DEBATE ON SECOND READINGS--PUBLIC BILLS
Bill 201--The Health Services Insurance Amendment Act
Mr. Deputy Speaker: On the proposed motion of the honourable member for Inkster (Mr. Lamoureux), Bill 201, The Health Services Insurance Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-maladie, standing in the name of the honourable member for Sturgeon Creek (Mr. McAlpine).
Some Honourable Members: Stand.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Stand? Is there leave that this matter remain standing? [agreed]
Bill 204--The Child and Family Services Amendment Act (2)
Mr. Deputy Speaker: On the proposed motion of the honourable member for Burrows (Mr. Martindale), Bill 204, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act (2); Loi no 2 modifiant la Loi sur les services à l'enfant et à la famille, standing in the name of the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Laurendeau).
An Honourable Member: Stand.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Stand? Is there leave that this matter remain standing? Leave? [agreed]
SECOND READINGS--PUBLIC BILLS
Bill 205--The Health Care Records Act
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Second reading, Public Bill 205, The Health Care Records Act; Loi sur les dossiers médicaux.
Are we proceeding?
An Honourable Member: No.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: No.
Bill 208--The Elections Amendment Act
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Bill 208, The Elections Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi électorale.
Are we proceeding?
An Honourable Member: No.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: No.
PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
Res. 35--Altona Centennial
Mr. Deputy Speaker: On the proposed resolution of the honourable member for Emerson (Mr. Penner), the Altona Centennial.
(Mr. Edward Helwer, Acting Speaker, in the Chair)
Mr. Jack Penner (Emerson): Mr. Acting Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure for me to move, seconded by Mr. Dyck, the member for Pembina, that
WHEREAS the 1880s saw the opening of the West Reserve in southern Manitoba and the settlement of the area with Mennonite immigrants; and
WHEREAS in 1882 the Canadian Pacific Railway brought a line to the West Reserve and built a spur at Altona in 1885; and
WHEREAS the building of three elevators along the CPR spur line in 1895 marks the beginning of the town of Altona; and
WHEREAS Altona is the site of the first oil-crushing plant in the province of Manitoba which was organized and built by the people of Altona and which was at the forefront of opening the west to the oilseed industry; and
WHEREAS the town of Altona has historically been attractive for business, being the home of firms such as the Golden West Broadcasting corporation and D.W. Friesen & Sons, the largest printing firm in Canada, and
WHEREAS the diversity of the Mennonite community has been instrumental to the development, growth and continuing vitality of the town of Altona; and
WHEREAS 1995 is Altona's 100th birthday.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba congratulate the town of Altona on its centennial birthday and wish the residents all the best in their celebrations in 1995.
Motion presented.
Mr. Penner: Mr. Acting Speaker, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to be able to stand in this Chamber and congratulate the people, the council, the mayor and all the members of the community of the town of Altona on its birthday, and 1995 was that hundredth year that the town was incorporated and established.
I think it is somewhat ironic, Mr. Acting Speaker, that this resolution comes before this Chamber almost at the end of 1995, and I guess this is somewhat symbolic of how we deal with issues that come before this House. Had I had my way, I would have stood in this Chamber in the spring of the year and congratulated the community at the beginning of the year. However, the way we draw our resolutions leaves some things to be desired in the process of establishing speaking orders in this House, but set that aside, I think it is important to note that the town of Altona and the surrounding community were part of a migration of people out of Russia that established the area which was then known as the West Reserve.
First of all, the immigrants out of Russia came to what was then called the East Reserve, an area just east of the Red River within the Niverville and Arnaud, that area, where they established a number of smaller communities, and a year or two later, some of the people headed down river, down the Red River by barge and boat, and ended up at Fort Dufferin and from there on started to explore the territory which was then known as the West Reserve, or which was later to become known as the West Reserve, in search of better land.
It was always deemed that the area west of the Red River was an area that was too dry for the most part. There were no large lakes which communities could use as water reservoirs, and there were no large rivers running through that other than the Red River, which again could be used on an ongoing basis as a water supply, and, therefore, settlers, when they came to Manitoba sort of ignored that area, and the Mennonite community was encouraged by the then government to look at that area for settlement.
The government of Manitoba, which was then a newly formed province, encouraged these Mennonites to explore that area, and as a matter of fact, set aside a fairly large tract of land and said, we will allow you to settle there unimpeded and hence became known as the West Reserve.
The town of Emerson at that time, which was right next to Fort Dufferin, found out that CN Rail was going to build a rail line into the United States, and the small community of West Lynne, just west of Emerson, decided that they would become the transportation hub of western Canada, and, in fact, planned six major railways heading out of West Lynne connecting to CN Rail, which was the north-south connection to Manitoba and into the United States, and one of those rail lines was planned to run through in a northwest direction through the community of Altona on its way to Rock Lake. That, however, did not materialize because CP Rail, at the same time, decided that they would build a rail line from what is now known as Winnipeg to the town of Neche, which was actually not called Neche. It was called Smuggler's Point at the time, and hence the birth of the town of Gretna.
Similarly, Rosenfeld established a small post office, and between Gretna and Rosenfeld there was really nothing until the Rempel family and the Wiens family migrated from Fort Dufferin on their way west, and they stopped at the new railway and decided that they would take up a homestead there, and that, hence, became known as the village of Altona; in other words, old Altona.
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A school was built within a few years and the community prospered. What really started the growth in this area was an elevator company, because there were many farmers at that time operating in the area who had no place to haul their grain except to the nearest town of Gretna which was some six or seven miles away. An elevator was built and within two years another three elevators were built, and the town had a storage capacity of almost 200,000 bushels of grain within two years. That, of course, encouraged other business entrepreneurs to come to Altona and establish there and provide a service centre to the then growing farm community in that area.
What is interesting to know is that Altona became known as basically a very integrated town, because it was not just a Mennonite community. It was known as a town that was rather diverse in its culture. There were a number of Jewish businessmen, a number of English businessmen, some of Irish and Scottish descent, who decided to open stores and blacksmith shops and all those kinds of things that communities depend on and farm communities depend on for service.
So out of this grew a rather diverse community but a very, very progressive community. Until today, it is probably known as one of the most progressive communities and is certainly part of the southern part of this province which has seen the largest growth rate as an area in all of Canada.
I think it is a compliment to the leaders of that community because it was not only the business community that drove the spirit, it was, in large part, the community's effort to make sure that their young people would have the ability and would have the knowledge to progress. Education was deemed one of the most important parts of community development in the town of Altona.
Mr. Acting Speaker, it is noteworthy to note that, after the second year of the establishment of the town, there was not only one school but there were two schools in the town. It did not take long before a college was built, although private, but it was a college because the community wanted their young people to have the basis of higher learning. So education has become a very important part of that community--or became a very important part of the initial establishment of the community.
Secondly, I think it is important to note that the religious aspect of the community also became a very significant driving force in that community in that they established, the first year of its existence, a church that all members of the community attended, not only the Mennonite community, but it was a mixed congregation that attended the religious exercises there. I say this because there is a misconception in many areas of the province that Altona is solely and purely and was always a Mennonite community. It has only become probably known as a real Mennonite community within the last 30 or 40 years. Previously, it was never known as such. As a matter of fact, some of the early Mennonite settlers avoided the town of Altona because it was one of the few towns that had a hotel. It had a liquor store, and it was seen as a community that encouraged what they then called the vices, so it was avoided by some people.
(Madam Speaker in the Chair)
In spite of that, not only did the community grow, it became a leader in the establishment of industries. I think it is important to note that some of the people who resided in that town, some of the pioneers that pioneered the area, had a vision. They were not afraid to take chances. One of the people and one of the leaders in the community who drove the growth in that area was. of course, Mr. Siemens. Mr. Siemens was convinced that one of the products that the forefathers had brought from Russia could in fact be utilized in a manufacturing process. It was the sunflower seed.
The sunflower seed was initially brought to Manitoba by the Mennonites from Russia as a confectionery instead of peanuts. I mean, we were not able to grow peanuts in this area and neither were they able to grow peanuts in Russia where they had initially settled when the Mennonites migrated from Prussia to Russia.
Similarly, they brought the confectionery seed, so they had something to do in the evening when they read their newspapers or their Bibles or those kinds of things.
Mr. Siemens was convinced that they could manufacture and crush an oil. That, of course, became a reality when most of the farmers and many members of the community bought shares, $10 shares, in a company which was later called CVO. They spent $10,000 buying crushing equipment in Chicago, transporting it to Altona and setting up a small sunflower oilseed-crushing plant.
That plant became a very important aspect of the then-war effort during the late 1930s and early '40s because the war effort was looking for a very specialized oil. So there was a ready market created for this type of oil as a fine lubricant that would resist heat. So they had a well-established ready market for this oil. Later on, of course, it became known as a very significant product that could be used in cooking and all those kinds of things. Hence, of course, when canola came along, or rapeseed, that also became an important part of the crushing industry.
So Altona has really demonstrated its leadership ability in not only establishing and finding at the initial stages new industry--and the oilseed-crushing industry in western Canada or in all of Canada really, North America, was largely developed from the idea that Mr. Siemens had, proving that you could in fact crush oil and utilize oil from something that you grow on your farm.
Similarly, the Friesen family and its printing firm has provided over the years a significant growth for the community, now employing some 600 people in an industry that is relatively not well known across Canada, however, has become probably the largest printing industry in all of Canada.
Similarly, the Loewen family, which manufactures replacement parts for machinery, exports across the world its products that are made in Altona.
One of the newest industries that we have is Elmer's Welding, manufacturing row crop equipment and exporting, again, to many parts of the world. The progression of the community was largely a credit to the leadership that was shown by the development of those, and we need to congratulate today. I stand proudly in this Legislature and say happy birthday to all the people of Altona and the surrounding areas.
Mr. Daryl Reid (Transcona): Madam Speaker, perhaps the member for Emerson could lead the House in a rendition of Happy Birthday for the town of Altona, but I will not even attempt that, knowing of my limited capabilities at singing to attempt singing Happy Birthday to Altona, although we do wish them well.
An Honourable Member: We appreciate it, Daryl.
Mr. Reid: I am sure the member for Inkster (Mr. Lamoureux) would appreciate that if you heard my voice.
This resolution is important, Madam Speaker. I listened very intently to the comments of the member for Emerson (Mr. Penner) when he was relating the history, first when he was reading the WHEREASes of the resolution itself where it referenced the history of the community in the town of Altona starting in I believe it was 1880 when the southwestern part of Manitoba was opened to settlement and there was an influx of people from Russia, I believe, there was an influx of new immigrants to this part of Canada, particularly from Russia, and the community Mennonite peoples chose to settle in this particular area of Manitoba looking for new opportunities for themselves and their families.
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One of the things that I find interesting that I guess by way of omission on the part of the member for Emerson, and I am not sure if it was intentional, but there is obviously a long history of the First Nations people in this province that also contributed to the development of the opportunities in this province. I want to mention to the member for Emerson that the First Nations people also contributed to the development of this province and still continue to.
I listened intently to the comments from the member for Emerson when he referenced businesses. Now, I know businesses form a large part of the small towns, whether it be the elevators in the town and the agricultural opportunities or the establishment of certain industries like the Golden West Broadcasting or D.W. Friesen, relatively well-known names to Manitobans.
One of the things that I like to hear when we talk about the history, and I know the member for Emerson perhaps has a long history and can relate historically to the community of Altona, but I like to hear about the people and the accomplishments that they have had. I know it is important to talk about the businesses, but it is, I think, more important to talk about the people themselves and what they have done to prosper, to have their communities grow and the efforts that they have made.
The Mennonite community, of course, the diversity of the Mennonite community has allowed the town of Emerson to build and to grow into what is now a thriving town, and they are contributing to the economy of the province of Manitoba. Madam Speaker, I know that the businesses are important, and the member did reference somewhat to some of the accomplishments and the historical perspective of the Mennonite community and the people of Altona.
Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the people of Altona on the occasion of their 100th birthday, and may they continue to grow and prosper as a people working together in co-operation.
With those few words, Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.
Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak on this resolution and to congratulate the town of Altona on its centennial birthday and wish the residents of this community all the best in their celebrations.
The story of Altona begins with the history of the Mennonite people and their settlement in southern Manitoba. Madam Speaker, much of the information that I have brought was taken out of a book which was given to me by my uncle, which is called the Altona Pictorial History, and it was my uncle Peter Victor Penner, known as Vic Penner, who edited this book. He compiled it. He did the pictorial history of it, and then, interestingly enough, it was his son Steve, who is my cousin, who did the jacket for this book and also compiled the pictures in there. So, to me, this resolution has extreme interest, and so I am very pleased to be able to speak on this resolution and to congratulate the people of Altona.
A large group of Mennonites first immigrated to Canada in 1874, '75 and '76, and this first group of immigrants were very hardworking and determined to make a life for themselves in this new land. For many of them, their lives were a constant struggle filled with many difficulties and obstacles. The tradition of overcoming obstacles through hard work and effort continues to be a part of the Altona culture. This is evidenced by the many successful businesses and enterprises which form part of the fabric of this community.
The CP Railway also was a large contributing factor to the development of Altona. Madam Speaker, calls for the establishment of a railway to be built in the West Reserve were being expressed as early as 1870, and in 1882 the Canadian Pacific Railway established the southwestern branchline from Gretna to Rosenfeld.
This line also went directly to the old Altona village, and in 1895 the CPR built a new siding half a mile north of the village, and a new townsite was surveyed. Over the following decades, the two communities shared many services and community facilities. Today, it is difficult to make a sharp distinction between these two communities. The establishment of the railway line quickly resulted in the growth of the town of Altona, and soon there were flourishing businesses and a rapidly expanding population.
The first school was established in Altona in 1896, but because of the growing population, a larger school was needed. In 1899, a bigger four-room classroom was erected, and by 1900 there were 100 children in attendance. The program of instruction was in keeping with the ethnic make-up of the local population. Instruction of arithmetic, English and geography was conducted in English, while German literature, grammar and religious instruction were conducted in German.
In 1908, we saw the establishment of the Mennonite Educational Institute which contained a 28-room dormitory for those students from outside of the local community, and, by the end of its first year of operation, the Mennonite Educational Institute was instructing 66 students from Altona and surrounding areas.
The main purpose of the Mennonite Educational Institute was to train teachers for public schools. Soon, however, the Mennonite Educational Institute also became somewhat of a community centre by introducing the local community to the world of music, literature and religious thought.
The first church was established in Altona in 1912. By the turn of the century in 1900, Altona had become a flourishing community of 200 people with all the features required by the townspeople: churches, a school, a growing business sector and community, and health services.
Altona has always had, and continues to have, a vibrant business community. At the turn of the century, Altona possessed such traditional businesses as general stores, implement and lumber dealerships and blacksmith shops.
Some of the more well-known businesses that were established during this period were the Friesen Brothers store; J.J. Priest [phonetic] started the Altona Machinery Company; and H.C. Epp opened a machinery business.
These businesses contributed significantly to the quality of life in Altona. Many continue to flourish to this day. For example, in 1907, David W. Friesen established a confectionery and grocery store. David Friesen's business would eventually grow and expand into one of Canada's largest printing and school supply firms. This is one business still operating in Altona which can trace its beginnings to the turn of the century.
Madam Speaker, this business also had the Altona Echo. They did the publishing of this paper, and the gentleman I named as Victor Penner was the editor of that paper for 35 years. So I want to pay a tribute to him and thank him for his many comments that he made in that paper.
It was also at the turn of the century that the Bell Telephone Company extended lines to Altona and surrounding area.
An Honourable Member: Is that Penner related to you?
Mr. Dyck: That Penner is my uncle, sir. Yes, sir.
The new telephone lines and the existing railway system provided the townspeople of Altona with greater opportunities to communicate with their rural neighbours.
Medical services were available in Altona from almost the beginning of its establishment. Now, the first doctor in the community was a woman by the name of Susan Isaak. In 1902, Miss Isaak left the community of Altona and was replaced by Dr. E.E. Meeck, who was joined by Dr. John Paul Hiebert in 1907. He stayed until 1912. In 1912, Dr. Lambert Breidenback settled in Altona, where he practised until 1952.
Nursing and dentistry facilities were also to be found in the community of Altona and served the community quite well until 1936, when a hospital was established. The hospital was a private institution which was supported entirely by voluntary activities of the local communities. It was incorporated into a public institution in 1935.
Interestingly enough, this was all run by volunteers, other than the doctors who were working there, so certainly is a deviation to the way we are operating today.
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The First World War brought a period of great change to the community of Altona. This era saw many townspeople leave the community but also saw the influx of new settlers. Because of religious convictions, between 1922 and 1926 nearly 1,000 Sommerfelder Mennonites from the West Reserve left the province.
Now, this had a significant impact on the community of Altona. However, this loss was offset by the arrival of Mennonite refugees from Russia. By various accounts, hundreds of people arrived between 1923 and 1928, and many were made welcome in Altona homes. These new immigrants soon settled in Altona and surrounding area and quickly became part of the local community.
In 1919, Altona became an unincorporated village district. This allowed for an elected committee of three, who were responsible for such things as roads and sidewalks, the provision and supplies of water, heat and light and the management of the local fire department. This early committee also oversaw the construction of sidewalks and the establishment of streetlights in 1919.
This early Altona village committee financed its operations mainly from tax revenue, and the people who filled the positions on the committee were almost always of Mennonite background and were businessmen in the community of Altona. The Rural Municipality of Rhineland managed the affairs of Altona. In 1946 the Village of Altona was formally incorporated.
Altona, like other Canadian communities, suffered serious hardship due to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Altona, like other communities in southern Manitoba, depended heavily on wheat to sustain its economy. In the 1930s, the wheat market collapsed and this event brought severe economic times to Altona. The response of Altona and area to this catastrophe will not surprise those familiar with the character and the traits of Altonians. The people of Altona and surrounding area came together to find a solution to this problem in the spirit of co-operation and collaboration.
An excellent example of this was the development of the Rhineland Agricultural Society. The society was instrumental in recognizing the fact that local farmers needed to diversify their crops and provided interested farmers with the knowledge and assistance needed to make this transition. The society also aided in the formation of agriculture clubs and the establishment of an annual fair boasting local agricultural exhibits.
Finally, this society established the Rhineland Agricultural Institute, which sponsored short training courses for farmers. There is little doubt that the society was instrumental in assisting farmers and thereby the entire community in recovering from the effects of the Great Depression.
Another important development which grew out of the disappointment of the Great Depression was the Rhineland Consumers Co-operative, which was formed in 1931. This co-operative sold items which many farmers considered necessities: gas, oil, grease, binder twine, and later expanded to include a general store, a co-operative hatchery, machine shop and a lumberyard. The co-operative soon emerged as an important part of the business community of Altona, serving both Altona and the larger local community.
Although the Great Depression of the 1930s affected Altona quite severely, it is important to note the lessons the townspeople learned from this experience and how they coped with this situation. Co-operation and sharing of resources was necessary for the community to prosper, as were local initiatives and motivation. These traits are the hallmarks of the community of Altona.
The Second World War was another period of change and transition for Altona. During the war, the population of Altona rose from 600 to 1,065. As a result, the local village committee decided that the time had come to seek incorporation as a village. Incorporation would allow the community to grow and prosper in an orderly fashion and would help to provide the services which a growing population would require.
The Second World War brought another period of expansion to Altona. For example, in 1948, the Altona hospital was constructed with a laboratory, X-ray rooms, major and minor operating rooms, pharmacy, labour and case rooms, nursery, waiting rooms, nurses station and a total of 30 adult beds. At the time of its completion, it was regarded as one of the most modern and best-equipped rural hospitals in western Canada.
The Second World War years were years of transition for the community of Altona. The people of Altona were increasingly seeing themselves as Manitobans and Canadians and not only as Mennonites. The 1940s also witnessed the transformation of Altona from a small village to a busy, rapidly expanding town, the establishment of industries, commerce and services which served as the foundation for future growth. Much of this growth took place in the 1950s, and this decade saw the change in status of Altona from the village to a town in 1956. This allowed the community to undertake endeavours on a much larger scale, example, completion of a sewer system and waterworks. This decade also brought the establishment and expansion of new businesses.
An exciting business venture was opened, and that was the radio station CFAM in 1957. Madam Speaker, I must interject here as well. The lady who was the host of Children's Party was Aunt Ollie, and she also was my aunt, my real aunt, and so she was the wife to the editor of this book, who I have recognized here. So my connection goes closer and closer all the time to Altona.
The recreational and the cultural life of Altona which had always provided the community with social diversions became much more sophisticated during the '50s. While once there had been outdoor hockey rinks, there now was an indoor rink in the community. The arts came in to being, as well as speech arts festivals. Golfing was introduced into the town, and so you can see that many sports activities became a part of the Altona community.
While many things have changed in the community of Altona, one thing has endured. This is the character and the initiative of the people at that local level. It was through their efforts that Altona and surrounding area was able to survive and flourish while other communities did not. I am confident that the hard work and efforts of the people of Altona will continue to sustain this community in the years to come. I know that all members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly join me in wishing the town of Altona congratulations on this the year of their 100th birthday. May you enjoy many more years of prosperity and growth.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I speak actually on behalf of the Leader of the Liberal Party and my caucus colleagues in joining the member in support to this resolution.
Altona's 100th birthday is a very significant milestone, in particular in a year in which we are celebrating Manitoba's 125th. Altona has done wonderful things for the province in the past, and I am sure that Altona will continue to do that well into the future. We are convinced, at least on this side of the House, that it is going to be a town with a wonderful, prosperous future. We applaud all of the efforts of individuals that have contributed to this year's celebrations of the centennial and give everyone our very best.
Madam Speaker: Is the House ready for the question?
Some Honourable Members: Agreed.
Madam Speaker: Is it the will of the House to pass the resolution?
Some Honourable Members: Agreed.
Madam Speaker: Agreed and so ordered.
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Res. 44--50th Anniversary of the United Nations
Mr. Steve Ashton (Opposition House Leader): Madam Speaker, there has been some discussion and there has been agreement amongst House leaders, subject to agreement from the House, by leave, to bring Resolution 44, the resolution on the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, forward at this time.
Madam Speaker: Is there leave to bring Resolution 44 at this time? [agreed]
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): I move, seconded by the member for Transcona (Mr. Reid), that
WHEREAS October 24, 1995, marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations; and
WHEREAS hundreds of agencies and programs of the United Nations, such as the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization and the World Food Program have provided vital support for initiatives in developing countries and in maintaining democratic mechanisms across the world; and
WHEREAS the United Nations is the only international agency to embrace issues of human rights, women, children, the disabled, indigenous peoples, the environment and world peace and justice; and
WHEREAS Canadians have played an integral role in the United Nations over the last 50 years and Canada's role as a middle power has contributed to bridging the gap between the world's north and south states; and
WHEREAS United Nations Peacekeepers are currently deployed in a number of troubled areas around the world; and
WHEREAS Canada has been a major contributor to peacekeeping efforts to restore peace and justice and protect human rights and is expanding its role in the prevention of international and internal conflict; and
WHEREAS worldwide conferences sponsored by the United Nations, such as those on the environment, women, population, human rights, social development and habitat have resulted in an open and productive discussion of important issues; and
WHEREAS reform of the United Nations will be a primary focus of the United Nations Association Canada in this year marking the 50th anniversary to ensure that the organization continues to be responsive to difficult global problems.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba join with millions of other groups and individuals around the world in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and in looking forward to further progressive initiatives from this organization which will contribute to the democratization and effectiveness of the UN for many years to come.
Motion presented.
Mr. Struthers: Madam Speaker, I take great pleasure in rising in the House today to put forth this resolution in support of the United Nations and celebrating its 50th birthday, the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.
I want to thank all members for allowing me the leave to speak on this bill at this time. I think it is timely seeing as today is actually the anniversary of the UN, and I would encourage all members to think about and hopefully, at some point in the next short period of time this afternoon, join with me and pass this resolution forward and show our support in celebrating the United Nations' 50th anniversary.
There are times, I think, in the House when co-operation of all members of the House is called upon. In my mind, this is one of those instances where all MLAs, irrespective of political affiliation, can join together in one voice and express our support for the United Nations, a world body that does so much good in keeping peace throughout the world and helping people who may not have as much of an opportunity to help themselves as we do here in the western world.
Madam Speaker, the United Nations has oftentimes been instrumental in peacekeeping efforts around the world. Multilateral efforts have helped to bring about peaceful solutions to conflicts of warring factions in a number of countries over the last 50 years. However, after everyone has gone home, the citizens of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean have become everyday victims of antipersonnel mines which are indiscriminately planted during times of war.
I am talking very specifically about one issue, for the next few minutes, that I think the UN can move to actually help people in many countries, many third world countries who have been the football fields for larger powers in their struggles for, in some cases, world domination, for their struggles against one another, the struggles that have occurred over nothing more than political ideology. There are many countries around the world right now struggling as superpowers, and indeed some middle powers vacate the warring zone and go home thinking that the war is over.
We have to remember that the war lingers on in some parts of our country even after the armies and the navies and the air forces return home. A specific example that I am talking about is that I think the UN can play a very positive, proactive role in removing the mines that are left behind once a war is over. The United Nations itself estimates that at least 100 million of these deadly seeds, these mines, are currently sown in the ground and a similar quantity sits in stockpiles ready for use.
It is my hope that these stockpiles of mines will never be used, but I think what we have to do is realistically look at the mines that are already in place underground and killing and hurting people. Every year two million more mines, on average, are laid in the ground and only a fraction of that number are removed. In Cambodia alone, 35,000 men, women and children have lost one or more limbs due to the mines that have been left behind following the war in that country. One in every 236 Cambodians is an amputee, the highest concentration of any country throughout the world. Once productive land has become a death trap.
Canada has yet to legislate an export moratorium on anti-personnel mines, while some of the biggest mine exporters like Italy, Belgium, France, the Czech and Slovak republics and Sweden have already done so.
It is my contention, Madam Speaker, that the federal government should move with these other countries and put in place an export moratorium on antipersonnel mines. I think that would be a very positive step from our government in Canada during this, the 50th year of the existence of the United Nations.
I think we as legislators, although we cannot directly dictate what the federal government does, I think we as legislators have a responsibility to approach our local federal representatives and impress upon them the importance of taking the very positive step of putting an export moratorium on the mines that are sent to predominantly Third World countries and have caused the kind of maiming and killing that is taking place following the wars that have taken place in their countries.
I think that the United Nations should take a lead in demanding that countries legislate a stop to mine production, mine use and mine export, not just individual countries around the world, but I think the United Nations working together should be able to take this lead. I think they can demand a stop to the production of mines and a stop to the use of the mines, and I think they should be able to put a stop to the export of mines from one country to another.
The bill for worldwide demining is enormous, $85 billion dollars or more, according to the United Nations, from $300 to $1,000 per mine. Few of the affected countries can afford the price tag. I think all honourable members can imagine the difficulty of many of the Third World and developing countries having a tremendous amount of difficulty digging up and disposing of the mines that have been left behind in their countries and trying to protect their own people.
I believe that we in the developed world have a moral obligation to clean up the mess that we have put there in the first place. Now, I do not care whether they were communist or whether they were fascist or whether they were capitalistic or socialistic, there are people in some Third World countries who are being maimed and killed because of the mines that we leave behind once we vacate the country after war.
My contention is that we all have an obligation to help out these people when they cannot afford to take the mines out themselves. I think that any of the members present would find it hard to disagree with that. It is my belief that we must support land mine victims with medical care, prosthetics and therapy. Each artificial limb costs an average of $125, and a child amputee requires about 25 prostheses in a lifetime.
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The production, sale and export of various types of antipersonnel mines boosted the financial coffers of many wealthier countries like Canada across the world while the victims pay the ultimate price. The time is long past due for the countries responsible to get rid of the menace they created and to give the land back to the people. The United Nations, I think, can play an effective part in doing this.
Madam Speaker, I just want to spend the last few minutes that I have to speak on this resolution to talk a little bit about what are some of the obstacles in the way that the UN is experiencing in actually helping out, with one small example, like the demining of what used to be military zones in Third World countries.
One of the things that right now is working against the UN is a humongous deficit that it is under. We have learned fairly recently that the UN is in debt to the tune of $1.4 billion. That, obviously, is a hindrance to the capabilities and the effectiveness of the United Nations.
My understanding of the United Nations is that they have been undertaking a restructuring program and are seriously looking at ways in which they can get their financial situation under control. Part of that has to do with the amount of money that the United States of America owes to the United Nations, and I was very encouraged to hear President Bill Clinton yesterday, on Monday, talking very much favourably in having the United States come forward with its share of what it owes to the United Nations in terms of money. My only hope is that President Clinton will not be stopped by the attitude and the swing that is taking place in the American Congress towards not paying their share of the bills at the United Nations.
I think one of the other barriers that comes into play on these sorts of issues is ignorance, and I use the term ignorance in the true sense of the term. It is a lack of understanding. It simply means that folks maybe back in my town or your town or any of the developing countries do not know what is going on in some of these Third World nations. They do not understand the pain and the suffering that occurs because of the mines that are left underground in communities in the Third World. So I think, again, we as legislatures have an obligation to educate people whom we come into contact with wherever you live in the province, wherever you live in the country, and tell people what is going on in the Third World in terms of mines killing and hurting people.
Finally, I think the last thing that needs to be dealt with is political will. I think sometimes there is very good reason for countries of the world to put aside partisanship, to put aside the politics of everyday political life and work together in order to help people out.
It is my feeling, Madam Speaker, that demining countries in the Third World provides an excellent opportunity for the developed countries of the world to band together, obtain the resources necessary, obtain the technology necessary, and go back into these Third World countries not on a mission of war, not on a mission of destruction and killing, but on a mission of peace, a mission of helping out fellow man, on a mission of helping out women and children who have become disabled because they have inadvertently stepped on a mine.
I think what we have to do is get all countries, despite the form of government that they have, despite the religion of the country, despite all of the characteristics, the traditions, the customs of the country, I think on this one occasion, on the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, I think that that would be a very good opportunity for all the countries of the world to get together and help countries in the Third World with this specific problem.
I want to thank again all the members for allowing me the leave to introduce this bill today in a timely fashion. I appreciate your co-operation, and I would encourage you to not only pass this resolution through the House today but to take the resolution to heart and approach people in our federal system to have them come on side as well. I thank the members very much for listening intently.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Harry Enns (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, I rise simply to acknowledge the important event that this resolution brings to our attention, to reiterate what our First Minister (Mr. Filmon) has already said in this Chamber at the close of Question Period in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.
I choose not to get into the detail that my honourable friend from Dauphin does because I, and I say this kindly, I think the importance is that we would like as a small measure of our continuing esteem and support for this organization to pass the resolution in this Chamber with some dispatch and have it officially recorded that we did take a few moments of this Chamber's time to do precisely that.
Madam Speaker, Canada and certainly myself and my government continue to support the United Nations. The fact that there are detractors to that organization stem largely--and it should not surprise anybody because it occupies so much of our own time. As in any large organization with a large bureaucracy, inefficiencies and waste do have to be contended with, and it bodes ill for the organization when member nations like Canada or the United States hear of and see demonstrated where these situations occur where a bloated bureaucracy lives pretty high off the hog in some of the finer restaurants of Geneva or Paris when they are in fact the organization that, precisely what the honourable member for Dauphin says, look after where they can particularly be of help in the developing Third World nations of this planet Earth.
Having said that, certainly the Conservative government, as more eloquently expressed by our Premier earlier on this afternoon, wishes to support and associate ourselves with the general principles of the resolution in congratulating all of us in this world for having fashioned out of the despair and depths of turmoil after the Second World War this organization that is now entering its 50th year.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, I, too, had the opportunity earlier in a nonpolitical statement, following the Premier (Mr. Filmon) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Doer), to pay tribute to the United Nations in their celebration of the 50th anniversary. I have absolutely no problems in terms of stating that it is an honourable thing to pass a resolution of this nature and that I and my colleagues in the Legislature do support wholeheartedly this resolution.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the resolution? [agreed].
The hour being 5 p.m., time to move to Resolution No. 36?
What is the will of the House? Is it the will of the House to call it six o'clock? [agreed]
The hour being 6 p.m., this House is adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).