Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): I would like to present the petition of Debi Spence, Klaus Tibelius, Elmer Schartrand and others praying the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Minister of Justice to consider using this action plan, the NDP 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.

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's gallery where we have this morning His Excellency George Bullen, High Commissioner for the Eastern Caribbean States. On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this morning.

Also seated in the public gallery, we have eight visitors from the Applied Linguistics Centre under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Klippenstein. This group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for St. James (Ms. Mihychuk).

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