WEBVTT 1 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:19.559 Thank you for listening to Pictures Media Radio. Welcome to Policy and Rights, 2 00:00:21.160 --> 00:01:07.079 the show about the government, Policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy 3 00:01:07.079 --> 00:01:11.159 and Rights Hearing Depictions Media Radio. I'm your host, Michael Cloggs. In 4 00:01:11.400 --> 00:01:17.680 our next few segments, we're gonna hear from the United Nations. Of course, 5 00:01:18.040 --> 00:01:32.439 ongoing issues with Israel and Palestine as now they're the Israelis are considering ear 6 00:01:32.519 --> 00:01:38.599 least talking about they're going to attack Rafi if they if hostages aren't released to 7 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:45.040 them, and we're gonna get back to that in a second. As the 8 00:01:45.159 --> 00:01:55.319 United States vetoed an Algerian proposal for ceasefire in the UN Security Council floor, 9 00:01:55.680 --> 00:02:07.319 so we will get back to that, and the United Nations from the press 10 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:09.159 floor, we're going to have a segment about that, as they're going to 11 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:22.800 again talk about the ongoings between pales signed in Israel and other issues that are 12 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:30.840 going to arise. So but in British Columbia, there was the Throne Speech 13 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:40.879 the Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin as he opened the final session of the forty second 14 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:49.479 Parliament by delivering this speech from the Throne, and there are a few quotes 15 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:53.520 here from David Eby. While our government is proud of his progress we've made 16 00:02:54.039 --> 00:03:02.439 for the people throughout tough times. We're now we're nowhere near satisfied. Our 17 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:10.080 economy is strong, with low unemployment and highest wages in the country, but 18 00:03:10.120 --> 00:03:15.759 there are still too many people struggling to get ahead, even those in the 19 00:03:15.800 --> 00:03:23.479 middle class who earn a decent paycheck. That's why we'll continue to bring people 20 00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:35.360 together to solve big challenges. And he also is quoted in this time of 21 00:03:35.400 --> 00:03:42.159 global uncertainty and turmoil, we face some important questions. We will be as 22 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:50.479 a province where people are driven apart and left to face tough challenges alone, 23 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:57.919 or we will continue to be the place where people take care of each other 24 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:06.319 and build a better future together. If we reject division and bring people together 25 00:04:06.759 --> 00:04:15.080 to solve problems, our brightest days are ahead of us. So some of 26 00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:21.399 these ideas will be reflected into the throne speech as it is read by Janet 27 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:30.959 Austen. We're gonna hear that segment today as the show plays forward. But 28 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:42.720 let's get back to the Algerian proposal for a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel, 29 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:51.600 and this is what was highlighted with the UN Security Council. The US used 30 00:04:53.680 --> 00:05:00.800 the veto power to squash Algeria's draft for resolution demanding an immediate season fire and 31 00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:13.600 Gaza and bring revival texts that would condemn Hamas but also support a temporary cease 32 00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:24.319 fire. The US expected to circulate its own draft later later on Tuesday. 33 00:05:25.079 --> 00:05:30.720 Negotiations will be far from easy, with both Russia and China voicing strong opposition 34 00:05:30.920 --> 00:05:41.319 to the third use of a veto by the United States. The Council members 35 00:05:45.800 --> 00:06:03.319 lament continued suffering and lamb bass possible military operation into Raffi. Algeria ambrassador says 36 00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:11.279 it will continue to knock on the Council's store and maximize pressure on Israel and 37 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:21.000 Hamas for a ceasefire that will end the blood shed. The veto does not 38 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:30.680 absolve Israel of its obligations, it says the ambassador Uh for the observer's state 39 00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:42.160 of Palazin Uh. The ceasefire will be a death sentence for Israeli's and ordinary 40 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:51.480 gousans alike, says Israel's ambassador. Guitar Ambassador, speaking on the Golf Cooperation 41 00:06:51.639 --> 00:07:01.519 Council, says her delegation will continue to facilitating efforts to free hostages and protect 42 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:10.839 civilians with a secure ceasefire. As we know, Israel has continued to hit 43 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:19.279 civilian targets, claiming that the Hamas is either hiding hostages there or they're hiding 44 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:33.639 militants that will continue to fight against the Israeli forces. And we still continue 45 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:39.959 to hear that it is a horrible place for children to be right now, 46 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:47.639 because there's nothing but death and destruction. So why don't we listen to what 47 00:07:48.720 --> 00:08:01.680 the US Ambassador to the United Nations said in a media stakeout at the United 48 00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:11.680 Nations in New York City. Good afternoon, everyone. You just heard me 49 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:16.560 make the case for a resolution that I believe all of us can agree to. 50 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:22.839 In fact, the points in the proposed resolution have all been articulated by 51 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:28.600 the other fourteen members of this Council. These were not just us ideas. 52 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:35.080 They were all of our ideas that I have heard nearly every member of this 53 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:43.559 Council discussed, both privately and publicly, ideas that would not put sensitive negotiations 54 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:52.080 in jeopardy, that could lay the foundation for sustainable peace. And yet we 55 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:58.480 were forced into a vote that did not reflect that consensus. You might ask 56 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:03.080 why and I'll leave that to you to opine on. Perhaps some on the 57 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:11.039 Council did not actually want a resolution to pass, because if they did, 58 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:16.840 today's vote would not have happened. Over the last several weeks, I communicated 59 00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:24.840 the United States concerns publicly and privately. We submitted numerous, numerous rounds of 60 00:09:26.039 --> 00:09:31.840 edits. We implored our colleagues not to rush toward failure, and so having 61 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:37.039 put forward an alternitative path, we intend to take it. The draft we 62 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:43.559 presented is a forward leaning resolution, and it is one that we intend to 63 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:48.960 work on in good faith with other Council members to ensure it gets over the 64 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:56.519 finish line. That kind of process was disappointingly absent from negotiations on the text 65 00:09:56.639 --> 00:10:03.039 we just voted on all to say we're not giving up. We're eager to 66 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:07.720 continue working with the Council on this proposal, one that would see a temporary 67 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:15.840 cease fire as soon as practicable based on the formula of all hostages being released, 68 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:20.159 and one that would get aid into the hands of those Palestinians who so 69 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:28.120 desperately need it. Also, we intend to do this the right way so 70 00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:33.519 that we can create the right conditions for a safer, more peaceful future, 71 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:41.440 and we will continue to actively engage in the hard work of direct diplomacy on 72 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:46.720 the ground until we reach a final solution. I think we can start with 73 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:50.519 Rami, with Aldudurra, thanks name, ambassadors. So far, everything that 74 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:54.679 Israel has announced it has done, despite the protestations of the UN and the 75 00:10:54.720 --> 00:11:01.440 rest of the international community, almost thirty thousand Palestinians are dead. Israel is 76 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:05.799 now threatening to attack Ruffa, the last supposedly safe zone in Gaza, if 77 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:09.679 the hostages are not released by Ramadan. Do you really think that your draft 78 00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:15.639 resolution, if adopted, would prevent Israel from attacking Ruffa, as they are 79 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:20.240 already in violation of many Security Council resolutions, including resolutions twenty seven to twelve 80 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:24.799 and twenty seven twelve twenty And why doesn't your government instead put effective limits on 81 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:30.200 Israel, like conditioning military support to meaningfully impact their decision making. Look, 82 00:11:30.279 --> 00:11:33.840 we have made clear. I made it clear in my statement today, The 83 00:11:33.879 --> 00:11:39.080 President has made it clear. Secretary has made it clear that no attacks on 84 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:45.600 Rafa should take place given current circumstances, and we will keep pressing that. 85 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:50.159 We know we've heard what Israel has said. They have not gone in to 86 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:56.960 attack Rafa, and we will keep engaging and urging and pushing in that direction 87 00:11:56.200 --> 00:12:05.399 to ensure that that does not happen. I can't give you advance information on 88 00:12:05.440 --> 00:12:11.279 what we're saying to the Israelis related to that issue, but I can be 89 00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:16.039 clear that we are pressing the Israelise urgently every single day. To Michelle, 90 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:22.720 thanks, ambassador. You mentioned in the Council that the call in your resolution 91 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:28.440 for a temporary ceasefire reflects the language used by President Biden last week after months 92 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:33.000 of the US not wanting to refer to the word ceasefire. What's brought about 93 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:39.080 the change in this language is this to sort of appease domestic pressures, global 94 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:43.559 pressures? What's brought that on? Look, Michelle, I've been clear from 95 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:50.360 the very beginning that we are working around the clock on the ground to get 96 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:58.679 humanitarian pauses that will allow for the hostages to be released and for assistance to 97 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:03.840 get in. And that happened in November and we got close to I don't 98 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:07.240 know one hundred house sitches out was the final number, and we got needed 99 00:13:07.320 --> 00:13:13.679 humanitarian assistance in and we're continuing to work on this. This is not a 100 00:13:13.799 --> 00:13:22.360 change. It is not as it's that's what we've been doing all along. 101 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:30.919 It hasn't changed what we've been doing. Thank you, Ambassador sam asm and 102 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:35.399 automated the newspaper. I have two questions. First, you have been saying 103 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:43.279 that the Security Council that you are not agreeing to either rush under I mean 104 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:50.519 different reasons, but among others, that the Security Council doesn't condemn Hammas. 105 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:54.399 But as a matter of fact, on October eighteenth, it was the US 106 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:58.879 that vetoed a resolution that condemned Tamas. This is one thing. The second 107 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:03.720 thing, I think a lot of Palestinians ask the question, what is the 108 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:11.159 line when is enough Palestinians. There have been more than twenty nine Palestinian civilians 109 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:16.360 who were killed, majority of home women and children, and people are asking 110 00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:22.960 how many dics are enough for the US to stop delivering weapons and to call 111 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:30.639 for our ceas fire immediately for humanitarian reasons. Thank you. In answer to 112 00:14:30.840 --> 00:14:35.480 your first question, there were a number of other issues with that resolution. 113 00:14:35.080 --> 00:14:41.519 It did call for a condemnation of Hamas, it did not recognize Israel's right 114 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:43.960 to self defense, which is a right that Israel has, and there were 115 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:50.600 other issues with that particular resolution. Since that time, we still have not 116 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:56.720 gotten condemnation of Hamas, despite the fact that I think it is you know, 117 00:14:56.799 --> 00:15:03.919 every Council member on almost every Council member will say that in their statements. 118 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:07.960 We think it should be reflected in a resolution, even a humanitarian resolution. 119 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:13.799 And let me just say, every life matters, and so it is 120 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:22.399 important that we find a solution that will stop the killing and deaths and suffering 121 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:26.799 of the Palestinian people. And that's why we're on the ground twenty four to 122 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:30.480 seven. No one else is putting their people out there, no one else 123 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:35.840 is putting skin and boots on the ground to find a solution to this situation. 124 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:41.600 And we'll keep working on that every single day. I think Hi. 125 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:48.799 Ambassador China described your position that the Algerian draft would undermine regional efforts at the 126 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:54.320 hostage deal as completely untenable given the situation on the ground. Explain, then, 127 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:58.759 Ambassador, how the Algerian draft would have placed those talks in jeopardy given 128 00:15:58.919 --> 00:16:03.200 that the Algerian text also called for the immediate release of those hostages. Yes, 129 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:07.200 but they also called for an immediate cease fire, which would give Hamas 130 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:15.039 the cover of not releasing the hostage. Part of the ceasefire that we're working 131 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:21.159 on requires that they do exactly that, and this resolution did not make that 132 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:26.240 connection. And it was our concern that it would send the wrong message to 133 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:33.000 Hamas that this resolution, which actually gives them something that they have asked for 134 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:40.799 without requiring them to do something in return, would have meant that the fighting 135 00:16:40.799 --> 00:16:45.360 would have continued, because without the hostage releases, we know that the fighting 136 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:53.360 is going to continue. Thanks, thank you all. Okay, why don't 137 00:16:53.399 --> 00:17:00.279 we listen to Jane Austin as she delivers the Throne speech in British Columbia. 138 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:15.440 Please be seated, Hi skwaichose Tata. Good afternoon, friends, mister Speaker, 139 00:17:15.799 --> 00:17:21.119 Premier, Honorable Members, I am pleased to deliver the speech from the 140 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:26.400 Throne leading out your government's plan to build a stronger BC that works better for 141 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:30.720 people now and into the future. I would like to start by acknowledging the 142 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:37.039 Lapungin peoples, the Songies in Esquimalt, upon whose territories we are gathered today, 143 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:41.720 and special thanks to Elder Butch Dick of the song Ese Nation and Elder 144 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:47.119 Mary Anne Thomas of the Esquimalt Name for starting us off in a good way, 145 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:52.599 and to the Lapungan dancers and drummers for a welcoming paddle song heism. 146 00:17:53.720 --> 00:18:00.680 I also want to thank Rabbi Harry Breckner of Congregation Emmanuel for offering prayers and 147 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:07.839 reflection. This building, long a symbol of colonialism, now has messages written 148 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:15.559 in the Laquangan language permanently inscribed on its stone perimeter. These words about ancestors, 149 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:22.680 warriors and children symbolize a new era, one of the meaningful reconciliation, 150 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:27.599 where we work together to preserve indigenous languages and acknowledge the true history of these 151 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:33.799 lands. As Hereditary Chief Edward Thomas Sr. Of the Esquimalt Nation said during 152 00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:40.680 the unveiling, it's a long time coming. Words and symbols like this are 153 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:47.160 undoubtedly important, but actions must follow. That's why your government remains committed to 154 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:52.640 implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People's Act, which was endorsed unanimously 155 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:59.920 by this legislature. This work is about partnership and cooperation, which underpins everything 156 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:04.799 we do here. Most importantly, it's about a better future for everyone who 157 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:11.079 calls this land home. As has become recent tradition. We begin by remembering 158 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:17.079 some of those we have lost in the past year. We mourn the remarkable 159 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:22.359 Gloria Kramner Cranmer, Sor Webster, who dedicated her life to the preservation and 160 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:27.880 celebration of Indigenous culture. We also mourn her younger brother, Lakuagila Bill Cranmer, 161 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:33.240 as we do other Indigenous leaders, including samoy Get Satsen, Mel Bevin, 162 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:41.079 Charles Williams, Lisa Wolf, Stephanie Patterson, Rick Gilbert Byron, Joseph 163 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:48.119 Natasha, Grace Wilson, and former Cowichan Tribal Tribes Chief Skull hey el No, 164 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:55.079 William chip Seymour. We mourn Gordon Gibson Junior and Patty Sahota, who 165 00:19:55.119 --> 00:20:00.480 once served in this legislature, as we do former members of Parliament, Vanowen 166 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:06.240 and Pat Carney. In the arts, we mourn Carver Temosen, Charles Elliott, 167 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:11.079 and photographer Diane Evans, as we do entertainers Bill Hosey, Chad Allen, 168 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:17.839 Jason Hoover and actor Carl Weathers, who frequently filmed in Vancouver and played 169 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:22.559 linebacker for the BC Lions. From the world of sports, we mourn rower 170 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:29.160 Dean Crawford and sportswriter Jack Keating. From media, we moarn broadcasters Red Robinson, 171 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:33.480 Deborah Hope, kol Gee, Kayla Ted farr As, We do Bob 172 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:41.359 Stall. We mourn labor leader Ray Haynes, environmentalist Kevin Bell, conservationist John 173 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:48.839 Nightingale, communications executive Phil Lynde, inventor Phil Newton, Judge Selwyn Romilly, 174 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:56.000 disability advocate George Lawson and CEO of Sherry Punjab, and longtime philanthropist Ajit Singh 175 00:20:56.000 --> 00:21:02.960 bod. From medicine, we mourn registered nurse Avanna Brennan, doctor Yeri Frolick, 176 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:11.400 and doctor Gridive sing Gel. We mourn then Mizrachi, a medic from 177 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:17.559 Vancouver who was tending to the wounded at a music festival in Israel when murdered 178 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:23.720 by Hamas terror be a blessing. We mourn those who answer the nation's call, 179 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:30.440 including Reuben Sinclair, who, on his passing was Canada's oldest military veteran. 180 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:37.920 We mourned Sergeant Michael Leo and r CMP Constible Rick O'Brien. We mourned 181 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:44.119 the firefighter who lost their lives during this summer's record wildfires. Devon Gale Zach 182 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:52.759 Muse, Kenneth Patrick, Blaine, Sonnenberg Jackson, Billy boy Bow and Damian 183 00:21:52.839 --> 00:22:00.680 Dyson. As we do Langford Assistant Fire Chief Lance cavan All so mourn and 184 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:07.119 reflect on the loss of so many British Columbians from toxic unregulated drugs. To 185 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:10.680 all who have lost a loved one in the past year, we extend our 186 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:17.920 sympathies and our condolences. We acknowledge and share your grief. It is fitting 187 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:22.839 that as we open this final session of BC's forty second Parliament, communities around 188 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:27.079 the province are celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. According to 189 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:33.480 legends, twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. The 190 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:38.440 dragon, the only mythological animal, claimed fifth place. When the Jade emperor 191 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:44.119 asked why he didn't win the race when he could fly, the dragon responded, 192 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:48.039 First, I encountered a village suffering from drought, so I stopped to 193 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:52.240 make rain. Then I saw a rabbit stranded on a log in the water, 194 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:56.359 and blew a puff OF's wind so the log would float to the river 195 00:22:56.440 --> 00:23:00.920 bank. In many ways, the story of the Dragon is like the story 196 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:06.279 of BC. Over the last few years, just look at how far we 197 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:08.960 have come in a short period of time by looking out for each other. 198 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:15.799 When we first gathered here almost four years ago, only a handful of members 199 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:21.319 were able to attend safely in person. Outside these walls, many people's lives 200 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:26.480 and livelihoods hung in the balance. In the time since, we have faced 201 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:32.880 the impacts of devastating climate emergencies and global upheaval. While your government focused on 202 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:37.359 keeping people healthy and the economy moving, British Columbians were busy working together to 203 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:44.640 rebuild our province stronger than ever. You got effective vaccines into grateful arms. 204 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:49.759 You rebuilt highways after flooding in record time. You kept kids learning in classrooms 205 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:56.799 and businesses operating during difficult circumstances, proving once again that here in BC, 206 00:23:56.359 --> 00:24:03.160 our greatest natural resource is the people of this province. By putting people first, 207 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:07.319 we have built a strong foundation through tough times. Today, our unemployment 208 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:11.559 rate is one of the lowest in Canada. In twenty twenty three, we 209 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:17.079 added seventy four thousand new jobs, some of the strongest job growth in the 210 00:24:17.119 --> 00:24:22.240 country. We were the first among provinces in year over year growth in average 211 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:27.839 hourly wages. Last year. In December, women's employment increased more than in 212 00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:34.359 any other province, further proof that increasing wages and reducing childcare bills is good 213 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:40.839 for families and good for business. Take Root a young mum and Richmond with 214 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:45.599 three kids. Thanks to your government's latest fee reduction, she's saving one thousand 215 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:51.119 dollars a month and has been able to return to work as an engineer. 216 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:57.480 Since twenty seventeen, we have helped over two hundred and fifty thousand people get 217 00:24:57.519 --> 00:25:04.519 out of poverty supports like job training. Your government understands that people want to 218 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:11.359 work and feal better off when they have a job and community connection. No, 219 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:15.200 don't worry. It's a pleasure to have a child in the tabor and 220 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:21.240 I think we all feel that, so don't to worry. That's why action 221 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:26.160 will be taken this session to further breakdown barriers for those who can work while 222 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:30.599 your government continues to support those who cannot. And we are seeing other reasons 223 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:36.920 to be optimistic since the pandemic, tourists are coming back to BC in droves 224 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:41.559 and we can expect that to continue. As BC hosts of the twenty twenty 225 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:45.640 four Gray Cup, followed by the Invictus Games and seven It Bets Men's World 226 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:52.160 Cup Games in Vancouver. The film industry is booming again too. After three 227 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:56.759 years of disruption and labor disputes. South of the border, Hollywood North is 228 00:25:56.839 --> 00:26:03.200 back. Vancouver's text is growing at one of the highest rates in North America, 229 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:07.799 and BC is home to the fastest growing life sciences sector in Canada, 230 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:14.920 with two thousand companies employing almost twenty thousand British Columbians. While BC's economy is 231 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:19.799 strong and growing, your government is nowhere near satisfied. Too many people are 232 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:26.160 not feeling it yet. Too many are still struggling to get ahead. After 233 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:30.920 decades where our housing market was allowed to serve the interests of investors and speculators, 234 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:34.559 even those who earn a decent middle class income are finding it hard to 235 00:26:34.599 --> 00:26:40.000 afford a home. People have a lot on their minds right now. They 236 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:45.160 are facing some big new challenges today. High interest rates are causing considerable anxiety 237 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:51.519 for anyone whose mortgage is coming up for renewal. Inflation has made the cost 238 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:57.759 of groceries and daily essentials increasingly expensive. This has meant more people taking extra 239 00:26:57.839 --> 00:27:04.960 shifts or were about paying bills each month the world is changing fast. New 240 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:10.599 technology has made our lives easier and more affected in many ways, but it 241 00:27:10.640 --> 00:27:15.359 has also made them harder in others. Parents are struggling to protect their kids 242 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:19.720 from dangers that are now in the palms of their hands. Working people are 243 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:23.640 struggling to make a good living and to be treated with fairness in the gig 244 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:30.119 economy, and people all over are struggling to find an affordable home because thousands 245 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:37.319 have been diverted into short rentals like airbnbs. While governments can't solve every problem 246 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:44.680 or fix things overnight, your government makes a simple commitment to you it will 247 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:49.279 have your back, so you are not facing these new challenges alone because leaving 248 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:53.960 people to fend for themselves does not work. It did not work before and 249 00:27:55.039 --> 00:28:00.000 it will not work now. It would mean deep cuts that weaken the service 250 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:03.519 as we rely on. It would drive up costs with added fees and faares 251 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:10.200 like the return of health care premiums or tolls on roads and bridges, and 252 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:15.559 it would leave people at risk to those who take unfair advantage and put profits 253 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:19.400 ahead of people. Everyone here in BC wants to be able to build a 254 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:23.519 good life. People just starting out in their adult lives want to be able 255 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:29.720 to afford their rent and find good jobs and opportunities in the communities where they 256 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:33.759 grew up. Young families want to know that living in a decent home is 257 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:38.720 within reach, and that childcare is available and affordable. Seniors want to know 258 00:28:38.839 --> 00:28:42.559 that after a lifetime of hard work, they will be cared for and will 259 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:48.640 be able to help their kids and grandkids. That's why your government will continue 260 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:52.559 to work tirelessly with you to take action on all the things that matter most 261 00:28:52.759 --> 00:29:00.279 to you. For generations, there was an unspoken promise if you worked hard, 262 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:03.480 got an education, and played by the rules, you could make a 263 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:10.039 good middle class living and be able to afford a decent home. About three 264 00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:15.039 decades ago, that started to change in the name of austerity. Governments at 265 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:22.359 all levels stopped investing in affordable housing. Wealthy speculators, ford investors, and 266 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:26.559 big developers rushed to fill the void. For far too long, we also 267 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:33.400 saw the proceeds of illegal activity parked in BC's real estate market. Housing costs 268 00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:37.759 went up, and in recent years, the combination of inflation, interest rate 269 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:41.799 hikes, and a lack of supply has only made the situation harder for people 270 00:29:41.839 --> 00:29:48.079 looking to buy or rent a home. This is a generational challenge and we 271 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:53.480 must meet the moment. Doing nothing is not an option, and tinkering around 272 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:59.200 the edges will not fix the problem. That's why your government has taken strong 273 00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:04.400 action on all fronts to tackle the crisis head on. Landmark changes made over 274 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:08.640 the last year are helping to delay the foundation for a housing market that will 275 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:15.039 work better for people, turning short term rentals like airbnbs into longer term homes, 276 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:22.200 speeding up housing permit approvals, fixing zoning rules that block construction of middle 277 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:29.279 class homes in existing neighborhoods, setting municipal targets for new housing construction, getting 278 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:34.039 more homes built near public transit, building student housing at an unprecedented pace, 279 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:41.079 and protecting affordable rentals from being turned into luxury condos by big real estate corporations. 280 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:47.240 This month, the first purchase was made by the Rental Protection Fund, 281 00:30:47.680 --> 00:30:52.599 saving nearly three hundred affordable co op units in Coquitlam. Thanks to tough legislation 282 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:59.079 passed by this legislature, BC is now able to seize properties from organized criminals 283 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:03.599 because homes are for people, not for money laundering. While it will take 284 00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:07.119 time, for people to feel the flow benefit of these changes. We are 285 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:14.160 starting to see early positive signs. These changes are already helping people like Andrew, 286 00:31:14.599 --> 00:31:18.359 a forty one year old small business owner in Vancouver. Andrew is now 287 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:23.480 renting a one bedroom apartment he can afford thanks to an influx of new inventory 288 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:30.160 that hit the market after this legislature passed a law restricting short term rentals. 289 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:36.160 In twenty twenty three, BC saw a record setting nineteen thousand new rental homes 290 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:41.440 registered, a thirty percent increase from the year before. Taken together, experts 291 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:45.960 predict these changes will deliver hundreds of thousands of new homes in the next ten 292 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:52.319 years. This builds on the work your government has already done to support seventy 293 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:59.720 eight thousand homes that are either complete or on the way. Your government understands 294 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:04.640 that for every antwer, there are still thousands of other middle income British Columbians 295 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:08.880 who need help finding a home. Breaking down barriers for home builders is part 296 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:14.359 of the solution, but governments getting out of the way completely is how we 297 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:19.480 got into this crisis in the first place. The market alone has not been 298 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:22.920 able to deliver the homes that working and middle class people need. As a 299 00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:28.240 result, the people who are providing the services we all count on, like 300 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:32.319 teachers, construction workers, and nurses, are being priced out of communities. 301 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:38.200 This is holding back our economy, weakening public services, and hurting us all. 302 00:32:39.240 --> 00:32:44.039 It was not always this way. During the Second World War, the 303 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:49.519 federal government built houses for workers so they could build warships in Esquimalt and bombers 304 00:32:49.640 --> 00:32:53.039 enrichment. At the end of the war, the demand for housing was even 305 00:32:53.079 --> 00:33:00.400 greater as returning veterans looked to rebuild lives interrupted by military service. Once again, 306 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:07.440 the government stepped in the mass production used in the war effort was transferred 307 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:12.440 to building homes for the growing middle class. Prefabricated homes with a choice of 308 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:17.319 standard plans appeared in communities all across the country. They were offered to veterans 309 00:33:17.319 --> 00:33:22.240 at reasonable rents and leader for sale. Known as Victory homes. They offered 310 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:28.720 secure, affordable housing for many families, and many of them are still standing. 311 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:34.200 The same spirit that animated our country then is what is needed in our 312 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:38.359 province today. That's why your government has launched b C Builds. The next 313 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:45.000 step in the Homes for People plan. BC Builds will leverage government owned, 314 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:51.680 public and underutilized land, grant money and low cost financing to bring down construction 315 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:57.160 costs and make more middle class housing projects viable. This is a model that 316 00:33:57.200 --> 00:34:00.519 has been used in cities around the world. These homes will also be built 317 00:34:00.640 --> 00:34:07.200 faster, with more efficient provincial and local government approvals, and they will be 318 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:13.519 income tested. Designed for the middle class people who keep our communities working so 319 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:17.400 they can live close to where they work. Think of homes connected to schools 320 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:22.400 or on top of community centers and libraries. Think of homes on under used 321 00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:29.639 land next to hospitals, or empty parking lots transformed into homes for working and 322 00:34:29.760 --> 00:34:35.599 middle class families, and your government will not stop there. In this session, 323 00:34:35.760 --> 00:34:38.840 action will be taken to protect renters from bad faith evictions and to help 324 00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:45.719 more first time home buyers get on the ownership ladder. As we dramatically increase 325 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:52.159 housing supply, so too must we build up the infrastructure and services to support 326 00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:58.599 this growth. Through the billion dollar Growing Communities Fund and partnerships with other levels 327 00:34:58.599 --> 00:35:02.079 of government. That is a exactly what we are doing here in British Columbia. 328 00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:07.719 In Langley, construction has started on an expanded events center that will add 329 00:35:07.760 --> 00:35:14.119 three new ice rinks and better support the needs of a booming population. Just 330 00:35:14.199 --> 00:35:17.400 over a year ago, Prince Rupert had to issue a state of emergency and 331 00:35:17.519 --> 00:35:23.360 cruise work through the holidays after a major line break that threatened the community's water 332 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:29.800 supply. Today, your government is helping the city replace crucial sections of its 333 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:36.559 aging water distribution system to ensure people there have safe drinking water. In the 334 00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:40.440 year ahead, significant work will continue to cut commute times for families and to 335 00:35:40.519 --> 00:35:45.679 keep our economy moving. Construction is set to begin on the Surrey Langley Skytrain, 336 00:35:46.079 --> 00:35:52.360 the first rapid transit projects south of the Fraser River in thirty years, 337 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:58.199 and to continue on the Broadway Subway project. Taken together, these projects will 338 00:35:58.199 --> 00:36:04.119 increase our skytrain network by twenty seven percent. This will help thousands of families 339 00:36:04.239 --> 00:36:08.800 get to work and back home to their families sooner. So too will continued 340 00:36:08.840 --> 00:36:15.239 improvements to Highway One through the Fraser Valley. Top of mind for many British 341 00:36:15.239 --> 00:36:20.320 Columbians right now is public healthcare. Specifically, they want to know they can 342 00:36:20.440 --> 00:36:24.760 count on care to be there when they need it. BC rose to the 343 00:36:24.880 --> 00:36:30.000 challenge in twenty twenty to make sure people were cared for and healthcare workers in 344 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:36.360 our hospitals were supported, But we face new challenges today. Communities are growing, 345 00:36:36.559 --> 00:36:39.639 our population is getting older, and a large number of doctors and nurses 346 00:36:39.679 --> 00:36:45.519 are retiring. We are not alone in this. Our neighbors and countries around 347 00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:51.400 the world are also feeling the strained, all competing for the same small pool 348 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:55.519 of health care professionals. That's why your government has been taking action to improve 349 00:36:55.599 --> 00:37:01.360 access to care and it is starting to make a difference. BC has eliminated 350 00:37:01.679 --> 00:37:07.039 the pandemic surgery backlog. Recent changes have helped hundreds of thousands of people to 351 00:37:07.079 --> 00:37:14.679 see a pharmacist to treat minor illnesses, so doctors and nurse practitioners can focus 352 00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:22.880 on sicker patients. BC is building more hospitals, primary care clinics, cancer 353 00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:29.280 centers and care homes closer to where you live through the largest healthcare capital strategy 354 00:37:29.360 --> 00:37:34.000 in the province's history, and our province will be home to the first new 355 00:37:34.039 --> 00:37:38.360 medical school in Western Canada in more than fifty years, at Simon Fraser University's 356 00:37:38.440 --> 00:37:44.519 Surrey campus, which will have a focus on training the next generation of family 357 00:37:44.679 --> 00:37:50.480 doctors. BC added more than seven hundred doctors and almost six three hundred new 358 00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:55.599 nurses over the last year. We are leading the country with better and faster 359 00:37:55.719 --> 00:38:01.599 ways to prevent and detect cervical cancer. Last month's launch of the first at 360 00:38:01.639 --> 00:38:07.800 home self screening program for h p V means that ending deadly cervical cancer in 361 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:14.280 British Columbia is now a very real possibility. At thirty six sites across b 362 00:38:14.440 --> 00:38:20.360 c our lung cancer screening program is helping to find cancer earlier so people can 363 00:38:20.360 --> 00:38:24.639 get treatment sooner. More than five thousand lung screening tests were done in the 364 00:38:24.639 --> 00:38:30.760 first year of the program alone. This early detection is saving lives of people 365 00:38:30.840 --> 00:38:36.679 like Shannon from North Vancougar, whose cancer screening came back positive even though she 366 00:38:36.800 --> 00:38:42.320 displayed no symptoms. While progress is being made on many fronts, there is 367 00:38:42.360 --> 00:38:46.119 still a lot more to do. This session, your government will continue the 368 00:38:46.159 --> 00:38:52.119 work it has started to attract, train, and retain the doctors and nurses 369 00:38:52.280 --> 00:38:57.280 we need. It will make new investments to strength and home and community long 370 00:38:57.360 --> 00:39:01.599 term care services for seniors, and it will take new action to build on 371 00:39:01.639 --> 00:39:09.199 our ten uere cancer plans. Just as important as improving people's physical health is 372 00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:15.039 providing better support for mental health and addictions treatment. The latest coroner's update on 373 00:39:15.079 --> 00:39:21.519 the toxic drug crisis is a heartbreaking reminder that we need to keep using every 374 00:39:21.559 --> 00:39:25.840 tool in our toolbox. We must continue our work to reduce harm and stigma, 375 00:39:27.360 --> 00:39:31.239 to keep people who are struggling alive, and when someone makes the brave 376 00:39:31.320 --> 00:39:37.159 decision to break free from addiction, we must ensure they have access to treatment 377 00:39:37.199 --> 00:39:42.960 and recovery closer to where they live. That's why your government is working to 378 00:39:42.960 --> 00:39:46.800 build a more connected system of mental health and addictions care. Almost three thy 379 00:39:46.920 --> 00:39:52.800 six hundred publicly funded treatment and recovery beds are opened throughout the province, with 380 00:39:52.119 --> 00:39:58.360 more on the way. This work is helping people like Richard, who is 381 00:39:58.400 --> 00:40:04.440 two years sober and has life back on track after receiving treatment at Discovery House 382 00:40:04.480 --> 00:40:09.480 in Penticton. Here in BC, we know that supporting people is the key 383 00:40:09.639 --> 00:40:15.519 to building a strong economy. When we lower childcare bills, we help parents 384 00:40:15.679 --> 00:40:20.840 enter or re enter the workforce. When we deliver more affordable homes, we 385 00:40:20.880 --> 00:40:25.559 make our communities more attractive for businesses. When we increase the minimum wage, 386 00:40:25.920 --> 00:40:30.639 we raise the purchasing power of people who are more likely to spend that money 387 00:40:30.679 --> 00:40:36.000 locally. When we connect every rural, remote and First Nations community to high 388 00:40:36.000 --> 00:40:39.119 speed Internet, as your government has pledged to do by twenty twenty seven, 389 00:40:39.760 --> 00:40:45.039 we are helping connect people to jobs and opportunities. When we build up our 390 00:40:45.119 --> 00:40:50.719 highways, bridges and ports, we strengthen our supply chains and help to get 391 00:40:50.880 --> 00:40:57.320 our products to market. Good for people is good for business. At a 392 00:40:57.360 --> 00:41:01.199 time when inflation has caused the price of daily assent to rise sharply, helping 393 00:41:01.199 --> 00:41:07.559 people and families get costs down is key to building an economy that works for 394 00:41:07.639 --> 00:41:12.079 everyone. In just the past year, your government has taken many steps to 395 00:41:12.119 --> 00:41:16.239 do just that. New cost of living credits have been sent out, including 396 00:41:16.639 --> 00:41:22.280 a one hundred dollars credit on BC hydrobills, an increase to the BC Family 397 00:41:22.320 --> 00:41:28.800 Benefit means families now qualify for hundreds of dollars more per year, and an 398 00:41:28.880 --> 00:41:32.960 enhanced Climate Action tax credit is putting as much as nine hundred dollars back in 399 00:41:34.000 --> 00:41:39.159 the pockets of more than two million British Columbians. Free contraception is helping people 400 00:41:39.199 --> 00:41:45.559 save hundreds of dollars a year and thousands over their lifetimes. ICBC car insurance 401 00:41:45.639 --> 00:41:51.280 rates have been frozen after being cut on average by five hundred dollars a year 402 00:41:51.360 --> 00:41:59.840 for drives. New investments in food security are helping people better access and increase 403 00:42:00.000 --> 00:42:05.159 apply of low cost local food, and rates have been kept affordable for everyone 404 00:42:05.159 --> 00:42:08.800 who relies on BC ferries to get to work, run errands, and visit 405 00:42:08.840 --> 00:42:14.760 loved ones. These measures build on the work done over the last seven years 406 00:42:14.800 --> 00:42:20.599 to make light a little easier, eliminating MSP premiums, the largest middle class 407 00:42:20.719 --> 00:42:25.440 tax cut in the generation, ending tolls on the Portman and Golden Ears bridges, 408 00:42:27.239 --> 00:42:31.840 making public transit free for kids twelve and under, and stopping interest payments 409 00:42:31.920 --> 00:42:37.000 on student loans. This session, your government will take new actions to help 410 00:42:37.000 --> 00:42:42.679 people with costs while tackling the root causes that are making life so expensive, 411 00:42:43.239 --> 00:42:49.039 like housing affordability. It will do more to help small and growing businesses, 412 00:42:49.519 --> 00:42:53.000 many of whom are still finding their feet after the pandemic and are facing new 413 00:42:53.079 --> 00:43:00.480 challenges today. Foundational to our province and the backbone of many locally con enemies 414 00:43:00.760 --> 00:43:05.880 are our natural resources, from first nations whose deep connection to the land and 415 00:43:05.960 --> 00:43:10.519 water goes back millennia, to communities of all kinds who depend on forestry, 416 00:43:10.920 --> 00:43:16.239 mining and energy for jobs. Today, we all share a stake in making 417 00:43:16.280 --> 00:43:22.800 sure a strong, sustainable natural resource sector is a core part of BC's future. 418 00:43:22.920 --> 00:43:30.039 While climate change poses real challenges, BC's natural resources put us in a 419 00:43:30.159 --> 00:43:36.840 unique position to excel in shifting economic times and maximize the benefits to people here. 420 00:43:37.000 --> 00:43:40.719 Your government has a plan to leverage our natural strengths as a province to 421 00:43:40.800 --> 00:43:46.960 create good jobs and opportunities for everyone, in partnership with indigenous people, industry, 422 00:43:47.320 --> 00:43:52.320 and local communities. To borrow a line from our country's favorite sport, 423 00:43:53.000 --> 00:43:58.079 BC must state to where the puck will be, not to where it has 424 00:43:58.280 --> 00:44:02.519 already been. By leveraging our strengths in mining to meet global demand for clean 425 00:44:02.559 --> 00:44:08.559 technology like battery cells, by leveraging the strengths of BC's forests with a more 426 00:44:08.599 --> 00:44:15.760 reliable fiber supply, and by enabling more made in BC wood manufacturing, And 427 00:44:15.840 --> 00:44:21.119 by levering our strengths as a clean energy superpower to help industries electrify and ensure 428 00:44:21.199 --> 00:44:27.159 BC is a global leader in the clean economy. Specifically, BC will embark 429 00:44:27.199 --> 00:44:32.199 on an unprecedented level of construction over the next ten years, building our electricity 430 00:44:32.280 --> 00:44:38.079 system to power a growing clean economy and deliver affordable, reliable power for people. 431 00:44:39.320 --> 00:44:43.599 Already, this plan is in action all around the province. In the 432 00:44:43.639 --> 00:44:49.480 northwest, Prince George is home to Canada's first stand alone renewable diesel refinery and 433 00:44:49.679 --> 00:44:54.039 is a growing hub for clean hydrogens. Soon the Canned Pulp Mill will be 434 00:44:54.119 --> 00:45:00.400 using clean hydrogen to help power its operations. Further to the west is the 435 00:45:00.400 --> 00:45:06.559 future site of Cedar LNG and Kinemat, which your government will be the largest 436 00:45:06.719 --> 00:45:12.320 First Nations majority owned energy project in the country and one of the cleanest liquefied 437 00:45:12.360 --> 00:45:16.840 natural gas facilities in the world. In Maple Ridge, the new E one 438 00:45:16.920 --> 00:45:22.960 Molely facility will create hundreds of good local jobs for people, and it will 439 00:45:23.039 --> 00:45:29.079 establish BC as a leading producer of the battery components we need to power a 440 00:45:29.159 --> 00:45:34.480 clean energy future. At the same time, we can't continue the old way 441 00:45:34.519 --> 00:45:39.840 of doing things. The future is in partnership with First Nations and insustainable development, 442 00:45:40.280 --> 00:45:45.400 whether it's forestry, mining or energy. BC companies are leading the way, 443 00:45:45.719 --> 00:45:52.199 embracing reconciliation and the opportunities that come with it. Like the recent deal 444 00:45:52.239 --> 00:45:58.559 between four members of the Nanuakalas Council and Western Forest Products, an agreement that 445 00:45:58.679 --> 00:46:05.159 represents an important step forward for First Nations participation in the forest economy. A 446 00:46:05.199 --> 00:46:09.960 sustainable energy future will ensure cleaner air for future generations and industries they can rely 447 00:46:10.079 --> 00:46:15.679 on for good jobs. Your government's plan to grow a strong economy while protecting 448 00:46:15.719 --> 00:46:21.440 the environment is working with the goal of protecting thirty percent of our land and 449 00:46:21.480 --> 00:46:27.239 water by twenty thirty. Historic action is being taken in partnership with First Nations, 450 00:46:27.480 --> 00:46:31.480 the federal government, and local communities. This will help us conserve both 451 00:46:31.519 --> 00:46:36.519 the natural beauty around us, which is also a critical source of fresh food, 452 00:46:36.920 --> 00:46:40.360 clean drinking water, and our best line of defense against the impacts of 453 00:46:40.400 --> 00:46:46.000 climate change. Our net greenhouse gas emissions are down five percent from six years 454 00:46:46.039 --> 00:46:52.119 ago when our continent leading Clean BC plan was first launched. In that same 455 00:46:52.199 --> 00:46:58.920 period, British Columbia has achieved the highest average GDP growth among large provinces. 456 00:46:59.360 --> 00:47:05.119 This shows that supporting people, advancing reconciliation, protecting the environment, and growing 457 00:47:05.159 --> 00:47:09.400 the economy go hand in hand. The cost of inaction on climate change is 458 00:47:09.440 --> 00:47:14.719 simply too high. It is our homes and our communities in the paths of 459 00:47:14.760 --> 00:47:19.079 wildfires. It is our crops and our farms at risk of flooding or drought. 460 00:47:19.519 --> 00:47:22.960 It is our kids and grandkids who stand to lose the nature that surrounds 461 00:47:22.960 --> 00:47:28.559 them. The climate crisis is here. We have seen it all around us 462 00:47:28.639 --> 00:47:34.480 these last few years, and we are expecting another tough drought and wildfire season 463 00:47:34.599 --> 00:47:39.079 this summer. Last year, your government launched an expert task Force on emergencies. 464 00:47:39.800 --> 00:47:44.239 The goal was to determine how we can better support those on the front 465 00:47:44.280 --> 00:47:49.800 lines and help apply the lessons we have learned in preparation for the next emergency. 466 00:47:50.880 --> 00:47:54.400 This year, your government is turning recommendations into action and working side by 467 00:47:54.440 --> 00:47:59.920 side with communities and partners to help ensure that people are better protected from one 468 00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:05.119 out fires with more full time, year round staff and resources, and it 469 00:48:05.119 --> 00:48:08.679 will continue to work to prevent the devastating effects of flooding we saw after the 470 00:48:08.760 --> 00:48:15.480 catastrophic atmospheric river in twenty twenty one. Just last week, new funding was 471 00:48:15.519 --> 00:48:20.800 announced to upgrade the Barrowtown pump station in Abbotsford and protect farmers in the Sumas 472 00:48:20.800 --> 00:48:25.639 Prairies and communities in the Fraser Valley. Your government will also take new actions 473 00:48:25.679 --> 00:48:31.119 this session to reduce carbon pollution from big industrial admitters, which are driving climate 474 00:48:31.199 --> 00:48:36.360 change in the first place. A key challenge in the years ahead is to 475 00:48:36.400 --> 00:48:42.360 make sure everyone in BC can seize the tremendous opportunities ahead of us. Over 476 00:48:42.400 --> 00:48:45.400 the next ten years, VIC will need to fill almost a million job openings, 477 00:48:45.800 --> 00:48:52.119 many in the emerging clean economy. Seventy five percent of these jobs will 478 00:48:52.159 --> 00:48:57.559 require workers to have some kind of post secondary education and training. That's why 479 00:48:57.599 --> 00:49:02.119 your government launched the Future Ready Action Plan to equip people for success in our 480 00:49:02.239 --> 00:49:08.360 changing economy and to close the skills gap employers are facing. As your government 481 00:49:08.400 --> 00:49:14.199 works to make training and education more accessible and affordable INNBC, it is also 482 00:49:14.239 --> 00:49:19.800 bringing in new safeguards to make sure our international education programs are training people for 483 00:49:19.840 --> 00:49:24.119 the skills we need. These new measures will help protect international students against bad 484 00:49:24.159 --> 00:49:30.599 actors while making sure BC continues to attract talented students. This session, your 485 00:49:30.639 --> 00:49:37.039 government will also take new steps to recognize and better support First Nations mandated post 486 00:49:37.039 --> 00:49:44.519 secondary institutes as a key pillar of BC's advanced education system. Every person in 487 00:49:44.559 --> 00:49:50.199 every community wants and deserves to feel safe, but the incidents of crime, 488 00:49:50.599 --> 00:49:55.800 violence and hate seen here and across North America are worrying. That is why 489 00:49:55.840 --> 00:50:00.280 your government has been tackling these challenges, and we are seeing some real results. 490 00:50:00.960 --> 00:50:07.079 With stricter bail rules and prosecutors working with police and probation officers, repeat 491 00:50:07.079 --> 00:50:20.880 offenders are being kept off the streets two hundred and fifty six new RCMP police 492 00:50:21.000 --> 00:50:25.480 frown by eighteen percent, and the number of unprovoked stranger assaults has decreased by 493 00:50:25.599 --> 00:50:31.800 seventy five percent between the first half of twenty twenty one and twenty twenty three. 494 00:50:31.840 --> 00:50:36.599 Your government is also addressing the core issues that bring people into conflict with 495 00:50:36.679 --> 00:50:39.719 the law and their neighbors. It is working with partners on the ground to 496 00:50:39.760 --> 00:50:45.519 move people from unsafe encounpments into homes. It is helping people in crisis get 497 00:50:45.559 --> 00:50:51.079 compassionate care from others who know what they are going through. And it is 498 00:50:51.119 --> 00:50:57.000 helping more Indigenous people access culturally safe legal supports and services, with five new 499 00:50:57.119 --> 00:51:02.280 Indigenous Justice centers now in operation. Action is also being taken to support the 500 00:51:02.360 --> 00:51:07.719 survivors of crime. Services to support survivors of sexual assault that were cut in 501 00:51:07.760 --> 00:51:13.400 two thousand and two have been restored, and new policing standards are now in 502 00:51:13.480 --> 00:51:17.480 place. While reports of many crimes are decreasing, we know that there has 503 00:51:17.519 --> 00:51:23.440 been a rise in anti Semitism, Islamophobia, anti Asian hate, and other 504 00:51:23.559 --> 00:51:29.480 incidents of racism. That's why the session your government will build on the work 505 00:51:29.519 --> 00:51:35.440 being done to make sc a more welcoming and inclusive place by introducing new anti 506 00:51:35.519 --> 00:51:39.719 racism legislation. And that's why your government is working with the Jewish community to 507 00:51:39.760 --> 00:51:46.639 make Holocaust education mandatory for high school students, because combating this kind of hate 508 00:51:47.079 --> 00:51:53.000 begins from begins with learning from the darkest parts of our history, so the 509 00:51:53.039 --> 00:51:59.760 same horrors are never repeated. Keeping our kids safe and healthy is another top 510 00:51:59.760 --> 00:52:04.320 part priority for your government. While a small minority of people in our province 511 00:52:04.360 --> 00:52:07.760 claim that teachers and school librarians are a danger to our kids, your government 512 00:52:07.840 --> 00:52:13.440 understands the real threats many of you are now aware of. Carson, a 513 00:52:13.519 --> 00:52:19.400 twelve year old boy from Prince George. Carson died by suicide last year after 514 00:52:19.440 --> 00:52:24.079 being extorted with private images he shared with somebody who was pretending to be somebody 515 00:52:24.079 --> 00:52:30.119 else. His parents, Ryan and Nicola have been bravely sharing Carson's story to 516 00:52:30.199 --> 00:52:37.000 raise awareness and prevent this tragedy from happening to other families. This builds on 517 00:52:37.079 --> 00:52:40.960 the advocacy of Carol Todd, who has continued to shed light on the issue 518 00:52:40.960 --> 00:52:46.199 of bullying, cyber bullying, and online safety since losing her own daughter, 519 00:52:46.519 --> 00:52:52.760 Amanda Todd. Your government is committed to making sure that Carson and Amanda's legacies 520 00:52:52.800 --> 00:52:58.679 will protect kids in the future. That's why a new suite of concrete actions 521 00:52:58.760 --> 00:53:05.079 was launched last months to protect young people from online threats, restrict cell phones 522 00:53:05.159 --> 00:53:10.320 and schools, and hold big social media corporations to account. This is part 523 00:53:10.400 --> 00:53:15.559 of a larger effort to keep kids safe and healthy, an effort which includes 524 00:53:15.599 --> 00:53:22.840 adding more support for mental health centers, launching an anti vaping strategy, improving 525 00:53:22.960 --> 00:53:30.039 literacy screening, building new schools, and expanding nutrition programs. In Surrey and 526 00:53:30.039 --> 00:53:34.519 White Rock schools alone, more than eight thousand kids in need are getting daily 527 00:53:34.639 --> 00:53:40.000 nutritious meals thanks to Feeding Futures, the largest investment in school food programs in 528 00:53:40.079 --> 00:53:45.760 the province's history. This springs your government will take additional steps to keep kids 529 00:53:45.760 --> 00:53:52.599 safe and improve learning conditions for students. New legislation will be tabled to protect 530 00:53:52.639 --> 00:53:57.440 schools and kids from disruptive protests. While everyone has a right to freedom of 531 00:53:57.480 --> 00:54:02.480 expression, including peaceful protest, we will not tolerate attempts to disrupt children learning 532 00:54:02.599 --> 00:54:07.719 in the classroom. During the pandemic, when hospitals and healthcare workers became the 533 00:54:07.760 --> 00:54:14.039 target of aggressive protests, your government took action so doctors and nurses could get 534 00:54:14.079 --> 00:54:19.920 to work and patients could access care. And as schools increasingly become the target 535 00:54:20.000 --> 00:54:24.639 for protests, your government will take similar action to ensure classrooms are not disrupted 536 00:54:24.960 --> 00:54:31.079 and kids can feel safe at school. We are in a time where significant 537 00:54:31.079 --> 00:54:37.920 turmoil surrounds US Wars in Europe and the Middle East are creating tensions around the 538 00:54:37.960 --> 00:54:44.000 world, and here at the democratic norms and principles are being tested everywhere. 539 00:54:44.760 --> 00:54:51.719 Global economic uncertainty has families and businesses alike worried. As we begin this final 540 00:54:51.760 --> 00:54:55.760 session, we all face some big questions. Will we be a province where 541 00:54:55.639 --> 00:55:00.000 are the people whose stories I have shared today, like Roots, Andrew, 542 00:55:00.280 --> 00:55:07.519 Shannon and Richard are left to face tough challenges alone. Or will we continue 543 00:55:07.519 --> 00:55:10.519 to be a place where people take care of each other and build a better 544 00:55:10.639 --> 00:55:16.039 feature. Your government is committed to rejecting division and working to bring people together 545 00:55:16.079 --> 00:55:21.840 to solve problems, because here in BC, our best days are still ahead 546 00:55:21.880 --> 00:55:24.519 of us. If we work together, this will be a place where everyone 547 00:55:24.599 --> 00:55:28.880 can build a good life where you live in it, whether you live in 548 00:55:28.920 --> 00:55:32.320 a city, a town, a rural or First Nations community. Where the 549 00:55:32.360 --> 00:55:37.039 wages of working people go up but the cost of a decent home does not. 550 00:55:38.159 --> 00:55:43.679 Where we have more family doctors and shorter weight times in emergency rooms, 551 00:55:43.960 --> 00:55:47.559 where our economy grows not in spite of climate action, but because of it. 552 00:55:49.320 --> 00:55:52.239 Where our kids are safe in their communities, schools, and online, 553 00:55:52.840 --> 00:55:58.719 where everyone belongs, everyone can get ahead and no one gets left behind. 554 00:55:59.119 --> 00:56:02.599 That is the vision. Your government is working hard every day to deliver a 555 00:56:02.639 --> 00:56:09.000 stronger BC, one that works better for people. Thank you, And finally 556 00:56:09.760 --> 00:56:15.559 I add my personal thanks to all of you who serve together in BC's Legislative 557 00:56:15.559 --> 00:56:21.239 Assembly. Indeed to all who assume the noble task of serving in public office. 558 00:56:21.320 --> 00:56:24.960 I am so deeply grateful for your commitment to upholding our democracy in this 559 00:56:25.079 --> 00:56:31.320 increasingly fractious world. For your leadership, your collaboration, and your tireless work 560 00:56:31.440 --> 00:56:37.280 over the past year, and always I wish you all every possible success in 561 00:56:37.360 --> 00:56:43.320 meeting the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead. HAICHIKACM. Thank you friends, 562 00:56:43.400 --> 00:57:00.199 I look forward to seeing you this evening and back to the United Nations. 563 00:57:00.880 --> 00:57:13.480 Were on the press floor. A couple updates for you. First, 564 00:57:13.559 --> 00:57:17.760 I'll start with the situation in Gaza. The World Health Organization said today it 565 00:57:17.800 --> 00:57:24.039 has led two life saving missions to transfer thirty two critical patients including two children, 566 00:57:24.119 --> 00:57:30.800 from Nasir Medical Complex in southern Gaza on the eighteenth and nineteenth of February, 567 00:57:30.800 --> 00:57:35.079 that was yesterday in the day before. This has of course, omitt 568 00:57:35.159 --> 00:57:40.719 ongoing hostilities and access restrictions. The high risk missions were conducted in close partnership 569 00:57:40.760 --> 00:57:46.039 with the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 570 00:57:46.519 --> 00:57:52.239 The team also provided limited supplies of essential medicines and food for the remaining 571 00:57:52.280 --> 00:57:57.639 patients and staff who are otherwise being cut off from aid for Palestine Redcress and 572 00:57:57.679 --> 00:58:02.960 ambulances ensured the safe transportation the patients who underwent medical assessment and triage under the 573 00:58:02.960 --> 00:58:08.920 coordination of the hospital Director NASA. Hospital has no electricity or running water, 574 00:58:09.320 --> 00:58:15.039 and medical waste and garbage or creating a breeding ground for diseases. WHO staff 575 00:58:15.079 --> 00:58:21.960 said the destruction around the hospital was quote indescribable. The area was surrounded by 576 00:58:22.000 --> 00:58:25.519 burnt and destroyed buildings and heavy layers of debris, with no stretch of intact 577 00:58:25.679 --> 00:58:30.960 road. An estimate one hundred and thirty sick and injured patients and at least 578 00:58:30.960 --> 00:58:36.800 fifteen doctors and nurses remain inside the hospital. WHO fears for the safety and 579 00:58:36.880 --> 00:58:40.599 well being of the patients and health workers who are remaining in the hospital, 580 00:58:42.039 --> 00:58:46.199 and the agency also warns that further disruptions to life saving care for the sick 581 00:58:46.239 --> 00:58:52.159 and injured would lead to more deaths. And in a statement issued today, 582 00:58:52.199 --> 00:58:57.760 the World Food Program said it's pausing its deliveries of food aid to the northern 583 00:58:57.800 --> 00:59:01.880 Gaza Strip until conditions are in place to allow the safe distribution of that aid. 584 00:59:02.360 --> 00:59:07.519 The decision to pause deliveries to the north has not been taken lightly, 585 00:59:07.639 --> 00:59:12.159 as we know it means that the situation there will deteriorate further and more people 586 00:59:12.480 --> 00:59:16.559 risk of dying of hunger. The World Food Program is deeply committed, they 587 00:59:16.599 --> 00:59:22.639 tell us to urgently reaching desperate people across Gaza, but the safety and security 588 00:59:22.679 --> 00:59:28.639 to deliver critical food aid and for the people receiving it must be ensured. 589 00:59:29.599 --> 00:59:34.760 Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jamie McGoldrick, has 590 00:59:34.760 --> 00:59:38.719 wrapped up a visit to Gaza today. He visited the Koreem Shalom crossing and 591 00:59:38.800 --> 00:59:45.000 the Rapha crossings and so firsthand the challengers there to getting more humanitarian aid into 592 00:59:45.119 --> 00:59:50.960 the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, the World Health Organization, along with UNICEF and 593 00:59:51.000 --> 00:59:55.159 the World Food Program issued the results of a new analysis that shows a steep 594 00:59:55.320 --> 01:00:01.440 rise in malnutrition among children and pregnant breastfeeding women in the Gaza Strip. The 595 01:00:01.519 --> 01:00:07.440 report, in title Nutrition Vulnerability and Situation Analysis in Gaza, finds the situation 596 01:00:07.599 --> 01:00:14.000 is particularly extreme in the northern Gaza Strip, which has been almost completely cut 597 01:00:14.000 --> 01:00:19.079 off from made for weeks. Nutrition screenings conducted at shelters and health centers in 598 01:00:19.119 --> 01:00:23.119 the north found fifteen point six percent, or one in six children under the 599 01:00:23.159 --> 01:00:28.880 age of two, are acutely malnourished. Of these, almost three percent suffer 600 01:00:28.960 --> 01:00:37.119 from severe wasting, which is the most severe form of malnutrition. Turning to 601 01:00:37.280 --> 01:00:45.199 travel, the Deputy Secretary General is in Bangkok, Amina Mohammad, alongside palnpri 602 01:00:45.360 --> 01:00:50.559 Bahida Nukara, the ty Foreign Minister, as well as the Executive Secretary of 603 01:00:50.960 --> 01:00:59.159 SCAP. That's the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, 604 01:00:59.519 --> 01:01:05.280 and that's our Mi da Salcia Alisana. They three of them opened the Asia 605 01:01:05.320 --> 01:01:09.840 Pacific Regional Form for Sustainable Development. In her remarks, the Deputy Secretary General 606 01:01:09.840 --> 01:01:15.400 stress the need to continue to strive towards the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals 607 01:01:15.559 --> 01:01:21.119 and fulfilling the vision of the twenty thirty Agenda. She highlighted that the Asia 608 01:01:21.159 --> 01:01:25.760 Pacific region has demonstrated how a long term vision can be transformed into reality, 609 01:01:27.280 --> 01:01:31.760 adding that more progress is possible if we mobilize at a speed and scale and 610 01:01:31.800 --> 01:01:37.000 if we work together. The Deputy Secretary General then met with the Prime Minister 611 01:01:37.119 --> 01:01:46.519 of Thailand Stretta Tavisin. They discussed Highland's commitment to accelerating SDG implementation, including 612 01:01:46.599 --> 01:01:53.079 targeting actions towards the Triple planetary crisis. She underscored the UN's commitment to supporting 613 01:01:53.119 --> 01:01:58.679 the government in these efforts and on sidelines to the event, Miss Muhammad also 614 01:01:58.719 --> 01:02:02.280 met with whichrong Um, the Managing Director General of the Asia Development Bank to 615 01:02:02.320 --> 01:02:07.480 discuss actions related to the delivery of the SDG stimulus and reform of the international 616 01:02:07.559 --> 01:02:14.920 financial architecture. She is now on her way to Brazil to participate on behalf 617 01:02:14.920 --> 01:02:22.039 of the Secretary General in the G twenty Foreign Ministers meeting. The Emergency Relief 618 01:02:22.119 --> 01:02:27.000 Coordinator for these United Nations, Martin Griffiths, today released one hundred million dollars 619 01:02:27.000 --> 01:02:31.159 from the Central Emergency Response Fund known as SERF to support seven of the least 620 01:02:31.199 --> 01:02:36.880 funded humanitarian operations in Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. These 621 01:02:36.920 --> 01:02:40.480 emergencies are in Sudan, in Syria, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 622 01:02:42.039 --> 01:02:45.159 They received twenty million dollars each, with the remaining support going to Chad, 623 01:02:45.559 --> 01:02:51.159 Niger, Lebanon and Honduras. Mister Griffith said the new allocation is a 624 01:02:51.159 --> 01:02:57.559 reminder of the crucial fund. The Emergency Response Fund play the crucial role excuse 625 01:02:57.639 --> 01:03:04.239 me at a time of immense needs and underfunding of humanitarian appeals. Last year, 626 01:03:04.320 --> 01:03:08.199 less than forty percent of the fifteen point six billion dollars needed to sustain 627 01:03:08.280 --> 01:03:14.840 humanitarian appeals around the globe was received. The Emergency Fund also received less funding 628 01:03:14.840 --> 01:03:19.280 in twenty twenty three, which was the lowest in last five years, where 629 01:03:19.280 --> 01:03:23.559 donations that the lowest serfs life saving impact is facing serious challenges. Mister Griffiths 630 01:03:23.639 --> 01:03:30.800 is appealing to member states to step up and provide full funding and just to 631 01:03:30.960 --> 01:03:35.360 update you on one of these crises, and that's Sudan or Colleagues from the 632 01:03:35.360 --> 01:03:39.400 Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Health Organization say that efforts 633 01:03:39.400 --> 01:03:45.800 to deliver life saving health assistants to civilians across the country are continuing despite the 634 01:03:46.159 --> 01:03:52.159 many obstacles that they face. Last month, our humanitarian partners provided medical consultations 635 01:03:52.199 --> 01:03:57.719 to more than one hundred and eighty thousand people in twelve of Sudan states. 636 01:03:58.000 --> 01:04:01.599 They also delivered medicine to one hundred fifteen thousand people in eight states and supported 637 01:04:02.000 --> 01:04:08.360 sixteen mobile clinics in dar Foreign Cordifon, the Humanitarian coordinator for the country, 638 01:04:09.360 --> 01:04:14.400 Clementine and Corta Salame, stressed that the unimpeded rapid passage of eight personnel, 639 01:04:14.760 --> 01:04:19.480 medicines and other supplies must be in short to support an estimated twenty five million 640 01:04:19.639 --> 01:04:28.159 men, women and children in need of desperate humanitarian assistance in Sudan. Turning 641 01:04:28.199 --> 01:04:30.800 to the Sahel, the Wold Food Program today called for urgent support to segard 642 01:04:30.840 --> 01:04:36.039 the programs that help communities impacted by various crises in the region. In twenty 643 01:04:36.079 --> 01:04:41.280 eighteen, WFP had been working with governments and partners on resilience programs in the 644 01:04:41.360 --> 01:04:45.199 Sahel that includes Burkina, Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, 645 01:04:45.760 --> 01:04:53.519 helping communities access locally grown and locally grown and nutritious food. Thanks to sustained 646 01:04:53.519 --> 01:04:58.199 donor funding, more than two hundred and ninety thousand hectares of degraded land have 647 01:04:58.239 --> 01:05:02.360 been restored in four million people benefited, and that's in over thirty three thousand, 648 01:05:02.440 --> 01:05:08.519 two hundred villages across the Sahel. However, the Rome based state the 649 01:05:08.599 --> 01:05:12.480 programs are an imminent risk of being suspended. To do a lack of funding 650 01:05:12.880 --> 01:05:16.960 for March onwards, WFP will be forced to reduce or stop resilience activities across 651 01:05:16.960 --> 01:05:23.239 the Sahel and particularly in Nijer. To sustain its resilience buildings support across the 652 01:05:23.320 --> 01:05:28.679 region, WFP requires one hundred and eighty three point one million dollars for the 653 01:05:28.760 --> 01:05:33.320 next twelve months and moving to Ukraine, our colleagues at the UN Refugee Agency 654 01:05:33.440 --> 01:05:38.960 said that after two years of full scale war in Ukraine, amidst massive destruction 655 01:05:39.079 --> 01:05:44.239 and ongoing shelling and missile attacks across the country, the future for millions who 656 01:05:44.280 --> 01:05:48.679 have been displaced remains shrouded in uncertainty. According to UNHCR, there are currently 657 01:05:48.719 --> 01:05:56.239 almost six point five million refugees from Ukraine who sought refuge globally, while some 658 01:05:56.320 --> 01:06:00.599 three point seven million people remain forcibly displaced in inside their own country. A 659 01:06:00.639 --> 01:06:08.760 recent UNHCR study shows that the majority of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people that 660 01:06:08.880 --> 01:06:13.960 sixty five and seventy two percent respectively, still express a desire to return home 661 01:06:14.000 --> 01:06:18.280 one day. However, the proportion has declined, with more expressing uncertainty due 662 01:06:18.320 --> 01:06:21.559 to the ongoing war. And in that regard, I just want to flag 663 01:06:21.679 --> 01:06:27.880 that on Friday's Security Council meeting on Ukraine, the Secretary of General will be 664 01:06:28.119 --> 01:06:33.320 delivering remarks. Moving across the globe to Papua New Guinea, our UN team 665 01:06:33.320 --> 01:06:38.920 there has strongly condemned the killing of over fifty three million. Excuse me, 666 01:06:39.559 --> 01:06:43.280 let's try it again. Our team in Papua New Guinea has strongly condemned the 667 01:06:43.360 --> 01:06:47.159 killing of over fifty three people in the highland provinces of Anga and Papua New 668 01:06:47.199 --> 01:06:56.239 Guinea and calls for an immediate cessation of violence and possible and warns against possible 669 01:06:56.280 --> 01:07:00.039 retaliation. Following the killings, Richard Howard, the Resident Coordinator, urged all 670 01:07:00.079 --> 01:07:05.440 parties to immediately cease all fighting and called on authorities to fully investigate the killings 671 01:07:05.440 --> 01:07:10.320 with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Our team on the ground 672 01:07:10.440 --> 01:07:15.800 stands ready to support the government in addressing long standing issues with their never arms 673 01:07:16.119 --> 01:07:21.559 and remains committed to assisting the government in limiting tribal violence and bring lasting peace 674 01:07:21.639 --> 01:07:29.199 to the highlands. We have a new Resident Coordinator to announce for not that 675 01:07:29.239 --> 01:07:33.960 you would know for Nigeria, a very important job the when our Secretary General 676 01:07:33.960 --> 01:07:41.000 appoint has appointed mister Mohammad Malik fal of Senegal as the Resident Coordinator in Nigeria 677 01:07:41.199 --> 01:07:45.440 following confirmation by the host government. He took his post up over the weekend 678 01:07:45.480 --> 01:07:48.920 and will also serve as the Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria. With more than twenty 679 01:07:49.000 --> 01:07:55.000 years of experience and development and humanitarian and peace building Affairs. Mister fab will 680 01:07:55.079 --> 01:08:00.000 lead the work of our UN team on the ground boosting Niger's commitments to advances 681 01:08:00.039 --> 01:08:04.960 sustainable development goals and to leave no one behind. We congratulate him on that 682 01:08:05.039 --> 01:08:11.960 post. Today is the day to mark something that we are lacking, social 683 01:08:12.119 --> 01:08:15.960 justice, the World Day for Social Justice. This day reminds us of the 684 01:08:16.000 --> 01:08:21.239 needs to build fair and more equitable societies. The International Labor Organization will mark 685 01:08:21.279 --> 01:08:26.239 the occasion with a series of events to discuss how to put social justice at 686 01:08:26.239 --> 01:08:33.039 the center of international, national, and regional policy agendas. I know, 687 01:08:33.840 --> 01:08:43.520 schwinghammer fight with the microphone. Okay, you saw the Security Council and you 688 01:08:43.560 --> 01:08:46.800 saw that the United States blocked a ceasefire call. What's your rector? Well, 689 01:08:46.840 --> 01:08:53.199 I mean it's not the first we've seen a veto in the Security Council. 690 01:08:54.319 --> 01:09:00.319 I think our message and the Secretary's measures has been to repeatedly call for 691 01:09:00.479 --> 01:09:06.479 humanitarians cease far in Gaza. The Secretary General continues to hope that the Security 692 01:09:06.479 --> 01:09:13.159 Council will find a way to speak with one voice on this issue. But 693 01:09:13.560 --> 01:09:15.920 I think it is also important to remember that there have been a number of 694 01:09:15.960 --> 01:09:24.640 resolutions that have passed since October seventh, and it is important that Council members 695 01:09:24.640 --> 01:09:31.880 and the international community continue their efforts to move for the implementation of the existing 696 01:09:31.960 --> 01:09:36.560 resolutions, notably twenty one, seventy two and twenty seven twenty okay, and 697 01:09:36.600 --> 01:09:42.720 the Israeli ambassador called ANRA in his speech a terrorist organization. I guess you 698 01:09:42.840 --> 01:09:51.560 might want to dispute that ANOIR remains and is the backbone of the humanitarian work 699 01:09:51.880 --> 01:09:59.000 that is being done in Gaza at great cost to Aunhua's staff themselves. It 700 01:09:59.159 --> 01:10:04.439 remains the backbone of not only humanitarian but development, socioeconomic and educational work for 701 01:10:04.520 --> 01:10:11.920 Palestine refugees in Lebanon, in Syria, in Jordan and the occupied West Bank. 702 01:10:12.000 --> 01:10:16.520 We again call on donors to support the critical work that on what does 703 01:10:17.159 --> 01:10:25.319 if to some then Abda Hamidan Deji thank you. Step follow up first on 704 01:10:25.359 --> 01:10:34.960 the Honoraba question. Does this worry you that such a statement by these really 705 01:10:35.039 --> 01:10:42.560 ambassador could put the life of many or our workers in danger. Yeah, 706 01:10:42.760 --> 01:10:47.439 these sort of incendiary statements are not helpful to the humanitarian work that we're trying 707 01:10:47.479 --> 01:10:54.359 to do in Gaza and in other parts of the of the Middle East, 708 01:10:54.920 --> 01:11:00.560 and on the American veto. This is actually the fourth American vito. If 709 01:11:00.560 --> 01:11:05.520 we take into consideration the vito on the amendment for the December resolution, do 710 01:11:05.600 --> 01:11:11.119 you believe that the US in this case and other countries in other cases, 711 01:11:12.319 --> 01:11:17.560 is misusing its veto power? Thank you. We know every time a permanent 712 01:11:17.600 --> 01:11:23.880 member of the Security Council vetos, they now have to go and explain themselves 713 01:11:23.920 --> 01:11:28.199 in a sense in front of the General Assembly. This will happen, This 714 01:11:28.239 --> 01:11:35.800 will happen again. The veto is the five countries that hold the vito have 715 01:11:35.840 --> 01:11:45.960 a great amount of responsibility and I think there needs to be explanation on how 716 01:11:45.960 --> 01:11:53.000 the veto is used. Abdelhamid, thank you. Sam Abu Sofia, the 717 01:11:53.199 --> 01:11:59.479 director of Camala Aduin Hospital in Gaza. He said the following, we are 718 01:11:59.520 --> 01:12:04.199 receiving children, are receiving mal nourished children, and they are dying in front 719 01:12:04.239 --> 01:12:12.840 of US. Famine is becoming a major reason for death of children. How 720 01:12:12.880 --> 01:12:17.000 could the SG react to such a statement? Can he really? I mean, 721 01:12:17.279 --> 01:12:20.199 how a were reacting to such statements? I mean, look at what 722 01:12:20.279 --> 01:12:28.640 the UN system is trying to do in the face of overwhelming odds. Right, 723 01:12:28.760 --> 01:12:31.960 we just had a team that went into the middle of a conflict zone 724 01:12:32.560 --> 01:12:41.000 to the NASA hospital to rescue patients we have had. We have tried our 725 01:12:41.039 --> 01:12:47.600 best to deliver food and supplies to those who needed the most. I mean 726 01:12:48.079 --> 01:12:54.119 our colleagues of the World Food Program and UNISEF and who have just issued a 727 01:12:54.199 --> 01:13:00.159 report on the risk of the growing risks and suffering and hunger or especially in 728 01:13:00.199 --> 01:13:03.600 the north. So I think on one hand, we're operationally doing whatever we 729 01:13:03.640 --> 01:13:10.560 can, and then on the other hand, we'll continuing to advocate for the 730 01:13:10.600 --> 01:13:16.159 people who are suffering, to ensure that policymakers and those member states that have 731 01:13:16.479 --> 01:13:23.800 the resources are aware of the dire needs of the people in Gaza DEI. 732 01:13:24.319 --> 01:13:29.439 Yeah, though we know that this is not the first time a Security Council 733 01:13:29.479 --> 01:13:34.159 resolution draft resolution has been vettled. But you know the four times that US 734 01:13:34.279 --> 01:13:39.640 vettled the resolution, they are about one thing. Sei is fire, which 735 01:13:39.920 --> 01:13:44.560 the Secretary General called for in this condition. What else do you think the 736 01:13:44.640 --> 01:13:50.720 Secretary General could do to really push for his goal. The Secretary General is 737 01:13:50.720 --> 01:13:56.439 continuing to advocate and push, as you said, for his goal in his 738 01:13:56.560 --> 01:14:00.399 meetings with policymakers that he has behind closed doors very much in public and his 739 01:14:00.520 --> 01:14:04.920 team on the ground is continuing to advocate for the same thing. And today 740 01:14:05.159 --> 01:14:12.600 during his speech Israeli investored and talked a lot about why this is fire is 741 01:14:12.640 --> 01:14:15.479 not necessary. Indeed, he said, he said it will let Hamas to 742 01:14:15.600 --> 01:14:20.479 leave and come back, and there's no good for us is fire. He 743 01:14:20.600 --> 01:14:29.000 kind of forgot Palestinian people. I mean, does the you and communicate with 744 01:14:29.119 --> 01:14:31.840 the Israeli mission about this is fire? I think, I sure think. 745 01:14:31.840 --> 01:14:38.600 I mean, guys, we have I mean, our every representative that speaks 746 01:14:38.600 --> 01:14:43.439 in front of the Security Council knows what they're saying. They're they're putting forward 747 01:14:43.479 --> 01:14:49.319 their national uh position. The Secretary General and his representative and the Secretariat when 748 01:14:49.319 --> 01:14:54.159 they brief the Council, whether it's towards Veni Islan, whether it's SIGRed Cog, 749 01:14:54.239 --> 01:14:59.439 whether it's Martin Griffiths or anyone else, put forward the facts as we 750 01:14:59.600 --> 01:15:04.039 are with missing. The Member States will take that information and will do whatever 751 01:15:04.039 --> 01:15:13.319 they want with which which means the UN did convey to the Israeli civilian lives. 752 01:15:14.880 --> 01:15:20.760 Yeah, sorry, it's fine. It is it is not ours, 753 01:15:23.279 --> 01:15:28.680 whether it's the the US, whether it's the Israelis, whether it's the mission, 754 01:15:28.720 --> 01:15:32.920 you know, whether it's representative of of Palestine or any other country. 755 01:15:32.680 --> 01:15:39.439 They all have the facts, right, they don't need uh. They have 756 01:15:39.479 --> 01:15:45.720 the facts and they're saying what they want to say. Okay, Dennish. 757 01:15:45.920 --> 01:15:55.840 So uh. Last week updated Ukraine Recovery and Destructions and Needs Assessments report was 758 01:15:55.880 --> 01:16:00.640 released. So and were there any similar reports prepared when yes IS convened its 759 01:16:00.640 --> 01:16:10.159 military operations in Afghanistan, Syria or Iraq. When when US convened military operations 760 01:16:10.239 --> 01:16:14.439 in Afghanistan, Syria or Iraq. Well, there have been reconstruct I mean 761 01:16:14.439 --> 01:16:18.079 these reports are done at the request of the governments. There has been plenty 762 01:16:18.439 --> 01:16:28.439 of data and reports done on the needs for reconstruction in Iraq, in Afghanistan 763 01:16:29.239 --> 01:16:30.560 and in Syria, though I have to check about Syria, but I know 764 01:16:30.600 --> 01:16:35.720 in terms of reconstruction needs after conflict, they've been done for other countries and 765 01:16:35.800 --> 01:16:42.439 for this is for Afghanistan and Iraq, as for Iranstan Iraq as well. 766 01:16:42.520 --> 01:16:47.680 Yep. Okay, Efraim and then Steffanoena will come back to the room. 767 01:16:47.840 --> 01:16:51.520 Thank you, Steph. There are increasing concerns we're hearing from Washington, DC 768 01:16:51.760 --> 01:17:00.079 that the Congress has headed towards permanently stopping or halting the funding for Is this 769 01:17:00.159 --> 01:17:05.039 a concern for the Secretary General as well well? Of course it's a concern 770 01:17:05.640 --> 01:17:12.439 in the United States was a major, if not the major funder for an 771 01:17:13.319 --> 01:17:17.960 UH. There are we very much hope that countries that have the resources that 772 01:17:18.039 --> 01:17:24.800 may not have given to anhoa's generously in the past will UH will make up 773 01:17:24.800 --> 01:17:30.359 the difference, as you know. Similar to my answer to Deji, I 774 01:17:30.399 --> 01:17:33.680 mean member states will take the decisions that they take for the reasons that they 775 01:17:34.159 --> 01:17:39.319 they feel they need to take them. There is money in the world, 776 01:17:39.399 --> 01:17:43.960 and there is enough money to fund onnoa's operations currently. I mean I was 777 01:17:43.960 --> 01:17:45.880 speaking to Annawa College just an hour ago. I mean they will you know, 778 01:17:46.479 --> 01:17:51.840 they will meet their salary and operational needs for February. March is much 779 01:17:51.880 --> 01:17:58.720 more complicated at this point. So we need those countries that have the resources 780 01:17:59.279 --> 01:18:02.039 to give, to give in solidarity and to give to help the people that 781 01:18:02.119 --> 01:18:08.800 needed. We're also seeing the US pressing for other agencies to do the job 782 01:18:08.880 --> 01:18:14.439 of ANDRA, including the w FB and UNISSEEV. And what does the Secretary 783 01:18:14.479 --> 01:18:17.520 General think of those Secretary I mean, I'm the Secretary, I think was 784 01:18:17.600 --> 01:18:21.199 much more eloquent than I could ever be in answering that question at his press 785 01:18:21.199 --> 01:18:28.039 conference. There is there is no alternative to given its size, given the 786 01:18:28.159 --> 01:18:34.119 number of UH local staff that it that it employs, that cannot be UH 787 01:18:34.439 --> 01:18:44.479 replaced on what is can you know other agencies w F P Unise cannot step 788 01:18:44.520 --> 01:18:46.680 in a w h O and step in and do the work that and does 789 01:18:48.079 --> 01:18:58.479 UH Stefano than mister Schurringhammer fun Yeah, is a follow up on Agua. 790 01:18:58.720 --> 01:19:03.399 Actually, there is an article by column Lynch that came out today on the 791 01:19:04.439 --> 01:19:13.760 on the Debts website that says them there is a basically clash between the United 792 01:19:13.800 --> 01:19:21.159 States at the Secretary General about an rap because apparently un chief presses Relief Agency 793 01:19:21.239 --> 01:19:29.560 to rebuff American appeals to take over task from the Palestinian Refugee Agency. Basically 794 01:19:29.880 --> 01:19:35.279 apparently Stephano. I've read the article. I've read the article. You've read 795 01:19:35.279 --> 01:19:42.000 the article. What is the question the reaction? Is it true? What's 796 01:19:42.039 --> 01:19:45.920 happening? You know? I think I think mister Lynch, like most journalists, 797 01:19:45.479 --> 01:19:51.920 UH sees different statements and gets different information and facts and then does his 798 01:19:53.039 --> 01:19:57.720 analysis and put something together. I mean, what is and what is clear? 799 01:19:57.760 --> 01:20:02.680 And I think I just literally said it thirty four seconds ago to Ephraim 800 01:20:03.199 --> 01:20:10.880 there is no getting around on what right no agency can come in and take 801 01:20:10.920 --> 01:20:14.840 over the role that and what does the Secretary General here a few days ago 802 01:20:14.920 --> 01:20:21.479 said it in very stark terms as well, that the other agencies cannot do 803 01:20:21.600 --> 01:20:27.880 not have the capacity to come in and take over that that role. Bet 804 01:20:28.079 --> 01:20:32.319 yeah, but well I didn't finish. I'm sorry. Another question is on 805 01:20:34.119 --> 01:20:41.039 the Navali issue. Of course there have been already several questions, but because 806 01:20:42.319 --> 01:20:49.159 still the the body of Navalni was not shown to his mother, and there 807 01:20:49.279 --> 01:20:53.479 is you know, there is a lot going on on this. Does the 808 01:20:53.560 --> 01:21:00.399 Secretary General has any message for the Russian government about this issue or not showing 809 01:21:00.479 --> 01:21:03.560 the I mean, I think I answered that question yesterday. We thought it 810 01:21:04.039 --> 01:21:09.600 and I said, please, I can't be expected to remember what I said 811 01:21:09.640 --> 01:21:13.800 the day before, but what I what I believe I said yesterday is that 812 01:21:13.840 --> 01:21:17.520 it is important that the body of mister Navali be returned to his family, 813 01:21:17.600 --> 01:21:27.439 and that UH states that states have particular responsibility towards people it incarcerates. And 814 01:21:27.560 --> 01:21:32.319 the last things on the last things are related to to this question. Is 815 01:21:32.319 --> 01:21:43.000 in Belarus a political prisoner here Ladnik has died the in and custody. Uh 816 01:21:43.319 --> 01:21:45.840 any comment on that? I have to see that report. I have not 817 01:21:46.159 --> 01:21:54.399 seen that, Beno than Abd Alhamid, thank you. Another report is that 818 01:21:54.479 --> 01:21:59.319 the Russian president Putin sent Kim jongun of North Korea a luxury car, like 819 01:21:59.359 --> 01:22:04.279 a full as luxury sedan and says, are you okay with that? I 820 01:22:04.279 --> 01:22:08.600 mean, like this, I'm okay with that? I have. I have 821 01:22:08.680 --> 01:22:11.760 no way. I don't want to meet me light of it. I have 822 01:22:11.840 --> 01:22:14.960 no way to judge the veracity of those reports. I don't have any comment, 823 01:22:15.479 --> 01:22:19.199 but I mean like there are sections and I have. I literally have 824 01:22:19.239 --> 01:22:26.279 no comment as much as I like luxury cars. Uh, Abd al Ahmid, 825 01:22:26.600 --> 01:22:32.159 thank you. As you just said, w FP is suspending its operation 826 01:22:32.520 --> 01:22:42.359 for security reasons and is being underfunded. With those developments make it make it 827 01:22:42.720 --> 01:22:45.960 much harder for people to survive and guys of course, yeah, yeah, 828 01:22:47.000 --> 01:22:55.159 okay, Uh, thank you all. It's only Tuesday. Yes, sorry 829 01:22:55.159 --> 01:23:09.239 to tell you, sorry to give you some breaking news. Thank you for 830 01:23:09.319 --> 01:23:13.399 listening today. You've been listening to policy and rights here depictions media Radio. 831 01:23:14.560 --> 01:23:51.800 Please find that subscribe button wherever it may be on your screen. This show 832 01:23:51.960 --> 01:24:00.239 has been produced by Depictions Media. Please contact us at depictions dot media for 833 01:24:00.239 --> 01:24:00.079 more information.