LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF
Thursday,
November 16,
2006
The House met at 1:30 p.m.
PRAYER
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Mr. Speaker: I have a statement for the House.
I must inform the House that Stuart
Murray, the honourable Member for
Hon. Jon Gerrard (
Matters of privilege must be raised at the first possible opportunity and a prima facie case must be established as to how it affects the privileges of us as members.
The matter I raise results from comments made by the honourable Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs (Mr. Lathlin), at a committee meeting on the very last day of the session, June 12, 2006. I first became aware of these comments while the Legislature was in recess, reading the Hansard, and so I raise this issue today at the earliest possible opportunity.
The matter which I raise revolves around our rights as MLAs as a collectivity, and I would refer you to page 95 of Marleau and Montpetit, House of Commons Procedure and Practice. To save time, I will not read the citation as you can consult it in making your ruling.
The crux of the matter is the expectation that all honourable members are expected to conduct themselves in such a matter as to not bring the integrity of this Chamber into disrepute. We all know that it is fundamental principle in our parliamentary system that government not only operate but be seen to be operating such that no minister of the Crown uses his or her position to advance his or her personal interests, and that where a government brings forward legislation which affects the personal interests of a minister, that to avoid any perceived or real conflict of interest the legislation should be introduced and handled by another minister.
On June 12, 2006, the Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs spoke on Bill 32, of the last session, The Real Property Amendment Act. As the minister indicated at the time, the purpose of the bill is to facilitate the transfer of provincial lands to the federal government so that they can more easily be transferred to First Nations communities. At committee on June 12, 2006, the minister said, and I quote: "So as the Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and also being a First Nations person, I have always told groups that I have a vested interest in these lands, on OCN anyway, the First Nation I come from, be transferred to OCN's control and authority as soon as possible."
I would like to congratulate the minister in being very forthright and aboveboard in making very clear the potential conflict of interest he has in regard to him being the minister responsible for the bill. The minister is the sponsor of this bill, having introduced the bill at first reading on April 11, and introducing the bill at second reading on May 31. The minister clearly recognizes the potential is there for his First Nation and, by extension perhaps himself, to benefit from the legislation. But, having recognized the potential for conflict, the minister should also have handed this bill to another minister of the Crown for sponsorship to avoid any conflict of interest, real or apparent. I also note that the minister did not make clear either at first or second reading that he had this potential conflict.
Mr. Speaker, whenever ministers sponsor bills from which there is possibility of deriving a personal benefit, either real or apparent, the standards and dignity of this Chamber suffers. This in turn undermines the dignity of all honourable members, and this, I believe, is a prima facie case of a breach of privilege.
Therefore, I move,
seconded by the Member for
Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, the member is
right that the privileges ought to be rarely raised. This has now become a
regular occurrence amongst the leader of the opposition. I remember two
sessions ago, the matter of privilege was where the member was sitting in the
Legislature, followed by a filibuster by the member opposite saying the Member
for
By the member's own definition, virtually half of us couldn't speak in this Legislature or sponsor bills. Agriculture, teachers, Mr. Speaker, there are provisions in the legislative act dealing with conflict that say if you are a small percentage that a total individual who takes advantage of a particular pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in a matter, you are not a subject of privilege, you are not a subject of conflict.
Mr. Speaker, further to that, the idea of conflict of interest is that members are aware that someone may have an interest, or an indirect interest, and that the public is advised. We fill out forms every year. We make pronouncements every year that point out what our interests are.
The absurdity of the member's argument, Mr. Speaker, if I wanted to, could be taken to unbelievable lengths. If the member wants, perhaps, I can't speak on this matter of privilege because I am trained as a lawyer. Or the Leader of the Opposition couldn't speak on this matter. Or the House Leader for the Conservative Party couldn't because he is trained in a particular matter.
But the audacity on the first sitting of the Legislature, when there are matters to debate, when there are matters of importance, when the very Member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard), has been complaining and complaining that this Chamber isn't sitting often enough or isn't talking enough, Mr. Speaker, to stand up again, on the first day, not about where he sits, but this time attacking a member of the government because of what? Because of his background for sponsoring the bill that he not only has the right to sponsor, but is proud to sponsor and is part of his duty to sponsor, and to suggest because of his background that he has no right in this Chamber to sponsor on a bill on property rights is absurd and wrong.
This matter ought to go no further, and I suggest the member should apologize not only to the Member for The Pas (Mr. Lathlin), but to all members of this Chamber for raising a matter that is not only inaccurate, but offensive, offensive to myself and to other members of this Chamber. The member who, I believe, trained as a medical doctor, and who has on many occasions raised medical doctor renumeration issues and has not stood up, Mr. Speaker, and discussed his conflict of interest on medical numeration issues, I daresay has never been called on that. In fact, he has used his background and his knowledge often in this Chamber to talk about issues. To suggest that the Member for The Pas–
Mr. Speaker: Order.
When dealing with a matter of privilege, the member should be debating the prima facie case and not get into debate of the issue. I haven't decided yet if it will go forward or not.
* (13:40)
Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, so, in conclusion, on the face of it, not only does the member not have a prima facie case, but the member in fact, I think, is impinging upon the rights of all members of the Chamber, all members of the Chamber, by making that kind of statement. I am being kind and gentle in this regard because I think what the member has done today is inappropriate, inaccurate and wrong.
Mr. Speaker: The honourable Official Opposition House Leader, on the same matter of privilege?
Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Yes, on the same matter of privilege, Mr. Speaker. It is a pleasure to follow those kind and gentle comments from the member opposite.
I would say that in fact
this is a very serious matter without speaking to the substance of the
allegations that were raised by the independent Member for
Mr. Speaker: A matter of privilege is a serious concern. I'm going to take this matter under advisement to consult the authorities, and I will return to the House with a ruling.
Headingley Foods
Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
These are the reasons for this petition:
The owners of Headingley Foods, a small
business based in Headingley, would like to sell alcohol at their store. The
distance from their location to the nearest Liquor Mart, via the
The majority of Headingley's population
lives off
Small businesses outside
We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
To urge the Minister charged with the
administration of The Liquor Control Act (Mr. Smith), to consider allowing the
owners of Headingley Foods to sell alcohol at their store, thereby supporting
small business and the prosperity of rural communities in
This is signed by Wendy Capri, Chuck Fritsch, Ted Harasym and many, many, many others.
Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House.
Standing Committee on
Legislative Affairs
Fifth Report
Mr. Daryl Reid (Chairperson): I wish to present the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs.
Madam Clerk (Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following as its Fifth Report.
Some Honourable Members: Dispense.
Mr. Speaker: Dispense.
Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the
following as its Fifth Report.
Meetings:
Your
committee met on the following occasions:
Tuesday,
April 18, 2006, at 12 p.m. in Room 255 of the
Thursday,
June 29 at 8:30 a.m. at 10:35 – 405 Broadway (in camera)
Thursday,
July 13 at 1 p.m. at 10:35 – 405 Broadway (in camera exit interview with
Auditor General Jon Singleton)
Matters under
Consideration:
Recruitment
and Selection of the Auditor General
Committee
Membership:
Committee
membership for the April 18, 2006, meeting:
Mr. Derkach
Mr. Dewar
Mr. Hawranik
Ms. Irvin-Ross
Ms. Korzeniowski
Hon. Mr. Mackintosh
Mr. Maguire
Mr. Martindale
Mrs. Mitchelson
Mr. Reid
Mr. Swan
At
the April 18, 2006, meeting, your committee elected Mr. Reid as Chairperson.
At
the April 18, 2006, meeting, your committee elected Ms. Irvin-Ross as
Vice-Chairperson.
Committee
membership for the June 29, 2006, meeting:
Mr. Aglugub
Mr. Dewar
Mr. Goertzen
Ms. Irvin-Ross
Ms. Korzeniowski
Hon. Mr. Mackintosh
Mrs. Mitchelson
Mr. Reid (Chairperson)
Mr. Reimer
Mr. Swan
Mrs. Taillieu
At
the June 29, 2006, meeting, your committee elected Ms. Irvin-Ross as
Vice-Chairperson.
Committee membership for the July 13, 2006, meeting:
Ms. Brick
Hon. Mr. Chomiak
Mr. Cummings
Mr. Eichler
Mr. Goertzen
Ms. Irvin-Ross (Vice-Chairperson)
Mr. Jha
Ms. Korzeniowski
Mr. Martindale
Mr. Reid (Chairperson)
Mr. Schuler
Agreements
reached at the April 18, 2006, standing committee meeting:
It was agreed that Mr.
Lamoureux be authorized to attend in camera meetings of the Standing Committee
on Legislative Affairs considering the Recruitment and Appointment of the
Auditor General of
It was agreed that
Legislative Assembly staff be authorized to attend all meetings of the External
Executive Hiring Sub-Committee and the Legislative Affairs Sub-Committee.
Motions Agreed
to at the April 18, 2006, standing committee meeting:
THAT this committee
recommends that an Executive Screening Committee consisting of Don Potter,
Shirley Strutt and Bill Fraser be appointed, the mandate of this external
committee will be established by the Sub-Committee of the Committee on
Legislative Affairs.
THAT a Sub-Committee
of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs consisting of four government
members, two official opposition, one independent member, to be determined and
named provided to the Clerk’s Office as soon as possible, be struck to
establish the mandate of the external committee. The sub-committee may also
undertake other duties it deems necessary in order to fulfil its responsibilities
in the hiring process.
Agreements
reached at the June 29, 2006, standing committee meeting:
It was unanimously
agreed to accept the report of the sub-committee.
It was unanimously
agreed to recommend that Carol Bellringer be appointed as Auditor General for
the
Motions Agreed
to at the June 29, 2006, standing committee meeting:
THAT the committee
authorize the Chairperson to advise the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of
Manitoba of this appointment once the offer has been accepted, prior to
presentation of the committee report in the House.
THAT the committee
authorize the Chairperson to ask the Speaker to inform all MLAs in writing of
this appointment and issue a press release once the offer has been accepted,
prior to presentation of the committee report in the House.
Sub-Committee Report
At
the June 29, 2006, meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs the
sub-committee presented its report.
Sub-Committee
Meetings:
Your
sub-committee met on the following occasions:
Friday,
April 28, 2006, at 12:30 p.m.
Monday,
May 1, 2006, at 11 a.m.
Thursday,
May 4, 2006, at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday,
May 23, 2006, at 12 p.m.
Monday,
June 19, 2006, at 4 p.m.
All
meetings were held in camera at the
Sub-Committee Membership:
Mr.
Hawranik
Ms.
Irvin Ross
Mr.
Lamoureux
Hon.
Mr. Mackintosh
Mrs.
Mitchelson
Mr.
Reid
Mr.
Swain
Your sub-committee
elected Ms. Irvin-Ross as its Chairperson on Friday, April 28, 2006.
Your sub-committee
received a membership substitution during the meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006:
Mrs.
Stefanson for Mr. Hawranik
Staff present
for sub-committee and panel meetings:
Susan
Scott, Legislative Assembly, Director of Human Resource Services
JoAnn
McKerlie-Korol, Clerk Assistant / Clerk of Committees
Rick
Yarish, Clerk Assistant / Clerk of Committees
Sub-Committee Agreements:
Your sub-committee reached
an agreement during the meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006, at 4 p.m.
It was agreed to recommend
to the Legislative Affairs Committee that Carol Bellringer be appointed Auditor
General.
Advisory Panel Activities:
As agreed to by your committee,
the following individuals served as members of the advisory panel:
Don Potter
Shirley Strutt
Bill Fraser
The advisory
panel met on the following occasions
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday, June 5, 2006
Friday, June 9, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
All meetings were held in
camera on the 10th floor of the
The advisory panel
considered applications for the position of Auditor General as follows:
Twelve applications were
received for the position.
Four individuals were
interviewed for the position on Monday, May 29, 2006.
Mr. Reid: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Selkirk (Mr. Dewar), that the report of the committee be received.
Motion agreed to.
2PPCLI Casualties
Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Yes, I have a statement for the House, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate
the lives of five members of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry second
division from
Members of this House have paid tribute to
these fallen soldiers at commemoration and memorial services held at
On behalf of Manitobans and this House, I
wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these
brave men. To all the service women and men who have lost their lives in
Mr. Speaker, after other members have made their statements, I would ask that this House join in a moment of silence to recognize these deceased soldiers.
Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Premier for that statement and just to indicate, on behalf of members of our caucus in opposition, our support for the comments made today and our support for taking a moment to pay tribute to these five outstanding young Canadians who have fought and died in order to advance the causes of civil society, human rights and the rule of law in Afghanistan.
They certainly carried out their duties with honour. Their passing is certainly sad for all family and friends who know these individuals, and I guess the consolation, Mr. Speaker, is that they did so in pursuit of greater and higher goals. So I want to add my voice and support the Premier's request that the House take a moment of silence and recognize these soldiers. Thank you.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (
Mr. Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave? [Agreed]
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, I join all the other members of the Chamber in recognizing the contributions of our soldiers and, in particular, of course, the soldiers who have been based in Shilo. It is clearly a tragedy to have lost five members, five people, who have served and who have worked and lived in Shilo and who have made a contribution to our province as well as to our nation.
I was able to join the Premier (Mr. Doer)
at the service in Shilo for four of these individuals. Certainly, in talking to
members of the family and to other soldiers who have served in
* (13:50)
Mr. Speaker: Is it the will of the House to have a moment of silence? [Agreed]
Please rise for a moment of silence.
A moment of silence was observed.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the table and ask them to assist me in welcoming Tamara Pomanski, our newly appointed Clerk Assistant, Clerk of Committees, to the table.
I would like to draw the attention of honourable members to the loge to my right where we have with us Mr. Binx Remnant who is the former Clerk of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you here today.
I would also like to draw the attention of
all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Bea
Caldwell of
In the public gallery we have with us 20 retired teachers.
Also in the public gallery we have from Dufferin Christian School 15 grade nine students under the direction of Mr. Rob VanSpronson. This group is located in the constituency of the honourable Member for Carman (Mr. Rocan).
On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you here today.
Hotel Placements
Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, just at the outset in acknowledging leaders' latitude,
I wonder if I could just briefly pay tribute to the late Reverend Harry
Lehotsky. I know the Premier and other members of this Legislature, including
the Member for
Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. In 1998, the Premier, who was then Leader of the Official Opposition, got up in this Chamber and said, and I quote, "It is this Premier who was responsible for the care and custody of children under The Child and Family Services Act. He cannot wash his hands of his responsibility."
In April of 1999, there was an average of
28 children placed in hotels, children who were in the care of the
Last week, Mr. Speaker, we learned that children were being displaced from hotels in order to accommodate the Grey Cup. In response to these terrible stories, and nothing was done until these stories made their way into the media, the government rushed out showing a momentary bit of interest in this challenge with no plan and no consultation with the multimillion dollar announcement. Then, by yesterday, the issue would appear to again have fallen off the government's radar screen. It was barely referenced in the Throne Speech, the fact that we have a crisis in our Child and Family Services system and that we have 166 children now in hotels.
Given his statements in 1998, will the Premier stand by his word and will he, and I quote, take responsibility for the care and custody of children under The Child and Family Services Act. Will he demonstrate that he has his priorities straight and will he take personal responsibility for getting involved in solving this growing crisis for children in Manitoba?
Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Mr. Speaker, the allegations made by members opposite last spring about the issue of devolution and the allegations made by members opposite last spring about a failure to track, adequately, children in our Child and Family Services system resulted in two independent reviews. It also resulted in a very, very assertive effort of social workers to do due diligence, on the tracking of children in care. In fact, the social workers over the summer met and accounted for 14,999 children in care. Contrary to the allegations made by members opposite last spring, they were able to track and hold accountable the placements of all of those children.
During that period of time the social workers and the front-line workers were spending a considerable amount of time dealing with allegations made by members opposite. They were able to track kids. The number went up unacceptably high in hotels. I have been critical in the past. I think that the decision and the recommendation from the Child's Advocate in the early '90s to close all the receiving homes, Mr. Speaker, has had an unintended consequence through their government and through our government of having too many children in hotels.
The issue of the
Yesterday we–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. Doer: –in the Speech from the Throne reiterated the $42-million investment in children in foster care. I do accept responsibility that the cuts that were made in foster care by the Tories were not reinstated, were not adequately–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. Doer: The cuts made were not adequately reinstated in our seven years in office, in spite of the 80 percent increase in funding to child protection. We have now instructed, and the Minister of Family Services (Mr. Mackintosh) has moved ahead with advance money in this budget year for more foster care. There is absolutely no question that kids in temporary care, some of them are going to go back home because they are held there for safety reasons pending assessment, and some of them are going to foster homes.
We are putting more money in foster homes. What I said in '98 is what I agree with today. There shouldn't be kids in hotels. If we have to have foster homes, short-term foster homes and receiving homes, that is necessary for children's care, not hotel care.
Mr. McFadyen: The fact is
the Premier can play the blame game all he likes. He can try to deflect attention
away from his personal statutory responsibility for children in care in
He can try and deflect it to questions of devolution. What we are talking about today are matters of–
An Honourable Member: Oh, oh. Now you've moved on.
* (14:00)
Mr. McFadyen: We are not moving off of devolution, Mr. Speaker.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. McFadyen: We are not moving off of this government's bungled handling of the devolution matter, Mr. Speaker. That is certainly another very serious issue in our Child and Family Services system. But it is about time that the Premier stopped playing the blame game. He has been Premier for seven years and he needs to get on with the job.
The Premier knows, as we all do, the
number of kids in care in
Given the millions in tax dollars that he
is now spending in an attempt to re-elect his party, will he demonstrate that
children in
Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, the business community has participated and put out a considerable number of ads on the same proposal. I want to thank them for their ideas, for their initiative, for their forward-looking investments. If he looks across the street, he will see Great-West Life sponsoring a promotion. If he will look down the street, he will see other companies. Perhaps he should look at that.
Mr. Speaker, there is no question that
over the years we were critical, and the members opposite now are critical. The
recommendation that was implemented from the Child Advocate has had unintended
consequences in
I do accept responsibility that the cuts made in foster care, that were initiated in the '90s, we did not fully reinstate those cuts. We had five increases in funding for foster parents. I take full responsibility for the fact that we didn't fully reinstate the Darwinian cuts made by members opposite. Mr. Speaker, we have now gone beyond the Tory cuts, and we will continue to seek out safe places for children.
I do not agree with children being in hotels. I do know that some of them that take short-term shelter are there for evaluation and aren't going to a foster home. They are going back to their own community and back to their own family. But for those children that need foster care and can't go back to their own home, foster spots and spaces should be available, and we are going to make that a priority. You are right; we should have done it earlier. Members opposite shouldn't have cut foster parents.
I just want to make a point though, Mr. Speaker. The member opposite took a shot at social workers in his statements last week. The members opposite said those social workers didn't know where the kids were under devolution, and so they went out, as a matter of due diligence, based on allegations made by members opposite, and reidentified 14,999 children, one runaway, a 16-year-old, out of 15,000 children. Perhaps, if members opposite weren't saying the sky was falling, there wouldn't be as many kids in hotels today.
Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, I remind the Premier that it was Peter Olfert, the representative of the social workers working in his system, that said that the devolution was mismanaged and was a fiasco for the Child and Family Services system. It wasn't members on this side of the House who were making that claim by ourselves.
Coming back to the issue, this very serious issue, of children in hotels in our Child and Family Services system in Manitoba, we have asked the Premier if he would take the initiative, if he has got $1.6 million to spend on political advertising on "Spirited Energy," why not take a portion of that and set it aside for a campaign to recruit foster parents. He hasn't responded to that suggestion. When he was on the other side of the House, we know that the Premier said that hotels don't solve problems with dysfunctional families; they cost too much, and surely we can find safer and warmer places for our kids than hotels. That is what the Premier said in 1998.
Speaking of warmer places, Mr. Speaker, we
have just learned that the Premier now plans to make yet another trip to
California, his second California junket in the span of three months, to speak
about the film industry immediately after the end of this record three-week
session here in Manitoba. We know that this mission, a letter issued by his own
department of trade and investment, the trade and investment branch has issued
a letter saying companies participating in the mission are naturally welcome to
be part of the
So, given that he is
duplicating a trade mission with his second trip to California in three months,
and we know that the Premier has this responsibility to travel when there
aren't burning issues and a crisis to deal with at home; but, given the crisis
in Child and Family Services, given that it is his second trip to California in
three months, given that his own government says that it duplicates work that
was done in Texas last year, will the Premier cancel his taxpayer-funded
California junket? Will he demonstrate, clearly, that
Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, first of all, my attendance hasn't been confirmed.
There are a number of businesspeople involved in a bioscience and biotechnology
mission. It does not include the governor of
Mr. Speaker, we are
spending, not the number the member opposite raises, we are spending $6 million
more on foster children. Just in terms of veracity of statements this member
has no credibility. Last night on the news, on CKY News, the member opposite
said
Throne Speech
Tax Competitiveness
Mr. Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question.
Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, the Premier has confirmed for the House that his
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. McFadyen Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just know that
members opposite seem to think that this crisis in Child and Family Services is
a laughing matter. The Premier wants to get up and make flippant remarks about
Now, Mr. Speaker, on a
new question. We had a Throne Speech yesterday from the government and we heard
very little new in the way of forward thinking from this government. We had
comments from leading members of the
The Winnipeg
Free Press said today that business leaders were unhappy about the lack of
tax cuts in the speech and say there isn't much here to make business want to
invest in
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said, and I quote, we have such an unfriendly and overly high tax–
* (14:10)
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. McFadyen: We have an
unfriendly and overly high tax burden in
Dave Angus of the Winnipeg Chamber of
Commerce echoed that sentiment and said that
Clearly the Premier does not listen to
leaders in our business community as tax competitiveness has been identified to
the CFIB, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, businesspeople and chambers of
commerce as the most trusting challenge facing our
Mr. Speaker, will the Premier finally
admit that his economic policies are failing and will he commit today to real
tax relief for Manitobans before he does further damage to
Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Mr. Speaker, some of the members opposite are quoting some of their personnel that have made comments. The member opposite, when he was working in the former Premier Filmon's office, in his website he said he was responsible for the tax-cutting strategy of the Filmon government.
Well, Mr. Speaker, he sure was responsible
for the tax-cutting strategy. The property taxes in
When we came into office the individual
income tax, the middle income tax rate, was 16.4 percent. It is going down to
13 percent, a 22 percent reduction. When we came into office, the corporate tax
rate was 17 percent. It is going down to 14 percent on January 1, 2007. In
fact, our government in seven budgets has actually lowered taxes more than any
other government in the provincial government in
Now, Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Leader of
the Opposition stated, and I quote, it was on television last night, it was
right out of his mouth, his words:
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. McFadyen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I see the Premier warming up to be Opposition Leader and I want to just thank him.
I know the Premier and his government are
obsessed with the 1980s and the 1990s, no fewer than 12 references in
yesterday's Throne Speech to the 1980s and the 1990s. Mr. Speaker, let's fast-forward
to today, to 2006 and beyond for
Now what we saw in yesterday's Throne
Speech was next to nothing in terms of tax relief for working Manitobans, tax
relief for the businesspeople and companies that create jobs and opportunities
for
So we had three tax cuts referred to in
yesterday's speech, all of which were contained in last year's budget. One tax
cut idea that came out of our annual general meeting two weeks ago, and tax cut
led income splitting that came out of the federal Conservative government in
If this is all that the
Premier has to offer then
When will the Premier wake up? When will
he commit to an aggressive tax relief strategy for working Manitobans and for
the businesspeople that are going to build a future for young people in
Mr. Doer: I can handle the arrogance of the Leader of the Opposition who has already got himself, as part of the divine right of king's philosophy of the Conservative Party, elected to the office of Premier in this province. I remember the last leader in this House who had that kind of arrogance and, Mr. Speaker, it didn't bode well for that individual in the '95 election.
But the only thing worse than the absolute
naked arrogance of the member opposite is his false statements on Hydro. He
said yesterday on television that
Will he stand in his place, apologize,
admit he was wrong, admit he was wrong to the people of
Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker,
again the Premier is full of sound and fury and signifying nothing. I think if
anybody owes this House an apology it is the Premier for claiming that there
were zero patients in
Now, I know, Mr. Speaker, in yesterday's Throne Speech the Premier has learned some lessons. His big commitment is that he is going to do something by 2019, presumably in the hope that he will be out of office by the time he has a chance to break that promise.
Mr. Speaker, report after report has made
it evident that
In recent weeks, even
What is the government's response? Only to
recycle tax cuts already announced in the last budget. Mr. Speaker. Manitobans
are tired of this do-nothing NDP government. Why won't the government take
steps to make
Mr. Doer: The member opposite voted against the small business tax going from 8 to 3 percent. The members opposite voted against their high taxes being lowered by us from 17 percent to 14 percent. The members opposite voted against our reduction in the middle-income tax bracket. Members opposite voted against–oh, big swagger, they raised farmers' taxes, but when we lowered farmers' taxes, they voted against it, Mr. Speaker. Of course, they are not with the farmers when it comes to the Canadian Wheat Board either.
Mr. Speaker, when the member opposite uses
the term, "full of sound and fury and signifying nothing," I would
point out that the only member opposite yesterday whose words meant nothing was
the member opposite who falsely said, and I quote, it was on CTV last night and
I am sure it was on other TV stations: Ontario recently came out with the
report on long-term energy vision. There was not a single mention of
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is wrong.
He is making false statements to the public of
* (14:20)
Crocus Investment Fund
Public Inquiry
Mr. Glen Cummings (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, if there's any apologies needed in this House, it's from the Premier to apologize to the shareholders of Crocus who have been plundered of their savings.
Mr. Speaker, I have a letter here written to the Member for Radisson (Mr. Jha), from which I would like to quote: I have been retired 12 years and this Crocus Fund was an important part of our retirement fund which we depend on. I know there are many, many people who are in exactly the same situation. Why is our government not addressing this issue? Are we just a voice in the wilderness?
My question is to the minister responsible for the Crocus Investment Fund. Why will he not call an inquiry?
Hon. Greg Selinger (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, we've debated this question several times. There has been a 245-page Auditor's Report with special powers under the new Auditor General's act that we brought in to specifically go into venture capital funds to see what's going on, to follow tax dollars wherever they go. We have an ongoing investigation by the RCMP; we have an ongoing investigation by the Manitoba Securities Commission; and we have an ongoing investigation by the Canadian revenue collection agency. We brought in the best class-action consumer protection legislation in the country which allows for the fees of lawyers to be controlled and regulated by the judge to allow consumers to take action when they feel a private corporation has done something against their shareholder interests. That's why we are not calling an inquiry. We have these mechanisms in place–
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. Cummings: Talk about arrogance, Mr. Speaker. None of those inquiries will address the culpability of this government.
I have a letter here, Mr. Speaker, directed to the Member for Dauphin (Mr. Struthers). It says that: I am a single mother trying to put my son through university. I was counting on that money invested in Crocus to help with those exorbitant costs. Worse yet, the funds that I invested in Crocus, I am still paying on the loan that I took out to buy. Why will this government not call an inquiry?
Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, one of the things we did to protect people such as the individual, the mother who the member mentioned, was to ensure under the legislation that the rate of return was the primary focus in any venture capital fund. That confusion was created by members opposite when they had a very fuzzy set of objectives.
Now, with respect to her son or her children going to university, we've kept their tuition fees the third lowest in the country. We brought back the first bursary programs in this province so that going to university is affordable, and when they now graduate and stay in this province they can get 60 percent of their tuition rebated. That mother, that child, is far better off today than they were under the previous government.
Mr. Cummings: Mr. Speaker, that kind of comment is cold comfort to that single mother. I have a quote here from a person who wrote to the now-Minister of Family Services (Mr. Mackintosh): We feel betrayed by our government because of the way it has handled, promoted the Crocus Fund. We'd like to see this Crocus scandal purposely put on the public agenda.
Will he answer these people by calling an inquiry?
Mr. Selinger: First of all, Mr. Speaker, the member calls the tuition fee rebate, the member calls tuition fee reductions and the member calls bursaries cold comfort. They're actually cash in the pocket of students and their families. There is a big difference between our policies and their policies. We have done all the things required to ensure the sloppy legislation and the horrible arrangements in terms of economic deals. The $34 million of losses that were entered into under the previous government cannot occur again by having clear objectives, proper monitoring and tighter legislation to control venture capital in this province. We are making sure that every Manitoban has lower taxes and better services for the future.
Teachers' Retirement Allowances Fund
Board Vacancies
Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr. Speaker, retired teachers have gathered a number of times on the front steps of the Manitoba Legislature in the last couple of years asking for this government to take their issue of fair COLA seriously. Yet this government has turned its back on retired teachers.
Mr. Speaker, it's been more than a year and a half since the previous chairman of the Teachers' Retirement Allowances Fund resigned from the board and, as we understand, that chairmanship has not been replaced. There are also, as we understand, still vacancies on the board.
When will this minister
take this situation seriously on behalf of retired teachers from
Hon. Peter Bjornson
(Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth): We
indeed take the issues of retired teachers seriously, and we have been very
active on the file with respect to teachers' pensions. We've opened the act
four times in our seven years in office, Mr. Speaker, and each time with the
opening of that legislation we have made improvements to the teachers' pension
fund. We have funded the unfunded pension liability which resulted in a credit rating
increase here in the
Mr. Speaker, we do take the issues of
teachers' pensions seriously and will continue to work. I mention that to the
teachers, that we have taken steps and will continue to take the next steps to
improve the pension funds for teachers in the
Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Speaker, there are several retired teachers here in the gallery today and several members on this side of the House who see this issue as a very important issue for retired teachers in Manitoba. Certainly they are aware of these vacancies and I am sure would be happy to help you out with those vacancies and actually sit on that board.
Certainly this minister has to take this situation seriously. When will he appoint a new chairperson to the board of TRAF and fill the vacancies that are currently there?
Hon. Greg Selinger (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, if the members opposite were really concerned about teachers' pensions, why did they not put one nickel of employers' money into that plan during the entire period of office from '89 to '99 when they were in office?
Every single year that we have been the government we have put millions of dollars, hard cash, into an account for teachers' pensions. We have also improved the ability for teachers who were on maternity leave to buy back service. We have put cash into the fund. We have improved the benefits, and we have also increased our contributions by 1.1 percent, matched by the teachers.
Our measures are tangible. Our measures are real. Their rhetoric is hollow. Their contribution was zero for 11 years.
Crocus Investment Fund
Public Inquiry
Hon. Jon Gerrard (
The Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. McFadyen), seems to have indicated he is interested in moving toward accepting his party's share of the responsibility in the Crocus fiasco, so why won't the Premier do the same?
Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Mr. Speaker, when the member opposite takes his little sidewinder at the Leader of the Opposition, he should recall that I think all of us do not like the situation when the shares were halted two years ago and the values went down. I certainly think that all of us want to see some of the companies that are successful. We've heard reports on National Leasing and other companies that have value, return some shareholder value to the people.
I would point out, Mr. Speaker, that the
co-investment the member opposite made when he was in the federal Cabinet for
Isobord has turned out to be the worst investment made. The federal government
and the member opposite, the Member for
We are not perfect like all the members opposite, but the one co-investment we had with Maple Leaf Distillers we have since–the member opposite said we would not get a nickel back. We have got all the money back plus the penalties, plus the interest with Maple Leaf Distillers. At least in terms of MIOP loans, the $35 million lost by members opposite, we have not lost. We are making money on those loans.
The member opposite was involved in a co-investment in the largest loss in the Crocus Fund, so he should be very careful when he throws out allegations around this House, Mr. Speaker.
* (14:30)
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, the Premier is trying to divert attention from the fact that his government has repeatedly demonstrated an inability to figure out what a red flag or a conflict of interest is. Red flags were waved in front of the Premier's government with Crocus. They deliberately ignored them. They're made aware of conflicts of interest and they ignore them. They actually come out and acknowledge conflicts of interest and yet take no action.
Mr. Speaker, will the Premier admit that the failure of his government to grasp what a red flag means and that this is a leading reason for the loss of millions of dollars by Crocus shareholders?
Mr. Doer: Well, Mr. Speaker, I believe that investments that Crocus made in companies that were successful were reasons why the Crocus Fund was reported to be doing well in some points. I remember media reports about the sale of the interests in the Angus Reid corporation here. I stated in a very positive way that I also believe that investments that were made in companies that lost money is the reason why shareholders lost money, as they would in any other mutual fund.
The member opposite was involved in the granddaddy of them all, the Isobord plant. We weren't involved in that. I would point out the member was there, you know, talking about turning straw into gold. Regrettably, Mr. Speaker, that did not happen, and for any member that invested in that share and thought that that was going to happen, I think it is regrettable.
The prospectus says the provincial government will not be responsible for any investments, does not endorse any investments. When civil servants were getting promotional material in their paycheque, we stopped, during the former government's years, we stopped that because we thought it was inconsistent with the prospectus. So I think all of us want to see the Crocus situation go forward with some of the companies that have value for the shareholders; but, certainly, the investments that lost money, the member opposite should take a good look in the mirror.
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, for seven years this government has been running the province too recklessly. Right from the start, in 1999 and up to the 2003 budget speech, this government was pushing Crocus. In the early years of its mandate, this government had letters going out with people's paycheques pushing Crocus Investment even more than Canada Savings Bonds.
I table a letter, which is an extract of a
letter I've received from a hardworking Crocus investor, a government employee.
She received Crocus signup sheets with her government paycheque, Crocus
literature with the Premier's old union, the Manitoba Government Employees'
Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite raises some issues that we have dealt with before the shares were suspended. The issue of putting promotional material in paycheques was started before we were in government, and we stopped it after we were in government.
The issue of having union reps paid for by individual unions or the government or by Crocus, I don't know the financial arrangement. We also put a stop to any civil servant going out on leave promoting this fund because it was inconsistent, in our view, with the prospectus that said that the government does not support any investments in Crocus.
I would point out, Mr. Speaker, that the member opposite, I participated in the announcement of Maple Leaf Distillers; we got all our money back. The member opposite participated with Crocus and Isobord; it lost $35 million. He participated and promoted Crocus more than any other member in this House.
Mr. Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired.
Funding to Literacy Programs
Mr. Doug Martindale (Burrows): Mr. Speaker, Martin J. Adler said, "
Mr. Speaker: Order. The fire alarm is on so I would advise all–
An Honourable Member: Shut off the alarm.
Some Honourable Members: Fire alarm.
Mr. Speaker: The fire alarm is on so I would advise all members to leave the building.
If I could just have everyone's attention, it was just a false alarm. To be fair to the members that had followed my instructions and left, we will ring the chimes for one minute to allow the members to come back and then we will proceed with Members' Statements.
* (14:40)
Mr. Speaker: Order.
We will now revert to Members' Statements. I had recognized the honourable Member for Burrows, and because of the fire alarm interrupting we will allow the honourable Member for Burrows to start over again.
Mr. Martindale: Thank you,
Mr. Speaker. "
Apparently, the federal Conservative
government doesn't believe in literacy or the good life because they recently
cut $17.7 million from the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills
Program. In
Without these literacy groups and their valuable volunteers, the wider socio-economic disparities that contribute to and arise from literacy inadequacies are not seriously being dealt with. We know that low literacy levels are a significant barrier to economic and social well-being. This limits people's ability to participate fully in the workplace and in broader society.
The effects of low literacy levels reproduce themselves. On average, those children who have parents with higher levels of education and literacy score significantly higher than those children whose parents have little or no education. This is significant for immigrant youth, especially children from war-effected countries where parents and guardians do not have the skills to engage their own children in their basic learning needs.
Mr. Speaker, these outcomes from literacy
disparities are real. One out of every seven Canadians scored in the lowest
literacy level in a recent federal survey. Forty-two percent of adults in
The federal Conservatives' funding cuts have undermined the importance of reading and literacy to the lives of citizens of a democracy by taking away their ability to access self-help training programs. The federal government is taking away the very tools that citizens need to function as benefiting contributors to our society. Shame on them.
Louis Riel
Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Louis Riel, who
has come to be seen as a combination of a martyr and a hero in the eyes of many
Canadians. Today we commemorate this man on Louis Riel Day as he played a key
role in the opening up of
While he is a controversial figure in the
history of our province, the life and actions of Louis Riel shaped our province
and for that we respect and acknowledge the great impact that he had on the
province. Many Canadians, particularly the Métis, have reclaimed him as a
heroic patriot, founder of
Louis Riel was the first great Métis
leader in
The feelings of western alienation that
Louis Riel first championed are still an issue today. While the message and how
it is delivered has changed in the 136 years since
We all have a responsibility to remember the legacy of Louis Riel and continue to strive towards a nation that is built on tolerance, fairness, co-operation, sharing and generosity to all people. Mr. Speaker, it was my pleasure to attend the Louis Riel Day ceremonies this morning with my leader, Hugh McFadyen, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the House on this very important occasion. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker: Before recognizing another member I'd like to remind all honourable members, when making a reference to a member in this Chamber, it's to ministers by their portfolios and other members by their constituencies or the titles they hold.
Addictions Awareness Week
Ms. Bonnie Korzeniowski (St. James): Mr. Speaker I rise today to speak about National Addictions Awareness Week. Addictions can have devastating consequences for individuals, their families and their friends. During Addictions Awareness Week, we bring attention to the problem of addictions and encourage people to make healthy living choices.
In October 1987, the federal Minister of
Health and Welfare
The theme of this year's National Addictions Awareness Week is "The Courage to be Me." It focuses on process addictions and creating a safe and violence-free physical and social environment for children. When individuals choose to make positive changes in their daily life, they are then able to become role models for younger generations. This is how children can be raised to be healthy, active adults.
In this province, the Manitoba Addictions Awareness Committee is made up of 13 organizations who support community efforts to promote healthy choices about substance use, gambling addictions and other related issues. Every year they prepare a resource kit for schools, communities and workplaces and contribute to the physical health and health education curricula of students from kindergarten to grade 12. The Manitoba Addictions Awareness Committee also presents annual awards of distinction which recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding work in raising awareness around addictions. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all honourable members to promote prevention and education in their schools and communities as we highlight the difficult subject of addictions during this important week. Thank you.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Mr. Gerald Hawranik (Lac du Bonnet): Mr. Speaker, I take this time to extend on behalf of the House congratulations to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business on its 35th anniversary which it is celebrating here in the Legislature today.
The Canadian Federation of Independent
Business has been a strong advocate for small businesses across
Having an organization that is so dedicated and committed to promoting their rights and expressing their interests is essential to ensuring that this valuable aspect of our society continues to thrive and to grow. I congratulate them on 35 years of work well done and wish them continued success in the years to come. Now please join me in welcoming them here to the Manitoba Legislature to celebrate this important anniversary.
Louis Riel
Mr. Tim Sale (
Plus tôt aujourd'hui, j'ai eu l'honneur de placer une guirlande à la
cathédrale de Saint-Boniface à la mémoire de ce grand homme.
Translation
Earlier today I had the honour of placing a wreath at
St. Boniface Cathedral in memory of this great man.
English
Riel, a devoted member of his community
and a leader within the
* (14:50)
As a leader in his community he was well aware
that the rights of his people could be overlooked when negotiating entry into
Confederation. Recognizing this potential, he worked to form a provisional
government that drafted a list of rights. This list encompassed the priorities
of the
This year our government
looks forward to continuing our work with the Manitoba Métis community and to
expanding educational initiatives such as the Louis Riel Institute's Adult
Education Program and the Standing Tall Program.
En nous souvenant de ses contributions à sa communauté et à notre province, et de ses grands idéaux, nous reconnaissons le prix qu'a payé Louis Riel pour ses convictions.
Translation
In remembering his
contributions to his community and to our province, and his great ideals, we acknowledge
the price that Louis Riel paid for his convictions.
English
His life and his death are a legacy that reminds us of how thankful we ought to be for all those who continue to work tirelessly to protect their communities from injustice and who devote their lives to guarding minority rights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Consideration of the Speech of
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor
Ms. Marilyn Brick (St. Norbert): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for The Maples (Mr. Aglugub), that the following address be presented to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.
We, the members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, thank Your Honour for the gracious speech addressed to us at the Fifth Session of the Thirty-Eighth Legislature of Manitoba.
Motion presented.
Ms. Brick: Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have moved the 2006 Throne Speech and speak in support of it. I believe it is a Throne Speech that develops a long-term plan and vision to address the challenges of the 21st century. This Throne Speech focusses on strategies to address the sustainability of our environment while ensuring that our economy continues to flourish and grow.
Since the voters of Manitoba chose us to lead this stunningly beautiful province seven years ago, we have continued to rebuild the health care system, focussed on ensuring we provide student-centered learning experiences in the early and secondary education systems and provided incentives for post-secondary education students to achieve their lifelong dreams of graduating from college or university.
This Throne Speech sets the stage for our province to capitalize on the opportunities presented to us while ensuring strategies are in place to address the challenges our province faces in the future, indeed continuing to build on Manitoba's clean energy advantage by committing to build the 1,250-megawatt Conawapa dam and ensuring that our infrastructure needs are prioritized for the highlights of this year's Speech from the Throne. Further commitments were made to combat crime, increase immigration to 20,000 people annually in the next decade and invest in our youth.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to welcome our new interns, Emily Grafton, Christine Esselmont, Marie MacLellan, Akosua Matthews, Brendan Boyd and Arne Thorlacius. These young adults have achieved honour and distinction in their academic pursuits and are to be commended for their interest in politics.
I would encourage all MLAs to read their résumés which show a depth of knowledge about a wide array of different subject areas and a commitment to improving community life as demonstrated through their volunteer efforts.
These interns will prove to be a great addition to the Legislature and undoubtedly will be of great assistance to all members of this House.
I would also like to welcome our new pages who will be assisting with our work in this Chamber. [interjection] I will stop for a moment.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Speaker: As agreed to by the honourable Member for St. Norbert (Ms. Brick) who has the floor because under normal circumstances we do not interrupt members that do have the floor, but she has agreed to allow me to introduce the Honourable John Baird, who is the president of the Treasury Board.
I would like to welcome you on behalf of all honourable members to our Manitoba Legislative Chamber.
* * *
Ms. Brick: Mr. Speaker, I
would also like to welcome our new pages who will be assisting us with our work
in this Chamber. The position of a page requires patience and an ability to
memorize names, as well as great map-reading skills to navigate the corridors
of the
Akosua Matthews, who was the recipient of the St. Norbert MLA award in 2003 at Fort Richmond Collegiate and served as a page in the Manitoba Legislature, is now one of the interns for the Conservative caucus. It is my hope that the pages in the Legislature may someday follow the lead of Akosua Matthews who has decided that she would like to pursue a career in politics.
In my travels across the province, I have had the opportunity to talk to many pages who speak very favourably of their experiences in this building and refer to them as some of the most interesting times they have spent.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to welcome back the table officers. Over the last three and a half years I have had the pleasure of chairing numerous different committees for the Legislature. I want to thank the table officers for the fabulous job they do in assisting me with maintaining decorum and respect in these meetings. The Clerks for the committee always handle themselves in a very professional manner and provide well-researched advice to the chair that helps to maintain the success of our meetings. I would especially like to thank JoAnn McKerlie-Korol, who is no longer working as a table officer, and I would like to welcome Tamara Pomanski to her new position.
Mr. Speaker, our government has always
taken a proactive approach to dealing with the challenges of living in a
changing world. In the last three and a half years I have had the opportunity
to attend several budget consultation meetings in both rural and urban
settings. Without a doubt, the issue that resonates most often with Manitobans
is health care. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor admirably summed up our
government's progress in health care and delivering better care sooner to
Manitobans wherever they are in the province. Working in partnership with
Manitoba's health care providers, educators and administrators, the strides
that have been made, as His Honour noted, in training more professionals,
expanding services in rural and northern locations, and in bringing down wait
lists and wait times have been remarkable. The announcement that fees for
inter-facility ambulance trips for patients living outside
New, expanded and upgraded medical facilities have played a large part in our progress. The $100-million redevelopment of the Health Sciences Centre is the largest such project ever in the province's history.
For a health care system to function well three things are required: a building to adequately house the patients, staff and equipment; health care equipment including CT scanners, dialysis machines, laser treatment machines and many other pieces of equipment; and lastly, and probably most importantly, adequately trained and compensated staff who are motivated, interested and compassionate in the delivery of health care services to their patients.
The
* (15:00)
We can also point to the rebuilt
Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled that my
constituents will soon be seeing the benefits of an investment our province is
making to expand the Emergency and Oncology departments of our local
Now there is more good news for the
community as the Mature Women's Centre begins its work in the
In terms of equipment for health services,
we've installed 17 new or replacement CT scanners across the province and five
MRIs. We were the first province in
In terms of health care professionals, we
can boast that there are now 200 more doctors practising in
All in all, Manitobans
have solid grounds for placing more confidence in the province's health care
services, and their confidence will grow as we continue to innovate and make
strategic investments. As someone who is the vice-chair of the recent Healthy
Kids, Healthy Future Task Force, and someone who has spent 25 years working for
the City of Winnipeg in a variety of services, including the delivery of
recreation programs, I am heartened by the announcement in this Throne Speech
that legislation is being introduced to entrench Manitoba's Healthy Child
Strategy in law. This strategy is working to provide
Using the best evidence-based research
available, the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet has established parent/child
coalitions for parenting support, nutrition counselling and literacy programs,
as well as the first prenatal child nutrition program in
The honourable Member for
The
As you are no doubt aware, Mr. Speaker, the responsibility of our Healthy Child Strategy is part of our government's Healthy Child portfolio, about which I would like to say a few words. Yesterday, the day His Honour delivered the Speech from the Throne, The Journal of the American Medical Association published the dramatic results of one of the longest and largest studies of aging, involving nearly 6,000 males, over a period of 40 years. While many of the habits which contribute to longevity have been known for some time and, indeed, successfully promoted by our Ministry of Health Living, this study showed the dramatic consequences of adopting healthy habits.
The study was complex, and so I will mention just one set of figures that emerged from it. It found that men who drank excessively, were overweight, suffered from high blood pressure, smoked and had high levels of sugar and triglycerides in their blood would have only a 22 percent chance of living until 85.
However, those who drank little or no alcohol, were of healthy weight, did not smoke, exercised regularly, had normal blood pressure and normal blood sugar and triglyceride levels had a 69 percent chance of reaching 85. The study also pointed out that marriage is a risk factor. Men who were married tended to have an increased life span.
These research results highlight the significance of yesterday's announcement that our government will be expanding the groundbreaking work it has already done to recreate conditions and support behaviours that help our citizens make healthier choices in their everyday lives.
While our government cannot act as a marriage broker, there definitely are things we can do to encourage the adoption of healthy living strategies. As a grad of the U of M with a Bachelor in Physical Education, and being a strong believer in health living, I have instituted seniors' fitness programs that have been hugely successful at the Eagles Club, and recently, following that success, a new program in Fort Richmond. This program has seen 70 people come out so that they can have a healthier life. I want to congratulate them.
One of the things that we can do is
promote the development of recreation trails. As the Throne Speech mentions,
our government will continue to partner with the Manitoba Recreational Trails
Association and make further investments in the next phase of the Trans Canada
Trail through
When our Premier
announced a $1-million contribution to the
My own constituents now enjoy the recreational and health benefits of the Sentier Cloutier Trail, built with the help of many enthusiastic volunteers and a contribution from the provincial Community Places program. These trails have proven to be very popular.
I would like to especially thank Janice Lukes, Groupe Action Saint-Norbert and the Cloutier Drive Residents Association for ensuring this was possible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to focus attention on the growing need to address the looming future crisis our planet is facing as it becomes increasingly stressed by the results of increasing environmental waste. It is no longer disputable that our planet is undergoing a change. We are facing serious future problems as a result of global warming.
Last year, I had the unique privilege of
visiting the Canadian icebreaker, the CCGS
Amundsen, which was in harbour in
* (15:10)
These people work in conjunction with
their partners in Inuit organizations, northern communities, federal and
provincial agencies and the private sector to study the impacts of climate
change in the coastal Canadian Arctic. Over 100 Arctic researchers from 27
Canadian universities and five federal departments collaborate with research
teams in
According to ArcticNet, the ongoing
studies show that the Earth's climate is warming, and the increase in average
global temperature predicted by climate models will be amplified at Arctic
latitudes. In
Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of dismay
that I listened to the introduction of the Clean Air Act by the federal
Conservative government. The proposed legislation is intended to eliminate
A warming trend is evidenced in the waters on all three Canadian coasts. To hear the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Environment Minister, defend the strategy the minority government is putting in place at the United Nations yesterday in her five-minute address to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, by blaming the previous Liberal government for leaving behind a mess in Canada was disheartening and showed the lack of importance our current federal government places on this file.
Outgoing UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called on voters to punish politicians who fail to fight for the environment. In his address to the conference, he stated that the climate change issue was one of the world's most pressing problems. Kofi Annan stated that climate change is not just an environmental issue, as too many people still believe; it is an all-encompassing threat, he said.
Robbie Robertson, an Aboriginal singer, has a song that states: We are standing at the edge of the world. Come on, brothers; come on, sisters; we are going to shake this town.
Mr. Speaker, our government has recognized
the potential stated in the song, and, shown by evidence documented by Dr.
Barber of the
I am very proud to be a part of this government where our green and growing strategy has received international recognition.
Last year
Moreover, our government has been very
supportive of encouraging residents of
For the last year and a half I have served
as an active member of the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development,
serving as a subcommittee member on the composting committee. We are working
towards the development of a seminar for businesses to encourage more active
participation in composting initiatives. The government of
On September 21, 2006, I was thrilled to
join with students and teachers from Acadia Junior High and Fort Richmond
Collegiate for a ride on the new hybrid fuel cell bus. This bus is a prototype,
and the only one of its kind in the world. It is designed to use clean energy
and promote the wave of the future in alternative fuel development, and it is
developed right here in
Last month, I was pleased to join with
other participants for the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day at Canad Inns
in
Ken Thomas from Hydro expanded on how
The North American market is open for
business. Manitoba Hydro has just announced a new, 10-year power sale
arrangement with Northern States Power in
As our climate continues
to get warmer, the need for energy to run air conditioners will continue to
expand. Environmental sustainability requires the promotion of economic
activity that is ecologically efficient, raises the level of society's economic
welfare, and can be maintained over the long term. That is why the
The Conawapa dam announced in yesterday's Throne Speech is but one part of our strategy. While the members opposite cry out at every opportunity for more tax cuts to spur economic growth, our government has rolled up its sleeves to implement the broad-based growth strategy framed with the help of the Premier's Economic Advisory Council.
We have been reshaping
post-secondary education for the 21st century, targeting training programs in
the cutting-edge industries that we want to encourage in
Our government has also been encouraging
research and putting this research in the hands of investors and entrepreneurs.
Research in the emerging fields such as energy development, health care
innovation, biotechnology and new food products has been paying off for
I would like to mention just one example of the kind of development that our government aims for, one that is happening in my own constituency. That is the new facility that DMT opened just last May at the U of M Smartpark.
DMT is a Winnipeg-based information technology
company that specializes in the development of industry-leading entrepreneurial
solutions for the automotive industry. It is a fine example of the ability of
Our government's economic savvy can be
seen in the numbers.
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More youth are working in
Statistics
Only last week the Conference Board of
Canada in its quarterly Provincial
Outlook entitled its section on
Mr. Speaker, fighting crime will continue to play a big role in the agenda of this government. I was so pleased to join with several of my colleagues recently at the Ralph Brown Community Centre for the announcement of several new Lighthouses sites.
For the last three years I have been working very hard, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, to develop a youth program in the St. Norbert area. I was so excited to hear that La Barriere Crossings School in St. Norbert will be home to a new Lighthouse program. Our government is committed to providing positive alternatives to gang involvement by the youth of our province. For example, the Throne Speech presented by His Honour continues our commitment by pledging to open five new Lighthouses sites, bringing this number of sites across the province to 50; expanding on the Police in Schools program; working hard to ensure Manitoba continues to be a leader in dealing with the issue of Internet luring and child pornography; and further developing the very successful Turnabout program.
Mr. Speaker, revitalizing our cities and ensuring that our infrastructure and transportation needs are being addressed is a priority of this government. The constituents of St. Norbert are pleased to have four major projects either recently completed or under construction; the expansion of the Red River Floodway to increase security from floods and protect the environment, the redevelopment of Highway 75, the reconstruction of the south Perimeter bridge to ensure safety and enhance traffic flow, and finally, the Kenaston underpass which eases traffic congestion thereby reducing travel times.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not express my very sincere appreciation to the constituents of St. Norbert who have elected me as their representative. I want to express my gratitude to them for giving me this opportunity. It is a profound honour for me to be elected to this House as the first member of our party to represent St. Norbert.
In 2003, after being elected, I was provided with the honour of seconding the Speech from the Throne for the first sitting of the 38th Legislative Assembly. Since that time I've been provided with the opportunity to co-chair the Capital Region Committee, serve as the vice-chair for the Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures All-Party Task Force, chair numerous committees for the Legislative Assembly and work very hard for my constituents.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of St. Norbert for the trust they have shown me by electing me to be their representative. It is indeed an honour to serve my neighbours and friends as their representative in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable member's time has expired.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Speaker: Before
recognizing the honourable Member for The Maples, I would like to draw the
attention of honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us
from the Lifesaving Society the Rescue Commendation Award recipients. They are
from
On behalf of all honourable members, I would like to welcome you here, but these are the guests of the honourable Member for Minnedosa (Mrs. Rowat).
* * *
Mr. Cris Aglugub (The Maples): Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to second a motion on the Speech from the Throne, and I am very pleased to follow my colleague, the Member for St. Norbert.
Before I continue, however, Mr. Speaker, I would like to echo the Member for St. Norbert's welcome to our new legislative interns. They have been working hard and enjoying their experience here.
Mr. Conrad Santos, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair
I also want to welcome as well the new pages. I hope their time here in the Chamber will be a pleasant experience. Also the table officers, I want to thank them for the occasional professional advice whenever I needed to chair something.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I believe that this
Throne Speech continues to meet today's challenges and builds on a long-term
plan. I believe this speech continues the vision and strategy this government
has promoted since the voters turned to us to lead this great province seven
years ago. Since we were elected in 1999 we have been called upon to guide
This government has reinvested in health
care facilities and programs that were cut during the 1990s. Indeed, over $1
billion has been invested to build and modernize our health care infrastructure
since 1999. I am especially pleased that
Additionally, we
are expanding our ethanol production, and we will be updating the bio-fuel act
and expanding biodiesel production in
Along with a
green-based energy strategy we are also working to protect our environment and
the natural beauty of
Mr. Deputy Speaker, we are also trying to
employ our green strategies at the local level. For example, in The Maples, the
A new emphasis on competitiveness,
training and trade will focus attention on areas where there is great demand
for workers. We have made some important progress by reversing steady
population losses and recording a net population gain. During the last six
years we have steadily increased our labour force, but, of course, more needs
to be done. Fortunately,
An important component in supplying the
skills our economy needs is international immigration. A large part of this
province's economic growth is due to the growth in immigration. Immigrants have
chosen to make
Mr. Deputy Speaker, The Maples is a favourite destination of new Manitobans, and I know how important immigration is to the economic health of my constituency, my city and my province. I am therefore very pleased that we will be making even more efforts to settle and integrate newcomers into the province. New funding will be provided for settlement services and targeted training.
Additionally, new legislation will be introduced to spur the recognition of qualifications, a cause that is very important to me.
You see, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to maximize the benefit of immigration we need to ensure that immigrants can fully utilize the skill they brought with them. In the year 2000 a national conference on Canadian immigration was convened, and one of its recommendations was, and I quote: Government, business and professional associations need to co-operatively address the issues surrounding accreditation.
Barriers are created when the skills and
education of immigrants are not recognized and their economic and social
contributions to the community are not maximized. We must create a society that
appreciates the skill and expertise that immigrants bring into
Mr. Deputy Speaker, this government is
dedicated to the well-being of our communities and the families that comprise
those communities. Accordingly, we will introduce legislation to enshrine our
Healthy Child strategy which will ensure the continuation of youth and
early-years programming implemented since 1999. As a former chair of a day care
facility, I entirely support our objective to strengthen child care options,
and I know that child care centres in my constituency and everywhere in
I am pleased that our government will be increasing access to the Manitoba Legislature for citizens with disabilities. The construction of a Tyndall-stone ramp at the front entrance will improve access for those who have difficulties climbing the steps. In my constituency, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to report that The Maples is a host to both the Bill Arnott and the Tranquility housing co-ops for people with wheelchairs and with other disabilities. It is important that we work to ensure accessibility for all citizens.
We will continue to enhance community support services for seniors, making it possible for older Manitobans to stay in their own homes and live life on their own terms. We will be expanding a popular program that provides safety audits to seniors and safety aids such as deadbolts, peepholes and non-skid bathmats.
It is important for everyone to feel safe and secure whether they are in their homes or outside being active which is why we are working hard to continue to reduce crime rates. We have a three-pronged strategy to reduce crime, that is, prevention, presence and consequences.
In order to help prevent youth crimes, we
have created many after-school youth recreation programs, including the popular
Lighthouse programs. In my constituency, the Maples Youth Activity Centre has
schools and community places open six days a week for youth to gather and have
fun in a safe and supervised environment. We have also invested in our police
forces, providing resources for additional police so that they can maintain a
greater presence in
Our government has recognized the need to
revitalize our cities, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We are in a record construction
boom, and it is important that we plan for the future by investing in our
cities today. In The Maples, the
Mr. Speaker in the Chair
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled that
our government continues to make
* (15:40)
Mr. Speaker, it is my opinion that The
Maples represents
Mr. Speaker, our
government is dedicated to inclusion and diversity. By including new Canadians
and, indeed, all Manitobans in our hopes and dreams for the future, I believe
that we can build a strong
Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), that the debate be adjourned.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Speaker: Is it the will of the House to call it 5 o'clock? [Agreed]
The hour being 5 p.m., this House is adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.