Hon. Mr. Robinson, the Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs made a statement regarding the Suicide Roundtable Meeting, May 31 and June 1, 2002,

Mr. Hawranik commented on the statement.

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By leave, Hon. Mr. Chomiak introduced Bill (No. 28) – The Registered Dietitians Act/Loi sur les diététistes, and outlined the purposes thereof, it was read a First Time.

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Pursuant to Rule 23(1), Ms. Korzeniowski, Messrs. Laurendeau and Schellenberg, Mrs. Smith (Fort Garry) and Ms. Asper made Members’ Statements.

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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.

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Ms. Korzeniowski moved:

Resolution No. 9: Emergency Personnel

WHEREAS Emergency Personnel risk their lives regularly to help others in their dangerous, at times lethal, line of work; and

WHEREAS in Canada, the numerous natural disasters such as the Quebec ice storm and Manitoba’s flood of 1997 have required great efforts on the part of Emergency Personnel, who aptly demonstrated their capabilities; and

WHEREAS Emergency Personnel in many areas of Manitoba are volunteers, performing dangerous tasks without financial remuneration; and

WHEREAS the events of New York have made us, as a society, more grateful and proud of our Emergency Personnel.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba commend the actions of Emergency Personnel everywhere for their commitment and sacrifice.

And a debate arising,

And Ms. Korzeniowski and Mr. Derkach having spoken,

And Mr. Derkach moved an amendment as follows:

WHEREAS the events of September 11^th, 2001 made us, as a society, more grateful and proud of our professional and volunteer Emergency Personnel; and

WHEREAS volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line on a daily basis and many times stand side by side with full-time firefighters to protect life and limb; and

WHEREAS volunteer firefighters are many times subject to the same dangers and exposed to the same toxins as are full-time firefighters; and

WHEREAS the Provincial Government recently passed legislation that treats volunteer and part-time firefighters as second class citizens; and

WHEREAS every Government Member of the Legislative Assembly voted against amendments that would have seen volunteer and part-time firefighters treated equally with full-time firefighters in this province.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba condemn the Provincial Government for ignoring the principles of equality, justice, and fairness by excluding volunteer and part-time firefighters from recent amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Assembly urge the Provincial Government to further amend the Workers’ Compensation Act to ensure that volunteer, part-time and full-time firefighters are treated equally.

WHEREUPON Mr. Speaker informed the House he would take the matter under advisement.

And the debate continuing on the main motion,

And Hon. Mr. Smith (Brandon West) and Mr. Penner (Emerson) having spoken,

The debate was allowed to remain open.

The House then adjourned at 6:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2002.

Hon. George Hickes,

Speaker.