[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

Two o'clock p.m.

Prayers by The Venerable Gordon W.A. Payne.

This being the first day of the second meeting of the Thirty-sixth Parliament of the Province of British Columbia for the dispatch of business, pursuant to a Proclamation of the Honourable Garde B. Gardom, q.c., Lieutenant Governor of the Province, dated the 13th day of March, 1997.

The Honourable Garde B. Gardom, q.c., Lieutenant Governor of the Province, having entered the House, took his seat on the Throne, and was pleased to deliver the following gracious Speech:

Honourable Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly:

It is my pleasure to address you on the opening of the Second Session of the Thirty-Sixth Parliament of British Columbia.

In the time since you last convened, our province has been saddened by the passing of two former members of this assembly.

Patricia Jay Jordan, MLA for North Okanagan from 1966 to 1982, made a lasting contribution to the province's tourism industry as a cabinet minister and fiercely defended the interests of B.C.'s regions.

And Allan Leslie Cox, although MLA for Oak Bay only briefly, from 1968 to 1969, distinguished himself both in municipal politics and in the legal profession, serving as president of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

We have lost others as well who enriched the life of our province, British Columbians such as Bruce Eriksen, a long-time Vancouver civic activist, city councillor and advocate for the poor; Don Lanskail, former mayor of West Vancouver and a leader in B.C.'s forest industry; Dorothy Livesay, whose career of poetry and activism touched countless lives and, of course, many others.

We will long remember these fine British Columbians, and their service and devotion to the many facets of B.C. society.

But we also take great joy in the achievements of our province's citizens in the last year.

In every field of endeavour -- business, the arts, sports, medicine -- British Columbians have brought honour and credit to our province.

Our province's musical heritage has been enriched by the accomplishments of artists like Elektra Women's Choir of Vancouver, the sole Canadian representatives at the World Choral Symposium in Australia.

We have been inspired by the athletic achievements of Kathleen Heddle, an Olympic rowing champion in both the 1992 and 1996 games. She and her partner Marnie McBean are the two most celebrated and successful female pairs rowers in Canadian history. Her success was recognized recently when she was selected Sport B.C.'s Athlete of the Year for 1996.

We salute as well Steve Nash of Victoria, selected for Canada's national basketball team and last year drafted by the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Last October, our province was pleased to host Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada and Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc on their first official visit to British Columbia.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion world tour, which my government is recognizing by the commitment of resources to brain and spinal injury research funded through the B.C. Neurotrauma Fund.

In November, the people of B.C. will be honoured to host 5,000 representatives of governments and businesses from the economies of the Asia-Pacific. The APEC Conference will underline British Columbia's pivotal role as Canada's gateway to the Pacific Rim.

Our province also will be honoured this year to host the first World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention to be held outside of Asia. This conference offers Canadian businesses an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their services and products to more than 1,500 delegates from 35 countries.

Honourable Members, as this province moves toward the new century, British Columbians are looking to you to help deliver policies and programs that meet their needs.

My government is committed to build on the strengths that set our province apart:

• the opportunity to work at decent-paying, family-supporting wages;

• education to ensure our children have the skills they need to compete in the global economy;

• a health-care system that ensures all our citizens -- particularly our seniors and children -- have the care they need, when they need it; and

• a world-class standard of environmental protection.

My government is committed to these priorities in the context of prudent financial management, and will be pursuing an agenda that allows each of them to be met.

Those commitments are important to my government, because they demonstrate to the people of our province that their government is truly working for them -- responding to their priorities and meeting their needs.

To meet the commitment of protecting medicare and education, my government has increased spending in both areas, despite federal cuts.

To meet the commitment of giving a break to B.C. families, my government reduced income taxes for middle-income earners, provided new support for working families with low and modest incomes, and froze Hydro rates and ICBC car insurance premiums.

In this session, my government intends to work even harder to meet the needs of British Columbians into the next century.

Jobs

The single most important way my government will meet those needs is by ensuring job opportunities for British Columbians throughout our province, so that each of our children will have the chance for a secure, prosperous and rewarding future.

British Columbia's record in this area gives us much to be proud of. We have led the country in job creation during the last five years, and my government has worked hard with business and labour to secure new jobs, and defend existing ones -- a commitment clearly demonstrated with B.C.'s leadership in the recent restructuring of Canadian Airlines. Our action safeguarded thousands of jobs in a key industry.

But, as in all industrialized countries, not everyone is sharing in the benefits of economic growth. And unemployment remains unacceptably high.

As proud as we can be of B.C.'s job-creation record, my government believes we can do more. We must do more, and my government is determined to do everything in its power to maximize the employment capacity of B.C.'s economy through investments in infrastructure, in people, in resources, in our quality of life and in our environment.

Infrastructure

Our growing population places an increasing demand on British Columbia's infrastructure. And nowhere is that demand more acute than in the areas of education and health care.

The recently completed review of capital spending will allow my government to meet those needs in a way that gives taxpayers the maximum benefit possible for their tax dollars.

The education capital plan announced earlier in the month includes almost a hundred school construction projects in all parts of B.C. They will be built with innovative cost-saving measures.

Similarly, the province will proceed with crucial investments in hospital expansion and health facility improvements.

The lessons learned in the capital review will also help ensure we have the economic infrastructure in place -- bridges, transit, roads, water treatment -- to support economic growth well into the 21st century -- and to do so responsibly and efficiently. These investments will create construction jobs and contribute to our long-term economic growth.

My government intends to move aggressively to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector as we build our province.

In just one example of such public-private partnerships, my government will proceed with a new highway interchange in Mission in co-operation with the private sector and the municipality. This innovative arrangement will support the development of a major new commercial centre, generating hundreds of new jobs.

Similar partnerships hold tremendous promise in projects like the Lion's Gate crossing and the new Vancouver Convention Centre. And they are a reality in many of the education construction projects recently announced.

British Columbia has for some time now been pressing the federal government to join us in building for the future. And my government hopes to soon begin work with the federal government in a new shared program to that end.

There has as well been a new agreement with the federal government to make investments that will strengthen Vancouver's role as Canada's gateway to the Asia-Pacific Region.

My government believes we must do more to support a specific aspect of that role by building on the measures my government took to assist in the restructuring of Canadian Airlines and ensuring that Vancouver is the aviation gateway for Canadians and Americans alike to the Pacific trade area.

The investments this province is making will encourage B.C. businesses to grow and thrive, and improve the quality of life for all who live here.

Forestry

But there are particular areas of our economy that require urgent attention -- and none more so than forestry and fishing.

Past mismanagement and global market conditions have combined to pose a serious threat to the economic health of many B.C. resource communities and to the livings of those who make their homes there.

My government believes that our forests are one of our greatest public assets, and a vital public trust. They must be sustained for future generations, in a way that secures an appropriate return in economic activity, exports and jobs for British Columbians.

During the past five years, B.C. has been successful in turning back two significant threats to the viability of our forest sector.

First, the softwood lumber agreement with the United States gives our forest industry long-needed protection against countervailing tariffs and other trade actions.

And second, my government has implemented the world's leading environmental standards, re- establishing confidence in the sustainability of B.C. forestry.

That achievement required the collaboration of British Columbians from one end of this province to the other in negotiating complex and far-reaching land-use plans.

We have now completed a thorough review of our forest inventory, drafted a comprehensive Forest Practices Code, and established Forest Renewal BC to ensure that a substantial share of the profits of forest production are invested in our forests and the communities and workers that rely on them.

In the context of these realities, my government intends to build on this industry's strengths to achieve a significant increase in job creation.

The province is committed to a framework agreement for a Jobs and Timber Accord. The goal of this agreement is to increase economic return and the number of jobs generated from every tree we harvest, while maintaining our world-class environmental standards.

My government is committed to creating 21,000 new jobs in our forest sector by the year 2001.

The Jobs and Timber Accord must also stimulate value-added production in the forest sector, and assist the industry as it weathers cyclical changes in world markets.

The accord my government is seeking will achieve these goals through a number of initiatives, including a reduction in bureaucracy and red tape and an increase in the level and types of investment undertaken by Forest Renewal BC.

My government will also be seeking specific job-creation initiatives from forest companies as their contribution to the stabilization and expansion of our forest sector. Access to public timber will require a commitment to sustainable management and to job creation.

Fisheries

My government intends as well to ensure a future for the Pacific salmon -- a resource that has nourished countless generations among B.C.'s First Nations and coastal communities.

Our single most important priority must be the conservation of this resource.

Our fisheries not only support coastal communities reliant on commercial fishing, but also generate jobs and economic activity in our huge recreational fishery, which is a major element of our tourism industry.

This past year has seen some progress in protecting the salmon. Negotiations with Alaska and the other U.S. states of the Northwest are moving ahead.

But they are not moving quickly enough to protect the fish. My government is ready to work with the federal administration, or if necessary take direct provincial action, to ensure our salmon can return to our rivers and streams.

The impact of American interceptions has been aggravated by Ottawa's fleet reduction plan, a plan that has already cost some 2,900 jobs.

British Columbia will continue to be vigorous and forceful in demanding a fair, effective Pacific Salmon Treaty. This is an issue that the federal government must address. And we have been pleased that, in a Legislature often noted for being charged with partisanship, on this issue all parties have come together to speak with one voice for B.C.

B.C. believes the problems with our fishery would be alleviated were Ottawa prepared to allow the province to take a much more active role in managing the fishery.

Such an outcome is in sight. Our province is in negotiations with Ottawa, seeking an agreement that would expand provincial leadership and responsibility in fish conservation and management.

My government is also working hard with communities, industry, independent owner-operators and workers to develop a made-in-B.C. vision for the future of the fishery. And the province intends to form a partnership with these stakeholders for the creation of a new agency, Fisheries Renewal B.C., to invest profits back into the sector, protect jobs and protect the fish.

You will soon receive an important piece of legislation, designed to conserve our fish stocks by protecting fish habitat.

Forestry and fisheries remain keystones of our economic foundation, and we must ensure their fundamental health.

Other key sectors

My government remains committed as well to supporting and expanding other key sectors with a growing potential to provide jobs for British Columbians, one being our abundant supply of hydroelectric power, which is an important competitive advantage for our province.

My government will be introducing legislation to use this energy strategically, particularly downstream benefits of the Columbia River Treaty, to create jobs that benefit all British Columbians.

We have a competitive edge as well in tourism, thanks to our stunning natural beauty. My government will introduce legislation to establish long-term funding for a new agency in partnership with the tourism community to help plan an even more exciting future for this key sector.

My government also intends to build on the recent successes of our film industry.

Last year, B.C. outpaced Ontario to become Canada's largest centre for film and television production. Thousands of British Columbians were directly employed in $537 million worth of production.

Key to this new success is a new commitment from labour and management to provide increased certainty about labour costs and working conditions. We applaud both sides for this achievement.

During the coming months, my government will make further commitments to support this ever- growing industry so that it continues to generate well-paying new jobs for British Columbians.

The construction sector has long been an important part of our economy, but one hampered by red tape and barriers to training, in particular apprenticeships. That will change in this session.

My government has achieved a consensus among business, labour, educators and training providers on a new, expanded training and apprenticeship system -- one that will be more responsive to the needs of labour markets, and better at meeting the needs of workers.

As the cornerstone of this initiative, my government will work with representatives from business, labour and government to expand apprenticeships and training in B.C., ensuring that these new opportunities provide access to all, particularly those entering the workforce for the first time.

Guarantee for Youth

The need for employment is perhaps most urgent for B.C.'s youth, who face high levels of unemployment and daunting obstacles on the road to their future.

My government will proceed with the work that the Premier began with his Youth Forum last year, and continued with a second forum this February. The province will work to secure the opportunities that our youth seek, and give them the tools they need to prosper.

We will build on the success of my government's Guarantee for Youth -- a guarantee of work experience, affordable education and access to our colleges and universities -- and by heeding the call of B.C.'s youth for a voice in government.

My government also has initiated programs to generate 12,000 new jobs for youth in the coming year.

My government will continue to provide work experience and training opportunities, keep tuition fees frozen at an affordable level, and protect access to education. And we will go further, with new partnerships with the private sector.

Regional jobs strategies

To ensure British Columbians derive the greatest benefit possible from all of these measures, we must allow the people and communities of B.C. to participate both in their planning and implementation.

In the coming year, my government will work with stakeholders in British Columbia's regions to develop regional jobs strategies that meet local needs and reflect local priorities.

These plans will be developed from the community up, and they will be the blueprint for co-ordinating our investments and developing new jobs.

Work is already underway to commence development of a regional job strategy for northern B.C.

Hours of work

The distribution of work among regions is an important issue. But just as important is the distribution of work among British Columbians.

Too many people have heavy work schedules with hours that keep them from their families and friends. And too many others cannot find enough work to pay the bills.

My government believes we must begin a dialogue about these issues, with the goal of securing a shorter work week in British Columbia.

My government will challenge our communities and industries to be creative, and we stand ready to work with all parties in this regard, to increase employment, close the income gap, and strengthen family life throughout our province.

Environment

As we pursue economic growth, we must also ensure we do not compromise the ability of future generations to succeed and prosper.

It is not good enough just to leave this land in the condition we found it. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to leave it much better.

In recent years, we have come to understand that, if our environment is to continue to sustain us, then we must conduct our affairs in a way that sustains healthy ecosystems.

The past five years have seen B.C. take the global lead in wilderness protection, with more than 240 new parks and protected areas. B.C. now has over 8.9 million hectares of protected areas -- 9.4 per cent of the province.

This session, my government will continue to work toward the goal of completing the province's network of protected areas, with a specific emphasis on protecting marine ecosystems. And you will soon deal with legislation to protect in law the boundaries of approximately 70 parks.

But my government understands that environmental stewardship means more than protected wilderness areas. To safeguard the health and unique quality of life that we enjoy in B.C., we must also improve the environment where we live and work.

For that reason, my government will introduce legislation to ensure that our fish stocks can thrive. This legislation will reflect a simple reality: without clean, free-running salmon rivers, other fisheries conservation measures are meaningless.

The province also will take action to improve waste management and encourage recycling, by expanding the deposit and refund system for beverage containers. This will not only relieve pressure on B.C.'s landfills, but will also help us conserve resources. It will be another important step toward our goal of appropriate, responsible solid waste management.

As well, there will be consultation on new measures to safeguard the quality of the air British Columbians breathe and the water we drink.

Helping children and families

We will provide leadership as well to ensure Canada's governments work together to fight a national shame: that of child poverty.

British Columbians can be proud that our province led the way in creating a child benefit for working parents with low and modest incomes. The Family Bonus has become the consensus model of choice for provinces as we work together to shape a new national benefit to help poor children.

B.C. will continue to lead the effort for such a truly effective national child benefit.

Within our own borders, my government also will work to ensure that children receive the support they need. You will soon be asked to consider legislation that will strengthen the province's ability to enforce child support orders.

My government will work as well to combat domestic violence, a terrifying reality for too many British Columbians.

And where children are at risk, my government is determined to ensure their protection. We have learned crucial lessons, at a terrible cost, in the aftermath of the tragic death of young Matthew Vaudreuil.

Judge Gove's recommendations have been accepted and are being implemented by this government.

B.C. now has a new ministry, with a new integrated mandate. It was created in half the time recommended, and now takes on the daunting task of bringing together B.C.'s many services for children.

We must work to strengthen families in this province. Much of my government's agenda will be geared to that goal in the coming session. The freezes on tuition fees, Hydro rates and ICBC car insurance premiums will help all families meet their bills.

And like the last budget, the coming budget will lower taxes for the average B.C. family.

Protecting medicare and education

B.C. families rely as well on the core services that government provides. That's why my government has made the protection of medicare and education a key priority.

Despite continuing deep federal cuts in the coming year, B.C. will increase both its health and education budgets.

My government will soon introduce legislation to underline the province's commitment to medicare, by ensuring British Columbians have access to a doctor's services no matter where they live.

By controlling costs, our province has been able to redirect resources to front-line care and services. My government has taken significant action to reduce wait lists for vital surgery. And B.C. has also added tens of thousands of spaces to our public schools.

In the coming session, my government will continue to develop programs to ensure consumers can get the medicine they need -- without funding excessive corporate profits.

And B.C. will be looking to the new regional health boards to integrate administration and find even more savings to go straight to the front lines.

My government will take on another challenge during the coming session: we will hold tobacco companies accountable for the costs their addictive, dangerous products impose on our health care system.

My government believes that our investments in health and education, along with our infrastructure, our resource base and our environment, will help ensure our economy is able to compete now and in the future, generating opportunities for ourselves and our children.

Aboriginal issues

But it is vital that those opportunities be available to all British Columbians, including those who have too often been left out of the prosperity and promise of our province: B.C.'s Aboriginal peoples. Unemployment in First Nations communities is unacceptably high.

My government will continue its ground-breaking work in resolving the injustice faced by our province's First Nations, Aboriginal and Metis communities and building the government's partnership with them.

In the coming session, the province will continue the work of bringing the Nisga'a treaty process to a successful and historic conclusion, and bringing negotiations with other bands to the framework agreement stage.

National

At the national level, my government has taken some very strong stands concerning issues like the Pacific Salmon Treaty. At the same time, the province has worked hard to develop a sound, constructive relationship with the federal government.

And while Ottawa continues to download costs in health, education and social services to British Columbia, we have had important successes.

The most significant, earlier this month, was an agreement to compensate the province for the disproportionate amount of immigrant services we have to pay for, and to begin discussions about the number of people coming to B.C. and entering the welfare rolls.

My government will continue to provide leadership nationally, and B.C. will continue to speak out on the national stage.

Whether it's seeking a fair, effective salmon treaty, or for a far more comprehensive child poverty initiative than the one announced in the recent federal budget, the B.C. government will be forceful, vigorous and, judging by its record, successful at defending B.C.'s interests.

Fiscal management

Each of these commitments is meaningful. But it is vital for the health of our economy to meet them in a way that protects the financial well-being of our province.

My government has heeded the voices of British Columbians, who have said they want sound financial management balanced with the needs of medicare and education.

The Finance Minister's budget will show significant progress toward my government's goals. It will continue to reduce overall spending growth through cuts to the size of government, cuts to administration, cuts to overhead, and the elimination of some programs, grants and subsidies.

And the budget will deliver on my government's commitment to continue to provide tax relief to B.C. families and small businesses.

With the economy expected to recover this year, British Columbia -- unlike other provinces -- will continue to protect funding for medicare and education, despite continuing severe federal cuts. And prudent financial management will help to both foster the climate for job creation, and ensure my government is able to meet all of its many commitments.

Conclusion

These commitments -- creating jobs, protecting medicare and education, and safeguarding our environment -- are all geared to meeting the needs of British Columbia families as we head into a new century.

The people of British Columbia expect, and deserve, a government that helps them meet those needs. That is the challenge you face as legislators as you enter this session.

I wish you well with your deliberations.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor was then pleased to retire.

The Speaker reported that, in order to prevent mistakes, he had obtained a copy of His Honour's Speech.

On the motion of the Hon. U. Dosanjh (Attorney General) Bill (No. 1) intituled An Act to Ensure the Supremacy of Parliament was introduced, read a first time, and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

On the motion of the Hon. J. MacPhail, seconded by Mr. Farrell-Collins, it was Ordered--

That Gretchen Brewin, Member for Victoria-Beacon Hill Electoral District, be appointed Deputy Speaker for this Session of the Legislative Assembly.

On the motion of the Hon. J. MacPhail, seconded by Mr. Farrell-Collins, it was Ordered--

That Bill Hartley, Member for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Electoral District, be appointed Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole for this Session of the Legislative Assembly.

On the motion of the Hon. U. Dosanjh (Attorney General), it was Ordered--

That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by the Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same.

The Hon. G. Clark (Premier) moved that the Select Standing Committees of this House, for the present Session, be appointed for the following purposes:

1. Aboriginal Affairs;

2. Justice, Constitutional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations;

3. Education, Culture and Multiculturalism;

4. Economic Development, Science, Labour, Training and Technology;

5. Environment and Tourism;

6. Finance and Government Services;

7. Health and Social Services;

8. Agriculture and Fisheries;

9. Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

10. Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Housing;

11. Women's Equality;

12. Public Accounts;

13. Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills;

14. Crown Corporations;

which said Committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as shall be referred to them by this House, and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers, and records, and that a Special Committee be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of Members to compose the above Select Standing Committees of this House under Standing Order 68 (1), the Committee to be composed of the Hon. J. MacPhail (Convener), the Hon. A. Petter, Messrs. Janssen and Conroy, Ms. Gillespie and Ms. Kwan, Messrs. Farrell-Collins, Gingell and Hurd and Ms. Whittred.

Mr. G. F. Wilson moved that the motion be amended as follows:

That after the words "following purposes:" number 15 be added as follows:

(15) Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling

and that Standing Order 68 (1) is hereby amended to so reflect; said Committees to have the powers conferred by section 69 of the Constitution Act.

A debate arose.

The amendment was negatived.

Motion agreed to.

And then the House adjourned at 2.50 p.m.

DALE LOVICK, Speaker

NOTICE OF BILLS

Wednesday, March 26

Mr. Weisgerber to introduce a Bill intituled Senatorial Election Act.

Mr. Weisgerber to introduce a Bill intituled Financial Administration Amendment Act, 1997 (Special Warrant Abolition).

Mr. Weisgerber to introduce a Bill intituled Fixed Election Date Act.

Mr. Weisgerber to introduce a Bill intituled Free Votes Enabling Act.

Mr. Neufeld to introduce a Bill intituled Rural Health Transportation Act.

Mr. Neufeld to introduce a Bill intituled Adoption Amendment Act, 1997.

Mr. Neufeld to introduce a Bill intituled BC Forest Renewal Amendment Act, 1997 (Forest Renewal Equitable Reinvestment).

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

Wednesday, March 26

  1   Mr. Calendino to move--

Be it resolved that this House declare its support and approval for the Guarantee for Youth and further recognize the important need for expansion of job opportunities for young people, linked to affordable post-secondary education and skills training opportunity.

  2   Mr. Janssen to move--

Be it resolved that this House congratulate the Government for introducing focussed programs to assist young British Columbians with first-job experiences and skills and for expanding the classroom boundaries with increased apprenticeship opportunities and enhanced co-op work experience.

  3   Mr. Randall to move--

Be it resolved that it is the opinion of this House that infrastructure development is an affordable and necessary investment that helps our economy grow and helps the private sector create jobs.

  4   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Assembly support the concept of an amendment to the B.C. Constitution Act that would make balanced budgets mandatory except in such extreme circumstances as taxpayers might deem necessary, by means of a referendum, or that can be justified to the satisfaction of every member of the Legislature, by way of a unanimous vote.

  5   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislature will support the reform of Canada's Senate in any future discussions on the subject, and in particular that this Assembly endorses the concept of a "Triple-E" Senate: one that is Equal, Elected, and Effective.

  6   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that all votes conducted in the Legislature be electronically recorded, to allow all constituents the means to easily and readily exercise their right to determine how their MLA voted on any given issue debated in this Assembly Chamber.

  7   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this Assembly support the concept of an amendment to the B.C. Constitution Act, to place legal caps on spending and borrowing by the Government of this Province.

  8   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly enact legislation dissolving the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, and ending its monopoly on automobile insurance in the Province, replacing it with a free-market system of automobile insurance, thereby reducing insurance costs for all British Columbians, while preserving their rights and responsibilities.

  9   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that the Government join and support the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in their efforts to "convince" the federal government to reconsider its firearms legislation, and to consider the needs of rural Canadians.

10   Mr. Bowbrick to move--

Be it resolved that this House, acknowledging that information technology is British Columbia's fastest growing industrial sector, support partnerships with the private sector that will create jobs in the value-added, knowledge-based economy of the future.

11   Ms. Walsh to move--

Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of ensuring women and other underrepresented groups are represented in publicly funded construction projects such as the Island Highway Project and reaffirm its support for the Skills Development and Fair Wage Act.

12   Mr. Bowbrick to move--

Be it resolved that this House, aware of the need for new skills to take advantage of new jobs in British Columbia's changing economy, congratulate the Government of British Columbia for maintaining Canada's highest level of support for primary, secondary and post-secondary education.

13   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Assembly will only entertain proposed Native land claim settlements that have first been put to regional referendums and approved by a majority of British Columbians living in the area under claim.

14   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

That the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia endorse the principles set out below to guide the Government of British Columbia in negotiations for the settlement of Native land claims:

1. Settlements should be fair, consistent, affordable, final and binding;

2. Settlements should respect the rights and interests of all British Columbians, including property ownership and legal rights emanating from contracts, leases, tenures and other legal arrangements;

3. Settlements should support Native aspirations to be part of the economic mainstream of the Province;

4. Settlements should incorporate the principles of fiscal fairness, whereby all British Columbians have access to reasonably comparable levels of government services on the basis of reasonably comparable levels of taxation;

5. Settlements should provide Native people with the same rights, privileges and obligations as other British Columbians;

6. Settlements involving natural resources should include a framework for natural resource conservation and management; and

7. Settlements must respect Natives' rights to live according to their unique culture and heritage.

  15   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that the Government act immediately to create a Community Notification Process to be followed upon the release from jail of a convicted pedophile or a repeat sexual offender.

  16   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that, in the interest of public scrutiny, the Government ensure that all component parts of the Public Accounts be available in hardcopy form, rather than having portions of them available only to those who have computer access to them via the Internet.

  17   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that, in the interest of public scrutiny, the Government ensure that the tendering of all Government contracts and subcontracts be inventoried in the Public Accounts, so that subcontracting cannot be used as a means of subverting public accountability.

  18   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that the motor fuel tax exemption for propane be reinstated, and be extended indefinitely.

  19   Mr. Randall to move--

Be it resolved that this House congratulate the Government and in particular the Ministry of Health for its on-going efforts to curb smoking among British Columbia's young people; and

Be it further resolved that this House call upon the Government to step up its efforts to ensure compliance with the law by enforcing the restriction on the sale of tobacco products to those under the age of 19, including the prosecution of those who continue to ignore this prohibition.

  20   Ms. Kwan to move--

Be it resolved that this House declare its support for a woman's right to choice in reproductive health care.

  21   Mr. Stevenson to move--

Be it resolved that this House, mindful that the vast majority of landlords are reasonable and fair and that only a small minority of tenants cause problems for landlords, is of the opinion that the present residential tenancy legislation provides fairness and balance that enables conflicts to be resolved without confrontation between landlords and tenants.

  22   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that Forest Renewal trust accounts be established in all regions, to ensure that every region receives its fair share of additional stumpage revenue generated under the Forest Renewal Program.

  23   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislature will not countenance any expansion of gambling in this Province, unless the specific details of that expansion are first approved by a majority of the ballots cast by British Columbians in a province-wide referendum.

  24   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislature repudiate the federal government's ill-advised "Mifflin Plan" for the reorganization of the Fisheries Industry in B.C., and that this Assembly calls upon the Government of this province to press the Government of Canada to surrender full jurisdiction for salt-water fisheries on the Pacific coast, to the Province.

  25   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that the Government amend its welfare policies to require single employable parents to be deemed eligible for employment when their youngest child is six months of age or older.

  26   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that all Government contracts be open for tender to all bidders, whether they are union or non-union.

  27   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislature recognize the importance of an efficient and well-maintained transportation infrastructure to the economy of all regions of this Province.

  28   Mr. Goodacre to move--

Be it resolved that this House recognize BC Rail as vital to the continued economic vibrancy of the North and vigorously oppose proposals to sell it to American or off-shore interests.

  29   Mr. Kasper to move--

Be it resolved that this House, mindful of the need to protect British Columbia's coasts against the threat of oil spills, call on the Government of Canada to require the double-hulling of tankers by 1998, to reinstate the Ship-Source Oil Pollution fund, and to enact federal regulations requiring all vessel traffic entering B.C. waters to have spill prevention plans in place.

  30   Mr. Orcherton to move--

Be it resolved that the House declare its priority in support of tax relief for middle class working families, and oppose schemes aimed at reducing the tax burden for large corporations that are enjoying record profits during a time when unemployment remains unacceptably high.

  31   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this House rejects the high costs and unnecessary regulatory burden that the federal government's gun control legislation places on lawful gun-owners.

  32   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly urge the Ministry of Health to continue to encourage the recruitment of Health Care professionals, including audiologists and anaesthesiologists, in the rural and northern regions of British Columbia.

  33   Mr. Weisgerber to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislature refer the Election Act to the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills for broad reconsideration, including further examination of those sections setting limits on the free speech of ordinary British Columbians during an election campaign, and those resulting in onerous document filing requirements for political parties, and requesting recommendations for appropriate amendments.

  34   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this House support the immediate establishment of a provincial sexual offenders registry as an interim step towards the establishment of a national registry.

  35   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly support the expansion of choice in education through charter schools, alternative schools, and the introduction of a voluntary voucher system.

  36   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this House commit itself to repealing, this session, the effect of the provisions of the Human Rights Amendment Act, 1996 which permit the BC Human Rights Tribunal to impose operating conditions and hiring quotas on private-sector employers.

  37   Mr. Waddell to move--

Be it resolved that this House congratulate the Government on receiving the highest rating in Canada from the victims' rights group CAVEAT, for taking a comprehensive approach to community safety and introducing a wide range of innovative programs.

  38   Mr. Hartley to move--

Be it resolved that this House urge the Government of Canada to submit the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the federal Environmental Assessment Review Process (EARP) in recognition that this federal government undertaking has significant implications for British Columbia and Canada's environment; and

Be it further resolved that this House regret that the federal Liberal government ignored the environmental implications of NAFTA which, in the opinion of this House, is likely to increase intergovernmental pressure to lower environmental standards and enforcement measures.

  39   Mr. Waddell to move--

Be it resolved that this House is of the opinion that education funding must be directed, as much as possible, to children in the classroom and reject the practice of large payouts by school boards to administrators for unused sick leave or for paid leaves of absence.

  40   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that the Forest Practices Code be immediately amended, to minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on and high compliance costs to the B.C. forest industry.

  41   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this Assembly condemn the manner in which the Government extended the eligibility criteria for the adoption of infants at the expense of traditional families who are waiting to adopt a baby. Be it further resolved that this House commit itself to passing, this session, legislation amending the Adoption Act, to remedy this.

  42   Mr. Neufeld to move--

Be it resolved that this House support only genuine and documented reductions in the size of the Provincial Civil Service.

  43   Ms. Sawicki to move--

Be it resolved that this House does not support mining within the boundaries of the Tatshenshini- Alsek or other provincial parks.

  44   Mr. Doyle to move--

Be it resolved that this House recognize the necessity of ensuring qualified trades people are fairly compensated for work performed on publicly-funded construction projects and reaffirm its support for the Skills Development and Fair Wage Act.

  45   Ms. Brewin to move--

Be it resolved that this House, recalling that the Victoria Commonwealth Games was the first major international multi-sport event in which disabled athletes participated as full members of their national teams, strongly urge the government of Malaysia to recognize the rightful place of disabled athletes in competitive sport and support their full inclusion in the XVI Commonwealth Games in 1998.

  46   Mr. Janssen to move--

Be it resolved that this House urge the Minister of Transportation and Highways to amend the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations to allow motorcycle owners to purchase personalized (vanity) licence plates, with net revenues from the sale of these plates dedicated to head injury treatment and research.

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