[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

Two o'clock p.m.

Prayers by Mr. Coleman.

Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."

Mr. Thorpe presented a petition regarding Hepatitis C compensation.

Mr. Campbell presented a petition regarding Bill C-68.

The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."

Order for Committee of Supply called.

Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section A of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways).

  48   By leave, the Hon. A. Petter moved--

WHEREAS the B.C. Unity Panel of legislators and private citizens has consulted the people of British Columbia about the Calgary Framework for Discussion on Canadian Unity, which was agreed to by the federalist Premiers and Territorial Leaders of Canada on September 14, 1997, and about other issues pertaining to national unity;

AND WHEREAS British Columbians have affirmed their commitment to preserving a strong and united Canada that fosters the social and economic well being of all its citizens;

AND WHEREAS British Columbians have expressed their commitment to the equality of status for all provinces, while recognizing the unique character of Quebec;

AND WHEREAS the Calgary Framework in no way diminishes the rights enjoyed by Canadians;

AND WHEREAS the Calgary Framework does not imply agreement to constitutional change, and any future amendment to the Constitution of Canada must be approved by British Columbians in a referendum in accordance with the Constitutional Amendment Approval Act, RSBC 1996, c. 67.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this Legislative Assembly endorse the principles of the Calgary Framework for Discussion on Canadian Unity as follows:

1. All Canadians are equal and have rights protected by law.

2. All provinces, while diverse in their characteristics, have equality of status.

3. Canada is graced by a diversity, tolerance, compassion and an equality of opportunity that is without rival in the world.

4. Canada's diversity includes Aboriginal peoples and cultures, the vitality of the English and French languages and a multicultural citizenry drawn from all parts of the world.

5. In Canada's federal system, where respect for diversity and equality underlies unity, the unique character of Quebec society, including its French speaking majority, its culture and its tradition of civil law, is fundamental to the well being of Canada. Consequently, the legislature and Government of Quebec have a role to protect and develop the unique character of Quebec society within Canada.

6. If any future constitutional amendment confers powers on one province, these powers must be available to all provinces.

7. Canada is a federal system where federal, provincial, and territorial governments work in partnership while respecting each other's jurisdictions. Canadians want their governments to work co- operatively and with flexibility to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the federation. Canadians want their governments to work together particularly in the delivery of their social programs. Provinces and territories renew their commitment to work in partnership with the Government of Canada to best serve the needs of Canadians.

And that, following upon the report of the B.C. Unity Panel, this Legislative Assembly endorse these further principles:

1. That British Columbia supports national standards for health care and believes that these standards are best set co-operatively by the federal government with the provinces;

2. That British Columbia supports the federal government's equalization program and believes that for other federal transfers for health, education, and social programs, provinces should receive the same level of federal funding per person;

3. That British Columbia believes that provinces should be able to assume greater responsibility in areas that are important to them, such as fisheries in the case of British Columbia.

The Speaker made a statement as follows:

Honourable Members:

Before debate proceeds on Motion 48 standing on the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, May 14th, 1998, I wish to make a brief observation.

Members will have noticed that the form of the Motion departs somewhat from the normal restrictions applicable to Motions outlined in the notes to Standing Order 50 in Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia, 3rd edition at page 117.

Debate will proceed on the Motion, as tendered, as it deals with matters arising out of the Calgary Framework on Canadian Unity, and the Chair has been previously advised that the form of the Motion has the approval of Government and Official Opposition.

Gretchen Mann Brewin, Speaker

A debate arose.

By leave, Mr. Campbell tabled a copy of his presentation notes to the Rt. Honourable Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister and Federal Caucus.

The debate continued.

On the motion of Mr. Reitsma, the debate was adjourned to the next sitting of the House.

(In Committee -- Section A)

Section A of Committee of Supply reported progress.

Report to be considered at the next sitting.

Committee to sit again at the next sitting.

The Hon. D. Zirnhelt advised that the House will sit Wednesday, pursuant to Standing Order 2 (2).

And then the House adjourned at 5.38 p.m.

GRETCHEN MANN BREWIN, Speaker

NOTICE OF BILLS

Thursday, May 21

Mr. Abbott to introduce a Bill intituled An Act to Amend the Hospital District Act.

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