Twenty-three joined for all or part of this ASK Salt Spring discussion with MLA Rob Botterell.

Changing things up a bit, Ron Cooke, the facilitator sitting in for Gayle Baker, asked Rob what concerns him.  Rob answered that this week in the Legislature the government introduced legislation to streamline approvals for projects, the environmental assessment process, and infrastructure projects.  Rob thought this wasn’t a bad thing, but as the “devil is in the details”, he is concerned that the Green Caucus will have sufficient time to thoroughly examine the legislation and ensure it is not an over-reach. 

With this said, Rob started the conversation with a territorial acknowledgment and his thoughts about the tragic events that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Festival on April 26^th.  He reminded us that today is a day of mourning and wanted to express his heart-felt sympathies to the community impacted directly by the tragedy.

Key items being worked on in the Legislature and their relevance to Salt Spring Island

One of the major items Rob is directly involved in and getting underway is the All-Party Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform, especially pertinent after the recent federal election in which the Bloc Québecois got 22 seats (6.3%) while the NDP got seven seats (6.3% of the vote).  As he noted, the First Past the Post Voting system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-past-the-post_voting) resulted in many people voting to avoid an outcome rather than to vote for what they believed in.  In BC, as part of the Accord with the NDP, the Green Caucus established an All-Party Committee consisting of four NDP members, two Conservative, and Rob as the Green representative.  Rob explained that while the workplan is still being finalized, the most likely approach is that in the late May, there will be an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to sign up and make a submission to attend one of the public hearings held to present the Committee over Zoom.  Within this timeframe, a roster of folks to present will be compiled.   In June the Committee will be building its knowledge of the issues.  He clarified that the breadth isn’t just electoral reform as it will include proportional representation, lowering of the voting age, and other things guided by the submissions.  In July the Committee will go out on the road to solicit public input while in August, the staff support for the Committee will assemble the information.  In September, the Committee will deliberate and then deliver the report with recommendations to the Legislature in November.  The Committee will continue its work after that with a review of how the 2024 election was conducted.  Rob is hopeful that folks will participate or help to get a big roster of people to present as the credibility of the Committee depends on broad-based input.

In terms of other work, Rob informed us that in the Legislature, they are at the Committee stage for Bill 7 (the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act) that would provide the government with additional tools through Cabinet regulation to lower tariff barriers to direct procurement away from US companies.  He said that each clause is being reviewed thoroughly to ensure the presence of needed checks and balances, so not unfettered as it was initially.   

For more information on what Rob and the Green Caucus is working on, he let us know about his newsletter and a sign-up sheet was passed around among the participants.  The link is also here https://mailchi.mp/leg/mla-rob-botterells-newsletter-sign-up

Health Care and Housing 

Rob then provided an overview of what is happening provincially concerning housing and health care, two issues Rob noted as “near and dear” to Salt Spring Islanders.

In terms of health care, Rob mentioned that Dr Penny Ballem, interim CEO of the Provincial Health Services Authority, will be conducting a review on community health centres, team-based care, community driven, and multiple disciplines (not just doctors), and preparing recommendations on how to roll this out. Expected over the coming months, the review will guide expansion of community health centres across BC.  Further information will be forthcoming with Rob looking forward to involving the community and ensuring that Penny is aware of the interests and challenges in the Riding.

Concerning housing, Rob mentioned that he has been very active quizzing Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, on the budget estimates.  On Thursday, he had a detailed discussion with him which included raising the housing circumstances on Salt Spring.  At Rob’s suggestion, sometime after the Session ends (but before the end of the summer), the Minister will visit Salt Spring Island to see the situation for himself and to better understand the provincial tools that could help to solve the crisis. 

With his comprehensive update, Rob opened the floor for questions.

Clean BC and a premature proposal by BC Hydro

The first question to Rob concerned the upcoming review of Clean BC and the concerns by the Energy Group of Salt Spring about the BC Hydro proposal to revise its rates (from a tiered system to a flat rate for residential customers) before the review has taken place (see this link for information on Clean BC https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/about-cleanbc/).

Rob responded that he is aware that Jeremy Valeriot (Green Party member and MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky) met with Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, about this specific issue.  He will know the outcome next week.   Rob added that there are several things being implemented by the government that could be changed or unwound because of the Clean BC review.  He further stated that the Green Caucus has been very clear with Minister Dix that everything is on the table and regardless of when a past decision has been made, if it needs to be changed to achieve climate targets, it should be changed.  Rob clarified that the Clean BC Terms of Reference (ToR) should be out in a couple of weeks but that nothing in it would limit an action to be taken, including changes to the BC Hydro proposal.

The participant then asked if the review process will be the same as the last time, and if so, what was the process?  Rob clarified it is totally new, and that it is a fulsome review.

The participant also asked about funding to bring in an external expert to provide quality input.  This led to Rob introducing Patricia Pearson, Community Engagement Advisor, who checked about funding but found that there is none for this purpose.  He noted that they have flagged the need for expert advice on the review and this conversation will continue.  

Mental health issues

With the questions on Clean BC addressed, a participant commented that they are concerned about the potential backlash stemming from the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, specifically related to going backwards with respect to mental health issues and loss of rights.  She added that community health centres are a huge move forward.

Rob responded that there was a lot of debate and discussion on this at the Legislature, focussing on separating the investigation of the mass casualty and the dynamic in the Legislature between several MLAs jumping to conclusions.   There will be a public inquiry as to how this tragedy occurred and layered on top of this, the Premier said if the investigation is not adequate, he will have a public inquiry.  Rob added that the Green Party wants to review BC’s “ancient” Mental Health Act to ensure its legal framework is appropriate for the time we live in.  Rob further noted that we need to ensure that we do not have a knee-jerk reaction, that everyone needs compassion, being careful not to adopt a one-size fits all solution and ensure a thoughtful measured approach is taken.  His final point was that through this process, they are doing everything to make sure tone of Legislature is respectful.

Further to the topic of mental health issues, another participant commented on the dangers of the online/internet environment and its risks to democracy, the environment and therefore, children.  Feeling that the ban on cell phones [in school] is a good start, while recognizing the addiction cycle and vulnerabilities of adults and seniors, they suggested that the concepts of harm presented by the online/internet be incorporated in the upcoming review of the Mental Health Act.  Furthermore, they suggested that a referendum is needed on data collection and the influence of AI that could overtake democracy.  

Considering the participant’s comments, Rob suggested that they write him a letter, asking for his assistance in setting up a meeting with Minister Osborne to discuss the review of the Mental Health Act and from their perspective, the important issues to be addressed.   Rob will then facilitate getting a meeting with them and the Minister.

Further to the topic of health care, a participant wanted Rob to be aware that there is a Salt Spring Island Community Health Society that started with mental health, and which is now wanting to establish a community health centre.  

Rob thanked them for this information and reiterated that there will be an opportunity for public input in the work of Dr Ballem. 

Housing and funding

Back to the matter of housing, the Chair of the North Salt Spring Water Works District commented that they were very encouraged to hear about Minister Khalon coming to Salt Spring Island, and the interest in setting up a meeting with Rob.  He wanted to ensure that the supply of additional short-term water best meets community needs.

In response, Rob stated that in the back-and-forth questions with the Minister yesterday, they are making sure to be approaching the province for projects where they are the last step.  He added that he is excited that there is capacity around water supply where there wasn’t before, and that the visit of the Minister will result in a more focused discussion on projects that the community would like to see.

The North Water Works District Chair was asked whether there is a move to help north Salt Spring preferentially give extra water to projects that support worker housing on Salt Spring versus individual houses.  The Chair responded that they engaged the province to get clarification, and the answer was no, as it is not within their mandate.  He added that they did sit down with Islands Trust and CRD to emphasise that without the mandate, they need help if they are to prioritize as a community on how water gets used.  The Chair stated that we need to engage the Minister and motivate the province to do all it can.

Rob asked for clarification on who it was that said no, and the Chair responded that it went to Municipal Affairs who also said a legislative change would be required.

Rob reaffirmed his commitment to working on affordable housing and to take this water issue forward.  

A participant then asked, is there anyone who disagrees with prioritizing water for this type of housing?  The answer was no.

A participant then mentioned about their experience looking into sources of funding from BC Housing.  They explained that one source requires a third of the money to go to supportive housing, a third to very low-cost housing, and a third to market rate housing.   If there are other sources of funding that do not need to meet these criteria then they should be made more visible.  Also, if a community already has a proportion of supportive housing, then they should be able to get money for work force housing, some of which has a higher income than stipulated in the criteria.  They added their view that some of the funding mechanisms from BC Housing present barriers to getting more money for work force housing. 

Rob mentioned that he had made the same point in the Legislature concerning health care workers and housing.   For example, housing for doctors should be through a different funding stream so that the ability to address the shortage of primary care community health centres isn’t defeated by the fact that there isn’t funding for affordable housing.   The approach the Green Caucus is taking this year are the criteria that are set but there are some components to funding that are deeply affordable and there is a range of options.   He said that they will be able to help through the Minister’s visit and follow-up discussions and when renegotiating the Accord with the NDP this fall.  Rob clarified that the current strategy is to “go with the flow” this year but address the opportunities for negotiation this fall.  Rob noted that there is a $25 billion infrastructure deficit across the province; this is the gap that UBCM sees across the whole province, which has led to a discussion about making sure BC gets it fair share of new federal infrastructure money.

The Importance of political will 

A participant asked how many days the Legislature met last year, and this year if the schedule has been set.   Are the days sufficient to pass legislation, they asked?

Rob respectfully disagreed and clarified that since the Legislature opened and until the end of May, they are meeting four days a week, soon to be five days a week, and about to go to midnight for those five days.  He noted that there is an intensive amount of work from Feb to the end of May and during the fall session (new this year).  In between, they will be going around the province on electoral reform and spending a lot more time in the constituency.   Rob’s experience with the Legislature is that if the government wants to move on an issue and there is political will, there is nothing they cannot accomplish in the time we are in the Legislature.   It is more about political will to do things than time.

Electoral reform

Further to the electoral reform issue, a participant commented that there is a need to ensure the Greens approve the questions because the last time this issue was raised with the NDP-Green alliance a few years ago, the government came up with a question that was not at all understood.  

Rob agreed that the question was indecipherable.  However, he said that the Committee will be going on a journey between now and November and will be responsive to submissions, the more the better.  Rob mentioned that in New Zealand they introduced proportional representation, ran it through two election cycles, and then had a referendum so people were voting on something they tried.  

A participant added several thoughts to the conversation.  In addition to agreeing that the language used in the 2018 BC electoral reform referendum was far too complicated, on the matter of housing, they asked, what is affordable housing?  They described how increasingly pensioners can no longer afford the taxes which on Salt Spring continue to climb.  They asked, is there any way the government can step in to help deal with the costs?   They also suggested that with respect to improving security, one option might be to position a dump truck at the end of each street where the event is occurring.

In terms of future risk assessments and safety measures for events in Vancouver, Rob said he would be surprised if a significant change in how events will be held did not occur.  In terms of housing and affordability issues, he said that the government is facing a $14 billion deficit this year.  Rob has been asking the Minister of Finance about their long-term plan for balancing the government books.   At some stage, they will need to have another look at the tax system and how things are organized and delivered by government.  In the long term, he said that we need to diversify, innovate, and get more value for the work we do, and to generate a higher revenue stream without doing it on the backs of sacrificing the environment.  In the short term, everyone in this Riding is experiencing increased cost of living.  Rob said that as the MLA, he is pressing the Minister Finance having a close look at the total cost of living and tax system as part of the Accord and to change it up.

A participant then asked Rob for his assistance regarding flooding from a culvert.  Rob promised to speak with CRD regarding this issue.  

Back to housing, a participant added that the new Prime Minister mentioned a new federal initiative regarding housing and that it would be good to get from Elizabeth the form that this will take.

It was noted that Salt Spring Island is well positioned in need, and one of the advantages of Elizebth’s re-election.

Local power generation 

A participant then asked Rob about BC’s approach on tariffs, mentioning that there is a lot of money to be saved by having energy generation on the local level.   They asked, can you say something about Green’s vision for economic activity and resilience in view of the threats of the tariff war by pursuing climate adaptation/mitigation?

Rob responded that generally, the approach he is bringing to the Green Caucus and ensuring the Clean BC review and work around tariff response is not focused on expansion of oil and gas infrastructure.  Rob noted that he has found that Adrian Dix and others are focused on the big project mindset.  Rather, a network of power generation is more effective than one massive infrastructure.  The Clean BC review looks at climate action from the point of view and economic diversification – a move away from big pipe/big transmission line approaches and looking at local distributed distribution and generation of power. 

The participant asked if we could talk to Elizabeth May about having a national perspective brought to this considering, we are in a tariff war and that it would be a good opportunity to find resilient economic solutions.

Rob responded that this would be a good topic for the Southern Gulf Islands Forum where all the governments are brought together including Elizabeth.

Vacation rentals

A short discussion came up on vacation rentals and government registration.   Clarification was provided that every short-term rental must register with the province but that licences are not required at this point.  For more information, see https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry

Rob added that if anyone who wants to register but is having difficulties, can get in touch with his office for assistance. 

Shiny geranium and native plants at risk

The discussion then went to Shiny Geranium Geranium lucidum an extremely invasive plant that is blanketing Salt Spring Island.  Its removal is urgently required, especially now before the seed bank is released.  See https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/invasive-species/alerts/shiny_geranium_weed_alert.pdf  for more information.  

Rob promised to bring this issue to the attention of the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Columbia River Treaty

A participant asked about the status of the Columbia River Treaty that was supposed to be negotiated with the power returning to BC if the treaty was renewed.  With the power to be repatriated there could be some leverage.  Rob responded that such issues were put on hold because of Trump’s actions.  However, with the federal election concluded, he expects to see movement begin on such matters.  

Failure to meet climate emission targets

A participant asked Rob about the government meeting climate emission targets.

Rob responded that he has been very unhappy with the lack of progress.  The NDP’s view of the world has been to put a pause on climate change and not worry about meeting targets.   The tariff war has been an excuse for the lack of action.  He said that they are putting a lot of faith in the Clean BC review as a reset.  He noted too that the government has been missing legislated climate targets for carbon reduction and other topics.  Rob added that this week they released the Climate Inaction Report.  He said that what happens with the Clean BC review will influence whether the Greens renew the Accord with the NDP this fall.  It is a “line in the sand” for the Greens.  

How to resolve a two-party system

Based on the federal election results, a participant suggested that Canada now appears to have a 2-party system.  They asked Rob, what is the path forward for a stronger Green party?

Rob responded that he is total passionate about proportional representation as it is the only solution in the long term and move away from a system that is generates division rather polarization. Rob cannot speak federally, but provincially what is most important to him is to do everything he can to support an open, thorough discussion on electoral reform this year and get it across the line to try it out.   Based on experience, he feels we need to keep at it.   In the absence of proportional representation, the Greens keep doing provincially is just trying to build the support to get to the point in which we have in this Riding, and well on the way in West Vancouver Sea-to-Sky where the strategic vote is Green.   Rob mentioned that there are four to six ridings in the 20 per cent range provincially and that they will work to support them to get to the 30-35 per cent threshold in the next election, becoming the strategic vote choice in those ridings.  

A nice break 

Rob expressed how much he enjoys the ASK meetings. He wondered about another time in the day that would work better for more people.

Ron responded that there have been ongoing discussions on this topic, but that ASK SS settled on Friday, primarily because guest speakers preferred to participate during the working week.  Rob offered to also meet in the evening.  Something to discuss with Gayle on her return.  

After a short discussion on dealings with the utilities commission, and satisfied that everyone’s questions had been answered, the meeting came to a close just before 1:00 PM. 

Just in case you are interested. . . .this report has been written by Julie Thomson, a member of ASK Salt Spring.  It has been reviewed by Rob Botterell, MLA, and Patricia Pearson, Community Engagement Advisor with the Sidney Constituency Office.