Manitoba Hansard — 10 March 2026 (Sitting 25B, 43rd Legislature, 3rd Session)

43-3-25b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXX No. 25B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COMPTON, Carla Tuxedo NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CORBETT, Shannon Transcona NDP CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie, Hon. Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail Ind. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike, Hon. River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St. Vital NDP MOYES, Mike, Hon.

Riel NDP NARTH, Konrad La Vérendrye PC NAYLOR, Lisa, Hon. Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC OXENHAM, Logan Kirkfield Park NDP PANKRATZ, David Waverley NDP PERCHOTTE, Richard Selkirk PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP ROBBINS, Colleen Spruce Woods PC SALA, Adrien, Hon. St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu, Hon. The Maples NDP SCHMIDT, Tracy, Hon. Rossmere NDP SCHOTT, Rachelle Kildonan-River East NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SIMARD, Glen, Hon. Brandon East NDP SMITH, Bernadette, Hon. Point Douglas NDP STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry Ind.

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

601 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, March 10, 2026 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 32–The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long- Term Care): I move, seconded, by the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 32, The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act, be now read a first time. An Honourable Member: Point of order. The Speaker: Order, please.

Point of Order The Speaker: The honourable member for Dawson Trail, on a point of order. MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): It's with a bit of regret and not so much of a heavy heart anymore that I'm going to table the following documents that indicate that I intend to run as an inde pendent and sit as an in dependent from this point forward. Here are the documents. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. I just point out for the member that he did not have a point of order. And we 'll have to restart the process of tabling– or introducing the bill.

So if you could take that back. * * * MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Families, that Bill 32, The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. MLA Asagwara: I am so pleased to introduce Bill 32, The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act. This bill will result in improved breast cancer screening across Manitoba.

It will ensure there are targeted measures in place to provide screening for individuals at increased risk of breast cancer and for those communities that have traditionally had lower rates of breast screening, including BIPOC individuals and those who live in rural and remote areas. This bill is a demon stration of our gover nment's continuing commitment to ensure all Manitobans have equitable access to cancer screening and treatment. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Further introduction of bills? The honourable Minister of Families–oh, sorry.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed. Bill 5–The Accessibility for Manitobans Amendment Act and The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Amendment Act (Access Awareness Week) Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister responsible for Accessibility): I move, seconded by the Minister for Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, that Bill 5, The Accessibility for Manitobans Amendment Act and The Com memoration of Days, Weeks and Months Amendment Act (Access Awareness Week), be now read a first time. Motion presented.

MLA Fontaine: Bill 5 will implement recommen - dations from the second inde pendent review of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. These amendments help ensure people disabled by barriers continue to have a voice in the design of legislation meant to serve them. It also includes additional amend ments to improve efficiency and modernize the act. It will also amend The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Amendment Act to enshrine Access Awareness Week in legislation. I am pleased to present Bill 5 to the House for its consideration.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed.

602 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 Bill 23–The Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): I move, seconded by the member–or, the Minister for Justice, that Bill 23, The Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Fontaine: Bill 23 amends The Child and Family Services Act to support Indigenous Child and Family Services jurisdiction or asserting jurisdiction of child welfare.

It also updates the act to reflect recently introduced voluntary support agreements and increased flexibility in making temporary orders. These amendments ensure youth who reach the age of majority in these care agreements remain eligible for supports until the age of 21. The amend- ments are informed by the recommendations from First Nation leadership and Child and Family Services partner authorities. I say miigwech to all of those who provided guidance in the development of this legislation and I'm pleased to present this bill for its consideration.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed. Bill 34–The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (MLA Sala), that Bill 34, The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: I'm pleased to introduce this important bill to the Legislature.

The bill will amend The Interprovincial Subpoena Act so that it will apply to a subpoena issued by a board, commission, tribunal or other body or person that has the power to issue a subpoena, whether that subpoena is in Manitoba or in another province or country–or territory. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to moving on, there are some guests in the gallery that I would like to intro duce, because they won't be staying long.

I'd like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today from St. Mary the Protectress Millennium Villa, Inc.: Eugene Hyworon, chair of the board; David Noseworthy, vice -chair of the board; Anne Ostry, secretary of the board; Claudia Brugger, manager; and tenants Zinovia Solomon, Anita Place, Gerry Holunga, Sylvia Klymkiw, Lesia McCarron, Stefanie [phonetic] Myhauluk, Dennis Dibora [phonetic], Heather Opitz, Janice Timlich, Howard Juce, Ester Juce, who are guests of the honourable member for Burrows (Mr. Brar).

And on behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today. * * * The Speaker: Committee reports? Tabling of reports? Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Dr. Wil Fleisher MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to recognize an outstanding Tuxedo resident today, Dr. Wil Fleisher. A proud Winnipegger and graduate of the University of Manitoba faculty of medicine, Dr. Fleisher began his career in general medicine, serving patients in rural and Indigenous communities and working at community-based clinics across Winnipeg.

He was one of the founding physicians at Klinic community health, helping to build a safe and welcoming space for those seeking accessible care. * (13:40) In 1986, he returned to complete postgraduate training in psychiatry and went on to shape genera - tions of physicians through his leadership at the Max Rady College of Medicine. He served as program director for postgraduate psychiatry, and later as associate dean for both postgraduate medical education and medical education. His influence has extended nationally through his work with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr.

Fleisher's many honours, including Educator of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Manitoba Psychiatrist of the Year reflect not only professional excellence, but deep compassion and commitment to learners and patients alike. Today we celebrate his five-plus decades of extra- ordinary service to Manitoba's health-care system. He told me he wasn 't planning to retire, but is enjoying his lighter workload.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 603 Honourable Speaker and fellow MLAs, please join me in thanking Dr. Fleisher for his legacy of care, mentorship and leadership. And it 's a couple days early, but I also ask all members of this House to join me in wishing him a very happy birthday on March 12. Lila Dubé Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable woman, Lila Dubé, from my constituency. Lila was born and raised in Powerview- Pine Falls and built her home, raised her children and shared her life with her husband, Marcel Dubé.

Her roots were deep and her impact even deeper. For decades, Lila worked as a home-care worker with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. She offered more than care; she offered dignity and friendship. At Sunnywood Manor, she provided respite, comforting patients in their most vulnerable moments. Lila's kindness touched many lives. Outside work, she had a gift for baking and cooking, sharing love in every loaf and cake. She especially cherished teaching her granddaughters, passing on both recipes and joy.

Last year, Lila passed away at the age of 68 after living with frontotemporal dementia, FTD, a rare and devastating disease that gradually steals personality, language and independence. In her memory, her daughters became tireless advocates, raising awareness of FTD. In 2025, five provinces recognized world FTD week for the first time in Canada, an extraordinary legacy born from profound loss. While Manitoba did not join, as their request was denied by the Health Minister, their commitment to supporting families and raising awareness remains strong.

Today, Lila's husband Marcel resides in Sunnywood Manor and is living with another rare disease, pro - gressive supranuclear palsy, PSP, and together, the family continues to navigate these new challenges with courage, resilience and love. Lila's life shows that true greatness is measured in service and compassion, and it is our duty to honour her by supporting families affected by FTD. I'd like to table the list of family members who've joined us in the gallery, Honour able Speaker, and I request a moment of silence in Lila's memory.

Aizley Boisvert, Kinley Boisvert, Louis Boisvert, Melissa Dubé, Miranda Dubé, Phoenix Dubé -Fleming, John Spafford. The Speaker: Is there a leave for a moment of silence as requested? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. The Speaker: Thank you. Chief Richard Hart Hon. Ian Bushie (Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures): I rise today to honour the life of Chief Richard Hart of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, a man I was fortunate enough to know not only as a leader, but and a–but as a friend and a respected voice for Bunibonibee. Chief Hart passed into the Spirit World this past January.

Chief Hart dedicated much of his life to serving his people. He carried the responsibilities of leadership with humility and strength, always grounded in the values of his Community. When he spoke, he did so with honesty and with a deep sense of pride for the Bunibonibee Cree Nation. And, of course, as a proud Cree, he also did it with humour, and I was privileged to share some laughs with him as well. For many of us who work alongside First Nations leadership, Chief Hart was someone you could count on.

He believed strongly in bringing people together and in making sure the voices of his community was heard clearly and respectfully. His leadership reflected a deep love for his people and a commitment to creating a better path forward for the next generation. Chief Hart also carried his leadership beyond his own community. Through his work with MKO, he helped bring the concerns of northern First Nations forward and worked to strengthen collaboration among our communities. His passing is being felt deeply not only by his family and his community of Bunibonibee, but also across the entire North.

Today we remember a Chief, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a community member and a leader who worked tirelessly for his nation. Being honoured to carry the title of Chief for your community is not a job; it' s a lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that Chief Richard Hart used to lead by example. One of the greatest compliments as a leader, as a father,

604 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 as a grandfather you can receive is to be emulated by people that care about you. When I spoke with Chief Hart 's wife Cindy, she spoke about how their grandkids act just like their grandpa, whether it be how they sit or how they act. And it was great to hear that Richard also had the privilege to have seen that for himself. And I know that one of the biggest compli ments his children and his grandchildren can receive is for someone to tell them you're just like your dad or you're just like your grandpa.

Hearing that, you will know that Richard' s impact and presence will be with you forever. Honourable Speaker, I ask for leave for a moment of silence to honour the late Chief of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Chief Richard Hart. The Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. The Speaker: Thank you. Betty Garnham MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Today I rise to recognize a remarkable woman from Portage la Prairie, Betty Garnham. Betty was a hero, but she didn't wear a cape. She had a walker and sometimes a scooter, but what she carried every day was courage.

Betty lived at Oak Tree Towers, a Manitoba Housing complex that had fallen on very difficult times. Many residents felt afraid in their own homes as thieves, drug dealers and addictions took hold of the building. But Betty refused to accept this–accept that this would be how things would be. She stood up, she spoke out, she–and she was organized. Betty became a fierce advocate for seniors and residents who simply wanted nothing more than a safe place to live. She worked tirelessly with neighbours, with housing officials and, yes, with me.

In fact, Mister–Honourable Speaker, Betty would call me some- times three times a day just to make sure I was doing my job and pushing me to make Oak Tree Towers the safe and dignified home it was meant to be. Sadly, Honourable Speaker, Betty passed away a couple of weeks ago and can' t be with us today. But her legacy lives on in the residents who found their voices, in a community that stood up and in the improvements that began because of one determined woman. Betty Garnham proved that leadership doesn't require a title.

Today I ask this House to recognize Betty Garnham, a true community hero who reminded us all that courage can come with a walker, a scooter and an unshakeable belief that things can be better. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. * * * Mrs. Rachelle Schott (Kildonan-River East): Hon- ourable Speaker– The Speaker: Oh, excuse me. Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Honourable Speaker, I seek leave to include the names of Mrs. Dubé's family members who are here in the gallery below my private member's statement in Hansard. * (13:50) The Speaker: Is there leave? [Agreed] Leave has been granted.

Sergeant Tommy Prince School Literacy Gains Mrs. Rachelle Schott (Kildonan-River East): Honour- able Speaker, this past month was I Love to Read Month. To honour this, I read at nearly every school and daycare in my constituency of Kildonan-River East. I didn't stop there; I also read to schools located in the constituencies of some opposition MLAs. While the constituents of Red River North and Springfield-Ritchot are looking high and low for their elected MLAs, I was showing up to support our leaders of tomorrow and to share my love of reading all across Manitoba.

I had the privilege, Honourable Speaker, of visiting Sergeant Tommy Prince School located in the con- stituency of Red River North. Here, educators are ensuring that students have access to books at every reading level and other supports they need to succeed. Some students arrive not yet knowing their letters or how to write their names, and in just a few years, literacy levels have tripled. Let me say that again, Honourable Speaker: literacy levels have tripled. The whole school has worked hard to ensure students feel safe, welcome and proud of their learning.

And thanks to our NDP provincial government's universal school nutrition program, attendance has increased significantly, behavioural challenges have decreased and students arrive ready to learn.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 605 Their success has even placed this small and mighty Manitoba community on the national stage. Staff recently presented their progress at the Assembly of First Nations Education Forum in Vancouver. As the saying goes: Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. Honourable Speaker, the students and staff at Sergeant Tommy Prince School are embodying exactly that and reminding us all that reading is cool. Honourable Speaker, what is not cool is oppo- sition members missing in action in their community. Showing up matters. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Order, please.

We have–[interjection] Order, please. Order, please. [interjection] Excuse me. The Speaker is standing. I've asked for order three times. We have, seated in the public gallery, from St. Maurice School, 56 grade 9 students under the direc- tion of Rebecca Stajkowski. This group is located in the con stituency of the honour able member for Fort Garry (Mr. Wasyliw), and we welcome you all here today. We also have further guests in the gallery. I draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Doreen Fleisher, Dr. Leonard Schwartz, Dr.

Nora Korbinsky [phonetic], Link Phillips, Dr. Maria Bronson, who are guests of the honourable member for Tuxedo (MLA Compton), and we welcome you all here today. Further, I draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Miranda Dubé, Phoenix Dubé -Fleming, John Spafford, Melissa Dubé, Louis Boisvert, Kinley Boisvert and Ainzley [phonetic] Boisvert, who are guests of the honourable member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko), and we welcome you all here today as well. ORAL QUESTIONS Safe Consumption Site Use of Site by Vulnerable Populations Mr.

Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Yesterday, I asked a series of serious questions about a new drug consumption site that this NDP govern- ment wants to open, and in these documents by this NDP gov ernment, it clearly says that the safe con - sumption site or the drug consumption site will allow youth without checking their IDs, it will allow pregnant women into the facility and it will allow first-time drug users into this drug consumption site. We know that this drug consumption site will not be asking Manitobans for their IDs. The Premier (Mr.

Kinew) and minister want to stand up and say they won't let any youth in, but they're not going to ask them for any ID. So I will ask the Premier today, or the minister, to stand up and correct the record; or will they admit that they are going to allow youth into the drug consump- tion site, first-time drug users and pregnant women to all have access to illicit, illegal drugs? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honourable Speaker, I want to start off by doing what the Leader of the Opposition should have done, quite frankly, and acknowledge the member for Dawson Trail (MLA Lagassé).

What we saw here before we got into business of the day was

an act of courage. It really was. And what we've seen from the member for Dawson Trail over several years, being elected in this Legislature is courage. This is somebody who has advocated for mental health, reducing mental health stigma, particularly around men and boys. This is someone who has been a really great advocate for his community in raising the voices of those in this area in a really positive way. So I want to wish him well on this next step. It takes courage to stand up in the Legislature and walk away from your own caucus. But I want to reassure– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: You know what

an act of courage is? Saying no to drugs, not saying yes to drugs like this NDP government is doing. This Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) yester- day seemed to have a really hard time with what I was saying, when I said–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –that youth should not have drugs, that pregnant women should not have drugs. The Minister of Families objected to the fact that I would say first- time drug users should not be allowed into a drug consumption site. Let's not forget, this is the same Minister of Families that disparaged an ASL interpreter. It's the same

606 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) that condoned the murder of a father. It's the same Minister of Families that blocked foster families and parents from reaching out to them. This is the same Minister of Families that supports youth, first-time drug users and pregnant women to have access to illegal drugs. So I'll ask the Minister of Families, maybe she can stand up today and clarify the record: Does she support– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –the use of illegal, illicit drugs to youth, first-time users and pregnant women?

Or will she say, you're right– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, we're see- ing exactly why the member for Dawson Trail (MLA Lagassé) has walked away from the PC caucus. It is the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Dawson Trail is someone who has always been very clear that we must take a com - passionate approach to delivering care to Manitobans. We have to reduce stigma to make sure that people don't feel shame and that shame isn't a barrier to people getting the care that they need.

It is –become very clear in this House that the Leader of the Opposition believes that stigmatizing people and shaming them is the approach that Manitobans want to see, and he's wrong. And mem - bers of his own caucus are trying to tell him that. We've had two resignations from the PC caucus in two days. The only question he should be asking himself is, who's next? The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Members opposite want to talk about courage and compassion. Great.

You know what compassion is on this side of the House –and all Manitobans will agree–is helping someone out of the vicious cycle of drug addiction, not enabling them like this NDP government is doing. This NDP government thinks it's compassion to allow pregnant women to inject themselves with illegal drugs. This NDP government thinks it's compassion to allow youth to access a drug consumption site. This NDP government thinks it's compassion–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –to allow first-time drug users into a con- sumption site. That's not courage. That's not compassion.

That's being cowardly and that's playing to their misguided political ideology. So I'll give the Premier (Mr. Kinew) another chance to stand up today, and will he say no to illegal drugs for youth, pregnant women and first-time users? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I'm not sure if he did a quick count, but there are fewer people who can clap for the Leader of the Opposition now than there were, actually, when we walked into the Chamber this afternoon and this morning. It's a testament to the fact that his own caucus isn't buying into what he's saying.

It's negative, it's divisive, it's harmful and, in fact, it's offside with his own campaign manager. Honourable Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition looked stunned yesterday when it was revealed to him that his very own campaign manager has made very clear that supervised consumption sites save lives. It's a responsible harm reduction approach to take. * (14:00) And yet he comes back here in the House today– he's trying to shame and stigmatize pregnant women? He's trying to shame and stigmatize some of the most vulnerable Manitobans in this province. The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Grocery Price Inflation Request for Plan to Address Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Everyone in the gallery here and at home can clearly see that–jokes and laughing on this side of the House. When I talk about not giving youth access to drugs, helping pregnant women, not injecting them with illegal drugs, this NDP government wants to laugh and make jokes. It's disgusting, it's despicable, and it's–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –unacceptable.

Honourable Speaker, on top of that crisis, we have an affordability crisis under this NDP government. Life is more expensive. Groceries are higher than they've ever been in the history of this province and this country. Food inflation is up 6.1 per cent under

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 607 this failing NDP government when it campaigned and promised to lower your food prices. Will the Premier (Mr. Kinew) commit today to tackling the cost of food inflation, and what is he going to do to lower that cost? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, our government takes very seriously making life more affordable for Manitobans, and every single budget are phenomenal.

Some might say–we might say–I think Manitobans would say–the best Finance Minister in the country has done a phenomenal job br inging forward dozens of ways Manitobans can save. We're doing a grocery study to make sure that we're doing everything we can to understand the market and take real action for Manitobans. The price of milk in Manitoba –cheaper for Manitobans under our government than it was for eight years under the members opposite. They did nothing; they made life more expensive. We're taking real action, making life more affordable.

The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Maybe the Minister of Health needs to go back and check what the Finance Minister got in his rating from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Canadian independent businesses. What was it? It was an F. Definitely not the best Minister of Finance (MLA Sala) in the country; the absolute worst. He got an F. Manitoba is almost $4 billion in debt in just two and a half years under this NDP government. That is a clear F. Failure–failure on health care, failure on, now, affordability in Manitoba.

Grocery prices are higher than they've ever been under this NDP government. Families are visiting food banks at historic levels in this province. Ages under 18 years old are at historic highs visiting food banks. And what does this NDP government have to say? We're going to save you two cents on a litre of milk. It's embarrassing; it's shameful. What will the Minister of Finance or the Premier or anyone on that side stand up with a real solution on tackling grocery prices under this NDP government? The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, we have the best Finance Minister in the country right here in Manitoba. And it's pretty obvious who's getting the failing grade in this Chamber and it's definitely the Leader of the Opposition. And it's coming from his own caucus. The call is coming from inside his house. Honourable Speaker, they did nothing for years. He did nothing when he was around the Cabinet table. He caused chaos in health care. He made life more expensive and now he thinks he has any credibility on affordability. He doesn't even have credibility in his own caucus. We'll take no lessons from him.

We're focused on Manitobans. We're going to keep fixing health care and making their lives more affordable. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: It's actually no surprise that this Minister of Health thinks the Minister of Finance is doing a great job. They think an F is a great mark. They got a D- when it comes to health. So it's no surprise that the entire NDP government is failing. But what also is concerning is for the people watch- ing here.

This is a very disturbing statistic that every- one should listen to: that more than two thirds of graduates–two thirds of graduates from university and college under this NDP government–are now visiting food banks. Your future is in worry under this NDP government. Two thirds–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –of graduates are visiting food banks. Honourable Speaker, this NDP government has only made food costs go up. The Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) wants to continue to heckle me. She continue–wants to attack–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Khan: –when we're talking about food prices and affordability in Manitoba. So I'll ask the Premier again: Will the Premier stand up and commit to saving Manitobans money other than giving millions of dollars to– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is the same person who thought that feeding hungry kids was a bad idea. Honourable Speaker, he has no credibility. He had years around the Cabinet table with the failed PCs to take real action to make the futures of our kids brighter. He did nothing. Actually, he did something:

608 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 he cut health care, he made life less affordable and he attacked communities. That leader of that opposition failed then, and he's failing now. He should focus much more on salvaging what's left of his caucus and leave the responsibilities of fixing health care, making life more affordable to the adults in the room on this side of the House. Cost of Living in Manitoba Request to Address Affordability Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, 50 per cent of Manitobans are reporting that they are within $200 from bank ruptcy, and food prices keep going up.

Manitoba has the second highest food inflation in the country. Vegetables are up over 5 per cent, the highest in Canada. Coffee is up 27 per cent, and ground beef has surged to a shocking increase of 39 per cent. Families are struggling and they cannot even afford the basics at the grocery store. Why, under this NDP, are Manitobans paying the highest food increases in Canada? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, after years of Manitobans having a gov- ernment that wouldn't take action on affordability, they finally do.

We're proud to be doing that work, of course, making life more affordable up and down and around the entire province. And when it comes to groceries, one thing we're very proud to have done is to have brought in a freeze on the one -litre price of milk and to introduce more competition in our communities so more grocery stores are available to lower costs overall. And we're very proud to have brought in the first- of-its-kind grocery study that is going to identify the way that we're going to reduce costs of groceries in this province.

The members opposite don't care; we do, and we're going to do the work of making life more affordable. The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: Clearly, the motto of this NDP gov ern- ment is: Study and stall. The studies have been done. What does this NDP government expect to find? Manitobans do not need another study. What they need is tangible, long- term tax relief that will help them pay for the food for their families, heat their homes and pay the property taxes that this minister has jacked up.

Manitobans' inflation rate is the highest in the country at 3.7 per cent. Cost of living is the No. 1 concern, yet what has the NDP done? Jacked up edu- cation property taxes $400 million, increased income taxes $82 million and hiked hydro rates by 12 per cent over the next few years. Manitobans are feeling the pinch. Why does the NDP think it's okay to hike taxes on Manitobans during a cost-of-living crisis? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, we cut the gas tax. We froze hydro rates. We reduced education property taxes. We cut your personal income taxes. We're doing the work.

They made life more expensive; they know this. When it comes to food, I'll share with the member honestly–and I beg them to actually look at this with an honest observation –we are doing the work of looking at how we can reduce the cost of groceries. The department in–within the Department of Finance, the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics is doing this study. We trust them to look at this. We're going to look forward to seeing the recom mendations that they bring forward, and we're earnestly looking to ensure that we can do everything we can to reduce the cost of groceries. Manitobans can count on it.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: Study and stall, tax and spend: It's the motto of the NDP government over decades. Food inflation is the second highest in Canada, yet the NDP refuse to call on the federal gov ernment to remove the hidden food carbon tax. Fuel prices have soared to 143.9 cents a litre as of this morning, yet the NDP refuses to sign on to the Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan MOU to increase oil production in Canada domestically. And the NDP government have increased taxes by almost half a billion dollars since they came into office.

Will this NDP minister admit that their decisions are making life more unaffordable for Manitoba– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, the members oppo- site are disconnected from reality. * (14:10)

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 609 The member that's asking the question, nine of 10 individuals in their com munity are better off as a result of our Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit – nine out of 10. Again, we brought in the gas tax cut. We brought in the hydro rate freeze. We're cutting your education property taxes. We reduced your personal income taxes. We are doing that work, Honourable Speaker, and we're going to continue to do more work with that grocery study. And you know what, Honourable Speaker? We're excited in our upcoming budget to show–[interjection] The Speaker: Order.

MLA Sala: –our next step forward in how we're going to reduce food prices for Manitobans. Cost of Living in Manitoba Request to Address Affordability Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Every item in Manitoba household budgets is going up. Gas prices are soaring. Manitoba leads the country in food inflation. Hydro rates are going up. Property taxes are going up again. Manitoba parents are being forced to make tough choices between their kids' activities or pay ing their bills. Why is this NDP government making life more expensive for Manitoba parents? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, they can keep repeating these talking points, but it won't make anything true. We know that for years, the members opposite made life more expensive for Manitobans. Let's start with renters. Some of those Manitobans that are facing the most significant challenges: seniors, people on fixed incomes. What did they do? They hiked their taxes by $175. What are we doing? We're restoring that tax credit to support renters i n Manitoba. They don't care about Manitobans struggling. They showed that for seven and a half years.

We do, and every single day this team is going to get up and we're going to do the work of making life more affordable. Mrs. Cook: Honourable Speaker, the facts don't lie. Life is more expensive under an NDP government. Education property taxes are going through the roof because this NDP government refuses to fund educa- tion properly and passes the buck to school boards. Grocery bills are skyrocketing because this govern- ment has allowed food inflation to soar unchecked. And come tax time, families will be facing a higher tax bill because this NDP government de-indexed tax brackets.

How are Manitoba families supposed to keep up with this NDP government's assault on their house - hold budgets? The Speaker: The honourable Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine). [interjection] Order. An Honourable Member: Honourable Speaker, this team is proud to be finally doing the important work under the leadership of our Minister of Education, our Premier (Mr. Kinew), of funding education adequately after years of cuts under the members opposite. We're finally doing that work and, of course, we're helping to keep the cost of education property taxes low with our Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit.

That was $1,500 last tax season and is going up to $1,600 this tax season. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. An Honourable Member: The members opposite, what did they do? They jacked cost of living for renters. They increased the cost of living for all Manitobans through their creative hydro rate hikes. They made life more expensive for producers by increasing the cost of rentals on Crown lands. That is their record on almost every metric. This team is lowering costs for Manitobans. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, final supplementary question. Mrs.

Cook: Manitoba parents are being squeezed like never before. The cost of child care, the cost of our children's activities, gas, groceries, hydro bills. Raising a family in 2026 is more expensive than it has ever been, and this NDP government is making the prob- lem worse by de-indexing income tax rates, by raising property taxes, by jacking up hydro rates and allowing food inflation to soar. If the NDP won't do anything to make life more affordable for Manitoba families, will they at least stop making the problem worse?

MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, just on a line -by- line list in terms of what was identified, they said that child care is more expensive. What did we do? Ten-dollar child care all year round.

610 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 They said we're making rent more expensive. They rent–they hiked rent–taxes on renters by $175. What are we doing? Restoring the renter's tax credit. They said that we're making groceries more expensive. We brought in a one -litre freeze on the price of milk. We brought in more grocery stores for more competition and we're going to be bringing in more measures in our upcoming budget. And we know, finally, when it comes to education, they continue to make life more expensive. They failed to fund our education system properly.

We're bringing credits to reduce your cost of education property taxes and we're going to keep doing that, Honourable Speaker, serving Manitobans every single day. Measures to Address Affordability Crisis Investment in Jobs and Manitoba's Economy Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): I don't think we need to overcomplicate affordability. It simply starts with the economy, and that means people having good jobs and strong economic opportunities close to home.

The problem is, Manitobans' economic growth con- tinues to lag behind much of the rest of the country, and businesses are telling us each and every day that it's becoming harder to invest, expand and make a profit here in Manitoba. So my question for the minister is: How does he expect to improve affordability for Manitoba families if the government cannot create the economic con - ditions needed to grow jobs and investment right here in Manitoba. Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, I'm delighted to have the chance to talk about the good work that this team is doing. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Sala: Not only are we doing the work of making life more affordable, but under the leadership of, of course, of our minister for BMTJC and the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and this team, we've created over 30,000 new jobs in Manitoba since coming into government. That's driven by things like our $3.7-billion capital plan that we announced last budget.

That's driven by things like our investments in CentrePort and trade- supporting infrastructure. That's driven by things like our investment in critical minerals and opening up more mines in Manitoba. That's driven by things like our investment in more tourism, bringing more people to Manitoba to bring their dollars here. We're growing this economy. We're making life more affordable, things that the members opposite didn't do for seven and a half years. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question.

Agriculture and Food Processing Sectors Regulatory Environment Adding to Food Costs Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Like I said in the first question, affordability is very simple. It starts with food, and food starts with agriculture and food production. Manitoba is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the entire world. Our farmers grow the food that fee ds families not only across Canada, but around the globe. Yet despite being an agriculture powerhouse, Manitobans are still facing rising grocery prices and increasing costs throughout the food supply chain.

My question, Honourable Speaker: Why is this government making food more expensive for families by adding to the regulatory and tax burden for farmers and the agriculture and food processing sectors? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Finally–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kostyshyn: –I get an indirect question about agri- culture. You know what, Honourable Speaker, I've had the privilege to be at a number of AGM meetings with the turkey organization, the eggs organiza tion, the chicken organizations.

And let me tell you, the No. 1 thing they said: Thank you to the government of Manitoba today for making it –that they're in a profitable position for agriculture and the importance of food in the province of Manitoba. Which–but last but not least, Honourable Speaker, I want to personally thank the agriculture producers from the ground up to the processors in this province– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Taxes and Debt Servicing Costs Impact on Affordability for Manitobans Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, that's an absolutely bizarre response to that question because every single agriculture producer that I've spoken to over the last two and a half years has said that the regulatory process and the convoluted

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 611 operation of this government is making operations tougher for every producer in Manitoba. But you know what's even more concerning is that we're seeing taxes increase on every single Manitoban everywhere we turn. March 24, we're going to see a new budget, and every dollar spent servicing NDP debt is a dollar that cannot go towards increasing the position of our economy and helping Manitobans. So, Honourable Speaker, my question is: Why doesn't this minister recognize that increasing taxes are making it harder– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Member opposite doesn't seem to be getting the memo. We are lowering taxes for Manitobans. That simple. And while we do that, to the other part of the mem- ber's question, we're managing the books responsibly. Finally, after years of poor management, are the members opposite where they sent us into the fiscal ditch with a $2 -billion deficit. I'll say a $2 -billion deficit when there were no wildfires, when there wasn't a historic drought, when we didn't have tariffs applied. They still took us in that place. What is this team doing? We're managing the books responsibly.

We're building great relationships with investors, credit-rating agencies, and we're show- ing the path forward to that balanced budget commit- ment–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Sala: –we made in '27-28. Manitobans can count on this team to manage the books responsibly while we invest in fixing the health care, affordability– * (14:20) The Speaker: And member's time has expired. Cost of Living in Manitoba Request to Address Affordability Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Honourable Speaker, across Manitoba, Manitoba families are struggling to manage their books with the struggling rise of groceries, rent, basic bills. Food bank usage continues to climb. Manitobans expect their government to focus on making life more affordable. Will this government stand up today and commit to not raising taxes on Manitoba families? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, again, I'm delighted to have this chance to stand up and talk about all the important work we're doing to make life more affordable for Manitobans, especially those Manitobans that are facing those higher levels of challenges. We know that, for years under the members oppo- site, they thought giving breakfast to kids was a bad idea at school. What did this team do to ensure that every kid in this province can start their day with a full tummy and get the best possible chance at success in school?

Every single kid in this province now gets that snack through our universal school nutrition program. We're supporting families through all of our various affordability measures, including, of course, the renters tax credit increases, the changes to the gas tax and beyond. And, of course, to further support those families that are struggling, we're building more– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Agassiz, on a supple- mentary question. Ms. Byram: Many Manitobans are doing everything right raising their families.

They're working hard, look- ing after their children and contributing to their com - munities, yet they are still lining up at food banks because of the cost of living; it keeps rising. Instead of 'focasing' on these real priorities, this government seems to be losing control of affordability. Why has this government allowed life to become so unaffordable for hard- working families here in Manitoba? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, again, we're proud to be doing that work of making life more affordable, and we've got, just in our last budget, 25 ways to save.

The budget before that, we brought in a whole other long list. This upcoming budget, what can Manitobans expect? More affordability measures to make life easier. We know, for years, the members opposite refused to do the work. They refused to do anything about the high cost of fuel. What did we do? We cut the gas tax entirely for an entire year, and now we brought in a permanent 10 per cent cut to reduce fuel costs. We brought in a hydro rate freeze for an entire year. We reduced the cost of your education property taxes by $1,500 las t year, $1,600 at this year at tax time.

Overall, this team, again, each and every day, is focused on making life more affordable while we fix–

612 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Agassiz, on a final supplementary question. Ms. Byram: Manitoba families want leadership focused on affordability, not–and stability, not political games. Hard-working Manitobans continue to see costs rise while affordability declines. Based on this government's track record, how can Manitobans trust that the next budget won't make life even harder for families who are already struggling? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, how can Manitobans trust them?

They know that in many of their communities, eight, nine out of 10 people are better off as a function of our Education Property Tax Credit than they were under their measure. How do they go back to their communities and rationalize that when they look around and nine out of 10 people are better off? That is the work that we're doing, Honourable Speaker: significant. A vast proportion of Manitobans are better off under that measure along with the huge suite of other measures we've taken to lower their costs.

Again, whether it's through that hydro r ate freeze, whether it's reducing their cost of gas, whether it's through our increasing of the renters tax credit. For years, they didn't have a government that was focused on their needs. They didn't have a government that cared about their challenges. Finally, we have a government that is concerned about the challenges Manitobans face, and this team, each and every day– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

Illegally Modified Firearms Prevention of Offenders from Obtaining MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Honour- able Speaker, on March 7, just three days ago, Winnipeg police arrested an individual carrying a loaded, modified, fully automatic GLOCK handgun from someone who was already barred from possessing firearms. Can the minister explain what role the Province is playing to keep illegal and illegally modified firearms off the streets and out of the hands of violent and repeat offenders? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): That's a great, great question from the member opposite.

I appreciate her bringing it to the Legislature here today. Keeping illegal guns off our streets is one of the most important things that we can do, and that's why we, of course, work with law enforcement. We've added officers here in the city of Winnipeg, but that actually extends broadly across the province. And by setting up integrated units between the RCMP, the Winnipeg Police Service, Brandon Police, we know that we can have an effect on the illegal trade and movement of these guns. It's all part of the work we're doing as part of our task force that we convened earlier this month.

And we're going to continue that work to keep illegal guns off of our streets. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, just yesterday on March 9, Winnipeg police arrested and charged two individuals in a stolen vehicle with possession of a number of illegal substances like fentanyl, a loaded, illegally sawed -off rifle and multiple rounds of ammunition. We need to make sure that guns are not ending up in the wrong hands.

With two separate incidents occurring within two days, both involving restricted and illegally modified firearms, can the government share with Manitobans how these firearms are being obtained? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, again, an important topic, an important issue to bring to the Legislature here. I had the opportunity to sit with police chiefs from across Manitoba, but also with RCMP and national representatives, CBSA and Canada's fentanyl czar here in the Legislature. We brought together these voices because we are focused on disrupting organized crime.

And that includes, of course, toxic drugs that are coming into our communities, but also, importantly, as the member opposite mentioned, the illegal move- ment of firearms across this country. I'm reluctant to share some of the details we learned at that table. Suffice it to say, we had all the experts at one table for the first time ever, and that's going to really bear results in keeping communities safe. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 613 Protection from Gun Violence Request for Plan to Address MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Honour- able Speaker, according to Stats Canada, in 2023, firearm- related crimes substantially increased here in Manitoba, averaging around 81 incidents per 100,000 people. With concerns about rising gun violence here in Manitoba and across our country, what is the govern- ment doing provincially to protect Manitobans against gun violence right now and in the near future? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Yes, well, as I said, Honourable Speaker, it's about working together. Just this morning, I was at a conference that brought together security experts, intelligence operatives and police officers from across the country, and–including, in fact, some from the United States who have come up to work on this issue. We know the illegal flow of guns, especially coming up from the United States, is certainly an issue we want to continue to be vigilant about.

And I think there's an important note that the work that we're doing with the federal government to push them on bail reform, a true reform that's coming from the federal government. Members opposite never did that work. We're going to ensure that those who possess and use firearms are held to the highest account. Menstrual Products Mandatory Availability in Workplaces MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Honourable Speaker, from safer access to abortion services to lowering the breast cancer screening age, our govern- ment is taking real action to improve women's health care.

That's why, yesterday, we announced that for the first time ever, every–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Dela Cruz: –workplace in Manitoba will provide free menstrual products for their workers. Can the Minister of Labour and Immigration please tell Manitobans more about the gravity of this initia - tive and what it holds for women and workers across this province? [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Hon.

Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House, we take women's health seriously, not just on International Women's Day, but on every single day of the year. Honourable Speaker, no one should have to worry about safe access to abortion, and no one should have to worry about safe access to basic necessities while at work, and that's why Manitoba is becoming the first province in the entire country to require workplaces to provide free pads and tampons. It's simple–[interjection] The Speaker: Order.

MLA Marcelino: –but it's an important step that sup- ports women's health and makes workplaces more fair and inclusive for everyone. * (14:30) Manitoba's Construction Sector Statement Regarding Manitoba Jobs Agreement Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): I'm curious if the Minister of Labour has read the joint industry alert put out by the Winnipeg Construction Association, the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and Manitoba Heavy, warning all Manitoba construction companies of the high risk of bidding on government projects under the NDP's so -called Manitoba Jobs Agreements. Has she read the industry alert?

Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I want to thank the member for that question. We are listening to Manitobans and we are listen- ing to Manitoba workers as well, Honourable Speaker. Manitoba Jobs Agreements are good news for all workers. MJAs are about hiring Manitoba first and making sure every worker has good wages, benefits and working condi tions. This is about seeing more friendly licence plates on our work sites. We know that both union and open-shop workers are the foundation of our construction industry. That's why MJAs are open to everyone. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Borderland, on a supplementary question. Mr. Guenter: You know, they didn't consult before they implemented the Manitoba Jobs Agreements, and it's concerning now that the minister–well, the Minister of Labour apparently isn't allowed to get up and answer questions although it's her file–but the minister won't say–Minister of Public Service Delivery won't say that he's read the industry alert either.

614 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 This unprecedented joint industry alert, unprecedented by the associations representing Manitoba's construc- tion sector, goes on to say that the –this NDP govern- ment's MJA will significantly impact labour flexi- bility, cost structure and project delivery approach– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Guenter: –and warrants an increase of adminis- trative and compliance burden.

Question for the minister: How much more will it cost to build schools, hospitals, bridges and roads now that the government has effectively erased com - petitive fair bidding on government projects? MLA Sandhu: I was very happy to announce that we were at the –were–new school announce ment today where we did a sod- turning ceremony which will be having–creating good, bankable jobs with MJA, Honourable Speaker. This is about protecting Manitoba jobs, Honour - able Speaker. I don't know why the opposition want to bring the labour force from out of province. Why? That's the question to them.

Maybe that's the reason some of their members are leaving, because they don't care about Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The honourable member for Borderland, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Guenter: You know, the reason–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Guenter: –the only ones in Manitoba cheering for this MJA are the NDP because they're going to be lining their pockets with taxpayer funds, and we can demonstrate–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Guenter: –that and the industry leaders can demon- strate that. [interjection] Can the Minister of Labour– The Speaker: Order, please. Everybody needs to calm down. I can't hear; the member's screaming. Mr. Guenter: This industry alert was put out as a warning to all Manitoba construction companies to beware of dealing with this government. Can the minister tell this House what impact her government's MJA will have on the unemployment rate for Manitobans who work in the construction sector when Manitoba companies can't afford to bid on government projects?

MLA Sandhu: My question is again to the opposition benches: Why you hate Manitoba workers? Each and every day, this side of the House, we–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Sandhu: –will always prioritize Manitoba workers, Manitoba companies. Honourable Speaker, we care about Manitoba workers. That's why, on this side the House, we signed the first MJA in the history of this government and we are building four new schools under MJA with the first one –we just did a sod- turning ceremony this morning at the Highland. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired.

PETITIONS The Speaker: Order. [interjection] Order. The NDP bench needs to come to order. Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Petitions. The Speaker: Petitions. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition has the floor. Teaching Certification Mr. Khan: I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects–I got to go back–ensuring that teachers have a robust background in the subjects they teach is essential for maintaining high-quality educa- tion and fostering well -rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fica- tions Regulation under The Education Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject- area expertise required for teacher certification. These amendments–oh,

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject -area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 615 subjects and subject-specific requirements for early/middle years streams.

(4) Specifically, the amend ments removed: first point, senior years' credit requirements in an approved teachable major and minor; early/middle year credit requirements in an approved teachable major and minor; and early- to middle-years credit requirements for specific subjects, inclu ding math, physical or biological science, English or French and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stake holders, such as parents, post - secondary educators outside the facilities of education and business partners were not consulted about the changes.

(6) The removal of subject-specific requirements undermines the edu cational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sig nificant training in core academic areas, thereby compromising the education that Manitoban students receive. We petition the–apologize, Honourable Speaker. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fications Regula- tion that weaken subject-area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early/middle year requirements which are essential for ensuring teachers have strong knowledge in core subject areas; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous and subject-area standards, which are critical for providing quality education to all Manitoba students. Honourable Speaker, this petition has been signed by Ian Burley, Samantha Cook and Tammi Chowdhury, along with many, many other Manitobans. * (14:40) Education Property Taxes Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background–to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government's decision to cancel the Education Property Tax Credit and the property tax offset grant has enabled and encouraged school divisions to introduce massive tax increases.

(2) These massive increases have been felt by all Manitobans and compounded by the arbitrary and punitive changes to the education property tax rebate, and those changes have made many Manitobans ineligible to receive the $1,500 rebate.

(3) Secondary property owners are subject to taxation without representation as they are ineligible to vote for trustees who set the rates; yet, secondary property owners are still required to pay full education taxes in their division.

(4) Additionally, families can only claim the reduced Education Property Tax Credit on their primary residence.

(5) These increases and the revocation of rebates were done with no consultation, punishing Manitobans who maintain family cabins by tying education taxa - tion to assessed property values. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to remove education funding and taxation from property taxes and find a fair and equitable way to fund education in Manitoba. This is signed by Darryl [phonetic] –Dale Reed, Nicole Toews, Larry Overby and many, many more Manitobans. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: Thanks to the investments made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction of the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and eq uip- ment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

616 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous people in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aero-dome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. And, Honourable Speaker, this petition was signed by Martha Harris, Bev Teezen [phonetic], E. Desjarlais and many, many other fine Manitobans.

MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and a computer-generated radio –computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in the Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care close r to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing. * (14:50)

(6) Located in the close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide an opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This is signed by Maria Victor, Stan Lambert, Pauline Calder and many more Manitobans. Thank you.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 617 New Neepawa Health Centre Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Neepawa Health Centre is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from the added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of a CT scanner.

(2) The new hospital is being built east of Neepawa, on the north side of Yellowhead Highway, PTH 16. It will be nearly double the size of the existing hospital and will be –better serve patients from this broader, western Manitoba geographic area.

(3) CT scanners are standard equipment that combine X-ray images from several angles to create detailed, three -dimensional models of structures inside the body. They perform critical diagnostic procedures that support the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of injuries and diseases, and the new equipment will be able to complete these important scans faster and with sharper and clearer images.

(4) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive a CT scan is currently seven weeks, and there are over 14,000 patients on the wait-list to receive the diagnostic imaging procedures.

(5) The new CT scanner will reduce these wait times as it would decrease the need for patients to travel long distances, sometimes involving overnight stays, to access the care they need.

(6) The new scanner will reduce pressure on emergency response services, who would no longer have to transport these patients, opening up appoint - ments in other communities and allowing more people to get the care they need sooner.

(7) A CT scanner in the Neepawa Health Centre will enable further treatment and diagnosis to take place in community, reducing the wait times for patients in surrounding areas and reducing the burden of travel to other facilities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of a CT scanner machine in the Neepawa Health Centre in Neepawa, Manitoba. This petition is signed by Jaymie Yabago [phonetic], Roberto Tembella [phonetic] and Dorthe Tripp and many, many other Manitobans. Thank you.

Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly, and the reasons for this petition are as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with a long criminal history.

(2) Despite repeated violations of his bail conditions, the offender was free to roam the streets and to ultimately claim Kellie's life. This tragedy was entirely preventable.

(3) While the Criminal Code falls under federal jurisdiction, provinces have been given the respon- sibility for the administration of justice, allowing for meaningful provincial action on bail reform to ensure public safety.

(4) Other provinces have taken proactive steps to strengthen bail enforcement, but Manitoba has not used all the available tools to address this issue effectively.

(5) The provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that repeat violent offenders are not released into our communities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close gaps in the justice system that allow dangerous criminals to remain free, which puts innocent Manitobans at risk. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious deficits in enforcement by utilizing all available provincial mechanisms to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision and opposing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

618 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. And, Honourable Speaker, this petition is signed by David Mulaire, Vance English, Kimberly Markus and many other fine Manitobans. Phoenix School Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows: Phoenix School, a kindergarten to grade 5 school located in Headingley, has experienced consistent enrolment growth over the last several years. Enrolment is expected to reach 275 students in the next two years. Because the school is now over capacity, the school division has had to install portable classrooms on site as of fall 2024. For several consecutive years, the top capital priority of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division has been the renovation and expansion of Phoenix School.

In 2022, the Phoenix School expansion and renova- tion project was approved to proceed to the design phase. The project included, among other amenities, a new gymnasium, two new classrooms, a multi-purpose room and room for 74 child-care spaces. In June 2024, the school division received notice from the provincial government that the project has been deferred. There is no guarantee if, or when, the project will move forward. There are currently hundreds of children on a wait-list for child care in Headingley.

The daycare operator in Phoenix School has been told that they will continue to have space within the school for the 2024-2025 school year only, that further expansion of child-care space within the school is not possible and that space may be reduced moving forward due to the shortage of classrooms. If new space is not constructed as planned, many families may be left without child care.

It is critical that the expansion and renovation of Phoenix School proceed as planned in order to support the needs of students, teachers and families in the growing community of Headingley. * (15:00) We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to proceed with the planned renovation and expansion of Phoenix School without further delay. And this petition is signed by Mallory MacEachern, Katie Oleson, Patti [phonetic] Tokar and many, many other Manitobans. Education Property Taxes Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The prov incial gov ernment's decision to cancel the Edu cation Property Tax Credit and the property tax offset grant has enabled and encouraged school divisions to introduce massive tax increases.

(2) These massive increases have been felt by all Manitobans and, compounded by arbitrary and punitive changes to the education property tax rebate, have made many Manitobans ineligible.

(3) Residents of the rural municipality of Victoria Beach are currently subject to a 26.6 per cent increase on their 2025 property tax bills as they fall within the catchment of the Lord Selkirk School Division.

(4) Victoria Beach residents are paying a disproportionate rate per pupil, totalling almost $300,000 in taxes collected per student in the RM.

(5) Secondary property owners are subject to taxation without representation as they are ineligible to vote for trustees who set the rate but are still required to pay.

(6) Additionally, families can only claim the reduced education property tax rebate on their primary residence.

(7) These increases and the revocation of rebates were done suddenly and with no consultation, punishing Manitobans who maintain family cabins by tying taxation to property values. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately reverse these unfair and punishing tax policy changes and restore education property tax rebates for all Manitobans.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 619 This petition is signed by Maria Mikanoz [phonetic], Grace Plewcynski, Stan Mikanoz [phonetic] and many, many more fine Manitobans. Medical Assistance in Dying Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19.

(3) There have been reports of the unsolicited introduction of medical assistance in dying to non-seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for the mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assist ance; and

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition; and

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Carbon Tax and Rising Food Prices Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: In 2022, according to Statistics Canada, there was an 11.4 per cent increase in food prices.

Staple food products such as baked goods, margarine and other oils, dairy products and eggs have seen some of the largest increases.

(3) Agri culture and agri -food sectors contribute close to 10 per cent of Manitoba's GDP.

(4) There are increased costs added to every step of the process for Manitoba's agri cultural producers. In order to make 18 cents from one loaf of bread worth of wheat, farmers are paying carbon tax on every stage of production to grow the crop and get it to market.

(5) Grain drying, fertilizer and chemical production, mushroom farming, hog operations, the cost of heating is–a livestock barn, machine shops and utility billings are all examples of how the carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels cost farmers and consumers more each year. In food production, there are currently no viable alternatives to natural gas and propane. The carbon tax takes money away from farmers, making them less profitable, hindering rural agri cultural producers' ability to invest in upgrades and improve effic iency while reducing emissions.

The provincial gov ernment neglected farmers in the six -month fuel tax holiday until the opposi tion critic and local stake holder groups called for their inclusion. Other prov incial juris dictions and leaders have taken action on calling on the federal govern ment to remove the punishing carbon tax and/or stop collecting the carbon tax altogether. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to call the federal government to remove the punishing carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels and farm inputs for Manitoba agriculture producers and agri -food sector

620 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 to decrease the costs of putting food on the table for Manitoba consumers. This petition was signed by Crystal Heinrichs, John Heinrichs and Jacob Heinrichs. Thank you–and many other Manitobans. Thank you. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for a new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from an added diagnostic machinery– from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine. * (15:10)

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in Southern Health/Saunt Sud [phonetic] health authority. Currently, there is only one MRI machine and–in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This petition was signed by Hailey LaBelle, Charlotte Jones and J.W. Woodward, along with many, many other fine Manitobans.

Construct New Personal-Care Home–Stonewall Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The govern ment of Manitoba funded the design for a new personal -care home in Stonewall to address the critical need for additional care- home spaces in the community and the surrounding areas.

(2) The com munity has committed to raise $10 million in funding for this project, demonstrating strong local support and readiness to proceed with construction.

(3) Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is experiencing a critical shortage of personal-care-home beds.

(4) Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Author ity has the lowest number of personal-care-home beds per capita, with a shortfall of approximately 400 beds.

(5) Despite these approvals, the government has made no mention of the construction of the Stonewall personal-care home, leaving many seniors and their families without access to adequate personal -care services in the region.

(6) The delay in commencing construction exacerbates existing challenges in provi ding timely and appropriate care for aging residents, forcing some to seek services far from their families and their community.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 621

(7) Investing in the timely construction of this personal-care home will provide essential services to a growing senior population, support the local economy and demonstrate the government's commitment to the well-being of Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately restore funding and commence construction on the personal -care home in Stonewall, ensuring that this essential project proceeds without further delay. This petition has been signed by Todd Campbell, Leonard Lindley, Brian Sackney and many, many Manitobans.

Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Green Valley School Expansion Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The residents of La Vérendrye and other areas around Manitoba are extremely frustrated and concerned by the provincial government's decision to cancel the school expansion project for the Green Valley School in Grunthal.

(2) In 2021, the PC provincial government committed funding to expand Green Valley School for a new gymnasium and classrooms.

(3) The school is so crowded that three mobile classrooms were added to alleviate overcrowding in classrooms.

(4) In order for construction to begin, the school removed all three portable classrooms, leaving Green Valley in a further critical state of overcrowding.

(5) As a result of overcrowding, parents are choosing to home-school their children due to safety concerns and the challenges associated with over - crowding.

(6) The current Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning have said they are committed to investing in education.

(7) The concerns of residents of La Vérendrye and the surrounding area are being ignored by the provincial government.

(8) The lack of space in the school is affecting the quality of education and extracurricular activities for students.

(9) The minister and Premier have a duty to respond to the educational needs of children and youth identified by rural communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: * (15:20)

(1) To urge the Minister Education and Early Childhood Learning to immediately bring back three portable classrooms to help alleviate the stress and overcrowding classrooms.

(2) To urge the provincial government to reinstate the expansion project for Green Valley School. And this petition has been signed by Ken Friesen, Linda Brown, Dave Clarenbould [phonetic] and many, many other Manitobans. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in the Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

622 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Honourable Speaker, this petition is been signed by Linda Picard, Norm Picard, Mike Hordeski and many, many more fine Manitobans. Thank you.

Removal of Federal Carbon Tax Mrs. Colleen Robbins (Spruce Woods): Honourable Speaker, I want to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The federal government has mandated a con- sumption-based carbon tax, with the stated goal of financially pressuring Canadians to make decisions to reduce their carbon emissions.

(2) Manitoba Hydro estimates that, even with a high-efficiency furnace, the carbon tax is costing the average family over $200 annually, even more for those with older furnaces. Home heating in Manitoba is not a choice or a decision for Manitobans to make; it is a necessity of life, with the average of almost 200 days below 0°C annually.

(4) The federal government has selectively removed the carbon tax off of home heating oil in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, but has indicated they have no intention to provide the same relief to Manitobans heating their homes.

(5) Manitoba indicates that natural gas heating is one of the most affordable options available to Manitobans, and it can be cost prohibitive for house - holds to replace the heating source.

(6) Premiers across Canada, including in the Atlantic provinces that benefit from this decision, have collectively sent a letter to the federal gov ern- ment, calling on it to extend the carbon tax exemption to all forms of home heating, with the exception of Manitoba.

(7) Manitoba is one of the only provincial juris - dictions to have not agreed with the stance of all Canadians' home heating bills should be exempt from the carbon tax. Provincial–

(8) Provincial leadership in other juris- dictions have already commented to removing – committed to removing the federal carbon tax from home heating bills. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to remove the federal carbon tax on home heating bills for all Manitobans to provide them with much-needed relief. This petition has been signed by Darryl Jackson, Mandy Landers, Charlotte Parham and many, many other Manitobans. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made by the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine. An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 623 images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in the Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province. Mr. Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to their new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services. * (15:30)

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This is signed by Candace Preston, Jess Brooks and many, many other Manitobans. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt)–Swan River. Provincial Trunk Highway 45 Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for the petition:

(1) Upgrading Provincial Trunk Highway 45 will accelerate economic development as it will enhance connectivity, facilitate efficient transportation and promote economic growth in the region.

(2) Economic development will be further enhanced as improved road infrastructure attracts businesses, encourages investment and creates job opportunities.

(3) Roads meeting the Roads and Transportation Association of Canada, RTAC, standards improve both safety and efficiency, as they can handle heavier loads, reducing the number of trips required for goods transportation.

(4) Safer roads further benefit both competitive - ness and commercial–or commuters and commercial vehicles, minimizing accidents and damage.

(5) Upgrading the RTAC standards ensures resilience to challenges caused by climate change, such as thawing and flooding, which negatively impact road conditions; and

(6) Efficient transportation networks contribute to Manitoba's economic competitiveness, as upgraded roads support interprovincial and international goods movement, benefiting both trade and commerce. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to take the necessary steps to upgrade Provincial Trunk Highway 45 from Russell to Provincial Trunk Highway 10 to meet RTAC standards. This petition has been signed by Bennett Foster, Shelly Kaskiw and Mark Laycock and many, many other fine Manitobans.

The Deputy Speaker: Seeing no further petitions, grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Can you please call the start of second reading of Bill 31, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act; followed by Bill 10, The Employment Standards Code

624 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 Amendment Act (Attachment Leave for Adoption and Surrogacy). The Deputy Speaker: It has been announced that we will do second reading of Bill 31, The Highway Traffic Amend ment Act; followed by Bill 10, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Attachment Leave for Adoption and Surrogacy). SECOND READINGS Bill 31–The Highway Traffic Amendment Act The Deputy Speaker: I will therefore call debate on Bill 31, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Labour and Immigration (MLA Marcelino), that Bill 31, The Highway Traffic Amend ment Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to rise in the House today for second reading of Bill 31, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act. This bill amends The Highway Traffic Act to enhance and further Manitoba's licensing and suspen- sion regime by strengthening the sanctions and extend- ing alcohol-related restrictions to address impaired driving.

It takes further concrete steps to separate the use of alcohol from the privilege and the responsi - bility of driving on Manitoba roads. The bill will increase roadside suspension lengths, expand mandatory partici pation in the Ignition Interlock Program, extend the application of alcohol prohibitions following certain convictions and offences and introduce a new zero per cent blood alcohol content rule when drivers are operating certain large vehicles.

This legislation, honourable Speaker, was developed with and by the advocates and the victims of impaired driving in this province, including, and most im por- tantly, the work of MADD Canada, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving. I want to spe cifically shout- out my friend and amazing advocate, Tanya Hansen- Pratt, as well as MADD Manitoba, Trevor Ens and many more families that have been a part of developing this important legislation. This reflects the work that they and so many other victims are willing to come to the table to do even though they have been devastated by the impacts of impaired driving.

And we once again seek to lead the country and develop some of the toughest impaired driving legislation anywhere in this country in con- junction with them to ensure that the message gets out to all Manitobans: If you're impaired, don't get behind the wheel. This legislation reflects the work that our depart- ment has done following my commit ment to bring legislation incrementally to this Legislature to con - tinue to build on some of the toughest laws anywhere in the country and I look forward to having all -party support of it.

I'll just review some of the important changes that are being made by this legislation for the information of members opposite. First, a new zero per cent blood alcohol con- centration for drivers when operating a class 1, 2, 3 and 4 com mercial emergency vehicle's provision is established. This bill also introduces a new zero per cent blood alcohol concentration require ment for drivers when they are operating class 1 through 4 vehicles.

This is a stringent alcohol restriction, and it's important–it's an impor tant preventative measure that is aligned with the higher operating and safety standards that we already expect of those who are operating those class of vehicles. Drivers operating class 1 to 3–1 to 4 com mercial large passenger and emergency vehicles, these are professional drivers who must meet a higher training, testing and medical fitness standard in order to obtain and retain their licences. These higher standards reflect the nature of their work and of the ir elevated duty of care to other road users.

Due to their size, when collisions involve these vehicles, the risk of serious injury or death is significantly higher. This bill removes any risk that alcohol consump- tion might compro mise judgment, reaction time, focus, hazard recognition and the ability to assess their level of impairment. This is essential for the safe operation of commercial and emergency vehicles and the safety of the public.

Manitobans want confidence that commercial drivers are safe and that they are being held to the highest standards possible. * (15:40) Secondly, currently under the immediate roadside prohibition, the IRP regime, drivers who register a warn on an approved screening device–that is, a blood alcohol level of 0.05 to 0.79–are suspended from driving for three days if it is their first incide nt. This bill will increase that suspension from three days to seven days. The length of the suspension for

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 625 subsequent occurrences will remain the same: 15, 30 and 60 days. The bill also adds four days to the suspension length in all instances where a driver registers a warn if there is a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle. This change ensures that the extra suspension for exceeding the HTA alcohol limit with a child in the vehicle applies to all incidents, not just the first occurrence.

Thirdly, currently drivers who refuse to be screened or who register a fail on an approved screening device are subject to a three-month suspension–administrative suspension–following–followed by a period where they are required to participate in an ignition interlock program. However, in certain cases, if a driver is also charged criminally, they are not subject to the Ignition Interlock Program immediately following their three- month administrative suspension. These amendments extend the post -suspension IIP requirement to all cases of three -month roadside suspensions.

This means that ignition interlock requirement will begin as soon as the three -month suspension ends, including when the driver is also awaiting trial on criminal charges. The Ignition Interlock Program is an important intervention that separates drinking alcohol from driving. Fourth: the bill will also impose an alcohol prohibition on all drivers who are convicted of any impaired-related offence and to drivers who register a fail or refuse screening under the immediate roadside prohibition regime.

This alcohol prohibition, whi ch requires drivers to have a zero per cent BAC, will start immediately when the person is convicted criminally or when the roadside HTA suspension is issued, and will end when they have a valid licence for two years for a first offence. In the case of a second offence within two – 10 years, the driver will be subject to a lifetime alcohol prohibition. They will not be allowed to drink any alcohol and drive again.

If a driver breaches their zero per cent BAC alcohol prohibition, they will be subject to additional sanctions that mirror those at the IRP warn tier and include licence suspension starting at seven days for the first breach and escalating for each subsequent breach to 15, 30 and 60 days; vehicle impoundment for three days after the first breach and then increasing for each subsequent breach to seven and 30 days. Following a second breach within any 10- year period, there is a referral to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba for a driver's assessment.

The interlock – ignition interlock is imposed following a third breach and the administrative penalty of $400 following a first breach and increasing with each subsequent incident, as well as a licence reinstatement fee of $50. This alcohol prohibition will strengthen road safety. Impaired driving continues to be a scourge in Manitoba and it poses extremely serious road safety concerns. As I said, honourable Speaker, we are working with victims and advocates who work every single day to ensure that our roads are safer and that people get the message: If you are impaired, don't get behind the wheel.

Our government is committed to that work and we look forward to working with the opposition to get this bill passed promptly. Thank you, honourable Speaker. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the minister by any op position or independent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining ques- tions asked by any opposition members.

And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is now open for questions. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I'm certainly glad to see this government on board with some very proactive measures when it comes to highway traffic act amendments and impaired driving. Can the minister tell us what the costs are of the ignition interlock system that drivers must put into their vehicles after a roadside suspension, and who will install them in the vehicles? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Yes, a good question from the member opposite.

If he's looking for a dollar figure, I don't have that in front of me right now. Of course, this isn't a new technology. This is something that's being employed right now in many vehicles for many drivers who are subject to these conditions at this point. This is simply expanding their use and closing loopholes that were created under previous legislation. We're tightening it up to make sure our roads are safe.

626 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): As my col - league had stated, it's always welcomed when the government's proactive on legislation to make the highways safer. I'd just–I'd like to ask some questions, and one of those being that I'm unaware of–if this is a large issue, a small issue, something to close a loop, but how many professional drivers that have been found on the job to be impaired and how many accidents have been caused by impaired operation of vehicles within those classes? Mr.

Wiebe: Yes, again, happy to discuss further with the member for specifics that he's looking for. Again, what this is doing is sending a very clear message to all Manitobans, but specifically those commercial drivers. They are operating large, danger- ous vehicles. We expect the highest standards from the folks that are operating those. I would probably think that most people that work in that industry are doing so very responsibly. We want to send the message to those who aren't that zero BAC is the standard that they need to meet. Mr.

Balcaen: I've heard the minister say a couple of times that these individuals are operating the large vehicles and the largest ones on the road. Actually, it could be a smart car that a person's operating if it's a class 4 and it's a taxi, so we have to make sure that we're ensuring that the public is aware of all of this. So I'll go back to my previous question with interlock–ignition interlock. Will the government or the community have the capacity to install all of these if there's a number of people convicted and told that they have to have the interlock system installed? Mr.

Wiebe: Yes, the interlock program is an important one, and we know that community can support that. Addressing the member's previous point, he's right. Anytime someone is transporting passengers, that puts an additional responsibility to those passengers' care. The standard should be clear: zero per cent BAC. That's the standard that we expect of anyone operating, again, a large vehicle, a vehicle carryin g passengers, an emergency vehicle. You know, members opposite, I think, should agree that that's an important standard and a message to send to all Manitobans. Mr.

Narth: So, from the response for my last question and my colleague's question here, we've clarified that it's a range of professional driving classes. This could be something that's opened up to taxicabs, and we'd all expect that a taxicab driver would not have any blood alcohol while they're driving. So my question is, why would it not be expanded to Uber drivers? Mr. Wiebe: Well, interesting line of questioning. Members opposite, of course, are members of a party that refused to work with the taxi industry to regulate ride sharing in a way that would be, again, constructive in a scenario such as this.

You know, he's right. There is a simple class 5 licence required for Uber drivers. You know, I think there's definitely some work that we can do to ensure that everyone is safe. But, again, this is about sending that message that we expect that if you are driving these vehicles, if you have a class 1 to 4 licence and you're operating one of those vehicles, zero BAC is the standard. * (15:50) Mr. Balcaen: Minister's absolutely right. We have to send a clear message in this province about zero BAC when they're operating vehicles, and I'm personally a proponent of any vehicle being driven.

I notice in this it talks about having a child 16 years or younger in the vehicle and having additional suspension parts. Where did that idea come from? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, great question. Our government's all about protecting kids. This is an important step in that direction. But as I said at the outset, this work has been done, you know, in conjunction with MADD Canada, who have an incredible amount of capacity to develop legislation across the country but certainly have worked closely with my department to ensure that my pledge to Manitobans, that we're going to continue to make our roads safer.

We're going to crack down on impaired driving each and every single year. We're going to continue to lead the country. Again, kudos to MADD Canada for working with us to develop this legislation. Mr. Narth: I'll maybe reposition my question on what the extent of drivers within that class range func - tioning unsafely by being found to have a blood alcohol content above zero. And I'll leave the minister to expand on that because, so far, what we've gotten is that it's only a signal, is–this bill is only a signal and it does not answer any call for safety.

March 10, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 627 Mr. Wiebe: Yes, I'm not sure, to be perfectly honest, honourable Speaker, the–you know, the tactics or the strategy being employed by members opposite. This is real legislation. This is developed in conjunction with MADD Canada. It's going to make a difference in keeping our roads safe. And by doing this and by sending a signal, hope- fully a united signal from this Legislature, that impaired driving needs to be stamped out in our province, it's going to make a difference.

So it's sending a signal and it's making a difference in concrete, specific ways that I'm happy to delve more into. Mr. Balcaen: You know what, sending a signal is im- portant, but having something to back it up is even more important, and making sure that there's the laws and the legislations in place to not only send that signal but have some sort of denunciation and deterrence. So I have to agree with my colleague from La Vérendrye. Can the minister tell us how this new legislation compares to other jurisdictions in Canada provincially?

Are we now going to be back to No. 1 in Canada after many years of neglect from this government? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, under former NDP governments, we led the country. Of course, under the former PC gov- ernment, we were last in a lot of these areas. We are seeking to be the strongest in Canada and that is our goal. But, you know, I'm curious which parts the member opposite don't think should be included here.

Should he –does he think we shouldn't increase the roadside suspension lengths for driving over the alcohol limit; that we shouldn't expand mandatory participation in the interlock program; that we shouldn't extend the application of blood alcohol prohibitions to certain convictions and offences? Which part of this bill is he saying isn't important in saving lives on Manitobans' roads? Mr. Narth: I think we can all agree that sending a strong message for increased safety is important.

The problem that I'm having on this side of the House is, when we ask the minister the rationale and justification for drafting a bill, he doesn't have any. And the same concerns stem from our highways being increasingly less safe, more commercial truck accidents than we've ever seen before and honest, clear-driving-record, hard-working Manitobans not being able to get extension policies by this NDP government and their Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, but yet we're coming up with legislation– The Deputy Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr.

Wiebe: Yes, again, you know, the member opposite– I guess he's got speaking notes that were provided to him from his caucus. He's following his leader's lead on really just, you know, driving us into the gutter. He's not going to have the courage as other members in his caucus have had. But again, I just want him to just explain to me which part of this bill does he not like. Does he not like that we're imposing the zero BAC for commercial drivers, that we're consolidating these

definitions related to alcohol and drugs to reduce duplication, that we're changing sections and we're renumbering to ensure that alcohol prohibition when operators are on the roads are being safe, extending the application to certain convictions and offences? Again, the member opposite– The Deputy Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Mr. Narth: I'll try to refrain from looking down on my notes here as the minister had said.

But my ques tion for the minister is: Can the minister agree that the highways through Manitoba are becoming less safe each and every year and that the data supports that with the amount of commercial vehicle accidents, while the minister at the same time is bringing forward legislation that he cannot support? I support it. It'd be interesting to hear the minister say that he's got data to support that, but yet we don't see it. So would the minister be able to answer that highways are becoming increasingly less safe across Manitoba? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, stay tuned.

We're going to have more to say about keeping our roads safer, but when it comes to impaired driving, this is legislation that's developed in conjunction with MADD Canada. It's developed with the victims of impaired driving. You know, member opposite should spend some time talking to some of those families, spend some time with them here directly. You know what they've lived through. Yes, I'm really surprised by the member opposite's take on this. Again, might reflect their leader's position and maybe, you know, betrays why so many folks in their caucus are leaving at this point. Mr.

Balcaen: A lot of this legislation revolves around the IRP program and the immediate roadside prohibi- tion. I'm wondering if the minister can comment on

628 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 10, 2026 what year that came into effect and who introduced that legislation. Mr. Wiebe: You know, as I said, honourable Speaker, a few times now, I've been around this place for a few years and having a little bit of experience in this place, maybe I can help the members opposite understand how this has been done in the past. You know, what we used to do as a government is bring forward really good legislation like this, and then the opposition would say, you're right, let's get this done.

And, you know, the members opposite, again, they are taking the lead of their leader and they're willing to go to any lengths to block even good legislation. We've seen that in the past legislative session. You know, I'm wondering why members opposite think this is funny. Not sure I understand why the member opposite thinks this is funny. The Deputy Speaker: Time has expired. Mr.

Balcaen: Speaking of blocking legislation, last year there were some great amendments brought forward regarding The Highway Traffic Act specifically to talk about having a child in a vehicle and increasing suspensions, and that came from our side of the House making that suggestion. I'm just wondering if that was the catalyst for this minister to add that to the legislation, because he knows good legislation when he sees it, as he's already seen. Mr. Wiebe: As I said, honourable Speaker, we listen to the experts like MADD Canada. If the member opposite wants to take credit for it, great.

He can have credit for this whole piece of legislation. If he's on board with this, if he wants to pass it right now, let' s get to work and let's get this passed in the Legislature. * (16:00) It's not time for games. It's not time for laughter. It's not time for goofing around like these guys do on a regular basis. It's time to make our roads safer, it's time to listen to victims and it's time to make a dif - ference for impaired driving in this province. Members opposite should just get on board, stop goofing around, stop listening to their leader and get serious with Manitobans.

The Deputy Speaker: And with that, unfor tunately, time for questions has expired. Debate The Deputy Speaker: But the floor is open for debate. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I'm so proud to be up here today and speak about legislation that really impacts something that Manitobans care about deeply. Manitobans are concerned about impaired driving on our roadways. They're concerned about their safety and they know that legislat ion has been blocked by this government, the NDP government, prior–last session and the session before–talking about the importance of that.

And I would be remiss if I didn't bring forward the discussion involving the Reimer family and the Verwe

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-3-25b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 3rd hansardpdf 25b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	0c827b242ca2aafeccf6619faa9454630031708a

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