Second Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday, April 12, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 44

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Second Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. 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. , QC 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 ...... Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party)...... Abbotsford West...... Michael de Jong, QC Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...... North Island Boundary-Similkameen...... Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP)...... –False Creek –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 ...... Begg, Garry (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Guildford Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...... ...... Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal Party)...... Prince George–Valemount Chilliwack ...... Brar, Jagrup (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Chilliwack-Kent ...... Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal Party) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–West End –Burke Mountain...... Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ...... –Seymour Coquitlam-Maillardville ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed Courtenay-Comox...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP)...... Burnaby-Edmonds Cowichan Valley ...... Sonia Furstenau Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview ...... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)...... Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... 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)...... Kamloops–South Tompson...... de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)...... Abbotsford West – ...... Norm Letnick Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...... Esquimalt-Metchosin Kelowna-Mission ...... Renee Merrifeld D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission ...... 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 ...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ...... –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 ...... 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)...... –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 ...... 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 ...... Hon. Lana Popham Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ...... Delta South Shuswap...... Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)...... Saanich South Skeena...... Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (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, QC 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

Monday, April 12, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Speech from the Trone ...... 1045

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 1051 Bill 1 — An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament Hon. D. Eby

Motions Without Notice...... 1051 Special procedures for proceedings of Legislative Assembly during COVID-19 pandemic Hon. M. Farnworth

Motions...... 1052 Appointment of Deputy Speaker Hon. M. Farnworth Appointment of Assistant Deputy Speaker P. Milobar Appointment of Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. M. Farnworth Printing of Votes and Proceedings Hon. D. Eby Appointment of select standing committees Hon. J. Horgan

Ministerial Statements ...... 1053 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Hon. J. Horgan S. Bond S. Furstenau

1045

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 and Esquimalt, upon whose traditional territory we gather today, and to thank them for sharing these lands in peace Te House met at 2:03 p.m. and friendship. I would also like to acknowledge Elder Butch Dick for [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] the gif of a traditional blessing. HÍSW̱ ḴE. Tis being the frst day of the second session of the It is with great sadness that I also acknowledge the 42nd Legislative Assembly of of British passing of His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a of Edinburgh, at the age of 99, on April 9, 2021. As the proclamation of the Hon. Janet Austin, Lieutenant- devoted husband and consort to Her Majesty the Queen, Governor of the province, hon. members took their seats. the marriage of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness formed a foundation of leadership of the United Kingdom Mr. Speaker: I invite Elder Butch Dick of the Songhees and the Commonwealth for nearly eight decades. Nation to ofer blessings. On the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Her Majesty referred to His Royal Highness as her B. Dick: [Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ was spoken.] constant strength and guide. His Royal Highness will be Good day, my friends and family. My name is Butch remembered fondly by British Columbians for his devo- Dick. My First Nation name is Yux’wey’lupton, and I’m tion to Queen and country, his duties as royal patron and from the Songhees Nation. his ever-keen interest in the lives and work of . I’m here today to ofer you a prayer song, and afer that, On behalf of all British Columbians, I wish once more I will do a paddle welcome song. So thank you very much to extend my heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty the for the invitation to be here, and I wish you well. Queen, the entire royal family and all the citizens of the [2:05 p.m.] Commonwealth on the loss of this steadfast companion and most loyal prince. [Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ was sung.] For the last four years, your government has worked to go beyond these important land acknowledgments that I Tat’s a prayer song, and both the songs I’m singing acknowledged frst of and actively forge partnerships with today were taught to me by my Uncle Ray, from Cowichan. Indigenous peoples. Working together, we have progressed He told me to learn the songs and to sing them in a good in advancing meaningful reconciliation. Indigenous lan- way, for good people. guages are being revitalized. Child welfare legislation has So the next is a paddle welcome song. been improved, so more children rightfully remain with their families and communities. Te fundamental human [Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ was sung.] rights of Indigenous peoples have been enshrined in law with the unanimous passage of the declaration act in this Hay’sxw’qa si’em. Tank you very much. Hay’sxw’qa. Legislature. Tis hard work has only just begun, and to be successful, it must be done together. Mr. Speaker: Tank you very much, Elder Dick, for Te pandemic has exposed pre-existing systemic gaps your kind and generous words to open our proceedings. in health care, housing and other basic services. Your gov- We are very honoured that you were able to join us. ernment recognizes that our future must be one where we Hon. Members, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor share decision-making and prosperity with the Indigenous is in the precinct. Please remain seated while we await her peoples who have exercised their inherent rights on their arrival. respective territories since time immemorial. As is our tradition, we open the second session of the Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested to 42nd parliament by pausing to remember some of the Brit- attend the House, was admitted to the chamber and was ish Columbians we have lost in the past year. pleased to deliver the following gracious Speech from the Indigenous leaders and Elders: Nisg̱ a’a Nation leader Trone. Chief Joe Gosnell, Gitxsan leader Neil Sterritt, fshing [2:10 p.m.] rights trailblazer Ronald Sparrow, health care rights advocate Carole Dawson, Indigenous rights defender Dav- Speech from the Trone id Dennis, Xenaksiala land protector Elder Cecil Paul, Cree Elder and educator Dr. Rosalyn Ing. Hon. J. Austin (Lieutenant-Governor): ÍY SȻÁĆEL Elected ofcials who served British Columbians: MLAs NE SĆÁLEĆE. ÍY, C̸NES QENOṈE ṮÁ. , , Lyle Kahl, Bill King, Ren- Good day, friends. As always, it’s important that we start aldo Angelo Masi, Jim Gorst, Lorne Nicolson, Gordon by acknowledging the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ people, the Songhees Hanson and . Leaders in sport: Curler Paul Devlin, World Cup skier 1046 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 12, 2021

Brayden Kuroda, hockey player and coach Phil Maloney, in our fght to end the pandemic. Te threat of new vari- hockey player and broadcaster Howie Meeker, rower Kath- ants means we cannot relax, even as your government leen Heddle, cyclist Jim Davies, soccer coach Tony Waiters accelerates the largest mass immunization program in and B.C. Lions owner David Braley. B.C.’s history. Tanks to the hard work of public health Prominent contributors to the arts: artist Wayne Ngan, ofcials, community leaders and volunteers, our age-based jazz musician and educator Hugh Fraser, actor Brent Car- vaccine rollout is ahead of schedule. More than a million ver, composer and pianist Linda Niamath, actor and play- British Columbians have already received their frst dose. wright Taran Kootenhayoo and arts executive Raj Sen. Tousands more are being added to that list every day. Journalists and media fgures: radio host Salman Nasir, A new partnership is helping 1,400 people previously photojournalist Ted Grant and journalist and playwright working in the tourism and hospitality sectors to get jobs Bob Sarti. supporting B.C.’s immunization rollout. If vaccine supplies Trailblazing members of the legal community: Con- are delivered as scheduled, everyone in B.C. will be able to stance Dora Isherwood and human rights lawyer Joe receive one by the end of June. Arvay. With each person who gets vaccinated, all of us become [2:15 p.m.] safer, bringing us one step closer to the end of the pan- Leaders in the labour movement: Canadian Farmwork- demic. But in a marathon, the fnal push is the most dif- ers Union founder and anti-racism activist Charanpal Gill, fcult. Tis pandemic is no diferent, as the last few weeks BCGEU leader John Fryer. have proven. High case counts mean we must all continue Philanthropists: former UBC chancellor Bob Lee, veter- working together to keep each other safe. As we get vac- an Rudi Hoenson and patrons of the arts Eric and Shirley cines into arms as quickly as possible, we must not let Charman. down our guard or give up on our layers of protection, not Other community leaders include political watchdog when we are this close to the end. Dermod Travis, war heroes George Chow and Norman Keeping people healthy and safe until we’ve crossed the Kirby, youth homelessness advocate Katherine McParland fnish line is our collective responsibility. It is an essential and veteran and founder of the Chinese Canadian Military precondition for economic recovery and a return to nor- Museum Col. Howe Yet Lee. mal life, and it will remain your government’s top priority. We honour their contributions to our province as we When the pandemic struck, B.C. was a fscal and eco- mourn their loss. nomic leader in Canada. We were one of Canada’s fastest- Of course, this has been a year like no other. Tragically, growing economies, with low unemployment rates and we have also lost over 1,400 British Columbians to COV- steadily rising wages. Despite the challenges of the last ID-19 and over 1,800 to the overdose crisis since the pan- year, our strengths remain. We have abundant natural demic began. Tese are not just numbers. Tey are our resources and clean technology. We are a gateway to Asia grandparents and Elders, our parents and siblings, our and major ports to North America, and our biggest colleagues, neighbours and friends. We acknowledge and strength is our people — hard-working, highly skilled and share in the grief of British Columbians who have lost with a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. someone they love in the past year. Take life sciences as just one example. B.C. is home Te COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge we to 300 biopharmaceutical, medical device and bioproduct have faced in more than a generation. Many have had to companies. COVID-19 has highlighted the enormous say goodbye to a loved one too soon. Others have felt the benefts ofered by this sector. fnancial stress of job loss or the strains of loneliness and [2:20 p.m.] isolation. Every one of us has been called on to do our part Tink of Precision Nanosystems’ work on a vaccine, and to stay apart to protect the people around us. AbCellera Biologics’ work on a treatment or StarFish Med- British Columbians have risen to the task. Health care ical’s development of an ICU ventilator for use in Cana- workers leapt into action immediately. Grocery store dian hospitals. Not only will their work help to bring us employees, truck drivers and farmers kept food on our out of the pandemic, it will position our province for suc- tables. Teachers, school support staf and child care work- cess in the years ahead. ers carried on their important work under difcult cir- We are already seeing positive indications that the cumstances. Small business owners changed the way they recovery is well underway here in B.C. Our province has operated to keep workers and customers safe. seen months of sustained growth and currently has the Tis year British Columbia’s Medal of Good Citizenship highest job recovery rate in Canada. Under new safety will recognize those who have gone above and beyond in guidelines, B.C. flm and television production has their eforts during this extraordinary time. We’ve come bounced back stronger than ever. Te mining sector, a long way by looking out for each other. Te lessons we which worked closely with government to remain open have learned over the last year will serve us well as we turn safely during the pandemic, saw stronger exploration over toward recovery. the past year, more than any since 1913. CN Rail is invest- We open this sitting of the Legislature at a turning point ing almost half a billion dollars in British Columbia to Monday, April 12, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1047 support growing demand, and Microsof Canada recently home. While much has been accomplished, there’s a lot announced it is adding 500 new jobs in Vancouver next more to do. year. In the year ahead, your government will continue to While these are encouraging signs, there is a lot more improve care for seniors by hiring thousands of new work- we need to do to help the businesses and workers in our ers for long-term care and by fxing the cracks COVID-19 hard-hit tourism and hospitality sectors rebound and has exposed. It will reduce wait times by permanently recover. To ensure charitable organizations and the non- changing the way we deliver surgeries in B.C. to get more proft sector are supported so that they can support people patients their surgeries faster. It will build more hospitals and communities. To create good jobs while tackling the and urgent primary care centres to ensure quality health climate crisis and protecting the environment. And ulti- care is there when you need it, where you need it. Tis mately, to position British Columbia to come back even includes building a new hospital in Surrey and an expan- stronger once we have put the pandemic behind us. ded Richmond tower to deliver more services in fast- Later this month, your government will introduce a new growing communities. budget. All budgets are about choices. Tis budget will [2:25 p.m.] choose to help people now and create the conditions for a COVID-19 has not just afected our physical health. It strong economic recovery that reaches every British Col- has also taken a toll on our mental health. People every- umbian. It will make health care better while creating new where are experiencing increased anxiety, stress and opportunities for people. It will target help to small busi- depression. Prior to the pandemic, Canada’s frst stand- nesses, so they can grow and hire. It will invest in the infra- alone Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions was mak- structure we need to strengthen local communities. ing good progress. Now we will redouble our eforts. Your government will base its long-term budget plan on Trough the upcoming budget, your government will several principles of fscal responsibility that have guided make new investments in the Pathway to Hope plan to it since day one. First and foremost, your government will improve mental health and addictions care for people, and protect the public services that British Columbians rely on B.C. will take action to end the criminalization of simple and have proven critical in our fght against COVID-19. drug possession that directly leads to stigma and prevents Ten, afer the pandemic ends, it will carefully return to people from seeking services. balanced budgets as the economy recovers. Our emerging recovery will not be felt fully by everyone Te focus of your government from day one has been if too many people continue to feel weighed down by the to put people frst. Even when the pandemic struck, that cost of everyday life. For the last four years, your gov- focus did not waiver. Your government moved quickly to ernment has worked hard to make things a little easier. It provide relief for renters, middle-class families and the eliminated MSP health care premiums and road tolls. It most vulnerable. cut hydro rates and put money back into the pockets of B.C. has delivered more direct help for people through- families with the child opportunity beneft. It eliminated out the pandemic than any other province in Canada. Our interest on B.C. student loans and launched a grant pro- province also took a leadership role in protecting workers. gram to make post-secondary education more accessible. We successfully advocated for paid sick leave benefts for It took steps to rein in skyrocketing housing prices by workers across Canada during the pandemic, and we introducing a speculation tax that has helped turn 18,000 amended B.C.’s laws to make sure workers cannot be fred empty condos into long-term rentals. for staying home when they are sick. Te pressures created by COVID-19 have made it Your government understood that while COVID-19 has harder for many who were already struggling to balance a afected everyone, it has not done so evenly. Put another household budget. In the year ahead, additional steps will way, we are all in the same storm, but we are not in the be taken to make life more afordable for people. Changes same boat. Women have been more likely to lose a job or at ICBC will deliver a 20 percent cut to car insurance rates. feel forced out of the workforce. Young people have missed Te reduction is on top of the COVID-19 rebate issued out on work opportunities and vital social connections. earlier this year and in addition to last year’s freeze on Indigenous peoples, Black people, people of colour, as well rates. Tis means hundreds of dollars in savings to every as those working in front-line jobs in the gig economy driver in B.C. and an end to the threat of extreme annual have all been afected disproportionately. increases. Your government will continue to seek oppor- As we move forward toward better days, your govern- tunities to generate further savings for drivers that are con- ment will make targeted investments to ensure the recov- sistent with protecting ICBC’s long-term fscal integrity. ery does not leave people behind. Whether you are renting or paying a mortgage, there is Te work of investing in people starts with improving no bigger monthly expense for most British Columbians health care. Te pandemic has shown that keeping people than housing. Tat’s why your government will pursue its healthy and safe is the foundation for a strong and resilient goal of a province where everyone has access to a safe and British Columbia. Four years ago your government set out afordable place to call home. Tis will include new invest- to deliver faster, more personalized health care, closer to 1048 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 12, 2021 ments through Budget 2021 to help build thousands of towards building the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, ensuring missing middle rental homes throughout the province. the line extends fully to Langley. Your government will help even more families get access To support coastal communities, your government will to afordable, high-quality child care and increase the also launch a made-in-B.C. shipbuilding strategy and fght number of $10-a-day spaces. Tis will make life easier and to bring construction of Canada’s next polar icebreaker support a strong economic recovery by helping more par- back to B.C. shipyards. ents to re-enter the workforce. Your government will also When schools closed for in-class learning last spring, take steps to recognize and retain early childhood educat- the lives of many families were suddenly turned upside ors, who have been essential during the pandemic and will down. Kids were separated from their social networks and be essential to our recovery. cut of from services that they rely on. Parents struggled Life becomes more afordable not just when costs go to balance supervising their children’s online learning with down but also when incomes go up. In June, B.C.’s min- their own work responsibilities. imum wage will increase to over $15 an hour for the frst Tis is why your government prioritized quickly and time. Tis will give the lowest-income workers a well- safely reopening schools and ensuring they could stay deserved raise, many of whom have worked in essential open. Te success and stability of B.C.’s safe school reopen- services throughout the pandemic. Your government has ing is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration and also made permanent the largest-ever increase to income commitment from all of our education partners. Everyone and disability assistance rates and the frst-ever increase to pulled together in the best interests of kids — teachers and the seniors supplement. educational assistants, principals and vice-principals, cler- Perhaps most challenged over the last year have been ical workers, custodial staf and school bus drivers, super- those most vulnerable in our province. Tis includes intendents, trustees and parent advisory councils. people facing housing insecurity. COVID-19 has also Your government has worked closely with all stakehold- made the challenge of homelessness more visible in our ers and with the federal government to provide nearly communities. Tose without a real home or decent shelter, $290 million in new funding for school boards. Tis many of whom sufer from mental illness and addiction, investment has put millions of pieces of PPE, thousands have found themselves living in dense encampments, ofen of hand sanitizing stations and hundreds of new front-line in city parks. staf in our schools. As we prepare for the next school year, While your government has made unprecedented your government will continue making investments that investments in thousands of new units over the last four will keep our schools safe and classrooms well supported. years, homelessness remains a critical issue that govern- Just as people and sectors of the economy have not been ment is determined to confront. Tat’s why it is building equally afected by COVID-19, neither have our com- new partnerships with municipalities and making new munities. Te pandemic has changed how we work and investments to tackle these issues. Combined with new connect with others, and that can look very diferent if approaches, those with complex health and social needs…. you’re working remotely from one of B.C.’s large urban Tese initiatives will help more people from unsafe centres or suburbs versus a rural or remote community. encampments to more secure housing. When the pandemic hit, your government acted fast [2:30 p.m.] to meet the growing demands and connect more people Local communities have been on the front lines of and businesses in more communities. Now over 10,000 COVID-19, and your government has been there to sup- more households across the province have better Internet. port them from the start. Cash fow relief early on and Funding provided through the Stronger B.C. recovery plan the B.C.-Canada safe restart agreement ensured local gov- will add hundreds of kilometres of cell coverage on B.C. ernments could continue providing services and keep the highways, making life safer for people. Your government’s people who provide those services working. upcoming budget will continue this work with new invest- As we turn towards recovery, investing in stronger ments to boost digital connectivity in even the most rural communities will be a key priority. Budget 2021 will communities. make record investments in infrastructure to keep Many small and medium-sized businesses also had to people and our economy moving. Combined with adjust, changing the way they operate as more and more expanded training programs and community benefts people shifed to make their purchases online. Every step agreements, these investments will support good job of the way, your government has been there to help them creation where it is needed. adapt to the new reality. Te new launch online program Projects like the Broadway subway, the Pattullo Bridge is helping over 4,000 eligible small businesses to increase replacement, the Highway 1 expansion in the Interior and their digital presence and build or expand online stores. the fnal phase of the Kicking Horse Canyon will keep Troughout the pandemic, your government worked to moving forward. Te George Massey crossing replacement keep essential ofces open safely. Tere is an old saying will continue to be a priority, and steps will be taken that necessity is the mother of invention. Some core ser- vices were maintained by moving online or fnding appro- Monday, April 12, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1049 priate new locations. For example, B.C.’s courts never it would help small businesses and their employees get closed, with the Court of Appeal meeting remotely, and through it. Early on, it cut property taxes, prohibited com- some jury trials moved to safer locations in theatres. mercial evictions and forgave hydro bills. Later, through In the year ahead, your government will look carefully the recovery plan, it provided tax incentives for businesses at public service innovations that came about during the to hire workers and a PST rebate to help companies make pandemic, with an eye to maintaining those elements that capital investments in equipment and machinery. ofer greater efciency and make life more convenient for It has not always been easy. Tings have changed quick- people. ly through the pandemic. Your government’s response to Te pandemic has dealt a signifcant blow to artists who the uncertainty has been to listen to those on the front rely on live performances to make a living. Not being able lines, ready to respond and adjust, as required. to see a play in a theatre or go to the opera or symphony For example, your government recently expanded the or catch a concert with friends has hurt us all. Te arts are timelines and adjusted eligibility criteria for the small and the soul of our communities. medium-sized business support program. Te grant is [2:35 p.m.] now easier for businesses to qualify for and has increased Your government is working with leaders in the arts support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector. community and Dr. Bonnie Henry’s team to plan a safe In the year ahead, your government will continue to return. Until that return is possible, your government is help businesses recover from the short-term efects of the stepping up and providing additional support to people, pandemic, and it will keep building an innovative, sustain- arts organizations and venues. able and inclusive economy with an eye to the post-pan- While the pandemic has brought out the best in most demic world. people, unfortunately, we have also seen it bring out the Global markets are changing in ways that ofer signifc- worst in some. Hatred and racist actions have been on the ant opportunities for B.C.’s goods and services. Prices are rise since COVID-19 began. Anti-Asian hate crimes have expected to continue to refect environmental, social and increased by over 700 percent in Vancouver in 2020 alone. governance aspects of production. Racism has no place in our communities. Everyone has a British Columbia frms will be able to take advantage right to feel safe and respected. of a premium paid for inclusive and sustainable products. Your government is committed to the work that must be For example, agritech is already allowing agricultural food done to dismantle the systemic discrimination that is still processing and seafood sectors to beneft from the use a lived reality for too many in our province. It launched of innovation and technology. By embracing innovation, Resilience B.C., a new anti-racism network. It has com- these producers are enhancing productivity while address- mitted to introducing race-based data collection to help ing expectations around the sustainability and traceability identify gaps in services and how to address them. of food products. In the months ahead, your government will continue In the year ahead, your government will take additional working with communities to develop B.C.’s frst anti- steps to support innovation and technology. During this racism law and to reform our outdated Police Act. It will session, your government will introduce legislation to sup- also introduce landmark legislation to remove barriers to port the operations of InBC Investment Corp. Tis new accessibility and inclusion experienced by British Colum- strategic fund will help promising B.C. companies scale up bians with disabilities. and anchor talent, keeping jobs and investment at home in To honour their contributions and celebrate the di- British Columbia. versity of British Columbia, your government will contin- [2:40 p.m.] ue building on the recently established Chinese Canadian Building on recommendations from the Premier’s Food Museum and legacy investments that recognize South Asi- Security Task Force, your government has created a new an–Canadian heritage. agritech concierge that will support food producers and Diversity and inclusion are what make B.C.’s communit- innovators. ies so special. Your government will work with you to pro- Te pandemic has driven home how lucky we are to tect and celebrate this. live in a place of such natural abundance. From Okanagan Small businesses are vital to our local economies and cherries to wild Pacifc salmon, there has never a better our communities. Tey help give neighbourhoods their time to eat the food we love from here at home. Your gov- distinctive character. Many of us got our frst job at a small ernment will continue to support our growers and produ- business. cers by investing in our Buy B.C. program that promotes Even in normal times, it takes skills and tenacity to run a wide range of local food products at grocery stores and a successful small business, faced with thin margins and an farmers markets. ever-changing marketplace. Te pandemic has only com- Too ofen, economic growth in our province has come pounded these challenges with new ones that none of us at the expense of the environment. Tat must change. We could have expected. can no longer rely on simple resource extraction to gener- From the outset, your government made it clear that ate wealth with no regard to long-term consequences. Your 1050 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 12, 2021 government is determined to continue tackling the envir- Tis was an extraordinary show of solidarity with those onmental challenges that were neglected for too long. Tis putting themselves at risk to protect the rest of us, in the year, it will continue the work of reforming the Forest Act same spirit of common purpose that we must summon and the Forest and Range Practices Act, to meet the chal- again to get us safely through to the end of the pandem- lenges of the 21st century. ic, so that we can start building towards that brighter Your government will continue to take action on the future we know is possible. independent report on old growth, which recommended Together, we can build a B.C. where strong public ser- important new protection for remaining old-growth vices like health care are there when people need them, stands not already protected. New measures will be pro- where we can create good jobs that help us meet the posed to increase access to fbre for communities, First challenges of today and tomorrow, and where we always Nations and small businesses. Land management practices work in partnership with Indigenous peoples so every- will be updated to improve forest stewardship and em- one shares in the prosperity of this land. Te future for phasize environmental protection. Te forest sector will be our province is bright. It is one of hope and opportunity. supported to move from volume to value, using innova- Now let’s get to work ensuring B.C. comes back stronger tion to improve management, support communities and than ever for everyone. generate economic opportunity. [2:45 p.m.] At the same time, your government will move forward Finally, I will add my personal thanks to all British with other measures to protect B.C.’s environment, includ- Columbians, for the generosity, compassion and resolve ing improving waste management, particularly of plastics. you have demonstrated over the past year. Like you, I’ve Tese actions will build on the progress we have made been humbled by the selfess work of our health care already, like removing over 120 tonnes of marine debris and essential services workers, inspired by the unwaver- from B.C. coasts and shorelines, protecting wildlife and ing commitment of our public health leaders, and deeply habitat, and planting a record 300 million trees last year. moved by the humanity of those who house and care for Our economic recovery must become an opportunity to the most vulnerable. accelerate environmental protection, not an excuse to I’m flled with gratitude for the cultural and faith relax our commitment to sustainability. organizations that connect us to our common humanity Central to achieving our goal of a more sustainable eco- and inspire us to be of service to others, for our profes- nomic future on the other side of COVID-19 is British sional public servants, who have executed some absolute Columbia’s CleanBC plan. It is North America’s most pro- feats of public administration in this past year, and for gressive plan to reduce carbon pollution while creating the B.C. businesses that have moved heaven and earth to good, new, family-supporting jobs. In the year ahead, your keep our supply lines open, our shelves stocked and our government will build on the progress already made. It economy functioning. We know better now how to value will continue to foster clean tech innovation. Trough the unheralded work of all these people upon whom we electrifcation, it will move more industrial activities from rely. Let us not forget them when this reality has passed fossil fuels to clean hydroelectric power. from view, as it surely will. To make life more afordable for people and reduce Tis time has been difcult for all of us, but especially so emissions, your government is making it easier to buy for those who have lost family members and friends. We electric vehicles and working to support emission reduc- hold them in our hearts. To all of you who serve togeth- tions in transit feets and heavy-duty trucking. And newly er in B.C.’s Legislative Assembly — indeed, to all who hold announced sectoral emission targets will keep government elected ofce: I’m deeply grateful for your leadership, your accountable as it works with each sector of the economy to collaboration and your tireless work during these reduce emissions while remaining globally competitive. extraordinary times. Te last year has challenged our province and our Finally, as a representative of Her Majesty, Queen Eliza- people in ways we could never have imagined. From beth II, Queen of Canada, I want to thank British Colum- the daily sacrifces made by front-line essential workers bians for all that you do to care for each other — not only to the small businesses that have endured countless those who share your lives but also those whom you will obstacles, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who never meet. We look forward to better days. Meanwhile, have helped us come through it. Te difcult times are take good care and stay safe. not yet over. As we begin this legislative session, your Tank you. HÍSW̱ ḴE. government urges you not to lose sight of what has made our province so resilient. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from the A year ago British Columbians would stand on their chamber. front lawns and balconies at seven o’clock in the evening to bang pots and pans. Tis nightly, noisy tribute was a [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] way to show our thanks and support to the nurses, doc- tors and other health care workers on the front lines. Monday, April 12, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1051

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, in order to prevent mis- ized to enable all Members to be present in the proceedings of the takes, I have obtained a copy of Her Honour the Lieuten- Legislative Assembly through remote participation, counting to- ward quorum, while other Members continue to be present physic- ant-Governor’s speech. ally in the Legislative Chamber, thereby enabling hybrid proceed- ings of the House. Introduction and 2. Tat Zoom be approved as the videoconferencing technology First Reading of Bills platform for the purposes of supporting hybrid proceedings of the House. QUORUM AND ATTENDANCE BILL 1 — AN ACT TO ENSURE 3. Tat Members who are participating in the House’s proceedings THE SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT by the approved videoconferencing technology be counted as pres- ent for the purposes of the quorum of ten Members, as set out in Hon. D. Eby presented a bill intituled An Act to Ensure section 42 of the Constitution Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 66) and Stand- the Supremacy of Parliament. ing Order 6, and for the purposes of determining a majority of votes as set out in section 43 of the Constitution Act. 4. Tat Members who are participating in the House’s proceedings Hon. D. Eby: Hon. Speaker, I move that Bill 1, intituled by the approved videoconferencing technology must have the au- An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, be intro- dio and video functions enabled with their face clearly visible in duced and read a frst time now. order to be counted towards quorum, to participate in debate, and to vote. Te introduction of this bill, prior to consideration of VOTING AND DIVISIONS the throne speech, expresses the established right of par- 5. Tat, notwithstanding Standing Order 16: liament, through its elected members, to deliberate inde- (1) When the Speaker puts the question, no further debate on pendently of the Sovereign. As such, it is an important part the question shall be permitted. of our parliamentary democratic process. It is a right that (2) When a division is requested, it shall be deferred until 15 was frst asserted by the Parliament at Westminster in the minutes prior to the ordinary time fxed for adjournment of the year 1603, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. sitting during which the division is requested. If there are less than 30 minutes remaining prior to the ordinary time fxed for adjournment of the sitting during which the division is reques- Motion approved ted, then it shall stand deferred until 15 minutes prior to the ordinary time fxed for adjournment of the afernoon sitting of Hon. D. Eby: I move that the bill be placed on the the following sitting day. orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of (3) Notwithstanding Standing Order 25 and subsection (2) of this order, if a division is requested during a morning sitting, it the House afer today. shall stand deferred until the afernoon sitting of the same day. (4) If a division is requested in a Committee of the Whole, the Bill 1, An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, clause of the bill under consideration shall be postponed, and introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on the division shall be deferred in accordance with subsection (2) orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of of this order. the House afer today. (5) If a division is requested in the Committee of Supply, the division shall be deferred in accordance with subsection (2) of this order. Motions Without Notice (6) If a deferred division is scheduled to take place during a sit- ting, SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR PROCEEDINGS a. at 30 minutes prior to the ordinary time fxed for ad- OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY journment of the sitting, the Speaker or Chair shall ring the DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC bells and recess the proceedings; b. 10 minutes thereafer, at 20 minutes prior to the ordinary Hon. M. Farnworth: By leave, I move the adoption time fxed for adjournment of the sitting, the Speaker or Chair shall call the House back to order; of the sessional order establishing special procedures c. 5 minutes thereafer, at 15 minutes prior to the ordinary respecting the regulation of the conduct of proceedings time fxed for adjournment of the sitting, the Speaker or of the Legislative Assembly in exceptional circumstances Chair shall again state the question; and of the COVID-19 pandemic, a copy of which has been d. the division shall proceed forthwith. distributed to the House Leaders of the recognized (7) If a division is deferred in a Committee of the Whole or the caucuses. Committee of Supply, the House shall resolve itself into the ap- propriate Committee prior to the ringing of the bells and recess set out in subsection (6) of this order. Leave granted. (8) No Member shall enter or leave the Legislative Chamber or [2:50 p.m.] connect to or disconnect from the approved videoconferencing [GENERAL technology afer the fnal statement of the question until the division has been fully taken, and every Member present shall 1. Tat, as an exercise of the Legislative Assembly’s exclusive right vote. to regulate its own internal afairs as they relate to its legislative and deliberative functions, including control over the conduct of its (9) When two or more deferred divisions are to be taken dur- proceedings, the use of videoconferencing technology be author- 1052 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 12, 2021

ing a sitting, the divisions shall be taken in succession in the or- Members to stand or speak in their assigned place as this require- der they were deferred. ment may relate to Members participating via the approved video- (10) During a sitting at which a deferred division is to take conferencing technology and to Members participating in person place, no motion to adjourn the House shall be in order until in the Legislative Chamber. afer that vote and the conclusion of any consequential business 15. Tat the Speaker be empowered to exercise discretion, in con- that must be disposed of. If successive divisions are scheduled, sultation with the House Leaders or the Whips, in the interpreta- the House shall sit beyond the ordinary time of adjournment tion of any provision of the Standing Orders or this order that may until the conclusion of all divisions and until other business require leniency or alteration in order to allow all Members to be consequential to the division has been disposed of. For greater able to fully exercise their duties and rights in the proceedings of certainty, consequential business includes reporting from the this House conducted in a hybrid manner. Committee of Supply. OTHER (11) Divisions are not permitted on a motion that a committee 16. Tat, should any provision contained in this order be incon- rise and report, and on a routine motion moved by the Gov- sistent with the Standing Orders, the provision in this order ernment House Leader or their designate that the House ad- prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. journ, so as not to prevent the House from undertaking busi- 17. Tat this order expire on June 30, 2021.] ness in a manner consistent with the intention of the arrange- ments of formal divisions in hybrid proceedings. Members may Motion approved. use Practice Recommendation No. 1. 6. Tat, notwithstanding sections 5(2), 5(3), 5(4) and 5(5) of this Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, as the sessional order order, if a division is requested on a closure motion set out in Standing Order 46 or a time allocation motion set out in Standing authorizing hybrid sittings has now been adopted by the Order 81.1, the Speaker or Chair shall announce that a division House, those members joining us remotely are now able to has been called. No longer than 20 minutes thereafer, unless the participate in these proceedings. House or Committee, as the case may be, unanimously agrees oth- erwise, the Speaker or Chair shall again state the question and the division shall proceed forthwith. Motions DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SPEAKER 7. Tat any Standing Order requiring that a document be “handed in” or “laid upon the Table” or transmitted by other similar physical Hon. M. Farnworth: I move, seconded by the member means be interpreted to include the transmission of a document by approved electronic means. for Kamloops–North Tompson electoral district: 8. Tat the transmission of a document by the Ofce of the Clerk [Tat Spencer Chandra Herbert, Member for Vancouver–West End to all Members by electronic means constitute for all purposes the Electoral District, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this Session of distribution and delivery of that document, regardless of whether the Legislative Assembly.] a Member has received the document. 9. Tat, notwithstanding Standing Order 25B(2) and the usual Motion approved. practices of the House, at least two hours prior to the scheduled start of a sitting of the House, the Whips shall provide to the Ofce of the Speaker a list and, if applicable, the sequence, of Members APPOINTMENT OF wishing to make an introduction or to participate in an item under ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER Routine Business. 10. Tat, notwithstanding the usual practices of the House, pe- titions presented to the House may include signatures collected P. Milobar: I move, seconded by the member for Port through electronic means, and that the Clerk of the Legislative As- Coquitlam electoral district: sembly or her designate be authorized to exercise reasonable dis- [Tat Norm Letnick, Member for Kelowna–Lake Country Electoral cretion in the interpretation of admissibility of an electronic peti- District, be appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker for this Session of tion and its compliance with Standing Order 73 and Appendix A the Legislative Assembly.] of the Standing Orders. 11. Tat, notwithstanding the usual practices of the House, any Member who intends to move a motion in amendment to a bill at Motion approved. committee stage, of which notice is not typically required, should provide at least one hour of notice to the Ofce of the Clerk prior to APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR, introducing that motion in the House to ensure the electronic dis- tribution of that motion to all Members forthwith afer it is moved. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPEAKER’S DISCRETION 12. Tat, for greater certainty, the Speaker be empowered to exer- Hon. M. Farnworth: I move, seconded by the member cise discretion on the applicability of Standing Order 17A as it may for Kamloops–North Tompson electoral district: relate to the facilitation of participation of Members in proceedings [Tat Ronna-Rae Leonard, Member for Courtenay-Comox Elect- of the House. oral District, be appointed Deputy Chair of the Committee of the 13. Tat, for greater certainty and further to Standing Order 19 Whole for this Session of the Legislative Assembly.] and Standing Order 20, the Speaker be empowered to intervene on any matter of decorum on the Speaker’s own initiative or on a point of order raised by a Member, including by muting a Member’s mi- Motion approved. crophone and excluding Members from the sitting in cases of seri- ous misconduct. 14. Tat the Speaker be empowered to exercise discretion in the interpretation of the provisions of any Standing Order requiring Monday, April 12, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1053

PRINTING OF VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS umbia. He and then-Princess Elizabeth frst came to Brit- ish Columbia in 1951. He made six more visits with the Hon. D. Eby: I move: Queen and several more on his own. [Tat the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being frst [2:55 p.m.] perused by the Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing there- Prince Philip was present for many of the moments of, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to that all British Columbians hold in their history. He wit- print the same.] nessed the Miracle Mile in 1954 at the British Empire and at Vancouver’s Hastings Park. Motion approved. Tat same year he poured the frst aluminum ingot mould at the smelter in . He attended the celebrations to APPOINTMENT OF mark the centenary of B.C.’s entry into Confederation 50 SELECT STANDING COMMITTEES years ago, in 1971. Of course, Prince Philip was also devoted to protecting Hon. J. Horgan: I move: the environment and encouraging conservation. In B.C., [Tat the Select Standing Committees of this House for the present Session, be appointed for the following purposes: he will be remembered for championing a grizzly bear 1. Aboriginal Afairs; sanctuary in Khutzeymateen, the valley just outside of 2. Education; Prince Rupert, in 1994. 3. Finance and Government Services; In the same year, he joined Queen Elizabeth here in Vic- 4. Health; toria to open the Commonwealth Games. A tremendous 5. Public Accounts; supporter of sport and a cricket enthusiast, he also excelled in sailing, polo and carriage driving — which, of course, is 6. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills; something I think he practised here at the Legislature on 7. Crown Corporations; occasion. 8. Children and Youth; During his fnal visit to B.C. in 2002 to celebrate the 9. Agriculture, Fish and Food; Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he also had the opportunity to take in a Canucks game, to watch her drop the puck for a which said Committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred –San Jose Sharks game — which is, of to them by this House, and to report from time to time their course, commemorated here in this Legislature with pho- observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for per- tographs in the Hall of Honour. sons, papers, and records, and that a Special Committee be ap- Prince Philip will be remembered for his deep connec- pointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of members to compose the above Select Standing Committees of this tion to the Armed Forces. Te former naval ofcer, who House under Standing Order 68 (1), the Committee to be com- served in the Second World War, is the Colonel-in-Chief posed of the Hon. Mike Farnworth (Convener), Hon. Lisa Beare, of the Seaforth Highlanders in Canada, an infantry regi- Bob D’Eith, Garry Begg, Michele Babchuk, Niki Sharma, Peter Mi- ment based in Vancouver. He visited Royal Roads Military lobar, Stephanie Cadieux, Doug Clovechok, and Sonia Furstenau.] College just outside of my constituency twice, in 1951 and Motion approved. again in 1983, and of course was a regular participant at events at CFB Esquimalt over his many visits to the capital. Ministerial Statements In Kamloops, he presented the Rocky Mountain Rangers with the unit’s regimental colours in 1983. PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH Prince Philip was a patron of more than 40 Canadian organizations and charities throughout his lifetime, many Hon. J. Horgan: I rise to commemorate the life of His of those based here in British Columbia. Each will remem- Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, beloved ber — and, in fact, never forget — the contributions he husband of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of made to their work. Canada. Prince Philip’s legacy will live on, especially in the Duke Prince Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle Friday of Edinburgh Awards. He created the program in 1956, morning, April 9. He was 99 years old. It was a long life. It and it took root here in Canada in 1963. Since then, thou- was a good life. It was a life devoted to public service. sands of young people in B.C. have participated in the pro- He married Princess Elizabeth in November of 1947 gram, building skills and competence to make the difer- and was at her side every moment thereafer. As the ence in the world that he had envisioned when he estab- longest-serving royal consort, people across the Com- lished the awards. monwealth will remember Prince Philip for his remark- For 73 years, nearly three-quarters of a century, Prince able work ethic and his dedication and devotion to the Philip was at Queen Elizabeth’s side. He was her partner, Queen. her devoted servant and, as she has said, a constant Of course, Prince Philip was no stranger to British Col- strength and guide. In 2017, when he announced his 1054 British Columbia Debates Monday, April 12, 2021 retirement from public life, he said: “I have done my bit. “ strength and stay all these years. I and his whole family, Indeed he had. and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater On behalf of the Legislature and all the people of British than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.” Columbia, I want to express my deepest condolences to Today we pay tribute and express our gratitude to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, members of the royal family Prince Philip for his life of service and for his demonstra- and citizens around the world who will grieve the loss of tion of love for his wife, his family and his country. a decent man who devoted his entire life to the service of On behalf of the ofcial opposition and in this House, this great planet. May he rest now in peace. where we come together to represent all British Columbi- ans, I want to ofer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty S. Bond: Te pain of losing a spouse, a partner who has the Queen and all members of the royal family at this very supported you through thick and thin throughout the dec- difcult time. ades, is never easy for any one of us — or whether you are a queen and a prince. In order to face the demands of S. Furstenau: I also appreciate the opportunity to rise public life, you rely on those you love the most, includ- and add my voice to recognize the life of Prince Philip ing your life partner, for support, for encouragement and and extend our sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen maybe even for a much-needed laugh at the end of a long, and the royal family. difcult day. For over 70 years, Prince Philip proudly stood Tis past year has made all of us refect on the import- and walked by Queen Elizabeth’s side. Tose images will ance of family and of those we love, above all else. As be etched in our minds forever. a partner to the Queen for over 70 years, I cannot ima- Few of us will ever be able to say that we spent more gine the loss and sorrow that his passing has caused for than seven decades of our lives with the love of our life. the Queen, his children and grandchildren and his entire Te Queen referred to her prince as her strength and stay. family. Today, this House and all of its members join people across Prince Philip’s life was defned by service to the the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Prince Philip, United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Trough the the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away at the age of 99 many roles that he played, he was a steadfast companion last week. and supporter to Her Majesty the Queen for decades, [3:00 p.m.] always by her side as she carried out duties. He also, He lived a full life, focused on supporting his wife, his as others have noted, was devoted to numerous causes family, his country and the Commonwealth as a whole. and lef a mark everywhere he went, from service in the He leaves behind a legacy of important work around the navy to founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award that world, and the Premier has referenced some of that work. has helped prepare so many young people to be lead- His lifetime of service was nothing short of remarkable, ers, to his devotion to conservation and environmental and his contributions to our country were signifcant. causes, including here in B.C. In a ftting start to his long-lasting relationship with As Princess Anne said of her father, he’s lef an “example Canada, he provided vital naval cover to the Canadian of a life well lived and service freely given.” Let us, in this beachhead on Sicily in 1943. While on the decks of HMS House, strive to do the same. Wallace, he played a role in keeping our troops safe. Following the war, Prince Philip travelled to Canada Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, please join me in a over 60 times. He supported charities, organized import- moment of silence in remembrance of His Royal Highness ant international conferences and played important parts Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. in every Commonwealth Games that our country had the privilege of hosting during his time as royal consort. [Te House observed a moment of silence.] He also founded, as mentioned, the Duke of Edin- burgh’s Award, which countless young Canadians parti- Mr. Speaker: Tank you. cipate in each and every year. But perhaps most notable here in British Columbia, Prince Philip played an instru- Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. mental role in helping create the Khutzeymateen Pro- vincial Park, which was established on August 15, 1994, Motion approved. by B.C. Parks to protect critical habitat for our province’s grizzly bear population. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Today the world will mourn his loss, but I think we will tomorrow morning. all agree that the deepest loss will be felt by his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Te House adjourned at 3:05 p.m. In the words of the Queen on their 50th anniversary, she said about Prince Philip: “He has, quite simply, been my Hansard Services, Reporting and Publishing

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