Second Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 53

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Second Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Orders of the Day

Presentation of Estimates ...... 1293 Estimates of sums required for the service of the province

Budget Debate...... 1293 Hon. S. Robinson M. Bernier

Introduction and First Reading of Bills...... 1301 Bill 4 — Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2021 Hon. S. Robinson

Tabling Documents...... 1302 Strategic plan, 2021-22–2023-24 Budget and fscal plan, 2021-22–2023-24 Service plans, 2021-22–2023-24

1293

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 Motion approved.

Te House met at 1:34 p.m. Presentation of Estimates

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.] ESTIMATES OF SUMS REQUIRED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE PROVINCE Mr. Speaker: By agreement, the member for Esquimalt- Metchosin will present a blessing by Elder Shirley Al- Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her phonse of the T’Sou-ke Nation. Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: Estimates of Sums Required for the Service of the Province for the fscal year Hon. M. Dean: I thank my dear friend and mentor, Eld- ending March 31, 2022, and a supplement to the estimates er to the Premier Shirley Alphonse, originally from Cowi- for the fscal year ending March 31, 2022, recommending chan, now living in T’Sou-ke Nation, for writing this pray- the same to the Legislative Assembly. er especially for this important day. Creator, Great Spirit, as we gather together here in our Hon. S. Robinson moved that the said message and the virtual Legislature today, we say thank you. Tank you for estimates accompanying the same be referred to the each one: hon. Premier, Speaker, ministers, distinguished Committee of Supply. guests, members. [1:35 p.m.] Motion approved. Creator, Great Spirit, thank you for this land we stand on, the air we breathe, the water we drink. Tank you Budget Debate for the blessing of family and friends. Tank you for the blessing of Mother Earth and all she holds in beauty and Hon. S. Robinson: Hon. Speaker, I move, seconded by bounty. the hon. Premier of British Columbia: Creator, Great Spirit, as we go through these challenging [Tat the Speaker do now leave the chair for the House to go into times throughout the world — the hardships, the losses, Committee of Supply.] the sorrow, the overwhelming burdens people face today I would like to begin by acknowledging the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ — we ask for help to have hope to get us through these peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, upon days — to walk together, to help each other with kindness whose territories we are gathered today. and compassion in our hearts, to be there for each other in I want to give a warm welcome to everyone joining us, the time of need. We are deeply thankful and grateful for both in person and virtually. the front-line workers, for their dedication and hard work Tis has been a year unlike any other. Normally, this in all this. chamber would be flled with people from communities Creator, Great Spirit, we remember all the families and from right across our province, but today the empty gal- friends afected in their loss of loved ones. We ask the leries are a reminder of the unique moment that we fnd guardians and ancestors to comfort them and bring them ourselves in. I want to recognize the grief of British Col- peace, thankful and grateful for the leadership here guid- umbians who lost someone this year. Many people are feel- ing us through, looking forward to days of peace, health, ing the efects of the pandemic, and they will for a long wealth, harmony and happiness. Bless each and every one time. Tere is no doubt that COVID-19 is still very much in a special way. with us, but there are good reasons for hope. HÍSW̱ ḴE SIÁM. I am honoured to present Budget 2021. Tis budget is [1:40 p.m.] about building today for a better tomorrow. Tis moment calls for action, and Budget 2021 delivers for the people Orders of the Day of British Columbia. It responds to the pandemic and pre- pares us for future challenges by investing in health care. Mr. Speaker: Members, the House will be in recess for It strengthens the services that we all depend on, and it fve minutes. builds a bridge to recovery and the better days that are, indeed, ahead. Te House recessed from 1:41 p.m. to 1:46 p.m. [1:50 p.m.] Te pandemic will end, and when it does, B.C. will be [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] ready for the opportunities that come with recovery. Tat is a powerful testament to the incredible resilience that Hon. S. Robinson: Hon. Speaker, I move that this people, that businesses and that communities have shown House, at its next sitting, resolve itself for this session into and continue to show. a committee to consider the supply to be granted to Her A little over a year ago our government tabled its last Majesty. budget. Within weeks, our world was turned upside down. 1294 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

We were under siege by a then largely unknown opponent, their jobs disappear overnight, or business owners who COVID-19. From day one, our government has had peo- face the agonizing prospect of scaling back or shutting ple’s backs, and that will never change. We will continue to down operations to help keep customers and staf safe. protect people’s health and livelihoods until the pandemic Tese struggles have given rise to stories of resilience. has passed. Even in those early uncertain days, front-line workers When COVID-19 hit, British Columbia was in a continued to do their jobs delivering necessary goods strong fscal position. Tat made it easier to act quickly. and services. In the early days of the pandemic, we used a broad range [1:55 p.m.] of tools to provide sweeping support to help people I think of Sarah, a nurse in Surrey, who is taking the weather the storm. place of family by the bedside of critically ill patients. Or It began with B.C.’s COVID-19 action plan. More than Dr. Ahmad and his team on Vancouver Island, who 640,000 people received $1,000 for the B.C. emergency watched the crisis escalating around the world and worked worker beneft. Businesses saw their taxes deferred or overtime to prepare for its arrival here. slashed signifcantly, with rent relief to follow. Additional I also think of Cheri, a handyDART driver in Kamloops, supports kept schools and child care centres operating who serves as friend, counsellor and listener for many of safely. A rental supplement helped nearly 88,000 house- her passengers, especially these days. Or Angie, an early holds make ends meet. Rents are and will remain frozen childhood educator in Kitamaat Village, who led the open- until 2022, ofering peace of mind for renters. ing of a new child care centre in her community and Six months later we launched the next phase of our showed great leadership during the pandemic. I think of COVID-19 response plan, Stronger B.C. It redoubled our Sydney-Anne in Invermere, who worked hard to keep the eforts to fght the pandemic together. I’m proud to say that shelves stocked at the grocery store she owns and manages. our government is providing more supports per capita for I also want to recognize the many business that pivoted, people and businesses than any other province. Te num- sometimes overnight, retooling to save lives and jobs in bers show that our approach is working. We have seen the fght against COVID-19. For Karrie, a restaurant own- month afer month of steady job gains, and British Col- er in Victoria, it was amazing to see the local industry umbia now has the best job recovery rate in Canada. Tat come together and share information on everything from does not mean all jobs across all sectors have reappeared. ordering plexiglass barriers to navigating support pro- But it is reason for cautious optimism. grams. In my own community of Coquitlam, Novo Tex- Vaccines are another reason for hope. Within a year tiles went from producing dog beds to becoming the frst of B.C.’s frst case of COVID-19, we launched the largest made-in-Canada manufacturer of N95 masks. immunization program in our province’s history. As Of course, there were countless others who checked in more people get vaccinated, we can see the light at the on neighbours, delivered supplies or put their hands to- end of the tunnel. gether to keep the 7 p.m. cheer alive. It’s thanks to the peo- We’re not there yet. Tis year has had its challenges, ple of this province that we have come this far. from vaccine supply delays to the risk of new variants. Now, our recovery won’t happen overnight, but by Te pandemic demands much from all of us every single choosing to invest in people and building the collective day. Every single day British Columbians rise to meet resilience of our province, we will keep moving forward new challenges with resilience. We are stronger together. together. Budget 2021 protects people’s health and liveli- We recognize that may require making sacrifces in our hoods today while building a bridge to economic recovery own lives so that we can put this pandemic behind us. and better days ahead. We have learned that when we are called upon to protect It starts with a strong foundation. Te same principles others at risk, we do it. that led our response to COVID-19 will guide our recov- While we have all experienced some form of loss this ery. First, that healthy people, healthy communities and a year, not everyone has felt the efects of the pandemic strong economy are one and the same. Second, that B.C.’s equally. First and foremost, to those who have lost a loved recovery must include everyone. Tird, that it’s more one to COVID-19, we ofer our condolences. May your important than ever before to maintain the services that loved ones be for a blessing. people count on. Tere are difcult days for many. I think of people who As the last year has reminded us, there is nothing more have been targeted by a troubling rise in racist attacks. I important than the health of our loved ones. As my grand- think of opportunities lost, especially for young people, father, my zaide, was fond of telling people: “If you don’t whose plans to attend university or post-secondary educa- have your health, you don’t have anything.” While he cer- tion or start a new job were disrupted. I think of people, tainly wasn’t speaking about a global pandemic, it does predominantly women, who stepped up to provide care certainly hold true. for their children and aging parents, even when, too ofen, Te pandemic threatens not only our health. It has com- this meant stepping back from their careers. I think of the pletely disrupted economies right around the world, in- hospitality and tourism workers, who, in many cases, saw cluding our own. Our recovery depends on keeping people Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1295 healthy and safe. Budget 2021 delivers $4 billion over the schools and by continuing to expand Foundry centres, next three years to help keep people safe from COVID-19 doubling the number by 2024. We are also quadrupling the today, while strengthening our health and mental health number of integrated children and youth support teams care system for tomorrow. to provide community-based mental health and substance Tis includes $900 million to support testing, contact use services. tracing, personal protective equipment and the largest vac- Trough Budget 2021, we are accelerating and expand- cine rollout in B.C.’s history. Our focus is twofold. First, to ing programs put in place to respond to the overdose cri- reinforce B.C.’s health care system both against the pan- sis. Our plan delivers a wide spectrum of substance use demic and to meet the needs of the future. Second, to treatment and recovery services, including more funding make real, signifcant and continued progress toward the for addictions treatment. Many of the emergency meas- mental health system that British Columbians deserve. ures brought in during the pandemic to help keep people For many B.C. seniors, staying safe meant saying good- alive are now being made permanent. We are also adding bye to visits with family members, hugs from grandchil- new treatment and recovery beds throughout the province dren or just a trip to the post ofce or grocery store. It has to support people on the path to healing and wellness. been incredibly difcult and lonely for so many parents Now, our vision for B.C.’s recovery includes everyone. and grandparents. Budget 2021 enhances care for vulnerable people in our Budget 2021 continues to protect seniors by expanding communities. Being able to stay home and stay safe is not home health monitoring systems and adding more care an option for those sleeping rough on our streets, mov- aides to assist with daily living at home. Additionally, the ing between shelters or camping in parks. Budget 2021 health career access program will help build up a com- provides places to stay for people without homes and an passionate and qualifed workforce in the seniors care sec- opportunity to connect with support services. tor. Launched last fall, the program will recruit, train and At the same time, we continue to invest in new per- employ up to 3,000 people who lost their jobs in some of manent housing for those who need it. Te pandemic has the hardest-hit sectors. been hardest on those who are already struggling to make [2:00 p.m.] ends meet. Budget 2021 delivers the largest-ever perman- While COVID-19 is top of mind, it's not the only ent increase to income assistance and disability assistance demand on our health care system. Budget 2021 helps rates. In total, this represents a 53 percent increase to to address systemic racism in health care and make sure income assistance rates since 2017. that Indigenous Peoples have access to culturally appropri- For the frst time since it started in 1987, we are increas- ate care. Our plan also continues to tackle surgery back- ing the seniors supplement. Soon, 80,000 low-income logs that were made worse by the pandemic, and it helps seniors will have a little extra money to pay their bills each to deliver the diagnostic services that people need more month. quickly. Budget 2021 continues our work over the last four years We’re also bringing health care closer to home, with to make life more afordable. Millions of families have more urgent and primary care centres. I’m proud to say received the B.C. recovery beneft, up to $500 for individu- that new hospitals are on the way for communities right als and up to $1,000 for families. I’ve heard from people across B.C. Tat includes Surrey’s new hospital and cancer who put the money toward healthier groceries for the centre. month, others who are using it for perhaps a long-overdue It hasn’t only been our physical health that has sufered vehicle repair. over the last year. Te pandemic has taken a signifcant toll Now Budget 2021 adds another way for families to on the mental well-being of British Columbians. save money, while contributing to a cleaner future. Start- It’s not the only health emergency facing our province. ing in the fall, those aged 12 and under will be able to We recently marked a sombre fve years since B.C.’s over- ride transit for free. Tis will bring the next generation dose emergency was declared. I want to recognize the of transit users onboard, with the potential to save fam- thousands of people that we have lost to a poisoned drug ilies hundreds of dollars every year. To be exact, it’s up to supply — the parents and siblings, the children and col- $672 per year per child for families in Metro Vancouver, leagues, the friends and neighbours whose lives were cut and for families that depend on B.C. Transit, that’s up to short. May their memories be for a blessing. $400 per year per child. We are taking action to help end the tragedy playing out Our plan also lays the foundation for the new Surrey- in communities around British Columbia. Our plan meets Langley SkyTrain all the way to Langley, and a toll-free the unprecedented need with a historic response. Budget crossing to replace the George Massey Tunnel. 2021 delivers $500 million over three years, the largest [2:05 p.m.] investment in mental health and addictions services in our For too many families, fnding an afordable home re- province’s history. mains a stretch, even with a steady, well-paying job. For We are investing in our youth so that small problems businesses, afordable housing is key to attracting and don’t grow larger, with more mental health supports in retaining workers. 1296 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Te HousingHub within B.C. Housing brings govern- under difcult circumstances. In the early days of the pan- ment, non-profts, communities and private sector part- demic, there was uncertainty about how its efects would ners to the table, with the shared goal of getting more be felt in diferent sectors and regions of our province. homes built. Budget 2021 provides up to $2 billion in fn- Now, even as we see signs of recovery, there are still busi- ancing to further support and accelerate these partner- nesses that need help. We are responding with more than ships. Tis additional lending power will help build ap- $800 million in ongoing supports for businesses, through proximately 9,000 new homes for middle-income British this year’s budget. Columbians. Tis is on top of the 26,000 homes that are Earlier this month we launched relief grants for the already underway or complete through our $7 billion thousands of restaurants, bars, gyms and other local busi- Homes for B.C. plan, the largest housing investment in nesses that were most afected by necessary public health B.C.’s history. restrictions to battle the spring wave of the pandemic. We are also building the social infrastructure that fam- We have also made other changes to keep the hospitality ilies need to navigate the pandemic and come out stronger industry afoat, including making wholesale pricing on on the other side. Last March and April saw schools and liquor permanent. some child care centres temporarily close their doors. [2:10 p.m.] Consequently, women’s participation in the workforce Trough it all, our commitment to support businesses is plummeted. It is a stark reminder that when it comes to unwavering, and our work to try to ensure every business building a strong recovery, child care is non-negotiable gets through this pandemic is ongoing. and that investments in child care are investments in a Budget 2021 continues to advance measures laid out in strong economy. our StrongerBC plan, with more targeted tools to ensure A universal child care system is on the way for British a sustainable, innovative and inclusive recovery. Tis in- Columbia, and today we take another step forward, with cludes funding for the extended small and medium-sized Budget 2021. We are more than doubling the number of business grant program, along with tax rebates for busi- $10-a-day spaces across our province. Tis adds to the nesses that increased wages or hired more people in the thousands of parents who are already saving up to $1,600 last few months of 2020. B.C. businesses are on track to a month per child through our Childcare B.C. plan. receive half a billion dollars in PST rebates for the pur- I want to take a moment to recognize B.C.’s early child- chase of new machinery and equipment. hood educators. Tis year you went above and beyond to We also expanded the successful launch online program keep child care centres open and keep children safe. Not to help over 5,000 businesses access the digital market- only do you support B.C. kids, but you are the workforce place. behind the workforce. We are proud to recognize your role With most of our world moving online this year, high- and return the support. For B.C.’s early childhood educat- speed Internet has been vital for reaching local, regional ors, Budget 2021 doubles the current wage enhancements and global markets. Since July 2017, we have launched to $4 per hour. Work is also underway to strengthen the high-speed Internet projects in more than 500 communit- early learning continuum, to bring child care into the Min- ies, and our StrongerBC plan included record investments istry of Education, where it belongs. in connectivity infrastructure for rural and Indigenous We are making record investments in B.C.’s schools to communities. give kids the best possible learning experience. Budget Now, for the frst time, Budget 2021 provides stable base 2021 strengthens our K-to-12 system to enhance mental funding that will continue to improve connectivity across health supports, create more child care spaces on school the province. Expanding access to the digital economy will grounds and develop an anti-racism framework. Tis is set up more people, more communities and more local part of our work to respond to a deeply disturbing rise businesses to succeed in a post-pandemic economy. in hatred and racism since the pandemic began. We are We know that with recovery comes new opportunities. also expanding B.C.’s anti-racism network, developing our Budget 2021 capitalizes on this by delivering $500 million province’s frst anti-racism law and working with com- to support the launch of InBC, a new strategic investment munities on race-based data collection. fund. Tis fund will help promising companies scale up, Budget 2021 also invests $3½ billion to replace, renovate anchor talent and keep jobs and investment at home, here or expand schools right across British Columbia. Close to in British Columbia. What’s more, it will also deliver eco- 27,000 new school seats have been delivered or are under- nomic, environmental and social returns. way, from planning through to construction. From Kam- While we invest in the jobs of the future, we must also loops to Quesnel, Haida Gwaii to Fernie and Ucluelet to keep investing in the sectors that have been key to our suc- Surrey, we’re working hard to make sure that every child in cess all along. Our tourism industry is world renowned, B.C. gets the start that they deserve. but right now the people who have worked so hard to put Now, there’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has B.C. on the map are hurting. Budget 2021 upgrades local thrown us all more than a few curveballs. I want to rec- infrastructure that tourism communities need today, like ognize the many B.C. businesses that have adapted safely rail trails, rest stops and airports. It also reserves $100 mil- Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1297 lion to support tourism recovery, including support for the to fnd a summer job. Not only are these major life mile- anchor attractions that bring in visitors and create jobs. stones; they are disruptions that could have long-term When it’s safe to open our doors again, B.C. will be ready consequences for employment down the road. We owe it to welcome the world back. to young people to recreate some of the opportunities that Budget 2021 keeps communities strong as we fght they lost. COVID-19, while preparing our province for recovery. Our StrongerBC future leaders program delivers almost We are making record investments to build hospitals and $45 million to help create and expand employment oppor- schools, transit and roads that our growing province tunities for youth. More than 5,000 young people will land needs. But what does this mean for British Columbians? jobs, internships and co-ops. Tese skills will last a life- It means 15 new and upgraded hospitals, from Terrace time, helping young British Columbians move up and to Dawson Creek. It means 23 new urgent and primary move on from the pandemic, from looking afer B.C.’s awe- care centres that are currently open, with more on the way. inspiring coastline, parks and trails to launching a career It means 146 new, expanded or renovated schools that are in tech. In partnership with post-secondary institutions, also underway. It means thousands of new student housing another 3,000 students will beneft from new work-integ- beds in Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Burnaby, Victoria, Prince rated learning placements. George, Cranbrook and more. It means new state-of-the- Our commitment to reconciliation guides our work as art post-secondary facilities, like BCIT’s health sciences a government every single day, from investing in language building and a national centre for Indigenous laws at UVic. revitalization with Indigenous peoples to the historic com- It means we are moving forward on major transportation mitment to share as much as $3 billion with First Nations projects, like the Broadway subway in Vancouver and the over 25 years. Reconciliation is an active and ongoing pro- Quartz Creek Bridge replacement. cess, and it will form the foundation of an equitable and Today we are expanding our investment. In this year’s inclusive recovery. plan, our infrastructure commitment is $3.5 billion higher Trough our recovery plan in Budget 2021, we're work- than in Budget 2020. Tis is the strongest investment in ing side by side with Indigenous communities and org- B.C.’s history. Our plan creates more than 85,000 jobs over anizations to expand skills-training programs. Tousands the next three years. Our plan builds schools, hospitals and of Indigenous people will be able to get back into the work- health care centres to bring services for people closer to force faster and contribute to recovery eforts across the home. By investing in communities across the province, province. our plan makes sure that everyone, no matter where they We are also adding 400 more culturally based child care live, feels those benefts. spaces through the Aboriginal head start program. Tese When we talk about recovery, we are talking about no-fee spaces are run by Indigenous communities for Indi- much more than dollars spent and GDP boosted. We’re genous children to help give kids the best possible start. talking about real and meaningful ways to make life better Meaningful reconciliation means following through on for people now. our commitments. Budget 2021 provides dependable [2:15 p.m.] funding to support First Nations engagement, steward- Already thousands of people have benefted from skills ship, negotiations and economic development. It also adds training programs launched in the fall. For example, a new resources to support the implementation of recon- new project with the First Nations Technology Council ciliation agreements and the Declaration on the Rights of will connect Indigenous participants with a career in tech. Indigenous Peoples Act. Trough in-class and online training, the College of the COVID-19 may be the greatest challenge of our genera- Rockies is helping people fnd work as early childhood tion, but our action on climate change will shape the world educators. for generations to come. Our CleanBC plan will help us Budget 2021 builds on the work underway by equipping reach a more sustainable economic future on the other more people with the skills needed to fnd a good job side of the pandemic. It is North America’s most progress- today. We know that British Columbians are ready to roll ive plan to reduce carbon pollution while creating good up their sleeves and be part of our province’s recovery. I new jobs. think of the thousands of hospitality and tourism workers Budget 2021 brings the total for CleanBC to nearly $2.2 who are supporting the vaccine rollout. billion over fve years. Tis year’s budget expands clean Team B.C. needs all hands on deck, and Budget 2021 transportation, builds more energy-efcient buildings and delivers, with targeted opportunities for people to retrain works with industries to reduce their carbon footprint. and retool their skills. Tirty new micro-credential courses Budget 2021 will keep us at the cutting edge, with a new will help thousands of people quickly shif direction and centre for innovation and clean energy. land jobs in high-demand felds like construction, techno- We all have a role to play in achieving a greener fu- logy, health care, child care and more. ture. Budget 2021 makes it easier for people to choose We know that the pandemic derailed many young peo- cleaner transportation options while saving money. As ple’s plans to attend post-secondary school or training or of tomorrow, new purchasers of e-bikes will no longer 1298 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021 pay PST. Tis means $7 million in savings per year for well afer this last year. A turning point came when I real- British Columbians. ized that my family and I were not in our fght alone. Tis [2:20 p.m.] realization came about thanks to an unexpected hero in Electric vehicles are also selling in record numbers here my life: my neighbour across the street. in British Columbia. As of last count, there were more Afer a particularly difcult day, she arrived on my than 54,000 electric vehicles on our roads, the highest rate doorstep to check on me, and she brought with her a of sales in North America. We are building on the homemade tiramisu. It was a small gesture of support, but momentum by helping more people go electric, expanding it meant the world to me. I knew it meant that she had the charging network and electrifying more school buses my back, and I knew that my family could depend on our and ferries. community to lif us up when we needed them. We’re also continuing to support other emerging oppor- I want every British Columbian to feel the same way. I tunities, like mass timber technology. Mass timber is good want them to know that we have their backs, no matter for forestry communities because it adds value to timber what. We are there for them. Tere are challenges ahead, rather than relying on volume alone. It is good for the but I am confdent that by drawing on our shared resili- environment, because it is sourced from sustainably man- ence we will get through these challenges together. Time aged forests that have a lower carbon footprint. In short, it and time again, British Columbians have proven that we is good for British Columbia. care for one another. We care for our communities, and we Forests are the lungs of our province, capturing and care for the province that we call home. storing carbon. We can’t take them for granted. Tousands Te pandemic will end, but our work to build a better of tree planters set out last year, despite the pandemic, to future will not. To all of those listening, B.C. is coming replant forests, including those afected by wildfres and back stronger than ever. Budget 2021 gives us the tools we pine beetle. Te result was an astonishing 300 million need to build a bridge to the better days ahead, and I look seedlings planted, with another 300 million planned for forward to crossing it together. this year. [2:25 p.m.] Our province has great natural wealth, and that goes far beyond our forests. As we tackle climate change and invest M. Bernier: It’s my privilege to stand today and deliv- in our clean tech future, we know that our mining sec- er an initial response to Budget 2021 on behalf of the tor will play an important role. It provides the metals and ofcial opposition. minerals that will be used here and around the world to As we stand here on another budget day, we recognize create green technologies, from electric vehicles to wind the difcult realities of the past year. I want to express my turbines. sincere and deep condolences to all those who have lost Our province’s natural beauty is also a great source of loved ones this past year. I also want to thank the ded- wealth, one that we have all come to rely on as we turn icated and hard-working front-line and essential workers to the great outdoors to recharge in a COVID-safe way. who have kept this province running and cared for during Budget 2021 enhances people’s access to nature by expand- an incredibly challenging time. ing and improving campgrounds and trails, and starting Additionally, I would like to take the time to acknow- next year, we will be adding up to 100 new campsites ledge the hard work of the Minister of Finance and the throughout the province every single year. ministry staf, who have no doubt spent many hours put- Our plan views B.C.’s recovery as an opportunity to ac- ting this budget together. I know that we have diferent celerate environmental protection and sustainability. Te opinions on its content, but I sincerely thank you all for the successes we are seeing through CleanBC show how pro- work that you have put into this and appreciate your ded- tecting our environment is good for people and is good for icated service to British Columbians. the economy. Tis is true today as we continue our fght I’m glad to be providing a few brief comments on against COVID-19, and it will be true once we put the vir- Budget 2021 this afernoon afer just hearing the minister’s us behind us. presentation. As designated speaker, I will be reserving my We have all been through such a great deal. I’m sure remaining time for more in-depth remarks at a later date. every single one of us can point to a moment in the last Now, it’s impossible to stand here on budget day dis- year when our world just turned upside down, whether it cussing Budget 2021 without addressing the rather large was the closure of schools and ofces or the international elephant in the room that’s been addressed, and that, of borders, or with the introduction of new ideas like social course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Te last time we distancing, safe bubbles. listened to a Minister of Finance deliver a budget, we lived For me, it was a familiar feeling, because I experienced in a very diferent world. If you had told me on that day a moment like this when my own world changed, afer a that we would be here a year from now in a room barely sudden cancer diagnosis 15 years ago. I remember feeling flled with people wearing masks, with over half attending overwhelmed by the uncertainty that lay ahead for me and virtually, I don’t think I would have believed you. I’d cer- my family, a feeling that I think we all understand far too tainly have a lot of questions on how we got here. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1299

Over the past year, we’ve seen frustration. We have seen with delays and supports identifed in the budget. Now, we anxiety due to daily uncertainty, disruptions in our normal know this should not come as any great surprise, given the routines, separation from our friends and our loved ones, leadership we’ve seen over the last year — or, should I say, wondering what next week, what next month, let alone, the lack thereof. might be holding for all of us. As we’ve watched the overdose crisis take more lives Early in the pandemic, we saw all members of this than ever before, this Premier called addiction “a choice.” House working together to get money set aside to support In the middle of a deadly global pandemic, the Premier British Columbians — measures that I am glad we all took. called an election to “put politics behind us.” When COV- We also saw that money, given in good faith, used to score ID cases were on the rise and a third wave around the cheap political points in preparation for an unnecessary corner, what does this Premier say? “Well, we’re on the election, putting the health of British Columbians further right track.” at risk for the government’s own political agenda. Most recently this Premier repeatedly attacked young We know that so many people around the province are people, putting the blame on them for rising COVID cases feeling the strain of this global pandemic on their rela- — young people who form the basis of our economy and tionships, on their mental health and on their wallets. We occupy many of the front-line and essential jobs that are know how hard it has been for B.C. businesses who have keeping our province running today. Tey are also some of struggled to make ends meet in this very, very unpredict- the most afected people, who have lost their jobs and been able time — for restaurants, gyms, ftness studios, book- afected by lockdowns and by closures. stores, daycares and hair salons. Despite being given many opportunities to apologize, Businesses that are the backbone of B.C.’s economy. Tis to take back his comments, the Premier chose to double has been an incredibly difcult year. Tese businesses, down, saying of all of the difculties these young people their owners and the employees, have been looking to gov- are facing: “Well, that’s just part of life.” ernment for some sign — some sign that they’re going to Where’s the understanding? Where’s the actual compas- be okay. Tey are relying on this government to not only sion? Where’s the help that people are asking for? With make sure that they have the support they need to stay in a track record like this, how could we have expected this business for another week or another month but also to budget to be any diferent? We notice that the minister present them with a real plan for long-term recovery. responsible for economic recovery of this province has had Now, we know the government has amended its own his budget cut from what it was in 2020. What message fnancial rules twice to delay this budget into late April. does that send for the recovery of this province? It refects We were lef with great expectations as to what this delay the continuation of this government’s bungling of supports would achieve. Will businesses and British Columbians to small business. fnd the reassurance they’re looking for in the budget pres- When the cries for help and support are right now, the ented today? Does Budget 2021 provide any new relief or a government continues to delay getting those supports out clear plan that will support our province through a recov- the door in a quick and efcient manner to businesses that, ery and set us up on a clear pathway to a healthy and thriv- right now, are just hanging on by a thread. If the NDP ing post-pandemic B.C.? continue ahead with what is described in this budget, it’s [2:30 p.m.] going to take 18 months from the time programs were Te short answer, Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, is no. It’s announced to actually get them out the door to much- government’s job to map out a plan, to give hope, to instil needed and struggling businesses — what they’re asking optimism and to make people proud to live in British Col- for right now. Tat’s simply just not good enough. umbia, to make people want to stay and invest in this We’re looking for a comprehensive jobs plan, one to get province. But despite the extra time that the minister took people back to work, one to aid economic recovery. What to prepare this budget, despite having been in this pan- do we see in this budget more than anything? Mostly status demic for almost a year — actually, more than a year now quo. We’ve been waiting for this government to introduce — and despite the promises made to support British Col- a jobs plan since well before the pandemic began. Now, umbians, this budget does not come close to meeting the when B.C. needs it more than ever, the only NDP jobs plan needs of the people of B.C. seems to be expanding the size of government by almost Te people of B.C. need more than just hollow an- 60,000 positions. Meanwhile, we have 40,000 British Col- nouncements that they have seen from this government. umbians in the private sector that are still unemployed. Tey want more than what this budget is ofering. We also know that women and youth have been dis- Once again, the Premier and his government like to proportionately impacted by the pandemic. However, this make fashy announcements, but they have failed to deliv- government hasn’t made mention — hardly at all — of er on almost every single one of them. What’s evident from the steps that they’re going to take to specifcally address this budget is that this government is so used to failing recovery for women and for youth. Tey continue to point and falling short on their promises that they’re actually out that this is a problem area almost all the time but have now budgeting to botch the rollout of their own programs not shown any solutions on how to fx it. 1300 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Where is the plan or the program to ensure that these they are budgeting for it to actually get worse. I guess groups are not going to be lef out, that they’re going to be it’s not much of a surprise that this government doesn’t helped through this recovery? feel motivated to help young people entering the housing [2:35 p.m.] market, since some of their own members have clearly You know, every budget, we see this government reit- resigned themselves to the fact that they’re the last gener- erate their promise of universal $10-a-day child care. Yet ation to ever own a home. I guess that highlights why this again today — something they promised almost fve years government is not putting any efort into afordability. ago. And every year since then, they have failed to deliver As for renters, I’m sorry to tell them, yet again, they on that promise. Tey tinker around the edges, adding are being lef out of this budget. Te long-promised $400 temporary prototype sites here and there, but that’s a mere renters rebate is missing yet again — another NDP prom- drop in the bucket of what they promised the people of ise that just disappears, hoping people will forget. Not only British Columbia. is this government making it almost impossible for young We’re also looking out for investments in mental health people to be able to buy a home, they’re doing nothing to and addictions. We’ve seen — we’ve all seen — opioid make life more afordable for renters, as rents continue to deaths climb and the mental health of British Columbians skyrocket, being up almost $2,500 a year under the NDP worsen substantially over this last year. I want to echo, government. It just shows again that these NDP announce- though, the minister’s comments and extend my sincere ments are slogans. condolences to all those who have lost friends and loved In response to the growing housing issue, this govern- ones in the health crisis. Tis is something that defnitely ment has decided to avoid the solutions that will actually needs to be worked on. make a diference. Not only does this budget not fx the In light of this, I also want to say that we were encour- NDP’s broken promise to build 114,000 homes, their fail- aged to see investments in mental health and addictions ure to even really mention it at all must highlight the fact funding in this budget for health. But the funding in this that they’re walking away from it and know that they’re not budget, again, is only a start of what is needed. going to deliver on yet another promise. Tere’s nothing to For government to refer to this as historic investment address the strata insurance crisis or reduce red tape to get is an overstatement by far, and it ignores the realities that more housing starts around the province. currently exist in the province. But at least afer nearly fve [2:40 p.m.] years of calling for it, we fnally are seeing a start and some It’s not only housing the NDP can’t build. It’s also im- investment of a plan. We are going to be watching closely, portant infrastructure. Afer four years — it would have though, to make sure that this money actually goes into been open next year…. Te minister mentioned the Mas- expanding services and breaking down barriers to services sey Tunnel. But guess what. Tere is no money in the for those who need it. budget. It’s a footnote on almost the last page that they’re I should note, meanwhile, that through this, though, the going to look at it. Tat’s it. Premier’s ofce gets a budget increase. But for the entire As for the Surrey Hospital, well, I’m highly skeptical on fscal plan, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions the announcement of the Surrey Hospital. We’ll have to see continues to be the lowest-funded ministry in government how that progresses, because when you look at the budget, and sees zero increase over the three-year fscal plan. there’s no money this year for the Surrey Hospital. In fact, What about housing afordability? In the last year, we’ve the government, in their own documents, has highlighted seen housing prices skyrocket across the province, reach- two diferent possible end dates six, seven, eight years ing record-high levels. One of the few areas we’ve seen down the road for when the Surrey Hospital could even be government revenue increase, actually, in the budget doc- open. Tey can’t even get it right in their own budget doc- uments is through the property transfer tax, something uments, which shows there’s been no planning at all. this government used to chastise and speak against but Is it another broken promise by this government? Well, I now are using it to help in their budget. Obviously, they’re know, as of last year, we weren’t going to see any portables acknowledging with that their failure on their housing in Surrey. Tis Premier said they’d all be gone, but now afordability plan, when they are now budgeting on in- we see more portables in Surrey than ever before. So it’s creases in that area. hard to trust any of these announcements that this govern- Te government’s also planning and forecasting housing ment is making when they again seem to be fashy slogans starts to drop, which is going to continue putting pressure with no substance. It’s clear the voters that are south of the on afordability. Every day, young British Columbians Fraser have been yet again lef behind by this government. watch their dreams of owning a home slip further and fur- Speaking of schools, this is an interesting one. It appears ther out of reach. Right now it’s estimated it will take up to the budget for school district funding this year is being cut 34 years for someone to save a down payment for a home, from where it was last year — right in the middle of school living in Vancouver. districts talking about defcits and pleading to this govern- What measures are this government taking to change ment for funding. this? Nothing. In fact, if you look at the budget documents, How does this budget really refect the realities of COV- Tuesday, April 20, 2021 British Columbia Debates 1301

ID-19? We all know that businesses right now are strug- It’s hard to trust a government that has failed to follow gling to get by. We are counting on this government for through with almost every single one of their promises more support and have been waiting for months, only to and has bungled almost every fle that they have touched. see that there’s nothing new. Tere is nothing new in this I sincerely hope that this Premier doesn’t blow it for the budget to help them now or to provide them with any hope rest of us. But at this point, it appears that this budget has for the future. fallen short of what the people of British Columbia need, What about the tourism industry, which has been abso- and what they deserve. lutely decimated by this pandemic and which has been With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve time for tomorrow, and crying for help for over a year? Now we’re going into a I move adjournment of the debate. second tourism season, and what do we hear? It’s that there is no real funding for them. It’s not really going to be ear- M. Bernier moved adjournment of debate. marked to help front-line people in tourism, but it’s going to be targeted for something, maybe later. We’ll let you Motion approved. know. How does that give any confdence to anybody in this sector who is hurting, who is trying to fgure out how Introduction and to get through this year? First Reading of Bills Tere is no doubt that this budget has been shaped by COVID-19, and it should be. Of course we want to see BILL 4 — BUDGET MEASURES government design a budget that is responding to the cur- IMPLEMENTATION ACT, 2021 rent state of the province. But that certainly does not give government an excuse to not plan for us to get back on Hon. S. Robinson presented a message from Her track in the future. Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Budget Te Minister of Finance continues to talk about the light Measures Implementation Act, 2021. at the end of the tunnel. What this government has failed to tell anybody is how long that tunnel actually is. We need Hon. S. Robinson: I move frst reading of Bill 4, Budget to ensure that our government is using its fnances to help Measures Implementation Act, 2021. people so that we are set up for a future, for a success. Te bill amends a number of statutes in order to imple- Tere is a diference, though, between spending widely ment the measures in Budget 2021. and spending well. Tis bill proposes to amend the Provincial Sales Tax Tere is little in this budget to give me confdence that Act to address refunds for grey market vehicle purchases. B.C. will be on the right track when this pandemic has Tis will address concerns on grey market activity raised passed. In the meantime, we need to have confdence that in Peter German’s report on money laundering. the government is committed to providing support to Tis bill also authorizes regulations to be made in order those that need it now. But time and time again, we’ve seen to provide two pieces of PST relief. Te frst is a provincial government fail on this. sales tax exemption for electric bicycles. Te second is a Tey promised people a cheque by Christmas by direct temporary expansion of the time limit that applies to the deposit, but instead, people had to go through a lengthy PST exemption for new residents’ efects. Tis will provide process. Some had to wait months. In fact, there are people relief for individuals whose moves to B.C. were interrup- still waiting for what they were promised to receive by ted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Christmas. Te website crashed on the frst day. Tese are Te Employer Health Tax Act is proposed to be amend- the struggles that people are facing right now and why ed to legislate the increased employment incentive, a one- they have so much uncertainty on what this government is time COVID-19 recovery measure, that provides a credit doing. for employers who increase their payroll in the fourth Tis government clawed back money from those on quarter of 2020. income and disability assistance right in the middle of a Te Income Tax Act is proposed to be amended to pandemic. Tis is a government that could not even give provide the legislative framework for the B.C. recovery money away to businesses in need, money that was even beneft. Tis beneft provides a one-time tax-free payment set aside for them. Over the past year, we’ve seen this gov- for British Columbians and provided important fnancial ernment delay. We’ve seen them struggle to support and support for B.C. families. Te Income Tax Act is also pro- get help out the door. We’ve seen them repeatedly take posed to be amended to extend the book publishing tax steps to hide from accountability and transparency. credit by fve years. Now, with Budget 2021, they are asking us to trust them Te Carbon Tax Act is proposed to be amended efect- yet again with economic recovery. Despite what the Premi- ive April 1, 2021, to delay the scheduled carbon tax in- er says, I have no confdence that we’re on the right track creases by one year, an important COVID-19 action item. with this budget. Te Motor Fuel Tax Act is proposed to be amended to [2:45 p.m.] expand the fuel tax refund for persons with disabilities, 1302 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, April 20, 2021 to include individuals who reside on a reserve and receive Bill 4, Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2021, disability assistance or supplement from the government introduced, read a frst time and ordered to be placed on of Canada. It also broadens the eligibility for individuals orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of who receive a disability pension through active service in the House afer today. Her Majesty’s forces. Te Tobacco Tax Act is proposed to be amended, efect- Tabling Documents ive July 1, 2021, to increase the tax rate for cigarettes, heated tobacco products and loose tobacco. Tese amend- Hon. S. Robinson: I have the pleasure to rise to table ments will create an added incentive to reduce tobacco government’s overall strategic plan and the Budget and consumption. Fiscal Plan 2021-22–2023-24, which together fulfl the Finally, a number of statutes are amended to improve requirements of sections 7, 8, 10 and 12 of the Budget tax administration through expanding options for receiv- Transparency and Accountability Act. ing assessment notices, simplifying appeal processes, im- [2:50 p.m.] proving information sharing, correcting various technical I also table, on behalf of the ministers responsible, the measures, and to ensure necessary consequential amend- service plans, as required under section 13 of the Budget ments to various statutes as a result of federal harmoniza- Transparency and Accountability Act. tion and COVID-19 relief and recovery measures. Te service plan documents are presented in two bind- Te Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act is ers. Te frst binder contains service plans for the Ofce proposed to be amended to end the annual allocation of of the Premier and 20 ministries. Te second binder con- amounts to the British Columbia training and education tains service plans for 31 service delivery agencies and savings program special account, afer the 2020 calendar Crown corporations. Te second binder includes a listing year. Tis amendment will ensure that the balance of the of organizations that are exempt from the reporting re- special account better refects the costs of the program. quirements of section 13 of the Budget Transparency and Program eligibility and payments to qualifed recipients Accountability Act. remain the same. Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. Mr. Speaker: Members, you have heard the question. It’s the frst reading of Bill 4. Motion approved.

Motion approved. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow afernoon. Hon. S. Robinson: I move that Bill 4 be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of Te House adjourned at 2:51 p.m. the House afer today. Hansard Services, Reporting and Publishing

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