debate and to bring the voice Motion approved. of my riding through our representative system. I just want to say, to everybody out there who is listen- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] ing and to people around the province, I do wish that everybody does have a merry Christmas, to the best of Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 their abilities, given the restrictions. I hope that they will p.m. follow the health restrictions, because this is a serious issue, but I hope they take some time to refect and to Te House adjourned at 11:58 a.m. appreciate our province and each other and our families.

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