Contents

The House met at 10:06 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Darlene Rotchford.

Speaker’s Statement

Legislature Staff Thanked

The Speaker: Before we do the introductions, I want to say a few things.

On behalf of all members, all of us, I want to start off this morning by recognizing the Legislative Assembly staff from the Sergeant-at-Arms team, the Hansard team, the Office of the Clerk and all staff throughout the building, many of whom took on additional duties last night, for the exceptional professionalism and dedication they showed last night on very short notice.

It takes the collaboration and expertise of several departments for this chamber to function, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the service they provided into the early hours of this morning.

So on behalf of all of us, I want to say thank you to all the staff. You are the best.

[Applause.]

Introductions by Members

Hon. Lana Popham: I have three folks that I’m going to introduce today.

The first two are Jagir Virk and Parminder Virk. They are here in the gallery with us. These two wonderful people started out as constituents, but I now consider them dear, dear friends. They’re the most generous folks that I know in Saanich South. They continually give back to community, and I’m just so happy to be able to spend some time with them today.

They’re accompanied by the woman who runs my constituency office, Kathleen Burton.

I don’t know what I’d do without you, Kathleen. I’m glad to see you today as well.

Macklin McCall: I’d like to take a moment to welcome three guests from my constituency of West Kelowna–Peachland — Dave, Jen and Charlotte Birchmore — who are joining us here today for their first visit to the Legislature.

They’re here to see firsthand how this place works, to watch question period, spend some time in the building and get a better sense of how both government and opposition carry out their roles in this House. It’s always valuable when people take the time to come here, see the process up close and experience what happens inside this chamber. I hope they enjoy their stay here today.

Please join me in welcoming them to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

[10:10 a.m.]

Hon. Jodie Wickens: Joining us today in the Legislature is a wonderful constituent of mine and former colleague, former MLA Jane Shin.

Jane served in our Legislature from 2013 to 2017. She was the very first Korean MLA elected into our House. She was also a seatmate of mine when we sat on the opposition. Jane never heckled. That didn’t quite rub off on me. Maybe it should have after yesterday.

Would the House please join me in welcoming a wonderful leader in our community and someone who dedicated such great strength and determination and leadership for our province.

Trevor Halford: We are joined by three of Lord Tweedsmuir’s finest alumni. We’ve got Murray Macdonald, who’s here today; Darlene Hawkins; and somebody near and dear to my heart, my mom, Patti Halford. They have joined us all the way from White Rock today.

I ask that the House please make them all very welcome.

Hon. Josie Osborne: I am honoured today to introduce the B.C. Radiological Society to the House.

They are a non-profit professional association that represents radiologists across British Columbia. They are committed to advancing patient-centred medical imaging by advocating for timely, high-quality and equitable access to care for all British Columbians, and that includes rural, remote and Indigenous communities where equitable access remains a critical priority.

We have, I think, about 15 members in the House. I’m not going to introduce everybody.

Would everybody please join me in making them feel most welcome.

Amelia Boultbee: I am very proud today to welcome two constituents of mine, Jacki McPherson and Haley Regan, to the House, from the Penticton Indian Band and Okanagan Nation. Yesterday I was proud to watch them both receive B.C. Achievement Community Awards at Government House. Our whole community is very proud of their achievement.

Will the House please join me in making them feel very welcome.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson: Joining us in the gallery today is my uncle Paul Barber. Paul and his late wife, my aunt Kim Malcolmson, were the cool aunt and uncle when I was growing up. They got married, my aunt wearing a pink pantsuit with her kid on her hip — Alex Barber, who works for our government now.

She was one of the first commissioners for pay equity in Ontario. They supported both the NDP governments provincially in Manitoba and Ontario. I am formed by Kim every day, and I love that Paul is here to visit and to keep her memory alive.

Welcome, Paul.

Rob Botterell: It’s my pleasure today to introduce my wonderful guests here in the gallery this morning.

Kari Huhtala and Lynda Challis live on Pender Island and are two of my constituents in North Saanich and the Islands. They both were exceptional planners in greater Vancouver and are wonderful neighbours on the happiest island in B.C., Pender Island. Kari was born in Finland. His family immigrated to Canada when he was four years old. Linda was born in Vancouver and has lived most of her life here in B.C.

They are joined by Kari’s niece Anne Ruokolainen and her daughter Roosa, who are visiting us from Järvenpää, Finland. Anne has visited us twice before, but this is Roosa’s first visit to Canada. During the time on Pender, they’ve been captivated by the deer, sea lions and otters, and they even spied a whale. Unlike me, they are tech-savvy and have used apps to identify birds and vegetation that are not commonly seen in Finland.

May the House please make them feel welcome.

[10:15 a.m.]

Anna Kindy: I’d like to also welcome the British Columbia Radiological Society, especially Dr. Wan Wan Yap, Dr. Brenda Farnquist, Dr. Vamshi Kotha, Dr. Blake Jamieson, Dr. Sally Harvie, Dr. Roshni Patel, Dr. Brendon Graeber, Dr. Will Siu, Dr. Silvia Chang, Dr. Tyler Yan, Dr. Manraj Heran, Amy Smith and Cheryl Prystanski.

Thank you so much for advocating for timely radiological services, which are often bottlenecks to timely treatments.

Janet Routledge: It’s really great that so many members got to introduce their constituency staff in the chamber this week.

But of course, our dear friend the member for Vancouver-Strathcona has not been able to do that. In fact, her staff were not able to come to the CA conference because they have been at her side throughout her illness, at home, at the office and in the hospital.

Please join me in thanking Tyler Petersen, Mason Kerr, and Sylvia Wu for their kindness, their loyalty and their commitment.

Harman Bhangu: Today in the House, we have Vinay Waraich, who is a good friend and also happens to be the constituency assistant for, overlapping in my riding, federal MP Sukhman Gill.

Would the House make him feel welcome.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: I have some folks joining me online today from Web Summit Vancouver. Web Summit is next week.

This is the Olympics of tech — 35,000 people coming into British Columbia to celebrate all that we have to offer from our tech companies, investors, media, partners. It’s a huge deal for our companies, and I wanted to welcome everyone to British Columbia.

David Williams: Today up in the gallery, I have someone very special here visiting, and that would be my spouse. She’s the one that takes care of everything when we’re here back at home.

She came down early yesterday afternoon. We had a really great evening planned, but we know how that went. It was kind of an epic journey.

Please welcome her to the House today.

Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert: With us this week is an incredible listener, activist, adviser, community member, neighbour, friend, somebody who works very hard for the West End, Coal Harbour, my constituency adviser Heather Andrews.

I just wanted to thank her for her work and make her welcome to the people’s House.

Kristina Loewen: It feels like we were just here, doesn’t it?

I’m very pleased to introduce Aaron Gairdner to the Legislative Assembly today. Aaron is a fourth-generation British Columbian who was born in Prince George, studied B.C. politics at the University of Victoria and received a master’s in political science from U of T.

Aaron began his career working for the admiral commanding Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt. Always involved in politics, Aaron also served as the chief of staff to federal Conservative Ministers of National Defence, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture during the Harper government. Aaron is also the volunteer fundraising chair for the Caroline Elliott leadership campaign.

Please help me make him feel very welcome this morning.

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside: I wanted to send a big hello and shout-out to folks in my community at the Elizabeth Fry Society. This week is Elizabeth Fry Week. Since 1939, folks at EFry have been standing up for vulnerable girls and women. Their head office is located in New Westminster.

I want to say to Azra Hussain and the whole team at EFry: thank you so much for everything you do, from the shelter to running the social enterprise in our community.

Would everybody please help me in celebrating Elizabeth Fry Week.

Steve Kooner: I see a colleague from the legal profession up there, Amrik Narang.

Can the House please welcome him.

George Anderson: I’m pleased to introduce Warren Skaalrud, who is joining us in the gallery today. Warren is a lifelong Vancouver Island resident; a 35-year Royal Canadian Navy veteran, including service in the Gulf War; and the founder and president of the Restore Island Rail Society.

[10:20 a.m.]

Through his work, he has helped build a movement of more than 40,000 supporters calling for the return of passenger and freight rail service on Vancouver Island, grounded in sustainable transportation, partnership with First Nations, economic development and long-term planning.

Please join me in welcoming Warren to the House.

Korky Neufeld: It’s always good to have somebody from the city in the country, Abbotsford, to come visit. I would like to introduce Amrik Narang. He’s an experienced and versatile lawyer with approximately 25 years of experience.

Amrik has deep roots in Abbotsford and has been involved in multiple boards, organizations in the Fraser Valley, like the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association, Archway Community Services and various committees and the Law Society of British Columbia.

Currently Amrik is an instructor at UFV, teaches business law. He also is in his third year as a member of the Abbotsford police board and serves as the chair of the governance and policy committee. Amrik gives back to our community in many ways, and he has put his hat in the ring for Abbotsford city council.

Let’s make him feel welcome.

Darlene Rotchford: This afternoon I will have Rear-Adm. David Patchell from MARPAC and his wife Christian Patchell joining me in the House to talk about how we can continue to support military families in the province.

B.C. is actually leading the charge in Seamless Canada and everything we are doing for military families, so I’m super excited to welcome them.

Could everyone in the House make them feel welcome.

Ian Paton: In my riding of Tsawwassen, we have a tremendous independent school called Southpointe Academy, and they are here today with two classes of grade 4s and 5s. They’re actually getting a tour with the legislative tour guides right now as we speak.

I want to welcome them and their teachers, Ms. Hammerberg and Mr. Carson. For some of us on our side of the aisle, Mr. Carson is the son of Frank and Primrose Carson, who we all know.

Please make them feel welcome.

Hon. Anne Kang: On the floor today, I have the pleasure of introducing a colleague and a friend that I have made throughout the years of service. I met Jane Shin when she was running for MLA in 2012-2013 and got to work with her closely in my days as a Burnaby city councillor. We’ve become very close friends.

I also do want to recognize that with her is her beautiful and precious son River, who she had shortly after she retired. Amazing things happened when she retired. She’s now currently the VP of students and community development at Vancouver Community College.

As well, I want to also make her family feel very welcome here. Her brother, Jimmy, is in the gallery, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Shin.

Would the House please make them all feel very welcome.

Jordan Kealy: I’d like to introduce a good friend of mine, Charmaine Dunkley. This is the first time she has managed to come to the Legislature. She’s one of those people that brings warmth and a smile to everywhere she goes, and she spends a lot of time volunteering and helping others.

If everybody from the Legislature could welcome her and give her a smile as well.

Hon. Jessie Sunner: Today I rise to recognize two very, very special people in my life, my parents, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on Monday. They have built such a beautiful life together, built on love, faith and unwavering partnership.

They’ve given so much to my brothers and me, built such a beautiful life and showed us every day what real commitment and partnership looks like. I use those values to guide my own marriage, and I’m so thankful for everything that they do for us.

Thanks will never be enough. I love you so much.

If the House will please join me in congratulating them.

Lorne Doerkson: Proud to welcome four people to our precinct. They’re not strangers here. They are on a whirlwind tour of ministry offices. They’re representing the Thompson-Nicola regional district.

Barbara Roden, Michael Grenier, Scott Hildebrand, Corbin Kelley — an amazing team of representation from this very important area in our province.

Rohini Arora: I have to join my colleagues in recognizing my dear friend Jane Shin. She was the former MLA for my riding, which used to be called Burnaby-Lougheed. Much has been said about Jane — what she does for work currently, her beautiful son that’s in the House and the impact that she’s had on many of us.

[10:25 a.m.]

But the main thing I would like to lift up is that because of Jane Shin…. It’s like watching a pathway carved into seeing yourself in a space like this. For racialized young women all across this province and this country, I thank Jane Shin for carving that pathway.

Without you, sister, we wouldn’t be here. Much love.

Introduction and
First Reading of Bills

Bill M244 — Home Rental Fairness Act

Tara Armstrong presented a bill intituled Home Rental Fairness Act.

Tara Armstrong: I move that a bill intituled the Home Rental Fairness Act, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time now.

This legislation mandates a comprehensive overhaul of our province’s residential tenancy laws to fix rules that are indisputably broken for homeowners and tenants alike.

Today B.C. is the most expensive province in Canada, with rents nearly $400 above the national average. Yet according to 2026 REIC reports, we remain one of the least hospitable jurisdictions in North America for housing investment.

This bill addresses the root causes of this tragic paradox. The Home Rental Fairness Act mandates a total rewrite of the Residential Tenancy Act, short-term rental bans, laws governing manufactured homes and all related regulations within 12 months.

Recent surveys indicate that up to 30 percent of homeowners with secondary suites now refuse to rent them. Why? Because homeowners live in fear that having a tenant will turn into a hostage situation. The backlog for dispute resolution under the current system is now up to eight months. A nightmare tenant — and yes, they do exist — could occupy a home for nearly a year without paying a dime.

This bill will also put an end to the failed short-term rental ban. Two years ago that legislation promised long-term housing. Instead, tens of thousands of suites that could otherwise house our citizens sit empty. Owners would rather leave a unit vacant than gamble their financial security on a system they cannot trust.

There is no time for fiddling at the margins, which is why this bill initiates a complete rebuild of our rental system from the ground up. This bill will benefit owners and tenants alike because fairness and real reform will restore balance and benefit everyone involved.

With that, I commend this act to the House.

The Speaker: Members, the question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Tara Armstrong: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Members’ Statements

Mother’s Day

Jody Toor: As Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10, I find myself reflecting not only as an MLA but as a mother of two beautiful daughters, Nya and Jaya.

Motherhood has taught me many things, but perhaps the greatest lesson is this. Motherhood is not about perfection. It is about showing up — showing up when you’re tired; showing up when life feels overwhelming; showing up when your children need strength, guidance, encouragement or simply someone to listen.

Often the moments that shape a child most are not the grand moments. They’re the quiet ones, the everyday acts of love, sacrifice, patience and persistence that may go unseen by the world but are never forgotten by a child.

There is a poem by George Cooper that says: “Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn — but only one mother the wide world over.” As a mother myself, there are moments that remind me just how deep that connection truly is. No matter how busy life becomes, no matter how heavy the responsibilities of this role can feel, hearing the voices of my daughters has a way of grounding me instantly. Their laughter, their words, even the simple moments of conversations have a way of putting life back into outlook.

I often think about my own mother and the example she set for me. Her strength, her resilience and the way she carried herself through difficult seasons helped shape the woman I am today. So much of who we become begins long before we realize, through the quiet influence of mothers who teach us not only through words but through the way she lives, sacrifices and loves.

[10:30 a.m.]

I want to recognize biological mothers who carried, nurtured, protected; the stepmothers who chose love, patience and commitment, building trust over time and stepping into families with grace; the adopted mothers who remind us that motherhood is defined not only by biology but by devotion; grandmothers who hold families together through wisdom, prayer and quiet strength.

Motherhood, in all its forms, is rarely about perfection. It is about presence. Your love shapes families, your strength shapes communities, and your presence shapes generations. Happy Mother’s Day.

Child Care Providers and
Early Childhood Educators

Sunita Dhir: May is Child Care Month in British Columbia, a time to recognize and thank the dedicated early childhood educators and child care providers who are at the heart of our child care system. It’s also a time to reflect on the important role child care plays in our lives, our communities and our economy. When child care is strong, families are stronger and communities thrive.

Tomorrow, on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, we have an opportunity to thank those who show up every day with patience, care and commitment for our youngest learners. They make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, parents, caregivers and families across British Columbia.

In the early years, children learn through play, relationships and guidance. They build confidence, learn to share, solve problems and begin to understand who they are and where they belong. These experiences last a lifetime. This work is made possible by early childhood educators and child care providers, professionals who offer not only supervision but comfort, reassurance and stability at a critical stage of development. They also support parents and caregivers in pursuing their work and goals, knowing their children are safe and well cared for.

I know from experience that without access to quality, inclusive child care, families, especially women, face real barriers to full participation in the workforce and community life.

So tomorrow I encourage all members of this House to take a moment to recognize and thank child care providers for the role they play in shaping children’s early development and supporting families every day.

Western Hockey League
and 2026 Draft

Linda Hepner: Today I am excited to talk about the Western Hockey League, a cornerstone of Canadian sport and a proving ground for some of the best young athletes in the world.

Founded in 1966, it was a bold idea at the time but today makes up one of three major junior leagues. It has a geographic footprint that stretches from northwestern U.S.A. — Washington, Oregon — and includes Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

The league has produced countless NHL players and Olympians while always emphasizing education, leadership and life skills. For many players, it’s a pathway not only to professional hockey but to scholarships and to careers beyond the rink.

As I outline the history of the WHL, I am today particularly excited. This year’s draft took place last night and continues today, but the first-round picks were last evening, and that was a milestone our family will not forget. Parker McMillan, our 15-year-old grandson, was chosen second overall in the first round. He will be playing for the Wenatchee Wild in Washington state.

As proud as we are of Parker’s No. 2 pick, we share celebration with another young Surrey athlete. Parker’s best friend, Eli Vickers, of South Surrey, was chosen third overall by the Vancouver Giants, two extraordinary top choices in this year’s draft.

[10:35 a.m.]

There are hundreds of young hopefuls in this league, and to see two Surrey choices in such high ranking speaks of the coaching and the commitment and the incredible achievement.

Both as a legislator and as a grandma, more importantly, I could not be more proud.

Contributions of Nurses

Darlene Rotchford: Well, it was fun last night, wasn’t it, friends? Last minute having to work late, not given any notice…. It’s perfectly fitting for my speech today.

I want to rise to recognize nurses here in British Columbia and to express my deepest gratitude to the nurses who care for people across our communities.

Before entering public service, I worked in health care. I had the privilege of working alongside the nurses in moments that are often demanding, sometimes heartbreaking and always deeply human. I saw firsthand their skills, their steady judgment and their compassion. I also saw the quiet acts that do not make headlines — the reassuring hand, the extra moments they take to listen and an unwavering commitment to do what is right for each and every patient.

Nursing is not just a profession. It is a call grounded in knowledge, resilience and empathy. Nurses are there at the beginning of life, at the most vulnerable moments and at the end of life. They are advocates, educators and leaders within our health care systems. They carry an immense responsibility, and they do so with dignity and strength.

We know that past years have placed extraordinary pressures on our system — I can tell you that firsthand — and on the people who keep it running. They do so with grace. Nurses have continued to show up for patients and for one another, even in the face of fatigue and uncertainty. For that, they deserve not only our thanks but our continued commitment to support them in a meaningful way.

To every nurse in Esquimalt-Colwood: thank you.

To every nurse in B.C.: thank you.

To the nurses on this side of the House: thank you.

Please know that your work matters deeply. Your care changes lives. Your dedication strengthens our community. On behalf of the House, and from my own experience working beside you, I offer the most sincere respect, admiration and gratitude.

Here Comes the Sun Book
and Solar Power Awareness

Rob Botterell: I’d like to welcome all members of this House to the B.C. Legislature Book Club.

Members may not be aware that they’ve signed up, but 91-year-old Saanich North and the Islands constituent Tannis Wightman won’t take no for an answer. Tannis was so inspired by Bill McKibben’s latest book, Here Comes the Sun, that she purchased copies for every B.C. MLA and every Canadian MP. As her MLA, it’s my honour to help her ensure that you all have that copy.

McKibben was one of the first people to raise the alarm about the climate crisis. In his latest book, he tells the hopeful story of solar power transforming our planet. In the last decade, the cost of producing energy from the sun has dropped below the cost of fossil fuels. In the words of McKibben: “We now live on an earth where the cheapest way to produce power is to point a sheet of glass at the sun.”

One of my constituent’s favourite stories in the book is about Pakistan, where farmers, factory owners, business people and everyday citizens have installed so many solar panels in the last five years that the sun now powers over one-third of their electrical grid. Not only is that good for the planet; it’s reshaping the global order, taking power from big corporations and giving it to the people. Pakistan’s solar boom has also sheltered it from the worst of the Iran war’s oil shortage. Imagine what we can do as British Columbians if we embrace plug-in, do-it-yourself balcony solar.

Tannis is so inspired by this book, and I am so inspired by her. So is author Bill McKibben, who has personally thanked Tannis for her advocacy. But as Tannis says, this book serves no purpose stuck on a bookshelf, so I encourage you to read it and then pass it along so someone else can learn about the solar revolution underway.

Pacific NorthWest
Economic Region

Paul Choi: I rise today to speak about the important work of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, known as PNWER, and the role it plays in strengthening our region.

PNWER brings together provinces, territories, states, legislators, governments, Indigenous leaders, businesses and community partners across the Pacific Northwest. Its work is practical, regional and focused on solving common challenges together. This year that work is essentially important because it marks the 35-year anniversary of being established by statute.

[10:40 a.m.]

Also, I want to take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate Brandon Hardenbrook as the new executive director.

Now as Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare for FIFA this year, and also for review of CUSMA, we know how important stable trade relationships are for the people in B.C. Cross-border trade is more than about policy. It affects workers, small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, forest communities, ports, supply chains and families across our province. Through PNWER, regional leaders are working to support trade predictability, supply chain resilience, infrastructure, energy security, innovation, agriculture tourism and economic competitiveness.

These are issues that cannot be solved with one jurisdiction alone. They require relationships, trust and ongoing dialogue. As B.C.’s lead delegate to PNWER, I have been proud to support this work and to ensure that B.C.’s voice is part of these important regional conversations.

This year PNWER’s work will continue through its executive meetings, policy working groups and the upcoming annual summit in Edmonton, where leaders from across Canada and the U.S. will come together to discuss shared economic opportunities and challenges. B.C. will continue to work with our partners through PNWER to strengthen regional cooperation, support good jobs, protect prosperity for families and build a more resilient Pacific Northwest.

Oral Questions

Legal Action by Cattlemen’s
Association on DRIPA
and Property Rights Issues

Ian Paton: Well, this government had the chance to stand with the Cattlemen when they were here on Tuesday.

On May 6, the Cattlemen filed their lawsuit challenging the legality of DRIPA, asking the court to declare the legislation of no force and effect, the same phrasing this government said DRIPA would have when it was brought into law.

To the Attorney General: do you support the Cattlemen and their legal challenge?

The Speaker: Though the Chair, Member.

Hon. Niki Sharma: I don’t speak about things that are before the court, and there’s a good reason for that. But what I will say is that I have had the chance to meet with the Cattlemen a couple of times when they were in town — whenever that day was, because we’re all tired. It was for over half an hour that we sat down. I got to hear their perspectives.

It’s my job as a government representative to understand everybody’s perspective and the challenges that they see in the province and to come up with solutions. That’s what we’re doing.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Ian Paton: Well, I can tell you that the Cattlemen in British Columbia are livid about the effects of DRIPA on their grazing tenures, their private property rights. The Cattlemen are seeking to join an ongoing challenge by the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association.

The Pender residents went to court after the government signed a cabinet order to grant the shíshálh First Nation the power to co-manage local dock tenures. These residents have been blindsided again, finding out only after the fact that decisions affecting their property rights had already been made.

Why is this government willing to attend Cattlemen’s Beef Day, with the usual meetings, handshakes and pleasantries, yet leave them to fend for themselves in court?

Hon. Niki Sharma: It’s everybody’s right in this province to present their perspectives in court. I won’t comment about an active court case, but what I will say is I appreciated the chance to sit down with the Cattlemen and hear their perspectives and their viewpoints on not only DRIPA but also the challenges that they see. That’s how I learn. That’s how we all learn.

I’m open to…. As we’ve said, we’re working on resolutions to the challenges we face, but we’ll always do it with understanding and appreciating everybody’s perspective.

Cowichan Tribes Land Title
Court Case and Property Rights

Steve Kooner: This government should be governing for all British Columbians and protecting all British Columbians in all litigation in this province. The provincial government lawyers were put on a directive by the Premier, when he was the Attorney General, to not argue extinguishment of Aboriginal title when it came to private property in the Quw’utsun case.

[10:45 a.m.]

The issue of failing to argue extinguishment of Aboriginal title has now reached the federal parliament. This debate is going on in the federal parliament in Ottawa as we speak.

Will the Attorney General commit today to removing the provincial UNDRIP directive to allow provincial government lawyers to argue extinguishment of Aboriginal title to protect private property in the Quw’utsun appeal, yes or no?

Hon. Niki Sharma: I would just start by saying that the arguments of extinguishment were at the Quw’utsun trial level, and they weren’t successful.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Niki Sharma: We are appealing with our arguments to make it clear, and I’ve made it clear many times in the House and so has our government, that protecting private property has to be paramount when it comes to resolving all issues in the court.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Members.

Hon. Niki Sharma: We’re clear about our arguments.

I just want to note that the Prime Minister weighed in on this recently and agreed with us that private property through all of the work has to be protected. That’s part of the work we need to do. We all need to work together to clarify the law and make sure that it’s clear to everybody, not only in this province but also across the country, that as we work through these difficult issues, people’s private property is protected.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Steve Kooner: For the record, the provincial government did not argue extinguishment. It was the city of Richmond.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, shhh.

Steve Kooner: Robin Junger, a former chief provincial treaty negotiator and a leading Aboriginal law expert, referred to the extinguishment argument and has stated: “That argument was not made by the federal government or the provincial government. Only the city of Richmond made that argument in the original trial. It’s a very important issue, and there’s legitimacy to the legal doctrine of extinguishment.”

Is it that this provincial government doesn’t want to use all available arguments to protect private property, or is it that it just doesn’t want to protect private property over Aboriginal title — which is it?

Hon. Niki Sharma: You know what? I think I’ve talked about the province’s arguments in court. It was clear that our position was the suspension of Aboriginal title when there are fee simple rights.

Every lawyer has a different perspective on how you get at the same end result. Unfortunately, all of our arguments were unsuccessful at the trial level, including the city of Richmond’s.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members. Members, wait for your turn.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, you’re wasting your time.

Hon. Niki Sharma: This is why we’re appealing the decision.

I’m glad that the Prime Minister has weighed in on this issue now, again, because Canada and all parties need to make sure that the law is very clear that private property is protected as we do the work of reconciliation.

Quality of Life Measurement
and Government Performance

Rob Botterell: As we all know, this is the Green interlude.

We also know that today in the House, we have guests visiting our province from Finland, which is ranked as the happiest country in the world in 2025. I have to admit, after another week in this chamber, I’m tempted to ask: what is their secret?

Canada has dropped from 18th to 25th in world happiness rankings. What is important to happiness? Researchers point to reliable and extensive welfare benefits…

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member, shhh.

Rob Botterell: …financial security, a well-functioning democracy and state institutions, so I can see why we might be in trouble.

To the Premier, how is the government evaluating and tracking how their policies improve quality of life for British Columbians?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I appreciate the member’s question. There are different ways of tracking economic success, and well-being is certainly one of those metrics.

I can share with the member that we have been doing some work with First Nations communities around new economic models that can capture learnings from First Nations and also use traditional modelling to both identify and track economic success and layer in the importance of well-being of both workers and people in our communities.

[10:50 a.m.]

I look forward to continuing to move that work along and appreciate if the member has things that he would like to add to that conversation.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Wealth Inequality and
Taxation Policies

Rob Botterell: Financial security is one of the top contributors to happiness, and according to Statistics Canada, B.C. has one of the highest levels of wealth inequality in the country. Just one of the impacts of this that was recently reported is that twice as many millennials live with their parents compared to baby boomers like myself when we were their age.

So unfortunately, maybe money really does buy you happiness. It certainly buys you independence and the ability to make choices about how and where to live your life.

To the Minister of Finance, why is this government refusing to reform the tax system to meet the needs of average British Columbians?

Hon. Brenda Bailey: Thank you to the member opposite for an opportunity to talk about tax fairness, which is so important to the work we’re doing on this side of the House.

I’ll share with the member some interesting statistics. When you look at family incomes over time…. In 2016, if a family was making $30,000, they were paying $177 in tax. In 2026, they get $1,623 back. This goes on for every category of family income over time.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh, Members. I don’t know what’s wrong with you guys. Really.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Just…. You have asked a question. Let the minister answer. If you disagree with it, ask another question. You are wasting your own time.

Interjection.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: I hear from the member opposite saying it’s ridiculous, but I’m sure that they probably are just uncomfortable with the fact that this is their record.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: When members on that side were on this side, average families paid more taxes than they do today.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Minister has the floor.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: These are the facts. I can go on and on.

We are reducing taxes for average people. In Budget 2026, if you are an individual making $149,000 or less, you pay the lowest tax of anyone in Canada.

Child Protection System
Contractors and Oversight

Amelia Boultbee: I recently worked a case where two brothers, aged eight and 11, were in a very stable and loving foster home for five years. The foster parents wanted to adopt them. One day two people who said they were on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development showed up unannounced to remove the kids and place them in a for-profit group home. The 11-year-old became hysterical and had to be handcuffed by police. He was taken to the psychiatric ward.

The whole event was deeply traumatizing and completely mishandled. Instances of cases being mishandled are often from untrained, unregulated individuals who are neither ministry employees nor social workers.

Does the Minister of Children and Family Development agree with me that the care of vulnerable children in British Columbia should not be a for-profit industry?

Hon. Jodie Wickens: I want to thank the member from Penticton for her ongoing advocacy and care for children and youth in this province. I share her concern about vulnerable children and vulnerable families.

We meet families often in my ministry at the most difficult times. There are often competing pieces of information. I have talked at length with members of this House that I, under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, can never provide members with the information that I obtain.

I take concerns very seriously. The safety and well-being of children is always my top concern. We want children to feel loved, to belong and to be connected to their community.

[10:55 a.m.]

That is always the first priority, and that is what is outlined in our Child, Family and Community Service Act. That is my expectation as the minister, and I will work with any member of this House on the safety and well-being of children.

The Speaker: Member, supplemental.

Amelia Boultbee: The truth is that approximately 70 percent of the people who work for MCFD are contractors. Some are for-profit and, particularly in these cases, a disproportionate amount of injuries, deaths and bad outcomes come from these least regulated entities. Eight out of ten of the instances of kids running away are from the arm’s-length contracted group homes.

Structurally, contractors resist being subject to FOI, create legal shields deflecting liability. The ministry itself struggles to quality control these entities.

In 2019, the Auditor General report exposed serious gaps in the quality and oversight of contracted services, and today less than half of these recommendations have been implemented.

The Speaker: Question, Member.

Amelia Boultbee: My question is whether the Minister of Children and Family Development will seek to add to the agenda for the fall sitting the urgent confrontation of MCFD’s least competent and least regulated entities.

Hon. Jodie Wickens: We rely on our community providers to provide very important, crucial support to some of the most vulnerable children in our province. We are undertaking a reform of our specialized homes and support services in my ministry.

I will let the member know, and all members of this House know, that any organization that contracts with my ministry for over $500,000 is required to be accredited. That accreditation process is a significant audit of programs and services to make sure that providers reach a certain standard. It’s incredibly extensive. We work with community providers on that.

I will continue…. There are always improvements to be made in the system. There’s always work to be done. This role, I take incredibly seriously. The safety and well-being of children in our province is the most important piece of work that we have to do.

I think it’s really important work that the members opposite would want to know about. I’m happy to get up any day. I’m happy to work with any member in the House around the safety and well-being of children.

Government Financial Management
and Role of Private Sector

Dallas Brodie: I sit here week in and week out while the opposition asks about cuts to seniors beds and autism funding. Both are very unfortunate, I agree, but these questions are missing the larger point.

The point is that we are in a financial crisis in this province — a $13.3 billion deficit and a debt of over $155 billion and five credit downgrades. We are broke. We are bankrupt. And it’s a crisis of choice. The NDP is incapable of spending discipline. It seems like I am the only one in this building who sees that spending is completely out of control and that drastic cuts are needed.

For example, why haven’t mandate letters been written to every ministry demanding at least a 20 percent cut or waste discovery? The Finance Minister and her many employees should be working around the clock to save taxpayers money. Just because the budget has been presented this year does not mean the job is done for another year.

My question for the Minister of Finance is this. What would you say you do here?

Hon. Brenda Bailey: It’s really a pleasure to take a question from the member that I think is, in fact, relevant and prescient to our times, for a change.

The work that we have ahead to bring down our deficit is very significant, but let me be very clear. This is not British Columbia alone. Alberta — $9.7 billion deficit this year. Ontario — $14 billion deficit this year. We are in very challenging economic times worldwide. The effect of tariffs is real. The effect of the war in Iran is real.

We are taking serious action, and you see it in Budget 2026.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Brenda Bailey: Not only are we reducing our deficit by $3.5 billion over the three-year plan, but we are cutting back on our public service by 15,000 people and making moderate changes to our tax system.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

[11:00 a.m.]

Hon. Brenda Bailey: But most importantly is that we are making record investments into the future of British Columbia through major projects — projects, may I point out, that the other side has not supported.

Interjection.

The Speaker: Member for Columbia River–Revelstoke, please, you don’t have to speak on every question, and you don’t have to make comments.

Interjection.

The Speaker: No, please. Take your seat.

Member, supplemental.

Dallas Brodie: Minister of Finance, you have actually pissed through $19 billion since you took over under this Premier. When members of this government speak to the business community, do they just pretend to listen, or do they really care about what business leaders say to them?

Every time I watch another interview with a prominent member of B.C.’s business community, the latest one being with the amazing Tom Gaglardi, they are furious with the incompetence of this government and extremely worried about business. The discussion is always the same. We have too much regulation, too much tax, too big a government and too much spending.

My question to the minister is this. When are you going to admit you need help and bring in the extremely successful people from the private sector to head up a department of government efficiency and get this province back on track right away?

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: I note that the member wants to run for Premier yet has none of those experiences that she highlighted.

Interjections.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Uh-oh. Now the interim leader of the opposition wants to pipe in.

For the first time, I think you should actually learn from the member who is asking some important questions, I think, for this economic time we’re dealing with.

I’ll share with the member a few things. We continue to be leaders in the economy, in the entire country. The member talks about cutting red tape. The largest elimination of red tape in the country’s history was led by British Columbia in cutting interprovincial trade barriers for goods. We’ve got the lowest small business tax in the entire country. We are seeing $88 billion of potential investment coming to British Columbia. We’ve already had $8 billion this year.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Shhh.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: The member from Revelstoke keeps talking about potential — $8 billion already landed in British Columbia. We may have to put a tracker on the screen here so they can see the investments rolling into British Columbia as the clock ticks. Not only that….

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members.

Interjection.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Ask your question. I’d be happy to answer that too.

The Speaker: Minister.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon: Not only that, but the Minister of Finance, in the budget, made the most important investment, which is in our people, doubling the funding for skills training. So not only are we looking at $88 billion potential investment, $8 billion already here, but also now providing young people the opportunity to get the skills and the trades to take that employment opportunity, not only in Vancouver but all throughout British Columbia. Everyone should be applauding that.

Government Action on
Extortion Crime in Surrey

Mandeep Dhaliwal: I am sick and tired of asking the same question again and again.

Grant extortion situation in Surrey — 96 calls reported on extortions; 16 shootings; 51 victims; 27 repeated victims; two targeted killings, both murders in the daylight in Surrey within one week. Within one week. The B.C. NDP government is failing to protect Surrey residents.

Will the Premier protect Surrey residents, or will people leave Surrey and this beautiful British Columbia?

Hon. Nina Krieger: My thanks to the member opposite for the question. This week I had an opportunity to connect with several residents of Surrey and know the deep concern whenever there are shots fired.

[11:05 a.m.]

This has a profound impact on communities, on businesses, on families. In terms of the shooting referenced by the member, in Newton, I’d like to confirm that this is an active investigation. There is no known link to extortion at this time, and it’s under investigation by the integrated homicide investigation unit.

On the extortion front, earlier this week the Surrey police service issued a statement where they noted a decline, steadily over the last four months, of extortion violence. This, I think, reflects the targeted, proactive, sustained enforcement efforts of the SPS; of the B.C. extortion task force; of all law enforcement partners who are working to identify criminals, ensure that they are arrested, charged, and if they are not here legally, removed from Canada with our partnership with CBSA.

This work must continue, and the province will continue to support police in their important work.

Court Services Staffing Levels
and Transportation for
Persons Awaiting Trial

Teresa Wat: A notice from the Supreme Court of British Columbia warns that criminal trials may be delayed, moved or even see accused persons released from custody because this NDP government cannot reliably transport them to court due to staffing and facility shortages. The B.C. Supreme Court is clear there is no long-term solution in place.

Will the Attorney General admit this is a failure of management and tell British Columbia exactly when a permanent transportation and in-custody capacity plan will be in place?

Hon. Niki Sharma: I appreciate the question. This is a challenge that we are adapting to and addressing on a daily basis. I’m just appreciative of all the work that not only our court services branch does but also, I know, our judiciary and the sheriffs and the corrections services and the police officers that work together, particularly in remote and rural areas where transport can sometimes be an issue — and that challenge of how we do that transport.

We do have solutions that are making sure that our trials are happening on time. It’s our job to make sure that the accused in a matter is heard in a timely way. That’s being solved, and we’re working through more permanent solutions. This is a challenge that we’re tackling head on, and we’ll keep ensuring that our trials are running as smoothly as they can.

Lawrence Mok: B.C. taxpayers have been billed nearly $300,000 in the last five months to fly inmates to and from court in rural and remote parts of the province.

Since December 2025, the B.C. Sheriff Service has chartered 31 flights to transport people accused of crimes back and forth from the detention centre and the courthouse.

To the minister, is con air the newest service provided by this NDP government?

Hon. Niki Sharma: Again, I’m grateful for all the decision-makers and the on-the-ground staff in our court system that make sure that our trials are running on time.

Certainly, we have challenges, particularly in remote and rural areas, when it comes to ensuring that transportation is taken care of, that court dates are kept and that people that are accused are moved around in the right way.

We are investing in resources that are directly addressing this issue, virtual resources to help increase the ability of the courts to do things virtually, so transport is not included, but increasing our sheriff service. I’m very proud to say that our excellent sheriffs are very close to full complement, which will be the first time in years that we have a fully staffed sheriff service that is showing up every day and making our courts run smoothly.

Illicit Drug Use on
Public Transit and
Role of Transit Police

Lynne Block: In Ontario, the Toronto Transit Commission police are being allowed to arrest open use of illegal drugs.

We know one of the barriers to increasing ridership on public transport is people not only feeling unsafe, but they are unsafe.

Will this government follow Ontario’s lead and require that transit police arrest those that are openly using illegal drugs?

[11:10 a.m.]

Hon. Mike Farnworth: I appreciate the question from the member.

I can tell you that we have an incredible transit system in this province, and they are policed by the transit service, which do an amazing job, day in and day out, for the people of the province. I can tell you that the transit police enforce the laws of this province every single day, and they will continue to do so.

Availability of Beds at Kelowna
General Hospital

Gavin Dew: We were all here until 4 a.m. last night because this government believes they are above accountability.

Last Friday the Health Minister took an unannounced tour of Kelowna General Hospital, including the 33,000 square feet of space that could accommodate 55 additional beds. When local media found out that she was in town, she refused to make herself available. She wouldn’t talk to media, but when she walked down the hall, I hope she talked to some of the patients who were experiencing the hallway health care that she’s going to tell us in a minute that she continues to work on.

By now, the minister knows that we are not going to stop pushing until patients in Interior Health get the quality of care they deserve and front-line staff get the respect and the working facility that they deserve.

After weeks of dodging accountability and having communications people fudge the numbers in the media, will the Health Minister stand up today, confirm the numbers and commit that by the time this House sits in the fall, she will begin opening at least some of the 33,000 square feet of unused space at Kelowna General Hospital?

Interjections.

The Speaker: Members, please.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Oh my god. What’s wrong with you?

Really. You have just asked a question. You just asked a question. Let the minister answer, please. Seriously.

Hon. Josie Osborne: Thank you so much, hon. Member. I was thrilled to be able to visit Kelowna General Hospital last week. This is a premier hospital that is providing services to the Okanagan region, an area that is fast-growing in the province and that provides a diversity of services in a hospital of that size that is unparalleled here in British Columbia.

That’s why our government has continued to invest in this hospital, including increasing their budget 81 percent since 2020. This includes $278 million in capital investments in this hospital. This means attracting more professionals and hiring more doctors. This includes 51 new in-patient beds; two new operating rooms; expanded gynecological, oncology and surgery services that have helped to reduce the wait times here in the southern part of the province.

There’s more work to do. We’re going to continue to hire the physicians, to make the investments, to ensure that the people in Kelowna get the services that they do, including hiring over 20 new health care workers into the hospital from our U.S. recruitment campaign, a campaign that that side of the House opposed.

If they’re going to say no to hiring more people for Kelowna, then what are the members doing?

[End of question period.]

Jody Toor: I rise to seek leave to move Motion M212, standing in my name on the order paper.

Leave not granted.

Tabling Documents

The Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honour to table two reports from the registrar of lobbyists: (1) determination decision 26-01, Western Canada Wilderness Committee; and (2) reconsideration decision 26-01, determination decision 26-01, designated filer: Beth Clarke.

Hon. Mike Farnworth: Given the fact that we are undertaking the fire drill now, I move the House do now adjourn.

Hon. Mike Farnworth moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: This House stands adjourned now.

The House adjourned at 11:15 a.m.