3rd Session, 37th Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF

DEBATES OF THE

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(HANSARD)

Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Afternoon Sitting

Volume 3, Number 1

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

ISSN 0709-1281

PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Honourable Iona Campagnolo

3RD SESSION, 37TH PARLIAMENT

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Claude Richmond

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council...... Hon. Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations ...... Hon. Greg Halsey-Brandt Deputy Premier and Minister of Education...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education...... Hon. Shirley Bond Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries ...... Hon. John van Dongen Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations ...... Hon. Geoff Plant Minister of Children and Family Development...... Hon. Gordon Hogg Minister of State for Early Childhood Development ...... Hon. Linda Reid Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services ...... Hon. George Abbott Minister of State for Community Charter ...... Hon. Ted Nebbeling Minister of State for Women's Equality...... Hon. Lynn Stephens Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise...... Hon. Rick Thorpe Minister of State for Deregulation...... Hon. Kevin Falcon Minister of Energy and Mines ...... Hon. Richard Neufeld Minister of Finance...... Hon. Gary Collins Minister of Forests...... Hon. Michael de Jong Minister of Health Planning...... Hon. Sindi Hawkins Minister of Health Services ...... Hon. Colin Hansen Minister of State for Mental Health...... Hon. Gulzar S. Cheema Minister of State for Intermediate, Long Term and Home Care...... Hon. Katherine Whittred Minister of Human Resources ...... Hon. Murray Coell Minister of Management Services ...... Hon. Sandy Santori Minister of Provincial Revenue ...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General...... Hon. Rich Coleman Minister of Skills Development and Labour ...... Hon. Graham P. Bruce Minister of Sustainable Resource Management...... Hon. Stan Hagen Minister of Transportation ...... Hon. Judith Reid Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection ...... Hon. Joyce Murray

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Deputy Speaker ...... John Weisbeck Leader of the Opposition...... Joy MacPhail Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole...... Harold Long Clerk of the Legislative Assembly...... E. George MacMinn Clerk Assistant...... Robert Vaive Clerk Assistant and Law Clerk...... Ian D. Izard Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees ...... Craig H. James Committee Clerk ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sergeant-at-Arms...... A.A. Humphreys Director, Hansard Services...... Anthony Dambrauskas Legislative Librarian ...... Joan A. Barton Legislative Comptroller...... Peter Bray

Published by British Columbia Hansard Services, and printed under the authority of the Speaker by the Queen's Printer, Victoria. Rates: single issue, $2.85; per calendar year, mailed daily, $298. GST extra. Agent: Crown Publications Inc., 521 Fort St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 1E7. Telephone: (250) 386-4636. Fax: 386-0221. Internet: www.legis.gov.bc.ca/hansard ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, Hon. George (L)...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Clayburn...... Hon. John van Dongen Anderson, Val J. (L) ...... -Langara Abbotsford–Mount Lehman...... Hon. Michael de Jong Barisoff, Hon. Bill (L) ...... Penticton–Okanagan Valley Alberni-Qualicum...... Gillian Trumper Bell, Pat (L) ...... Prince George North Bulkley Valley–Stikine...... Dennis MacKay Belsey, Bill (L) ...... North Coast Burnaby North ...... Richard T. Lee Bennett, Bill (L)...... East Kootenay Burnaby-Edmonds ...... Patty Sahota Bhullar, Tony (L)...... Surrey-Newton Burnaby-Willingdon ...... John Nuraney Bloy, Harry (L)...... Burquitlam Burquitlam...... Harry Bloy Bond, Hon. Shirley (L) ...... Prince George–Mount Robson Cariboo North...... John Wilson Bray, Jeff (L) ...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Cariboo South...... Walt Cobb Brenzinger, Elayne (L)...... Surrey-Whalley Chilliwack-Kent...... Barry Penner Brice, Susan (L)...... Saanich South Chilliwack-Sumas...... John Les Bruce, Hon. Graham P. (L) ...... Cowichan-Ladysmith Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Wendy McMahon Campbell, Hon. Gordon (L)...... Vancouver–Point Grey Comox Valley...... Hon. Stan Hagen Cheema, Hon. Gulzar S. (L)...... Surrey–Panorama Ridge Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Richard Stewart Chong, Ida (L) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Cowichan-Ladysmith...... Hon. Graham P. Bruce Christensen, Tom (L)...... Okanagan-Vernon Delta North...... Reni Masi Chutter, Dave (L)...... Yale-Lillooet Delta South...... Valerie Roddick Clark, Hon. Christy (L)...... Port Moody–Westwood East Kootenay...... Bill Bennett Cobb, Walt (L)...... Cariboo South Esquimalt-Metchosin...... Arnie Hamilton Coell, Hon. Murray (L)...... Saanich North and the Islands Fort Langley–Aldergrove...... Hon. Rich Coleman Coleman, Hon. Rich (L)...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Kamloops...... Hon. Claude Richmond Collins, Hon. Gary (L) ...... Vancouver-Fairview Kamloops–North Thompson...... Kevin Krueger de Jong, Hon. Michael (L) ...... Abbotsford–Mount Lehman –Lake Country...... John Weisbeck Falcon, Hon. Kevin (L)...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kelowna-Mission...... Hon. Sindi Hawkins Hagen, Hon. Stan (L)...... Comox Valley Langley...... Hon. Lynn Stephens Halsey-Brandt, Hon. Greg (L)...... Richmond Centre Malahat–Juan de Fuca...... Brian J. Kerr Hamilton, Arnie (L) ...... Esquimalt-Metchosin Maple Ridge–Mission...... Randy Hawes Hansen, Hon. Colin (L)...... Vancouver-Quilchena Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows...... Ken Stewart Harris, Roger (L) ...... Skeena Nanaimo ...... Mike Hunter Hawes, Randy (L)...... Maple Ridge–Mission Nanaimo-Parksville ...... Hon. Judith Reid Hawkins, Hon. Sindi (L)...... Kelowna-Mission Nelson-Creston ...... Blair F. Suffredine Hayer, Dave S. (L)...... Surrey-Tynehead New Westminster...... Hon. Joyce Murray Hogg, Hon. Gordon (L) ...... Surrey–White Rock North Coast...... Bill Belsey Hunter, Mike (L)...... Nanaimo North Island...... Rod Visser Jarvis, Daniel (L) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour North Vancouver–Lonsdale ...... Hon. Katherine Whittred Johnston, Ken (L) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview North Vancouver–Seymour ...... Daniel Jarvis Kerr, Brian J. (L) ...... Malahat–Juan de Fuca Oak Bay–Gordon Head...... Ida Chong Krueger, Kevin (L) ...... Kamloops–North Thompson Okanagan-Vernon...... Tom Christensen Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP)...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Okanagan-Westside ...... Hon. Rick Thorpe Lee, Richard T. (L) ...... Burnaby North Peace River North...... Hon. Richard Neufeld Lekstrom, Blair (L)...... Peace River South Peace River South...... Blair Lekstrom Les, John (L)...... Chilliwack-Sumas Penticton–Okanagan Valley...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Locke, Brenda (L)...... Surrey–Green Timbers Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain ...... Karn Manhas Long, Harold (L)...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Port Moody–Westwood ...... Hon. Christy Clark MacKay, Dennis (L) ...... Bulkley Valley–Stikine Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...... Harold Long McMahon, Wendy (L) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Prince George North ...... MacPhail, Joy (NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Prince George–Mount Robson...... Hon. Shirley Bond Manhas, Karn (L)...... Port Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Prince George–Omineca ...... Paul Nettleton Masi, Reni (L)...... Delta North Richmond Centre ...... Hon. Greg Halsey-Brandt Mayencourt, Lorne (L)...... Vancouver-Burrard Richmond East...... Hon. Linda Reid Murray, Hon. Joyce (L) ...... New Westminster Richmond-Steveston...... Hon. Geoff Plant Nebbeling, Hon. Ted (L)...... West Vancouver–Garibaldi Saanich North and the Islands...... Hon. Murray Coell Nettleton, Paul (L) ...... Prince George–Omineca Saanich South ...... Susan Brice Neufeld, Hon. Richard (L) ...... Peace River North Shuswap ...... Hon. George Abbott Nijjar, Rob (L) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway Skeena ...... Roger Harris Nuraney, John (L)...... Burnaby-Willingdon Surrey-Cloverdale...... Hon. Kevin Falcon Orr, Sheila (L)...... Victoria-Hillside Surrey–Green Timbers...... Brenda Locke Penner, Barry (L)...... Chilliwack-Kent Surrey-Newton...... Tony Bhullar Plant, Hon. Geoff (L)...... Richmond-Steveston Surrey–Panorama Ridge ...... Hon. Gulzar S. Cheema Reid, Hon. Judith (L) ...... Nanaimo-Parksville Surrey-Tynehead...... Dave S. Hayer Reid, Hon. Linda (L)...... Richmond East Surrey-Whalley...... Elayne Brenzinger Richmond, Hon. Claude (L)...... Kamloops Surrey–White Rock...... Hon. Gordon Hogg Roddick, Valerie (L)...... Delta South Vancouver-Burrard ...... Lorne Mayencourt Sahota, Patty (L) ...... Burnaby-Edmonds Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. Gary Collins Santori, Hon. Sandy (L) ...... West Kootenay–Boundary Vancouver-Fraserview...... Ken Johnston Stephens, Hon. Lynn (L)...... Langley Vancouver-Hastings...... Joy MacPhail Stewart, Ken (L) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver-Kensington ...... Patrick Wong Stewart, Richard (L) ...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vancouver-Kingsway ...... Rob Nijjar Suffredine, Blair F. (L) ...... Nelson-Creston Vancouver-Langara ...... Val J. Anderson Sultan, Ralph (L) ...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Thorpe, Hon. Rick (L) ...... Okanagan-Westside Vancouver–Point Grey...... Hon. Gordon Campbell Trumper, Gillian (L) ...... Alberni-Qualicum Vancouver-Quilchena ...... Hon. Colin Hansen van Dongen, Hon. John (L)...... Abbotsford-Clayburn Victoria–Beacon Hill ...... Jeff Bray Visser, Rod (L) ...... North Island Victoria-Hillside ...... Sheila Orr Weisbeck, John (L)...... Kelowna–Lake Country West Kootenay–Boundary ...... Hon. Sandy Santori Whittred, Hon. Katherine (L)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Capilano...... Ralph Sultan Wilson, John (L) ...... Cariboo North West Vancouver–Garibaldi...... Hon. Ted Nebbeling Wong, Patrick (L) ...... Vancouver-Kensington Yale-Lillooet...... Dave Chutter

Party Standings: Liberal 77; New Democratic 2.

CONTENTS

Tuesday, February 12, 2002 Afternoon Sitting

Routine Proceedings

Page

Speech from the Throne ...... 1

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 7 An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament (Bill 1) Hon. G. Plant

Point of Privilege...... 8 J. MacPhail

1

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 has been so admirably served by those who have pre- ceded me in this place. I am proud to acknowledge the The House met at 2:03 p.m. presence in the chamber today of the Hon. Robert Rogers and Ms. Jane Rogers and the Hon. Garde B. This being the first day of the third session of the Gardom and Ms. Helen Gardom, who throughout their thirty-seventh Legislative Assembly of the province of lives of public service have acted in an exemplary British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant manner, benefiting this province and putting pride into to a proclamation of the Hon. Iona Campagnolo, Lieu- our beautiful home as they have served as exemplars tenant-Governor of the province, hon. members took and inspirations to all of us. On behalf of all British their seats. Columbians and members of this place, we thank them, and we wish them well in their honoured and Mr. Speaker: Hon. members, it is my pleasure to well-deserved retirement. call upon the Rev. Paul Taylor of St. Aidan's United We also pay tribute to the many others who have Church to say prayers. left their indelible mark on our province and have, sadly, passed away. This year, as every other, it is im- P. Taylor: Let us pray. possible to adequately recognize all those we have lost. Holy living God, we give you thanks for the gift of Some of those whose passing we mourn are former our lives, for the remarkable abundance of our prov- B.C. Supreme Court Justice Tom Fisher, former MLA ince and for the vocation of service to which you have and B.C. Supreme Court Justice J. Gould, and former called the members of this assembly. Surrey mayor and Greater Vancouver regional district As this session is opened, we hold in mind the chair Don Ross. mentors and teachers who have touched our lives, the [1410] provincial leaders who have governed before us to set We shall all miss Ted Peck, whose colourful fish the foundations of our democracy, our fellow Canadi- tales and popular television program Tides and Trails ans elsewhere and, most importantly, the men and provided such pleasure, with its memorable signature women of British Columbia who have entrusted power closing: "Tight lines and straight shooting." British Co- to this House to govern and legislate for the good of lumbians lost a precious soul and talent in the late the province. Donald Jarvis, whose teachings and paintings will for- [1405] ever live in west coast culture. Norma Macmillan, too, We pray this day for wisdom to know the good, for will long be remembered by all of us as the gentle voice courage in leadership, for grace to accept our short- of Casper the Friendly Ghost and television's beloved comings and mistakes and for integrity in our speech Gumby. Few people have worked harder for British and actions. In all that we do, may your will be done. Columbia, and northern British Columbia in particular, Amen. than Cyril Shelford, a noted author, public servant and member of this assembly for 22 years. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, having en- As we begin this lunar new year…. [The Lieuten- tered the House and being seated on the throne, was ant-Governor spoke a language other than English.] pleased to deliver the following gracious speech. The world has changed dramatically since my gov- ernment's last throne speech less than seven months Speech from the Throne ago. The sobering events of September 11 have im- pacted our lives in many ways, from our sympathy and Hon. I. Campagnolo (Lieutenant-Governor): Mr. support to our neighbours in their loss, to our concern Speaker, hon. members, it is a privilege to address you for the resulting effects on our mobility, security and on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada to open global access to commerce. The global economy is still the third session of the thirty-seventh parliament of reeling from the impact, and our provincial economy British Columbia. In the name of all British Columbi- has been especially hard hit. ans, I have conveyed our thanks and good wishes to Next week my government will bring in its budget Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on the recent observation for the new year. The budget will give all British Co- of the fiftieth anniversary of her accession to the throne lumbians a clear sense of the fiscal challenges at hand and expressed our anticipation of her golden jubilee and the tough decisions that must be made. visit to British Columbia next October. I have also, Change is never easy, yet more than ever funda- sadly, conveyed the sympathy of our citizens to Her mental change is required to the size and scope of gov- Majesty on the recent loss of her beloved and only sis- ernment and to the role it serves in people's lives and ter, Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret. A book of in our economy. Last spring British Columbians gave condolence has been opened at Government House, my government an overwhelming mandate for change, which I am sure will provide some sympathy and com- and it is acting on that mandate to build a solid foun- fort to Her Majesty at this difficult time. dation for economic and social renewal. Though that When I spoke to you in my personal address on need for change will not stop, my government's vision installation last September, I was able to pay tribute to remains the same: to usher in a new era of hope, pros- my immediate predecessor, Garde B. Gardom. As this perity and public service in British Columbia. My gov- is my first Speech from the Throne, let me begin by ernment's priorities will not waver, and its mission will saying what an honour it is to serve in this office that not falter. 2 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002

My government was not elected to follow the status ing at a faster rate than the national average, and quo or to run from the challenges that change presents. automobile sales continue to be strong. It was elected to lead our province forward and to [1415] break new ground in search of brighter horizons. My With major sectors of our economy in distress, B.C. government's course is clear, and its direction is firmly still has a long way to go to once again lead the nation set. It will revitalize British Columbia's economy, re- in overall economic growth. A winning framework is store sound fiscal management and put patients and rapidly being put in place for economic renewal. students first. This year my government is consulting with British The changes my government has planned and initi- Columbians on the steps needed to improve the Em- ated will do that. Over time, they will lead our prov- ployment Standards Act, the Workers Compensation ince to new fields of hope and opportunity. Act and the Labour Code. Following these reviews, Revitalizing the economy. My government's central changes to all three of those acts will be initiated in the mission is to revitalize the economy as quickly as pos- next year to provide greater flexibility, fairness and sible. Economic growth is the bedrock for prosperity efficiency for employers and employees alike. Changes upon which all public services depend. It is the vital to the Company Act will be made to cut red tape, im- base for stability and opportunity in every community prove efficiency and encourage growth in the econ- and the critical determinant of what government can omy. These measures will substantially advance my and cannot afford to do. When our economy suffers, government's goal of reducing the regulatory burden people pay the price. Jobs are lost, dreams are shat- on B.C. businesses by one-third within the next 2½ tered, and vital public services are limited for want of years. revenue. Later this spring the Premier will lead a series of No economy is immune from the volatility of global round tables on small business that will invite small markets, and British Columbia has been particularly business owners, operators and entrepreneurs to offer exposed from its heavy dependence on natural re- their input and advice in that most vital of all sectors. sources. My government has a solid plan to turn our Small businesses are, by far, the biggest job creators in provincial economy around. The steps it has taken and our economy, and my government wants to hear from will be taking, this legislative session and beyond, will them directly on the barriers to expansion and the op- make our economy more competitive, diversified and portunities for growth. attractive to investors. In time they will provide a sus- Nowhere have small businesses shown greater suc- tainable framework to maximize growth and job crea- cess or explosive potential for growth than in the tech- tion and once again establish British Columbia as an nology sector. The Premier's Technology Council, ap- economic leader in North America. pointed in my government's first 90 days, is running and is showing positive leadership. The Council's first Last summer my government acted upon all of the quarterly report in November concentrated on a strat- 22 commitments it vowed to undertake in its first 90 egy to bridge the digital divide. It is ongoing work that days. Together those measures went a long way to- will continue to help tackle that challenge and achieve wards restoring a competitive footing for investment my government's goal of making British Columbia one and providing a major stimulus to our provincial econ- of the world's top ten technology centres by 2006. omy. Another exciting new area of opportunity for pri- My government cut personal income taxes, reduced vate sector investment and involvement is in the wide corporate income taxes and eliminated other business range of possible public-private partnerships. Working taxes that were discouraging to job creation. My gov- with non-profit organizations in the private sector, my ernment also acted to reduce the regulatory burden on government will explore new cost-effective mecha- small businesses, restore workers' rights and create a nisms for the provision of services in public-private level playing field for all B.C. businesses through the partnerships. Considerable effort will be focused on elimination of business subsidies. Specific subsidies pioneering so-called PPPs, which have proven very that have been identified for elimination were outlined effective in attracting private capital to support public at last month's open cabinet meeting in Fort St. John policy objectives in British Columbia and in other ju- and will be repealed by legislation as is necessary dur- risdictions. Such opportunities will be actively pursued ing this session. this year in helping to spur more private sector invest- Within the next few weeks the independent B.C. ment in transportation and highways, information Progress Board my government appointed will issue its technology, housing, land and resource development, first report. It has established a series of benchmarks health support services and facilities and education and performance measures to hold my government infrastructure. accountable on a quarterly basis for progress in the As promised in the throne speech last summer, my economy. government is aggressively supporting the bid to host While our provincial economy may not be as strong the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Win- and healthy as we would all like, there are signs that it ning the Olympic Games would be a great incentive to is on the mend. For example, last year British Columbia amateur sport and to communities in every part of our posted Canada's largest increase in housing sales. It province. Combined with an expanded convention had the highest percentage increase in residential con- centre in Vancouver, the games would generate up to struction in the nation. Retail sales have been increas- $10 billion in economic activity for our province, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 3

228,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in total revenues for all unswerving commitment to responsible environ- levels of government. mental protection. Yet it also wants northerners to Tourism resulting from the games would benefit know that they, too, can look forward to the future every community in our province. Just competing for with hope and optimism from the opportunities that the bid itself offers a great opportunity to sell the world might flow from the development of our offshore oil on British Columbia and to prove that we are indeed and gas deposits. driven by dreams and nature. Efforts will be intensified Obviously, there is no greater economic challenge and focused to win that bid and to market British Co- or critical need than to get our province's number one lumbia to the world, working in partnership with other industry back on track. The softwood lumber dispute levels of government and the private sector. Special has dragged on despite my government's best efforts to efforts will be made to explore public-private partner- work with the federal government and with other ships in infrastructure integral to the bid, including the provinces to negotiate a resolution with the United expansion of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibi- States. Every time progress seems to be on the verge of tion Centre and needed improvements to the Sea to being made, it has been frustrated by U.S. lumber lob- Sky Highway. bies who are not working toward President Bush's Another sector that has demonstrated spectacular stated commitment to free trade. potential for growth is the energy sector. Nowhere is Our forest industry's patience and willingness to that more evident than in oil and gas development that work toward a cooperative solution is near the break- has generated so much wealth, energy and job creation ing point. One way or another, a resolution must be in British Columbia's Peace River region. My govern- reached on this vexing problem that has hurt so many ment's Energy Policy Task Force has been developing workers and employers in British Columbia's forest recommendations for a comprehensive provincial en- industry. ergy strategy. Upon completion of the current public consultation process, a final report will be ready next In any case, my government will not wait to initiate month. This should ensure that my government prop- the process of desperately needed structural reform in erly plans for our citizens' energy needs and also takes B.C.'s forest industry. It will move this year to deal full advantage of the enormous opportunities for in- with stumpage reform that shifts our province toward vestment and job creation in energy development. market-based stumpage. It will move this year to tackle the incredibly complex challenge of forest policy re- Measures will be introduced this session to boost form. Obviously, change on this scale cannot be under- investment and job creation in both the energy and the taken without some sacrifice. By the same token, my mining sectors. Steps will be taken to enhance the effec- government understands that the only way our forest tiveness of the Oil and Gas Commission and improve industry will become more globally competitive and investment climate for mineral exploration. once again expand is to embrace freer trade and mar- [1420] ket-based reforms. The Environmental Assessment Act will be up- dated to streamline the major project assessment proc- One critical reform needed is to streamline the For- ess. The Waste Management Act will be amended to est Practices Code to make it more results-oriented, eliminate overlaps in regulation of mines and to clarify cost-effective and workable on the ground while main- remediation and authorization requirements for vari- taining the same standard of environmental protection. ous activities conducted on land that may have been That challenge, too, may be met this year. A White Pa- contaminated. per on possible reforms to the code will be issued this spring with the objective of tabling legislation in the Other changes will be made to increase competi- fall. Finally, my government will redouble its efforts to tiveness, to cut red tape and to provide greater access market British Columbia forest products around the to Crown lands and to resources. Changes will be world with funding equal to 1 percent of direct forest made to establish equality for operating mines in the revenues. coal and mineral sectors and to provide more certainty over access rights to Crown land with respect to coal My government is also acting to facilitate invest- tenures. Recently announced changes will encourage ment and job creation in the salmon aquaculture indus- investment in coalbed methane extraction. More will try. Recent changes will ensure that this sector is en- also be done in the coming months to develop this re- hanced with the toughest environmental protection source and generate jobs in regions across our province framework in the world. B.C. farmers, too, will benefit from the Kootenays to Vancouver Island to the north- from the new structure to make the Agricultural Land east. Commission more regionally responsive to the needs Last October my government appointed an inde- of farmers and their communities. The strategic shifts pendent scientific panel to assist in determining my government is making in the agriculture sector will whether offshore oil and gas exploration could be con- ensure greater competitiveness, self-regulation and ducted in a manner that is scientifically sound and en- independence in farming, which will gradually phase vironmentally responsible. My government will move out government subsidies. with caution to ensure that any activity taken in this All of these initiatives to stimulate our economy regard will always be guided by sound science and an will help, as will my government's efforts to promote

4 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 greater dialogue amongst the various levels of gov- chamber within the next year. All of these initiatives ernment and with first nations. will help pave the way for greater prosperity. On February 26 my government will act on its However, another critical element to achieve that commitment to sponsor British Columbia's first-ever end is a plan to get British Columbia's fiscal house in provincial congress. The congress will bring together order. all of British Columbia's MLAs, MPs and Senators, Restoring sound fiscal management. Government along with the mayors of our province's 15 largest cit- must plan to live within its means and then do what is ies, the presidents of five regional municipal associa- necessary to keep within that budget. People wanted tions, the president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and demanded more services each year, and it is diffi- and first nations leaders. cult to resist the political pressure. It is, as always, eas- My government will act this spring to engage all ier to say yes than it is to say no. That is the story of British Columbians in discussion of the principles to escalating debt and deficit pressures that was once re- guide the provincial government's negotiating man- played for decades in every jurisdiction in Canada un- date in treaty talks. A referendum will be conducted til taxpayers started making different demands. They later this spring by a mail-in ballot that will put for- started to say: "No more deficits, no more wasteful ward questions that have been approved by this as- spending and no more putting future taxpayers in debt sembly. Those questions will build on the work done because governments lack the discipline to live within by the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Af- their means." fairs. Last November that committee released its draft B.C. taxpayers sent this new message in the general questions for the referendum after several weeks of election of last year. They elected a new government to public hearings, submissions and deliberations. make the decisions necessary to live within taxpayers' [1425] ability to pay. By voting for my government's pledge to The referendum will be overseen by Elections B.C., dramatically cut income taxes within its first 90 days, and the results will be binding on government policy. British Columbians also made it clear what they meant An independent referendum office will be established by their ability to pay. They wanted the lowest base to provide all British Columbians access to information personal income tax rates in Canada on the first $60,000 about the referendum process, the treaty process and worth of income and more competitive income tax issues of aboriginal rights and title. It will also ensure rates across the board. That is what has been provided. that information is provided on the various perspec- British Columbians voted to protect funding for tives of the referendum questions that may be held in health and education this year at the levels established different governments and first nations and by citizens in the former government's last budget. My govern- at large. My government's aim is to help all voters be- ment did that. In fact, it increased health funding by come informed about the referendum questions and $200 million beyond the amount it promised to main- the issues they address in as fair and neutral a manner tain. as possible. British Columbians also voted for my government's All British Columbians should know that my gov- commitment to balance the budget by its third full ernment's commitment to negotiated treaty settlements budget, in 2004-05. Next week my government will and the treaty process is not in question, nor is it open spell out how it plans to meet that commitment. to debate. The referendum cannot and will not be a tool for interfering in or undermining constitutionally pro- In short, my government received a mandate to cut tected aboriginal rights and title. The referendum is income taxes, restore sound fiscal management and intended to help fast-track treaty negotiations by giv- focus resources first on patients, students and people in ing all British Columbians a direct say on the principles need. The measures my government announced and that they think the treaty should reflect and that will will implement in the coming years are aimed at hon- ouring that mandate. guide my government at the negotiating table. My government's clear intent is to foster greater It is simply not possible to pay for everything that understanding of the treaty process and to build public government used to do and also balance the budget. It support for the critical need for treaties. My govern- is simply irresponsible to put off the tough changes ment will continue to work with first nations to expe- that must be made to bring spending into line with dite interim measures agreements to build capacity and revenues. My government will not break its trust with produce tangible achievements that make a real differ- the people. Spending will be reduced in areas other ence for aboriginal British Columbians' economic op- than health and education. Revenues will increase as portunities, health and quality of life. our economy recovers, and the budget will be bal- My government is also committed to giving local anced. It won't be easy, and it won't be without some governments more autonomy and better planning and hardship, but my government will do what needs to be done to get its financial affairs in order. revenue tools to reduce property tax pressures and to enhance community stability. The Community Charter My government has done its best to focus its scarce Council was appointed by legislation last summer. The resources where they are most needed: on patients, council will table its report, including draft legislation students and those in need. My government has also and a White Paper that will be publicly released, dur- done its best to ascertain which services are truly core ing this session. Following further consultation, com- services and which ones are not. All of those decisions munity charter legislation will be introduced in this have been shared in open cabinet meetings. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 5

[1430] continuing care and other services now included in the My government has been frank about the impact of Medical Services Plan were not publicly funded at that its difficult choices on its employees, on programs and time. Then the federal government contributed 50 per- on community services. Over the next three years all cent of the costs of the health care system. Today the ministries, not including Health and Education, will federal government funds only a fraction of that experience an average reduction of 25 percent in their amount, and the provincial government covers the budgets. difference. Avoidable costs will be avoided. Unnecessary ex- Our population has grown older, and life expec- penditures will be eliminated. Cost-effective innova- tancy has increased. The costs of drugs, equipment, tions in service delivery will be employed, and assets technology, doctors' fees and health care workers' that make sense to sell will be sold. wages and benefits have all grown exponentially. Brit- Unfortunately, even that will not be enough to cope ish Columbia's nurses recently received a 21 percent with the enormity of a $4.4 billion deficit problem that wage hike over three years, making them the highest- is facing future generations. The provincial debt has paid nurses in Canada. Community health workers more than doubled in the last decade, and this coming and health support workers in B.C. are also the highest year it will grow by at least another 10 percent. paid in their fields in Canada. Regrettably, my government must eliminate or When you have the highest-paid workers and run- scale back a number of services that many British Co- away costs combined, something has to give, and that lumbians would like to see maintained or increased. It something, inevitably, is patient care. will seek to moderate the impact on people by phasing Funding cannot keep up to the cost pressures out several less vital programs and services over the needed to maintain service levels, let alone improve next three years. patient care. This problem will obviously not go away Every effort has been made to mitigate the impact, any time soon. It will take major structural reforms that especially on women, seniors and children and those will not be very palatable to many and will challenge most vulnerable in our society. For example, my gov- us all to accept some short-term sacrifices for long-term ernment has had to scale back spending in other areas improvements in patient care. to protect funding for vital services like transition In the past eight months my government has done houses for women and children leaving abusive rela- much to refocus health care funding on patients' needs. tionships. It restructured regional health governance and delivery My government also remains committed to long- to provide greater flexibility and strategic planning of term improvements in services for women, children health resources. It gave health authorities new tools to and families, including a sustainable child care strategy find savings and efficiencies. that is partnership-driven, community-focused and My government's comprehensive nursing strategy targeted to those most in need. is already showing results, as the number of nursing In making the hard decisions that must be made to vacancies is being reduced. More nurses are being reduce spending, my government will continue to put trained, and much higher wages — along with Can- the interests of patients, students and those most in ada's lowest taxes — are serving as a powerful incen- need first. tive to attract and retain skilled nurses. Putting patients, students and people first. There is My government has committed significant funds to no greater or more pressing challenge than the need to substantially increase the number of medical school save and renew public health care. As Canada's 13 graduates, working in partnership with the University Premiers have agreed, the current system is not sus- of British Columbia, the and the tainable. Indeed, that point was made by the members University of Northern British Columbia. of this assembly on the Select Standing Committee on Difficult decisions have been made to reduce costs Health in their recent report. and coverage of supplementary benefits under the Health care expenditures have tripled in British Medical Services Plan. Even with an increase of $1.1 Columbia since 1985, yet the system has lost ground billion in the health budget this year, the pressures on every year. In that same period the proportion that health care are mounting. Potential costs in higher health care spending consumes of the annual budget physician fees are sure to grow, without any adequate means to pay for them. has grown from 31 percent to nearly 40 percent, and that is reducing the amount available to be spent on [1435] other public services. This has left my government with two more un- British Columbia now spends more each year on pleasant choices. It could either accept increased ser- health care than it raises in all the revenues combined vice reductions to partially offset wage costs and from personal income tax, Medical Services Plan pre- higher physician fees, or it could raise Medical Services miums, federal transfer payments and tobacco tax. And Plan premiums to increase the health care budget. Last still that is not enough. week, in open cabinet, my government decided to do When Canada's national health care program was the latter, while also protecting lower-income earners. launched almost four decades ago, it basically covered Approximately 230,000 lower-income British Colum- only hospital and doctors' fees. Pharmacare, home and bians will actually see their premiums decreased. But

6 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 for most citizens, monthly MSP premiums are being allocations that are fairer and better aligned with stu- raised significantly. dent populations and classroom costs. As well, my This unwelcome measure will substantially in- government will establish new mechanisms to give crease the health budget. It will provide extra funding parents real and meaningful input into education de- to help safeguard patients from the pressures of higher livery and quality in our schools and greater control health cost delivery, but it will not be enough. Further and choice for their children. changes will be required to make the public health care My government also looks forward to the report of system sustainable. the Select Standing Committee on Education. That Many of these were outlined very effectively in the committee consulted widely with British Columbians select standing committee's report, Patients First: Re- last fall, and its findings will provide an important newal and Reform of British Columbia's Health Care System. source of input. It was the product of extensive consultation with Brit- Later this spring my government will organize a ish Columbians in communities across our province. Its dialogue on education at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for findings are echoed in other major recent studies on Dialogue. It will bring together leaders in education health care in Canada, including the recent preliminary from across British Columbia, including teachers, trus- report by the Commission on the Future of Health Care tees, business leaders, deans of education, superinten- in Canada. In virtually every case, the need for funda- dents and parents, to discuss improvements and re- mental structural changes is inescapable to save and forms to the education system. renew our health care system. In this session my government will introduce legis- My government will continue to embrace that lation to create more choice for post-secondary stu- needed change in the months and years to come, to dents to ensure the system serves students and school build a sustainable health care system that is consistent districts better, with greater flexibility to allow them to with the five principles of the Canada Health Act. In take advantage of increased choices. This legislation this session, measures will be introduced to reduce will build on the important new tools that were re- costs from duplication, administrative overlaps and cently given to colleges, institutes and universities to overly prescriptive regulatory regimes. The Commu- fully and properly utilize their facilities and resources nity Care Facility Act will be substantially improved to to put students' interests first. establish a more responsive results-based framework [1440] for community care that provides a greater flexibility My government understands that every student for individual care and consistent care standards. My learns differently and has different needs and circum- government will act this year to advance its target of stances. Through the enhancement of degree-granting creating 5,000 new intermediate and long-term care opportunities for both private and public institutions, spaces by 2006. students will have a wider variety of choice and flexi- British Columbians' health will be better safe- bility in pursuing their post-secondary education. guarded under new legislation to strengthen drinking My government will allow post-secondary institu- water and groundwater protection. As well, my gov- tions to make their own decisions about their tuition ernment will be allocating more resources to the moni- fee levels. This will restore greater autonomy to the toring of drinking water quality. It has already taken institutions themselves, because they should be di- concrete steps to improve the quality of drinking wa- rectly accountable to the students and communities ter. In conjunction with our federal and local govern- they serve. ment partners, it has approved the first 15 of many My government will also increase student spaces community water and sewer projects planned under and restore certainty for learners who have been at- the $800 million Canada–British Columbia infrastruc- tending the Technical University of British Columbia. ture program. will assume responsibility for My government has recently introduced other Tech B.C. students and assets, allowing students to changes aimed at putting students' interests first. It has graduate with a degree from SFU while maintaining a acted on its election commitment to provide greater presence in the growing community of Surrey. flexibility and local autonomy to elected school boards. With a looming skills shortage facing the province, School boards are now able to better utilize and man- my government recognizes the importance of skills and age their district schools, classrooms and resources for trades training to our future prosperity and growth. To students, and they have an important new manage- pave the way for the introduction of a modern, flexible ment tool to help them cope with cost pressures. New training system that is more efficient and responsive to legislated class-size limits will also ensure that stu- industry needs, my government will disband the cur- dents' needs are better protected and even enhanced rent Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commis- without the rigidity that prevented commonsense solu- sion. An industry advisory committee will be ap- tions at the school and district levels. pointed to guide the transition to the new model, while Changes to the School Act this session will be the funding to institutions for the delivery of skills and aimed at improving student achievement through bet- trades training will remain intact. ter system accountability and increased flexibility and My government will also introduce legislation this choice for parents and for students. New school fund- session to focus employment and assistance dollars first ing formulas will be introduced to give school districts on those who are most in need. The legislation will re- a better chance to plan through three-year funding place four existing acts. It will also facilitate a strategic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES 7 shift from a culture of welfare entitlement to a culture gress is always difficult, but it is always worth the ef- of employment and self-sufficiency. The changes will fort. provide for those people who require continuous assis- Let there be no doubt: British Columbia is on the tance and will encourage all individuals to reach their move. It is charting new ground and reaching out to potential. In particular, the changes will insist on claim a better future. greater individual responsibility for those able to ac- To all citizens, my government holds out this prom- tively seek employment. ise: British Columbia's best days lie ahead. In time, we My government will put children and families will amaze ourselves at the distance we have travelled first. Legislation will be introduced this session to together. streamline the process for obtaining and enforcing [1445] family maintenance orders in cases where one spouse lives in British Columbia and the other lives in a recip- Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from rocating jurisdiction. Child protection legislation will the chamber. be amended to reflect the strategic shifts in child wel- fare that were outlined in open cabinet last Novem- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] ber. Legislation will offer more options to provide safe care for children within the environment of the Mr. Speaker: Hon. members, in order to prevent extended family. Other strategic shifts will allow for mistakes, I have obtained a copy of Her Honour the the greater protection of children through the promo- Lieutenant-Governor's speech. tion of families and communities and an increased focus on family development approaches to parents Introduction and and to families. First Reading of Bills My government vowed to stop the expansion of gambling that has increased gambling addiction in our AN ACT TO ENSURE province and has put new strains on families. That THE SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT commitment has been kept, in keeping with existing contractual obligations. This session more will be Hon. G. Plant: I move that a bill intituled An Act to done. A comprehensive legislation framework will be Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament be introduced and introduced for regulating and managing gaming more read a first time now. effectively and independently under the gaming pol- icy and enforcement branch and the B.C. Lottery Cor- Motion approved. poration. My government's administrative justice project will Hon. G. Plant: The introduction of this bill prior to also result in several major structural changes this year. consideration of the throne speech expresses the estab- Those changes will be aimed at making our province's lished right of parliament, through its elected mem- administrative justice agencies more accessible, fair, bers, to deliberate independently of the Sovereign. As efficient and affordable. such it is an important part of our parliamentary de- New legislation will be introduced that consoli- mocratic process. This right was first asserted by the dates key functions of the Children's Commission and Parliament at Westminster in 1603, during the reign of the office of child, youth and family advocate into a Queen Elizabeth I. new agency: the children's officer. I move that the bill be placed on orders of the day A modernized Residential Tenancy Act will also be for second reading at the next sitting of the House after introduced, drafted in language that everyone can un- today. derstand. It will protect the rights of renters and of landlords, addressing issues such as illegal activities in Bill 1 introduced, read a first time and ordered to be rental accommodations, the rules for inspection, and placed on orders of the day for second reading at the dispute resolution mechanisms. next sitting of the House after today. All of the changes outlined here will help lead our province forward to a more promising future, to a new Hon. G. Collins: I move, seconded by the member era of hope and prosperity that is bright with possibil- for Vancouver-Hastings electoral district, that Mr. John ity and brimming with potential. These changes will Weisbeck, the member for Kelowna–Lake Country put our economy back on track, get our fiscal house in electoral district, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this order and begin to correct the structural problems that session of the Legislative Assembly. must be solved. Step by step, they will move us beyond our fears and expectations to the limits of imagination. Motion approved. Though the storms of change may rage and rain hard with their resistance, they will not cloud our Hon. G. Collins: I move, seconded by the member common purpose. British Columbians know where my for Vancouver-Hastings electoral district, that Mr. Har- government is heading, and they know it can't get old Long, the member for Powell River–Sunshine Coast there without the courage of its convictions. Real pro- electoral district, be appointed Deputy Chair of the

8 BRITISH COLUMBIA DEBATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002

Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legisla- from time to time their observations and opinions tive Assembly. thereon, with power to send for persons, papers and records; and that a special committee be appointed to Motion approved. prepare and report, with all convenient speed, lists of members to compose the above select standing com- Hon. G. Plant: I move that the Votes and Proceedings mittees of this House under standing order 68(1), the of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. committee to be composed of the Hon. G. Collins, Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, Convener, and Messrs. Wong, Krueger, Wilson, Nura- and that no person but such as he shall appoint do pre- ney and Manhas, Ms. McMahon, Ms. Chong and Ms. sume to print the same. MacPhail.

Motion approved. Motion approved.

Hon. G. Campbell: I move that the select standing Point of Privilege committees of this House, for the present session, be appointed for the following purposes: J. MacPhail: I'd like to advise the House and you, 1. Aboriginal Affairs; Mr. Speaker, that I reserve the right to raise a matter of 2. Education; privilege relating to recent reports in the media. 3. Finance and Government Services; 4. Health; Mr. Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. Your com- 5. Public Accounts; ments have been noted. 6. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills; Hon. G. Collins moved adjournment of the House. 7. Crown Corporations; which said committees shall severally be empowered Motion approved. to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House and to report The House adjourned at 2:50 p.m.