Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Colombie-Britannique 34e 5e Discours du Trône 5 juillet 1991 David Lam Lieutenant-Gouverneur British Columbia Social Credit Party Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, in opening this fifth session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British Columbia, I extend greetings on behalf of our Sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen. I join all British Columbians in wishing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II well, as she begins the fortieth year of her reign. I pray that all members of this assembly will strive to keep the needs and well-being of all citizens of this province at the forefront in their thoughts and deliberations. We mark the passing of the Hon. Jack Davis, PC, whose distinguished career included service in the house of Commons from 1962 to 1974 and in this Legislature as the member for North Vancouver-Seymour from 1975 until this year. He has served the people of Canada and British Columbia in many capacities: Minister of Fisheries and Minister of the Environment for Canada; Minister of Energy, Transport and Communications and Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for British Columbia. His enduring commitment and dedication to public service will long be remembered by friends, colleagues and those he served. My government is pleased to announce that the new Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources building, to be built in Victoria, will be named in his honour. Over the past year we have been saddened by the passing of two former Members of the Legislature: Mr. Hunter Vogel, who represented Delta and Langley from 1963 to 1972, and Mr. Donald Lewis, who represented Shuswap from 1972 to 1975. My government has been visited by numerous distinguished guests over the past year. We were pleased to receive the Queen's representative in Canada, Governor-General Hnatyshyn, on his first official visit to British Columbia. Other distinguished guests included President von Weizsacker of the Federal Republic of Germany, President Koivisto of Finland and Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. My government was also pleased to receive many diplomatic representatives accredited to Canada. It was my great pleasure to participate in the inaugural investiture of the Order of British Columbia, which took place in this chamber last June. Twenty-six outstanding British Columbians were recognized for their efforts and contributions toward the betterment of our province. As we enter the last decade of this century, the greatest challenge we shall face will be to secure the future of Canada as a strong and unified nation. The task is formidable and will require all the strength, tolerance and skill at our disposal if we are to remain a vibrant country worthy of our place among the international community of nations. But it is a task to be met positively, welcoming the opportunity for the renewal of the spirit which has sustained us for more than a century. The focus of the unity debate has been primarily on Quebec and its role in the Canada of the future. However, Canadians in all parts of the country are seeking revision of relationships in the federal system. My government is committed to the principle that reform must accommodate the legitimate aspirations of Canadians in all provinces and territories. The Canada of the future must enjoy the support of every region and province, and be tuned to embrace the diversity which is part of our strength, not our weakness. My first minister has already met with the Prime Minister to reinforce British Columbia's interest in and concern for the future of Canada. The constitution of Canada does not belong to governments; it belongs to the Canadian people. To this end, the people of our province must have the opportunity to contribute to the development of constitutional change - not as British Columbians, but as Canadians who have the good fortune to live in British Columbia. My government has initiated a series of papers and reports on Canadian federalism and governmental reform. British Columbians from a variety of walks of life--constitutional experts, business people, labour representatives and academics--have been invited to offer their perspective on Canada's future. These papers are to be distributed widely, with the intention of fostering thoughtful discussion on the future of our country and our province's place in the Canada of the future. Our constitution of Canada represents the architecture of our system of government. As such, discussion leading to constitutional reform should transcend partisan political considerations. My government's Cabinet Committee on Confederation will continue to review and consider all reports and recommendations and will develop a British Columbia approach to federal and constitutional reform that reflects, in a considered manner, input from many diverse sources. The report of the committee of cabinet will be released for general consideration and comment. To encourage dialogue, my government will ask the Legislature to establish a committee of members to review these and other proposals, and provide an opportunity for the people of British Columbia to offer their advice and recommendations to the Legislature. British Columbians and other Canadians have faced serious challenges before. However, we have a tradition of developing workable solutions, fashioned from open, constructive dialogue by dedicated people. The result has been a country whose accomplishments are respected throughout the world and whose values are deeply cherished by Canadians from British Columbia to Newfoundland. My government will spare no effort to find solutions that build on our accomplishments and reflect these values. My government also recognizes that Canada's federal system for the twenty-first century must enable and encourage fiscally responsible, accountable and affordable government. People in all parts of the country have come to the realization that the growth of government debt at all levels in Canada has reached crisis proportions. Uncorrected, the burden of this growing debt inhibits the ability of government to deliver universal social programs to the national standards which have become a hallmark of our Canadian life. Changes to eliminate this problem are pressing and urgent, but solutions will require sacrifices. The government of British Columbia has a longstanding commitment to the responsible management of provincial affairs. In this endeavour, my government will continue to manage provincial finances responsibly while protecting taxpayers, jobs and critical government services from the effects of recession and economic uncertainty. British Columbia has achieved the best record of financial management of any government in Canada, federal or provincial. As of March 31, 1991, direct and indirect debt of the province was estimated at 21 percent of gross domestic product. This represents the lowest debt level in over 25 years, and British Columbia's expenditure to service this direct debt of the province is the lowest of any province in Canada. Although there are worrisome exceptions, most governments in Canada have now recognized the need to reduce government debt to combat high interest rates, inflation and the consequent tax creep that has been hurting the economy of the entire country. Improved economic performance will require a concerted commitment by all governments to prudent financial management. It will require efficient government operations, the making of difficult decisions when necessary, and holding firm to the critical program priorities that have made us unique in North America. Governments across Canada are also recognizing the importance of achieving fair but responsible levels of public sector compensation. It is unfortunate that in British Columbia, public sector wage settlements have been consistently running ahead of private sector settlements for the past five years. This has created inequities with employees in the private sector, and it has strained government's limited revenue base. My government has responded with the Compensation Fairness Act. This act will ensure wage settlements in all areas of the provincial public sector reflect the taxpayer's ability to pay, as well as achieving fairness in relation to private sector employees for whom compensation increases have been modest and job loss more prevalent. Under this act, collective bargaining is preserved subject to limits which reflect prevailing economic conditions. The Job Protection Act was passed to help ease the impact of the recession on British Columbians employed in businesses experiencing temporary difficulty and faced with shutdown and loss of jobs. The act enables the job protection commissioner to work with stakeholders in a company where a business is fundamentally viable and the parties involved are prepared to make concessions to revitalize the enterprise and preserve jobs. Based on the principle of shared sacrifice, my government is prepared to make financial concessions as part of the job protection partnership. My Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations will present to you a budget appropriate to the difficult economic climate we now face. It will be a responsible budget, and those who can afford to do so may be asked to contribute a little more so that vital and essential programs can be maintained and improved. The Minister of Development, Trade and Tourism is currently reviewing government grants and loan programs with the objective of reducing government's direct role in financing businesses. Experience suggests that the most effective and time-proven way to encourage business and expand the economy is to provide a stable, attractive climate for investment and to ensure a vigorous, well-trained workforce. My government will put forward proposals to other provinces and the federal government to restrict grants, loans and subsidies to industry. A critical element of renewed federalism should be a code of conduct among governments in Canada to create, protect and enhance a common free market for goods, services, people and investment within Canada. We must apply to Canada those same rules by which we seek to regulate international commerce. Government is committed to managing the province's forest resources in the interests of a healthy economy and a healthy environment for present and future generations. The Forest Resources Commission was established to advise on my government's approach to sustaining and enriching our forest base as we enter the twenty-first century. My Minister of Forests has now received and released the report of the commissioner. The minister will initiate a process for public review and comment to guide further action on the report's recommendations. My government has announced and is proceeding with a $1.4 billion program of forest renewal. This program includes a four-year, $200 million forest resources development agreement with Ottawa. Families and communities throughout the province will benefit from over 64,000 person-years of employment related to forest renewal over the next five years. Recognizing the difficult times facing the forest industry, my government will continue to pursue vigorously with the government of Canada the elimination of the softwood trade agreement with the United States that is costing jobs here in British Columbia. British Columbians treasure the majesty and pristine beauty that makes our province one of the most desirable areas of the world in which to live. Preserving this quality is essential. My government is determined to ensure that environmental needs are balanced with the needs of the families and communities that depend on our forests. Through initiatives such as the old-growth strategy, the recreation program, the wilderness system plan and the Parks '90 plan, my government is securing employment and social values associated with our forest heritage. More than 11,000 British Columbians attended public meetings and made known their views, concerns and priorities for parks and wilderness areas for the 1990s. A public review of commercial back-country recreation has also been initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Parks. This Ministry continues to provide leadership in the designation, exchange and acquisition of land for conservation purposes. The recommendations flowing from the Forest Resources Commission, the Round Table on the Environment and the Economy and Parks Plan '90 will be brought together with input from other sources to create an overall strategy for British Columbia land use decisions. My Ministry of Environment will be releasing, over the coming months, specific action plans in the areas of water management, fisheries, wildlife, pesticides and environmental enforcement. It is increasingly recognized that environmental problems do not respect national or international boundaries. The destruction inflicted recently in the Persian Gulf is dramatic testimony to this fact, as is the cross-border problem of acid rain in central Canada. British Columbians, having experienced the consequences of an oil spill outside British Columbia waters, live in constant fear that a disaster on the scale of the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska could occur in waters adjacent to our province. My government recognizes that sound environmental management and protection must encompass more than one community, and often more than a particular river system. The waters of the southwestern corner of British Columbia and northwestern corner of Washington are an important case in point. These waters are fed by major river systems, and they are affected by effluents from literally dozens of communities in both Canada and the United States. They are also subject to catastrophic marine risks by maritime traffic which is international in origin. To address these critical environmental issues, my government will take a leadership role in proposing and promoting an international initiative to attack water and air pollution problems in the entire coastal, waterway embracing Puget Sound, the strait of Juan de Fuca, Georgia strait and waters tributary thereto, including the Fraser River. Discussions will be initiated with the federal government for the establishment of an international commission to include; representation of both national governments, the province of British Columbia and the state of Washington. The requested mandate of the commission will include a thorough analysis of existing and potential pollution threats to air and water, leading to recommendations for a proactive environmental protection strategy for implementation by all four jurisdictions. My government, through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture, remains committed to working with local governments to address the urgent need to undertake major water and sewer projects to protect the environment and the quality of community water supplies. British Columbia is a huge and diverse region, larger than California, Washington and Oregon combined, yet our population is only one-tenth of California alone. Transportation is therefore essential to bind us together as a province and allow us to realize our social and economic potential. The transportation planning process begun in 1988 will continue. A special two-year joint planning process is now underway with the Greater Vancouver Regional District. A comprehensive plan for the lower mainland area is critical to cope with growth and establish strategic priorities for that region. My Minister of Transportation and Highways is also proceeding to draft legislation to provide a consistent framework, rules and processes to govern the construction and maintenance of resource roads in the province. In cooperation with private industry, my government will commence early construction of the Iskut load to access potentially valuable gold and mineral deposits in northwestern British Columbia. This road will meet acceptable environmental standards and be constructed with the assistance of native people in the area. The B.C. Ferry Corporation continues to aggressively implement its capital expansion program. These projects are consistent with my government's desire to respond to the shipbuilding task force initiative which was set up after the federal government announced the cancellation of the Polar 8 contract. In addition, the corporation has undertaken the redevelopment of three terminals. Over the next three years, 3,330 person-years of employment will be created as a result of the Ferry Corporation's capital construction program. As the 1990s progress and the twenty-first century dawns on the province of British Columbia, societal values, needs and structures will change. The roles and needs of women have changed, and will continue to change, whether they are in the home or employed. My government will dedicate itself to help women achieve equality in the workplace, economic security and safety, both in the home and in the community. A comprehensive child care strategy to meet the needs of British Columbians will be developed and implemented as a priority. The government will work with business and community leaders to become partners in the provision of quality child care services for working parents throughout the province. A major three-year expenditure commitment will also be targeted to improving subsidies to families, providing additional support to family day care providers in the community and expanding facilities in critical shortage areas. The complexity of the licensing and regulatory process has been a barrier to providing an adequate supply of accessible, high-quality day care. Specific changes to streamline the process will, while ensuring the necessary protection for children in day care, be introduced. In support of fairness in the workplace, the implementation of employment equity in the public service will remove barriers to employment opportunities for women, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. My government has begun implementation of a four-year, $40 million pay equity program to reduce pay inequities associated with female-dominated job classes in government ministries. Fostering the growth of entrepreneurship among women and removing barriers that inhibit business development among women will be a key priority for my government. The appointment of a business-women's advocate to further improve women's access to private sector financing opportunities was recently announced. My Minister of Women's Programs and Government Services and Minister Responsible for Families will develop and participate in a process for broad public consultation on the British Columbia Retirement Savings Plan Act. The proposed B.C. retirement savings plan will ensure viable retirement-income options for all British Columbians. The plan will be of particular benefit to parents caring for children at home and to others not now part of a contributory pension plan. The Pension Benefits Standards Act, designed to provide a framework for standardization of pension benefit plans in British Columbia, will be reintroduced. My government will soon issue a proclamation outlining the responsibilities of government, communities and individuals to protect and support children. It will affirm the central role of the family and underscore the importance of the care of our children to the future well-being of the province. In support of the proclamation, the Ministry of Social Services and Housing will undertake a comprehensive review of the Family and Child Service Act. My government will ensure that child-protection legislation reflects community values and meets the changing needs of families and children as the cornerstone of society. There will be thorough consultation with the public and appropriate professionals in developing new legislation. My government will also expand direct services for victims of family violence and sexual assault, giving priority to initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse. The devastating effect of such antisocial conduct must be aggressively addressed at all levels of law enforcement and throughout the justice system. Through grants to community agencies and additional funding within ministries, counselling will be provided for victims, including children who have witnessed violence. Treatment for abusers, who are themselves often victims of abuse earlier in life, will also be enhanced. The Royal Commission on Health Care and Costs, established by my government last year, is examining the cost, quality and accessibility of health care and the health care system. The commission has completed the public consultation process, having met in 38 communities, received 1,800 written submissions and heard 900 oral presentations. It is expected to report later this year. The recommendations of the royal commission will provide an important blueprint for ensuring that service quality is maintained and enhanced, and that universal medical care is both affordable and properly funded. As a nation, and particularly here in British Columbia, demographic changes and an aging population will severely test the durability of the health care system. We shall be ready to meet that test. In the meantime my government will continue to improve the health care system through the building of partnerships with hospitals, community groups and health care providers. An initiative such as the establishment of a surgical registry is an example of how my government is reaching out to help both physicians and patients to make well-informed decisions and patients to receive proper treatment in a timely manner. Improved access to services is also being realized through such facilities as the mobile screening mammography unit. This unit will continue to bring important breast cancer diagnostic services to women in rural and remote areas of the province. My Minister of Health will also be implementing a travel allowance system for those in remote areas who must travel to Vancouver for complex treatment. Universal access and affordability of health care must be protected. As well, my government is reviewing the Mental Health Act with the goal of improving procedures and the protection of rights for people who need voluntary admission and treatment in hospital due to severe mental illness. The law affecting the right of dependent adults will also undergo modernization. Laws found in the Patients Property Act, the Power of Attorney Act and the Public Trustee Act will be reviewed. My government is combating catastrophic illness from infectious diseases through such measures as the new centre of excellence for HIV and other viral diseases. This program includes access to drugs such as AZT at no cost to the patient. Expansion of social housing and increases to the supply of rental accommodation will continue. During the mandate of my government, 10,000 new units of social housing have been provided. Many new projects are being brought forward in response to the 1991 proposal call by the British Columbia Housing Management Commission. The programs and services of the Ministry of Social Services and Housing are fundamental elements of British Columbia's social safety net. Provision for income assistance funds, to ensure those in need receive financial support and re-employment services in a sensitive and responsive manner, will be particularly important during the difficult economic period. Education represents a basic element of my government's vision for British Columbia's future. It is the most important and essential investment in our province's future that government can make. The Access for All initiative will see the first university degrees granted at Malaspina, Okanagan and Cariboo Colleges. The process for development of the University of Northern British Columbia has commenced, a site has been obtained and a president hired. The Fraser Valley is the fastest-growing region in our province. My Minister of Advanced Education, Training, and Technology will be considering the establishment of a full university-degree-granting institution in the valley. While education reforms currently underway will be reviewed in cooperation with the province's school trustees and educators, it is my government's intention to proceed as scheduled with the implementation of the primary program, covering the first four years. An enhanced school facilities upgrading and construction program will proceed. Increasing enrolments, the aging of school facilities and earthquake preparedness continue to be priorities in setting and allocating the funds available for school construction and upgrading. In 1989 the government committed to a $1.5 billion, six-year capital program; $600 million of this commitment has been expended in the past two years. My government will soon announce a further major component of the schools' capital program. The Minister of Education has recently announced a revised framework for the setting of residential school taxes. The new system is simpler, more predictable and more fair than the previous system. This new approach, coupled with the substantially increased homeowner grant, will mean that many homeowners will either see no increase or will see a decrease in school property taxes on their residence this year. My government will participate with local parent groups and school boards in the development of an affordable school lunch program to ensure that students are not disadvantaged in school as a result of improper lunchtime nutrition. A new social era for Canada must include accommodation of native Canadians as an essential part of a strong Canadian community. The government of British Columbia will continue to build on its successes in negotiating a new relationship with British Columbia's aboriginal citizens. My government has begun the honourable but difficult journey to rectify the long-standing and profound sense of grievance which native people in this province feel. We have signed the first land claims framework agreement in the province's history, with the Nisga' a Tribal Council, and have begun substantive negotiations under it. We are participating with the First Nations Summit and the government of Canada on a tripartite task force on native claims to determine how best to proceed with other pending aboriginal claims. We have undertaken and will continue significant expenditures and initiatives in culture, heritage, language, education and native social services. My government is committed to finding a just, fair and workable way of resolving these issues. We are prepared to contribute our fair and proper share to the resolution of these historic grievances and will press Canada to do the same. My government believes the building of a new and better relationship between native and non-native British Columbians to be a noble and worthy goal. We will make this a priority for all agencies of government. My government is gravely concerned about an apparent increase in crime and violence in the community. Containment and reversal of this trend will be a major priority in the months and years ahead. The major urban communities of our province have been victimized by the activity of criminal gangs. Last year my Attorney-General and Solicitor-General announced the formation of an interministerial task force. My government will escalate its efforts to investigate and vigorously prosecute individuals involved in criminal gangs and violent activity generally. In addition, the Ministries of Education, Provincial Secretary and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and Immigration, and Social Services and Housing, as well as several federal and municipal departments, are developing strategies for dealing with this problem. My government will assume an active and leading role to ensure a concerted and effective battle against crime. It is of vital importance that all holders of public office exercise their official duties and responsibilities in a manner that will bear the closest scrutiny. Public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of government is essential. My government will introduce a motion to confirm the appointment of Mr. E.N. Hughes, QC, as conflict-of-interest commissioner. In addition, the Members' Conflict of Interest Act will be referred to a committee of the Legislature for a full review of its adequacy and effectiveness. Openness and accountability in the public sector is a commitment of my government. Access to government information and the legitimate protection of privacy have been under active review during this parliament. My government will introduce legislation on access to information and protection of privacy. Fundamental to ensuring public confidence in the administration of justice is a process that is fair and impartial, and is seen to be fair and impartial, for making decisions relating to charges against persons of high public profile. Following the report and recommendations of commissioner Stephen Owen in his Discretion to Prosecute Inquiry, my Attorney-General implemented policy changes concerning such charges. Directives from the Attorney-General to the Deputy Attorney-General regarding policy on prosecutions must be in writing and published. Provision for the appointment of special prosecutors and notification of the public thereof was made. Responsibility for explaining and disclosing charging decisions has been built into the process. My government proposes to reflect these policy and procedural changes in legislation. At the same time, it will be important to ensure that Attorneys-General continue to be accountable to the Legislature, and are able to make public statements and respond to public inquiries about prosecution policies, criminal law developments, specific cases and the criminal justice system. My government continues to believe that the people of British Columbia should, through referendums, have the opportunity directly to help our elected representatives establish government priorities. The referendum concept introduces fundamental changes to the traditional political process in this province. Such changes should be introduced, carefully and prudently after much public debate and discussion. My government will be introducing this session the questions to be referred to the people during the next election. These questions will deal with the issue of the referendum process itself, and engage the people of British Columbia directly in a discussion on these most important matters. Relations among Canada's provinces have never been more critical for the country. British Columbia will have the honour of hosting the thirty-second annual Premiers' conference, to be held this summer in Whistler. The conference will provide an important opportunity for Premiers from across Canada to reinvigorate the search for solutions to the problems we face as a nation. The people of the Cowichan and Comox Valleys are to be congratulated for the successful staging of the Duncan-North Cowichan 1991 British Columbia Winter Games. The dedication of the athletes was matched by the commitment of the many volunteers. We look forward to the hosting of the British Columbia Summer Games in Coquitlam. The awarding of the 1995 Western Canada Games to Abbotsford is noted with pride. My government is also proud to be involved in the hosting of the fifteenth Commonwealth Games, to be held in greater Victoria in 1994. Known as the friendly games, they will provide an opportunity and environment for athletes from throughout the Commonwealth to pursue and achieve national and international excellence, while reflecting the scope, cultural richness and diversity of the Commonwealth. The Games will showcase greater Victoria, the province and the hospitality of our people to a worldwide audience. Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, I now leave you to discharge your duties, knowing that you will strive to build a strong British Columbia. In our Sovereign's name, I thank you.