ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
PRESENTING PETITIONS
Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I beg to present the petition of M. Joshi, D. Joshi, Anne Nemez requesting that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to consider immediately establishing a mobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancer at the earliest possible opportunity.
READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS
Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for Swan River (Ms. Wowchuk). It complies with the rules and practices of the House (by leave). Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?
An Honourable Member: Yes.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Yes. The Clerk will read.
Mr. Clerk (William Remnant): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba, humbly sheweth that:
WHEREAS medical authorities have stated that breast cancer in Manitoba has reached almost epidemic proportions; and
WHEREAS yearly mammograms are recommended for women over 50, and perhaps younger if a woman feels she is at risk; and
WHEREAS while improved surgical procedures and better post-operative care do improve a woman's chances if she is diagnosed, early detection plays a vital role; and
WHEREAS Manitoba currently has only three centres where mammograms can be performed, those being Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson; and
WHEREAS a trip to and from these centres for a mammogram can cost a woman upwards of $500 which is a prohibitive cost for some women; and
WHEREAS a number of other provinces have dealt with this problem by establishing mobile screening units; and
WHEREAS the provincial government has promised to take action on this serious issue.
WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba may be pleased to request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to consider immediately establishing a mobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancer at the earliest possible opportunity.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Before proceeding to Oral Question Period, may I draw the attention of the House to the galleries where we have seated with us today, 53 students from the H.S. Paul School, Grade 5, under the direction of Mrs. Brenda Mitchell, who are from Madam Speaker's (Mrs. Dacquay) riding.
We also have with us from the Faith Academy, twenty Grade 9 students under the direction of Mrs. Jodi Daly, from the constituency of the honourable member for Kildonan (Mr. Chomiak).
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill 200--The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Concordia (Mr. Doer), that leave be given to introduce Bill 200, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'Assemblée législative), and that the same now be received and read a first time.
Motion presented.
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Mr. Ashton: The intent of this bill was very simple and that is to allow members of the Legislature to elect the Speaker of this Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I want to point out this is not the first time we have brought in this bill. We have brought it in before. I would point out that the House of Commons in Ottawa and the majority of Canadian provinces now have elected Speakers, as does the House of Commons in Great Britain.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, we all need, not only in this Legislature but in this province, a Speaker that commands the respect and support of all members of the Legislature. The way to ensure that that happens and that Speakers are not appointed strictly by Premiers and by sitting governments is to make sure that all members of the Legislature have the opportunity to elect the Speaker.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, if ever there was a bill whose time has come, it is now, and I would urge all members of the Legislature to support it.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I inadvertently skipped over a couple of areas. I am going to have to just backtrack a little bit.
Presenting Reports by Standing and Special Committees; Ministerial Statements and Tabling of Reports; Notices of Motion; Oral Question Period--oh, one second.
Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion of the honourable member for Thompson? [agreed]