Fift h Session, 39th Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(HANSARD)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Aft ernoon Sitting Volume 41, Number 1

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

ISSN 0709-1281 (Print) ISSN 1499-2175 (Online) PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC

Fifth Session, 39th Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism ...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture ...... Hon. Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government ...... Hon. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ...... Hon. Bill Bennett Minister of Education ...... Hon. Don McRae Minister of Environment ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Steve Th omson Minister of Health ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Minister of State for Seniors ...... Hon. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour ...... Hon. Minister of State for Small Business ...... Hon. Minister of Justice ...... Hon. Minister of Social Development ...... Hon. Dr. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure ...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Leader of the Offi cial Opposition ...... Deputy Speaker ...... Assistant Deputy Speaker ...... Dawn Black Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...... Craig James Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Sessional Law Clerk ...... Roderick MacArthur, QC Clerk Consultant ...... E. George MacMinn, OBC, QC Sergeant-at-Arms ...... Gary Lenz ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING

Abbott, George (BC Liberal) ...... Shuswap Abbotsford-Mission ...... Austin, Robin (NDP) ...... Skeena Abbotsford South ...... Bains, Harry (NDP) ...... Surrey-Newton ...... Hon. Michael de Jong, QC Barisoff , Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Penticton Alberni–Pacifi c Rim ...... Scott Fraser Barnett, Donna (BC Liberal) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Boundary-Similkameen ...... John Slater Bell, Hon. Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie Burnaby–Deer Lake ...... Kathy Corrigan Bennett, Hon. Bill (BC Liberal) ...... Kootenay East Burnaby-Edmonds ...... Black, Dawn (NDP) ...... New Westminster Burnaby-Lougheed ...... Harry Bloy Bloy, Harry (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed Burnaby North ...... Richard T. Lee Bond, Hon. Shirley (BC Liberal) ...... Prince George–Valemount Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Brar, Jagrup (NDP) ...... Surrey-Fleetwood Cariboo North ...... Bob Simpson Cadieux, Hon. Stephanie (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Panorama Chilliwack ...... Cantelon, Ron (BC Liberal) ...... Parksville-Qualicum Chilliwack-Hope ...... Gwen O'Mahony Chandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) ...... –West End Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Norm Macdonald Chong, Hon. Ida (BC Liberal) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Comox Valley...... Hon. Don McRae Chouhan, Raj (NDP) ...... Burnaby-Edmonds –Burke Mountain ...... Douglas Horne Clark, Hon. Christy (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–Point Grey Coquitlam-Maillardville...... Diane Th orne Coell, Murray (BC Liberal) ...... Saanich North and the Islands Cowichan Valley ...... Bill Routley Coleman, Hon. Rich (BC Liberal) ...... Fort Langley–Aldergrove Delta North ...... Guy Gentner Conroy, Katrine (NDP) ...... Kootenay West Delta South ...... Vicki Huntington Coons, Gary (NDP) ...... North Coast Esquimalt–Royal Roads ...... Maurine Karagianis Corrigan, Kathy (NDP) ...... Burnaby–Deer Lake Fort Langley–Aldergrove ...... Hon. Rich Coleman Dalton, Marc (BC Liberal) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission Fraser-Nicola...... de Jong, Hon. Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford West Juan de Fuca ...... Dix, Adrian (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway –North Th ompson ...... Hon. Dr. Terry Lake Donaldson, Doug (NDP) ...... Stikine Kamloops–South Th ompson ...... Elmore, Mable (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kensington –Lake Country ...... Hon. Norm Letnick Falcon, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Kelowna-Mission ...... Hon. Steve Th omson Farnworth, Mike (NDP) ...... Port Coquitlam Kootenay East ...... Hon. Bill Bennett Fleming, Rob (NDP) ...... Victoria–Swan Lake Kootenay West ...... Foster, Eric (BC Liberal) ...... Vernon-Monashee Langley...... Hon. Mary Polak Fraser, Scott (NDP) ...... Alberni–Pacifi c Rim Maple Ridge–Mission ...... Marc Dalton Gentner, Guy (NDP) ...... Delta North Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows ...... Michael Sather Hammell, Sue (NDP) ...... Surrey–Green Timbers Nanaimo ...... Leonard Krog Hansen, Colin (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Quilchena Nanaimo–North Cowichan ...... Hawes, Randy (BC Liberal) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Nechako Lakes ...... Hayer, Dave S. (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey-Tynehead Nelson-Creston ...... Michelle Mungall Heed, Kash (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview New Westminster ...... Dawn Black Hogg, Gordon (BC Liberal) ...... Surrey–White Rock North Coast...... Gary Coons Horgan, John (NDP) ...... Juan de Fuca North Island ...... Claire Trevena Horne, Douglas (BC Liberal) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain North Vancouver–Lonsdale ...... Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Howard, Rob (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond Centre North Vancouver–Seymour ...... Jane Th ornthwaite Huntington, Vicki (Ind.) ...... Delta South Oak Bay–Gordon Head ...... Hon. Ida Chong James, Carole (NDP) ...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Parksville-Qualicum ...... Karagianis, Maurine (NDP) ...... Esquimalt–Royal Roads ...... Krog, Leonard (NDP) ...... Nanaimo Peace River South ...... Krueger, Kevin (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–South Th ompson Penticton...... Hon. Bill Barisoff Kwan, Jenny Wai Ching (NDP) ...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Port Coquitlam ...... Lake, Hon. Dr. Terry (BC Liberal) ...... Kamloops–North Th ompson Port Moody–Coquitlam ...... Joe Trasolini Lali, Harry (NDP) ...... Fraser-Nicola Powell River–Sunshine Coast ...... Lee, Richard T. (BC Liberal) ...... Burnaby North Prince George–Mackenzie ...... Hon. Pat Bell Lekstrom, Blair (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River South Prince George–Valemount ...... Hon. Shirley Bond Les, John (BC Liberal) ...... Chilliwack Richmond Centre ...... Rob Howard Letnick, Hon. Norm (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna–Lake Country Richmond East ...... Linda Reid MacDiarmid, Hon. Dr. Margaret (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Fairview Richmond-Steveston ...... Hon. John Yap Macdonald, Norm (NDP) ...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Saanich North and the Islands ...... McIntyre, Joan (BC Liberal) ...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Saanich South ...... McNeil, Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver–False Creek Shuswap ...... George Abbott McRae, Hon. Don (BC Liberal) ...... Comox Valley Skeena ...... Robin Austin Mungall, Michelle (NDP) ...... Nelson-Creston Stikine ...... Doug Donaldson O'Mahony, Gwen (NDP) ...... Chilliwack-Hope Surrey-Cloverdale ...... Pimm, Pat (BC Liberal) ...... Peace River North Surrey-Fleetwood ...... Jagrup Brar Polak, Hon. Mary (BC Liberal) ...... Langley Surrey–Green Timbers ...... Popham, Lana (NDP) ...... Saanich South Surrey-Newton ...... Ralston, Bruce (NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Surrey-Panorama ...... Hon. Stephanie Cadieux Reid, Linda (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond East Surrey-Tynehead ...... Dave S. Hayer Routley, Bill (NDP) ...... Cowichan Valley Surrey-Whalley...... Routley, Doug (NDP) ...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey–White Rock ...... Gordon Hogg Rustad, John (BC Liberal) ...... Nechako Lakes Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Sather, Michael (NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Vancouver–False Creek ...... Mary McNeil Simons, Nicholas (NDP) ...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Fraserview ...... Simpson, Bob (Ind.) ...... Cariboo North Vancouver-Hastings ...... Shane Simpson Simpson, Shane (NDP) ...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Kensington ...... Slater, John (Ind.) ...... Boundary-Similkameen Vancouver-Kingsway...... Adrian Dix Stewart, Hon. Ben (BC Liberal) ...... Westside-Kelowna Vancouver-Langara ...... Hon. Dr. Moira Stilwell Stilwell, Hon. Dr. Moira (BC Liberal) ...... Vancouver-Langara Vancouver–Mount Pleasant ...... Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Sultan, Hon. Ralph (BC Liberal) ...... West Vancouver–Capilano Vancouver–Point Grey ...... Hon. Christy Clark Th omson, Hon. Steve (BC Liberal) ...... Kelowna-Mission Vancouver-Quilchena ...... Th orne, Diane (NDP) ...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Vancouver–West End ...... Th ornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Vernon-Monashee ...... Trasolini, Joe (NDP)...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Victoria–Beacon Hill ...... Trevena, Claire (NDP) ...... North Island Victoria–Swan Lake...... van Dongen, John (Ind.)...... Abbotsford South West Vancouver–Capilano ...... Hon. Ralph Sultan Yamamoto, Hon. Naomi (BC Liberal) ...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale West Vancouver–Sea to Sky ...... Joan McIntyre Yap, Hon. John (BC Liberal) ...... Richmond-Steveston Westside-Kelowna ...... Hon. Ben Stewart

Party Standings: BC Liberal 45; New Democratic 36; Independent 4

CONTENTS

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Aft ernoon Sitting

Page

Speech from the Th rone ...... 12711

Introduction and First Reading of Bills ...... 12717 Bill 1 — An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament Hon. S. Bond

Appointment of Deputy Speaker ...... 12717

Appointment of Assistant Deputy Speaker ...... 12717

Appointment of Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... 12717

Printing of Votes and Proceedings ...... 12718

Appointment of select standing committees ...... 12718

Motions Without Notice ...... 12718 Legislative sitting hours Hon. M. de Jong

12711

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013 the people of this magnificent province, our British Columbia, with your most precious gift s — the gift s of Th e House met at 2:03 p.m. peace and health, fulfi lment and joy — and let us say amen. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] Some Hon. Members: Amen. Th is being the fi rst day of the fi ft h session of the 39th Legislative Assembly of of British Columbia Mr. Speaker: Th ank you, Rabbi. for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a proclamation Hon. Members, considering the amount of people that of the Hon. Judith Guichon, Lieutenant-Governor of the have been invited, I'm sure, from both sides of the House province, hon. members took their seats. for the throne speech…. On behalf of all of us, I'd like to welcome you all here. Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, Rabbi Philip Bregman Hon. Members, the Lieutenant-Governor is in the pre- — senior rabbi, congregation Temple Sholom, Vancouver, cinct, so we'll wait for her arrival. B.C. — will lead us in prayer. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor requested at- P. Bregman: First of all, I would like to thank the tendance to the House, was admitted to the chamber Speaker's offi ce, the provincial government and the en- and was pleased to deliver the following gracious speech tire Legislature for inviting me here this aft ernoon to from the throne. deliver the prayer for the opening of this session of the [1410] Legislature. It's a tremendous honour. As public servants, you are charged with the holy task Speech from the Th rone of leading by example. You are responsible for making decisions that will profoundly aff ect all of the people of Hon. J. Guichon (Lieutenant-Governor): Fellow Brit- this great province — the young and the old, those who ish Columbians, Members of the Legislative Assembly, I have and those who have not. No matter what your pol- hope you all enjoyed British Columbia's fi rst Family Day. itical allegiance, may you never lose sight of this sacred And to all British Columbians who celebrate the Chinese trust. New Year, gung hay fat choy and gong xi fa cai. We, therefore, pray that the decisions that are made Since this chamber was last addressed from this in caucus, in committee and in this very room be deci- chair, we have lost some beloved members of our British sions that are made with knowledge, understanding, wis- Columbia family. I would like to acknowledge a few of dom and, when necessary, compromise. May the policies them today. We join First Nations in mourning Chief and the laws that you create here enrich all of the lives Clifford Bolton, father of my predecessor, the Hon. of British Columbians educationally, socially and eco- Steven Point, who is with us here today. We also mourn nomically. Chief Robert Sam, and Chief Bert Mack. May the source of life, who is known by many names, We mourn the loss of former members of this endow you, our elected offi cials, with kindness, grace, vi- Legislature, Bill Barlee, Herb Capozzi, James Lorimer, sion and insight. Jean Webber and Ralph Loff mark, and those who served [1405] its members, Garth Gislason, and former Clerk of the When faced with the many challenges that are pre- Legislative Assembly, Ian Horne, who served with dis- sented to you by the citizenry of our towns and cities, tinction for nearly four decades. We also recognize the our farms and our ranches, may you respond with cour- passing of 66 B.C. public service employees. age and compassion. As you struggle with the enormous We honour people who strengthened our commun- burden of governing, may you always remain civil to- ities: Tom Campbell, Jim Green, Norman Patterson, wards one another so that you can hear and objectively Anne Martin, Ernest Palfrey, Bill Hodgson, Bob Gillespie, assess ideas, no matter what side of the aisle they may Glenn Wong, Andrew Harvie, Frederick Bryant, Henry come from. Hollett, Nathan Divinsky, Wesley Janzen, Dorothy Th erefore, may this Legislature be a beacon of light Kostrzewa, Jim Murray, Dr. Reg Roy, and honorary aide- and hope for our province, our country and the world. de-camp Jack Patten. And may you, our MLAs, truly be an example of how to We honour those who served to protect and keep us bring together diverse opinions for the benefi t of all. We safe, David Blakeman, Adrian Oliver and Daniel Botkin, also pray that your beloved families will be granted the and those who risked their lives to preserve our values patience and understanding they need to endure your ab- in wartime: Walter Ball, Kenneth Callaghan, Alexander sence from their lives as you pursue your responsibilities Louie, Ernest Wesson and Hugh Wright. to the citizens of this province. We recognize those who shared their success and pas- Ribono shel olam, creator of the universe, bless all sion with a grateful province, Milton Wong, Ike Barber, 12712 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Wendy McDonald, Edgar Kaiser Jr. and Tom Foord, and economy and secure a better tomorrow for another gen- those who helped to shape our province and our view eration of British Columbians. Whether we reach out and of the world: John Macintyre, Nicholas Bawlf, Lloyd grasp it is entirely up to us. Dykk, Jack Jensen, Jack Frazer, Basil Stuart-Stubbs, Ida Economies across the Pacifi c are not just emerging; Clarkson, Clyde Hertzman and Lance Morgan. they have emerged. Before the end of this decade Asia We pause to remember those who made us cheer, Sarah and South Asia will comprise over half of the global econ- Burke, Tessa Beauchamp and Paul Cyr, and those whose omy. By 2030 well over three billion people in Asia will be tragic passing touched our hearts forever: Amanda Todd, part of the middle class, with China and India account- Robert Luggi Jr. and Carl Charlie. ing for about two billion of those citizens. Our lives are better for these citizens having lived While the United States remains our closest friend and theirs. Th ey taught us many things: grace, selfl essness, biggest trading partner, we must continue our eff orts to perseverance and resilience. As our province faces the bring the opportunity that Asia presents closer to our risks of an uncertain world, we are inspired by these shores and to the people of British Columbia. British Columbians, and we honour their memory. We Our province is blessed with deep historical, cultural will be hopeful and optimistic, and we will emulate their and commercial ties to Asia. Whether it is through pro- resilience so that it defi nes our character and our beauti- viding disaster relief assistance, going on trade missions ful province. or hosting international fi lm awards, your government is Fellow British Columbians, we are living in a time continuing to strengthen ties. of great change. The world is much different than it These connections are fuelling mutual growth for was even five years ago. Many traditionally leading both British Columbia and Asia-Pacifi c markets. British economies have faltered, their diffi culties triggered by Columbia exports to China have increased close to 500 shortsighted fi scal policies and a failure of courage and percent since 2001, and our exports to India have in- discipline in good times. Other economies are embra- creased by 60 percent in the past year. cing change, looking for partners to usher in a new age Your government anticipated a generational oppor- of prosperity that is shift ing the global economic balance tunity by taking steps to make B.C. the most diversi- and placing our province at the crossroads of history. fi ed Asia-oriented economy in Canada. Th is diversity of [1415] markets has protected and created jobs. It did not hap- Our province has remained resilient and has been pro- pen by accident. tected from much of the instability that surrounds us. Th e Trade missions to Asia, led by your Premier, have course your government has charted is rooted in disci- garnered $2 billion in direct investment. New trade of- pline, perseverance and innovation. fi ces are open in Hong Kong, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Today British Columbia's economy is more diversifi ed Solidifying our presence in the Asia-Pacifi c and South than ever. We once relied principally on one customer Asia is essential, just as it is essential to strengthen Asian for our goods. Now we rely on many. Our products are business presence here in British Columbia. fi nding new markets, and investment is coming from In countries like India, China, Malaysia, Japan, new sources. Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines and Korea, leading Controlled government spending is keeping taxes low companies are growing in strength. Th ese companies are and reducing the defi cit. As a result, we can aff ord steady looking to expand markets and create more substantive and planned infrastructure investments, despite volatil- operations in North America. Your government will not ity. We are building an economy that is rich in support sit back and wait for opportunity to knock. Your govern- for those who need it — the most important measure of ment will grasp it. economic success. In the weeks ahead your government will launch a new British Columbians have built a safe harbour to grow integrated organization that will partner with Canada, and protect jobs in these turbulent times. But it is easier the business community and educational institutions to to dismantle a safe harbour than it is to build it. Th e easy help seize the opportunity. Th is new organization will route is to spend more taxpayers' dollars than are col- leverage British Columbia's economic strengths, unique lected — to drive deeper into debt and to drive invest- relationships and knowledge of Asia to make Vancouver ment away. Th e easy route is to not answer when new and Canada's west coast the hub for Asian and South opportunity knocks, for fear the task ahead might be too Asian corporate offi ces and investment activity. big to handle and might demand bold action. [1420] Th is is not the route we have taken to get to this mo- Fellow British Columbians, your government is also ment. British Columbians stand at these crossroads, moving decisively to seize one of the greatest economic having worked hard to get here, ready for what's next. opportunities our province has ever seen. Th e nations Your government believes in the courage of British of the world, especially in Asia, are seeking clean ener- Columbians to seize the moment. gy solutions. Countries like Japan, still recovering from We have a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, are looking to Tuesday, February 12, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12713

transition to cleaner, safer forms of energy — away from or making long-term investments in areas like educa- thermal coal, away from nuclear to a future powered by tion or vital infrastructure that strengthen communities, natural gas. Th ey are looking to British Columbia. these are the kinds of opportunities the B.C. prosperity In B.C. we are blessed with an abundance of natural fund can provide. gas, the cleanest non-renewable fuel on the planet. We Fellow British Columbians, this is the opportunity be- have a surplus that can meet the real and pressing needs fore us, but only if we seize it. It is not years away; it is now. of other economies, especially those on our Pacifi c door- Our province faces fi erce competition from Australia and step. In doing so, we can help protect our planet. other natural gas producers. Seizing this opportunity requires that we add new [1425] value to this resource, converting it for transport to mar- If we do not win the opportunity now, there may be kets outside our continent for the fi rst time. Th is can trig- no opportunity to win tomorrow. We did not win the ger a possible $1 trillion in cumulative GDP benefi t to Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in 2010; we won our province over the next 30 years. An estimated 39,000 them in 2003. new full-time jobs, on average, will be created during the One year ago your government released a natural gas nine-year construction period. Once all facilities reach strategy to drive growth and investment. Today the meas- full production, there could be over 75,000 new annual ure of confi dence in British Columbia's strategy is clear. full-time jobs. Since last year over $6 billion in investments has been Th ese jobs can be created in every part of our prov- made for the development of liquefi ed natural gas for ex- ince in many diff erent sectors and sustained for genera- port. It is estimated that up to $1 billion has already been tions to come — construction jobs, facility jobs, highly spent in preparation for constructing liquefi ed natural skilled trades jobs, jobs in the professional services, jobs gas facilities and transportation networks. for First Nations, jobs for businesses that support the in- Your government has set a target of having three li- dustry, technology jobs. quefi ed natural gas facilities operational by 2020. Today For our province, two new major revenue streams can work is underway by ten partnerships to establish lique- be created. Th e fi rst comes from revenues generated from fi ed natural gas facilities in our province. Partnerships the growth in employment and business activity — new between pipeline companies and energy companies are revenues in a growing economy that will greatly enhance forming. New offi ces are opening in British Columbia government's ability to provide services families depend as a result. on year aft er year. By staying on course, your government is confi dent Th e second stream of revenue comes from new royal- these and other projects will make our province the ty revenues directly for the province, British Columbia's second-largest exporter of natural gas in the world, gen- share of resource profits. This could exceed $100 bil- erating jobs and wealth for British Columbians and pro- lion over the next 30 years. Th is resource belongs to the viding cleaner energy to countries that need it. people of British Columbia, both here today and those With over a half century of experience, British to follow. It must be spent wisely not just for the benefi t Columbia is a world leader in the safe recovery of natur- of today's citizens but also for our children and grand- al gas. Our province has the most stringent environment- children. al and safety regulations anywhere. Clear, strong and To protect this second stream of revenue for genera- rigorous environmental standards are not a burden but tions to come, your government is establishing the British a hallmark that supports growth and confi dence. Th ere Columbia prosperity fund. Future royalties will be desig- is no amount of potential revenue that justifi es environ- nated to this fund, ensuring British Columbia families mental compromise. can benefi t from the prosperity created by natural gas in Your government is also working closely with British our province. Th is will be a transformational change for Columbians to prepare for this opportunity. In particular, our province, and we cannot aff ord to be shortsighted. your government will continue to work with commun- A main focus of the B.C. prosperity fund will be to ities in the northwest of the province where facilities will reduce provincial debt. We have an obligation to make be sited and with communities in the northeast where the good on this debt, rather than ask our children to pay resource is recovered. it for us. Your government is also working alongside First Each year British Columbia spends approximately $2.4 Nations to ensure they do not simply benefi t from these billion on interest to service the total provincial debt. investments but are leaders in growing this opportunity Imagine how that money could be used to support the for the entire province. Chief Coun. and the services families depend on, instead of giving it over to Haisla First Nation have demonstrated the kind of leader- bondholders in New York and London. ship that will help turn this tremendous opportunity for Th e B.C. prosperity fund can also target measures to British Columbians into lasting prosperity. We are de- improve social services and make life more aff ordable for lighted that Chief Councillor Ross is here with us today. families. Whether it is eliminating the provincial sales tax Natural gas is a key part of our province's rich and 12714 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 12, 2013 varied natural resource economy. Th e forestry industry vesting in the future of British Columbia. Our citizens was hard hit by market challenges and the pine beetle must be fi rst in line for new jobs that are created as we infestation but remained resilient. By working with your seize and secure the future of our province. Our growing government, the industry seized opportunities in mar- economy will create one million job openings across our kets like China and is now looking at new opportunities province between now and 2020 — 43 percent of which in India. will require people with trades and technical training. British Columbia's agriculture industry is also growing Over the past decade the training and credential- and increasing trade with new markets. Seafood exports granting system in our province has been transformed to China set a record in 2011, and B.C. wine exports have to refl ect economic trends and better match skills to increased 300 percent since 2008. Seizing new markets in jobs. Your government is making investments in targeted Asia is a central feature of your government's agriculture training, from electricians in the to masons strategy to help the industry grow to a $14-billion-a-year in Kamloops, from carpenters on the north Island to con- industry by 2017. struction workers, miners and pipefi tters in the north. In mining we continue to be a world leader in respon- Today there are more than 34,000 registered apprentices, sible development. In just over one year the industry is double the number in 2001. more than halfway to meeting government's target of Your government is actively encouraging young 17 new and expanded mines. Th ese industries provide people, women, members of First Nations and the under- thousands of family-supporting jobs, enable new skills, employed to consider careers in the trades. Th is involves drive research and innovation and are the lifeblood of working with employers on a number of fronts to expand their communities. the number of skilled tradespeople in British Columbia Revenues help make community investment pos- by hiring apprentices through tax relief, like the training sible — new and improved schools like Port Edward tax credit and the new marine training tax credit, and Elementary, Heritage Mountain middle school and pursuing measures that will encourage employers to in- Chilliwack Secondary; or new and improved hospi- crease the number of apprentices they sponsor. tals like Fort St. John, Surrey Memorial and the B.C. Th e mission is clear. Th e training our citizens receive Children's and Women's hospitals. Th is is what a strong must be the training that will get them a job today and economy delivers for its citizens. prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. [1430] Your government is investing $75 million in new cap- Fellow British Columbians, your government has ital and equipment to complement $500 million in an- formed partnerships with First Nations — partner- nual investments in skills- and trades-training programs. ships defi ned by collaboration, cooperation and respect. Th is is in addition to an annual $1.9 billion investment British Columbia is a leader in Canada in the area of re- for post-secondary education across the province — a source-revenue-sharing. Th ese agreements bring predict- 47 percent increase since 2001. Th is substantial invest- ability for First Nations, for governments, for business ment supports some of the world's greatest institutions and investors, and support economic growth. of learning. Th is is a record to be proud of. Your government will British Columbia's universities and technical institu- ensure that national and other provincial governments tions are second to none, teaching skills that produce have a chance to learn how this success was possible. professionals in diverse fi elds from engineering to the Your government set a goal to sign ten non-treaty eco- creative arts. Th is not only helps British Columbia thrive nomic development agreements within the fi rst two years in the knowledge economy, but it helps shape it. of the jobs plan. Th is goal was met in just over a year. A strong skills-driven economy allows your govern- Seeking economic progress with First Nations is ment to plan for the future and invest in the critically matched by a commitment to respect special places and important major projects that drive our economy for- protect the environment. Working closely with industry, ward. Since 2001 your government has partnered with your government has honoured the leadership of the the federal government and private sector partners to se- Tahltan people to protect the Klappan and the salmon- cure over $22 billion in investments to build and improve bearing headwaters of the Skeena, Nass and Stikine rivers. North America's best transportation gateway. Th ere remains a long road ahead as we continue to [1435] build and strengthen our relationships. Th e journey has Your government continues to invest in critical trans- started and must continue. Respecting and partnering portation projects, creating thousands of construction with First Nations communities across our province and highly skilled jobs — projects like the four-laning of is fundamental to achieving mutual goals. Your gov- the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to Alberta; ernment will continue to fi nd innovative ways to work replacing the George Massey Tunnel to help end the together so that all British Columbians benefi t from the choke point for commuters; the four-laning of Highway jobs being created and the economic prosperity before us. 97 between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek; the South Fellow British Columbians, skills training is about in- Fraser perimeter road, which will fully open this year, Tuesday, February 12, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12715

connecting Highway 1 to Deltaport; and the Evergreen in health care have increased by $6.9 billion since 2001. line, which in 2016 will commence rapid transit for the These new investments pay for new physicians, nurs- fi rst time to the communities of Coquitlam and Port es and nurse practitioners who are treating patients Moody. throughout our province. Th ese investments are possible because our economy Th ese investments helped increase the numbers of is growing. operations and diagnostic tests to ensure patients are be- Your government is also moving forward with major ing diagnosed early and treated appropriately, and they power generation projects like Site C. British Columbia have enabled British Columbia to have the best outcomes has sufficient power to meet today's needs. However, in our country when it comes to the prevention and treat- planning for the future is not about meeting present ment of cancer. needs; it's about having the foresight to meet the de- [1440] mands of tomorrow. While health care investments have increased so has Your government is creating new opportunities in the creativity of our health care professionals to make mining, manufacturing and natural gas. Th ese require each dollar go further. Th rough bulk-purchasing agree- electricity, as will the nearly half a million new British ments among health authorities, $200 million will be Columbians who will live in our province by the year saved by 2014 that can be directed to front-line health 2020. Our province will need additional sources of elec- care. Our shared services initiative has reduced health tricity to sustain and support that growth. Site C is an care overhead to ensure that dollars can go to providing important part of the work ahead, as are new sources of direct patient care. green energy in which your government will continue Your government knows that more must be done to to invest. ensure we have a health care system that meets the de- Your government is ensuring that today's citizens and mands of a population that is both changing and aging. communities have the transportation and electricity net- An innovative health care system must respond to the works that connect us to each other and to the world. changing needs of its citizens and embrace practices be- Th ese networks help create the conditions for job cre- yond traditional western medicine. In the months ahead ation, but it is businesses — small, medium and large — your government will begin work to create an environ- not government, that create jobs. ment for a school of traditional Chinese medicine at a Competitive tax rates also help make this possible. British Columbia post-secondary institution. British Columbia has one of the lowest general income In the coming weeks your government will also intro- tax rates in Canada. duce legislation to establish a seniors advocate and will Business also needs regulation that works while not bring forward a plan to address elder abuse. Your gov- adding a huge burden. British Columbia has reduced ernment will also outline improvements for patients in regulatory requirements by 42 percent and is the only rural and urban areas as well as improvements to pri- province to have a regulatory reform law. mary health care that will have lasting benefi ts to people But there is more we can do. In the coming weeks your throughout our province. government will renew its commitment to small business Your government put measures in place that ease the owners to keep our province the most small business– burden on families throughout our province. Th e min- friendly jurisdiction in Canada. imum wage has been increased three times. Tax-saving Small business owners have identifi ed their priorities: measures are helping parents keep their children active access to qualifi ed workers, greater mentorship to help in sports and arts, helping seniors make renovations to business grow and better collaboration between diff erent remain in their homes and helping fi rst-time new-home levels of government. Your government will act on these buyers. Balanced changes have also been made to in- and other priorities. come assistance policies that help vulnerable families Fellow British Columbians, a wealthy economy allows attain better fi nancial security, assist individuals with government to be rich in support of citizens who need it. disabilities and help people avoid the cycle of income as- A growing economy that creates new sources of wealth sistance dependence. allows government to do more. Investing in skills train- Th ese and other eff orts are making a diff erence. Since ing, seizing new opportunities in natural gas, making B.C. 2003, B.C.'s child poverty rate has dropped by 45 per- a place where people have confi dence to start and grow cent, with 75,000 more children lift ed out of poverty. Th is a business — these are the actions that give government represents the second-lowest child poverty rate in B.C. the capacity to provide greater benefi ts to citizens. Th is since 1980. Today more than one million citizens pay no is the path that British Columbia is charting and must income tax, and more than 800,000 residents do not pay continue to follow. MSP premiums. Your government has also invested close A high-quality, innovative and accessible health care to $3.2 billion over the last decade to provide aff ordable system is an essential component of a strong economy. housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families With a budget in excess of $16.1 billion, investments in communities throughout British Columbia. 12716 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 12, 2013

In the coming days your government will introduce Your government is a national leader in the eff ort to additional measures to support families and help secure stop bullying. Th e ERASE Bullying program provides their future — measures to improve access to quality vital information, links and tips for parents and stu- early childhood services, improve access and aff ordabil- dents and a new on-line reporting tool to report instan- ity of child care and help families of young children save ces of bullying, threats and other safety concerns. British for post-secondary education. Columbia will be the fi rst province to have consistent Th e job of keeping life aff ordable equally depends on threat assessment guidelines across all school districts, controlled spending to keep taxes low. Balancing the backed by community protocols and the most compre- budget is a challenge in today's world, but it is also a mark hensive training program in Canada. of success and is key to creating confi dence in British Our province is far better when children have the con- Columbia as a safe harbour. Your government is deter- fi dence to stand up to bullying and when their parents, mined to balance B.C.'s budget year aft er year aft er year teachers and friends stand strong with them. so our children can make their own choices when it is British Columbia is taking a stand on the Enbridge their time to lead. northern gateway project and other proposals for heavy- Fiscal discipline has helped reduce the tax burden oil projects seeking to traverse our province. Your gov- families face. For many citizens, our province has one of ernment will not allow heavy-oil pipelines into our the lowest overall provincial tax burdens and the lowest province unless fi ve clear conditions are met. provincial personal income taxes in Canada. Th is must Th e fi rst three conditions require successful comple- be protected, and this is why the Minister of Finance tion of the environmental review process; world-leading will present British Columbia with a balanced budget in marine oil spill response, prevention and recovery sys- a few days. tems for B.C.'s coastline and ocean; and world-leading Tough choices are necessary to reach a balanced practices for land oil spill prevention, response and re- budget, and your government was clear that borrowing covery systems. money to support public sector wage increases was not Th e fourth condition requires that the legal require- possible. However, government and public sector unions ments regarding aboriginal and treaty rights are ad- were creative and successfully worked together to reach dressed. fair and respectful agreements, within their existing Only when these fi rst four conditions are met would budgets, that cover more than half of all provincial em- your government proceed to the fi ft h condition, which ployees. Th ey deserve praise for setting aside some of requires a fair share of the fi scal and economic benefi ts their own interests to support the interests of all British that refl ects the level, degree and nature of the risk borne Columbians. by our province, our environment and by our taxpayers. Provincial public servants work hard and oft en work Your government will stand up for British Columbia in very diffi cult, sometimes dangerous, situations. We all for generations to come. Earlier I spoke about the British owe them our gratitude. Columbia prosperity fund. Your government is commit- [1445] ted to ensuring that the B.C. prosperity fund remains an Fellow British Columbians, stability matters, and few endowment for future generations. Your government is things will provide more stability for our citizens than resolute that the fund cannot become a backstop or ex- long-term labour peace in our province's classrooms. Th e cuse for poor fi scal management of government. Th e B.C. goal is a ten-year agreement that would allow a child en- prosperity fund belongs to the people of this province, tering grade 2 next year to graduate high school without and it will be protected for them. a single labour disruption. If we continue with the same Fellow British Columbians, your government has bargaining approach that has been followed for 30 years charted a clear, focused path — a path based on stabil- with teachers, a child could experience as many as fi ve ity, resilience and economic growth. It is a path that sees labour disruptions during his or her education. beyond short-term gains and paves the way for the next Labour peace in our schools off ers students and teach- generation. It is a path that can continue to strengthen ers alike the opportunity to do their most important our economy today to secure a brighter future for to- work: learning, teaching, developing and growing the morrow. passions and talents of our children. Your government wants a British Columbia where Fighting for a better tomorrow for British Columbia every citizen can fi nd work in their own community, means taking a principled stand on critical issues that where our children are not shackled by inherited public concern B.C.'s families. debt. Where British Columbia can make its own way in We all have an obligation to help our children stand up the world, standing tall as a leader in Canada. to bullying and to stand up to it ourselves. Bullying can [1450] tear the soul of a child and rip families apart. It deprives a British Columbians have a great deal to be proud of to- child of their childhood, which deprives the whole com- day. Great things are being achieved for families and for munity of the energy and spirit of that child. future generations. But for all of our accomplishments, Tuesday, February 12, 2013 British Columbia Debates 12717 we cannot be complacent. Th e global economy is still Hon. S. Bond: I move that Bill 1, intituled An Act to chaotic. Risk remains, and we are not immune. To keep Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, be introduced and British Columbia moving forward, bold and courageous now read a fi rst time. action is needed. We are at an historic crossroad, like generations be- Motion approved. fore. Previous generations of British Columbians have bestowed on us values that serve as bedrock on which Hon. S. Bond: Th e introduction of this bill prior to we all stand and face our own future — values that make consideration of the throne speech expresses the estab- us a generous society, that give us the courage to be ad- lished right of parliament, through its elected members, venturous and the wisdom to act on opportunity when to deliberate independently of the sovereign. As such, is it presents itself. an important part of our parliamentary democratic pro- Members of this assembly once dreamed of opening cess. It is a right that was fi rst asserted by the Parliament our province to the Pacifi c, at a time when our country at Westminster in the year 1603, during the reign of was singularly focused on its ties across the Atlantic or Queen Elizabeth I. south of the border. People in this place once dreamed Mr. Speaker, I move that the bill be placed on the or- of clean hydroelectric power that could supply the needs ders of the day for second reading, at the next sitting of of generations and power a new economy. We have the House aft er today. achieved these dreams. Th e promise of a new opportunity is now before us. Bill 1, An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament, British Columbians have worked hard to get to this mo- introduced, read a fi rst time and ordered to be placed on ment, building an economy that is the envy of many. Now orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of is our time to step forward with confi dence. the House aft er today. We have all enjoyed our fi rst Family Day in British Columbia, and we are about to celebrate the universal APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SPEAKER day of love, February 14. As we move forward, may we remember to extend that love to our relationship with Hon. M. de Jong: I move, seconded by the member our natural world and the vast beauty that surrounds us for Juan de Fuca electoral district, that Linda Reid, the in the province of British Columbia. "Splendor sine oc- member for Richmond East electoral district, be ap- casu" — "splendour without diminishment." pointed Deputy Speaker for this session of the Legislative Th ank you to all members who serve in this assembly. Assembly. We thank you and your families for the sacrifi ces you make, some of you for many years, in order to work on Motion approved. behalf of the people of the province and for the Crown. We in British Columbia are richer for your service and APPOINTMENT OF dedication. I wish you all success in this fi ft h session of ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER the 39th parliament of the province of British Columbia.

Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired from J. Horgan: I move, seconded by the member for the chamber. Abbotsford West electoral district, that Dawn Black, the [1455] member for the New Westminster Salmonbellies' elec- toral district, be appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker for [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] this session of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, in order to prevent mis- Motion approved. takes, I've obtained a copy of Her Honour the Lieutenant- Governor's speech. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR, COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Introduction and First Reading of Bills Hon. M. de Jong: I move, seconded again by the mem- ber for Juan de Fuca electoral district, that Harry Bloy, BILL 1 — AN ACT TO ENSURE member for Burnaby-Lougheed electoral district, be ap- THE SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT pointed Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole for this session of the Legislative Assembly. Hon. S. Bond presented a bill intituled An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament. Motion approved. 12718 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, February 12, 2013

PRINTING OF VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS position House Leader and, I believe, to the independ- ent members of the Legislative Assembly, a sessional Hon. S. Bond: I move that the Votes and Proceedings order, a proposed motion that would set the hours for of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. sitting. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and [Th at eff ective immediately, the Standing Orders of the Legislative that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows for the dur- to print the same. ation of the Fift h Session of the Th irty-ninth Parliament, which commenced on February 12, 2013: 1. Th at Standing Order 2(1) is deleted and the following substi- Motion approved. tuted: Sittings APPOINTMENT OF Daily sittings. SELECT STANDING COMMITTEES 2. (1) Th e time for the ordinary meeting of the House shall, un- less otherwise ordered, be as follows: Monday: Two distinct sittings: Hon. C. Clark: I move that the select standing com- 10 a.m. to 12 noon mittees of this House for the present session be appointed 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for following purposes: Tuesday: Two distinct sittings: 1. Aboriginal Aff airs; 10 a.m. to 12 noon 2. Education; 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 3. Finance and Government Services; Th ursday: Two distinct sittings: 4. Health; 10 a.m. to 12 noon 5. Public Accounts; 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 6. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing 2. Th at Standing Order 3 be deleted and the following substituted: Orders and Private Bills; Hour of interruption. 3. If at the hour of 6:30 p.m. on any Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 7. Crown Corporations; p.m. on Wednesday, and 6:00 p.m. on Th ursday, the busi- 8. Children and Youth; ness of the day is not concluded and no other hour has been which said committees shall severally be empowered to agreed on for the next sitting, the Speaker shall leave the examine and inquire into all such matters and things as Chair: On Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday shall be referred to them by this House and to report On Tuesday until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday from time to time their observations and opinions there- On Wednesday until 10 a.m. on Th ursday on, with power to send for persons, papers and records; On Th ursday until 10 a.m. on Monday and that a special committee be appointed to prepare subject to the provisions of Standing Order 2(2)(b).] and report, with all convenient speed, lists of members By leave, I would move that motion. to compose the above select standing committees of this House under Standing Order 68(1), the committee to Leave granted. be composed of hon. , convener; Gordon Hogg; Joan McIntyre; Eric Foster; Pat Pimm; Maurine Motion approved. Karagianis; John Horgan; and Shane Simpson. Hon. M. de Jong moved adjournment of the House. Motion approved. Motion approved. Motions Without Notice Mr. Speaker: Th is House stands adjourned until 1:30 LEGISLATIVE SITTING HOURS tomorrow aft ernoon.

Hon. M. de Jong: I distributed to my friend the Op- Th e House adjourned at 3 p.m. Hansard Reporting Services

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