LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
Please be seated.
Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? No?
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I move, seconded by the member for The Pas (Ms. Lathlin), that Bill 210, The Children's Advocate Act; Loi sur le protecteur des enfants, be now read a first time.
Motion presented.
Ms. Fontaine: Oh, sorry. I'm sorry. I don't have my–sorry, Madam Speaker.
I think that The Children's Advocate Act is important so that we can move forward in respect of an independent Child Advocate office who has expanded authority and mandate in respect of advocacy for all of Manitoba's children.
Miigwech.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
Any further introduction of bills?
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Chairperson): I wish to present the First Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following–
Some Honourable Members: Dispense.
Madam Speaker: Dispense.
Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its First Report.
Meetings
Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building:
· January 28, 2015 (4th Session, 40th Legislature)
· November 4, 2015 (4th Session, 40th Legislature)
· November 30, 2016 (2nd Session, 41st Legislature)
Matters under Consideration
· Public Accounts for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2014 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
· Public Accounts for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2015 and 2016 (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Recommendations – dated May 2016
o Accounts and Financial Statements
Committee Membership
Committee Membership for the January 28, 2015 meeting:
· Hon. Mr. Dewar
· Hon. Mr. Gerrard
· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)
· Mr. Jha
· Mr. Maloway
· Mr. Marcelino
· Mr. Martin
· Mr. Pedersen
· Mr. Saran
· Mr. Schuler
· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on January 28, 2015:
· Mr. Martin for Mr. Friesen
· Mr. Saran for vacancy
Committee Membership for the November 4, 2015 meeting:
· Hon. Mr. Dewar
· Hon. Mr. Gerrard
· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)
· Mr. Friesen
· Mr. Jha
· Mrs. Lathlin
· Mr. Maloway
· Mr. Marcelino
· Mr. Piwniuk
· Mrs. Stefanson
· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on November 4, 2015:
· Mr. Piwniuk for Mr. Schuler
· Mrs. Stefanson for Mr. Pedersen
Committee Membership for the November 30, 2016 meeting:
· Mr. Bindle
· Mr. Helwer (Vice-Chairperson)
· Mr. Johnston
· Ms. Klassen
· Mr. Maloway
· Mr. Marcelino
· Mrs. Mayer
· Mr. Michaleski
· Ms. Morley-Lecomte
· Mr. Wiebe (Chairperson)
· Mr. Yakimoski
Officials Speaking on Record at the January 28, 2015 meeting:
· Mr. Norm Ricard, Acting Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Mr. Dewar
· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance
Officials Speaking on Record at the November 4, 2015 meeting:
· Mr. Norm Ricard, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Mr. Dewar
· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance
Officials Speaking on Record at the November 30, 2016 meeting:
· Mr. Norm Ricard, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Mr. Friesen
· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance
Motions agreed to at the November 30, 2016 Standing Committee meeting:
THAT this Committee recommend that in future meetings dealing with the Public Accounts, printed copies of volume 4 will not be distributed to the members of the Committee.
Agreements:
Your Committee agreed to conclude consideration of Accounts and Financial Statements of the Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Recommendations – dated May 2016 at the November 30, 2016 meeting.
Reports Considered and Adopted:
Your Committee has considered the following report and has adopted the same as presented:
· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Reports Considered but not Passed:
Your Committee has considered the following reports but did not pass them:
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Recommendations – dated May 2016 (Accounts and Financial Statements – concluded consideration of)
· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)
· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)
Mr. Wiebe: I move, seconded by the honourable member for Brandon West (Mr. Helwer), that the report of the committee by received.
Motion agreed to.
Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Crown Services): I wish to present the Quarterly Financial Report for the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation for the three months ended June 30th, 2016.
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): I am pleased to table the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund 2015-2016 annual report.
Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): I am pleased to table the 2014‑2015 annual report for the Manitoba Labour Board.
Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I rise today to table the Fidelity Bonds crime insurance statement.
Madam Speaker: The required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2).
Would the honourable Minister of Health please proceed with his statement.
Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): I rise to today to mark World AIDS Day, which has been held annually on December 1st since 1988.
Today there are 10 landmarks around Canada that will be illuminated in red in some way to mark World AIDS Day, including McMahon Stadium, the CN Tower in Toronto and Vancouver City Hall, amongst others. Each member of this Legislature is also wearing a red ribbon today.
There are 35 million people living with HIV around the world, and more than 75,000 of those people live in Canada, with a new diagnosis in Canada taking place every three hours.
In Manitoba we support a number of programs focused on the prevention of AIDS, including The 595 Prevention Team, the safer choices network, as well as various education resource centres throughout the province.
Our government also directly supports regional health authorities in their work to increase harm reduction efforts and increase awareness and peer network development.
All Manitobans are partners in raising awareness about AIDS and AIDS prevention as well as in supporting those Manitobans who have AIDS.
To those who have AIDS, know that this Legislature and Manitobans support you, and to those Manitobans who are working in support of those who have AIDS and raising awareness about AIDS and its prevention, thank you for all the work that you do, and also thank you for the opportunity to rise today to mark World Aids Day.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, today is World AIDS Day. It gives us an important opportunity to recognize the advancements that have been made in the fight against AIDS, bring attention and support to those who live with AIDS every day and highlight the work that has yet to be done in order to eradicate the disease.
Madam Speaker, in Manitoba, organizations like Nine Circles Community Health Centre provide support, counselling and the community for Manitobans living with AIDS.
Last year, 105 new cases were reported in Manitoba. We also know that the impact spreads far beyond those individuals to their families, friends, and communities, who are all affected when a loved one is diagnosed.
Days like today are a time for events, for recognition and for fundraising. Fundraisers help raise money and awareness, but they do more than that. They also break down the stigma and show how Manitobans living with AIDS are still fierce contributors to our province. I support the work being done by all community organizations to remove the stigma around HIV/AIDS.
Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank the many professionals, health-care workers, volunteers, researchers, advocates and community organizations who dedicate their lives to the fight against AIDS. There is no cure, but because of the advancements that have been made, those living with AIDS get the treatment they need to live long, productive lives.
Let us continue to stand in solidarity with those who are touched by HIV/AIDS and remember those whose lives were cut short by it.
Thank you.
* (13:40)
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]
Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, today is World AIDS Day. It is a day when we show our support to those with HIV/AIDS in our province, and it's a day when we thank those who are helping in the fight against AIDS and to prevent AIDS and HIV.
In Manitoba, a total of 105 new HIV cases were reported in 2015. The incidence rate is slightly higher than the rate of the last 10 years and considerably higher than the Manitoba average for the last 30 years.
Some provinces have been very aggressive in their efforts to prevent HIV and AIDs. In British Columbia, there has been an 83 per cent decrease in the incidence of HIV since 1997. Sadly, Manitoba has not seen such a decrease. If anything, this trend is slightly upwards, and in five of the last seven years, our rate has been above the national average. The Minister of Health owes Manitobans an explanation as to why our province has done so much worse than British Columbia when it comes to preventing HIV.
This day is to remind us that HIV/AIDS is still a very serious public health concern and that policy makers like ourselves in this House need to continue the fight for effective treatment as prevention strategies where HIV–anti-HIV drugs are fully covered by Manitoba Health so we can be more effective.
Madam Speaker: Further ministerial statements?
The honourable Minister of Crown Services.
The required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2).
Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement.
Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Crown Services): Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of being safe and making good decisions as drivers on Manitoba's roadways. This has been a tragic year on Manitoba's roads, with 105 people losing their lives as of today. I have stood at a podium countless times this fall, in front of many different audiences, to talk about how many people have died as a result of someone making a bad decision behind the wheel.
The importance of making good driving decisions cannot be understated. Many times people choose not to wear a seatbelt, decide to check their phones, have just one more drink and get behind the wheel or be–or go beyond the speed limit to get to their destination just a little faster. These decisions can have deadly consequences for the driver making those decisions and for other travellers on the roadway.
Today, the RCMP have launched their holiday Check Stop program, a program that helps to keep our roads safe during the Christmas and New Year season. This program also serves as a reminder to make good choices before you get behind the wheel. The interaction between RCMP members and Manitobans make a difference, can often influence future decisions by drivers. We thank our police force members across the province for their dedication to keeping Manitobans safe.
In the month of November alone, seven Manitobans have lost their lives on the roadways. The RCMP report the following statistics regarding Manitoba's 2016 fatal crashes: Speed was a contributing factor in 47 per cent of fatal incidents. Impaired driving was a contributing factor in 40 per cent of fatal incidents. In 50 per cent of fatal crashes, the deceased were not wearing a seatbelt. And in 16 per cent of fatal crashes, intersection violations were a contributing factor. And distracted driving was a contributing factor in 11 per cent of fatal incidents.
These statistics serve as a sombre reminder that the choices we make as drivers impact the lives of others.
This holiday season, we would like to remind Manitoba's motorists to be vigilant in their driving decisions. Remember, your choices and actions on the road impact not only yourself but others as well. When getting behind the wheel this holiday season, I urge all Manitobans to think about their families, friends and coworkers but to also think of the countless fellow travellers that you don't know and their loved ones.
We want all Manitobans to have the opportunity to spend the holiday season with their families and friends. We don't want the reason someone does not make it home for Christmas to be the result of someone else's poor choice behind the wheel. We, as drivers, have a responsibility to our fellow citizens to be safe on the road, and I am hopeful that Manitobans will make responsible choices this holiday season.
Let's make this a season where we greet each other with a merry Christmas and a happy new year, let's drive safe.
Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): As the holidays and winter weather approach, it is a good time to talk about road safety. Even one death is too many and too often unsafe driving results in lives lost and multiple families and communities grieving. We must all work together to put an end to unsafe driving and these senseless and often preventable tragedies.
This year has been a terrible year for road deaths with over 100 fatalities on Manitoba roadways in 2016 so far. The devastating impact of impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, failure to use seatbelts and other careless driving practices cannot be overstated.
I'm proud to be part of our former NDP government that worked hard to reduce the number of roadway fatalities through education and enforcement, and also investments in road infrastructure. We also worked closely and co‑operatively with our public insurer, Manitoba Public Insurance, to enhance road safety. However, the work is never done.
In opposition, we will continue to advocate for meaningful action against impaired driving and distracted driving and other dangerous choices, and for safer roads and highways.
Madam Speaker, we encourage Manitobans to celebrate the season in any way that they may wish, but if those celebrations involve alcohol, it's important that Manitobans make the right choice to ensure a safe ride home, whether it's calling a taxi, hopping on the bus, having a designated driver, using great services like Operation Red Nose, or simply staying over with friends or family, there is always an alternative to drinking and driving.
I also want to thank our law enforcement officers and other first responders not only for the proactive work they do keeping us safe on the roads, but also the terrible job they have to do when responding to these tragic and often preventable accidents.
To all Manitobans we wish a happy holiday and we also wish safe driving.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to speak in response to the ministerial statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]
Ms. Lamoureux: I rise today to discuss safe driving.
As we near the end of our legislative sitting and return to our home communities, many of us will travel great distances to be with our families and loved ones for the holidays.
Madam Speaker, 2016 has experienced a record number of highway collisions. More than 100 people have died on Manitoba's roads. Whether it be speeding, distracted driving, failure to buckle up or driving under the influence, we are experiencing devastating loss of life in our province.
Madam Speaker, education is our greatest resource in combating this problem. Us as MLA's want to motivate Manitobans to communicate about and encourage safe driving.
I would also like to thank our Manitoba enforcement officers for their continuous efforts to keep our roadways safe this holiday season and throughout the year.
Thank you.
Mr. Brad Michaleski (Dauphin): The Dauphin constituency from Laurier to Roblin on the north side of the Riding Mountain National Park is truly a great place full of great people doing great things.
I rise today to congratulate just a few of the people who have been recognized this year for their outstanding talent, citizenship and leadership.
Kayla Luky from Grandview was nominated in three categories at the Manitoba Country Music Association awards this year: one for Female Artist of the Year, one for Roots Artist, Duo or Group of the Year, and taking home the Emerging Artist award.
Ryan Keown, from the jewel of the parkland Roblin, was also nominated in four categories, taking home the Male Artist of the Year and The Fans Choice Award.
In the field of agriculture, Gordon McPhee from Dauphin was inducted into the Manitoba Agriculture Hall of Fame this year for his pioneering work towards minimum and zero-till crop production, a concept considered impossible, even crazy 30 years or so ago, yet it is a major part of today's sustainable agricultural practices.
* (13:50)
In sport, congratulations to Rodger Sheldon of Ste. Rose du Lac, a player, coach, organizer and promoter of Baseball Manitoba. Rodger was inducted into the prestigious Honour Society this year and continues to coach his granddaughter Olivia.
And congratulations to Rob Theoret, also of Ste. Rose. Bob was recently awarded one of the television academy's highest honours, receiving an Emmy for the film Stories for the Soul which was nominated in the category of public/current/community affairs, single story.
Congratulations to all these folks from Manitoba's Parkland and for making all Manitobans proud.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Today, I recognize an incredible milestone of Saul Cherniack.
Saul served as the MLA for St. Johns from 1962 to 1981. Madam Speaker, next month Saul turns 100 years old.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, I invited Saul, alongside Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who served as the MLA for St. Johns from 1986 to 1993; and Gord Mackintosh, who served as the MLA for St. Johns from 1993 to 2016.
While time does not allow for a full rendering of Saul's varied and illustrious career, allow me to highlight just a few.
Saul served with the Royal Canadian Artillery and the intelligence corps of the Canadian Army. Saul was a lawyer. While in government, Saul served as minister of Finance. During Edward Schreyer's administration, Saul was one of the premier's most trusted confidantes. Saul was well-known and respected for his intellect, integrity and commitment to confronting Manitoba's toughest issues head on.
After retiring from politics, Madam Speaker, Saul was a member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee overseeing the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Saul's phenomenal work was acknowledged with an Order of Canada and an Order of Manitoba.
Saul's incredible work has paved the way for Judy, Gord and myself to continue building community, friendships and family in St. Johns.
As the fourth generation and member of this Fab Four crew, I'm so grateful and humbled to continue to serve as St. Johns' MLA. Each of you, Saul, Judy and Gord, have paved the way for my own standing as the MLA for St. Johns and, indeed, in being elected the first urban First Nation woman within the Manitoba Legislature.
Miigwech, Saul, for your years of service, your contributions to Manitoba. Congratulations to you and your family on your upcoming 100th birthday.
I ask the members to please join me in welcoming back to saint–the St. Johns MLA predecessors to the Chamber.
Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): The Premier (Mr. Pallister), yourself, Madam Speaker, and myself and all MLAs from the Legislative Assembly invite all Manitobans to attend the annual Christmas open house here at the Legislative Building on Saturday, December 3rd, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This year's open house follows the end of the Second Session on Manitoba's 41st sitting of the Legislative Assembly and is a chance for all MLAs to set aside politics for a day and exchange holiday greetings with the public.
There will be entertainment at the Grand Staircase, including performances by the Murdoch Mackay jazz band, Sisters by Choice, Honeycomb, Wing on–and a Prayer, Colleen Furlan and the choir composed of MLAs led by our own Madam Speaker. I'm sure that the MLA choir will give an outstanding performance. And, by the way, there are no tomatoes allowed in the building that day.
As well as–there will be a children activity centre at room 254 where Ross the musician will be mesmerizing our young Manitobans.
Many rooms will be open to the public viewing, including the office of the Premier and ministers, the party caucus rooms, the office of the Lieutenant Governor and, of course, the office of the Speaker of the Legislature, allowing the public with a first-hand look inside this beautiful building.
Attendees of the open house are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to be donated to Winnipeg Harvest. This donation can go a long way in making a difference for a family in need, and very much appreciated.
I'd like to say merry Christmas and happy holidays to all, and no matter what political stripe you are, the happy holidays is a time to reflect and to be gracious to everything that we have.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): In recent years the former NDP government made a mess of the Provincial Nominee Program. It got so bad they had to freeze the program.
In the election I said that I would be a strong advocate for immigration, so I'm not going to stand by when the government refuses to repair the program and decides to charge accepted applicants more money.
Since being elected, and I encourage members to refer to Hansard, I have been consistent in asking relevant questions trying to improve the program. I've been denied information. I've had a meeting with the minister responsible, who then cancelled on me. And then I've asked sincerely for the government to get on board with having the Auditor General review the program.
Madam Speaker, this past week, the NDP opposition, who never mentioned the program until it made headlines, are now trying to come across as advocates for it. Really? Have they forgotten how they dismantled the program?
Then, on the other side of the House, we have the government trying to prevent families from reunification. We have them charging accepted applicants up to more than $500. And we have them–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Ms. Lamoureux: –relentlessly playing the blame game, even though they've been in power for almost nine months now.
Madam Speaker, in just 19 days, I will be making my way to India–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Ms. Lamoureux: –and the Philippines, along with my local Member of Parliament, also my father, and my colleague from River Heights. We will be promoting Manitoba and the nominee program.
And while I am over there, over the new year, one of my New Year's resolutions will be to hold the government accountable until they take action and repair the Provincial Nominee Program here in Manitoba.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order. Order, please. Order.
Mr. Jon Reyes (St. Norbert): Madam Speaker, December is here, and we–as we look around this marvellous and historic building, you can see and feel the Christmas spirit is in the air. But there is a day in December that we should, as Canadians and as Manitobans, should all remember: December 8th.
Madam Speaker, December 8th will mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong. In the fall of 1941, two Canadian battalions, the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers, were sent to Hong Kong, comprising of 1,975 soldiers. Within a few months following deployment, the Royal Rifles and the Winnipeg Grenadiers would find themselves engulfed in fierce combat against the Japanese 38th division.
Following 17 days of intense combat, the Canadian battalions were finally forced to surrender and a total of 554 Canadians would lose their lives. In order to remember their bravery and sacrifice, a Canadian Commemorative Ceremony will be held at the Sai Wan War Cemetery in Hong Kong on Sunday, December 4th.
A delegation of Canadian Armed Forces members will be attending and two members of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Master Corporal Allden and Corporal Francisco, will be in attendance to lay a wreath on behalf of the government of Manitoba.
Sadly, we lost our second last Winnipeg Grenadier who served in the Battle of Hong Kong, just two days after Remembrance Day. George Nobiss passed away on November 13th.
Madam speaker, I would like to thank all those who served in the Battle of Hong Kong, as their efforts were paramount in shaping the nation we live in today.
* (14:00)
I would also like to thank my colleague from Kildonan for bringing forward Bill 213 and supporting veterans, and all my colleagues on this side of the House will continue to support those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.
To George, to all those who served and to those who continue to serve, on behalf of all Manitobans, we salute you.
Lest we forget.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Introduction of Guests
Madam Speaker: We have some guests here joining us today for question period, and I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the loge to my left where we have with us former members for the constituency of St. Johns, including Mr. Saul Cherniack, Mr. Gord Mackintosh and Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis.
And in behalf of all members we'd like to welcome you here today.
Also seated in the public gallery from Assiniboine Community College, 22 social service work program students under the direction of Valerie Frape, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson).
And we have seated in the public gallery, from East Selkirk Middle School 17 junior parliament students under the direction of Nadia Gorbe and Daria Kaegi, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Selkirk (Mr. Lagimodiere).
On behalf of all honourable members here, we'd like to welcome you to the Manitoba Legislature.
Federal Cap on Participants
Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Provincial Nominee Program currently emphasizes linkages to friends, family and community. By doing so, Manitoba has an excellent retention rate. People choose to stay here and put down roots. This is why the program has been so successful. It makes no sense to have immigrants coming to Manitoba if they leave for bigger cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
The Premier can make improvements to the program by lobbying the federal government to increase the annual numbers allowed to come to Manitoba that were frozen under his Conservative Party in Ottawa.
Will the Premier commit today to lobbying Ottawa to ensure that this program is more successful and will he ensure that the focus of the program emphasizes family and community connections?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Having had the honour to be part of a government that established the program in the first place, Madam Speaker, I find it very easy to commit and will demonstrate in actual deeds our commitment as a government to make the program work more effectively for the people of the world and for the people of Manitoba as well.
I wanted to add to the excellent comments the member for St. Johns (Ms. Fontaine) put on the record earlier, and just say thank you to Mr. Cherniack. Mr. Cherniack was–didn't brag about it, but he was Ed Schreyer's right-hand man. He was a key member in the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation earlier. He was community–a dedicated community man before he entered the world of politics, a fine lawyer and carried on his professional skills to the advantage of many Manitobans over many years. He also was the vice-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress for a time and served in that capacity as well. A fine citizen, acknowledged with an Order of Manitoba and also with an Order of Canada, and I would be remiss in not mentioning also a veteran who served this country admirably and well.
So, Mr. Cherniack, it's an honour, sir, to meet you for the first time and to say on behalf of all of us in the government, certainly, and I think of all Manitobans, thank you so much, sir, for your service to the people of Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question.
Ms. Marcelino: The Premier wants to rewrite the history of immigration to this province. To directly quote the Premier's words, he says that provincial nominees have high unemployment. He says they come from desperate circumstances. He says they are put on welfare and depend on social supports for too long.
Not one word of that is true. Provincial nominees have flourishing careers in their home countries and have much lower unemployment than other immigrants across the country. They are successful in their home countries and are proud of their heritage. This government's own study showed that their use of social supports are negligible.
Madam Speaker, provincial nominees are here in the gallery today.
Will the Premier apologize to them for his hurtful language about their shared experience?
Mr. Pallister: One of the things that Saul Cherniack was noted for was his intellectual rigour in debate, his willingness to use fact and not fabrication. [interjection] I would encourage the members opposite not to try to misrepresent my language, my statements, to anyone in the province for their own personal–
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Pallister: –political benefit. This is a shallow tactic.
I would also say of Mr. Cherniack that I do not think he looks a day older than the former member for St. Johns sitting next to him. Gord Mackintosh and Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who I had the honour to serve with in this Chamber, as did, I believe, solely, the member for Elmwood (Mr. Maloway) in earlier days here when the Provincial Nominee Program was first established by the PC government of the day.
Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary.
Ms. Marcelino: The Premier's hurtful language is recorded in Hansard for everyone to see.
Madam Speaker, the Premier is imposing a $500 fee on provincial nominees, but that will not bring in one immigrant to this province, since his Conservative government in Ottawa froze the numbers. Now, $500 might not be a lot of money for the Premier, but I can tell you that for new immigrants, this is a lot of money. The Premier's $35,000 raise this year would pay for fees for 70 nominees, or pay for their daycare or buy their kids coats and put food on the table.
Madam Speaker, new Manitobans are in the gallery today, and their request is for the Premier to take action by lobbying the federal government to ensure even more provincial nominees come and stay in Manitoba. But they're also here to tell the Premier–
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
The member's time has expired.
Mr. Pallister: I understand the resistance to change among the members, but Manitobans did say resoundingly this spring they would like change and they would like improvement. We would like improvement in the programs that have been decaying over the years. In fact, Madam Speaker, we have in this particular program waits that exceed, in some cases, half a decade for people.
As a government, we're addressing those wait times to the benefit of all applicants in the future, and we know very well, Madam Speaker, unlike the members opposite, who I understand–I understand–are very defensive of their past performance or lack thereof. But the fact remains that a program, once established, can be improved. And we will improve this program by matching the applicants with skills they have or with training and improve their opportunities to find jobs here–right here in Manitoba.
Madam Speaker, I'd also, if I could, like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of a tremendous octogenarian of long service to the people of Canada, Mr. Charlie Mayer, and say we appreciate very much his service to the people of Canada and to Manitoba as well. Wish him well.
Applications Under Existing Rules
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): We are hearing from Manitobans who rejected the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) proposed changes to the Provincial Nominee Program and certainly the disrespectful language that we've heard from the Premier this week. They are determined to fight against the changes the Premier has proposed and protect a program which has seen 98 per cent of nominees report earnings within their first year in Manitoba.
A $500 fee is a cash grab that places additional burdens on newcomers, who grow our province's economy by $350 million a year. Changes to the nominee criteria will threaten newcomers' deep connections to Manitoba and force many to leave for different jobs.
Can the minister then answer a simple question? Will the government process all remaining applicants that have applied under the existing rules: yes or no?
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.
* (14:10)
Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): It's a pleasure to rise to put a few words on the record around the Provincial Nominee Program.
We will be processing the backlog by April, and the average processing time under the previous government had risen to 42 months. We are going to be able to process in six months or less. That's the kind of improvements in services that this government provides to Manitobans.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question.
Ms. Fontaine: It is a very simple question. The government's refusal to answer is deeply disturbing to anyone who cares about fairness for newcomers.
We feel strongly the Province should continue to emphasize community connection in its immigration programs and should process the remaining 'appligants' under the existing rules.
Is the minister going to process the remaining applicants under the existing rules, or is he going to change the rules, ripping up existing applications?
Mr. Wishart: As I said in my previous answer, we are processing the remaining applications and we will use the existing rules. But as of April the 1st, we will get rid of the backlog that had accumulated under the previous government and left some people languishing for decades. It's–or it's near half a decade, sorry.
It is simply unacceptable to us as a government to show such disrespect for people, to leave them waiting for 42 months, on average, and in some cases much longer.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary.
Ms. Fontaine: The Manitobans sitting in the gallery above us are very concerned. They have benefited from the Provincial Nominee Program and they want to see it protected. They are professors, business owners, immigration consultants and public sector workers who know that their family ties to Manitoba kept them from moving into bigger markets like Toronto or Vancouver.
Madam Speaker, PNP has been praised by both the immigration and business community as a way to bring skilled workers who drive our economy and build multicultural communities in Manitoba.
Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) admit that his new changes will leave lasting damage to Manitoba's economy, population and to our diverse culture?
Mr. Wishart: In fact, the changes we're making to the program will make it work better and will help align new immigrants with the jobs that they come to Manitoba to seek and will make it quicker for them not only in terms of reducing wait times, but they will have much better connections to the job market than they have had before.
So the industry, labour and–sorry–the jobs available in the–in industry will be more available to them than they were before.
Effect on Front-Line Services
Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): We're starting to see that the Premier's job cuts are going to impact front-line services.
We know that there have been reductions in the Education Department. People in the job categories affected do things like provide students with special supports in class, transportation to and from school or manage student aid for post-secondary students. These are services that parents and students rely on.
Will the Premier tell us who's been let go so Manitobans can decide for themselves whether or not front-line services are being affected?
Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I know the member's always concerned about making sure that education services are at their best quality here in Manitoba. We are as well, and we have made significant changes in the Department of Education that have aligned the K-to-12 system and the post-secondary system much better, including the trades and training as part of that. And in the process, we have created some extra people, in the process, and those are the ones that are–have been let go, but we expect to improve education services to Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Kinew: It is the nature of these quote, unquote, extra people, that we'd like to find out about.
You know, the Premier's promised not to cut front-line services, but now we are starting to have some serious doubts about that. The jobs cut from the Ministry of Education and Training might impact services and programs like Aboriginal education, special education, transportation, Manitoba Student Aid, so we'd like to find out. For students and parents, those pursuing higher education, those are very important services.
And on another note, if they are implemented on December 12th, just two short weeks before Christmas, that raises a question of compassion.
So we'd like to know–you know, it's bad enough the Premier is making these cuts, but did he really have to do them right before the holidays?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): The member speaks of compassion. The previous administration predicted that they would spend $1 million a day more than they were bringing in from revenue, some of Canada's highest taxes. They actually ended up spending $2 million a day more than they were bringing in with some of Canada's highest taxes.
Now, the member argues against trimming the top of the organization, which is among the largest in Canada. He argues against making necessary decisions to try to restore some sense, some semblance of reasonable balance back to our province's fiscal situation. He argues for additional spending on the basis of something he ignored and his colleagues ignored for a decade while they doubled the provincial debt and added to the size government at the expense of all Manitobans.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a final supplementary.
Mr. Kinew: The argument that I'm making is that the Premier has a credibility problem. It's that simple.
We have heard misdirection. We have heard statements made by this government that were subsequently walked back. That's why we'd like to see evidence that Manitobans can judge for themselves. They deserve the right to be able to decide for themselves whether the front-line services that they rely on are being impacted by the Premier's job cuts.
Will the Premier table a list of reductions in the Education Department so Manitobans can decide for themselves whether or not front-line services are being affected?
Mr. Pallister: Manitobans decided for themselves this spring, Madam Speaker, when they rejected an agenda of ever-growing debt, ever-growing taxes and ever-growing tendencies by the previous administration to place an onerous burden on us when we're older, and on our children and our grandchildren.
The member speaks about transparency, but the previous administration also engaged in practices, wasteful practices of duplication, of awarding friends, of hiding and covering up sole-source contracts again and again and again.
And these are practices, Madam Speaker, which resulted in that decade of debt, decay and decline, and we will address these challenges head on by fixing the finances, repairing the services and rebuilding the economy of our province.
Effect on Front-Line Services
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): First, I'd like to acknowledge in the gallery, Phyllis MacKenzie. She was a life-long union member who fought very hard, as a part of that union, to protect workers' rights.
Now, Madam Speaker, here we are, a few short weeks before Christmas, and this Premier is starting to act like Scrooge. He wants to cut pay of front-line workers. He wants to fire civil servants who manage the front-line services Manitobans rely on.
Will this Premier stop undermining front-line services and start protecting them, like he promised he would?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I want to thank Phyllis for her years of service. I would mention, also, that she has a reason to be proud of herself and her commitment to work for the benefit of her fellow workers. This is something that my mother raised my brother and sister and I to understand as a devoted unionist for 40-plus years.
And I understand very well that front-line services are not well protected by spending beyond your means year after year after year, or by raising taxes, or by promising front-line workers you won't raise their taxes when you walk to their house, when you knock on their door and when you promise that you won't raise their taxes right to their face and then do it.
Madam Speaker, the members opposite speak about credibility. They speak about transparency. They speak about integrity, but they failed to demonstrate those qualities when he had the opportunity. And I encourage him to begin to demonstrate those qualities now by joining with us and standing up for front-line workers in this province.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Lindsey: The Premier's world, front-line services somehow deliver themselves.
Funding for women's shelters, after-school programs, for employment training, community safety, all these front-line services are delivered through front-line workers, but this Premier is eliminating those civil servants who deliver these programs.
* (14:20)
Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) reverse this backwards move and stop his ideological attack on front-line services?
Mr. Pallister: I remind the member that front-line workers are not protected by making commitments not to erode their incomes, and then eroding their incomes as the previous administration did time after time by raising the taxes after promising not to on their very benefits at work. On their pay stubs–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Pallister: –every–every–front-line worker in Manitoba has a reminder every time they look at it that they're being eroded–their pay, their take-home is being eroded by the actions of the previous administration.
Every time, Madam Speaker, that a front-line worker pays for their home insurance to protect their family against the loss to–or damage to their home, they are reminded, with an 8 per cent bill added on to their home insurance, of the absolute broken promises of the previous administration.
Madam Speaker, I come from a family of front‑line workers, as many do in this Chamber, and we understand that keeping our promises to front‑line workers is a way to build a stronger front‑line service for all Manitobans.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary.
Mr. Lindsey: The Premier's strategy is clear and it's not new: protect himself and his friends while he's undermining and attacking front-line services and front-line workers.
What's next, Madam Speaker, cuts to social workers, child-care workers, nurses? Who knows.
These cuts will hurt thousands of Manitobans who rely on front-line services every day.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Lindsey: Will this Premier stop his attack on front-line workers?
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, the member repeats a tactic that was used by the NDP for the last few years to try to frighten front-line workers, but front-line workers have–[interjection]–front-line workers–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Pallister: Incredibly, Madam Speaker, they're so out of touch with front-line workers that they don't understand that very tactic falls on deaf ears.
Front-line workers understand that their take‑home pay's been eroded by the actions of the NDP. They also understand that living off tomorrow's tax dollars taken from them and their children and grandchildren is no way to sustain the economy of our province. And they also understand there is no security in a workplace–[interjection]–no security for people–
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Pallister: –in the province where we've had two credit rating downgrades just in the last year and a half and almost $1 billion a year is going to pay for the overspending of the past.
Madam Speaker, front-line workers have a lot more common sense than the member opposite demonstrates with that question.
Privatization Concerns
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, the last time the Conservatives were in government they cost the taxpayers of Manitoba more than $2.5 million by breaching the terms of the Canada Health Act.
As the Premier said, past behaviour is the best indicator of future behaviour, and now the government is again putting on–putting us on a dangerous path that will have Manitoba's health-care system penalized for the first time in 20 years.
This Health Minister is ignoring the very real consequences that his reckless, ideological tunnel vision will have on Manitobans.
Does the Health Minister agree with the fundamental principle of the Canada Health Act, that care should be based on need and not on the ability to pay?
Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, if the member truly believes that past behaviour is indicative of future behaviour, he would understand why Manitobans voted for a change: because the record long wait times that grew under the NDP were just going to continue if the NDP stayed in government.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Wiebe: In fact, Madam Speaker, there is no clear evidence that privatized services help reduce wait times or that they improve care. In fact, doctors are warning us that the problem of wait times could be made worse under this new system.
As of last week, the Health Minister hadn't convened his health wait–health time–health wait‑times task force, he hasn't heard from his outside consultants and he certainly hasn't been listening to front-line workers. Instead, the minister has taken one side of the story from the far-right Sask. Party as gospel rather than listening to Manitoba health-care professionals.
What evidence other than the ideologically driven Saskatchewan Party does he have that this will reduce wait times and improve care?
Mr. Goertzen: Well, Madam Speaker, the member should know that more than half of the provinces in Canada have private MRIs and some have more private health care.
In fact, it was this member, earlier in this session, I'd like to remind the House as we near the end of the session, that said we should take the example of British–or of Quebec, Quebec which has private doctors, Quebec which has private MRIs, Quebec which has private CAT scans.
Now, I know he might seem–might feel that this–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Goertzen: He might feel that this has been a long session. But it shouldn't be so long that he's reversed himself 180 degrees, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary.
Mr. Wiebe: Well, Madam Speaker, after months of this government balking at our warnings that they were seeking to Americanize our health-care system, the Health Minister has now finally confirmed that that's been his plan all along.
He's ignoring the Canada Health Act. He isn't listening to doctors who disputed the benefits of this model. And he's only listening to his ideological friends in Saskatchewan. In fact, he's reading from the old Tory playbook. When faced with the challenge to innovate–for–to find innovation, the only answer he can come up with is to privatize.
Madam Speaker, there's more to innovation than just credit-card medicine. And charging Manitobans for health care isn't innovation; it's illegal.
Will the Health Minister abandon his plan?
Mr. Goertzen: Well, Madam Speaker, the member's definition of innovation when they were in government is to have record-long wait times, to have people sitting in the hallways as they waited for service, to be on the highways to try to get service. That was his record of innovation when he had the opportunity when he was in government.
As I said in an earlier answer, Madam Speaker, more than half of the provinces in Canada have private MRIs or other private services. We're not trying to make our health-care system more like America. We're trying to make it more like the rest of Canada.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order. Order, please. Order, please.
I would just like to remind all members that it is time for question period, and that means we should be listening carefully to the questions and to the answers. I don't think it serves any purpose to throw barbs across the way. I know that sometimes, in the excitement of the moment, things are said that we regret afterwards. And I would just caution everybody to be careful with the words that are used in this House.
Funding Reduction
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Bad things are happening under this government. Children in care are being put in jail in the Remand Centre when they can't find a foster home. Youth are being treated like animals and pepper-sprayed.
And yet when there is good news, like at the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, where they're doing better supporting families and reducing the number of children in care, the government turns the good news into bad news by cutting the agency's funding.
When will the government come to its senses and ensure strong support for agencies like the NCN agency, which are getting really good results, to encourage other agencies to achieve similar good results?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I appreciate the member's concerns, Madam Speaker. And I know he was part of a government in the '90s, federally, that decimated provincial transfer support for the very programs that he now defends. And I know that–also that consideration is being undertaken by the present federal government in terms of reducing transfer support for health care by radical amounts.
* (14:30)
And so I would encourage him to understand that we all here need to unite in supporting the restoration of the supports, the transfers specifically for health care in our province, and I would encourage the provincial Liberal caucus to join with us, as well as the provincial NDP caucus to join with us in doing so.
I think it is critical that we maintain and improve our health-care system here in Manitoba. We need the federal government to step up to the plate and do the right thing and maintain the supports for provincial health-care delivery.
Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, the 3 per cent increase in federal health dollars is far different than the 100 per cent cut that the Premier gave to the Metis for their health support for prevention.
Madam Speaker, as well as punishing the NCN CF agency by reducing its funding, the minister is clawing back the children's special allowance, or the CSA. The minister is making it difficult for the NCN agency to do its work well.
Will the minister at least change to a model in which reductions in funding for children in care are compensated for by increasing the funding through the Family Enhancement Program so that the NCN CFS agency can do the job it needs to do to help families?
Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): I was up in Nelson House probably about a month and a half ago. They have a fantastic model that's in place and they have seen reductions, substantial reductions, in children in care. And that's what this side of the House is looking to do.
We've had positive discussions with NCN through Nelson House. In terms of the funding model that's there, you want to make sure that there's a model, there's a system that's in place where it looks after–where people are seeing great success are able to be accommodated. And those discussions, positive discussions, are ongoing as we speak.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary.
Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for looking for a more positive way forward. But the minister is not providing sufficient details.
Madam Speaker, right now, many in the agency are wondering about their future and the future of the NCN children. There are many who concerned–are concerned they may lose their jobs. And all are concerned about the quality of the service they want to provide to support families and that it may be diminished.
When will the minister communicate the specific details of the decision directly to the NCN agency so that the chill and uncertainty he's provided in telling the agency its funding may be cut can be removed and so that the NDP–the agency can plan for the coming year?
Mr. Fielding: Once again, ongoing discussions are being had with Nelson House, NCN, that we know.
We know in the past that you've seen a dramatic increase in the amount of kids in care, over 87 per cent since 2002 alone. We also need to support organizations, agencies that are seeing outcomes. And that's what this government is about, it's about outcomes and performance.
Those discussions are very positive in our nature with our administrative–'stration' officials, plus Nelson House, and we'll continue to dialogue that. There'll be some discussions on that. And some–and we'll be bringing relevant information as a way of going forward in the next number of weeks or months.
Effect on Agriculture
Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): Madam Speaker, Manitobans want to do their part within Canada to help fight climate change with a made‑in‑Manitoba carbon pricing and climate change plan.
Can the Minister of Sustainable Development tell us in this House today what impact climate change is having on agriculture and agribusiness, and how Manitoba family farms are already taking action to do their part to address this challenge?
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order.
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'd like to thank the member from Arthur-Virden for that excellent question, the best question of the day so far.
I can assure the House and Manitobans that we take the issue of climate change seriously. We campaigned on a made-in-Manitoba solution and we are following through on that promise.
Our province is already feeling the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns. Farmers, in particular, are on the front lines of the efforts of climate changes. As an example, in the recent past years, we've seen the severity of flooding as never before and we need to do–we need to ensure that we have better water management.
We know producers want to do their part, too, as they have for generations. Producers are stewards of the land and they want to ensure that they can continue to feed the world in a sustainable way.
We will take no lessons from the previous government who–
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.
Request for Action Plan
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): The members opposite had years in opposition to come up with a plan for northern roads and northern jobs. They couldn't, because ours was working–think about Norway House and Cross Lake. They couldn't.
Instead, after years in opposition, all they could muster was a, quote, framework for a northern strategy, end quote.
While the government talks about planning to plan, northerners are doing what they can in the absence of a real, concrete action.
Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) offer today concrete details of his northern strategy before the House rises?
Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): Certainly, I appreciate the member's question.
And it appears to us, on looking back in history in terms of when the NDP were in charge, their economic development was a system of political bailouts. And that, quite frankly, didn't work for northern Manitobans and it didn't work for Tolko.
So, luckily, we had a new government come in here in March–or in April, and we cleaned up that particular system.
And, actually, now, Madam Speaker, we can offer long-term solutions to companies that want to come and invest here in Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a supplementary question.
Ms. Lathlin: Regardless of what the Premier hopes, the problems facing Churchill aren't going away without serious decisive action.
The economic problems facing northern Manitobans all along the scaled-back Hudson Bay rail line aren't going away without any action. And enormous cuts to the Infrastructure budget do not help either.
Will the Infrastructure Minister commit today to providing northern Manitobans with concrete, detailed plans to provide Manitobans all along the Hudson Bay rail line before the House rises?
Mr. Cullen: I do appreciate the question.
Relative to Churchill and to the rail line there, we obviously seen the short-term bailouts that this previous government had offered. Those aren't providing long-term economic and business plans for the future of northern Manitoba.
In fact, Madam Speaker, what we've had, the previous government has signed deals to cover off losses by US companies. And, quite frankly, that's not a solution. That's not a long-term solution.
We are working with northern communities, we're working with the federal government, trying to find long-term solutions for that very initiative in northern Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a final supplementary.
Ms. Lathlin: This government has announced drastic cuts to its Infrastructure budget. That puts roads and bridges in northern Manitoba in real jeopardy.
Madam Speaker, part-time Infrastructure ministers are not going to build northern roads. The minister has had months to make his plans and he's keeping northern Manitobans waiting.
Can the Infrastructure Minister commit to providing a concrete, detailed plan for building northern roads before the House rises?
Mr. Cullen: Certainly, we appreciate–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Cullen: –questions relative to northern Manitoba at any time.
And, certainly, we are working with the communities in northern Manitoba, and good things are going to happen.
I think the member should be aware that we just released our Look North strategy. [interjection] We have some very prominent–very prominent–people on that, co‑chairs, moving forward. Certainly, we've got a steering committee, will be established– [interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Cullen: – as well going forward.
And I know that the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce were very excited about this particular announcement. They applaud the government for taking this proactive measure where–for which they have been calling for forever to make this done in northern Manitoba.
What they failed to do, we're going to deliver.
Freshwater Fish Marketing
Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): Can the Premier please confirm that the northern transportation subsidy is still in place and, more importantly, that it will remain in place even after his government has completed its utter destruction of the current single‑desk marketing system for Manitoba's freshwater fish?
* (14:40)
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'd like to thank the member opposite for that question. It gives me an opportunity to talk about the great work that this government is doing to provide fishermen, commercial fishermen, a freedom with regard to marketing of their product.
You know, just the other day I was actually at an event and a commercial fisherman came up to me and gave me a great big hug, almost in tears because she was just so happy with the changes that we've made in this government in just such a short time.
So I'm just really happy and proud to say what we've done for commercial fishermen, and I know that our fishing envoy has been out in the community talking to fishermen. You know, it's something that's never happened before and fishermen are extremely happy with our position.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Altemeyer: Well, I don't think, Madam Speaker, the minister should be making light of this very important question.
The northern transportation subsidy is there so that fishers in the north basin who are far removed from the market of Winnipeg and the processing plant are able to adequately and fairly compete with fishers who happen to fish closer to the marketplace. She should be providing assurances to people that this new scheme they are bringing in is not going to leave any fishers behind.
Traditional fishing is very important in indigenous communities as well. Their envoy that she's referring to is now talking about a quota exchange.
Can she assure the quotas are going to remain in communities and not all end up in the hands of a few large, very profitable buyers?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, there are opportunities for members opposite to learn from the past and certainly to–I mention–I referenced Charlie Mayer earlier, Madam Speaker. He was in charge of the Canadian Wheat Board.
Just for your information, members might be interested in knowing that Charlie Mayer decided and his government decided to take the single desk off oats, and this gave Manitoba farmers, among others, the right to sell them to who they wanted to. Within weeks of doing that, there was a new oat processing plant. Never before had there been an oat processing plant in Manitoba, Madam Speaker. We were subsidized to ship our stuff to somebody else to process.
So Charlie Mayer deserves a real amount of congratulations for creating several hundred jobs right here in Manitoba.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Pallister: I've got to finish my answer. I wasn't counting on that interruption, Madam Speaker.
I just wanted to add that you never know what can happen in a great province like ours when you unlock that entrepreneurial spirit in people of Manitoba, but it's going to be good.
Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired.
Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.
The background of the petition is as follows:
Manitoba telephone system is currently a fourth cellular carrier used by Manitobans along with the big national three carriers: Telus, Rogers and Bell.
In Toronto, with only the big three national companies controlling the market, the average five‑gigabyte unlimited monthly cellular package is $117 as compared to Winnipeg where MTS charges $66 for the same package.
Losing MTS will mean less competition and will result in higher costs for all cellphone packages in the province.
We the–we petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
To urge the provincial government to do all that is possible to prevent the Bell takeover of MTS and to preserve a more competitive cellphone market so that cellular bills for Manitobans do not increase unnecessarily.
And this petition is signed by many fine Manitobans.
Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House.
Hon. Andrew Micklefield (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, on House business, I would like to announce that the Standing Committee on Rules of the House will meet today, December 1st, 2016, at 5 p.m., or immediately after the House adjourns to consider the Rules, Orders and Forms of Proceeding of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: It has been announced by the honourable Government House Leader that the Standing Committee on Rules of the House will meet today, December 1st, 2016, at 5 p.m., or immediately after the House adjourns to consider the Rules, Orders and Forms of Proceeding of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: Resuming debate on the proposed motion of the honourable member for Fort Richmond (Mrs. Guillemard), and the amendment and subamendment thereto, standing in the name of the honourable member for Fort Rouge, who has six minutes remaining.
Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): So picked up where I left off last time, if you look at the private sector analyses of the province's debt-to-GDP and deficit‑to-GDP ratios, you find that the fiscal situation in Manitoba is not as alarming as the Premier (Mr. Pallister) and his Cabinet colleagues would let on.
You know, I was looking at a report from TD bank about the 2016 Manitoba budget, and they said the debt burden remains manageable and the deficit is not alarming. So words from private sector economists describing our situation here seem to contradict, quite clearly, all of the rhetoric that we've been hearing about from the Premier that he's been using to justify, you know, things like trying to open up existing collective bargaining agreements or laying off people a month before Christmas or gutting programs that support excellent community‑based programs. So all this to say that we need to take a sober second look and recognize that the rhetoric that we're hearing from the Minister of Finance (Mr. Friesen) and from the Premier is not all that it's cracked up to be.
And, with respect to this Throne Speech, I outlined earlier how, you know, in spite of the rhetoric around democracy, they failed to act on one of the great challenges to our democracy of our time, which is to increase the amount of, you know, female candidates and female MLAs. They could accomplish this by bringing in legislation that would serve to achieve that end.
We also know that climate change is one of the great issues of our time and we have yet to see what this government's plan will be with respect to implementing a price on carbon.
But, in spite of the government's inaction on that front, I have been, you know, talking to many Manitobans who feel passionately about this issue. And the consensus, whether it be from people who are, you know, outspoken on the issue of climate change mitigation, such as, you know, the environmentalists in my constituency, or if it's people who have perhaps come along more recently, such as, you know, some of the folks at Keystone Agricultural Producers, who've been talking to me about this subject recently, the one common point that they all bring forward is that whatever this government does in the way of implementing a price on carbon, we must have an assurance that every dollar brought in through carbon pricing is a dollar spent on climate change mitigation.
Again, it's a simple point, but it must be reiterated time and time again, Madam Speaker. Every dollar raised through carbon pricing must be spent on climate change mitigation.
There is a concern, you know, amongst the agricultural producers, amongst people in other industries, people in the environmental movement, that this price on carbon will be brought in and that it will be simply used as a way to fulfill Tory campaign pledges and to balance the provincial books without actually serving the goal of reducing the carbon output here in our province. And that's simply unacceptable. So we have to make sure that if this government ever does get around to rolling out its carbon pricing plan, that every dollar that they raise through that plan is spent on trying to reduce the production of carbon in our province and consequently to help us to fight climate change.
Madam Speaker, I believe one of the other issues that I raised in the earlier time that I was afforded in this House is that one of the great challenges of our time is also income inequality. The simple fact is that we know, because of leading, you know, research done by Thomas Piketty, that income inequality persists over time because the rate of return on capital is almost always–in fact, is always–in, you know, industrial economies, greater than the rate of return on wages.
* (14:50)
And what we're seeing, in a refusal to raise the minimum wage, in the implementation of a wage freeze on, you know, workers across the public sector, you know, other measures of austerity, we're seeing policies put in place which will exacerbate that factor of our economic structure.
To put that in layman's terms, the policies that the Premier (Mr. Pallister) is–are–is pursuing will serve the effect of making sure that those who earn money from wages will earn less vis-à-vis those who earn money from owning businesses or owning productive capital and, as a result, that will create greater income inequality in our society. And not only does that–unfair, it strikes at, you know, some of the key values that New Democrats always stand up for, which are the principles of economic fairness and economic justice.
So, with these things in mind, you know, I believe that I've illustrated a few key points as to why the Throne Speech that was brought forward in this House fails to meet some of the great challenges of our time. It doesn't address the real problems that people are talking about with respect to climate change, with respect to income inequality, with respect of creating a more inclusive and a more, you know, progressive and just society. You know–well, perhaps, maybe not a just society. I could spend another 30 minutes on why that language is problematic given the usage of the former–the first Trudeau prime minister, using that term–but at least towards a society that embodies the principles of justice and fairness more fully.
So, with that in mind, I will be supporting the official Leader of the Opposition's amendment to this and will not be supporting the Throne Speech itself.
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this Throne Speech just recently discussed and debated in the House in the Legislature, and I'd just actually like to put a few of my comments on record.
You know, I was just overjoyed when I heard the Premier–or the Lieutenant Governor, actually, say that this is going to give Manitobans hope, and I think that, like many of us here, you look at our roots and our heritage and, you know, that's why my grandparents came here, because it gave them an opportunity for hope. They came here with a hope and a dream for a better life and a better future, and I know that when they got here they worked hard–Ukrainian immigrants from the Ukraine and Poland. And, you know, my dad especially, I mean, they started their own business, a little business in the North End, first a grocery store and then a hardware store later on in life which I basically grew up in.
You know, I was fortunate to have aunts and uncles and my baba and gigi close by, so they were able to help me–or help raise me while my parents were busy in the store. And my dad worked at CP Rail, and as I said before, he was a union chairman so he was–he was busy, you know, in the store, busy working, but also busy helping and, you know, trying to resolve issues for fellow workers, and it gave him a real sense of accomplishment.
I think, maybe, that's where my volunteerism came from was my dad and his real concern that he had for Manitobans. And I know he always told me, you know, always stand up for what's right, and I've taken that, and it's sort of been a very important part of my life, is to make sure that I stand up for what's right for my community, what's right for my family and, you know, what's right now is that I standed up–I stand up for Manitobans.
And this Throne Speech does give so many Manitobans that hope. You know, a hope for a better future, a hope for a better economy so that my children–some have entered the workforce, some will be entering the workforce soon–you know, will have lower taxes and the ability to get out and buy a home maybe sooner so that they don't have to pay that extra tax–1 per cent.
You know, as students, they're going to greatly see a real significant improvement in their income tax. It'll have a real impact on them. That basic personal exemption, by raising that, it's going to help them.
But it doesn't only help low income Manitobans. It helps everyone across the board. When you raise the basic personal income tax, it helps everybody who pays taxes in the province of Manitoba.
So, you know, it's an important issue. I know the members opposite think it's very minimum, but, you know, as I said, it doesn't only help low-income individuals. It helps everyone.
So, you know, I'm very happy about–and very, actually, proud of what our government is doing, and I never had an opportunity to speak to the Throne Speech earlier this year when we just became government, so I would actually like to put on record my thanks to many of my individuals, my campaign volunteers who were helping out during that time. I'd especially like to say thank you to Bonnie Mitchelson, and what a wonderful mentor she was to me.
You know, over the years, I lived in Bonnie's constituency for almost my entire life after we moved from the North End. And, you know, Bonnie is just a great person who I have so much respect for. When you see what she's done for our community out in River East, it's just amazing, Madam Speaker. You can see the difference she's made on the impact of so many lives. You look at Donwood Manor; there was an addition there, you know, major addition, and I know I had an aunt who was there, at Donwood Manor. And, you know, it's just such an–a significant–an important part of North Kildonan.
It's a faith-based personal-care home and now it's just an assisted living that they added on to it, and as I said, a real important part of our community.
But, anyways, it's not only Bonnie who played an important part on my campaign. It was probably, maybe, 100 volunteers who came out. And over that span, we saw people come out every day, Madam Speaker, and they went out door knocking with me in the apartments, and it just made me feel so good and so–gave me so much hope in my constituency of River East.
You know, I went and I knocked at the doors of the seniors, and they told me that–the concerns that they had, with the high rents that, you know, they were forced to pay during that time period with the former government. And, you know, it just really–I go to the doors–actually, now, recently, I just went back and they told me how happy they are, and they just are elated to see the change in government and see the changes that we're making.
And, you know, other individuals too, the people who were helping with my signs, my husband was one of them. He was out there and, you know, we put up with snow and sleet and rain and a little bit of sun, but I think that was not very often, Madam Speaker. Most of the time, we were sludging through the wet streets. And, you know, I did fall at least one time. I know the member from Arthur-Virden was there, and he said he looked up; one minute I was running down the street, the next minute, where was I? I was just flat right out on the ground.
So, you know, that happened to many of my volunteers, and I just want to say thank you so much to all of them, regardless of what they did, you know, the phoning, the door knocking, the data entry. I could never have done it without each and every one of those volunteers and I will be forever grateful for what they've done for me and for what they've actually done for this province as well.
Because together, you know, we were able to have 40 new members–well, not 40 new members, but have 40 members in this House from our party, and I think that that is remarkable. Manitobans spoke, you know, verily clearly that they wanted a change in government, and I was glad to be part of that. I'm actually just elated, very proud, and I would like to say thank you to you, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity–put my words on record today.
Thank you.
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): It is again an absolute honour to provide a few words on record and–explaining why I will not support the Speech from the Throne and will support the amendment to it.
I just wanted to share with the House, as the MLA for The Pas, we had many difficult challenges that swept across northern Manitoba. It started off with the closure of the Port of Churchill. In fact, I was actually sitting in a hospital room at the mental health centre here with my daughter when I received the news through telephone.
Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair
So, with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I had to put on my personal crisis hat and put on my community crisis hat, and I actually took an interview sitting inside the–on the hospital bed, addressing this crisis, so it was quite the unique and–role as a politician, going from a mother to a politician addressing a crisis in my community. Meanwhile, I'm sitting in my own personal crisis dealing with my daughter. So that was a unique experience, and that's a story I like sharing with my constituents back home.
* (15:00)
And another crisis that swept through northern Manitoba was the closure of the paper mill. That, too, was just absolute awful news that I received as well and receiving phone calls from our leadership, receiving phone calls from my sister, Niki Ashton, our Member of Parliament for Churchill. I believe that her and I did a great job in engaging the stakeholders that were affected by this crisis. I enjoyed my time talking to the union members from Unifor, specifically hearing their love and their work that they feel has contributed to our community for many, many years and hearing about families, hearing about husbands and wives already planning to separate so they can leave the province and find other work. So separation of families was also a concern.
Also, too, another challenge that has swept Manitoba was–northern Manitoba, was the closure of the IGA store in Opaskwayak Cree Nation. That actually was my first job ever at the age of 15. I–many of the people, since the age of 15, that are still there today were all let go. So that was disheartening to see that after many, many years and commitment of–to this organization that this was gone.
So the whole point is is that the Speech from the Throne, once again, does not reflect or speak to me or my family or my community. But the one thing I do want to put on record is that the–I want to congratulate the hard work and the commitment from our leadership from The Pas. We had people, community leaders, such as mayor and council, chief and council, that prepared and co-ordinated a response team in regard to the paper mill. So I believe those were the individuals who saved our paper mill. They came together as a group, talked to the right people, and, even though the minister came to–for one visit in our community, which I was not allowed to attend as the The Pas's representative, which, I thought, was still–I still think, is disrespectful–I believe it was that the Town of The Pas response team is truly responsible for saving that paper mill.
And, also, too, with OmniTRAX, I want to congratulate and put on record too that another group of people, our local leadership, have come together and set up a MOU that consists of northern mayors, northern First Nation leaders and other business leaders as well. So, again, I want to put on record, it was our local people, our grassroots people who are truly responsible, and we should be congratulated for saving those initiatives that we were going to lose in northern Manitoba.
So, with that, I just wanted to begin when I went home and provided one of my many speaking engagements in our local radio station, the first asked–question I was asked was, how are things going? And the sense that I shared was is that by the government giving themselves–the Premier (Mr. Pallister) and the Cabinet giving themselves a pay raise to the salary and not increasing the minimum wage was truly symbolic of what lies ahead of us Manitobans. I was truly disappointed and heartbroken as a single-parent family with relatives, my brother, all living on minimum wage, barely making it. I was disheartened and–or, I should say, heartbroken when I heard about the Cabinet taking a pay raise to their salary when–especially when the Premier will pocket more than three–$30,000 extra this year alone, and each Cabinet minister will receive approximately $24,000 more this year. So this totals nearly 330 hundred–$330,000 for the entire Cabinet. So, with that pay raise, again, it just begs to–begs for our Manitobans to question why that pay raise and not a raise to our minimum wage.
Now, with the prebudget consultation process, I had the opportunity, I drove from The Pas to Thompson to attend and listen to this consultation process. And it was quite interesting that there were many, many stakeholders sitting at that table. A lot of our folks that were sitting there as well were there to represent people–representing people who are marginalized in many, many different forms. It was a break–it was–like, even very important things were discussed, such as the mayor of Thompson had concern in his voice when he was asking about our former government commitment to build skills and training in the North. For example, he specifically asked about the industrial skills and trades centre. He wanted that project to move forward, and I don't think an answer was quite provided to the mayor of Thompson.
Also, too, many important issues were bought up about economic growth in the North as well. And how could that happen when training and skills are not going to be provided in northern Manitoba? And even Mr. Doug Lauvstad, the northern sector council, someone who I ran against in the by–in the provincial election, even he had great concern when he was asking the Minister of Finance (Mr. Friesen) about a worst-case scenario where approximately 2,000 high-paying jobs can be cut in the forestry and mining and hydro sector because of the hydro rates going up and the infrastructure projects going down.
So his exact words were: without this, you will not have a healthy, prosperous North–so one thing that him and I can truly agree on.
And another thing I can truly agree on is when he had mentioned about–that there was no shared vision for the North. So with that, many important issues were discussed at this preconsultation process, and I was glad I was there to listen as the representative for The Pas.
Another thing that has been bought up in the Speech from the Throne is the topic about reducing seats in the regional health authorities. Several times I've been approached by people who are not selected or decided not to run again for that selection to be on the board. And the main purpose–or, the main concern was–is that many of the boards that were selected–board members that were selected are from major cities and towns, and there is no representation from the outlining communities, which includes Cormorant.
We had a representative from Cormorant. We had a representative from other communities. So we were hoping that our First Nation communities would be included, because after all, northern Manitoba, I would say about 76 per cent of the population are Aboriginal, and the most sickest people in Manitoba and across Canada are Aboriginal people. So, there's only one Aboriginal person representative on this board, so I find that a huge concern and a great disrespect to our population that we represent.
And another thing that I wanted to bring up was from the throne–the Speech from the Throne was the child-welfare system. I thought that our former government were on the right path to help and correct a lot of the concerns that are still existing there. But I might add that during one of our debates here, the former government was blamed for the high number of children in care, when I had to get up and correct that–you have to go way back than that, then more than 17 years, that you have to look at colonization and how the government has to acknowledge and understand the effects of colonization, and it's still here today. I live with it. My colleagues live with it. We all live with it. It's not just an Aboriginal problem; it's a Manitoba and a Canadian problem as well.
So, with the path to reconciliation, that was a bill that was unanimously passed. And I was looking forward for this government to inherit that bill, which I thought would be important to address, especially with our children in the welfare system.
* (15:10)
And another thing that was not mentioned in the throne from the speech was funding to be put aside for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its supports to truly roll that out and which was not in there at all. And one thing that I supported, and I still hope and I know that my First Nation of Opaskwayak Cree Nation are still talking about this. They're talking about customary care. In fact, again, our agencies–we have three that exist in my town alone. In fact, again, our agencies, we have three that exist in my town alone, and they got together and discussed this, along with our elders and parents and relatives. And because custom–customary care is something that can speak to every community, not just Aboriginal communities, but to specifically addressing this particular–with the Aboriginal children, because it makes sense to inherit this bill because it speaks to our Aboriginal children that are in care.
This is a monumental system change that indigenous leaders and families across the province called for and support. Again, I was the emcee at the event at the Thunderbird House when customary care was first announced. And, again, we had leadership there standing behind us supporting this bill. We had many, many representatives from agencies there, as well.
And myself, as a foster parent, raising three nieces under different agencies, I was looking forward, and practically, this customary care speaks to me. My nieces that I'm looking after, they're under kinship, so this whole concept that why customary care was introduced, was to allow children to stay in their communities and close to their roots and their culture–me, as their mother, their aunt. Aunts are often called mothers themselves. Uncles are also called fathers themselves.
And as part of implementing customary care, I thought it would move to a flexible, prevention‑based funding model for CFS authorities. And I thought that preventative programs would be developed that would help families who need it the most.
And, again, with the protecting children's act, it did not mention anything about prevention to–what is their plan before the protecting children act is going to be implemented–because the kids are already been reported and a file has been opened–so what's the government's plan to make sure that file will not open in the first place? So that's what I'm waiting for.
Another thing that I want to talk about is mental health. Once again, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it's–it truly exists, and more strongly in my family right now. Currently, right now, there is not one mental health clinician who is there in Manitoba to address mental health needs for children. I tried to get an appointment for my daughter again and I was informed by our mental health resource co-ordinator there is none. I was referred to go across to where I am from, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, at their health authority–none.
In fact, I appreciate that the Minister of Health gave my office a call and provided me a name of a psychiatrist in The Pas to help with my family. But I had to correct his special assistant and said that psychiatrist is only there for adults only. We have a fourth floor clinic on the fourth floor of our hospital psychiatric unit, but it's only there for emergency-based reaction only. There's no long-term healing plans to be placed because there's no facility to provide those services.
And that's why the Speech from the Throne, when I heard, you know, mental health, you know, addictions; okay, all right, so share with us the plan. Does that plan include northern Manitoba? Does that plan include our children, especially the crisis that we just recently had in Cross Lake, and just recently, too, in my home community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation? Does that plan include my daughter, as well? Does that plan include myself, as well, who suffers from anxiety and depression–something that's quite hard to deal with, especially in this job, Mr. Deputy Speaker, you know, but we still, people who suffer for it have ways to get through each day one day at a time.
And another thing, too, was the child care. When I was at the prebudget consultation process, the Minister of Finance (Mr. Friesen) talked about addressing the needs to–for child-care spaces, and he mentioned private child daycare home services. And a member from the public that got up and speak had great concern about this idea to privatize child daycare, because (1) what is the safety and the training that's going to have to happen between–with our early childhood of–educators and safety, and, most importantly, affordability. At one point, I was at a private home daycare for a child. And then, when I switched over, I was subsidized, which truly helped my family as a low-income single-parent family.
So, with that, another thing I want to bring up quickly is the Manitoba Look North initiative. Again–
An Honourable Member: Whatever it's called.
Ms. Lathlin: Yes, I'm confused. Northern Lights–that was actually announced from Winnipeg, and then there was the Yes! North. I was anxiously waiting for that, too, as a northerner–nothing.
And then I read, from the Speech from the Throne, it's changed once again to Look North. So, with that, as a northern Manitoban, I'm still waiting–I'm still waiting–as a representative for the North, so I can examine this document and also, too, what's alarming is that many of my community leaders, when I ask them about Northern Lights and Yes! North, many, many of my leaders in my constituency have not heard of it. And they said they were not consulted regarding these strategies. So therefore, you know, when this government claims to be a government that listens, well, they didn't listen to my people in The Pas constituency; I can tell you that.
So, with that, I'm concerned about the infrastructure–the cuts in infrastructure. I've had some, I think–I thought, were meaningful conversations with the Minister of Infrastructure (Mr. Pedersen) in regards to building and providing more safer roads for northern Manitoba. I'm talking about Moose Lake. That road–that community is a dying community. If that road was fixed–that road, which people travel to The Pas for an hour and 15 minutes for gas. They have to travel there for food; they have to travel there for entertainment, education or even a job.
So, by paving that road, I was telling the minister that this will include the quality of life in that community. I can tell you a woman from that community came to me and said, in tears, I want to form a women's group so we can start figuring out ways to improve the lives of the people in Moose Lake. So I jumped on board immediately and said I will help form that women's group in order to address this. And I think, No. 1, that that paving of that road will help, even though if it's going to be a short-term project. But, hey, it's going to create jobs; it's going to create skill set to add on to those people's resumes so they can continue to get jobs. And that was the whole point that I made to our minister.
So, with that, I just want to say that I will not support the Speech from the Throne. It does not speak to me, my family, my daughter, the children and my–and the communities that I represent. So, with that, again, it's an honour to be here to provide a few words on this Speech from the Throne. Thank you.
Hon. Ralph Eichler (Minister of Agriculture): Mr. Deputy Speaker, it's an honour to stand today in this Assembly, of course, and talk about hope. That's exactly what our Throne Speech was talking about, was hope. And, when we look at agriculture, in particular, and–first off I would be remiss if I did not pass on my sincere thanks to the table officers, of course, all members of this House, for the ability to be able to stand and talk about the Throne Speech and, of course, what's important to each and every one of us.
And, of course, those new members that have been elected to the Assembly, of course, I want to congratulate all of them as well. And we know how passionate each of us all get in regards to our issues and our communities and representing the interests for those that put us here in this very building. I know I am so pleased each and every day. Coming to this office since May–no, it was–yes, May the 3rd of 2003, and I'm so pleased to share with the House that, as the Minister of Agriculture, I'm the third MLA in–next year it will be 95 years, in Lakeside.
* (15:20)
D.L. Campbell was the longest serving, probably the longest serving member in this Chamber–47 and a half years. The second MLA was Harry Enns; he was 37 and a half years. And I've only been in for 13 years, so it sounds like I'm a new kid on the block. But the interesting point is that all three of us have been the Agriculture minister, and, as well, the longest serving Ag minister was D.L. Campbell, and, of course, the first premier elected outside the city of Winnipeg. So that's my trivia for today.
But certainly pleased to carry on with the tradition of agriculture in Lakeside, and I do want–while the member's still here from The Pas, I do want to give a little bit of update on the progress in The Pas. And we know how important that sector is. In fact, in history, the first crop that was seeded was right along the Pasquia River, and you go back and see what the opportunities have had on that particular area. You know, with the rainfall–and the interesting part about the Carrot River land is that it's so rich, and we–they have the same heat unit, the exact same heat units as Altona. And, when you look at geographically on the map, it makes you wonder how in the world that could happen, but having been up there a number of times, and I can share the member from The Pas' passion; they have so much to offer there, such a beautiful country–beautiful country–and I think it's almost as good as Lakeside.
But I certainly know what that community has gone through, in fact, all of our agriculture community in regards to the excess moisture we've had this year. That's why we have risk-management tools in order to help those when time is need. And also some of the producers, in fact, there's several up there that have applied for disaster financial assistance. So I encourage those folks to reach out to the department, wherever they need to, in order to ensure that they do qualify for those programs in order to make sure that they have actual risk management in place, and if not, then apply through disaster financial assistance. [interjection] But thank you for that.
But I can tell you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we're pleased to talk about hope in agriculture. We know that Manitoba has been the hub of agriculture research and, of course, innovation for decades. Manitoba is home to the Canadian institute for the grains institute, which we're so pleased to be able to have right here in Manitoba. In fact, in Winnipeg, the Richardson centre for functional foods and also the University of Manitoba Glenlea Research Station, the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie, which I want to talk just really quickly about a nice partnership with the Department of Health. Through the Flax Council and Food Development Centre, they came up with a formula for a muffin that actually is being fed in the hospitals and creating jobs right here. And I encourage you to try the flax muffin. The Donut House is making those muffins for the Department of Health. They're sharing those with also a number of senior homes so that the Donut House is going to process 50,000 muffins to go into our health system. It's not only healthy for the heart; it's healthy for our body. And, if you wonder why my hair shines so golden red, it's because I eat flax. It just shines. In fact, I can tell you, I use it on my horses, on my cattle, and I can tell you it cleans them out just nice and shiny, and their hair is just perfect. So eat your flax, and you will shine like the rest of us. So join the team. We'll be happy to be able to share that with you.
But also I would be remiss if I did not talk just quickly about the Protein Highway. This year was the year of the pulses. We had 1.6 million acres of pulses planted. So, next year in September, we will be hosting the Protein Highway in–right here in Winnipeg. So I encourage you to get out and take part in that.
Also, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would also be remiss if I did not remind you that Farmer Appreciation Day is February the 16th in 2017.
And I know the whip is giving me the eye that he would like to offer me a glass of water, but I think I will get my own. So thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to be able to speak.
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Well, that'll be a tough act to follow, I got to say, Mr. Speaker. That was very entertaining and very much appreciated speech by the member opposite, and I can say that I learned something from his words today. I–he brought new information to the table, and I thought that was an interesting way to approach this, seeing's as we're dealing with the Throne Speech, which really has very little in terms of content, very little in terms of laying out a clear vision for this province. It has very little in terms of giving Manitobans a clear idea about where this government is going.
And I find myself, in times like this one, the minister gets up, gives us some more information. Like, times like when we're in question period and I have an opportunity to ask the Minister of Health questions when the Premier (Mr. Pallister) gets up and answers questions here in the House or in the media, that we're actually getting the real story. And I got to say that, in the two weeks since the Throne Speech, I think I've learned more from questions in this House from the media from slip-ups from the members opposite, maybe I'll call them, than I did from the Throne Speech, because the Throne Speech was filled with code words; it was filled with doublespeak; it was filled with a whole bunch of vague ideas and promises and not a whole lot of information for us to work from.
And so it's very clear that, when we hear from members opposite here in the Chamber when their true ideas start coming out, that we can start getting a clearer picture of where this government is going, what some of their plans for austerity are and what some of their cuts to services and to the people that deliver them in this province truly are.
So that's where I wanted to begin, Mr. Speaker, in the sense that this is truly an austerity budget. The members opposite were, again, very coded in the way that they presented it. They were very–they hedged their language, you know, making sure that that message was not fully appreciated, maybe, upon 'firns'–first glance or when folks first heard the Throne Speech. I know I sat here in this very Chamber, listening very intently and making notes for myself, and started to sort of scratch my head when I would hear some of these notions that the government was bringing forward.
You know, I mean, there's the old chestnuts. Of course, we know efficiencies, right. This is a word that's used very often in right way–wing parlance to talk about ways that they will cut and they will reduce the amount of services and the people that provide them. This is certainly something that we heard in the Throne Speech.
But, again, madam–Mr. Speaker, what I want to talk about is in fact what wasn't in the Throne Speech and what we've heard since, some of their plans that we've now been–we've now seen more of and, quite frankly, through questions here in this House, through questions by the media and by the general public who are now asking us: What exactly does that mean? What can we expect from this government, and why wasn't that issue that I'm–that I care passionately about that affects my family, why wasn't that mentioned in the Throne Speech?
And, first and foremost on that list, I want to talk about the issue of fentanyl and the opioid crisis that's taking place in this province right now. As I've said previously in this House, I feel very honoured to come here to stand in my place to represent the people of Concordia and many others throughout the province. When I speak, and the words that I speak, I do truly–
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Just like to remind everyone just to keep it down when someone's speaking. Right now it's getting a little loud in here. So, just for the respect of the person speaking. So do–you want to take your conversations, let's say, to the loge or–that'd be really appreciated. Thank you.
Mr. Wiebe: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would imagine this is a message that maybe members–some members in the Chamber here don't want to listen to, but I do think this is important, because, as I was saying, that when I come to–when we all come to this House, I would venture to say, when we all come to this House, we feel the weight of our constituents and the people who are being affected by the services that they come to count on here in this province. We feel that weight on our shoulders, and we try in our–in the time that we have here to convey their concerns.
* (15:30)
But the issue of fentanyl and opioids and the damage that it's doing in our communities is something that I've felt very, very acutely and has really struck me very hard, I have to admit, Mr. Speaker, because I've sat down with families, I've heard first-hand the pain that they've experienced. I've seen in their eyes the commitment they have to making things better in this province.
And so, when I speak, I really do feel that I have an obligation to bring that, their passion to this place and hopefully convey some of the concerns that they have and, quite frankly, some of the suggestions. Because everything that we've done here in this House, all the suggestions that we've made for the government–and I do truly see them as suggestions, as offers of working together with the government, with the Minister of Health and others, to accomplish–when we bring those forward, those are from the mouths of the mothers and the fathers and the families and the front-line workers who care so much about this and just want to see this tragedy come to an end.
And so, when I bring forward a bill here in this House, which I was very proud to do yesterday, Mr. Speaker–and that is a bill banning the sale of pill presses in this province, something that is something that the federal government agrees with; the federal Health minister has gone on record saying this is a good idea; when other provinces, like Alberta, where it was introduced by a Progressive Conservative backbencher, introduced as a private member's bill; when the legislature in British Columbia is willing to consider this and has this legislation before it; and when even our Health Minister himself doesn't deny that this is a good thing–we think this is a time to move forward on it.
And, you know, to simply say we're waiting for the federal government, it's just not good enough. It's just not good enough for the families who are dealing with this. It's just not good enough for the front-line workers who are trying to provide support services for addictions. It's just not good enough for our first responders who are seeing with their very own eyes, dealing with their own, very own hands, every single day, this crisis, and just looking for any support that this provincial government can provide. And I just–I implore the government to consider this as just a friendly, non-partisan bill that just asks us to do something, just something, in this province to save lives.
And I will say that, you know, in the Throne Speech there was a scant few lines about the fentanyl crisis. I appreciate what the government is doing but it's just not enough. And to just have a couple of lines in the Throne Speech, we honestly–I will admit, when I came to the House to listen to the Throne Speech I expected a true made-in-Manitoba strategy. I expected that I wouldn't have to ask another question in the House. But instead what I heard was just a few lines. It's just not enough, Mr. Speaker. And so I ask the government to move forward on it.
But I do want to speak a little bit more about what's in the Throne Speech, what's not in the Throne Speech and what this government talked about when they were out knocking on doors–they knocked on every door–[interjection]–thank you, thank you–they knocked on every single door and they said to Manitobans–well, they didn't say a whole lot, to be frank, they didn't say a whole lot. They kept their mouths quiet. I know a few members here, you know, maybe they didn't get the headlines they expected. Everybody was just very quiet, tried not to slip up. The Premier (Mr. Pallister) talked about sacred cows and then just didn't say anything for the rest of the time.
There was a just a few things that they promised. They promised just a few things. They said, you know what, in the first 100 days of a new Progressive Conservative government, we're going to have a health review task force. We are going to bring that in. We're going to bring it in a hundred days. We're going to get ready to bring it in.
And, of course, I had the opportunity to ask the minister about the wait times task force, about the health task force, all of these things here in the House. And, well, we know the minister's–he's very–he's a smooth talker. I've got to admit, he's a formidable opponent here in the House during question period. And so, when I asked him about it, he said, oh, just you wait, before you're having your turkey dinner, he said, and made his quip and thought that he skated out of that one quite well.
Well, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that, you know, quips aside, Manitobans elected this government to do something about the health-care system, and without any action–now, this is the third time. Again, I listened intently during the Throne Speech to hear the results of the task force, to hear what's happening with the health review–nothing.
Instead, we heard a simple re-announcement of the announcement of the announcement, that's three times now–three times. It was promised in the campaign. It was announced in the Throne Speech. It was talked about in August. And then it was re‑announced in this Throne Speech. This was a commitment for the first 100 days. That's a promise made and that's a promise broken by this government.
What else did this Premier say? Again he didn't say much during the campaign, tried not to trip over his shoelaces. He saw the finish line during the campaign. He thought, boy, I should just be quiet, I shouldn't say anything. But he did say when people were asking–we are concerned about front-line workers–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Wiebe: I can talk louder, Mr. Speaker, that's okay.
When asked about front-line workers, they said we're concerned about this, Mr. Premier, you're talking about efficiencies, you're talking about cuts, you're talking about the bottom line being the most important thing. And they said, we're concerned about this. And he said, I will protect front-line workers at all costs. All right, every one of these members opposite knocked on a door and they said we will protect front-line workers at all costs.
And now, rather than come out and say very clearly every day in this House, we ask them, we give them an opportunity in this–in question period and, you know, you wonder sometimes, if they're not answering the question, what really is going on, because we're not asking complex questions, we're asking for clear and concise answers that will just allay the fears of front-line workers.
Will he stand up for front-line workers? Will he commit to not cutting front-line workers? And he will never come out to say that because we know what their austerity agenda is. Again, Mr. Speaker, that's a promise made and that's a promise broken.
What else did this Premier say? What else did this government say in their robust campaign that they ran where they tried to convince Manitobans they weren't who they actually said they were?
Well, they said that they were going to protect the health-care system in this province. They said that we believe in the publicly funded and deliver health-care system, the universally accessible health‑care system, and they said that at all costs they would protect that health-care system and the people that deliver it.
Well, when I get up every day to ask questions of the Health Minister, you know, sometimes I just–I have this funny feeling, right, I think I know–I think I know, but I don't know and that's what question period is for, at least from my point of view. So I asked the minister time and time again, you know, you travelled to Saskatchewan, you went and you met with Brad Wall, you know, this right-wing ideologue Brad Wall, and you said, what are you doing to make cuts to the health-care system? What are you doing to damage our public health-care system and what ideas can we take from you?
So I've asked this question numerous times. I'm sure members opposite were probably getting bored of me asking it, but they also probably wonder why isn't the Health Minister just answering the questions. Why isn't he just saying, no, we're not going to privatize, we're not going to bring in private services, we're just not going to do it. We gave him the opportunity. I thought maybe there isn't something here, maybe I'm wrong about this. Maybe he is going to stand up and defend our public health‑care system.
Well, sometimes when you take a swing in the dark you actually hit something because we knew where this minister wanted to go; we knew he had been in Saskatchewan; we knew what he had done. And, lo and behold, when I asked yesterday does he stand with the federal Health Minister in protecting the Canada Health Act and everything that that entails, what does he say? He says, no. He says he will not stand up against privatization and he will not stand with the Canada Health Act. And, you know, Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker, I would imagine many Manitobans would be very surprised.
Again, they went through that campaign swearing up and down saying that they would never touch our public health-care system, that it was all fearmongering, and they said there's no way that that possibly could be the case. Here we are six months into their term without any kind of information, new information on the record. You know, the health review hasn't even come back, the one that instead of giving direction that it would be–that it should be a health review that stays within the public health-care system, they refused to do that, and they got no new information they're jumping the gun here. And the attack has now begun on our health-care system.
* (15:40)
Manitobans are finally waking up to this reality. They heard the–they listened to the campaign; they heard no mention of this. They saw the first six months; they heard no mention from the minister, the government, on this. They even listened to the Throne Speech, the thing that we're debating right now. They listened intently, because this would have been the opportunity, the vision document, the plan. You don't give somebody a plan without all the information in it. So it's just a part of the information. They give this plan, and then a week later, oh, by the way, private health care in Manitoba, Americanized two-tier health care, boy, the NDP was actually right; we're doing it. Promise made, promise broken, Mr. Speaker.
There is a lengthy list, Mr. Speaker. I can see my time is getting shorter and shorter. I want to talk a little bit about mental health and addictions, another thing that this government was very proud to say that they would roll out a plan, again, one of the few things they said during the campaign. Mental health and addictions is an absolutely massive undertaking in the health-care system, as many know. There are a lot of challenges there. Again, I come to the government in a very non-partisan way here to say this is something that needs to be addressed, that we need a new strategy.
Here we are, Mr. Speaker, you know, 200 days into the mandate, six months overdue. We have not heard anything or seen anything from this government. That's another promise made, and that's another promise broken. And it just saddens me, because it is a very serious issue that I think, if you talk to almost anybody in this House, they would say they know somebody that suffer from mental health issues, suffers from addictions. This is a universal problem that I think all members of this House care about, and so I just urge the government that–to keep that promise to get in action and get something done about it.
Ambulance fees, Mr. Speaker. All parties in the campaign, once again, we all had different proposals, different ideas about this, but every single party came together and said something needs to be done about ambulance fees. And here we are again, a Throne Speech, no mention of it, no report back on–in terms of how far along this is. We understood from the Estimates process, I believe, that they would–or maybe it was Throne Speech. The government did say their initial step was going to be 5 per cent. That's just not enough. And, if you talk to members–again, members of this House, every single one of us will have a constituent, a family member, somebody that we know that's been affected.
So we just–we need action on this. That's another promise made; that's another promise broken. It doesn't need to be this way. We urge the government to move forward and actually get something done.
And, finally, I just wanted to talk about working with community partners in health and just how important that is. And this is one of the key elements that I think we've seen success in the health-care system. We have amazing community partners, CancerCare, different hospital foundations. In particular, we know the Concordia Foundation has worked very hard to put together a very solid proposal on the health and fitness centre that will serve all of northeast Winnipeg. This is a project where the government comes in with part of the money, and it's amplified; it's reinvested, and it builds something that will truly make an impact on health care in our province and in our city.
I just urge the government that, you know, when it comes to community partners like this, this is the true path to building our health-care system. It's partnering with good non-profit organizations who can help us to deliver care, and the Concordia Foundation is one of them.
So I'll just close, Mr. Speaker, by saying, you know, it's not too late. It's not too late for this government. There are a number of promises that they made. They can start keeping those promises but, you know, when I look at this Throne Speech, when I see the lack of information and the information that I do see and how it's breaking promises already that this government made, I'm disappointed and there is no way that I will support this Throne Speech.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
Mr. Blair Yakimoski (Transcona): And I, too, look forward to putting some comments on the record for our government's second Throne Speech.
I'm going to be brief–[interjection]–or not. But perhaps for the last seven months those of us new to this Legislature and those of us who've been around know it is truly an honour to serve the people of Manitoba.
And I'm truly pleased to see that our new Premier (Mr. Pallister) and Cabinet are getting to work with priorities towards ensuring that Manitoba's economy, viability and long-term sustainability as a place where people can work and thrive, where they can raise their families and know that this government, our PC government, will work for them and respect their hard work and their tax dollars, where they can be proud to know they live in the most improved province in Canada, where for too long the previous government tried and failed to improve our lot in Canada. I am proud to know that our team has the courage to make the tough decisions to get Manitoba on the right track.
During the past seven months I've attended many fundraisers, many craft sales, school football games and other events in Transcona and all around the province. I know we've made some tough decisions, and time and time again Manitobans–Manitobans tell me that they like the direction we're going in.
Madam Speaker in the Chair
We went to budget consultations in Radisson and it was very, very well attended by stakeholders, stakeholders who represented tens of thousands of Manitobans–MGEU, Michelle Gawronsky. How many Manitobans does she represent? She was there and we–she gave us feedback of what she'd like to see. She, as well as several others, were almost surprised that we were asking for their opinion. It's their province, it's their money and it's our responsibility to ask. We asked.
Manitobans for the Arts were there. They were delighted to be there and thrilled to sit down with us here in the Leg. to talk about their concerns and what they asked and how we can work together.
In the first session, we know we put the income test on the Manitoba education tax credit, and some seniors would come to me and say, hey, why you pickin' on us? Well, we're not, but then I'd ask them: you know the financial situation in Manitoba. You lived through the times where you couldn't spend more than you earn year after year. You couldn't do that. That's the way it is. What did you think of those who did overspend, whether it be a brother, a neighbour, a friend? You thought them foolish, short-sighted.
Why did the previous government give you that tax credit? They know, as I heard in the Elections Manitoba report with the Chief Electoral Officer, when you look at the stats, seniors vote. Whether they're tired or busy or angry or fed up with their elected representatives, they vote. And the previous government would have handed out that money and that tax credit, so, hopefully, those seniors would help a brother out in time of need, and that would be election time.
So then I asked those seniors: Are you still getting the credit?
Some do, some don’t, but those who no longer get it, those like the gentleman referred to by the member from Concordia, Charlie–remember Charlie? Charlie, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you're not getting the credit anymore, but you saved for your retirement. You did well and you and your partner must be bringing enough income in so that you don't need it. Charlie, who couldn't afford a new bike–[interjection]–it's awful.
According to an article I read in Canadian Business, Charlie's considered upper middle class.
* (15:50)
An Honourable Member: He's not here anymore.
Mr. Yakimoski: Charlie's not here?
An Honourable Member: No.
Mr. Yakimoski: Well, I would thank Charlie, and people like him who aren't getting it, for saving for their retirement. You know, I would like Charlie, who did so well, and congratulate him for his financial literacy. Charlie's great at that. He–I would like him to teach his children, his grandchildren, to use CPP, to use our new registered pool pension plan to save for retirement, the Manitoba modification of the CPP, tell his children and his grandchildren.
Next year is Canada's 150th, and we know it'll be an exciting time across the country, festivals and celebrations. And we'll be hosting the Canada Summer Games, with the City and the government putting on display our greatest assets, the people who volunteer and make Manitoba a place. We love our home.
With this Throne Speech, we will make things better for all Manitobans.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Some Honourable Members: Hear, hear.
Mr. Yakimoski: I knew I could've gone longer. I could've gone longer.
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I'm glad to put a couple of words on the record in respect of, I guess, the second Throne Speech. I'm a little confused because there's so little in both of them; they're so forgettable.
I know that all of my colleagues have spoken about, really, that this government's second very limited Throne Speech is fundamentally laying the groundwork for an attack on front-line workers and privatization and all kinds of things. So I know that my colleagues have spoken to that.
I actually want to speak in respect of how little there was in respect of indigenous peoples and, in particular, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in the context of the national inquiry that is going on. So I know that there was literally one little mention of MMIWG, and it was some vague notion about that there's some vague kind of commitment to them, but really, again, with no substantial information or plans or anything that we can see.
I do want to just put on the record here that, you know, there was nothing in the Throne Speech in respect of the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet. There was nothing in the Throne Speech about the re-establishment or the appointment of a special adviser on indigenous women's issues. And so, in fact, I know that there was a request to the government in respect of AICC and the special adviser, and I do want to read into the record the response that was given to the–and has been disseminated to myself.
The response that this government gave in respect of our request on where these two things are at is as follows, and I quote: The Manitoba government will continue to play a very active role in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Province is currently working to ensure significant staff supports are in place to support the goals of the inquiry. Representatives from the Department of Indigenous and Municipal Relations, Justice and the Status of Women are participating in biweekly calls led by the federal government. And we expect to hear more about the structure, time frames and other details of the inquiry in the new year.
It goes on to quote–and I go on to quote: The former Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet no longer exists. The former committee didn't have a seat for any indigenous leaders or community representatives, only seats for NDP politicians to talk amongst themselves. We're talking about a different–we're taking a different approach, reaching out to indigenous leaders and communities, building trust and working co-operatively on shared priorities to deliver real results. End quote.
So I kind of just want to deconstruct and–a little bit of this piece here. So, you know, at any–on any given day, if you were to be actively engaged with families of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Manitoba, you would know, you would fundamentally know that families in Manitoba and across Canada are getting very anxious and very worried in respect of what's actually going on with the national inquiry.
So, on two fronts, we know that there hasn't been much information that's been disseminated from the actual national inquiry, but we also do know, and as is confirmed with this narrative that was sent to a particular media, that there are these discussions with the federal government in various–these three departments, but none of that information is being disseminated to families. So it is continuing the stressful situation that families are finding themselves in respect of not having any information.
Quite frankly, I think that that's just unacceptable. I think that–I would imagine that all of us in this House would want to ensure that families that are dealing with the loss, the disappearance, the murder of their loved ones–and, again, I want to remind everybody in this House that in some cases, for some families, we're talking about loved ones as young as 14 years old, really just babies, and these families have no information.
And, as I've indicated in this House a couple of times, a special adviser plays a really key role. If you get the right special adviser that actually works with the community and understands the issue, plays a really key role in helping ensure that families are emotionally, physically and spiritually at a place where they can participate in the national inquiry or get themselves ready for the process that's about to undertake. And, at this point, there's none of that going on from this government.
And, quite honestly, and I want it, you know, as a part of my official record in this House. It is disgraceful. It's absolutely disgraceful that this government doesn't seem to think that it is important to hire an individual who has the expertise, who has the community connections and, more importantly, has the connection to MMIWG families in Manitoba, that they don't feel that that's a priority, or they don't feel that that's worth, you know, doing a job search, securing the dollars for that position.
This government doesn't seem that–to think that that's a priority, and I can tell you that even last night there was a town hall at the University of Winnipeg hosted, actually, by Anna Maria Tremonti from The Current, and there were families in the audience. And every time I have the opportunity to listen to families, or other Manitobans have the opportunity to listen directly from families–everybody that has that opportunity who is blessed to know families, who are blessed to be able to hear their stories and their narratives, definitively walk away with knowing and understanding, at a very, very deep level, the need that families have to have somebody that is able to kind of help navigate in respect of government and particularly in respect of the national inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
And so this government does not have anything in place. It is not disseminating any of the information that they know in respect of the discussions that are taking place with the feds and with, I'm sure, the national inquiry. So right now, as we speak, and I would encourage people to even just go on my own Facebook, because there is a myriad of discussions taking place in social media by families wondering what is going on. And this government doesn't seem to think that that's a priority.
It is a priority. It is shameful, and I will say it, over and over and over again, that this government is on the wrong side of history in respect of the national inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. We have a responsibility to ensure that families are supported in a variety of different ways, and not the least of ensuring that they have that information. And I will say it, again, that for many families across Canada, including many, many families in Manitoba, this is the one chance that they have to have their loved one as a part of the Canadian record. And this government is doing nothing.
And so I think it is shameful, and I can certainly tell this House that I will be disseminating, tonight on Facebook, that I found out that this government is not going to be hiring and establishing a special adviser.
* (16:00)
And I hope that the families in Manitoba organize themselves, and I will encourage them to organize themselves, to be reaching out to this government and stressing the importance of a special adviser on indigenous women's issues.
I want to just deconstruct a little bit about the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet. You know, the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet I was a part of as a special adviser, as technical staff for six years, and I can tell you and I can tell everybody in this House and I can tell Manitobans who are going to read Hansard that it wasn't just a bunch of NDP people just sitting around talking willy-nilly. The Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet, AICC, played a really fundamental role in the co-ordination and the execution of strategies and decisions and recommendations in respect of the myriad of issues that face indigenous people here in Manitoba.
I can tell you that for those of us that were around in respect of even the flood, a lot of those discussions took place at AICC with everybody there, with the premier there, with Minister Eric Robinson, with Minister Gord Mackintosh, with Minister Dave Chomiak, with Minister Kerri Irvin‑Ross, with Minister Jennifer Howard, with Minister Kevin Chief. It wasn't an opportunity to just sit and just talk willy–[interjection]–the member for Point Douglas (Mr. Chief), yes. It was actually the space in which decisions got made in a collective way, in a collective format, so that departments and ministers weren't working in isolation from one another that they didn't know what was going on.
You know, indigenous issues here in Manitoba require a co-ordinated response and a co-ordinated strategy of all departments, and that was one of the key roles that AICC played, was that they were able to co-ordinate their responses; they were able to gather the different research and recommendations and vision in respect of working with indigenous people. And, certainly, as you know, there were opportunities for indigenous leadership, indigenous community members, indigenous community organization, that actually did participate and made–or, presentations to AICC.
So it's not like it was some isolated, secret group on–in some of the things that we're seeing with this particular government. It was open. It was a co‑ordinated response. It was a respectful response, and there were opportunities for community and leadership to present and highlight the issues that they're dealing with at a–in Manitoba.
So the fact that this government, like the special adviser on indigenous women and–women's issues, don't seem to think it is important to have a co‑ordinated response in respect of the myriad of issues that face indigenous peoples, I think, is also shameful. It is utterly shameful. It is disgraceful that this government cannot even see fit to have a committee of Cabinet to deal with the myriad of issues that face indigenous peoples.
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
I would just ask members that are having conversations, I'm having some difficulty trying to listen to the speaker, so if there are some conversations occurring, can you please–sit in the loge or in the chairs at the back? I'd certainly appreciate that.
Ms. Fontaine: Miigwech, Madam Speaker.
I do just want to point out that, like, even in this Chamber, I'm trying to share in respect of indigenous peoples or families of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and I can't even hear myself because there's so much chatter, because nobody thinks it's important to actually listen to what's going on in this province in respect of indigenous peoples. We can't even listen.
And, if people were really listening in this Chamber, then they would demand from their Premier (Mr. Pallister) that they establish the Aboriginal issues committee of Cabinet, because they would understand its critical, critical importance and the fundamental role that it plays in respect of, again, having a co-ordinated, educated, partnered response in respect of indigenous issues.
I think, again, it is indicative of what we see going on with this government. We see nothing in the Throne Speech. We see one little message about they're going to continue to have meetings. That's great; that's good that people are having meetings. But just having a couple of meetings willy-nilly isn't actually going to get us to where we need to be, and it's certainly not going to develop the strategies and policies that we need to undertake as Manitobans in respect of indigenous issues. And, again, the myriad of different issues that indigenous people face here in Manitoba: housing; social services; training; addictions–you know, again, MMIWG; endemic levels of poverty; mental health as a result of intergenerational effects of colonialism and residential schools.
So we see really nothing in respect of the Throne Speech. This Throne Speech–we see nothing in respect of the last Throne Speech. I mean, I think it is particularly egregious that we don't see anything in respect of the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action. I mean, I think that people should recognize that when we talk about reconciliation in Manitoba, it demands that there's actually actions associated with that word; otherwise, you are just–you're just expending breath. And there's nothing that results from that.
The TRC undertook phenomenal work–hard, hard, work. If anybody ever had the opportunity to actually participate in any of the gatherings or actually listen to any of the residential school survivors, you would, for a second–just for a second–get just a little miniscule example of what students went through, what babies went through. And I always say babies, because we're literally talking about children as young as five–little innocent babies. And, when you hear some of the things that Canadians went through, Canadians, Manitobans, the torture that they went through–and there's nothing in here.
It is shameful. It is shameful that there is nothing to recognize, by this government, the torture that children went through. It is shameful that this government thinks so very little of the TRC calls to action that they can't even have anything in their second Throne Speech. It is shameful that they think so little about families' hardships and their trauma and their vicarious trauma, and, again, the torture of their loved ones in some cases.
And I know I keep saying it in here, because I've had the opportunity to work for families, almost 19 years now, and to hear the stories of families and imagining for a moment their loved ones' last moments. And I know that I've shared in this House some of those stories. I know that I've shared in respect of Felicia Solomon Osborne, who was only 16 when she was murdered, and her body parts were found 11 years earlier to Tina, who spent here last moments in absolute terror; or the victims of our last serial killer, one of whom was five months' pregnant.
There's nothing in the Throne Speech. This–not only is there nothing in the Throne Speech, there's nothing being put in place by the Minister of Justice (Mrs. Stefanson), by the Premier, in respect of a special adviser to actually work with these families. There's nothing being done in respect of–and I know that they're saying they're putting some staff supports, but they're very–it's a very specialized set of skills to be able to work with families.
I–as an indigenous woman, I think it is so disrespectful, so wholly disrespectful, so wholly egregious that for a government that says that they want to work with indigenous people, they cannot even take the time to have anything in the Throne Speech in respect of MMIWG, in respect of the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet and nothing in respect of the Truth and Reconciliation's calls to actions.
* (16:10)
Surely, surely, and I know some of the members opposite; I–they are good people. I know they are loving people, they are kind people, they are compassionate people. I suspect and I would submit to you, Madam Speaker, that they want to do the best for all Manitobans, which include indigenous people here in Manitoba. But in order for us to do that, we have to put things into place. It requires that we invest dollars, and I know in the discourse of austerity that we're trying to make–take every dollar that we can, but in order for us to do the best for indigenous people and to really, truly have reconciliation, that involves that we put people in place, that we put time in place, that we put energy in place, that we put committee of cabinets in place, and that we certainly put dollars in place to support the much-needed and critical work that needs to be done in respect of indigenous peoples.
I'm begging the members next–opposite to demand from their Premier that these things are embedded, that we do more, all of us, we all do more for the most marginalized, the most traumatized people, the most resilient people, the most courageous people, the most loving people, the most forgiving people of Manitoba. And I want to put those records–or those words on the record. Miigwech.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, first of all, thank you for your efforts and thanks to all the members of the House for their efforts in the past few months. It's been an exciting time and I know a challenging time for all of us.
And I appreciate the efforts that you put in, Madam Speaker, and I appreciate the efforts of all of our colleagues here and the staff here as well.
It is–holiday season approaches and Christmastime is a very special time for a lot of Manitoba families and certainly no exception in our family, and it's a time for many of us of reflection, a time to–and certainly in my case, to remember past Christmases and to remember the lessons of past Christmases. And I'd like to begin by saying that I will never forget that the Eaton's catalogue, Madam Speaker, for our–in our household, that was a special thing in our–on our little farm many miles from the nearest village. Getting that Eaton's catalogue in the mail was a big, big deal for us, and a lot of people called it the wish book or the dream book, and for us it was most certainly that.
My brother and sister and I dog-eared that book. We marked it up thoroughly. We probably spent too much time thinking we were going to get a lot of things in that book that we really knew at the time we weren't going to get, but we asked anyway. And, Madam Speaker, in our household, like many Manitoba households, resources were pretty limited and you were faced with some challenges on an ongoing basis with–in our family's case, and certainly we weren't alone, the things that you were able to buy were very often on a list a lot longer than what you were able to buy. And you had to learn the lessons, very hard lessons, in many cases, of deciding, of making value judgments, of priorizing, of choosing those things that were the most important, not necessarily just the things you wanted, but the things that you needed to buy. And a lot of years, with my mother, those things at Christmas were practical things.
I remember my mom having to go back–she was a teacher and she loved to teach and–but she–after she was married, had to raise, as my dad described us, three scrawny kids. And so, in 1960, she, having a five-year-old, me, and a three-year-old, my brother, and a one-year-old, my sister, had to make a very, very difficult decision which she did not want to make. She had to return to the workplace to support us and our family because our farm couldn't do it. And my grandparents, my–and our family all depended on this small farm and some years it wasn't great.
Now, this is not a story unique to me or my family. It's true, I'm sure, of many here in this Chamber, many across the province. We had lessons to learn about words that we forget about a lot now, like frugal and thrift and things like that.
That particular year that she had to return to teach was a tough year on our family but a good year on the farm. And so about this time of year I got the chance, because my dad gave me $5 to go and buy presents for the first time, and it was a real, real experience. I mean, the years before, you came down the stairs Christmas morning to look for what you were getting, but I had never bought presents before. And my brother and I got the chance to go, with my uncle helping us, and buy a couple of presents for my parents for the first time. And that Christmas morning I got the joy of giving for the first time. And, when we came down the stairs that morning, it wasn't just with the view of what'd I get or, for my brother and sister, what they would get. It was with the excitement of knowing what we would be able to give. And we bought, with that $5, we bought my mom a broom and my dad a shovel. And those were practical gifts, Madam Speaker.
I understand, it's human nature, I understand it well, the desire to give. We all have it. Manitobans do it. Manitobans live a life of sacrifice and charity and volunteerism better than any other Canadians do, and that's tremendous. And I understand the desire the previous government had to give too. And I know that sometimes that desire to give in the short term can cause significant problems in the long term, and that's exactly what's happened here in Manitoba–exactly what's happened here in Manitoba. And so I think it's important to understand these lessons of Christmases past and in Christmases future, because we want to build hope, not fear, in this province, that we abide by the lessons we've learned.
David Northcott is a man I admire greatly; I think many Manitobans do, many Canadians do. And David Northcott said one time to me that his challenge in giving was to remember not to take away by giving. His challenge was to understand that sometimes there's a difference between perpetuating aid and dependency and relieving it. And you have to understand the subtle differences in those two things when you operate a food bank, or when you operate a household, or when you operate a government. Do not create dependency.
Madam Speaker, there are fundamental differences in attitude between some administrations and our own, and we understand that government is not just the redistributor of wealth, not just the director of taking wealth from others and giving it to others with the intentions of doing good. Government cannot be limited to that role. There's much more, much more in a hand up than in a handout, much more. And our government understands that our role is not solely to redistribute the wealth that others work so hard to obtain after we've taken it from them but, rather, to help them as a genuine partner in creating opportunity for financial security.
Over time, Madam Speaker, through honest, hard work and innovation, our family, like many Manitoba families, was able to find some measure of financial security. Fixing the finances of a province is no less important than–to a people collectively than fixing the finances of individuals is important to them and their families. Fixing the finances is a fundamental obligation.
We take a different approach than the previous administration in respect of fixing the finances, and there's no better illustration in my mind of that than in the handling of Tolko in The Pas. A handout or a hand up, these are fundamental questions one has to evaluate and ask when they are dealing with government policy in respect of businesses that need support, when a multinational, prosperous company throws the keys on the table, one has to make a decision. And the previous government made that decision. They decided to meet that threat of closure with a subsidy, with a subsidy, Madam Speaker, for an already profitable company. And we decided instead to take another approach.
* (16:20)
We decided and achieved in a few weeks in our actions to build a partnership. We built a partnership with labour. We built a partnership with workers. We built a partnership with a community. We built a partnership with private sector, interested parties. And we achieved in four weeks what the previous government failed to do with $20 million of subsidies in a decade.
Fixing the finances is an onerous responsibility, Madam Speaker, and one we accept gladly and we will approach not with ideology but with practical solutions and practical partnerships as our key tool. And we will repair the services as well. And there is no better illustration of the difference in our approaches from those of the previous government than the issue of FleetNet, our emergency communications system in this province, a system used by emergency personnel to stay in touch; to communicate; to effectively co-ordinate; to protect one another, our ambulance workers, our firefighters, our police–all front-line, all needing protection, all ignored by the previous government.
The FleetNet system, they were told years ago, was going to fall apart. And they were told that action was needed to protect front-line workers and the services they provide. They were told, in no uncertain terms, that the system would begin to deteriorate and that parts would be unavailable, so unavailable, in fact, Madam Speaker, that with the increased outage hours, the people responsible for keeping the system afloat had been forced to resort to shopping for parts on eBay.
This is not protecting front-line services. This is the opposite of that. What responsible parent would fail to replace the batteries in their smoke detector but take money and throw a party for their pals? What responsible mother, with knowing that the roof in her–on her home was leaking, would throw a party for friends and spend money on that purpose? What responsible leader or family member would, knowing that the foundation–the very foundation–of their home, was eroding, throw billions upon billions upon billions of dollars in another direction, when this is foundational–FleetNet is foundational, the communications ability of our front-line workers, at a time when they most need that communications ability? To have hundreds of hours of outages putting front-line workers at risk because a government failed, after a decade of opportunity, to invest in the most important thing they could possible invest in, the protection of the people of the province of Manitoba, is almost unbelievable.
We will repair the services of this province, and we will do it by placing the best interests of people first. We will do it by shopping intelligently. We will do it through transparent practices and tendering that allow the private sector and other bidders in the non‑profit sector to provide services, maximum benefit to the population with efficiencies and with effectiveness.
If you're going to rebuild the economy of a province, and we are committed to rebuilding our economy, Madam Speaker, then you don't do it the way the previous administration did with respect to ESRA, the East Side Road Authority.
Now, I understand, as I said in my introduction, Madam Speaker, the joy that comes from giving, but I also understand that claiming to care is not the same thing as caring. I read dozens of press releases from the previous administration claiming they cared about the people of the east side and others, claiming they were going to help. And they certainly dedicated money to the task, but, after eight years and half a billion dollars, they got 50 miles of road built. And the Auditor General–the Auditor General's office, in their recent report, commented on the lack of effectiveness of this in a very detailed report that harshly condemned the previous government for its lack of accountability.
The previous administration claimed they were caring. They said they would mentor. The Auditor General's report says, quote: There was limited evidence of mentoring to community members.
They claimed they were going to train the people in the area. And the Auditor General's report, on page 4, says: ESRA was not tracking whether the individuals trained eventually worked. As such, ESRA had limited ability to assess whether the training programs resulted in participants finding employment.
See, Madam Speaker, here's the difference between us. They like their takeoffs, their announcements, their billboards and their posters. We like results, and we'll get results.
They claimed they were keeping track, but there was no tracking. In addition, ESRA did not track how community corporations actually benefited from the allowance, no measurements. ESRA has not set measurable objectives for its strategies and, as a result, is not able to measure progress of these targets. Unbelievable, Madam Speaker, $500 million–the community members didn't get it. Chiefs have told us their community didn't benefit from this arrangement, but certainly there was a feel‑good motivation that was fulfilled on the other side of the House without the results being met.
Madam Speaker, I want to tell you that sometimes people take when they pretend to give. But this administration that we followed poisoned the water for Manitobans: signing hundreds of millions of dollars of subsidy agreements; locking in long-term leases above market prices to pals; promising, promising and promising projects while ignoring repairs to roads and bridges and public housing; allowing a decade of debt, allowing a decade of decay and leaving a decade of decline.
We will show the way. We will set a new tone at the top. We will partner. We will work with the communities of this province, indigenous or not, Metis, First Nation, you name it, repairing the services by listening, by learning, knocking down the silos to help the young people and seniors of our province, rebuilding the economy by eliminating the unnecessary red tape, joining and pursuing trade opportunities such as the New West Partnership, knocking down barriers to international trade.
This is the home of hope. As opposed to special interest, we are focused on the public interest. We will put province ahead of politics. We will put unity ahead of division. We will put hope ahead of fear, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker, in closing, we are the most beautiful Legislature in the country of Canada, bar none. And we are honoured to have the chance to work here together. I wish all members of this House, au nom de ma famille, je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël et une bonne année, pleine de bonheur, santé et prospérité. [On behalf of my family, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, filled with happiness, health and prosperity.]
I want to wish all the members of this Legislature, but also their families, the very best, and also to our staff, Madam Speaker, and to you and your families. Thank you so much for your efforts. Thank you to all the people who work in this building. Thank you to our pages. Thank you to all Manitobans for their trust, for their support.
We live in the most beautiful province, in the most beautiful country in the world. We are blessed people. And we live at the best time in the history of humankind to live, Madam Speaker, because we have the opportunity to make things better for those who follow us.
There is–there are many challenges here, but we have the opportunity to ride on the shoulders of giants, Madam Speaker, such as Nellie McClung, who you've celebrated with your efforts, and many, many others. And we will face these challenges, as Manitobans always have, because we believe we can make this a better place. And we believe that the only thing better than today in Manitoba is tomorrow in Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The hour being 4:30 p.m., pursuant to rule 47(3), I am interrupting the proceedings in order to put the question on the motion of the honourable member for Burrows (Ms. Lamoureux), that is, the subamendment to the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
Do members wish to have the subamendment read?
* (16:30)
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the subamendment?
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: No. I declare the subamendment defeated.
I will now deal with the amendment.
So, on the motion of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Ms. Marcelino), that is, the amendment to the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne, do members wish to have the amendment read?
Some Honourable Members: Yes.
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: I hear a yes.
THAT the motion be amended by adding the following words at the end:
But this House regrets that the provincial government has:
(a) announced an agenda of cuts and austerity breaking its pledge to protect front-line workers and the services they provide while government ministers received large wage increases which will lead to increased inequality, undermine the health of the economy and worsen the lives of everyday Manitobans; and
(b) opened the door to the privatization and deregulation of essential and important front-line services and has resolved to hide its plans from impartial public scrutiny, undermining public delivery of services and public accountability; and
(c) manufactured partisan, political crises and has refused to produce transparent, long-term financial documents in order to justify an agenda of cuts to front-line services and privatization; and
(d) failed to take steps to keep the cost of living affordable for Manitobans by enabling increases to home heating rates, electricity rates, auto insurance rates and post-secondary tuition fees; and
(c)–pardon me, and (e) not presented any meaningful plan to address a wide range of needs concerning: health care, home care, seniors, the environment, climate change, the minimum wage, publicly funded child-care spaces, the child-welfare system, housing, poverty, the justice system, the public education system, funding for post-secondary institutions, infrastructure, rural Manitoba, economic development for the North, investments in Winnipeg, Brandon and other municipalities, agriculture and many other important areas for Manitobans.
As a consequence of these and many other failings, the provincial government has thereby lost the trust and confidence of the people of Manitoba and this House.
And just to clarify, that amendment was put forward by the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment?
Some Honourable Members: Yes.
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: I hear a no.
Voice Vote
Madam Speaker: All in favour of the amendment, please say yea.
Some Honourable Members: Yea.
Madam Speaker: All those opposed, please say nay.
Some Honourable Members: Nay.
Madam Speaker: In my opinion the Nays have it.
Recorded Vote
Mr. Jim Maloway (Official Opposition House Leader): A recorded vote.
Madam Speaker: A recorded vote having been called, call in the members.
The question before the House is the motion of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, that is, the amendment to the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
Division
A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows:
Yeas
Allum, Altemeyer, Chief, Fontaine, Kinew, Lathlin, Lindsey, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Saran, Selinger, Swan, Wiebe.
Nays
Bindle, Clarke, Cox, Cullen, Curry, Eichler, Ewasko, Fielding, Friesen, Gerrard, Goertzen, Graydon, Guillemard, Helwer, Isleifson, Johnson, Johnston, Klassen, Lagassé, Lagimodiere, Lamoureux, Martin, Mayer, Michaleski, Micklefield, Morley-Lecomte, Nesbitt, Pallister, Pedersen, Piwniuk, Reyes, Schuler, Smith, Smook, Squires, Stefanson, Teitsma, Wharton, Wishart, Wowchuk, Yakimoski.
Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Yeas 13, Nays 41.
Madam Speaker: I declare the amendment lost.
* * *
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
For clarification, earlier, when I was putting the question on the subamendment, I inadvertently stated that it was a motion from the honourable member for Burrows (Ms. Lamoureux). I should have said the honourable member for Kewatinook (Ms. Klassen), and I apologize for that.
The question now before the House is the motion of the honourable member for Fort Richmond (Mrs. Guillemard), that is, the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
Do members wish to have the motion read?
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some Honourable Members: Yes.
Some Honourable Members: No.
Madam Speaker: I heard a no.
Voice Vote
Madam Speaker: All those in favour, please say yea.
Some Honourable Members: Yea.
Madam Speaker: All those opposed, please say nay.
Some Honourable Members: Nay.
Madam Speaker: In my opinion, the Yeas have it. I declare the motion carried.
Recorded Vote
Hon. Andrew Micklefield (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, we'd like to request a recorded vote, please.
Madam Speaker: A recorded vote having been called, call in the members.
* (16:40)
The question before the House is the motion of the honourable member for Fort Richmond, that is, the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
Division
A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows:
Yeas
Bindle, Clarke, Cox, Cullen, Curry, Eichler, Ewasko, Fielding, Fletcher, Friesen, Goertzen, Graydon, Guillemard, Helwer, Isleifson, Johnson, Johnston, Lagassé, Lagimodiere, Martin, Mayer, Michaleski, Micklefield, Morley-Lecomte, Nesbitt, Pallister, Pedersen, Piwniuk, Reyes, Schuler, Smith, Smook, Squires, Stefanson, Teitsma, Wharton, Wishart, Wowchuk, Yakimoski.
Nays
Allum, Altemeyer, Chief, Fontaine, Gerrard, Kinew, Klassen, Lamoureux, Lathlin, Lindsey, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Saran, Selinger, Swan, Wiebe.
Clerk: Yeas 39, Nays 16.
Madam Speaker: I declare the motion carried.
* * *
Mr. Micklefield: Madam Speaker, I believe if you canvass the House, you'll find it is the will of the House to call it 5 p.m.
Madam Speaker: Is it the will of the House to call it 5 p.m.? [Agreed]
The hour being 5 p.m., the House is now adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, December 1, 2016
CONTENTS