Mr. Edward Helwer (Gimli): The mining industry in our province contributes more than $1 billion to our economy annually and provides approximately 4,300 direct jobs, plus 12,000 to 15,000 indirect jobs, and it is an integral part of the economic life for many communities. Our government certainly supports this industry, and by working with members of the industry, Manitoba has gone from the highest combined income and mining rates to one of the lowest in Canada, and new mine developments, thanks to initiatives such as the 7 percent investment tax credit, improved processing of allowance deductions and the phasing out of the provincial sales tax on electricity used in mining, manufacturing and exploration.
Now, Madam Speaker, Gossan Resources Limited has announced plans to convert a dormant Selkirk silicone smelter in order to produce a master alloy used in stainless steel production. The six-month conversion of the smelter is expected to cost approximately $10 million and should be in operation in some two years with the capacity to produce some 30,000 tonnes of chromite for at least 23 years.
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Madam Speaker, this is another example of the mining sector responding enthusiastically to opportunities in Manitoba. Gossan Resources Limited's plans are very welcome in this region, and their investment and creation of an expected 45 new jobs are great news for the local economy. Thank you.
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, some time later this year, it is likely that the federal government will sell off their fleet of 13,000 grain cars. In many ways, the sales will mark the end of any substantive federal government commitment to western farmers. Many producers wonder if the planned sale is equivalent to the informed comments of the former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau who said: Why should I sell your grain?
Agriculture was not even mentioned in the last federal budget speech, even though it was a carefully staged production with one of the longest budget speeches in history. After campaigning against the Mulroney government's agriculture policies, the Chretien government then adopted the same policies, just as they supported the GST and the Free Trade Agreement.
The end of the Crow rate, which was never mentioned in the so-called red book of the Liberal promises, was one of the first actions of the Chretien government. As a result, Manitoba went from the cheapest place in the Prairies to ship grain from to the most expensive. Fortunately, Manitoba producers, in their own way, have diversified their farm economies significantly. This being said, the transition has not been easy in all cases.
The rapid abandonment of rail transportation, encouraged by the federal government, has forced producers to truck their goods long distances over very poor roads. This government, this provincial government has abandoned scores of provincial roads, dumping the responsibilities onto rural municipalities. Only a tiny portion of the federal gas tax goes back to highways.
Whatever happens to the grain fleet, it would be morally wrong if the federal government pockets the proceeds that could be as high as $400 million when there are so many roads in poor condition and in need of repair. This money must go to upgrade Manitoba roads that have borne the brunt of the high increased traffic as a result of rail line abandonment.
Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to draw to the attention of all members of the House the success of the burgeoning industry in Manitoba. It has not gone unnoticed by members of the industry that Manitoba's film industry is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Film industry scouts are visiting our province in droves in search of locations for feature films, television series and made-for-TV movies. Over the previous three months, 30 film scouts have visited Manitoba. This is three times more than during this period last year. The industry credits the provincial tax credit plan for this industry boom in Manitoba. In the 1997 budget, the Manitoba government announced--
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order, please. I am experiencing difficulty hearing the honourable member for Pembina.
Mr. Dyck: Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the 1997 budget, the Manitoba government announced that film producers would be eligible for the Manitoba Film and Video Productions Tax Credit. A 35 percent rebate is available for work done by Manitobans on film and video productions shot here in Manitoba. Our government is again showing its aptitude for attracting a diversity of new businesses to Manitoba.
Given the increase in demand throughout Manitoba's film industry, the province will be in need of more freelance film workers. Individuals with lighting, camera, directing or production ability continue to be in demand as this industry grows. By encouraging Manitoba-based productions, the Filmon government is creating an environment for new and exciting opportunities in the film industry. I would like to wish all members of the film industry in Manitoba great success as our province is chosen as the site of more film and video productions. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Doug Martindale (Burrows): Yesterday the Minister of Family Services (Mrs. Mitchelson) tabled the fourth annual report of the Children's Advocate for 1996-97. I would like to commend the Children's Advocate, Mr. Wayne Govereau, and his staff for doing an excellent job of advocacy on behalf of children in the care of Child and Family Services agencies in Manitoba. It is very helpful to me and to others as members of this Legislature to be able to refer individuals to the Children's Advocate's office in order to have Mr. Govereau or his staff investigate allegations coming from children about agencies with whom they are dealing.
The Children's Advocate, in his annual report, examines the Child and Family Services system and says that many children and families have not been afforded basic dignity and respect. He also points to a lack of access to basic information and involvement in decisions which affect their lives. The Children's Advocate also believes there are many dedicated, committed and caring workers, but that their excessive caseloads and numerous other problems prohibit them from doing their job.
The most telling observation of all is, and I quote: The needs of children and families involved in the Child and Family Services system cannot be isolated from the broader social problems of poverty, unemployment, family violence, et cetera.
Regrettably, this provincial Conservative government fails to recognize the connection between poverty, unemployment, family violence and the number of children in care, which in Manitoba is the highest per capita in Canada. This shows once again that this government has failed Manitoba's children.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): I just want to add comment very briefly to an issue which I think deserves more attention from within the Chamber and that is with respect to individuals who leave the province. You know, stats are constantly referred to inside the Chamber, both the pros and the cons. We talk about jobs increasing over here. We talk about overall economic indicators that appear to give the government more of a positive side, yet there are some major gaps that are there that need to be recognized.
The most important one, or one of the most important ones for me has been the one of out-migration from the province and what the government is doing to address that particular issue. Today Manitoba is still losing far more people than are actually coming into the province. This is a great concern, especially if you break it down in terms of the demographics, the individuals that are in fact leaving the province. These, in good part, could be contributing so much more to the province. One has to get a better understanding as to why they are leaving the province and what we might be able to do to make a better atmosphere to retain more Manitobans to the province of Manitoba. Thank you, Madam Speaker.