ORAL QUESTION PERIOD
Winnipeg Arena
Site Cost Analysis
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Acting Premier.
Over the last couple of years, in discussing the site for the proposed new arena, all the reports were predicated on the public sector only contributing up to $30 million, Madam Speaker, and, of course, there were a number of recommendations for the private sector and the public sector to place that site downtown. There were reviews of the possibility of renovating the Polo Park site, and, ultimately, the private-sector group, MEC, determined to locate the new site at The Forks site.
I would like to ask the Deputy Premier today, in light of the fact that we are now paying 100 percent of the cost of the new facility, the public sector is now paying, the taxpayers are now paying 100 percent of the new facility, could the acting Premier table today all the costs associated with all the sites available and the urban merit of each of those sites?
Hon. James Downey (Deputy Premier): Madam Speaker, let me, first of all, indicate that this government and this party have been building and planning for the future of Manitoba, unlike the negative party and the negative representation that he brings to the people of Manitoba.
As it relates to the specifics of the plans, I would say that the information for which he is asking, at appropriate times will be brought forward and will make sure that he is, I am sure, further advised on any of that detail as is appropriate.
Mr. Doer: It is only $111 million. Maybe he will table it after they build the arena, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker, I am absolutely disappointed that the acting Premier today could not table all the sites and all the costs and the urban advantages and disadvantages for those sites. I would like to table today a document from the City of Winnipeg indicating a savings of some $13 million with the downtown site, the Convention Centre site over The Forks site, and as I understand it, there is material available to show that other sites are even more cost-effective.
In light of the fact, Madam Speaker, that the taxpayers have now gone from a promise of $10 million--this provincial government has gone from an election promise of $10 million for the new arena and now is funding 100 percent of the costs of the capital, will the Deputy Premier (Mr. Downey) please table today all the studies they have on costs and merits and advantages and disadvantages, in light of the changing circumstances after the election campaign?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): The Leader of the Opposition will recall that the various studies that have been done by the Mauro committee, the Burns committee, all came to the conclusion that if a facility is to be developed here in Manitoba, it should be a downtown location. In fact, I think the Leader of the Opposition, himself, not very long ago was committing money to a downtown site on the condition it be the Convention Centre site.
So the decision and the recommendations on the downtown site have been done through a series of reviews. Having said that, when MEC went through their detailed analysis of which was the preferred site, they went through a series of items in terms of making their ultimate decision and recommendation.
One of them was the cost of a facility at each of the sites, what the facility would cost at a Convention Centre site versus what the facility would cost at the north of The Forks site, and the north of The Forks site is the less costly of the two in terms of the development of the facility.
So there has been an awful lot of work done in terms of that final decision making. We will certainly undertake, in conjunction with the private sector that has commissioned a lot of that work, as well, to make as much of that available as we possibly can to show in the greatest level of detail just what all of those cost estimates really were.
Mr. Doer: But the taxpayers are now paying 100 percent of the costs of the facility, and the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Premier (Mr. Downey) are asking us to rely on the private investors.
We are paying 100 percent of the costs of the facility. We are paying 36 percent of the costs of the operation of the privately owned hockey team, along with the other so-called risktakers in this venture, and this Legislature and the public of Manitoba cannot get any information out of this government that would table the cost comparisons between the three locations.
Would the Minister of Finance today table all this information? We are paying 100 percent of the cost. The taxpayers have a right to know the different comparisons and just to slough this off to a group that is not even registered now with Corporations Manitoba, how can the minister assure Manitobans that this is based on merit and not the pecuniary interests of the private investors at that site?
Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition knows full well that this entire initiative to keep the Winnipeg Jets in Manitoba, to develop a facility here in Winnipeg, has been a partnership throughout, having recognized that the two functions are being split, that governments, all three levels of governments, are committing to build a facility, and the private sector is committing to take over the operation and the losses of the club and fund them in the future.
I want to correct him on one point. One of the main reasons that we are dealing with the private sector is that they are committed to building a facility for the $111 million. Any overruns over and above the $111 million will be paid for by the private sector.
That is one of the reasons that we are picking up on the work that they have done in terms of going through requests for proposals from four various firms for the development of a facility in downtown Winnipeg, having received a fixed guaranteed price from a firm that they are prepared to move forward with for the development of a site on the north of The Forks site.
So that is one of the reasons that we are working with that group, Madam Speaker, to make sure that the taxpayers are protected, that the facility is built in the most cost-effective way possible.
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Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, the minister has now confirmed that we will be paying the first $111 million. The taxpayers of Manitoba will be paying $111 million.
Does the minister not think that those of us who are paying the cost should determine the site? Those of us who are paying the cost should determine the site and should do so on the basis of cost, on advantages and disadvantages, on the basis of urban merit.
Would the minister now table in the House the cost comparisons of all sites, since we are paying 100 percent of the $111 million that he has invested?
Mr. Stefanson: The Leader of the Opposition knows full well that over the course of the last eight months in terms of dealing with the Manitoba Entertainment Complex group, all three levels of government have been involved, have had discussions with them about sites, about preferred sites, about the cost of facilities. I believe he, himself, has been part of an all-party meeting. He has also, I believe, had representation from the MEC group directly to him about the entire issue.
So to stand up here today and try to paint the picture that, all of a sudden, governments are just getting involved today is absolutely incorrect, Madam Speaker. Governments at all three levels of government, representatives of all three political parties here in this Chamber have had involvement over the last eight months.
Mr. Doer: Yes, we met in January with the MEC group, and we said no to The Forks site. We said that all the way through the election.
This government stated all the way through the election that it would be only limiting itself to $10 million, and that is why the private sector could determine the site.
The minister never answered the question. How are we to know? Can the minister table today the list of private investors and the amount of equity they are putting into the so-called shares in the privately owned team, and table today the cost benefits of all the sites, so that we can be assured the decision is not being made on the basis of interests in the private sector, but rather on the basis of interests in the public sector?
Mr. Stefanson: The Leader of the Opposition says he said no to The Forks. I do not think today Manitobans are sure where the Leader of the Opposition stands on this issue. One day, he said he was committing $30 million from the Kenaston underpass to the development of a complex at the Convention Centre site, and the next day, he said he was not contributing anything, Madam Speaker.
The private sector and the public of Manitoba to date have raised in excess of $60 million towards this initiative. Discussions are ongoing right now between representatives on behalf of that group, the public- and private-sector group, with the current owners to make the transition to keep the Winnipeg Jets here in Manitoba.
As I have said consistently throughout the whole discussions, as this issue moves forward and as specific decisions are being made, as much information as can be made available will be made available, not only to the Leader of the Opposition, but to all Manitobans, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, this government has not even tabled the addendum agreement of the June 30 operating losses agreement. It has broken its word on the $10 million. It has broken its word on equity in the team.
I would like to ask the Minister of Finance to make public today all the sites, costs and benefits and all the details on the operating relationship with the team. Given the fact that the public sector will have 36 percent on the operating side and 100 percent of the $111 million on the capital side, will the minister today table all the information and give Manitobans the specific information they need to have to evaluate the merits and demerits of the decisions being made by members opposite?
Mr. Stefanson: First of all, Madam Speaker, I think, as the Leader of the Opposition knows, no agreements have been reached. No agreements have concluded. No agreements have been reached to build a facility. No agreements have been reached between the private sector and the current owners. None of those things have happened yet. As those issues move forward, we will make all of the information that we can available.
I want to remind the Leader of the Opposition that he has been a part of discussions with the Leader of this party, with the Leader of the Liberal Party. He has had representation to him.
Point of Order
Mr. Doer: On a point of order, the Minister of Finance knows we were invited to one meeting and shut out, like the rest of the public, for the last 10, so please tell the truth. Try a little honesty.
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable Leader of the official opposition does not have a point of order. It is clearly a dispute over the facts.
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Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Finance, to quickly conclude his response.
Mr. Stefanson: To conclude, Madam Speaker, if the Leader of the Opposition has been shut out, it is only because of his lack of involvement and his lack of interest. He could have appeared before the public hearings that the City of Winnipeg had. He chooses not to, so if he is out of the process, it is only because he chose to be out of the process.
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Winnipeg Arena
Urban Strategic Plan
Ms. Becky Barrett (Wellington): Madam Speaker, today, the Minister of Finance and his government responses throughout this discussion about The Forks and The Forks site for the new arena has shown us that they are relying on the private sector to do their analyses and that they are not sharing that information with the public.
I would like to ask the Minister of Urban Affairs if he has asked his department, as the department responsible for dealing with issues that concern the capital region of the province of Manitoba, to prepare an urban strategy paper outlining the impact on such issues as land use, parking, transportation, the environment and the general quality of life that putting an arena at The Forks site would have on the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba?
Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): I thank the honourable member for Wellington for the question.
The member for Wellington should remember that the zoning and the application of land use is strictly within the City of Winnipeg's authority. The whole arena debate and the ramifications of it are still in the formative stage, but there has not been any study taken on by Urban Affairs.
Ms. Barrett: Is this lack of an urban strategic plan or study and input into this vital issue not an abrogation on the part of the Minister of Urban Affairs of his responsibilities to deal with the issues that face the entire city and region of Manitoba?
Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, one of the things that this government has initiated and is very proud of is the fact that the City of Winnipeg has and should have its autonomy in decision making.
The zoning, the application, is all controlled by the City of Winnipeg. The land use, the planning of it is within the City of Winnipeg parameters. There is no study being initiated by this department.
Ms. Barrett: Can the minister confirm that there has been no study, no Urban Affairs input into the issues of this vital issue because there is no political will to do so, because they are under the thumb of private interests?
Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, no.
Health Care Facilities
Funding Levels
Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Finance.
We found out today that the government is unwilling to give us any information on the Jets. Will the Minister of Finance, at least today, since he is the minister who made the announcement of the 2 percent cut to hospital budgets on November 22 of last year, will the minister today table in this House how much each budget for each hospital is going to be cut by this government this fiscal year?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): As the member for Kildonan knows, we, back in November of last year, informed hospitals, personal care homes and community health centres of what their level of funding would be for 1995-96, and that level of funding, Madam Speaker, was maintained at $1.2 billion, the same level of funding as was in place the previous year.
As he knows full well, as a government we spend almost 34 percent of our budget on health care, the largest percentage of any provincial government in all of Canada. On a per capita basis, we spend the third most of any government in Canada.
Madam Speaker, that shows our commitment to health care in Manitoba, and we will continue to maintain that strong commitment.
Mr. Chomiak: Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Finance explain why hospitals such as Seven Oaks and Health Sciences Centre are having budget cuts this year even in excess of the so-called 2 percent cut that he announced on November 22 last year?
Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, we informed hospitals and personal care homes back in November what their funding levels would be.
I believe that might have been the earliest ever in the history of this province, or certainly amongst the earliest ever in terms of notifying facilities, notifying boards and notifying management of what their level of funding would be.
We were complimented for that, Madam Speaker, because that gives them the opportunity to prepare their budgets, to do their planning and to make the kinds of decisions they need to make around maintaining those facilities and maintaining care for Manitobans.
But I reiterate that the same level of funding, $1.2 billion, the same level of funding provided the previous year, was provided, unlike what we are seeing in many other provinces across Canada.
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Seven Oaks Hospital
Funding Levels
Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Finance, who could find ample money for the Jets on Friday, explain why Seven Oaks is now considering the plan to cut 16 to 21 R.N.s, 10 to 12 LPNs, up to eight dietitians, a unit clerk, a technologist and a pharmacist?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I cannot confirm the information the member is putting on the record here today, but I do reiterate that those facilities have been notified of their level of funding.
They have autonomous boards that make decisions around the running of those facilities. They have staff and expertise that allows them to make the kinds of decisions that they need to make to run the facility, but in terms of the commitment of this government, it is the highest level of commitment of any provincial government in Canada, Madam Speaker, and we will continue to maintain a high commitment to health care in Manitoba.
Gaming Commission
Public Hearings Schedule
Mr. Gregory Dewar (Selkirk): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the new minister responsible for Manitoba Lotteries.
Two days before the provincial budget was announced, his government finally recognized that there was a problem here in this province concerning gambling, and they followed some of the recommendations we put forward in Bill 203 and decided to hold some public hearings on gambling in this province.
My question is, why is this minister only proposing four hearings and only three outside of the city?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, it is not this minister or this government that is proposing the number of hearings or the locations of hearings. It is the 14-member review committee chaired by former Health minister Mr. Larry Desjardins that is making those decisions.
They are making the decisions, and they are proceeding with four hearings, one in Winnipeg, three outside of Winnipeg, that will be proceeding during the month of June.
Advertising
Mr. Gregory Dewar (Selkirk): A supplementary question for the same minister: Why did this government spend hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting the alleged good use of lottery revenue, telling us that gambling is good for us, and then, after that, they decided to just place one ad in Winnipeg media promoting the public review?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, the information I have been provided this morning is that there was some misunderstanding between the commission and Information Services in terms of the placing of ads. The direction was to place ads in rural Manitoba.
Madam Speaker, that has, in fact, been rectified. Ads are going to be rerun in Winnipeg, in the rural papers, so that ample notice is given to Manitobans about the four locations of the hearings, and the registration deadline will be extended until June 8 to ensure that Manitobans do have ample opportunity to appear and make representation to this commission.
Mr. Dewar: My final question for the same minister: Will this minister request the review working group to hold public hearings in more communities outside of the city, and will he cancel some of the lottery advertising and instead promote these hearings?
Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, a 14-person commission has been set up with broad representation from different elements, different sectors of our economy. We have a great deal of confidence in the people who are serving on that commission. They have broad scope in terms of their terms of reference, in terms of the social issues, the economic issues.
We will rely on their judgment. We have confidence in their judgment in terms of the locations, the numbers of hearings and so on. They will be proceeding, and they certainly will be, as a major part of their review, soliciting the input of Manitobans.
Education System
Special Needs Funding
Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, as the public bill for the Jets and the arena continues to rise, school divisions across Manitoba are finding that applications for special funding at Level II are increasingly being rejected by this government, so that teachers will find themselves without assistance in a classroom sometimes now of over 35 students and up to two or three special needs students.
I want to ask the minister to tell us whether this harsher application of criteria is one of her new policy directions, or is this simply a continuation of the Manness agenda for education?
Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, the member will recall, I am sure, because I am sure she has done her research properly, that there has been a tremendously significant increase to special needs funding in Manitoba under this government, an increase that was very much needed and too long ignored for the decade before that. That commitment to special needs students continues.
Special needs are a particular interest of mine, and I will ensure that the commitment this government has to caring for those students who do have identified special needs will be attended to vigorously.
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Ms. Friesen: Madam Speaker, will the minister confirm that some school divisions are facing this September a 30 percent reduction in support for Levels II and III special needs students at a time when those children's needs remain unchanged and some divisions are facing severe financial difficulties?
Mrs. McIntosh: Madam Speaker, if the member has specific instances that she would like to draw to my attention, I will be pleased to look at them.
Speaking in broad generalities, I will reply in the same broad generalities that she has presented to me and indicate that funding for special needs in the province of Manitoba has increased, not decreased. If she wishes to provide me with specific details, I will be able to reply with specific details.
Public Housing
Rent Arrears--Interest Rate
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Housing.
Yesterday, I asked the minister to clarify this government's policy for contracting out to collection agencies that charge interest to collect arrears from public-housing tenants.
Could the minister confirm today the government's policy for interest charges with these collection agencies?
Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): Madam Speaker, I am delighted that the member for Radisson has brought this up again, because there should be some clarification on it.
The department should not be in a position to put interest on arrears. A directive has gone out that arrears will not be charged on any past-due rent that has been collected. In fact, if there has been rent collected that had the past dues involved with the arrears, the people can apply for a rebate on that amount that has been charged as interest.
Ms. Cerilli: I thank the minister for that clarification, but the theory and the reality seem to be different.
Why are citizens being pursued for as much as 24 percent increase on arrears for public housing? How can the minister assure that this interest will not be charged when their arrears are collected?
Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, I will clarify again to the member for Radisson the fact that the collection of arrears and the interest on the arrears and the rent has been clarified to all those involved, that if there has been rent paid in arrears that had interest charged to it, they have the ability to collect that interest portion back from the department.
I will also point out at the same time, the best way to not pay any arrears or interest is to pay the accounts as they are due, to pay their bills.
Ms. Cerilli: Will the minister assure the House that the collection agencies that were or are contracted with the Department of Housing are not going to then be pursuing former tenants or tenants of Manitoba Housing for this interest and for the arrears with this interest?
Mr. Reimer: Yes, Madam Speaker.
Winnipeg Jets
Financial Losses
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance with respect to the Winnipeg Jets.
It is assumed that, by building a sports facility, taxpayers will be relieved of future operational losses of the Winnipeg Jets.
My question to the Minister of Finance is, since the province owns roughly 18 percent in terms of shares, like any other business, if there are profits to be made, no doubt we would receive profits in terms of our shares. If there are losses to be encountered, then the shareholders would have to pitch in for the losses.
Can the Minister of Finance guarantee this Chamber or guarantee Manitobans that any future losses of the Winnipeg Jets are not going to have to be covered by the taxpayers of the province?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Yes, Madam Speaker, the arrangement that is being discussed is, as I think the member knows full well, the private sector will take over the operational side.
They will strike an arrangement with the existing owners. They will take over the operations of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club. They will become responsible for the funding of operating losses effective this year as a result of any agreement that can be reached, and his very specific aspect about the 36 percent that is owned by a combination of the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba, we will continue to have that equity, but we will not contribute and not participate in funding any losses of the hockey club.
Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, again, I have a question to the Minister of Finance.
The Minneapolis deal fell apart primarily because of the question in terms of the losses that have been incurred thus far. Can the Minister of Finance indicate to the House if that is, in fact, being called into question today? In other words, can taxpayers possibly be relieved of the financial losses thus far to date?
Mr. Stefanson: I am not entirely clear what the member is getting at. The losses that have been paid to date are really reflected in the equity that the combination of the City of Winnipeg and the province now own, which we will continue to own.
I think many hope, if this entire arrangement can be put together, that we never realize upon it, but if and when the Winnipeg Jets were ever sold at some future point in time, many, many years down the road, that 36 percent would effectively flow back to the two levels of government, in effect recovering contributions that have been made for losses to date, but also recognizing, as the member knows, that even though we have funded losses to date as a provincial government of approximately $9 million, during that same period of time, we have taken in direct tax revenue, as a result of the Winnipeg Jets, approximately $17 million. So our Treasury is ahead by a net of $8 million.
Standing Committee
Winnipeg Jets/Arena
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Finance indicate to the House that he would be prepared or the government would be prepared to have a standing committee meet to hold accountable different groups that have been out there, such as the interim steering committee, MEC, to ensure that there is debate and questions and answers put forward regarding all the different issues facing the arena, facing the Winnipeg Jets?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, in terms of the issue of the utilization of standing committees, that is a matter to be discussed, I believe, between the Liberal, NDP and our House leaders over the course of the next few days.
North Winnipeg YM-YWCA
Crime Prevention Programs
Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Justice.
One month from today, the north Winnipeg YM-YWCA at Mountain and Main will close, a place where the Department of Justice has funded a youth late-night basketball program called Night Hoops, a rare crime prevention program by this department. Madam Speaker, youth crime is a very serious problem, and the North Y facility is part of the solution.
My question to the minister is, would she tell us whether she has considered the impact the Y's closing will have on area youth crime?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member knows very well that this government has taken great care in the area of looking at issues relating to public safety across this province, youth crime being one of our priorities.
We have instituted both preventative programs as well as programs that deal with consequences for young people, as well as looking at ways to bring parents into the system and make them also a part of the solution.
Certainly, the problem of youth crime is one which requires community solutions. The particular changes at the north end Y, I understand, were a decision of their board.
Youth Crime Rate
Prevention Strategy
Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Would the minister finally commit to a youth crime strategy which includes funding places like the North Y, rather than deferring to 7-Eleven?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The member knows there have been a number of initiatives which this government has put forward which deal with prevention of youth crime. [interjection]
The Leader of the Opposition says name one. I am more than happy to--the program called No Need to Argue which has involved schools across this whole city, junior high schools and high schools that have identified an issue within their community and that are developing a solution, not only with those young people, but with community partners, as well.
It is a successful program, Madam Speaker. We look forward to putting together all of those solutions that young people have come up with in the No Need to Argue program, making sure that all Manitobans have access to those solutions.
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North Winnipeg YM-YWCA
Funding
Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): I have a final supplementary. Would the minister at least commit to becoming a partner with the community and help fund not just the ongoing Night Hoops program, but the North Y facility itself?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Certainly, as the member knows, the whole issue of youth crime is one in which all members of the community have to become involved. The Department of Justice has been helpful to the community in setting up Youth Justice Committees. We have made sure we have been able to offer support in the form of guidance and assistance to communities that wish to set up the programs.
The Department of Justice and the government of Manitoba cannot do these things alone. We require the support of other partners within the community and will continue to look for that support.
Treaty Land Entitlements
South Indian Lake
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Northern and Native Affairs.
Has the government completed its Order-in-Council authorizing the transfer of 8,500 acres of land to South Indian Lake, now that the community has voted overwhelmingly in favour of becoming a First Nation?
Hon. Darren Praznik (Minister responsible for Native Affairs): First of all, Madam Speaker, I would like to welcome the member for Flin Flon to this Assembly.
With respect to the particular issue that he raises, I understand he is talking about the treaty land entitlement process. The simple question that he asks is not one that fits into the scheme for settling these particular issues. There is a Treaty Land Entitlement Chiefs' Committee. There is a process underway, and as each is settled, the province will complete transfers as are required.
To date, despite that vote, the settlement of the issue is not complete yet. It is a premature question.
Mr. Jennissen: My supplementary question to the same minister is, will the minister act immediately to complete the provincial paperwork, so that the people of South Indian Lake can obtain treaty status and thus will no longer be used as pawns by both levels of government over social assistance?
Mr. Praznik: Madam Speaker, I would advise the member that often in the exchange of questions, sometimes one has to pay attention to the first answer in asking the supplementary.
As I said in the first answer to my question, we have always moved very quickly when we have had agreements concluded, but that is not the holdup in this entire process.
Granville Lake
Social Assistance Eligibility
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): My final supplementary question is, has this government made a commitment that residents of South Indian Lake and Granville Lake will continue to be eligible for social assistance this summer, regardless of the state of negotiations between the two level of governments?
For the record, Madam Speaker, I would like to table a letter from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada regarding the cutting off of social assistance for Granville Lake starting tomorrow, June 1.
Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): Madam Speaker, I thank my honourable friend for that question, because it does give me the opportunity to clarify the circumstances around Granville Lake presently.
As we are all aware, the federal government did make a unilateral decision to stop funding social assistance at Granville Lake by way of a letter to us. We have replied back to the federal government asking them to reconsider that unfair decision.
We have also initiated, as a result of Chief Muswagon asking for a meeting of all three parties--we indicated our desire to meet before the beginning of June. Unfortunately, Chief Muswagon is away on holidays this week. He will be back next week, and there is a tripartite meeting set up for next week.
The federal government has come back to us and indicated that they will continue to fund social assistance on Granville Lake for another month until the meetings can take place and there can be some resolution.
Forest Fires
Prevention Strategy
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources.
Already this year, Manitoba has experienced 136 forest fires. Presently, there are 33 forest fires burning in the province. Three of these are out of control in northern Manitoba.
Given the situation in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Manitoba also faces a potential for massive forest fires. Can the minister outline whether adequate resources are in place to control forest fires, so they do not reach the magnitude of fires seen in the late 1980s?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, the member's assessment is relatively accurate in terms of the severity of the forest fire situation in the North. We have a very volatile situation out there with this kind of weather.
All resources that are available to us are being utilized at the present time. We anticipate that unless we get weather conditions and moisture conditions improving in the North, that we are in a position to possibly face the same situation that we did in 1989.
I just want to assure the member that all resources available to us are being utilized. Funding has never been a problem in terms of fighting for and protecting our forest resources.
Provincial Parks
Forest Fire Burn Policy
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Are the lands contained within the boundaries of the proposed provincial parks in northern Manitoba going to be subject to the let-it-burn policy, as they have been in past years?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure what the member is referring to when he makes that kind of a statement.
We have a policy in place that is being done with the qualified people we have within the department, where decisions are made as to which fires we will be manning and which we will be trying to keep under control. There are certain areas where it does not make any sense to do that, and we have a group in place that basically makes that decision.
Mr. Struthers: Is this government going to continue its let-it-burn policy outside of the boundaries of the proposed provincial parks and will this policy apply to the timber-leased areas held by Repap and Louisiana-Pacific?
Mr. Driedger: Madam Speaker, I was trying to explain to the member as well as the members of the House that there is a policy in place that basically is adhered to in terms of making decisions as to which fires we will try and get under control and which ones we will not.
There is no decision made in terms of which area. It is based on basically decisions by the people who are qualified to make that decision.
Highway Maintenance
Northern Manitoba
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Highways.
I want to ask the minister how he is going to address the situation we had in the Swan River area this year, where roads which were the only access to communities such as Shoal River Reserve, Indian Birch Reserve and Red Deer Lake were in such a deplorable condition that people were not able to get out of their communities for a certain length of time.
What steps is the Minister of Highways going to take to ensure that this does not happen again and that these roads are brought up to a standard that we see in southern Manitoba?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, I think the member is well aware that there were several areas of the province where Mother Nature had a significant impact on the roads this year.
I think the staff of the Department of Highways have done an excellent job of trying to get the roads back to a usable state as fast as Mother Nature will allow it to happen, whether it is in her region and the roads she has identified or any other roads in the province.
So the staff have done a commendable job dealing with the circumstances of Mother Nature. I know we will face a higher maintenance bill on many of those roads because of that, and they will be addressed this summer getting ready for next year.
Ms. Wowchuk: Madam Speaker, I hope that the minister understands the seriousness, and I want to ask him if he understands--
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for Swan River, with a subsequent question. Please pose it now.
Ms. Wowchuk: Madam Speaker, I want to ask the minister if he will consider seriously that these communities have only one access, and in southern Manitoba there are other accesses.
Will he address this and ensure that these people will not face a critical situation that they faced this spring?
Mr. Findlay: Madam Speaker, I cannot guarantee that Mother Nature will not deal the same blow to us next year, but I will guarantee the member that within the priorities of the $50-million maintenance budget and the over $100-million Capital budget, priority will be given to those roads that were negatively impacted, whether in her region or any other region of the province, will be given high priority, maintenance or capital reconstruction, whatever the case may be.
We cannot guarantee that Mother Nature will not do this again next year, but we will be well positioned to deal with that eventuality, should it happen.
Madam Speaker: Order, please. Time for Oral Questions has expired.
NONPOLITICAL STATEMENT
Children's Hospital Research Foundation
Mr. Gerry McAlpine (Sturgeon Creek): Do I have leave for a nonpolitical statement?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Sturgeon Creek have leave for a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. McAlpine: Madam Speaker, on Monday I rose in the House for a nonpolitical statement with regard to the Teddy Bears' Picnic and congratulating the committee.
I also want to stand today and pay recognition to the members of the team of the Winnipeg-Thunder Bay regiment of the armed forces under the leadership of Colonel James Jeffries and Colonel Don Grant, who are participating in a run through the rural communities of Manitoba to raise money for the Children's Hospital Research Foundation. They are hoping to raise something in the area of $30,000. On Monday morning, as I mentioned, the kickoff for that run started at Children's Hospital and proceeded west on Portage Avenue.
Also, Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the École Élémentaire Assiniboine, which is the school in the St. James area where the students and the principal participated in the run with the regiment and the team members of that regiment who are raising this money to kick off the run throughout rural Manitoba.
I stand here today primarily because of the commitment that these team members are making for raising money for the Children's Hospital Research Foundation, because I think we only have to go outside today to realize what they are doing as runners. They are running five kilometres at a time and there are 18 runners. They are going to cover 1,500 kilometres over the course of this week.
I stand today, Madam Speaker, to recognize and pay tribute along with the rest of the colleagues in the Legislature to congratulate these members for the commitment they are making in raising the money. I wish them well. I would hope that all rural members would support them in their communities as they pass through their communities of Manitoba. Thank you.