ORAL QUESTION PERIOD

Winnipeg Arena

Tender Process

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, my question is to the First Minister.

In answers to various questions posed last week to the government, there seems to be a discrepancy under which the government has time to deal fully and adequately, allegedly, with an environmental assessment process but allegedly has no time to deal with tendering for the proposed new arena, the $111 million of which will be paid by the taxpayers.

Madam Speaker, over the last three weeks, we have seen the private sector developers, speculators and investors in the hockey team not able to conclude any agreement. That time could have been well spent by the government fulfilling its obligations to proceed with the tendering process.

I would like to ask the Premier, in light of the delay in the so-called negotiations, in light of the fact that we have time on the one hand for allegedly an environmental process, why will the Premier not proceed with a proper tendering process, so the people who are paying 100 percent of the first $111 million can have 100 percent in the site and the cost for the new arena proposal?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, the member opposite chooses not to listen or to understand. The issue is twofold. One is that a proposal call was the basis upon which a general contractor was selected by the MEC group, which is the private sector group in this effort. So, in fact, they went through that process already to arrive at their selection.

Secondarily, since the private sector people are taking on the responsibility for overruns or losses, then it is obviously in our interest to avoid that responsibility and to ensure that somebody else picks it up, and, therefore, this process by which they have gone through the proposal call, the bid process, does allow for them to take the full responsibility, as well, for the overruns. They have to be the ones who are confident that it fits within the numbers that are projected.

The third aspect of it, Madam Speaker, is, should there be any delay as a result of forcing a new bid process, then we would bear the responsibility for an extra year of losses on the operations in the old arena.

In all those cases, the taxpayer is better served by not being responsible for another year's losses and not being responsible for the overrun. That is why we chose to go with the process that is in place.

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Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, the government mentions the bid process that was undertaken by the so-called private investors. One must recall, of course, that this was at a time when they were going to spend the majority amount of money to build the new facility, contrary to the Premier's promise in the election campaign.

I would like to ask the Premier, given the fact that we have now proceeded to $111 million of taxpayers' investment in the new facility, has this proposal been approved by Treasury Board, which makes it mandatory under the Manual of Administration of the government of Manitoba to approve the waiving of any tender process that is over $25,000. This proposal is well, well over $25,000.

Has this waiver been achieved through the Treasury Board and, therefore, by cabinet?

Mr. Filmon: I repeat, Madam Speaker, there was a proposal call and bid process that was carried out.

Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, the Premier did not answer whether Treasury Board approved the waiver.

Winnipeg Jets

Richardson Family Investment

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): I want to ask a further question.

In terms of the backroom negotiations that are continuing today, I believe, with Mr. Bessey from the government's area who is involved and Mr. Benson from Treasury Board who is involved in those negotiations according to the Premier last week, it has been reported that part of those investors includes Richardson's for a $5-million investment in the new hockey team.

Can the Premier confirm that the Richardson family and companies are involved in the investment in the hockey team?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, I do not have all the details as to who has committed money. I do not have the names of all the people who contributed to the $13.5 million.

Winnipeg Arena

Investment Criteria--Forks Site

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier, the investors who have signed on for the new proposal who are presently in the backroom negotiations, have any of those investors made their money, their investments, contingent upon a Forks site?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Not to my knowledge, Madam Speaker.

Crime Rate

Reduction Strategy

Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice.

We have just reviewed an advance copy of the City of Winnipeg's annual crime statistics for 1994, which confirms the new Winnipeg, that Winnipeggers are victims of violence as never before. In one year alone, robberies increased 17 percent and offences regarding weapons violations increased 30 percent.

My question for the minister is, since the government has been grandstanding on the issue of crime, would the minister now explain why her tough talk has failed Manitobans?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member is right in saying this government has taken the toughest stand across Canada on criminal activity, and let me point out that that member across the way has disagreed with every single one of them, including to never take a public position on the antistalking legislation, never came forward and suggested that this might make the people of Manitoba and the people of Winnipeg any safer at all, so that side of the House certainly has not supported any of the initiatives which this government has put into place.

Point of Order

Mr. Mackintosh: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, I am sure the minister does not want to mislead this House about the positions on this side.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a point of order.

Mr. Mackintosh: My point of order was as stated, Madam Speaker. I trust the minister will not want to mislead this House on positions--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. I would caution the honourable member to pick and choose his words carefully. The word "mislead" has many times been deemed to be unparliamentary.

The honourable member for St. Johns did not have a point of order. It is a dispute over the facts.

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Mr. Mackintosh: My supplementary, Madam Speaker: Would the minister explain the government's abysmal record on crime, given a 21 percent increase in motor vehicle thefts in Winnipeg last year?

Mrs. Vodrey: I am pleased to speak about some of the initiatives that this government has put into place, which were put into place starting through part of last year.

One which I am sure the member will be very interested in is amendments to The Highway Traffic Act, which this government put into place and which deals with those people who vandalize and steal autos. This was a toughening-up.

Madam Speaker, the member also, particularly in dealing with youth, has not been at all interested in any of the changes we have put forward in Corrections, in any of the changes that we have put forward to the federal government on the Young Offenders Act.

He continues, Madam Speaker, to be opposed to any of the initiatives which this government has put forward to deal with criminal activity. Frankly, the people of Manitoba would like to hear from him, what would he do.

Mr. Mackintosh: My final supplementary to the minister: Would she advise the House what speaks louder, her talk or the statistics?

Mrs. Vodrey: The member has many times certainly attempted to bring various kinds of statistics forward which, in fact, have not exactly had bearing on the specific issue that we have been dealing with.

Let me just take a moment again to outline the initiatives put forward by this government. Let me start with policing. Let me start with the $5 million that this government has put on the table to increase the resources of the RCMP; the $2 million that this government has put on the table to increase the resources of the Winnipeg city police; the preventative measures that this government has put in place in dealing with young people; the measures legislatively that this government has put into place through The Highway Traffic Act to deal with auto theft and auto vandalism; the initiatives that this government has put into place to notify communities if there are dangerous sexual offenders; the changes that we have put into place in the area of Corrections and what this government has asked the federal government to do in terms of making changes to assist in making our communities safer for the people of Manitoba.

Purse Snatchings

Reduction Strategy

Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): Madam Speaker, my questions are also for the Minister of Justice.

According to recent police statistics, the number of purse snatchings in Winnipeg has increased by 45 percent this year. Clearly, women, frequently elderly women and frequently women with disabilities, are the victims of this crime, and frequently purse snatchings result not only in the loss of money and personal documents but, also, in personal injury and emotional trauma.

My first question for the minister is this: What specific plans does the minister have to respond to the situation, and when will these plans be implemented?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, certainly, this government has put into practice a number of initiatives which have been dealing with the safety of women. We have also asked for co-operation of other levels of government to deal with the safety of women.

However, if the member asks for one very important initiative relating to the city of Winnipeg, it is the $2 million, Madam Speaker, that this government has put on the table for more police officers in the city of Winnipeg. The greater number of police officers we believe will act as a deterrent, as well as assist in solving criminal activity.

Ms. McGifford: Given that the minister has taken no really substantive action to date, what specific steps will she now take to win the confidence of Manitoba women and ensure the House that this government respects women's rights not only to be safe but to feel safe?

Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, is it not just like the other side to suggest that $2 million on the table, 40 more police officers on the street, is no action.

Well, Madam Speaker, it is action. This government has made the commitment, and we are acting on it.

Ms. McGifford: Madam Speaker, my third question: Can the minister assure the women of Manitoba that the support services which they require to cope with crime are readily available, especially given the government's poor record on Victim Assistance Programs?

Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, one would have to wonder where the member has been, considering the increased dollars and services that have been put forward based on services to women--the increase in women's advocacy, the extension to Brandon, Thompson and other places in terms of our support to victims, the study which is ongoing now to look at the expansion of victims' services across the province.

So, obviously, Madam Speaker, the member has missed this. She is very interested in what is happening to women. I hope this has been helpful for her today.

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Pharmacare

Lorenzo's Oil

Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, the departmental definition of the Life Saving Drug Program is: This program provides medication to those persons who require drugs for life-sustaining purposes but cannot afford to purchase the drug even with the assistance of Pharmacare.

My question to the Minister of Health is, can the minister explain why the government has refused to provide funding for the very few individuals, six in number, who require Lorenzo's Oil in order to sustain their life and to deal with the very prohibitive cost of that particular drug?

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, the honourable member may recall that when this matter first arose, I had indicated that I would ask departmental officials to look very closely at that question with a view to trying to alleviate the tremendous economic and financial strain this causes for families dealing with this situation.

I am pleased to report to the honourable member today that we have indeed found a way to assist those families, and perhaps later this afternoon, I can give the honourable members more detail about that.

Life-Saving Drugs

Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Will the minister today outline specifically what procedures are being put in place at the department to deal--

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): You just said that.

Mr. Chomiak: If the Premier will be quiet, perhaps I will ask the question.

I will try to speak above the roar--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. Pose your question now.

Mr. Chomiak: My supplementary to the minister: Will the minister outline what procedures are in place, not just for Lorenzo's drugs but for other drugs, such as the one to deal with MS to help individuals, so they do not have to mortgage their homes in order to pay for the costs of drugs that do not fall within the very narrow confines of the departmental definition of life-sustaining drugs.

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): In order for Pharmacare programs to cover drugs, they require a certificate of compliance from the federal government. That does not exist in the case of Lorenzo's Oil. Lorenzo's Oil is a nutritional supplement, as opposed to a drug, and, therefore, we feel that we can, and we have, made arrangements to take care of the burden that would be presented to families in the circumstances through a concept very similar to the Life-Saving Drug Program.

Mr. Chomiak: I thank the minister for the response to my first question.

My final supplementary to the same minister is, will the minister consider the establishment of a special fund and/or body to deal with other drugs that fall in the same kind of category, some that are being reviewed by the federal government, some that are not, such as those dealing with MS in order to help other families alleviate these kinds of very expensive difficulties they encounter?

Mr. McCrae: The honourable member knows that the government, as well as previous governments, have relied on the advice given to them by the Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee, as we develop our formulary each and every year for the Pharmacare program.

We will continue to do that, but, certainly, the case surrounding Lorenzo's Oil cried out for attention, as the honourable member has suggested, and, Madam Speaker, we have responded I think in an appropriate way.

Physician Resources

Immigrant Credentials

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): My question is for the Minister of Health.

There is, in fact, a critical shortage of physicians in rural Manitoba, particularly in the North. We see three times higher, quite frankly, in terms of population in rural Manitoba versus the city of Winnipeg in terms of need.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons has submitted a proposal which appears to preclude the possibility of most foreign-trained doctors in the province from practising here.

Can the minister explain why many foreign-trained doctors are not even given the chance to demonstrate their proficiency before they are locked out of this particular profession?

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): It is not my understanding, Madam Speaker, that immigrant physicians are denied the opportunity to show their qualifications, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons does, indeed, go through the process of checking out the qualifications and the credentials of people who might be interested in practising medicine in Manitoba.

We certainly understand the need the honourable member raised in the early part of his question in rural and remote Manitoba, and we are taking every measure that we can to address that, but I am sure the honourable member would not want to suggest that people who are not qualified should be practising medicine in rural or remote Manitoba any more than anywhere else.

So the college has an important job to do, and we have to draw an important balance between the need that everybody knows exists and the requirement for Manitobans, no matter where they live, to receive medical care from qualified practitioners.

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Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, I am glad to hear that, and we will be following to see what the Minister of Health does.

Will the minister commit to looking into the possibility of paying tuition fees for those who would be prepared to practise in rural Manitoba?

We quite often see things of this nature, for example, with the Canadian Forces.

Mr. McCrae: In concert, Madam Speaker, with the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons and the government, we are looking at all options that are available to us to provide physician resources in rural and northern Manitoba. There is also a federal qualifying body, as well, whose requirements have to be satisfied in order for a doctor to practise in Canada.

Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Health give the House some sort of an indication on when it is that we will be able to see some sort of results? After all, this has been a situation for a number of years now.

When is the Minister of Health going to be bringing to this Chamber some plan that will see rural Manitoba receiving doctors?

Mr. McCrae: Madam Speaker, I believe we have been seeing results over many years. As circumstances arise, the department is always there to assist communities in recruiting physicians, and it is true that when a problem arises in a small community, the problem is a very, very big problem, and it is an immediate one and one that causes a lot of concern.

So through the efforts of the Physician Resource Committee, we have an interim report, and what we need are a variety of solutions. One alone will not do the job. We need short-term, medium-term and long-term. The Physician Resource Committee has provided an interim report, and by the end of this year, we expect a final report from them to deal with all three, short-, medium- and long-term solutions to these problems.

Post-Secondary Education

Northern Manitoba

Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, last week, the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh) indicated that her government had so far ignored the recommendation of the Roblin commission to develop a coherent post-secondary policy for northern Manitoba.

In the absence of a northern post-secondary education plan, I would like to ask the Minister of Native Affairs to indicate how he plans to close the very large educational gap between north and south and also between aboriginal and non-native Manitobans that the Northern Manitoba Economic Development Commission in 1993 clearly underlined as a leading issue for the government of Manitoba.

Hon. Darren Praznik (Minister responsible for Native Affairs): Yes, Madam Speaker, I think everyone who has worked in this particular area acknowledges that for many people, particularly those who come from isolated communities in the far north where opportunities are certainly more limited, there is a significant educational gap.

I know over the last number of years there have been efforts made to address that. In our city of Winnipeg, our capital, the two aboriginal schools have moved in that direction. There is still much work to go on in this particular area, and I am looking forward to discussing it in greater detail in our Estimates process, where we can have, I think, a much more fruitful exchange.

Ms. Friesen: My supplementary question is to the Minister of Urban Affairs.

I would like the minister to indicate to the House how the more than $400,000 spent by his department over the last few years in an as yet unseen urban aboriginal strategy will enable the educational gap between native and non-native Manitobans to be narrowed.

Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): With anything, the allocation of fundings is conducive to consultation with the parties involved, and to my knowledge at this time, I am not privy to the information that was derived from that, but I can find that for the member and bring it forth through Estimates.

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Community Colleges

Annual Report Tabling Request

Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, my final supplementary is for the Premier.

I would like the Premier to explain to the House why his government has failed to table the annual reports of the community colleges, which the act requires the government to do within 15 days of their receipt in October '94.

How does the Premier intend that these public institutions will remain accountable to Manitobans?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, there were two questions there. I will take them as notice on behalf of the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh).

Keewatin Community College

Staffing Reduction

Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The Pas): My questions are directed to the Minister of Northern Affairs.

Madam Speaker, not long ago, this government stated that KCC should become the co-ordinator of post-secondary education in the North. On Friday, we learned that more than 10 positions had been cut at KCC, with likely more cuts to come.

I want to ask the Minister of Northern Affairs and aboriginal affairs what effects these cuts will have on KCC's role as co-ordinator of post-secondary education in the North.

Hon. Darren Praznik (Minister of Northern Affairs): Madam Speaker, it is my understanding, and I will take the question as notice on behalf of the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh), but it is my understanding that the cuts that the member refers to were as a result of reductions in federal programming dollars, which I understand that she has written to her colleague federally to complain about and to advance the cause of seeing those positions continued.

Mr. Lathlin: Madam Speaker, again, I want to ask the Minister of Urban Affairs (Mr. Reimer), how can KCC co-ordinate post-secondary education in the North in any meaningful way, when two more administrative positions occupied by aboriginal people have been cut as of last Friday, and yet there is a high enrollment of aboriginal people at KCC, more than 50 percent?

Mr. Praznik: Madam Speaker, first of all, the details, I have indicated, I will take as notice on behalf of the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh).

I just have to point out to the member that one of the difficulties--and I am not sure, from the information I have, of the specific positions and who their occupants are, if they are governed by collective agreements or if they are in areas where the decisions are made in programming.

If they are in positions governed by collective agreement, then often there is no choice on the part of the administration as to who gets laid off. They are governed by the rules with respect to the collective agreement. I know we have had that same question come up when we have done budget reductions in our provincial government, that the collective agreements know no particular group of people.

That could be one of the problems here. I am only speculating, of course, but the Minister of Education will provide the member with greater detail when she returns to the House.

Mr. Lathlin: Madam Speaker, perhaps the minister can explain to us how more than 50 percent of KCC students will be served by the near elimination of the college's Aboriginal Centre?

Mr. Praznik: Madam Speaker, as I have indicated earlier, from the information that I have received--and, again, the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh) will provide greater detail to the member, but from the initial information I have received, those cuts were the result of reductions in federal funding in programming that the federal government did provide.

I would suggest very strongly if that is, in fact, the case, that northern MLAs should be taking this matter up with their federal member of Parliament, whom I know is very concerned about aboriginal issues and was when he was a member of their party.

I would also indicate very clearly that all institutions, often in dealing with administration and programming, sometimes can be just as effective with reduced administration, et cetera, so I would not prejudge their ability to deliver programming, even with those reductions.

Assiniboine Community College

Agriculture Training Programs

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, at a time when farmers across the province are required to make tremendous adjustments to their farming operations, it is essential that education programs be available to help them adapt. Unfortunately, all agriculture courses at ACC have been eliminated.

I want to ask the Minister of Agriculture if he can tell this House what the impact of the elimination of the college development division at ACC will be on the development of new education initiatives for farmers.

Hon. Harry Enns (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, we are very concerned in Manitoba with respect to the reductions that Agriculture Canada is providing, particularly to some of our overall educational or research-oriented programs that impact not just on the institution that she makes specific references to, but also the fine research facilities we have located in Brandon, in Morden and in Winnipeg.

These are choices that the federal Liberal government is making. We have to respond to them as best we can. I can assure her of one certainty, that it is not within the capability of the provincial government to backfill on these kinds of situations, although we will be challenging ourselves, and I will be challenging my own staff to ensure that we are using those dollars that this House accords for agricultural work to the very best possible use.

Ms. Wowchuk: I want to ask the Minister of Agriculture how he can make a statement that justifies corporate training grants but does not--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for Swan River has been recognized for a supplementary question.

Ms. Wowchuk: Can I ask the Minister of Agriculture, since Keystone Agricultural Producers and the Department of Agriculture use the college development division of ACC to develop their courses, who is now going to take the responsibility of developing agriculture training programs?

Mr. Enns: Madam Speaker, I repeat, we are very concerned about the ongoing education and training of our farmers, particularly as our farmers are facing challenges that are really of significance in this post-WGTA era.

The fact that they have closed down the agricultural employment offices or are threatening to in places like Portage la Prairie and again in Winkler, and in other areas, which in my opinion provide a significant service in targeting and focusing particularly trained agricultural workers for the demands of modern agriculture, in my opinion is a questionable priority on the part of the federal government.

But let us understand it is the federal government that is making these decisions.

Ms. Wowchuk: Madam Speaker, my question is to the Premier.

How can the Premier justify the elimination of the college development division at ACC college, which develops courses at the same time he is supporting the corporate training grants?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, thousands of Manitobans receive training as a result of the grants that are given that this member for Swan River speaks so disparagingly about. Thousands of people have been able to keep their jobs as a result of getting upgrading and training.

We do not have any particular philosophical hangups about whether or not people get their grants for working in the private sector or public sector. We believe if they get the grants to be upgraded and retain their jobs, that is important to Manitobans.

Jobs for Manitobans are important. We do not discriminate between the jobs, as the member for Swan River does.

Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

Funding

Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources.

Earlier this year, the Institute for Sustainable Development had its funding seriously slashed with no visible opposition from this government.

What is the position of this government concerning the plan of the federal government to turn over the management of fish habitats?

Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, let me first of all say with deep regret that when the federal government tabled their budget, that within the Department of Natural Resources, my department, virtually every cost-shared program has been deleted, and that does not affect just the fish end of it.

It affects the woodlot programs. It affects virtually every program that was jointly worked with the federal government, and it is going to create some real difficulties for us in terms of trying to make some adjustments.

I would suggest that all members of this House continue to say to the federal government that as they are trying to be fiscally responsible, there is also some responsibility in terms of making sure that there are ongoing programs that are available for the people of Manitoba.

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Mr. Struthers: What action, then, is this minister willing to take in order to protect the jobs and research at the Freshwater fisheries?

Mr. Driedger: Madam Speaker, it is not only the Freshwater fisheries institute that is at stake here. There are other components within my department. I have raised these with my counterparts at the federal level and will continue to do so.

I am expecting to possibly have a meeting with the federal minister related to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation and other issues in terms of the offload of their responsibilities related to harbours and docks, and I will be bringing these issues forward to the minister again when I have the opportunity to meet with him shortly.

Mr. Struthers: Will the minister then release any reports, papers or any plans that his department has put forward to maintain the Freshwater fisheries institute?

Mr. Driedger: Madam Speaker, it was just a little while ago that I sent out packages of the position that we had taken related to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. A total package of the correspondence that I had sent I had made available to members opposite, as well as to all the commercial fishermen within the province.

I have no difficulty tabling and bringing forward the information in terms of correspondence and the position that we have taken as a province related to the federal government.

Winnipeg Development Agreement

Early Intervention Programs

Ms. Becky Barrett (Wellington): Madam Speaker, despite the fact that one of the first decisions made by the Filmon government when it was elected in 1990 was to refuse to fund five parent-child centres, which would reduce the need for social welfare intervention in the core area of Winnipeg, in the 1995 election, the Filmon Team promised to invest $4.5 million through the Winnipeg Development Agreement to test innovative community-based approaches to providing early intervention for children and families at risk.

I would like to ask the Minister of Urban Affairs, Madam Speaker, how can Manitobans trust this government to fulfill this promise, when the province has refused to fund parent-child centres, the North Y and Kildonan Youth Activity Centre, three programs which have proven their worth to the children and families of Winnipeg?

Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): Madam Speaker, one of the things that was very prevalent during the campaign of 1990 and 1995 was the fact that the people were giving us the mandate that they want more accountability, more direction and the direction of funding for these various programs.

This government has proven, over our record, that the funding of the primary areas of concern, which have been Health, Education and Family Services, continues to grow. Those budgets items and their allocations have been categorized, have been formulated and brought forth on a continuous basis for the priorities of this government and its spending.

Ms. Barrett: Madam Speaker, will the Minister of Urban Affairs commit to long-term funding of the successful pilot projects to be implemented out of the Winnipeg Development Agreement, so they do not suffer the same fate as the parent-child centres, or is too much money going to the Winnipeg Jets for us to be able to provide--

Madam Speaker: Order, please.

Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, I would like to point out to the member for Wellington that with the Winnipeg Development Agreement, there is a lot of formulation and consultation going on, not only within our department but with the City of Winnipeg and the federal counterparts as to the direction of some of the programs that are coming forth.

The direction, the emphasis, will all take place in a co-ordinated way and in consultation with the various partners for input and to a direction that will be best serviced by the community.

Ms. Barrett: Madam Speaker, in order to allay the well-deserved cynicism of the people of Winnipeg, will the Minister of Urban Affairs table today the plans and the consultation that have been undertaken for fulfilling this Filmon Team election promise to the children of Winnipeg?

Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, as pointed out to the member for Wellington, one of the things this government will continue to do is consult with the parties involved. The parties that are involved are the City of Winnipeg, the federal government and ourselves within the department.

This consultation is on an ongoing basis, so that there is a direction, there is a prioritization of continuity, so that the programs that are selected are for the betterment of the community at large.

Northern Health Care Facilities

Staffing Reduction

Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health.

A recent study confirmed the fact that the Thompson region and other northern regions are the highest users in terms of health care services, yet, paradoxically, many remote communities have little or no services, and northern hospitals are faced with either a complete lack of doctors, or as in the case of the three main hospitals, are faced with significant layoffs because of the rural hospital guidelines.

I would like to ask the Minister of Health if he can indicate the status of the layoffs at The Pas, Thompson and the Flin Flon general hospitals and when people in our communities will know the status of our hospitals.

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I believe the honourable member would have been referring to a report from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, which tells us that people in the core area of Winnipeg and in the northern regions of Manitoba have a higher requirement for health care services. The same organization, the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, the honourable member may want to be reminded, also tells us that those selfsame people receive higher levels of health care services than other Manitobans do, as well.

The honourable member knows how the rural and northern staffing guidelines review came out. He also knows that compliance with those staffing guidelines is something that is being worked out in co-operation with the facilities and will be staged over a period of time, so that employment impact can be minimized.

Mr. Ashton: Madam Speaker, when will the residents of northern communities have this uncertain situation dealt with? When will they find out how many nursing positions are going to be cut from the three main hospitals in northern Manitoba?

Mr. McCrae: That information, Madam Speaker, came out near the end of last year. The implementation of the staffing guidelines is to take another up to two years, if that is necessary.

Mr. Ashton: As a final question, I would like to ask the minister, once again, when the specific layoff numbers will be made public.

We have seen the guidelines. I am asking the question, when are we going to find out how many nurses we are going to lose in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas?

Mr. McCrae: That information is public information. It was made available to hospital administrations at the end of last year.

Madam Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired.

NONPOLITICAL STATEMENTS

Support for Families of Forces Staff in Bosnia

Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Madam Speaker, I would ask leave to make a nonpolitical statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Crescentwood have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Sale: Madam Speaker, Canada has a proud record in peacekeeping, but as all honourable members know, our forces staff in Bosnia have been subject to intimidation, humiliation and their lives are at least at significant risk. Many of their families live in my constituency and I am sure in the constituency of the honourable member for River Heights (Mr. Radcliffe) and other constituencies in the city.

I would like to ask the House to express its support for the families of those members of our Armed Forces whose lives are in jeopardy and whose dignity is deeply offended, I think, by the way in which they are being treated, and to express, wherever we have an opportunity, our support and solidarity with them and their families.

Transcona Sports Weekend

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Transcona have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Daryl Reid (Transcona): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise to make a nonpolitical statement relating to the Transcona Sports Weekend which was held June 2, 3 and 4. I had the pleasure of assisting the organizers of the ninth annual Transcona Sports Weekend.

In 1987 this tournament started with just 24 teams. The tournament weekend has now grown to the largest youth sporting event in Manitoba with over 2,700 participating young people. There were 117 soccer teams, 76 which played on full field and the younger children, 41 teams, on the smaller fields. There were 64 baseball teams which also participated throughout the weekend providing entertainment and good sportsmanship for young players and their families alike. There were 16 ball diamonds that were used throughout the event for the ball teams. The baseball and soccer teams came from all over Winnipeg and from communities of Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Oakbank, Dugald and Pinawa.

An Honourable Member: How did Brandon do?

Mr. Reid: Second place, Brandon came in.

In addition, some 115 young people participated in the Kids of Steel triathlon of swimming, running and cycling. The tournament weekend started with the visit from above with good weather, and the Canadian Skyhawks skydiving team opened what proved to be a very successful and hot weekend of activity.

Many community volunteers participated in the tournament activities in addition to local residents, enduring the influx of many thousands of spectators, players and vehicles.

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I would like to congratulate the many dozens of community volunteers and residents on a successful Transcona sports tournament. I also congratulate the organizers of the Transcona sports weekend for endless hours of work on behalf of Manitoba youth and for the skill in carrying out an organizational task of this magnitude. I would like to list, Madam Speaker, the names of the organizers of this event if I might: Bob Madams, Don Champagne, Bob Sitter, Ken Langlotz, Cathi Champagne, Robin Mitchell, Dave Dueck, Keith Cahoon, Neil Ajudhia, Bob Johnson, Darryl Chody and Wayne Tucker.

On behalf of the community and the youth of Manitoba, we extend our thanks and gratitude for a job well done.

Transcona Is . . . Festival

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Radisson have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to recognize another wonderful event in Transcona this weekend, that was the Transcona Is . . . Festival. It was a big weekend in Transcona. The Transcona Is . . . Festival is put on ably by the Transcona merchants and business association, as well as a number of other volunteer groups, service clubs, seniors groups, groups like the Boy Scouts and the Brownies. A number of community clubs get together and it is a wonderful weekend: a pancake breakfast, a parade, wonderful entertainment and booths and activities for children.

I want to recognize the many volunteers who contributed to the success of this event. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.