OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES · Jensen, Mayor Jack Crompton, Coun. Gord Klassen, Coun.LoriMindnich,Coun.ChadEliason,directorTravis Hall,directorClaireMoglove,Coun.BenGeselbrachtand

Fifth Session, 41st Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORTOF DEBATES

(HANSARD)

Thursday, February 20, 2020Morning Sitting

Issue No. 310

THE HONOURABLE DARRYL PLECAS, SPEAKER

ISSN 1499-2175

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA(Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNORHer Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Fifth Session, 41st Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYHonourable Darryl Plecas

EXECUTIVE COUNCILPremier and President of the Executive Council ............................................................................................................... Hon. John HorganDeputy Premier and Minister of Finance............................................................................................................................Hon. Carole JamesMinister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training..................................................................................................... Hon. Melanie MarkMinister of Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................................Hon. Lana PophamAttorney General .................................................................................................................................................................Hon. David Eby, QCMinister of Children and Family Development ............................................................................................................ Hon. Katrine Conroy

Minister of State for Child Care......................................................................................................................................Hon. Katrina ChenMinister of Citizens’ Services...................................................................................................................................................Hon. Anne KangMinister of Education ............................................................................................................................................................ Hon. Rob FlemingMinister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ..................................................................................................... Hon. Bruce RalstonMinister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.............................................................................................Hon. George HeymanMinister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ..............................................Hon. Doug DonaldsonMinister of Health .....................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Adrian DixMinister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ......................................................................................................... Hon. Scott FraserMinister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness.............................................................................Hon. Michelle Mungall

Minister of State for Trade...............................................................................................................................................Hon. George ChowMinister of Labour ...................................................................................................................................................................Hon. Harry BainsMinister of Mental Health and Addictions............................................................................................................................ Hon. Judy DarcyMinister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.................................................................................................................. Hon. Selina RobinsonMinister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ........................................................................................................... Hon. Mike FarnworthMinister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction..............................................................................................Hon. Shane SimpsonMinister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.....................................................................................................................................Hon. Lisa BeareMinister of Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................................................ Hon. Claire Trevena

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYLeader of the Official Opposition................................................................................................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QCLeader of the Third Party .................................................................................................................................................................Adam OlsenDeputy Speaker................................................................................................................................................................................ Raj ChouhanAssistant Deputy Speaker............................................................................................................................................................. Simon GibsonDeputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ................................................................................................................ Spencer Chandra HerbertActing Clerk of the Legislative Assembly............................................................................................................................... Kate Ryan-LloydClerk Assistant — Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ..........................................................................................Susan SourialAssociate Law Clerk ..............................................................................................................................................Loredana Catalli-Sonier, QCLaw Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel............................................................................................................................................ S. Suzie SeoActing Sergeant-at-Arms..................................................................................................................................................................Greg Nelson

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERSAshton, Dan (BC Liberal) ......................................................................... PentictonBains, Hon. Harry (NDP)................................................................ Surrey-NewtonBarnett, Donna (BC Liberal) .....................................................Cariboo-ChilcotinBeare, Hon. Lisa (NDP).............................................. Maple Ridge–Pitt MeadowsBegg, Garry (NDP) .......................................................................Surrey-GuildfordBernier, Mike (BC Liberal) .........................................................Peace River SouthBond, Shirley (BC Liberal)...........................................Prince George–ValemountBrar, Jagrup (NDP).......................................................................Surrey-FleetwoodCadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal)........................................................ Surrey SouthChandra Herbert, Spencer (NDP) .......................................Vancouver–West EndChen, Hon. Katrina (NDP) ...................................................... Burnaby-LougheedChouhan, Raj (NDP) .................................................................Burnaby-EdmondsChow, Hon. George (NDP).................................................Vancouver-FraserviewClovechok, Doug (BC Liberal) ..................................Columbia River–RevelstokeColeman, Rich (BC Liberal) ................................................................ Langley EastConroy, Hon. Katrine (NDP)...........................................................Kootenay WestDarcy, Hon. Judy (NDP) ............................................................. New WestminsterDavies, Dan (BC Liberal) ........................................................... Peace River Northde Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal) ..............................................Abbotsford WestDean, Mitzi (NDP)................................................................ Esquimalt-MetchosinD’Eith, Bob (NDP) ................................................................Maple Ridge–MissionDix, Hon. Adrian (NDP)....................................................... Vancouver-KingswayDonaldson, Hon. Doug (NDP)...................................................................... StikineEby, Hon. David, QC (NDP).............................................. Vancouver–Point GreyElmore, Mable (NDP).........................................................Vancouver-KensingtonFarnworth, Hon. Mike (NDP) ........................................................Port CoquitlamFleming, Hon. Rob (NDP) ...................................................... Victoria–Swan LakeFoster, Eric (BC Liberal).............................................................Vernon-MonasheeFraser, Hon. Scott (NDP) ..................................................Mid Island–Pacific RimFurstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) .............................................Cowichan ValleyGibson, Simon (BC Liberal) ...................................................Abbotsford-MissionGlumac, Rick (NDP).........................................................Port Moody–CoquitlamHeyman, Hon. George (NDP) ................................................Vancouver-FairviewHorgan, Hon. John (NDP) ................................................ Langford–Juan de FucaHunt, Marvin (BC Liberal) ........................................................ Surrey-CloverdaleIsaacs, Joan (BC Liberal) .......................................... Coquitlam–Burke MountainJames, Hon. Carole (NDP).................................................... Victoria–Beacon HillJohal, Jas (BC Liberal).................................................Richmond-QueensboroughKahlon, Ravi (NDP)............................................................................... Delta NorthKang, Hon. Anne (NDP).........................................................Burnaby–Deer LakeKyllo, Greg (BC Liberal) ..............................................................................ShuswapLarson, Linda (BC Liberal) .............................................. Boundary-SimilkameenLee, Michael (BC Liberal) ........................................................Vancouver-LangaraLeonard, Ronna-Rae (NDP) ..................................................... Courtenay-ComoxLetnick, Norm (BC Liberal)............................................. Kelowna–Lake CountryMa, Bowinn (NDP) .....................................................North Vancouver–LonsdaleMalcolmson, Sheila (NDP) ........................................................................NanaimoMark, Hon. Melanie (NDP) .......................................Vancouver–Mount PleasantMartin, John (BC Liberal) ....................................................................... ChilliwackMilobar, Peter (BC Liberal)..................................... Kamloops–North ThompsonMorris, Mike (BC Liberal) ........................................... Prince George–MackenzieMungall, Hon. Michelle (NDP)......................................................Nelson-CrestonOakes, Coralee (BC Liberal) ............................................................ Cariboo NorthOlsen, Adam (BC Green Party)............................ Saanich North and the IslandsPaton, Ian (BC Liberal).......................................................................... Delta SouthPlecas, Hon. Darryl (Ind.) ........................................................... Abbotsford SouthPolak, Mary (BC Liberal) ............................................................................. LangleyPopham, Hon. Lana (NDP)............................................................... Saanich SouthRalston, Hon. Bruce (NDP) ............................................................Surrey-WhalleyRedies, Tracy (BC Liberal) .......................................................Surrey–White RockReid, Linda (BC Liberal) ................................................. Richmond South CentreRice, Jennifer (NDP) ............................................................................. North CoastRobinson, Hon. Selina (NDP) .........................................Coquitlam-MaillardvilleRoss, Ellis (BC Liberal)................................................................................... SkeenaRoutledge, Janet (NDP) ....................................................................Burnaby NorthRoutley, Doug (NDP) ................................................. Nanaimo–North CowichanRustad, John (BC Liberal) ................................................................Nechako LakesShypitka, Tom (BC Liberal) .............................................................. Kootenay EastSimons, Nicholas (NDP) ......................................... Powell River–Sunshine CoastSimpson, Hon. Shane (NDP)..................................................Vancouver-HastingsSims, Jinny (NDP) ........................................................................ Surrey-PanoramaSingh, Rachna (NDP) ......................................................... Surrey–Green TimbersStewart, Ben (BC Liberal) ................................................................. Kelowna WestStilwell, Michelle (BC Liberal)............................................... Parksville-QualicumStone, Todd (BC Liberal)..........................................Kamloops–South ThompsonSturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal)........................................West Vancouver–Sea to SkySullivan, Sam (BC Liberal) ................................................ Vancouver–False CreekSultan, Ralph (BC Liberal) ...........................................West Vancouver–CapilanoTegart, Jackie (BC Liberal) ................................................................. Fraser-NicolaThomson, Steve (BC Liberal)...................................................... Kelowna-MissionThornthwaite, Jane (BC Liberal) ...............................North Vancouver–SeymourThroness, Laurie (BC Liberal) .......................................................Chilliwack-KentTrevena, Hon. Claire (NDP) ................................................................North IslandWat, Teresa (BC Liberal) ................................................. Richmond North CentreWeaver, Dr. Andrew (Ind.)................................................Oak Bay–Gordon HeadWilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal) ................................Vancouver-QuilchenaYap, John (BC Liberal) ............................................................Richmond-Steveston

LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDINGAbbotsford-Mission............................................................................Simon GibsonAbbotsford South....................................................................... Hon. Darryl PlecasAbbotsford West...................................................................... Michael de Jong, QCBoundary-Similkameen...................................................................... Linda LarsonBurnaby–Deer Lake....................................................................... Hon. Anne KangBurnaby-Edmonds................................................................................Raj ChouhanBurnaby-Lougheed .................................................................... Hon. Katrina ChenBurnaby North ................................................................................. Janet RoutledgeCariboo-Chilcotin .............................................................................Donna BarnettCariboo North.................................................................................... Coralee OakesChilliwack ............................................................................................... John MartinChilliwack-Kent ...............................................................................Laurie ThronessColumbia River–Revelstoke ......................................................... Doug ClovechokCoquitlam–Burke Mountain.................................................................. Joan IsaacsCoquitlam-Maillardville ...................................................... Hon. Selina RobinsonCourtenay-Comox................................................................... Ronna-Rae LeonardCowichan Valley ............................................................................. Sonia FurstenauDelta North.............................................................................................Ravi KahlonDelta South .................................................................................................. Ian PatonEsquimalt-Metchosin ..............................................................................Mitzi DeanFraser-Nicola ......................................................................................... Jackie TegartKamloops–North Thompson .............................................................Peter MilobarKamloops–South Thompson..................................................................Todd StoneKelowna–Lake Country .....................................................................Norm LetnickKelowna-Mission .............................................................................. Steve ThomsonKelowna West ..........................................................................................Ben StewartKootenay East .......................................................................................Tom ShypitkaKootenay West........................................................................ Hon. Katrine ConroyLangford–Juan de Fuca .............................................................. Hon. John HorganLangley ..................................................................................................... Mary PolakLangley East.........................................................................................Rich ColemanMaple Ridge–Mission.............................................................................. Bob D’EithMaple Ridge–Pitt Meadows............................................................Hon. Lisa BeareMid Island–Pacific Rim................................................................ Hon. Scott FraserNanaimo...................................................................................... Sheila MalcolmsonNanaimo–North Cowichan............................................................... Doug RoutleyNechako Lakes........................................................................................ John RustadNelson-Creston ................................................................... Hon. Michelle MungallNew Westminster........................................................................... Hon. Judy DarcyNorth Coast ........................................................................................... Jennifer RiceNorth Island.............................................................................. Hon. Claire TrevenaNorth Vancouver–Lonsdale................................................................... Bowinn MaNorth Vancouver–Seymour........................................................Jane ThornthwaiteOak Bay–Gordon Head............................................................Dr. Andrew WeaverParksville-Qualicum.......................................................................Michelle StilwellPeace River North ................................................................................... Dan DaviesPeace River South ................................................................................ Mike BernierPenticton ................................................................................................. Dan AshtonPort Coquitlam...................................................................... Hon. Mike FarnworthPort Moody–Coquitlam.......................................................................Rick GlumacPowell River–Sunshine Coast....................................................... Nicholas SimonsPrince George–Mackenzie....................................................................Mike MorrisPrince George–Valemount .................................................................. Shirley BondRichmond North Centre..........................................................................Teresa WatRichmond-Queensborough......................................................................... Jas JohalRichmond South Centre ......................................................................... Linda ReidRichmond-Steveston ................................................................................... John YapSaanich North and the Islands .............................................................Adam OlsenSaanich South .............................................................................Hon. Lana PophamShuswap...................................................................................................... Greg KylloSkeena........................................................................................................... Ellis RossStikine....................................................................................Hon. Doug DonaldsonSurrey-Cloverdale ................................................................................ Marvin HuntSurrey-Fleetwood.....................................................................................Jagrup BrarSurrey–Green Timbers........................................................................Rachna SinghSurrey-Guildford......................................................................................Garry BeggSurrey-Newton ..............................................................................Hon. Harry BainsSurrey-Panorama ...................................................................................... Jinny SimsSurrey South ................................................................................ Stephanie CadieuxSurrey-Whalley ......................................................................... Hon. Bruce RalstonSurrey–White Rock .............................................................................. Tracy RediesVancouver-Fairview.............................................................. Hon. George HeymanVancouver–False Creek........................................................................ Sam SullivanVancouver-Fraserview...............................................................Hon. George ChowVancouver-Hastings ............................................................... Hon. Shane SimpsonVancouver-Kensington....................................................................... Mable ElmoreVancouver-Kingsway..................................................................... Hon. Adrian DixVancouver-Langara................................................................................ Michael LeeVancouver–Mount Pleasant..................................................... Hon. Melanie MarkVancouver–Point Grey ............................................................Hon. David Eby, QCVancouver-Quilchena........................................................Andrew Wilkinson, QCVancouver–West End .....................................................Spencer Chandra HerbertVernon-Monashee ....................................................................................Eric FosterVictoria–Beacon Hill .................................................................. Hon. Carole JamesVictoria–Swan Lake.................................................................... Hon. Rob FlemingWest Vancouver–Capilano................................................................... Ralph SultanWest Vancouver–Sea to Sky................................................................Jordan Sturdy

Party Standings: BC Liberal 42; NDP 41; Independent 2; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS

Thursday, February 20, 2020Morning Sitting

Page

Routine Business

Introductions by Members................................................................................................................................................... 11061

Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11062Brian Porter

J. SimsMickey Kinakin

Hon. K. Conroy


Tributes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11062Margaret Ross

J. Sims


Introduction and First Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................................. 11063Bill M201 — Assessment (Split Assessment Classification) Amendment Act, 2020

T. Stone

Statements (Standing Order 25B) ....................................................................................................................................... 11063Human trafficking awareness and sex trafficking of children

J. ThornthwaiteSurrey Food Bank

R. SinghSquamish youth facility project

J. SturdyIan Fleetwood and girls hockey

M. DeanResponse to Indigenous and climate justice issues

A. OlsenTheatre activities of Dean Chadwick

D. Routley

Oral Questions....................................................................................................................................................................... 11065Affordable housing targets and construction of new units

T. StoneHon. S. RobinsonS. Bond

Government action on climate change and economic planS. FurstenauHon. G. Heyman

Rebate for rentersJ. JohalHon. C. JamesS. Cadieux

Property tax assessment increasesM. PolakHon. S. Robinson

Parliamentary secretary purchase of training from Organize B.C.Hon. M. Farnworth

Tabling Documents ............................................................................................................................................................... 11071Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, a youth first voices report, From Marginalized to Magnified:

Youth Homelessness Solutions from Those with Lived ExpertiseOffice of the Representative for Children and Youth, special report, Raising Young People’s Voices on the Issue

of Youth Homelessness

Petitions .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11071D. ClovechokHon. D. Donaldson

Orders of the Day

Budget Debate (continued) .................................................................................................................................................. 11072S. ThomsonJ. Sims

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020

The House met at 10:06 a.m.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: D. Barnett.

Introductions by Members

J. Thornthwaite: I’m delighted to be able to welcomethe Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee’s womenin politics group from Vancouver. There are eight of themhere. I’d like to recognize and welcome Elena Banfield,Shayna Horvath, Grace Miller-Day, Alexis Pavlich, EnavZusman, Leah Rubin, Noa Farrage and David Friedland.Could we please welcome them all to the House today.

Hon. S. Robinson: I’d like to welcome the membersfrom the CJPAC that are here today that the memberacross the way just introduced. I want to wish themb’ruchim haba’im. Welcome to the people’s House. I lookforward to meeting them all later today.

I also have a series of introductions. The UBCM exec-utive has been here yesterday and today. They hosted usto a lovely gathering yesterday. They’re in the precinct andmeeting with various members of the House, so we cangive them a warm welcome.

We have Mayor Maja Tait, Coun. Brian Frenkel, Coun.Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Coun. Jen Ford, Coun. ArjunSingh, Coun. Pete Fry, Coun. Craig Hodge, Mayor MitchCampsall, director Grace McGregor, Coun. Paul Albrecht,Coun. Trish Mandewo, director Roly Russell, Coun. CarlJensen, Mayor Jack Crompton, Coun. Gord Klassen,Coun. Lori Mindnich, Coun. Chad Eliason, director TravisHall, director Claire Moglove, Coun. Ben Geselbracht andCoun. Helen Poon. Will the members of this chamberplease make them all very welcome.

N. Simons: Nick Carter-Desbiens is an English litera-ture grad from the University of Victoria, and he’s in thisHouse today to observe the functions of government. Hehas some aspirations to work in government one day. Ihope we don’t change his mind. Would the House pleasemake him welcome.

J. Rice: I wanted to make introductions for the newestaddition to my family. This is my son, Lua Alan Rice.Would the House please make him feel welcome.

E. Foster: Yesterday I had a very pleasant surprise. I wasat a meeting. I returned to my office to find my entire fam-ily from Nova Scotia had come out to help me celebrate mybirthday.

[10:10 a.m.]It gives me great pleasure at this time to introduce, and

I will go just in the order that they’re sitting up in the gal-lery: my mom, Leytha Foster; my sister-in-law Brenda; mysister Janice; my sister-in-law Michelle; my brother Don-ald and my brother Mark; and of course, my lovely wife,Janice.

Thank you all so very much for coming.

Hon. J. Horgan: I say to the member for Vernon-Mon-ashee that he only looks a day older than he did yesterday.

I want to remind members of this place that there wasa long-standing tradition, that there used to be pages whopresented in this place — for decades, in fact.

I remember full well that when I was in grade 8, I wascalled to the office at Reynolds High School. Some of youmay know I went to Reynolds High School here in Vic-toria. I didn’t go to the office, because I thought I was introuble. Turns out they were selecting the pages for thatyear, and I would have been in the Legislature about 2½decades earlier had I shown up.

Yet here I am, and I’m delighted to see so many Road-runners here again today. They’re the grade 10 social stud-ies class from Reynolds Secondary. Alecia Jones, theirteacher, is here.

Would the House please give a roaring welcome to whatcould have been pages but now are just participants in ourdemocratic process.

M. Dean: It’s my honour today to introduce PettyOfficer 2nd Class Michael Forrest of Canadian ArmedForces from CFB Esquimalt. He’s here for his defencesecurity diploma for Canadian Armed Forces. I’m givingadvance notice to all members here today that he will bewriting an essay on his experiences here.

I’m also very honoured to welcome a group of gueststoday, starting with Ian Fleetwood. He’s a neurosurgeonat Victoria General Hospital, a clinical associate professorat UBC and the president of the Capital Region FemaleMinor Hockey Association. Also from that association,we have his daughter Lauren, who is a player. We haveKristen Kay, who’s the director of communications; Mae-gan Thompson, who’s the VP, hockey operations; LisaParkes, who’s the secretary; Steve Marsh, who’s the referee-in-chief. We’re also honoured to have Barry Petrachenko,who’s the CEO of B.C. Hockey.

Would everybody please make them all very welcome.

P. Milobar: Hailing from Canada’s tournament capitalin Kamloops, we’re always very proud of all of our ath-letes that participate in sport and certainly the ones thatparticipate on the national and international stage thatlittle bit more.

Currently at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, TeamB.C. is skipped by the Corryn Brown rink from Kamloops,a team of young ladies that are still in university. Our

11061

former Canadian junior champions — this morning theywon a nail-biter playoff against Nova Scotia to move on tothe final eight at the Scotties.

Will the House please congratulate and cheer them onto bring home the gold — or the Scotties — for BritishColumbia on the upcoming weekend here.

Tributes

BRIAN PORTER

J. Sims: Today I want to acknowledge two of my col-leagues who are no longer with us. Brian Porter, a longtimemember of the BCTF bargaining division and later a mem-ber of the field service division, passed away unexpectedlyin his sleep a few nights ago.

His support and advice on bargaining matters, attentionto detail, wise input and institutional memory servedmany bargaining teams. His dry wit and sense of humourwere appreciated by many, and his love of bagpipes waswell known. He will be very much missed. I can tell youthat during some of those darkest hours of bargaining, hewas the one who could bring a smile to everyone’s face andlighten the moment.

Please join me in extending our heartfelt condolences tohis family.

MICKEY KINAKIN

Hon. K. Conroy: I, too, have sad news to share from ourcommunity. On February 9, Mickey Kinakin passed away.Mickey was born in 1950 in Nelson, and at an early age, hisfamily moved to Rutland, where Mickey attended school.He decided to pursue further education and moved toCastlegar to attend Selkirk College. Upon completion ofhis studies, Mickey began working for Selkirk College,where he worked in various positions, including the main-tenance department; the library; and, finally, as an occupa-tional health and safety officer.

[10:15 a.m.]Anyone who was a school trustee in B.C. would remem-

ber Mickey as a passionate advocate for community, chil-dren and education, as he spent 31 years serving as a trust-ee on the local school board. He was a strong supporterof language immersion programs, in particular the Russi-an immersion program — one of a kind in B.C., located inCastlegar.

In recognition of his many years of service, he wasawarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medalin 2012. After he retired from the school board and justbefore he got ill, he told me he still wanted to be involvedand was wondering about sitting on the board of UBC —always giving, always incredibly passionate about educa-tion.

He is survived by his wife, Adriana; daughters Varenkaand Natalia; sons Darren, Yuri and Max and their spouses;

siblings Bill and Nettie; many nieces and nephews; andcountless friends. But his favourite part of his legacy washis grandchildren, Lucy, Wendy, Sofia and Julia.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. He’llbe greatly missed by so many. In true Mickey fashion, heasked, if people would like to remember him, to pleasemake a donation in his name to the Blueberry Creek Com-munity School, in which he played an incredible role, tocarry on its existence. It’s an incredible hub of services tochildren from all ages: infant-toddlers, preschools, rightthrough to school aged, teens and seniors.

It’s a lasting legacy that showed Mickey’s commitmentto the community. I ask the House to please join me insending our condolences to Mickey’s family.


S. Malcolmson: I welcome to the Legislature Nanai-mo city councillor Ben Geselbracht. He and I are bothmissing a great occasion in the city of Nanaimo, whereSnuneymuxw First Nation is returning its flag to fly onthe flagpole of Nanaimo city hall. It’s a testament to theleadership of Mayor Leonard Krog and SnuneymuxwChief Mike Wyse.

S. Furstenau: I have the delight to introduce twopeople to the House today. I have the great pleasure andfortune to work alongside Candace Spilsbury, the chairof school district 79. Candace is serving her fourth termon the school district. She demonstrates an inexhaust-ible passion and commitment to being in service to edu-cation in the Cowichan Valley.

Also here today in the gallery is Brenda Bailey. Brendais the executive director of the digital media association ofB.C., DigiBC. This non-profit organization represents thegrowing creative tech sector in B.C., and Brenda’s leader-ship has been particularly innovative in regards to theireducation initiatives.

I’m excited to connect with both Brenda and Candaceover lunch today, and I’m expecting great synergies.

Please join me in welcoming Candace and Brenda to theHouse.

Tributes

MARGARET ROSS

J. Sims: I also want to remember today Margaret Ross,a teacher and a member of the professional developmentdivision at the BCTF that included social justice. Mar-garet’s commitment to teacher education, teacher profes-sional development and, later, her work on social justiceareas — including anti-racism, LGBTQ community — willbe long remembered. She will be missed by her family.

Please help me by sending her family heartfelt condol-ences.

11062 British Columbia Debates Thursday, February 20, 2020


D. Routley: I’d like to introduce two heroes of thetheatre scene in Nanaimo, Dean and Diane Chadwick.Dean is the 2019 recipient of the Nanaimo Honour in Cul-ture Award for his fine work over several decades in ama-teur theatre in Nanaimo. I want to welcome them and letpeople know that my experience with Dean has led to mebeing a very subdued person, in terms of self-expression.We can credit Dean for that.

Thank you, Dean.

Introduction andFirst Reading of Bills

BILL M201 — ASSESSMENT(SPLIT ASSESSMENT CLASSIFICATION)

AMENDMENT ACT, 2020

T. Stone presented a bill intituled Assessment (SplitAssessment Classification) Amendment Act, 2020.

T. Stone: I move that the bill intituled the Assessment(Split Assessment Classification) Amendment Act, 2020,of which notice has been given in my name on the orderpaper, be introduced and read a first time now.

I’m pleased to introduce this bill today for a secondtime. As our urban centres grow, the resulting plans forsignificant densification are placing huge pressure on smallbusinesses through dramatically increased property taxesbased on the unused airspace above their heads.

[10:20 a.m.]This is resulting in the hollowing out of many neigh-

bourhoods as an increasing number of small businessesmake the painful decision to lay off their employees andclose their doors.

The good news is that a working group, including anumber of Metro Vancouver municipalities, has come upwith a solution. These local governments are supported bya broad coalition of stakeholders, including arts, culture,neighbourhood and small business organizations, as wellas supportive UCBM and B.C. chamber resolutions.

The solution proposed includes two parts: first, the cre-ation of a new commercial property subclass for the air-space above small businesses and other affected organiz-ations; and secondly, maximum flexibility for local gov-ernments to set the property tax rate on this new subclassas they see fit from zero dollars to just below the existingcommercial property tax rate.

I’m proud that this bill provides for the exact solutionthat local governments have asked for. That is an optionaltool that they can choose to use or not use, at a rate thatthey determine makes the most sense for each unique situ-ation that they’re trying to address. We urge the govern-ment to call this bill for debate, as small businesses, artsgroups and charities are counting on the government to

take swift action by empowering local governments to usethis new tool as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

T. Stone: I move that the bill be placed on the orders ofthe day for second reading at the next sitting of the Houseafter today.

Bill M201, Assessment (Split Assessment Classifi-cation) Amendment Act, 2020, introduced, read a firsttime and ordered to be placed on orders of the day forsecond reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Statements(Standing Order 25B)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESSAND SEX TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN

J. Thornthwaite: Just this week, Victoria police areinviting victims of human trafficking in the Victoria areato come forward. The news came after the arrest of fourindividuals suspected of numerous human traffick-ing–related charges who have ties to the Victoria area.This Saturday is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Sextrafficking of children is the fastest-growing business inorganized crime.

The Rutherford Institute commentary on January 28called “The Super Bowl’s Biggest Losers: The Boys andGirls Being Sold for Sex 20 Times a Day” reported that“adults purchase children for sex at least 2.5 million timesa year in the U.S.” and that “every two minutes, a child isexploited in the sex industry…. On average, a child mightbe raped by 6,000 men during a five-year period.”

They are being lured, forced, drugged, addicted andhave no choice. “Every transaction is rape…. This is anindustry that revolves around cheap sex on the fly…soldto 50 men for 25 bucks apiece, while their handlers make$150,000 to $200,000…a year.”

It’s happening right here in British Columbia in all ofour communities. Just ask your local police or your localrape relief centre, or even ask your school district: “Wheredo you think these guys hang out to lure the next victim?Who are the johns?” It’s just your regular guy next door,from all walks of life. It could be your co-worker, doctor,pastor or spouse.

Last fall I went on a ride-along with Kamloops RCMP,who tackle this issue every day. Kids are being taken todecrepit, run-down houses, trailers, tents and even theforest. Police can rescue them, but they go back to theirpimps because they’re addicted, and the pimps have thedrugs. Addiction, trauma; addiction, trauma; and addic-tion, trauma.

Thursday, February 20, 2020 British Columbia Debates 11063

We need to wake up that this horrible crime is happen-ing in all of our communities, and we need to find and pro-secute human traffickers and rapists. We can only do thatwhen our system fully supports the victims, and we have along way to go.

On national Human Trafficking Awareness Day, let’sstand together for the victims, the children.

SURREY FOOD BANK

R. Singh: We all know or have heard of local organiz-ations which have a real and tangible impact on the livesof families and whose services have become vital for manyin our communities — organizations which are essentialparts of the social fabric of a city and its people.

For almost four decades, Surrey Food Bank has beenone such organization. What started as a philanthropicfood cupboard by a group of local churches in responseto economic decline in 1981 has now become an 8,000-square-foot warehouse and a fleet of vehicles serving over14,000 people a month.

[10:25 a.m.]The food bank not only makes food accessible to resid-

ents of Surrey and Delta when they fall on harder times,but it also connects people to other community services tohelp them become self-sufficient and navigate additionalchallenges they might face.

In addition, they run specific programs for seniors andfamilies with pregnant mothers and children under one,while their hamper to your home program serves thosewith mobility or other health issues. The organization runson donations of food and money from individuals andorganizations, but at its heart are the selfless efforts of itsdedicated volunteers and staff whose primary objective isserving the people of their community. It is these peoplethat make the functioning of a food bank a success.

Surrey Food Bank is the epitome of an organization thatis of the people and for the people. I, not least, am in awe oftheir commitment to serve our community. I request youall to join me in appreciating all those involved in this ser-vice and the incredible work that they do.

SQUAMISH YOUTH FACILITY PROJECT

J. Sturdy: The Squamish youth centre will, unfortu-nately and somewhat unexpectedly, be closing on March16. It was hoped that the funky yet tired old buildingwould last through construction of a new facility, butunfortunately, that’s just not going to be possible.

The good news in this story is that the brand-new youthhub is being built and is expected to open in early 2021.The other good news is that programming for youth inthe community will still be delivered even while construc-tion takes place. Community partnerships with the districtof Squamish, Sea to Sky Community Services, the arts

council and other organizations across the community willoffer programming at various locations in Squamish.

Significant work has gone into the development of anew youth strategy to meet the growing needs in Squam-ish. In November 2019, the district of Squamish enteredinto an MOU with a number of agencies, including theSquamish Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health, school dis-trict 48 and Sea to Sky Community Services to operate anew youth hub. Those young people that are going to beserved were included — in fact, integral — in developingthe district of Squamish’s new youth strategy with a keyvalue being to bring programs to youth.

Youth programs and spaces should be affordable,diverse, inclusive and accessible. They should also beoffered in places such as the new youth hub, the library, atrecreation facilities and in schools. As well as continuingto offer programs and social services to young people dur-ing construction of the new youth hub, Sea to Sky Com-munity Services is also focusing on fundraising for the$1.5 million needed to build the new facility.

I certainly support the work that Squamish has done toengage youth in developing a new strategy and trust therewill be support for this worthwhile project as the fundingcampaign continues.

IAN FLEETWOOD AND GIRLS HOCKEY

M. Dean: “Pass. Here. Shoot.” Familiar calls we allhear at a hockey game — boys and girls. But in March2019, the capital regional district was hearing less fromgirls. Their enrolment had declined by one-third overthe previous four seasons.

In contrast, in Saanich, the atom division director wascharged with building a female hockey program. From2015 to 2018, it was the fastest-growing female hockeyprogram in the whole of B.C. It was thanks to Ian Fleet-wood, a neurosurgeon at Victoria General Hospital andclinical associate professor at the University of British Col-umbia, a dad of two who’d been a coach or assistant coachwith 17 teams across Canada.

While developing this program, Ian identified severalbarriers that were making hockey programs for girls notas accessible. He recognized that a dedicated all-femaleminor hockey association was the way to go. He foundhelp. While the initial effort to launch a female minorhockey association failed, they persisted and were suc-cessful in 2019.

The Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Associationhas registered 217 players, including 79 girls who are newto hockey.

[10:30 a.m.]Female registration in the CRD has grown by one-

quarter, and the association hosted 14 teams in its inaug-ural season, doubling the number of local teams.

The goal of the association is to guarantee that any girlcan play hockey on an all-female team regardless of geo-


graphy, skill level or financial need. I’ve watched theirgames and been in the locker room. The girls are buildingleadership, mentorship, friendship and having fun.

Thank you to Ian and all of his colleagues for bringinghockey and the thrill of competition to more girls in ourregion. He is truly a champion.

RESPONSE TO INDIGENOUSAND CLIMATE JUSTICE ISSUES

A. Olsen: Let’s acknowledge the mix of emotions thatBritish Columbians and Canadians are feeling right now.Confusion, frustration, anger, anxiety, fear. Love, compas-sion, kindness and hope.

The pressure building on Indigenous and climate justiceissues is immense. The Indigenous justice issues before usright now are deeply personal for me. The scale and scopeof the challenge we face as a modern society expands farbeyond the horizon.

Our political systems have conditioned us to take ourspot on one side or the other. Unfortunately, it cannot bedefined into this or that. For many people, they are exper-iencing deep conflict — internal conflict with self, extern-al conflict with each other and with nature. It cannot bea question of whether you stand with me or stand withthem. Let’s stand with each other.

For two decades, I struggled with this identity crisis thatwe are all now enduring. When I reconciled that I wasneither, either, or, nor would I ever be — rather, that I wasthis and that — that’s when I found self-acceptance.

When we face conflict with ourselves, each other andthe life-sustaining world around us, at the centre are rela-tionships. Drawing lines in the sand and demanding thatwe align ourselves on one side or the other does notimprove those relationships.

Conflict is at the core of this political system. It’s how wescore points. It’s how we evaluate and determine the win-ners and the losers.

When we are firmly on our side of the line, it’s easy tobe overcome by confusion, frustration, anger, anxiety andfear. When we are sitting with a seat at the same table,we can start to understand, and it’s through understandingthat love, compassion, kindness and hope emerge.

THEATRE ACTIVITIES OF DEAN CHADWICK

D. Routley: I’d like to talk to the House today about myfriend Dean Chadwick. Dean is the 2019 recipient of theNanaimo Honour in Culture Award for his fine work overseveral decades in theatre.

He remembers the smiles of his relatives as he sang anddanced across the hearth of the fireplace. But for Dean, itwas never about applause. It was always about the feelingsthat he could bring to other people. He loves all of it: act-ing, singing, dancing, directing, producing.

His favourite roles include Sweeney Todd; Fiddler on the

Roof, Tevye; Jesus, in Jesus Christ Superstar; and so manyothers. Dean is a teacher, both philosophically and prac-tically. During his training at Vancouver Island University,he participated in a plethora of drama, theatre and creativewriting courses.

Today he is proud to be a retired elementary schoolteacher, where he spent 22 years honing his skills to con-nect with a variety of individuals and then applying thoseskills to instructing actors in his other passion, theatre.

Now, Dean…. I did a play with Dean. It was La Cageaux Folles. I played an arch conservative politician. I haveexamples to go by. My daughter was engaged to the son ofa gay couple. In order to escape the media, I had to dress indrag. When it came to the Legislature, I’d have the costumeon under my suit. I don’t know how many of you knowhow good silk stockings feel under a suit.

Interjection.

D. Routley: Yeah. Some of you may.What I got introduced to was the talent of people in our

communities. Two of the people played this gay couple.One of them was on stage, lamenting, broken-hearted, andthe other, who was backstage, was crying, still in characterbackstage. I could see how much emotion people pouredinto what they were doing.

[10:35 a.m.]The great talents that exist in our communities —

retired, professional and amateur. I want to celebrate thesepeople, the people of the arts community, of theatre and,particularly, my friend Dean Chadwick.

Oral Questions

AFFORDABLE HOUSING TARGETSAND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW UNITS

T. Stone: Almost three years ago the NDP promisedto deliver 114,000 units of new affordable housing inevery region of the province. Based on the latest B.C.Housing report, the second quarterly report which Ihave here in my hand…. On page 4, the report says thatthe government has actually, to date, only completed2,430 units. Now, that’s only 2 percent of the lofty targetof 114,000 units.

Also on page 4, it says that only 71 affordable rentalhousing units have been completed to date. The number ofcompleted housing units in the community housing fundis zero. The number of completed units in the Indigenoushousing fund is also zero to this point.

Again, these are not our numbers. These are B.C. Hous-ing’s numbers. They are the minister’s numbers, the gov-ernment’s numbers.

The question to the minister, quite simply, is this. Willthe minister tell British Columbians not how manyannouncements she has made to this point but how many


actual units of affordable housing will have been delivered,will have been opened and will have people in them by theend of 2020?

Hon. S. Robinson: I can certainly let the membersknow that as of December, we have completed over 4,300new homes. That means that 4,300 people now have homesthat they can afford. It means that 4,300-plus people, Iimagine, have a safe roof over their heads. It means that wetook action very swiftly.

We are two years into our plan, and we have another7,700 under active construction. What does that mean? Itmeans that in the months ahead, we’re going to see moreand more people move into homes that meet their needs.

Mr. Speaker: Kamloops–South Thompson on a supple-mental.

T. Stone: The minister’s housing plan has been a com-plete failure to this point. The minister is failing to deliverthe affordable housing units that have been promised. Theminister has no plan to increase housing supply.

Rents are going up across British Columbia. Housingstarts are projected to decline by 22 percent this forthcom-ing year, while prices are going to go up 10 percent. This isa growing disaster under this government.

Now, the minister loves to talk about all of the newhomes that have been “initiated” in her plan. On page 4,homes initiated is defined as projects that don’t yet havetheir final B.C. Housing approval. That follows the previ-ous definition of initiated, which was in the Q1 report forB.C. Housing only a few months earlier. It was: “Initiatedare projects that have been announced but don’t have anyfunding attached.”

How many units of affordable housing have no fundingattached to this point?

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question.

T. Stone: How many units of housing have no fundingattached? Again on page 4 of the minister’s report, theanswer is 46 percent of all announced units to this point.Page 11 of her report also says that 42 percent ofannounced units are behind schedule. Maybe this explainswhy Budget 2020 this week commits government to over2,400 fewer units of affordable housing over their first fouryears in power.

[10:40 a.m.]Now, it’s not just us saying this. Thom Armstrong, the

CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of B.C…. Iknow that the minister knows Thom well and the greatwork he and his team do. He had this to say during budgetday this week in referencing B.C. Housing’s 2020 serviceplan showing the government delaying completion of over

2,400 units. These are Thom Armstrong’s words: “Kickingthe can down the road…will only make B.C.’s housingcrisis worse,” and “It was a difficult day for us.”

Again, to the minister, recognizing what an absolutefailure the NDP’s housing plan has been, will the ministeradmit today that her so-called ten-year housing plan isactually a 100-year plan?

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, I’m very proud of this govern-ment’s action on housing because we have nearly 23,000homes that are completed or underway in over 90 com-munities. In fact, it would appear that the member doesnot understand, actually, how construction happens. Youknow why? Because they didn’t do enough.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. S. Robinson: In fact, 23,000 homes in two years.They did 22,000 in 16 years. Perhaps the members needa housing 101 class in terms of how development actuallyhappens. I want to use an example, because I don’t thinkthey quite understand.

There’s a seniors housing project development in Kam-loops, in the member’s community. In spring 2018, welaunched our new community housing fund to fundaffordable rental housing for families and seniors. The pro-ject applied, and last fall we determined that it was aworthwhile project, so they got funding. Then the projectwent through the municipal steps, including design,rezoning and public hearings. Then they needed a devel-opment permit, which was a project received in February2019. Then they needed a building permit, which theyrecently received.

Now, I know that they don’t always appreciate thatthere’s a process that it needs to go through. I’m very proudof the work that we’re doing and that the people in hiscommunity are going to have a place to call home.

S. Bond: Well, the minister can stand in the Legis-lature and try to convince British Columbians that therehas been significant progress on a promise that waspretty clear to this province. This Premier stood up infront of British Columbians, and he said: “We’re going tobuild 114,000 new homes.”

Interjections.

S. Bond: Well, I guess if the opposition wants to clap fora 2 percent progress, that tells you what they’ve got to getexcited about these days. So let’s be clear. The minister’s….

Interjections.


Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, we shall hear thequestion.

S. Bond: To be clear, the minister should flip her bookover and take a look at page 4. This report, her very ownreport, was published in January of 2020. What does it sayunder the completed column? So 2,430 units in the docu-ment this government actually owns.

It’s not just the opposition, in fact, that is very con-cerned, but advocates, people that this minister wouldknow very well who work on this file tirelessly. Here’s whatPaul Kershaw of Generation Squeeze had to say: “Theyhave now committed to almost” — maybe they want toapplaud for this line — “2,500 fewer units of affordablehousing over their first four years than they promised.”

[10:45 a.m.]Could the minister stand up today and tell Paul exactly

how many of the promised 114,000 homes will actually bebuilt and have someone living in them this year?

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, we are continuing to deliver onour housing. This is a ten-year plan. We didn’t commit to114,000 in two years. We said that over ten years, we willwork together with our partners to deliver housing. Andyou know what? They might want to bark all they wantabout this because they have no idea what they’re talkingabout because they didn’t do it when they had the oppor-tunity.

In fact, I think we should remember what those peopledid over there when they were on this side.

Interjections.


Hon. S. Robinson: In 2001, when they formed govern-ment, do you want to know what they did to all the pro-jects that were in the pipeline? They cancelled every singleone of those programs — every single project.

We didn’t do that, because we know that people arehurting. That’s why we’re delivering on our commitmentfor housing for people that they can afford.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Prince George–Vale-mount on a supplemental.

S. Bond: Well, I suppose the minister can stand hereand call the opposition anything she wants to. But theminister just said that apparently Paul Kershaw of Gener-ation Squeeze doesn’t know what he’s talking about either,because it was his comment that this government is actu-ally producing less affordable housing units.

Let’s look at someone else’s comment, not the words ofthe opposition. The minister can be as disrespectful as shewants to people who care about this issue. Let’s look atwhat….

Interjections.


S. Bond: The minister said that she wanted to pay atten-tion to what people in this sector said. Well, let’s listento someone who works very closely on this file. Let’s seewhat the minister has to say to Jill Atkey, because Jill Atkeyof the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association said…. Notme, not the opposition, answer the question for Jill Atkey,because here’s what she said. “We are looking for an addi-tional $200 million. Instead, we actually have a decreaseover the next couple of years.”

To the minister, how about standing up and answeringJill Atkey’s question and doing that in a way that respectsthe views that these advocates have about housing in Brit-ish Columbia.

Hon. S. Robinson: Well, it’s so interesting that some-how the member suggests that I don’t have respect forthese housing advocates, who, for 16 years, couldn’t getanything out of the people on the other side.

In fact, I just met with those….

Interjections.

Hon. S. Robinson: If they’d settle down, I could actuallyanswer the member’s question, but they’re really having ahard time settling down. They really are. If they’d like tohear the answer….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, please. We shall hearthe response.

Hon. S. Robinson: I actually have just recently had asecond round-table discussion with this advocate group, asecond one. They are thrilled with what our government isdoing. They are pleased.

You know what? We know that we need to keep work-ing. They know it’s a ten-year plan. They understand….

Interjections.

Hon. S. Robinson: I just spoke to her on Friday, andshe has lots to say about how we are working well together,how we have been listening to them….

Interjections.

[Mr. Speaker rose.]

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, order, please. Wemust be listening to the response.


[Mr. Speaker resumed his seat.]

Hon. S. Robinson: We’re two years into a ten-year plan.We committed to delivering on those over the ten years,and we’re going to do just that.

GOVERNMENT ACTION ON CLIMATECHANGE AND ECONOMIC PLAN

S. Furstenau: Yesterday my colleague highlighted someof the inconsistencies in the way this government talksabout protecting industry competitiveness and being a cli-mate leader. There are numerous sectors across our eco-nomy that rightfully deserve government support in mak-ing a transition to a low-carbon economy.

[10:50 a.m.]Let’s be clear. Facilitating the competitiveness of the

fossil fuel industry with subsidies should not be the gov-ernment’s job in 2020. We must aspire to be far more thanthe cleanest polluter.

My question is for the Minister of Environment andClimate Change. Does the minister not see a differencebetween supporting a transition for existing industries andhaving those same policies used to expand the oil and gasindustry?

Hon. G. Heyman: The member knows that we haveworked together on the CleanBC climate plan. We haveworked together on the Climate Change AccountabilityAct. I understand, and it’s been very clear throughoutall of the debates, that the members of the Third Partyand the member from Oak Bay disagree with this gov-ernment’s approach to the liquefied natural gas industry.That is a point of disagreement. That does not meanthat we don’t have a strong climate plan — in fact, thestrongest climate plan in North America. I believe weshould all be proud of that.

To the member’s question, we made a consciousdecision, which we explained clearly to the members of theThird Party, that we were not going to have one approachfor existing industry and a different approach for newindustry with respect to how we dealt with the CleanBCindustrial incentive. If particular companies and projectsapproach or are at world-leading carbon intensity stand-ards, we want to encourage that.

We encourage that by making them eligible for the pro-gram. We encourage that by giving them rebates of thecarbon tax above $30, up to and including 100 percent ofthat. We encourage that by welcoming applications to theCleanBC technology fund.

Mr. Speaker: The House Leader of the Third Party on asupplemental.

S. Furstenau: I would suggest that having a strong cli-mate plan that is being weakened by using policies to sub-

sidize what is increasingly being recognized as a dirty fuelis not something we should be aspiring to in British Col-umbia. We cannot have it both ways. If we want a low-car-bon economy, we have to be laser-focused on how we getthere. We cannot have an expanding fossil fuel industrypropped up by taxpayer subsidies and believe that, at thesame time, we will build an innovative, low-carbon eco-nomy that is in line with our greenhouse gas targets.

Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England,recently spoke about how governments and industriescan reach their goals. “It’s putting money behind thosewho are solving the problem or are part of the solution,and it’s taking money away from those who aren’t mov-ing fast enough.”

Of course British Columbia should support innovationand transition within its existing industries. This is verydifferent than helping the fossil fuel industry expand inthis province with taxpayer-funded subsidies.

My question is to the Minister of Environment and Cli-mate Change. Why is this government conflating the sup-port of innovation and transition with a subsidization ofcontinued growth of the fossil fuel sector?

Hon. G. Heyman: First of all, there is and has beenfor many years an existing gas industry in British Col-umbia, and we are working with that industry to make itcleaner and to lower greenhouse gas emissions, includ-ing putting in very strong methane reduction require-ments through regulation.

We are diversifying B.C.’s economy by encouraginginnovation through the emerging economy task force, theinnovation commissioner, through the technology fund,through working with the clean tech sector. We will con-tinue to do that.

We are on a road with CleanBC. We are not on a roadthat hits a cliff. We are on a road that has to be wellthought out, that has to support a smooth transition,that has to encourage technology, innovation, marketingof low-carbon B.C. products. And most importantly, ithas to be a road that has the support of British Columbi-ans. We achieve that by ensuring that British Columbi-ans are working.

[10:55 a.m.]

REBATE FOR RENTERS

J. Johal: The Premier made a clear promise to everyrenter in B.C. that he would give them an annual rebate of$400. Nearly three years later, the NDP flagship promiseis dead, as rents continue to soar. In Metro Vancouver,renters are paying $2,064 more per year under this NDPgovernment. The Minister of Housing promised a rebatebut, instead, delivered rent hikes.

To the minister, where is the NDP’s promised rentersrebate?


Hon. C. James: Thank you very much to the memberfor the question. I think that everyone in the…

Interjections.


Hon. C. James: …Legislature and I certainly expect themember across the way knows that we are in a minorityparliament. We work with our partners in the Greencaucus. The Green caucus has been very clear that theydon’t support the renters rebate. But that doesn’t mean thatwe aren’t working on behalf of tenants. In fact, we’ve takenmore action than that government took in 16 years.

We started where the need was greatest. We put in placemore support for seniors who are low income to be able toget rent supplements. We put more support in for workingpeople who need rent supplements. And we lowered therent increase that the other side let skyrocket.

We also made sure that we put more money in people’spockets so they could manage more. That’s what thisbudget is about — affordability.

I look forward to another question to talk about more ofthe successes of this budget.

Interjections.


Interjection.

Mr. Speaker: Member.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: So back to question period.

J. Johal: I can’t believe the Finance Minister blamed theGreen Party for the $400 renters rebate. There is actuallyanother reason. During the 2019 NDP convention, theyvoted against the $400 renters rebate — the same rebatethat was one of their key campaign promises. Now, maybethe NDP don’t like it, but it’s clearly a broken promise.

That’s not the only problem with this government. Gov-ernment red tape has meant a slowdown in construction,and that means there’s a serious vacancy issue. Here’s whatRon Rapp of the Vancouver Homebuilders Associationhad to say about government bureaucracy because of theNDP: “There are literally 4,000 or 5,000 units that arebeing held up in that jam alone.” That delay by the NDPmeans even more pain for renters.

To the Minister of Housing once again. Her plan is afailure, and rents are rocketing. Will she at least give thepeople of British Columbia a $400 renters rebate?

Hon. C. James: The member mentioned rental units in

the province, so I think it’s important to put the facts onthe table. In fact, more rental units have been registeredfor construction in the last three years than in the previousdecade before. Mr. Speaker, 2019 was at an all-time recordfor purpose-built rental — 12,289 purpose-built rentalunits registered in this province last year. I certainlyunderstand why it’s this member and not the Leader of theOpposition…

Interjections.


Hon. C. James: …asking the question, because weknow his opinion about renters. We know his opinionabout tenants. It’s a wacky time for those people in Brit-ish Columbia.

[11:00 a.m.]Well, we are taking seriously our support for people in

British Columbia. We’re doing everything from bringingin a B.C. access grant in this budget to making sure that wesupport people by eliminating MSP premiums — moneyback in people’s pockets. Families can look forward to thenew B.C. child opportunity benefit, providing up to $3,400a year directly to support families and children, unlike thatside over there.

S. Cadieux: The minister can raise the volume all shewants and talk about all sorts of things that don’t have any-thing to do with renters. But the fact of the matter is thatthe minister has not delivered…

Interjections.


S. Cadieux: …on her promises to people aroundhousing affordability. People looking to buy a home arefacing higher prices yet again, and she hasn’t deliveredfor renters. The NDP have made things worse. The mov-ing penalty means that prospective tenants now face a 20percent higher than average rent than spent on the sameunit last year.

Let’s try again, Minister. Will you keep the promise youmade to the voters of British Columbia and institute therenters rebate?

Hon. C. James: I think it’s important to actually take alook at what the other side…. I mentioned the Leader ofthe Opposition. Let’s take a look at what the member forVancouver–False Creek suggested.

Interjections.



Hon. C. James: He actually suggested we should getrid of any kind of rent limits on increases altogether. Weshould just lift it up, just as the other side have proposed.

In fact, we are standing up for renters. The member forVancouver–West End took a tour around the province tohave a task force that brought forward recommendations.We’re acting on those recommendations, with more sup-port for tenant-landlord disputes, with more support forlowering rent increases.

Not only that…

Interjections.


Hon. C. James: …we are continuing to put moneyback in people’s pockets to be able to support them,lowering taxes for families and individuals in our prov-ince and supporting them in a way the other sidecouldn’t even think about.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Surrey South on a sup-plemental.

S. Cadieux: Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that,from a Finance Minister that refuses to define the term“affordability,” she parrots increased taxes as a way ofimproving affordability for people in British Columbia.

Now, let’s look at Surrey. Let’s just look at my com-munity. The vacancy rate in my city is sitting at 0.6 percent,and under this NDP government, renters are now paying$1,500 a year more than they were before the NDP. It’sclear that the promise of 114,000 homes is a hundred-yearplan, and there’s no plan for more affordable rental units inSurrey as rents skyrocket.

The people in Surrey expect this government to deliveron the promise it made to them before the election of a$400-a-year renters rebate. Are they going to do it or not?

Hon. C. James: I’m glad the member mentioned Surrey,because I could take a little bit of time to talk about all ofthe things we’ve done for Surrey in this province. I couldtalk about getting rid of the tolls on the bridges in Surrey.I could talk about the new hospital that is coming to Sur-rey. I could talk about the seismic upgrading in the schoolsthat we’re building in Surrey as well.

I also want to, because the member mentionedtaxes…. Just because they say it often enough, they thinkpeople will believe it. I think it’s important to put thefacts on the table.

[11:05 a.m.]If we take a look at middle-class families in British Col-

umbia, they are paying less taxes now than they were whenthat side was in power. Just because I think it is importantfor the public to have the facts, if a family with two chil-

dren is making $100,000, they’re seeing a 22 percent netreduction in their taxes.

A family making $80,000 will see a 42 percent reduc-tion in their taxes. For families making $140,000 andless, we have the lowest taxes across the country here inBritish Columbia. That’s not including all the addition-al support that we’re putting in people’s pockets — as Imentioned, everything from the access grant to the childopportunity benefit.

I look forward to continuing to talk about the greatthings in this budget that our Premier and our governmentare bringing in for British Columbians.

Mr. Speaker: House Leader for the official opposition,is this another question?

M. Polak: A new question.

Mr. Speaker: Yes. I will….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, I will allow the question.There was an extraordinary amount of time spent on thegovernment side.

Go ahead with your question.

PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES

M. Polak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.Well, speaking of broken promises, before Christmas,

the minister responsible for housing had promised thatshe was going to provide some relief for those dealing withthe challenges of taxation on the air above their buildings.

Eureka Masonic Lodge in Langley has been a fixture indowntown Langley since 1927, and they are looking verymuch forward to planning their 100-year anniversary fest-ivities in 2027. However, that’s all being put at risk, and it’sbeing put at risk because of an exorbitant increase in theirassessment. They’ve gone from an assessment of $1.3 mil-lion in 2018 to now $4.8 million in 2020. This is a not-for-profit organization. They rent their hall out. They engagein all sorts of wonderful community initiatives, yet theirfuture is now at risk.

When will the minister come forward with the prom-ised solutions that have as yet not materialized?

Hon. S. Robinson: I have certainly been hearing fromnon-profit groups, community groups and small businessowners for a number of months. We are doing something.You’ll hear, shortly, about it.

But I want to remind British Columbians and everyonehere in this House that we actually received some mailback in July 2019 from the director of the Canadian Fed-eration of Independent Business, Samantha Howard. Shewrote to our government, letting us know about what’s


going on around this issue. This is what she had to say, andI think it’s really important to get it on the record.

She said that despite pressure from organizations likeCFIB for well over a decade — so this has been comingsince 2009 — no municipal or provincial government hasmade serious efforts to address the issue.

So this issue lays at the feet of the people on the otherside. We’re fixing it, and help is coming shortly.

[End of question period.]

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY PURCHASE OFTRAINING FROM ORGANIZE B.C.

Hon. M. Farnworth: Yesterday I took a question onnotice. Now I’d like to take the opportunity to answer thatquestion.

Yesterday a member of the opposition raised a questionin the form of what I would say is a deliberate, partisan,malicious attack on the member for North Vancouver–Lonsdale.

Interjections.


Hon. M. Farnworth: They characterized the question asthough the member had engaged…

Interjections.


Hon. M. Farnworth: I suggest you wait until I answerthe question.

…in some sort of spurious activity, meeting with allkinds of wrong people and how much of taxpayers’ dollarswas involved. They took great umbrage…. In fact, shegoes: “It was just a question.” Well, really. Well, yesterdaywas the day after the budget, and they didn’t ask a singlequestion on the budget, but they chose to make an issueout of this.

So for members on….

Interjections.[11:10 a.m.]


Hon. M. Farnworth: So for members on the….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, order please. We shall hear theresponse.

Hon. M. Farnworth: They ask a question, and theyalways complain it’s never answer period. Guess what.They’re getting an answer today.

The answer to the question was that it was a $20 expensefor a fee for a panel discussion on issues facing the cityof Vancouver, on issues such as sky-high rents, overdosedeaths, homelessness and things such as that. In fact, theevent never even took place, but of course, the $20 wasrefunded. It’s unfortunate, though, that they didn’t reallychoose to….

I wonder if they had the same expressions of concernswhen one of their own members decided to go to an event.I’m not going to name the name because I don’t thinkthat’s important, but of course, one of the members on theopposition decides to go attend a forum on God and gov-ernment and how God and politics mix, an organizationwhose stated goals are they’re against sexual orientationand gender inclusivity policy — conversion therapy andthat God and politics should mix together.

They clearly have a double standard when it comes towhat kinds of events people can attend and what kinds ofquestions they ask. So if they want to throw stones, checktheir own house first.

Tabling Documents

Mr. Speaker: Members, I have the honour to presentthe following reports from the Representative for Childrenand Youth: From Marginalized to Magnified: Youth Home-lessness Solutions from Those with Lived Expertise, Febru-ary 2020; and Raising Young People’s Voices on the Issue ofYouth Homelessness, February 2020.

Petitions

D. Clovechok: I have a petition here on behalf of 145constituents from Wasa, British Columbia to be presentedto the Minister of Transportation. The application of seal-coating to their asphalt road has and continues to havea really negative impact on their quality of life. They’rerequesting that the road be restored to asphalt.

Hon. D. Donaldson: I rise to present a petition. It hasover 8,000 signatures collected in a very short span oftime from people living in forest-dependent communities,mainly on Vancouver Island but on the coast as well,expressing general support for forestry in the province andspecifically advocating for the protection of the timber-harvesting land base for forestry operations.

Orders of the Day

Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued debate on thebudget.

[11:15 a.m.]


[S. Gibson in the chair.]

Budget Debate(continued)

Deputy Speaker: I recognize the member for Kelowna-Mission.

S. Thomson: I appreciate the opportunity to rise andjoin the debate on Budget 2020, which was tabled on Tues-day. Firstly, I want to…. First time I’ve had a chance tospeak. While you’re in the chair, Mr. Speaker, welcome tothe position.

It is a real honour to rise to continue to represent theresidents and the constituents of Kelowna-Mission, at leastfor the remainder of this term, however long that’s goingto continue. The riding and the constituency is one that isa great community to represent, because the people thereare entrepreneurial, positive, based in free enterprise. I’veheard very, very directly from many of them that therewas real disappointment in this budget. I’ll try to articulatesome of that during my comments.

Firstly, I’d also just like to again take this opportunityto thank my family — my wife, Brenda, and family — fortheir continued support in doing this job. A big, big thanksagain to Nan and Janice at the constituency office for allthey do to continue to help support our constituents andthe great work they do on so many issues through our con-stituency office. They really are a key part of the team inthe Central Okanagan and do exemplary work on behalfof all of our constituents.

I also want to take this quick opportunity, as well, tothank the staff and everybody here in the Legislature forall their patience and their diligence and their professionalapproach through the events of the first week here in theLegislature. It really was unprecedented. I think we allexperienced that, but the staff that work here probablymore so than many of us. I just want to thank them for allof their diligent work. We are very, very well served in thisbuilding by all who support us here in the buildings and inour offices.

British Columbia, right now, is going through some veryserious challenges, as you all know and as members havearticulated in their comments in response to this budget.The thing we need to ask ourselves and can’t help but askis: is this government really listening to the communit-ies, to the revenue-generating sectors in this province, tothe workers? Is the government using all of the availableresources to help communities in need? I think when welook into and dig down into the budget, that’s not the case.

The members opposite want us to believe that they’remaking life more affordable in British Columbia. But sincethe NDP took office and, as has been pointed out clearly,introduced 24 new or increased taxes…. Every time welook into the budget, we find another one. It’s 24 now.Maybe by the time we’re through this process, there might

be a couple more in there that appear or manifest them-selves. By 2022, total taxation in B.C. will have increasedby almost $4,700 per household. That’s hardly makingthings more affordable. It’s really just another tax-and-spend budget that won’t help British Columbians succeed.

[11:20 a.m.]Let’s look at what’s not there — the promised $10-a-day

child care, universal child care. That pledge has essentiallydisappeared. It is not there and has walked back signific-antly the commitment around universal daycare.

Help for renters facing increases, through the promised$400 rebate, does not exist. Gone in all of the budget com-mentary and documents.

Housing prices on the rise. Housing starts havedropped 22 percent, and it will take 98 years, the 100-year plan, for the NDP to deliver on their promise of114,000 new homes.

No help for small businesses that are being staggered byhigh taxes in so many ways, the employer health tax andother taxes on the split assessment. All of those impacts onsmall businesses.

Strata owners are getting nothing to help with the insur-ance crisis they face.

There’s no plan for growing the economy and the jobsplan in the budget. Economic growth is slowing more rap-idly than expected.

Housing starts, as we said, will decline 22 percent in2020, 8.5 percent in 2021 and 4.8 percent in 2022. Hardlythe right economic indicators and the right direction.

Last November we saw the lowest small business con-fidence level since the financial crisis. Business investmentgrowth has slowed to 4.1 percent from 10.5 percent.

How is the labour market doing? In the past eightmonths, B.C.’s private sector lost a total of 32,800 jobs. Theunemployment rate in B.C. went up to 4.8 percent from 4.4percent a year ago.

These are numbers, but they’re not just numbers. Theyrepresent individuals and families whose lives have beenimpacted, and they represent lost opportunities. Unem-ployment creates that cascading effect, which ripplesthrough our economy.

Now we know of the additional taxes that the NDP hasbrought in, in this budget — essentially, a number of taxesin order to ensure that they could bring in a balancedbudget. When you look at the revenue created, essentially,it’s the revenue required in order to be able to deliver a bal-anced budget.

One of the ones that I want to talk about — it continuesto be a very, very sore point and a very, very critical issuefor our residents and our constituents in the CentralOkanagan — is the continuing concerns around the spec-ulation and vacancy tax. I had a faint hope — I know itwas a really faint hope — that there might have been some-thing in this budget to provide some relief or adjustmentsaround the speculation and vacancy tax.

We argued, in the process, that it was ill-advised, ill-


informed. It was not going to have the intended objectivesin the Central Okanagan. I would have thought it mighthave been reconsidered or some adjustments made.Instead, we have the continued negative impacts on invest-ment, both in the housing and construction sectors andrelated sectors, and on services and tourism. It really ishaving that continued negative impact on our communityand on the economy in the Central Okanagan.

Putting that aside…. I know those arguments have beenmade and have not been accepted or acknowledged, evenin the joint meeting that our mayors brought forwardwhen they had the meeting with the Minister of Finance.

One thing I want to question or to look at in thebudget…. I’m sure it’s something that we’ll pursue inestimates. There was an agreement that the funds collec-ted, which were extracted from our community, would beprovided back to the local governments from which theywere collected.

That was an agreement that was reached when the NDPmade the agreement with the Green Party in order to gainsupport for the speculation and vacancy tax. They hadmany of the same concerns that we had about the tax itself.The agreement was made with a number of amendments.The mayors’ meeting, the annual consultation and a com-mitment that those dollars would go back to the com-munities….

[11:25 a.m.]When you look into the budget, what we continue to

see is the line item for the revenue for the speculationtax — $185 million in the fiscal plan for the speculationand vacancy tax collection. Nowhere — and I’ve lookedthrough the documents — is there the offsetting or cor-responding amount for those funds to go back to the localgovernments from which they were generated.

This is very, very surprising, as this was a key commit-ment for the agreement with the Green Party to securetheir support in the passage of the legislation that imple-mented the tax. So I wonder just how long the Green Party,again, is going to continue to accept broken commitments— one that was a key piece of the acceptance of the tax —as an exchange for something that I know they had seriousreservations about.

Provincially it’s about a $185 million revenue line. Nooffset for the transfers to the local communities. As wespeculated, and as we expressed cynicism during thedebate on this in the estimates…. We made the assertionsthat this would likely be…. They’d try to find some wayto offset that amount through regular programming andprogramming dollars within ministries, which would beused to account for making that commitment. But no newincremental funding for those communities, directlyrelated to the speculation tax, has been collected.

We’ve heard from our local governments and talkedto our local governments. You know, at a minimum, wethought they would have had clarity by this point abouthow that was going to be done. That’s not the case. There

has been no clarity provided to them on how those dollarsand funds are going to flow directly to those local govern-ments. That was the commitment for investment in thosecommunities, and this is months and months after theextraction of those dollars from our communities.

Our local governments continue to look for theoption to be able to opt out when it’s clearly not meetingthe objectives of the tax that was put in for our com-munities. We don’t see that commitment. If that com-mitment was made, and if there was a line item in thebudget around the transfer of those dollars to the localgovernments that offset that collection, we would not besitting here talking about it, or the NDP would not besitting there talking about being able to deliver a bal-anced budget. That’s $185 million that should be flowingto the local governments, from which that vacancy andspeculation tax was collected.

We just need to look at what’s happening in our com-munity. We just had the Central Okanagan economiccouncil division release their economic indicators for theCentral Okanagan. Median new home prices have risen by5.6 percent; average rent has gone up by 9 percent. Clearly,the speculation tax is not meeting the objectives for whichit was intended, or we would see a different outcome there.

Money is being extracted and collected from our com-munity — money that is supposed to come back to thecommunity but which hasn’t. All the while it is not meet-ing the objectives.

You can’t spec-tax and vacancy-tax your way out of thisissue. What we really need to address is the issue of supplyin our communities. Government should be focusing theirefforts on addressing the constraints and the challenges onthe supply side of things, in order to be able to address thisissue. You’re not going to address it by a speculation andvacancy tax being extracted, by disrupting people’s retire-ment plans, by disrupting their succession plans.

The majority of the money that’s collected out of ourcommunity comes from British Columbia residents andfrom Canadian residents, and it continues to have thatnegative impact. It’s not meeting the objectives, and wedon’t see the dollars being transferred to the local govern-ments. It’s months and months after it was collected, andthey’re not receiving any clarity.

[11:30 a.m.]That’s something that we’ll be pursuing in the estimates

process in detail, because that was a very clear commit-ment that was made — part of the agreement that allowedthe speculation and vacancy tax to be put into place. Ithink the Green Party partners with this governmentshould be raising that issue as well, because again, it is abroken commitment that was made.

Now, the budget needs to be built on a number ofthings. The other members have talked about the import-ant contributions of the Business Council of British Col-umbia in terms of providing advice to government,providing the economic forecast on which much of the


budget is built. But along with that, the Business Councilalso provides some very important policy considerationsand advice to government, as well, which really don’tappear to be in the foundation of this budget.

What they and many are calling for is a comprehensivereview and modernization of our tax system. They say it’slong overdue. What do we see in the budget? Well, 24 newtaxes. Three new taxes this year. Taxes designed primarilyto make sure that they have some additional revenue forthe general revenue stream to be able to deliver a balancedbudget. So again, a key piece that is not being addressed.

Streamlining, simplifying and reducing the cost of reg-ulations. We don’t see any clear direction on that in thebudget. In fact, many of the ministries that manage theregulatory processes in government have had theirbudgets cut or not increased in order to address many ofthe regulatory backlogs and burdens that are….

Promoting product market competition and globalmarket development is another key recommendation theymake. Again, we don’t see that in the budget. In fact, whatthey have done is reduced the emphasis on trade, closedoffices and reduced the budget in the Ministry of Jobs,Economic Development and Competitiveness. They’veeven taken “trade” out of the name, so where is theemphasis on meeting that important policy direction?

Developing, attracting and retaining talent and skills,another key recommendation that they’ve made. We don’tsee that being addressed fully in the budget. In fact, whenyou look at the additional income tax provisions that are inthe budget, I think it provides a significant risk to recruit-ing and securing top talent for many of our sectors herein British Columbia, particularly in the technology sectorsand others that are important areas to address.

Supporting R and D, research and development; com-mercialization of advanced technology; and business scal-ing — no clear plan in the budget to address all of thosekey issues.

So what do we see in the budget? We see 24…. We seethe tax-and-spend process continue. We see the three newtaxes. The Netflix and the streaming taxes — governmentmoving into the living rooms and dens in our homes, tax-ing that service. The pop tax on carbonated, sugary drinksand the income tax provisions.

I just wanted to comment a little bit about the tax oncarbonated sugary drinks. This is an initiative that hasbeen advocated for quite some time, and advocated by akey constituent of mine, Dr. Tom Warshawski, who is thehead of the Childhood Obesity Foundation. You know, it isa critical issue facing British Columbia. It is one that needsto be addressed. I’m not going to argue, at this point, onthe merits of the science behind all of that. But I think thequestions that need to be asked around this are: will theimposition of the tax meet the objectives? And: how will itbe implemented?

[11:35 a.m.]It’s important to note that in all of the submissions that

were made by the advocates for this and by the foundation,there was a two-piece part to the request. The first partof it was the tax to be applied. The second part of it wasthat those funds that were collected through this processshould be dedicated to programs and initiatives that helpreduce childhood obesity — education, fitness programs,all of those kinds of things. They were looking for addi-tional support and resources to address those issues. Therecommendations were directly linked.

What we see in this submission, or in this initiative, bygovernment is simply the tax side of it. Again, as we poin-ted out, and many have pointed out, in order to gain therevenue, in order to be able to bring forward a balancedbudget — had to look for some revenue items. So the taxcollected here is going into general revenue, not being ded-icated or specifically addressed towards reducing child-hood obesity.

I would have thought that with the interests of the Min-ister of Health and the Minister of Education in this issue,that linkage would have been provided for and that therecommendations that they have made to the Select Stand-ing Committee on Finance over the years would have hadthat two-part response.

Also, another critical issue in the budget is the lack ofa jobs plan, a lack of support for the revenue-generatingministries, the economic-generating ministries that wehave in the government. For example, if we look into theMinistry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Opera-tions, resources are down in just about every componentof the ministry operations.

I think that is a very troubling, worrisome situation,because we know that we need to have the support inthose ministries to be able to address the need for all ofthose sectors to be able to generate the important reven-ues. When we look into the budget documents, it’s clearthat the revenue components from those sectors are allprojected to be down. I would have thought, and we wouldhave thought, that more resources would have beenapplied, a clearer plan for those sectors, in order to reversethose trends, instead of seeing those ministry budgets cur-tailed and decreased.

We’ve talked about a litany or a list of broken com-mitments from the NDP in all of the decisions and theapproach that they’re taking. There’s another one here thathasn’t really been listed yet, but it manifests itself in theMinistry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Opera-tions budget. We don’t see this provision in the budget atall. In fact, with the reduced resources across those critic-al divisions, operating divisions within the ministry, we’regoing to see more and more challenges in this sector.

The one that I’m referring to specifically is the fundingand resources committed to fish and wildlife managementin British Columbia. The platform commitment, what thecurrent provincial government said during the electionand a key piece of their platform was that “British Colum-bia’s biodiversity, fish and wildlife population and habitat


upon which they depend are under threat due to lack ofgovernment funding, cuts to staff and ineffective policies”of the NDP.

The B.C. government commitment at the time: “We willensure dedicated funding for wildlife and habitat conser-vation, give wildlife and habitat a priority…. We will putall the funds from hunting licences and tags into a dedic-ated fund for wildlife and habitat conservation.”

Well, that is another broken commitment of the govern-ment. There’s currently no plan to dedicate the funds fromthe hunting licences. There’s no commitment apparent oreven suggested in the documents, in any of the budgetdocuments.

[11:40 a.m.]In fact, what we do see is cuts in the funding to the

core operation in the divisions of the ministry that willdo nothing to address this. I know this will be a majordisappointment to the hunting sector, to the trapping andguide-outfitting sector, as they look into the detailed partsof the budget — a clear commitment that has not beendelivered on and will continue to not have the appropriateresources dedicated to the wildlife and habitat sections ofthe ministry.

It was a clear commitment that was made. It was alsoa commitment that we made in our platform as well. Themembers opposite, the government, clearly, it appears,have no intentions on moving forward with that commit-ment, because as I said, what we don’t see is the transferinto that dedicated fund. We don’t see even the commit-ments in the ministry with reductions in the core operat-ing divisions of the ministry in that area.

It’s also, in those key areas, the cuts to those operatingdivisions are really going to do nothing and put increasedpressure on the ministry’s ability to manage the permittingauthorizations process that they are responsible for. Weare hearing example after example and concerns all acrossthe sectors about the timelines and the growing backlogsin the permitting and authorization side of government.I would have thought that in order to help and reversethe trend and to see the revenue generation from thoseimportant sectors reverse and improve, that resourceswould have been put in place to address those specific con-cerns.

We also have noted in the budget…. On the trade side ofit, I’ve made comments on that already around the appar-ent lack of priority in the budgets for those critical indus-tries that help generate that revenue and the very, veryclear importance of global markets and trade for our eco-nomy.

Let’s just look at, really, what’s happening. In the lastyear, a 6.4 percent decline in the value of B.C.-originexports, reductions in shipments to most major destina-tions. Exports fell to the U.S. by close to 3 percent, to main-land China by close to 4 percent, 13 percent into Japan, 12percent into Korea, 13 percent into the European Union.

Taiwan down almost 14 percent. Forestry exports of solidwood products slumped by 20 percent in 2019.

All of these sectors are facing significant challenges, andwhat we don’t see in the budget is a plan to help reversethose. In fact, what we see with the response from thegovernment is the closure of stand-alone provincial officesin our key markets. An announcement that was quietlyreleased on New Year’s Eve: the word “trade” taken out ofthe name of the ministry. I think it means much more thanthe word change. It really shows and reveals a lot about thegovernment’s priority. Now is not the time to reduce sup-port; now is the time where we should be doubling downon B.C.’s efforts. This budget does the opposite.

We should be focusing much more resources into thoseinitiatives. Co-locating and moving the trade offices, really,has the consequence of diminishing those efforts and thepriority on that key initiative.

[11:45 a.m.]I just want to comment briefly as well about the Cit-

izens’ Services Ministry. I attended, along with the mem-ber for Kelowna West, the recent security and privacy con-ference. The major theme coming through that conferencewas the increasing threats and risks to the protection ofpeople’s privacy through increasing sophistication andefforts in the cybersecurity world.

This was a conference coordinated by the ministry, withlots of participants from the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.Expert after expert said increasing threats, and govern-ment is not keeping pace and starting to fall behind theprotection that’s needed. What do we see in the Ministry ofCitizens’ Services? A $7 million cut in the budget — hardlythe right thing to be doing, as we need to make sure thatwe have the resources and both staffing and expertise tobe able to address that in Citizens’ Services going forward.That’s another area that we’ll be pursuing in the estimatesprocess.

This budget…. It’s disappointing. It’s clearly creatinguncertainty for people’s lives and for businesses. Taxationis up $5.7 billion under the NDP. The number will go up to$8.8 billion in 2021.

I see my time is ending, so I’ll just close by saying thatthis is a missed opportunity. It’s a tax-and-spend budget.No plan for economic growth and revenue generation,except by taxing hard-working British Columbians.

I won’t be supporting the budget as it currently stands.

J. Sims: It is my pleasure today to rise and speak in sup-port of what I know is very balanced, thoughtful, looking-forward and building on the agenda that our governmentstarted when we got elected. I also want to acknowledgethe amazing work done by our Finance Minister, who hasbeen prudent, who has been focused like a laser to makesure that our investments are in people and providing ser-vices that people need, while at the same time growinggood-paying jobs right across this province. I am so proudto be part of a government that is so focused on the eco-


nomy but not forgetting the people who actually build thateconomy.

I also, before I actually get into the budget, do want totalk about the kind of a shift we’ve seen in the province.As I’ve said many times in here, I’m a mother, I’m a grand-mother and now I’m a great-grandmother. It’s endless joythat Alliya has brought into my life.

The unfortunate thing for me was that when my grand-children went to school…. Because they went to schoolthrough the 16 years of cuts, they were the victims of thecuts to public education. They did not enjoy the diversityor depth of public education that my daughter had enjoyedprevious to the opposition being elected. They were there,my grandchildren — this is going to school — during thetime that the collective agreement was stripped and stu-dents’ working and learning conditions were just ignoredand taken out of collective agreements.

For me, it is very satisfying to know that my great-granddaughter will be going back into a society and intoa system where a government that is more caring, that ismore focused on people, is actually at the helm. It is mygreat-granddaughter and my granddaughter who will havebenefited from the elimination of the MSP premiums, thelargest tax cut in B.C. history. It is my great-granddaughterand my granddaughter who are benefiting from the childcare subsidies. It’s because of that that my granddaughter isable to hold down a full-time job, because she can get childcare that is reasonable and that is affordable.

[11:50 a.m.]It is because of the changes we are making in the area of

education, the investments into health care, that they willbe able to participate and be members in a society wherethey will not feel they’re forgotten. They will be the oneswho are at the centre when a government makes decisions.

[Mr. Speaker in the chair.]

It is with a great deal of pleasure and a kind of satisfac-tion that I look at the things this government has done ina very, very short time. Some days it seems like a nano-second. Some days it does seem like a nanosecond.

I’m talking about the differences to children who are liv-ing in care. I know this was in the previous budget, but Iwant to remind us of that — that they no longer have topay for post-secondary education because we are takingthat responsibility on because it’s the right thing to do.

Talking about ESL and talking about grade 12 educationbeing available for those who come into the country orthose who were here and did not graduate — that is nowavailable at no cost. The amount of money that has beeninvested into post-secondary education, even before this

budget, to create spaces for nurses, doctors, people whoare working on the trades, on their red seal….

Let me not forget getting rid of student loan interestrates. As a teacher, I can remember many a student whocould not afford to go to post-secondary. Even thosewho could stretch themselves and thought they couldget a loan, the thought of being burdened under thoseloans that accumulated was more and more becoming abarrier. So it is so, so delightful for me that these changeshave taken place.

Today I had goosebumps as I listened to the Ministerof Housing, as I listened to her talk about how we havebuilt affordable housing, how people are off the streets andpeople, for the first time, over 4,000 of them — not a smallnumber — are already in safe, secure housing where theyare receiving the supports they need. That is the govern-ment I am proud of. That is the government I know I wantfor my children and grandchildren. It’s when you get….

Different governments come and go, but Mr. Speaker,as you know, it’s always about making choices. This gov-ernment has focused on making sure life is more afford-able for the people who live in British Columbia, makingsure that governance is for those who live here. We havemade sure that while we’re providing services that hadbeen wrenched from them summarily — whether it waseducation, health care, workers’ rights, children’s rights,all those that were wrenched from them — it’s address-ing those in a very slow, methodical and systematic way.I’m so proud of a government that has achieved so muchin such a short time.

Noting the time, I do reserve my right to come back andfinish my speech on the budget because I have so much tosay about what is actually in the budget. I’m so excited thatBritish Columbians, my grandchildren, my great-grand-daughter, have a government that puts them at the centreof the decisions that are made.

J. Sims moved adjournment of debate.

Motion approved.

Hon. S. Robinson moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

Mr. Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30this afternoon.

The House adjourned at 11:54 a.m.


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