LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Madam 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.
Please be seated. Good morning, everybody.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (Official Opposition House Leader): For House business this morning, we would like to call from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Bill 224, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. we will call Bill 236, The Celebrating Manitoba 150 Act. Miigwech.
Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider second readings of bills 224 and 236 this morning. In Bill 224, that bill's debate will go from 10 to 10:30, and debate on Bill 236 will proceed from 10:30 to 11 o'clock.
Introduction of Guests
Madam Speaker: Prior to starting debate, we have some guests in the Speaker's gallery that I would like to introduce to you.
These are very special guests. We have Ginette Michaud visiting from Washington, D.C., and Nicole Michaud-Oystryk and Lawrence Oystryk from Winnipeg, and our guests are the sisters and brother-in-law of Claude Michaud, our hard-working journals clerk.
On behalf of all members here, we welcome you.
Madam Speaker: I will now call Bill 224–second reading of 224, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act.
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I move, seconded by the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), that Bill 224, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act–oh, I'm not going to read the French part now–Act–wait a minute–be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.
Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable member for Flin Flon, seconded by the honourable member for Minto, that Bill 224, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House.
Mr. Lindsey: It gives me great pleasure and is really an honour this morning to stand up and introduce this bill for second reading.
It's an important bill for working people in this province, and I'm happy to see some of our friends from labour are here in the House because they also recognize the importance of stress in the workplace.
Presently, the compensation act only covers single traumatic incidents of stress to be covered by compensation. What this bill does is it expands upon that to recognize that stress is caused by much more than just a single traumatic incident.
I came out of a workplace; I've talked to workers; I've seen the effects on workers who had to go off work without income simply because the stress levels that they were experiencing because of things that were happening in the workplace were just too great.
I know, Madam Speaker, that after a smelter explosion in the year 2000 in Flin Flon, there were many workers that had experienced similar incidents in the past, that even though they weren't on shift that day, the effect of that accident on their mental health caused them stress that those of us who haven't been through that kind of traumatic series of events could never possibly imagine.
So it's important that we recognize that there are many things that can cause stress, things–bullying, harassment–things that are ongoing, things that don't just happen one single time. And those things need to be recognized for what they are, which are workplace accidents. And that's why we've included in the language of the act to capture it as an accident, because that's what it is. It's an accident to your mental health, which the workplace health and safety act itself talks about not just physical accidents but mental well-being as well.
It seems the ideal time to expand coverage of workers' compensation to workers that are injured when the compensation board decides to give $74 million back to employers because they think there's no more accidents. Madam Speaker, there are accidents. There are accidents to our mental health. There's incidents that affect us, that affect our families, that affect a worker's ability to continue going to work. They should not have to face losing that which they've worked hard for because of an accident at work, whether it's a physical accident or an accident to their mental health. What this does is guarantees people coverage under The Workers Compensation Act for those types of accidents.
The concept of mental health certainly was not contemplated in the early 1900s when the compensation act was first envisioned. But then, neither were many other types of accidents that are present in workplaces today. The compensation acts over the years have changed to recognize new types of accidents, new types of stressors, things that have always been there, sometimes, but there was never any scientific proof to capture them as being an accident. And certainly, mental health issues are more in the forefront in workplaces, in society, than they were once upon a time.
So that's why I really want to stress the importance of continuing to expand coverage for workers who are injured at work. We shouldn't be clawing back coverage from workers. We should make sure that the employers recognize the importance of workers' mental health for not just the workers' sake, but also for the employers' sake because workers that are suffering stress are not the most productive workers.
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So, really, this particular act should be seen as not just a benefit to workers but a benefit to workplaces so that workers can get the relief that they need, so that employers recognize that they would have to treat stress in the workplace the same as they would have to treat any other accident cause in the workplace, so that they can work towards eliminating those causes because it's the hazards in the workplace that cause workers to get hurt, and mental health, the things that cause stress are the hazard when it comes to workplace mental health.
So, by including it in part of the compensation act, it really drives employers to do a better job, which will lead to more productive employees, will lead to safer, healthier, happier workplaces, but it also guarantees that workers can get the coverage that they need, can get the help that they need to deal with stressors.
And it has to be recognized, Madam Speaker, that it's not just a single, traumatic incident that causes stress, although single, traumatic incidents do and can cause stress. And it's taken years to have workplaces and workers compensation boards across the country recognize that even those types of single, traumatic incidents that cause stress really need to be treated like an accident in the workplace, because it's not that many years ago that they were not. I believe I took part in a review of the compensation act a number of years ago that included at least the single, traumatic incident of causing stress, because it was never included in the act at all.
So, really, as we move forward in society, as we progress in society and understand more about whether it's asbestos and the diseases that it causes, it should be recognized under The Workers Compensation Act. When you get it at work or whether it's stress, the result is still the same, Madam Speaker. It's the negative impact on workers that needs to be identified and corrected, but it also needs to ensure that workers don't suffer negative financial consequences from accidents that are not necessarily in their control, which a lot of incidents of stress in workplaces are not in the control of the worker that suffers the stress, and it can be a broad range of things that get covered that cause stress.
So, really, then, it falls on health and safety committees, employers, workers to identify what those causes of stress are and to develop ways to reduce them, to reduce the harm to workers–which should be the goal of all of us in this Chamber as well–is to reduce harm to workers.
And that's really what this amendment to The Workers Compensation Act attempts to do in recognizing that successive stressors cause stress on workers, cause mental anguish. It will lead us to hopefully start rectifying, identifying and rectifying those particular hazards. And they are hazards; there's no question about that.
So this is certainly not the first jurisdiction to introduce similar-type legislation, but I'm not opposed to Manitoba leading, but I'm certainly not opposed to us following what's working in other jurisdictions. And certainly, as we look at this government saying, well, as part of the New West Partnership, we should do what other jurisdictions are doing; let's do what BC did and introduce an amendment such as this to our Workers Compensation Act, the same as what BC did.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: A question period of up to 10 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the sponsoring member by any member in the following sequence. First question to be asked by a member from another party. This is to be followed by a rotation between the parties. Each independent member may ask one question, and no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds.
Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): I thank my colleague for bringing this bill for discussion this morning.
Can he explain to this House why he is now disagreeing with the opinion of Anna Rothney, who is a leader and a–in a leadership role within the NDP themselves when she was executive director of the Manitoba Federation of Labour and part of the 10-year review which did not recommend stress-induced mental disorders be covered by WCB at this time?
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Well, I don't necessarily agree with everybody in the labour world, the same as, I'm sure, the member from Morris doesn't agree with everybody in the business world all the time.
But, without having context to the member from Morris's statement about Anna Rothney from the MFL, it makes it hard for me to comment on it. But certainly, when I look at what takes place in workplaces–and I'm sure Ms. Rothney will agree–that stress incidents in workplaces are actually on the rise and therefore should be recognized. And by introducing this bill, they will be recognized. And, certainly, I'm willing to have that conversation with Ms. Rothney to clear that up and, hopefully, the member from Morris will too.
Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): I want to thank the member from Flin Flon. And we didn't have a chance–I don't think you had the information–so I just wanted to welcome our guests from the MFL here today, and thank you for coming down to the Chamber. I think we owe them a–[interjection]
Could the member for Flin Flon tell us what other jurisdictions have similar legislation?
Mr. Lindsey: Thank you to that question. It is a good question because, like I said in my opening statement, we're not the first, but we shouldn't be the last.
BC has introduced and has, actually, similar legislation to this in place. In fact, this legislation and theirs are very similar to each other. Ontario has something in their legislation as well, although there are differences in the interpretation and of where it fits in their act as opposed to where ours fits.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Just on a point of clarification here, post-traumatic stress disorder is currently covered. That sometimes can be more than one traumatic stress. But it doesn't adequately cover chronic stress in the workplace, which this could certainly cover. Is that the intent of this bill?
Mr. Lindsey: And I thank the member for that question. Yes, absolutely. That is the intent of this bill. While PTSD is covered, most of the language in current act talks about a single traumatic incident causing stress, although PTSD does recognize that it may be cumulative for those very significant type stressors. What this does is recognizes the more everyday, ongoing type stress in a workplace and how it should be covered under Workers Compensation, as well.
Mr. Kelly Bindle (Thompson): Does the member for The Pas (Ms. Lathlin) think his leader and his party stance that natural resources should be left in the ground will cause any stress to his constituents in the North who depend on economic mineral development for stability?
Mr. Lindsey: It's unfortunate that the member from Thompson thinks that leaving ore in the ground has something to do with this bill because it does not. But you know what caused stress to workers in Thompson, is when the member from Thompson refused to stand up and defend them when they're trying to save their community.
Mr. Allum: I guess my friend from Thompson doesn't get up north very often. This is the member for Flin Flon, not the member for The Pas.
Could the member tell us: Will workers experiencing the cumulative trauma because of sexual harassment be eligible for compensation?
Mr. Lindsey: Thank the member for that question. It's nice to have real questions about a very important piece of legislation. And the answer is, yes, it should be. It should be covered because those type of incidents, particularly when they're ongoing, unwanted, cause stress to workers in a workplace and therefore should be covered under the compensation act.
* (10:20)
Mr. Gerrard: I would ask the member who's put forward this bill just to explain the extent of compensation.
Would it cover, for example, visits to a psychologist for psychological therapy as part of the compensation that could be received for somebody who has a stress-induced mental disorder?
Mr. Lindsey: The answer to that is it should cover treatment for these types of injuries the same as I would get coverage for medical treatment for a broken arm. So recognizing these stressors to workers as mental stressors as an accident will lead to the same type of coverage, which is important, which is very important for workers to be able to access those kind of services to help address their mental health issues the same as they should be able to, under a compensation act, address physical health issues that arise out of the workplace.
So, thank you.
Mr. Martin: I'm wondering if the member for Flin Flon can tell this House the last time the Manitoba WCB has not published its annual report.
Mr. Lindsey: Sorry, I have to apologize to the member of Morris. I did not hear his whole question; it was something about publishing an annual report from the compensation board. I'm not sure what exactly that has to do with the introduction of this bill, but I certainly suspect that the member will take some time to ask the question again, and I hope to be able to hear it and understand what it is he's seeking for an answer.
Mr. Allum: I can assure the member for Flin Flon that what the member from Morris asked was utterly irrelevant to what we're trying to talk about this morning.
I think it's probably helpful to ask the member who he consulted with and who was consulted in the creation of this bill.
Mr. Lindsey: I thank the member for that question, and certainly we have consulted with experts in the field. We've consulted with experts at the MFL, but, as importantly, Madam Speaker, I've talked to workers. I've talked to workers that have been injured. I've talked to workers that have suffered the ill effects of ongoing stress. Not only have I talked to them, I've lived with them; I've worked with them. I understand what it is that they suffer from, and it's unfortunate that many of the members opposite haven't had that same experience.
So, thanks for the question.
Mr. Gerrard: This bill would require a five-year plan for Workers Compensation Board.
I would ask the member whether he would provide us details of what he would expect to be in the plan, and would it include, for example, a plan to reduce the time-lost-to-injury rate which has been high for the last number of years, compared with other provinces, in Manitoba?
Mr. Lindsey: I thank the member for that question and yes, certainly, a five-year review of the plan should include not just capturing the statistics of the number of workers that have been injured in this type of injury, but also I would hope that it would talk about steps that have been taken to reduce the number of incidents to help protect workers. And that five-year review should probably carry over into the workplace health and safety act as well to ensure that the regulations are accurate and able to capture things of this nature so that both acts, working in parallel with each other, can actually go towards helping protect workers, protecting their mental health.
Mr. Bindle: Can the member for Flin Flon please tell the House how a doctor would determine that a stress-induced mental disorder came from stressors within a workplace?
Mr. Lindsey: Well, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a psychologist, I'm not a psychiatrist, but I can tell you that people that are trained and qualified in the field of mental health can certainly determine, based on the evidence provided, that what causes stress to workers. And keeping in mind that all workers are different, so what causes the member from Thompson stress certainly may not be the same as what causes the member from Flin Flon stress. So the mental health professionals, the mental health workers that are experts in those fields, the doctors, will be able to determine the cause and effect.
Now, it's always a challenge for people that are not familiar with workplaces–
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
The time for this question period has expired.
Madam Speaker: Debate is open.
Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): I do appreciate, as always, to participate in the democratic process that is the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, and I congratulate my colleague, the member for Flin Flon (Mr. Lindsey), for bringing in this bill. I think the bill is timely, given that it is children and youth mental health awareness week. A number of us participated and joined some representative groups the other day in the Rotunda with some of those groups, whether it was mood disorders, whether it was kids think, whether it was the scolaire–francophone school division, all working for the betterment of mental health for young people, Madam Speaker.
I made a point, Madam Speaker, and I did listen to the member for Flin Flon's comments about the legislation because I think that is an important part of the parliamentary process is that we listen to what members opposite have to say in defence of their legislation that they bring forward. And then, as well, in order to make sure that I was fully to speed on sort of the criteria in terms of private member's legislation, especially from the NDP's perspective, I took a look at the comments that they themselves made recently when myself brought forward a private member's bill.
So I saw that one of the criteria for passage, according to the NDP, of a private member's bill is that it's something that could not be done when they were in government. Well, obviously, this could have been done. I mean, 16 and a half years of NDP rule here in the province of Manitoba, more than ample opportunity to bring in this legislation that the member's putting forward today. And yet not once–I took a look at Hansard–and not once when the NDP were asking questions of themselves, not once during debate, not once during any introduction of WCB legislation, of which there were–now–of which there were multiple changes to the legislation, Madam Speaker, not once did they even bring forward an amendment at the committee stage.
So it makes one wonder, even to the guests in the gallery today, about how important this bill is to the NDP that when they actually had their hand on the wheel before they went off the cliff, they could have actually brought this legislation and this change in, but they simply didn't believe it was a priority. And yet today, they decide that, you know what, it is a priority.
You know, and I appreciate, maybe, the honesty in–of the members opposite, and I appreciate the question put forward by the member Fort Garry, whether or not individuals who'd suffered from sexual harassment would be eligible for compensation. And I did appreciate the fact that he did agree with that because I remember recently reading the NDP's report on the workplace within their own caucus during their tenure in office. Their own report made mention that it was a toxic, hostile environment–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Martin: –full of–
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Martin: –sexual harassment, even bordering on sexual assault, Madam Speaker. And in the instances–[interjection]–and I can hear the members opposite, and they're free to comment on the legislation. I mean, this is part of the process, and if they want to stand up and if they want–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Martin: If they want to comment on the legislation, Madam Speaker, they're welcome to. But, clearly–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Martin: You know what, Madam Speaker? I have the floor. I'd appreciate the–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order. Order, please. This is getting a little bit out of hand. I'm trying to call for order, and I'm still having people yell across at each other. And that is not the intent of debate here.
People are able to debate. Each side gets a chance to put their comments on the record. And we should be respectfully listening to each other. We may not agree, and often, there may be disagreement, but there is an expectation in here that we respectfully listen to all debate and definitely not be yelling across at members just because the–somebody doesn't like what they're saying.
Mr. Martin: Well, I appreciate your comments, Madam Speaker. And it's typical of the NDP that when they don't like debate, they try to shut it down. When they don't want to hear someone speaking, they try to shut it down–[interjection]
And, once again, I hear the chirping from members opposite, Madam Speaker, and I would ask you–
* (10:30)
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
When this matter is again before the House, the honourable member will have six minutes remaining.
Madam Speaker: As previously announced, we will now move on to second reading of Bill 236, The Celebrating Manitoba 150 Act.
Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): I move, seconded by the member for Fort Garry-Riverview (Mr. Allum), that Bill 236, The Celebrating Manitoba 150 Act; Loi sur l'Année de la célébration du 150e anniversaire du Manitoba, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.
Motion presented.
Mr. Swan: Ever since we've discovered in the last half hour sometimes as MLAs in this House, we're called upon to be advocates and to be adversarial. Sometimes, as MLAs, we're called upon to be bridge builders and problem solvers, and I hope everyone will agree that now for the next half hour this is one of those times. And I'm–[interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Swan: –putting forward this bill as a way to resolve the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) problem as he's expressed it to Manitobans. As I believe everyone in this House knows, the Premier has mused about the challenges in holding an election in the year that Manitobans are proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province in Canada.
Now there's a few different pieces to the Premier's concerns. One part of it is not valid, and I'll put some comments on the record on that, but, on the other hand, there is something the Premier has said that is valid, and I want to talk about that and that's why this bill is coming forward.
Now we know the Premier has said that, quote: People have told them that they can't possibly abide a provincial election in the same year that Manitoba turns 150. I'm not sure which people he's talking to. It's not something I've heard from friends in labour, friends in business, friends in the community. I haven't actually heard that from anybody, and I doubt very much that any member on the other side has heard that either. But I think it's important to put that into perspective by looking back at what governments of different stripes have done back before there was a law setting out an election date.
And I'll go back no further than the 1995, the Filmon government won a majority government in 1990. Rather than hold an election in 1994, Premier Filmon chose to carry that election into 1995, which just happened to be Manitoba's 125th birthday, which didn't seem to be a problem at that time. In 1999, Premier Filmon waited until over the four-year time into the fall of 1999 and that election was actually called in August which, Madam Speaker, was actually days after the very successful Pan Am Games came to a conclusion in Winnipeg. Pan Am Games, which, I think whatever your political stripe, whatever your belief, was a great success for the city of Winnipeg. I was proud to be a volunteer. I know other members of this House volunteered for this event in different ways, and the government waited until that was over and then called an election, I guess trying to ride a wave of happiness.
Well, we know how that turned out. It didn't stop the NDP from winning a majority government. But lest members believe I'm being partisan, it was also–it was in 2007 that Premier Gary Doer called an election and if you will recall that, it was immediately after the Premier had cut a deal with the then-prime minister on the announcement and construction of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. And I don't think I'm telling too many tales out of school to know that there was actually some at the airport making sure the prime minister's wheels were up before that election was called.
So I don't say that to be partisan. I say that governments of different stripes have acted differently before The Elections Act was changed. And, before the 2011 election, The Elections Act was changed to come up with set dates. There was an election October 2011, another election October 2016 and, as members know, there is now a provincial election that is set to occur in October 2020. That was intended to take away the ability of governments to choose a date to try to take short-term political advantages into account as most jurisdictions across Canada are now doing.
So I don't accept that concern, but I do accept another concern the Premier has raised, and his point, of course, is that there is a ban on government advertising which is a very, very broad brush for 90 days before an election. And we know if the election takes place as is set out in law on October 6th, 2020, that would mean a media blackout would start early in July.
I take the Premier (Mr. Pallister) at his word that there are going to be efforts made by this government to promote Manitoba 150. And, frankly, Madam Speaker, our New Democratic caucus supports that. I look forward to hearing what the Liberal caucus says. I expect they'll be in support of that as well. We want Manitoba 150 to be successful, not just within Manitoba but in the hope of attracting visitors from across Canada, from the United States and even beyond. And we know, of course, how the Premier believes in the rule of law. We know that because he tells us every chance he gets in this House. And this bill will allow advertising for Manitoba 150 while still allowing the Premier and his government to comply with The Elections Act.
So, you know, we have an opportunity to move quickly. I know there hasn't yet been a committee called for private members' bills. We can move this through very quickly and I think solve a problem for the Premier but also a problem for Manitobans who are concerned about the uncertainty of not now, apparently, being able to rely on a set election date, which everyone had counted on for some time.
I want to end my comments by talking about something that happened last summer that I know, Madam Speaker, you were very involved in. And that was when Manitoba hosted the Midwestern Legislative Conference.
And, Madam Speaker, I want to praise you and your office for the work that was done. I want to praise other members of this Chamber. The member for Arthur-Virden (Mr. Piwniuk) did a tremendous job as part of the committee. I want to commend the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), the Minister of Education, for his role. And, when we welcome guests from across the Prairies and Ontario and across the American Midwest, we didn't greet them as New Democrats or Progressive Conservatives or Liberals, we greeted them as members of Legislative Assembly.
And I was very proud, as I know you were, Madam Speaker. We put on a great show. We showed them just what Manitoba is all about and it is my sincere hope that that will happen with Manitoba 150. And that is what we can do when we work together in this House. I'm still hearing from colleagues in the United States who will tell us that the American question period we had in this very Chamber with my friend from Steinbach in the Speaker's chair, my colleague, the member for Morden-Winkler (Mr. Friesen) acting as the coach on the government side, it was a tremendous experience.
We're hoping that people who come to Manitoba to celebrate our 150th anniversary will own their own way and make their own choices but be able to enjoy a tremendous time. We don't want the government to feel constrained, that they can't welcome people, they can't talk about activities and events to enhance Manitoba's 150th. And that's why, Madam Speaker, I've brought this bill forward. That's why I'm hoping in the spirit of co-operation that we enjoyed so much last summer can continue to spill–can go off to committee. We can get it passed and take the Premier's concern out of the window. Thank you.
Madam Speaker: A question period of up to 10 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the sponsoring member by any member in the following sequence: first question to be asked by a member from another party. This is to be followed by a rotation between the parties. Each independent member may ask one question, and no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds.
Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Thank you to the member for his history lesson–always interesting to learn new history.
You know, there's been lots of calls, Madam Speaker, for review of The Election Financing Act. Many people have had suggestions. But I'm wondering why the member for Minto is just nitpicking little particular pieces of it as opposed to proposing an entire review. We're just trying to find solutions to, perhaps, problems that don't exist.
Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Well, if the government wants to undertake a review of the larger picture, I'm quite certain my caucus would be prepared to handle it. The reason why I brought this bill in is because of the specific problem which this Premier has put on the record in this House and also in the public domain. I bring this bill forward as a backbench member to try to satisfy the Premier's concern and try to work in a spirit of non-partisanship to try to resolve a problem. That's why I'm hoping we can–that we can pass this bill on to committee.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I want to just congratulate the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), my colleague, for bringing forward this really important bill.
You know, I suspect that the Premier (Mr. Pallister) is under a lot of stress trying to run the province of Manitoba. That's why he spends so much time outside our beautiful province.
* (10:40)
So can the member for Minto please share with the House how this bill helps the Premier in actually doing his job as the Premier in ensuring fair elections?
Mr. Swan: Well, I thank the member for St. Johns for the question and I'm attributing the best of intentions to the Premier. I will even go as far to say that I appreciate the Premier, for example, taped a greeting for our colleagues from across the Midwest last year.
I expect the Premier will play some role in the celebrations in the spring and summer for Manitoba 150, and I want to make it clear that if it is the giving a non-partisan greeting to people coming to our province or people within Manitoba celebrating our history, I don't want the Premier to feel constrained because he has–takes the position that he can't say anything after early July because of the October 6th, 2020 election which is set in law.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): It's my understanding that the Premier has already commissioned a review of the election finances act as it pertains to advertising during elections.
I am wondering why that review is taking as long as it has and whether it will address this matter.
Mr. Swan: Well, it's an excellent question by the member for River Heights and, of course, in the past when there's been changes to The Elections Act, there's always been a spirit of co-operation to make sure that all parties are engaged in that process because our democracy is a fragile thing and a very important thing.
I wish I could give an answer to the member for River Heights to what I think is a very reasonable question. Maybe in debate this morning we'll hear some answers from the government.
Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake): Two weeks ago, the opposition NDP party were–they were not supportive of our Manitoba 150 plans. Now two weeks later, they appear to be.
Why is the member from Minto politicizing Manitoba's 150th birthday?
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order. Order.
Mr. Swan: Well, I think I thank the member for Interlake for the question. We're actually taking the politics out of Manitoba 150; this bill has passed.
Now, we did have some concerns with the way this government rolled out Manitoba 150. I don't believe that spreading fresh gravel or building an intersection is really a lasting Manitoba 150 project, the same way that centennial pools and concert halls and other events were built.
We did have some concerns about politicization, but for the purpose of supporting activities and events and allowing the government to communicate those things, we think that's the best interests of Manitobans and that's why I'm asking members to support this bill this morning.
Ms. Fontaine: Again, to ensure that the Premier feels comfortable with actually adhering to Manitoba's fixed-date election laws, can the member for Minto explain how this bill will help to ensure fair and democratic elections and a system for Manitoba?
Mr. Swan: Why, I thank the member for the question.
Of course, this is a Premier who tells us every chance he gets in question period and other speeches in this Chamber about his belief in the rule of law and, of course–[interjection]–and of course–and I–[interjection]–and I'm glad that members opposite are in such strong support because they are also voices who can stand up in the caucus room and hold The Elections Act and say, yes, Premier, it is determined that the next provincial election will happen on October 6th, 2020.
I accept the Premier's concern that things might be said or done that could be seen by some as a violation of the media blackout 90 days in advance of that date, and we believe that democracy would be improved by allowing non-partisan statements to be made.
Mr. Gerrard: Yes, as Manitoba Liberals, we are generally supportive of this effort.
We would prefer that there's a minor amendment so that section 2 read something as follows: under part 13 of The Election Financing Act, do not apply to–and then inserting the word non-partisan advertising and information that is solely about events, celebration or other activities related to the year to celebrate Manitoba 150. And this is just so that whoever is in government at that point, if there is an election, that it would be done in a way that would be unquestionable, non-partisan and rather–
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.
Mr. Swan: I thank the member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard) for those ideas, and I would consider that to be a friendly amendment, and I'm sure that he and I can discuss that, and when the bill heads off to committee, we can determine whether the member would introduce an amendment of some form or whether we would, or perhaps the government will say, here's some ideas on how we can even improve this bill. I'm more than happy to reach out across the aisle and make sure we get the best possible bill.
So I do thank the member for River Heights for his careful thoughts on this.
Mr. Helwer: We–you know, those of us that remember some more recent history recall several times when the previous NDP government broke the election finance act and, in fact, were convicted of breaking it and got their hands slapped and didn't apologize at all to Manitobans.
So can the member for Minto explain to this House why, when they were in government, they didn't respect the blackout laws, but now, all of a sudden in opposition, he thinks they're important?
Mr. Swan: Well, you know, I didn't talk too much about the 1995 election. Of course, it was the New Democratic government that decided to fix the election date. It was the Progressive Conservatives that tried to fix elections. [interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order. Order.
Mr. Swan: So what I am suggesting is not that we do away with careful controls on what parties can and can't do. In the contrary, we're saying, let's preserve those controls, but let's allow a reasonable exception for something the Premier (Mr. Pallister) has clearly–clearly believes is an issue, is clearly important to him. And all I'm trying to do today is to give the Premier some relief on that, to work in a way that we can all agree. I think everybody would agree that there should be non-partisan advertising allowed to support Manitoba 150–
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.
Ms. Fontaine: Again, I just want to acknowledge this really amazing bill from the minister–or from the–well, soon-to-be minister, I suppose–the member for Minto. And if my colleague would share with the House how this bill helps to inform Manitobans about Manitoba 150 celebrations that I know we all want to participate in.
Mr. Swan: Well, thank you, and it's an important question because we certainly hope that there will be adequate advertising and support for events happening in Manitoba throughout 2020. We support that. We can give our suggestions and ideas, but only the government can actually spend money on those things. We hope that Manitobans and also people from outside Manitoba will see this as a real opportunity to celebrate.
You know, I was in Saskatchewan when they celebrated their 100th. Unfortunately, it came with a football game that didn't go the way we wanted earlier in the day. But there was a tremendous fireworks exhibit. We think that's entirely reasonable and positive, and a government can actually spend money on celebrating the good things here in Manitoba.
Madam Speaker: The time for this question period has expired.
Madam Speaker: Debate is open.
Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): I'm honoured to stand today to discuss Bill 236, The Celebrating Manitoba 150 Act. Interesting name for a bill that meddles with election financing law, but, you know, the previous NDP government was never averse to fiddling with that law and ignoring it, so it's probably not a surprise that they try to moderate it and manipulate it in opposition.
As a government, Madam Speaker, good governments make difficult decisions necessary to protect sustainable, quality services for our citizens, and we've been working to do that over the past three years. It's always disappointing when we see things on a weekly basis that are still coming back to haunt us from the previous administration, agreements that they made that are in existence for 20 years, commitments that were made for Manitoba that we still have to adhere to that are costing Manitobans dearly. And, you know, we're looking at the decade of debt, decay and decline that the NDP never really had good advice or made good difficult decisions.
* (10:50)
So, Madam Speaker, when I look at celebrations of particular events, I do recall quite significantly that our family took a trip to Montreal in Expo '67, a car trip. It was very memorable for me and a celebration of Canada's 100th year of Confederation, and I do particularly recall the Gyrotron and other rides of that nature along with all the cultural events that we experienced there, and I do not recall the politicking that went on at that time. It was more about the event in celebrating Canada's history and learning about Canada's history and geography and a great celebration that we did, indeed, have in Canada that year.
Of course, being a family involved in business, we couldn't just do a family trip, Madam Speaker. We had to make it a working trip, and I do recall driving back with a truck that my father picked up, I believe, probably in Oshawa, and bringing it back for his business in Manitoba. Of course we had to make the trip pay. You had to–had to make sure that we just couldn't take a family holiday, but have to make business a part of it as well. It's a very, very good lesson for everybody that you can't just take time off. You have to make sure that the business still runs.
But that, indeed, for our family, was a celebration, Madam Speaker, as I'm sure many others probably participated in that event, and I do not recall the politics around it, but I do recall, in 1970, being in the–when the celebration of Manitoba's 100th–being in the stands of the stadium, the arena–the stadium, I believe, used to be up by Polo Park there, and it was more of a political event because the NDP was in power at that time and I do recall, even at that young age of 10 or so, you know, it's knowing that it was more political at that time and that probably wasn't appropriate.
So what we're trying to do here, Madam Speaker, is ensure that the politics are removed from Manitoba's celebration of 150 years. It is a year-long event that I know the committee has been working hard on to create lots of events throughout Manitoba, and they have had plenty of suggestions and input from Manitobans throughout the last several months on how they can make this a celebration of all of Manitoba.
And it is not just something that will happen in Winnipeg, Madam Speaker. Of course, Manitoba has much to celebrate, and I do recall a trip that I made with you to Churchill and those types of events and watching the belugas and things of that nature. Meeting the people of Churchill was a memorable event for me as it was for you, I'm sure, and those are the types of things we want to celebrate with Manitobans, even the odd polar bear that was in town that day, and learning about how they interact with citizens of Churchill–hopefully not too actively–but how we try to protect Churchill from the wildlife that does flow through the town from time to time was an interesting occasion.
So, again, those are the types of things that we hope to celebrate next year with the Manitoba 150. I don't think that politics needs to be a part of it. We need to celebrate with all Manitobans and make sure that they can experience the breadth, the length, the celebration all throughout Manitoba, whether it be the Cinnamon Bun Trail. If you happen to look on the website or the maps that you can follow along that trail and stop every–oh, I don't know–20 minutes or so, to have another cinnamon bun. I'm not sure how you'd feel at the end of that trail, but it–[interjection]–yes, you would be full. There are some very large cinnamon buns along there, Madam Speaker, but it's one of those things that we do celebrate in Manitoba, and I know that we do, from time to time, celebrate that in Riding Mountain National Park with some great cinnamon buns there as well.
So it's always good to see, Madam Speaker, when we do have Canada Day and events like that, that the politics are removed from it in general case and, you know, it's thrilling to meet new citizens that are often becoming citizens of Canada on Canada Day and to see not just Canada through their eyes, but Manitoba as well, and for those of us that have been Canadians all our lives, to see Canada through new eyes and to celebrate with them and for them to bring us–bring attention to us so that the things that they see that we may not notice every day. And that is one of the things that's been most significant for me, as an MLA, to be invited to those citizenship ceremonies and to meet the many new Canadians and talk to them about what brought them to Canada, their experiences. And often we hear from some of the refugees that come, the dire circumstances in which they left their own loved country to come to another country and become part of Canada, and their love for the Canadian and Manitoban experience as well.
So, you know, those are the types of things that we hope to celebrate next year. I don't know that we need to have politics involved in it. And, certainly, you know, we saw time and time again the former government break the election finance law, and in fact, they're suggesting with this type of a–particular type of bill that they're promoting the idea that we might break the election finance law as well, and that's not the rule of law that we follow as a government, Madam Speaker.
It's much more important that we pay attention to those things, I think, and our Premier (Mr. Pallister) has led the way in that, making sure that we do pay attention to the rule of law, unlike, say, the federal government, who flouts it from time to time here and has–you know, they see it as a law of convenience, sometime ignoring it. We saw the previous government ignore particular legislation–say, a referendum law–and perhaps not following promises through, Madam Speaker.
So I'm very pleased to be part of a government that has spoken to Manitobans in the election, and we've followed through on the commitments we made to those Manitobans, Madam Speaker, and especially where we're able to restore and reduce the sales tax back down to what it was–once was before the NDP were manipulating it, and to make sure that we can have those benefits for the citizens of Manitoba.
So I think what we want to see, Madam Speaker, next year with Manitoba 150 is to make sure that we are indeed able to celebrate with Manitobans as a part of Manitoba, make sure we listen to them and the types of events that they want to see happen and the committee, the Manitoba 150 committee, has some fabulous events planned.
You know, the member from Minto disparages investments we're making in infrastructure as part of Manitoba 150. Well, you know, Manitobans want to see those investments, Madam Speaker, and I'm pleased that in Brandon we are making investment in the road that goes to the airport and the infrastructure around that interchange. It is something that we celebrate quite often in Brandon, where we have WestJet Encore services to Calgary. I know it's opened up the world to many people from Brandon and the Westman area that were able to make connections in Calgary, visit friends and family there and get back to Brandon in a timely manner. Even to the point where the Winnipeg Airport Authority–and Mr. Rempel has been instrumental in making sure that the Brandon airport has some of the resources they need to make sure that WestJet continues their flights to Brandon, helping provide the Brandon airport, McGill Field, with equipment to make sure that we can adequately serve the citizens of western Manitoba.
So I think, Madam Speaker, again, we're seeing the NDP trying to manipulate things with the election finance law. It shouldn't be a surprise, but it's a law that needs to be reviewed in whole as opposed to just piecemeal. Thank you.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, Liberals support this legislation. We want to celebrate Manitoba and do it in an amazing way and be able to make sure that people are aware of that. I'm going to sit down now so we can have a vote.
Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake): The year 2020–[interjection]–I appreciate all of the enthusiasm, and thank you very much. So the year 2020 will mark a significant milestone for our province. We will celebrate Manitoba's 150th birthday. We're all proud Manitobans on this side of the House, of course, and we believe the importance of recognizing this milestone.
Another major milestone in 2020 will be my 50th birthday–[interjection]
* (11:00)
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Johnson: Yes. So, hopefully–
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
When this matter's again before the House, the honourable member will have nine minutes remaining.
The hour's now 11 a.m. and time for private members' resolutions.
House Business
Madam Speaker: The honourable Official Opposition House Leader, on House business.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (Official Opposition House Leader): Madam Speaker, pursuant to rule 33(9), I am announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honourable mender–member for Minto (Mr. Swan). The title of the resolution is Crown Corporations Should Stay Public and Affordable.
Madam Speaker: It–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: I am announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honourable member for Minto. The title of the resolution is Crown Corporations Should Stay Public and Affordable.
Madam Speaker: The resolution before us this morning is the resolution on Mental Health supports needed for youth in Manitoba's north, brought forward by the honourable member for The Pas.
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): I move, seconded by the member for Flin Flon (Mr. Lindsey),
WHEREAS access to mental health treatment and service providers is limited or inaccessible within many First Nations communities in northern Manitoba and;
WHEREAS many First Nations' reserves in Manitoba do not have permanent mental health therapists and those that do are understaffed and;
WHEREAS individuals seeking mental health and psychiatric support often have to bear the cost of leaving their home community and travelling to Winnipeg to access services and;
WHEREAS the Provincial Government has cut $6 million from the northern health region, increasing the burden on healthcare workers and reducing access to services for patients and;
WHEREAS the Virgo report on mental health and addictions in Manitoba conducted a survey of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and found that over 50% of adults were diagnosed with depression or anxiety and;
WHEREAS suicide rates amongst First Nations' people are double the national average and;
WHEREAS the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth indicated a lack of resources in the Child and Family Services system (CFS), where 90% of children are Indigenous, means kids are at "imminent risk of death and dying" from addictions, mental health and suicide and;
WHEREAS the province is battling an addictions crisis and wait times for treatment for addictions can be months and is not even available on most reserves and;
WHEREAS the impacts of colonialism and Residential Schools has led to intergenerational trauma, systemic poverty, and overrepresentation in CFS amongst Indigenous peoples which contributes to mental health and addictions issues.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to take immediate action to fund mental health services that will make trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care available in northern and remote communities.
Motion presented.
Ms. Lathlin: The reason why I'm putting forth this private member's resolution is because right now our province is in the grips of a mental health and addictions crisis, which this government refuses to address. The issues are particular acute in northern Manitoba communities and amongst northern youth.
In 2016, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, also known as Cross Lake, declared a state of emergency over a suicide epidemic amongst our youth. As the MLA for The Pas, I had the opportunity to travel to Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and we had the opportunity to listen to the youth that were impacted by friends and family who took their own lives and the many, many attempts of–done by others.
And also, too, we spoke to the mental health workers that were there, and it was just–just listening to their stories of being overly exhausted in trying to address this 'emidemic' crisis within the community, and along with this, when we sat with our youth in the schools, we listened to what they wanted. They wanted to have youth centres. They wanted to have transportation to, perhaps, these youth centres because Cross Lake is quite a large community. And they also wanted culturally appropriate activities to be conducted within their communities and also such things as learning how to bead, something like that.
So we were there to listen to our youth and also, too, from my own personal experience, I've had two teenagers, my own daughters, who have been medevac'd out, probably four times altogether. In 2016, my daughter was medevac'd out probably three times to Winnipeg and Brandon, and my oldest niece was medevac'd out, in fact, last year, in June in 2018. In fact, Madam Speaker, we were medevac'd out in the back of a RCMP police cruiser. You know, the reason why that happened because, God forbid that we leave the RCMP officer in Winnipeg to get back on his own because that's what Northern Patient Transportation Program's about; you get emergency medevac'd out, but you got to find your own way back, right? So, that's why we were driven in the back of a police cruiser so he can get home and it's up to us to get home ourselves, right?
And also, too, the reason why–as a mother sitting, sleeping on a couch or on a chair, waiting to be assessed the very next morning by a psychiatrist, which usually–they usually come in around 9:30, 9 o'clock in the morning. I found as a mother that there was no proper assessment done when a teenager has been up all night and very groggy and just a 10-minute conversation; that was the assessment, you know. And I believe that a more proper one should be done, say, at home within their own community instead of being in that situation and even more, being stressed out.
So, as a mother, I've got more–more can be done for our children and–than just a 10-minute conversation with a groggy teenager which a proper assessment cannot be done.
And also, too, I was invited by the school counsellor and the principal for Mary Duncan School, and this school is particular special to me because when students are expelled from the other schools in our community, that's where the–Mary Duncan welcomes them in. And my daughter was one of the students there because she wanted to be in an environment where they're more sensitive to our youth's mental health issues as well. I was glad to say that we were able to provide a couple of hundred dollars for a smudge room, and we were able to provide an opportunity for our children to engage in their culture by providing somebody to go in to the schools and teach them about it.
And–but the reason why this was particularly close to me is because when the school counsellors were talking about our children, there was an opportunity to discuss, you know, a career symposium for them to attend. And a lot of the children displayed that they were not interested. They couldn't see beyond one or two years ahead in their future. One child even said, don't bother with me; I have no hope. That's a huge statement for a child to say with only 15 years on this life to say, I have no hope.
Also, too, it was no mistake that at the education review commission on Monday that was held in The Pas, we had covered many topics such as teacher retention in the North, attendance, poverty and mental health. It was no coincidence that the mental health circle discussion was the largest, largest group and the longest conversation that was held.
Mr. Dennis Smook, Acting Speaker, in the Chair
And, again, our staff from Mary Duncan School were there talking about, there's got to be a better way to provide our mental health services for our youth such as a wraparound services. There's some services that are there in The Pas and OCN; we just need to improve and perhaps provide more funding so mental health workers can stay there permanently so a bond can actually take place with our youth. Because when my daughters were assessed–were assigned a mental health worker, they must have been replaced three times during their time of–during their journey to heal.
Also, exactly three weeks ago, when I–the last time I was supposed to present this PMR was going to mark one year that I watched my cousin Pauline take her daughter off life support. Her daughter attempted suicide–well, committed suicide. And it was just heartbreaking, watching this teenager on life support with a rope burn, braces, manicured nails. And so I watched my cousin pray into her daughter's ear, telling her to go; it's okay. And I was with her sisters. There was four of us women holding and touching Teagan, her daughter. And it was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever seen in my life, to watch my cousin say goodbye to her 16-year-old daughter and watching her take her last breath. My cousin Pauline was so brave, and the sisters were so brave. And I think I was the one in the room that took it the hardest.
So, with that, that is why I'm particular interested and want to be an advocate on behalf of our kids who are taking their lives. And we need to help them. And as a mother, northern Manitobans, we deserve access to health-care services. And as a mother, I'm just simply asking for more mental health services for our youth, and as a mother, I'm simply asking for the government to work with us in partnership to provide these services for our youth. Thank you.
* (11:10)
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): A question period of up to 10 minutes will be held, and questions may be addressed in the following sequence: the first question may be asked by a member from another party; any subsequent questions must follow a rotation between parties; each independent member may ask one question; and no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds.
Mrs. Sarah Guillemard (Fort Richmond): I want to thank the member for sharing a very personal experience, and as fellow mother who is walking the difficult road, and certainly my family has experienced the devastation of suicide and lives through that healing every day, I do understand. I understand and I wish nobody had to walk through this.
I also know that the member was a member of the previous government, and we know that mental health supports are really 20 years behind where they need to be in other jurisdictions, and we certainly, as a government, have been making some inroads and steps forward. And I'm wondering, from the member, her thoughts on any progress that the previous government had made in this area.
I know, as a mother walking through that system–
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The member's time has expired.
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): I want to thank the member for that question.
And I just want to focus on the future. I'm not looking at the past. I want to move forward to work with this government, especially with the VIRGO report that was released in March 31st, 2018. I think that should be implemented as soon as possible, because it does address to close the gaps for mental health services in northern Manitoba.
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I really want to thank the member from The Pas for bringing this important resolution forward, and I'm sure that all members will join us in getting this resolution passed.
If–it’s particularly important now to bring this forward. So why is it that doing this now is relevant today and for the future?
Ms. Lathlin: Thank you for that question.
It's more relevant today because I just find that our youth, especially–it's quite different than what I grew up in quite some time ago, and it's just more affected–our youth are more affected.
And I just find that social media can play a huge role. Just listening to my daughters talk about what's going on on social media, what's being said in school: people–students have been threatening to take their own lives online, and people saying go ahead, take your own life.
So I just–it's more relevant today because of the fact of social media, which I absolutely dislike.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Thank you for bringing this resolution forward. It is an important one.
Let me just ask you, give you an opportunity to talk about some of the specific measures, and how broadly they need to be implemented, that you would suggest we move forward with.
Ms. Lathlin: Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to explain that.
Right now, I have in front of me the VIRGO report, Improving Access and Coordination of Mental Health and Addiction Services: A Provincial Strategy for all Manitobans. This final report was released March 31st in 2018, and I believe that's the first stepping stone to move forward to address these current issues that we’re facing today.
Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River): I'd like to thank the member, as well, for her comments.
Would the member opposite not agree that our government has done more than before, with regards to mental health and addictions in Manitoba?
Ms. Lathlin: Well, in regards to cuts to northern Manitoba health care–for example, the Northern Patient Transportation Program, that's the only outlet, the only connection that we have to send our kids out to order–to receive a proper psychiatric assessment. And we also had an opportunity to build a clinic in The Pas that could have housed a place to have these appropriate assessments to be done. So I'm just saying, you know, I just want to ask the government: Let's work together to get these projects going, to get this VIRGO report going and move ahead and help us provide solutions.
Mr. Lindsey: I really want to commend the member from The Pas for the comments she's put on the record. And I really want to get her to explain a little further about some of the difficulties that northern families and youth face in travelling to access mental health, particularly when they're coming out of the North, and talk about some of those particular challenges, if she would.
Ms. Lathlin: Thank you for, again, allowing me to elaborate on some of these issues that we face. And as a mother who's actually had to be medevac'd out with my daughter or meet her in Winnipeg or take her to Brandon myself, and just listening to our families from Cross Lake as well, imagine being medevac'd out in emergency with just the clothes on your back, hardly anything in your bank account, and it's up to you to come home after that tragic and trauma experience with your child. So I just feel like more should be done for our youth and our families that have to leave our communities, take leave from work, children missing school, and that–trying to find accommodation and trying to find resources to eat as well.
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The member's time has expired.
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, when this government, the Conservatives, were campaigning, they said they would do something about mental health. They waited for a year after getting elected before even tendering to have a report. We waited, again, for a considerable period of time–I think another year–before actually getting the report. That report has been out now for more than a year. In my experience in talking with people in the North, very little has happened to address this. I wonder if you would comment.
Ms. Lathlin: Thank you for the opportunity to elaborate on this as well. Pretty much why–the reason why I'm bringing this forward is because we need to provide more resources. Like, I have to–like, don't get me wrong; we do have current mental health workers there, but we just need more resources. We need more ideas to retain our mental health workers in the North, because I went to a northern health summit in Flin Flon three years ago, and the topic was mental health. And they did a survey and assessment, and they were saying that the services that we provide are just reactive; they're not being carried forward to actually–to provide long-term therapy. And a bus driver from Shamattawa–[interjection]
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The member's time has expired.
Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): I want to thank my colleague. I know she's very passionate about this issue, for obvious reasons.
Earlier today, actually, the Canadian Parliament unanimously passed a motion to establish a national suicide prevention action plan, and I'm wondering if the member can elaborate on any interaction she's had with the federal government or federal representatives because, obviously, this is going to be–a collaborative approach is obviously going to be required if we're going to make meaningful action to address what is for a lot of families a tragedy in the waiting.
Ms. Lathlin: I'd like to thank the member for that question. Currently, we have had discussions, especially within my own community of OCN, in terms of children apprehended by CFS. We had an opportunity–or I had an opportunity to speak in committee to ask that it be mandatory counselling for our children, to have–to receive counselling. And there's also terms of jurisdictional issues that should be ignored and have the province and the federal government to provide these services on-reserve.
* (11:20)
Mr. Lindsey: So, can the member for The Pas just tell us a little more about some of the difficulties that staffing mental health services that currently exist in the North that perhaps maybe she could touch on, particularly some of the fly-in communities and what kind of problems they particularly might encounter with that.
Ms. Lathlin: Thank you. I just wanted to continue that story about when I went to that Northern Health Summit in Flin Flon. A bus driver in Shamattawa is their mental health worker. Somebody was just saying that when he is feeling down there's no mental health resources there and the bus driver was there to help, right, and we just need more ideas and solutions to keep our workers in place in order for a bond to be created between the patient and the mental health worker. We really need that.
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The time for questions has expired.
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The debate is now open.
Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River): It is an honour to rise and put a few words on record with respect to the member from The Pas' private members' resolution, Mental Health supports needed for youth in Manitoba's north.
I want to begin by stating that the safety and well-being of youth in the province is a priority and our government is taking action. Youth are being exposed to many outside stresses and pressures that were not there years ago. Education in schools, medical supports and ongoing outreach are available to assist youth when they need a place to go or someone to speak to.
A key part of our strategy sets out a plan to address the service gaps and to focus on opportunities for provincial and community-based care.
Opening communication between supporting agencies as well as enhancing resources available to social workers and medical personnel will increase the efficacy between many agencies and ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Bill 5 will further support Manitobans suffering with mental health and/or an addiction issue. Offering information to loved ones in a more efficient manner will remove barriers that are caused when families are unable to access the information around their loved ones' well-being.
Our Province has set up multiple centres to ensure no one is unable to access the help they need. Online communications, telephone supports, additional 'policying'–policing–sorry–increased medical supports, medication for medical professionals and ongoing training for front-line workers are some of the additional resources that have been put in place to assist our youth. Our government has made families a priority.
Deputy Speaker, our mental health and addiction strategy sets out a bold plan to address service gaps and focus on opportunities for provincial and, again, the community-based care. Based on extensive public consultations with families, health-care providers and community leaders, the strategic plan offers a fresh start for the province by emphasizing collaborative care, outlining a path to improved access to services and increasing co-ordination through mobilization hubs that bring communities and service agencies together.
We have opened five RAAM clinics across the province. The clinics are located throughout the province and provide access to all Manitobans. By expanding these clinics, the supports are available and accessible to individuals in all areas. The supports will be with the medical specialists, primary-care providers and front-line staff who are helping the individuals.
Rapid access to addictions medication is intended to treat any and all substance-related addictions. This model has been successful in relieving pressure on emergency departments and other areas. The additional support will assist hospitals and medical personnel who deal with unexpected emergencies. This specialized source of support and treatment for patients who may relapse will complement the existing medical resources already available. Improved access to treatment of addictions to methamphetamine, opioids, alcohol and other substances through RAAM clinics will be beneficial to families of loved ones needing the support. One clinic is located in Thompson.
The citizens in northern Manitoba have access to an expanded emergency department in Flin Flon. The department will be able to meet the needs of families living in the northern part of the province. Services are closer to families' homes so loved ones can be cared for in their community and have the support of their families. By opening the emergency department, we are removing stress related to travel, unexpected expenses and the fear of being in a strange place when you are needing emotional and mental support.
We are looking out for the best interests of all Manitobans. Equipping paramedics with olanzapine for agitated methamphetamine users at risk of psychosis protects our front-line medical staff and offers medical support for individuals. The timeliness of administering medication will support the work our medical professionals do on a daily basis.
The Province has joined with the City of Winnipeg and federal government to create a task force to address and respond to the increase in use of crystal methamphetamine and other illicit substances. We are committed to a strategy that supports our youth and their families.
Safety is important. As a parent, I am conscious of the challenges my daughter and I both face on a daily basis. I want to know that we are safe in our communities, as there is no one area that is immune to crime. Our government, in part with the federal proceeds of crime fund, is working with communities in Manitoba. Police agencies throughout the province will target high-level drug dealers and organized crime. There is no one community that is not susceptible to the trafficking of meth or illicit drugs.
We all know someone who has needed medical assistance at some point in their life. When this happens, we look towards the dedicated nurses, doctors, first responders and community outreach workers for their support and expertise. These professionals are invaluable and need to know they are supported.
Our government is committed to ensuring that our dedicated emergency service personnel, who face trauma on a daily basis, have the skills to maintain resilience and to continue to perform their important, life-saving work. The Office of the Fire Commissioner will be offering a program called The Working Mind First Responders in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs to help the hard-working men and women of the Manitoba fire service cope with the realities of work-related mental health stress.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, we will continue to take important steps on mental health and addictions issues. As I have discussed, our government has many programs in place to help meet increasing health demands. Our government is addressing the devastating effects of methamphetamine and other drugs through more timely treatment of patients, closer collaboration with service providers and clinical experts and strengthened support for the police and communities across Manitoba.
In addition to increased resources, our government is reviewing current legislation. It is imperative that people receive appropriate medical attention when they are sick. The ability to access a person's health record can make the difference when assisting individuals. Amending legislation to allow a person's personal health information to be disclosed without their consent if necessary to reduce the risk of serious harm to themselves or others will improve the response to an incident.
We have brought forward important legislation which will offer support to families who have a loved one who may harm themselves. Bill 5, The Mental Health Amendment and Personal Health Information Amendment Act, will allow those in the patient's circle of care to be informed in a timelier fashion. This will increase the ability for preventative measures to be put in place, measures that protect the patient from harming themselves or others. Sharing facts and information can relieve the stress on those close to someone suffering from a mental health or addiction. We want to remove obstacles that might prevent families or their loved one from receiving the attention that they need.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, our government has partnered with Bell Let's Talk to expand mental health services for children, youth and families. Victoria hospital saw an investment in 75 beds to assist with mental health supports. Addictions Foundation of Manitoba has doubled their treatment beds from 12 to 24 to assist women dealing with addictions and has started education sessions to community groups, service providers, justice and regional health authorities, just to name a few.
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Our government has and continues to invest in mental health and addictions supports and treatments for Manitobans. Our government is implementing new legislation offering additional supports to our primary caregivers and medical personnel.
We have listened to what families have said. We understand that when one family member is affected by an illness, the rest of the family feels the pain as well. This is why we have looked at options for all Manitobans and are providing the necessary services and education pieces so all Manitobans can benefit from a health-care system that serves their needs.
We are listening and implementing necessary programs, resources and educational tools.
Thank you.
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): It truly is my pleasure to stand up today and support the member from The Pas. It's unfortunate that the member from Seine River stood up and read a speech that somebody else wrote for her, because I won't blame her for writing that.
Hopefully, she didn't, because–[interjection]–the reason that I'm concerned is because, clearly, most of what she's put on the record really didn't address what the resolution is about, which is mental health services in the North.
Now, certainly, the member from The Pas has clear, direct knowledge of how that system works. When the member of the government stands up and says that they've–[interjection]
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Order.
Mr. Lindsey: When the member talks about all the supports that they've put in place, they may have put some of these RAAM clinics in the city of Winnipeg, and certainly there is one in The Pas, but it's impossible for people in so many of those northern communities to access mental health services, because they quite simply do not exist.
They're–if you go to some of these fly-in communities, the best that they can hope for is that there's somebody in the nursing station. We've heard from the member of The Pas talk about the bus driver being the mental health support worker.
And I know that even in some of the communities that I have the honour of representing, I've listened to families say that in order to get mental health services for their child, they had to leave the town of The Pas, because there's no services available there.
Now they landed up being medevac'd to Winnipeg, where they sat in the hospital–I don't know how many hours it was–and the whole time they were there, the main thrust was, okay, you're better now; you can leave. They hadn't even been assessed by anybody yet. It was just, okay, you got here; now go home. There's nothing we're going to do for you, which is terrible.
Now I look at places like Cross Lake and what they've gone through and the members of the government talk about all the supports. Well, they wouldn't support the hospital that's being built or is built at Cross Lake. They abandoned their responsibility to northern Manitobans there. There's supposed to be a clinic in The Pas, but they've abandoned any hope of that being built any time soon.
So, you know, very specifically, we're talking about youth and things that need to be in place for them. And, really, we need to look at the bigger picture. We need to look at the poverty that so many of those young people face in their home communities in the North and what opportunities are there for them.
I was up in Pukatawagan a month or so ago, and I was talking to some kids there. So, what do you have for recreation? Where's the nearest arena? Where's the nearest, you know, sports facility? Well, there isn't one. The best they can hope for is the school gymnasium, but in the summer, when school's out, it's all locked up, so they don't even have access at that point in time.
Kids need to be engaged in something to keep their minds occupied, to keep them growing, to keep them thinking about healthy thoughts, and those things aren't available in so many of the communities in the North. And, when we look at Flin Flon and Thompson, when they're going through these massive job losses, the facilities that are presently available in some of those communities are going to be in jeopardy right away too.
But I talked to some folks up in Lynn Lake, that the best that they can hope for for mental health services is drive-by mental health. The mental health worker drives up; I think it was one day a week. Now it's six-hour drive from Thompson to Lynn Lake on a good day, so six hours there, six hours back. How long do you think they have to do mental health assessments or to help people with mental health issues? It's quite simply not happening. So when we're talking about supports, we really need to focus on what this resolution is about, which is increasing those mental health supports for youth, in particular in the North, so that we don't have to go through another suicide crisis like happened in Cross Lake.
The kids need to know that they have a future. They need to know that there's something better for them out there. They need to have the help that they need to achieve their full potential.
An Honourable Member: They need hope.
Mr. Lindsey: They need hope. And that's what's missing from anything that this government in particular's done so far to address issues, particularly in northern Manitoba. They've gone the other way, that even in the bigger centres those supports aren't there anymore. So we need to really look at becoming a caring society and helping people in the North have access to those facilities that can give them a brighter future.
Thank you.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): This is a particularly important issue at the moment. There is clearly abundant need for mental health services in northern Manitoba. There are far too many suicides. There are far too many youth who are suffering. There are far too many youth in various parts of the North who are now addicted to and using meth, and this is complicating and making the situation much worse.
My colleague from Kewatinook would be here speaking on this, but she was called away at the last minute. But she has told me that since this government was elected, there has been no additional mental health services in any of the communities that she represents in Kewatinook, nothing additional for St. Theresa Point, for Garden Hill, for Manto Sipi and for many, many, many other communities. That's an extent of the province, which is, when you add it up on land mass, you know, it may be 20 per cent of the province in terms of land mass, and yet there has been no new services for mental health for the youth in any of the communities in all that area. It is a sad testament to the lack of effective action by this government.
This government has known, for example, that as a result of the forest fires, a number of the–those who were evacuated were exposed to drug dealers and meth, and they brought this crisis with meth use and abuse back into communities like St. Theresa Point. I have been there, and there have been large posters because the government has not done much, that the people in the community are doing what they can. And you go there in the community, near the major store in the community, and there is a wall of posters that are up there talking about the need to understand, to avoid using meth because of the problems that it's creating for individuals, for families and for the community. It is a tragic situation.
* (11:40)
And this, you know, tragic situation is compounded by additional suicides and deaths. My colleague from Kewatinook talked just yesterday, I believe it was about another recent death in her extended family.
It is tragic what is happening. It is tragic that there is not more being done to address this crisis in mental health. It is tragic that there is not a fulsome plan. The VIRGO report talks about taking action, but it really doesn't lay out a clear plan, which is partly why the government decided that they needed to take more time to produce an implementation plan. And to my knowledge, they've never yet produced it, and we're almost at the end of their mandate. We're almost going into an election.
It is a really sorry state of affairs, in fact, Mr. Speaker, and it needs action. It needs mental health services. We would argue that it needs much more in the way of psychological therapy as well as other types of therapy.
I would say that in the OCN, beside The Pas, that I was impressed with the work that is being done there in terms of diabetes with the program that they have introduced from Alaska. And that program is starting to address the mental as well as the physical health of people with diabetes. And it seems to be doing a good job for those with diabetes. And, of course, it's directed primarily at–not at youth, but at people who are older. There may be the occasional youth–some youth with diabetes, but it's primarily for people who are older, and it really doesn't address the need and the issue which the member for The Pas (Ms. Lathlin) has brought up today.
And, indeed, to my knowledge, there is not a RAAM clinic in The Pas. There has not been any addition to the mental health services and mental health supports for youth in The Pas. It is a sad situation when it has deteriorated to the extent that it has. In fact, it is important to note that the situation has been ongoing for some time, although I think it is worse, currently in part because of the meth epidemic and partly because of the lack of attention by the current government to this issue.
The government clearly could have been working more closely with the member for The Pas and looking at what could be effective in The Pas and talking with the member from The Pas. But sadly, to date, the government has been kind of an island unto itself in terms of a lot of the things that it's doing. And it's not listening to other MLAs and particularly MLAs on this side of the House when, in fact, MLAs like the MLA from The Pas, I'm sure, would welcome a level of co-operation which certainly hasn't been seen to date.
I think it's important to note that other jurisdictions are doing much better in terms of addressing mental health issues. And we need to learn from what is happening elsewhere in the way of better support for mental health and for psychological services. The situation with young people, of course, goes much beyond suicide: the level of anxiety, the level of depression, the level of concerns. And some of these may be related to the changes that we are seeing in today's world with technology and other things that are happening–smart phones, that there has been some work suggesting that kids who use smart phones tend to be a little more anxious sometimes and that the level of anxiety may be increased as a result.
Clearly, this is something which we need to be discussing and need to be addressing in a meaningful way.
I believe the goal of which we should have, which is addressing and making a difference in the mental health–being able to show that we are, in fact, making a difference is pretty important. I didn't hear outcome measures from the members on the government side. Clearly, if there was a decrease in suicide rates, if there was a decrease in depression, if there was a decrease in anxiety, these have not been presented. And, to my knowledge, the statistics would show the opposite–that there hasn't been a decrease and that there has been, in certain areas, increases, particularly those related to meth toxicity and meth psychosis.
So I would say this to the government members: that it's time to be putting in comprehensive approaches to addressing youth mental health. It is time to use approaches which actually work and to measure the outcomes so that, in fact, you can demonstrate that youth are doing better and that the approaches being used actually have an impact to improve the health of youth. And we should hopefully see them doing better in school. We should hopefully see them doing better in graduating from grade 12, and going on and getting opportunities and courses and post-secondary education and having job opportunities.
And these are all things which are pretty important, and we would like–and we know that having a bright future with a good education and with job opportunities is something that many young people would like. And we need to make sure that that is part of what we are doing.
So thank you, Mr. Speaker. Miigwech. Merci.
Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): It's always a pleasure–rise in this House and in this Chamber and, again, be part of the democratic process.
And I've been actually looking forward to debate on this resolution. I'm pleased that the member for The Pas (Ms. Lathlin) was finally able to get it past the member of St. Johns. I know this resolution was actually supposed to be up a few months ago and, unfortunately, got pushed aside for some political wranglings by members opposite. So I'm pleased that the member of The Pas was finally able to force the member for St. Johns (Ms. Fontaine) to put it on the Order Paper and bring it up for discussion today, Mr. Deputy Speaker. [interjection]
Now, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I can hear some chirping from the member for St. Johns. And, I mean, she will have an opportunity to rise in this House and speak on this resolution, as we all are, and I hope she's not in any way trying to deter any member of this Legislature from speaking on debate. [interjection]
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Order. Order. Order.
There's been inflammatory marks from both sides, and then the–it goes back and forth. I'm asking for order. Let the speaker speak. Thank you.
Mr. Martin: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I appreciate that, and I appreciate your judgment and your observation, and I would agree that members opposite will have their opportunity. And if they wish to engage in debate, they're willing–they're more than willing to–more than able to stand up and put some records–put some comments on the public record.
And, as I simply noted, and I think the facts are there, this resolution was supposed to be up some weeks ago, but obviously the member for The Pas just doesn't have the priority according to the MLA for St. Johns, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
But that being said, Mr. Speaker, I do think that it is an interesting coincidence. And whether that's a measure of serendipity or just sheer coincidence that, as I noted in my question to the member of The Pas, that this morning the federal Parliament did 'unmanously' pass a motion to establish a national suicide action plan.
* (11:50)
I think suicide is an issue that hits many, far too many communities, far too many families and far too many individuals. And what's often–what often we don't talk about, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and although there has been an increased amount of discussion when it comes to mental health issues and, obviously, the Bell Let's Talk is–probably deserves a lot of appreciation, a lot of promotion for its efforts in having people recognize the impact the mental health has on all facets of our life in all communities. But it's clear that more needs to be done.
I think of my own neighbour, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Bryan Young, and I know he won't mind my sharing his story. He has shared it publicly, and his family has shared it, his story. So Bryan is–or was a neighbour of mine, a young man, who, remarkably, was able to hide his own mental health demons, for lack of a better word. He hid them from his parents. He hid them from the community. By all accounts, you would think he was a well-adjusted young man. He would often watch our children and that. And so it was quite shocking when he attempted suicide. And often what happens, and often–too often what happens with families, there's almost a shame component when it comes to suicide, whether or not it's successful or, in particular, when it's not successful.
But Bryan and his family grabbed that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and he's willing and he stands up. He works for an organization now called jack.org. And he actually travels around the country, and he's travelled overseas to talk about his own story as a suicide survivor. And he wears that proudly and he has no shame in sharing his perspective, and his parents share their perspective of having to literally clear the house of all–all–medications or to put them under lock and key for those medications that were required to prevent overdose, of having to literally keep almost a 24‑hour watch on their son as he wrestled and dealt with professionals to help come to terms with his own mental health issues.
Bryan will be the first to tell you that his journey isn't over, and it probably never will be over, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but the difference is that he was fortunate that he had the support system to intervene and ensure that he was a suicide survivor as opposed to just another individual who has committed suicide.
I listened, and I always appreciate hearing from the member from The Pas, who has shared her own very poignant stories about her own family, the struggles they've had, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And those struggles aren't unique. A lot of families just don't have that support system that is required in terms of mental health supports. And that is something that I think it's incumbent on all of us in this Legislature, whether it's the NDP, Liberal or PC, whether you're a provincial politician or a federal politician. These are not issues that are new, and, unfortunately, they are issues that will not be going away any time.
While there–obviously, there can be components in terms of mental health issues, the result from trauma inflicted on an individual that can result in a lasting and debilitating mental health issue, in many, many cases, mental health is just that; it's a health issue, and it's just simply that it takes place in one's brain. It may have to do with a chemical imbalance. It may have to do with other issues. I think of my own mother–and I've shared this story before–where my mother happened to be institutionalized at the Brandon mental health institution twice during my lifetime. And it wasn't until her passing many years ago that they had determined that she actually had a brain tumour, which probably, by and large, was the cause of her crippling depression as well as her paranoia, in terms of what her family and friends were or were not doing, in terms of trying to make sure that her best interests were being served.
But, at the time, they simply didn't know, and in a lot of instances back then, Mr. Deputy Speaker, there was a lot stigma, especially, I mean, if one's parent was at the 'brental'–mental–Brandon mental health institution. And that's why I always appreciate that opportunity to get back to Brandon and to the Brandon area where, you know, when you drive down 1st St. now, you see how the Brandon mental health institution has been revitalized and is now the site of a auxiliary site for the Assiniboine Community College. And as somebody who has been at it when it was an institution, to know what went on behind the scene, and have my mother share their stories and share her perspective, I take joy in seeing that it's become an institution of learning. And I do hope that those individuals that take the courses, where it's–whether it be the culinary arts courses or otherwise, also have an appreciation for that site, for those buildings and for the grounds and what they were originally intended to be.
And, while we have, as society, have moved forward, in terms of institutionalizing individuals with mental health, and we no longer go back to the dark days where, perhaps, there was thoughts that they were inflicted by demons, Mr. Deputy Speaker, or they simply–some other malady, then we've begun that process, in terms of identifying through physicians, through psychologists and through pharmaceuticals, but it is a long way to go.
As someone who takes a keen interest in the topic of depression, Mr. Deputy Speaker, which has inflicted my family on many levels, I am always interested to see a number of the breakthroughs that are being brought on for individuals suffering from severe depression that might not normally benefit from those medicines. And some of them, actually, interestingly enough, harken back to some of the older styles of electroshock, but now using magnetic resonance to stimulate certain areas of the brain. But again, a lot more needs to be done.
So I encourage all my colleagues to get up in the House, support this resolution–
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The member's time has expired.
Mrs. Sarah Guillemard (Fort Richmond): I'm happy to stand and share some of my own thoughts on this particular resolution. I don't think that anyone in this room disagrees that there is need for more mental health supports for youth and their families.
And, as I had said earlier, during question period, I think that this one particular area has not actually had enough attention or supports for a number of years, including under numerous previous governments. I do think that society has moved a long way in understanding some of the pressures and the elements that do affect our youth.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, on May 7th, just of this week, we proclaimed it as child and youth mental health awareness day, and it was a beautiful time to come together with partners who deliver services to our children and our youth, who are looking for solutions all across not only our province, but Canada, and working collaboratively to find solutions and treatments that are effective and that can help support our youth.
And it was a little bit disappointing to see the lack of involvement in that particular reception–put on by partners, not organized by this government but partners who are actually making a difference front line–and there was a lack of participation from members from the opposite parties. And for such an important issue, for such an issue that is so close to so many people's hearts, to not see them show up for this to show that support, it was disappointing to the partners, and it was noted. And, hopefully, future years, they can participate and they can come and they can share their own insights and ideas for future steps forward.
We know that 70 per cent of mental illness actually does begin in childhood years and teenage years, and so it is important that we–
The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): When this matter is again before the House, the honourable member for Fort Richmond will have seven–eight minutes remaining.
The hour being 12 p.m., this House is recessed and stands recessed until 1:30 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, May 9, 2019
CONTENTS