Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Colombie-Britannique 34e 4e Discours du Trône 5 avril 1990 David Lam Lieutenant-Gouverneur British Columbia Social Credit Party Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I extend greetings on behalf of our Sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen, on the opening of the fourth session of the thirty-fourth parliament of British Columbia. I personally welcome all members and guests. Since last meeting, we have been saddened by the passing of two former members of this Legislature. Mr. James Roland Chabot represented Columbia River from 1963 to 1986. Mr. Alexander Vaughan Fraser served as the member for Cariboo from 1969 to 1989. As ministers of the executive council they represented their constituents and the province with dedication and distinction. We note the passing of Senator Nancy Bell of Nanaimo, who served British Columbia and the Upper House of Canada from 1970 to 1989. We record the passing of the Hon. J.V. Clyne, a lawyer, jurist, business executive, university chancellor and a willing adviser to all who sought his guidance during a lifelong commitment to this province. We also mourn the passing of one who, in her quiet way, shaped the lives of two former Premiers of this province. I refer to Mrs. May Bennett. My government has been visited by distinguished guests, among them Prime Minister Kaifu of Japan, President Aquino of the Philippines, Chairman Wan of the People's Republic of China and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand and Princess Cristina of Spain. My government was also pleased to receive many diplomatic representatives accredited to Canada. This is your first legislative session of a new decade -- a decade closing on a new century. Canadians will face many challenges and difficult choices in this decade. Political and economic readjustment is occurring over the globe. In the past year alone Canadians have witnessed basic changes in many political regimes and philosophies. Walls and ideologies, which have separated people, crumbled throughout the year. Canadians have applauded new political freedom in some countries and despaired as those freedoms were extinguished in others. We have seen people and individuals who are the leaders of people choose and achieve freedom. It is most meaningful that we reflect on such events on this day -- a day our Legislature convenes -- within the framework of the constitutional democracy from which we so benefit and which we so often take for granted. We must also be reminded of the needs and challenges facing our own nation. Government, legislators and individual British Columbians must affirm support for this great and complex country, and embrace initiatives which can keep us together as a nation. My government is committed to affirming the value of a strong, unified country such that our future generations will enjoy the same greatness and be given the same opportunities that have been afforded to us. We will strive to maintain the equality of all Canadians and all provinces. We must also work together within this province to choose the right directions and develop economic and social policies to best meet the needs of British Columbians in the coming century. Because of the importance and difficulty surrounding these choices, my government has undertaken an outstanding process of public consultation on all major policy issues affecting our citizens. The British Columbia Round Table on Environment and Economy has been constituted to consult with the public and assist in choosing the framework to balance business and environmental policy. My government has also established a Forest Resources Commission, which will consult and advise on a broad range of resource management and policy issues. Transportation plans, developed through consultation in all our regions, will guide my government in the development of provincial transportation systems. Following public consultation, the report of the Royal Commission on Education is being implemented. Similarly, the report of the Justice Reform Committee has been adopted. A royal commission will consult on all aspects of health care and services so that British Columbians can choose appropriate health policies. Ministers and members of my government have also sought our citizens' advice on issues of importance to women, seniors, reviews of taxation, an assessment of our parks system, environmental policy and the needs of our workers, industries and communities. This positive dialogue will continue. My government believes that our citizens should have a more direct voice in fundamental issues, particularly economic issues of importance to all British Columbians. Accordingly, you will be asked to approve a British Columbia referendum act. My government promised fair electoral reform, and you will be asked to approve a new electoral boundaries act to incorporate recommendations of the Royal Commission on Electoral Boundaries. My government has chosen to maintain an economic and fiscal approach which in 1990 allowed the Investment Dealers' Association of Canada to conclude that British Columbia sets the example for fiscal management in Canada. Government must not depart from the rigour of firm and sound policies made necessary by today's economic reality. We enjoy a fragile prosperity. My government will maintain that prosperity through a disciplined budgetary framework within which economic growth, environmental integrity, job security and social services are maintained. The budget will also reflect the resolve essential when there are prospects of economic moderation and uncertainty caused by federal action to unilaterally curtail resources and programs. Federal reductions are particularly onerous given the low level of both support to our provincial programs and federal spending in the province. Further, the province must weather the adverse effects of the continuing high interest rate policy of the Bank of Canada, burdensome federal debts and the unnecessary goods and services tax. Relief of taxpayer burden is a cornerstone of my government's fiscal plan. Government will introduce an assessment and property tax reform act to bring greater equity and stability to the property tax and assessment systems in the province. British Columbia's economy is strong, but that strength can be diluted. The current economic framework must be maintained in the best interests of today's and tomorrow's British Columbians. All British Columbians remember the devastation of the economic collapse of the early 1980s and the tough measures that were required to cure those economic ills. British Columbians do not want to relive those days and months of economic and employment uncertainty, the prospect of extended unemployment and the loss of income and homes. The effects on individuals and families are remembered, and government will choose the right course, a responsible course, to avoid a recurrence of those difficulties. With economic moderation and some softening in prices for our basic export commodities, we are also witnessing upward pressure on interest rates and public sector wage settlements running well ahead of the private sector. The ingredients for economic distress are all present. My government believes that the responsible course is to choose to arrest those problems immediately, such that our economic and personal prosperity, while fragile, can be continued. Government can only spend what taxpayers can afford. Public sector wage settlements cannot lead the private sector, and they cannot become the stimulus to renewed inflation. Productivity gains, made at great cost in the early 1980s, must be maintained. At the same time, my government recognizes that maintenance of essential programs requires managed growth in the provincial public service. Further, economic adjustments must reflect the correction of historical inequities in our compensation programs. Therefore my Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations and the Minister Responsible for Women's Programs will introduce a framework for a pay equity program for the British Columbia public service and encourage other public sector employers to achieve similar goals. Accordingly, my government will introduce legislation aimed at continuing our prosperity, providing for fair compensation adjustments within the capacity of provincial taxpayers and introducing a provincial public sector pay equity program. My government's concern for employment and income security will result in the establishment of a British Columbia pension plan. My Ministers of Finance and Corporate Relations and Labour and Consumer Services will prepare a White Paper detailing this significant new concept and arrange provincewide consultation on this major and innovative policy proposal. A British Columbia pension plan has the potential of improving income security for many British Columbians, particularly homemakers, employees of small businesses and low-wage earners, and generally help British Columbians accumulate retirement income in a changing economy. Government's economic policies will stress attraction of new industry and creation of investment and employment opportunities throughout our regions. Development in all parts of the province will also relieve the pressures of accelerated economic growth in southern communities. Objectives of the Regional and Economic Development ministry include maximizing British Columbia's development potential through economic diversification, providing an economic climate conducive to growth through private-sector investments, promoting sustainable economic development, and emphasizing communication and consultation with people in all regions. Over the coming year my government will strengthen regional initiatives, providing resources to communities and local authorities through programs such as Community Organizations for Economic Development and the recently announced Strong Communities in the 90s. My government recognizes that there is a vast potential for growth in our northern regions. Natural resources and dedicated workers are present to build stable and sustainable economies in these regions. The development of port and transportation facilities in the north and the exploration of mineral, oil and gas-rich areas have potential to fuel a continuing prosperity for northern and central British Columbia. The budget will provide for a power and gas line extension program to extend services to northern and interior communities to stimulate economic activity. British Columbia's economic well-being is directly dependent on foreign trade. Accordingly, the province is compelled to maintain cost-effective and productive industries in a competitive international marketplace. While export dependency remains high, a significant provincial achievement has been diversification of markets for our major products. In 1989 the province reached a historic point where exports to Pacific Rim countries surpassed exports to the United States while the overall level of trade increased British Columbia leads Canada in exports to Europe Government is strengthening trade programs in anticipation of Europe 1992 and the profound changes that will then occur in that massive market. The British Columbia Trade Development Corporation, established within the last year by my government, is now working effectively with the private sector to enhance and expand export opportunities. Forestry has long served as the economic backbone for British Columbia. My Minister of Forests will continue the government policy to balance timber harvesting and conservation to maintain our long-term goal of sustainable development. My government's Forest Resources Commission reflects a commitment to re-examine current forest management issues to ensure policies that will sustain that industry. My government's programs will Improve forest utilization and health, and promote integrated resource management. My Ministry of Forests will expand the small business forest enterprise program to create more job opportunities and increase manufacturing value. Reforestation is the key to a successful and enduring forest industry. Over two billion seedlings have been planted in the province, and a billion more will follow in a few short years. Continued representation will be made to the government of Canada to participate fairly in this important element of forest management, from which all of Canada benefits. British Columbia is recognized internationally for integrating environmental and economic factors in approving proposals for new mining operations. Our mine development review process, used for over a decade, ensures a balance between economic and environmental considerations. A mine development review act will be introduced to strengthen that process. My government will also continue its energy conservation strategy and introduce an energy conservation act. British Columbia's thriving tourism industry contributed more than $3.5 billion to the provincial economy in 1989, and my Minister of Tourism will work closely with communities and industry to ensure continued growth. Tourism is closely linked to adequate transportation and highway facilities in the province. Hundreds of British Columbians have assisted the government in transportation planning for the next decade. Public meetings throughout the province have focused on the choices facing British Columbians for transportation development. The multi-billion-dollar SkyTrain and transit programs are a critical part of the province's response to longer-term needs. My government has also developed a long-term plan to renew and bolster our ferry system and assist in revitalizing our shipbuilding and repair industry. We will look to the government of Canada to reconsider its decision and longstanding commitment to the Polar 8 icebreaker. Canada must recognize that support of a strategic shipbuilding industry must be equalized between eastern and western industry. Further, it may be more appropriate at this time to protect and promote Arctic sovereignty on behalf of Canada rather than proceed only with a military building program. Agriculture and fisheries create real wealth for the province. They are sustainable activities, sensitive to environmental needs. Government is promoting a stronger agricultural economy by fostering entrepreneurship and targeting economic development activities. Programs to encourage quality in all agricultural and fish products will be pursued. Policies respecting land use, to continue a viable agricultural sector, will be strengthened. The health of the Pacific fishery is of great concern. International developments, without adequate federal planning or response, could diminish this resource. Therefore efforts of my government will be intensified to ensure that fishermen, packers and processors have strong future prospects in this renewable industry. The province will continue its strong opposition to the international driftnet fishery. Regardless of its location, the driftnet fishery poses an unacceptable global threat to the marine environment. A British Columbia Round Table on Environment and Economy has been established to advise on policy to achieve a prosperous and sustainable economy while protecting environmental quality. All British Columbians recognize that the goals of economic development and environmental integrity are mutually dependent. My Ministry of Environment will table an environmental action plan entitled "Vision 2001" to encourage public consultation and frame environmental policy over the coming decade. Environmental, fish and wildlife protection will be enhanced through improved policies, strengthening of standards and monitoring and enforcement of regulations. Environmental protection legislation will be reviewed to ensure that government has all statutory tools required to encourage sustainable development and environmental protection. The Waste Management Act will be amended to deal with identification and remediation of contaminated sites. Legislation will create a hazardous waste management corporation to develop, with the private sector, facilities for safe handling and disposal of dangerous and toxic wastes. My Ministry of Environment will continue building partnerships with federal, local and neighbouring jurisdictions to protect the environment. The province responded quickly to the reality and continued threat of oil spills and is proceeding to implement many of the recommendations of the oil spill study. Mr. David Anderson, special adviser to the Premier, is to be commended for his diligent work on behalf of the province. Government will maintain its partnership program for reducing municipal solid wastes by 50 percent and for the safe handling of biomedical wastes. My government will encourage our universities, colleges and the private sector to focus on environmental issues and at the same time create products and services which will find worldwide application. British Columbia is positioned to be a leader in developing services and businesses focused on the needs of the global environment. The outstanding success of the Globe '90 conference and trade show is witness to our potential in this area. The environment youth program trains provincial youth in environmental improvement and emergency response programs. It has been an outstanding success. These young British Columbians have materially contributed to a wider knowledge and understanding of environmental problems. They have been a positive force in responding to emergencies during the year. Maintaining and improving the quality of community water supplies is essential during periods of accelerated population and economic growth. Initiatives in the forthcoming budget will expand funding for such projects. In protecting our natural environment, government designated 20 parks and increased the size of 20 more, to add 216,000 hectares to the province's park inventory. More people enjoyed British Columbia parks in the last year than ever before. This included Pacific Spirit Park, a new urban park and one of the largest parks created in any major city in the world. In this legislative session, 23 park boundaries will be secured, adding to the 81 already protected. My government will pursue the nomination of Hamber, Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Parks as world heritage sites. These sites are magnificent showpieces for the province and reflect the quality of our natural heritage. British Columbia's natural beauty is complemented by unique heritage sites and architecture. To preserve these essential elements of our history, my government will introduce a White Paper detailing a new heritage conservation act. Sustainable economic activity drives provincial revenues and allows British Columbians to enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Our ability to underwrite sustainable programs for people requires a strong and stable income stream flowing from a strong and diverse economy. A knowledge-based economy is emerging in British Columbia, and human resource development is essential to this modern economy. Human resource development programs are solutions to many pressing social issues, helping families and children out of poverty and disadvantaged groups and immigrants needing assistance. These programs are also important tools in the full and equitable integration of some women into our economic system. The 1989 first ministers' conference requested provincial ministers of education to develop a national human resource strategy. British Columbia is offering strong support in achieving that mandate. Government introduced a strategy called Access for All to strengthen post-secondary education. Over 700 additional students were attracted to Cariboo, Malaspina and Okanagan Colleges, which now offer degree programs in partnership with British Columbia's universities. My government is committed to a university of northern British Columbia and has received a task force report from northern citizens and experts in higher education. Government will introduce the University of Northern British Columbia Act. The International Literacy Year for the United Nations is 1990. British Columbia will continue to offer upgrading programs for individuals to attain basic skills. My government recognizes the tremendous and continuing contribution of our post-secondary institutions. The University of British Columbia celebrates its seventy-fifth and Simon Fraser University its twenty-fifth anniversary of years of service and scholarship for British Columbians. This province is proud to host the Commonwealth of Learning centre. Educational services and technologies can be shared, particularly with developing countries. Commitment has been made to the policy directions of the Sullivan Royal Commission on Education. Much has been accomplished in working with educators to improve our school system such that our children will achieve their potential. Support will continue for our internationally acclaimed Pacific Rim education initiatives. Young British Columbians will carry a better understanding of the history, culture and languages of the Asia-Pacific region through the implementation of new curricula. My government has announced major changes to provincial education funding to bring added stability and accountability to school financing. Legislation will be introduced to initiate this system and empower school boards to hold referendums to solicit taxpayers' approval for extraordinary spending and allow citizens a direct voice and choice over local priorities. The Science Council of British Columbia, the Premier's Advisory Council on Science and Technology and industry are advising government on science, research and development programs. The forthcoming budget will introduce the most significant concept for underwriting these activities that has been taken by a government in this province. My government is concerned with all matters of access, quality and affordability in our health care system and therefore has appointed a royal commission to report in 1991. My Ministry of Health will expand and improve community health services and replace Riverview Hospital. Discussions will begin with communities and health professionals to consider establishing, on a pilot project basis, comprehensive health organizations. Government will reintroduce the Health Disciplines Act to regulate a wide range of health professions and occupations An extensive consultation process to examine the concerns of seniors has been completed. British Columbia's senior citizens make a significant intellectual, cultural and economic contribution to the province, and their needs will be addressed as fully as possible by government. An aggressive fight against drug and alcohol abuse will be continued. The Cabinet Committee on Drug Abuse and the TRY program will ensure that our social and law enforcement agencies pursue effective programs to deal with this continuing, insidious problem. My government will continue justice reform. The province's Supreme and County Courts will merge by July 1, 1990, to ensure province wide accessibility to the superior courts. Provincial Court facilities will continue to be expanded and improved. Programs will be introduced to provide a simplified and less costly means of resolving civil cases. My government will propose amendments to family law to facilitate resolution of disputes and streamline processes to place cases before the courts. Further, a statutory appeals procedures act will provide citizens with clearer, more concise procedures to appeal decisions of administrative agencies. The Ministry of Attorney-General will work with our native communities to improve justice services, expand victim programs and develop, within the justice system, a greater recognition and appreciation of the unique social and cultural traditions of native citizens. The Ministry of Solicitor-General will broaden consultations with native bands and tribal councils to extend diversion programs. The Premier's Council on Native Affairs is undertaking ongoing discussions with tribal councils and provincial native groups to improve social and economic programs. My government will create the First Peoples' Traditions for Tomorrow Council to administer a program to assist funding native language, heritage and cultural centres in the province. Government social policy must increase the opportunity for citizens to make individual choices and foster independence and personal growth. Accordingly, support and incentive programs available to persons receiving income assistance will be strengthened. Programs to bridge the transition to gainful employment will be expanded. More support will be introduced for emergency shelters for the homeless and transition and safe houses for women and children. British Columbia's buoyant economy has attracted many new residents, creating a strong demand for housing. Despite high construction activity, the demand for supported housing continues to outstrip supply. Partnership with the private sector, nonprofit societies and all levels of government will allow my government to extend programs to provide adequate housing for all British Columbians. The British Columbia Housing Management Commission has played a major, positive role in responding to housing needs. Provincial land will continue to be made available for the development of rental homes. My government will also enhance the renter's tax reduction program and introduce amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act. The budget will reveal a strengthening of our comprehensive housing programs. Provincial initiatives alone cannot solve all accommodation problems and my government urges local government to extend itself in assisting in meeting housing needs. With strong economic growth, British Columbia has witnessed record levels of job creation, the highest in Canada. Concurrently, the province's economy is in transition. Some industries and communities on which they are dependent are still subject to economic instability and closures. Accordingly, my government will introduce a program to assist communities, such as Kimberley. Further, to increase protection to workers, my government will introduce amendments to the Employment Standards Act to provide appropriate safeguards for employees from large scale layoffs. The province's legislative framework regulating labour relations has achieved many of its original goals. Such legislation must be regularly improved and appropriate amendments to the Industrial Relations Act will be prepared. My government remains committed to working closely with local government. Local communities will benefit greatly from sustained economic growth through strong increases in provincial revenue-sharing. On behalf of the Legislature, my government extends the warmest congratulations to the people of Penticton and the athletes of the British Columbia Winter Games. All British Columbians look forward to the Summer Games to be held in Prince George. These games have enjoyed great success because of many volunteers in host communities, and my government applauds their efforts. That same community spirit is manifest in the planning now underway for the 1993 Canada Gamesin Kamloops, and the 1994 Commonwealth Games in the communities of greater Victoria. All provincial to communities are working with government to prepare for the 1991 Year of Music, our largest communality-based tourism initiative since Expo 86. I am very pleased that my government has established the Order of British Columbia. This will provide appropriate recognition to those citizens who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in fields of endeavour benefiting the people of the province and Canada. My government maintains a commitment to recognize and promote the multicultural heritage of British Columbia and Canada. Government is pleased to host a major provincial symposium on multiculturalism in June, drawing delegates from across the province to consider community priorities and to highlight our cultural diversity and promote a strong sense of citizenship. On behalf of all members of this assembly I extend my appreciation to employees of the provincial government. They serve with distinction, skill and integrity on behalf of this assembly and the citizens of British Columbia. Members of the Legislative Assembly, you are charged with a great responsibility of representing with fairness and purpose the interests of all British Columbians. May wisdom and good judgment guide you in your deliberatlons. In our Sovereign's name I thank you.