Mr. Speaker presented:

Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on The Elections Act and The Elections Finances Act for the year ending December 31, 2000 which also includes the conduct of the November 21, 2000 by-elections in Kirkfield Park and Tuxedo.

(Sessional Paper No. 134)

Hon. Mr. Ashton, the Minister of Transportation and Government Services made a statement regarding the emergency incident in Firdale, Manitoba,

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

Hon. Mr. Chomiak, the Minister of Health made a statement regarding this week being recognized as National Nurses Week 2002,

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

Hon. Mr. Mackintosh presented:

Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, Quarterly Report, Nine Months, March 1, 2001 to November 30, 2001.

(Sessional Paper No. 135)

Report pursuant to subsection 43(1) of The Fatality Inquiries Act for the year ending 2001.

(Sessional Paper No. 136)

Annual Report of The Discriminatory Business Practices Act for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002.

(Sessional Paper No. 137)

Pursuant to Rule 23(1), Messrs. Santos, Schuler, Aglugub and Enns and Ms. Asper made Members’ Statements.

The House resolving into the Committee of Supply.

And the House continuing in Committee, the Proceedings were interrupted at 5:00 p.m. for Private Members' Business.

Mr. Maguire moved:

Resolution No. 2: Long-Term Water Use Strategy for Manitoba

WHEREAS diversification and value-added activities are ensuring Manitoba’s agricultural economy remains competitive in the new environment that has been created by the Federal Government’s elimination of the Crow Rate; and

WHEREAS these activities place a heavy demand on the province’s water supply and necessitate sustainable water management practices; and

WHEREAS the conservation of the province’s water supply is vital to Manitoba’s economy and is therefore in every Manitoban’s interest; and

WHEREAS some Manitoba communities lie in flood prone areas that are periodically threatened by excessive water levels; and

WHEREAS some Manitoba communities have been the subject of prolonged droughts, thereby negatively affecting not only individuals, but also agricultural producers and the industrial and tourism sectors; and

WHEREAS Manitobans have repeatedly expressed a strong interest in issues related to drainage, irrigation, water storage, flood mitigation and in examining an extended approach to dealing with drainage and water management; and

WHEREAS Manitobans are interested in establishing a process that could ultimately lead to the more effective use of our water resources, thereby ensuring the sustainability of this most important natural resource; and

WHEREAS in order to ensure future availability, high quality and proper drainage of water, the Provincial Government must implement a long-term strategy that adequately addresses these important issues.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba encourage the Minister of Conservation to consider following through in a timely fashion on his commitment to develop and implement a comprehensive long-term water strategy for Manitoba; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Provincial Government to consider ensuring long-term flood protection to flood prone areas and limiting the negative affects of drought by using proper upstream storage of excess water that would then be available for drought proofing in years of need.

And a debate arising,

And Mr. Maguire, Hon. Mr. Lathlin, Messrs. Cummings, Nevakshonoff and Penner (Emerson) having spoken,

And Mr. Struthers speaking at 6:00 p.m. The debate was allowed to remain in his name.

The House then adjourned at 6:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2002.

Hon. George Hickes,