LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Bill 13–The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund Act
Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship): I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn), that Bill 13, The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund Act, be now read a first time.
Motion presented.
Mr. Mackintosh: Yes, the purpose of the bill is to establish a dedicated fund that will support projects that enhance and increase monitoring and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in Manitoba. This will make hunting and fishing even greater here for Manitobans and for our visitors.
Financial support for the fund will come from nominal fees on hunting, trapping and fishing licences as well as from contributions through gifts and other types of donations. A committee made up of representatives from angling, hunting and trapping organizations and others will make recommendations to the minister on enhancement efforts.
The bill builds on the work of the existing fish enhancement fund and responds to a long-standing request, particularly from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.
I, in particular, want to thank the member for the Interlake for all of his groundwork on this bill that's allowed it to come forward.
Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
Bill 14–The
Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act
(Parent Groups for Schools)
Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Swan), The Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act (Parent Groups for Schools); Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'administration scolaire et la Loi sur les écoles publiques (groupes de parents œuvrant en milieu scolaire), be now read a first time.
Motion presented.
Ms. Allan: This bill amends The Education Administration Act to strengthen parental involvement in the education system. The bill recognizes the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, MAPC, as the representative of parent advisory councils for all school divisions in Manitoba while respecting the independence of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine.
The bill requires a principal to consult with the school's parent advisory council or school committee when preparing the annual plan for the school, inform parents about the role of the parent council and how they become a member and, if their child's school does not have a parent group, how to establish one.
Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
Any further bills? Seeing none, we'll move on with petitions.
St. Ambroise Beach Provincial Park
Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.
And this is the reason for this petition:
The St. Ambroise provincial park was hard hit by the 2011 flood, resulting in the park's ongoing closure and loss of local access to Lake Manitoba as well as untold harm to the ecosystems and wildlife in the region.
The park's closure is having a negative impact in many areas including disruptions to the local tourism, hunting and fishing operations, diminished economic and employment opportunities and potential loss of the local star–store and decrease in property values.
Local residents and visitors alike want St. Ambroise provincial park to be reopened as soon as possible.
We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
To request the appropriate ministers of the provincial government consider repairing St. Ambroise provincial park and its access points to their preflood conditions so the park can be reopened for the 2013 season or earlier if possible.
This signed by C. Saunders, D. Sloane and B. Sloane and many, many more fine Manitobans.
Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House.
Coulter Bridge–Provincial Road 251
Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur-Virden): I wish to present the following petition.
And these are the reasons for this petition:
(1) The flood of 2011 caused the Coulter bridge on Provincial Road 251 west of Waskada to collapse.
(2) The current 36-kilometre detour provides only a minimum level of safety due to heavy traffic from petroleum industry trucks and agricultural equipment having to share this detour with school buses and local traffic.
(3) Local detour options at the bridge site have been rejected by Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation despite industry support to cover the costs for a temporary bridge.
(4) Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation to date has not provided any financial support for requests to develop an engineering plan for the local bypass in the Coulter bridge vicinity.
We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:
To request the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation consider co-operating with the rural municipalities of Arthur and Brenda, their citizens and local industries to immediately provide a temporary detour over the Souris River on Provincial Road 251 near the collapsed bridge.
And this petition is signed by D. McGregor, J. Innes, J. Trewin and many, many other Manitobans, Mr. Speaker.
Vita & District Health Centre
Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.
These are the reasons for this petition:
The Vita & District Health Centre services a wide area of southeastern Manitoba and is relied on to provide emergency services.
On October 17th, 2012, the emergency room at the Vita & District Health Centre closed with no timeline for it to reopen.
This emergency room deals with approximately 1,700 cases a year, which includes patients in the hospital, the attached personal care home and members of the community and surrounding area.
Manitobans should expect a high quality of health care close to home and should not be expected to travel great distances for health services.
We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
To request that the Minister of Health consider reopening the emergency room in Vita as soon as possible and commit to providing adequate medical support for residents of southeastern Manitoba for many years to come.
This petition is signed by J. Derewianchuk, K. Bekorowainy, J. Sesiuk and many more fine Manitobans.
* (13:40)
Provincial Road 433
Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.
The background to this petition is as follows:
Provincial Road 433, Lee River Road and Cape Coppermine Road, in the rural municipality of Lac du Bonnet has seen an increase in traffic volume in recent years.
New subdivisions have generated considerable population growth, and the area has seen a significant increase in tourism due to the popularity of the Granite Hills Golf Course.
This population growth has generated an increased tax base in the rural municipality.
Lee River Road and Cape Coppermine Road were not originally built to handle the high volume of traffic they now accommodate.
We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:
To request that the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation recognize that Lee River Road and Cape Coppermine Road can no longer adequately serve both area residents and tourists, and as such consider making improvements to the road to reflect its current use.
This petition is signed by B. Buck, B. Summerfield, J. Lemay and hundreds of other fine Manitobans.
Mount Agassiz Ski Area
Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
And these are the reasons for this petition:
For several decades, the Mount Agassiz ski area, home to the highest vertical between Thunder Bay and the Rocky Mountains, was a popular skiing and snowboarding destination with Manitobans and visitors alike.
The operations of the Mount Agassiz ski area were very important to the local economy, not only creating jobs but also generating sales of goods and services at area businesses.
In addition, a thriving rural economy generates tax revenue that helps pay for core provincial government services and infrastructure which benefits all Manitobans.
Although the ski facility closed in 2000, there remains strong interest in seeing it reopened, and Parks Canada is committed to conducting a feasibility study with respect to the Agassiz site and future opportunities in the area.
We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
Number 1, to request the appropriate ministers of the provincial government to consider outlining to Parks Canada the importance that a viable recreation facility in the Mount Agassiz area would play in the local and provincial economies.
And No. 2, to request that the appropriate ministers of the provincial government consider working with all stakeholders, including Parks Canada, to help develop a plan for a viable multiseason recreation facility in the Mount Agassiz area.
This petition is signed by J. Lair, T. Herchuk, T. Ledoux and many, many other fine Manitobans.
Personal Care Homes and Long-Term Care–Steinbach
Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I wish to present the following petition.
And these are the reasons for this petition:
The city of Steinbach is one of the fastest growing communities in Manitoba and one of the largest cities in the province.
This growth has resulted in pressure on a number of important services, including personal care homes and long-term care space in the city.
Many long-time residents of the city of Steinbach have been forced to live out their final years outside of Steinbach because of the shortage of personal care homes and long-term care facilities.
Individuals who have lived in, worked in and contributed to the city of Steinbach their entire lives should not be forced to spend their final years in a place far from friends and from family.
We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:
To request the Minister of Health ensure additional personal care home and long-term care spaces are made available in the city of Steinbach on a priority basis.
Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by L. Klassen, L. McLean, A. Storoschuk and hundreds of other good Manitobans.
Hon. Andrew Swan (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I'm pleased to table the Public Trustee of Manitoba 2011-2012 Annual Report.
Pursuant to The Regulations Act, a copy of each regulation registered under the act for Manitoba regulations 164/2011 to 133/2012.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I wish to draw the attention of honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us this afternoon the mayor of Russell, Chris Radford, who is the guest of the honourable member for Riding Mountain (Mrs. Rowat). On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you here this afternoon.
Also in the public gallery we have the grandparents of Lauren Hadaller, our page, Joe and Madeline Kruchak, who are our guests here this afternoon, and welcome to both of you this afternoon.
And also in the–seated in the public gallery we have with us this afternoon from Kildonan-East Collegiate 63 grade 9 students under the direction of Mr. Lawrence Sangster. This group is located in the constituency of the honourable member of–or for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe). On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you.
And also in the public gallery, the FC Northwest under-18 boys team, who are the 2012 Canadian Soccer Association national club champions. This team is accompanied by their coaches Danny Neta and Jeff Santons and their family members of the players, who are the guests of the honourable member for The Maples (Mr. Saran).
And, from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, we have with us Mr. Norman Nordgulen and Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, who are the guests of the honourable Minister of Education (Ms. Allan).
On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you this afternoon.
Highway Infrastructure Funding Proposal
Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Well, it's been quite a week 2, Mr. Speaker. We've learned a great deal from the government this week.
We learned that the Premier, who not only can't balance the books but won't say when he's going to, is going to be eliminating about 90 local governments who can balance the books. And he calls them dysfunctional, Mr. Speaker.
And we know that with respect to flood claims that we're barely half done after 19 months, and we know that the Premier, who was quite willing to act as Santa offering full and prompt compensation early on, is now going to play Grinch for a second Christmas to thousands of Manitobans and their families.
We also learned that the Premier's quite willing to go out the east door of this Chamber because he does not need to go out the west door and meet the media. He has 192 communications people to answer the tough questions for him.
And now we understand that the government is going to be expanding MPI's mandate to include infrastructure, a recipe for overlap and duplication, and I'd like the Premier to explain what his business case is for doing something that wrong.
Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, the member just gave us a list of all the things he's been inaccurate about in the last week. It's a very helpful list. We appreciate that. Now that he's itemized it for us, we can give him a detailed response as we do in the House and help him up his game. He can aim higher in the future when he gets his facts right, and I know he can do that if he just tries a little bit–if he just tries a little bit.
Any investments we make in Manitoba for infrastructure, Mr. Speaker, from any source, are done on a business-case basis. Will they improve safety for Manitobans? Will they keep Manitobans safer on the highways? Will they reduce claims for auto insurance? Will they, therefore, by keeping people safer and reducing claims for auto insurance, help keep premiums down so that Manitoba's auto insurance rates, combined with electricity rates and home heating costs, are the lowest in Canada over the next four years? Something we said we would do and will do and are doing.
Mr. Pallister: Well, we understand that the Premier's been trumpeting the advantages of having MPI get out of the auto insurance business into infrastructure. He claims that in British Columbia they put in a dollar, they get 5 out–maybe 12, he said on CJOB. Sounds like a carnival barker more than a Premier to me.
Now, that kind of alchemy just doesn't work. It doesn't work for ICBC. The BC Ministry of Finance just conducted an audit of ICBC and it released it this August and it found an insurance company that was out of control. Its costs were out of control. Its rates were out of control. The audit said that between 2007 and '11, ICBC fattened up its management positions by 32 per cent and its compensation by 50 per cent. The audit found a badly managed company failing to fulfill its mandate.
I've got to ask the Premier: If ICBC is his example of best practices, what's his example of worst practices?
Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, it always makes a difference when there's a government that supports Crown corporations to do what they really want to do, and that's why our Crowns perform so very well in Manitoba. They do a terrific job on providing auto insurance to Manitobans among the lowest rates in North America with among the broadest coverage and very good benefits for people that need income support after they've had a serious accident. So there's no question that Manitoba auto insurance is an organization that we strongly support in this province.
The member opposite needs to stand up today and let us know whether he supports the position of the Conservatives during the last provincial election who were musing with some of their leading candidates about privatizing auto insurance.
Does he or does he not support auto insurance offered by a Crown corporation, or is he preparing the ground, as we saw in the election, for privatization of auto insurance?
* (13:50)
Mr. Pallister: What an attempt to distract, Mr. Speaker. The Premier wraps himself in Autopac as if it was armour for his ill-advised decisions. You know, Autopac has the fourth highest rates in Canada according to recent report.
The NDP government tries to use its Crown corporations as cover for their own mismanagement. They tried to raid MPI before and they're doing it again, Mr. Speaker. They could have done it with Hydro as well.
Now the Premier says he's trying to save ratepayers by copying the mythical success of British Columbia, and he's going to spin straw into gold.
But why should we follow BC's auto monopoly lead when the average insurance premium in British Columbia is the second highest in Canada? Perhaps he could explain that.
Mr. Selinger: The only government that tried to spin straw into anything was a company the members opposite supported, right around the former member of Portage la Prairie's constituency, called Isobord. It went broke. That's an example of how they do economic development in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker, and it wasn't a very good example. And we've spent the last several years cleaning up the mess that was left there. All the straw that was left on the fields, we had to clean it up so we could make the community of Portage la Prairie the shining, gleaming community that it deserves to be.
We have a commitment to auto insurance to keep it among the lowest rates in North America and in Canada, along with auto insurance, along with electricity and home heating. We passed that bill into law. If only the members opposite would support it, we would keep Manitoba one of the most affordable places to live in the country.
Highway Infrastructure Funding Proposal
Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Mr. Speaker, maybe the Premier's confused. I know Elie and Portage are close. Maybe they merged those municipalities. We're not sure about that.
We know that Isobord failed under this government's watch and it–just another one of those companies to leave Manitoba. And they've gone, the facilities have gone to Kansas and they're doing well there.
Mr. Speaker, in 2001 the minister of transportation and government services said increased vehicle registration fees would help fund improvements to our roads and go a long way to ensure that the quality of Manitoba's highway infrastructure is maintained long into the future. Well, it went up again last year and apparently it's still not enough, because now they're considering raiding money from MPI ratepayers to pay for road safety improvements.
Is this decision being considered because the minister does not trust the experts in his department with road construction?
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The member's time is expired.
Hon. Andrew Swan (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act): Mr. Speaker, the member for Brandon West should know that insurance companies, whether private or public, actually have a duty to try and keep their claims as positive as possible and keep their rates as low as possible. The difference, of course, is when it's a publicly owned insurance company. All of Manitobans, all ratepayers get those dividends in the terms of the lowest rates in Canada. Now, of course, private insurance companies, still structured the same, but they send the money off to shareholders in New York or Toronto.
Manitoba Public Insurance has the ability to present a good business case to reduce accidents, to reduce claims and to reduce injuries on our highways. Let me very clear, Mr. Speaker. If Manitoba Public Insurance can't put forward a positive business case to show that they will save ratepayers money, there will be nothing that goes forward on that front.
But the British Columbia experience has been very positive–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired.
Mr. Helwer: Mr. Speaker, well, if there's a business case to be made for MPI, surely it makes sense for MIT as well because they're the ones in control of the roads.
But this proposal for MPI to fund road safety improvements and for infrastructure is nothing more but a shell game for this government. It's based on a failed model from ICBC and would multiply the bureaucracy in MPI. Manitobans believe MPI is supposed to provide low-cost automobile insurance. That's what it needs to continue doing, not empire building.
Mr. Speaker, I suggest the ministers read their vision statements for MIT and MPI, and they're very clear. The responsibilities are clear and, clearly, MPI is not responsible for building roads or for improving safety on those roads.
Will the minister defend ratepayers of MPI and prevent this cash grab from–by MIT?
Mr. Swan: I fear the member for Brandon West didn't hear the answer. If MPI can provide a solid business case, then they will take to the Public Utilities Board positive ideas on how they can reduce crashes, reduce injuries, reduce difficulties on our roads.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has had a positive experience. Their report suggests that for every dollar invested, ratepayers in British Columbia save $5 over the first two years and $12 over five years.
I don't know why the member for Brandon West, I don't know why the Leader of the Opposition, wouldn't at least allow MPI to try and make that business case. Is it when the Leader of the Opposition says aim higher, he's really talking about his view of MPI rates?
Mr. Helwer: Well, when I'm out and talking to the public, and I know the members opposite do as well, they are irate about this proposal to fund road improvements from MPI. It is top of the–top of their hit list; they do not want it to happen.
If there are extra reserves, return the money to ratepayers. But is that only done prior to an election?
Mr. Swan: Mr. Speaker, the only ones who are irate are those who've listened to the misinformation that's been put on the record by the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Brandon West and other Progressive Conservatives.
Manitoba continues to be one of the most affordable places to live in Canada, and Manitoba Public Insurance is part of that package. And that's why, Mr. Speaker, we passed a law to make sure that combined rates for hydro, for home heating and auto insurance are the lowest in the country, and we are succeeding once again on that front.
I know the Leader of the Opposition's been away for a long time. Since he toddled away some 15 years ago, he should know that MPI has reduced or held the line on rates 14 of 15 years.
They've given rebates to Manitobans, not to shareholders in New York or Toronto or Montreal. They've given rebates to Manitoba ratepayers–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order. Minister's time has expired.
Government Use of Revenue
Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): Mr. Speaker, not only does this NDP government want to off-load infrastructure projects to MPI, it also wants to hive off the Motor Carrier division to MPI, claiming it's about synergies.
But the Manitoba Trucking Association says this is not a good idea and could even create a conflict-of-interest situation. It's really not about finding synergies; it's about raiding MPI coffers.
Mr. Speaker, off-loading part of the MIT budget to MPI ratepayers is just a shell game and it's just dishonest, but the NDP are desperate for money. This government is trying to raid MPI again to pay for its mismanagement. It's not their money. If there's any money there they should–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The member's time has expired.
Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): Well, Mr. Speaker, I–very glad to answer questions from members opposite.
Terms of transportation in this province, you know, just having gone through the M–the AMM convention, I want to say to the member from Morris that the highlight of the convention for me was, I was leaving one of the social engagements and I had three of the councillors from the Town of Morris come up to me and thank our government for the work we've done to pave the main street in Morris, Mr. Speaker.
No mention for the member and I'm still counting, Mr. Speaker. I don't know how many days would have been session thus far, but I haven't heard one member opposite stand up and commend this government for the historic work we've done throughout the province, whether it's in Morris, whether it's in Brandon. We've been doing traffic lights in Steinbach–we don't hear a word in favour of that.
So they can talk about MIT and transportation all they want; they have zero credibility.
Mrs. Taillieu: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite always confuses the loud with being good. He's loud, but he's not good.
Mr. Speaker, the minister off-loaded the DVL to MPI and the motorists of Manitoba ended up paying double; once on their tax bill and once on their MPI premiums.
The NDP wants to off-load infrastructure projects to MPI. They want to hive off the Motor Carrier division to MPI, and MPI ratepayers are going to have to pay for it again.
Mr. Speaker, if there's any extra money at MPI, it should not be used to bail out this government because of their incompetence. If there's extra money, they need to give it back.
What's he going to do, Mr. Speaker? Is he going to raid or is he going to refund?
Mr. Ashton: Mr. Speaker, I–let me tell you what good is: paving the main street in Morris as part of our historic capital investment in our highways. And still no word from the member of Morris.
* (14:00)
But I want to indicate–she's referenced the Motor Carrier division–that is within MIT, Mr. Speaker. We have ongoing discussions to the Manitoba Trucking Association, who, by the way, when we released our recent tender list, gave us very good marks, again, for our investments throughout the province. So I don't know what she is trying to spin here, but the bottom line is we have a historic investment in our highways department. I'm really proud of the work that our department does.
But, you know what? It's not just about MIT. This is something that we should all be proud of. Mr. Speaker, it wasn't that long ago many people would drive down to Minneapolis to go and see IKEA, and they were embarrassed to come back on–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired.
Order, please. Order, please. The honourable member for Charleswood has the floor.
Possible Increases
Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, the reason for the MPI shell game is because the NDP can't control its spending, so they're off-loading their responsibilities onto others.
So I'd like to ask the Minister of Finance again: Will his off-loading include taxpayers? Will he raise taxes again in order to pay for his spending addiction? It's a–easy, simple answer, Mr. Speaker. Yes or no.
Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance): Easy, simple answer, Mr. Speaker: $1.2 billion in tax breaks for Manitobans over the course of the last number of years; $1.2 billion that we saved Manitobans in taxes. That's individuals, that's property taxes, that's business taxes.
We've been there for small business, unlike the mean, tough '90s when the former member for Portage la Prairie had his hands on the control in this House, when the rate for small business was much higher, when the rates on the corporate side were higher, when rates for property taxes were higher. We've been working consistently; we've been working hard to bring that number down. If I didn't say it the first–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Minister of Finance's time has expired.
Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance forgot to mention that he raised taxes last year by $184 million. That wasn't on his list.
Mr. Speaker, the NDP have a spending addiction. They've doubled the debt of this Province in the last 12 years. They've brought Manitoba back into a deficit position–a $1-billion deficit last year, and they're talking about a half a billion or more deficit this year.
So I'm going to ask the Minister of Finance today: Are Manitoba taxpayers the ones that are going to be stuck paying his bill for overspending? Is that going to be the next off-load in the Province? Are Manitoba taxpayers the ones going to pay for his spending? Yes or no.
Mr. Struthers: Mr. Speaker, are Manitobans going to get stuck with an HST if these Conservatives across the way have their way?
Well, we've been trying, Mr. Speaker–[interjection]–yes, they're pretty touchy about this, because their leader won't stand and answer the questions about the HST. He ducked that question when he was asked in the hallway.
He's come up with one idea that would either cost–or add to our deficit of $135 million or, more likely, he would cut $135 million of services in Manitoba: health care and education, services to kids. He's taken–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Minister's time has expired.
Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, well, interestingly enough, this Minister of Finance hasn't told Manitobans about his meetings with the federal government in the last six to 12 months talking about HST. So if he's saying they're not doing it, why are they meeting with the federal government about it?
Mr. Speaker, because of the NDP's addiction to spending, they're now off-loading their responsibilities, and they're desperately looking for more money, anywhere they can get it.
So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask this Minister of Finance again: Is he going to stick it to Manitobans by increasing taxes in his next budget? Yes or no?
Mr. Struthers: Mr. Speaker, members opposite can base their questions in this House on any conspiracy series–conspiracy theory that they like. They can peek up from behind that grassy knoll anytime they like.
Mr. Speaker, our commitment to the people of Manitoba is contained in Budget 2012. Budget 2012 takes a realistic look at the expenses. We have introduced a measure that reduces the number of RHAs, that merges company–Crown corporations in this province all under the premise of saving money so that money can be used on the front-line services to hire nurses, not fire them like you did; to fund doctor spaces in universities, not reduce them–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired.
Possible Increases
Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Well, and speaking of Budget 2012, let me be very clear to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Speaker. The fact of the matter is that the NDP government in that budget raised taxes for homeowners, for seniors, for women, for babies, for married couples, and if that wasn't enough, they even raised taxes for those who have died.
Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister of Finance is very clear: Who is next on his target list?
Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, Manitobans know that they can count on this government to make sure that we put money in their hands, and we've done it to the tune of $1.2 billion over the last number of years. Manitobans know that they can count on this government, as opposed to the governments of the past of which the member for Fort Whyte was a member of.
They can count on us to protect health care, to protect education, to protect those services that kids depend on, and importantly they know that this government on this side of the House will continue to invest in our economy, to grow our economy, to target things like skills and training, which I'm sure she also read in the budget that we presented in this House.
Mrs. Stefanson: Well, Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that this NDP government has a spending addiction, and they are forcing hard-working and vulnerable Manitobans to pay for it: seniors, women, babies, married couples, homeowners and the list goes on and on.
My question for the Minister of Finance: Who will be next on his target list? Who else will he dip into the pockets of in Manitoba to pay for his spending addiction?
Mr. Struthers: I want to point out, to begin with, Mr. Speaker, that every petition that has been presented in this House over the last two weeks calls on us to do what? Spend money. You know, it's very interesting that members opposite–very interesting–[interjection] Oh, maybe they're even more touchy about this than the HST that they're secretly planning to unfold for the people of Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, in the final analysis Manitobans know that they have a government today–and they know this through Budget 2012, they know this through the history of the decisions that we've made that were for Manitobans–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Minister's time has expired.
Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Speaker, this government has doubled the debt. They have run the highest deficit in the history of our Province. They have increased the spending way beyond their means at a rate of 5.1 per cent annually. The problem with this government is not that they have a revenue problem; it's that they have a spending addiction.
My question for the Minister of Finance: Who is next on his target list to help him pay for his spending addiction?
Mr. Struthers: Well, when we took government in 1999 the debt to GDP–the ratio was 33 per cent–33 per cent. And there's excuses flying across from the other side; yes, I understand that. Thirty-three per cent debt-to-GDP ratio–today, what is it? Mr. Speaker, 27 per cent.
The member opposite can be entitled to her own opinion, but she's not entitled to her own facts. As we've improved this–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Minister's time has expired.
* (14:10)
Board Costs and Funding
Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, in 2009, the government announced that the City of Winnipeg was to establish a police commission, and they went so far as to set December 1st, 2012, as the target date for its inception.
Is this NDP government going to fund the police commission as they agreed to, or will the NDP force Winnipeg property taxpayers to pay for NDP budgeting mismanagement?
Hon. Andrew Swan (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Well, just to clear up things for the member opposite, we're actually funding the entire cost of the Manitoba Police Commission.
If the member's talking about the police boards, which every municipality with its own police force is establishing, we are working together with municipalities to make sure that we have proper police governance.
And what I think the member needs to know is the City will be responsible, and other municipalities, for the per diems. We will be responsible for the independent investigation unit. Now, that unit will examine when there are serious allegations against officers, and now the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities won't bear that cost.
So actually, Mr. Speaker, the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities are actually not only going to get better police governance, have greater confidence of citizens, the Province will actually be shouldering more of the costs of that governance.
Mr. Schuler: Mr. Speaker, the former Justice minister, the member for Kildonan (Mr. Chomiak), indicated to the mayor of the city of Winnipeg that the $1-million cost would be covered to a large degree by the Province, something this current NDP Justice Minister has reneged on.
Will the Premier arrange a meeting with the mayor of the City of Winnipeg and solve this issue, or is he going to force Winnipeg property taxpayers to entirely fund this NDP commitment?
Mr. Swan: Well, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I don't know where the member for St. Paul is getting that number from.
The City of Winnipeg will now be responsible for per diems as they choose to pay or not pay for board members. I can advise the member that we have submitted the names of two people who are passionate about the city of Winnipeg and passionate about public safety and justice who will be our representatives on that board. The City of Winnipeg can make its own decisions on whatever staffing they want or anything else, because we haven't mandated in legislation any specific requirements other than the board being created.
But it's really important to remember that these police boards have come about because of a tragedy that happened when Crystal Taman was killed by an off-duty police officer. We take inquiries–judicial inquiries very seriously.
That's why we moved ahead with proper governance. That's why we've moved ahead to shoulder more–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Minister's time has expired.
Mr. Schuler: To the minister, the member for Minto: It was on CJOB this morning. The mayor made it very clear. We can even send him the transcript or the link and he can listen to it himself. The problem is it's the minister that's out of touch.
Why do the city of Winnipeg property taxpayers have to pay the $1-million cost for a police board that the NDP committed to fund? Did the former minister of Justice, the member for Kildonan, mislead the City of Winnipeg?
Will the Premier of the Province call the mayor of the City of Winnipeg and resolve this issue, or is he just going to stick it to the City of Winnipeg property taxpayers? Will the Premier show some leadership on this, call the mayor and resolve this issue?
Mr. Swan: So, Mr. Speaker, by his first question, the member opposite made it very clear he doesn't understand the difference between the Manitoba Police Commission and municipal police boards. Today is a chance for him to learn a little bit more about that.
The member should know the mayor and I spoke yesterday, and I provided more information to the mayor.
I think it is very important for the member for St. Paul, who's currently ranting in his seat, to understand that now we will be setting up and funding the independent investigation unit which will take care of investigations involving police officers, because we know that police officers do a great job, but when there is a serious allegation, we want to make sure they are treated fairly, no better, no worse than other members of society.
But I want to make it very clear: We take this judicial inquiry very seriously. This is following the Tory pattern of ignoring judicial inquiries. That's why when the Leader of the Opposition was around the Cabinet table, they couldn't take the plastic off the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report. That's their approach. We move ahead on inquiries–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Minister's time has expired.
Child Safety
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, the minister for child and family services allowed the CFS agencies to stall the Phoenix inquiry for a long time.
The–now the inquiry reveals that the supervisor of the social worker who didn't check on baby Phoenix for months didn't know that she–this social worker was a full-time student. Critical CSF notes have gone missing. The inquiry reveals widespread incompetence of the NDP-run child and family service system and, of course, the Auditor General's recent report revealed that the child and family service database is still not operational province-wide.
I ask the Premier: Why should the public believe that the 10,000 children now in the care of the NDP's appallingly run child and family services system should be safe?
Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, this–the Phoenix case was a tragic case. We know that. That's exactly why we called the inquiry, even though many measures–even though the many measures were put in place immediately upon the discovery of this tragedy. We didn't wait for the inquiry. The government and the agencies made definite improvements. For example, in the last five years they've more than doubled the budgets. They have put in place new protocols. It is standard requirements to have reporting and notes. That is the requirement that has always been in place, and the inquiry's getting to the bottom of why those standards were not met. The reality is is that we've moved on several initiatives to improve the administration and the quality of the administration in that system.
The inquiry, we believe, will give us more answers and more information how we can make even more improvements in the future.
Board Governance
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, my member's statement yesterday addressed the NDP's astonishing disregard for the chiefs' legal right to appoint board members to the southern authority. The Minister of Family Services ignored the chiefs' three board appointments for a year, and last week placed her deputy minister in charge. She justifies this action by saying that she had to step in immediately after receiving a letter from southern authority CEO Elsie Flette last Wednesday about the lack of a functioning board of directors.
I ask the minister: Why did she ignore the chiefs' recommendations for board members for the southern authority for so long?
Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): I thank the member for the question.
My obligations in the act are very clear. I have to put the safety and health and well-being of children first above any other consideration. And so when I get a letter from the CEO of an authority telling me that an ongoing dispute regarding board governance is putting their ability to do that at risk, I'm going to act. I'm going to act with the authority that is in the legislation that we put in place, and that's why I took the action that I did.
We will continue to work with the AMC and the authority to rebuild that relationship so that they can provide the services that kids need.
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, a media release by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says that they had asked the Premier (Mr. Selinger) and the Minister of Family Services on October the 1st to intervene in the authority's ongoing issues regarding governance of the southern authority. The chiefs said nothing was done. The chiefs' media release quoted on the CBC website states that had the minister acted over seven weeks ago to preserve the southern authority's board as requested by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the appointment of the Deputy Minister Parr as an administrator wouldn't have been necessary.
I ask the Premier: Why is there such an utter lack of control and ability to manage the appointment of people to a board in a basic manner? Why is the minister not–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The member's time has expired.
Ms. Howard: I have to say, the member opposite shows an amazing lack of understanding about The CFS Authorities Act and how those appointments work. Those appointments are not made by the minister. Those appointments are made by the AMC to the southern authority.
What had happened–what was going on were that those individuals were being vetted. Criminal record checks were taking place. Child abuse registry checks were taking place. If he is asking why I didn't intervene to appoint people to a child welfare board who had not completed the process of making sure that they had cleared child abuse and criminal checks, I think it's very easy to explain why I wouldn't support that, Mr. Speaker.
Government Initiative
Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): Mr. Speaker, we know that the key to keeping kids out of crime and on a positive path to success is by providing strong after-school programming.
Can the Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities please inform the House about the government's exciting new After School Leaders program?
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Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities): As people know, I've been able to travel the province and talk to thousands of Manitobans about the importance of creating opportunities for young people.
We're very proud of the partnership we announced today with the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation under the leadership of Mark Chipman and the Winnipeg School Division to launch our After School Leaders program. It provides mentorship, leadership, work experience; it builds on the gifts and talents of young people of Manitoba.
We know that programs like this improve graduation rates, it increases access to post-secondary, prepares students for the workforce and, of course, Mr. Speaker, it builds on–it builds safer and healthier communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Nursing Shortage
Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Mr. Speaker, Country Meadows, the personal care home in Neepawa, has 10 open beds and a waiting list for entry. The reason being given for the inability to fill the beds is a nursing shortage.
Mr. Speaker, why has this NDP government failed to provide adequate nursing staff at the Neepawa personal care home?
Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, I will concede the point that I didn't quite hear the question. I believe he asked about staffing and nurses at the Neepawa personal care home. I'm going to answer that question.
I thank you–the member very much for the question. We know that all of our regional health authorities work very, very hard to recruit the absolute best professionals into the appropriate roles.
We also know that we reviewed the staffing ratios at our personal care homes a couple of years ago for the first time, Mr. Speaker, since 1973. We have amended those staffing ratios to be at the highest level per resident in the nation. To be fair, it's tied with Alberta.
And the Neepawa personal care home and, indeed, all of our personal care homes across Manitoba, are working very hard to recruit into those positions, Mr. Speaker. I know that that's no different at the Neepawa personal care home and they're going to continue to work. And we're going to continue to educate more nurses, to make more available to the workplace.
Mr. Briese: Mr. Speaker, the normal vacancy rate in the personal care home in Neepawa is usually about 3 or 4 per cent. It's risen to 10 per cent. The reason given is shortage of nurses.
Mr. Speaker, this NDP government went to great lengths patting themselves on the back in the Throne Speech, claiming they had provided huge numbers of new nurses.
I ask the Minister of Health: Where are those nurses, and why has she not provided basic services to the vulnerable seniors of Manitoba?
Ms. Oswald: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm always very delighted to get a question about nurses from the members opposite.
It's my privilege to explain to members opposite that, of course, we've worked very hard in our commitments to increase the number of education spaces available for our nurses. We met that commitment and, indeed, have exceeded it.
Mr. Speaker, further, I can let the members know that we now, since the time of being in government in 1999, have seen a net increase of 3,100 nurses in the province of Manitoba. I likely don't have to explain to you, but I can't miss the opportunity, that's–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for Agassiz has the floor.
Mr. Briese: Mr. Speaker, the fact remains there's a shortage of nurses at the personal care home in Neepawa. There is a waiting list. The NDP promised more personal care home spaces in the Throne Speech, even though they fail to properly staff existing personal care homes.
Mr. Speaker, when is this NDP going to–government going to actually address their failed strategies and provide nurses necessary to staff existing facilities?
Ms. Oswald: That's 3,173, actually, Mr. Speaker. I do want to be accurate.
And I will say to the member, very seriously, that we want to ensure that every personal care home bed is fully staffed under the new staffing model that we brought in, which brings the highest per hour care per resident to our Manitoba personal care home residents, at the top scale in the nation, tied with Alberta.
I can say to the members opposite that during the last election we committed to bring in additional 2,000 nurses because we are well aware that approximately 1,000 of our nurses will retire. When the members opposite made their commitment during the election, they had no notion that nurses–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please.
Need for Outlet
Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Mr. Speaker, as we know, the Shoal lakes, Interlake, has been a disaster since 2011. We've seen farmers been bought out; we've seen businesses close; we've seen a heartache through those communities over the past couple of years.
Mr. Speaker, the fact still remains that the Shoal lakes still don't have an outlet. I know the Minister of Agriculture has been working on this file.
We'd like him to update the file today and tell us when he's going to put a drain into the Shoal lakes.
Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives): It's a great honour to speak in reply to the question. As I've had the privilege to meet with a lot of the RMs affiliated with the Shoal lakes at the AMM convention, it's a great pleasure to sit and talk with the individuals as we've had full knowledge about it.
But I want to remind the opposite member is that, let's be realistic. What transpired in 2011? When you've got 3 million acres of land that has been flooded–30 per cent of arable land of production that's been flooded–how do you think that we can deal with the situation? It's unprecedented amount of flooding that's taken place.
But I want to assure you, our government is in constant communications with the Shoal lake and the RMs affected and we're moving forward with dealing with the issues as we've been instructed to.
Thank you so much.
Mr. Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired.
FC Northwest Soccer U18 Boys Team
Mr. Mohinder Saran (The Maples): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible young team's accomplishment. In October, the 2012 Canadian Soccer Association National Club Championships took place in Sydney, Nova Scotia. I am pleased to tell the Legislative Assembly that Manitoba's FC Northwest under-18 team won gold. Incredibly, our young men went undefeated in the competition. They played a tough match against Ontario's Erin Mills Eagles, and with a final score of two to one, our boys claimed the championship title.
I'm also very proud to announce that two Manitoba players, Brendan Rattai and Alex Dobriansky, were the top scorers for the entire tournament, and goaltender Logan Grzenda saved all but three goals in this competition.
The last time a youth team from Manitoba brought home gold from a national competition was in 1991. This is certainly an amazing accomplishment.
The team practices out of the Seven Oaks Soccer Complex and the 17 players are from The Maples, Garden City and East St. Paul.
The team played outdoor soccer during the 2012 outdoor season, winning the league and the city championship. In preparation for the national championship, the team practised every day in September after winning the provincial championship in August. The provincial gold-medal win allowed them to compete in the national championship.
Thank you to the team's coaches, Danny Neta, Jeff Santos; team manager, Ron Grzenda, and all of the families and friends that support these young people in all that they do.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all members present here today to join me in congratulating the FC Northwest under-18 team for their impressive championship win. These young people are practising the valuable skill of teamwork, learning how to succeed together, keeping healthy and active and taking advantage of wonderful opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, however, they are positive role models for the children in their communities. They inspire others to work together to achieve their goals, and I could not be more proud of them.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Charleswood Historical Society Pioneer Dinner
Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): I had the honour of attending the Charleswood Historical Society's 37th Annual Pioneer Dinner on October 14th. The Charleswood Historical Society was founded in 1974 to help preserve the heritage of our community. The society meets once a month and guest speakers are invited to share their Charleswood memories.
(14:30)
Each year the historical society honours pioneers who have lived in Charleswood for 50 years by holding a dinner and presenting honourees with a certificate. At this time, also, families may submit their names for consideration in naming of new streets in the neighbourhood.
This year, the dinner held at Breezy Bend golf club was sold out as guests dined on delicious fare. At the entrance to the golf club they placed an old structure that was once used to roll up the hoses by volunteer firefighters many years ago. The equipment was pulled by hand. There were also many photos and other artifacts on display.
There were 10 pioneer nominees: Leo and Alma Barkman; Russ Eliuk; Yvonne Kelly; Cathy O'Donnell; Mark Oleski; Susan Slater; Jo Vanderhorst; Kim Wentland; and Ed Winterhalt.
The Charleswood Historical Society also has a museum in the old municipal building beside the Charleswood Senior Centre. They are a very active group, preserving many pictures and archives. The majority of these were collected and stored by Len and Verna Van Roon, who used to keep them in their old chicken coop until the library became available. Their son, Len Van Roon Jr. is the current president of the historical society. Carolyn Derkach and Jaclyn Clement are vice-presidents, Ramona Crowther is secretary and Eileen MacDonald is the secretary-treasurer. In addition, they are following–these are the following directors: Moe Kelly; Jean Ammeter; Len Van Roon Sr.; Kay Englisbee; Frankie Bancroft; Ed Derkach; Gwen Jamieson; Doug Sheppard; Ken Morrissette; Dan Furlan; and Lois Caron.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank and congratulate all of the volunteers who give so much of their time to ensure that the history of our Charleswood community is preserved for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. They put in a lot of time, and our community is very appreciative of what they have done.
Thank you.
Collège Churchill High School
Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): Mr. Speaker, I'm honoured to rise today to celebrate a very exciting new development in Fort Garry-Riverview. Collège Churchill High School officially opened the Bill Madder Outdoor Athletic Complex this September. The complex includes a soft-surface running track, a field for the Churchill Bulldogs to play on and a recreational space for neighbourhood residents.
The field has been named for Mr. Bill Madder, a former principal at Churchill famous for his support of student activities throughout almost 25 years as a teacher and administrator. Mr. Madder still attends graduations and award dinners, and he came to watch the Bulldogs play at the September 13th opening.
Mr. Speaker, this project is not just the product of government funding, but of several years of hard work and fundraising by students, staff, parents, alumni and the Riverview community. It began when former graduate, John Loewen, and community resident, Audrey MacDonald, each pledged $50,000 to fix the field. A fundraising drive was then put together, raising another $280,000. I'm proud to say that the Province of Manitoba made a major contribution through the Community Places program, as did the City of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba tired stewardship. Over 85 other organizations and individuals in the Riverview-Lord Roberts area also stepped forward to donate.
As a proud resident of Riverview and a parent of three graduates of Collège Churchill, I will be making my own contribution to the ongoing fundraising campaign, and I invite all members of our community to support this incredible neighbourhood asset.
I especially want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Churchill students have made to the project. They not only contributed to the fundraising campaign, but helped develop an innovative, eco-friendly irrigation design for the field. They also planned, organized and emceed the opening ceremonies for the new complex, which I had the pleasure of attending on behalf of the Province of Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, The Bill Madder Outdoor Athletic Complex is a true testament to what can done when people of vision, dedication and commitment and teamwork come together for the greater good. I ask all members of this House to join me in thanking everyone who contributed in building the complex and congratulating them for making this field of dreams a reality.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Manitoba Filipino Business Council Awards Gala
Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased–I was pleased to attend the first ever Manitoba Filipino Business Council Awards gala recognizing the business successes in the ever-growing Filipino-Canadian community on Friday, October 19th, and hosted in my constituency of Morris at The Gates on Roblin in Headingley. I was joined by my colleagues on this side of the House, the member for River East (Mrs. Mitchelson) and the member for Arthur-Virden (Mr. Maguire).
One of the goals of the MFBC is to help its members succeed, and part of creating that success is hosting an occasion that celebrates business success and entrepreneurship in Manitoba's Filipino community. Indeed, it is this success in the private sector that creates economic growth and prosperity for all.
The winners of this year's awards were:
Exceptional small business: the Filipino Journal, Rod Escobar Cantiveros and Ron Cantiveros, with an award of merit to Tia Polvorosa of PROVICI Cosmetics. Others nominated were Amazing Cruises and Safaris, John and Natalia Van Houdt; Crown Specialty Products, Paul C. de Castro; Ginno's Automotive, Ginno Bains; JOCRI Windows and Doors Manufacturing, David Laudato; Melo's Balloon, Aldrin and Miriam Deuna; Sikaran-Arnis School of Martial Arts, Dante Solomon Alambra; Sugar Blooms and Cakes, Genevieve Melegrito; and The UPS Store–Kenaston Common, Cynthia and Jon Reyes.
Exceptional medium business: Bueno Brothers Supermarket, Carman Bueno, and an award of merit to Darin Hoffman and Zeny Urbano of Mosaic Funeral Cremation and Cemetery Services. Others nominated were Coast to Coast Mortgage Group, Paul Singh and Lito Lorenzana; Gelyn's Wedding Lounge, Linda Ramos; and Sarte Heating and Cooling Ltd., Sammy James Sarte.
Exceptional large business was Tim Horton's-Singh Enterprises Inc., Kamta Roy Singh. Others nominated were Blue Jay building and cleaning services Inc., Ramil Ramilo and Ronald Grecia; and Larry Vickar, Vickar Automotive Group.
Business executive of the year, the female recipient was–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please.
Does the member have leave to continue and conclude her comments on the member's statement? [Agreed]
Mrs. Taillieu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank the House.
The business executive of the year, the female recipient was Marites Aiello of Royal Bank of Canada, Portage and Collegiate branch. The male recipient was Randy Viray of Randy Viray Financial Inc. Others nominated were Carmen Bueno of Bueno Brothers Supermarket; Reynaldo Lozano of Aldo Formal Wear; and Tess Newton of Tess Financial Services Inc.
The young entrepreneur of the year was Golda T. Ferrer of Lindenwood Stylist Salon, with an award of merit to Melissa Cadelina and Rebecca Couto of EveryLine Designs. Others nominated were Bien Marasigan and Max Marasigan, Inkster Heating and Cooling; and Sarah Mariano and Marlette Mariano of Paperdoll Clothing.
The Filipino Community Service Award went to Larry Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group. Others nominated were Cynthia and Jon Reyes, The UPS Store–Kenaston Common; Dante Solomon Alambra, Sikaran-Arnis School of Martial Arts; Jerry Medina, Valour Road convenience store; Linda Ramos, Gelyn's Wedding Lounge; Pier Chiappetta, Jim Gauthier Chevrolet Ltd.; and Ronald Cantiveros, the Filipino Journal.
Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to recognize the organizing committee: Jon and Cynthia Reyes, Golda Ferrer, Tia Provici, Tes Aiello, Steven Minken, Kristin Daaca, Sammy Sarte, Ginno Bains, J.R. Albin–
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please.
The honourable member has gone double the time allowed for members' statements.
Mrs. Taillieu: I'm almost done. I just wanted to get all of these names in, and it's just–I'm not able to read them very quickly so I'm just asking leave.
Mr. Speaker: Is there leave for the honourable member to quickly conclude her member's statement? [Agreed]
The honourable member for Morris, to quickly conclude, please.
Mrs. Taillieu: Thank you very much. The emcees Bettina Pogson and Maui Zamora; and the judges Asim Ashique, Scott Fielding and Marina R. James.
Congratulations to the winners, nominees, organizers, sponsors and volunteers. It was a great evening. Mabuhay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker: The honourable Official Opposition House Leader–oh, wait a minute, one moment please.
Before we get to that House business, I have one more member's statement, the honourable member for Wolseley, and then we'll proceed with the House business.
The honourable member for Wolseley has two minutes for a member's statement.
World AIDS Day
Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize that this Saturday, December 1st, is World AIDS Day.
On Saturday, united as a global community, the world will participate in vigils, demonstrations and many other peaceful activities to stand united in the global fight against AIDS. Today members and my colleagues on this side of the House wear a red ribbon in solidarity with those who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
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The number of people living with HIV continues to rise in every part of the world. There are now more than 33 million people living with the disease worldwide. In Manitoba, Aboriginal people are disproportionately affected, a tragedy that we, as governments, communities, families and individuals must fight every day. We may know more about HIV/AIDS than we once did, but we must remain vigilant in the fight that affects far too many people.
This year, and up to the year 2015, World AIDS Day will have the theme Getting to Zero–zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. And last year our government, in anticipation of this, announced that mothers living with HIV would be provided with free baby formula, reducing the risk of HIV transmission to their infants.
Our Province also continues to work with great community organizations such as Klinic community health care in my constituency of Wolseley, to promote the Manitoba healthy sexuality action plan, with investments in healthy sexuality education as well as HIV testing, treatment and care across Manitoba.
Another incredible organization in Wolseley is Nine Circles, which does remarkable work to prevent and care for those citizens who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Many community groups do commendable work locally to try and turn the tide of AIDS globally. In fact my own mother participates in a group called Grans 'N' More which raises funds for The Stephen Lewis Foundation in support of front-line community initiatives combatting the AIDS pandemic in Africa. This Friday, November 30th, a memorial vigil, including drumming and candle lighting, will take place at Nine Circles from 2 to 4 p.m. At the University of Winnipeg there will be a multimedia event called Bridging the Gap. At dusk on Friday night, the community will come to light up the Legislative Building on behalf of those living with HIV/AIDS and those whose lives have been lost to this challenging disease.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to raise these concerns in support of these people and organizations doing such incredible work.
House Business
Mr. Speaker: Now, the honourable Leader of the Official–House Leader of the Official Opposition.
Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Yes, on House business, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker: On House business.
Mr. Goertzen: Assuming that the Throne Speech is concluded, I'd like to announce the private member's resolution that would be considered next Thursday morning, in accordance with rule 31(9), is the resolution on matrimonial property rights on reserves, brought forward by the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Pallister).
Mr. Speaker: It has been announced by the Official Opposition House Leader that the–assuming that the Throne Speech debate is concluded soon, that the private member's resolution that would be considered next Thursday morning, in accordance with rule 31(9), is the resolution on matrimonial property rights on reserves, brought forward by the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
(Eighth Day of Debate)
Mr. Speaker: Resuming debate on the proposed motion of the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau), that the following address be presented to His Honour the Administrator:
We, the members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, thank Your Honour for the gracious speech addressed to us at the Second Session of the 40th Legislature of Manitoba, standing in the name of the honourable member for Radisson (Mr. Jha), who has 13 minutes remaining.
Mr. Bidhu Jha (Radisson): Mr. Speaker, I was talking about University of Manitoba and their faculty of engineering doing a remarkable job. There are some programs in the university like nano-engineering, lean manufacturing, material sciences and road innovation and technology of transportation. These are world-class programs in our own university here that is attracting several other global universities to partner with them and develop. So I was just talking about how we are going to progress things by working together with our institution, universities, quality of education and also with the business community.
So, my–am very optimistic, Mr. Speaker, that we are on the right path, the right track, and I think that we will see how the new development comes and how we all work together to build our province.
I might like to say this, on a personal note, that I was–when I came to Manitoba I was thinking of doing something very innovative, and I had dreamt one time of electric cars. And I think that is becoming reality, that we have–in our province, we have seen, and I wanted to congratulate the minister of innovation, science and technology, that we have seen in reality electric buses being driven on the streets of our city. It is not economical yet, but eventually when the technology matures we will see that that will happen.
So I'm very hopeful, Mr. Speaker, that a lot of positive things happening in the economy and science and technology and programs, but I would also like to say that my other challenge, and I hope that my friends here all across–opposition and members this side of–absolutely will agree, that we need to see the world free of disease. We need to see the world free of poverty. We need to see the world free of misery. Now, how this will be achieved is a tough challenge, but it is not impossible.
One of my dreams was and is to see our Aboriginal community in the north again have children with proper education, housing and good health. It will happen, Mr. Speaker. I have good hopes on that. And I would say that people can say that these are impossible dreams, and I would say, no. There is no dream which is impossible if it is in term the real world's achievements.
We have seen America–United States of America, which had slaves brought only last century. They are now a black president, re-elected again. We have seen in our province, Manitoba, where women could not vote. We have many legislators here who are women, some of them are in Cabinet. So we are not going to be saying that the world is really not possible to make changes. We can make changes; we can do it.
And I hope that all these dreams will work together if we have the courage and if we keep building our province, we keep building our society, with very progressive thinking and hard work, but we have to really not forget that social justice is the answer for a fair society.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): It's a pleasure to rise and put a few comments on the record regarding the Throne Speech.
I'd like to start out by welcoming the new member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Pallister) as our leader and new member to the House. I doubt that there's very many people in the House, so many of them known him for very long, that knew him as long as I have as we both started high school on the same day back in Portage la Prairie many, many years ago. So we've known each other a very long period of time.
I also wish to put on record what a pleasure it is to represent the fine people of the Portage la Prairie constituency. Having had a year to experience my new role as MLA for the constituency, I'm very pleased with the continued support and encouragement, especially the chance to help really large number of people with constituent issues. I also wish to thank my family and friends, in particular, my wife, who has been very patient. We have two young kids, and this is quite a challenge with her picking up the slack in terms of looking after them, and so it's certainly been a great learning process for me.
We do have some issues, however, in the Portage constituency that we are working to address, not the least of which is the severe shortage of assisted-living and seniors accommodations in the city–it's becoming quite acute. And the ongoing problem related to Highway 1 and 16 and the proposed overpass there that has been in discussion and in proposal for some 25 years and still doesn't seem to be anywhere near close to completion.
But without a doubt, our most frequent concern in the last year has been complaints related to the handling of the 2011 flood and the flood itself. These range from mild annoyance over the never-ending runaround that occurs in the claim process and the ridiculous a day–delays that are associated with it, to, frankly, undue stress from uncertainty, which probably has shortened some people's lives.
But, without a doubt, the situation I found most disconcerting related to that was, in fact, the destruction of people's retirements, whether it was their home or cottage that was destroyed, and not enough resources were put in place to help them rebuild. Many of these people were at a later stage in life and they no longer had enough energy on their own to rebuild, and the government has, in effect, stolen their retirement from them. This is certainly a 'tradegy'–'tratagy'–tragedy–sorry–and has been recognized all across the community as something that is an unfair impact on these people.
On top of the impact was the huge–on top of the impact on people, was a huge environmental impact around the lake–Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin. I doubt that–there's no doubt in my mind that this government that likes to claim it is very green, has perpetrated the largest environmental disaster that this province has ever seen. There are literally thousands of acres covered with debris, growing very little, that are soon, I guess, when they–in the recovery stage, will do nothing but grow weeds for a number of years. And so far they've done very little to reclaim these areas, other than talk about the huge cost related to the flood. Throwing money at the problem is really not finding the solution in this case.
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I am, however, encouraged a bit by our government's admission that–has let the size of Manitoba's public service grow too large and will take steps to reduce it, even if the number initially is only 600 over three years.
Reducing the number of Crown corporations also seems to be a step in the right direction. However, the government should have them focus on providing the services of their mandate and strongly discourage the empire building we have seen take place and sometimes in the past. I think it's fair to predict that Lotteries will probably be the next Crown corporation to build themselves a new building.
Moves to reduce procurement costs for government's projects and tenders could result in great savings for Manitobans, as it appears that many of our projects are very costly when we compare those to neighbouring jurisdictions. However, to accomplish this end, removing extra conditions on tenders might be far more effective in saving money. Perhaps we could get more Manitoba companies bidding on our major projects. Contracts for east-side road construction, which appears to be Manitoba's newest megaproject, are far more often going to other province companies than Manitoba companies mostly because, I think, many Manitoba companies are declining to bid because of extra conditions.
My colleague from Morden-Winkler and the critic for Health made the observation that changes in staff hiring practice for home care are having an impact on home care in the province, and we have certainly noticed that in the Portage constituency as well. The change from hiring casual part-time workers certainly had a negative impact both on workers themselves, but, more importantly, on the timeliness and quality of services provided to the client. In an area where–that is supposedly focused on providing quality service in a timely manner, this hardly seems to be a move in the right direction.
In my area as critic for Housing, Community Development and co-operatives, it has been a challenge to understand this complicated and problem-stricken area. Excuse me. I took advantage of the opportunity to join the CEO's Sleepout fundraiser to get a first-hand look at life on the streets. An overnight–the overnight part was not difficult, as it was actually a very nice night and certainly not representative of what many people actually see when they sleep on the streets. However, the walk up Main Street at midnight did drive home the size and scale of the problem homelessness in Winnipeg alone.
Estimates of–from those working with the homeless suggest there are at least 800 people so-called living rough on the streets with no permanent residence of any type, and at least 3,000 others using homeless facilities on a regular basis. That, along with vacancy rates in Winnipeg of under 1 per cent, and lower in other regions, we have a rapidly growing problem.
I'd also like to note that many of the homeless shelter staff–that the number of clients that had mental-health issues probably exceeded 50 per cent. This would certainly suggest a problem in this area and, in fact, I went to so far as to check in with some of the group homes in my own community where we have a large number, and it would seem that anyone who voluntarily leaves a group home basically disappears from the system. And I would be very suspicious that these are the same people that we're seeing ending up on the street as homeless. This would appear to be a major crack in the system that the vulnerable people are falling into very quickly.
Mention has been made in the Throne Speech encouraging new efforts in housing co-operatives, and this is an area that has been dramatically underutilized in this province. We have very low number compared to other jurisdictions. But it is important to remember that if you want co-operatives to be successful they have to be driven from the grassroots up, and so people must feel empowered to take action and motivated to find their own solutions. This is not something that a top-down bureaucratic approach can accomplish. Solving Manitoba's acute shortage of low-income housing is not as simple as passing a piece of legislation requiring more to be built. They need to be properly maintained and serviced and monitored. And there already exists–the housing–monitoring the housing that already exists to service this market has grown dramatically.
No one needs–no one wants to build or own rental housing as returns are too low to cover the costs of ownership and maintenance. This has certainly led to an aging of the housing that is available out there now. This has created its own problem as many rental properties are now being redeveloped to escape rent controls or condoize to remove them entirely from the market. This certainly does not help solve the problem.
Before my role as Housing critic, I served as critic to Water Stewardship, a department that now exists only as part of the Department of Conservation. This–the Department of Water Stewardship really was just created by the NDP government mostly for its PR value and did not seem to have much of another reason to exist. And after the beating it took in 2011 during the flood, the government wisely chose to follow the advice we had given them long ago that these two departments actually belong together and they merged the two again.
Conservation has also come out with a new document called Manitoba's Green Plan, and I had taken the time to review this in some detail. It appears to be mostly the restating of existing commitments, many of them with much extended timelines, resetting of goals, in particular, the greenhouse gas goals–gas reduction goals, and vague promises to do something about better water management in this province–an area that this government is obviously challenged to understand. We've seen a lot of work in other provinces in this area, as well, mostly using an ecological goods and services model. In eastern Canada, Ontario has just recently expanded to 10 times their original pilot–their ALUS model in Ontario. And Prince Edward Island continues with a very successful ALUS program that they have been running with for some five years. Saskatchewan and Alberta also recently announced expansion of their pilot projects in the area of environmental goods and services, finding that this is a way to get the public engaged and motivated as part of this program.
This government cannot seem to get its head around an ecological goods and services approach to land and water use. Perhaps they do not trust the landowners in this province to find the right solutions as we believe they can. This is particularly unfortunate in that the ALUS pilot was originally–the first ALUS pilot was actually originally run here in Manitoba some eight years ago and had very successful evaluations, but yet this government has chosen not to follow up in this regard.
They've also indicated their intention to introduce their own endangered species act. And I await this one with some interest, because I took the time to go through the list and the 'prelimilary' list was so inaccurate and out of line with federal legislation as to indicate some very poor and very incomplete research. In short, it was a very disappointing document and showed no vision for the future.
Now, the other–last week we had comments made about student loans and the repayment of student loans and what a burden that was. And I wanted to take a moment to share with you my own experience with student loans. When I went to university following high school, I did not come from a background that is fairly very well off and there was money in the family for one family member to go on to university. And my sister, being older than I, actually, had the right to that and went along. So for me to go to university, I had to raise my own money, and I had to do that on a year-by-year basis. Where I grew up, there were lots of jobs available if you wanted to work hard, but they didn't pay particularly well and so there would have been a lot of student loans involved. And so, instead of taking out student loans, I actually went out and started a business to put myself through university. And in those days, canola was a major crop and the pollination of canola was a demand, and so I went into the beekeeping business. And I didn't know anything about beekeeping before I started; took a one-week course and did a little bit of extra reading–[interjection] Yes, I had to hold my honey–went into the beekeeping business and would buy packages every spring. You could buy packages of bees from the US at that point and bring them into Canada. And over the course of the summer, working very hard on top of holding down an extra job, I could raise enough money to put myself through university each year. And, actually, in the last year it was a very good price year and a good honey year and we actually had money left over, which is always nice to have. So–
An Honourable Member: Money or honey?
Mr. Wishart: Money and honey.
And it was also a fairly unique way to do it. However, I did avoid the issue of student loans.
Moving along, I'd like to touch briefly on some of the things that the Throne Speech shied away from dramatically. This government ran on election promise of no tack–tax increases and promised to balance the books by 2014. Here we are a year later with the biggest tax increase in a generation, $184 million, and no time to balance the books other than, we need a little more wiggle room. No doubt, promises were made and promises were broken.
It actually must be very hard to find someone to write the Throne Speech that focuses, really, only on a few positive elements of life in Manitoba; it must take a very special set of blinders. Now, I know there's a risk to talk about something like this in this House, because blinders are a special kind of bridle that is used in the equine industry for horses and the horses that you use it on are usually the nervous ones, the skittish and unreliable ones. But what the blinders do is they narrow down the range of vision for that horse so that it can't see anything scary outside of its immediate range. So we must have a special type of blinders for those that write the Throne Speech–to write the Throne Speech without seeing any problems in our society.
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Some other problems: it's hard to ignore–hard to ignore–the growing number of homeless on our street. It's hard to ignore the problem of child poverty, No. 1 in Canada; to wish away the dramatic increase in food bank usage, especially the highest percentage of children using food bank of any province in Canada; to ignore the wait times for surgeries and lines–up in the emergency rooms and, in fact, these days line ups into the parking lot; the long list of wait times for personal care homes; to ignore the poor handling of compensation for the flood is something that is especially relevant to the Portage constituency; to ignore the poor scores and basic skills for math, reading and science in our schools; to ignore the numbers of violent crime–the violent crime numbers in this province, and to continue to allow the gangs to flourish.
The member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton) the other day suggested that we–all we really want to do on this side of the House is refight the 1999 election. It would seem to me that they're much happier to fight the 1999 election over and over and over again. After all, it did turn out very well for them, but they're the ones continually making references to the '90s.
But we are not ashamed of the l990s. What was–what needed to be done was done by a government that had enough backbone to deal with the fiscal realities and, in fact, the member for Morden-Winkler (Mr. Friesen) also made reference to what went on in Saskatchewan during that same period of time, and the parallels are quite stark because, of course, there were significant downturns in transfer payments and provinces were having to take extreme steps to deal with the decrease in funds.
We are not the ones that constantly talk about selling Hydro. In fact, to be quite honest, since I have joined this caucus I have yet to hear a caucus member on this side of the House even suggest that that's a possibility. However, we are very keen on the option of running Hydro better, without political interference. Really what we're seeing is a type of fearmongering that I don't think is a very responsible action by any public servant, let alone elected ones.
Now I know life is not as simple as we see–often try to make it in this House, where we have someone on one side of the House that's wearing the white hats and someone on the other side of the House wearing the black hats. We all work together; working to improve Manitoba is something we should all be working at, each in our own way. I think frankly it is very disrespectful for members of the House, an institution, to think anything else but.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for your patience. I know I have on occasion not spoken in turn when we were supposed to. I'd like to thank the table officers for their patience and their instruction as to how we should behave in this House, and the pages that have joined us. So I am pleased to put a few comments on record as related to the Throne Speech.
Thank you.
Mr. Frank Whitehead (The Pas): Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure here today to say a few words on the Throne Speech that was presented to us.
I–first of all, I wanted to thank my constituency, the good citizens of The Pas and area, the 10 communities that I represent, and I thank them for giving me another opportunity to be their voice and also to take their issues and concerns at levels that are required. And I'm very thankful that they have the complete trust in my ability to do that. And I also want to thank the honourable members here in this Chamber here for, you know, for being so gracious, giving us a–everyone here an opportunity to present ourselves accordingly.
I welcome the pages and the interns, and just to watch them go about their duties throughout the years I know these ones here, the new ones, will benefit immensely from their work experience, and I wish them well in their future endeavours after this, and I'm sure that their experience here will be long remembered and often talked about amongst their family and friends.
I also want to thank the staff that are working in the–in a Chamber here, and I marvel at their professional approach to keeping this House functioning in a manner that we can all take advantage of and benefit from.
And, Mr. Speaker, I want to also welcome the new Leader of the Opposition, and I look forward to hearing, you know, the debates that go back and forth in this Chamber here. And I feel privileged to be a–to be part of it and to be listening to the intelligence that is being presented in this Chamber. Also, I'm happy to see you here again, and I congratulate you for the wonderful job that you're doing in maintaining order in this Chamber here.
I want to say a few words on the Throne Speech, particularly issues that are very close and in our area here, in northern Manitoba, particularly in the area of health care. And I'm very happy to hear that this government here is–will be introducing a five-year sustainability plan; a plan that builds the current strategy, which is just based on excellence of programs and service delivery of universal health care. But, you know, there are so many things for us to take into consideration when we're making such plans, and I know that this government here will look forward to the citizens of Manitoba, including northern Manitoba citizens, for their views and their contributions to that plan. I believe this is the way to go if we are expecting to have a plan that includes everyone in our wonderful province that we live in.
I am looking forward to speaking to my constituents, the good citizens of The Pas area, of their ideas and their views for a better Manitoba by having, you know, a sustainability plan on health care. I'm particularly interested in becoming more involved with my constituents in discussing the issues of accessing a family doctor for every family, to have an access to a family doctor by 2015, and we have already seen progress towards this goal. I know, because I've seen it being implemented in my constituency. And we will increase medical residencies to train more family doctors, and we've seen evidence of that moving forward in that direction. And we will fund front-line positions, such as nurse practitioners, and we saw already that we are moving in that direction, and I feel confident–totally confident that we will move further into this area of health care.
I am particularly interested in becoming more involved in the nurses and dieticians, and we all know that, to this date, we have increased a large number of new nurses in this province to be re–over 3,000–3,170-something, to be exact. Anyway, Mr. Speaker, I think that's a very strong signal of the direction that we're moving in. It think it's a strong signal to all Manitobans, particularly in northern Manitoba, that we are moving in a direction that will meet their health-care requirements and needs in the near future–very happy about that.
I'm also very happy to hear that we are concentrating in other areas such as jobs, training and opportunities for all peoples, including all sectors of Manitoba, including northern Manitoba. I can say that, in all honesty, that the opportunities for jobs, training and apprenticeship programs are working in northern Manitoba, and I've seen it. I've talked to people. I've talked to people in Moose Lake for example, young people, Aboriginal people that have taken training through UCN who are now, you know, in a profession of education, health care.
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But one particular person that I very–I was very happy to hear, this young lady who works in northern Manitoba as a heavy equipment operator, and to see her working in that industry, in that trade just makes me very, very proud of the kind of achievements anyone can have. If they have a goal, if they have expectations, we have programs. We have education institutions that will provide those opportunities for those people.
In the coming year, I know that the Premier's Economic Advisory Council is planning to convene a skills summit, and I'm looking forward to that. And northern Manitobans are looking forward to that opportunity to put their views and ideas and suggestions forward at that level. I think this will contribute to more jobs. I believe it will. More–see, Mr. Speaker, the more jobs we create, the more opportunities we create for people to be involved in industry, whatever it is, mining sector, transportation sector, communications sector, business sector of all kinds, these people who are employed will become part of the economic engine in northern Manitoba. You see, when a person is gainfully employed that person will now have disposable income. That disposable income can be used to buy homes and property and, perhaps, even other personal requirements such as vehicles and so forth. It's a wonderful thing for me to see.
I know that excellence in education is important to make sure that young people are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, and I know for a fact that the education system in northern Manitoba is one of the best, you know, in Canada, certainly in this province. But I also know that the training and the education they receive through apprenticeship programs provides them that opportunity to be directly involved in any major development in Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, I've had the good privilege, good fortune, of working with people presently and in the past that contributed to the overall growth and development of northern Manitoba, and I want to just say that these people continue to be the drivers of these plans and these decisions that are required to go forward. People such as Murray Harvey, a resident of The Pas, who is very much involved in developing the human resources in northern Manitoba.
Mr. Harvey was the general manager of Northern Development corporation where I was involved and employed in–during the '70s. I had the good fortune of working with him in helping communities develop plans and in helping communities look at various economic development opportunities, and this man who I call a good friend is a mentor for many of us in northern Manitoba. And it is people like him that have been the foundation, the strong foundation we need, to be able to talk about the future in confidence, with complete confidence.
But I also worked with other people as well, Joe A. Ross, for example. A school was named after him in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, because he earned that privilege and that right. He was the one that brought over the education system back to the community so the community can have total ownership of that system.
Other names–other people that I've had the good fortune of knowing and working with: my late colleague and friend, Oscar Lathlin, for example, who was the chief. I was a councillor in his–during his leadership, and a school was named after him as well and a library at the University College of the North was named after him as well. Why? Because these people contributed immensely to the growth and development of their communities and northern Manitoba as a whole.
And I remember other people when I'm thinking about developing plans in health care, in education and jobs and training. These are the people that showed us the way and how to get involved and how to prepare plans that will last forever–for a long time.
I want to also say that building bridges in our area is very important–building bridges between municipal governments, First Nation governments and RM of–RMs throughout northern Manitoba, and also the Aboriginal community and the Metis community. It's so vitally important that we continue to build those bridges, because from that we will build stronger, healthier communities. And I'm very proud that this government supports that and provides opportunity for us to do that every year that we're continuing in our development.
You know, there are many challenges that our communities have faced and probably will continue to face as well. But I want to say that The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, RM of Kelsey are fine examples of what building bridges is all about. These three communities have shown the way and how we can work together and build sustainable communities by supporting each other's plans, by supporting each other's economic initiatives, by supporting each other's social development of the area. Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to be a representative of such communities.
There are many, many challenges: social, economic; all kinds. But there was one challenge that was very, very difficult to deal with recently, and that's the issues of organized gangs in our communities. We were under siege for some time, but the leadership of those communities got together, and with their people, their citizens, developed a strategy on how to deal–how to manage that particular challenge. And I'm proud to say, because of their courageousness, because of their commitment to make their communities safe, we have gotten rid of the gang problem in The Pas area there. It was hard; it was difficult times, but they stuck together and they reaped the benefits of working together. That problem is gone now.
But there are other examples of working together, opportunities–economic opportunities. Not one of these communities will sit on a sideline and watch the others stumble through the process. They will come forward and be part of that process at the table and in the field. I'm very proud of that. These are the kind of people we have throughout northern Manitoba. I'm very proud of the fact that throughout the challenges and opportunities, we're still there together working with each other, and I'm proud of the fact that this government supports that and provides resources for us to do that.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to say a little bit about building bridges. You see, the bridge that you see between Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the town of The Pas is our lifeline. I had the opportunity to be part of that process of building bridges and, for a time, literally building bridges. I was the youngest employee of the–when we were building that bridge, Chief Cornelius Bignell Bridge. And I had a–had an opportunity to see it start from–right from the beginning 'til the first car rolled across the river. And you know something, what we used to see before that was people flocking from the reserve to the town for everything they needed for their sustenance. That was the traffic flow. Today the traffic flow is like this every day.
An Honourable Member: Tim Hortons.
Mr. Whitehead: Tim Hortons.
You know, you have to appreciate the fact, you know, to have lived during the days where there was very little opportunity. But now the opportunities are in abundance because we've learned to work together. We've learned to put aside differences. We've learned to set aside, you know, whatever arguments we had in the past. And I'm very proud of the fact that this government supports that and provides resources for us to do that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say something about one of the most incredible things that happened in our area to bring those communities together, and that was the establishment of the OCN Blizzard. You know, because you know what? We're all hockey fans. That was the common denominator in building healthy communities, working together. Today, you know, the–both communities–all three communities take full responsibility for the–for the survival of this organization and for the success of this organization. And I mean everybody. And as my good friend, the former mayor Gary Hopper, used to say when he goes to these games, you know, it reminds him of, you know, of being at a feast, and when you look around and you have your beef or your steak and you put salt and pepper and you see that salt and pepper, that's what it reminds me of, he said, you know. But I think what he was trying to say was, finally, all sectors of the community were together, enjoying each other's company, enjoying each other's progress, laughing together and having fun together. That was a long time coming, and it didn't happen by accident. It happened by design, by the leaders of our past, including the leaders like Gary Hopper, including the leaders like Oscar Lathlin, Gordon Lathlin. You know, I'm very, very privileged to be standing here today representing those kind of people in our constituency.
I just want to say one more thing. You know, the–we have had great success with high school apprentices–apprenticeships program, increasing them by 800 per cent since year 2000. We benefit from that as well. And I have talked to many young people in northern Manitoba in my constituency. I like talking to people. I like hearing their opinions and their views about how things are moving and how things are going and how initiatives are benefitting them. And I like hearing them talking about what they have recently bought, because now they have jobs because of the training and education and apprenticeship programs that they have.
I'm very proud of the fact that the–this government continues to support that initiative throughout northern Manitoba. Mr. Speaker, it is my good privilege, I guess, to be part of this government here that supports economic growth in northern Manitoba, because northern Manitoba–it remains strong. It will continue to remain strong and be a vital part of the economic, you know, engine of this great province. We have a healthy northern Manitoba, we have a healthy Manitoba, and I'm very proud of the fact that this government continues to move in that direction.
Mr. Speaker, it's a privilege to be here today because I know that this government supports Aboriginal entrepreneurship, and it is a priority for our government. And I know the Metis Economic Development Fund has been established in partnership with Manitoba Metis Federation. These are initiatives that have been taken that open up new doors, new opportunities; not only for the organization itself, but for the citizens that are part of that organization, citizens that have developed new businesses and, as a result, create employment and, as a result, drive the economic engine of this community, of this province. And I know that the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, which is in partnership with the assembly of Manitoba chiefs, has approved over 50 loans to First Nation businesses. That will contribute to the overall economy in Manitoba. I'm very proud of the fact that this government has contributed to that effort overall.
So, Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to say that I'm speaking in favour of the Throne Speech and I support it 100 per cent, and I know it will benefit everyone, including northern Manitoba. Thank you.
Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): It is a privilege to rise this afternoon to put a few things on the record regards to the Throne Speech that was recently brought about by this government. They had an opportunity yesterday, of course, to vote on our amendment, and they chose to defeat that motion as it was brought forward by our leader.
Mr. Tom Nevakshonoff, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair
And I certainly want to take this opportunity to welcome a new leader, the member from Fort Whyte. I certainly–I encourage him, and as all members on this side of the House, that he has an awful lot on his plate to handle. And we know very well that strong leadership is what it's going to take in order to turn this province around, and we certainly wish him all the best.
And also I want to put on the record our thanks for our previous leader, Hugh McFadyen, and his wife, Jen, and his two children. We certainly wish him well.
We certainly want to welcome the new pages that are starting off this session. And, certainly, we know that that is an opportunity of a lifetime as well, to listen to us talk and debate about important issues. As all of us know, we're all passionate about our particular areas, our areas of interest and, of course, to make this province just a little bit better as a result of 'lus' being in the House.
Now, in regards to the constituency of Lakeside, I've had the opportunity to be here since 2003 and certainly have enjoyed it. There's been trying times, there's been times of anger, there's been times of excitement, there's been times of disappointment, but there's also been times where you feel very fortunate to be able to bring the messages forward by our constituents. And I know that we all meet with those constituents on a regular basis and make sure that their voices, in fact, are heard at this great building. And, in fact, with the renovations almost been finished on the main entrance as we come into this great building, the open house coming up on December the 8th, I know that we all look forward to showcasing this great building that belongs to the people of this great province.
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And I also want to thank my family for the time that they give up of me to look after the wishes of my constituents and, of course, to represent those constituents of Lakeside and bring them forward.
There's a couple of interesting things in regards to the MLAs that's actually been elected in this province. And it's interesting even though we have been here a long time and the province is great, but there's less than 300 people that's actually had the opportunity to be MLAs in this building. There's been several hundred elections in different times, so we are one of the few people that are blessed to be in this building, and I know that each and every one of us take that 'responsiby' very, very seriously. And we do have the debates. We do have the opportunity to talk about different things that are important to us and make sure that in fact we have the best legislation that's brought forward as we debate those bills. And we certainly had our challenges on those.
As the government knows well, I was in the Agriculture role for seven years prior, then in the Transportation side of things, as well, and now I'm back as the Agriculture critic once again–certainly look forward to working with the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn) and his department.
And we are going to be hosting–just put it on the record for those that are listening or reading it in Hansard, Canada will be host to the national SARL organization. It's going to be in Vancouver June 2nd to the 4th. We're going to be showcasing Canada. Of course, those agricultural representatives from across Canada and United States are looking forward to that opportunity and we're certainly looking forward to having that great opportunity. The Minister of Agriculture, Minister Ritz, has agreed to come and we have several others. We're going to deal with a number of issues at that particular conference that I think they're going to be very important. Meat inspection, of course, is forefront. We're going to be talking about trade. We're going to be talking about what's on the pipeline issues with the oil and gas and a number of other issues. So stay tuned on that. We'll certainly look forward to it.
This is an interesting year. This is the first year out of 824 years that where we have five Fridays, five Saturdays and five Sundays. Wait another 824 years. But that–the reason I bring that up is because it's significant because we've seen record deficits from this government, and with that–[interjection] I know, it bust your bubble. But anyway, as a result of that, we have to very careful about how we spend our money; we have to be wise. When we talk about wise spending, we want to make sure that we're going to be doing it in a sustainable way. And whenever I listen to the speech that came forward last week in regards to the Throne Speech and the vision that this Province has for the future, I'm very disappointed. I can tell you that very clearly the government is running out of steam. I feel very clearly that whenever we're talking about the future of this great province, we have to show true leadership and with that leadership comes responsibility.
And I know the government's talking about amalgamation with the RMs, an–significant issue, and I think the government's heard very clearly from the municipalities across this great province. I guess there's almost 2,000 of them; some will be affected, some will not. And I can make it very clear to this government there's going to be a lot of push back. In fact, last night I was talking to one of the councillors and mayors from a small town, population less than 500. They have a surplus of funds. They are very viable. They are very functional. And I can tell you that I know very clearly that they are not wanting to be part of this merger. They don't need to be part of this merger. They can balance their budget. They're doing everything within their means. And I think it's important that we listen to these municipalities, because they have a lot to offer. Each and every municipality–yes, there's some that'd probably jump at the opportunity, that'll want to do the merger, but without consultation, without the opportunity to be able to sit down and say, this is what's best for us; this is what's best for our ratepayers; this is what's best for the province of Manitoba–so let's make sure we do our due diligence.
We always say that let's listen to science. Let's look to the consultation when we're doing these particular ventures. And I can tell you that I have not found one municipality that has come to me and said, boy, I wish they would have just done some consultation. But we haven't heard that. We haven't heard that from AMM, from the members, from the councillors or the mayors or reeves. And I can tell you that's disappointing for them. And we know the government is here to make those tough decisions, but we can make tough decisions even though we can still do it through consultation, we can do it through science, we can do it through a number of different issues that are so important, to make sure we have feedback from those folks.
Now, I know that when we're talking about the municipalities and we talk about the flood–we've asked several questions on it. In fact, I can tell you that, you know, even though some of my area has been changed in the last boundary change, I've still been in touch with a large number of those folks, and I can tell you there's still a lot of heartache out there. And not only with the ratepayers and those people that had cottages and homes, and those farmers that are trying to get their land back, I can tell you there's a number of claims that are still outstanding.
Now the minister's–has said very clearly there's about 70 per cent of those claims that have been settled. That still leaves 30 per cent. That's a substantial number of claims that has not been processed. There's a number of individuals that still have not had the opportunity to meet with assessors and say, this is what's going to happen. It's only a one-way street and, unfortunately, we need to address this issue.
Most of these people that was promised compensation by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers) now, the previous minister of Agriculture, had, as I said, hey, we're going to make sure this all happens. The First Minister went out and said, we're going to make sure we have compensation and it's going to be fair, it's going to be done quickly. One simple form was what was supposed to have been.
Unfortunately, we found that there's been different forms, different applications and different assessors. In fact, I know that they brought in some assessors from Québec and those individuals came in very quickly, very efficiently, by the way, I've not had one complaint from those people that came from Québec to help out the province of Manitoba in the assessment value. Most of those assessed values seem to be fair, at least from what information has been passed on to me. And I can assure the members of this House that if they were not happy with those numbers, they certainly would have made sure that we would have known about it. So, certainly appreciate those folks coming out and helping us.
And I know that people want to get on with their lives, and I know the number of municipalities that have been impacted. One in–significantly, that has been, is the RM of St. Laurent. Now, they have a population that's above the threshold of a thousand. They have about 1,400 people in that particular municipality. They have about 2,600 in the summertime, counting the cottage folks. And they'll be one that's outside the radar. But, yet, they're still talking about amalgamation, they're talking about what we're going to do as a municipality to make ourselves viable. And part of that system–part of that system–has to be very clear: That whatever we do that's going to impact not only the RM of St. Laurent but other municipalities, that we do it through a way that's going to be sustainable for not only them, but also the other municipalities.
And with the Shoal lakes, which is a significant issue as well, with the buyouts there, there's been a number of farms been bought out, so that assessment's now going to be reduced off the tax roll. And still, at the end of the day, there's only one taxpayer. So we have to make sure that whenever we're talking about those assessed values and them being able to balance their budget, because the Province did come out in 2011 and they did top up for those municipalities, what their budget was and what the actual assessment was, through the loss of flood dollars compensation. But 2012 comes along, they haven't done it and they need to make sure that whenever the RMs made their commitment to their taxpayers, that that would be followed through. It has not been done to date.
Now the RM of St. Laurent has also noticed that they don't have enough money to pay for their repairs that they normally have. They've collected their school tax. Well, they're to the point now where they had to spend the tax dollars they collected for the school divisions, because they just don't have enough revenue. Their debt per capita for loans, that is maxed out, so they can't access extra dollars there.
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So we need to make sure that we work with those fine folks up there, in order to sustain that particular municipality because we want to make sure that whether that is amalgamated, whether it stays the way it is because it's not under the formula, but if it is, let's do that consultation. Let's make sure that whenever we make these commitments to them, that they're going to be able to go back to their ratepayers, in fact, make sure that their taxpayers are not on the hook for misrepresentation by the government for the lack of funds that was promised or committed to them in order for that to happen.
Now, I know the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn) talked a bit about Growing Forward phase 2, and I want to address that issue just a little bit as well. And, when we talk about the Manitoba Beef Producers, they've been calling and working with the government in regards to the beef insurance program; not just this year, but the previous year and the previous year prior to that. Now, I think what we need to do is whenever we're talking with our federal counterparts and when working with the other federal minister–mis–the provincial ministers across Canada, that we work from the same song book. I know the national organization of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association also brought this forward, and I think we need to make sure that, in fact, as we do move forward, going to include the beef producers in these consultations in order to make sure that they do have a program that's going to be sustainable.
And I know that when I was the Ag critic back in 2007, the federal government, through that particular program that it brought forward, give the governments, each Province, the opportunity to make decisions based on what they wanted to spend their money on, which was a green light to go. So, as a result of that, our current minister at the time was Minister Wowchuk–at the time, decided to do away with the rural water program. And that was a choice that she decided to make it that time. As a result of that, now we're scrambling trying to find rural water dollars in order to help those municipalities, help those that are need of new water services or upgrades to water services. So, whenever we make these decisions in–and–we have to be held accountable, and sometimes we need to go to those municipalities, we need to make sure that we have enough information so that we can make those intelligence decisions, so that whenever we do choose those programs, be it doing away with rural water or not–maybe it was the right decision, but I can tell you now, from the municipalities I talked to, it was not the right decision to make.
Also, I want to talk just very briefly, and that's coming back to the consultation side of things. And the government's in talks about a pesticide ban. And now we know there's always two sides to every story, but before this government makes the decision to do a carte-blank pesticide ban across this great province, we'd better make sure we're doing our consultation. Now, I know that the Minister of Conservation (Mr. Mackintosh) said there was about 700 people that signed a petition, and what they wanted to do was banned pesticides within the city limits. There was also about 2,300 cards that said, let's don't ban pesticides. So what we have to make sure is we find the balance.
Let's listen to the science, let's listen to that information that's out there for us all together, each and every one of us, but let's just don't make a decision based on a few radicals, a few people that feel that it's just perfect, because nothing is just perfect as we all know. We know that it's not all bad either. But we need to make sure that we find the balance because I can tell you, there's some noxious weeds just inside the city limits that could take over rural Manitoba. And it would not be healthy for rural Manitoba; it wouldn't be healthy for the city; it wouldn't be healthy for a number of people that live in the city as a result of just a pure, right-acrossed pesticide ban. And whenever we're looking at those issues, we need to make sure–as I said before–make sure we do listen to the science on this particular issue.
Mr. Speaker in the Chair
And the government also in our particular region, in fact, right acrossed Manitoba, did the rural health merger. And I can tell you that we had a situation in our area, and I know it's probably happened right across the province, but a number of employees are uncertain about their future. They're talking about this great savings–that'll yet to be seen, how much money is actually saved, but I can tell you the employees that are working for the regional health authorities are very concerned. They're not sure about what direction they're going to be going, what role they're going to play as they move forward in regards to making sure that, in fact–that the rural health and also the health plans in the city are sustainable, in fact. In fact, I know that we brought this up just a few weeks–or few days ago in regards to the 'ambliance' use and the new way of hallway medicine. That's in the ambulances. In fact, my son was waiting for a hernia operation and, as a result of that, he didn't get in to get his procedure done. Well, it burst and so he went into Stonewall and the ambulance picked him up there, brought him into St. Boniface at 11 o'clock. We never got a room for him until 2:30–'til 2:30. The 'ambliance' and the paramedics stayed with him right through 'til then, which we were very appreciative, but I can tell you, there has to be a better way.
We have to start thinking outside the box. Whenever we're–when we're thinking about changes to any particular program, whether it be health, whether it be agriculture, whether it be finances, whatever that may be, but I can tell you that we need to make sure those true cost are actually there and they're going to be as a result of what makes our system better and not actually make it worse.
In regards to the budget I started on a bit earlier, and that was in regards to the future generations and what taxes are going to be brought forward on them. I know our critic of Finance has been asking the Finance Minister over and over again, who's going to be paying for these new costs that's been put on the backs of everyday taxpayers? And we need an answer from this government whether, in fact, they are going to be raising taxes. We know that they said prior to the election in 2011 that they would not raise taxes, but yet the budget comes out and they raised taxes by $184 million. And that goes against everything that what these people were told and, yes, the government got a mandate from the folks based on that decision, I'm sure of it.
Now what we have found is that whenever you mislead someone and you're inadvertently–[interjection] The member from Agassiz reminds me that whatever we do, we will be held to account. So I'm just simply saying, whenever you make a commitment you'd better make darn sure you keep it, and people will remember–people will remember.
And I know that whenever we talk about responsibilities and making sure that we do our part as opposition, and that job is to hold the government to account. And I don't know of a member on this side of the House that doesn't take that responsibility very seriously. And I know we want to get on that side of the House, and we may or may not, but our job right now is to focus on making sure the government's held to account.
And, whenever we're talking about question period, that's a very important time for us, and we know that whenever we have that opportunity to ask those questions that we get some answers and hopefully we can make that policy just a little bit better. Whether it comes through bill debate, whether it comes through debating bills, I can tell you that we're very serious about making sure we have the government to account.
Now, the province is a very fertile province. We have endless opportunities to be able to make this country and this province grow. And we saw what happened in a lot of the other provinces, and we're going to be encouraging the government to look at those opportunities in order to make sure that we do see the province of Manitoba grow and prosper.
Now, just before I close I want to just offer a little bit of advice that–I love to read and I read a book the other day, and one of the things that I think every member in this House can make sure that they do, and that's, first of all, think, learn, pray, plan and dream. And every member of this House has that responsibility.
So thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Flor Marcelino (Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism): Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the privilege to speak in support of the budget tabled–on the speech of the throne–on November 19th of this year by the honourable Richard J. Scott, Chief Justice of the Province of Manitoba.
I join my colleagues from this side of the House in expressing joy and optimism, even at this time of economic uncertainty not just in North America, but also in many places in the world. It is an honour for me to add a few words in support of the November 2012 Speech from the Throne which tells that this government is determined to advance the interests and priorities of Manitoba families.
And as what our Premier (Mr. Selinger) has reminded us, it is a throne speech that has a balanced, forward-looking approach to keep building Manitoba and, at the same, time finding responsible ways to reduce costs and better deliver government services.
Mr. Speaker, first I would like to extend my congratulations to the new Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Pallister). I wish him well in his new post. Being a Leader of the Official Opposition is a noble task.
Also words of warm welcome to the new pages and interns.
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I also wish to express gratitude and appreciation to all the officers of the Legislative Assembly, headed by Patricia Chaychuk and Rick Yarish, Clerk and Deputy Clerk respectively, and to the table officers and committee clerks. Their assistance and services to us elected representatives, as well as your services, Mr. Speaker, are very valuable.
Mr. Speaker, I will never forget the reason why I am standing here today, and that is to represent my honoured and valued constituents in Logan. I thank them deeply at the honour and privilege they have accorded me when they affirmed their support to send me back to the Legislature a year ago.
I also thank the constituents of Logan who did not support me or, for one reason or another, did not have the opportunity to cast their vote for or against me. Supporters or not, they are my constituents and I affirm my strong desire to represent them here at this Chamber and serve them all to the best of my ability.
Mr. Speaker, I also have another constituency, those whom I come in contact with as I discharge the duties of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Each and every day it never ceases to amaze me at how rich and blessed we are to be in a province where there is vibrant arts and culture in every corner. The depth of talents in music, visual arts, theatre, film, dance, handicrafts and many more, including culinary arts, are so inspiring and gratifying.
Mr. Speaker, you can say that when the Creator decided to shower this earth with talents, natural resources including great tourism attractions, Manitoba received a fairly large share of it.
Mr. Speaker, daily there are many opportunities of service happening in our constituency office for which I am thankful for the dedicated service of CA Jean Padrinao and EA Levy Abud.
I am also grateful for the help and support of so many people, notably, my husband, Orlando, my children, Malaya, Diwa, Mayon, Awit and Lualhati, the many members of my church family at Broadway Disciples United Church, many relatives from both sides of the family and my relatives. It includes those from the Nth Degree, many members of the Filipino community not just in Winnipeg, but in many other cities and municipalities in Manitoba. And the Filipino community in Manitoba is growing, Mr. Speaker. Also, there are many friends and associates from other communities: First Nations and Aboriginals; Chinese; Vietnamese; Portuguese; south and southeast Asians; African; Korean and European and Slavic communities. I appreciate their friendship and support.
Mr. Speaker, this year I am so delighted in the huge interest our constituency office received from many people to be volunteers in their community projects. We were offered assistance in the office and outside the office. Besides those willing to do clerical work, we received assistance in doing door-to-door knocking to constituents. Individuals who also–and there are also individuals who also lend their–lent their musical talents to our visits to residents of high-rise buildings during our little social events.
Mr. Speaker, please allow me to proceed and report on what's happening on the ground at the Logan constituency. There are at least five major areas where the constituency office able to deliver services to constituents.
First, in the area of immigration matters like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, many constituents come to the office to ask for questions related to the program, and also many more to request the services of our CA to review their applications: applications of relatives and friends to the program. There's also high number of permanent residents coming for help in the area of passport renewals, sponsorships, use for a commissioner on oaths, special power of attorney, requests for letter of invitation and, lastly, citizenship applications.
Secondly, in the area housing we have received many, many visitors from the community, most of whom are seniors complaining on rent increases and also residents asking for applications to Manitoba Housing or transfer from one place to the other. Also, there were safety issues expressed in the community.
Third is the issues related to income employment and assistance and also related to disability claims, following up on allowances, and many others. Also, in the area of jobs and employment, people come to our office asking if we can refer them to employers. And for this reason we have decided to undertake a job–we and–we–many people have come and attended our office for–and help–ask for help in finding jobs. And that prompted us to organize a job fair, where over 700 people came and there were at least 12 employers who received resumés for various positions for their companies.
Fifth area is in the area of health. Constituents telephoned us and–or have come to our office for enquiries that relates to their doctors' appointments. Occasionally, there were visits and calls where constituents expressed concern on crime, on education and the care for the environment.
Mr. Speaker, to give you an idea of the traffic situation in our office, just to start from the month of June, there were 97 personal visits; for July, 91; in August, there were 99 visits; September, 58 visits; October, 70; for a total of 415 visits in person, just for those months of June to October. This only covers people who come to office.
We also receive many phone calls, an average of 10 calls per day, translating to about 50 calls per week. To provide a breakdown of this, from June to October, in the month of June, we received 57 calls; in the month of July, 49; 67 in August; 27 in September; and in October, 53. And for the month of November, as of yesterday, the calls recorded were 88.
Indeed, we are very proud to be of service to the community. At this point, Mr. Speaker, let me report another area that complements our delivery of services. This is in the area of community outreach, like attending community events, organizing community events. That includes karaoke nights in high-rise buildings and seniors buildings, as well as tax press–preparation in the month of April.
Mr. Speaker, from the months of June to October, our constituency office was able to cover door knocking in eight polls, where constituents were asked about their issues and concerns and, as a result, we have done many–casework on behalf of constituents. I also–by the way, I started door knocking early this year, month of January, and I was delighted. For the month of January and February, I have covered all–or knocked on all the doors of 411 Cumberland, that big condominium on–at Cumberland Avenue. There are 20 floors and each floor has 20 units. So, it's a poll by itself.
Also, Mr. Speaker, for–in the months of September and October, we did door knocking on homes in the community. And it was heartening to see how many residents have kept their homes spic and span, and many even did major renovations. Some had it contracted, while others did it themselves. I can appreciate the do-it-yourself home renovations. We did our kitchen and one bathroom by ourselves.
For our kitchen, it couldn't wait for IKEA's opening, which opened just yesterday, so early this year we had ordered online. When the boxes came, assembling those IKEA cabinets at first was frustrating and confusing. However, after the second cabinet was assembled, it was a breeze to go through the third and the rest.
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Mr. Speaker, there were some homeowners we spoke to when we did the door knocking who were interested in making their homes energy efficient. To them, I and my assistant communicated the expanded Power Smart energy efficiency program to help Manitobans make energy and water retrofits to their homes, thereby saving money and helping the environment. Our government is leading the way in reducing waste by supporting municipal composting programs and expanding recycling.
Mr. Speaker, likewise, my constituents who'll appreciate our government addresses the priorities of their families. Education is key to our future. Nothing is more important to our children's future success than education. That is why we are taking measures to protect the quality of education in Manitoba for the long term, even in this challenging economic times.
Another advantage that my constituents in Logan can appreciate is the affordability of living in Manitoba. My daughter, who's a graduate student in Ontario, pays over $1,600 for a small two-bedroom suite in an old three-storey house in Toronto. Living in Manitoba has many advantages. We have one of the most affordable costs of living in the country and the high quality of life that makes our province a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family.
A new law guarantees that Manitoba families will pay the lowest combined bills in the country for electricity, home heating and auto insurance. Tax cuts delivered by our government since 1999 will save Manitobans more than $1.2 billion in taxes this year. We have the second lowest PST rate in the country and the second lowest provincial taxes on fuels. Statistics Canada has identified Manitoba as the only province in the country to see property taxes remain relatively stable since 2000. We saw a 7.4 per cent increase over all, while average Canadian property taxes increased by 37.9 per cent, a rate more than five times higher than ours.
Also, Mr. Speaker, small businesses in the Logan constituency will appreciate that Manitoba remains the only province in the country to eliminate the small business tax. We will increase the small business tax threshold from four hundred thousand to five hundred thousand by 2016.
Mr. Speaker, in my door-to-door visits to constituents I notice a good number of elderly still living in their homes. Seniors helped build the province and we are–that we are all proud to call home. They deserve to live with dignity and know that the services they count on are there for them. To provide better health care for seniors and elders last year our government announced a renewed long-term care strategy to ensure that seniors would have access to the services they need. We have committed to adding hundreds of new personal care home beds and are providing more home care services to support seniors who want to live at home longer. By the way, our home care program is touted as the best in the country. I have seen it delivered by caring workers to many of my constituents in Logan.
Our government is implementing a new innovative rehabilitation program to help seniors quickly regain and maintain their independence following an injury or surgery. Likewise, we are creating a new income protection benefit to make supportive housing an affordable alternative to personal care homes for low income seniors.
Mr. Speaker, we can all appreciate the desire of elderly people to stay at home–stay at their homes as long as they can safely. Our government is helping seniors stay in their homes longer through the primary caregiver tax credit which helps offset the out-of-pocket expenses caregivers incur when looking after their loved ones. We are–we have already increased the tax credit from $1,020 to $1,275 annually. We expect this will benefit over 5,000 primary caregivers each year and will amount to 1.6 million in tax savings.
Mr. Speaker, we are investing $10 million to supply a hundred and fifty additional safe, affordable homes for seniors. This builds on a prior commitment to provide 320 units. One of such places will soon open for seniors in Brooklands, an area that I served when I was MLA for Wellington. I had the honour of being one of the people who participated in the sod turning early this year at Westlands at Oddy with our Minister of Housing and Community Development (Ms. Irvin-Ross). It is a beautiful, brand-new, two-storey building. This project has been developed as a non–not-for-profit housing co-operative with government financing. The apartment complex design offers 36 suites for 55-and-plus households. Rents will be affordable not-for-profit rents set at median market levels.
Also, Mr. Speaker, we're providing an increase to RentAid for low-income seniors. For example, a senior who is receiving $1,320 per year will see an increase to $1,452 per year. We have developed a program to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents at home. Our SafetyAid program provides low-income seniors with non-slip bathmats, night lights, flashlights, fluorescent stair tape, ice melt for sidewalks and ice scrapes for canes.
We have created a seniors roundtable that will help plan for and meet the future housing needs of seniors. For the provincial elder abuse strategy, we have an elder abuse consultant who works throughout Manitoba to ensure that services and supports are co-ordinated and available to all.
Mr. Speaker, my constituency has had peace and order issues in the past, and the Province and the City are trying to manage this issue to the best of their resources. Making our communities safer is a top priority through crime prevention programs, preventing a crime from happening in the first place, like providing a safe and wholesome place for teenagers and youth, just like what Rossbrook House in my constituency provides.
Crime prevention starts with our youth. Kids who are doing well in school and are active in recreation and other activities are less likely to get caught up in crime.
Building safer communities is not just about cracking down on crime but also making sure that Manitobans feel safe in their homes and in their communities. It takes a multipronged approach, including increased policing and prosecution, successful crime-prevention programs and innovative crime-fighting techniques. Mister speaking–Mr. Speaker, on policing and prosecution, we have increasing–increased spending on police, from $58 million in 1999 to over $126 million this year.
I would like to give the opportunity–I'm closing now, Mr. Speaker, to give opportunity to my other colleagues to speak on behalf of this Speech from the Throne.
Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, it's a great privilege to be able to stand in support of an action plan for the Second Session of the–Manitoba's 40th Legislature, a plan that protects what matters most to Manitobans during a time of economic uncertainty.
We put families first by protecting the jobs and services they count on. Our government has turned this province around. From hospitals to schools to new roads, Manitoba is back on track. The global economy hit all of us hard in the downturn, and it made us have to work even harder to improve the quality of life we have in Manitoba.
Like the Prime Minister said on–recently, uncertainty is the new norm for economies everywhere. But through it all, our government has remained focused on the things that matter most to Manitobans. Faced with a recession in the 1990s, the Progressive Conservatives chose massive cuts to front-line services to deal with the recession. The results were nurse and doctor shortages, higher taxes and crumbling infrastructure. It took years and billions of dollars to repair that damage, Mr. Speaker.
Our government has rejected the opposition's calls for deep cuts to balance the books all at once. Instead, we're continuing to invest in the things that families care about most: health care, education and job-creating stimulus projects to improve our communities.
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The global economy hit communities everywhere very hard, but with a forward-looking plan, our government has protected the services that families count on, and we've invested in communities and neighbourhoods across this great province. Our investments have helped create 29,000 new jobs in Manitoba, and most of these jobs were created in the private sector. Our plan is working. Maclean's magazine even calls it the Manitoba miracle, Mr. Speaker.
Now, we heard today earlier–our Minister of Health (Ms. Oswald) said there are 3,173 new nurses in Manitoba and 500 more doctors. That is a huge accomplishment from the days when doctors were being driven out of the province by the policies of the Progressive Conservatives and nurses were on the unemployment rolls or moving elsewhere to get a job.
We've expanded every college and university in this province, and our hydro projects have led to $5.5 billion in new hydro exports. And since coming to office, we've worked hard to recover from the deep cuts made in the '90s, and it's working, Mr. Speaker. We're a province that has a growing population and a growing economy.
These successes come from the people who live here and from having a government that cares about the same things Manitoba families care about. Our government is moving Manitoba forward with a common sense, balanced approach.
We've eliminated taxes on small business: 9 per cent under the members opposite; zero under us.
Capital tax: eliminated in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker. Punishing capital taxes when they were in office.
We've expanded our skills training and apprenticeship programs to meet the demands of our job market. With flood costs at over a billion and additional cost pressures from–coming forward at health care, child welfare and public safety, our plan to move Manitoba forward through these uncertain times is balanced, moderate and forward-looking.
We are committed to protecting core services while making targeted strategic investments to support opportunities and economic growth. This year, our government took steps to redirect spending away from administration and towards front-line services. We will have cut the number of regional health authorities to five from 13 that they invented when they were in office to further streamline services.
The members opposite sold the Manitoba Telephone System to balance the books. That's their approach; sell off your assets and use the cash to balance the books.
We're working with municipal governments to encourage more regional co-operation. And, you know, Mr. Speaker, I was very impressed by the leadership at the AMM. They know that there are opportunities to grow the rural economy and attract more people to live there, and we're going to work with them to achieve that. And one of the ways we're going to do that is by having mergers of municipalities that will provide a solid foundation for investments and infrastructure for investments and services, for emergency planning and for regional economic development to grow the economy.
We're deferring wage increases for MLAs, and salaries have been reduced by 20 per cent for Cabinet ministers. Travel costs have been managed overall to be down over the last couple of years.
We've amalgamated regional health authorities, merged two Crown corporations into one and launched a process to reduce the number of government agencies, boards and commissions by 20 per cent. That process of streamlining and reducing duplication continues, Mr. Speaker. We are reducing the public service by 600 positions over the next three years, and we're consolidating government offices where possible to reduce costs and modernize services, and we're adopting procurement practices to reduce costs across government.
Manitobans are confident because our economic fundamentals are strong. This year, Manitoba businesses are hiring at a rate faster than the national average. This confidence has extended to families who are building and renovating homes. Housing starts this year have increased at more than double the national rate. Winnipeg is a great place to live, and the opening of an IKEA store is the next step in attracting more people, creating more jobs in our city and boosting our economy in uncertain times.
And only the members opposite would denigrate three to four hundred more jobs in this community. They don't want jobs in Manitoba. They want to send those jobs elsewhere. That's what they're all about, Mr. Speaker.
Our continued investments in education, the gateway to opportunities, and strengthening our partnerships with business, labour, educational institutions has led to labour productivity growth that outpaces every other province and more than double the national average. Labour productivity means better products at a better price. It means more exports. It means more growth and employment in Manitoba. Manitoba is doubling labour productivity more than the national average. That is a great story.
Communities across Manitoba are undergoing a great revitalization in recent years with new and growing neighbourhoods, welcoming young families from around the world. I just have to think about the community of Flin Flon–and I think the MLA is here in the Chamber. One of his new residences–one of his new residents said that he searched all across Canada for where he wanted to live and he chose Flin Flon, Manitoba, because of the quality of life. That was his decision. He moved from Toronto to Flin Flon because that was a place where he could raise a family, do outdoor activities, participate in the arts, participate in sports. Flin Flon, not Toronto, that's the future of Canada.
This year we announced the province's biggest population gains since modern-day record-keeping began in 1971. Mr. Speaker, 16,045 people came to Manitoba between April of 2011 and April of 2012. That's a record. We want Manitoba to be a designation choice for people from around the world.
Manitoba Hydro Place, the MTS Centre, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and–are–we're reshaping Winnipeg's skyline as monumental symbols of our renaissance in this great province. Manitoba is a great place to live, to work and play and, we are committed to building on these accomplishments.
These new world-class attractions are setting the stage and attracting world-class events such as the FIFA Women's World Cup with the new stadium, the Junos and the Canada Summer Games. They're all coming to Manitoba in the years ahead.
Now is the time to let the world know that something special is happening in this province. And I can tell you, when people come here, they sense the buzz, they feel the momentum, they're happy to be part of the Manitoba story. It's only unfortunate the members of the opposition didn't get on board the train of progress in this province instead of trying to thwart it every single day. The train's leaving the gates, and the member from Steinbach's missing the train again, just like he always does.
And I was so pleased to open a new school in Steinbach the other day, Mr. Speaker, and have the whole community out there–the whole community out there to celebrate that great new school with the finest architecture we're seeing in the province for those school facilities.
Timely access to health care is a priority for all Manitobans, Mr. Speaker. Your family's health is our priority. Our government has worked hard to turn our hospitals and care facilities around and repair the damage caused by the deep cuts of the 1990s. We've cut wait times and we've put those 500 doctors and 3,173 more nurses on the job. We've decreased wait times and increased medical school spaces, and financial grants to train more health-care professionals. And we've built and modernize more than a hundred health-care facilities around this province.
We made a lot of progress, but we can't stop here. We're continuing to hire and train more doctors, nurses and health workers, and ensure they have the tools they need. For everyday Manitobans, that will mean faster, more convenient care for some of the best trained doctors and nurses in Canada. Health care is the No. 1 priority of Manitobans, and our government will never lose sight of this fact.
As in other jurisdictions, health care faces formidable long-term challenges, and these challenges demand a bold, long-term strategy. People are living longer, and the number of older Manitobans expected–is expected to double over the next 25 years which will add pressure to our health-care system.
* (16:20)
Federal support for health care has dropped to 30 per cent over the last 30 years. It's now down to 20 per cent, Mr. Speaker, and cuts are promising to take it to 11 per cent in the future. That's not the future of the medicare promise in this country. The 'medicary'–medicare promise was a 50‑50 partnership between the provincial–federal and provincial governments. That promise is being eroded every single day by members of the federal government, as we speak.
Mr. Speaker, we're going to launch a five-year, health-care strategy in this province, and this year increases in health-care spending have been reduced as we focus on those essential priorities. We also encourage Manitobans to be active and to contribute to their long-term health care and well-being. When we live healthier we benefit our–with from a better quality of life and rely less on our health-care system. Government has a role to encourage this shift towards healthier life styles, and this shift has been extended right into the work place. A healthier, safer workplace is a part of what we're all about, and we will continue to do this by ensuring there are front-line health-care professionals to provide the services we need by cutting hospital emergency room visits, by offering more QuickCare clinics, more access centres, and more mobile clinics around this province.
This year we are launching what the Canadian cancer care society is calling the most compassionate and comprehensive model for cancer drug coverage in the country. Already over 5,600 Manitobans have saved $3.5 million this year through the home cancer drug program. That is an enormous accomplishment for people in need–free cancer care drugs so you can stay at home, stay in your community and spend your energy and your time focusing on getting well. Members opposite voted against it. We put it in place, Mr. Speaker.
Last year we opened the first CancerCare centre in Morden-Winkler, Manitoba, and more will be created over the next year as we transform all 16 rural chemo health-care centres into full CancerCare hubs to give Manitobans the fastest access to world-class cancer screening, testing and treatment. To that end we have begun the most aggressive and–CancerCare wait-time strategy in Canada. We want that time from diagnosis to treatment to be the shortest anywhere in the country. Manitobans deserve no less, Mr. Speaker.
More doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals have been hired to help reduce wait times and provide better health care. Hospitals, clinics and personal care homes have been renewed and rebuilt, and we have found ways to make the provincial health system more efficient, while improving patient care. Working with Manitobans, Mr. Speaker, we have made progress, but we're not going to stop here. We're going to keep moving forward. Our goal is to provide better health care closer to home. Our government will take action on a number of fronts. Our record compares with that of the members opposite. It's superior to the members opposite. We didn't pick on doctors and nurses and health-care professionals. We've worked with them to build a better Manitoba.
Mr. Speaker, our government understands that every parent wants the very best possible start in life for his or her child. That means ensuring that their kids can get a quality education that will prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. In the year ahead we will ensure that Manitoban students get the best education they need and deserve, to succeed. We will make it easier for parents to help their kids succeed in school by introducing new parent-friendly report cards. Those tools have been developed in consultation with parents, and they're already telling us those new, simplified, clear report cards are giving them the information they need to know how their kids are doing in school.
We will have parent-friendly curriculum tools online. Parents will be able to go online and see what the curriculum is, the courses that their children are taking, and know what it is that their students are learning and working hard towards mastering as skills every single year.
Mr. Speaker, we are using–we are working with Manitoba teachers to develop the latest techniques for learning and sharing with their colleagues. We are fighting bullying with new measures to help parents, students and teachers, and we are building child-care centres on site in every new school we build in this province. Every new school will have a daycare centre. More than a dozen new child-care facilities will be open throughout the province, and we will strengthen the compensation to attract and retain early childhood educators. And Manitoba child-care workers now have access to a pension plan, the first pension plan for daycare workers in the history of Manitoba.
High school apprenticeships are creating opportunities for private sector employers to take on more apprentices and will give rural employers better access to skilled, trained–skilled training opportunities for rural Manitobans and create jobs. In the coming year we will take further action to increase apprenticeship opportunities which have increased 800 per cent since the year 2000. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, for every apprentice that was in place before '99, we now have eight apprenticeship opportunities in Manitoba.
Manitoba has a population-fuelled economy, what the New York Times called a miracle of parka-clad diversity, right here in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker. And our population is growing–our population is growing and getting younger, at least on this side of the House. To ensure we have enough skilled workers to realize our full potential for economic growth, we are setting an ambitious target of adding 75,000 more workers to our labour force by the year 2020–75,000 more skilled workers in the labour force by the year 2020.
To chart the map and the course to beat this goal, the Premier's Economic Advisory Council will convene a skills summit that will offer advice to us, to employers, to chambers, to governments, to unions on how we can have that goal–that bold new goal achieved in Manitoba to ensure that Manitoba firms have access to workers they need when they need them and to connect Manitobans with jobs. The skills summit themes include: excellence in education and jobs for tomorrow, apprenticeships and training, connecting Manitobans with trade and jobs, First Nations and Metis labour-force development for these growing populations, and growing our successful immigration strategy.
When we offer more good jobs, more young families will choose to build their futures here. In turn, we develop a strong labour force for the future and that will grow the economy in Manitoba. We've heard it from business leaders and we've heard it from everyday Manitobans, a well-trained, well-educated population is the key to keeping Manitoba's economy on track. It's the key to better health. It's the key to prosperity. We're committed to doing that. We're going to move forward on that agenda, Mr. Speaker.
And a good education gives young people the opportunity to write their own ticket to the future. That's why our government has made education a priority. The investments in universities will be regenerating returns in the years to come. The U of M healthy living centre will open in 2015. Very timely, I might add, Mr. Speaker. The Bombers' Investors Group Field will serve the community. The U of W fieldhouse will be available as a community asset not just for the university but for everybody in Manitoba and in Winnipeg.
This year, Red River College will see a $60‑million investment in a new skilled trades and technology centre. Brandon University will have a health and wellness centre that serves students and community members. The Université de Saint-Boniface is recreating itself through a new brand. It's now the newest and the oldest university in Manitoba, the first post-secondary institution in this province and now the newest university in Manitoba and the only French-speaking university west of Québec, Mr. Speaker. That's something we should be proud of.
Assiniboine Community College's new greenhouse is providing training and research, and, you know, economic development is going to be a theme that we pursue every single day in this House, whether it's that $4-billion infrastructure commitment that we're ahead of schedule on, whether it's investments in education, whether it's fixing up bridges, whether it's developing our labour force, whether it's having a health-care strategy and better access to QuickCare clinics and more doctors, whether it's increasing trade, and 55 per cent of our trade is going to–new trade opportunities are going to emerging economies and keeping Manitoba affordable.
We will have the lowest rates for auto insurance, home heating and electricity in the country over the next four years and we will do that while we live in safer communities with clean water and a healthier environment. All that's possible if we have a focus and a vision for the future, which we have.
Thank you very much.
* (16:30)
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order, please. Order, please.
The hour being 4:30 p.m., pursuant to rule 45(5), I'm interrupting the proceedings in order to put the question on the motion of the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau), that this–the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
Do the members wish to have the motion reread?
Some Honourable Members: No.
Mr. Speaker: No? Dispense.
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some Honourable Members: Yes.
Some Honourable Members: No.
Mr. Speaker: I hear a no.
Voice Vote
Mr. Speaker: All those in favour of adopting the motion, please signify by saying aye.
Some Honourable Members: Aye.
Mr. Speaker: All those opposed, please signify by saying nay.
Some Honourable Members: Nay.
Mr. Speaker: In the opinion of the Chair, the Ayes have it.
Recorded Vote
Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Mr. Speaker, could you call in the members for a recorded vote, please.
Mr. Speaker: Recorded vote having been requested, call in the members.
Order, please. The question before the House is the motion of the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau), that is, the motion for an address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
* (16:50)
Division
A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows:
Yeas
Allan, Allum, Altemeyer, Ashton, Blady, Braun, Caldwell, Chief, Chomiak, Dewar, Gaudreau, Howard, Irvin‑Ross, Jha, Kostyshyn, Lemieux, Mackintosh, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Marcelino (Tyndall Park), Melnick, Nevakshonoff, Oswald, Pettersen, Robinson, Rondeau, Saran, Selby, Selinger, Struthers, Swan, Whitehead, Wiebe, Wight.
Nays
Briese, Cullen, Driedger, Eichler, Ewasko, Friesen, Gerrard, Goertzen, Graydon, Helwer, Maguire, Mitchelson, Pallister, Pedersen, Rowat, Schuler, Smook, Stefanson, Taillieu, Wishart.
Madam Clerk (Patricia Chaychuk): Yeas 34, Nays 20.
Mr. Speaker: I declare the motion carried.
* * *
Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Would you canvass the House to see if there's will to call it 5 o'clock.
Mr. Speaker: Is there 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 1:30 p.m. on Monday.