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

An Honourable Member: Yes, it is.

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 many LPNs have been eliminated from most acute care facilities in Manitoba, including the St. Boniface, Health Sciences Centre, Seven Oaks, Concordia, and Victoria hospitals; and

THAT the LPNs of this province are valuable members of the health care system, providing professional, competent, skilled and cost-effective services; and

THAT staffing cuts will only result in declining quality of health care and potentially tragic outcomes; and

THAT it will not be long before the negative results of this shortcut effort are realized, just as they were in Alberta; and

THAT the elimination of LPNs in Manitoba's health care facilities will lead to higher costs and poorer patient care.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba request that the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) consider stopping the elimination of LPNs from the staffing complement in our health care facilities and recognize the value and dedicated service of LPNs across the province.

Mr. Gerry McAlpine (Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economic Development): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the First Report of the Committee on Economic Development.

Madam Speaker: Dispense.

Your committee met on September 28, 1995, to consider the Annual Report of Manitoba Lotteries Foundation for the year ended March 31, 1993, and the Annual Reports of Manitoba Lotteries Corporation for the years ended March 31, 1994, and March 31, 1995. Your committee also met on Thursday, June 12, 1997, at 10 a.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building to consider the Annual Report of Manitoba Lotteries Foundation for the year ended March 31, 1993, and the Annual Reports of Manitoba Lotteries Corporation for the years ended March 31, 1994, March 31, 1995, and March 31, 1996.

At that meeting, your committee elected Mr. McAlpine as its Vice-Chairperson.

Your committee has considered the Annual Report of Manitoba Lotteries Foundation for the year ended March 31, 1993, and the Annual Reports of Manitoba Lotteries Corporation for the years ended March 31, 1994, and March 31, 1995, and has adopted the same as presented.

Mr. McAlpine: I move, seconded by the honourable member for Gladstone (Mr. Rocan), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.