Votes -- Nos. 3 and 4 -- Tuesday, September 13, 2005 -- Ten o'clock a.m.

2005 Legislative Session: 1st Session, 38th Parliament

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

[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

Nos. 3 and 4

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Ten o'clock a.m.

Prayers by Mr. Mayencourt.

The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."

Ms. McIntyre moved, seconded by Mr. Cantelon --

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. Mayencourt, the debate was adjourned to the next sitting of the House.

The Hon. B. Barisoff (Speaker) tabled the following documents:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner Annual Report, 2004/2005;
Office of the Auditor General Annual Audit, Year ended March 31, 2005;
Office of the Auditor General Annual Report, 2004/2005;
Office of the Auditor General 2004/2005 Report 13: Building Momentum for Results-Based Management;
Office of the Auditor General 2005/2006 Report No. 1: Follow-up recommendations of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts contained in its Fourth Report of the 3rd Session of the 36th Parliament; Earthquake Preparedness; Performance Audit;
Office of the Auditor General 2005/2006 Report No. 2: Joint Follow-up of 2001/2002: Report 1 Managing Interface Fire Risks and Firestorm 2003 Provincial Review;
Office of the Auditor General 2005/2006 Report No. 3: Audit of the Government's Corporate Accounting System: Part 1;
Office of the Auditor General 2005/2006 Report No. 4: Building Better Reports: Our Assessment of the 2003/04 Annual Service Plan Reports of Government;
Office of the Auditor General 2005/2006 Report No. 5: Keeping the Decks Clean: Managing Gaming Integrity Risks in Casinos;
Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report, 2004;
Office of the Ombudsman Service Plan, 2005/06-2007/08;
Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner Annual Report, 2004;
Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Surrey-Panorama Ridge By-election, October 28, 2004;
Elections BC Service Plan, 2005/06-2007/08; and
British Columbia Legislative Library Annual Report, 2004.

And then the House adjourned at 11.59 a.m.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Two o'clock p.m.

By leave, the Hon. M. de Jong moved--

That the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia be amended as follows for the duration of the First Session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament, commencing September 12, 2005.

1. That Standing Order 14 be amended by adding a further sentence at the end of the Standing Orders as follows:

"In addition, the House may appoint one of the Members of the Official Opposition to be Assistant Deputy Speaker."

2. That Standing Order 25B be amended by deleting the words "Three Private Members" in the first sentence and substituting the words "Six Private Members", and further by amending Standing Order 25B (2) by deleting the words "three Members" and substituting the words "six Members".

3. That Standing Order 47A be amended by deleting the words "15 minute" in the first sentence and substituting the words "30 minute".

Motion agreed to.

Order called for "Members' Statements."

Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."

The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."

Pursuant to Order, the House resumed the adjourned debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor at the opening of the Session.

The debate continued.

On the motion of the Hon. M. de Jong, the debate was adjourned to the next sitting of the House.

The following Reports were received by the Office of the Clerk during dissolution:

Advanced Education Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Agricultural Land Commission Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
BC Assessment Annual Service Plan Report 2004;
BC Environmental Assessment Office Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
BC Games Society Annual Report 2004-2005;
BC Housing Annual Report 2004/2005;
BC Hydro Annual Report 2005;
BC Innovation Council Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
BC Transit Annual Report 2005;
British Columbia Buildings Corporation Annual Report, 2004-05;
British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch Annual Report 2004/2005;
British Columbia Lottery Corporation Annual Report 2004/05;
British Columbia Railway Company Annual Report 2004;
British Columbia Securities Commission Annual Report 2004/2005;
British Columbia Transmission Corporation Annual Report 2005;
Children and Family Development Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Columbia Basin Trust Annual Report 2004/2005;
Columbia Power Corporation Annual Report 2004/05;
Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Education Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Energy and Mines Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Finance Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council Annual Report 2004-2005;
Forest Practices Board Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Forests Annual Strategic Plan Report 2004/05;
Government Annual Strategic Plan Report 2004-2005;
Health Services Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Homeowner Protection Office Annual Report 2004-2005;
Human Resources Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Industry Training Authority Annual Report 2004/05;
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia Annual Report 2004;
Land and Water British Columbia Inc. Annual Report 2004/05;
Legal Services Society Annual Service Plan 2004/2005;
Management Services Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Multiculturalism Annual Report 2003-2004;
Nisga'a Final Agreement Annual Report, April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004;
Notification of the impact of a change in accounting policy pursuant to the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act, Section 11 (2);
Office of the Merit Commissioner Annual Report 2004/2005;
Office of the Premier Annual Service Plan Report 2004/2005;
Oil and Gas Commission Annual Service Plan Report 2004/2005;
Partnerships British Columbia Annual Report 04-05;
PavCo Annual Report April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005;
Provincial Capital Commission Annual Report 2005;
Provincial Revenue Annual Service Plan 2004/05;
Public Accounts 2004/2005 and Ministerial Accountability Report, 2004/05;
Public Safety and Solicitor General Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Public Service Agency Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Rapid Transit Project 2000 Ltd. Annual Report 2004-2005;
Royal British Columbia Museum Annual Report 2004/2005;
Skills Development and Labour Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Small Business and Economic Development Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Sustainable Resource Management Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Transportation Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Treaty Negotiations Office Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05;
Tourism British Columbia Annual Report 2004/05;
Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project Annual Service Plan Report 2004/2005; and
Water, Land and Air Protection Annual Service Plan Report 2004/05.

And then the House adjourned at 5.59 p.m.

BILL BARISOFF, Speaker

NOTICE OF BILLS

Wednesday, September 14

Mr. Yap to introduce a Bill intituled Volunteer Recognition Act.

Mr. Mayencourt to introduce a Bill intituled Apology Act.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

Wednesday, September 14


1 Ms. Karagianis to move--: Be it resolved that this House support the BC government's goal to lead the world in sustainable environmental management by calling upon the government to amend the Social Services Tax Act in order to extend tax concessions to include two-wheeled motorized vehicles such as power-assisted bicycles and electric motorscooters.

2 Mr. Wyse to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its failure to provide adequate housing for British Columbian consumers of mental health services.

3 Mr. Chouhan to move--: Be it resolved that the House condemn the BC government for disbanding the Human Rights Commission and be it further resolved that this House urge the BC government to restore and strengthen the Human Rights Commission.

4 Mr. Cubberley to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the Auditor General to review the propriety of the B.C. government's contracts with Maximus to manage MSP and Pharmacare.

5 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House offers its sympathy and support to our friends and neighbours in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama dealing with the horrifying aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and recognizes the dedication of British Columbians and Canadians who are providing assistance in dealing with this unprecedented natural disaster.

6 Mr. Bloy to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the enduring legacy of hope Terry Fox has left not only in Canada but also around the world.

7 Mr. Black to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the continued growth and development of British Columbia's high technology sector, and encourages the continued co-operation of public and private technology interests through joint organizations such as the Premier's Technology Council.

8 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the success of the Cooking Fun for Families program and encourages the government to expand this program to more communities in British Columbia.

9 Mr. Chudnovsky to move--: Be it resolved that this House call upon the BC government to establish a public inquiry into the sale of BC Rail.

10 Mr. Chudnovsky to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of keeping the BC Rail Port Division in public hands in order to ensure fair and efficient access to export markets for all BC businesses.

11 Mr. Hawes to move--: Be it resolved that this House commends the Fraser Health Authority for the expeditious manner in which they are building the new Abbotsford Hospital.

12 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of volunteers and recognizes their help in defining priorities and values within B.C. communities.

13 Mr. Jarvis to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the valuable and committed work of the Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue team as well as all other search and rescue groups in the province of British Columbia.

14 Mr. Krog to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its drastic and heartless cuts to victims' services, and be it further resolved that this House call on the BC government to restore this funding, including reinstating victims' assistance counselors.

15 Mr. Krog to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its devastation of legal aid services in this province.

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

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

18 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the federal government's decision to allow the Tulsequah Chief mine to open, providing good family-supporting jobs in communities across north western British Columbia.

19 Mr. Lali to move--: Be it resolved that this House support the revitalization of publicly-owned liquor stores and be it further resolved that this House condemn the clandestine privatization of publicly-owned liquor stores.

20 Mr. Dix to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its continued fragmentation and bureaucratic restructuring of children's services that has created chaos and hurt services to BC children and their families.

21 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages and supports all involved parties in the remediation of the Cheakamus River, thus increasing its future environmental benefits for fish and wildlife habitat.

22 Mr. Nuraney to move--: Be it resolved that this House endorses February's Speech from the Throne commitment to "explore new ways to integrate alternative health care options into our mainstream health care system" in order to allow British Columbians more individual choice and freedom in the decision on when, where and how they, as patients, seek medical treatment, medical advice and preventative care.

23 Ms. Polak to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports initiatives to work with professional associations and unions to help expedite the credentials process for foreign-trained professionals in BC.

24 Mr. Dix to move--: Be it resolved that this House support a Public Inquiry into the Air India tragedy, and be it further resolved that this House urge the BC Government to advocate for such an inquiry to the Federal Government.

25 Mr. S. Simpson to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC Government to appoint a commissioner who will certify the environmental sustainability of its actions and ensure that development in this province does not compromise our ecological resources or their ability to sustain our current and future generations.

26 Mr. S. Simpson to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC Government to expand the mandate of the BC Utilities Commission to include consideration of environmental and community interests.

27 Ms. Roddick to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the value of greater provincial influence over federal fisheries management of the B.C. wild fishery to increase revenue and protect jobs.

28 Mr. Rustad to move--: Be it resolved that this House respects seniors and their families who, over their lifetime, have worked to impart the fruits of their labour to the next generation so that they may continue their family's legacy; and in support of that, this House opposes an inheritance tax on British Columbians.

29 Ms. Whittred to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize that all food served in schools should meet accepted nutritional guidelines.

30 Mr. Horgan to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the use of potentially harmful herbicides on the E & N corridor.

31 Mr. Horgan to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC government to accelerate its planned seismic upgrade of all BC schools from fifteen years to ten years.

32 Mr. Fleming to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the BC government to follow the lead of the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba and take action to regulate the payday lending industry.

33 Mr. Yap to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages the provincial government to enter into more partnerships with private, public and charitable institutions to provide long term care for seniors.

34 Mr. Black to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the role British Columbia's military veterans have played in protecting the rights and freedoms Canadians today enjoy, and the essential lessons future generations can learn from their sacrifice and bravery.

35 Mr. Bloy to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the investments in post secondary education made by this government and the benefits to students and athletes.

36 Ms. Trevena to move--: Be it resolved that this House agree to rename the Inland Island Highway near Cumberland, Ginger Goodwin Way.

37 Mr. Bains to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC government to support hospitals and care homes throughout the province in providing culturally appropriate food to those patients and residents that require them.

38 Mr. Hawes to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages the federal government to support the expansion of the Abbotsford International Airport by providing funding for runway and apron improvements as well as federally supplied and funded customs service for international flights.

39 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes that transportation infrastructure such as the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge is vital to the economy of British Columbia and that the efficient flow of traffic is paramount to ensuring the success of both domestic and international commerce.

40 Mr. Krueger to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledges the importance of expanding markets in Asia to the future of producers in the Heartlands communities.

41 Mr. Lee to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes British Columbia's Chinese community, the positive contributions they have made towards the betterment of British Columbians and the importance for the province to further expand economic, cultural and free trade ties with China and Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide, by delivering a message of "BC Open for Business" to the 8th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention to be convened in Seoul, South Korea, October 9-12, 2005.

42 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the financial burden faced by northern residents who need to travel for health care reasons, and the role government can play in helping to ease that burden.

43 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House does not support obstructive political activism in our classrooms.

44 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of tackling crystal meth drug use, particularly among BC youth, before the problem worsens.

45 Mr. Rustad to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the important contribution -- academically, culturally and socio-economically -- made by international students attending schools, colleges and universities in British Columbia, to enriching and enabling British Columbia to become the best educated and most literate jurisdiction on the continent.

46 Mr. Yap to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the recent elimination of provincial income taxes for British Columbians earning less than $15,500 per year.

47 Mr. Bloy to move--: Be it resolved that this House acknowledges the Canadian Football League (CFL) holds a special place in Canada's heritage and national identity and proclaims the week of November 21, 2005 to November 27, 2005 as Canadian Football League (CFL) Week in the Province of British Columbia.

48 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House honours and cherishes cultural diversity and the value it brings to communities across B.C. and particularly Surrey, where over 90 different languages are spoken.

49 Mr. Mayencourt to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the establishment of a teacher registry, so the names of teachers disciplined for misconduct involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse will be placed on a permanent record.

50 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the tremendous environmental and economic benefits associated with fostering the development of alternative energies.

51 Mr. Rustad to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the commitment to a New Relationship with First Nations that will lead to long-lasting benefits to all people in British Columbia and Canada.

52 Mr. Yap to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports British Columbia having the lowest personal income taxes in Canada for all lower and middle income levels.

53 Mr. Bloy to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the Gateway Transportation Strategy to help relieve current congestion in the Lower Mainland which costs the BC economy $1.5 billion per year.

54 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of focusing on students' results in British Columbia's education system.

55 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes BC's life sciences industry which is the fastest growing in Canada, and the seventh largest in North America, ensuring BC is not only a base for R&D but also for financing, and commercializing ideas, inventions and innovation.

56 Mr. Rustad to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the plan to more than double the number of doctors being trained in British Columbia and to train doctors in Prince George, Victoria and Kelowna.

57 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the significance of early childhood education and the importance of ensuring our children are properly prepared for the K to 12 education system in British Columbia.

58 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the hiring of an additional 13 Conservation Officers this fiscal year with a commitment to hire further Conservation Officers over the next two fiscal years.

59 Mr. Cubberley to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the B.C. government to direct the Provincial Health Authority to develop a bid for in-house delivery of B.C. Nurseline.

60 Mr. B. Simpson to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the Minister of Forests to engage the forestry community in the development of a comprehensive, province-wide forest fire management strategy that embraces the recommendations of the independent Forest Practices Board and the Association of BC Forests Professionals, and addresses the impacts of the mountain pine beetle and other forest health agents on BC's forests.

61 Ms. James to move--: Be it resolved that this House call on the government to halt the BC Utility Commission hearing into the sale of Terasen Gas until such time as the softwood lumber dispute with the United States is settled.

62 Mr. Lee to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the mutual benefits provided by trade between British Columbia's resource industries and the countries of the Asian subcontinent.

63 Mr. MacKay to move--: Be it resolved that this House does not support organizations that call for boycotts of products from British Columbia's resource industries.

64 Mr. Brar to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC government to make emergency preparedness a top priority.

65 Mr. Brar to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its continued expansion of gambling.

66 Mr. Routley to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC Government to protect the rights of tenants and landlords by reinstating the residential tenancy offices that have been closed since 2001.

67 Ms. McIntyre to move--: Be it resolved that this House supports the action being undertaken to address Crown-owned contaminated sites in BC, as exemplified by the Britannia mine clean-up which is now going forward after decades of inaction.

68 Mr. Nuraney to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the challenges related to homelessness and supports the efforts of various ministries and groups to promote effective solutions.

69 Ms. Polak to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages initiatives to promote education program options within the K-12 Public School system.

70 Mr. Routley to move--: Be it resolved that this House urge the BC government to complete an inventory of all vacant or closed public buildings and offices for consideration for conversion to housing for low-income families, seniors, and persons living with physical and mental disabilities.

71 Mr. Puchmayr to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the government for failing to make workplace health and safety a priority for British Columbia workers.

72 Ms. Conroy to move--: Be it resolved that this House condemn the BC government for its practice of separating senior couples in the medium and long-term care system.

73 Mr. Dix to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognize the genocide of the Armenians as a crime against humanity. Be it further resolved that this House urge the BC government to designate April 24th of every year hereafter throughout BC as a day of remembrance for the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim to the first genocide of the 20th Century, and ask the Ministry of Education to develop appropriate curriculum materials to teach the history of the Armenian genocide in BC public schools.

74 Ms. Roddick to move--: Be it resolved that this House encourages all levels of government to recognize that dykes and ditches are an important part of our agriculture system and that they safeguard significant urban and agricultural areas in B.C.

75 Mr. Rustad to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic and supports the government's continued long-term strategy to diversify and protect our forest industry and its dependent communities.

76 Mr. Yap to move--: Be it resolved that this House is open to exploring viable options surrounding incentives for long term care insurance.

77 Mr. Bloy to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes British Columbia's Korean community, the positive contributions they have made towards the betterment of all British Columbians and the importance for the province to expand economic, cultural and potential free trade ties with Korea.

78 Mr. Hayer to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of the contribution foreign-trained professionals make to the economy of BC and to addressing skills shortages, by ensuring that they are eligible to practice in this province without undue hindrance.

79 Mr. Ralston to move--: Be it resolved that this House recognizes the importance of BC's agricultural land base and, in particular, unique ALR parcels such as Barnston Island.

[ Progress of Bills . . . ]

[ Return to: Legislative Assembly Home Page ]