2001 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 37th Parliament

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The printed version remains the official version.

[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

No. 27

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Monday, August 27, 2001

Two o'clock p.m.

Prayers by Mr. Wong.

The Hon. G. Collins (Minister of Finance) tabled the following documents:

Statement of 2000/01 Borrowings Pursuant to Section 56 of the Financial Administration Act, Schedule A, Schedule B, Schedule C and Schedule D;

British Columbia Arts Council Annual Report, 2000/2001;

Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission Annual Report, 2000/2001;

BC Housing Annual Report, 2000-2001;

British Columbia Heritage Trust Annual Report and Financial Statements, 2000/2001;

British Columbia Ferry Corporation Annual Report, 2000/01;

Homeowner Protection Office Annual Report, 2000/2001;

Transportation and Highways Annual Performance Report, 2000/2001;

Public Service Employee Relations Commission Annual Report, 2000/2001;

Northern Development Commission Annual Report, 2000-2001; and

B.C. Pavilion Corporation Annual Report, April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2001.

By leave, Mr. K. Stewart presented a document regarding the Codd Island Wetlands in Pitt Meadows.

The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."

   3  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That Mr. Johnston be substituted by Mr. Hawes as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

Motion agreed to.

 

  4  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That in addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Special Committee of Selection, the committee is also empowered to sit during any period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House; to determine the membership of any select standing or special committee of the House; to deposit a copy of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment; and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

  6  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That annual reports and performance plans of British Columbia Crown Corporations be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Committee be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the Committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment, or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

  7  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the Select Standing Committee on Education be empowered to examine, inquire into and make recommendations by consulting with educators, students, parents, administrators and other British Columbians on the following matters:

1. (a) measures to improve access, choice, flexibility and quality in public education; and

(b) measures to strengthen our network of colleges, institutes and on-line learning throughout the province.

2. Consider any other matters referred to the Committee by the Minister of Education and the Minister of Advanced Education.

3. Prepare a report no later than February 28, 2002 on the results of those consultations.

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Education, the Committee shall be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient;

(d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

  8  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services be empowered to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to the pre-budget consultation report prepared by the Minister of Finance in accordance with section 2 of the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act and, in particular, to:

1. Conduct public consultations across British Columbia on proposals and recommendations regarding the provincial budget and fiscal policy for the coming fiscal year by any means the committee considers appropriate, including but not limited to public meetings, telephone and electronic means;

2. Prepare a report no later than November 15, 2001 on the results of those consultations.

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, the committee shall be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number one or more subcommittees and refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment or at the next following session, as the case may be, to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

  9  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That annual reports, performance plans, budgets and business plans of the following statutory officers be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services:

(a) Auditor General

(b) Chief Electoral Officer

(c) Child, Youth and Family Advocate

(d) Conflict of Interest Commissioner

(e) Information and Privacy Commissioner

(f) Ombudsman

(g) Police Complaint Commissioner

Motion agreed to.

 

  10  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the Select Standing Committee on Health be empowered to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to the changes that are necessary to improve the provision of health services in British Columbia, and to ensure that government expenditures on health care services are sustainable, and in particular to:

1. Conduct broad public consultations across British Columbia on proposals and recommendations regarding:

(a) the sustainability of the health care system in its current form and historical rate of spending;

(b) immediate and medium term solutions to better plan and manage public health care services, costs and funding pressures;

(c) measures to improve and renew the provision of health care services in British Columbia in order to ensure the long term sustainability, accessibility, quality and timeliness of health care services, as well as improve health outcomes and the overall health of British Columbians; and,

(d) other issues as may be determined by the Committee.

2. Prepare a report by December 15, 2001 on the results of those consultations. In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Committee shall be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient;

(d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

  11  By leave, the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That a Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives be appointed for the 37th Parliament, pursuant to Section 9 of the Recall and Initiative Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 398, and the committee be comprised of members of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills established this session.

Motion agreed to.

 

  12  By leave the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That reports of the Auditor General of British Columbia deposited with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly during the second session of the thirty-seventh parliament be deemed referred to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and in addition that the following reports of the Auditor General of British Columbia be referred to the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts:

· Managing Interface Fire Risks (June 2001)

· Report on Government Financial Accountability for the 1999/2000 Fiscal Year (March 2001)

· Monitoring Credit Unions and Trust Companies in British Columbia (March 2001)

· Management Consulting Engagements in Government (March 2001)

· Follow-up of Performance and Compliance Reports (December 2000)

· Governance and Risk of the Fast Ferry Project (October 1999)

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer to such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned, during the recess after prorogation until the next following Session and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient; and

(d) to retain personnel as required to assist the Committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment, or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

Motion agreed to.

 

13 By leave the Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows for the duration of the Third Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament, commencing February 12, 2002:

1. That Standing Order 2 be deleted and the following substituted therefor:

Sittings

Daily sittings.

2. (1) The time for the ordinary meeting of the House shall, unless otherwise ordered, be as follows:

	Monday:	Two distinct sittings:
		10 a.m. to 12 noon
		2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
		2 p.m. to 9 p.m. effective March 4, 2002
	Tuesday:	Two distinct sittings:
		10 a.m. to 12 noon
		2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
	Wednesday:	2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
		2 p.m. to 9 p.m. effective March 4, 2002
	Thursday:	Two distinct sittings:
		10 a.m. to 12 noon
		2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

(2) (a) During the Third Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament, unless otherwise ordered, the House shall meet:

    (i) from February 12, 2002 to May 30, 2002 inclusive, and

    (ii) from October 7, 2002 to November 28, 2002 inclusive.

(b) The House shall stand adjourned during the weeks of March 25, April 22, May 20, October 14 and November 11, 2002.

2. That Standing Order 3 be deleted and the following substituted therefor:

Hour of interruption.

3. If at the hour of 6 p.m. (or 9 p.m. after March 4, 2002) on any Monday; 6 p.m. on Tuesday; 7 p.m. (or 9 p.m. after March 4, 2002) on Wednesday; or 6 p.m. on Thursday, the business of the day is not concluded and no other hour has been agreed on for the next sitting, the Speaker shall leave the Chair:

On Monday	until 10 a.m. Tuesday
On Tuesday	until 2 p.m. Wednesday
On Wednesday	until 10 a.m. Thursday
On Thursday	until 10 a.m. Monday

subject to the provisions of Standing Order 2 (2) (b).

3. That Standing Order 25 be deleted and the following substituted therefor:

Routine Business

Daily routine.

Orders of the Day.

The order of business for consideration of the House day by day, after the above routine, shall, unless otherwise ordered, be as follows:

Monday
10 a.m. to 12 noon
(Private Members' Time)

Monday (afternoon), Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
(Government Days)

4. That Standing Order 25A be repealed and the following substituted therefor:

Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements.

25A. (1) Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. four Private Members may make a statement, notice of which has been tabled no later than 6 p.m. the preceding Monday.

(2) The order in which such statements are to be called shall be determined by lot by the Speaker, before appearing on the Orders of the Day.

(3) The time allocated on Wednesday for statements and discussion thereon shall not exceed one hour, and the time for each statement shall be limited to 15 minutes as follows:

Proponent: maximum of 7 minutes

Any other Members: maximum of 5 minutes

Proponent in reply: maximum of 3 minutes

(4) Private Members' statements shall not be subject to amendment, adjournment or vote.

(5) Statements and discussions under this Standing Order:

(a) shall be confined to one matter;

(b) shall not revive discussion on a matter which has been discussed in the same Session;

(c) shall not anticipate a matter which has been previously appointed for consideration by the House, in respect to which a Notice of Motion has been previously given and not withdrawn;

(d) shall not raise a question of privilege.

5. That new Standing Order 25b be adopted:

Statements

Statements.

(2) Party Whips shall confer to settle the names of the three Members who will be recognised for "Statements" for the following sitting day and shall advise the Speaker by noon of the day in question as to who has been selected, together with the topic of the statement.

(3) Statements under this Standing Order shall be subject to the ordinary parliamentary rules of decorum and debate.

6. Oral question period Friday.

47B. This Standing Order is repealed.

7. That new Standing Order 81.1 be adopted:

81.1 (1) When a Minister of the Crown, from his or her place in the House, states that there is agreement among the representatives of all parties to allot a specified number of days or hours to the proceedings at one or more stages of any public bill, the Minister may propose a motion, without notice, setting forth the terms of such agreed allocation; and the motion shall be decided forthwith, without debate or amendment.

(2) A Minister of the Crown who from his or her place in the House, has stated that an agreement could not be reached under the provisions of section (1) of this Standing Order in respect of proceedings at one or more stages of a public bill, may propose without notice a motion for the purpose of allotting a specified number of days or hours for the consideration and disposal of proceedings at one or more stages of a public bill. The motion shall be decided forthwith, without debate or amendment. Any proceedings interrupted pursuant to this section of this Standing Order shall be deemed adjourned.

Motion agreed to.

 

   5  By leave, the Hon. G. Plant moved--

That the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs be empowered to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to all matters and issues concerning questions which the Government of British Columbia should submit to voters to implement the Government's commitment to "give all British Columbians a say on the principles that should guide B.C.'s approach to treaty negotiations, through a one-time, province-wide referendum", while ensuring that constitutionally-protected aboriginal rights and title are respected; and,

That the Committee report their recommendations to the Legislative Assembly no later than November 30, 2001.

In addition to the powers previously conferred upon the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, the Committee shall be empowered:

(a) to appoint of their number, one or more subcommittees and to refer such subcommittees any of the matters referred to the Committee;

(b) to sit during a period in which the House is adjourned and during any sitting of the House;

(c) to adjourn from place to place as may be convenient;

(d) to retain such personnel as required to assist the Committee;

(e) to permit minority opinions in a report of the Committee;

and shall report to the House as soon as possible, or following any adjournment or at the next following Session, as the case may be; to deposit the original of its reports with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly during a period of adjournment and upon resumption of the sittings of the House, the Chair shall present all reports to the Legislative Assembly.

A debate arose.

The House divided.

Motion agreed to on the following division:

  2  The Hon. G. Plant moved--

Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly recommend to the Lieutenant Governor pursuant to section 14 (2) (c) of the Child, Youth and Family Advocacy Act (as amended by Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2001) that the end of the term of the appointment of the Acting Child, Youth and Family Advocate made the 19th day of May, 2001, be 12 months after the date of the said appointment.

Motion agreed to.

Order for Committee of Supply called.

Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section B of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Office of the Premier).

(In Committee -- Section B)

9. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $20,373,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Office of the Premier, Office of the Premier, to 31st March, 2002.

1. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $43,625,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Legislation, Legislation, to 31st March, 2002.

2. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $7,817,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Auditor General, to 31st March, 2002.

3. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $314,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Conflict of Interest Commissioner, to 31st March, 2002.

4. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $33,581,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Elections B.C., to 31st March, 2002.

5. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $2,344,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Information and Privacy Commissioner, to 31st March, 2002.

6. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $1,355,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Office of the Child, Youth and Family Advocate, to 31st March, 2002.

7. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $4,765,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Ombudsman, to 31st March, 2002.

8. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $1,299,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Officers of the Legislature, Police Complaints Commissioner, to 31st March, 2002.

49. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $120,000,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of BC Family Bonus, BC Family Bonus, to 31st March, 2002.

51. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $1,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Other Appropriations, Commissions on Collection of Public Funds and Allowances for Doubtful Revenue Accounts, to 31st March, 2002.

53. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $1,967,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Other Appropriations, Environmental Boards and Forest Appeals Commission, to 31st March, 2002.

Section B of Committee of Supply reported the Resolutions.

Report to be considered forthwith.

The Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the reports of resolutions from the Committees of Supply on August 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 27, be now received, taken as read and agreed to.

Motion agreed to.

The Hon. G. Collins moved--

That there be granted from and out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund the sum of 24 billion, 440 million, 680 thousand dollars. This sum includes that authorized to be paid under section 1 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2001 and section 1 of the Supply Act (No. 2), 2001 and is granted by Her Majesty towards defraying the charges and expenses of the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002.

Motion agreed to.

The Hon. G. Collins moved--

That there be granted from and out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund the sum of 1 billion, 496 million, 685 thousand dollars. This sum includes that authorized to be paid under section 2 of the Supply Act (No. 1), 2001 and section 2 of the Supply Act (No. 2), 2001 and is granted by Her Majesty towards defraying the capital, loans, investments and other financing requirements of the province for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002.

Motion agreed to.

The Hon. G. Collins (Minister of Finance) presented to the Speaker a Message from His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, which read as follows:

Garde B. Gardom, Q.C.
 Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor transmits herewith Bill (No. 21) intituled Supply Act, 2001-2002 and recommends the same to the Legislative Assembly.

Government House
August 16, 2001

Bill introduced and read a first time.

The Speaker declared a short recess for distribution of the Bill.

Bill permitted to be advanced all stages this day.

Bill (No. 21) was read a second time.

On the motion of the Hon. G. Collins, Bill (No. 21) was referred to a Committee of the Whole House to be considered forthwith.

Bill (No. 21) was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.

On the motion for second reading of Bill (No. 26) intituled Timber Sale Licence Replacement (Sliammon First Nation) Act, a debate arose.

Bill (No. 26) read a second time.

By leave, Bill (No. 26) was committed, reported complete without amendment, and by leave, read a third time and passed.

Bill (No. 23) intituled Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2001 was committed.

In consideration of section 11 of Bill (No. 23) the Committee divided as follows:

Bill (No. 23) was reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.

Bill (No. 10) intituled Public Service (Merit Employment Commissioner) Amendment Act, 2001 was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.

Bill (No. 24) intituled Crime Victim Assistance Act was committed, reported complete with amendment, and by leave, read a third time and passed.

By leave, Ms. Kwan tabled documents relating to affordable housing.

The Hon. G. Collins (Minister of Finance) tabled the British Columbia Lottery Corporation Annual Report, 1999/2000.

Bill (No. 25) intituled Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act (No. 3) was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.

The Speaker declared a short recess.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor having entered the House, and being seated in the Chair--

Ian D. Izard. Esq., Law Clerk and Clerk Assistant, read the title to the following Acts:

Bill (No. 7) Constitution (Fixed Election Dates) Amendment Act, 2001.

Bill (No. 9) Health Authorities Amendment Act (No. 2), 2001.

Bill (No.10) Public Service (Merit Employment Commissioner) Amendment Act, 2001.

Bill (No. 12) Community Charter Council Act.

Bill (No. 16) Parental Responsibility Act.

Bill (No. 17) Provincial Court Amendment Act (No. 2), 2001.

Bill (No. 19) Consumer Protection Statutes Amendment Act, 2001.

Bill (No. 20) Lobbyists Registration Act.

Bill (No. 22) Skills Development and Fair Wage Repeal Act.

Bill (No. 23) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2001.

Bill (No. 24) Crime Victim Assistance Act.

Bill (No. 25) Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act (No. 3).

Bill (No. 26) Timber Sale Licence Replacement (Sliammon First Nation) Act.

Bill (No. Pr 401) Fumertons Limited (Corporate Restoration) Act, 2001.

Bill (No. Pr 402) Fumerton Holdings Limited (Corporate Restoration) Act, 2001.

Bill (No. Pr 403) The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company Act, 2001.

His Honour was pleased in Her Majesty's name to give assent to the said Acts.

The said assent was announced by Ian D. Izard, Esq., Law Clerk and Clerk Assistant in the following words:

"In Her Majesty's name, His Honour the Lieutenant Governor doth assent to these Acts."

E. George MacMinn, Q.C., Clerk of the House, read the title to the following Act:

Bill (No. 21) Supply Act, 2001-2002.

His Honour was pleased in Her Majesty's name to give assent to the said Act.

The said assent was announced by E. George MacMinn, Q.C., Clerk of the House, in the following words:

"In Her Majesty's name, His Honour the Lieutenant Governor doth thank Her Majesty's loyal subjects, acccepts their benevolence, and assents to this Act."

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor was then pleased to retire.

The Hon. G. Collins moved--

That the House, at its rising, do stand adjourned until it appears to the satisfaction of the Speaker, after consultation with the Government, that the public interest requires that the House shall meet, or until the Speaker may be advised by the Government that it is desired to prorogue the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament of the Province of British Columbia. The Speaker may give notice that he is so satisfied or has been so advised and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice, and, as the case may be, may transact its business as if it has been duly adjourned to that time and date; and

That, in the event of the Speaker being unable to act owing to illness or other cause, the Deputy Speaker shall act in his stead for the purpose of this order.

And then the House adjourned at 9.17 p.m.

CLAUDE RICHMOND, Speaker

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