Winnipeg Arena
Tender Process
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the First Minister.
Five weeks ago, the provincial government was promising a limit of $10 million to the new arena. Since that time, the proposal has now moved from $10 million to $37 million, and the total public investment in the new arena facility has moved anywhere from $30 million to $40 million reportedly in the so-called private-sector plan to $111 million, Madam Speaker.
Yet, when we ask for information in this House to be tabled, we do not receive it. When we ask about tendering, we do not get a process. The public sector is paying 100 percent of the costs, and it seems to us on this side we are getting zero percent of the information and zero percent of the decision making.
Given the fact that we are now paying 100 percent of the costs, would the Premier now take a leadership position and require that the new arena built with public money be tendered on behalf of all the taxpayers of Manitoba?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, as I have indicated to the Leader of the Opposition in the past, by doing what he is requesting of us, we would do two things. One is that we would put ourselves in a position of being responsible for any cost overruns in an arena, which is now currently the responsibility of the private sector, and so we would expose the taxpayer to potentially millions more of cost.
Secondarily, we would probably lengthen the process, so that there would be one additional year of losses to be picked up by the public sector for the operation of the Jets in the current Winnipeg Arena, which is, of course, inadequate and incapable of generating the revenues necessary to improve the operations of the team, and we would be exposing ourselves to another year of losses, which would probably amount to something in the range of $10 million to $15 million.
So, to do it in the way which he is recommending would cost the taxpayer $10 million to $20 million, conservatively estimated, more to the public taxpayer.
I do not think that is a very intelligent thing to do, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Doer: Well, perhaps it would have been more intelligent for the Premier not to have signed the operating loss agreement in December of 1991.
It is his $43-million signature--
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Doer: I would like to ask the Premier, the government and its secret negotiations and its protracted negotiations from December of 1991 until June of 1994, then again to May of 1995 and then to another drop-dead date, I am sure, that will be announced as we proceed along, has consistently delayed and delayed and delayed various decisions.
Madam Speaker, I would like to table today a document signed in August of 1994 by Mr. Loewen that indicates that the transaction will close on or before August 15, 1995. In light of that information that was known only to the private group--and I am sure the Premier is aware of these dates; he has his own staff involved in these intimate negotiations--in light of the fact that the transaction will not close until August 15, 1995, and that this was known a year ago, will the Premier now utilize the proper tendering process, so that all proposals can be evaluated on behalf of the taxpayers and not on behalf of the private developers that he seems to be only working on behalf of.
* (1345)
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, in response to the preamble of the Leader of the Opposition, if we had not signed that agreement in 1991, then the taxpayer would have been some $8 million out of pocket by this point in time because, as I indicated, on the basis of having received some $17 million in direct revenues to the taxpayer during that period of time in return for the $9 million of losses that have been our ward, not only would we not have had NHL hockey or the possibility of it in this province, but we would have been out of pocket an additional $8 million, thanks to his efforts.
Madam Speaker, the time between the agreement which is being negotiated at the present time among all of the various private-sector parties, the agreement that will see the transfer of ownership of the Jets from the current ownership to the new entity that is being set up and the time for closure of the deal is a time in which all of the various finance agreements and understandings have to be reached.
Of course, that is a time in which they will seek the approval of the NHL for the transference of the franchise. That is a time in which they will seek the additional funding that they require in order to meet their commitments and all of the various elements necessary.
There is always a time between legal agreement and closure of a deal that is based on all of the financial measures that have to take place. That is the time that is set by the August 15 deadline. It was always contemplated in the agreement that was signed back in 1991, and that is no news, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Doer: Well, it is very unfortunate there was no time built in by this Premier to deal with the public and taxpayers' concerns that would be developed in terms of the 100 percent funding by the taxpayers of the proposed new facility.
It is unfortunate that in four or five years, the Premier never once considered the taxpayers and the people of Manitoba in the time frames that he has privately negotiated with the private developers who are not putting one cent into the new arena in terms of the first $111 million.
I would like to ask the Premier, in terms of his position of ensuring his government will always follow proper procedures dealing with tenders--and this comment came about with the Kozminski-Shenkarow tendering proposal from the Auditor on the 280 Broadway site--will the Premier make sure that the government follows its own word and follows proper tendering procedures here in the province of Manitoba with our money?
Mr. Filmon: We have already indicated that four different companies that were qualified bidders were asked for proposals for the construction of this arena east of Portage and Main. Of those four, three submitted bids and proposals, and the best was selected.
In addition to that, of course, this is for the contract management part of it, all of the subtrades, with the exception of two that have already been awarded, will be put up for competitive bids by Manitoba companies.
Physician Resources
Health Sciences Centre--Emergency
Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, this minister and the government have known for months that there is a major crisis in our emergency rooms here in Manitoba, specifically at the Health Sciences Centre, and it is largely a result of government lack of funding and government lack of direction.
My question for the minister today is, what specific plans does the minister have to deal with the situation at the Health Sciences Centre emergency room, specifically the loss of doctors as a result of government funding?
Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that another meeting is imminent between the MMA and the medical people at the Health Sciences Centre. We have made our views known that in order for the Health Sciences Centre to be competitive with other centres, a reasonable amount of additional dollars ought to be made available for those negotiations.
We have recognized that the issue of competitiveness amongst and between practitioners is important, and the Health Sciences Centre needs to be competitive with the others, so I think from our standpoint, we are attempting to bring about a satisfactory resolution to the issues at Health Sciences Centre Emergency.
* (1350)
Mr. Chomiak: Madam Speaker, will the minister today undertake to guarantee that he will bring back to this House a specific plan that will deal with the doctors in question and ensure and preserve the doctors at the Health Sciences Centre emergency room?
Mr. McCrae: I would like to see these discussions proceed, and, hopefully, they will lead to a satisfactory outcome, which will see the Health Sciences Centre as being a place where emergency physicians want to practise.
Mr. Chomiak: Madam Speaker, my final supplementary is, has the minister made any attempt, and if he has not, will he make an attempt to talk with another recently departed specialist who has left this province for the U.S., Dr. Rifkin, a urologist?
Will the minister attempt to talk with this doctor to see why, again, we have lost another specialist in this province?
Mr. McCrae: Madam Speaker, I will consider the honourable member's suggestion.
Physician Resources
Rural Manitoba
Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Madam Speaker, there are currently as many as 50 to 65 vacancies for physicians in rural Manitoba, and as many as 25 rural hospitals are experiencing severe doctor shortages, which may compromise patient care.
In March, I requested that the minister take action to avert a crisis in Arborg as a result of a shortage of physicians at the Arborg Health Centre. Since that time, the minister has written to the centre, offering little more than a vague promise to develop a strategy by the end of the year.
Is the minister finally willing to admit that his policies have left up to 25 communities across our province without adequate medical services, and will he take immediate action to facilitate the recruitment of physicians in these areas?
Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I thank the honourable member for identifying a very important problem that we have in Manitoba and have had for many, many years, not only in Manitoba, but right across the country.
I am urging the department and the College of Physicians and Surgeons to make this a very, very high priority item. In fact, I cannot think of any item that could be more important, especially in rural, northern and remote Manitoba, than to have physician resources available, medical assistance available, for people who need it.
I think a lot of people who live in the bigger centres do not realize how important that problem can be. If you have a small number of physicians practising in a community, and even one of them passes away or retires or leaves or for whatever reason is not available, there is a significant issue that faces that community immediately.
We need a system by which we can respond quickly, so that we need short-term and long-term ways to deal with these matters, and that is the effort we are embarked on now.
Recruitment Strategy
Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Madam Speaker, will the minister, today, commit to providing financial administrative assistance to communities who have spent their own operating budget money in recruiting doctors to help them in their recruiting process for doctors, since it is this government's policies that have changed licensing requirements and made it harder to find physicians. Will he help?
Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, the government has right along provided assistance to communities. We pay for the doctor bills. We pay for the hospital bills, and I do not think that is about to change.
Mr. Clif Evans: What changes is this minister prepared to make to allow foreign-trained physicians to practise on a longer-term basis in rural and northern Manitoba communities, given that in one recent recruiting drive, a community had no interest from any Manitoba physicians? What is he going to do about that?
Mr. McCrae: Madam Speaker, these are very much the same questions as before. I am interested in making sure that if we have resources available and willing to locate in areas where there are those needs, to bend every effort to make that possible.
But, Madam Speaker, I hope the honourable member is not suggesting we cross over the line of balance that ought to be drawn, where you want to have qualified people looking after our fellow Manitobans' medical needs. That is the job for the college, and I think the College takes its work seriously and should do so.
So we probably do not disagree on the balance that has to be drawn.
* (1355)
Winnipeg Arena
Tender Process
Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance confirmed yesterday that he is receiving daily briefings on the arena and Jets issue.
I would like to ask the minister if he would now confirm that the current plans, as he knows them, call for the governments to turn over the entire construction process to MEC, Spirit of Manitoba, their architectural and construction team. They will do the whole job; we will just shovel in $111 million.
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, we have indicated consistently that we are working with the current private-sector group that is looking to take over ownership and control of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club.
As the Premier has outlined, part of those discussions are on the basis that if there are any cost overruns over and above the $111-million projected cost of a new facility here in Winnipeg, that the private sector would be responsible for those costs.
They have done an awful lot of preliminary work over the course of the last eight months in terms of issues like a contract manager and so on and also indicating that they will be going out for tendering and bids on the majority of the work that will be done at the facility and that there will be opportunities for Manitoba companies. So the intention is to continue to work with the existing private-sector group--if this facility is going to be built, ultimately, in Winnipeg--to work with them in terms of ultimately building the facility.
Mr. Sale: Can the minister tell the House how long he thinks would be required for a proposal call for a new publicly owned arena, especially since at least four proposal calls already exist? How long would it take to refresh that process?
Mr. Stefanson: Well, Madam Speaker, the private-sector group, the MEC group, went through a request for proposal back in the fall of 1994.
They sent out four requests for proposals. They received three back from very reputable companies. They did an analysis. They made a selection of one that includes--it is a consortium called Dominion Hunt. They have experience in terms of building these facilities, but more importantly, one of the partners is a company called Dominion Construction that has been in Winnipeg for some 35 years, an outstanding company here in Manitoba. They have built buildings like the TD Centre here in downtown Winnipeg.
I think, certainly, Manitobans would agree that they have an outstanding reputation and performance here in our province.
Mr. Sale: Madam Speaker, will the minister then confirm that his government's decision not to call for tenders or proposals will cost Manitobans at least $70 million more of scarce public dollars than would be required for a brand new 19,000-seat arena at Polo Park--$70 million more?
Mr. Stefanson: I do not agree with a single word that the member for Crescentwood just uttered, Madam Speaker.
I remind members opposite--and I know some of them have read the material, but I do not believe that the member for Crescentwood necessarily has. It was back in 1993. A report on the preservation of NHL hockey in Winnipeg was prepared and chaired by Mr. Art Mauro.
Part of the terms of reference were to analyze potential locations and recommend the optimum site in terms of economic benefit to the community as a whole, income generation for a new facility itself and the needs of the partnership.
Part of that analysis included reports like the Lavelin Report of 1990 that pointed to a downtown location; an analysis done in 1993 by the City of Winnipeg Planning Department that recommended a downtown location, and the ultimate conclusions--and I will not read all of them for the members opposite; they can get the report--of the Art Mauro report is that the best location for an entertainment complex and arena is in downtown Winnipeg, and they list a series of reasons why it makes sense from an economic perspective.
I would encourage members opposite to take the time to do some research and read some material on this very important issue.
Winnipeg Arena
Winnipeg Forum Group Proposal
Ms. MaryAnn Mihychuk (St. James): My question is to the Minister of Finance.
Could the minister explain why this government has not been prepared to consider the proposal for a new arena by the Winnipeg Forum group--and I have their proposal right here in front of me--at the existing St. James site through an open, complete tendering process?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I will not read the entire report that I just highlighted. I will encourage members to read it.
But an awful lot of time and research was put into the whole issue of an entertainment complex and arena by citizens of Manitoba, by the federal government, by the City of Winnipeg--I am referring to the Planning Committee--by the Province of Manitoba.
I know some members opposite have had an opportunity for input on the issue. The decisions and the recommendations all pointed to the best location for any new facility in our province in terms of the overall economy of our province, the economic benefits to our province, as being in downtown Winnipeg. That was the recommendation of that report.
That was the recommendation of consultants who worked for them. That was the recommendation of the City of Winnipeg Planning Department. That has been the recommendation of a whole series of organizations, individuals and so on, over the course of many months, Madam Speaker, and it has been on that basis that the whole issue has been moving forward.
It has been the basis of the private sector coming forward, preparing to invest in a hockey club $111 million, Manitoba citizens investing. The whole focus, the approval by City Council recently, has been on a downtown location and the site east of Portage and Main, Madam Speaker.
* (1400)
Cost Benefit Analysis
Ms. MaryAnn Mihychuk (St. James): My supplementary question is to the Minister of Finance.
Did this government do a cost-benefit analysis on moving the arena from St. James and its effect on local businesses in St. James?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, the report that I refer to does not only address downtown locations. It addresses many other locations. It addresses the Polo Park location. It addresses a series of other locations within Winnipeg as potential sites, and it does a detailed analysis of various sites within the city.
But at the end of the day their recommendations to us--and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Doer) was around when this report came forward and certainly had many opportunities for input and comment on it--have been that the best location for a facility in Manitoba is in downtown Winnipeg.
It has been on that basis that citizens are prepared to invest, and all three levels of government have gotten involved in the project, and it is on that basis at this stage that the--[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The question was asked, and I am sure that all honourable members would like to hear the response. The honourable Minister of Finance, to quickly complete his response.
Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, it has been on that kind of a basis that this initiative has been moving forward over the course of the last many, many months. So the issues of location have been discussed over several months.
Impact of Relocation
Ms. MaryAnn Mihychuk (St. James): My final supplementary is to the Minister of Finance.
Can this government indicate whether they have also considered the effects of moving from St. James to The Forks on the financial operations of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I would remind the member for St. James that there have been many individuals, many organizations and many entities involved in this entire initiative, such as the City of Winnipeg, such as the Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation that currently are the landlords for the Winnipeg Arena, for the Winnipeg football stadium and the arrangements with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So they have a particular arrangement with the Winnipeg Football Club.
Obviously, the impact of a relocation of the arena has been considered by organizations like that, and they realize some of the steps that they will have to take over the next several years to deal with the Winnipeg Stadium and the Winnipeg Football Club.
VLT Revenues
Information Release
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Premier.
We are concerned about the lack of commitment by the government and by the gambling committee to seek public input on the whole issue of gambling in the province of Manitoba.
This Premier promised a community-by-community breakdown of VLT revenues. This material and information is valuable and I believe important.
My question quite simply to the Premier is, when is he going to keep his promise and bring forward the community-by-community breakdown of VLT revenues?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): As soon as possible, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Lamoureux: Will the Premier commit to bring forward this very important information prior to the public meetings being heard?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I can only commit to doing it as soon as possible.
Mr. Lamoureux: One could question the secrecy of this government--
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for Inkster, with a final supplementary question.
Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, does the Premier not believe that the public has rights to know what sort of information the government has prior to having a gambling committee dealing with the very important issue of gambling in the province of Manitoba?
Mr. Filmon: Yes, Madam Speaker, and that is why the information is being assembled as quickly as possible.
Criminal Harassment
Reduction Strategy
Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): My questions are for the Minister of Justice.
Though harassment is a criminal offence, in 1994, over two-thirds of stalking charges in Winnipeg were bargained away or simply suspended. In 90 percent of the 55 charges laid in 1994, women were the complainants and men the accused, leading to the conclusion that in Manitoba the criminal harassment of women is not taken seriously.
My first question for the minister, will the Minister of Justice tell the House what directive has been issued to Crown attorneys to ensure that the criminal harassment of Manitoba women, that is, stalking, is taken seriously?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The member may know that it was the former Minister of Justice in this government who made sure that criminal harassment was included within the Criminal Code. This government, Madam Speaker, has taken a very active role in making sure that there is full consideration, particularly in relation to women, but for anyone who may be the victim of a stalker.
I know that our Crowns proceed vigorously, and we are certainly looking for the federal Liberal government to make additional changes in the area of the criminal harassment legislation, and the reasons, Madam Speaker, are that, as it exists now, the law deals basically with the offender. We would like to see more consideration of the victim.
Plea Bargaining
Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): If the minister is so committed to zero tolerance and the safety of Manitoba women, how does she explain why her department suspended or bargained away two-thirds of the stalking charges laid in 1994?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member and I, I know, will have a greater opportunity to discuss this issue in Estimates. The member also knows that there are matters of evidence which need to be considered by the Crown. That would be an answer in a general sense.
Ms. McGifford: Madam Speaker, what assurances can the minister give Manitoba women that further stalking charges will not be suspended or bargained away, especially in view of the 1994 record, plea bargaining?
Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, I would like to tell the member and all Manitobans that this government and certainly our Crown attorneys and Justice take the matter of criminal harassment very seriously. However, as in all cases, the cases must be considered on their facts and on the evidence available. That is how every case is considered.
In addition to that, however, we do look for changes by the federal government in the area of criminal harassment in the Criminal Code, which will provide additional protection for the victim. One of the areas we are particularly interested in is the reverse onus in the area of bail.
Public Housing
Collection Agencies
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Housing.
Yesterday, the Minister of Housing committed the taxpayers of Manitoba to cover 24 percent interest charges to collection agencies who are pursuing former tenants of Manitoba Housing. This is causing hardship for low-income tenants, and it is costing the taxpayer.
I want to ask the minister, what is the extent of this mismanagement, how much is the taxpayer giving to collection agencies and how long did this government mismanagement occur?
Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Housing): Madam Speaker, as pointed out yesterday to the member for Radisson, the people who have been charged the interest on overdue accounts will be given a letter from the department telling them that they have the ability to get that recuperation of funds that they have paid on top of their arrears.
The department has a proactive approach to it. If there is money owing by the department to the people because they have paid the interest, they will be refunded.
Ms. Cerilli: I thank the minister for that information, but my question was, how much is the taxpayer of Manitoba providing to these collection agencies?
How much is it costing us because the department was not able to enforce its agreement with these collection agencies?
* (1410)
Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, I should point out to the member that the Manitoba Housing Authority has over 14,000 social units under its control and its jurisdiction.
During the time of collection of overdue rents, the department works very closely in trying to work out agreement with the people, so that the accounts that are going into arrears are properly managed and there is a proper setup of collection within the framework of Manitoba Housing. The last resort they get into is passing on the debt to the collection agencies for the collection of this money.
As mentioned, the arrears that were outstanding, there was an interest charge put on by the collection agencies which was inappropriate. We have made corrections on that. We have made overtures and directions to the collection agencies to cease and desist this type of operation.
We are being proactive in going through our files. As I speak, they are going through their files to rectify and send letters to these people, so that these people will be able to access a refund if they paid overdue interest on their arrears.
Ms. Cerilli: Madam Speaker, my question is the price of the error and can the minister tell the House how this error occurred. Is the collection agency in breach of its agreement with Manitoba Housing, and can the minister table that agreement in the House today?
Mr. Reimer: Madam Speaker, as I mentioned to the member for Radisson, as we speak, my department is going through a complete filing of the rents that have been paid, the amounts that have been charged this interest. Letters are going to be going out.
There is an ongoing search as of this time, so that we are working judiciously to try to correct this error.
Forest Fires
Burn Policy
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Natural Resources.
Yesterday, my colleague the member for Dauphin (Mr. Struthers) asked the minister about a let-it-burn policy with regard to northern forest fires. The minister replied, quote: There is a group which decides which fires will be manned and which will be kept under control and the areas where this does not make any sense.
Yesterday, water bombers were pulled from the Snow Lake fire to fight the fire at Cranberry Portage. Unfortunately, the Snow Lake fire is now burning out of control.
Can the minister explain how it would not have made sense to fight both fires or whether this decision was made based on a lack of resources.
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I wonder if I could impose on the member for Dauphin to share the policy paper that I handed him this Question Period, so that the member for Flin Flon knows exactly what the policy is relevant to how we fight fires.
I just want to tell you, well, to tell all the members here, that none of us, not one of us in this building here is qualified to get out there and make judgment calls as to which fires should be fought or not. We have professional people who do that, and I believe in their judgment.
Helicopter Resources
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, can this minister assure this House that there presently are, indeed, adequate resources, specifically helicopters, available for fighting forest fires in northern Manitoba?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, yes.
Evacuation Process
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Can this minister tell us whether his office has been in contact with CN and VIA Rail to have stand-by crews ready for evacuation along the bayline, if the fire situation worsens?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, as I stated in the minister's statement that I made, we have had fires for many, many years. We have a system in place that is very capable of doing it. All the departments basically know what their responsibilities are in terms of safety for the general public, for the resources that we have out here.
Madam Speaker, in terms of the Crown corporations of CN and CP, in fact I have to say that one of the train companies basically started one of the fires that we are playing with now.
This is not unusual. This is a normal thing that is taking place out there. The conditions are not normal, but the operations are very normal, and we are ready to do what has to be done. Thank you.
Gaming Commission
Public Hearings
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Lotteries.
For the last number of days, we have seen on-again, off-again and then on-again public hearings, questions asked about the information that will be available to the public, not only in terms of the community-by-community breakdown, but in terms of the demographics of people who are using lotteries.
I would like to ask the minister, given the clear uncertainty and the clear questions that have been asked about how valid the commission's report can be without proper public input, will the minister finally give clear direction that there should not only be extensive public hearings but other mechanisms as well, including the type of phone line system that was used by the MLAs' allowance commission, which should be used to get maximum public input on lotteries.
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, as we indicated the other day, we have a 14-member commission that we feel is very representative of Manitobans. They, at this point in time, have made a determination of the number of public hearings, the locations of public hearings.
The error of the other day has been corrected. They are advertising more extensively throughout Manitoba. They are utilizing the newspapers and radio. They have extended the registration deadline from June 1 to June 8 for individuals to register.
They are also making it well known that they will accept other kinds of representation, in particular written representation, from any Manitobans who want to forward any concerns, any information to the commission, Madam Speaker.
VLT Revenues
Information Release
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): A supplementary, Madam Speaker: Will the minister commit to making sure that full information is available to the public to ensure that whatever public hearings do take place are going to be valid? When will the information be made to the public so they can comment?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): I am assuming the member is asking for the same information that the member for Inkster (Mr. Lamoureux) asked for just a few moments ago. As indicated, that information will be made available as soon as possible.
The hearings will be proceeding in June in four communities so far, Winnipeg and three outside of Winnipeg. They are being advertised extensively. There are many vehicles and opportunities for individuals to make representation to this committee.
We encourage individuals to do so. The members of the opposition have the opportunity to encourage people within their constituencies to make representation, to make written representation or to appear at the committee hearings during the month of June.
Mr. Ashton: A final supplementary: Will the minister explain why, today, after repeated promises that this information would be made available, including during the election, to the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities, that he is now and the Premier (Mr. Filmon) is now still saying nothing more than, as soon as possible?
When do we get the information, period, Madam Speaker?
Mr. Stefanson: The member for Thompson can interpret as soon as possible in whatever fashion he decides.
Shellmouth Dam
Gate Opening Day
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources.
Due to the high levels of precipitation in October of 1994, soil moisture levels in the Assiniboine basin area were nearing saturation point. This winter, I also saw snow-packed levels in the area well above average.
Given these two very basic indicators of higher than average spring runoff, can the minister explain why Water Resources did not open the gates of the Shellmouth Dam before water reached the spillway?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I am having a good day. I am fighting fires in my hipwaders today.
The question is a valid one. This has been raised by people along the Assiniboine Valley. The operations of the Shellmouth Dam have been a matter that has been questioned from time to time over the 25 years that it has been in existence.
I have given the undertaking to my colleagues, and I will give that undertaking to the members of the House that we have the Assiniboine River Advisory Committee that is in place at the present time.
I have also challenged them with responsibilities to check and see whether the operations of the Shellmouth Dam have been done properly in accordance with the guidelines that were set up to operate it from the day that it was built.
Mr. Struthers: Can the minister tell this House how layoffs of Water Resources technicians contributed to the delays in opening the gates of the Shellmouth?
Mr. Driedger: I would just like to say that the Shellmouth structure, as well as the Portage diversion, as well as the Winnipeg Floodway, these kinds of structures, if it had not been for those being in place, we would have had major, major dramatic impact on many people in Manitoba who would have lost their homes, who would have lost their means of livelihood.
These structures were built with proper planning and design in place. The idea of putting these structures into place was to assist and protect the people in Manitoba, and, Madam Speaker, I have to say they are working.
Flood-Flow Management
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Can the minister indicate to the House what new staffing measures for flood-flow management will be taken to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I wish it was within my power and purview to be able to dictate what the elements will do in this country, whether it be drought up North or whether it be water conditions in the rest of the province.
We have had flooding in the past, as we have had forest fires in the past, and we have systems in place that basically are supposed to be the guidelines to try and minimize damage to the public for safety reasons.
I have all the confidence that the systems that are in place are adequate. That does not mean that we should not recheck them from time to time, and we certainly are doing that, not only based on the questions from the member opposite but certainly among ourselves.
Within the departments, we review to see whether the policies that dictate the operations of these structures are adequate, and that is taking place again right now.
Madam Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired.
NONPOLITICAL STATEMENTS
Great Canadian Geography Challenge
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable Minister of Rural Development have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Hon. Leonard Derkach (Minister of Rural Development): Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to express my sincere congratulations to two young gentlemen from my constituency. The first is Mr. David Menzies of Shoal Lake who has earned an opportunity to be part of the finals in the very first Great Canadian Geography Challenge. As one of 10 finalists in the competition, David had to compete against over 160,000 students from 900 schools, quite an accomplishment.
From this competition being held in Ottawa, Madam Speaker, the three top students will receive scholarships and will represent Canada at the International Geography Olympiad in Disney World. Competitions like the Great Canadian Geography Challenge provide our youth with a competitive and enjoyable venue for testing their scholastic skills in a rewarding and memorable way.
* (1420)
International Space Camp
Hon. Leonard Derkach (Minister of Rural Development): The second gentleman, Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this afternoon before the House is Mr. Chad Lazaruk of Inglis, Manitoba. Chad who was chosen over all other male students from Manitoba to compete for the representation of Canada at the International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. One week later, Chad was notified that he had been chosen as one male student in all of Canada to attend the eight-day camp. I know that Chad is honoured to have been chosen for this exciting opportunity to expand his horizons in science and space technology.
I am proud of Chad and of David Menzies as my constituents, and I wish them both all the very best with their experiences and all their future plans. Thank you very much.
Seniors Month
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Niakwa have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): Madam Speaker, I would like to call attention to members of the House that June is Seniors Month. Today, a celebration was held in Virden, which I was invited to attend and participate in along with my colleague from the area, the honourable member for Arthur-Virden (Mr. Downey). This was only one of the many activities and happenings across the province during this special month.
In this our 125th year, Seniors Month offers us a tremendous opportunity to honour senior Manitobans for the many accomplishments and contributions they have made and continue to make in our society. Their hard work, their perseverance and their dedication have built and maintained a province and a country that are well respected and considered role models throughout the world.
Every facet of our lives from our homes to our environment and our economy has been shaped by seniors. It is therefore especially fitting to acknowledge and honour this very valuable segment of our society. As parents and grandparents, seniors offer wisdom, experience and guidance so that we can learn from our past, understand our present and plan for our future.
Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all members of the House to celebrate Seniors Month by taking the opportunity to participate in seniors events. Thank you very much.
Osvita Foundation Award
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Kildonan have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure and honour of attending the Osvita Awards Banquet, together with the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Praznik), as well as the member for Burrows (Mr. Martindale), where the Monsignor Reverend Semen Izyk was presented with the annual award by the Osvita Foundation.
I would like to today acknowledge all members of the House recognition to Monsignor Izyk for this award. He has been a formidable force in the Ukrainian community since arriving in Canada following World War II in 1949. In fact, he was a founder of Ukrainian communications in general. He has been the editor of Prosvita, that is Progress magazine, a Ukrainian weekly journal for, I believe, over 30 years. He has been a spiritual adviser to many individuals in the Ukrainian community.
He has been a force in communications, operating a television and radio program. He showed great insight in developing these many, many years ago prior to other individuals even considering this as an instrumental force for preserving culture. He was very active in the Ukraine as well prior to coming to Canada, and, in fact, was imprisoned for many years in concentration camps and during that course of time was a spiritual adviser to many individuals who found themselves in similar circumstances.
To that effect, he has been an editor and a publisher of many books, including children's books. In fact, we learned yesterday that some of the stories he published in Ukraine almost 50 years ago are still being published and broadcast in Ukraine to propagate both the culture and the Ukrainian language.
I would like to join with all members of the House in congratulating Monseigneur Reverend Semen Izyk on this very, very appropriate award dedicated to his years of development in the Ukrainian community. Thank you.
Raise the Flag Day
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Thompson have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, the Kinsmen and Kinettes of Canada hold an annual event which is aimed at promoting pride in our country, the Raise the Flag Day. I am sure many members of the Legislature have had the opportunity to participate in events in their communities, certainly members where Kinsmen and Kinettes are active.
This year there was a rather unique challenge that took place between the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs of Thompson and, for the member for Portage (Mr. Pallister), between the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs of Portage. During a one-week period leading up to the Raise the Flag Day both communities competed as to which community could raise the most number of flags.
I am pleased to indicate there was good participation from both sides and the Thompson Kinette and Kinsmen club was successful in raising the most number of flags in our community. I would like to congratulate the Kinsmen and Kinettes, a Canadian service club, on their excellent efforts in promoting what is I think a very excellent idea, and that is raising our pride and awareness of our great country. Thank you.