Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Colombie-Britannique 32e 4e Discours du Trône 23 novembre 1981 Henry Bell-Irving Lieutenant-Gouverneur British Columbia Social Credit Party Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, I extend greetings to you all, on behalf of our Sovereign, on the opening of this fourth session of the thirty-second Parliament of British Columbia. May I express the wish that your goals and aspirations and those of the people you represent will be fulfilled in the course of your service as individual members and, together, as the Legislature of this great province. On a personal note, we mourn the loss of our respected colleague, Waldo McTavish Skillings, who was a member of this assembly for 12 years and served his province in many capacities. I take great pleasure in informing you today of two recent achievements in the affairs of our nation which, taken together, will contribute greatly to building a stronger and more prosperous Canada. I am advised that in September my First Minister and the Prime Minister of Canada signed an energy agreement that resolves all outstanding issues between the two governments on oil and gas pricing. Lengthy and arduous negotiations have put to rest a protracted dispute that was harming our economy and endangering our quest for energy security. Honourable members will be pleased to learn that the federal government has agreed to remove its tax on the export of natural gas for the life of the agreement and will bear the costs of its incentive program. I am advised that the people of our province are assured of a fairer share of revenue from the sale of their resources as a result of this agreement. I also have the great pleasure today to inform this Legislature of a historic constitutional accord signed just 18 days ago by my First Minister. The government and people of this province have always been resolute in their desire for patriation of the Constitution as the final step in our nation's independence. However, my government could not support a unilateral process that was divisive, unconstitutional and unfair to the people of British Columbia. For this reason my government joined with seven other provinces in proposing an alternative formula for a made-in-Canada Constitution. My First Minister was instrumental in convincing all parties to return to dialogue and for creating a climate of accommodation so essential for compromise. Hon. members will be pleased to learn that these efforts prevailed and that the accord is of special interest to Canadians living in British Columbia. I am advised that the formula for future constitutional change elevates to first-class status, equal in all respects to other provinces, the interests of British Columbians. This formula ensures that no future constitutional change can challenge British Columbia's ownership of its natural resources -- the source of our lifestyle and livelihood. I am further advised that the accord enshrines in the constitution our fundamental freedoms, democratic rights and basic human rights to equality and non-discrimination. These rights and freedoms, to which Canadians have been entitled throughout our history by way of tradition and custom, will be included in the constitution in a manner that strengthens our parliamentary democracy. While Canadians have successfully met the task of patriation -- and mindful of other pressing priorities on the national agenda --, much work remains to be done in renewing our federation. As a people we meet these challenges with a flexible and equitable amending formula, which will make much easier our task of resolving such matters as Senate reform, additional rights and the division of powers. My government believes that economically strong provinces are integral to a strong Canadian economy. Economic leadership to promote the well-being of our people is a vital element in establishing the framework of progress and opportunity that must serve us in the years ahead. I am advised that over the course of the past five years the British Columbia economy has contributed greatly to that of our country, significantly outperforming national rates of real growth and job creation. In fact, the number of people productively employed in this province has increased by 28 percent since 1974, and in the past year alone it is estimated that over 40,000 new jobs have been created. All members will be pleased to learn that as of October there were 1,257,000 people gainfully employed in our province. I am advised that significant progress has been achieved this year in diversifying our economy and, by so doing, expanding employment opportunities for the people of this province. A jet-engine overhaul plant, employing 400 people upon completion, with total employment to increase to 1,000, has been established in Delta by CP Air in conjunction with the B.C. Development Corporation. Expansion of coal mining in the southeast of our province has created 1,500 new jobs. I am advised that Ocelot Industries has established a new methanol plant in Kitimat, and that other petrochemical projects are being actively considered as a result of my government's energy development policy. My government is firmly committed to maintaining a climate that will attract job-creating investments such as these to our province. Unfortunately, as strong as we are, we are not immune to the negative economic influences coming from our major trading partner, the United States of America. Nor are British Columbians sheltered from the punitively high interest rates being maintained by the federal government's Bank of Canada. The problems of inflation, high interest rates and unemployment must be faced in a comprehensive way, on a broad national front, and without delay. Decisive actions are essential if these problems are to be overcome. It is with deep regret, however, that I am advised such actions were not forthcoming in the recent federal budget, much to the detriment of our provincial economy. Moreover, I am advised that expenditures on the economic development of western Canada have been shrunk considerably relative to what had been promised in last year's federal budget. My government is still hopeful that a significant proportion of these expenditures will be committed to British Columbia, in view of the economic potential of our province. My government will continue to press for cohesive national leadership on the economy. In August the provincial Premiers' meeting in Victoria put forward a nine-point national economic recovery program for discussion with the Prime Minister. I am pleased to advise all members that a few days ago the Prime Minister agreed to meet with us. My government strongly supports a return to cooperative economic management as fundamental to improving our economy, and looks forward to an early conference of first ministers as an appropriate forum for national economic leadership. My government will continue to demonstrate strong leadership in its own sphere of economic activity and, in this vein, an economic development conference will be convened in the spring. Through a process of dialogue and consultation, it is hoped that common directions and priorities for the economic development of our province can be agreed upon. My government has consistently maintained that interest rate problems are a federal responsibility. The recent federal budget accepts this view, but takes only minimal action in casing the burden on homeowners. On the other hand, the construction of new accommodation in our province will be set back considerably next year. My government has pressed and will continue to press for modifications to these measures and, to improve the situation, will bring forward specific initiatives within its areas of responsibility. The supply of accommodation must be increased if the needs of our people for affordable housing are to be met. Measures will be taken to promote rehabilitation of existing housing stock and to increase the supply of multiple-unit accommodation. The disposition of appropriate Crown land for housing will be accelerated, and a residential land supply strategy for every community in the province will be put in place. A special emphasis on first-time buyers will be incorporated in these measures by promoting rent-to-own programs. My government expects that these measures -- in conjunction with impressive developments now under construction in all regions of our province -- will go a long way towards improving the affordability and availability of housing and towards increasing employment of our people. Although all British Columbians are affected by current economic difficulties, those who earn their livelihood from our abundant forest resources have been particularly hard-hit by the fall-off in housing starts that is the by-product of excessive interest rates. My government is meeting this cyclical downturn with realism, with compassion and with a profound optimism about our medium-term economic prospects. My Minister of Forests advises me that while our vital forest industry is at present experiencing difficulties, the United States -- which normally consumes 60 percent of our provincial lumber production -- is forecast to experience in the 1980s a decade of near-record housing starts. The long-term market prospects for Kraft pulp and newsprint are also promising, and our industry currently is very competitive in world markets. I am advised that while real growth will not be as high as in previous years, the people of our province can still expect positive growth that compares favourably to the Canadian average. Inflation and high interest rates have affected my government's budget as they have the budgets of our people. Recently announced federal cutbacks for health and educational programs will only worsen the situation. Prudent fiscal management, privatization of selected government activities, wage restraint and greater efficiencies are required and will form the central underpinnings of the budgetary measures you will be asked to approve. My government believes that now is not the time to retrench into pessimism. We are a strong and vigorous province. Our continuing vitality despite the pressures of the times is a result of the foresight and stewardship of past years, which have provided the firm economic and social foundation of the British Columbia of today. We have programs in place to weather our temporary economic difficulties. Building upon this foundation to ensure future growth is the challenge that faces us today as British Columbians. Continuing investment is necessary to harness fully the bountiful resources that are our common heritage as British Columbians. My government expects that the development of our vast coalfields in the northeast will continue on schedule. I am advised that this is the largest single project in the province's history, that during construction directly and indirectly it will create nearly 6,000 jobs and 5,000 permanent jobs thereafter, and that it will open to development many thousands of square kilometres of our province. British Columbia's economic future depends to a great extent on its strongest asset - its people. Our educational institutions have put us among the leading jurisdictions in the creation of a highly skilled and educated workforce. A solid base is now in place for the requirements of the 1980s. As we move through this decade, huge new resource developments, tougher international competition, and the development of new technologies will put greater emphasis on the need for a highly skilled and productive workforce. Governments, labour and industry must work together to ensure that British Columbians are in a position to reap a major share of the benefits from the significant expansion in employment expected in the coming years. To meet these and other opportunities, you will be asked to approve legislation to expand the mandate of my Ministry of Labour and establish a Ministry of Labour and Employment. The change reflects a steady evolution in the focus of this ministry and will permit the consolidation of manpower programs that are today lodged in several ministries. This improvement in the administration of my government will strengthen existing links between industry and the job market, on the one hand, and training institutions and apprenticeship programs, on the other. There will a renewed emphasis on retraining and on upgrading the skills of those already employed, toward the objective of lifetime employment. My government will work closely with the government of Canada to ensure the dovetailing of our respective programs. Moreover, my government will meet on a one-to-one basis with the largest employers and with labour unions to ensure that all British Columbians are afforded an opportunity to gain the skills necessary to ensure a productive and rewarding life. Perhaps no single change has had as great an impact on the work world and on society in general as the growth in female labour-force participation. Today, one of every two women of working age is in the labour force, comprising nearly 42 percent of workers. Two-income families are becoming prevalent in our society. The rapidity with which this change is occurring is presenting governments everywhere with an obligation to act to enrich and to support these developments so as to benefit fully from the skills, energies and productivity of all our people. My government will proceed with the appointment of a deputy minister responsible for women's opportunities within the Ministry of Labour. As one of the largest employers in the province, the public service must set an example for others to follow. Hon. members will be pleased to learn of the recent appointment of Jill Bodkin as the first woman deputy minister in British Columbia. Other senior appointments can be expected. The Public Service Commission will treat this matter as a high priority, and will, in conjunction with the deputy minister responsible for women's opportunities, establish targets for which all ministries will be responsible in ensuring equal opportunity. My government realizes that this is not enough. Government has a part to play, but it is the role of private enterprise to provide the range of choice which our society requires. At the same time, our society must always rely upon the resourcefulness and will of its members. My government will meet with employers and unions to provide assistance on ways and means to foster equal opportunity. Moreover, my government will strengthen its counselling, training and other support services for women in an effort to help them acquire necessary skills and encourage them to apply for positions at all levels. I am advised that many of our industries have come through an exceptional year. Our superb scenery, our hospitality and our attractive lifestyle provide a solid basis for an internationally competitive tourism industry. This sector is expected, this year for the first time, to top the $2 billion mark in revenue. All those who have contributed to this accomplishment are to be congratulated. My government plans to pursue programs to expand the contribution of this basic resource to diversifying our economy. The tourism sector is highly labour-intensive and contributes strongly to employment. Great opportunities exist in cooperation with the private sector to increase the length of stay and expenditures of our visitors by developing high spending package tours and specialized forms of tourism and by marketing British Columbia as a four-season destination. My government will continue to promote our province as a major trade and convention location and as an ideal centre for feature film production. The goal of energy security is a vital part of building a secure economic future for all British Columbians. My government is committed to encouraging exploration for and the development of new supplies of natural gas and oil in order to expand our domestic base. At the same time, my government is committed to making alternative energy sources -- such as solar, wind and biomass -- stronger forces in the energy picture. Coal liquefaction and the use of methane are being evaluated as energy sources and as ways to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. The first public compressed natural gas service station is due to open shortly in Vancouver, and other stations are expected to open within the year. I am advised that British Columbia's available underground pools of water at very high temperature are major untapped resources that are both clean and renewable. You will be asked to approve`s Geothermal Resources Act to promote the orderly exploitation of this potential major resource for the benefit of all British Columbians. Though richly endowed in natural gas, the people of British Columbia are dependent on outside sources for their oil. I am advised that an important provision of the recent energy agreement is a commitment by both governments to resolve expeditiously the question of offshore resources, in full recognition of the uniqueness of British Columbia as a coastal province. My government is hopeful that the existence of developable reserves that will create many new jobs will be confirmed and will put in place the highest environmental standards to govern exploration. In spite of a number of setbacks from adverse weather this year, I am advised that the agriculture and food industry of our province continues to make substantial progress. The level of self-sufficiency in food production has increased steadily during the past five years, which has been a period of substantial population growth. To stimulate further progress in this area, my government plans to expand a number of its existing programs. A strong field advisory to the food and agriculture industry is now taking shape on a regional basis. My government intends to develop a consultative process with primary producers and agri-businesses so that programs offered will be in accord with industry's needs. The food sciences advisory service will be developed to the benefit of the food processing sector, in particular, and of the industry as a whole. The mobilization of the savings of our people and institutions is a vital link in the full development of our province. Over the past years, British Columbia's financial sector has performed strongly. Vancouver is steadily becoming an important international financial centre, and its stock exchange is growing impressively. However, in an international setting of mobile capital and rapidly changing techniques and circumstances, the need for modernization is ever present. Accordingly, you will be asked to approve a new Securities Act that will permit the Vancouver Stock Exchange to develop as a genuine, permanently based and unique vehicle for the raising of venture capital for resource and development projects. The new Securities Act will incorporate innovative measures to protect the investor, particularly the small or average investor, consistent with a climate that encourages the full expression of entrepreneurial initiative. Competition in the marketplace is a topic of obvious importance to British Columbia consumers and producers. My government will be undertaking initiatives to promote greater competition in the marketplace and will maintain a vigorous interest in the new Competition Act proposed by the federal government. Economic growth and technological progress are not sufficient goals in and of themselves. They are, above all, important instruments for financing social progress, improving our quality of life and enhancing a level of public safety that is highly valued by British Columbians. My government views British Columbia's unique environment as a vital natural resource, and efforts toward improving our already high standards of environmental quality will be intensified. In recognition of this priority, all members will be pleased to learn of the recent appointment of my Minister of Environment, Hon. Stephen Rogers, to the central decision-making committee of my executive council --the planning and priorities committee. You will be asked to approve new legislation to protect and preserve our wildlife and waterfowl. In addition, a new Waste Management Act will be introduced to modernize the issuance of pollution permits and ensure stricter compliance with and enforcement of our pollution standards. Safe, adequate and efficient transportation systems are vital to the quality of life in our province. Public transit systems are especially valuable in an energy-short world, and since 1974 my government has committed a 30-fold increase to this area -- from $2.4 million to $72 million per year. During the same period, the number of public transit buses in operation, purchased with the assistance of my government, has increased by more than 30 percent. The population served by transit has doubled, as has the amount of government subsidy per ride. I am advised that an additional four communities -- bringing the total outside major metropolitan areas to 24, compared to only seven in 1974 -- now enjoy a regular transit service. Moreover, in the past year two additional communities have been added to the custom transit program for the physically disabled. My government will continue to assess the need for transit in additional communities in the province. I am advised that the advanced light rapid transit project is progressing on schedule in the lower mainland. This system features state-of-the-art technology and will make British Columbia a showcase for transit developments. The inauguration of this system will provide a firm transportation foundation for the social and economic life of the community. Moreover, it will contribute greatly to employment growth in the vital high-technology sector. I am advised that this extremely quiet system is particularly compatible with residential and commercial development. To ease the burden on the taxpayer, and to make best use of the transit system's alignment and stations, negotiations with the private sector are underway to link the system with other developments. I am further advised that locomotives have been purchased, passenger cars ordered and stations designed for the commuter rail project on the north side of the Fraser River. The system is expected to be transporting commuters to downtown Vancouver by early 1983. For the foreseeable future, private automobiles and trucks will continue to be the primary forms of transportation for most British Columbians. My government will continue with the Annacis crossing and the Coquihalla Highway, and will proceed with major road improvements to secure fully our coal and other resources in both northern and southern areas of our province. Full efforts will be devoted to maintaining the existing system through the timely replacement of pavement on main highways and the paving of road shoulders on rural gravel road surfaces. Where appropriate, existing two-lane highways will be converted to four lanes. My government views with increasing concern the number of accidents on our highways. Highest priority will be given to dealing with the errant driver --through increased vehicle and driver inspection. Increased traffic law enforcement, including more refined computer processing, will be pursued. You will be asked to approve additional measures to reduce accidents on the highways of our province. Our life in British Columbia is well served by a wide range of first-class institutions that are the envy of most other jurisdictions. The challenge before us -- made more difficult by recent federal cutbacks -- is to ensure through planning and foresight that we are able to adapt to the changing needs of the future in a way that enriches our quality of life. Significant improvements to our health system are nearing completion. The new Grace Hospital on the grounds of the Shaughnessy Hospital will provide the people of our province with exemplary maternal and infant care, and will serve as the provincial referral centre for at-risk mothers and their infants. My government will participate in the opening of the new Children's Hospital, also on the Shaughnessy site in Vancouver, funded by provincial and regional governments along with the Variety Club and the Children's Hospital Foundation. The children of British Columbia soon will have a facility that will enhance our already enviable reputation for diagnostic and treatment services. I am advised that health services consume the largest percentage of the provincial budget, and that prudent management, realistic demands and efficient delivery are essential. My government is placing increased emphasis on preventive services, whether they are institutional or community-based. I am pleased to note that my government has made arrangement for capitalizing the Terry Fox Medical Research Foundation. That foundation is financing a newly formed Crown corporation -- Pacific Isotopes and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. -- which is in the process of building a plant to purify interferon and supply all Canadians with this experimental cancer-fighting drug. The role of the family as the basic foundation of our society cannot be overemphasized. This has been a consistent view of my government, and one which underlies and gives focus to its many programs. You will be asked to approve amendments to the Family Relations Act to strengthen this area of society. My government recently has developed a new approach for the care of the mentally handicapped. This involves a shift in emphasis from care in large institutions to a range of community-based options. It builds upon the progress that has been made in developing a coordinated government approach to social service delivery. All members will be pleased to learn that the president of the B.C. Association for the Mentally Retarded has called this shift "the strongest statement of support for the human rights of mentally handicapped persons coming from any political official in Canada today." British Columbians can justifiably be proud of the wide range of services provided to our senior citizens. In 1982 my government will participate in the World Assembly on Aging. A task force has been established to prepare the groundwork for this conference and to review all programs offered to the aged so as to ensure that government programs reach those who are most in need, and that our people are aware of the programs offered by my government. The improvement of our public and private pension systems is a matter of high priority. My government will work closely with the government of Canada and other provincial governments in achieving pension reform. You will be asked to consider a report on pensions during this current session. An information service for senior citizens is to be developed. One feature of this service will be a special telephone number, to assist our senior citizens in gaining access to the full range of services available to them. British Columbia's educational system is among the finest in the world and is an achievement for which we can all take great pride. The financing of this system places a great burden on taxpayers at all levels. My government is aware of the considerable consternation that arose in 1981 around the issue of school taxation. It has received a report setting out both short-term and long-term recommendations, which are now being considered. The equalization of educational and cultural opportunities is an important objective of my government. Grants are now being made available to rural and isolated communities to make possible the reception of Knowledge Network of the West satellite television programming. During this past year, my government's multi-dimensional program of grants, information and technical services has furthered the development of cultural, recreational and sports opportunities for British Columbians. In addition, a well-rounded system of individual awards has encouraged the pursuit of excellence in athletics and the arts. The highly successful B.C. Games, initiated by my government in 1978, now involve at various stages of competition almost 200,000 athletes from all parts of the province. The importance of these games goes well beyond the search for excellence. Harnessing the energies of our people, enhancing the spirit of our communities, and bringing people together from all parts of our province, the B. C. Games are a tribute to the achievements of our youth and to the sense of community of our people. The first-ever British Columbia Festival of the Arts, to be held in Kamloops, will bring together musicians, actors, dancers and artists from all over our province in competition, in workshops and, above all, in celebration. It is hoped that this unique showcase will do for the arts what the B.C. Games have done for amateur athletics. My government will sponsor a number of innovative programs to encourage British Columbia's many athletic achievers. The B.C. Winter Games will be held in Trail in March. The Summer Games will be held in Vernon in August. My government will introduce a "road to Olympics program," designed to encourage Canada's national sports teams to train and compete in this province in preparation for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. My government is delighted, as I am sure all British Columbians are, that Anthony Island Provincial Park has recently been declared a world heritage site by the United Nations. Located at the southern tip of the Queen Charlottes, Anthony Island is the site of a former Haida village and contains the most significant collection of totem poles in the Pacific Northwest. All members of this House can take pride that earlier this year our parliament buildings restoration program was given an award of honour by the Heritage Canada Foundation. No single element of our democratic system of government is as important as our electoral process. Hon. members will be asked to consider legislation to improve the accuracy and timeliness of our voters' list and streamline other aspects of election administration. Hon. members, this assembly now begins an important and demanding session. I pray that in the discharge of your duties you remain mindful of the effect of your decisions on the future course of British Columbia and Canada. The difficulties our province faces today, while legitimate cause for concern, need not and must not obscure the basic strength of our economy, the tremendous potential of our human and natural resources, the exciting prospects of our future. Through the leadership and efforts of my ministers and through the work of this assembly, you must strive to build a stronger province. Through the spirit of our people, together we must achieve progress to sustain our province and nation. This is the challenge we face today. May Divine Providence attend your deliberations.