First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 4

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

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

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

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

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

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

CONTENTS

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Afernoon Sitting Page

Orders of the Day

Trone Speech Debate (continued) ...... 31 S. Furstenau J. Sims M. Morris J. Rice R. Merrifeld N. Sharma B. Banman S. Chant K. Kirkpatrick D. Routley L. Doerkson T. Halford M. Starchuk T. Wat M. Dykeman R. Russell Hon. J. Whiteside B. Stewart K. Paddon

31

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 from experts, voting unanimously to get funding approved and out the door. It was the right thing to do, and it was Te House met at 1:32 p.m. recognized as such by many, including the Lieutenant- Governor. [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] In fact, most of the Speech from the Trone that we heard yesterday, the frst of the NDP’s new government, Orders of the Day was spent recycling actions taken with the support of all three parties. By working together with and for our com- Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued address and de- munities, 87 MLAs were able to support the provincial bate on the Speech from the Trone. health ofcer’s guidance to fatten the curve and prevent transmission in areas where, sadly, other provinces did not [N. Letnick in the chair.] have the same outcomes. As highlighted in yesterday’s speech, during the last Trone Speech Debate administration, B.C. worked urgently to address outbreaks (continued) in long-term care by limiting workers to one facility; providing appropriate care in Indigenous, rural and re- Deputy Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Tird mote communities; postponing non-urgent surgeries to Party. prepare for the initial surge of hospitalizations; securing large amounts of personal protective equipment for front- S. Furstenau: Tank you, hon. Speaker, and congratula- line workers; hiring thousands of new front-line health tions on your new role. I’m delighted to see you there. care workers, including health care aides; and hiring an Congratulations to all the newly elected members of the additional 1,000 contact tracers to help stop further spread House. I wish everybody good health and good luck in the to the community. work that lies ahead of us. I’m heartened that this good work will continue with Clearly, a lot has changed both in the chamber and in this new administration, but it’s not enough. I was expect- the province since this House was last in session. Here we ing more information about what British Columbians can are with our second throne speech of 2020. Both throne expect as an economic recovery plan from this new gov- speeches have been remarkable in very diferent ways. ernment. We went through an election during the worst Te frst throne speech of this year marked a time when phase of a pandemic. For what? To fall behind and then it was difcult for all of us to actually get into the building continue the work that was already underway with all- because there were so many people on the outside stand- party support? ing up for the important work that needs to be done in this In September, it was only days afer introducing the province around reconciliation with Indigenous peoples recovery strategy that the NDP triggered the snap election, and action on climate change. Here we are in our second delaying the much-needed social and fnancial support throne speech of 2020, and there are hardly any of us in the that it was supposed to be implementing this fall. building at all. I’ve refected a lot about this election, obviously. I think We’ve just come through a snap election. Government that what we have to wrestle with is the impacts on the has earned its coveted majority. Te pandemic has raged loss of trust of the public at a time when we need trust into an unrelenting second wave, infecting 38,000 British in government more than probably any time that any of Columbians, and 527 have lost their lives. Te vast major- us can think of in our lives. We need the public to believe ity of those have been in the last few months. Between what government is saying, what they’re asking, to contin- September 21, when the election was called, and yesterday, ue with the sacrifces that people are making right now, when the Legislature reconvened, 30,000 British Columbi- which are enormous. Yet when partisanship becomes too ans tested positive for COVID-19 and 300 people passed dominant, cynicism in the public also rises, and that trust away. is lost. [1:35 p.m.] Te work now in front of this new majority government Te question is not whether the election caused infec- is to earn back the trust. We all have to actually do this tions. It did not. We know that Elections B.C. did an together. It’s important for us on the opposition sides of incredible job of ensuring that everybody could vote safely the benches here to have empathy for the role and the pos- in this province. But the question is whether British Col- ition that government is in right now. Te burden on the umbians deserved more than a caretaker mode from their Premier and the burden on the ministers is enormous. I government during a state of emergency. think if we stop and refect for a few minutes, we can really Prior to the election, every member of the Legislative feel that burden. Assembly was entirely focused on efectively and urgently It is also incumbent on us to rise above, to work for a responding to the evolving emergency at hand, putting common purpose, to set aside our own anger and disap- partisanship aside to unite behind the recommendations pointment and to recognize that at a time like this, what 32 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the people of B.C. need from all of us — all 87 of us — together. Yes, it is afecting all of us, but it is not afecting in this moment is that we put service to them frst and all of us the same ways. Some are making minimum wage foremost. on the front lines, and others, like many of us, have spent [1:40 p.m.] the pandemic working from home with our salaries unaf- To the government, I say this is a time to recognize fected. Health care providers, teachers, principals, educa- that the ways that we typically do things in here, the way tion assistants, custodial and cleaning staf, people work- that government typically responds, might not be the right ing in retail, food service, transportation, the grocery sec- thing to do right now. We had a question period in this tor — none of them are able to stay home and continue to House earlier today where the questions were thoughtful, earn a salary. insightful, respectful. Te responses were the same. It was Te Premier said a couple of weeks ago that the a discussion about issues that are very urgent and very ser- response to this pandemic is “a question of leadership.” ious to the people of British Columbia. We need that in a He’s right. If his government can lead with humility and moment like this. We need to see that. honesty, accountability and transparency, we may begin We also need to see from government a recognition that to see solutions that tackle the structural problems that we’ve never been in a time like this before; that there’s no increase the risk of contracting this virus. To do that, we playbook for governing in a pandemic; that mistakes will need better data. It wasn’t mentioned in the Speech from be made, have been made; and that the efort and the will- the Trone, and when I asked the Premier and the Min- ingness and the desire to always do better…. I heard that ister of Health about it this morning, they indicated it’s this morning from the Minister of Health and from the not a priority. But I still hope that this government will Premier, a desire to want to do better. Tat means recog- change course. We should have started collecting data, nizing, accepting fallibility, accepting that you’ve made disaggregated data, in the spring, but better late than mistakes and being open to trying diferent things, being never. We can start now. open to hearing what people are asking of their govern- [1:45 p.m.] ment right now and recognizing that people are feeling a As has been proven critical in many other jurisdictions level of anxiety and fear and worry and uncertainty that is around the world, collection of disaggregated data can hard for us to even imagine. help identify the communities and regions hid hardest by In this moment, we can set aside some of the partisan COVID-19. We can analyze the trends within the disag- and old ways of doing things in here, and we can, on gregated data to identify what demographics are dispro- our side, open that door to allowing a level of humanness portionately impacted so that government can make delib- and fallibility from government, acknowledging that this erate investments to ensure that those who are struggling is a time unlike any other, and on that side of the House, the most receive the support that they need. In order for recognizing not perfect. Tere’s always room to improve, targeted relief to be efective, we need this data to bring to and listening, right now, is the most important action that light the full impacts of this pandemic. As B.C.’s Human government can take. Rights Commissioner has stated, we cannot act on what Government needs to deliver programs quickly to those we do not know. who are struggling from the impacts of this pandemic. Te Tis terrible year can be the catalyst to addressing prob- small business supports in place are lacking and have let lems that have long plagued our province. Pandemics far too many businesses fall through the cracks. Te gov- throughout human history have preceded profound soci- ernment needs to provide more support for teachers in etal change. Te year 2020 can be the same. It has to be. their classrooms and take more decisive action to protect Tere are so many things we need to change: inequality, British Columbians’ mental health. climate change, systemic racism. But to achieve the kinds I’m gravely concerned about British Columbians who of changes we need, we have to be deliberate and informed won’t be here to see 2021 and brighter days ahead. It’s by evidence and data. We know that COVID-19 has not just the tens of thousands who have become sick with increased the inequality gap, and we need to hear from COVID, though that alone is heartbreaking. It’s the thou- government how they intend to turn that around. sands and thousands of people at risk of opioid poisoning Governments like to deal with one problem at a time, and overdose deaths. It’s the seniors nearing end of life, but in reality, we know that everything is connected. Te isolated and unable to gather with family during their fnal COVID-19 pandemic is connected to humans’ encroach- days. It’s the countless others who are struggling with ment on nature. It is unfolding while the climate crisis mental health conditions, made infnitely worse by the continues to advance at a fatal rate and the web of life col- cruelty of this pandemic and the isolation that it has lapses around us. brought. It’s the women and children trapped in unsafe But these outcomes are not inevitable. Far from it. We homes, facing the threat of infection if they leave, the can centre reconciliation and convert our energy systems threat of violence if they stay. to run on renewable energy, such as solar, wind, geotherm- Politicians like to talk about how we’re all in this togeth- al and tidal. We can leave fossil fuels in the ground. We can er, and I’ve been saying this quite a bit: we are not all in this follow regenerative farming and land use practices back to Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 33 a healthier planet. We can create countless jobs in the pro- across British Columbia, in every corner of British Colum- cess. Te appetite for building back better exists in abund- bia, have had their lives fundamentally changed. ance. What we need is political will. During this very, very difcult time, we went through an I know COVID-19 can feel all-consuming, but govern- election, and I’m so proud of the work done by Elections ment also needs to prepare for the future. Tat’s the job. B.C. and everyone who made sure that this was a safe and We expect the NDP to outline a far more ambitious plan COVID-19 protocol election, so to speak. for an equitable COVID recovery that is built upon climate I want to do a special shout-out to my family. Tose action and reconciliation. We need an action plan and of you with young kids, a special shout-out to you. None timeline so that British Columbians can know when to of us sitting in the chamber would be able to do our jobs expect concrete steps. We need to see that we’re actually without the support of our families, our partners and our moving and gaining successes in the right direction. friends. For my part, I commit to moving forward with an I want to do a special shout-out to my husband, Steve. unwavering dedication to working in good faith to serve It’s been a long time. I realized that we have been married the people of British Columbia. I’ll continue to cooper- almost half a century. A shout-out to him for his uncon- ate across party lines, because it remains the right thing ditional support with whatever venture I take on. A shout- to do. out to my daughter, Keeran Sims, and Michael Sims, my Before I close today, I’d like to acknowledge and thank son, and my beautiful grandchildren. And I couldn’t pos- the staf who work here in the Legislative Assembly, those sibly forget Alliya, my great-granddaughter. who are required to be here in person during session, over Tere were days, and there are days, in our lives when Hanukkah and within two weeks of Christmas. It’s won- we think: “Okay, why are we doing this?” For me, it always derful that so many elected members are able to call in vir- goes back to my constituents and to my children and the tually this week and next, but it’s not lost on me that we kids I taught. Tey are a constant reminder of why all of us rely on many others to put themselves at risk in order for work so hard in the Legislature and in our communities to us to be here and do the work that we’re doing. For all build a more just and inclusive world. the good that comes out of this abridged December sitting, I also want to do a shout-out to my incredible election British Columbians will have you to thank as well. team. Every one of us is going to say we had the best elec- tion team in the world. We all did, for our own ridings. I J. Sims: Mr. Speaker, congratulations on being back in want to do a special shout-out to mine, both my local team the Speaker’s chair. I’m looking forward to this new ses- and my campaign manager, who few in and then few out sion. — thank you for all the work that you did — and the amaz- I would like to start of by saying that I am speaking ing volunteers. today via Zoom from the unceded territory of the Kwan- I know this time there were very few volunteers in the tlen, the Katzie and the Semiahmoo, and I’m thankful campaign. We have a limit of fve at any time. But really every single day for these First Nations for sharing this for me it was all the people who worked from home vir- beautiful land with us. tually and who did door-drops and everything else. A big, [1:50 p.m.] big thank-you. Because of you, we are all able to participate Like every other member, this is a historic sitting during and make our democracy as strong as it is. And it’s because very, very challenging times. I know my colleague Raj of you that our democratic institutions are able to continue Chouhan isn’t in the Speaker’s chair, but I do want to con- and we’re able to do the work we do. gratulate him because he made history being the frst Pun- So here we are in the current context of months and jabi Sikh to be elected as the Speaker outside of the Indian months later, and COVID-19 is still with us. One thing we subcontinent. have learned over the year is that COVID-19 knows no Tis means a lot to people right across Canada and gender. It knows no race. It knows no ethnicity. It knows right around the world but specifcally, I would say, to no social class. Any one of us can get COVID. the children who go to school here, who see themselves. But we do know that those who are socially disadvant- I’ve always said our governments, our institutions, need to aged, economically disadvantaged, ofen don’t have the refect the diversity of our population, not just at entry- privilege to take many of the precautions that many other level jobs but at every level of government and in all our people do. So it has been a horrendous, I would say, chal- institutions. Tis was a huge step forward, and I want to lenge around the world, not just in British Columbia, for thank the Premier and everybody in the House for making each and every one of us to come to terms with this virus. this happen, because we all voted for him unanimously. Yes, we all celebrated. I can remember April-May, May- So here we are. When we lef the session last — the actu- June especially, when we were feeling so good because our al session, not our virtual sessions — I think we thought numbers were down to the digit level and it looked as if COVID-19 might disrupt our lives for a month or two. we were the world leaders, almost, in handling or fatten- We even thought that was a long time, but we’ve been ing the curve — thanks, in large due, I would say, to our here now, in this context, since last March. People right 34 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 amazing health ofcer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and also to our for us, and emotionally. I found myself struggling. As you Health Minister. know, my grandchildren live in Nanaimo. Beautiful Alliya, [1:55 p.m.] who I was so looking forward to spending Christmas with, Te fact that we decided to listen to science and take is in Nanaimo, but this year I’ll be doing Christmas via our guidance from the data that we collect — that led us Zoom with them. I will not be travelling to Nanaimo. Now, the right way. But it also made us a little bit complacent, there are many other people who may not even be able to maybe. Tat complacency made us believe, and I’ve talked do Zoom, so we need to think about them, because they to many people…. It made us think that maybe COVID-19 may not have the connectivity that is needed in order to had gone away. Well, little did we know that COVID-19 use some of the media, so they may just have to do by had not gone away. It’s just that we have learned how to live phone. So many things we’ve had to learn to do diferently. with COVID-19. [2:00 p.m.] Here we are in the second wave now with our curve I want to focus on one thing specifcally today, as we going up. I know it’s kind of stabilized right now, but the look into the future and we think about our current situ- numbers are still very high, and every one of us is being ation. I want each and every one of us to refect on all those pushed to the limit to dig as deep as we can, to bring out who have lost loved ones to COVID right here in B.C. and everything that’s in us to make sure we carry on doing the around the world and what a difcult time this has been work that we need to do to fatten the curve. for them, and then I want us to refect on everyone who Once again, a huge thank-you to our health ofcer, all has lost a loved one, a parent, a child, a sibling, a grand- the health regions and our front-line workers for the abso- child, an aunt, an uncle, a grandfather, a friend. lutely amazing job they’ve done. Is it perfect in every sec- Everyone who has lost a loved one, over the last eight, tor? No. I think it would be very foolish of us to expect nine months, has had to learn how to grieve diferently. perfection when we are facing a health pandemic. I think, Every culture, every society, every family has a diferent under the circumstances, we are facing challenges, and I way of grieving. But we’re going through a period now think everyone is doing their best. where families cannot even get together for funerals. I would say, colleagues, this is not the time to point fn- We are going through a time when people have had gers — “You should be doing this; you should be doing to say goodbye to their loved ones with maybe only nine this; you should be doing this” — in our own communit- people there, when children who lived in another province ies. Tis is the time for each and every one of us to do what or another country could not come and see their loved one we can do and urge others to do what they can do, under- for the last time, their parent, and say their goodbyes. Tey standing that diferent people have diferent challenges. had to do it through the technology that we have. I want us Tere are those who already had mental health issues, and to think about the people who have had people pass away, the pandemic has made it far worse for them. either in a nursing home or in a hospital, and they could What kind of supports can we provide for them, and not be by their side. what kind of support do they need? What kind of support I want us to refect on how challenging that has been for do our young people need? I think that’s what this session those families right across this province. I always remind is all about. How do we, during this COVID-19, sit down myself of that. We, as MLAs, are not immune to those and work together in the Legislature and back in our com- losses. I lost my mother on April 6. Only nine of us could munities to make sure that people are getting the supports go to the service. We had to tell our sisters-in-law…. Some they need and that we are managing to fatten the curve? of the siblings couldn’t get here, only one grandchild from Now, I know there is good news, and the good news the four families that live here. And family members is there is a vaccine. I was watching on TV this morning couldn’t come to visit, as they do in my frst culture, in while the frst person in England, a 90-plus-year-old, took the South Asian culture. Tey couldn’t come home and sit the vaccine. I must admit it gave me kind of the shivers — with us to grieve. We all had to do it in isolation, through good shivers, I’ll have you know — because we have been phone and through Zoom. waiting for this vaccine for a long time. But even though Tat always is what I go back to when people say to we have a vaccine, as Dr. Bonnie Henry says, we still have me: “Tis is so challenging. Tere is Christmas on the a way to go. So during this time, it is really, really import- way. How will we manage?” Well, over the last year, we’ve ant that we follow the protocols. learned to manage so many diferent challenges, whether We’ve faced many challenges this year. We’ve celebrated it’s been celebrations or deaths or other kinds of chal- Vaisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Easter — all the diferent cel- lenges. I think I’m going to urge each and every person ebrations — weddings, births. We’ve celebrated them so, who is watching. Let us draw on our strength to make sure so diferently. And now, as we go into the Christmas peri- that we can carry on following the protocols and make od and into the period of Hanukkah and celebrating Guru sure that the curve remains fat. Gobind Singh ji’s birthday, we are once again being asked I want to do a shout-out at this time to all the front-line to do this diferently, to do it at home. workers. Back in the spring and the summer, we were all I know this is going to be a huge challenge mentally gathering at seven o’clock with our pots and pans. We were Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 35 ringing and ringing the bells. We were saying: “Tank you. each and every one of us, living in every corner of this Tank you. Tank you.” All of it was from the bottom of province. our heart. So this Christmas, my appeal to everybody, including But remember, those frst front-line workers are still my children and grandchildren, is to ask for their out there working. A number of them that I’ve talked to patience and say: “Yes, we can do this for a little longer. haven’t really had any time of. Tey are just stretched to We can do this for a little longer, if not for ourselves, for the limit. Tey tell me. Some of them go 15 days without those we love.” a day of. Some of them are telling me that they cancelled I know that, for example, my niece…. She goes to teach their holidays — not even to stay home and recuperate — in a school. But when she comes home, she’s living in because they knew they were needed in the jobs that they a household where her father-in-law has had open-heart were doing. surgery. So very, very challenging, complex situations that I want to thank all of the health front-line workers, who she has to navigate. But you know what? She doesn’t com- are facing these challenges every day, but also health care plain. She doesn’t complain because, for her, it is about workers who are working in our long-term care facilities, how to make things better for her kids in her classroom. plus everybody else who works in them. A special shout- She always tells me: “You know what? Yes, it’s challenging. out to all the people who serve us in the grocery stores Yes, there are many issues. But you know what? I’m glad to and in the restaurants and all of the other areas, the truck be at school.” drivers, the taxi drivers, who make sure that we have a Tere are others who have concerns, who have health semblance of the new normal as we face the challenges that care concerns, and we need to accommodate those. You COVID presents before us. know what? As we’re doing a shout-out to all of the front- I want to take a moment now to do a special shout-out line workers, I think I want to do a special shout-out to to schools and the child care centres that are open under all the seniors who are shut in, who are in nursing homes, incredibly difcult and challenging times. Very emotion- who are not enjoying the visits they used to get. I remem- al. Lots of concerns, both from parents, but from teachers, ber, when my mom was alive, she had visitors every single from support staf, from principals and vice-principals. day. Te whole day, somebody was with her. But once But all of them working collaboratively, working together, COVID hit, nobody could visit. We could do FaceTime to keep our daycares open and to keep our schools open so once a week. kids can get some education and can go to school. Tere are so many people in nursing homes now who I know that in Surrey our superintendent, Jordan Tin- have to do with FaceTime, with Zoom. I know how chal- ney, has set up a really great collaborative model, where he lenging it must be for them, and I want you to know that is working with all the partners, with CUPE, with the Sur- the minister is working night and day to make sure that we rey Teachers Association, with the parents, with the prin- improve the situation. So are our health authorities, so that cipals and vice-principals. we can get back to the new normal. But we have a way to [2:05 p.m.] go yet. So let’s not give up. He is working with them to make sure that there is a But let’s take a look at some of the things we’ve got model that works, that is based on the provincial frame- to look forward to. Yes, Christmas is coming. Hanukkah work, but that is specialized and tailored for Surrey, where is coming. Other celebrations are coming. A new year is we have some students studying at home because they coming. I’m certainly hoping 2021 has many more highs chose the online model for now. Others are going to than 2020 had and not as many lows. school, and they are cohorts. As we’re looking into the new year, we know that around Now, is this perfect? No. Is there anybody out there who the holiday season, many people are going to be facing is going to say that the models we have right now for get- challenges. I’m so proud that the new minister, the new ting our economy going and everything else is perfection Finance Minister, is working very, very hard to make sure itself? No. It’s a work in progress. It’s a work in progress that the $1,000 that will help many middle-class and all because we learn so much as we go along. We learn more families, working-class families — will help them. Will about the virus. We learn more about the spread. We learn help them to get through some of the difcult times, some more about how best to protect ourselves. of the fnancial challenges they are having. We’re working I can remember when masks were pushed to the side, very, very hard — and the minister is — to make sure and now we’re urging everybody to wear a mask in com- that gets out to people. An announcement was made today mon areas, when you go shopping, when you’re inside and where you can go in and apply and all of that. even when you go into a restaurant, except when you’re So many amazing steps, changes have happened in the sitting at your table. And when you’re in condominiums, health care system. I’m always in awe when the minister…. if you’re in a common area, wear a mask. We are learning I was going to say his name. Our Health Minister puts more as we are going along. But all of this requires incred- out the numbers for how many surgeries have taken place. ible teamwork, not just teamwork at the health services And you know what? Kudos to every single British Col- and at the ministry level. I would say this is going to take umbian. It’s because you fattened the curve, you brought 36 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the numbers down, that those surgeries could restart, and Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Member. Just a reminder we’ve had thousands upon thousands of surgeries done. that we don’t use proper names in the House, just the per- We’re almost back to the pre-COVID days. son’s title or their riding. [2:10 p.m.] Member for Prince George–Mackenzie, please. If we now follow the protocols, and we manage to keep fattening the curve and bring that down, we will be able to M. Morris: Tank you, Speaker. Congratulations on continue those elective but so necessary surgeries that so your appointment as Deputy Speaker. many people have been waiting for. Just before I start with my reply to the throne speech, My appeal to everybody…. I’m really happy this year I’d just like to thank the Clerk and all your staf for the that the throne speech was short, the reason being because hard work that you’ve done this year. Te Tird Party it is on COVID. Tat’s where all our focus needs to be. Leader summed it up quite well when she spoke about Tat’s where every single MLA…. Whether in the Legis- the earlier throne speech and the building under siege lature or whether in the riding, we are going to have to at the time, and then a multitude of issues, including put out that extra energy and extra time to connect with COVID this past while. So my hat’s of to you and your people to make sure that, as they go into the holiday sea- staf and everybody else that works in the building here. son, they know the support systems that they have and we You’ve done an outstanding job. fnd a diferent way of making connections. You know, the throne speech lays the track work for the Connections become more important during this time. future of British Columbia. Tis one is only the future as I’m fnding myself writing far more cards by hand rather far as you can throw a stone down the road, in hopes that than sending them by Zoom or electronically, because this we will get through the COVID era that we’re in right now. year I thought actually receiving a card or a letter and I go back to a comment that I saw. Tere were several opening it is another form of connection. comments, actually, in the opening segment of the throne I’m also going to urge every single one of us to think of speech, but one comment in particular that caught my those who are more needy in our communities. For those attention is that they say: “We did not choose the challenge of you who are listening, if you can donate, this is a good of COVID-19, but we are meeting it.” time to be donating to the food banks or to your local [2:15 p.m.] churches or gurdwaras or masjids where they are doing I have to ask. How? How is it being met? Is it being food drives as well. met by abandoning British Columbians at a time of their You know what? I’m always impressed with the gener- greatest need? We haven’t had any other crisis like this des- osity of folks. And I am so impressed by our faith com- cend upon the world since the great wars of the past. munity. Whether it’s been the synagogue, whether it’s been It was at a time when government, prior to this unwar- the church, whether it’s been our gurdwara, whether it’s ranted snap election, enjoyed the support and cooperation been a masjid, whatever kind of a religious place it has of all parties in this House, as was referenced by the Leader been, the religious community, the faith community has of the Tird Party when she was making her address here stepped forward to help and to support. So thank you to a short while ago. each and every one of you. I think it was an opportunity, perhaps, to take advantage As I fnish of this speech, and as I look into the next few of every single British Columbian who was focused on the weeks, I know that, like many of you, I’m going to be going tragedies around COVID and the issues from the world- through some emotional challenges as well. It is very, very wide pandemic. Tey didn’t want an election. Tey weren’t difcult to think I’m not going to be holding and hugging focused on an election. Tey were focused on the welfare my little Alliya. I’m not going to be there when she opens of their family. Tey were focused on trying to work. Tey up her Christmas present. I’m not going to be there to see were focused on trying to avoid getting COVID. Tey the joy in her face, in person, that she will have when she were focused on their loved ones that were sequestered in comes down and sees her Christmas stocking. seniors homes and long-term-care homes throughout the But you know something? Tis is the new normal. Tis province here, throughout the country. is for this year. So what I’m going to be doing is, I’m going I think they also took advantage of the outstanding to be up extra early. I’m going to be connected to my leadership provided by our provincial health ofcer, who, Zoom. And guess what. I’m going to make sure that I get with the great suggestions, the work of her staf, was able to enjoy every single moment of time with Alliya, even to bend that curve at the outset of COVID and have some though it is distant. of the best COVID-related statistics, if you want to put it So once again, thank you to my constituents in Sur- that way, in the country. All eyes were on British Columbia rey-Panorama, for those who voted for me. And for at that particular time, due to the outstanding leadership those who did not, they need to know that I am every- exhibited by the provincial health ofcer. I want to thank body’s MLA. My ofce is at 144 Street and 64 Avenue. her and her staf for the outstanding work that they’ve We are here, and we are here to support you. So please done throughout this very trying period. have a safe and happy holiday. Had government not abandoned their post, had govern- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 37 ment stayed and done the work that British Columbians and these people are coming and going into their ofces expected them to provide during this turbid time, Brit- on a regular basis. ish Columbians would already have received their $1,000 An example I have in my area in Prince George. Tere COVID relief cheque and the other supports that this gov- was a number — I believe it was 12 or 16 — of individuals ernment spoke about afer the frst throne speech. Tere that lived on the street that were tested positive for COV- wouldn’t have been this two-month period of no govern- ID. Tey were placed into a B.C. Housing complex. Tere’s ment — nobody at the helm, nobody steering the ship for another agency that has gone above and beyond to help two months during one of the worst crises this province house British Columbians, and they’re put right in the has seen, this country has seen, this world has seen in dec- front line of this pandemic by doing that. ades. Nobody was looking afer these individuals, and they During this period of time, since the election, COVID came and went at will. Tey travelled to outlying com- cases have multiplied exponentially and stress levels multi- munities. Some of them went to a local pharmacy to pick plied exponentially amongst all the citizens of British Col- up their opiate prescription that had been provided them umbia. COVID-related death rates climbed at an alarm- free of charge by the province. Who knows the contact that ing rate. Women and men lost their jobs. More women they may have encountered during these little side trips and men will be losing their jobs. Stress on how they’re they had? going to make that next mortgage payment, how they’re Police. I’ve got two sons in the RCMP who deal with the going to feed their families, how they’re going to look afer downtown element, who deal with these individuals that their families. Parents are stressed as their children attend couldn’t care less about COVID, that don’t wear a mask, schools, overtaken with this rapid rise in COVID cases that don’t quarantine, that don’t pay attention to social dis- throughout our communities. And as I mentioned, famil- tancing. Yet the police are the ones that have to respond to ies have been torn apart by loved ones sequestered in our them, along with social services, along with B.C. Housing seniors care facilities. and along with our paramedics. Now, I have to say that government sets the example. Our paramedics are already stressed and overworked When government says it’s okay to take this drug, then the when we look at the opiate crisis that we’ve been en- people know that it’s safe. When government says it’s okay countering this last number of years. Now we add this to drive on our highways at a certain speed, then people on top of that, and government chose to abandon ship know that it’s safe to drive at that certain speed. for two months while they went through this unneces- So how can government, on one hand, ask everyone sary election. to stay isolated over Christmas time — not to see their Tere is confusion over roles and responsibilities when grandchildren, not to see their children, not to see their it comes to some of our public institutions as to who’s loved ones who are sequestered in the seniors care homes responsible for what. Tat needs to be clarifed. — when they themselves went ahead during this crisis, Te other issue that just had scant mention in the open- forced everybody to participate in an unnecessary elec- ing comments of the throne speech is the opiate crisis that tion, forced Elections B.C. employees and volunteers to we’ve been in now for quite some time. It was our gov- put themselves out there in the public to risk contracting ernment that declared a health emergency back in 2016 to COVID during this escalating time? deal with that, and it’s exploded since that particular time. [2:20 p.m.] Recent statistics indicate that the death rate has climbed. It is a poor example of modelling leadership in this pro- Te death rate far surpasses the death rate from COVID. vince. It’s something that the public is very much aware of. Eighty percent of non-prescribed opiate overdose I think our colleague from the Green Party was right when deaths in B.C. are due to fentanyl or fentanyl analogue. she said this government has a tremendous job ahead of it Fentanyl, contrary to what many people in British Colum- to re-instill the trust of the people of this province, to re- bia think, has become the drug of choice. It is so highly instill the fact that people can count on this government to addictive, it’s what the drug addicts — those who are be there when they’re most needed at a specifc crisis. addicted to it — look for on a regular basis. COVID, because it spreads so exponentially throughout [2:25 p.m.] the province, has had a devastating efect on our public I bring up a story of a longtime family friend, a couple institutions. Our health care institutions are at capacity that stood up with my wife and I when we got married 42 and have been at capacity for a long time now. Our front- years ago. Tey had sons, and I had sons, and our children end nurses are stressed. Many of them have contacted associated with each other over the years. Teir youngest COVID over the past nine months. Our social services, son passed away from a fentanyl overdose a couple of years our people that deal with children and families, the folks ago. But he had overdosed before that as well. that deal with the down-and-outers, the people that deal I met with him. He’d spent several weeks in hospital with the people that live on the street…. Tey have no idea recuperating from that frst fentanyl overdose. I asked him: that they may have COVID or they won’t have COVID, “Why do you chance taking fentanyl-laced drugs? Don’t you know that it may kill you?” Ten he said…. A very 38 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 polite young man. Well, he was in his early thirties. He workers that have helped to keep us safe. To the phar- worked in a mining camp. He refected the statistical data macists, pharmacy clerks and grocery store clerks, and to that the coroner has collected on the young men and that the truck drivers, warehouse and delivery workers, and to age group who have passed away from fentanyl overdoses. the farmers, retailers, teachers and teachers assistants, a “Mr. Morris,”he said, “there’s no high like it.”He said: “It heartfelt and an immense thank-you. is the best feeling that I’ve ever had and can ever have.” He [2:30 p.m.] was thoroughly addicted to that. We tried to talk with him. I also want to acknowledge another pandemic that has His parents talked to him. He had professional help. At the played out alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, ofen with end of the day, he passed away from a fentanyl overdose. less media attention. Tis is the overdose crisis. Te over- Many are going through that same situation, yet this dose crisis in British Columbia and throughout other jur- government abandoned ship on that issue as well. We have isdictions has taken way too many lives. A toxic drug sup- fentanyl deaths. We have opiate overdoses taking place ply is further exacerbated by this pandemic. We have made right across this country but more so in British Columbia. signifcant investments to help those using drugs to access We have the highest rate of death, in British Columbia, in a safer drug supply, and I encourage people to reach out all of Canada, yet the government abandoned their post and seek help if they need it. and decided to have an election. I want to take a moment to also thank the people of As we enter this era, this very short two-week session North Coast for once again choosing me as their repres- of parliament, as thousands upon thousands of people are entative in the B.C. Legislature. It is my pleasure and my losing their jobs, losing their incomes, losing their homes challenge to bring the issues of those in Prince Rupert, and can’t pay their mortgages, as thousands of businesses Haida Gwaii and all of the communities in between to are on the verge of insolvency, all we can do is spend two the Central Coast to Victoria. Each and every day I weeks talking about a short bill? Te bill is innocuous. I’ve endeavour to be a voice for rural, remote and Indigenous got to study it some more to really understand what it says, communities. but I didn’t really see too much in there. When people are Tank you to my election campaign team of volunteers, deprived of their Christmas this year because government led by my campaign manager, Ella Champion. Tank you abandoned their post in October and November, this is the to my constituency assistants Joshua McLeod, who is cur- best we can do? I think we can do a heck of a lot better. rently on parental leave with his third child, and Ben Tas- I will conclude my remarks with my frustration and dis- sell, who is carrying the load right now. pleasure over the shortness of the session and the limited Of course, thank to my wife, Andrea Wilmot, who sup- types of things that we’re discussing during this session. ports me in the work I do and who is home raising our child, who turned one year old yesterday. Also, thank you [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] to Andrea for taking Lu̓ á to get his immunizations a few moments ago so I don’t have to see him cry. I look forward to another throne speech in 2021 where I recognize the unique challenges currently faced by I’ll get a chance to talk about the things that are important many of my constituents. Te challenge of being a ferry- for British Columbia. I look forward to the vision that the dependent community — such as those on Haida Gwaii, Premier and this government might be able to show Brit- in Klemtu, Bella Bella, Bella Coola and others — further ish Columbians on what we’re going to do about biod- compounds the efects of COVID-19. Te challenge of iversity management, what we’re going to do about the being a First Nations community that is culturally based opiate crisis and what we’re going to do about the over- on being together in groups in birth and in death and in stressed institutions that we have in British Columbia and many other celebrations — I acknowledge how hard it is to that our citizens rely on so much. With that, I’ll conclude be together by being apart right now. my remarks. To the small and tourism businesses in Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii and the Bella Coola Valley who are struggling J. Rice: I’m speaking today from the territory of the to stay afoat, I commend you for your creativity and Tsimshian First Nations. innovation to get through this global pandemic. Tank you for the opportunity to speak to the throne When COVID frst arrived in B.C., our government speech. Te throne speech is an opportunity to outline the took swif action to protect people, including addressing direction a government intends to take, and the focus of risks in long-term-care facilities by limiting workers to one this B.C. NDP government is about making life better for facility. We accomplished that by levelling up the pay rate people by supporting them through this global pandemic. of care workers so that they weren’t forced to work mul- Right now, more than ever, I want to acknowledge the tiple jobs to make ends meet. We secured large amounts extraordinary times we’re in, the hardship that the pan- of personal protective equipment for our front-line work- demic has placed on people and, sadly, those that we have ers. We worked with public health ofcials to implement lost to COVID-19. I also want to acknowledge the com- a strategy for strategic testing and contact tracing. Since mitment and courage of health care and other front-line Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 39 then, we’ve hired thousands of new health care workers feel very, very honoured to represent my incredible com- and contact tracers. munity. Right now we are preparing for how to distribute a vac- When I frst came to the Okanagan, I fell in love with cine quickly and safely, beginning with those most at risk. its beauty, the incredible spirit of the people, the richness We’ve also supported people fnancially during the pan- of its heritage and culture and the work ethic of the com- demic with a $1,000 emergency beneft, temporary rent munity to become more, to get ahead, but also to contrib- relief, protection from the threat of eviction and crisis sup- ute back. Today I commit to every member of my com- plements to people on disability and income assistance, to munity to be worthy of the incredible spirit that they are name a few. and the incredible trust that they have placed in me. I also To protect jobs, we helped businesses through property wish to extend congratulations to all of those elected, espe- tax cuts, deferred tax payments and the B.C. Hydro rate cially to the newbies just like me. May we work together to relief. do great things for the people of B.C. Te best economic recovery strategy is a healthy people I also want to acknowledge one of the hardest-working strategy. We are focusing on keeping people safe now so predecessors one could ask for: the Hon. Steve Tomson. that we can work on a recovery as a province. Tis fall His dedication, years of service and exceptional character we released our economic recovery plan, which is already have given me an extraordinary example to live up to. In supporting eligible businesses. Our recovery will be fact, he was one of the frst ones to text me afer QP this guided by this government’s core principles, including cli- morning. mate action and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. I would also like to thank the many volunteers, my rid- We will move ahead with a new health care plan based ing association and especially my campaign manager, Rob on three main goals: faster care, care closer to home and Murphy, who supported me during my campaign. more personalized care. Tis will include adding more But I wouldn’t be here without my family. My partner in MRI machines in high-demand areas; training, recruiting life, Carlos — your support means the world to me. [audio interrupted] more skilled health care professionals; To my kids — Mikhail, Zovya and Damek — you have delivering ten more community-based urgent primary taught me so much about life and made my heart burst care centres in more communities; and building and mod- with love. ernizing hospitals. And to my stepkids: thank you, Austin and Connor, for We will expand primary care networks, refocus on rural letting me into your hearts. health care and work to hire a workforce that better repre- I love you all more than life itself. sents the communities it serves. We will continue to make And to my almost in-laws, who are watching today, Jack investments to deliver better care for seniors and work and Olinda, in your 80s, I wish we could see you this towards improved stability and safety for long-term-care Christmas. workers. To my siblings and parents, you have been my greatest We will continue to expand child care and early learning allies, my constructive critics and my teachers every step to create jobs, stimulate the economy and make sure chil- of the way. I am forever grateful. You are each incredible dren can have the best possible start in life. We have and powerhouses, and I thank you for showing me entrepren- we will be providing millions to child care providers, eurial spirit coupled with extreme generosity. Mom and school boards and health authorities to help them deliver Dad, you were the ones who taught us to do that. A pastor COVID-safe care and renovations to create more spaces. and a teacher, you had passion for learning, becoming and [2:35 p.m.] giving away. If only each MLA in this House were lucky Our government will be there to support British Col- enough to have you as parents. I count myself nothing less umbians for the long haul. We will continue to listen to than blessed to have been chosen to be your daughter. the public health ofcials, help our front-line workers, and I also want to thank the strong women who have been support families and businesses. We’re looking out for my examples, who have championed me, encouraged me people through this pandemic. We’re investing in health and given me shoes to fll and shoulders to stand on. You care and seniors care to protect people and fght COV- have blazed a path that I am honoured to follow. Tank ID-19. We’re building a recovery that includes everyone you for all of those frsts and for making it easier to follow and not just those at the top. behind. An exceptional and extraordinary thank-you to We’ve come a long, long ways together, but there’s so the interim Leader of the Opposition for being an incred- much more to do. Together, we will get through this. ible inspiration, leader and champion for us all. I hope to make you proud and honour your path. R. Merrifeld: It’s a great honour to be recognized in I ran for election to make a diference, as I’m sure that this chamber for the frst time as the member for Kelowna- we all did. I believe in people, in our ability to change, Mission. I didn’t know exactly what I would feel being in grow and evolve. I believe that we are able to create and this House, but it’s defnitely humbling, and I defnitely innovate. Tis great chamber is the cumulative efect of who we are together, and the changes we make are rel- 40 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 ative to how well we work together with that possibil- singles, for young adults. It should be available for every ity. I believe in this assembly, and I hear the echoes of British Columbian. every vote. I believe that our core responsibility as gov- How can we make housing more afordable? How can ernment is to positively afect the people of B.C., and we we get more creative? How can we make sure that we have have work to do. housing options for all? What we’re doing isn’t working. [2:40 p.m.] We need to do more, and we need to do it diferently. Take farming. Te farmers in my constituency are frus- Another issue relates to our seniors. I have a higher trated. Confounded by a layering efect, they are subject to number of seniors in my riding than some others. Tey’re rules and regulations from three diferent layers of govern- lonely. Tey’re scared. Seniors want to live in their homes. ment. One of the farmers I met with recently told me of Tey want to be close to those they love. Studies have 12 diferent, separate inspections that occurred relative to shown that the best health outcomes in life are found in their workers. When I asked other farmers about this, he the context of relationships rather than simply care. We was not exceptional. need to increase the amount of seniors community care to One of the inspections, actually, from one provincial make sure that seniors can live in their homes for longer. ofce started as the previous one had not yet fnished. Great community care allows seniors to be closer to their When I asked why they could not be done together, he loved ones. Tey want to be healthy and active, living said: “Oh, I asked them that, and they responded, ‘Tat long and meaningful lives. Holistic treatment coupled with would be a good idea, but we don’t do that.’” When we quarterbacked community care allows them this dignity. add complexity, time and cost to an already burdened Ten there’s Ellie. I frst met Ellie with her mom at a industry, without afecting the outcome, that is nothing vegetable market. She came up and asked if she could ask more than bureaucracy. Where were the farmers in the me a few questions about what I thought on certain issues. throne speech? She went on to ask me what I planned to do about the Also at issue is the lack of housing afordability. Prices people downtown that don’t have anywhere to go but that have continued to escalate and are the highest in history. make her feel afraid sometimes. She told me about how Despite the construction of new, purpose-built rentals in she knows that they need love, but how hard it is. my riding, the vacancy rate remains at just under 1.5 per- Ellie is ten years old, but Ellie’s not alone. Many in our cent, with the highest rental rates ever. Housing has never community are wondering how to deal with homelessness cost more than it does today. that is no longer in isolated areas in the city but much Recently I got together with a group of university stu- more prolifc. What we are doing isn’t working. We need dents. I asked questions about what they experienced and greater wraparound services to truly treat those with sys- about how we as government could make it better. Teir temic and perpetual issues. response to me? “I don’t care what party you are from. [2:45 p.m.] Nobody understands what we’re going through and how Ten there’s COVID. Frustration, confusion, fear, expensive it is for us to just live today. Own homes? We’ll depression, anger — those are but a few of the emotions never own our own homes.” that are swirling. Tere seems to be a lack of information But when you discuss this price escalation with and a lack of transparency. Parents want to be able to make developers and builders, their own margins are being good decisions for the safety of their children, but without squeezed by the increasing costs of supplies and labour, data, we are not able to make good decisions. in addition to increased taxation, municipal fees. Ten We need to be thinking about the ways that this pan- there are time frames that are absolutely elongated, just demic is afecting everyone in our province — the family to name a few. that hasn’t seen their loved one in hospice since May, the In the throne speech, a reference was made to protec- parent who is taking time of work because their child tion from the threat of eviction. Well, how is this being fol- has to isolate afer exposure at school, the exhausted frst lowed up or not abused? Have we considered what efect responders and front-line workers who are having to use this might have on rentals in the long term or what efect absolutely extraneous PPE to do their jobs, the people this might have on landlords who have everything they lonely, isolated and alone through the holiday season when own in mortgages trying to make ends meet? suicide rates and depression are at an all-time high, the As I was door-knocking, one of the constituents added business owner who doesn’t know if they can keep going, that he had sold all of his purpose-built rental buildings the businesses that are working to react and adapt to chan- as he no longer felt he had rights as a landlord and was ging guidelines weekly, if not daily. going to go bankrupt as he wasn’t able to pay his mortgages Our already burdened communities are desperate for under COVID-19. Government needs to take these con- answers. Tey are adjusting and readjusting to make sure cerns seriously. We need to fnd a solution for the next that they’re following the current public health orders. generation. Housing isn’t just for the next generation. Where is the help for all of them? Housing is for all. Housing is for seniors, for families, for Te throne speech falls short in how it supports those that have lives and livelihoods depending on them. We Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 41 don’t have an economic plan forward. Where is the help norities. Why are the dollars in the throne speech not for the business owners? I have businesses in my riding more targeted to those that need it most? that will go bankrupt. Tey won’t be here next month or What COVID has shown us is true about health care next quarter, and hundreds of employees will lose their universally. It afects everything, and it is all interconnec- jobs. What do we do then? What is our relief plan for those ted. Te mental health of our teens, the way we care for that supply important and valuable jobs in our communit- our seniors, how our children are taught and cared for, the ies and ridings? disease that we are able to prevent with great family care When I frst started my business, things went really well, — the outcomes of all of these aspects are simply better probably too well. But then the great recession hit. Imme- when we put patients — but, moreover, people — frst in diately, I was thrown into a tailspin. When my daughter, our health care system. who was only seven at the time, asked me what my job People before costs. People before bureaucracy. People was, I answered her: “Every day I go to work, and I feed before unions. People before profts. People before…. Well, a hundred families.” Tat was the burden I felt. Tat was before they have to become patients. Preventative medi- the responsibility I wore. I knew that if I went bankrupt, cine for the whole person. Spending precious dollars it would set into motion others that would not be able to where they can be of most use and before acute care is pay their staf, ones that wouldn’t be able to survive them- necessary. selves, causing a rippling efect of disaster. Where are they What we are learning is that health is not just about being heard today? doctors and nurses and hospitals, but the preventative In the Okanagan, 65 percent of those employed are work that can be done by psychologists, physiotherap- employed by small business. How are we going to support ists, exercise, etc., in schools, clinics, gyms, workshops, 65 percent of the employees in the Kelowna-Mission rid- wellness centres and campuses of care. Add nurses — ing? It’s not about a one-time handout. It’s about an eco- great. But where is the whole patient in the plan? How nomic plan forward. How do we prevent an avalanche of are we, as government, supporting people? Where is bankruptcies and businesses simply closing their doors? preventative medicine? When I read the throne speech, I read it again. What I don’t want an MRI. I don’t want to need a new MRI are we going to do? We’re going to ask businesses to invest machine. I want a health care plan that prevents me from more dollars just to get the PST of? Tat’s akin to buying ever requiring an MRI. We need a completely new something you don’t have money for. How is that going to approach to how health is delivered and to what outcomes help? Have businesses hire more people when they don’t we measure. know how to make the next payroll cheques? We need technological advances to give us better data We need an economic plan now, not in four months, not and information so we can treat patients to a higher level. in a year, and it needs to be real and make sense. Clear is We need fully integrated care with care quarterbacks to kind. Unclear is unkind. In the absence of efective com- make sure that things are not missed — that we have munication, anxiety grows. advocates. We know that we have rapid tests, but we have not been We need campuses of care, where the whole person is told how or when they’re going to be used, yet the seniors seen, the whole person is treated, where cultural difer- care facilities are begging for them. Te tourism industry ences can be recognized. Not just for some, but for all. is asking for them. Te schools are asking for them. If this Where preventative is valued as highly as treatment, and is how we’re communicating with respect to COVID, what the work done on mental and emotional care is as import- is it going to look like once we actually have the vaccine? ant as the physical. We need more health care profession- I want to talk about all of the amazing aspects of my als that can advocate for patients and deliver the absolute Kelowna-Mission riding, but right now COVID domin- best care possible, not just more nurses. ates my conversations with people. It dominates their If we want to be the best in health care and deliver the thoughts. It dominates their fears right now. When looking best outcomes, we need to make sure that every dollar is at our response to COVID-19, I’m prompted to ask the spent wisely and going where it should be. We also need question: why aren’t we more focused on supporting those to be fguring out the business of health care. How can we that are the hardest hit by this pandemic? make our dollars go farther or capture dollars for the res- [2:50 p.m.] idents of B.C.? Our outcomes are slipping, and we are not Te economists have shown us that this pandemic, creating a system where the absolute best care is possible. more than the great recession, has created a far greater We need to breathe sustainability into our health care sys- positive efect on some industries — think Amazon, tem and make sure that it is properly utilizing the public Shopify, Netfix, Google, Walmart, Costco, Loblaws, high- resources in meeting every patient’s needs. wage earners, salaried personnel — and a vastly negative McKinsey and Co. just released a report on how gov- efect on others. Tink boutiques, small shops, small enter- ernments can build more resilient societies coming out of prises, services, lower-earners, women, Indigenous, mi- COVID-19. Te top of the list was health care. It did not say: “Do more of the same.” Rather, it stated that in order 42 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 to build a more resilient society, health must be delivered N. Sharma: Tank you, Mr. Speaker, and I just want diferently. We must deliver it through technology and to congratulate you on your election. It’s nice to see you reimagine our health care system. “Te COVID-19 pan- up there. demic has afected all stakeholders in the health care sys- As this is my frst time addressing the House, I wanted tem. Examples of efective responses to this crisis abound, to start by frst of all acknowledging that I’m on the such as using digital technology…to meet the surge in unceded lands of the Skwxwú7mesh, Tsleil-Waututh and demand and navigate the road to recovery. Governments Musqueam people, and I pay my respects. can unlock the potential in the digital and telehealth sector I’d also like to thank the people of Vancouver-Hastings to make sure these services are the frst choice for patients for putting their trust in me. I’m so grateful, and I promise and globally accessible.” to work hard on your behalf. We need to reimagine what health care can look like and I want to thank, in particular, Ali Hassam, Yogi Omar how to deliver more efcient services in a timelier fashion. and Ann Vavrick from my campaign team; the members We can do better. We can do better together. Together, we of my EPC; and the sign crew. All of you put so much can achieve great things. of your efort into my campaign, and I wouldn’t be here [2:55 p.m.] without you. Some would say that I’m a dreamer, Pollyanna, idealist- I’d like to thank my family for their support throughout ic. I would say a resounding yes to all of those things. I am — my partner, Franck, and my two children, Shyam and a woman who believes wholeheartedly in the Okanagan Mira. I’m so grateful for your love and support. To my par- Valley, in the entrepreneurial spirit that exists there and in ents, Dharm pal and Saroj Sharma, who raised four girls in the collaborative nature of who we are. I believe that we are Sparwood, B.C. and taught us countless lessons on how to innovative together and capable of altering the trajectory be good people and give back to your community: I’m so of future generations positively. grateful for you. I believe the Okanagan is a somewhat living laboratory In reply in support of the throne speech, I ofer the for innovation and progress, for collaboration and for the following comments. I’d like to start by saying that the pursuit of solutions to problems. I don’t believe for one throne speech was focused on what is top of mind to minute that there isn’t enough for everyone, or that if every British Columbian today, and that’s COVID-19 — someone wins, then someone else has to lose. I don’t where we are in the world, where we are in the coun- believe that in order for one industry to thrive, another try and where we are in the province. Tis year has been must sufer. unprecedented. It’s a word that we have used far too In fact, I believe — and it’s been proven — that a rising ofen to express the actions that we’ve had to take as Brit- tide lifs all boats. It’s time to do away with either-or con- ish Columbians, and our government has had to take, to versations, and it’s time to let the tide come in. It’s time protect each other and to save lives. to start fnding the interrelatedness, the interconnected- I want to acknowledge the hard work of Minister Dix, ness and the absolute interdependence of this House and Dr. Henry and all of the front-line workers and the sacri- our worlds. fces that so many have made to fght COVID-19, to keep I believe in who each of you are and why you have been us fed, to keep us safe and to keep us healthy. elected. I believe that we can do great things in positive [3:00 p.m.] ways for this session together. For the sake of the next gen- We also mourn the loss of over 500 people who’ve been eration, for my constituents and for the future of B.C., I lost due to this terrible virus and who have lost their lives will work in this constructive manner on all issues with due to the poisoned drug supply in the opioid crisis. everyone in this chamber. Over the last few months, our government has taken I see my role as Health critic as imperative to achieving swif and decisive action to respond to the health crisis the best outcomes for all British Columbians. You see, the that we fnd ourselves in. It hasn’t been easy, and I know opposition has a vital role to play in formulating policy. All that it’s taken a toll on a lot of people out there in our British Columbians deserve a voice. Te late Rt. Hon. John province. As we are in the midst of the second wave, we Diefenbaker once described the role of opposition as the will remain focused on meeting the challenges faced by detergent of democracy. Te people of B.C. deserve open- this pandemic. Tis includes investing in health care sys- ness and transparency, as only when you have that can you tems and the workers that make up the front line of our truly have accountability. I plan on being the best deter- eforts, making investments in hiring people that are gent for government possible. needed, like contact tracers and front-line workers and all In concluding my remarks today, hon. Speaker, I thank those people out there that keep us safe. you for allowing me this time and consideration. I hear from many people who are in a situation like I’m in who worry about the health care needs of their parents, Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the member for Vancou- especially parents like my own, who live in a small com- ver-Hastings. munity in the province. I’m proud of the commitment of our investment in achieving three things in the health care Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 43 system — faster care, care that is closer to home and focus- the importance of the non-proft sector to B.C., and I have ing on rural health. I couldn’t be more grateful for my par- been hearing directly from non-profts across the ents and all the people that I know that come from the province, since the news of the appointment, about how small town that I do. glad they are to see this role in government. Our elders are beloved members of our families, and In my mandate letter, the Premier has asked that I work we all hold them dear, and addressing the urgent needs of to ensure that charitable organizations and the non-proft seniors has been so welcome for many. I know that there’s sector are engaged and supported through the pandemic still so much to do and work to keep them safe as we hit and its recovery and to support the sector by acting as an our second wave of the pandemic and we move towards advocate and a key point of contact within government. delivering the vaccine. Te non-proft sector has played such a large role in my I’ve heard from so many people about how challenging life. I’ve managed programs, worked and volunteered with these times are, especially during the holiday season. I non-profts since I was a teenager. know that many are disappointed that the public health [3:05 p.m.] restrictions will mean that we cannot meet in person with In this province, there are over 86,000 people who are the loved ones that we have and want to hug and spend the employed in the non-proft sector. Tis sector has risen to holidays with and that many businesses, especially small the challenge to meet the needs of the community dur- businesses, are worried about what the next month will ing the pandemic. Tey are made up of community leaders bring. who contribute greatly to our economy and our com- I want to say that I’m proud of my community of Van- munities. Teir work helps us meet the challenges our couver-Hastings, who stood together over this year and society faces today and build resilient communities. helped each other, just like we always do. We do our best to Over the next little while, as we work to develop the support our local small businesses that are so vital to our work plan of this new role, I look forward to connecting community. We help support our neighbours in need, like with community leaders and organizations across this the student council at Templeton School that started a vir- province. I will work hard to build, to strengthen, the rela- tual food drive and has raised close to $8,000 already for tionship between the non-proft sector and this govern- the food bank. And I know that even ment and advocate for the needs of government. though we’ll be socially distanced this holiday season, the As we enter the holiday season, I just wanted to lights on Trinity Street will be shining brighter this year. encourage all the people that can to give what you can to Our government has taken action to support people your local non-proft. Whether it’s time through social and businesses throughout this pandemic, and it was clear distance volunteering, of course, or fnancial donations. from the throne speech that our focus will remain on the I know, and I’ve heard from so many, that they need it side of people throughout this pandemic with the recovery now more than ever. beneft, which will provide direct fnancial support to so Te throne speech also talked about child care. Te many British Columbians. I know that will help families Lieutenant-Governor said the following about child care: with that extra support that they need during this challen- “Expanding child care and early learning is another strong ging time. We will work to deliver further supports to help economic development policy. By creating jobs and allow- businesses, like support for new hires and helping thou- ing more parents to go to work, it counts as strategic eco- sands to upscale or rescale to fnd in-demand jobs in a nomic infrastructure, every bit as important as roads and post-COVID economy. highways.” I just want to reiterate that phrase about stra- In my riding, there’s a high number of renters, and I tegic economic infrastructure in child care. I think this is hear from them about the need for support, especially dur- so key to understanding the impact that a universal child ing these times. Te ban on evictions during the pandem- care system will have on families across B.C. ic made a real diference, and I know the rent freeze will Over the past few years, our government has invested continue to make a real diference for them in the monthly in building a universal child care system, and this is under challenges that they face, not only during this pandemic the leadership of Minister Katrina Chen. I was so happy but just to be a renter in a very expensive city. to see in the throne speech our further commitment to We can all have hope that as we move towards the dis- investing in child care as a vital thing for all British Col- tribution of the vaccine and see the end of this pandemic, umbian families. We will commit to investing in school that a brighter future is on the way, one that will include boards and health authorities to provide the type of child being able to hug our loved ones. As we work hard to lif care that exists in public buildings that will help to grow ourselves out of the pandemic, this government, I know, our system. will be focused on helping all of us get there and being on I know frsthand having two kids, one of whom is in the side of all the people in British Columbia. child care, the toll that child care has on families when you I have the privilege of being appointed as Parliamentary can’t fnd it, when you can’t aford it and when it’s not in Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profts. your community. I know there’s more work to do. I’m very By my appointment, Premier Horgan has acknowledged 44 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 proud of that commitment in government to build a new Tis is something that I am very proud to contribute to social program for B.C. families. in any way that I can in my role representing Vancouver- Our government has also highlighted, not only in its Hastings. I know that delivering on this commitment will core principles but also in the throne speech, that mean that we all need to do the work in the decisions that everything that we do and every action that we take has we make as government. I’m looking forward to working to include climate action and reconciliation with Indigen- with everybody to do that. ous people. Tis government has recognized that we are In closing, I would like to say that I am so fortunate to in a climate crisis, and the actions that we take today will have a great team in my constituency ofce, with Amelia ensure that our children will have a stable future. Just as Hill and Yogi Omar hard at work. I’m grateful for their we listened to the science to respond to COVID, we know energy and commitment to the community that we serve. that we need to respond to the science on climate change. We’ll be working hard to represent Vancouver-Hastings I am grateful for the strong leadership of Minister and help an already strong and resilient community to Heyman, and I look forward to the government’s com- make it through these challenging times. mitment to climate action in all that we do. I am proud I appreciate the ability to make these comments, and I that it was in every mandate letter that the Premier thank you for your time. wrote to all of cabinet. Also reconciliation with Indigenous people. All the Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. Sorry work we do and everything that we do to show up in for interrupting. this House has to recognize the terrible history of colon- Just to clarify for all members that the practice in this ization to Indigenous people of our communities. Lasting House is that we use the title of the constituency, as and meaningful reconciliation is a core value of this gov- opposed to frst names, or the title of the ministry or par- ernment and a core commitment. But it’s also an ongoing liamentary secretary in this case. Tank you very much. process and a shared responsibility for all of us. Although there has been some work that we’ve done in B. Banman: It is indeed an honour to have the oppor- the past government, I know that we have a lot more work tunity to respond to the Speech from the Trone. Like to do. I know that our government has a commitment many of my colleagues, this is a frst for me. As a new — not only individually but across every ministry — to MLA, it is endlessly exciting to take part in the goings on remain focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous of the legislative precinct — albeit not, of course, in per- people to be full partners in our economy and providing son, but via Zoom. We do live in interesting times. a clear and sustainable path for everybody towards lasting I would like to formally introduce myself to you all. I am reconciliation. Tis is a commitment that I am proud to do Bruce Banman, MLA for Abbotsford South, and I would my best to uphold in all the work that I do and all the work be remiss if I did not mention that it includes Aldergrove. that we do as members of this House. Today I would like to take this time to not only respond With the appointment of Parliamentary Secretary to the plan that government has laid out in this mini-ses- Rachna Singh, with the portfolio of…. sion but to share with you all some of what makes my rid- ing and the city of Abbotsford the gem of the Fraser Valley. Deputy Speaker: Sorry, Member. I would like to thank the people in my riding for their If I might just remind members, please, to not use mem- votes and their confdence in my taking on this role. I bers’ names. Te member can use the title or the riding would also like to thank my family, extended family, name in its place. Tank you. friends and supporters who have all helped me get to where I am now. I will not forget where I came from. N. Sharma: Okay. Sorry about that. With the appoint- I have lived in the Fraser Valley my entire life. I grew ment of Parliamentary Secretary Singh — is that okay? up just up the street in Chilliwack. I moved to Abbotsford in 1982, and I have served this city in many capacities. Deputy Speaker: Te Member for Surrey–Green Tim- I’m proud to say that I served as a waiter while I worked bers would be more appropriate, I believe. my way through university. I worked my way through uni- [3:10 p.m.] versity and came back to this city to become and serve as a chiropractor for many years. N. Sharma: Okay. With the appointment of the Member Politically, I served as the mayor of Abbotsford, as well for Surrey–Green Timbers, with a portfolio of anti-racism as on city council, and I am incredibly honoured to com- initiatives, and the inclusion of the goal of equity and anti- plete that trinity of community representation by now racism across government, we have shown our commit- being an MLA. Tis is a city that is near and dear to me, ment to do real work to be anti-racist by clearly showing and it deserves to be celebrated and have its splendour that our government has a moral and ethical responsibility acknowledged. to tackle systemic discrimination in all of its forms and Before I touch on what makes my riding so great, I want that every ministry has a role in this work. to respond to what was laid out yesterday in the throne Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 45 speech. Tough I am new to this, one thing was abund- of line, and create some movement on this. I know that in antly clear: there was not much to report from the throne my job as critic I will continue to canvass these issues. speech yesterday. It read like a pat on the back for the I also, of course, want to send my heartfelt sympathy to NDP, a self-congratulatory note on what they did over the all British Columbians that have lost loved ones and face last nine months and, with that, an acknowledgment of an severe challenges due to COVID-19. election promise that the NDP made, doling out millions [3:20 p.m.] and millions in taxpayer dollars this holiday season. I know that the news of yesterday, the restrictions run- [3:15 p.m.] ning through the holidays, was hard to stomach for many What I failed to hear was any talk of stimulating the eco- of us. I think back, as I explained to my wife yesterday, to nomy or business in any form. Where is the plan for hun- how our grandchildren and family could not share Christ- dreds and hundreds of businesses that have been pleading mas with us, even though they live minutes away. It did not for some more support for months? Tey’ve been plead- go over well. Tere was no joy in Mudville in my house, ing for it for months on end, with no clear timeline for but as hard as it is, I know that we will all get through this. support. I heard a lot of “this is what the government I refuse to believe and accept that this is our new nor- has done,” but no outline of what the government will be mal. I choose to think — to the words of Dr. Henry — that doing. this is not forever. It’s just for now. We will get through As for my role as critic of Citizens’ Services, there was this. As hard and as painful as this may be right now, it’s not a single mention of some of the crucial issues that this what we need to do. I would encourage everyone in British ministry touches on. Tere was no mention of increasing Columbia to take heed to those words. We will get through connectivity or broadband throughout the province. Tis this. We are all facing this pandemic in our own way, and issue is incredibly relevant, and it’s important now more what is most important is keeping the holiday spirit and than ever. Employees and students are doing their best cheer in place, even though this year it may be difcult to work to learn and work from home throughout this pan- do and it will be very, very diferent than in years gone by. demic, and ensuring that every single British Columbian As this is my frst time taking part in this process and has access to high-speed Internet is paramount. virtually standing here in the Legislature, I would like to Tis is not an issue that should be or can be delayed. take some time to speak about Abbotsford and what makes Frankly, it should have been part of the focus of supports, it so incredibly special. First and foremost, as many of you over the last nine months, to think that there are in fact may know or have personally experienced via gridlock, people in this province that are being lef out in the cold Abbotsford is home to one of the most badly needed high- in the dark of winter, unconnected, as people are forced to way upgrades in the province. Highway No. 1 is a vital part work from home. Tey need to be able to connect to vital of the food-and-supply chain of not only the region but health care meetings, order and gather supplies, continue our country. their education and work from home. Tis needs to be a From the Port of Vancouver and Point Roberts, goods focus. It needs to be a priority. from across the Pacifc are brought in and then shipped I was surprised and disheartened to see that there was east to the rest of the country. As it stands, the most widely no mention of FOI or freedom-of-information reform in used transportation line for many of these goods is High- the minister’s mandate letter. Tis shows a lack of follow- way No. 1. I would challenge you to get through the valley through and is another example of this government saying without using it. And one of the most congested portions one thing and acting in another way. of this particular Highway No. 1 is the very stretch that Te Premier himself has recently said that political- runs through Abbotsford. We have badly needed a sizeable party freedom-of-information requests are not important. upgrade to this highway for years, and I hope that this will Let me read that again. Te Premier himself has recently be part of this government’s transportation infrastructure said that political-party FOI requests are not important. plan. We have reached the tipping point. Something needs Tis is, of course, inherently hypocritical, given his time to be done. in opposition, but worrisome to the operations of our very I know that this shortened winter session will not touch parliamentary system. on much, aside from this one piece of legislation, which is, Our role in opposition is to ask the tough questions on frankly, disheartening, given all of the work that is needed behalf of the public, and also asking for and disseminat- through this province. Te expansion of the No. 1 freeway ing that said information. Te public has a right. If we are needs to be looked at and expanded. Transportation stopped from digging into the critical issues and working through this corridor is vital. to support the needs of the public, then, quite frankly, this On the topic of transportation, it is a dire need for a government is out of line. rail or rapid transit system to connect Metro Vancouver to I hope that in the coming months and as we near the the Fraser Valley. Te Fraser Valley is not that large. It is spring session — which by all accounts shall be far later only 160 kilometres long and approximately 50 kilometres in the year than is normally customary — the government wide, and it extends from Hope to Vancouver. Yet transit will have time to refect, realize they are out of step and out options only cover a measly portion of that. 46 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Rapid transit options in the valley should be readily ing, which has been an integral part of our agriculture examined as a feasible option. Tis will help the issues I for decades. We are now the world leaders in production just mentioned along Highway No. 1, by reducing conges- of blueberries, and we’re very concerned about the sanc- tion and, of course, vehicle trafc and pollution levels. It tions that may be placed against them with regard to the doesn’t make any sense. If you want people to get out of United States. their cars, we need to provide them with a viable option. We also have raspberries, cranberries, apples and cold Currently that does not exist. crops such as Brussels sprouts, caulifower, broccoli, [3:25 p.m.] pumpkins, carrots, potatoes, corn and, for those of you Having options for residents to live in more afordable that enjoy a cold beverage, hops that go into beer. Tose areas, thus supporting those communities, and having are just a few. Te point is that Abbotsford’s farming com- options for their commutes would not only be welcomed, munity is an integral part of this province’s food supply it would be celebrated. Imagine transit from Hope to chain and food security. When it comes to agriculture, we Agassiz, through Chilliwack and Abbotsford onward con- know what we’re doing out here. But sadly, as you’ve heard necting to other public transportation lines. To me, this is from one of my colleagues, farmers here feel lef out. Tey how we support a growing population that fulfls the need don’t feel as if they’re being consulted. for transportation options and access to housing options I would point out that land in this region is approxim- in more afordable communities. ately $100,000 to $150,000 an acre. Very similar land can I would now be remiss if I did not spend some of my be brought across the United States border for approxim- time allotted to me in my frst throne speech response ately 20. We have to be better at what we do, and we are. to share what makes Abbotsford — and, more specifc- ally, what is captured in Abbotsford South — the special [N. Letnick in the chair.] place that it is. Firstly, it may come as a surprise that we’re the largest Now, if you were to come to visit Abbotsford on a clear mining town in British Columbia and the backbone of day, you would see Mount Baker. You would see the glor- the Metro Vancouver construction market. No, we’re not ious mountains to the north and the horizon and the digging for gold or diamonds, but we do produce more splendour in the valley in front of you. In my humble opin- aggregate than anywhere else, and it is used throughout ion, there is nowhere more beautiful in the province, but I the region. It’s not exciting, but try and build a road, a might have a bias. bridge, a highrise without it. Te richness of this soil produces products second to We have three international border crossings. Tese none. Our farming community is incredibly diverse, but include the Huntingdon-Sumas crossing, by land; the almost not quite as diverse as our people. We are the ffh Aldergrove-Lynden crossing, by land; and the Abbotsford most diverse metro area in Canada. A third of our people International Airport. So you can imagine how COVID are frst-generation , and we’re home to an has afected us in such a huge way. It is a stark reduction incredibly assorted mix of backgrounds. Over 50 lan- in cross-border travel and economic stimulus, as well as guages are spoken. arrivals to our airport. [3:30 p.m.] We have a great hospital, with a state-of-the-art cancer Tere are people from all over the world that choose centre. We also have the University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford to be home. We have a strong Mennonite and of which I am an alum. I am almost embarrassed to say Dutch and English heritage, as well as a very large portion it was a college when I frst attended it. Te University of that is from South Asia — predominantly Sikh, but also the Fraser Valley helps us provide some of the airline pilots Hindu and Muslim. that we need. We also have huge aerospace technology and Currently my heart goes out to the protesters in India. resources here, and it helps supply some of the technicians We have family ties from this region that go back to India, required for that. We also have and are home to a heli- and my heart goes out to those protesters fghting for their copter and fxed-wing training school, one of the best in rights. I admire their strength, their courage and those the country. And of course, we are the home of the famous exercising their right to a peaceful protest. I hope that a Abbotsford International Air Show. peaceful solution comes soon. We are the hub of the Fraser Valley. We are connected to I would also like to acknowledge that Abbotsford is on many sectors not only in British Columbia but throughout the traditional territory of the Stó:lō Nation, and we are North America, but by far, the backbone of our economy is home to the Matsqui and Sema:th First Nations. agriculture. We are home to the largest farm-gate receipts Abbotsford is a city in the country. It is rural and an urb- in Canada, doing nearly two-thirds more than the nearest an city, and it has the big-city problems that go along with and closest, which happens to be the Niagara region. it. As with other cities, we struggle. We struggle with the We produce a massive portion of the dairy that’s con- challenges around mental health and addiction. As with sumed, 90 percent of the province’s eggs and 65 percent the concerns of this government, this is something that we of the poultry. Tis, of course, is alongside berry farm- are eager to work towards solutions on. Every municipality Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 47 needs solutions and needs actions. As mayor, I introduced I also want to say a very big thank-you to my campaign harm reduction and a needle exchange here in Abbots- team, in particular my campaign manager, Michael ford at a time when it was highly controversial, and it Charrois. My social media manager, who got me from saved lives. Afordability around housing is also, of course, barely being on Facebook to being on all the other social another major factor that afects Abbotsford like other cit- media platforms, which I fnd challenging, has also been ies. working with me subsequent to the campaign and is now Abbotsford is a growing and expanding city that faces one of my constituency assistants. Tat is Eli, and I say all the challenges that other municipalities face. I look for- thank you very much to him. ward to doing my part to ensure that the needs and issues A shout-out, also, to my brother Bill Robinson, who of my beloved city are respected and honoured. dropped everything when he heard that I was campaign- I will close by saying thank-you — thank-you to those of ing. Now, I will remind you, he’s 17 years my senior. you in Abbotsford, thank you to my colleagues and thank Dropped everything and came and was working diligently you to all British Columbians — and by saying I know 24 hours a day, it seemed, on my campaign, for which I was that the coming weeks and holiday season will be challen- very, very grateful. ging for many of you, as they will be for my family. So Additionally, I want to do a shout-out to my brother as I have said before, take a moment to reach out and let Ken Robinson, who, this day, was supposed to be celebrat- those you know, that you love and care about deeply…. ing his retirement from the B.C. Coast Pilots, where he’s Phone them. Call them. Let them know on social media been working for many, many years as a senior pilot. Sadly, that you’re thinking of them and that you love them and his retirement drive-by honk was supposed to happen this that safely, we will get through this together. afernoon, but he’s on a job on one of the big boats up our Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for allowing me the coastline, making sure that the boats are travelling safely pleasure to address the House on this, my frst response to and our coastline is well preserved. So another acknow- the throne. Tank you, and happy holidays to everyone. ledgment of pilots in general and my brother in particular. As always, everything we do is overlaid with COVID. S. Chant: I appreciate this opportunity. I, too, am a As a nurse, I’ve been working in the health care envir- newbie MLA and am so looking forward to working with onment for many, many years in the community. When everybody in this House on the things that we share as COVID hit, we scrambled. We scrambled very, very hard. a common goal towards supporting the people of British My teams worked very hard to get to a point where they Columbia during this time and throughout the time that could understand what was needed to support our clients, we are in ofce. understand what was needed to keep themselves safe so I would like to start out in my response to the throne that they could keep working, understand all the changes speech by acknowledging the words of the Lieutenant- that we needed to go through in order to make sure that Governor as wise and well put as a broad-strokes outline the COVID situation was managed to the best of our abil- of what the government has done up till now and what the ities for everybody that it impacted. government will be doing going forward. It is always dif- I say a great thank-you to our health care workers for all cult to encapsulate the many things that everybody wants the work that they have been doing and they continue to to get done, wants to achieve, wants to do as their best for do. I know people are tired. I was one of those tired people the people they represent. answering calls seven days a week, dealing with a variety of [3:35 p.m.] concerns. How do we do this? What do we do here? Who I would like to also acknowledge that I speak to you do we call? Who has the answers? from the territorial lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tese things have all been part of the health care scen- Tsleil-Waututh Nations. I am thankful to be able to live ario for so long, it seems, yet I also recognize that we and work and play in those lands as a part of my life. will continue to work on it, and we will get through it. I have been a part of the North Shore. I was born in In time, we’ll be able to look back and say, “Gee, do you Lions Gate Hospital. I grew up on the North Shore, and remember when?” and know that we have successfully, to I’ve been part of North Vancouver–Seymour for most of some degree, as successful as you can call it, managed our my adult life. I have raised my two adult daughters here. way through a global exercise that has been profoundly My husband works as a small business man out of our impactful on everybody. house — my husband who, I will acknowledge, is my Te government has got a lot of forward motion and anchor and has been so supportive. traction in dealing with COVID, in looking at all aspects Te folks in this riding have been incredibly supportive of it, in preparing us as best as can be with ever-changing of my journey to come to this point, and I thank them information. I think we all have a role to play. We have from the bottom of my heart. As one of my other members a role as leaders in our community to show people that indicated, I so appreciate the trust and the confdence that we believe and that we trust and that we’re prepared to they have in me to be an able representative for the con- work to have people who are frightened and concerned stituency and for their needs. and angry and let them speak to us and show them the 48 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 compassion and the respect and the understanding that is Surrey. Tey live many places, and they travel a long way due to every person that we work with. I think we have to get to our community. Why is that? It’s because on a that capacity, but we have to dig deep for it sometimes. nursing salary or a two-person salary, they can’t aford to [3:40 p.m.] live in our community. Tey’re having a hard time stay- We have to make sure that we protect each other in ing in the communities they’re in, too, because aford- whatever ways are appropriate. Certainly, personal protec- able housing is tough. tion equipment is critical. Everybody is getting so that they I had a person who was speaking to me the other day. are completely familiar with seeing people in masks, see- He’s been waiting seven years for housing from B.C. Hous- ing people with gloves on, seeing… If you are a worker ing. He went onto disability when he was in his early 30s. that goes into somebody’s house to provide personal care, When his seven-year-old son was just being born, he was you’re wearing a gown. You’re wearing a face mask. Your disabled in a workplace incident and has been on disability eyes are protected. Your hands are protected. Everything is ever since. His wife was recently laid of because of COV- protected. You the worker are protected. Te person you’re ID. Seven years he’s been waiting. Four houses he has been working with is protected. what he calls demovicted out of. Tey were houses that he But boy, is it hard work. It’s twice as hard to work in and his wife could aford. However, they were also subject that gear as it is just when you go in and help somebody. to demolishing. Sometimes you have to strip of and start again because Tese all are things that impact every one of us some- the gear got wet. It is so much, yet our folks right at the how. We need to work together. We will work together. I front line, right in people’s homes, are working that hard look forward so much to collaborating with the inspiring and harder to keep people going, to keep them as safe as and wondrous people that I work with here. Tis has really humanly possible. been an honour to me to just meet everybody and hear Te recovery beneft. So many people have said to me: about everybody. “Geez, that’s going to make such a diference to me. Tat A little bit about myself. I have been a naval reservist piece of cash may be able to tide me over, may be able for 40 years who is involved in serving Canada. I wore and to help me to do something that I’ve been thinking about wear the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces as a rep- doing but I can’t do right now. Looking forward to that. resentative of the navy, and I am honoured to have been Tank you for making that available.” part of that service. Te vaccine rollout. Oh, my goodness. Will there be [3:45 p.m.] jubilation when that starts, yet we’re going to have to be I have been in nursing for 35 years. Te navy got me so careful in how we do it. Who do we prioritize? Who through university quite nicely, thank you very much, at do we make it available to if it comes forward in limited UBC. I have been a foster parent, so I understand the Min- amounts? How do we make these decisions? Tese things istry of Children and Families to a degree. I’ve been a par- are all very, very important to every person we speak to. ent of adult children. My kids have come through school, Tey’re very, very important to us. We need to be able to sports, all those things. As a parent, I have gone and been help and support people in working our way through the thrilled by some of the things that they’re involved with vaccination and working and believing and getting that and not too impressed by some of the other things that vaccination so that we can achieve herd immunity, which have happened, sometimes from their engagement, some- is what we need to seek. times through external forces. Tere are so many things to do with COVID. Yet here I worry so much about the opioid crisis. I worry so we are. We’re the government. We have to focus on all much about the things that have impact on all the people those other things as well. I’ve heard all the other members we live with and work for. I say as a joke that as a nurse and talking about how many things are important to their con- as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and now as a stituents. Tose things are important to all of us, to all of member of the Legislature, I’m paid to worry, and I do my our constituents. job really, really well. I have young people in my community who are saying, I hope that we can all work together to look at the “Gee, I grew up here. I can’t aford to live here and, cer- things that are tough for our constituents, to look at the tainly, I can’t aford to bring up a family here,” or: “Here I things that are tough for the people of British Colum- am. I’ve got my family here, but guess what. I’m living with bia and to make things a little bit better, or maybe a lot mom and dad, and my family is in the downstairs of the better, by working together and by looking at things and house. Tis wasn’t actually what we wanted to do, neither hearing from people how to make a diference and how mom and dad nor us, but we’re doing it because we can’t to impact their lives. aford to live in the community we grew up in. But we want I so appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak to to live here.” the House, and I am so honoured to be a member of this I have nurses who work in the community who live in House. Squamish. Tey live on Bowen Island. Tey live on the Tank you very much. Sunshine Coast. Tey live in Maple Ridge. Tey live in Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 49

Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Member. housing. We need to work cooperatively with the private I now recognize the member for West Vancouver–Sea to sector and with community groups. Sky. [3:50 p.m.] I believe we can do better with our young people in K. Kirkpatrick: Is it West Vancouver–Capilano, Mr. care and support them as they move through their lives. Speaker? And I believe that we can build sustainable communities through sound planning, green technologies and proper Deputy Speaker: I have West Vancouver–Sea to Sky on transit planning. For me, in West Vancouver–Capilano, the list, but I can go to Capilano, if you like. that means a fxed-link rapid transit system to the North Go ahead. Shore. To change the tone for a moment and to follow up K. Kirkpatrick: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Tank you for your on what the Minister of Finance said during her intro- fexibility. ductions, I too would like to acknowledge the passing of It is my pleasure to Zoom into the House today to Katherine McParland and acknowledge her as an example respond to the Speech from the Trone. Tis is my frst that young people in care, with support and kindness, can response to a Speech from the Trone and, in fact, the accomplish great things. I know her loss is devastating to frst I have spoken in the House. It is done at an unpre- those who work with her in fghting youth homelessness. cedented time in B.C.’s history and the history of this Now, it may be surprising to many that in my riding of Legislature. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to West Vancouver–Capilano, almost 20 percent of resid- do so and a privilege to represent the people of West ents are deemed low income. Sixty percent of the resid- Vancouver–Capilano. ents in my riding rent their housing and are still waiting Hon. Speaker, if I may give a few remarks about my for their promised $400 rent rebate from government. community of West Vancouver–Capilano before I add my Of those, 14 percent rely on social housing. A dispropor- commentary to the Speech from the Trone. I am proud tionate number of these residents are seniors living at or to be addressing you here today on behalf of the people of below the poverty line. West Vancouver–Capilano. Te Christmas Bureau, run by Family Services of the I acknowledge that we are on the traditional and un- North Shore, this year received 7,771 calls for support. I ceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples represented know that’s quite specifc, but I just checked with them by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First this morning, and I know that’s the number from yester- Nations. day. Trough its 150 volunteers, it has already delivered I would like to thank the people of my riding for sup- food hampers, gifs and grocery cards to over 2,500 people, porting me and thank my family members for their en- and there are more waiting. Tey’ve delivered 1,000 bags couragement. My husband, Murray; my mother, Audrey; of groceries and 1,704 meals as of yesterday. Tey are just sister, Nancy; brother, Ian; and of course, my amazing and one of the committed and hard-working non-profts sup- talented 17-year-old daughter, Kaelan, who is navigating porting this community. her way through her fnal year of high school; and my two My riding, though enjoying a reputation for high wonderful stepsons, Will and Ollie. incomes, has social issues that match many of those in I would like to also thank those volunteers that jumped other communities in British Columbia. Tis government in and helped very quickly in the campaign and my cam- says it has addressed outbreaks in long-term care homes, paign manager, Jack Welsh, who took a leave from his day yet, in the past few weeks, at least fve seniors have died job with a moment’s notice, which is all the time we had. and more than 45 have become sick in an outbreak at West I want to send, also, a special thank-you to the former Vancouver’s Capilano Care Centre across the street from member for West Vancouver–Capilano, , who my ofce. as a gifed orator has set a very high bar for me. Ralph Yet West Vancouver–Capilano is a vibrant community. believed in my ability to represent this community that It has beautiful beaches and parks and the shopping dis- he cared so much about, but he hesitated to give me any tricts of Ambleside, Dundarave, Pemberton and Edge- advice because he believed it was my journey and I had to mont village, and any of these things are destinations on fgure out how to do this my own way. Now, he did actually their own. Small business is the backbone of this com- provide one piece of advice to me, and that was to not fall munity. We need to support it, and we need to put pro- asleep during question period when the cameras are on. grams in place that will incentivize growth. Small-dollar I ran for ofce because I value public service, and I have benefts are not enough. always been so grateful to live in this wonderful demo- Te riding is host to some of British Columbia’s fnest cracy of ours. I want to help efect good and positive tourism destinations. Down the street from my home is change in our province. I believe that a healthy community the Capilano Suspension Bridge. I live at the foot of and a healthy economy are one and the same thing. I Grouse Mountain, and outside my door are some of the believe we need to innovate in the way that we’re providing 50 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 best hiking and bike trails in the world. I am so lucky to be months ago. In fact, business groups were begging and living here, and I know that every day. pleading for this. But they did not, and they lef families When I frst drove across the Lions Gate Bridge…. I and businesses struggling. Unfortunately, this throne moved here from Edmonton when I was 19, and I just had speech did not provide support for small business, seni- this amazing sense of awe when I saw the mountains and ors, youth in care. It did not mention its commitment to the snow, and it was just breathtaking. I have to say that $10-per-day daycare. In fact, the speech was light on any even today, many years later, I still have that same sense of commitment to the care of B.C.’s most vulnerable youth awe when I come into my own community. Tat is such a and families. special thing to be able to say. When this pandemic began, I was the CEO of a large Locals and tourists have trekked to the North Shore social services organization that was providing essential since the late 1800s to see and walk the Capilano Sus- services on behalf of government across the Lower Main- pension Bridge. Until this pandemic hit us, it was one of land. I saw 500 employees pivot to do whatever they could British Columbia’s most visited tourist attractions and an to continue to support their clients and their communities. employer of over 600 people. Tey did it with no complaints, just a concern for those Let me share a real example of some of the frustration around them. that businesses here are feeling. We all believe in the neces- I note now that many non-profts running critical ser- sity of the public health orders and are so appreciative of vices during this pandemic have not yet received their the work done by Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team, but promised pandemic pay for their employees. Tis was while shopping malls are flled with shoppers, the Capil- promised months ago. Te most recent communication ano Suspension Bridge is unable to run its Canyon Lights from MCFD last week, I believe, was that it’s coming soon. display in its 20 outdoor acres with easy ability to socially It’s been crickets from MPSSG for those workers support- distance. Now, we can’t aford to lose iconic tourist attrac- ing victims of violence and trauma during this pandemic. tions in our riding and in British Columbia. Also, while this government decided to provide difer- Te Speech from the Trone should set out a vision for ential pay to union and non-union social services pro- British Columbians and a plan for getting there. Make no viders two years ago, it came to an agreement recently to mistake, government’s commitments in this speech should provide some additional funds to help close that gap for be around the pandemic and the impact that it’s had on the the non-unionized employers. Tis recruitment and reten- lives of British Columbians. tion funding, which was promised months ago, has still [3:55 p.m.] not come to these agencies. So once again, front-line work- It should recognize the devastating efect of this disease ers risking their own health during this pandemic are not to seniors in long-term care and to the front-line workers receiving the pay that this government promised them. who care for us all, putting themselves at risk. Government What have we heard from the throne speech? Not much. says: “We can see the signs of better days ahead, as science We did not hear any plans to address families’ concerns and research lead the way with new treatments and vac- about seniors in care homes. We did not hear how they will cines.” But we can’t wait until those better days ahead. We enhance safety for children. Tere were no details to help need an economic recovery plan for all British Columbi- small businesses get back on their feet. What’s worse is that ans, and we need it now. Platitudes are not a plan. Tis afer missing the deadline of the second quarterly update, government says: “…putting our shoulders to the wheel the new Finance Minister recently said she was consider- and working together to make those better days a reality.” ing delaying her frst provincial budget by weeks. British Te Speech from the Trone lef a lot of uncertainty, Columbians can’t aford to wait any longer. to say the least. British Columbians have been waiting for As the critic for Children and Family Development a bold agenda, and never in the history of this province and Child Care, I have responsibility to hold the gov- have they needed a bolder agenda and a government that ernment accountable for putting forward policies with is willing to be innovative in the work that it’s doing. But increased supports for children in care and delivering this NDP government has failed to provide an economic more afordable daycare. recovery plan or introduce anything other than a one-time Just earlier this week the Representative for Children beneft payment. and Youth released a report on children and youth with Tey called the Legislature back for only one piece of special needs and the impact on them and their families legislation. Tis shows you a lack of ideas. Tis is a govern- from this pandemic. Services and supports were stopped ment that is now starting its second term in ofce. Tey for these families overnight. Communication between will not have kept their election promises from 2017, and MCFD and families was close to nonexistent, leaving I’m not confdent that this time is going to be much dif- these already stressed families and young people panick- ferent. Te government needs to take responsibility and ing for supports. real action to help our province come out of the pandemic [4:00 p.m.] stronger than before. To make matters worse, the call of an election during Te NDP could have developed an economic plan a pandemic meant that for those families, there was no Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 51 recourse for months and no services when supports ex- and the Cowichan. It’s with a huge amount of honour that pired in September. I am able to speak from these territories and to have their Tis is why government needs to act quickly now to support over the years to be able to do this on their behalf. provide the support that evaporated for these families Tat’s all about confdence, Mr. Speaker. earlier this year. Delaying Budget 2021 is defnitely not I’d like to thank, of course, my partner, Leanne — such a the way to achieve this. Te Premier promised $10-a-day lovely, wonderful person — who is so supportive and very daycare, but it’s just an empty slogan. Tey promised to involved in politics as well, being a constituency assistant have 24,000 spaces, at this point in their mandate, for day- to a federal MP and very much involved in NDP politics in care. As of May 2020, there were only 3,490 new spaces the Cowichan region. On CAs, I can tell the members who out of the 16,500 they said were funded. In comparison, don’t know — newer members and anybody who’s watch- from 2005 to 2017, the B.C. Liberals created 39,959 day- ing this and who doesn’t know this: constituency assist- care spaces, or 3,033 per year. ants are the backbone of the service that MLAs and MPs So much more work needs to be done. First of all, the provide to their communities. QT fscal update should have been delivered last week. Te [4:05 p.m.] number of daily COVID cases remains high. Long-term- I once saw a cartoon of a person in a blindfold holding a care and assisted-living facilities need more tools now. As dart, and on the wall in front of them was an array of sticky my colleagues implored you earlier, we have to deploy rap- notes that said “education,” “forestry,” “health care,” “trans- id tests as soon as possible, if we can just save one life in portation,” “environment” — just hundreds of topics. Te seniors care. Struggling restaurants need the help of the caption for this person with a blindfold and a dart said: Legislature to cap food-delivery fees. We will also hold the “Today I’m an expert in….” NDP accountable for their promise to introduce accessib- Tat is indeed what constituency assistants are. Tey’re ility legislation in the frst session. experts across the board with policy. Tey build relation- Tis NDP government is not new. For the past three ships in government that serve our constituents. I can tell years, we saw more consultation and consultation and new members that it will become a common occurrence no real action. Te Premier called a snap election during for people to walk up to you and say: “It’s amazing what a pandemic, to grab more power. Now that the election you did for my daughter” or “It’s amazing what you did for is over, he must deliver on his promises, afer delaying our park.” You won’t, perhaps, even know that you’ve done giving families and businesses the support they need for that, because they’re so good at what they do. months. I’m blessed, also, that I had very decent opponents in British Columbians want to see an integrated response the past election, particularly my friend Duck Paterson, that deals with the health crisis, the mental health crisis the Liberal opponent. I have to tell you another story. Dur- and the economic crisis together. As the ofcial opposi- ing a debate, something quite incorrect was said by one of tion, we will hold the government to full account on the the candidates. I wanted to respond, but of course, I’d giv- pandemic. We will also ensure that government keeps its en up all my rebuttals. So Duck Paterson, the B.C. Liberal word and delivers on the promises that it made, particu- candidate, asked the moderator if he could give me one of larly around supporting families and child care services — his rebuttals, and they allowed it. I thought it was one of issues dear to my heart. the nicest gestures I’ve ever seen in politics. Not surpris- As I end my response, I would ask all the members of ing, knowing Duck. He’s behind the Light Up in Ladys- this House to consider supporting their local non-profts mith and a lot of other things. and charities during these very difcult times. It shows that, underneath it all, we’re all British Col- Tank you, hon. Speaker. Xièxie. umbians. We’re all working for our constituents. We’re all engaged in community, and we all have the same aspira- Deputy Speaker: Tank you to the member for West tions for the people we represent. We have a diferent road Vancouver–Capilano. map to get there. Te party we choose is the bus that gets I now recognize the member for Nanaimo–North us the closest to the place we think we should be. For me, Cowichan. that is the NDP. I’m very proud to represent the NDP and its values and principles and to have the endorsement of D. Routley: Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your elec- the communities I represent now for a ffh election. tion to the post. It’s nice to see you in the chair. All best Te constituency is beautiful. It has double the provin- wishes to your family as well. cial average of First Nations population. I feel a real oblig- I thank the House for this opportunity to speak. ation to honour that with a commitment to reconciliation, I am coming to the House from the traditional territ- with a commitment to a renewal of the relationship and ories of Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking peoples. I mention it in with great satisfaction watching what has happened over that frame, because I represent a constituency that in fact the past term with our government. has the territories of six First Nations — the Lyackson, the Tis, again, is a confdence that’s earned. It’s a confd- Penelakut, the Halalt, the Snaw-Naw-As, the Snuneymuxw ence that comes from relationships that have been built 52 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 over a very long period of time. It comes from a confdence Te constituency I represent has six ferry terminals. in principles. Principles like the social determinants of One of the terminals to part of my constituency is actually housing and equality and income all contribute to a good in the neighbouring constituency. So in a way, I guess I’ve environment and contribute to a thriving economy. got seven. But we restored 1,700 sailings with B.C. Ferries. It’s our understanding of those things that makes our We restored the seniors’ discount that had been cut, which party diferent to me and makes the performance of our I will take great care in enjoying in a few short years. We government a real validation of those principles in action. made a 10 percent reduction in fares on the runs that I rep- I have confdence, and apparently the people of B.C. resent, the minor runs. have confdence. Last term the government survived with But in the bigger picture, what this government did the confdence of the House in an arrangement that lasted before the pandemic ever started was signifcant elements longer than I think anybody predicted it would. Certainly, that have changed our province for the better. One of the many of those who criticized its end didn’t predict it going frst was to get big money out of politics. Corporate and past six months, but it was a productive partnership for union donations — ban those and limit individual dona- the people of B.C. It did what we promised to do during tions. Tat has changed the landscape politically in British the previous election. Primarily, that was to reduce costs to Columbia, and it instantly made things more fair. family, increase services and make a fairer and more just, We re-established the human rights commission so that sustainable British Columbia. people can seek justice and that we can have confdence — We did that. I know my family and other families have again, that word “confdence” — that there’s a fair arbiter struggled through this pandemic, but they struggled of the problems that we face and the disagreements that before as well. What they saw in that time before the people fnd themselves in. pandemic was a government that was making invest- We introduced CleanBC, working alongside Andrew ments in people, making investments in communities, Weaver, the former leader of the Green Party. CleanBC making investments that corrected so much of the represents the most aggressive climate change program in inequalities that had developed over the previous 16 North America. So we’re all very proud of that, and we all years of bad governance and inattention to these funda- look to see that continue to deliver benefts not only to mental issues of fairness. British Columbia but to the planet. Now we’ve had a chance to show British Columbians I think probably the most foundational piece when it that the principles we believe in, we will govern with, and comes to justice was the introduction of the legislation that those principles will deliver a sustainable and thriving with the principles of the UN declaration on the rights of community and province. I think that’s a wonderful bal- Indigenous peoples. Tat was followed up by a $3 billion ance. It’s what originally attracted me to the NDP,in fact — sharing of gaming revenue, which is really but a small having run a small business before and been a union rep repayment of the many billions of dollars that have been and having been in a number of diferent positions, realiz- taken from the land without beneft to First Nations in the ing that it’s only through good, balanced governance that past. We are the frst province in Canada to have invested we achieve what we want to achieve. in housing on First Nations reserves. [4:10 p.m.] We took ICBC, as the Attorney General described, from I think it was us delivering that to British Columbians a dumpster fre fnancially, losing more than a $1 billion a that not only gave people the confdence in our govern- year, in three short years to a point of being able to deliv- ment but now shows that those are the foundational er a balance and, hopefully, more beneft in the form of investments that set us up to better weather this storm rebates to British Columbians. and to come out of it on the other side as whole and as Tese are signifcant changes, and they build on changes strongly as we possibly can. Tat’s what we’re attempting to early on. Te cut in student loan interest makes education do. We’re rebuilding with those same principles. more accessible to those of lower income in the province. What people have seen over this last little while, just We cut tuition to any student who had been in care of the in my own constituency — parents have kept $9 million province. Tat was such a moving piece done very early in their pockets because of child care subsidies that have in the mandate, where, at Vancouver Island University in been paid to them, as well as the $980 savings that families Nanaimo, the Premier and ministers involved delivered gained from the MSP premium being eliminated. Tat was that news to a roomful of tears. I’m sorry to the RCMP the largest middle-class tax break in the history of Brit- detail here, but even the Premier’s RCMP detail had tears ish Columbia, another element that has helped set this running down their cheeks. Tese are foundational, ele- province, and the families of the province, up to better sur- mental changes in peoples’ lives. vive this current terrible challenge that we all face together. [4:15 p.m.] In my own constituency, we’ve seen over 1,100 new sub- We also established, in B.C., the frst Mental Health and sidized and rental low-cost housing projects either com- Addictions Ministry, which is now so ably ministered by pleted or begun construction. Tere have been millions of my neighbouring MLA, the MLA for Nanaimo. dollars invested in VIU, particularly in its trades programs. Tese are all very hopeful investments. Tey are invest- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 53 ments that set us up to be in a better position at the begin- tainly more than a few personal sacrifces. Tat is why I ning of this pandemic and also at a better position coming especially want to thank my family for supporting me on out of it. this journey. I know this job will take a lot of time away It’s coming out of it now that I’d like to talk about. Com- from home, so I want to thank my wife, Shelley Weise, for ing out of this, we will ofer the same principles and values her unwavering support and her enthusiasm, plus helping that I spoke of earlier. We will deliver fairness and equity, me to become an efective representative. and that will set up British Columbia to better build from I also want to thank my beautiful daughters, Shelby and this terrible challenge that we all face together. Miranda. Finally, I’d like to say that from my own perspective, the Your support, ladies, will never be forgotten. principles and values that we are fghting for and trying to I, too, would like to thank both of my constituency action through policy are represented very well by a friend assistants who have been absolutely invaluable during by the name of Rick Doman, who told me once, in try- these challenging times. ing to describe his view of it, that if he ran a railroad — Tank you very much, Beverly Marks, and thank you, I love railways — and he wanted his passenger car to run Jenny Hufman, for your help through these times. as quickly as it could, he wouldn’t invest all his money and I also would like to take a second to ofer up thanks to resources in the rich posh parlour car. He would look for a few very important people in my campaign. Tank you the car with the squeakiest wheels that needed the most very much to my campaign manager, Bryan Withage; Bill help and fx it so that the whole train could run better. Carruthers; Gunter Weckerle; Anita Crosina, to name just I think that sort of encapsulates what I believe our party a few of them. is trying to deliver through government to British Colum- One of the reasons I actually decided to enter public life bia. Tat is to address the challenges for the betterment is because of the good that can be achieved if you have of all of us. It is the contrast between us and the previous the backing of people behind you. Fortunately, I had a role government, the B.C. Liberal government, that indeed did model who has made a signifcant diference in peoples’ direct all of its resources to the posh parlour car at the lives, especially in the wake of recent foods, wildfres and expense of all of us. mill closures in the forest industry that have interrupted So it’s with great pride and with extreme confdence and the lives of hard-working people. I’m talking about some- undying hope that I support this throne speech and look body who has spent their life in elected ofce and who has forward to the anticipated throne speech in the spring and a passion for helping all of those who need help, and has the rebuilding efort so that British Columbia can regain supported our local economy. the strength and stability that we had delivered before the [4:20 p.m.] pandemic. If many of you haven’t guessed already, I’m referring to With that, thank you to the members. Tank you to the the Hon. , who served as our MLA for Cari- Speaker. Tank you to all the people of Nanaimo–North boo-Chilcotin since 2009 and before that served 16 years Cowichan who have given me their confdence for these as mayor of 100 Mile House. We’re talking about someone many years. I hope to earn and justify that. who dedicated their entire life to elected ofce and helping the hard-working people of the Cariboo-Chilcotin. Deputy Speaker: Tank you to the member for What most people may not know, however, is that Nanaimo–North Cowichan. Donna was the frst minister responsible for rural eco- I now recognize the member for Cariboo-Chilcotin. nomic development in British Columbia. Te creation of this ministry was largely due to the work of Donna Barnett L. Doerkson: Tank you, Mr. Speaker, and congratula- to raise rural issues in Victoria and to fnally give rural tions on your appointment. people in British Columbia a voice. Unfortunately, the cur- Just weeks ago, on October 24, 2020, the people of the rent government eliminated the Ministry of Rural Devel- Cariboo-Chilcotin placed their confdence in me and opment, and I will be speaking on that in greater detail at made me their elected representative in Victoria to rep- a later date. resent the most beautiful riding in the province. As this Sufce it to say, if I accomplish only half of what Donna is my frst response to the Speech from the Trone since Barnett did for the people of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, I will being elected, I must begin by thanking all of the voters, be deeply proud and satisfed. I will, therefore, endeavour regardless of who they supported. Voters took part in our to do my best in assisting individual constituents in need democratic process during a very difcult time, especially of help, many with not very many places to go in the midst in the face of the pandemic. Te people of Cariboo-Chil- of this terrible pandemic. cotin had a choice among a broad range of highly talented COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our region. candidates, and I therefore want to thank each one of those It has lef small business owners at their wit’s end. Many candidates. others are simply out of work because the local economy is I quickly discovered that running for public ofce simply sufering that much. Further still, many others are would involve making a lot of unexpected choices and cer- in desperate need of medical assistance, and one issue that 54 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 came up quite ofen during the campaign was the ongoing this speech, not even a hint of it. Tere were only vague shortage of doctors and nurses in our rural communities suggestions of what the future might hold. Tis govern- throughout British Columbia. In one instance last month, ment is now starting its second term in ofce, and they we had 15 people desperately waiting for lodging with 36 need to take some responsibility for that. empty beds in our community because we didn’t have the Te Premier has called back the Legislature to debate nurses to open it up. exactly one bill. Now, I understand that that might be Tink about this. If we don’t have enough doctors and two now, but the bill that we came back to debate and, nurses to staf relatively small health facilities in our ultimately, to pass is a one-time payment beneft, and region, you can be certain that many people are in the that is not economic recovery. I’ll acknowledge it will same situation throughout our province. Unfortunately, help families in our province through December and our situation in the Cariboo-Chilcotin is something you’ll perhaps into January, but that is very shortsighted and fnd in small communities throughout the province. not an economic plan. Yet we’ve had no indication from this government that Te province needs to come out of this pandemic with health care is going to be a priority in rural B.C. As a mat- an economic recovery plan to address the immediate con- ter of fact, prior to the last election we barely saw a visit cerns of British Columbians, and we all share those con- from our Premier or a visit from any of his cabinet to rur- cerns. Small businesses are struggling to keep the doors al British Columbia. We have heard the Premier say that open, and there was nothing in this speech for them. In he has had only a minority in the Legislature and that our community, there are several businesses at the edge of meant he couldn’t necessarily travel as much. Tat may be insolvency, and some have already closed their doors. the case when the House is in session, but the Legislature Families are worried about seniors in care homes. Tat doesn’t sit the whole year. has not been seriously addressed. Parents are concerned In the middle of this global pandemic, the frst priority about the safety of their children, but nothing was in the of this government was to call an election — never mind speech for them. that there was more than a full year lef in the mandate, We could’ve been doing many other things during never mind that we could have had this economic beneft this time. We could’ve started with the fscal update payment out the door months ago. But now we know the that should have been delivered this week. We could’ve priorities of this government, and they certainly aren’t rur- addressed the lack of rapid testing in care homes. Some al British Columbia. of that was discussed earlier. We don’t seem to like it in Having been named the ofcial critic for Rural Devel- this province. It has proven successful and been quoted opment, I would like to put the government on notice that as a game-changer in . because Donna Barnett has retired, rural issues are not Restaurants and tourism, all of that industry, in both going to simply go away. It is my intention during this cases, are struggling right to the edge of insolvency. We term to address rural health care; the use of agricultur- could’ve been coming up with solutions for those two al land reserves; the struggling forest industry; land use industries to help them get through this next trying issues and tourism, especially in the West Chilcotin. Con- business cycle. nectivity, both Internet and telephone, are massive issues Our government has made a clear promise to introduce in rural British Columbia. Cuts to distance education have accessibility legislation in the frst session, a very clear defnitely afected rural B.C. Another important issue that promise that we will be holding them to. had come up during the election, over and over, was the Tis isn’t a new government. Tere isn’t need for more government’s plan to increase the cull of moose calves and consultation. Tere is need for action right now to help the their mothers. people of this province. Te Premier said he wanted to get I can assure you that I will be making these issues a pri- the election behind him to deal with these issues. People ority for this government and the hard-working people of would have been getting all of the supports if we hadn’t B.C. Te fact is, in my mind, the throne speech didn’t con- called this election during the middle of a pandemic. We tain much. Instead, the only response is to issue a one-time would’ve already wrapped up a fve-week session, and we payment with no comprehensive strategy to get people in would’ve already delivered on some of those promises. this province back to work. Small business is desperate for a light at the end of the tunnel, and all of this could have [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] been addressed if the government had more on its mind than an election campaign. British Columbians want to see an integrated response [4:25 p.m.] that deals with the health aspects, the mental health com- In my opinion, it’s not just the throne speech that was ponent and the short-term economic impact. I am proud short yesterday. Tis government is short on ideas. British to be part of the ofcial opposition, and I intend to hold Columbians are frustrated and they, for sure, want answers the government to full account on this pandemic. We also from their government. I think yesterday they, along with detailed the government’s commitment to keeping its me, expected real solutions. None of that came through in word and delivering on the promises made during the Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 55 election, particularly around issues of child care, mental to be there without me. I sometimes think that may be a health, addiction and long-term economic recovery. little bit easier, but I do understand that all members of I would like to close with some appreciation to all of this House have families that make those sacrifces when the front-line workers, including our doctors, nurses, care we’re not there. aides, and of course all of those people that work in our I want to really, at this time, acknowledge the sacrifces food supply system and retail operations throughout our that our families and friends make while we’re able to be province, those people who put their lives at risk every here and do the important work of our constituents. single day to service us all. I also want to take the time to thank those who worked It is an understatement of a lifetime to say we are in with me in the campaign and before the campaign. I had trying, challenging times. I want to ofer my sincere con- a great support team, led by my campaign manager, Aaron dolences to all of our residents who have lost loved ones Gill, who now I call a very close friend. through this pandemic. I had somebody else with me as well, on a daily basis, It was a proud moment for me to have an opportunity who, over the last number of years, has grown to be a to speak here today. very close friend and confdant and mentor. Tat is . I know those who know Dianne and know the work T. Halford: It is indeed an honour to rise here in the she’s done not only for the city of Surrey but for the entire House today for the frst time, representing the constitu- province. We’re all grateful for her service, and I’m encour- ents of Surrey–White Rock. aged that she’s helping us, some of us, in this House and [4:30 p.m.] giving advice as we go forward. But I did want to take this I did want to take this opportunity to kind of tell the time to thank Dianne. story of how I got here, which is maybe very similar to Also the people that held this seat before I did. I will say some new members and maybe not so much. But I think that it is pretty humbling when you look at the names that for me, this has been a very refective time. It’s a time have come before me. where I have been able to, as I came into Victoria on I’ll start with Tracy Redies. I think that everybody in Sunday, really refect on the individuals that contributed to this House who had the opportunity to work with Tracy get me here. when she came in, in 2017 understood the value that she I want to start with the fact that I had the distinct priv- brought forward through her past work as CEO of Coast ilege of working in the buildings before elected ofce. I Capital, through her understanding of the fnancial sector started in 2006. I started of as an assistant legislative and the fact that she’s just, genuinely, a good, decent per- assistant. So I had the word assistant twice in my title. You son. We’re all grateful that Tracy was able to make the sac- can imagine what my job duties consisted of. rifce into public life. I know she’s doing outstanding work Trough it all, and through the six years that I was here, right now as a CEO of Science World. We continue to wish I was able to gain just an appreciation for this House and Tracy quite well. the work that was done on both sides, whether it was gov- [4:35 p.m.] ernment or whether it was opposition. I really did fnd that Before Tracy was somebody that a lot of us are very value in what the members were able to achieve not only familiar with, and I have been familiar with since I can for their respective ministries or their critic roles but, more remember, and that is the one and only . I importantly, what they were able to achieve for their con- think that any time you mention my riding — but, more stituents and the people that really got them there. importantly, the city of White Rock — you must also think I took that away, and I took it back to the riding, Sur- of Gord Hogg. rey–White Rock, where I was born and raised and where I had the privilege of growing up with Gord. Gord was I’m raising my family today. But I took away something the mayor of White Rock for a number of years. Before else, and it’s one of the main reasons why I got here. I that, he was a city councillor. Ten he came in and served took away the love of my life. I actually met my wife, Holly in opposition as an MLA and then in government in vari- Unwin, here while she was working in the buildings. For ous ministries. But I think the lesson that I learned from me, I can say that we all have supports around us, people Gord was: you always remember how you got here. For that push us to go more than we think we can go, and Gord, that was always based in the support and loyalty of Holly has always been that person in my life. She will his constituents, and that’s something I’ll never forget. always be that person in my life. I remember it was… I think it was about 1998. I told Trough that, we were able to grow our family when we this story in my campaign, and I didn’t think it would get moved back. We’ve got three wonderful kids: Ben, Nich- as much traction as it did. I was in high school, and I was olas and Alexandra. I think probably for the frst time and struggling with a few issues. I think my parents were at only time, they’re watching Dad on Hansard right now. their wits’ end, and they said, “We’ve got to do something I’ll take this as a gif. I’m not sure this is going to be a here.”Tey brought me in to see Gord Hogg, who we knew nightly occurrence in the Halford house, but I do thank through the family. So my parents went in, and I went in, them for watching their dad. I thank them for being able and we talked. We talked for about half an hour, and then 56 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Gord said: “Do you mind if I just talk to Trevor on his come here, and it was just such a special moment for own?” My parents said, “Okay,” so they walked out. them to do that. I can’t think that…. Tey would appre- Gord and I spent the next 45 minutes just talking and ciate the special moment that’s occurring now with my just getting to the root of what the issue was. For him and, frst speech to the throne. more importantly, for me, it was the frst time that any- I did one debate in this election campaign. At the time, body had communicated to me on a direct level and said: my grandmother had already passed. Ten my grandfather “What’s not working here, and how can we fx it?” was struggling in the month of October. My sister went For a young guy that was struggling in the education up there, and they were watching the debate. It was in the system in grade 11 at the time, I was lost. I didn’t have a middle of the debate that my grandfather lef us. I remem- lot of direction, and I needed somebody to actually believe ber getting out of it and coming through and my mom in me — besides my parents, who did. But it was really giving me the phone call, letting me know that Baba had that community role that Gord played that let me leave gone. It was sad, but it felt okay, right? It felt okay. I think that ofce with a better sense of purpose and able to go it was something that really spoke to me about what I was out there and have a champion. I remember Gord would doing, what I was standing for, who I was standing with phone the school once a week. He would phone me once and that this was the right thing to do at the right time. a week. He would phone my parents once a week until we I did really want to thank again my family for support- fnally got to a better place. ing me in that journey. It was not an easy one on anybody, It doesn’t matter what side of the House you’re on. We most specifcally my parents and my siblings and my cous- can all do that role. You don’t even have to be elected, and ins. But we all banded together like a lot of families that you can still do that role. I think that we are all inspired by are experiencing this in COVID right now, to go through stories like that. I think a lot of us do have stories like that. grief. And we weren’t the only families going through it. But I will say it’s those types of stories and experiences that I know that there are a number of families that have drive me every day to be an MLA for the constituents of gone through this. It’s a very difcult time because you’re Surrey–White Rock. I think all of us in this House have not able to be around the ones you love so much and that capacity to do that, and I’m sure that all of us in this share in that grief and express your grief. It is something House do that. But that really is the focus of what com- that a lot of us have never really considered that we’d munity is. have to go through. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t talk about a couple of other I know that members of this House have had to do that special people in my life, and that is my grandparents. My as well. It’s a bond I wish some of us did not share, but grandparents really got the political bug in me. It’s some- it is something that we’ve had to come to terms with. On thing that I didn’t really see as a young kid growing up that, I will say that this year has marked an unprecedented until they started taking me to these political barbecues moment in British Columbia’s history as our communit- that they would hold in their backyard in Surrey. I don’t ies come together through the virus. I talked about famil- know why I was there. I think it was probably more child ies coming together, and it is so important to see how our care than anything, but it was something that.… respective communities have come together. I saw that sense of community, and I saw that sense of Te impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the a desire for change. It was something that I really grav- province. Firsthand, I’ve seen that. I know for our kids who itated towards, and I found a sense of purpose and dir- have seen that, whether they’re in the school system or ection with this. So I joined a couple of young politic- whether they’re in child care, we’ve all seen the impacts al clubs. Nothing screams more popularity than being a that COVID-19 has on us individually. You know, it is young political party member. And that was something something that…. I know we use the term that we’re in that I quite enjoyed. this together, but we really need to make sure that we focus It was through that I actually had this common bond on that term because it is so vitally important. When you with my grandparents that really fostered over the years. I look at things right now going into the holiday season, I do think one of the greatest gifs kids can have in their child- believe in that term that we’re in this together. hood is grandparents. Tat is something that was really I look at the fact that right now we see the small busi- important in my childhood, and it’s really important in my nesses struggling the way they are, whether it’s the restaur- children’s childhood, just good grandparents. I know some ant sector or whether it’s the tourism sector or whether it’s members in the House are grandparents and I know are the local bookshop. Tey’re all places right now that were ftting that role quite nicely. But it’s something that was there for us yesterday. We need to step up and make sure really, really an important part of my development. that they’re there for us tomorrow. [4:40 p.m.] Te one thing that I’ve kind of pointed out to everybody, I remember when I served in the buildings how spe- and I think that we all share this sentiment, is that…. cial it was at the time for my grandparents to come and You know, I grew up and I played hockey. I wasn’t very have lunch in the Legislative Dining Room, something good, but I played hockey. I remember the sponsors of I kind of at the time took for granted. But they would all my hockey teams. Tey were all local businesses. Tey Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 57 were the meat shop. Tey were the deli. Tey were the Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for the opportunity to secondhand sporting goods store. Tose were the ones respond to the Speech from the Trone. that sponsored our local rec teams. Tey sponsored our local amateur teams. Tey sponsored our local events. Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Member. It wasn’t the big-box stores that we see now that are so Recognizing the member for Surrey-Cloverdale. busy. It was the little mom-and-pop shops that are abso- lutely on life support right now. I will say this: if we can’t M. Starchuk: Tank you, hon. Speaker, and congratula- be there for them today, then how do we expect them to be tions on your new role. there for us tomorrow? I would like to make thanks and acknowledge the lands I think we all have to take the importance of that mes- on which I am sitting right now, which are the traditional sage because it really does strike to the core of who we are lands of the Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First and who we support. For our family, we’ve made a con- Nations. scious efort that we will be supporting local businesses Te election could not have been done, and I could have during this holiday season. I encourage anybody that does not been in the place where I am today, if it was not for have the means that they take that up as well. my family, both extended and local, and their support and [4:45 p.m.] their encouragement that I had during the entire cycle that I did have the privilege of being appointed the critic for was going through. Mental Health and Addictions. Tis is a very complicated I want to also acknowledge my campaign manager, fle. It’s a very important fle, and it’s a fle that I think Veronica Harrison, and the role that she played. I now a lot of us have background on, whether that’s through know what it feels like to be a prizefghter and having a family and friends who have struggled or through work trainer push you and push you every day to get you across experiences. But I think as we go into this…. We’re in the that line. middle of the second wave. We have to really take note of I also want to thank the team that was there: Kirat, the fact that British Columbians continue to struggle on Tonya and especially Denise, my CA. Tey helped me out issues, substantially, of mental health and addictions. an awful lot throughout that course of action and, hope- I really want to encourage us over the holiday season to fully, in the future moving forward. make sure that we’re reaching out to those that we’re close During the time when we were campaigning here in with, family and friends. Holidays tend to be a struggle Surrey-Cloverdale, I got to meet an awful lot of people. I for a lot of people anyways. Tey really are going to be a got to talk about the issues that were specifc to Surrey- struggle this year for people that are really sufering. Cloverdale. While we were talking with all of the people I encourage us all to reach out to our family and friends that were there, we got the lay of the land. when we can and make sure…. We can’t do it in person, Just for everyone, Surrey-Cloverdale has an awful lot of but obviously, we’re all doing a lot of Zoom right now and agricultural land right in the middle of the belt, so it goes we’re doing a lot of phone calls. So I encourage us to maybe from a small city to agriculture to a small city. It has a add an extra couple of Zoom meetings and a couple of demographic that flls in young family to seniors, all the phone calls to those that we haven’t talked to ofen and just way across. do a check-in. While we were going through the campaign, there were I do also want to talk about the fact that we are really an awful lot of comments about how they wanted to see needing a solid economic recovery plan. Te throne me elected and how they were wishing me luck. Now I can speech that was put forward yesterday…. It was a throne say that I am the frst NDP member for Surrey-Cloverdale, speech that didn’t really speak to anything that British Col- and I can also say with pride that I am the frst professional umbians need us to be speaking about. I really think that frefghter, retired, that’s a member of the Legislature. we need to focus on where we’re going here and where I want to thank my volunteers, because like every oth- we’re trying to drive our economy, because we will get er campaign that’s out there, we could not have done it through this. without volunteers and specifcally the volunteers that With the vaccines we’re seeing and how those are rolling come from my fre department, my fre local, the mem- out outside of Canada right now and how they’re start- bers of Surrey frefghters who were there to help me out ing…. Tere is light at the end of the tunnel. But when we on a daily basis with some of the things that just needed make sure that we get to the end of the tunnel, the sectors to be done. that have been so vital to this province are there for us…. I [4:50 p.m.] really do think we need to focus on that. I want to thank you all for what you’ve done and what In closing, I want to thank everybody that was a part of you continue to do for the community that’s here. It’s a getting me here today. I would like to thank…. Yes, to my very special thing to have a front-line worker who puts son, Nicholas…. I will call him afer I’m done this, and we in their work day and then comes out on their day of to will do his math homework and make sure that’s done. provide their help on my campaign to get me elected, and 58 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

I will not forget those roots that I have there, moving for- at a wedding? Tose types of things are afecting our con- ward, for those heroes that we have in our community. stituents on a regular basis. Te lay of the land…. As I said, it’s a very vast area, I know how it feels. I know that it’s a short period of and I’m very happy about what’s coming to the constitu- time before the vaccine gets here, but we have to listen to ents that are in the area, where they’re going to have a hos- what we’re talking about when it comes to the health care pital that’s right there so it’ll take of the strain on Surrey and what solutions are going to be there so that we can Memorial Hospital. I’m looking forward to the transporta- push down that curve. I know many of us have made sac- tion that will be coming to the area, with SkyTrain running rifces when it comes to that. right through. We heard one of the other MLAs for Surrey-Panorama Earlier on, there was a comment that was made by the talk about the passing of her mother and that there wasn’t MLA from North Vancouver–Seymour about worrying, the ability to be there. I can tell that you that earlier on and it reminded me about my father, 20 years ago, when he this year, there was a frefghter in the Interior that passed was on his deathbed. Two days before he passed away, we away from a work-related disease. Tere was no line-of- were talking about life stories, and he said to me: “Mike, duty death ceremony that was done for that person that 90 percent of what you worry about, you can’t change. Just was there. Te family was not aforded that ability. We worry about the 15 you can.” My dad wasn’t very good at know the pain that the widow had to go through on the math, but he made me understand where I am today — sudden passing of her husband. that comment made over 20 years ago. We’ve seen how many things can take place at a time I sit here today inside of the Legislature with all of you, when the COVID part of things is absolutely grinding and we are looking at the decisions that we can make us to a halt. But the throne speech has some hope and that other people are worrying about right now. Tey can’t has some plans that are coming forward in all of that. make that go away. Tat is a dad story that will never, ever Tat COVID beneft will be there to assist the people leave me, and I’m so happy to be here in the House, virtu- that need it the most. Tat COVID beneft will be there ally, sharing that story. for the family that will determine for them what’s the I think, now, the Lieutenant-Governor had talked about best way to take that money and spend it for their family focusing on the pandemic and the virus that’s there and that they have there. how we have to solve those problems with regards to [4:55 p.m.] COVID-19 and how it’s going to come across from an When we talk about the COVID procedures that are economic point of view. I’m really glad that the Minister there, I also want to talk about, just briefy…. When we of Health and Dr. Henry are taking the science-based talk about pushing the curve down and what it’s going to approach and the evidence-based approach, and they’re do for our health care and our personal stories that are making those decision-making models on those two there, I can tell you that my future daughter-in-law works things that are there. We’re not making political decisions. in the ER, and if we don’t do our part, if we don’t listen to We’re making scientifc and evidence-based decisions to what’s being said by the government, if we don’t listen to get us out of where we are today. what’s being said by the minister or Dr. Bonnie Henry, my We’re hearing personal stories from our constituents on future daughter-in-law is going to be working all the way a regular basis as to how it afects them, how their jobs are, through Christmas like nobody else’s business. when they go to work, or more importantly, the child care Tis is the time, as leaders, where we have to come for- issues that are there that we’re going to be discussing mov- ward to let everybody know that this is the normal that we ing forward. Because there are plenty of times in this day have today. Te normal that’s going to be coming around and age…. the corner will be there, but we have to stick to the plan. I have to say that I am one of those proud grandfathers Te throne speech has a plan. Te throne speech will deal that has a three-year-old grandson. During this time when with the economics of what’s there. Te throne speech has there are issues around child care, and when your grand- the ideas as to how to get health care to the areas that son has a snife, you can no longer use the child care that’s we live in. Our constituents are looking forward to what there. It’s important that we have that for jobs, important comes out of the throne speech and the business that will for the people that are out there to be part of the work- come out of this session inside the House. force and not have to worry about that. So child care — I’m Right now it’s a tremendous honour and a privilege for glad to see that it’s in the throne speech, talks about cre- me to represent the people of my constituency of Surrey- ating jobs and allowing more people that are out there to Cloverdale. My constituents are reaching out at a time join the workforce. when there is no equipment, no ofce, no other ways for We talked about, inside of the changes that are coming people to get hold of me short of through Facebook Mes- forward, the diferent parts of what’s changed with regards senger, websites and other things like that. I look forward to the orders that are there. How many people are permit- to the day when there is an actual phone number, an ofce ted to be at a funeral? How many people are provided to be location, where the constituents can see where their plans are and see what their MLA is doing for them. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 59

I want to leave this with the last thought. Dr. Bonnie of more than six decades [audio interrupted] early this Henry talks about being kind and talks about being wise in year, my daughter, Tin, my son-in-law, Terry, and my two what we do. We talk about how, over the Christmastime, grandsons, Andre and Ashton, as well as my in-law John to stay inside of your households. Tat is the best advice Chung, for their support and encouragement for me to that we can, as MLAs, give our constituents if we want to continue to serve my constituents and British Columbians. get through this thing, if we want to be in it together. I am proud of my beautiful riding of Richmond North I’m asking everyone in the House to give that same mes- Centre. It is a place of rich cultural and culinary destin- sage to their constituents so that we can all have a safe and ations, a place where you can discover the raw beauty of healthy Christmas. As some of the other colleagues have nature and unique adventures. It is where tourists frst land also said, this is the time to reach out. Tis is the time to by air in British Columbia as it is home to the world-class donate to those charities that are hurting the very most. Vancouver International Airport. Richmond is ofen the Tis is the time that we should be reaching out to our frst part of Vancouver and British Columbia that many friends and family to give them their check-in call just to people get to experience, and it has served us well, as no make sure they’re doing okay. other community better embodies the spirit of diversity, Tank you very much for the time that I’ve had to openness and inclusion that we pride ourselves in as a address the response to the throne speech. province. Hovering around 80 percent prior to the COVID-19 Deputy Speaker: Recognizing the member for Rich- pandemic, Richmond’s hotel occupancy rate is among the mond North Centre. highest in Canada. Diverse year-round multicultural attractions, including Richmond Night Market and High- T. Wat: Tank you, hon. Speaker, and congratulations way to Heaven, a collection of 20 houses of worship…. on your new role. Richmond’s tourism and hospitality sectors are major eco- I would also like to ofer a very sincere congratulations nomic drivers, having contributed more than $1.5 billion to Mr. Speaker for his recent appointment. As an immig- in economic output and employing tens of thousands of rant myself, I have always been honoured to share the full-time employees and equivalents in the city. House with members from both sides who bring similar Tourism is one of our major economic drivers, not just experience and share the same goal of promoting diversity, as a city but as a province — a $20 billion industry that openness and equal opportunity for all, both here in the employs hundreds of thousands of workers in communit- Legislature and in all communities across British Colum- ies from all corners of B.C. While all industry sectors have bia. been afected by COVID-19 to some degree, few industries Although we may not have always seen eye to eye on have been more impacted than the tourism and hospitality politics and policy in the past, it is truly an honour to sector. Tat’s because tourism is the only industry almost have a pioneer such as the Speaker, who has done so much entirely based on the discretionary movement of people to forward our shared goal of diversity and inclusion and and, therefore, was among the hardest hit by COVID-19 oversee the business of the House. due to business closure orders and restrictions on personal I would also like to thank the Clerk of this Legislature and business travel, as well as the closure of international and all the staf for their hard work to ensure that our 87 borders. MLAs continue to do our work in this peoples’ House and Virtually the entire sector has endured closures and to serve British Columbians. extensive layofs, with many businesses having already As the frst session since the election and our only ses- foreclosed due to lack of cash fow, while thousands more sion before the new year, I would like to take a brief are desperately trying to maintain solvency. moment to thank my staf and volunteers who have sup- With the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 ported me and continue to support me as I continue to pandemic, seasonal businesses such as the Richmond serve in my role as an MLA, both in Richmond and in Night Market had to postpone their events to 2021, and Victoria — Trix Chan, David Shum and William Tu, my they don’t know whether they can host an event next year. constituency assistants, as well as Hannah Levett, David Tey are now relying on funding from the Ministry of Decolongon and Sam Arno Burgess, my staf here in Vic- Tourism to remain afoat. Many seasonal businesses are at toria. risk of not making it to 2021, and until we have a vaccine Of course, I would like to thank the people of Richmond and our borders are once again able to reopen, these busi- North Centre who have supported me since 2013 and have nesses will continue to struggle. once again put their faith in me to serve as their voice in Not only are the tourism and hospitality sectors hard hit Victoria. by the pandemic, non-proft organizations are also sufer- [5:00 p.m.] ing. Tey have lost much of the support they depend on to My special gratitude to our team of many volunteers carry out their invaluable work. Many can no longer host who worked very hard during the election campaign; events to raise funds for their basic operations or to meet fnally, to my 96-year-old mother, who lost her life partner 60 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the demands of those in need and are struggling to fnd Tourism Industry Association of B.C., TIABC, and its ways to connect with their supporters. dozens of sectoral association partners presented the pro- It is during these times of struggle that people need vincial government with a tourism and hospitality sector the support of our non-proft organizations the most. One recovery stimulus proposal that asked the government to organization that reached out to me in my own com- allocate $680 million in order for the tourism and hospit- munity was Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives. RCRG has ality sector to make a full and efective recovery. been a staple of the Richmond community for more than Instead, this government created a tourism task force 40 years and has carried forward the Richmond Christmas to distribute a mere $15 million down the road, and the fund, a holiday charity program that was frst started by money hasn’t been given out yet. B.C.’s most recent job Ethel Tibbits back in the 1930s. numbers show 37,400 fewer British Columbians were [5:05 p.m.] working last month, compared to pre-pandemic levels in Te money they raise puts food on the table and gifs February, many of which are directly connected to tourism under the trees for countless Richmond families during and hospitality. the holiday season. In a year that has sometimes felt hope- I’m incredibly honoured to take on the role as oppo- less, they give people a reason to smile. Fortunately, this sition critic for Tourism, Arts and Culture. Our tourism year they found a way for people to drive through with and hospitality industries are facing more challenges than toys and cash donations in the parking lot of Lansdowne ever before and are looking for a strong voice in Victoria Centre. I was excited and honoured to join and be part of to bring forward their concerns at a time when they feel this tradition. ignored and alienated by their government. I will continue Te toy drive is another example of how non-profts to do everything I can to connect with these industry lead- are thinking outside the box to bring vital support to ers and stakeholders and to ensure that they continue to those in need. Tis government could learn a thing or have a strong voice in this House. two from them. While so many small businesses are [5:10 p.m.] struggling to stay afoat, these non-profts are as well, Not only are we seeing the promises for greater supports and are looking to this government to deliver much of failing to come to fruition; the promises of greater trans- the support promised to them. parency and accountability are too. Te government has Well, unfortunately, while we know this government yet to deliver its second quarterly update, and now the new will ofer short-term relief, we don’t see much evidence Finance Minister may delay delivering the 2021 provincial of any long-term plans to help British Columbians and budget by weeks. our economy to recover. Tis plan certainly could not be Even as British Columbians call for greater transpar- found in the government’s underwhelming throne speech. ency in our COVID data, this continues to fall on deaf Amidst the Premier’s promises that the government will ears, as our province continues to fall behind the rest of always put British Columbians frst and that they have sup- Canada in delivering and presenting our regional COV- ported British Columbians every step of the way, we see ID-19 data. For a government that claims to prize trans- some evidence to the contrary. parency and openness, all we are seeing are more and Is this not the same government that delayed its eco- more information gaps. nomic recovery plan for months, only to roll it out as What is clear is that the Premier put our legislative a pre-emptive election platform days before triggering progress on hold to trigger his snap election and now a snap election? Is this not the same government that shows little interest in doing any actual governing. If this called for cooperation and collaboration among all throne speech is any indication of the mandate this gov- parties, then went back on their written agreement and ernment intends to carry out, I fear that this trend of dissolved parliament? less promises kept, less transparency and less support for Now, in this brief sitting before the new year, this gov- those who need it will continue throughout the pandem- ernment has also made it known that it intends to once ic and beyond. again fall short on so many of the supports promised to I’m just hoping that this government will take a deep British Columbians. Tey have brought just one bill for- refection, put politics aside and take the trust of British ward for debate this session, which will deal with a one- Columbians seriously to come up with a comprehensive time relief payment for eligible British Columbians. Where and well-thought-out health and economic recovery plan are the promised supports and stimulus for our ailing for the beneft of British Columbians. tourism and hospitality sector and for small business own- ers? Many of them are in my riding of Richmond North M. Dykeman: It is an honour to take my place in this Centre. Tey are struggling — struggling — to stay afoat. House and to rise to speak in support of the Speech from Tere has been no indication that this government has the Trone. As is customary in this House afer an elec- any long-term economic recovery plan, and this worrying tion, I would like to begin by thanking the constituents of trend of overpromising and underdelivering is no more Langley East for giving me the privilege to serve them in apparent than in our tourism industry. Back in July, the Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 61 this House and to share a bit about the community I am so As I refect on the Speech from the Trone, many of the very proud to represent. commitments made resonate with the concerns that my As I’m sure anyone who has been elected will attest, the constituents shared with me during the election, includ- real heroes of our stories are the people who put us here. I ing overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, support for am truly humbled and grateful for the trust that the people small and medium-sized businesses and support for fam- of Langley East have put in me, and I recognize the weight ilies. I am grateful for the government’s leadership in these of the responsibility that comes with that trust. areas and for recognizing how challenging these times Langley East, which is located on the traditional, ances- have been for so many. tral and unceded lands of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie In conclusion, thank you for this opportunity to speak and Semiahmoo First Nations, is an amazing community today in response to the Speech from the Trone. with a deeply rooted, innovative, inspiring and strong agri- cultural history and a fast-growing urban core. Its citizens R. Russell: I’m thrilled to be here and have an oppor- — my constituents — embody the entrepreneurial spirit tunity to speak in support of the throne speech. and are deeply committed to service and volunteerism. But frst, I must acknowledge and pay respect to those When something needs to be done in our community, who came before me on these lands where I now sit. I’m you can be sure that the community will take on that honoured to live and play on the converging traditional task with full commitment and enthusiasm. Te motto of unceded lands of the Syilx, Sinixt and Secwépemc people. Langley Township is “Nothing without efort.” As did their Tank you, all. forebears, when our community is in need, the people of I would also like to pay tribute to the Métis people that Langley Township step forward and dedicate the time and currently make up such a signifcant part of our com- hard work necessary to accomplish the task. munity and these communities in this part of B.C., many I would like to thank my family for their love and sup- of which are very good friends. port and, of course, all the volunteers who have worked Yesterday Elder Butch Dick spoke words that resonated tirelessly during the campaign. deeply with me. First, he asked the Creator to give us more To my daughter, Mac, and my son, A.J., I’m so very light at the end of the trail to create hope. I’d like to speak grateful for your support, enthusiasm and help. a little more about this. As the Leader of the Tird Party To my father, Ron, who has been my rock since I was said this morning also, there is no playbook about how to very young: your guidance, advice and support has and govern during a pandemic, yet I think that’s a central task continues to mean the world to me. ahead of us to create a map that would give us options to I cannot possibly thank all of those who deserve to be get to that light that Butch spoke of and to help British acknowledged for all of their support. Each one of you Columbians see that path and, in turn, reach that light at equally deserves recognition for all that you have done. the end of the trail. But there are two people I need to acknowledge who have Part of that trail involves recognizing the key roles been so important to me through the campaign and bey- played by essential workers, who are working to keep us ond. I would like to thank Candy Ashdown and Rachelle safe, healthy and happy. Core to that is expressing our grat- Cashato for being the powerhouse ladies that they are. I itude to those who deliver education to our children and am fortunate to have them to keep me on track and organ- adult learners, expressing our gratitude to those who get ized. It is a privilege to work with them both and to be able food all the way from the felds through the sometimes to call them friends. convoluted path to our plates. Gratitude to those who tire- I would also like to thank the Langley board of educa- lessly work to support our health care system and gratitude tion and the district leadership team for their support as I for so many more. We have heard repeated references to transitioned out of my role as chair of the Langley board of that gratitude by speakers throughout the course of the day education afer the election. I wish the board and the new on both sides of the House, and the clock is ticking on, so chair, trustee Rod Ross, my very best. I won’t reiterate any more of that. To end where I began today, it is indeed an honour to sit Yesterday we heard the hon. Lieutenant-Governor speak in this House and to be part of such monumental events, about those we’ve lost. I have my own list of the same, and such as the well-deserved acclamation of the frst Punjabi they help guide me ahead with what they have taught me. person outside of India as Speaker of the House. I’ll name only three today. I think of the bright lights extin- [5:15 p.m.] guished in brilliant youth from my hometown, like Jac- It is also a privilege to take my seat in this House and ob. I think about Nick, a soul whose story I didn’t know to have the opportunity to work alongside each and every until two months ago. Heartbreaking to hear of a life lost one of my colleagues. We are so fortunate in this country to a poisoned drug supply afer dedicating his own self to to enjoy the robust democratic process which each of us, as serving our country. And again, new friends from a few elected representatives, have been entrusted to uphold. It years ago, like Virgil. truly is an honour to represent the people of Langley East, Tese all serve as a reminder of where my current and I’m grateful for the opportunity. responsibility lies and, I would say, our responsibility lies 62 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 for helping us address issues, such as a toxic drug supply, Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? moving on climate action, Indigenous advocacy and men- Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? tal health. Tis is my personal responsibility, and for my On that note, I would also like to acknowledge and own, I need to feel that I have helped deliver at least part express my gratitude overfowing to my partner, Chris- of the solution on these topics in the years ahead. tine. As most of us know, campaigning and politics can I will take the liberty to also reply to a throne speech be all-encompassing. During all those times, Christine three years and a few months ago in this same House. In carried the weight of our family and flled a void that that speech, the hon. Lieutenant-Governor said: “Tis fall was lef by having me be absent, physically or mentally. your government will put people at the heart of our polit- Without complaint, she kept us afoat. For that and so ics.” I had a slightly more extreme version of the same much more, I thank her. statement that I had hoped to use as my campaign slogan, Also, I need to voice my deep thanks to my fnancial but my friend John suggested it may be a little too much. agent, who also happens to be both a good friend and my But regardless, I fnd myself here many seasons later brother. My foray into provincial politics tested his toler- because I believe we need to and that we will continue to ance on any number of levels, but at the end of the day, put people at the heart of our politics. he tirelessly proposed creative paths to move us forward I’m thrilled to be moving forward with the 86 colleagues and fought to ensure that our campaign had the support around this room, around this House and around this it needed when we needed it. Afer the dust settled, this province who have the same ultimate goal in mind — to brought us even closer together, and I don’t believe I would restore more beauty to the people of B.C. be here today if it were not for him. [5:20 p.m.] Now, beyond my immediate family, and in no particular People really are the heart of what we do. I want to take order, I want to acknowledge and thank a signifcant num- this opportunity to run through some gratitude to many of ber of those who dedicated themselves to support our those people that stepped forward to help endow me with Boundary-Similkameen voice here in this House. the privilege and responsibility that I now carry. Ian, for his boundless enthusiasm for all things political. Originally, I didn’t want to come forward to serve on Veronica, for providing a sanctuary during campaign- behalf of these people in my riding because of my children, ing, with an explicit restriction that there was to be no and then I realized that I must put my name forward for political talk, which I needed more than I knew. the same reason. I must put my name forward for this Kim, for her remarkable and seemingly undying enthu- privilege because of my children. While their enthusiasm siasm and energy, for an ability to connect us to the issues for politics is intermittent, I’m thrilled to have their sup- and the people in her communities. port and love through this process. Doug, likewise, served as critical matchmaker for My mother and father inspired my passion for science people and issues and did so in a position that he, like and, probably more importantly, my spirit of compassion, me, I think felt a little underinformed at times. He did a both of which have served me well through my time in stellar job with the new tools and the tasks that he was politics. I would like to share a poem that adorned my saddled with. mother’s fridge for years and that captures, in my mind, Another champion that emerged to support the team part of the responsibility that the hon. Lieutenant-Gov- was Heather, who managed the tangled web of media ernor spoke of yesterday in the throne speech. wrangling so successfully. Mr. Speaker, I’m pretty sure I’m allowed to read a poem. Likewise, I had remarkable support navigating the nuances and deluge of social media by another new face Deputy Speaker: Absolutely. to me who I still haven’t yet met, though I owe enormous gratitude to you. So thank you, Matt. R. Russell: Tank you. It is by a poet called Mary Oliver, More locally, I had the dedicated support from a cham- called “Te Summer Day.” pion of information distribution. Tank you, Christopher. Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? I thank Dirk for his creative and constructive energy Who made the grasshopper? and Katy for being an expert at data management and the Tis grasshopper, I mean — creator of what feels like thousands of lists of all sorts. the one who has fung herself out of the grass, Tose of you close to me know that my fashion the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down. choices are sometimes questionable, so among many Now she lifs her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. other things, thanks to Edie for being willing to help Now she snaps her wings open, and foats away. keep me on the right path in the world of both COVID I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. and fashion protocols. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, My dear friend Keith needs to be applauded for helping how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the felds, to keep me grounded through the process, although he which is what I have been doing all day. sometimes felt like he wasn’t doing enough. Most of us Tell me, what else should I have done? Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 63 know how, really, it is ofen the intangibles that matter as a colleague in this House said some months ago, we most for our well-being. need a stable government that has the time to build and I must also name my friend and sometimes mentor use a runway to get us out of COVID. My experience as the Ange for both helping me craf elevator pitches and know- policy lead to create that runway, on a smaller scale, for a ing when I needed to not hear elevator pitches, even if I regional disaster makes it clear to me that a protracted and didn’t know it. consuming election period later in the pandemic could be [5:25 p.m.] devastating for our province. So respectfully, I think the Aimee, for being willing to step forward and take the right decisions have been made here. potentially unwelcome and challenging task of trying to manage someone like myself. [N. Letnick in the chair.] We had some good titles in our campaign. I need to thank Kristy for her stellar work in her role as the chief An essential pillar of pandemic recovery is our trail protector of feelings. Further thanks to another Kristy, through the economic recovery. Economic recovery is who held the honour of wrangling a small army of other equally critical in rural B.C. just as it is elsewhere in the names, generally with constantly shifing goalposts. While province. Te throne speech made it clear that this govern- I wish I had the time to thank all of those people, I’ll have ment will take signifcant steps to assist small and medi- to save that for another day. um-sized businesses in weathering the economic storm Tere is a long list of such volunteers like Kim, Amy, caused by COVID-19. New tax measures will reward busi- Charlotte, Nancy, Kurt, Tamara, Glen, Eliza, Robert, Linda nesses for hiring and help them grow and become more and Stella that all deserve individual thanks in their own productive by making it easier for them to invest in equip- right, but unfortunately, tonight isn’t the time for this grat- ment and machinery. itude. Focusing now on beating the virus will allow British Finally, my dear friend and more of a mentor than he Columbians to move as quickly as possible to address the may know, Clint. I can’t say enough about how much I economic recovery and its broader priorities — investing appreciated his ability to set aside his life to help me in people, strengthening communities and supporting jobs through this. I feel blessed to have been given the oppor- and growth in a clean energy future. I’m pleased to be part tunity to get to know him better and to have built our of that process, especially for the needs of resource-based friendship so much stronger. communities that are built on the backs of forestry, agri- As the member for Prince George–Mackenzie men- culture and mining. tioned earlier, I need to acknowledge and thank the Clerk Likewise, alongside economic recovery, health care is and the enormous support the staf have provided already clearly fundamental to how we map this trail for to the in this process of trying to get up to speed of drinking light of recovery. Indeed, the nature of how we deliver from however many fre hoses I now feel like I have poin- health care is vastly diferent in rural B.C. than it is else- ted at me. Your support is appreciated and necessary. where, but the three tenets of what we heard from the Tank you for your patience for that last long list of Speech from the Trone earlier around health care matter gratitude, fellow members. Gratitude is vital, so thank you the same wherever you reside: delivering faster care, care for indulging me. I will recognize now that it is invariably closer to home and care that is more personalized and incomplete, and I apologize to those that I couldn’t men- tailored to our own individual needs. tion today. Tank you to my constituents. Tey put their trust in Earlier today I also heard from a few members high- me, gave me a mandate to be their advocate and their rep- lighting their discomfort with the election call. I would resentative. I hope I can demonstrate that their choice was like to address that. I, too, was challenged by the election wise, and I welcome that challenge ahead. call, and I, too, had to contemplate what I felt at that I want to also support and echo a comment made decision with children in school, with a sister who is doc- recently by the member for Surrey–White Rock and some tor, with so many friends in education and with my parent others. He spoke to the importance of adding just a little in care facilities. Was this actually an unnecessary elec- more Zoom into our lives or picking up that phone one tion? I wasn’t sure. more time and reaching out to people in our lives that But in this part of the world, two years ago, we also nav- could beneft from a little more human contact in these igated a regional disaster — a food that taught me a great trying times. I think that is essentially important, and I deal about community capacity for disasters. It particu- encourage all of us to put a little more energy into reaching larly taught me how vital, how essential — and how funda- out to help those that need it. mental and foundational — building a good recovery team [5:30 p.m.] and a good recovery plan is. Tis process occupied much Butch Dick also mentioned yesterday the concept of of my life for weeks and weeks on end and, indeed, for two Na’tsa’maht — “one heart, one mind.” In his translation, years. he said that it seems like the world is calling for collab- Te realization that I came to was the recognition that, oration in a big way. I agree, and I hope we embrace this 64 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 collaboration across this beautiful province and across this I also really want to thank my sisters, Nancy White- House. I look forward to working with the 86 other mem- side and Hillary Aulando, who have always been enthu- bers around this House and this province to help add light siastic co-conspirators for all of my endeavours, includ- to the path ahead. ing this latest one. I thank them from the bottom of my As the Member for Nanaimo–North Cowichan already heart for their love and support — and, of course, my mentioned, we’re here with a shared vision at our core, and extended family. But really not least at all is my partner, I’m thrilled to be here with all of you, regardless of where François, whose wisdom, good advice and solid support you sit. Given all this, I’m honoured to speak in favour of I couldn’t do without. the hon. Lieutenant-Governor’s Speech from the Trone. [5:35 p.m.] Way’ limləmt. Tank you. I want to acknowledge, as well, my deep gratitude for a really remarkable campaign team: Brynn Bourke, Cheryl Deputy Speaker: Tank you to the member for Bound- Greenhalgh, Michael Olson, Raunaq Singh, Steve Beasley, ary-Similkameen. Delaney Sullivan, Sydney Sullivan, Jenelle Davies and I now recognize the Minister of Education. many others, really. I want to say that our community is so much richer for your engagement in very many aspects of Hon. J. Whiteside: Hon. Speaker, congratulations on the work of our community. your election as Deputy Speaker in this House. Let me I’ve been refecting a lot. I want to say that I feel very just say that I am humbled to stand before you in this fortunate to live in the community in which I was born, House today as the Minister of Education and the MLA in which I went to school, where I went to college. I have, for New Westminster, as a member of this government of course, in particular, been refecting on our govern- and a representative of British Columbians to speak to ment’s commitment to education and also the import- the throne speech. ance of our commitment to reconciliation. I think that I would like to begin by acknowledging the territory was very well evidenced through the adoption in law of of the Lək̓ ʷəŋin̓ əŋ-speaking people and the Songhees and the principles of the United Nations declaration on the Esquimalt Nations, where we’re gathered at today. I would rights of Indigenous peoples. also just like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the I just want to return for a moment to the Qayqayt Qayqayt First Nation, on whose traditional territory my First Nation in my home community, which is one of home city of New Westminster is built. the smallest Indigenous communities in Canada and the I think I can say a few words of gratitude to those who only First Nation without a registered land base. Te have provided really incredible support for me on my jour- Qayqayt play a very important role in the fabric of New ney to this House. I have been so fortunate in that regard. Westminster. I have been inspired, very much provoked First, I’d like to start by acknowledging and thanking and, I would say assisted, on sort of a personal refection the people of New Westminster, who live in our beautiful, and journey around reconciliation with regard to and in resilient community on the banks of the Fraser River in my communication with Rhonda Larrabee, the Chief of what was the traditional territory of the Qayqayt Nation the Qayqayt Nation. and also the frst capital of our wonderful province. I want to say that I think our collaborative communic- I want to say a word about the amazing support that I’ve ation with all B.C.’s Indigenous communities, particularly had from my mother, Shirley Whiteside, who at 91 and in in my new role as we work together on reconciliation, is so her frail state has been so supportive and excited to see important in creating a better future for Indigenous chil- one of her four daughters run for elected ofce. My mom dren in our province. comes from working-class roots. She lef school when she I’ve been refecting on what I learned when I was in was 16 to go to work to support her parents. It was many school about Indigenous peoples. We didn’t have the word years before she would be able to go back to school to com- or the concept of “reconciliation” there at that time. I can’t plete high school. help but think about and be excited for the prospect of Afer she married, she worked in the home raising four a future in which children are educated with a thorough kids before returning to the workforce as a secretary in the knowledge and understanding built into their very found- public service in our government. She worked for many ational knowledge about our province, our country, our years in that capacity and was in fact a BCGEU member. world, with respect to the important role of Indigenous She retired at 65 and pursued her lifelong dream, which people in our society. was studying at university. She achieved a bachelor of arts In the context of this unprecedented period that we’re degree at the age of 75 from SFU, which is also my alma living in, I want to recognize Indigenous communities and mater. She really instilled in me a love of language and a the particular difculties they have faced in this pandemic. deep appreciation of the value and the importance of edu- I just want to comment on the importance, then, of why cation. Tose are lessons that I’m going to hold with me in we have directed school districts to prioritize Indigenous my journey in this House, in the work that I will do here. communities and ensure their children are supported with remote learning, should they choose, and the importance Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 65 of supporting more people in rural, remote and Indigen- approximately 3.7 million individuals and families in the ous communities with enhanced Internet services — for province. example, the importance of the commitment, the $50 mil- For my constituents in New Westminster and for people lion investment, around connectivity. throughout this province, this means a one-time beneft of Our commitment, again, as I’ve mentioned, is to true up to $1,000 for families and up to $500 for individuals, and lasting reconciliation, to substantive work with Indi- and that will provide much-needed fnancial relief for genous peoples to implement the UN declaration, to align people. It will make a diference to people. It is people- our legislation to co-create an action plan and to look for focused investments, like the B.C. recovery beneft, that ways to increase shared decision-making. support those who need it most, not just those at the top. We know, of course, that although progress is being One of the areas that I am very excited to have the made, more work is needed to be done to tear down sys- opportunity to work on is the area of child care, which, temic colonial barriers in B.C. schools and, indeed, in again, is another area where we can invest in people to many parts of our society. True reconciliation requires all make a diference. Troughout the pandemic, child care of us to acknowledge the history and pain of this dark centres have been operating safely by following public and shameful period in our history. I can’t underestimate health guidance, which includes requirements around how important reconciliation is in building a fair and just supporting contact tracing. But the pandemic really has province and how vital the role of education is in doing only deepened many of the problems that our government just that. was working on before the pandemic, including the need Our government and I will listen to Indigenous com- for more licensed child care spaces in B.C. munities and leaders. We are committed to working with Safe, afordable licensed care gives parents the peace of our community partners to strengthen curriculum, to mind they need and the quality of care they can rely on. strengthen diversity and to add to our global and collective As the throne speech states, investments in child care give efort to end systemic racism. Tere are many eforts that children a good start in life while creating jobs and allow- are being undertaken in this regard, but I want to just ing more people to join the workforce. speak specifcally to the Community Roundtable on Anti- Our government recognizes the need to fnd new solu- Racism in education, which has been created to support tions to ensure more parents have access to afordable the development of an anti-racism action plan and child care in their communities. We are committed to strengthen the K-to-12 curriculum. investing in child care and early childhood education to [5:40 p.m.] improve quality, expand spaces, increase afordability and Tis will help ensure that the culture, beliefs and ances- ensure child care is accessible for all families. I have to say try of all students and staf are accepted, celebrated and that it is an incredible honour to be part of a government understood. As we move forward, we will continue to launching the frst new major social program, really, in a work through our tripartite agreement to ensure equitable generation. outcomes for all First Nations learners through the pan- We are working closely with the Ministry of Children demic. and Family Development to create new child care spaces I want to note, as well, that issues with respect to recon- on school grounds. In the majority of the new and replace- ciliation will, of course, inform everything that we do ment schools that this government has announced, space going forward and how we rebuild from this unpreced- has been included for neighbourhood learning centres ented time that we are experiencing. I think there’s no where child care is the top priority. I just will say that question that this past year has been a year like no other. school districts are encouraged to apply for provincial Te pandemic has turned the lives of British Columbians grant funding for child care spaces through MCFD’s child- upside down. We’ve been challenged in ways that we never care B.C. new spaces fund. anticipated being challenged. Since 2017, our ministries have approved over 2,600 I can tell you that I think we all…. I certainly have new spaces in addition to over 32,000 spaces that already witnessed incredible acts of social solidarity as our com- exist on school grounds. In addition, this government munities respond to the COVID-19 crisis. I think, indeed, recently revised the B.C. early learning framework to align that those remarkable acts of social solidarity are…. We with our redesigned curriculum and to focus on support- saw the result of that in our eforts to fatten the curve dur- ing younger children. Tis framework integrates Indigen- ing the frst wave. ous perspectives and world views, principles of inclusion Te B.C. government understands what people are to support children with special needs, as well as theory going through, and we’re working collaboratively to make and practice. life easier for families through the pandemic. Tat’s why, [5:45 p.m.] as a key pillar of our commitment to British Columbians Te new framework is allowing us to support profes- through the throne speech, government has now intro- sional learning for early learning professionals and expand duced legislation to get the B.C. recovery beneft to support for families of young children. In addition, by consulting with our district partners, we’re looking for 66 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 ways to expand early learning and child care opportunities very helpful. I think there’s no doubt that there is a shock- in underutilized spaces on school grounds. ing number of people that have been impacted and people I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that in my home that have lost loved ones, with the severity of COVID-19. constituency of New Westminster, through the work of It’s been a shocking challenge for all of us as we enter the many, many people over many, many years, we are very fnal weeks of a year that’s currently not letting up. excited to be opening the brand-new New Westminster Tis holiday season will be especially difcult with the Secondary School in New West in early January. I can’t extended restrictions. I don’t think of a business that is not tell you how excited my community is at the prospect that impacted, or a family or one of our seniors that are either high school kids in New West are going to be attending a at home, either alone or in care. What I really fear is the new state-of-the-art school. mental health of many British Columbians, especially the As our government renews its commitment to the safety seniors, who have been faced with months and months and well-being of all British Columbians, this throne and months of lockdown, lacking any human interaction. speech is the blueprint for our economic recovery and [5:50 p.m.] its broader priorities of investing in people, strengthening I can speak frsthand, as my father was in a care facility communities and supporting jobs and job growth in a and passed on in May. It was sad, because he celebrated clean energy future. his 94th birthday in the facility, and we never really had a Te steps taken so far to address the threat of COV- chance to even have any contact until the very last couple ID-19 have saved lives. I know this to be true. In the of days. More importantly, the children are facing a very months ahead, our government will build on the measures diferent Christmas this year, without all the magic that already in place to ensure we have a just recovery that they’re accustomed to. works for everyone, not just those at the top. For those of us that are lucky enough to still have our As I stand before you in the role of Minister of Educa- health, are employed and are able to connect in novel ways tion, I promise to British Columbians to lead a sector that — this doesn’t work for everyone — I think the most is a driver of equity of opportunity for every child in this important thing to focus in on is the gratitude that we province through a world-class education. I am proud to should have for all of us that are celebrating still having a stand in support of the Speech from the Trone, and I urge job or a business or the opportunity to look further ahead. all members to come together and do the same. Te throne speech. I hate to be critical, but as I said, this is an opportunity for the government to articulate a vision. Deputy Speaker: Tank you to the hon. Minister of What do they see going ahead? I know it’s difcult, but the Education. challenge, no less, for the government is to articulate some I now recognize the member for Kelowna West. sort of hope operation. What I see is only a small amount of issues that have been addressed. B. Stewart: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a I know they say that there is going to be a subsequent pleasure to be here, even virtually, in the chamber today. throne speech, and I guess that raises the question: why And congratulations on your new role, Member. all the expense of calling everybody back to have a throne It’s an opportunity for myself to respond to the Speech speech that really has no substance and, frankly, spending from the Trone. First, I would be remiss if I didn’t that could have been done through diferent means if the thank the constituents and the fne people in Kelowna government really was concerned about the restrictions West for trusting me to be their representative here in put out by the provincial health ofcer. the Legislature. But no. Tey decided that from a political point of I just couldn’t have done it, though, without the help view, they wanted to grandstand by having everybody of my campaign team or leadership team — Peter Wan- either come to Victoria or through the hybrid situation nop, Margaret White, Cheryl Doll, Chris Foreman, as well and bypass the rules of the House — typical of this gov- as Richard Sonef and Karen Bulmer, who were all instru- ernment and its past record, in terms of suggesting that mental in helping take on the pandemic election, as it’s they were a government of balanced budgets. When we ofen called, in just terms of the suddenness of it and the forget about the 23 new or increased taxes that it took fact that we had our signs out early. We were door-knock- to get us to balanced budgets — and the fact is that this ing, socially distant, during the campaign, and we were year we’re looking at supplemental estimates just south out there and aggressively prosecuting, I think, the reas- of a $15 billion defcit — that’s a far cry from balanced ons why I wanted to be elected again, this being the fourth budgets that we all talk about. election that I’ve been successful in. Te strongest economy in the country. Frankly, I know I do want to respond to this throne speech. Tis usually that that came from a lot of hard work by members from is the opportunity for the government, the Premier, to lay this side of the House. I know that there are members on out their vision of what they see in the future. We heard an your side that are working equally as hard, but I think that awful lot during the throne speech about increased invest- the throne speech was an opportunity to provide certainty ment in health care, which…. I mean, we know that that is — to give people that element of hope, not just to children Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 67 about Christmas and the fact that they’re going to be all over $400 million a year. At the end of the day, there’s right. only one taxpayer. Te bottom line is that people that have businesses are To learn that the relief next week is going to be passed faced every day with either the threat of losing their busi- on to only people that had a pre-pandemic income, based ness or the fact that they have to work through complic- on 2019, that allows them to qualify…. Well, what about all ated programs. Frankly, this throne speech doesn’t lay out the people that lost jobs that actually are currently unem- anything on that. I think that in the business community, ployed, whether they’re in the grocery business, the res- there is a considerable gap between what businesses expect taurant business or manufacturing? Highly impacted. from a government that’s supposed to provide leader- I know that in the special events, tourism and hospital- ship…. Tey talk about individuals, they talk about people ity business, there have been tens of thousands of people that are renting, and they talk about that, but what about impacted by the fact that we have not been able to come up the people that are the employers, the job creators? Is that with anything to try to provide an option for these busi- going to be something that we’re going to just forgo during nesses to be able to survive and provide opportunities. So these challenging times? those people are going to be exempt. We heard that from Tere’s nothing talked about in terms of the budget bill the Finance Minister today in her remarks, that it was that was introduced today, the supplementary estimates. going to be based on that. Tat’s unfortunate, because the Tis is all money that was promised during a pandemic application process has already been determined. election. How can we honestly and consciously know that So where’s the economic plan? I think everybody this is a thoughtful investment in British Columbia for the expects that a throne speech is going to be partially about fve million people that are not all just working for some- how we’re going to have a sound economic plan, how we’re body else but that actually create the jobs? going to get through this. It’s not just about the fact that Simply put, more needs to be done now, not later, and we’re going to listen to the provincial health ofcer about this government just gave themselves the green light to the restrictions and all the barriers to that. How are we basically be unaccountable further. We did this last ses- going to get through this? sion, in the 41st parliament. We extended the lack of We know that there are vaccines being delivered. A trial accountability so that we could pull of this election and run is being delivered today in Canada. Te fact is that we not have to put out the fnancial accountability under the could be seeing vaccines as early as a week from now in fnancial Transparency Act. Te reason that those rules are British Columbia for the most vulnerable, but what about there is to make certain that we don’t drif back to where afer that? we were with fast ferries in the 1990s and the fudge-it We know that there is a plan on vaccinations coming budget. out based on best-available information, but what about [5:55 p.m.] the economic plan? We’ve got a health plan. We know that We want to make certain that British Columbians know that’s being worked on, and that’s job one for this govern- exactly what they’re going to be getting when it comes to ment, but what about the economic plan for the rest of the results. Tat’s part of what the throne speech is about. British Columbia? It’s to lay out the groundwork so that people can know that Where is the tourism industry and the small business your budget, which now is being deferred for some fve or relief plan? I don’t hear anything in that throne speech that six months, in terms of…. It’s at least optional, and it’s cer- said anything about that. Where is any sort of direction to tainly not going to be under the current term. So I do see industry to say: “Hey, we’re going to make sure that you that that is a particular concern. It’s just more deferrals and can bounce back from this.” Now, I know that health sup- delays and not about accountability. port is key at the moment, but this shortened session and Tis is not how you govern, amending legislation just the lack of scope is really disheartening. so that you can do it again and again. Tis will continue I’d like to take this time to touch on some of the issues to work against taxpayers. It’ll lower our credit rating, that I am now responsible for as the opposition Housing because the fact is that there’s so much uncertainty, let critic. Firstly, there’s been no movement on afordability alone the defcit. In times of uncertainty, businesses need prices, and prices are still out of reach. certainty, and what we’re looking at is taxpayer-increased I happened to pick up a report a few days ago. It talks cost by this deferral and delay. What is being proposed, about…. Te British Columbia Real Estate Association really, in this throne speech is spending on the public sec- reports that a total increase in British Columbia, October tor and giving money to people that were promised this 2020 over the same period in 2019, is up 44 percent. Well, during the election. that’s signifcant, and that’s great if you’re selling homes or It’s a little bit like the renters’ grant that was promised moving, downsizing, whatever it might be. But on top of in 2017 — I don’t think it ever materialized, but maybe that, the average residential price set a record at $812,960, this is a way of getting back to it — or free tolls on the which is a 12½ percent increase from the $722,000 of the Port Mann, which cost the government and taxpayers previous year. How is that helping afordability? [6:00 p.m.] 68 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020

What is the government’s investment in B.C. Housing? things. We’ll look forward to debating whether his govern- All of the promises that we listened to for the last three ment and himself have been able to deliver on that. years. “We’re going to build 114,000 new homes or places Te other thing that I think I want to kind of touch on for people to live.” What we have seen is we’ve seen…. Lit- when it comes to what’s happened in the last three years…. erally, the government’s own record shows that they have We didn’t hear anything in the throne speech about com- only completed under 3,000 units in terms of the past year. mitment to afordability or housing, but what we do know Tat’s less than what the previous government had done in is the previous throne speech continued to commit to this. its fnal year of being in government. Now, in my riding, Kelowna West, we have lots of sup- So I think that they’re a long ways of the mark. I know portive housing. We have things that we did when I was that there are lots and lots of promises that are approved originally elected in 2009 and subsequent years. We added in principle, but they’re not under construction. Tey may Pleasantvale for seniors. We added a project that’s going not have the funding in place. Tere’s nothing about help- ahead with Pathways, for disabled people. We have the ing people with the increased cost in housing. Tis gov- supportive shelter for people that have addictions, run by ernment ran in 2017 on: “We are going to make life more the John Howard Society, called Cornerstone; Willow- afordable. We’re going to make housing more afordable.” bridge, run by Canadian Mental Health; and many more, I just don’t really believe that that’s proving to be the point. such as the Gospel Mission. I don’t think that units are being approved in a faster We have these temporary shelters, such as Corner- manner at local government levels. Te criteria of meeting stone. We have emergency shelters that have been put up the objectives that the government laid out in its own plan all over the city, all over Kelowna West and in ridings and they talk about in the minister’s mandate letter…. Te throughout this province, and they’re not with the wrap- fact is that they’re going to have to work with local govern- around services. ment in a much more proactive manner in order to get the [6:05 p.m.] supply increased. Frankly, that has not been happening, by I’ve had mayors come to me time and time again, and those numbers that I just read out to you. they can’t understand. Tey have made a commitment in Recently there was an article reported in Business in the city of Kelowna on what they call Journey Home, and Vancouver that was talking about major landlords in the they provided property in the neighbouring ridings on Lower Mainland disposing of hundreds and hundreds of Agassiz Court and out in Rutland, in the Deputy Speak- rental units. Tey’re putting whole portfolios up for sale er’s riding, as well as new ones in Kelowna West. Frankly, and disposing of them. Now why would they be doing there is a gap. that? Does that mean that they don’t think that the return We talk about health care. Te minister’s announcement on the investment that they have in British Columbia is about 7,000 new health care workers. How many of those going to yield a reasonable investment so that there is health care workers are for the issues around mental health going to be continued growth in that area? and addictions? I didn’t hear anything about that. I heard What we’re doing is we’re taking away an incentive for about 1,000 new for contact tracing, and I give kudos to outside capital to invest here. It can’t all be funded by the getting on top of that. We hear more about MRIs and all government. It needs outside attraction so that we build a of the things. We locally had a primary and urgent care strong province that has the diversity from social and gov- facility open up in Kelowna West. I am very grateful that ernment-supported housing to private. What we’ve told that has happened. I know that the one at Capri Centre in landlords is: “You know what? We’re putting in a rent Kelowna-Mission has been a great asset. freeze, and it’s going to last until the end of December 2021 But the reality is that mental health and addictions are while COVID is on.” Now it’s on until July, and it may even flling up our foor for mental health at Kelowna General go on to the end of 2021. Hospital. Frankly, there needs to be attention in health What about the added costs of insurance for those land- care. I know you have a ministry for it, but they have no lords or the strata insurance or the taxes? We saw taxes budget. Tat’s why we see no results there. last year in the city of Vancouver reduced to about an 8 I do expect that we’re going to invest more money in percent increase. Tis year they’re talking about another those areas, because frankly, there isn’t a community, huge increase. It’s not sustainable. Landlords cannot con- whether it’s UBCM or municipalities that I am a part of tinue to dip into what capital that they may have. Land- and other municipalities that I visited in the last few years lords aren’t all big property developers. Some of these are that doesn’t talk about the fact that they need more wrap- mom-and-pops that are basically putting their life savings around supports. We heard it from the member for Cari- into a piece of property so that they can see a steady return boo-Chilcotin today. Tey just don’t have the facilities, and and know that it’s not at risk. Te bottom line is it’s now they don’t have the wraparound services. being attacked by the government’s own actions. What are people going to do when it’s minus 30 or Te government has lots…. I’m looking forward to tack- minus 40 out in the northern parts? I know that in the ling this with the new minister responsible. I know he was Lower Mainland, seeing below zero temperatures is a very the critic for a number of years. I’m sure he said many rare occurrence, but I think that we have to make certain Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 69 we’re addressing this on a provincial basis. We cannot tout themselves as the only possible stewards for this aford to leave rural British Columbia out on this. province, has their work cut out for them. With this mini So I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of their session barely tackling the myriad of challenges at our housing plan and how the new minister handles this fle. province’s doorstep, I do worry about this province and His mandate letter is a fulsome ask, and I hope we can see how we will make it through. For the sake of the economy, some of it come to fruition. Kelowna, as I mentioned, has small businesses and all British Columbians, I hope that some real challenges around mental health, homelessness 2021 is a far better showing from this government. and afordability. But you know, what is really concerning, besides the [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] pandemic, is all of the issues that we face in terms of the crisis for the business community. We have a COVID Mr. Speaker: Te member for Chilliwack-Kent. crisis, but we have a business crisis as well. We’ve got busi- nesses in Kelowna West, downtown Kelowna, and now K. Paddon: Tank you, hon. Speaker, and congratula- it’s actually spreading out to all of the other areas. But in tions. downtown Kelowna, we have hotels all along the pristine I would like to begin by showing my gratitude to be Kelowna City Park, where people will have fond memories speaking from Chilliwack-Kent, which is part of the Coast of the Kelowna International Regatta, swimming events, Salish community where I live and serve on the traditional diving and all those things. territories of the Stó:lō Nation, Sts’ailes Nation, Pil’alt and Now we have TripAdvisor telling people: “Don’t come Ts’elxwéyeqw tribes. and stay in downtown Kelowna. It’s not safe.” Tere are all As the MLA for Chilliwack-Kent, I am honoured to sorts of reasons. How is it that we can’t do anything? Te rise virtually today to speak on and support the throne city has been working on this for decades. Te bottom line speech. I would like to take a few moments to thank is that we’ve got to make certain that we have better sup- the people of Chilliwack-Kent for putting their trust and portive housing with wraparound supports, and we’ve got confdence in me to serve our beautiful, vast and diverse to make certain we get to the root of the problem. Frankly, community. Te passion, dedication and commitment to businesses like Prestige Inns and Hotel Zed and other ones community in this constituency is inspiring, and I am cannot aford…. Teir properties are completely paralyzed so grateful to the members of local executive and the by this other issue that faces British Columbians in almost volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to the every city. campaign and the election. Te local business community, in my mind, has been For some, this was one of several campaigns they have lef behind by the government. Businesses are exiting out worked on over the years, although not like any campaign of the downtown core. Tey’re being boarded up. Tey they have ever worked on before. I appreciate their fexib- cannot fnd a place where it’s safe for their staf to work ility and creativity. It was evident every day and made such because they’re confronted constantly by people that are a huge diference in our eforts. dealing with mental health or addictions. For others, this was their frst experience and proved Tey’re not homeless. Tey have opportunities for shel- to be a challenging and unique efort. I want to say thank ter. Tey may choose to not use it, but the situation is they you for your passion and willingness to go outside of your do need to have help. comfort zone to help us win this election. I know some I think that like so many other cities, the small business of you stepped up because you were moved to serve your owners are facing not only fnancial ruin from COVID community and get the message out, while others were but also the difculty related to inadequate supports for called up as a personal favour, uncertain and a bit intim- those in need. What is needed is a fulsome restart plan for idated by the process, I’m sure. Te fact that so many sup- the business sector, something that incentivizes increasing ported our work to reach out in non-traditional ways to housing supply, a collaborative approach from all levels of our neighbours and communities made all the diference. government. I would specifcally like to thank Mark Jackson, Fredelle [6:10 p.m.] Copeland, Nicole Katerberg, Shawn Baginiski and As far as supports for mental health and addiction, Christina Ditty for the generous and patient support of a where is the increase in the funding to get communities new candidate. Te hours and efort you committed to the what they need? I hear that we’re talking about Hospital at campaign were invaluable. Home — all of these treatments that are being mentioned I would also like to thank all the youth who came out in the throne speech. It’s talking about faster care, closer and supported us. Now, there will not be names here to home, personalized care. But it isn’t addressing the ele- because I’ve been informed that it is not cool and some phant in the room. People in British Columbia want to have asked not to be named, but I do want to acknowledge know that from this government: when are you going to that stepping up to support what you believe in is cool. address this health issue? Supporting your community and working to make it bet- Te point being is that this new government, quick to ter is a big deal, and I hope you feel proud that your eforts 70 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, December 8, 2020 have made a diference even if you are not yet old enough your service. We see you and appreciate your sacrifces and to vote. Your passion and willingness to get involved and dedication. work for what you believe in inspires me, so I thank you. Te issues that were important to the people of Chil- My thank-yous would not be complete without acknow- liwack-Kent before the pandemic have not ceased to be ledging the biggest source of my strength and support: my important, despite the focus on the priority of keeping family. Tank you to my ferce mother, Lynn Easton, who people safe. Tere are critical issues here in so many areas. raised me to be brave, to always speak up, to trust myself Tere is the emergency of the opioid crisis, which contin- and to lead with the heart of a servant. ues to take too many lives. We know that here, signifcant Tank you to my amazing partner, Drew, who has spent work is needed in the areas of infrastructure, education, the last 20 years encouraging me, applauding me and, at child care, mental health, afordability, agriculture and cli- times, holding me up. I see the sacrifces he makes without mate action. Many of these issues have intensifed during complaint that allow me to serve my community, and even the pandemic, and there is much work to be done as we more than all the cheers, those quiet sacrifces have taught work towards our economic recovery to address the needs me so much about what it means to be loved completely of Chilliwack-Kent. and unconditionally. We continue to operate under the public health orders To my children, my amazing teenagers, thank you for designed to keep British Columbians safe and to reduce the clarity and purpose you ofer. You have reminded me the transmission of COVID-19. Tere is no doubt that not throughout how important it is to speak up and amplify being able to gather in person for holidays is some bitter- the voices of those who may not have the audience they tasting medicine. Even though it is clear that it is necessary need in order to be heard. You also keep me humble — in order to ensure that no one is missing when we come very, very humble — as we discuss issues and ideas in back together, it is not easy. Te pandemic has demanded the community, as you remind me that Facebook is only sacrifces from all of us, and people are tired. I know that for moms and as you share your realities and struggles my mother wants to hug her grandchildren, teams want with me. Tank you for your love and support for being to play, families need to be reunited, and our faith com- amazing humans. I hope to make you as proud as I am munities are working hard to conduct worship services of both of you. and praise virtually to support their congregations. [6:15 p.m.] All of these sacrifces are to protect our health care sys- Tere are so many people in Chilliwack-Kent and across tem and schools. Tere are so many great examples of British Columbia who stepped up and supported our mes- people who recognize their responsibility and are fnding sage that they can’t be named individually. But I ofer my ways to connect safely. sincere thanks to everyone who supported us, everyone In refecting on the throne speech, I could not help but who put their name forward to represent and serve their think of a constituent in Chilliwack-Kent who embodies community, everyone who voted, and to the Premier and the spirit and message of the speech: listen to the experts, my colleagues here in this House. support health care workers and take care of each other. As I listened to the throne speech, I was flled with grat- Inez Louis is a registered nurse who works as the strategic itude. Our lives have been turned upside down by the pan- operations planner for the Stó:lô Service Agency, which is demic, and people are worried. In this throne speech, I a First Nations Health Authority–funded health provider heard the work of hope. Tis work that we are all charged to afliated bands and the local Indigenous community. to do will respond to what I hear from parents and teach- Ms. Lewis is of Stó:lô, Anishinaabe and Métis ancestry and ers who are worried about schools and their family’s has previously worked as a nursing supervisor, community health. It will respond to what I hear from families who nurse and home care nurse to the nation. have loved ones in long-term care and who are worried Over the past months, Ms. Louis has been doing Face- and missing their parents, what I hear from community book live conversations with the Stó:lô Nation through the members who are frustrated or upset about not being able Stó:lô Nation Facebook to speak directly with her com- to gather. It will respond to what I hear from those who munity about COVID-19. Tis initially included daily live alone about how isolated they’re feeling. updates to share information from public health as well Our work will continue to respond to the business own- as to counter the misinformation she was seeing on social ers who are not sure how the next days, weeks or months media. Over the months, updates have been weekly or will impact their business, because people are the eco- biweekly, and most recently, the presentations have fol- nomy. As we invest in people, we’re investing in our eco- lowed the reports from Dr. Henry. nomic recovery. It will also support the work about what Ms. Louis is focused on explaining the information in I hear directly from paramedics, nurses, educational staf, a culturally safe way and to answer specifc culturally rel- janitorial staf, support staf, cashiers, clerks and so many evant questions directly from the community. Ms. Louis other front-line workers about how strained they are, how describes her work as follows. “I am a huge advocate for low on resources they are and how tired. Tank you for culturally relevant and culturally safe care. Our people need to feel safe in order to access services to improve Tuesday, December 8, 2020 British Columbia Debates 71 health. It is my career commitment to build that bridge of past this pandemic in a good way and walk together with trust and high quality of health services while upholding respect and kindness.” our culture and highest teachings brought forward by our For me, this echoed the sentiments delivered in the elders.” Ms. Louis’s open and generous sharing with her throne speech, which called on all of us to show resilience community was already a shining light on how each of us and support for each other and to be united in our eforts can support each other. However, recently, her gifs to the to keep people safe. Tis example of extraordinary efort community were expanded through unfortunate circum- and generosity refects the teaching of Na’tsa’maht — “one stance. mind, one heart” — as pronounced in the local dialect. [6:20 p.m.] My thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Louis and her I share, with permission, that last week Ms. Louis fell family as they heal from this illness, and I extend my sin- ill and received a positive COVID-19 test result. Tis was cere gratitude for her service and personal generosity to despite all of her careful adherence to the orders and pre- the community. cautions. Although struggling with symptoms and while I ask that my colleagues support the throne speech and, resting at home, Ms. Louis reached out to her community by extension, recognize that the work that has been done through Facebook Live to share the information and and the work that has yet to be done requires our collective experience with her community, to demystify and gener- commitment as we work towards health and economic ously ofer up her experience to demonstrate that the virus recovery, reconciliation and climate action. We can take does not discriminate, there is no shame, and it can hap- inspiration and courage from so many examples in our pen to anyone. communities across British Columbia of how when we Later in the week, Ms. Louis also shared that her house- come together, when we share and are generous and when hold had received confrmation of diagnosis as well. Tis we take personal responsibility, we are mighty and we can included her partner and three children: Zara, Zane and meet the challenges we are facing. Natuasis. Ms. Louis’s generosity with information was Let us not forget the lessons of how interconnected we echoed by her two children, Zane and Zara Jasper. are, how interdependent we are and how able we are as a Although Natuasis is too young to participate, Zane and society to accommodate each other. Zara shared their experiences of symptoms, testing and Tank you for the opportunity to speak today. Te emotions as they moved through COVID-19 and throne speech represents the priorities of British Columbi- answered important questions from community with the ans, and I wholeheartedly support this pathway to moving same transparency as their mother in service to their com- us forward safely together. munity. Unfortunately, Ms. Louis experienced a bout of respir- Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of debate. atory distress later in the week that resulted in an emer- gency room visit by ambulance. Tis was a scary experi- Motion approved. ence for her and her family, something she acknowledged in a Facebook update with her community. Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. Ms. Louis also described in detail the care she received, which she described as high quality, educational, coming Motion approved. from the ambulance and emergency room staf, and wanted to share her thanks to the kind and respectful pro- Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 viders. In her comments to me, as she continues to exper- tomorrow afernoon. ience symptoms, Ms. Louis continues by saying: “Tis refects in our approach to align ourselves with the public Te House adjourned at 6:24 p.m. health orders. We must fnd a way forward together to get

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