Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 1 (27th Legislature, 5th Session)

27-5-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Legislative Assembly Of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Speaker The Honourable Thelma Forbes Vol. XII No. 1 2:30p.m. Thursday, February 3, 1966. 5th Session, 27th Legislature. Printed by R. S. Evans, Queen•s Printer for the Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg

ELECTORA L DIVI SION AR THUR AS SINffiOIA BIRT LE-RU SS EL L BRANDON BROKENHEAD BURR OW S CARIL LON CHURCHILL CYPRE SS DAUPHIN DUFFERIN ELMWOOD EM ER SON ETHELBER T-P LAIN S FI SHER FL IN FL ON FOR T GARRY FOR T ROUGE GIM LI GL AD S TONE HAMIO TA INK S TER KILDONAN LAC DU BON NET LAKE SIDE LA VERENDRYE LOGAN MINNEDO SA MORRI S OSBORNE PEMBINA POR TAGE LA PRAIRIE RADI SS ON RHINE LAND RIVER HEIGHTS ROB LIN NAME J. D. Watt Steve Patrick Hon. Robert G. Smellie, Q. C. R. 0. Lissaman Vacant Mark G. Smerchanski Leonard A. Barkman Gordon W. Beard Hon. Thelma Forbes Hon. Stewa z:tE. Mc Lean, Q. C.

William Homer Hamilton S. Peters John P. Tanchak M. N. Hryhorczuk, Q. C. EmU Moeller Hon. Charles H. Witney Hon. SterlingR. Lyon, Q. C. Hon. Gurney Evans Hon. George Johnson Nelson Shoemaker B. P. Strickland Vacant James T; Mills Oscar F. Bjornson D. L. Campbell Albert Vielfaure Lemuel Harris Hon. Waiter Weir Harry P. Shewman Hon. Obie Baizley Mrs. Carolyne Morrison Gordon E. Johnston Russell Paulley J. M. Froese Hon.MaitlandB .Steinkopf, Q.C, Keith Alexander ROCK LAKE Hon. Abram W. Harrison ROCKWOOD-ffiERVI LL E Hon. George Hutton RUPER TS LAND J. E. Jeannotte ST . BONIFACE Laurent Desjardins ST .

GEORGE Elman Guttormson ST . JAME S D. M. stanes ST . JOHN'S Saul Cherniack, Q. C. ST . MA T THEWS W. G. Martin ST . VI TA L Fred Groves S TE. RO SE Gildas Molgat SELKIRK T. P. Hillhouse, Q. C. SEVEN OAK S Arthur E. Wright SOURI S- LAN SDOWNE M. E. McKellar SPRINGF IELD Fred T. Klym SW AN RIVER J ames H. Bilton THE PA S Hon. J. B. Carroll TUR TL E MOUN TAIN P. J. McDonald VIR DEN WE L LING TON WINNIPEG CENTRE WOL SELEY Donald Morris McGregor Richard Seaborn James Cowan, Q. C. Hon.

Duff Roblin ADDRE SS Reston , Manitoba 10 Red Robin Place, Winnipeg 12 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 832 Eleventh St., Brandon, Man. 102 Handsart Blvd. , Winnipeg 29 Steinbach, Man. Thompson, Man. Rathwell, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Sperling, Man. 225 Kimberly St. , Winnipeg 15 Ridgeville, Man. Ethelbert, Man. Teulon, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg .. , Winnipeg 1 Neepawa, Man.

Hamiota, Man. 142 Larchdale Crescent, Winnipeg 15 Lac du Bonnet, Man. 326 Kelvin Blvd. , Winnipeg 29 La Broquerie, Man. 1109 Alexander Ave., Winnipeg 3 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Morris, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Manitou, Man. 7 Massey Drive, Portage la Prairie 435 Yale Ave. W., Transcona 25, Man. Winkler, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Roblin, Man. Holm�leld, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Meadow Portage, Man. 357 Des Meurons St. , St. Boniface 6, Man. Lundar, Man. 381 Guildford st., St. James, Winnipeg 12 333 St.

John's Ave., Winnipeg 4 924 Palmerston Ave. , Winnipeg 10 3 Kingston Row, St. Vital, Winnipeg 8 Room 250, Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Dominion Bank Bldg. , Selkirk, Man. 168 Burrin Ave. , Winnipeg 17 Nesbitt, Man. Beausejour, Man. Swan River, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Killarney, Man. Kenton, Man. 594 Arlington St. , Winnipeg 10 219 Kennedy St. , Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2: 30 o'clock, Thursday, February 3, 1966 The Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying a Mace, and followed by the Speaker, Mrs. Thelma Forbes and the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Charland Prud'homme, Q. C. entered the House. His Honour Richard S. Bowles, Q. C., Lieutenant-Governor, entered the Chamber and seated himself on the Throne. HONOURABLE RICHARD S. BOWLES, Q.

C., (Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba): Madam Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: I welcome you to the Fifth Session of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the Province of Manitoba. I should like first of all, on behalf of all the people of the province, as well as on my own behalf, to express deep appreciation for the many services rendered to our province over the years by my distinguished predecessor, the Honourable Errick F. Willis. To him and to Mrs. Willis I convey a message of our goodwill. The Centennial of our nation is now but one year away.

Plans are going forward among· our people to commemorate the One Hundredth Anniversary of the creation of our nation in a manner worthy of the occasion. The people of Manitoba itself have entered into a unique heri tage. Not only can this province look to its joint foundation by English and French speaking Canadians, but also rejoice in the presence of Canadians of other cultures and other origins. Manitobans therefore may feel a legitimate patriotism and pride in the contribution that our province makes to our country and to its future.

My Ministers believe that the building of a progressive and developing province within the circle of Confederation and conscious of its responsibilities, not only to itself, but to the nation of which it is a part, is in keeping with the traditions of our past and with the clear desire of our people today. My Ministers state that our province is in the midst of an unprecedented period of pros perity and growth. The most important current economic problem. is to achieve and maintain adequate growth of productivity.

Though the private sector of the economy has a basic respon sibility in this field, many measures to be proposed to you in this session are directed to the same end. I am informed that the coming year will see new initiatives of great magnitude in the development of our natural resources and the expansion of northern Manitoba. The Manitoba Hydro Board has announced the expansion of the Grand Rapids power station by one-third, the extension of main line hydro connections to Thompson and The Pas and new low rates for the northern diesel electric system.

Pursuant to an agreement which was entered into between my government and the Government of Canada to carry out an extensive engineering and economic study of the hydro-electric power potential of the Nelson River, a recommendation has been made that the governments of Manitoba and of Canada give immediate consideration to proceeding with the first phase of this great development at an estimated cost in excess of $300 million. My Ministers have made a proposal to the federal authorities indicating Mani toba's readiness to begin this project at once with federal co-operation.

The full development of the Nelson River will require investment in excess of $1 billion and will underwrite low cost electric power both for the north and the south of Manitoba for the balance of the twentieth century. The utilization of this great natural resource will have an immeasurable effect on the economic development of the province and the nation. This project will be the largest single development in the history of Manitoba. My Ministers also expect that in the coming year there will be important new developments in the exploitation of the mineral and forest resources of the province.

You will be asked to approve measures to promote this growth. In order to broaden the base of the industrial sector of the province and to reinforce its successful operation, proposals will be made for new terms of reference for the Manitoba Development Fund and for a large expansion of its capital authorization. My Ministers believe that the productivity of the basically small industry structure of the province is hindered by lack of satisfactory industrial research and development facilities.

In this respect a conference will be convened early in the year to which all Manitoba interests will be invited to consider with my government ways and means of making this vital service available to industry in our province.

2 February 3, 1966 (Mr. Bowles, Cont 'd.) ..... . My government has been active in problems connected with our position as an air centre. My Ministers believe that federal policy has not been employed to our advantage, and they will continue to press for international air connections to and from Winnipeg. They have also made a vigorous case for the retention and expansion of the Air Canada overhaul centre here. My Ministers are also prepared to take the initiative in the construction of an air cargo facility at the Winnipeg International Airport in co-operation with the industry and the federal authorities.

Increased funds to encourage tourism will be recommended to you. On the initiative of my government the Prairie Economic Council has now been formed. Among the important matters of regional interest that my Ministers have placed before the Council is the future of the Port of Churchill and a joint three-province attack is being made on this problem.

In addition the Government of Canada has been requested to join with Mani toba in a special study of the north-south rail and air transportation system of this province with a view to reducing transportation costs in northern Manitoba and promoting the develop ment of the area. My Ministers inform me that coupled with very high employment and very low unemploy ment there is a substantial shortage of workers to fill all the job opportunities available.

Measures to increase the supply of skilled workers will be intensified and the establishment of a Director of Immigration will be recommended to help rectify on a carefully selected and. qualified basis the shortage of skilled workers. The inflow of relations and friends of citizens of Manitoba will be particularly encouraged. It is the aim of my government to provide a modern diversified educational system to encourage and make possible the fullest development of every citizen in the province.

With the extension of the high school division system to every area where its introduction is practical, my Ministers report that Phase I of their program in education is complete. Every child in Manitoba is now within reach of the high school system. Large and extensive new policies will be proposed to you embodying Phase li of our educational advance. While a White Paper on this subject will be presented shortly setting forth these policies in detail, you will be asked to consider among other things, proposals touching on the following.

Elementary school consolidation and graded elementary schools and their relation to school divisions Extension of capital grant support to include public school kindergartens A new system of regional vocational collegiate institutions to provide a new dimension in the type of education available Education of the mentally retarded Enhanced foundation grants with emphasis on teachers' salaries An expansion of teacher training facilities Upgrading of teacher training requirements, and new methods to promote teacher recruitment Greatly expanded northern school system including new facilities at Cranberry Portage, Norway House, and Churchill and throughout the Frontier School Division Integration of educational services for Indian and Metis citizens An expansion of the Manitoba Institute of Technology A new Institute of Applied Arts A new provincial commercial high school for the metropolitan area Extension of adult education services A University Establishment Enabling Act A $4 million capital construction program at the University of Manitoba Increased scholarships and bursaries Special area pilot program to modernize the elementary school system of the Inter lake area.

In addition to these measures my Ministers will propose increased support for the in plant training program and funds to assist in the operation of an Institute of Management de signed to improve top level skills. A proposal is being made to the federal authorities for the initiation of a manpower development pilot proJect in the Interlake area to complement the modernization of the school system. Work is also proceeding on a thorough going reform of the school curriculum in all its

February 3, 1966 3 (Mr. Bowles, (Cont'd. ) .. .. ... . aspects which will have a marked effect on the improvement of the quality of education in the province. My Ministers are pleased to report that this challenge is being well accepted by. the teachers of the province. My Ministers recognize that the automated society into which we are rapidly moving places unprecedented stresses on the young people of our province.

A new Youth and Man power Agency will therefore be established to design appropriate ways of involving our young people more directly in shaping their own future within the province and to co-ordinate man power development pol icies generally. The problems of our fellow citizens of Indian origin are of continuing concern to my government. Many of these people live in isolated communities which can no longer support their growing numbers. They want and need jobs.

You will be asked to vote considerably increased sums to strengthen job finding, placement, guidance, training, and relocation services for these citizens. My Ministers propose in co-operation with private enterprise to proceed as well with an experimental plan aimed at establishing economic methods of bringing employment·to Indian and Metis people where this may be practicable. In the interests of self-help a revolving fund to provide financial support for Indian and Metis co-operatives will be recommended. New diesel electric supply is being brought to many northern communities inhabited by these citizens.

A revolving fund to assist in the installation of electricity in the homes of non-treaty Indian and Metis families thus affected will prove an exciting Centennial project.

4 February 3, 1966 (Mr. Bowles, cont'd) ... A measure designed to strengthen counselling services for deserted wives and child ren and to deal with fathers deserting their family responsibilities will be laid before you. · You will be asked to provide funds to permit the extension of The Social Allowances Act in the coming year. This measure will relieve the taxpayers of the City of Winnipeg and other muni cipalities of considerable welfare costs.

A new financing pattern will be recommended to pro vide for the largest program on record for the construction of elderly persons' housing, hos tels, and care homes. Included in this proposal is assistance for subsidized housing being provided under the auspices of theY. W� C. A. The appointment of a Commissioner for Northern Affairs will be recommended. My Ministers intend that this new authority will provide a focus and act as a clearing house on northern development problems.

It will be particularly concerned with the improvement of municipal type services and the co-ordination and expansion of government services in un organized northern areas. The Manitoba Telephone System have informed my Ministers that they have made a proposal to the federal government by which they are prepared to proceed with capital instal lations valued at $1million to facilitate provision of television in northern Manitoba.

They have also informed my Ministers that it is well over a year since they submitted other pro posals to the federal authorities to provide improved radio network service in northern locali ties such as Lynn Lake. My government has presented a proposal for a national fresh water fish export mar keting board to the federal Royal Commission investigating this question. My Ministers be lieve that the adoption of this recommendation is essential to the rationalization of the fish industry of the province.

You will be asked to make a large appropriation to continue the expansion of the pro vincial park system with special emphasis on: Birds' Hill, Whiteshell, Grand Beach, Spruce Woods, Clearwater, Turtle Mountain, and Asessippi. You will also be asked to consider a new act in the field of corrections designed 'to improve the philosophy and operation of the correctional system in Manitoba. Substantial sums will also be sought to provide for Royal Canadian Mounted Police services and the ex pansion of probation, work camps and other rehabilitative projects. The problem of alcoholism remains a cause for concern.

A new institution for female alcoholics, the first in Canada, is now available. A new program of public education respect ing alcoholism and safe driving will be proposed. A review of the course of studies in our schools on alcoholism will also be carried out. You will be asked to support a new industrial workshop for handicapped people in Brandon. In association with the new policy for the education of the mentally retarded already referred to, a registration and assessment service will be recommended.

Appro priations will be sought for more cottage type facilities at the Manitoba School for Retardates at Portage la Prairie. Financial provision will be recommended to include another 60, 000 people in the health, laboratory and x-ray unit system. An expansion of services in the field of community mental health will be placed before you. Negotiations are under way with the federal government and with others respecting Manitoba's participation in a program of medical services insurance. My Ministers will inform the House in respect of these matters and the policy that my government is pursuing.

Since 1958 my Ministers report an investment of $40, 500, 000 in 44 new hospital pro jects, almost all of which are completed. Twenty-five more projects estimated to cost $21 million will start in 1966. One of the largest of these will be the extension to the Children's Hospital. A number of amendments will be sought in the field of labour relations ..

These will include improvements in The Vacations With Pay and The Workmen's Compensation Acts, a broadening of the jurisdiction of the Labour Relations Board in dealing with unfair labour practices, improved conciliation procedures and a modification of the legislative require ments respecting strike votes. Manitoba's crop insurance program, which my government pioneered, has proved .to be a sound economic approach to offsetting crop failure losses with their disrupting effect both on farm business and on the Manitoba economy.

The availability of this program to 90% of our farmers during the coming crop year will constitute another Canadian first and bring us close to our objective of providing this service to all our farmers.

February 3, 1 966 5 (Mr. Bowles, cont'd) ... My Ministers inform me that the continuing trend in agriculture indicates the need for a farm management consulting service. You will be asked to provide the moneys for the pur pose of initiating such a service. Water is coming to be recognized more and more as a key resource basic to future de velopment. In keeping with my government's interest in this matter and to further public in volvement in considering matters relating to water development and use, you will be asked to consider legislation to establish a Manitoba Wrier Commission.

The Commission will provide a forum for public participation in dealing with this important natural asset. I am informed that the construction of the Red River Floodway is proceeding on

schedule and that the Assiniboine River projects at Portage la Prairie and Shellmouth are under way. You will be asked as well to provide moneys to make substantial increases in the pro fessional staff available in the water conservation and drainage field, to facilitate dealing with the large demand for planning engineering service in this connection. Legislation respecting the control of Dutch Elm disease will be introduced. My gov ernment has also made proposals for the convening of a national conference on farm goals.

The hope is that by such means we may establish new goals for governm ent and farm people and ensure co-ordinated and complementary national and provincial policies in this field. My Ministers also intend to propose to the agricultural industry of the province that consideration be given to the establishment of an Agricultural Productivity Council on which successful practical farmers and the industry generally are appropriately represented and which will set guide lines for farm development in Manitoba.

My Ministers will place before you another large program for highwa.y development and expansion in the province. To underline the changing conditions in this field and to meet the needs of our people, a measure will be proposed to reorganize the Department of Municipal Affairs into a new department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. Included in this measure will be a proposal to assist municipal public transportation systems in our urban centres. A new Local Government Boundaries Commission will be proposed. A bill to incorporate the townsite of Thompson as a municipality will be sponsored.

Plans for the speeding up of the provincial municipal assessment and for an expansion of town planning services will be recommended. An appropriation to assist urban renewal will be placed before you. The Manitoba Telephone System will require a further large capital appropriation for its expansion in 1966. The System's program to improve its services continues to show re sults in the reduction of the number of subscribers on rural party lines and a considerable saving to telephone users by means of the latest reductions in rates to, from or between northern centres.

The driver testing and driver improvement program will be expanded again in 1966 with a view to covering most of the province. An extracurricular course in driver training for high school students will be introduced in the fall of 1966. A complete revision of The High way Traffic Act will be placed before you. A policy will be proposed to promote the develop ment of local airports in various parts of the province. My government is aware of recent developments in connection with trust companies, securities, financing, consumer credit, automobile insurance and related matters.

Proposals will be placed before you dealing with these subjects. My Ministers will propose that the requirements of school construction be given first priority in the allocation of Canada Pension Plan funds at low interest rates. This should provide a substantial saving to taxpayers. Legislation will be proposed to provide for the in tegration of the Civil Service Superannuation Fund, the Teachers' Retirement Allowances Fund and municipal pensions with the Canada Pension Plan.

I am informed that the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement between the government and the Manitoba Government Employees' Association is proceeding satisfactorily. Following on the work of the Federal-Provincial Tax Structure Committee, my Ministers state that 1966 will be a critical year in the field of public finance and Dominion-Provincial relations. As the Economic Council of Canada has pointed out, the costs of provincial and municipal government will climb at a faster rate in the foreseeable future than the cost of federal government.

The implications of this for federal-provincial tax sharing are obvious. My Ministers believe that the necessary increases in provi!lcial fiscal resources, particularly

6 February 3, 19.66. (Mr. Bowles, cont'd) .•. for education, can be provided by the federal government while at the same time protecting its constitutional responsibility to act in the interest of the nation as a whole. My Ministers have long maintained that national policies, specific to the needs of all regions, are essential to the maximum economic growth of Manitoba. They note with interest that the Economic Council of Canada, in its second annual report, stated that there are significant deficiencies in this regard •.

My Ministers pledge full co-operation in the development of the changes in national policies that the times require to ensure the balanced growth of the nation. Estimates for the requirements for the public services for the province for the next fiscal year and the public accounts for the last fiscal year will be placed before you for your consideration. Recommendations will be made for the alleviation of certain tax measures now on the statute books. In leaving you I pray that you may have the guidance of Divine Providence in your deli berations and decisions.

MADAM SPEAKER: Oh Eternal and Almighty God, from whom all power and wisdom come, by whom Kings rule and make equitable laws, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, Oh 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, know it with certainty, and accomplish it perfectly Iar the Glory and Honour of Thy Name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. HON. DUFF ROBLIN (Premier) (Wolseley) introduced Bill No. I,

An Act respecting the Admin stration of Oaths of Office. MADAM SPEAKER: I wish at this time to state that in order to prevent mistakes, that I have obtained a copy of the Address of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, which was read. I wish to inform the House that Frank E. Skinner has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for the Fifth Session of the Twenty-Seventh Legislature.

MR, ROBLIN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Attorney General, that the Votes and Proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by Madam Speaker, and that she do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as she shall appoint do presume to print the same. MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR.

ROBLIN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Mines and Natural Resources, that the Standing Committees of this House for the present session be appointed for the following purposes: Law Amendments; Public Accounts; Munici pal Affairs; Agriculture and Conservation; Public Utilities and Natural Resources; Privileges and Elections; Private Bills, Standing Orders, Printing and Library; Industrial Relations; and Statutory Regulations and Orders; which several committees shall be empowered to examine and enquire into all such matters and things as may be referred to them by this House and report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers and documents, and examine witnesses under oath.

MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. ROBLIN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Education, that James Cowan, member for the Electoral Division of Winnipeg Centre, be Chairman of the Committees of the House and Deputy Speaker. MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR.

ROBLIN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Welfare, that a special committee of seven persons be appointed to prepare and report, with all convenient speed, a list of members to compose the Standing Committees ordered by this House, and that such Committee shall be composed as follows: Honourable Messrs. Roblin, Lyon, McLean; Messrs. Campbell, Molgat, Paulley and Strickland. MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR.

ROBLIN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Health, that the speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow.

February 3, 1966 MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. 7 MR. ROBUN: Madam Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Conservation, that the House do now adjourn. MADAM SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried, and the House adjourned until 2: 30 Friday afternoon.

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	27-5-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	27th 5th hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	0105f5591314a850f2f7c709022ad959929a3d2a

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