VOL. XLVII No. 32 - 1:30 p.m., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1997

Wednesday, April 23, 1997

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Wednesday, April 23, 1997

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms

Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Lorna V. Chartrand, Cindy D. Gray, Robin Gambler and others requesting that the Legislative Assemblyof Manitoba request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to consider immediately establishing amobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancerat the earliest possible opportunity.

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Pam Goertzen, Sandra Goertzen, Barbara Kanton and others requesting that the Legislative Assemblyof Manitoba request the Minister of Health to consider immediately establishing a mobilescreening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancer at theearliest possible opportunity.

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms

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

An Honourable Member: Dispense.

Madam Speaker: Dispense.

WHEREAS medical authorities have stated that breast cancer in Manitoba has reached almostepidemic proportions; and

WHEREAS yearly mammograms are recommended for women over 50, and perhaps younger if awoman feels she is at risk; and

WHEREAS while improved surgical procedures and better post-operative care do improve awoman's chances if she is diagnosed, early detection plays a vital role; and

WHEREAS Manitoba currently has only three centres where mammograms can be performed,those being Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson; and

WHEREAS a trip to and from these centres for a mammogram can cost a woman upwards of $500 which is a prohibitive cost for some women; and

WHEREAS a number of other provinces have dealt with this problem by establishing mobilescreening units; and

WHEREAS the provincial government has promised to take action on this serious issue.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba may be pleased to request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to considerimmediately establishing a mobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across theprovince detect breast cancer at the earliest possible opportunity.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY

STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Committee of Supply

Mr. Mervin Tweed (Acting Chairperson of the Committee of Supply): Madam Speaker, the Committee of Supply has adopted certain resolutions, directs me to report the same and asksleave to sit again.

ÁÁI move, seconded by the honourable member for Gimli (Mr. Helwer), that the report of thecommittee be received.

Motion agreed to.