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 Hon. Mr. Doer, the Honourable First Minister made a statement regarding the impact from the federal governments decision to move Manitoba troops at CFB Shilo,

Mr. Murray and, by leave, Hon. Mr. Gerrard commented on the statement.

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Hon. Mr. Lathlin, the Minister of Conservation made a statement regarding an update on the flooding conditions in southern Manitoba,

Mr. Cummings commented on the statement.

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Hon. Mr. Ashton, the Minister of Transportation and Government Services made a statement regarding an update on road closures as a result of flooding in southern Manitoba,

Mr. Cummings commented on the statement.

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Hon. Mr. Chomiak, the Minister of Health made a statement regarding the steps taken by Manitoba Health with regards to vaccinating young people against meningitis,

Mrs. Driedger and, by leave, Hon. Mr. Gerrard commented on the statement.

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Following Oral Questions, Mr. Speaker made the following rulings:

During Oral Questions on Thursday, December 14, 2000, I took under advisement a point of order raised by the Honourable Government House Leader concerning a question asked by the Honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet about the process for handling allegations that are brought forward concerning public officials. The Government House Leader contended that the Honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet was making serious charges and suggested that if the Member were making allegations of a criminal nature, that the matter should be referred to the proper authorities. The Member for Lac du Bonnet noted that he was not naming any specific persons, and was asking questions regarding the policy for handling such issues. I took the matter under advisement in order to closely examine the words that were spoken.

Upon re-reading the question of the Honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet, the Honourable Member did not state in his question that a public official had received payment for furthering a property sale, instead he asked what the policy is when members of the public meet with staff to raise such allegations. I would therefore rule that there is no point of order. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to ask the cooperation of all Members of the House to exercise caution in the choice of language used in raising such questions, to ensure that the reputations of any individuals cited are not tarnished.

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During Oral Questions on Thursday, December 14, 2000, I took under advisement a point of order raised by the Honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet concerning an answer given by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines in response to a question asked by the Honourable Member for Russell. The Honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet asserted that in her answer, the Honourable Minister had imputed unworthy motives to the Member for Russell. The Honourable Government House Leader and Honourable Official Opposition House Leader also spoke to the point of order. I took the matter under advisement in order to peruse Hansard.

On pages 296 and 297 of Hansard, the Honourable Minister is cited as saying "it is the innuendo … the Opposition has a certain agenda, and they wish to make this a political issue." I have reviewed the rulings of previous Speakers in order to determine if these or similar words have been the subject of interventions in the past. Speaker Rocan ruled on October 3, 1988 that the words "the NDP are playing politics" were in order and that no imputation of motives had occurred. Speaker Dacquay ruled on April 9, 1996 that the words "he is not interested in the truth, he is not interested in the facts, he is only interested in innuendo" were not an imputation of motives, however she did offer a caution on the language used. She also ruled on April 24, 1996 that the words "while the Members opposite, for their own political purposes, have aggravated and agitated" did not contain an imputation of motives.

Based on these rulings, I would therefore rule that the point of order is out of order, and that no imputation of unworthy motives had occurred. I would, however, like to remind all Honourable Members to keep their remarks temperate, and to exercise caution and discretion in choosing words when referring to other Members of the Assembly.

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Pursuant to Rule 23(1), Messrs. Nevakshonoff and Schuler, Ms. Asper, Mrs. Smith (Fort Garry) and Mr. Struthers made Members' Statements.

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By leave, it was agreed that the House would allow a Workplace Safety and Health Inspector to enter the Chamber and inspect the air quality.

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By leave, it was agreed that the House would adjourn at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2001.

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The House resumed the Interrupted Debate on the Proposed Motion of Hon. Mr. Selinger:

THAT this House approve in general the budgetary policy of the government.

And on the Proposed Amendment of Mr. Murray:

THAT the Motion be amended by deleting all the words after "House" and substituting the following:

therefore regrets this budget ignores the present and future needs of Manitobans by:

(a) failing to work hard today, to adequately prepare Manitoba for the challenges of tomorrow;

(b) failing to address very real concerns about the sustainability of the high level of expenditures built into this budget;

(c) failing to provide a vision or plan for Manitoba's economy;

(d) failing to protect the strong economic climate established in Manitoba during the last decade;

(e) failing to provide meaningful tax cuts to Manitobans;

(f) failing to recognize the importance of tax competitiveness so Manitoba can continue to prosper;

(g) failing to create an economic climate that will draw investment to Manitoba;

(h) failing to provide any incentive for our young people to stake their futures in Manitoba;

(i) failing to address the serious socio-economic crisis facing rural communities due to the crisis in the grains, oilseeds and specialty crops sector;

(j) failing to provide assistance to agriculture producers still affected by severe flooding in southwestern Manitoba in 1999;

(k) failing to properly priorize the highways and infrastructure needs of Manitoba;

(l) failing to end hallway medicine as promised;

(m) failing to address the growing shortage of health care professionals;

(n) failing to address health care waiting lists; and

(o) failing to address the critical shortage of teachers at all levels across the province.

As a consequence, the Government has thereby lost the confidence of this House and the people of Manitoba.

And the debate continuing on the amendment,

And Mr. Penner (Emerson), Hon. Mr. Gerrard and Mr. Santos having spoken,

And Hon. Mr. Caldwell speaking at 5:00 p.m. The debate was allowed to remain open.

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The House then adjourned at 5:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2001.

Hon. George Hickes,

Speaker.