Manitoba Hansard — 25 March 2025 (Sitting 33, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

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Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second 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. LXXIX No. 33 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025 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 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 PC 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 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 Vacant Spruce Woods Vacant Transcona

893 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, March 25, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

We acknowledge we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory, that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk nations. We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partner- ship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? Com mittee reports? Tabling of reports? Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Sexuality Education Resource Centre Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I am so pleased to rise today to celebrate the 90 -year anniversary of the Sexuality Education Resource Centre, or SERC. SERC began as the Winnipeg Birth Control Society, established in 1934 to help women access birth control 35 years before birth control was legal in Canada. In 1976, the organization became Manitoba Planned Parenthood and opened a Brandon office.

Responding to changing needs, they transformed into the Sexuality Education Resource Centre in 1997. SERC's mission is to promote sexual health through education, and their vision is one of a diverse society that celebrates sexuality throughout the lifespan. SERC provides youth workshops on healthy dating, sexual decision making, STIs and HIV, gender identity and sexual orientation, mental health and more. SERC does outreach in newcomer communities to support healthy relationships and parents com - municating with their children about sex.

SERC has delivered education through a phone -in helpline, a text helpline, online resources and service -provider training. They have also partnered with Ka Ni Kanichihk to deliver culturally based sexual and reproductive health education to Indigenous families. Misinformation about sexual health has con- tributed to increased STI rates, as well as increased hate targeting of 2SLGBTQ+ Manitobans. This makes SERC's work as important today as it ever was, and I am thrilled to recognize 9 years of service to Manitobans.

In 2021, SERC adopted a unique co- executive director model to decentralize power and emphasize collaboration. I'm pleased to welcome co -directors Gillian Roy and Leigh Anne Caron, along with other SERC staff here today. I invite all of my colleagues to join me in cele - brating this milestone and the consequential work of the Sexuality Education Resource Centre. Morris School Advanced Robotics Team Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, Manitoba is competing at the world robotic championships.

I am thrilled today to welcome and congratulate the Morris School Advanced Robotics Team and their family and classmates who have joined us at the Legislature today. This is a smart and dedicated group of high school students who have worked together to build and code robots from scratch. Morris is the only school in Manitoba with a robotics team, and there are 40 individuals who are either competing or learning the ropes to join. Morris Robotics Team, Blue Bombur, will be proudly representing Manitoba at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May.

We are joined today by members of the team: students Josh Hildebrandt, Kayden Grattan, Cody Dueck, Andrew Hildebrandt and Hassaan Mustafa, as well as

894 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 the team coach JP Jamieson and team mentor Sean Conway. Around 800 teams from 60 different countries are expected to participate. And this has been called the world's largest robotics competition by the Guinness book of world records. Morris School has two incredibly successful teams: Blue Bombur and Team Philip. Both teams have been competing internationally with great success, bringing home trophies and design and judges awards.

Competitive robotics encompasses many aspects of STEM education and encourages students to bring together engineering design, problem -solving, strategy, competition and teamwork. Students have to regularly redesign their robots and shift coding in the moment. I want to thank the teams for providing us with a demonstration in the Rotunda today. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to try it out. I learned I'm not very good at driving a robot, and these students kicked my butt. I hope my colleagues got a chance to visit the demon stration and see these robots earlier today.

I want to thank the community of Morris for stepping up and supporting the robotics program and our teams. Good luck at world championships. We'll be rooting for you. Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Today, I rise to recog- nize the incredible work of Susan Zuk, Tracy Balagus, Nataliya Sovinska and Olena Gordiyenko of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, at the St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, along with their dedicated teaching team who have joined us in the gallery here today.

Their efforts of teaching English, through the ESL for Ukrainian newcomers program, are transforming the lives of newcomers in Manitoba. At a time when many parts of the world are experiencing great hardship, Manitoba has stepped up to provide a safe and welcoming environment to those seeking refuge. Often, one of the greatest barriers to success for newcomers is language.

Recognizing this urgent need, in May 2023, the Ukrainian women's league and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba Provincial Council, alongside community organizations, launched a pilot program offering three ESL classes at Chief Peguis Middle School in Rossmere. * (13:40) This initiative has grown into a province -wide effort. With additional funding from organizations such as the East St. Paul Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus St. Anne Council, the Sir Thomas Sill Foundation, the Winnipeg Foundation and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, the program expanded even further.

Today nearly 400 students participate in ESL training sessions across Manitoba, including in Russell, Morden and Dauphin. These classes are about more than learning English; they are about building community. Thanks to these women and the relationships and partnerships that they've built, Ukrainian newcomers are gaining the language skills necessary to thrive in community and contribute to Manitoba's workforce. This initiative is a testament to the power of grass- roots action, the dedication of volunteers and the unwavering spirit of Manitobans in welcoming those in need.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Ukrainian women's league at the St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, the UCC-MPC and all of those who have made this program possible. Your work is strengthening our communities and shaping a brighter future for all. Thank you, Honourable Speaker, and if I can please include the names of my honoured guests in the record for Hansard. Thank you.

Tracy Balagus, Father Yaroslaw Buduykevych, Olena Gordiyenko, Alona Huk, Ivan Iurchenko, Yana Kostiukova, Joan Lewandowsky, Halyna Malyk, James Rogowsky, Oleksandra Rozbitska, Nataliya Sovinska, Volodymyr Sovinskyy, Nataliya Venger, Bill Zuk, Carole Zuk, Susan Zuk Urban Lumber Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I rise today to recog- nize an extraordinary local business making a real difference in our com munity: Urban Lumber, in Winnipeg.

Founded by Mike McGarry and Carlee Farmer, this innovative company is dedicated to sustainability, ensuring that trees removed due to disease, storm damage or urban development are given a second life, rather than going to waste. Located in Charleswood, Urban Lumber special- izes in reclaiming Winnipeg trees and transforming

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 895 them into high -quality hardwood products, from live-edge slabs to custom furniture and even charcuterie boards. Their work not only preserves the beauty of these trees, but also provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lumber, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. In fact, they even made use of the trees that were removed here from the Legislature last fall. Beyond their business, Urban Lumber is deeply committed to community impact.

They support Inner City Youth Alive's Step Up Construction program, helping provide materials for skill- building oppor - tunities. They have also contributed to projects with Teen Challenge and various school groups. This spring, their generosity will be seen in the new park along Graham Avenue, where they are donating benches and natural playscape materials crafted from downtown Winnipeg trees. Additionally, Urban Lumber works with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba's ReStores, supplying eco-friendly wood products that support sustainability and com - munity development.

Urban Lumber also donates off-cuts, ensuring that every part of the tree finds a purpose. Urban Lumber is a shining example of how local businesses can drive environmental responsibility and community support. I encourage all of us to consider the benefits of repurposed wood in our homes and businesses. I've had the pleasure of touring their sawmill and seeing first -hand the beautiful products in their showroom. At a time when it is more important than ever to support local Manitoba-based businesses, I am so pleased to highlight this very cool business in the constituency of Roblin.

Honourable Speaker, p lease join me in wel- coming our guests from Urban Lumber, who are here in the gallery today: Mike McGarry, Carlee Farmer, Doug Cook, Jesse Marr and Teresa Kennedy. Universal School Nutrition Program MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Honourable Speaker, March is National Nutrition Month, a month that provides everyone with the opportunity to learn how to make well-informed food choices and develop healthy habits. Whether it's sharing a snack with friends or preparing a cultural dish with family, food brings us all together.

It's the source of so many cherished memories and a bridge that keeps traditions alive. That being said, food is also a major determinant of our health, of our well -being and of our futures. What we eat, and whether we have the opportunity to eat, matters. Even with this widespread knowledge, letting certain children go to school hungry was the status quo under the previous government. Meanwhile, Manitoba's new team knows that kids can't learn on an empty stomach. Further, it's wrong to pick and choose which children get to succeed in this province.

Last year, we introduced our universal school nutrition program so that every child in every corner of our province has access to nutritious meals and snacks, setting the stage for a national movement. This program has already set Radisson students up for success at Bernie Wolfe, Joseph Teres, Transcona Collegiate, Radisson School, John W. Gunn, École Voix des Prairies and soon enough, the new school in Devonshire Park. Nutrition means the difference between a dis- tracted child with a grumbling stomach and a child equipped to achieve their full potential. This is why, under the leadership of our Premier (Mr.

Kinew) and Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning (MLA Schmidt), Nello's Law will ensure no fu ture government can ever revoke a child's access to good food in school. Honourable Speaker, food connects us, and with our government's school nutrition program we are helping children across Manitoba stay connected to opportun- ities at healthy and successful lives. Thank you. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to oral questions, there are some guests in the gallery.

I'd like to draw the attention of all honour able members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Tim Chapman, who is the chief executive officer of the International Peace Garden, and accom- panying him is Dwight Macaulay, former chief of protocol for the Province of Manitoba. We welcome you here today.

896 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 ORAL QUESTIONS Mineral Resource Development Government Position Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, a key component of any economic plan for a province or territory has to be the harvesting and develop ment of their mineral resources. Unfortunately, the Premier (Mr. Kinew) signed a Leap Manifesto pledging to keep minerals in the ground and the NDP's Budget 2025 continues this anti-mining attitude with a cut of 4.5 per cent to the Minerals, Petroleum and Geoscience department.

All Manitobans are excited–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –to see the Alamos Gold mine breaking ground in Lynn Lake, but we all know a gold mine doesn't put –pop up in just 17 months, Honour able Speaker. It takes years of support and investment; that is what our PC government did. But then why is this NDP government drastically reducing support for mining develop ment and geo - logical surveying when we need it most? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, the member opposite would do himself a service to read the budget –actually read it.

Read the budget–'25-26 budget: $3.7 billion to build, build, build here in Manitoba. Our government is doing the work that the failed PC administration refused to do for two terms of their time in office. We're actually 'investening' –strength- ening our province's economy, including a new gold mine, which is going to create a ton of jobs, great jobs for Manitobans right here in Manitoba. I'd encourage that member to read the budget instead of just talking about high- level talking points from whoever writes his notes. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, it's tradition that the Premier usually stands up and answers questions in this Chamber. But , unfortunately, he must be still upset with the fact that he signed that Leap Manifesto, and the fact that his budget cut 4.5 per cent from that mineral exploration budget that this Health Minister stands up and crows about. This Premier leapt to conclusions that we're anti- development and anti -economy. We know he stands by his pledge because he has refused to commit to signing on to the east-west energy pipeline.

At a time when industry is losing faith in the NDP government, they tap –double down and bring forward Bill 11, imposing more condi tions after – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –industry needs a partner in government. How does this Premier expect anyone to come invest when he wants to change the rules at the drop of a hat, Honourable Speaker? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, Manitobans sent that side of the House a clear message in the last election. They said they were done. They were done putting up with a PC team that didn't prioritize putting Manitobans first.

And you know what, Honourable Speaker, it's not only Manitobans; it's their own caucus members who are done with that side of the House. Just yesterday, the member for Spruce Woods said: I've had enough. I've had enough of the Leader of the Opposition–who fails to do what our govern ment does, which is put Manitobans first, focus on bringing people together and committing to strengthening our economy by working together as Manitobans and Canadians. * (13:50) On that side of the House, I'd encourage the Leader of the Opposition to fix his own House and get it in order before he talks about our government.

The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: It's unfortunate today, Honourable Speaker, that the Premier doesn't have the courage to stand up and just allows this Health Minister to get up and spout off whatever they think they know about any- thing in regards to mining development. It was a monumental task to rebuild the trust of the natural resources sector. We went from the bottom of the heap under their Greg Selinger era, right near to the top. And now where are we, Honourable Speaker? We're second last in the whole country.

The PC government–[interjection] The Speaker: Order.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 897 Mr. Ewasko: –had record investments, bringing jobs to the areas of the province that needed it most. Now the NDP are doing all they can to dismantle that progress. But the MLA for that area–in Thompson, we know that Vale is threatening to move. The NDP MLA for that area knows that the NDP rhetoric is harming his constituents, but he's in fear of retribution from his own Premier (Mr. Kinew). Why is the Premier trading shovels and survey gear for red tape and bureaucracy, Honourable Speaker?

MLA Asagwara: The Leader of the Op position has members of his caucus literally fleeing under his watch, running away from their caucus because they recognize the great work being done by our gov ern- ment, by working together. Honourable Speaker, $3.7 billion to build, build, build in our province. And today, our Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (Mr. Moses) is making an in credible announcement in the North. We're opening a gold mine in northern Manitoba. This gold mine is creating hundreds of good- paying jobs right here in Manitoba for Manitobans.

So while that member focuses on division and rhetoric that only hurts– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Portage la Prairie– [interjection] Order. US and Chinese Tariffs on Manitoba Agriculture Request for Government Supports MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Producers are at a crossroads right now. American and Chinese tariffs are consuming decision making. We are meet- ing and listening to a –to scared farmers each and every day. This isn't a partisan issue. It's a direct threat on major Manitoba industries.

In the last few days, Manitoba's farmers have learned that their contracts have been slashed or voided entirely. What has this minister done in that time frame to address this? What organizations has he met with? Thank you. Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you for the question. I have been waiting a long time to answer the question that's been presented. But it's amazing how members opposite are trying to get a–media attention, but has not presented a single idea to help canola producers in Manitoba. No idea whatsoever.

When I met with the federal agri culture minister, we discussed options to address concerns, and we did not see members from Portage there. And we met with the canola growers. We met with the Canola Growers Association, agri culture officials in Minnesota. I did not see the member from Portage at all which, he was at the event, but he chooses to chatter in this House, but we were there in Minnesota working with–and Iowa –with agriculture producers in that state as well, for the betterment– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Bereza: I didn't hear any answers there. Time is of the essence.

We know this will have massive implications, not just for farmers, but all through the supply chain. Unfortunately, the federal minister is in caretaker mode until the end of April, and farmers need action now. What is this minister willing to do today to help farmers put a crop in the field for this year? Mr. Kostyshyn: Let me say, the member opposite says government is not listening and consulting. He may want to take a new pair of glasses, because when we were in consulting in Iowa, he was there, but was he around? Not to be seen.

In fact, we're working with provincial counterparts, industry and federal gov ernment in a united Canada approach, and we navigate the situation. And it's actually the members opposite should also complain to the runner -up of the PC leadership who thanked Mr. Trump for the tariffs. So let's start with that within your own backyard, so to speak. The Speaker: The hon ourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, our growers are just looking for answers, and I'm not the Speaker. Honourable Speaker, Chinese canola tariffs are decimating the market already.

Donald Trump's on- and-off-again tariffs have shattered the faith in the market, and now farmers are paying the price for this minister's inaction. This should have–this would have a devastating effect.

898 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 How has this minister allowed all of this time to pass with no plan, without some thing firmly communicated to Manitobans? How can this minister start to meet now, many days too late and way too many dollars short? Mr. Kostyshyn: Obviously, the member opposite has a different radio station than I would normally be listening to; not his. Let us be frank. We have increased, in partnership with the federal government, the ag stability program from 80 to 90 per cent, and doubled the ag stability program cap to 3 to 6 million dollars.

But what I'm going to say is, the member oppos - ite, unfortunately, can use the excuse he wasn't part of the government, but when you put 300 per cent tariff on Crown land producers and they feel that they know what they're doing. I'm talking about agriculture in the province of Manitoba, and they were the rulers of the unfor tunate tariff of 300 per cent to the young generational cattle producers in the province of Manitoba, and I have to say– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. US Tariffs–Impact on Potato Producers Request for Government Supports Mrs.

Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, we've heard a lot about the realities for farmers in this Chamber from this side of the House. But what we have not heard is a single word of assurance from this minister that his gov ernment is going to do anything to support an industry that has been the bedrock of our economy and of our province. We are not talking in hypotheticals anymore. My constituents are already seeing the impact. Potato con- tracts are being cancelled as we speak, and the industry will be devastated with a lasting impact. The minister has been silent.

What is his plan to support potato producers in Manitoba today? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you to the members opposite for asking a question. As a matter of fact, this Friday afternoon, we're meeting with the Keystone agricul ture producers regarding the potato production. It is not the fault of this gov ernment that mem- bers opposite choose to support the tariffs by their upcoming leader–the wannabe leader–in the province of Manitoba. And I want to assure you that we, as Manitoba Agriculture, we will work with the Keystone producers as best as we can.

And I can honestly say that some of the Keystone potato producers are some what upset because of promises that govern ment made before the election, promising more acres, but unfor tunately, they didn't do the full scope of promises that they should've done– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a sup- plementary question. Mrs. Stone: Honourable Speaker, I've been talking to the potato producers in my constituency, and they are deeply concerned. The potato industry is planning to cut their volume from processing here in Manitoba.

This is going to have a devastating blow to the entire potato industry here. Potato producers in Carman are asking for answers from this minister, not tomorrow but today. This is happening right now. This is a threat to the very survival of the potato seed industry in Manitoba. What is the minister doing today to help and support these farmers who have had the rug pulled out from under them? Mr. Kostyshyn: I want to assure the potato producers in the province of Manitoba, our govern ment, the Department of Agriculture, support the opportunities.

It's truly unfor tunate that the US has chosen to create tariffs of an important industry in the province of Manitoba in Canada. * (14:00) I want to ensure members opposite that we will continue to work with potato producers and, in fact, to the point of enhancement and support towards increased ag stability compensation rate that's going to go from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, doubling the ag stability program from $3 million to $6 million. And we want to continue to work with producers, and we will talk to producers– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: Honourable Speaker, for days I've been hearing from my potato producers in my constituency that their concerns are not being addressed by this Minister of Agri culture. Producers and farmers need firm answers and serious commit ments. This is a serious issue, and we need to address it as such.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 899 These Manitobans do not know what the coming months have in store for them. For years, these farmers have done their part. They've paid more than their fair share into our province and have asked for very little in return, and now that threats outside of their control are going to challenge the very landscape of the –their industry, and we have a government that is dragging their feet. Since the minister is not prepared to stand up and make any real, firm– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you for the question from members opposite.

We continue to communicate with all agriculture industry, such as the Manitoba pork industry, Cam Dahl, had indicated it is crucial that 22,000 Manitobans who rely on sector know the provincial government recog- nizes what they do for our provincial economy. What we saw–today's budget is a positive indication. KAP organization, with tariffs of the two largest trading partners, US and China, on top of facing Manitoba, we encourage to see a commitment of Budget 2025 to $100 million future appropriation funding to mitigate financial losses for farming operations, contingency fund.

So we are– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. Prairie Mountain Health Midwifery Services Suspension of Services due to Staff Shortages Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Prairie Mountain Health is suspending all midwifery, birth and on- call services for six months due to critical staffing shortages. I will table the notice that went to clients last week. This comes just months after Brandon Regional Health Centre nearly had to shut down maternity services for days due to staff mismanagement by this NDP gov ernment.

Expectant mothers in rural Manitoba are facing growing uncertainty about whether they'll have access to the care they need. Why is this minister failing to priorize maternity services in western Manitoba? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Honourable Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of investing and strengthening the care that women and those who need it receive across the province. We've been working directly with Prairie Mountain Health to ensure that there are adequate supports in place, whether it's midwives, nurses.

In our '25-26 budget presented by our wonderful Minister of Finance (MLA Sala), our gov ernment is investing over 1 million additional dollars to strengthen midwifery care in the province, unlike the previous failed PC govern ment that fired midwives, stopped their ability to get training in Manitoba. And, currently, that opposi tion doesn't even believe in supporting reproductive health care. We'll keep investing and strengthening it, and take no lessons from that member. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Cook: Honourable Speaker, the minister's words are no comfort to women throughout PMH who are expecting to deliver with a midwife and now no longer have that option. We are just three months into 2025 and Prairie Mountain Health is already facing its second major maternity-care crisis. This pattern exposes a clear failure from this NDP government to address staffing shortages– [interjection] The Speaker: Order, please. The honour able member for Turtle Mountain (Mr. Piwniuk) will come to order. Mrs. Cook: In their memo, Prairie Mountain Health says this is a, quote, very difficult decision.

Why are expectant mothers bearing the brunt of the NDP's bad decision making? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I want to be very clear. Instead of listening to that member's fear mongering, I want Manitobans to listen to the leader- ship in their health -care system that is working directly with us to make sure that services for pregnant women, pregnant people, are there when they need them. But I want to be very clear: It was that member opposite and members on that side of the House that refused to train midwives in Manitoba for years. [interjection] The Speaker: Order, please.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Ewasko) will come to order, and the government bench will also come to order.

900 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I'm not surprised that the Leader of the Opposition is heckling me when I'm talking about reproductive health care. He was part of a team that cut those services for women across this province for two terms of govern- ment, and on that side of the House they continue to make statements trying to shame and blame and, if they could, cut services for women right now. On that side of the House, they do not stand for women. On this side of the House, we stand for women every single day and invest in their health care getting better.

Mrs. Cook: Honourable Speaker, the only one fear mongering in this Chamber right now is the Minister of Health. I'd encourage them to read the memo that I tabled that was sent out by Prairie Mountain Health– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cook: –to midwifery clients last week. If these women had dreamed of giving birth at home, that choice has now been taken away. If, like many in PMH, they live hours away from the nearest maternity ward, they now have to hope they can time their labour to be close to a hospital. Expectant mothers deserve better than this.

They deserve a government that ensures they have access to the care they need during one of the most vul nerable and important times in their lives. Will the minister commit today to imme diately restoring full midwifery services in Prairie Mountain Health? MLA Asagwara: For seven and a half years, the pre- vious failed PC govern ment cut midwifery ser vices across Manitoba. They refused to train midwives in Manitoba.

They cut and closed health-care services for women in Manitoba, and currently that very member door knocks with members opposite who tell Manitobans that they don't deserve to have invest - ments in women's health care. What they're doing on that side of the House is what they did for seven and a half years previously: treat women with zero respect.

Honourable Speaker, $1.1 million in our budget for midwifery services; $10 million for the Women's Health Clinic; millions of dollars for the front lines of health-care services to strengthen women's health care; more and more, because we stand with women each and every day and we invest. That shows that. On that side of the House– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Gap in Services due to CFS Agencies Strike Support for Non-Profit Service Providers Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Today, workers at two CFS agencies have gone on strike after over 60 workers received layoff notices, which is resulting in a signifi- cant gap in services for children, youth and their families. Local organizations are stepping in to help, but they lack the resources and tools to adequately meet the demand. What is this province doing to support these private organizations that are being forced to take on this additional work? Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): I want to assure the member opposite that essential service agreements are in place to ensure that children and youth get the services that they need and rightly deserve. You know, it's unfor tunate that members oppos - ite, in their failed PC gov ernment, left Michif and Métis workers without a contract from 2022. We're taking a different approach on this side of the government.

That's why I'm proud, since I've been appointed minister, to put a 6 per cent raise–increase into annualized payments, which is about $33 million to the overall CFS system, some thing that members opposite never did in seven and a half years. The Speaker: The honourable member for Agassiz, on a supplementary question. Ms. Byram: And the CFS agencies currently are on strike. The recent budget did not allocate additional support for the many organizations that are now being forced to provide services in the absence of critical programs due to the cuts made by this minister.

I've heard directly from my community members about the negative impact these cuts have had, as they are struggling to respond to families without the proper supports that these children need. What steps has the minister taken to provide neces- sary supports to these organizations? MLA Fontaine: I want to remind the member oppo- site that, again, I put in an additional $33 million in annualized increase to the overall CFS budget.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 901 * (14:10) I'll remind members opposite that in their time as a failed, cold, callous government they didn't have any increases into the CFS system. Not only that, they actually got–stood in this House and introduced and passed legislation that actually legislated the rights of Indigenous children away. That's their record. Our record is supporting agencies, supporting workers, and more importantly, supporting Manitoba families to ensure that they get the supports and resources that they need and they rightly deserve.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Agassiz on a final supplementary question. Ms. Byram: Children, youth and their families are facing a critical shortage of support workers due to the recent program cuts, yet the minister has not provided clarity on the imme diate supports being put in place to address this gap. Non-profit organizations simply do not have the capacity to absorb these losses. Given the urgent need, what concrete steps is the Province taking right now to ensure these families and kids receive the one -on-one support that they have come to depend on?

MLA Fontaine: I will remind the member again that we've stepped up in a real, tangible way with real money and dollars for the system. That includes an $11.3-million increase to CFS wages to ensure that they've got the resources that they need for their front- line workers. You know, I would really encourage the member opposite–I know that she's upset with herself and her previous failed govern ment because they didn't stand up for Manitoba children, the most vul nerable in Manitoba. I would encourage the member to stop pretending like she actually cares about children and get up and apologize.

Intersection of Highways 201 and 306 Request for Safety Improvements Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): The intersection of Highway 201 and 306 has been the site of several serious accidents over the years, including two in November, one of which resulted in the tragic death of a young mother and daughter. On November 27, I wrote to the Minister of Infra- structure to request that immediate measures be taken to improve visibility of the intersection, including the installation of flashing red lights on top of larger stop signs.

I followed up again on February 10 and March 20, and still nothing has been done at the intersection. It's been four months since I first raised this issue. Why has this minister not taken these simple, immediate steps to improve safety at the intersection? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): As I've said before, safety is my No. 1 priority as Minister of Transportation and Infra- structure.

That is why, since we have come into govern - ment, we have introduced a Road Safety unit, which is a new part of our transpor tation division that is onsite at the time of any fatality to make assessments, to make recom mendations for how we can keep our highways safer. We're also–we're almost completed a review of the entire highway network so that we understand the safety priorities across the province from a data - driven lens. Having said that, it is always a tragedy when some- body's life is lost on our highway, and I feel it deeply, and I appreciate the member's feelings about that, too.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Borderland, on a supplementary question. Mr. Guenter: I understand the department has under- taken a review, but what is stopping this minister from directing the imme diate installation of flashing red lights on top of larger stop signs to improve visibility of the intersection? Two accidents a week apart at the same site, and four months later, nothing's been done.

Will this minister act today in the interest of the safety of my constituents and all motorists who travel through the 201-306 intersection, and take immediate steps today to improve the visibility and safety of the intersection? MLA Naylor: I thank the member opposite for the question. I can appreciate that all Manitobans have feelings about specific places on the trans portation network that they feel deserve immediate attention. We are taking steps every day to improve the safety of our highway network.

The last time I checked, that member did not have an engineering degree or any ability to assess where the priorities would be and what should– where those changes should happen, so we will continue with the

902 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 process within the de partment to make the correct safety decisions on our highway network. Métis and Michif CFS Agencies–Strike Action Wage Parity with Civil Servants MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): This morning, after failing to reach an equitable agreement, more than 300 workers at Métis and Michif Child and Family Services have gone on strike. According to the MGEU president, Kyle Ross, these workers are simply looking for the same salary their civil service counterparts make for doing the exact same work.

Does this government believe it is fair that union- ized workers at the Métis author ity earn less than those who do the same work in civil service? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): Miigwech to the member opposite for that impor tant question. And as I've stated in the House, we are a govern- ment that supports workers and, more im portantly, support those that are on the front lines that are working with Manitoba's most vul nerable children and families.

And that's why we put an $11.3-million increase into CFS agencies' wages, which also includes $2.4 million for the Métis and Michif agencies that we're presently talking about today. We know that contracts –the agreements are best done at the table. It is my hope that folks will get back to the table and– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: According to the MMF minister for Métis CFS, the funds provided by gov ernment does not include the $1,800 retention bonuses or the additional salary step increase for each classification.

In addition, this funding does not account for the shelter staff, which is a critical service ensuring chil - dren in care are safe and not living in hotel rooms. How are these children getting the supports they need to succeed or even to feel safe when in one month the MMF had to lay off over 60 critical workers and now more than 300 are on strike just to receive a fair wage? MLA Fontaine: Miigwech to the member opposite. I–you know, I would also encourage the member to recognize that members opposite in the PC failed government left these workers since 2022 without a contract.

They didn't feel it was in their interest as government to actually ensure that they were pro- viding those dollars to support those workers. We've had to clean up their mess, and that's what we've done in our de partment. We've allocated an additional $2.4 million for Michif and Métis agencies' wages. We hope that folks will come to the table in a good way and get back to negotiations to ensure that those services are there–continue to be there for the Michif and Métis children that they service– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question.

MLA Lamoureux: According to APTN news article, the southeast CFS agency was scheduled to strike, along the two Métis agencies; however, it was averted after an offer that meant wage parity was received. Three weeks ago, when the MMF was forced to lay off over 60 critical front -line workers, we were warned that a strike could be coming. Why has this gov ernment not been able to come to a fair deal with the two Métis agencies, despite having three weeks to negotiate one? MLA Fontaine: The member knows that government isn't at the table of negotiations. That's between the union and also the agencies.

I do want to just lift up and say miigwech to everybody that worked very, very hard to come to an agreement at southeast to ensure that there's –they're going to be voting on that. And I quote here: Southeast CFS negotiations continued over the weekend and in today–into today, and as a result, we have an offer that achieves what our members have been asking for. End quote. And that's by MGEU president Kyle Ross; I will table that.

I think that they operated in a really good way, coming to the table to ensure that they were working on an agreement that everybody could agree with and doing what is in the best interest of the children that they service.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 903 Action on Bail Reform Letter to Federal Government Mr.

Logan Oxenham (Kirkfield Park): Honourable Speaker, the safety of Manitoba families is a priority for our government, and after seven and a half years of a PC government who froze funding to law enforce- ment, facilitated the net loss of over 50 Winnipeg police officers, cut bail programs–and I was working at the jail across the street when they cut the electronic monitoring program. * (14:20) Will the Minister of Justice tell the House about Manitoba's actions and leadership on advocating the federal government to take action on bail reform? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Honourable Speaker, a thank- you to the member for that question. Kellie Verwey was a young, vibrant com munity leader who was tragically killed by a man out on bail. I quote: The circum stances that underpin this event cannot be allowed to happen again. That's a quote from a letter that I'll table now, signed by all 13 premiers and, to the Prime Minister; that's NDP, Liberal and Conservative premiers all calling for stronger bail reform. But of course, the previous government, they cut bail programs, they cut bail monitoring and they froze funding to police.

We took a different approach, one that the National Police Federation has endorsed, telling other jurisdictions to follow Manitoba's lead on public safety. We look forward to working with the federal gov- ernment to enhance– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Oak Tree Towers Building Security Measures MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): On Friday, I was able to meet with com munity leaders and emergency services to discuss the ongoing crisis at Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie.

The minister has stood in this House yesterday and accused me of misleading citizens of Portage la Prairie on the number of times the RCMP were there. I just want to provide, today, that I spoke with staff sergeant Zane Zamiuk [phonetic] of the Portage la Prairie RCMP, and my numbers were low; it's 48 times they've been there. When can the residents expect 24-hour security to be on-site for their safety? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness ): Again, I want to assure that member that we've continued to meet with Oak Tree Tower members and will continue to consult with them.

That member can come across the way, have a col laborative approach. Instead, that member is a –chosen to have a divisive way of handling casework, like all members across the way always do. We could work together, like the mayor in Portage la Prairie has done with myself. She's picked up the phone. We've been talking about this and we're going to work collectively to work with the residents. I invite that member to come aboard and work collab- oratively with the mayor and I. The Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a supplementary question.

MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, here's the issue: no one knows what this minister is speaking about, including herself. Seventeen letters to the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and to the minister; if that is not somebody speaking out, I'm not sure what is. She talked about an almost -completed security fence, keycards and cameras. Well, here's the reality, and I table the photos of Oak Tree Towers from last night: no security fence and there isn't even a glass door in the door. When will a fence be started, or at very least, can the door be replaced? Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Ms.

Smith: That member should be ashamed of them- selves, and all members on that side. Oak Tree Towers were asking that gov ernment for years to come into their apartment, to put those security access measures in their building. Did they listen to them? Absolutely not. So that member can look to their right; they can look to their left. They can ask that failed PC govern- ment why they didn't act.

Our government is acting: we're putting in a security fence; we have security going through there seven times a day; we are putting keycard access on every single floor; we are putting security cameras in that building; and we are working with the–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Ms. Smith: –mayor.

904 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 I invite that member to come across and work collaboratively with us. Get on board and quit being divisive. The Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. MLA Bereza: The NDP are about as trans parent as the plywood door these residents have to hide behind. And this side of the table, we will work for those people of Oak Tree Towers every day. This minister refuses to meet with the residents and the emergency services.

If she'd have come, she would've learned that there are credible fears and the need of a 24- hour security, not predictable patrols a couple of times a night so the criminals can come after they've left. Residents have demanded it. Why is this minister refusing to listen to the resi- dents of Oak Tree Towers? Ms. Smith: Again, I'll ask that member: Did that member come across the way and try to work collab- oratively with myself? Did that member pick up the phone and call the mayor to say, hey, how can we work together?

Not once did that member ever try to work collaboratively, to work in the best interests of those residents at Oak Tree Towers. Shame on them. Those members at Oak Tree Towers were knocking on that failed PC govern ment's doors for years and they did nothing. Our govern ment is acting; we're putting measures in place. We were working collabo- ratively with those residents and will continue to do in the best interests of those 'redisidents ,' unlike that member, who called a press conference and wanted to get his name recognition– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

Premier's Private Air Travel Disclosure Conflict of Interest Inquiry Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, the other day, some things were just definitely–were not clear from the Premier's (Mr. Kinew) story about his ethics violations, and the facts that months and months and months have gone by and the Premier finally, finally took the ti me to speak to the commissioner after the CBC broke the story.

So I ask this Deputy Premier, since the Premier has no courage to stand in his place and answer this question: When did they know that the Premier broke the law and that their staff was covering it up, Honour- able Speaker? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, on that side of the House, the Leader of the Opposition knows nothing of courage. Nothing. We have a Premier in this province that is focused on bringing people together. We have a Premier that is focused on uniting Canadians.

We have a Premier that has brought forward a budget that is historic and builds our province, creating hundreds and thousands of jobs to make life better for all Manitobans. We have the most popular Premier in Canada, because he puts people first. So proud to be part of a govern ment led by a Premier that is focused on the opposite–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –of that leader, who only wants to divide and perpetuate hateful rhetoric. On this side of the House, we'll continue to stand with our leader– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The time for oral questions has expired.

PETITIONS Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Thank you very much and good after - noon, Honourable Speaker. I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And these are–this is the background to this petition:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged–[interjection] Wish the Health Minister would allow me to finish my petition, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Please carry on reading your petition. Order, please. The honourable Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) will come to order, and the honour able Leader of the Official Opposition will read his petition and not try and tell the Speaker how to run things.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 905 Mr. Ewasko: My apologies to you if you took it that way; it definitely was not intended. So, Honourable Speaker, the back ground to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable. * (14:30)

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there's a precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with prosecution to extra-provincial governments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba, and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an inde pen- dent, out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confidence in the provincial government and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition is signed by Sunny Giesbrecht, Kristin Phillips, Taylor Friesen and many, many more fine Manitobans, Honourable Speaker. 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:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from the citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle. Mr. Diljeet Brar, Acting Speaker, in the Chair

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service, WPS, investi - gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standards and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and thus –sorry–and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed in de- pendently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files for decision to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done in the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not pro- secute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

906 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition was signed by Karen Reimer, Donna Harvey, Brenda Lee Cran and many, many other fine Manitobans, hon ourable assist ant deputy Speaker. Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I wish to present the following petition.

To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver. There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable. A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired.

The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle. The Winnipeg Police Service's investigation pro- vided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to pros- ecute the accomplice. The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid. An out-of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans. The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives. Manitobans deserve to have con fidence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. And this petition is signed by David Robson, Tierney Maytchak, Eric Hnatiuk and many, many other Manitobans. * (14:40) 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) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 907

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under the false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with acce ss to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's investigation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to pros- ecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists in charging–on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December of 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Pat Hope, Murray Hope, Laura Germain and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, was not held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service, WPS, investi - gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to pros- ecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families.

908 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This is signed by Ava Chudley, Jenna Goertzen, Thomas Winslow and many other Manitobans. Thank you. Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's investigation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Carol Penner [phonetic], Zoë Zaretzky, Kennedi Blair and many, many Manitobans. * (14:50) Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure that he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from the citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with acce ss to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's investigation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standards and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors denied to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision not be –prosecuted–that the decision not be pros - ecuted–be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions not–sorry –proceed the

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 909 prosecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal of the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the drivers to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Tamar Darcy [phonetic], Ian Fleury and Tara Fleury and many other Manitobans. Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable. A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure that he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from the citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown's prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer was called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the deci sion was–to not prosecute to be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent for–to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with prosecutions to an extra -provincial de partment of justice for review. This was not –this was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid. An out of –

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to resort–is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the Winnipeg Police Services reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial government and justice system to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Rob Lyons, Bonnie Bruce, Alycia Laurencelle and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba.

(1) The background to this petition is as follows:

910 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service, or the WPS, investigation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård's file, which ultimately led to reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review. * (15:00)

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition is signed by Barry McNish, Cindy Scott, Larry Maguire and many, many Manitobans. Vocational School in Ste.

Anne MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: In March of 2023, a much-needed new vocational school was planned, budgeted for, and announced, to be completed and operational for the 2027 school year. Hundreds of families have participated in out - reach done by the Seine River School Division, expressing a strong need for vocational training in the community.

The current provincial government paused the project upon taking office, and work has not resumed in spite of the Deputy Minister of Education admitting to trustees, you definitely need a new school. Every delay prevents students in the Ste. Anne and surrounding communities from having skills pro- gramming to which they are entitled and they deserve. Seine River School Division trustees have identified areas of focus for this school of real local demand, such as health care and daycare, which are greatly needed.

The current high school is just not suitable for the limits on pro gramming that can be offered as 400 students currently share a single three -stall boys' washroom and a single three-stall girls' washroom. This planned school was to include daycare spaces that the community greatly needs. At present, the lack of available spaces has limited the ability for some parents to return to the workforce, which hurts both families and the local economy. We petition the Legislative Assembly as Manitoba– of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immedi - ately begin work on the new Ste.

Anne vocational school and allocate necessary resources to meet the original 2027 timeline that residents were expecting. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 911 Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors denied to pros - ecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done in the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision not to prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivings –drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for criminals and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Keith Elder, Jack Kauenhofer, Jack Hildebrand and many, many other Manitobans. Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): I petition – I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to pros- ecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently. * (15:10)

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pros - ecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

912 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by Maureen Gordon, Jessica Horton, Helene Gowryluk and many, many more fine Manitobans. Thank you. Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr.

Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: 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 con- ditions, 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 res - ponsibility 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 com- munities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close the 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 op- posing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to imme diately repeal pro - visions of the Criminal Code that allow for the con - tinued victimization of law-abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. Honourable Speaker, this petition has been signed by Dana Burdey, Nancy Boreana [phonetic], Diane Nicholls and many other fine Manitobans. Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): I wish to present the following petition. To the Manitoba Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, age 24, was killed by an impaired driver was she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable of the– her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from the citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and the recom mended charges to be laid

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 913 against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and the decision is–not to prosecute the–be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there has been precedence to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with prosecution to extra -provincial depart- ments of justice for review. This has been done by Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not to prosecute and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of the pre - scribed process, when the –disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service reported alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal 'culpultation' beyond the drivers of those who engage in overture actions to facilitate impaired driving while safe–will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have a confidence in this provincial government and justice system to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review for –the prosecutor's decision is–not to prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This has been signed by Preston Phillips, Evan Riffel and Scott Mazur and many other Manitobans. Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, was not held accountable. * (15:20)

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to pros- ecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer was called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the deci - sion to not persecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is a precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with prosecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in th e decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This is signed by Justin Kaus, Izaiah Maple-Steuers [phonetic], Andrew Enns and many, many other Manitobans.

914 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver. The Speaker in the Chair

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recommended charges to be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors designed to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with the prosecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confidence in the provincial government and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This is signed by Harmony Guspodarchuk, Brendon Jansen, Donna Blazejewski and many, many more Manitobans. Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service, WPS, investi - gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutor declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute 'bre'–be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files of decisions to not proceed with pro- secution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in the decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process when a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 915 * (15:30)

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial government and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for the victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition is signed by Sean Baril, Derrica Weise and Chase Prasek and many, many other Manitobans. The Speaker: No further petitions? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Acting Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, on House business. The Speaker: The honour able minister, on House business. MLA Schmidt: In accordance with rule 35(6), I'm interrupting the budget debate today in order to resume consideration of the Interim Supply process. The Speaker: It has been announced that the budget debate will be interrupted today to resume considera- tion of all stages of the Interim Supply process.

DEBATE ON SECOND READINGS Bill 45–The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025 The Speaker: Accordingly, we will now resume debate on second reading of Bill 45, The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025, standing in the name of the honourable member for Borderland (Mr. Guenter), who has 23 minutes remaining. Is it the will of the House for it to remain standing in the name of the member for Borderland? An Honourable Member: Yes. The Speaker: Agreed? An Honourable Member: No. The Speaker: No? Okay, then the member loses his place. Next member who wishes to debate the bill?

Seeing no further members, is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Speaker: The question before the House, then, is pass second reading of Bill 45, The Interim Ap pro- priation Act, 2025. Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Then, we will now move on to the –we'll resolve into the Com mittee of the Whole to consider and report on Bill 45, The Interim Appro priation Act, 2025, for concurrence and third reading. Will the Deputy please take the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Bill 45–The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025 The Chairperson (Tyler Blashko): Will the Committee of the Whole please come to order. We will now consider Bill 45, The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025. Does the honourable Minister of Finance have an opening statement? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Yes. The Chairperson: The honourable Minister of Finance. MLA Sala: This legislation is required to provide the government interim spending authority for the '25-26 fiscal year. I will briefly provide a description of the provisions of the bill.

Section 1 contains the

definitions that apply in the act. Subsection 2(1) specifies that the interim spending authority for operating expenditures–this provides for 75 per cent, or nine months, of operating funding in the '25-26 Estimates of Expenditure. Subsection 2(2) includes, as in past years, interim funding for capital invest ments by govern ment de - partments. The amount is 90 per cent of the sums included in part B, Capital Investments, of the '25-26 Estimates of Expenditure. Subsection 2(3) of this bill provides interim funding for lending programs and loan guarantees, such as Student Aid Manitoba and MASC loans to farmers. This amount of funding is 90 per cent of the sums

916 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 included in

part C, Loans and Guarantees, of the '25-26 Estimates of Expenditure. Subsection 2(4) of the bill provides interim funding for capital investments to reporting entities, such as school divisions and regional health author ities and the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corp. The amount of funding is 90 per cent of capital invest - ments in part D, Other Reporting Entities Capital Investments, of the '25-26 Estimates of Expenditure.

Section 3 affirms that money expended under the authority of this act may be made through whatever department has become respon sible for the program during the '25- 26 fiscal year. This is consistent with past ap propriation acts and makes allowances for when departmental reorganizations occur.

Section 4 provides authority for the acquisition or development of inventory in the '25-26 fiscal year, and this refers to inventory that would be acquired in the '25-26 fiscal year and would be utilized and expensed in a subsequent year.

Section 5 authorizes expenditures for payments occurring in the '25-26 fiscal year that are for liabilities and have been accrued in previous fiscal years. And

section 6 provides expenditure authority for commitments beyond the '25- 26 fiscal year to cover the completion of projects or fulfillment of contracts that are initiated but not completed prior to March 31, 2026. So, for example, a three-year phone contract for a depart ment's employee could be authorized under that provision. And, finally,

section 7 specifies that the act comes into force on royal assent. So with that, Mr. Chairperson, I present the bill to the committee. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Does the official opposition critic have an opening statement? An Honourable Member: I would just like to– The Chairperson: The honourable member for Midland. Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): I'll make my comments very brief.

As I mentioned yesterday–I will reiterate my comments from yesterday that it's important for a government to have the funds that it needs in order to continue to operating –operate as we go through this process. * (15:40) It is disappointing that the NDP govern ment has failed in its planning to bring forward BITSA in a timely manner, and this budget is a reflection and extension of last year's budget and has shown that this NDP government has the inability to spend within its means and budget properly, as seen by the significant borrowing that this government is requesting.

You know, but with that, Deputy Speaker, I look forward to moving forward with the procedural aspects and will have more to say during third reading. Thank you. The Chairperson: We shall now proceed to consider the bill clause by clause. The title and enacting clause are postponed until all other clauses have been considered. Clause 1– pass; clause 2–pass; clause 3–pass; clause 4–pass; clause 5–pass; clause 6–pass; clause 7– pass; enacting clause–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported. That concludes the business before the committee. Committee rise. Call in the Speaker. IN SESSION Committee Report Mr.

Tyler Blashko (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, the Committee of the Whole has considered Bill 45, The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025, and reports the same without amendment. I move, seconded by the hon ourable member for Kildonan-River East (Mrs. Schott), that the report of the committee be received. The Speaker: It has been moved by the honour able member for Lagimodière (Mr. Blashko), seconded by the honour able member –sorry, I didn't catch– [interjection]–Kildonan-River East, that the report of the committee be received.

Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS Bill 45–The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025 Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning (MLA Schmidt), that Bill 45, The Interim Ap propriation Act, 2025; Loi de 2025 portant affectation anticipée de crédits, reported from the Committee of the Whole, be concurred and be now read for a third time and passed. Motion presented.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 917 Debate The Speaker: The floor is now open for debate. Are there any–the honourable member for Borderland. Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): It's a pleasure to rise today to speak to this impor tant matter, and obviously the Chamber is dealing with the taxpayer dollars, so these are always serious points of debate and points of contention. Of course, the gov ernment side I would –you know, is trying to tax Manit obans and spend more of their hard-earned dollars, and we're saying no; hold on. Manitobans are finding it harder and harder and harder to make ends meet.

They can't afford–we can't afford to pay more in taxes. And so these debates go on, but they do matter; they absolutely do matter, and it's important to Manitobans–get to look at the numbers and get to look at the budget. And, you know, I sat on Treasury Board for a period of time and was always very impressed and very much admired the work of those that work in the Finance Department and Treasury Board officials who have the im portant task of tracking the numbers and following the money.

So I know that they worked, as they always do–worked hard on this budget document and so that's –it's impor tant to have good people working within government to do that kind of work. But the decision's ultimately about where the money goes and how it's allocated. Those are political decisions. Those are decisions made by the govern - ment, and today, made by the NDP government.

And I think one of the most unfortunate decisions taken in Manitoba in recent times with regard to our provincial finances was the decision of this NDP gov- ernment to turn a $270- million surplus left to them by the previous PC government into, ultimately, a $2-billion deficit, and then now a $1.3-billion deficit. And for this fiscal year looks –it has a possi bility of rising to $1.9 billion, so another $2- billion deficit after last year's. So that's a lot of money, and it's a lot of additional debt. And those kinds of decisions have consequences, very real con sequences.

And I think it's unfor tunate because I think–you know, the other side, the govern- ment side, has a different view of taxpayer dollars. We, on this side of the House, my view, is that taxpayer dollars belong to the taxpayer. It's the money that's earned by Manitoba taxpayers: moms and dads, individuals, many of whom work incredibly hard, get up early in the morning and, as I said, they find it hard to make ends meet. But they're working hard, paying down their mortgages, trying to put their kids through school, maybe set a little bit of money aside for a home reno or a vacation with their children.

And ultimately, they're working hard, so many of them, to leave a better future and a better life for their children than they have it. And so while they're working hard, it's important that they have a government that has their back.

And unfortunately, today, they have an NDP govern ment that is asking more and more and more of them in taxes, but at the same time is also adding to the debt burden of those future generations and the debt burden on those families and those taxpayers, those individuals, all across this province who, as I said, get up and work hard and try to make something of them- selves and, you know, maybe fulfill some of the dreams and some of the aspirations that they've long held.

And so when you have a government that is adding to the debt burden and is increasing taxes, makes it very, very difficult for people to realize those dreams and realize those aspirations. Ultimately, decisions taken at the top have a very real and material impact on Manitoba families and Manitoba taxpayers. And so that's what I'm trying to convey here, and I think it's important that Manitobans realize that the debt burden –provincial net debt is now at north of $36 billion. Debt servicing charges are in excess of $2.3 billion.

Now the debt servicing charges are now the third largest department in the provincial govern- ment; that's incredibly concerning. * (15:50) And when I say debt-servicing charges, for those listening, that's interest payments. That's just the interest that we pay on debt. So Manitobans now pay $2.3 billion collectively, just to pay the interest on our provincial debt. So this is the situation that this NDP government, as I said, has taken a political decision, you know, and as I said, I ap preciate the work of the many officials within the Finance Department, who are good people.

But these are political decisions that have been taken– a decision, as I said, to turn a $270-million surplus left to this govern ment by the previous PC govern ment into a $2-billion deficit and then continue on that path of high tax and high spend. And some of the things we saw in last year's budget was that the NDP eliminated the school tax rebate for commercial businesses and raised property taxes by

918 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 $150 million. They're doing the same thing again in this year's budget, with a $182- million projected increase in school property tax revenues. And I know the members opposite will talk about– they will talk about the $100 increase to the school tax rebate. But that mere $100 rebate, again, is actually – when you factor that into the finances, the government is still collecting $182 million more in school property tax revenues.

So, ultimately, Manitoba taxpayers are still paying more in spite of the–much more, almost $200 million more, just in property taxes this year. And that's on top of a $150-million increase in property taxes last year. So that's a huge concern, especially, as I said, at a time when so many Manitoba families are finding it hard to make ends meet, and at the same time that we're staring down the barrel of American and Chinese tariffs. The–this NDP government also eliminated basic personal amounts and raised income taxes on doctors– on people like doctors.

We all know there's a shortage of doctors across the province. I was very concerned as a rural member when the NDP Health Minister axed the rural family doctor hiring initiative, under - taken by the previous PC government, to find and hire 150 additional family doctors for rural Manitoba. That program was initiated–was spiked, was axed, was cut. So that was a huge concern because we need more family doctors in rural Manitoba and we need more doctors in Manitoba. They raised–they eliminated basic personal amounts and raised income taxes on people like engineers.

And it's important that we attract people to Manitoba who have skills and can contribute to building our pro- vince, people like engineers. This is a disincentive to high-income earners, like engineers, to come to Manitoba and create a successful career and a success- ful professional practice. They eliminated the basic personal amount and raised income taxes on other skilled professionals, you know, and this is all at a time when Manitoba is already–every year, there's a net outflow of people from our province to other provinces. So we should be attracting people.

We have so many–we have been blessed with so many, you know, so many natural resources and so many natural advantages. The potential–we have the Port of Churchill. You know, proponents of a project called the NeeStaNan project have come forward and talked about and shared with legislators, as well, how that project could really put Manitoba on the map in terms of, like, carrying natural resources from western Canada through to the port of–Port Nelson on the Hudson Bay and get those goods to tidewater. Manitoba's been blessed, obviously, with minerals up north. The mining industry has so much potential.

And yet at the same time, it makes no sense that Vale, which is Manitoba's mining giant up north, said last December that they were looking at exiting Manitoba. That's crazy. You know–and I know electric cars are a point of discussion these days, and one of the things you need for electric cars is nickel for the batteries and among other things. We got so many great minerals up there, so much potential for an expanded mining i ndustry that really should be supercharged.

I mean, we should be doing everything, you know, within our efforts to try to move these projects forward and incentivize investment in northern Manitoban mining. You think of forestry, and then of course agricul- ture; and yet, despite all of these natural advantages in Manitoba, we have people leaving the province to look for greener pastures. And that's because of our high tax rate. Manitoba is one of the highes t taxed provinces in Canada, and it's not right that people are leaving this province to look for greener pastures. Ultimately, we're losing.

We're losing out, and I just think if the govern ment got its fiscal house in order, focused on running balanced budgets, and cut taxes to incentivize our young people to stay here, to incentivize our workers to stay here, and a lso to be able to earn more money. You know, ultimately, I think that should be the goal of government, is to secure and to safeguard the personal liberties of–and freedoms of the people that we represent.

That's ultimately the role of gov ern- ment, and not to get in the way, not to inte rfere, but simply to allow, to make it easier for Manitobans to be able to strike out and take risks, put capital at risk and invest their hard-earned dollars in a business idea or, you know, build a new home or, as I said, put their children through education. All of these things that ultimately work for the betterment of our province. But, you know, as I said, that's much more difficult to do when you're paying, for instance, almost $200 million more this year in property taxes.

There's the gas tax, which was a bit of a bait and switch there on the part of the NDP; you know, they really sold that to Manitobans, and then –and now, today, w e're pay- ing a 12-and-a-half-cent gas tax.

March 25, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 919 And so, you know, that's got an impact as well, because, as I said earlier, I mean, anytime you cut taxes that gets priced into the market, that gets priced into your household budget. And then, when those taxes come back on a year later, as happened with the gas tax, then, you know, that leaves Manitoba families short that much. So these things all work to disincentivize growth, to disincentivize and discourage investment in Manitoba, and so we're seeing the con sequences.

We're seeing the consequences of that today, and I just wanted to go through some of those areas as well. We saw, as I said, the NDP hit Manitobans with the largest gas tax hike in history on January 1st of this year, driving up prices at the pump over 30 cents. I know for Manitoba families who filled up at the pump and saw that, wow, we're paying $1.60, you know, we're paying $1.64 for gas, you know, why is that? Well, that's because the prov incial gas tax was reinstated, and the NDP's reinstated gas tax will see the average family pay $526 more in taxes this year.

Autopac rates are increasing by 5.7 per cent on April 1, and that's interesting, because it was the previous PC government left Manitobans with record rebates–Autopac rebates –in the order of over $500 rebates. And I know so many people appreciated that at a time, as I say, when it's harder and harder to make ends meet. And now, you know, somehow the situation has changed after the NDP took power and fired the board, and now –and installed their own individuals there. Autopac rates are now increasing, so that's interesting.

We were supposed to get a rebate, and now we're–now Manitobans are left with a $5.7 million–a 5.7 per cent increase in Autopac rebates on April 1. * (16:00) So somehow we turned a surplus into–at MPI – somehow the NDP turned a surplus at MPI into a $130-million loss. So, you know, yes. As a colleague of mine says, it's the magic math of the NDP. And it's–and you don't want to have that kind of math. You absolutely don't want–you don't want that kind of math. The average family of four is expected to spend $800 more on groceries this year, according to the latest Canada food price report.

And food prices are expected to increase by 3 to 5 per cent in 2025, with the most sig nificant rises projected in the me at cate- gory, ranging from 4 to 6 per cent. You know, and I keep on thinking, I mean, there's got to be some silver linings. Ultimately, we have got to take this tariff crisis and turn it into some thing ultimately positive. And what I mean by that is we should be taking– we got a massive pork indus try in this province. It's too bad that this govern ment won't champion it. You know, the canola industry, the potato industry is really sig nificant.

But we have –Manitoba is home to so many great agri cultural products; frankly, we shouldn't be looking at these steep increases in food prices. If anything, these tariffs should be encouraging everyone to work together, to build, as I said, our own slaughterhouses and agri cultural processing plants and whatnot, so that we can take the goods that we already produce here. We're very good. Manitoba farmers and Manitoba businesspeople– Manitoba workers are so good at producing all of these goods. We should be benefitting from that.

You know, we should call it the Manitoba advantage, and– because we're blessed with so many great–[interjection]– absolutely. The Manitoba advantage. And this gov- ernment should patent that, absolutely. I'm a little bit concerned about how they'd manage that because I'm not done my list here, and it's a pretty discouraging list. I'll tell you, it's a pretty discourag ing report card in–when you look at just the damage that, you know, 18 months of NDP leadership have wrought on this province.

But in spite of all the blessings and natural advantages that Manitoba enjoys and in spite of all the great people who live here and all the hard work they put into their industries and in spite of our abilities, Manitobans took to grow great products and whatnot. We have 50,000 Manitobans relying on a food bank every month. So that's–I can't get over that. And I guess– An Honourable Member: That's like the whole city of Brandon. Mr. Guenter: Right. Yes. That's the whole city of Brandon, the member for Brandon West (Mr. Balcaen) says, and he's a champion for his area.

But that's the whole city of Brandon, to put that into perspective. When I read that stat just a while ago, and that's why I've mentioned it a couple times in debate, because I can't get over it: 50,000 Manitobans now rely on a food bank every month. And I've spoken to some of these people, even in my own constituency. And I–my heart goes out to them, you know, that they rely on a food bank every month, and I just think these

920 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 25, 2025 are people who don't have time to pay attention to politics and follow all the debates. They're so busy getting up early in the morning and going to work and trying to make ends meet and trying to figure out how they're going to put food on the table for their children. And I listen to them and I'm thinking, wow. My heart breaks, you know. And what a responsi bility we have as legis lators to try to do something about that and, again, not get in the way. I think too often govern ment is too inter - ventionist.

What we need to do is actually roll back; roll back the tax burden. Now's the time for tax cuts. Now's the time to unleash Manitoba's potential. Now's the time to unleash the potential of Manitoba income earners to be able to go out there. Now' s the time to unleash the potential of Manitoba busi ness owners and farmers. Now's the time to roll back, expedite projects, encourage people; if you've got a great idea and you're willing to put capital at risk, we're behind you. We're not going to try to kill the job–your plans and aspira - tions through regulations. We're not going to try to kill it through high taxes.

We're going to get govern ment out of the way. And I think if we took that approach, many, if not all, of these 50,000 Manitobans would be able to raise–would be able to earn enough income to be able to support their families without having to go to a food bank. According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, though half of Manitoba residents, 49 per cent, indicated they are $200 or less away from insolvency, nearly a third say they are already insolvent: a signifi- cant jump of 11 points thanks to this NDP government.

And so, as I said, the rising Autopac rates, the rising–the gas taxes, the rising property taxes, the rising debt and the rising debt interest charges that we pay, these things are all sucking the life out of the Manitoba taxpayer. And the reality is, the re is only one–there's only one taxpayer. There is only one taxpayer. You've got a money-hungry Liberal govern- ment in Ottawa, and they are sucking the taxpayer dry for all they're worth. You've got a socialist, Marxist NDP government on this side, and they are sucking every last drop they can out of Manitoba taxpayers.

And then you have school boards and munici- palities across this province that also have to fund their priorities, and I think it's unfor tunate there that they're the last ones to the trough, I think,

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-33
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 33.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	11298dfc3c3b4659dcc88ee49f8a73d7de1d5dda

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