Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I am requesting the unanimous consent of the House to move introduction and first reading of a bill to amend The Essential Services Act.

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable minister have the unanimous consent of the House to move and introduce first reading of a bill? [agreed]

Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Education (Mr. McCrae), that leave be given to introduce Bill 27, The Essential Services Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur les services essentiels), and that the same be now received and read a first time.

Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, on May 13, 1999, the Province of Manitoba received correspondence from the mayor of the City of Winnipeg regarding the current status of collective bargaining between the city and the Emergency Response Services Employees Association of Winnipeg. I am prepared to table that letter.

On May 18, 1999, the province was further advised that the ambulance workers have voted in favour of possible strike action. Based on the urgent request from the City of Winnipeg, plus possible strike action, plus the fact that there are no essential service agreements in place between the city and ambulance workers, I am seeking leave of the House to introduce for first reading an amendment to The Essential Services Act to include ambulance services of the city of Winnipeg as an essential service. I have copies of the letter from the mayor to table here, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion? [agreed]