Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Patricia Kuzak, R. Kuzak, C. Boadway and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Minister of Justice (Mr. Toews) to consider using this action plan, the NDP's 18-point plan, to deal with gang crime as a basis for provincial policy on organized criminal gangs.

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for St. Johns (Mr. Mackintosh). It complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

An Honourable Member: Yes.

Madam Speaker: Yes. The Clerk will read.

Mr. Clerk (William Remnant): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth:

THAT the increase in violent crimes in Manitoba since 1990 has been more than three times as much as the Canadian average; and

THAT crime can only be effectively dealt with through both prevention and suppression; and

THAT the tough talk of the Manitoba Justice minister has not been matched with action; and

THAT Manitobans want a positive, comprehensive response to crime and gang crime that provides alternatives for youth; and

THAT the New Democratic Party has put forward an 18-point plan to deal with gang crime; and

THAT this plan is divided into elements focused on both the justice system and families, schools and communities; and

THAT this costed plan has been subject to widespread consultation and has been praised as a detailed plan to fight youth crime that is well thought through and constructive.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative

Assembly of Manitoba urge the Minister of Justice to consider using this action plan as a basis for provincial policy on organized criminal gangs.

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Hon. Vic Toews (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, it is my honour to table the Annual Report Concerning Complaints About Judicial Conduct in 1996.

Hon. Mike Radcliffe (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Government Services (Mr. Pitura), that leave be given to introduce Bill 9, The Public Utilities Board Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur la Régie des services publics, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

Motion agreed to.

Hon. Mike Radcliffe (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs): Madam Speaker, while I am on my feet I would like to seek leave of the House to again move introduction of Bill 8 because the text of the motion which I moved yesterday was not in order because it was written in English only.

I now have a text prepared as required in English and French. Do I have leave, Madam Speaker?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs have leave to reintroduce Bill 8? [agreed]

Mr. Radcliffe: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Northern Affairs (Mr. Newman), that leave be given to introduce Bill 8, The Real Property Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les biens réels, and that the same be now received and read a first time--or a second time, I guess, a second first.

Motion agreed to.

Hon. Darren Praznik (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I would move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Enns), that leave be given to introduce Bill 7, The Midwifery and Consequential Amendments Act; Loi sur les sages-femmes et modifications corrélatives, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, having been advised of the contents of this bill, recommends it to the House. I would also table the Lieutenant Governor's message.

Motion agreed to.

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have this afternoon from the Riverview School twenty-three Grades 5 and 6 students under the direction of Mrs. Susan Delaney. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Osborne (Ms. McGifford).

We also have fifteen Grade 11 students from Fisher Branch Collegiate under the direction of Mr. Cliff Skibinski. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Interlake (Mr. Clif Evans).

On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this afternoon.