Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: S. Thomson.

Statements

JOURNÉE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

Hon. A. Dix: I know people have been waiting for this today. We are celebrating B.C. Francophonie Day, la Journée de la francophonie en Colombie-Britannique.

We’re going to have an event in the Hall of Honour at noon, and I welcome all MLAs to come. There are two major themes this year. Of course, today’s principal theme is that we will be celebrating the Canadian Francophone Games which are coming here to Victoria this summer, which is going to be fantastic.

Secondly, we’re acknowledging the 75th anniversary of la Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique, which is a recognition of their extraordinary achievements as an organization.

In the galleries with us today is Marie-Nicole Dubois, vice-president of la Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Brittanique; Marie-Pierre Lavoie, the presi­dent of the organizing committee for la Jeux de la francophonie canadienne here in Victoria; Casey Edmunds, who’s the executive director of the games; and Pauline Gobeil, the executive director for the Société francophone de Victoria.

I wish that everyone makes them welcome and joins us to celebrate Francophonie Day.

WORLD LYMPHEDEMA DAY

N. Letnick: I have two announcements to make this morning. One is this is the World Lymphedema Day — tomorrow, actually, on March 6. This is a tragic and incurable condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including up to a million Canadians, and often results in swelling in the limbs that can leave people with chronic discomfort and disfigurements.

It is a very distressing condition, and the work that this organization does to raise awareness, promote healthy and hopeful living and fight for a cure cannot be thanked enough.

Would the members of the House please join me in thanking the B.C. Lymphedema Association on the World Lymphedema Day tomorrow.

JOURNÉE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

N. Letnick: I’d like to join le ministre de la santé pour la Journée de la francophonie aujourd’hui à Victoria et à travers la province de la Colombie-Britannique. Il y a plus de 300,000 personnes, francophones et francophiles, ici en Colombie-Britannique qui célèbrent la journée. J’espère que tous les députés de cette chambre vont joindre le ministre et l’association pour un petit verre ici à midi juste en dehors de ces portes.

Would the House please join the minister and myself and all the 300,000 French-speaking or sympathetic people to the French language in celebration of this wonderful day that comes once a year in the province but, actually, comes once every day in my house back at home. Please welcome them.

Mr. Speaker: Minister, Mental Health and Addictions.

Introductions by Members

Hon. J. Darcy: Merci beaucoup, monsieur. C’est un grand plaisir pour moi de faire des introductions de deux amis spéciaux. That’s as far as I’ll go.

It’s a great pleasure to make introductions today to two very special friends who are in the gallery. One of them was introduced yesterday, but he’s back today — Thomas Sigurdson, the outgoing director of the B.C. Building Trades and a good friend and a constituent from New Westminster. He is here today with Vicky Waldron, who is the executive director of the construction industry rehabilitation plan.

[10:10 a.m.]

We are very, very proud in our ministry to work in close partnership with the B.C. Building Trades and the Construction Labour Relations Association, the employers, in order to respond to the overdose crisis to save lives, connect people to treatment and recovery. As we know, one in four people who are dying work in trades or transport.

The construction industry rehab plan does remarkable work in the areas of providing education, prevention, combating stigma, delivering treatment services, naloxone training, counselling programs and connection to treatment and recovery programs and a new pilot project, which is about developing alternatives to opioids for the management of chronic pain for workers in that industry.

I also want to give a shout-out to Vicky’s team — Nicole Che, Mardean Neuman, Esha Mashhour, Sandeep Ranu and Serena Slatten. Together we are saving lives and connecting people to their pathways of hope to treatment and recovery. Thank you so much for your amazing work.

Would the House please join me in welcoming them today.

A. Wilkinson: In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re joined today by 12 women, up-and-comers from the Lower Mainland and Victoria who are here to shadow female MLAs and learn how the Legislature operates — perhaps not in its usual fashion today, but it’s interesting, nonetheless.

They are Alana Tacy, Courtney van den Boogaard, Sarah Miller, Leslie McDonnell, Alisa Gloag, Kaelin Hickford, Lindsay Remple, Anissa Lau, Lisa Matthew, Emily Lycopolus, Justine Lee and Kirsten Sharp. And there’s a 13th passenger. Baby Myra belongs to Ms. Lycopolus and, at ten weeks, is setting a new record for the youngest Young Liberal ever.

Hon. L. Popham: My ministerial assistant, Jason Craik, is joining us in the chamber today, and he has a very special guest with him. His father is here. Jeff Craik is visiting from Kaleden. Now, I know that Jason is trying to show his dad a very good time, and I know that he’s making it extra cozy, because Jason ordered new bed linens just to make his dad feel more at home. So welcome.

D. Clovechok: It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce some folks from the Kootenays. In the gallery today, I have three tourism heavy-hitters who are here attending the TIABC conference. Barry Zwueste is the president and CEO of St. Eugene’s Mission Resort and Casino. I’ve known Barry for over 30 years. He’s been with CP Hotels and Resorts and then Fairmont. He’s just a great guy. I understand that at the dinner tonight they’re going to be receiving an award. So congratulations for that.

Vivek Sharma, is the president and CEO of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Vivek comes to us from Sun Peaks, and he’s a great addition to our valley. Dave Butler is the director of sustainability for Canadian Mountain Holidays. He’s also an author, books called Full Curl, No Place for Wolverines and In Rhino We Trust. If you haven’t read them, you need to go out and buy them.

Also in the audience is Sarah Miller from Invermere, a great friend of mine. She’s here on the shadow program.

I want to ask this House to make them all feel very welcome.

J. Sims: Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a very special wedding. Those of you who’ve been to South Asian weddings know that they’re not tiny family affairs. These are weddings where people gather from right across the globe. In this case, it was no different. We had people there from Australia, from India, from England, from the United States and, of course, from all across Canada.

This was a big weekend for the Gill family and the Chhina family. I want to say that both the bride and groom, husband and wife Amarjit Singh Gill and Seerat Chhina, are in the House today. They brought with them a representative of the international guest list they had at their wedding.

Here are Ripan Chhina and Rimpy Chhina, brother and brother-in-law to Seerat, the bride; Kanwar Baath and Gurleen Baath, relatives; Davinder Malhi and Manty Malhi, who are sister and brother-in-law to the groom; Jagdeep Sidhu, a cousin.

[10:15 a.m.]

Narinder Chhina, of course, is the lady who was the focus of everybody’s attention. Not you, Seerat, but the mom of the bride. I know how hard it was to participate in this wedding and how emotional it was for you. Of course, the little nephew and niece who stole the show — Manjaap Chhina and Amrose Chhina. They’re accompanied by Rabina.

Please join me in celebrating the marriage of Amarjit and Seerat Chhina and welcoming their guests.

M. Lee: I’d like to also join to welcome one particular participant in the shadow program, and that is my daughter, Justine Lee. Justine was born in Ottawa back at a time when I worked for the federal Minister of Justice — hence, her name. She has grown up to know no limits in terms of what is possible for her in this world and in terms of her student leadership. Whether it’s with environmental sustainability issues, working with inner-city school kids in Chicago as well as with women on the Downtown Eastside, Justine continues to demonstrate the kind of leadership that we all, particularly Mom and Dad, really respect and are very proud of.

Thank you, Justine, and welcome to this House.

J. Routledge: Please join me in welcoming a group of brave women who are showing the way. This morning the government women’s caucus met with a large group of women in trades. They told us some incredible stories about what they went through to get into their trades, some of the issues they face day to day on the job. They are challenging stereotypes every day. They are incredible role models for the next generation of strong women. They are making it possible for young women to have good jobs that will change the province and build the province.

J. Thornthwaite: I’d like to welcome to the House a friend to the B.C. Legislature. He was our MLA for several years — I think two or three. I’ve got to get it right. He was elected the same time I was, anyways, in 2009. Now he is the new MP for Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge. Would the House please welcome Marc Dalton.

Statements

CCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

S. Malcolmson: I hope that the Legislature will give a warm welcome to the eight women’s basketball teams from across the country who are coming to Nanaimo to compete at Vancouver Island University in the CCAA Women’s Basketball Championships. It’s a huge honour for Nanai­mo to host teams from B.C., Alberta, Quebec, Ontario and one team from the Atlantic region, and to have it hosted in Snuneymuxw territory at Vancouver Island University. It’s going to be fantastic.

I hope people will come out from March 18 to 21 and cheer your team on. I’ll be cheering for the Mariners.

Introductions by Members

T. Shypitka: I like to return favours. As my colleague from Columbia River–Revelstoke just introduced a couple of constituents from my riding, I will return the favour and introduce a couple of constituents from his riding. In the gallery, we’ve got Jim and Babs Webster from Kimberley. They are part of the Pipes and Drums of British Columbia — I’ll be speaking more to that in my two-minute statement — and their friend Nancy Watson from Sidney. Would the House please welcome them to the gallery.

M. Dean: It’s my great pleasure today to introduce Christina and Bella Ross. They’re here from Metchosin. Bella is a student at Hans Helgesen Elementary School in Sooke school district 62, and she won a competition in December last year to create the picture for my seasonal card that went out to so many people in my community. I’m so excited that they’re here today. I would hope that everybody would make them very welcome.

D. Barnett: Today in the gallery, we have three students who are here for a robotics contest from Peter Skene Ogden School in 100 Mile House — grade 9, 10, and 11 students Corey Bougie, Mickey Hannesschalger, Ty Butler. With them, they have our fire chief, who is, I think, mentoring them and helping them, Roger Hollander.

[10:20 a.m.]

Good luck in your contest, for those of you that are staying here. It is a robotics contest, and it’s at the Save-On Centre for the next three days. Congratulations and good luck.

S. Furstenau: I have three introductions to make. I’m delighted to have Curtis Walz and Ella Mister Douglas here today shadowing me. Curtis is a first-year political science student at UVic. We met in my friend Andrew Wender’s UVic poli-sci class in the fall. He grew up in Kelowna, has always loved politics and is looking forward to a career in politics. He’s the chair of the UVic Greens and apparently really nailed his portrayal of Thisbe in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He really enjoys theatre.

Ella Mister Douglas — I actually met her when she was presenting at the Lake Cowichan city council meeting about her experience as a member of the B.C. Youth Parliament and reporting on what she’d learned. She’s a grade 12 student at Lake Cowichan School and is looking to go into political science at UVic next year. Her hobby is watercolour painting.

I’m especially excited to announce and to introduce my son, who is here in the gallery today. He’s Peter Salmon; he’s 14 years old. He is a funny, hard-working, humble, lovely person. It is my delight to be in his company these last few days.

Peter started his citizen action part of his life quite early. When he was seven years old, he wrote a letter to the editor, pointing out that the earlier school start time for elementary schools meant that very small children were standing on the side of the road in the dark, waiting for their school buses. The next year the school time got pushed back to a later starting date. I don’t know how much Peter’s letter had to do with that, but it was a great example of how to be involved as an active citizen. I’m delighted he’s here today.

Would the House please make all three of my guests very welcome.

R. Singh: I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate three female leaders from my community of Surrey who have been nominated for YWCA Women of Distinction Awards. Those are Anita Huberman, CEO of Surrey Board of Trade; Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity; and Sonia Andhi, the founder of Shakti Society. Would the House please join me in congratulating them.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

BILL M204 — EQUAL PAY REPORTING ACT

S. Cadieux presented a bill intituled Equal Pay Reporting Act.

S. Cadieux: Eliminating the wage gap between men and women is critical to achieving our goals of inclusivity and sustainability. Women’s work should not be undervalued, nor should women’s skills be underutilized.

It’s true that part of the gender wage gap can be explained by the overrepresentation of women in lower-paying professions. In 2016, roughly two-thirds of em­ployed women worked in office administration, health, education and sales. In contrast, less than a third of men were employed in these occupations. But undervaluing the work of women is another issue for another day.

The OECD calculates the gender wage gap amongst the provinces. P.E.I. is the standout performer, and they get a B grade. British Columbia gets a D. In the six provinces that have pay equity legislation, the pay differentials are up to 12 percent lower.

How do we catch up? Well, the transparency that the Equal Pay Reporting Act would provide is a start. Of course, encouraging more women to seek employment in higher-wage occupations in male-dominated fields such as STEM is helpful. Frankly, if women ultimately don’t feel satisfied with their jobs or believe they’re being treated unfairly, that won’t be enough.

Good management and modern workplace policies — including flexible hours, telecommuting and parental leave — will all help women balance the demands of work and family, and of course, the availability of child care plays a role. Discrimination and unconscious bias must also be acknowledged and addressed, though. It’s hard to fix something you’re not looking for.

It can be fixed if organizations and governments are transparent about hiring practices, wages and requirements for promotions. We here have the power to prescribe transformational measures and compel employers to do what’s right and best for British Columbians. The government knows that equal-pay legislation is seen as best practice, yet we don’t yet have it in place.

This bill intends to bring pay inequality to light by requiring employers in British Columbia with 50 or more employees to publicly post an annual breakdown of gender wages. The information would include wages and bonus pay for male and female employees and be available on a company website or by other easily accessible means.

[10:25 a.m.]

The aim of the bill is just to drive change. It’s to facili­tate conversation and allow both employers and the public to see where there’s still work to be done.

I’m not interested in excuses; I’m interested in progress. It’s not a political stunt. It’s a meaningful attempt at ensuring equality in our workplaces.

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

Motion approved.

S. Cadieux: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill M204, Equal Pay Reporting Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

COWBOY HERITAGE WEEK

D. Barnett: For the last 11 years, the government of British Columbia has proclaimed a week in March as Cowboy Heritage Week. This year, Cowboy Heritage Week has been proclaimed for March 15 to March 22. The proclamation publicly acknowledges the contributions of the ranching industry and cowboy culture to the economic, social and cultural development of the province.

Fostering appreciation of cowboy heritage leaves a legacy of understanding and enjoyment for future generations. It also is an opportunity to recognize and respect cowboy heritage. This encourages richer encounters between Canadians and cowboy enthusiasts worldwide.

On February 8 in 100 Mile House, the annual cowboy concert, which has been held for 20 years, performed its last concert. Mark and Kathy McMillan have put on the concert since its inception, but now they are retiring, and unfortunately, no one is stepping up to take their place. Kamloops Cowboy Concert, which is also put on by Mark and Kathy McMillan, will be March 14 and 15. It, too, may be the last concert.

All funds raised over the past 20 years have gone to youth scholarships for cowboy families and to the Williams Lake Museum, which houses the Cowboy Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees will be inducted at the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo April 17 to 19.

The B.C. Cowboy Heritage Society was formed in 1998 to capture the memories of these living legends and share their stories. Last year’s inductees were Lawrence Elkins, Phillip Camille and Willie Crosina.

Thank you for 20 years of dedication. Please, if you’re in Williams Lake, go to the Cowboy Hall of Fame, see the history and the heritage of our cowboys, and their hard work will be there forever.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

M. Dean: Put your arms out front and strike the “Each for equal” pose. Let’s all be each for equal. That’s the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, this Sunday, March 8.

The message is that we are all individually responsible for creating equality in our world. We recognize women from all different backgrounds for their achievements. We recognize our sisters, aunties, mothers and daughters.

Here in B.C., we show our appreciation for the many women and girls who work to empower and advance others and strive to bring equality for everyone: women who fight sexism, gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence every day; women who offer mentoring, role models, support and safety to others who are targeted, suffering or struggling. We can all choose to be intentional in our daily activities, to challenge myths, eliminate bias, highlight success and celebrate all that women are and can be.

Gender equality is a foundation for economies and communities to thrive. We can all make a difference, whether it’s in the Legislature; in our workplaces, boardrooms, media, community groups or sports teams; in our families, friendships and communities.

Our collective action will carry us towards gender equality, so today let’s all celebrate and appreciate the women in our lives. Let’s all do what we can for the “each for equal” campaign. Together, we can advance equality and build a brighter future for women, girls and gender-diverse people in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.

Strike the pose. Let’s all be each for equal.

[10:30 a.m.]

75th ANNIVERSARY OF
LIBERATION OF NETHERLANDS

T. Shypitka: Today I am very excited to speak about an event that will highlight our incredible B.C. talent and put it on a world stage. I’m talking about the bagpipes and drums of British Columbia and their road to the 2020 commemoration for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

For those that don’t know, in the final months of World War II, Canadian Armed Forces led the fight to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. The First Canadian Army fought to open the port of Antwerp and to clear northern and western Netherlands of occupying forces. On May 5, 1945, Canadian General Charles Foulkes, commander of the I Canadian Corps, accepted the German surrender.

From across our great province, 42 pipers, ten side drummers, 11 tenors, two bass drummers and 15 support personnel will be performing seven events on this historic trip. But the trip does not end there. The group will then continue on to perform at the Vimy Ridge memorial. The band will be centred near Nijmegen, which was one of the combat sites in Operation Market Garden and featured in the old movie classic A Bridge Too Far.

I am told they will be rehearsing at the Vernon military base on March 7 in preparation for the trip. This is a proud moment for all of these band members to represent British Columbia. Hats off for the coordinating efforts of pipe major Chad Goodman with the Kelowna Pipe Band Society, to the Kimberley Pipe Band and president Jock MacDonald from Cranbrook, along with two members that are in the gallery today, Jim and Babs Webster.

Good luck to all members. I know you will represent us well.

SHAKTI SOCIETY

R. Singh: This Sunday is International Women’s Day, a day to take account of the vast body of achievements of women activists and leaders who have come before us and led the good fight from even before suffrage to the many battles of gender equality. It’s a day to celebrate those mighty women and those who are leaders of today and tomorrow, whether it be in activism, business or politics. By highlighting them and their achievements, we create representation and, thereby, role models, whom younger women and girls look up to and take up the torch from.

Shakti Society is one such organization that has been highlighting and honouring women and their successes for 20 years through the now popular Shakti Awards. They are a non-profit that has dedicated itself to empowering individuals, families and their communities. The word shakti is a Hindi word and is also the name of a goddess in Hindu mythology that personifies strength, energy and feminine creative power. These have been the operating foundation of the Shakti Awards as well.

Over the last two decades, they have honoured some amazing women in the fields of academic achievement, public services, volunteering, arts, sports and personal resilience. They are a volunteer-driven collective, led by the wonderful Sonia Andhi, who sacrifice their time and work painstakingly towards achieving their vision and for the wellness of the larger community.

I would like you all to join me in congratulating them on their 20th anniversary, which they will be celebrating at this year’s Shakti Awards dinner gala this Saturday, March 7, in Surrey.

WOMEN IN POLITICS

S. Furstenau: Super Tuesday was not so super for Elizabeth Warren, so it looks as though the U.S. Democratic Party will get to choose between two males of a certain age for their presidential candidate, and then choose between two males of a certain age for their president — same old, same old.

Here in Canada, a poll last year indicated that 19 percent of people think that feminism has too much influence in Canadian politics. This is polling that was done at the same time that Canada had only one woman amongst 13 provincial and territorial leaders in the country. In the 2019 federal election, a record-setting 29 percent of MPs elected were women. At the rate we’re going, it’s going to take 100 more years before we reach parity.

[10:35 a.m.]

While women are underrepresented in office, we are overrepresented in other ways. More than 1.9 million women in Canada live on a low income, 82 percent of sexual assault victims under 18 years old are girls and over 6,000 women and children sleep in shelters on any given night because it isn’t safe at home. These data sets are not disconnected. Women elected to office bring a necessary and deeply underrepresented perspective. When women are elected, change happens.

In Nevada, the first female-majority legislature in U.S. history has shown that the laws that have been passed very much demonstrate this. These laws include protection for women firefighters, a requirement that companies of over 50 employees pay sick leave, equal pay legislation and protection of women’s reproductive rights. The Nevada legislature also introduced a series of laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking that were passed unanimously.

We will only meet the needs of every citizen when our elected representation actually reflects our citizenry. This needs to be recognized not just on International Women’s Day but every day.

IMMIGRANT LINK CENTRE SOCIETY
AND FOOD REDISTRIBUTION

B. Ma: Last week I was visited by two incredible people at my office. With passion in their voices and fire in their eyes, Reihaneh Mirjani, an immigrant from Iran, and Igor Bjelac, an immigrant from Serbia, shared with me how the work they do through their charity, Immigrant Link Centre Society, helps new immigrants find community, supports vulnerable people with good-quality food, improves the health outcomes of the people they serve and helps to reduce GHG emissions. It sounds like magic, but it’s actually very simple, and it’s all about food waste.

An enormous amount of energy is used to produce food — to grow it, to raise it, to process it, to ship, to distribute it, to cook it — and to throw it out. Yet 58 percent of food produced in Canada, amounting to 35.5 million metric tonnes, is lost and wasted every year. Of that, 32 percent is edible food, amounting to $50 billion worth of edible food that is thrown out annually across the country. In addition to the GHGs released through the production of food, every year 56.5 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions are created by decomposing food waste in Canada.

Charities like Immigrant Link Centre Society and Harvest Project on the North Shore work with grocery retailers to collect food that stores won’t sell anymore but that is nevertheless still perfectly edible and would otherwise end up in the dump. They distribute it to the people who need it, bringing it either directly to people’s homes, like Immigrant Link Centre Society does, or through not-for-profit stores and other distribution networks, like the Harvest Project does in partnership with many not-for-profits across the North Shore.

In doing so, they are helping their communities and the environment, and I am very, very grateful.

Oral Questions

GOVERNMENT STAFF
INVOLVEMENT IN PROTESTS

M. de Jong: There is a group of people out front of the building, and they are carrying signs that say things like: “Shut down the government.” Last night apparently, a minister of the Crown thought it would be a good idea to bring some of those folks in. It created chaos. It led to arrests, and we have some questions about the judgment that was displayed around that. That would have been my question, but I am obliged now to confront the Solicitor General with some information.

Stephanie Papik is listed by OIC as having worked in the Premier’s office as the director of priorities and account­abilities between September 2017 and October 2018. To be sure, she is not listed as employed there now.

Her name is listed on the Google spreadsheet used by blockade organizers to bring supplies to the occupants on the front steps of the Legislature. She appears on social media to have posted a series of messages, including the following, earlier in February. “Please come out tonight and help keep the visibility of Indigenous youth to protect them from the Victoria police department.”

[10:40 a.m.]

Now the incredible part — and it is incredible, so incredible that I hope that the Solicitor General can stand up and say it’s not true. Stephanie Papik is listed today on the government directory as the director of strategic integration of Indigenous knowledge within the Ministry of Public Safety.

Can the minister stand up and assure the House that the Stephanie Papik that is calling for protection from the police isn’t the same individual who is the director of strategic integration within his ministry?

Hon. M. Farnworth: I will take the question on notice and come back with the information for the member.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West, a new question.

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS MINISTER
MEETING WITH PROTESTORS
AT LEGISLATURE

M. de Jong: I’ll accept that from the minister. I do hope, however, that he’ll clarify this matter today, if not in the House then through some other venue.

I’ll return, then, to the matter and the events of last night for the minister. I mentioned a group who have dedicated themselves, apparently, to shutting down the government. They are connected and supportive of other blockades and protests taking place around the province.

Last night the minister apparently thought it would be a good idea to invite them into the building. It led to chaos. It led to arrests within…. These galleries are closed to the public and have been all week, and the minister thought it would be a good idea to invite these folks into the building.

It led to the police having to attend. The police have released a statement that the minister will hear about in a moment. Their members were surrounded by hundreds of protesters. For hours, they were precluded from attending to other possible emergencies in and around Victoria.

How is the judgment — the poor judgment, the lack of judgment — that the minister displayed last night supposed to convey any sense of confidence or create any sense of confidence that he has the necessary judgment to undertake, on behalf of British Columbians, the negotiations that are taking place today?

Hon. S. Fraser: We received a request for a meeting with the protesters outside who have been there for probably two weeks now. Last night I met in good faith with the delegation of Indigenous youth who have been protesting, obviously. I wanted to share with them the work that we’re doing with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs to make the historic progress on rights and title. My hope was to convince them to give space to the Wet’suwet’en people as they consider the agreement and to end the protest.

We had a respectful discussion. It was witnessed by the Leader of the Third Party, the member for Saanich North and the Islands. I want to thank him for agreeing to do that. We had a respectful discussion, but there was an agreement and a commitment, which they did not honour, that they would leave following the event.

I’m deeply disappointed, obviously, that they broke their word, but I stand by my commitment to meet with people with respect and willingness to listen to others. In my job, if you can’t start a discussion with respect, with good faith and offering trust…. I’ve found, first of all, that has always been reflected back. That is the approach I have always taken as minister, and I stand by that.

[10:45 a.m.]

Mr. Speaker: The member for Abbotsford West on a supplemental.

M. de Jong: Unfortunately, what the minister did was to put a lot of people at risk, people that work within this building and people in and around Victoria for whom the police — the numerous police who were required to attend — were no longer available to provide service.

My question is: before he took this extraordinary step that played out so badly, did he seek advice from the Minister of Public Safety?

Hon. S. Fraser: Thanks to the member for his question. We consulted with the Speaker’s office. The Sergeant-at-Arms was there, also, and there was agreement to this approach.

M. Polak: For weeks now, all of us in this building have been carefully following the advice we’ve been given by Legislative Protective Services, and some of that advice is to be very careful about who we’re bringing into the building.

Many people may not know this in the public, but as legislators, we have access to the building any time, day or night. Legislative services will stand by and allow us to use our judgment to bring people into the building. It’s a huge responsibility.

My colleague is correct. In acting with the appalling lack of judgment that the minister showed, he put all sorts of people at risk. I’m disturbed to glean, through his comments, that…. I’m almost getting the impression he would do it again.

He talks about being surprised that these protesters didn’t keep their commitment. These are the same protesters that promised, when they first set up their camp, that they would leave in five days. That’s what they told protective services. They did not. They promised that they would not light a fire. They broke that promise too. I have a really difficult time understanding how someone with good judgment would believe that they would keep their commitment to leave the room.

But here’s what the Victoria police department said this morning in a statement that they issued. This is what should concern all members of the public in and around the Victoria area with respect to the judgment of this minister. Here’s what they said: “Officers who were responding to the scene were surrounded by over 100 protesters and were unable to respond to emergency calls for service.” I understand from this statement that this lasted for hours.

I think this House wants to know and deserves to know: did the minister discuss this with the Premier’s office before doing it?

Hon. S. Fraser: I do want to certainly acknowledge legislative security here for their calm professionalism throughout what was a difficult evening, a difficult night, and as well, the Victoria police department, and likewise, their calm professionalism that they displayed last night in a difficult time. I very much respect that and the work that they do.

When I met with the delegation, there was an agreement that they would leave. I met them at good faith. The work that we’ve been able to accomplish with the Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en, the work that we’ve been working on with the Hereditary Chiefs, is based on…. The Wet’suwet’en term is called wiggus. It means “respect.” The way I operate as a minister….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the response. Thank you.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. S. Fraser: The way I operate as a minister, and I’ve learned this in working with Indigenous peoples and First Nations, is that respect, trust and good faith is the approach towards reconciliation — the only approach that can possibly work.

I made the decision. As I mentioned, we discussed it with the Speaker, and the Sergeant-at-Arms was there. We entered into these discussions with good faith.

[10:50 a.m.]

I am very disappointed. The discussions were produc­tive. There was no indication that there would be an occupation. I’m deeply disappointed that there was.

Mr. Speaker: The House Leader for the opposition on a supplemental.

M. Polak: I’m really quite shocked that the first thing that the minister didn’t do when he got up in this House is to apologize. I’m quite shocked. I fully expected there would be some printed apology statement ready for us. I’m probably not surprised that he won’t answer the question as to whether or not he decided to seek advice from the Premier’s office, because in spite of our many disagreements, I’m pretty sure your Premier wouldn’t have shown that kind of bad judgment.

Here we are, though, with hours and hours of the Victoria police department not being able to respond to emergency calls, this building put at risk, security services put at risk.

Security services here — the minister has complimented them — each and every day are putting in incredible amounts of overtime to deal with this protest. They’re experiencing abuse being hurled at them each and every day. And then you force them to stand back as you bring some of these protesters in?

I want to know from the member…. He’s implied, by saying they were at the meeting, that the Sergeant-at-Arms office actually was okay with him doing this. Is that actually the advice he was given?

Hon. S. Fraser: I have an approach, as a minister, that I’ve learned not just in my time as minister but in my time in opposition. In my time as opposition, I witnessed from the other side their approach. I don’t think I need to take any lessons from the other side.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, order, please.

Hon. S. Fraser: Instead of working respectfully with Indigenous peoples, the other side held a referendum on Indigenous rights, kind of a tyranny-by-the-majority approach. That isn’t our approach. Our government believes in bringing people together. These are hard situations, and we should not shy away from the fact that it is dialogue that will solve them.

I am deeply disappointed that the respect that the member for Saanich North and the Islands and I gave to that small group of individuals that we agreed to speak with did not reflect that respect. But the way forward….

I remain committed to working with respect, with dialogue, with good faith and with trust. That’s the way, not tyranny by the majority as displayed by the previous government.

FUNDING FOR
SEXUAL ASSAULT CLINICS AND SERVICES

S. Furstenau: On Tuesday this week, government tabled a bill to legislate five days’ paid leave for survivors of domestic or sexualized violence. It is an absolutely crucial change and one that our caucus is proud to support. Ensuring that survivors have the ability to take off time when they need to seek medical care, meet with law enforcement or access emergency counselling services following an assault is critical, as is ensuring those services are there when they go to look for them.

In many areas of our province, this is not the case. The decision by multiple governments over many decades to consistently underfund the medical and justice services needed by survivors of sexualized violence is inherently sexist and dangerous to women. It does not have to be this way.

[10:55 a.m.]

As we raised the question in question period on Monday, B.C. is home to an integrated clinic that offers medical, police and counselling services in one location and is a model that has proven, both medically and fiscally, to provide better care at a lower cost. All communities deserve this level of support.

My question is to either the Minister of Health or the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Given the overlap and intersection between health and justice in cases of sexualized violence, which one of you is taking responsibility for ensuring these specialized services are available to survivors when they leave work to look for them?

Hon. M. Farnworth: I thank the hon. member for that very important question.

All ministries in government take this issue that she has raised extremely seriously, whether it’s my ministry or the Ministry of Health or other ministries in government. That’s why I can tell you that in terms of the work that my ministry does around sexualized violence, we’re spending right now more than $37 million a year to more than 400 agencies providing services right across the province.

The member talks about the centre in Victoria, which I visited, which I believe actually serves as a model for potential services around the province to deal with sexualized violence, to look at them in a way that serves each community in the way that meets the needs of those particular communities. That’s why that service has received and is into the second year of a $200,000 grant, and I’m looking forward to receiving a grant application for the funding in this coming year. We will continue to make these services a priority right across the province.

Mr. Speaker: The House Leader, Third Party on a supplemental.

S. Furstenau: I’m pleased that the minister agrees that the Victoria clinic is a model. However, they did make a funding request for Budget 2020, which was rejected. That request would have helped with sending communities and clinics the capacity to build up this model across the province.

Providing people with effective medical and police support are not elective services to be thrown grant money if we have some left over at the end of the year. These are essential government services, and it’s not enough to just focus on clinics in major cities. People are assaulted in literally every community in the province, and we cannot pretend that these rates aren’t impacted by government’s priorities.

As the final report from the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls inquiry stated, there is substantial evidence linking major resource extraction projects and violence against Indigenous women. This government can find billions of dollars to subsidize these projects, yet when we need the millions to respond to the consequences, they aren’t there.

My question is to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. How much will it take to get funding to these clinics around the province, and which minister will stand up and fight for this?

Hon. M. Farnworth: As I said a moment ago, each ministry in government takes these issues extremely seriously. And as I outlined, that’s why funding has been increased in the budget since we became office. That’s why an additional $5 million each year and an additional $3 million on top of that funding is in place in this year’s budget.

As I said, I want to see these kinds of services extended around the province but in a way that meets the needs of particular communities. We have committed by the actions that we have taken to date. As I’ve said in the case of the Victoria centre, which I think is doing excellent work, I’m looking forward to receiving their grant application. Base funding has increased in other areas of government. As I can tell you, this is a priority, and it will continue to be one.

GOVERNMENT HANDLING OF
RESOURCE PROJECT PROPOSALS

A. Weaver: I’m sure every member of this House will agree that a stable regulatory environment is key to maintaining B.C.’s reputation as a welcoming place to do business. This means that the approval of natural resource projects must be based on scientific evidence and not politics. Yet in 2012, upon recommendation from the executive director of the environmental assessment office, the B.C. Liberals rejected the Morrison mine project proposed by Pacific Booker Minerals, despite it having received a positive environmental assessment. In justifying their decision, they cited environmental concerns about the effects of the mine on water quality in Morrison Lake and local salmon populations, despite already having a positive environmental assessment.

[11:00 a.m.]

Despite their rejection of the Pacific Booker project, in 2013 the B.C. Liberals went to Ottawa to lobby the federal government to approve the Prosperity mine, a project that had received two negative assessments by federal review panels. There’s some suspicion that the decision around the Morrison mine had less to do with environmental concerns and more to do with political calculation.

My question is to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Has this government been able to determine why this company was treated so differently from others at the time? And how will it prevent situations like this from happening in the future?

Hon. B. Ralston: I’d like to thank the member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head for his question. I’m sure the member will appreciate that I’m not in a position to advise what led the former government to make its decision about the proposed Morrison mine. What I can say, though, is that their approach was shortsighted and certainly didn’t bring certainty to the sector.

Our government has taken a different approach. My predecessor, as minister, initiated the Mining Jobs Task Force, which worked hard with First Nations, industry and communities to find ways to strengthen this fundamental, foundational industry.

There were 25 recommendations emanating from the task force. They’ve all been accepted by government, and almost all of them have now been implemented. We have made two mining tax credits permanent, bringing immediate benefits to the B.C. mineral exploration sector by adding more certainty. We’ve invested $1 million for the mining innovation roadmap, $1 million for the Regional Mining Alliance.

As further evidence of the strengthening of the sector, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan just signed a $300 million investment deal to provide an investment in the New Afton mine, just outside the civic boundaries of Kamloops.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Oak Bay–Gordon Head on a supplemental.

A. Weaver: I must admit that was a lot of information about a lot of mines that weren’t the mine I’m actually talking about. Maybe I can try again.

A key element of the previous government’s unrealistic strategy for natural resource development revolved around, as we all know, LNG. We know that certain natural gas projects were located in areas close to the Morrison mine. Comments from groups engaged in the Pacific Booker project have indicated that the province was facing significant pressure to avoid reopening discussions around the Morrison mine in order to obtain the support necessary for the Prince Rupert gas transmission line.

The decision to reject the project had serious repercussions for Pacific Booker. Their share price plummeted, from $14.95 to $4.95 in one day, and many investors lost their life savings. What’s more is that the ministry failed to inform Pacific Booker of its intention to issue an adverse recommendation and did not provide the company with an opportunity to respond to it.

After a legal battle in which the Supreme Court found that this conduct violated standards of procedural fairness and that the environmental assessment office recommendation be presented to cabinet for reconsideration, the government once again rejected the project in order to undergo further assessment. However, in its order, the government appeared to issue unclear directions that substantially delayed the process. As of 2019, in September….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

A. Weaver: As of September 2019, Pacific Booker had yet to be fully provided with this opportunity.

My question, again, is to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. When is this firm going to have the chance to have their project undergo further assessment, as put forward by the Supreme Court?

Hon. B. Ralston: The short answer is that the company is currently working through the required regulatory processes for further assessment. The further assessment for the proposed project includes the requirement for a supplemental application information requirement. There are a number of requirements. The EAO continues to work with the company on this, and I’m advised that the latest submission was received by the EAO in December 2019.

[11:05 a.m.]

STATUS OF PROTESTS AND AGREEMENT ON
WET’SUWET’EN RIGHTS AND TITLE

S. Bond: Well, yesterday the Premier declared that there had been a drastic drop-off in blockades, and he predicted a period of calm would prevail. Well, only hours later, there were three new blockades. The busy Cambie and 49th intersection in Vancouver, the University Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall intersection at the University of British Columbia, and the intersection of Mountain Highway and Keith Road in North Vancouver.

And all of us know what happened here in the Legislature. Five people were arrested at the Legislature. So much for the Premier’s prediction about a period of calm.

These blockades continue to impact British Columbians’ lives. They are disrupting people who just want to get on with their day and get home to their families.

British Columbians deserve to know what the Minister of Indigenous Relations did and what he said and how he worked through his negotiations to deal with the blockades. Can he stand up today and tell British Columbians exactly what his negotiations discussed when it came to ending blockades in the province?

Hon. S. Fraser: The member knows, because we’ve canvassed this before, that the discussions that we had with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs last weekend — three days, three nights — were in camera. It’s not appropriate for me, with respect to the Wet’suwet’en people, to speak to those issues until the Wet’suwet’en people have a chance to review and ratify the arrangement that we had come to, regarding a recognition, a process to recognize rights and title.

But I will say that we’re guided in this place by one of the most significant pieces of legislation that this place has ever seen — a few months ago, Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. I just want to…. I know there are some groans from the other side. But I would note that the other side voted for this piece of legislation. It was unanimous.

Now, maybe it’s not the actions they voted for. Maybe they just voted for the words. But the declaration actually speaks to consulting and collaborating in good faith with Indigenous peoples as a way to change the Crown-Indigenous relationship, which is long overdue.

That is exactly what we are doing as government. It’s what I am doing as minister. Is it hard work? I’ve never faced harder challenges, hon. Speaker. Is it worth it? Yes, it is.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Prince George–​Valemount on a supplemental.

S. Bond: Well, all of us in this House recognize the responsibilities that we have, and one of those responsibilities, the primary one, is to stand in this place and ask questions and get answers for all British Columbians.

We should be clear that British Columbians expected this minister, in those negotiations and any agreement that he agreed to, would include the issue of blockades. But that simply hasn’t happened. British Columbians have no idea — not one detail of the agreement that this minister agreed to.

The public are not the only ones who are in the dark. The elected Wet’suwet’en Chiefs are saying…. This is from the elected Wet’suwet’en Chiefs: “Negotiation of this agreement to date has moved forward without our Wet’suwet’en communities.”

On the other hand, we have the Hereditary Chiefs saying that the Premier “let his ego guide his mouth.”

The Premier has completely mishandled this file. British Columbians want and deserve answers. Can the minister, at least today, stand up and assure British Columbians that he will table the agreement in this Legislature?

[11:10 a.m.]

Hon. J. Horgan: I appreciate the question from the member. I’ll do my level best to give her direct answers to the points that she raised.

I’m not familiar with the quotation she referred to, my mouth and my ego. I look forward to the comprehensive quote sent over at any moment now.

What I do want to say to all members and to all British Columbians: these are extraordinary times. They are extremely uncomfortable for opposition, for government, for those who are in the gallery, those who are at home, for the media, for all of us. These have been an extraordinary few weeks, unparalleled in my personal experience and, I believe, in the history of British Columbia.

That is not to diminish the responsibility that government has. But it’s also to remind those of us who are sitting here that we have a collective responsibility for the Legislative Assembly, through the Speaker’s office and the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. That’s where those issues, with respect to the group outside, should be handled.

I have full support in the Minister of Indigenous Relations looking for an off-ramp in a very difficult situation. I believe that the right steps were taken, and I want to personally apologize to the Victoria police department for the situation they found themselves in.

I would also ask the member who asked the question, the Leader of the Official Opposition, and other members on the opposition side what suggestions and advice they may have for how we address the situation where there are a number of people on the front steps.

Interjections.

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

Hon. J. Horgan: It’s all right to abdicate responsibility on that side of the House. Or do we work together as British Columbians, putting aside our partisan perspectives and try and find a way forward?

We agreed in November as a unit, as every member of this House, to work towards genuine reconciliation. That’s what we’re trying to do. Is the mob outside helpful? I would suggest not.

Interjections.

Hon. J. Horgan: Well, then what, Member? Then what?

The member on that side of the House prefers to just throw her hands up in the air, and so do the rest of them.

Interjections.

[Mr. Speaker rose.]

Mr. Speaker: Members, order, please. Members.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, order, please.

[Mr. Speaker resumed his seat.]

Mr. Speaker: Premier.

Hon. J. Horgan: Hon. Speaker, I would suggest, in a very sensitive period where there are high tensions outside the building, that it would be better to calm the tensions down inside the building.

The message all of us should be sending to British Columbians and our constituents….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. J. Horgan: Hon. Speaker, we have politics outside. We have politics inside. Just another day in British Columbia.

[End of question period.]

Tabling Documents

Mr. Speaker: Members, I have the honour to present a report from the Office of the Merit Commissioner intituled 2018-19 Merit Performance Audit Report.