Votes -- No. 2 -- Wednesday, February 12, 2003 -- Two o'clock p.m.

2003 Legislative Session: 4th Session, 37th Parliament

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.

[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

No. 2

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Wednesday, February 12, 2003

Two o'clock p.m.

Prayers by Mr. Anderson.

The Hon. M. de Jong (Minister of Forests) presented to the Speaker a Message from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, which read as follows:

Iona Campagnolo
Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor transmits herewith Bill (No. 5) intituled Foresters Act and recommends the same to the Legislative Assembly.

Government House
February 10, 2003

Bill introduced and read a first time.

Bill Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

Order called for "Members' Statements."

Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."

Mr. Lekstrom presented the Second Report of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government services for the Third Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament.

The Report was taken as read and received.

By leave of the House, Mr. Lekstrom moved that the Report be adopted.

A debate arose.

Motion agreed to.

The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."

Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Mr. Bray --: We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, in Session assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious Speech which Your Honour has addressed to us at the opening of the present Session.

A debate arose.

The debate continued.

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

And then the House adjourned at 5.57 p.m.

CLAUDE RICHMOND, Speaker

NOTICE OF BILLS

Thursday, February 13

Ms. MacPhail to introduce a bill intituled Fishery Act Amendment Act, 2003.

Ms. MacPhail to introduce a bill intituled Forest Tenure Reform Act, 2003.

Ms. Kwan to introduce a bill intituled Childcare Rights Act, 2003.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

Thursday, February 13


1 Ms. MacPhail to move--: That the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows for the duration of the Thirty-seventh Parliament:; 1. That Standing Order 84 be deleted and the following substituted therefore:; Standing Order 84 (1) In proceedings upon Bills in Committee of the Whole, any request by a member of the public to appear as a witness on a bill before the committee of the Whole must be considered as a first order of business.; (2) A member of the public may request to appear as a witness on a bill by applying to the office of the Speaker.; (3) A witness appearing on a bill before the Committee of the Whole may be subject to examination by the Members.; (4) Upon conclusion of the submissions of witnesses as provided for in 84 (1), (2) and (3), every clause shall be considered by the Committee in its proper order, with the preamble and title being considered last.; (5) Any clause may be postponed but shall be taken up before the Bill has been reported to the House.

2 Mr. Chutter to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the contribution of resource development in rural British Columbia to the health and education infrastructure of all communities.

3 Mr. Visser to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the important role that an environmentally responsible aquaculture industry can play in economic development for First Nations.

4 Ms. Orr to move--: Be it resolved that this House calls on the federal government to establish a national program to combat child pornography.

5 Ms. MacPhail to move--: That this House calls upon the government to halt the plan to income test seniors, to make public all hearings related to the broader review of pharmacare announced December 3, 2002, and to ensure that seniors are included in that process.

6 Mr. Belsey to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the Parliament of Canada to address the under-representation of British Columbia and amend the formula for determining the number of seats in the House of Commons, and that this action be taken so that an election called after July 21, 2004 will incorporate these changes.

7 Ms. Locke to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the federal government to amend the Criminal Code so that "street racing" is considered an aggravating circumstance for a person convicted of an offence committed by means of a motor vehicle under section 220 (criminal negligence causing death) or 221 (criminal negligence causing bodily harm) or subsection 249 (3) (dangerous operation causing bodily harm) or 249 (4) (dangerous operation causing death).

8 Ms. Sahota to move--: Be it resolved that this House endorse the Burnaby fire fighters' bid for the 2009 World Police and Fire Games as a tremendous economic and social opportunity to showcase Burnaby and B.C. to the world.

9 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that this House calls on the Federal Government to repeal the Firearms Act and redirect resources from the mandatory firearms registration program to front-line law enforcement.

10 Ms. McMahon to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of sound, safe transportation infrastructure to the economy of British Columbia and calls on the federal government to invest further in upgrading the Trans-Canada Highway.

11 Mr. Bennett to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the contribution of mineworkers to communities throughout BC and support a goal of greatly increasing the number of mining jobs.

12 Mr. Wilson to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages the expansion of the ranching industry in British Columbia, and recognizes its immensely important role in maintaining economic stability and attracting investment.

13 Mr. Hamilton to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the contribution of the men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces.

14 Mr. Bell to move--: Be it resolved that this House support the development and marketing of value-added sector of the forest industry.

15 Mr. Krueger to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the federal government to re-examine its $24 Air Travellers' Security Charge because of its unfair and negative impact on small and rural airports and the travellers who use them.

16 Mr. Long to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourage ways to approach drug and alcohol addictions as an illness and encourage the treatment of the same.

17 Mr. Hawes to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the federal government to restore the billions of dollars it cut out of health care funding to the provinces.

18 Ms. Trumper to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that the settlement of First Nations treaties as an opportunity to create lasting stability and economic opportunity for all British Columbians.

19 Ms. McMahon to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the economic contributions of backcountry recreation and adventure tourism and supports the expansion of the industry throughout rural British Columbia.

20 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House urges the Government of Canada to amend the Criminal Code, section 232(2) in order that persons accused of murder may no longer resort to the defence of provocation based on "homosexual panic".

21 Mr. Bell to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports a tax structure that encourages investment, attracts and retains highly skilled professionals, and delivers job opportunities for youth in British Columbia.

22 Mr. Lekstrom to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledge the important role that agricultural plays in meeting the fiscal needs of British Columbia and the support the sector provides to communities throughout B.C.

23 Mr. Belsey to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the tremendous potential of the oil and natural gas sector in British Columbia and supports exploring all opportunities to expand this sector.

24 Ms. Roddick to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the value of provincial control in the management of British Columbia's fisheries.

25 Mr. Bray to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the government's commitment not to use nuclear generation as a power source.

26 Mr. Nuraney to move--: Be it resolved that the House support the partnership between post-secondary institutions and industry to continue to develop a trained work force with the skills that will meet demands in key sectors of our economy.

27 Mr. Christensen to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledges and encourages the efforts of volunteers and local businesses working on downtown revitalization projects around British Columbia.

28 Ms. Locke to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the value of the cultural diversity that we share in the City of Surrey and cherishes the people and cultures of the over 90 different languages spoken within our School District.

29 Mr. Hunter to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the positive impact of arts and cultural tourism on the economy of Vancouver Island.

30 Ms. Trumper to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the economic potential of the west coast wilderness area between Bamfield, Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan.

31 Mr. Anderson to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the efforts of volunteers in addressing adult illiteracy rates.

32 Mr. Lee to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that it is the tremendous diversity of cultures and ethnicities that makes British Columbia uniquely positioned to compete in today's global economy.

33 Mr. Les to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledges the important role Public Private Partnerships can play in bringing private sector innovation and efficiency to the delivery of public services and providing BC taxpayers the best value for their tax dollars.

34 Mr. Sultan to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes that British Columbia's health care system must meet the needs of an aging population.

35 Ms. Chong to move--: Be it resolved that this House continues to support efforts to enhance the independence of people with disabilities independence and quality of life.

36 Ms. Brenzinger to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize National Child Day and the role of the provincial government in upholding our children's entitlement to a secure and healthy upbringing.

37 Mr. Wilson to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that 4-H organizations contribute to the vitality of our agriculture sector.

38 Mr. Penner to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages the Canadian and American governments to take practical measures to improve domestic security and thereby facilitate the free flow of legitimate trade and travel across our mutual border.

39 Mr. Manhas to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that a strategic long term transportation plan plays an integral role in BC's economic growth and helps create liveable cities and reduce urban air pollution.

40 Mr. Visser to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that a healthy and vibrant forest industry is the key to preserving quality of life in BC's rural communities.

41 Mr. Bennett to move--: Be it resolved, in recognition of the key importance of communications to economic development, that this House supports expanding broadband infrastructure throughout the Kootenay-Boundary region.

42 Mr. Krueger to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of safe guarding and protecting British Columbia's fresh water resources by maintaining the long standing ban on bulk water exports.

43 Mr. Jarvis to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports initiatives to alleviate the traffic congestion at the North end of the Second Narrows Bridge.

44 Ms. Locke to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the tremendous potential of students who can now study close to home at the newly established SFU campus in Surrey.

45 Mr. Bell to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of forestry to the delivery of quality health care and education in British Columbia.

46 Mr. Wilson to move--: Be it resolved that this House continues to support advances in improvement of drinking water quality around British Columbia, and strives to keep it environmentally sound and free from contamination.

47 Mr. Johnston to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and embraces all of the cultures and traditions in Vancouver and around the province.

48 Ms. Brice to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledge the growing Agriculture Tourism Industry, and its positive effect on the economy of British Columbia.

49 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of improving transportation infrastructure for the benefit of the economy.

50 Mr. Penner to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the value of exploring the establishment of a province-wide "AMBER Alert" early warning system to help find children when they are abducted.

51 Ms. Chong to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of seniors in building our communities.

52 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports increased access to Crown lands and resources, to create jobs in tourism, mining, forestry, farming, ranching, and oil and gas.

53 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House fully supports Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

54 Mr. Christensen to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the recreational value and economic contributions of the fresh water fishery in British Columbia and supports open access of fresh water lakes for all British Columbians.

55 Mr. Harris to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the need to work with Aboriginal communities to improve the high school completion rate for Aboriginal students, and to promote the pursuit of post-secondary education among Aboriginal youth.

56 Mr. Hunter to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognises the need for the Federal Government to work closely with the BC Government to create more opportunities for commercial and recreational fishing in BC.

57 Mr. Belsey to move--: Be it resolved that this government actively supports alternative energy sources and that the provincial and federal government work towards developing renewable energy technology.

58 Mr. Bray to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports greater parental involvement in the education system.

59 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House urges the Government of Canada to expedite the development and passage of Bill C250 amending the hate propaganda provision of subsection 318 (4) of the Criminal Code to expand the definition of "identifiable group" to include protection on the basis of sexual orientation.

60 Mr. Masi to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the ecological diversity of Burns Bog, and has committed to protecting the integrity of this area.

61 Mr. Bennett to move--: Be it resolved that this House is committed to developing an attractive investment climate to significantly increase the number of mining exploration projects and operating mines in British Columbia.

62 Mr. Stewart to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the historic contribution of francophones to the development of this province, and the significant contribution that today's francophone community makes to the heritage and culture of British Columbia.

63 Mr. Les to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the federal government to start acting in good faith to remove the threat of flooding by allowing the ecologically-responsible removal of gravel from the Fraser River.

64 Ms. Trumper to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages the ongoing initiatives of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in making our communities better places to live.

65 Ms. Brice to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of the high-tech sector to the economy of British Columbia.

66 Mr. Penner to move--: Be it resolved that this House calls on the federal government to expand the national DNA databank so all persons convicted of indictable criminal offences are required to provide samples.

67 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that the provincial government supports efforts by the Northwest Corridor Development Corporation to create a strong transportation route across the northern portion of our province.

68 Mr. Lee to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the important role of Chinese-Canadian entrepreneurs in strengthening the economy of British Columbia.

69 Mr. Krueger to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that sport and recreation freshwater fishermen have a large and valuable economic impact in our province.

70 Ms. Chong to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourage the provincial government to assume the responsibility for collecting all provincial and federal taxes.

71 Mr. Manhas to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the growth potential of the high tech sector in BC, and seeks to foster its development through the Premier's Technology Council.

72 Mr. Hawes to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports increased funding for education as British Columbia's economy grows to help ensure that we continue to develop an educated workforce, which is essential to building prosperous communities.

73 Ms. McMahon to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of a sound transportation infrastructure, to the economy of British Columbia.

74 Mr. Harris to move--: Be it resolved that this House is committed to supporting youth athletics through such events as the BC Summer games.

75 Mr. Kerr to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of fitness and its positive effects for the mental and physical well being of all British Columbians.

76 Ms. Trumper to move--: Be it resolved that this House is committed to improving health care for British Columbians by working with BC universities to increase the number of spaces for students in medicine and nursing.

77 Mr. Les to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledges the value of examining the possibility of the Sasquatch Highway along the west side of Harrison Lake from Harrison Mills to Pemberton as an additional route to Whistler.

78 Mr. Jarvis to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports all efforts to towards an "Adopt a Highway" program for the highways of British Columbia.

79 Ms. Locke to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the active theatre, arts and culture community in the city of Surrey, and looks forward to the coming season of entertainment at the Surrey Arts Centre Theatre and the Bell Centre for the Performing Arts.

80 Mr. Chutter to move--: Be it resolved that this House is committed to seeking innovative solutions to address the spread of noxious weeds.

81 Mr. Johnston to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the important role volunteer coaches and tournament coordinators play in developing young athletes in British Columbia.

82 Mr. Nuraney to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the important role that convalescent homes have for patients making the transition from hospital care to independent living.

83 Mr. Sultan to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes that a high quality post-secondary education system is key to a prosperous economy, healthy population and learned society.

84 Mr. Hunter to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourage the use of roundabouts to increase traffic safety.

85 Ms. Brice to move--: Recognizing future demands for highly skilled health care professionals be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of continuing to implement a health care human resource plan.

86 Mr. Bennett to move--: Be it resolved, in recognition of the need to diversify and strengthen the economy in the Kootenays, that this House recognize the importance of the Cranbrook airport expansion to economic development in the Kootenay region.

87 Mr. Cobb to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the contributions that many cultural groups have made to the development of resource communities in B.C.

88 Ms. Brice to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the benefits that the 2010 Olympics will bring to communities throughout the province and the important legacy it will leave for future generations of British Columbians.

89 Mr. Johnston to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and embraces all of the cultures and traditions in Vancouver and around the province.

Monday, February 17


90 The Hon. G. Collins to move--

Resolved that the Legislative Assembly adopt the following sessional order:

Practice recommendation No. 11 (Standing Order 47, 47A)

Public Written Questions.

1. Written questions may be submitted by an elected member of a provincial or local public body designated under this order and in accordance with the guidelines established by Mr. Speaker. Questions submitted in writing to the Office of the Speaker by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday are eligible to be drawn on Thursday. Five questions drawn by the Speaker which conform to the guidelines shall be placed on the Orders of the Day on Monday of each week. A question shall be printed on 2 consecutive weeks unless answered.

2. A Private Member may ask a qualified question of a Minister during Question Period. The Member from whose constituency the question comes will have first refusal to put such question to the appropriate Minister. The Minister may answer the question orally or in writing by filing with the Clerk of the House. Written answers shall be published in the Votes and Proceedings.

3. Questions should relate to current provincial issues and public affairs, be timely, brief and stated without argument or opinion. The submission must not include unparliamentary language and shall be directed to the Minister who has responsibility for the area of interest.

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