LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

Mr. Speaker: I would just like to inform the House that Hansard will be late. The printing press is down, and it will be about an hour and a half before they can deliver Hansard.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

PETITIONS

Proposed PLA–Floodway

Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The Province of Manitoba has tabled legislation in the Legislature that may result in the $660-million expansion of the Red River Floodway by the summer of 2005.

The Premier of Manitoba plans to subject all work related to the project to a Project Labour Agreement (PLA).

The proposed PLA would force all employees on the project to belong to a union.

Approximately 95 percent of heavy construction companies in Manitoba are currently non-unionized.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association has indicated that the forced unionization of all employees may increase the costs of the project by $65 million.

The chair of B.C.'s 2010 Construction Leaders Taskforce has stated, "Major industrial projects built under project labour agreements from the energy sector in Alberta to off-shore development on the East Coast have repeatedly incurred cost overruns, labour disruptions and delays."

Organizations including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Construction Association, the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and the Canadian Construction Association have publicly opposed the Premier's plan to turn the floodway expansion project into a union-only worksite.

Manitobans deserve an open and fair competition that protects taxpayers from unnecessary costs and respects workers' democratic choice.

Manitobans support the right of any company, both union and non-union, to participate in the expansion of the Red River Floodway.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider ending his Government's forced unionization plan of companies involved with the Red River Floodway expansion.

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider entering into discussions with business, construction and labour groups to ensure any qualified company and worker, regardless of their union status, is afforded the opportunity to bid and work on the floodway expansion project.

Mr. Speaker, this is signed by Leonard Klassen, Darren Klassen, Hermann Grauer and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Minimum Sitting Days for Legislative Assembly

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows:

The Manitoba Legislature sat for only 37 days in 2003.

Manitobans expect their Government to be accountable, and the number of sitting days has a direct impact on the issue of public accountability.

Manitobans expect their elected officials to be provided the opportunity to be able to hold the Government accountable.

The Legislative Assembly provides the best forum for all MLAs to debate and ask questions of the Government, and it is critical that all MLAs to debate and ask questions of the Government, and it is critical that all MLAs be provided the time needed in order for them to cover constituent and party duties.

Establishing a minimum number of sitting days could prevent the government of the day from limiting the rights of opposition members from being able to ask questions.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba to consider recognizing the need to sit for a minimum of 80 days in any given calendar year.

* (13:35)

Signed by Fely Ines, Joe Buen, Annabelle Reyes and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Highway 227

Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition.

It is unacceptable for the residents of Manitoba to travel the unsafe gravel roads of Highway 227 in the constituencies of Lakeside and Portage la Prairie.

Inclement weather can make Highway 227 treacherous to all drivers.

Allowing better access to Highway 227 would ease the flow of traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Residences along Highway 227 are not accessible to emergency services due to the nature of the current condition of roadway.

The condition of these gravel roads can cause serious damage to all vehicles, which is unacceptable.

Residents of Manitoba deserve a better rural highway infrastructure.

We petition the Manitoba Legislative Assembly as follows:

To request that the Minister of Transportation and Government Services (Mr. Lemieux) to consider having Highway 227 paved from the junction of highways 248 and 227 all the way to Highway 16, the Yellowhead route.

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider supporting said initiatives to ensure for the safety of all Manitobans and Canadians who travel all Manitoba highways.

Signed by L. Bullock, Barrie Tully, Don Walsh and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Alzheimer's Disease

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are known to slow or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer's.

The provincial government asked for the development of an Alzheimer strategy in 2000 and was presented with nine recommendations in 2002, none of which have yet been implemented.

In the absence of a provincial Alzheimer strategy, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority put in place a policy in November 2003 whereby Alzheimer's patients entering personal care homes are being weaned from certain Alzheimer medications in a move that the WRHA's vice-president of long-term care has referred to as a financial necessity.

The administrative costs of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority have more than tripled since 1999, to a total of more than $16 million a year.

In a move that amounts to two-tier medicine, the families of Alzheimer's sufferers in personal care homes may request that the drugs continue to be delivered at the family's expense.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak) to ensure that his attempts to balance his department's finances are not at the expense of the health and well-being of seniors and other vulnerable Manitobans suffering from this debilitating disease.

To urge the Minister of Health to consider reversing his decision to deny Alzheimer's patients in personal care homes access to certain medications.

To request the Minister of Health to consider implementing a provincial Alzheimer strategy.

Signed by B. Watts, C. Gill, A. Jacques and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Proposed PLA–Floodway

Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The Province of Manitoba has tabled legislation in the Legislature that may result in the $660-million expansion of the Red River Floodway by the summer of 2005.

The Premier of Manitoba (Mr. Doer) plans to subject all work related to the project to a Project Labour Agreement (PLA).

The proposed PLA would force all employees on the project to belong to a union.

Approximately 95 percent of heavy construction companies in Manitoba are currently non-unionized.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association has indicated that the forced unionization of all employees may increase the costs of the project by $65 million.

The chair of B.C.'s 2010 Construction Leaders Taskforce has stated: "Major industrial projects built under project labour agreements from the energy sector in Alberta to off-shore development on the East Coast have repeatedly incurred cost overruns, labour disruptions and delays."

Organizations including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Construction Association, the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and the Canadian Construction Association have publicly opposed the Premier's plan to turn the floodway expansion project into a union-only worksite.

Manitobans deserve an open and fair competition that protects taxpayers from unnecessary costs and respects workers' democratic choice.

* (13:40)

Manitobans support the right of any company, both union and non-union, to participate in the expansion of the Red River Floodway.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider ending his Government's forced unionization plan of companies involved with the Red River Floodway expansion.

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider entering into discussions with business, construction and labour groups to ensure any qualified company and worker, regardless of their union status, is afforded the opportunity to bid and work on the floodway expansion project.

Signed John Duerksen, Betty Duerksen, Terry Williams and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Highway 32

Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

Rural highways are part of the mandate of the Province of Manitoba.

Under a previous commitment, the Province of Manitoba would be covering the costs of four-laning that portion of Highway 32 that runs through Winkler, Manitoba.

The Department of Transportation and Government Services has altered its position and will now undertake the project only if the City of Winkler will pay half of the total cost of construction. The provincial government's offloading of its previous commitment will cost the City of Winkler several million dollars.

The City of Winkler has now been informed that it will have to wait several years before this project could be undertaken.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider honouring the previous commitment and complete the four-laning of Highway 32 through the city of Winkler, absorbing all costs related to the construction as previously agreed.

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the responsibility of the Department of Transportation and Government Services for the construction of rural highways.

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the significant and strategic importance of the completion of four-laning Highway 32 through the city of Winkler, especially as it relates to the economic growth and the development of the city of Winkler and its trading area.

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the valuable contribution of the city of Winkler and its trading area to the provincial economy and reprioritize the four-laning of Highway 32 for the 2004 construction season.

Submitted by Garry Wiebe, Jake Siemens, Vince Anderson, Ken Hildebrand and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

Proposed PLA–Floodway

Mr. David Faurschou (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The Province of Manitoba has tabled legislation in the Legislature that may result in the $660-million expansion of the Red River Floodway by the summer of 2005.

The Premier of Manitoba plans to subject all work related to the project to a Project Labour Agreement (PLA).

The proposed PLA would force all employees on the project to belong to a union.

Approximately 95 percent of heavy construction companies in Manitoba are currently non-unionized.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association has indicated that the forced unionization of all employees may increase the costs of the project by $65 million.

The chair of B.C.'s 2010 Construction Leaders Taskforce has stated, "Major industrial projects built under project labour agreements from the energy sector in Alberta to off-shore development on the East Coast have repeatedly incurred cost overruns, labour disruptions and delays."

Organizations including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Construction Association, the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and the Canadian Construction Association have publicly opposed the Premier's plan to turn the floodway expansion project into a union-only worksite.

Manitobans deserve an open and fair competition that protects taxpayers from unnecessary costs and respects workers' democratic choice.

Manitobans support the right of any company, both union and non-union, to participate in the expansion of the Red River Floodway.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider ending his Government's forced unionization plan of companies involved with the Red River Floodway expansion.

* (13:45)

To request the Premier of Manitoba to consider entering into discussions with business, construction and labour groups to ensure any qualified company and worker, regardless of their union status, is afforded the opportunity to bid and work on the floodway expansion project.

Signed by Ivan Stadnyn, Ann Bray, Roberta Linnett and others.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with the Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House.

TABLING OF REPORTS

Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Labour and Immigration): I am pleased to table the Manitoba Labour and Immigration Supplementary Information for Legislative Review for the Departmental Estimates for 2004-2005.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Manitoba Day

Hon. Peter Bjornson (Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth): I have a statement for the House.

It is my pleasure today to rise and provide a ministerial statement about today's celebration of Manitoba Day with Manitoba's youth. Mr. Speaker, 134 years ago The Manitoba Act received Royal Assent, officially creating our province as part of the young nation of Canada. Today is the time for Manitobans young and old to reflect on where we came from, what we have achieved in those many decades, who we are today and how we wish to shape our common future.

The youth of today are the generation who will shape the world of tomorrow, and their ability to meet that responsibility will depend on our ability as parents, teachers, leaders and role models to help Manitoba's youth understand what it means to be a citizen of this nation and a member of this community. Our commitment to this task is reflected in the recent change in the name of the department to include citizenship.

The change signals a greater emphasis on preparing youth to develop the knowledge, skills and values that are necessary to understand the role of citizens and to actively participate in shaping communities. Through a wide variety of initiatives in and out of school the Province has placed a special focus on assisting students and youth to understand the role of citizens and to encourage them to become fully engaged members of society.

We are reaffirming the role of education in preparing youth to become informed and involved members of our communities today and the guardians of our democratic legacy for the years ahead.

Manitoba Day is a moment to reflect on our past, our accomplishments, our shared achievements as a people and as a community. It is also a time to look to the future, to ask ourselves what are our hopes, our dreams, our aspirations for ourselves and those generations who will follow us on this journey. It is for this reason that we particularly want to celebrate Manitoba Day with Manitoba's youth.

I want to conclude by thanking the youth for joining us today in the Legislative Building to celebrate Manitoba Day. I also want to thank the performers affiliated with Manitoba Film and Sound who provided us with live entertainment, the Wailin' Jennys. Again, Happy Manitoba Day.

Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I am pleased to share a few remarks about Manitoba Day, celebrated today, May 12, in honour of Manitoba's 134th birthday. I was glad to be able to attend the celebration at the Grand Staircase earlier today and take some time to reflect on the great day in 1870 when The Manitoba Act created the province of Manitoba.

I did really enjoy the music of the Wailin' Jennys today. It was just beautiful. I am sure I speak for all members of the Chamber when I say this is an especially important day for all of us as we continue the work of our former colleagues, serving the citizens of Manitoba and representing their interests here in the Legislature. I trust that all members will take a few minutes to ponder the importance of remembering Manitoba's history and the people who made Manitoba what it is today.

* (13:50)

I recognize that we are putting increased emphasis on our youth today, as witnessed by the number of young people with us today. It is not only about celebrating Manitoba's history but also a time to reflect on our rich cultural traditions. Aboriginal people and immigrants from around the world have come together to make a cultural, diverse and culturally rich population for Manitoba. Although we share different customs, practices and languages, we are all proud to be part of the province.

I would like to take the opportunity just to reflect on a few highlights. As I mentioned, 1870, the province of Manitoba came into being with The Manitoba Act. In the 1880s there was a decade of expansion for the CPR, extending tracks through Winnipeg and across southern Manitoba. 1885 was the year Louis Riel experienced his final days. In the 1890s, Manitoba became home to Ukrainians, Russians, German Mennonites, Icelanders and other Europeans as well as U.S. and Ontario homesteaders. In the 1900s, Manitoba petitioned the federal government to extend the western boundary. In 1913, the foundation of the Manitoba Legislature was laid. In 1916, Manitoba was the first province to grant women the right to vote. 1919 was the year of the infamous–

Mr. Speaker: Order. I regret to interrupt the honourable member, but our Rule 25(3) states the person may speak for no longer than the minister spoke, and I note the honourable member's comments are now considerably longer than those of the minister. I would ask the honourable member to please conclude your comments.

Mrs. Taillieu: In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, today as Manitobans remember our individual and collective past, we celebrate our accomplishments of our province thus far, and I would like to ask us all to say Happy Birthday to Manitoba today.

Happy Birthday was sung.

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I ask for leave to speak to the minister's statement.

Mr. Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave?

An Honourable Member: No.

Mr. Speaker: I heard a no. Leave has been denied.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill 211–The Highway Traffic Amendment Act

Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): I move, seconded by the Member for Ste. Rose (Mr. Cummings), that Bill 211, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Veterans' Licence Plates), now be read for a first time.

Motion presented.

Mr. Eichler: This bill requires the Registrar of the Motor Vehicles Branch to make licence plates bearing veteran's graphic available to all soldiers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]

Introduction of Guests

Mr. Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's Gallery where we have with us today Mr. Eddy Lamoureux from Mississauga, Ontario who is the uncle of the honourable Member for Inkster (Mr. Lamoureux), and accompanying him is Ms. Cathy Lamoureux, who is the wife of the honourable Member for Inkster.

I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us from Robertson School 19 Grade 5 students under the direction of Ms. Karla Yallits. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Member for Burrows (Mr. Martindale).

Also in the public gallery we have from Springs Christian Academy 31 Grade 9 students under the direction of Mr. Chris Budlong. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Finance (Mr. Selinger).

On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you all here today.

* (13:55)

Point of Order

Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Carman, on a point of order.

Mr. Denis Rocan (Carman): On a point of order, Sir. I think I heard during ministerial statements the minister making a statement on Manitoba Day and then a member of the Opposition making a reply to the said statement. I did say no when you asked for leave. I was thinking of a different subject so I would ask for leave of the House to ask you to ask if there is leave one more time.

Mr. Speaker: First of all, I am asking leave to revert back to ministerial statements. Is it the will of the House to revert back to ministerial statements? [Agreed]

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I ask for leave to speak to the minister's statement.

Mr. Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave to speak to the ministerial statement?

Some Honourable Members: Leave.

Mr. Speaker: Leave has been granted.

* * *

Mr. Gerrard: Happy Birthday, Manitoba. Today is a wonderful day to celebrate the extraordinary contributions and the extraordinary history of Manitoba. I believe it is fitting that we talk specifically about young people because young people are the future. Clearly, in this party we have talked for a long time about making sure that we change the nature of government, that we can change the approach of the provincial government to improve things for young people in this province.

We have a proud history with the First Nations making major contributions to our province, with the Métis and Louis Riel, with the Liberal premier, Thomas Greenway, leading the charge in getting immigrants to this province, with the Liberal premier, Tobias Norris, making sure that women could have the vote in Manitoba.

It is a wonderful province to live in. Happy Birthday, Manitoba.

Mr. Speaker: Now we will move on to Question Period.

ORAL QUESTIONS

Alzheimer Strategy

Implementation

Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): In early 2000, the Health Minister (Mr. Chomiak) directed his department to develop an Alzheimer strategy for Manitoba. In October 2002, the minister received a report called The Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in Manitoba. In March 2003, at the Alzheimer Society annual conference, the minister's representative announced the Doer government was committed to the implementation of the strategy, Mr. Speaker, yet here we are in 2004 and no action has been taken. Can the Premier explain why his Government has not moved on implementing the Alzheimer strategy?

Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): I know, Mr. Speaker, that we have introduced a number of actions consistent with the strategy, including many drugs that were not covered in the past.

Mr. Murray: Early last year this Government, Mr. Speaker, told the Alzheimer Society that they accepted the Alzheimer strategy and they promised them that the stakeholder advisory committee would be formed in the summer of 2003 to develop a proposed plan, an action plan to deal with the report's recommendation. Let us be clear. Prior to the last provincial election, the Doer government promised hundreds of Manitobans that they would quickly implement the Alzheimer strategy, but following the last provincial election campaign, this strategy has quietly been shelved.

* (14:00)

How does this Premier explain why his stakeholder advisory committee, which was supposed to start working on an implementation plan last June, has not even yet been established?

Mr. Doer: We have increased the capacity of personal care homes to deal with some people who are dealing with this challenge. As I mentioned before, many drugs that were not covered in the past are now covered under this Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak). We are still completing action on other areas of the plan, Mr. Speaker, and there is action that has been taken.

Mr. Murray: Manitoba has a growing aging population. We have more people in Manitoba that are being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, Mr. Speaker. The Government supposedly recognized how important that was back in the year 2000. They promised that they would address it and yet, four years later, they have done nothing.

As a March 17, 2004, letter from the Alzheimer Society to the Health Minister stated, and I would like to quote from the letter, "The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba along with the people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, their families and the people who care for them are frustrated by the lack of movement by your Government. We urge you to uphold your prior commitment and take immediate action to form the stakeholder advisory committee to begin developing the implementation plan." A direct quote from a letter sent to this Doer government.

Will the Premier tell us when his already long-overdue commitment will be established? When will he live up to his promise?

Mr. Doer: As I mentioned, Mr. Speaker, three drugs that were not covered in the past are now covered, which was recommended by the organizations and is now implemented and in the Budget. Secondly, there have been a number of legitimate improvements and upgrades to deal with recommendations dealing with individuals in personal care homes.

Mr. Speaker, those recommendations have been implemented. There is a third set of recommendations, nine recommendations that have been made to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. We have costed them out at being over $3 million. We are working on prioritizing those recommendations–

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Mr. Speaker: Order.

Mr. Doer: Well, Mr. Speaker, the member opposite talks about action. There would have been cuts to Alzheimer's and every other program in Government if we had implemented the 1% solution the member opposite proposed in the election.

Alzheimer Strategy

Implementation

Mr. Jack Reimer (Southdale): The Alzheimer association is complaining about the inaction of this Government. In early 2000, Manitoba's Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak) directed Manitoba Health to develop an Alzheimer strategy in order to start planning for the future. Four years ago a steering committee was created. There were representatives from Manitoba Health, regional health authorities, the Alzheimer association of Manitoba, the Centre on Aging, Manitoba Society of Seniors and the Seniors Directorate, who sought opinions from over 3000 individuals.

In November 2000, nine key strategic initiatives were addressed and submitted to the minister. Mr. Speaker, nothing has happened on those nine strategic initiatives. There has been no meeting, there has been no contact. The Alzheimer association has written letters. Nothing has happened.

Hon. Jim Rondeau (Minister responsible for Healthy Living): I am pleased to inform the member I met with the Alzheimer group twice. I also went and talked to the area GM. Mr. Speaker, we have been in communication.

The other thing is that our Government, unlike the members opposite, has moved forward on this file. In the year 2000, we asked for the report to be developed. We have worked with all the stakeholders including the RHAs, the deliverers, everything else, government departments, and we have come up with a strategy.

Since then what we have done is the strategy has been sent out to all RHAs, all different organizations, and what we have asked the Government departments to do after we have developed the strategy is find out what best practices are happening in the RHAs. That information is currently coming to us and different RHAs are developing a plan currently to address those nine issues.

Mr. Reimer: Last year the Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak) told the Alzheimer association that a stakeholder advisory committee would be formed. That was last year, in 2003. This has not happened. They are asking when will the stakeholder advisory committee be formed so they can implement some of the recommendations. The minister is stating they are talking to all these associations. The biggest part of the association is the Alzheimer association. They are not being consulted. There is no action on the recommendations.

I am asking this minister when will they have the meeting. When will the stakeholder advisory committees happen? When?

Mr. Rondeau: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the member again that I have not only met with them twice, but we have discussed how we are looking at the recommendations that were outlined in the report, how we are getting information from the RHAs to see what is happening already in the nine recommendations.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note there is good work going on in the field in regard to Alzheimer's and many other health-related aspects. What we have done is there is lots of good practice going on there. It does not make sense to re-create the wheel. What we have said to the Alzheimer strategy and to the association is we would get the information from the RHAs on what they are doing right now, right now what the areas are doing in relation to the strategy, and see how we can share best practice and not recreate the wheel.

Mr. Reimer: The minister is referring to his meetings with the association. I will table a letter that they sent back to the minister, the honourable Minister of Healthy Living, and I will quote from the letter. They are saying, this is to this minister that was just speaking, "We are frustrated by your department's obvious misinformation regarding the origin of the report, and we are concerned about the unnecessary duplication of the two-year research process spearheaded by the Department of Health." The letter to his department and to the minister is saying that they are not satisfied. He keeps talking about consultation. The consultation is not working.

I am asking the minister when will there be some concrete action on this report. The report that was started in 2000, tabled in October of 2002 and nothing has happened.

Mr. Rondeau: Mr. Speaker, I look at the actions that this Government did. We were one of the first provinces to expand the Alzheimer's drugs to all people in Manitoba. We were one of the first provinces to develop an overarching Alzheimer strategy and then ask what is happening in the regions to make sure the best practices are out there.

The member opposite does not have faith in the regional health authorities, the people who deliver health care services. We know good work is going on in the RHAs, good work is going on in personal care homes, and good practice is going on in home care throughout the province to help support not just the Alzheimer's patients but the families. We are looking forward, we have commissioned a study, we are moving forward on this important issue and we will continue to move forward unlike members opposite.

Conference of the Reducers

Sponsorship

Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): At a time when Manitoba Hydro is experiencing a minimum $359-million loss, at a time when the Government has raided Manitoba Hydro for $203 million and at a time when Manitoba Hydro has gone before the Public Utilities Board for a 7.5% increase in residential rates, why would this Government be demanding Manitoba Hydro provide sponsorship money for a conference in Toronto?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, yesterday I reported to the House that Manitoba Hydro had provided a $5,000 sponsorship to an international conference in the largest market for energy in Canada that once again profiled what Manitoba Hydro and the Government of Manitoba are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this jurisdiction. This is giving us a first-class reputation not only in Canada but throughout the world. For $5,000, it is very good value for this province.

Mrs. Mitchelson: Mr. Speaker, since the Manitoba Government is the only provincial government that is sponsoring this conference, and Manitoba Hydro is not even identified or receives any benefit from the sponsorship dollars that this Government demanded, will this Government indicate why they would force or demand that Manitoba Hydro pay sponsorship dollars when they get no benefit, when Manitoba Hydro is losing money?

* (14:10)

Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, there is an assumption there that Manitoba Hydro was forced to put $5,000 into the conference. Anybody that knows the CEO and president of Manitoba Hydro, he only makes investments when he thinks it will serve the best interest of that Crown corporation which is owned by the people of Manitoba. I can tell you, that is a–

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Mr. Speaker: Order.

Mr. Selinger: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That Crown corporation has a world-class reputation, the lowest hydro rates not only in North America but now the lowest hydro rates in the world and one of the best greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies in the world. We are proud of the work they do. We are happy to showcase them in the largest market in the world and in Canada through Toronto.

Mrs. Mitchelson: Mr. Speaker, at a time when the Minister of Finance has said that they are looking for ways to reduce expenditures, why would the Manitoba government force Manitoba Hydro to sponsor a conference in Toronto to pay to get the Premier's name on the agenda when he is not even there to speak?

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Mr. Speaker: Order.

Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): The member opposite would probably know that we do not ask our Crown corporations to pay our airfare to Monte Carlo to study gambling procedures so she should be a little careful when she is being holier than thou in this Chamber. Mr. Speaker–

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Mr. Speaker: Order.

Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, I know members opposite mothballed the Conawapa project. We had developed two sales to Ontario, the 200-megawatt sale that was agreed to in 1987, another sale that was agreed to in a feasibility study that was signed off by the former government, former Premier Filmon and former Premier Peterson.

Regrettably, Mr. Speaker, the Manitoba government cancelled that Conawapa project. It is very consistent with the Conservatives. They cancelled Limestone, they cancelled Conawapa. We are out selling Hydro. Hydro is out selling hydro because we believe in a future of economic growth. We are not the mothball party of Manitoba, Mr. Speaker.

Conference of the Reducers

Sponsorship

Mr. Mervin Tweed (Turtle Mountain): Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance suggests that the chairman of Manitoba Hydro cannot be forced to make any decisions that the Government asks, but when they ask him and he does not do it, they force it by legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Premier, if it cost him $5,000 to get on the agenda, can he tell us what the other ministers that are on the agenda to speak today paid to get on their agenda.

Hon. Greg Selinger (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, members might recall that we had a Manitoba task force chaired by Lloyd Axworthy on how we can be among the leaders in Canada on greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Our Minister of Energy, Science and Technology (Mr. Sale) is in Toronto explaining the Manitoba strategy on reducing greenhouse gases. We have received very positive editorials in the Toronto Star, as well as in the National Post, looking at how Manitoba Hydro can be a solution to greenhouse gas emissions and the brown clouds floating overtop of the city of Toronto. This is a tremendous opportunity for this province. I am proud that our minister is down there making the case for Manitoba as one of the solutions to greenhouse gas emissions in this country.

Mr. Tweed: Mr. Speaker, the minister refers to a hired gun by the Province of Manitoba. Why is Lloyd Axworthy not down there making this presentation to the people then?

Mr. Speaker, I asked a question and I will ask the minister again, if it cost the Premier (Mr. Doer) of Manitoba $5,000 to get on the agenda, what did it cost the Minister of the Environment for Canada, the Minister of the Environment to the United Kingdom, the Minister of the Environment for Australia. Is the Premier the only one that has to pay to get on the speaking agenda?

Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, the whole premise of their question is completely wrong. We have a province here that is among the leaders in the industrial world on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We should be proud of the fact that people are coming from all over the world, from Australia, from Great Britain, from all sectors of North America, to see what we are doing in this province to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is something we should be proud of.

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Mr. Speaker: Order. It is getting very loud and it is getting very difficult to hear. I need to be able to hear the questions and the answers. Once again, I would just like to ask the co-operation of all honourable members.

The honourable Minister of Finance, have you concluded your comments?

Mr. Selinger: If I had more time, I would be happy to–

Mr. Speaker: Yes, you have about 16 seconds.

Mr. Selinger: Sixteen seconds, well, I will see if I can get this quote on the record. In 1993, former Premier Filmon, "For that investment of $15,000 at the real Earth Summit, I think there are some long-term benefits to the province of Manitoba in terms of keeping our leadership in sustainable development first and foremost." We did it for 67 percent of that cost, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Tweed: Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the minister does not want to say why he paid $5,000 to get the Premier (Mr. Doer) on the agenda. I will ask him why he would ask or force Hydro to pay $5,000 to get on an agenda when they talk about it in the Financial Post. It talks about the reducers, the program they are putting on.

They are suggesting that it is a very scary issue they are dealing with. I just want to know why, when Manitoba Hydro and Manitobans are suffering to such great length, he is forcing Manitoba Hydro to finance a government bill? If the Government wants to go out and spread their propaganda, that is up to them but they should not demand and force Hydro to do it. I would ask him to respond to that.

Mr. Selinger: Yesterday we saw in this House the members ask a whole bunch of questions of the Minister of Justice (Mr. Mackintosh) that were based on absolutely no facts at all, completely wrong. I suggest the same thing is being done today. I suggest anybody that wants to phone the CEO and president of Manitoba Hydro and ask him whether he voluntarily made a $5,000 contribution so the Minister of Hydro and the Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, Mr. Tim Sale, could make the case for Manitoba in Toronto, we will understand that is a good investment for promoting this province in an international media centre on a global basis. [interjection]

Mr. Speaker: Order. Before recognizing the honourable Member for Emerson, I want to once again remind all honourable members, when addressing ministers, it is by their portfolio, not by their name, and members by their constituency and not by names.

* (14:20)

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Compensation for Producers

Mr. Jack Penner (Emerson): As everybody in this Chamber knows, we are approaching, on May 20, the first anniversary of the one and only BSE case in Canada. The Government of Manitoba has told the people of Manitoba in a series of advertisements that they have made $180 million available to offset the damages that have been incurred by BSE to livestock producers. During the Estimates, however, we found out that the actual amount of money paid out to producers in programs was $31.9 million. The Minister of Finance (Mr. Selinger) said they had allocated $46 million, yet they advertised $180 million. Can the Minister of Agriculture tell us which of these numbers is correct?

Hon. Rosann Wowchuk (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives): Mr. Speaker, indeed it is approaching the anniversary of the first case of BSE in Canada, and we are hopeful that we will see movement. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture said they would deal with this in an expedited way. We hope that she will live up to that word. The consultation period is complete. They are now reviewing the comments. If the U.S. government was going to make a decision based on science, there is no reason why our borders should continue to be closed. They should be open.

There also is a precedent that has been set. In no other country before, when there has been a case of BSE, has boxed beef ever moved. That has been moving, and we hope that we will see the border open very soon.

Mr. Penner: The Minister of Agriculture evades the number. There is good reason why. She has told us, through requests we made through her department, that they have actually only paid out $31.9 million when they advertised that they had made $180 million available. We know that they have driven farmers into debt by $58.9 million in this province. We also know that the Minister of Finance has stated in Estimates that they only allocated $46 million. Which of these numbers is correct? Which number is correct?

Ms. Wowchuk: We did make available a significant amount of money to producers. In fact, we made close to $180 million available. Of those programs, that money was made available. Some of it is still available, and we have paid out on programs. People have certainly taken advantage of the programs.

It is quite interesting, Mr. Speaker. On one hand the Opposition is saying that we should not be spending money, on the other hand they are criticizing us because we are not spending enough money. In total about $98.3 million has been spent by the Province on BSE programs. This does not include the money spent by the federal government. So the numbers that the member is quoting are wrong.

Mr. Penner: Mr. Speaker, I want to table for the minister's edification her own advertisements, and the numbers that I have received out of her office directly which she gave to me. They will prove that my numbers are correct, and if they are not, then she gave me the wrong numbers.

I want to ask the minister what damage do you think you have caused by repeatedly telling farmers of Manitoba, Mr. Speaker–

Mr. Speaker: Order.

Point of Order

Mr. Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on a point of order.

Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Government House Leader): Reluctantly, Mr. Speaker, I just wonder if you could remind the honourable member that questions and remarks in the House are to be directed through the Speaker, which means that rather than using words like "you" or "Mr. Minister" or "Mrs. Minister," it is a description in the third person. That is to reduce the tensions that sometimes develop in this House. It is for a good reason. It is a good tradition. I think we should try and uphold it.

Mr. Speaker: On the point of order raised by the honourable Government House Leader, he does have a point of order. All questions and answers should be through the Chair, and I would ask the co-operation of all honourable members.

* * *

Mr. Penner: I want to ask the minister, then, through you, Mr. Speaker, whether she recognizes the damage she has done by repeatedly telling the farmers of Manitoba that the borders would open when she was in Minnesota, when she was in South Dakota, when she came back from Washington and others, and I believe that Washington trip was a U.S. holiday.