Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 1 (42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 1 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Second Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ADAMS, Danielle Thompson NDP ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP CLARKE, Eileen Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. Kildonan-River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne, Hon. Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib.

GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GORDON, Audrey, Hon. Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott Assiniboia PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan, Hon. Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.

LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron, Hon.

Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Fort Whyte

1 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, November 23, 2021 The House met at 1:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m. the Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying the mace and followed by the Speaker, the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, entered the Chamber. The Sergeant -at-Arms proceeded to the southeast door and met Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor with the mace. Deputy Sergeant -at-Arms (Mr. Cam Steel): Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor. Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by the honorary aide -de-camp, the Premier and the Chief Justice, entered the Chamber and took her seat on the throne.

The Sergeant-at-Arms made obeisance with the mace and retired to the side of the Chamber. Hon. Janice C. Filmon (Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Manitoba): Please be seated, and I will stand. On a personal note, I 've had the privilege , the honour, of being your Lieutenant Governor for this past six and a half years. It 's gone by very quickly. I would not want to miss this opportunity, as it probably is the last time I will have a chance to read the Speech from the Throne. It's been a difficult time this last while for every- body, but especially for you. You carry the mantle of leadership.

And I don 't think that you get the recog - nition or the thanks that you deserve for carrying that. I know that from another place. I wish you just so well. I wish you good health. But, really, what I want to do is thank you for the support that you have given me and the office as Lieutenant Governor. To say it was an honour is an understatement–an absolute blessing. So please continue to be well. I wish you every success, and when I say happiness, only happine ss because of the choices that you have made for yourself. So thank you. Go forth and know that I carry this experience in my heart. * (13:40) Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Hon. Janice C. Filmon (Lieutenant Governor of the Pr ovince of Manitoba): Madam Speaker, and members of the Manitoba Legislature, I welcome you to the Fourth Session of the 42nd Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba, and acknowledge we are here on ancestral lands, on Treaty 1 Territory and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Today marks the opening of a new legislative session and a new beginning for us all. With a new Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) our government is embarking with you on a path in a new direction.

Côte à côte, nous collaborerons pour bâtir un meilleur Manitoba. Translation Side by side, we will work together to build a better Manitoba. English A stronger, healthier and more inclusive province with a brighter future for us all, you will notice our style of government is one with a willingness to listen and an openness to engage. We are committed to collaboration, co- operation and reconciliation. We are here to consult and work in partnership with stakeholders so we are a government that better serves all Manitobans.

Il est mainten ant crucial d 'être à l 'écoute, de favoriser la guérison et de rapprocher les Manitobains. Translation This is a critical time to listen, to heal and to bring Manitobans together. English We will work with all of you to move forward with our shared goals: to work through the COVID-19 pandemic, to create a stronger health-care system we and our families can rely on now and well into the future, and to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

We will implement policies and programs to incent investmen t, foster job creation, improve education and training opportunities and as we emerge from the pandemic, get our economy back on track.

2 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2021 Our government has a new vision for a strong economic and social recovery with a focus on the health and well-being of all Manitobans. We are ready to get to work and we have established a number of key priorities and pillars that underpin our vision. Our government embraces the values of equality, inclusivity and understanding. We are here to focus on respect, reconciliation and repairing broken rela - tionships. Our government affirms its commitment to working with Indigenous peoples to advance shared goals and promote truth and reconciliation.

We must rebuild this relationship on a foundation of meaningful dialogue a nd engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders to co-develop action plans. Our government recognizes the deep damage caused by residential schools and colonization, and is committed to help the healing. Accordingly, we are fully committed to listening and learning from Indigenous leaders, elders and families as we work together towards true equality and putting recon- ciliation commitments into action.

The findings and recommendations of the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Truth and Reconciliation Com mission and the murdered and missing women inquiry reports , together with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are instructive on the work and actions needed. We must transform intentions into actions to adv ance the important work of recon- ciliation, sort out evolving jurisdictional responsi - bilities and create real economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples. On- and off-reserve infrastructure is wanting in many communities.

With both senior levels of government having jurisdiction in these communities it is essential we forge a renewed partnership to invest effectively. The global pandemic is the greatest health -care crisis Manitobans have ever faced. Together with other provinces and countries around the world, we are confronted with unprecedented challenges as we cope with COVID-19. The difficulties it has imposed on citizens, on businesses, on governments are pro- found and unprecedented. The pandemic has dis - rupted the lives and livelihoods of every Ma nitoban and impacted every corner of our province.

We know we cannot ease up yet on our fight against this deadly virus, and we cannot lose sight of the best interests of Manitobans. The collective efforts of Manitobans have helped us through this time of crisis, through hard work and sacrifice to keep us all safe. From those working tirelessly on the front lines, to those who have done their part by following public health orders and getting vaccinated, thank you. Thank you from all of us. We are encour aged by high and rising double vaccination rates in many com munities, showing a commitment to fighting this virus.

Yet, we remain concerned about differences across regions and the resulting strains on our health system and intensive - care units. Around the world, the pandemic has identified gaps and created new challenges in the health -care system. It is our responsibility to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of all Manitobans and guarantee proper care is there when we and our loved ones need it. Our government will take action in the coming weeks to remove barriers that currently delay Manitobans from getting the medical care they urgently need.

Our committed health care pro- fessionals have done notable work to improve processes and to impr ove capacity in our ICUs. However, so they can accommodate any public health crisis we face in the future, more needs to be done. We are setting up an inclusive task force. Doctors and nurses will be joined by other professionals to help determine a path on how to clear the backlogs for surgeries and diagnostic tests, the result of resources being redirected to the front lines of COVID -19.

We know we need to shorten wait times for these procedures going forward and ease the suffer - ing of patients, e specially seniors and vulnerable Manitobans. Our nursing strategy targets the nursing shortage and increases training spaces, with a goal of 400 additional nursing seats. While international recruitments help fill the gap, we cannot rely on that practice alone. Manitoba must have the capacity to fill the demand for nurses and retain them going forward. More nurses will be trained, developing their skills by working in institutions as part of their curriculum.

We have entered into a contribution agreem ent with University College of the North to deliver a one-time, two-year diploma practical nursing training program for up to 20 students in Thompson. The Northern Health Region communicated a commitment to hire every graduate upon successful

November 23, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3 completion of training in 2022-23. In addition, we will ensure every graduate receives a job offer here in Manitoba, with further details to be announced. These are first steps as we develop a more robust and integrated approach to health human resource development. In light of the health-care challenges, we will re- examine the reforms and changes proposed for facilities in rural Manitoba to ensure Manitobans have access to health care regardless of geographic location.

Our government announced it will recognize that some cancers are the direct result of dangerous working conditions. Firefighters in particular are often exposed to a myriad of toxic chemicals as they serve and protect us. We will expand the list of presumptive work-related cancers for firefighters. We will lead the nation with this groundbreaking step by recognizing these public workers should not suffer because of workplace conditions. The pandemic exposed gaps in our long care – long-term-care system here and across Canada, and drew our focus to seniors who were not receiving the dignified care they deserve.

We put our long-term care under the microscope and acted, stabilizing the pandemic. We adopted a one -resident-per-room policy for all new facilities and are committed to implementing every recom mendation of the Stevenson review. And we will go even further.

Over the months ahead, we will consult with Manitobans to modify, enhance and implement a renewed seniors strategy so aging Manitobans are able to stay safe in their own homes and communitie s as long as they choose. * (13:50) Different seniors require different levels of support, and we want to ensure appropriate resources exist across the continuum of care in all regions of the province. Les personnes âgées du Manitoba ont apporté de grandes contributions à notre province et ont bâti notre société.

Nous leur devons de reconnaître leurs efforts et de leur offrir une bonne qualité de vie tout en préservant l'indépendance qu'elles recherchent. Translation Manitoba's seniors have contributed greatly to our province and have built our society. We owe it to them to recognize their efforts and afford them a good quality of life with the independence they seek. English The past 20 months of living through a pandemic have also taken a toll on Manitobans ' mental health, created additional stress in our lives and on our support systems and revealed a greater need for resources and programs.

Family violence escalated during the pandemic as families found themselves under unprecedented pressures. We will be expanding funding for family violence shelters and other key supports. Earlier this year, a stand -alone government department was created, dedicated to mental health, wellness and recovery. Since then, this department has engaged with thousands of Manitobans and hundreds of organizations, clinicians and front -line service providers to discuss how to make the system more responsive and reliable to support Manitobans who are struggling.

These unique consultations will continue as we move forward wi th solutions to help those in crisis, reduce substance abuse, increase housing options and end homelessness. We recognize the dedicated efforts of community advocates who have proposed solutions to government to help vulnerable Manitobans. Our government is committed to making a significant stride forward in our community wellness and improving access and co -ordination of the mental health and addictions system, with appropriate and inclusive care available to every Manitoban who needs it at any point in their life.

To address homelessness, we will introduce this winter a homelessness strategy emphasizing a whole- of-government approach for consultations with Manitobans. As our province continues on a path of economic recovery we will be challenged to ens ure all Manitobans are included. We will continue our work with community partners to develop innovative approaches to meet the needs of single parents, Indigenous youth and people with disabilities while also helping those unable to work through the new disability support program.

Our government wants to give all Manitobans the chance to succeed in their careers and lives, starting with children. First, we will expedite the implementation of the federal -provincial agreement on early learning and child care. Early childhood education is essential if children are to succeed in their kindergarten to grade 12 years. New schools are being

4 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2021 built with child -care facilities incorporated into the design. Our goal is to build a fair, transparent and equitable publ ic education system. We have heard loud and clear Manitoba 's education system must better prepare students. Much good work has gone into exploring solutions to improve our K-to-12 education system, and that information will help guide our plans as we re-engage with stakeholders. Economic recovery is a top priority as the pandemic eases into an endemic.

It is also critical to keep our economy going and position ourselves for future growth while we remain vigilant to protect the health and safety of Manitobans. Organizations across the province, whether urban or rural, private sector or not-for-profit, have benefited from pandemic assistance from all levels of government. We will continue to support businesses so they can produce the goods and services we re ly on and provide jobs to Manitobans.

A cornerstone of our economic growth strategy is to produce meaningful employment opportunities, as skilled Manitobans are the foundation upon which businesses will build success. Yet, our businesses have told us it i s difficult to attract talent amid a national labour shortage aggravated by the pandemic. To help address this challenge, we will increase our investments in education and training and focus our work with business to attract workers from around the world to fill gaps in labour.

We also support closer collaboration between our advanced education and training institutions and our employers in Manitoba. Stronger alignment provides Manitobans with the right skills to succeed and build careers right here at home. To accelerate post-COVID economic recovery and advance our economy, we will continue with our recently launched Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy. We will continue to ensure Indigenous and new Canadian students are given full opportunities to participate in post-secondary education and training.

It is important our government and post - secondary institutions are also aligned on how we work together to encourage stronger outcomes for meeting Manitobans' labour supply demands. To that end, we will re-engage with the institutions to discuss how the proposed funding formula can encourage the desired outcomes. Immigration helps drive our economy. Manitoba is proud of our Provincial Nominee Program. We believe it is the strongest program of its kind in Canada, having brought thousands of talented hard workers and their families to live here and participate in our economy and communities.

We will collaborate with the federal government to grow our immigration and Provincial Nominee Program, to maximize th e number of people coming into our province every year, to fulfill our obligation of producing a welcoming new home for refugees and to enhance recognition of foreign credentials to match professionals with meaningful work. Not only do we want to attract new people to Manitoba, but we will work to retain workers and encourage Manitobans to stay here by investing in communities to make Manitoba an even more vibrant place to live.

To grow our economy, we must also make Manitoba more attractive as we compete for investment and trade opportunities around the globe. Access to capital continues to be a challenge for far too many busi nesses and –at all stages of their development. We will proceed with a venture capital framework and work with other provinces and territories to ensure investors and business are served effectively by our regulated capital markets. We are committed to a renewed partnership with the Government of Canada as we pursue our mutual economic objectives. We will only succeed as a nation if we work together.

Our shared priorities include transportation, strategic climate -resilient infra - structure, agriculture and food production. Water strategies and investments not only combat droughts but ensure safe water for communities and enable more in vestments. Our Manitoba protein advantage strategy will not continue to attract investment unless we guarantee water for our producers and processors. Further investments are needed in our dynamic tourism and cultural sectors. As we emerge out of the pandemic, many sectors will continue to require some support as businesses re- establish operations.

Investments in roads and bridges, and water and waste systems are the underpinnings of our economic growth strategy and improve our quality of life. Proposals for much-needed municipal investments are now before federal and provincial governments. Timely decisions are critical to post -COVID economic recovery and our ability to attract investments. In particular, we are seeking early agreement on the needed investments to modernize

November 23, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5 and expand the City of Winnipeg waste -water treatment system. Northern communities and First Nations have abundant mineral resources on their doorsteps, yet mining activity is not what it could be. We are committed to strengthening our efforts to make Manitoba more attractive for investment with expanding job opportunities. Community infrastructure projects will enhance training opportunities and create vibrant neighbour - hoods where people choose to live, rich with arts, culture, museums and modernized parks.

We will work to preserve our nature and heritage spaces, promote tourism and arts and culture in our province and provide Manitobans with more opportunities to explore, participate and enjoy. As we grow our economy, we also know it is imperative we do our share to address climate change. Manitoba is committed to working with our federal government on a mutually agreed national approach based on co- operation and consultation with the provinces and respect for the economic and cultural attributes of the provinces.

We will each do our share to meet our Canadian obligations coming out of the United Nations conference on climate change in Glasgow. * (14:00) We will create a greener Manitoba with an energy policy framework that focuses on opportunities to use innovative technologies, including those developed here in Manitoba, to reduce emissions while stimulating our economy. Our government has a bold agenda with investments targeted at critically important areas, such as health care, infrastructure and the economy.

In order to provide those services, we have to be mindful of our government's expenditures and spend wisely in the best interests of all Manitobans. A strengthened provincial economy will generate the revenues that benefit our government and citizens, allowing us to invest in important areas, reduce taxes and bring our books into balance. As we move forward, we will continually look for ways to improve our government programs and services, health -care and education systems and to increase inclusivity through all areas. Our government and Manitobans are well served by civil servants and public sector workers.

Too often, their contributions are taken for granted. We know they are critical if we are to succeed in fulfilling our priorities, implementing our programs and achieving our vision for the benefit of all Manitobans. We will recruit and retain the best possible talent to continue to serve Manitoba. Our government is here to listen to Manitobans, to engage and coll aborate on many levels: with Indigenous leaders, with all levels of government, with business leaders and business owners, with people throughout the public sector, the private sector and not-for-profit organizations.

Nous sommes ici pour travailler avec tous les Manitobains afin de pouvoir sortir de cette pandémie collectivement. Translation We are here to work with all Manitobans so we can emerge from this pandemic, together. English As we do so, we should not lose sight of the tremendous province we call home and the opportunities it affords Manitobans. The vision that drives our economic activities and investments in our province is to ensure a prosperous, inclusive and safe future for all Manitobans.

We want to see businesses and producers in every corner of our province rebound and thrive, along with the downtowns of our capital city and other communities. We still face difficulties, but we are ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead of us with a renewed sense of openness. Estimates for the re quirements for the public services of the province for the next fiscal year and the public accounts for the last fiscal year will be placed before you for your consideration.

I leave you now to the faithful performance of your many duties and trust that in meeting them, you may have the guidance of Divine Providence in all your deliberations. Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor rose from the throne and retired from the Chamber escorted by the Sergeant-at-Arms carrying the mace and followed by the honorary aide-de-camp, the Premier and the Chief Justice. Prior to their exiting the Chamber, God Save the Queen and O Canada were played. The Speaker proceeded to the throne. The Sergeant-at-Arms approached the Speaker, made obeisance with the mace, then placed the mace on the table.

6 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2021 * (14:10) Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, 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. Please be seated.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 1–An Act Respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I move, seconded by the Minister of Educa tion (Mr. Cullen), that Bill 1,

An Act Respecting the Adminis tration of Oaths of Office;

Loi sur la prestation des serments d'entrée en fonction, be now read a first time. Motion agreed to. Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, that the speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow. Motion agreed to. Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Friesen), that this House do now adjourn. Motion agreed to.

Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Before I adjourn the House, I would like to just take this opportunity on behalf of all MLAs to welcome our guests here in the gallery on behalf of everybody. This pandemic has kept our galleries closed, so this is an extra special day for all of us to have you here for a very special moment in our legislative agenda. So we are at half capacity, but we are delighted to have all of you here. Thank you for sharing this signi ficant moment with us. * * * Madam Speaker: The House is now adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, November 23, 2021 CONTENTS Speech from the Throne 1 Introduction of Bills Bill 1–An Act Respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office Stefanson 6

The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Debates and Proceedings are also available on the Internet at the following address: http://www.manitoba.ca/legislature/hansard/hansard.html

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	16b39589c08115528a39a12b01e0622d35e9a38d

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