VOL. XLVIII No. 7 - 10 a.m., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1997

Friday, December 5, 1997

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Friday, December 5, 1997

The House met at 10 a.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Domestic Violence

Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Cathy Thomassen, Paula Mallea, Linda Comty and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Deborah Schnitzer, Coralie Bryant, Mendel Schnitzer and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Ron Schmalcel, June Welsted, Dianne Hindle and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

Ms. Becky Barrett (Wellington): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Shaun Loney, Sandra Danco, Susan Sinclair and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice inquiry and the Pedlar report.

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Domestic Violence

Madam 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. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read.

An Honourable Member: Yes.

Madam Speaker: Yes. The Clerk will read.

Mr. Clerk (William Remnant): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth:

THAT domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in Manitoba that results in the injury and death of women across this province; and

THAT certain initiatives such as the Family Violence Court, the Women's Advocacy Program and mandatory charging have been taken by the government; and

THAT survivors of abuse, their families, service providers and the community at large recognize serious shortcomings in the response to domestic violence which continues to threaten the lives of Manitoba women and children; and

THAT a blueprint for an effective response to domestic violence is being offered by several reports including the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Pedlar report and the Lavoie inquiry recommendations.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

* (1005)

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for Osborne (Ms. McGifford), and it complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

An Honourable Member: Dispense.

Madam Speaker: Dispense.

The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth:

THAT domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in Manitoba that results in the injury and death of women across this province; and

THAT certain initiatives such as the Family Violence Court, the Women's Advocacy Program and mandatory charging have been taken by the government; and

THAT survivors of abuse, their families, service providers and the community at large recognize serious shortcomings in the response to domestic violence which continues to threaten the lives of Manitoba women and children; and

THAT a blueprint for an effective response to domestic violence is being offered by several reports including the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Pedlar report and the Lavoie inquiry recommendations.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Domestic Violence

Madam Speaker: Order, please. Is there leave to revert to Presenting Petitions so the honourable member for Radisson (Ms. Cerilli) may present a petition? [agreed]

Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Priscilla Bilsborrow, Carol Payne, Iris Griffin and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of a meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.