►
From YouTube: MARCH 3 2020 Question Period
Description
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
5th Session
41st Parliament
B
B
Strata
insurance
premiums
are
skyrocketing
by
as
much
as
400%
Judy
Dryden's
says,
and
I
quote,
the
huge
increases
heaped
upon
condos
are
making
it
difficult
to
meet
our
monthly
bills.
These
huge
increases
are
attacking
very
vulnerable
people
and
quote
so.
My
question
is
this:
to
the
minister:
what
possible
reason
could
the
Minister
have
for
not
acting
quickly
to
help
Judy
and
the
thousands
of
other
other
British
Columbians,
just
like
her.
C
Thank
you
very
much,
honourable
speaker,
and
through
to
the
member
as
the
member
knows,
this
issue
is
both
urgent
and
challenging
and
complex.
This
is
a
private
industry.
These
are
private
businesses
who
set
their
terms
for
condo
insurance,
and
we
are
looking
at
options
to
be
able
to
tackle
the
challenge,
both
short
term
and
long
term.
As
I
mentioned.
C
There
are
issues
that
we
believe
we
can
look
at
in
the
short
term,
but
there
are
long
term
issues
that
also
need
to
be
addressed,
which
is
why
we've
referred
it
to
the
BC
Financial
Services
Authority,
to
take
a
look
at
regulation,
we're
examining
the
bill
that
has
come
forward
from
the
member
for
Kamloops
self
Thompson.
It
doesn't
appear
that
there
are
things
that
will
address
the
the
challenges
immediately,
but
there
are
some
interesting
pieces
that
we're
reviewing.
C
One
of
them,
for
example,
is
the
issue
of
water
damage
and
a
Prevention
Program,
which
the
the
member
mentioned.
This
is
very
similar
to
the
leaky
condo
program
that
was
in
place
previous
by
the
past
past
past
government
and
actually
cancelled
by
the
other
side.
But
it's
an
interesting
idea
to
bring
forward
I
think
there
are
some
some
options
there
that
we're
certainly
reviewing.
We
recognise
the
pressure
that
this
is
putting
on
businesses
and
that's
why
we're
working
with
condo
associations?
That's
why
we're
working
with
the
industry?
It's!
B
You
mr.
speaker,
well,
the
minister
says
that
she's
talking
and
talking
and
talking
more,
this
is
cold
comfort
for
the
thousands
of
British
Columbians
who
are
facing
very
serious
financial
hardship
due
to
the
skyrocketing
strata
insurance
costs.
It
actually
turns
out
that
the
Finance
Minister
has
75
million
reasons
for
her
delays
and
excuses.
Budget
2020
shows
that
the
NDP
will
collect
an
additional
75
million
dollars
in
tax
revenue
on
insurance
premiums
over
the
next
three
years.
The
NDP
are
actually
profiting
on
this
strata
insurance
crisis.
Now
loora
loora
Opsahl
says
this
and
I
quote
members.
B
Thank
You
mr.
speaker,
Laura
oxalá,
says
this
and
I
quote
enough:
is
enough
in
money
grabs,
be
it
our
taxes
or
our
strata
costs
and
quote
so
my
question
is
this:
why
is
the
minister
gouging
British
Columbians
like
Laura?
Why
is
she
not
taking
swift,
decisive
action
to
address
the
skyrocketing
strata
insurance
costs.
C
C
C
This
is
honorable
speaker
a
very
serious
issue.
This
is
a
complex
issue
and
that's
why
we
are
working
with
the
strata
sociation.
That's
why
we're
working
with
owners?
That's
why
we're
working
with
the
insurance
industry?
That's
why
we've
engaged
with
our
colleagues
across
the
country,
because
this
is
not
a
unique
issue
to
British
Columbia.
The
national
commercial
insurance
task
force
is
also
looking
at
this
issue,
because
it
is
an
issue
that's
causing
problems
across
the
country.
D
This
year
alone,
the
NDP
are
collecting
an
extra
15
million
in
insurance
premiums,
tax,
diana
Luke
axe
called
rising
strata
costs
and
I
quote
totally
unfair
to
all
the
condo
owners,
as
well
as
seniors
on
fixed
incomes
and
everyone
else
stuck
in
this
situation.
End
quote
so
my
question
to
the
minister:
how
is
this
fair
to
Diana
Minister.
C
C
Is
no
advice
around
affordability
that
can
come
from
that
side,
but
that's
any
credibility
for
the
taxpayers
of
British
Columbia.
We
are
working
on
this
issue
with
the
people
involved
with
strat
owners
with
people
across
the
country.
As
I
said,
this
is
a
national
issue.
That's
why
the
national
associations
be
involved.
That's
why
the
Prudential
Association
is
be
involved.
That's
why
we're
looking
for
short-term
solutions
that
will
help
our
condo
owners
and
long-term
solutions
that
are
going
to
address
this
issue?
C
D
A
A
D
You,
mr.
speaker,
the
fact
is,
is
that
the
NDP
are
actually
profiting
from
this
insurance
crisis,
and
that
may
be
the
reason
why
they're
not
acting
Babb
Fenton
says-
and
this
is
Bev
fentons
quote.
This
is
not
my
quote.
This
is
Bev.
Fentons
quote
this
is
beyond
ridiculous
I'm
on
a
pension
and
cannot
afford
what
may
happen
with
the
insurance
issue
get
on
this
premier
she
quotes.
When
is
this
gummer
government
going
to
do
something.
C
C
The
country
has
everything
to
do
with
skyrocketing
real
estate
prices
that
have
occurred
in
the
last
while
it
has
to
do
with
the
insurance
industry
and
the
challenges
in
the
insurance
industry,
with
some
businesses
leaving
and
competition
issues,
it
has
to
do
with
climate
action
and
the
issues
that
are
there.
It's
a
complex
issue,
it's
an
urgent
issue
and
that's
why
we're
working
together.
E
Leader
third
party
yeah,
Thank
You
mr.
speaker,
and
now
more
than
ever,
governments
need
to
invest
in
accessible,
reliable,
convenient
public
transit
options,
reduces
greenhouse
gas
emissions
and
increases
affordability,
investments
to
increase
capacity
and,
importantly,
accessibility,
reliability
and
convenience
always
has
to
come
before
increased
ridership.
E
These
values
attract
people
onto
the
service,
and
if
these
values
are
maintained
and
the
experience
is
positive,
people
will
make
the
decision
to
get
rid
of
their
vehicle
and
commit
to
public
transit,
instability,
uncertainty
and
unreliability,
all
diminish
convenience
and
that's
what
leads
people
to
abandon
public
transit
and
invest
in
what
they
can
count
on.
Even
if
it's
a
long
commute
and
an
expensive
vehicle
in
budget
2020.
This
government
is
reducing
funding
for
BC
transit
this
year
and
implementing
a
freeze
over
the
next
two
years.
My
question
is
to
the
Minister
of
Finance.
E
F
Thank
you
very
much.
Mr.
speaker
and
I
would
like
to
thank
the
member
for
the
question.
Good
public
transit
is
essential,
as
he
says,
to
making
life
more
affordable
people.
It
is
essential
where,
as
we
tackle
climate
change-
and
this
is
why
our
government
is
partnered,
with
federal
and
local
governments
to
fund
1.2
billion
dollars
worth
of
transit
investments
across
BC.
In
this
step,.
F
This
is
paying
for
new
and
replacement
buses,
usually
CNG
clean
fuel
buses,
transit
facilities,
upgrades
to
existing
facilities,
transit
changes,
Park
&
Ride,
and
what
we've
seen
work
so
successfully
new
bus
lanes
and
to
the
members
question
about
funding.
Government
funding
on
public
transit
should
go
to
the
services
people
rely
on
if
large
reserves
are
built
up
year
after
year,
as
has
been
seen
in
BC
transit.
It
isn't
going
to
those
services
and
that's
why
we're
working
with
BC
Transit
so
asking
them
to
draw
from
its
42
million
dollars
in
reserves.
E
I
think
you,
mr.
speaker,
in
my
community
on
the
sandwich,
penance
I've,
heard
from
employers
that
a
lack
of
public
transit
barrier
to
growing
their
business
I
hear
from
employees
that
public
transit
would
increase
affordability
in
their
quality
of
life
and
I,
hear
from
people
from
all
parts
of
my
community.
How
important
the
expansion
of
public
transit
is
I
appreciate
that
this
government
may
want
to
force
BC
transit
to
use
their
surplus
this
year,
but
this
government
is
also
planning
a
funding
freeze
over
the
next
two
years.
E
As
a
result
of
this
freeze,
BC
Transit
predicts
that
ridership
numbers
will
go
down
over
the
next
few
years.
This
is
because
funding
will
lag
behind
demand,
meaning
service
levels
will
drop
and
people
will
choose
not
to
take
transit.
Bc
Transit
needs
certainty
about
their
funding
to
be
able
to
make
the
crucial
planning
decisions
they
need
to
increase
service
levels
to
grow
ridership.
My
question
is
again
through
you
to
the
Minister
of
Finance.
F
You
very
much
mr.
speaker,
mr.
speaker,
I,
think
that
the
member
is
very
well
aware
of
our
investment
in
in
transit
systems.
In
his
own
constituency
we
are
seeing
hours
of
service
increase
and
we
are
seeing
that
ridership
has
reached
record
levels.
It's
expected
to
grow
even
larger
in
2021
to
a
record,
sixty
point:
eight
million
trips
and
accurate
ridership
predictions
for
the
following
year,
based
on
next
year's
budget,
mr.
speaker.
F
So
if
BC
Transit
does
draw
from
their
larger
reserves
this
year,
there's
going
to
be
no
reduction
in
services,
no
impacts
on
expansion
projects,
public
transit.
Mr.
speaker
remains
a
top
priority
for
our
government.
We
want
to
make
life
more
affordable.
We
want
to
track
tackle
climate
change
and
we
want
to
make
sure
people
have
options
when
it
comes
to
how
they
travel.
That's.
Why
we're
going
to
continue
to
maintain
a
positive
approach
to
BC
transit.
G
Thank
you
very
much
mr.
speaker.
Will
the
Minister
of
Finance
stands
here
in
the
legislature
and
admits
to
British
Columbians
that
skyrocketing
strata?
Insurance
fees
is
an
urgent
issue,
and
yet
all
she
does
is
talk
about
it
and
she
can
continue
to
say
well,
it's
more
it's
bigger
than
just
in
British
Columbia.
Well,
the
fact
of
the
matter
is-
and
the
minister
knows
this-
that
almost
9,000
British
Columbians
have
sent
a
message
to
this
government
that
they
want
action
not
somewhere
down
the
road,
not
in
a
little
while
not
after
a
lot
more
talk.
G
And
the
minister
also
knows
that
her
ever-shrinking
surplus
is
being
is
benefiting
and
being
propped
up
by
millions
of
dollars
from
an
insurance,
the
insurance
premium
taxes.
It's
a
fact,
members
opposite
may
not
like
it.
All
they
need
to
do
is
look
in
the
budget.
Well,
here's
what
Pam
Scott
writes
to
this
Minister
and
I
quote.
Potentially
massive
increases
in
our
Strato
condo
insurance
will
make
it
very
difficult
to
keep
our
home.
Our
budget
simply
cannot
absorb
hundreds
of
dollars
more
per
month
to
pay
for
insurance.
G
C
You
very
much
honorable
speaker
and,
in
fact,
as
I
said,
that
the
very
first
question
that
I
received-
we
in
fact
are
looking
at
the
bill
that
came
forward
from
the
member
from
Kamloops
South
Thompson,
we're
looking
at
all
the
options
and
ideas
that
are
coming
forward.
There
were
two
pieces
that
were
interesting
in
that
bill.
One
as
I
mentioned
was
the
issue
of
water
damage,
which
was
a
program
that
was
in
place
for
the
leaky
condo
issue
in
the
90s.
That
was
a
program
cancelled
by
the
other
side.
C
They
didn't
feel
that
that
was
a
good
program
to
put
in
place.
So
I
appreciate
the
member
bringing
it
back
again
as
an
idea
for
us
to
take
a
look
at
one
of
the
other
pieces
that
has
been
suggested
by
the
insurance
industry
as
well
as
well
as
some
of
the
condo
folks
is
to
actually
look
at
closing
a
loophole
which
allows
stratas
to
defer
their
depreciation
reports.
That's
again
a
loophole
that
the
other
side
open,
that
they
gave
the
opportunity
for
people
to
defer
their
depreciation
reports,
which
isn't
helpful
when
it
comes
to
insurance.
A
G
Well,
thank
you
very
much.
We're
encouraged
to
hear
that
the
minister
is
looking
at
the
bill.
Here's
what
we'd
like
to
challenge
or
do
to
do.
There's
time
actually
this
week
to
call
the
bill,
put
it
in
the
on
the
floor
of
the
house
and
do
something
about.
G
The
minister
can
continue
to
deflect
and
refer
this
issue
to
all
kinds
of
other
people.
This
is
squarely
on
her
watch
she's,
the
minister.
This
is
an
issue
she
needs
to
deal
with.
She
keeps
referring
to
the
condominium
owners.
Well,
let's
actually
have
a
look
at
what
they
have
to
say:
they're,
actually,
very
supportive
of
the
bill.
That's
been
tabled
by
members
on
this
side
of
the
house.
Let's
look
at
the
quote
that
that
they
had
that
they
that
they
made
and
I
quote
this-
isn't
just
about
large
corporate
interests
and
risks.
G
Individual
homeowners
are
feeling
the
effects
deep
in
their
pocketbooks
and
increased
exposure
to
high
rates
and
deductibles.
The
minister
has
every
opportunity
and
a
has
had
lots
of
time
to
do
something
about
it.
It
is
time
for
her
to
stand
up
to
call
the
bill
and
to
tell
the
almost
9,000,
British
Columbians
who've,
reached
out
to
this
government
that
they're
paying
attention
and
that
they're
finally
going
to
do
something.
C
You
very
much
honorable
speaker
and
in
the
initial
review
that
we've
done
of
the
members
bill.
As
I
said,
there
are
a
couple
of
interesting
pieces
that
we're
looking
at,
but
it's
not
clear
how
the
other
proposals
in
the
bill
impact
will
do
anything
for
condo
owners
will
do
anything
to
address
the
pressures
that
people
are
facing
in
the
strata
and
people
deserve
the
time
to
make
sure
that
we
look
at
a
solution.
That's
actually
going
to
work
for
the
people
who
are
facing
this.
C
Speaker
is
exactly
what
we're
going
to
do:
we're
going
to
make
sure
that
we're
looking
at
an
issue
in
a
solution.
That's
going
to
assist
the
people
in
who
are
in
Stratos
and
who
are
facing
the
pressures,
that's
going
to
work
for
not
only
the
short
term
but
the
long
term,
because
there's
no
point
in
trying
to
address
something
unless
we
take
a
look
at
both
the
short
term
and
long
term.
And
that's
what
we're
doing.
H
Who
live
in
condos
and
townhomes
want
action
now
from
this
government?
Instead,
we
have
a
minister
who's
sleepwalking,
while
thousands
are
living
a
personal
nightmare.
Cheryl
salmon
signed
a
petition
that
my
colleague
talked
about,
and
she
says
this
is
totally
unfair
to
strata
owners
and
will
have
a
negative
impact
on
the
condo
industry,
our
housing
options
and
the
economy.
They
need
to
be
protected
and
caught
and
they
do
need
to
be
protected.
What
will
the
minister
do
today
to
help
Cheryl.
C
You
very
much
honorable
speaker
and
as
I've
said
and
as
I
say
again,
they
are
working
part
with
the
condo
owners.
We
are
working
hard
with
the
insurance
industry.
We
are
looking
at
options
that
are
going
to
work
because,
again
taking
a
look
at
the
private
member's
bill,
it
doesn't
appear
that
there
are
things
that
actually
are
going
to
assist
strata
owners.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
we're
addressing
this
issue.
It
is
an
issue
as
I
said,
that
is
not
unique
to
British
Columbia,
that
is
across
the
country.
That's
why
those
conversations
are
taking.
H
You
mr.speaker
well
one
and
a
half
million
people
live
in
condos
and
townhomes
in
BC.
This
is
a
big
issue.
Thousands
are
paced
facing
personal
financial
disaster
and
this
Minister
doesn't
seem
to
get
it
James.
O'connor
says
and
I
quote
on
my
kids,
our
new
condo
owners
and
first-time
buyers.
This
will
potentially
make
them
lose
their
condo
and
their
life
savings.
End
quote:
why
is
this
Minister
content
just
to
talk
and
to
rake
in
millions
by
the
way,
while
she's
doing
that,
while
people
are
looking
at
losing
their
own
homes.
I
Well,
thank
you
mr.speaker,
but
you
know
from
Lonsdale
to
Guildford,
from
Prince
George
and
beyond.
This
crisis
is
sending
shockwaves
throughout
this
province
as
people
try
to
grapple
with
these
skyrocketing
premiums,
but
here
in
Victoria,
oh
here
in
Victoria,
we
seem
to
have
a
complacent
government
that
seems
to
be
content
to
sit
back
and
collect
record
tax
revenue.
While
this
crisis
goes
on
in
our
province,
Leslie
Sullivan
says
and
I
quote:
people
are
going
to
lose
their
homes.
Nobody
will
purchase
them
with
exorbitant
strata
fees.
They
will
have
to
just
walk
away
with
nothing.
I
C
You
very
much
honorable
speaker
and
once
again
as
I've
said,
this
is
an
issue
across
the
country.
This
is
not
an
issue
unique
to
British
Columbia.
We
are
working
to
look
at
both
short
term
and
long
term
solutions.
So
the
issue
is
fixed.
Part
of
it
will
be
responsibilities
for
strata
owners.
Part
of
it
will
be
responsibility
for
the
insurance
industry.
Part
of
it
will
be
solutions.
The
government
is
looking
at
we're
putting
all
of
those
together
in
a
comprehensive
approach.
We
are
working
hard
to
get
that
done,
so
we
can
address
this
complex
issue.
I
I
But
you
know
Sharon
SAW,
says
and
I
quote:
I
live
in
a
strata
and
I
think
it's
deplorable
that
families
should
be
put
in
this
position.
What
are
we
supposed
to
do?
End
quote
we're
seeing
people
lose
deposits,
we're
seeing
people
not
being
able
to
proceed
with
sales.
The
minister
is
happy
to
sit
around
and
monitor
the
situation
and
think
about
it.
Well,
the
time
for
thinking
is
gone.
We
need
action,
Sharon
can't
wait.
What
is
she
supposed
to
do.
C
And
that's
what
we've
seen
when
it
comes
to
the
other
side.
Honorable
speaker,
we
are
taking
this
issue
very
seriously,
we're
working
hard
on
the
issue,
as
I
mentioned,
we're
looking
at
the
parts
of
the
bill
that
may
make
some
sense
to
be
able
to
take
a
look
at,
but
there
are
other
pieces
that
we
build
that
make
no
sense
that
in
fact,
would
add
more
cost
to
individuals.
C
There
are
suggestions
in
the
private
member's
bill
to
take
a
look
at
the
pressures
that
people
are
facing,
an
insurance
that
they
get
insurance
for
their
individual
Suites,
which
actually
adds
costs
to
people
not
take
away
costs.
So
it's
important
to
make
sure
that
we
take
this
issue
seriously,
that
we
look
at
what's
going
to
work
for
the
strata
industry
for
the
strata
for
the
owners
for
the
insurance
industry
and
that's
exactly
what
we're
doing.
J
J
Remember:
Thank
You
mr.
speaker,
mr.
speaker,
when
strata
premiums,
skyrocket,
400%,
so
does
tax
revenue.
The
minister
is
profiting
from
the
misery
of
condo
owners
like
Sheena,
Lahaul,
Shaina,
says
and
I
quote:
I'm
a
single
mom
living
in
a
condo
building
I
live
paycheck
to
paycheck
as
it
is
and
cannot
afford
any
increases
in
payments,
and
quote
the
minister
is
addicted
to
taxes.
Why
isn't
she
helping
people
like
Shana,
then.
C
Speaker,
this
is
a
serious
issue.
There
are
many
condo
owners
who
are
facing
great
pressure
across
the
province.
There
are
different
examples
of
the
kinds
of
pressures
that
are
occurring,
but
certainly
in
large
buildings.
It
appears
buildings
that
may
put
their
depreciation
reports
aside,
that
there
are
real
pressures
being
faced.
That's
why
we
need
to
make
sure
that
we're
taking
this
issue
seriously
and
looking
at
the
data
that's
out
there,
the
BC,
Financial,
Services
Authority
is
taking
the
time
to
be
able
to
gather
the
data,
that's
needed.
C
We
are
looking
at
short-term
solutions
that
could
assist
owners
now
and
long-term
solutions,
because
if
we
simply
fix
it
now
we're
going
to
continue
to
see
these
pressures.
So
that's
why
we're
making
sure
we
gather
the
information
work
with
people.
I
know
the
other
side
doesn't
like
to
work
with.
Others.
I
think
we
on
this
side
we're
going
to
be
working
closely
with
others,
we're
going
to
be
coming
up
with
solutions
and
we're
going
to
be
addressing
this
issue,
but
looking
at
very
simplistic
approaches
isn't
going
to
solve
the
problem.
J
J
This
is
impacting
everybody
across
British
Columbia,
from
maple
ridge
to
North,
Vancouver
to
to
Port
Moody.
Mr.
speaker,
it's
across
this
province,
thousands
and
thousands
of
people
are
being
impacted,
Linda,
Kitner,
says
and
I
quote,
my
mother
is
on
a
fixed
income
and
a
huge
increase
will
endanger
her
ability
to
live
on
her
own
and
quote.
Premiums
are
going
up
as
much
as
400%
and
the
NDP
are
receiving
a
tax
windfall.
Those
are
the
facts.
Mr.
speaker,
will
the
Minister
drop
the
delays
and
call
the
bill
Minister.
C
C
C
C
We
are
looking
at
other
ideas
that
are
coming
forward
and
if
the
members
have
other
approaches
they
want
to
bring
forward,
they
should
but
we're
making
sure
that
we
address
this
in
the
short
and
the
long
term,
because
it
is
not
only
a
complex
issue.
It's
also
a
pressure
being
faced
by
condo
owners
right
now,.