Manitoba Hansard — 11 May 2017 (Sitting 50B, 41st Legislature, 2nd Session)

41-2-50b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXX No. 50B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-First Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP BINDLE, Kelly Thompson PC CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC CURRY, Nic Kildonan PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FLETCHER, Steven, Hon. Assiniboia PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib.

GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Clifford Emerson PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake PC JOHNSTON, Scott St. James PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP KLASSEN, Judy Kewatinook Lib. LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Burrows Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MARTIN, Shannon Morris PC MAYER, Colleen St. Vital PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew, Hon.

Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SELINGER, Greg St. Boniface NDP SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian, Hon.

Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC Vacant Point Douglas

1959 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, May 11, 2017 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 222–The Planning Amendment Act Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko), that Bill 222, The Planning Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Martin: Madam Speaker, the bill is part of our government's agenda to reduce red tape and paper burden on Manitobans.

This act is a modest amendment to The Planning Act to bring the time frame in line with that of the City of Winnipeg. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Sustainable Development. And I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice pri or to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with her statement. Compost Awareness Week Hon.

Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): This week is Compost Awareness Week, and I want to encourage everyone to compost as a way of reducing the waste entering our landfills. It's important to divert organic waste. When it's buried in the landfill and starved of oxygen, organic waste attracts bacteria that releases methane and other harmful gases. When methane gas is released into the atmosphere it is at least 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Composting also has many other benefits.

It is an excellent natural fertilizer, perfect for spreading on your lawn, in the garden or your flower beds. I have personally visited the Brady landfill site to review their compost operation, which has grown significantly over the past few years, and I commend them on their efforts. Our government is committed to finding ways to encourage sustainability in Manitoba. Earlier this year, the Green Action Centre's Compost Winnipeg began offering home compost pickup, and I'm proud to be supporting their efforts.

This service gives Manitoba homeowners – or Winnipeg homeowners an easy and accessible way to reduce organic waste while helping the environment. Home compost pickup is offered in seven Winnipeg neighbourh oods, and I'm hopeful to see them expand this convenient service throughout the city. I applaud the Green Action Centre and Compost Winnipeg for their efforts, and I encourage everyone to consider composting as a means of building a more sustainable Manitoba, not just during Compost Awareness Week, but during the long term. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr.

Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate Compost Awareness Week. I listened intently to the minister's comments, and there w ere a couple of points I was hoping she was going to touch on which weren't there. These days are established, of course, to bring attention to important social or economic or environ- mental issues. These days we take a moment to celebrate what is going on and to take stock of what needs to happen. The government has acknowledged the day, but the day exists to encourage governments like hers to actually take action.

There has been zero action by this government on composting. Our plan, when we were in government, would have had Manitoba's overall waste heading to landfill cut in half by the year 2020. And composting was a central feature of that, as the minister noted. A third of our waste that heads to landfill, on average, is organic waste. And it' s a perfect opportunity to reduce climate emissions and create a

1960 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 fantastic fertilizer, and, a point the minister also overlooked, create green jobs right here in Manitoba for people who want to head into that industry. So I would encourage the minister t o go back to November of last year, when I held a policy announcement explaining how this could be done, and would encourage her to take action, rather than just acknowledging the days when they come up on the calendar. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to speak to this statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, this week, Compost Awareness Week –yet, sadly, Winnipeg has one of the lowest co mposting rates for kitchen waste in Canada, at almost half the national average. The average Winnipegger creates 83 kilograms of kitchen food waste per year. Food accounts for 28 per cent of residential waste in Winnipeg, adding up to nearly 60 million kilograms of food waste disposed in Winnipeg's Brady Road Landfill alone. Composting can reducing household garbage by half as well as improving our soils.

Food waste produces methane gas into the atmosphere, a potent climate-change gas. The non- profit Gr een Action Centre, through Compost Winnipeg, has begun a residential and commercial compost pickup program to help reduce landfill waste by about 40 per cent and has already diverted more than 80,000 kilograms of Winnipeg waste from the landfill since last spring, a good step forward. Compost Winnipeg currently has about 150 homes on its waiting list, so we know the demand is there. Madam Speaker, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg have not yet provided an adequate strategy for reducing food waste.

The contributions to emissions from food waste are a significant and important part of our fight against climate change. The government has a big opportunity today to partner with municipalities to build a more sustainable Manitoba. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, and I would indicate that the 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with her statement. Manitoba Day Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage ): I am pleased to announce that this Friday, May the 12th, is Manitoba Day, the day we celebrate the 170 –147th anniversary of our province entering Confederation. The Manit oba Act, which created the province of Manitoba, was passed by the Parliament of Canada and received royal assent on May 12th, 1870. While indigenous people have called this land their home for centuries, it was on this day, 147 years ago, that the province we know today took shape.

In 1986, May 12th was designated as Manitoba Day in recognition of the importance of this day in the history of our province. Manitoba Day is an ideal time for us to reflect on the achievements of the past generations of Manitobans and our accomplishments as a province since our entry into the Canadian Confederation. It is also a time to reflect on the steps and the missteps of our forefathers that were made along the way and to ensure a path forward towards reconciliation. By understanding what has shaped our province, we strengthen our sense of being Manitoban and being part of a community.

We also expand our appreciation for the talent and creativity of those who came before us, and the rich legacy that we have inherited fr om them. Our province's museums and heritage organizations proudly showcase Manitoba's rich and diverse history, making the stories of our development as a province better known through exhibits and special events. Across our province, celebrations and e vents will be taking place to mark our 147th anniversary.

These gatherings will bring people of all ages and origins together to commemorate and to celebrate our thriving multicultural mosaic, to reflect upon our collective achievements and to plan for the future. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate our good fortune to be part of this great province on Manitoba's birthday. May everyone enjoy the many events dedicated volunteers and many diverse organizations across the province that have planned in honour of this important anniversary. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1961 Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): I thank the minister for her statement. Madam Speaker, our wonderful province turns 147 tomorrow. Manitoba's birthday offers an oppor - tunity to reflect on our shared history, the people and opportunities that make Manitoba great and the work that's yet to be done. Manitoba is the home of 63 First Nations with five distinct linguistic groups. It's also the home of the Metis nation.

While we celebrate our province's birthday, we must take time to contemplate our history and the stories of First Nations and Metis people that remain untold. It is only through the recovery and sharing of these untold stories that we can truly walk the path to reconciliation. * (13:40) Manitobans are consistently among the most generous people in the country. Whether it's money, time or resources, we selflessly give when it matters most. The lives of Manitobans in all corners of the province are improved by generosity and kindness.

Let us not forget this as we welcome asylum seekers and refugee claimants to our province. Our great province is known for its affordability advantage. From hydro rates to post -secondary tuition, Manitoba ns of all ages are paying less for quality services than other Canadians. We urge the government to remember this as they steer the province into austere, uncertain territory. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I as k for leave to speak in response to the ministerial statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the statement? [Agreed] Ms.

Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, most of us cringe, jokingly of course, at the thought of adding another candle to our birthday cakes. However, on other occasions we embrace turning another year older. That will be the case tomorrow, as we add another candle to Manitoba's birthday cake. Tomorrow is Manitoba's 147th birthday. It all started back on May 12th, 1870, w hen the Manitoba Act was passed by the Canadian Parliament by a vote of 120 to 11.

On June 23rd the land was transferred from the Hudson Bay Company to the Government of Canada, and the following day the Manitoba Act was endorsed by Louis Riel's provisional government. The Manitoba Act was then proclaimed on July 15th, 1870, officially establishing this great province of ours. Over the past 147 years, we have witnessed our province grow by leaps and bounds. We have watched families settle and Manitoba blossom into a cultural mosaic, all very evident by the amount of festivals and celebrations that take place right across the province.

Manitoba is our shining example of hard work, dedication, family values and resilience. Madam Speaker, I am so grateful to call Manitoba my home. I'm even more honoured to stand in this House to recognize this special occasion. Happy birthday, Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Finance on a ministerial statement. And I would indicate that the required 9 0 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement. Manitoba's Credit Rating Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance ): Madam Speaker, I was pl eased to represent Manitoba in recent meetings with the three major credit rating agencies : Moody's, S tandard & Poor's and Dominion Bond Rating Service. I was able to provide an update on our government's plan to fix the finances and repair our services and rebuild our economy. And Manitobans understand that e very dollar spent on interest payments for our province's debt is a dollar that cannot be spent on improving services for Manitobans, services that Manitobans rely on in health care, education and in frastructure.

And the reality is that every credit rating downgrade that results from unsustainable fiscal policies means that money that should be spent on the priorities of Manitobans in Manitoba is , instead, paid to lenders outside our province. And Manitoba homeowners understand the threat posed by potential increases to borrowing rates. While we are living at a time of historically low interest rates, we know that rates will inevitably rise in the future, as they have in the past , and when they do rise, even a modest 1 per cent increase would

1962 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 mean nearly $100 million more in new costs borne by Manitobans. Credit rating agencies made their concerns about the previous government's debt clear with their rating comments in the past. Moody's said in 2014 t hat the negative rating outlook reflects our assessment of the execution risk surrounding Manitoba's plan. In August of 2015, DBRS said that the previous government's fiscal outlook continues to disappoint due to further delays to restore fiscal balance.

T he path the previous government put us on by ignoring those warnings and not sticking to a plan to reduce deficits resulted in two credit downgrades in the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba being placed on a track to hit a $1.7-billion deficit by 2019. In our meetings, I was able to outline actions we have taken to put Manitoba on the road to recovery. I outlined legislation introduced by our government to ensure a sustainable public service, fiscal account- ability, reduce red tape and protect taxpayers.

I detailed our Budget 2017 plan to control expenditure growth, find efficiencies and transform how government does business while making those important investments in the areas that are most important to Manitobans. I also shared the work that Manitoba Hydro is currently undertaking to achieve efficiencies and address its own financial challenges.

The agencies showed interest in the fiscal performance review report included in Budget 2017 and the work of the f iscal advisory panel, whose report helped inform decisions for Budget 2017, and I was pleased to share that our government acted quickly on recommendations of these reports, realizing savings in areas like tax-credit changes.

I am pleased to report that credit rating agencies are receptive to see progress is being made by the Manitoba government over the last year in spending the–curbing the spending growth in the 2016 year and the actions that we're undertaking in Budget 2017 to further address the deficit. They agreed with our assessment that we are not out of the woods yet. They share our concern about Manitobans' overall debt levels and deficit. They appreciated that our plan in Budget 2017 includes multi-year targets, but they continue to express concern that under the previous governments, targets were not met.

I provided assurances that we intend to meet our targets and are focused on our responsible recovery plan to balance the budget while protecting front-line services. Madam Speaker, Manitoba faces challenges in restoring the financial health of the Province, but we are confident in our plan to fix the finances, repair the services and rebuild the economy. We believe that Manitoba will rise to the challenge. We are on the road to recovery. Mr.

James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): Madam Speaker, we know that the program of cuts and austerity that the government has engaged in will not create the necessary conditions to grow our economy and create a fair, just and inclusive society for all Manitobans. Cuts to education and hikes to tuition make it harder for children and youth to acquire the skills and training they need to succeed. Cuts to infra - structure investment damage our economy and make it harder to create good jobs for the future.

Cuts to wages, job losses and increases in the cost of living for electricity and auto insurance make life more unaffordable for families and for seniors. Madam Speaker, we know that this government dreams in ideological technicolour, reminiscing of Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and Stephen Harper, but that's quickly turning into a nightmare for Manitobans. Surely what is needed is a more balanced approach, one that makes sure families, seniors and youth come first. This government recently received a credit update just this past February.

It requested this update prior to the budget, contrary to the usual practice, as a ploy to try and bait the 'creding' rating agencies into giving bad news to lay the groundwork for their austerity budget. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order please. Mr. Allum: But the agencies did not co -operate; they did not bite. They noted, contrary to the gloom and doom we just heard from the Finance Minister, that Manitoba's economy and economic outlook remains stable–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Allum: When you have a program of steady growth and get –and good jobs, it gets recognized.

Deficit and debt can be managed without drastic cuts to services or serious hikes in the cost of living. We hope, though it's a faint hope, that this government comes to its senses and recognizes this fact. Investments in our public services make our economy stronger and lays the groundwork for a better future for all Manitobans.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1963 Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Yes, Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the minister have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: The minister's statement is a timely one given that we hear today that the credit downgrades are occurring on all six of Canada's major banks, so that there is clearly, economy -wide, some concern, particularly about the possibility of slowdown in the real -estate market at a time when Canadians are taking on higher levels of household debt.

I note that in March of this year the government of Manitoba, and specifically the Minister of Finance (Mr. Friesen), speaking after being in government and in control of our finances for 11 months, said, and I quote: The Province's fiscal state is still a cause for alarm. I cautioned the minister in being over-crisis-oriented. It's important to keep a cool head and to take effective action. * (13:50) I also note that the Dominion Bond Rating Service commented on the provincial budget to say that it was aspiration without action.

And clearly, from the minister's comments, there are some continuing concerns from the bond rating agencies. And that is some thing that we will need to be aware of, particularly given what is happening in terms of Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Hydro's debt, expected to increase rather dramatically in the next few years. We note in the budget that the budget was not making the cr itical push to prevent sickness, to improve wellness in areas of diabetes and mental health and brain health–areas where there could be significant progress improving the health of people and decreasing health -care costs.

We also note that there was a lack of emphasis on post -secondary education, which is so critical to the growth of our economy in the years ahead. I also note with concern about the targeting in the budget of students and ending the tuition fee rebate. Just at a time when students are starting out in their career, the government is making it more difficult for them. So I believe that there are things that this government can and should be doing to help our situation, but I thank the minister for his statement on fiscal update. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Silver Heights Restaurant Mr. Scott Johnston (St.

James ): And now for something completely different. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to rise in this House today to recognize the work of the Siwicki family in sunny St. James. In 1957, Anthony Siwicki Sr., along with three friends, purchased an existing coffee shop on Portage Avenue, and slowly expanded it into a restaurant and 'louge,' now called the Silver Heights Restaurant. In 1964, Tony bought out his partners and, with his sons, J im, Dave and Allan, grew the business. The Silver Heights Restaurant has been operating now for three generations.

Today, it is run by Jim, his wife Maureen and their sons, Tony –with wife, Sue–and JC. Once again, this restaurant is a family affair. Tony had a simple operating philosophy that has been continued with his sons: to provide his guests with a quick and friendly service and to serve fresh, delicious, quality food at a reasonable price. They have also been known to quench a thirst from time to time, Madam Speaker. Whether you're a neighbour, business owner, celebrity or well-known athlete, you can boast about the consistent, fine food and service you receive there.

The Siwickis' relationship with their clientele extends far beyond their world-famous ribs. Not only do they care about their clients and the restaurant, they work to support community groups in St. James by selling tickets and supplying charities with food donations. This is truly an example of community people in a community busine ss, Madam Speaker. Their mottos have always maintained that this –with this community spirit, from the best deserve to the best, and today's motto: Be Well, Live Well and Eat Well. The Silver Heights Restaurant will toast their diamond anniversary the fi rst week of June.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Siwicki family for 60 years of service to St. James, and for also welcoming all Manitobans.

1964 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 Kakeka Thundersky Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): Madam Speaker, I'm proud to recognize a young Manitoban who won a big award for helping our community. Kakeka Thundersky, is with us today, along with her sisters Raven and Thaegwan. Kakeka has been involved in the community her entire life. From a young age, her mom taught her to live by the teaching of generosity and to give back to the community.

Her mother, Raven Thundersky, modelled altruism by advocating on behalf of people made sick by asbestos and also on behalf of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. So maybe we shouldn't be surprised by what Kakeka's done as a teenager, though it's still remarkable. She's organized clothing drives for the Salvation Army, delivered Christmas hampers for the Christmas Cheer Board, and volunteered wi th Got Bannock?, a group that serves soup and fry bread to people on the streets of the North Main neighbourhood.

While in high school, after seeing Siloam Mission clients who only had flimsy plastic bags to hold all their worldly possessions, she collected 200 backpacks for some of the most vulnerable people in our province. In December, Kakeka was honoured with the prestigious Everyday Political Citizen award, which celebrates Canadians engaged in their communities and building democracy. She was chose n by a jury that included Margaret Atwood and Rick Mercer. The award also marks Kakeka's rise above adversity. Kakeka lost both her parents last year. Losing one parent is hard, never mind both.

Yet Kakeka continues to help in the inner city even as she pursues her university 'educasion'–education. She's carrying on her mom's work, and that's a beautiful thing. Madam Speaker, in our language, Kakeka means everlasting. May her continued service of our com - munity help ensure her mother's legacy lasts forever. Miigwech, Kakeka. Madam Speaker: Members' statements? Model United Nations Assembly Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Sixty y ears ago, Winnipeg's Model United Nations Assembly began.

It was, and continues to be , organized by the Winnipeg Rotary Club, downtown, a club which was the first Rotary club outside the United States , the club that made Rotary international. In the early years , one of the delegates to the Model United Nations Assembly was Lloyd Axworthy. Indeed, the results of MUNA a ssemblies around the world have contributed to the develop - ment of many community leaders, not only in Canada. One of the guest speakers at the start of this year's MUNA was Chris Dunning [phonetic], the US consul in Winnipeg.

He described how the MUNA he attended in the US played a pivotal role in the development of his own career. For myself, when I was growing up in Saskatoon, in grade 12 I participated in a MUNA , and it was an important step in my own growth and understanding of the world. This year, there were more than 60 delegations from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the United States. As happens each year, the United States was represented by a team of Canadian students while Canada was represented by students from the United States.

The stude nts showed progress from the initial sessions to much greater participation and independence later. And they kept the pages very busy passing notes back and forth between delegations. Friday evening was an oppor - tunity for all team members and councillors to relax and have a good time at the Hitch 'n Post. For me, I was fortunate to be able to participate in the event as the deputy president of the assembly on Friday morning. The students w ere well organized and it was an easy job. I want to thank Jim–serves–Ferguson who served as president this year and has for many years in the past.

I want to congratulate the members of Rotary's Model United Nation s Assembly organizing committee, chaired by Roy Vallance, and to the Rotary volunteers who helped make the event such a success. Thank you. Celebrating Manitoba Hon. Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Manitoba, the land of the boreal forest and golden wheat fields, home of the beaver and where, still, the mighty moose wanders at will. Manitoba has bison and caribou, and if you'd like to see more, you can visit our world-class zoo. First Nations, Cree, Ojibwa, Assiniboia and many others would gather in this province on one of

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1965 our 100,000 lakes or beautiful rivers to meet, to trade, to live. York Factory to Fort Garry, soon visitors came from far away, became neighbours, friends, and now today we have Fi rst Nations and Metis and people from all over the world. The Selkirk settlers and Chief Peguis signed the first treaty with Europeans, and we celebrate that this summer.

From Hudson's Bay trade to the Wolseley expedition destination, this province is the keystone province. * (14:00) Between the 60th parallel and the 49th parallel, eastern Canada and western Canada meet here in the centre of Canada, central Canada. I hope the CBC is listening: Manitoba is the centre of Canada, perhaps the universe. Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave. Madam Speaker: Oh, is there leave to allow the member to quickly finish his statement? [Agreed] Mr. Fletcher: We have many valuable things: mining, crops, but, most importantly, we have water.

Water, water everywhere, and there is a drop to drink. We have gorgeous blue skies and we have stunning reddish orange sunsets. Glorious and free is our motto, and glorious and free we are indeed. We live in the best country in the world at the best time in human history to be alive, and we live in the best province in the best country. Thank you. Portage Terriers Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I rise today to share with this House that–the exciting news that the Portage Terriers are Manitoba Junior Hockey League champions for the third consecutive year.

The Terriers captured the Turnbull Cup in front of the hometown crowd with a 1-0 win over the OCN Blizzard on April 19th, 2017, at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie, earning them a spot in the Western Canada Cup tournament in Penticton, BC, where they did a great job of representing Manitoba. Portage la Prairie is a great hockey town and I want to acknowledge the incredible support the team receives from the community, as well as the many volunteers who have been an integral part of the club's success.

I would particularly like to acknowledge Blake Spiller, general manager and h ead coach, and Paul Harland, assistant coach for the team. Since Blake assumed the head coach's role in 2006, the team has seen unprecedented success, winning 7 MJHL league championships and the Royal Bank national championship in 2015. Blake also holds t hree MJHL Coach of the Year awards, his first in 2008 and, most recently, MJHL and CJHL Coach of the Year titles back to back for 2015, 2016. This year, local players, Jared Roy and Lane Taylor, had the privilege to win the Turnbull Cup in their hometown.

The Terriers finished the 2016- 17 season with a record of 37, 19 and 4 and the overall record for the year of 50, 28 and 14. Madam Speaker, I ask all the honourable members to join me in congratulating the 2017 Turnbull Cup champions, the Portage Terriers. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, we have some guests to introduce to you in the gallery. We have seated in the public gallery from Horndean C hristian Day School 22 grades 5 to 10 students under the direction of Martin Fr iesen, and this group is located in the honourable –constituency of the honourable member for Emerson (Mr.

Graydon). And also in the public gallery we have Mr. Glen McKenzie, mayor of Swan River, and his wife Mrs. June McKenzie. Glen is the son of Mr. Wall y McKenzie, who was MLA for Russell from 1966 to 1986. And these are the guests of the honourable member for Swan River (Mr. Wowchuk). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome all of you to the Legislature today. ORAL QUESTIONS Transparency and Accountability Government Performance Record Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Premier's contradictions are becoming more sharp by the day.

He pretends to be transparent and then fails to disclose his ownership of companies in C osta Rica. He claims to be always working, but then it emerges that he's actually away in Costa Rica during flooding in Manitoba. He claims to be working even on vacation, but then can't produce evidence or records of his communications.

1966 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 Madam Speaker, t ransparency is more simple watchword. It must be put into practice. Why the does the Premier not think that he needs to be transparent with the people of Manitoba? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, when you're six -three in grade 7, you learn that transparency is absolutely mandatory in life and it has been ever since then and it's going to continue to be. Thank you very much. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Ms. Marcelino: The Premier's contradictions continue.

He claims to support our health system, then cancels important projects like a new CancerCare building and hundreds of personal -care-home beds. He claims he wants to improve our health -care system, then he shuts three emergency rooms and an urgent-care clinic. He claims he works well with others, then he gets in fights with labour and front - line workers. Madam Speaker, the Premier thinks –seems to think that he does not need to be accountable for his actions. Will he take responsibility today? Mr. Pallister: I respect divergent views, Madam Speaker.

We have a lot of divergent views in this place, but it's because, well, thinking people do sometimes disagree, but it's the respect we show for each other when we disagree that I think is the measure of the person, and I will continue to demonstrate, as will all the members of this government, our respect for organized labour, our respect for special interests around the province. However, we will not have a province that is run by them and in their special interests. We will have a province that is run in the best interests of all Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Ms. Marcelino: The Premier claimed yesterday that, quote, I don't have to defend my work ethic to you or anyone else, unquote. The Premier thinks he does not owe the people of Manitoba or their representatives ans wers to their questions. The Premier thinks he can do whatever he wants without being accountable to anyone. This is a worrisome attitude, Madam Speaker. It goes to the heart of transparency and accountability.

Will the Premier admit that he must be accountable to the people of Manitoba and will he take steps to actually be accountable? Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, I grew up in a 500-square-foot house, but I had the values instilled in me by my family and my friends and the neighbours that if you worked hard and you were honest and you did your very best and you helped other people in your life, you might find success. And I want the province of Manitoba to be that kind of a province for people who grew up like me and who grow up like me.

I want a province where people can find success in their lives, not with handouts, Madam Speaker, but with a hand up, and that's the kind of government we're operating here today. Premier's Staff Communications Government Email and Cell Use Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Madam Speaker, this Premier does not use a government cellphone when he's on his extended trips to Costa Rica. He doesn't use government email –the Premier doesn't use government email when he's away in Costa Rica.

Yesterday, the Premier told us this is be cause he follows a protocol used by previous governments and previous premiers, and it's fair to say that comes as a surprise to us. So could the Premier please table the protocol, which he says directs him not to use government cellphones and government email, in the House, and will he do it today? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, they say there are two things, results and excuses. The previous administration was loaded with excuses. We're loaded with results. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Swan: I'll take that as a refusal by the Premier to table a protocol, and that's because no such protocol exists. And this is just another instance of a Premier who makes up excuses after t he fact to hide his own actions, just as he did when he told media that he couldn't be in Manitoba during flooding in the summer of 2014 because of a family wedding in Alberta to hide the fact he was actually down in

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1967 Costa Rica, just like the Premier failed to disclose his corporations in Costa Rica until he was caught. Will the Premier today acknowledge he was mistaken about the existence of a protocol directing him not to use a government cellphone and email, and apologize to Manitobans? * (14:10) Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, we now know the reason there's so many leaks over there: it was a Swiss-cheese government, and we know why.

The member's just put on record that there were no protocols whatsoever for protecting the security and the confidentiality of information. There you have it, on the record of this House. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. The honourable member for Minto, on a final supplementary. Mr. Swan: I can assure the Premier there was no protocol that directed Cabinet ministers and premiers not to use government cellphones and government email within the bounds of freedom of information legislation.

It's abundantly clear this Premier believes he's above any duty to the people of Manitoba to expla in his actions. He flouts the law that requires members to disclose their ownership of companies. And we showed that just again yesterday in Estimates, when the Premier refused to explain why he'd failed to disclose his interest in a Manitoba company, Pallister Investments 22 Ltd., in which he is a shareholder, director and officer. Unexplainable lapses, nonexistant protocols, incredible answers to simple questions –the pattern is clear. It begs the question: What exactly does this Premier have to hide? Mr.

Pallister: Madam Speaker, one thing I don't have to hide is my genuine affection for the member opposite. I have liked the member for Minto since I first met him and I continue to like him very much. But I do, with all due respect to the member opposite, follow the advice of the conflict of interest commissioner when it comes to disclosure of assets, not the member for Minto. So, though I like the member for Minto very much, I don't consider him to be an expert on ethics in any way, shape or form. Emergency Room Services Timeline for Closures Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, this Premier is ducking and running from the press and the public, and any pretense of transparency has apparently gone right out the window. All this at a time when the Premier's proposing to shutter ERs and make the biggest cuts to our health- care system in a generation, and yet he refuses to give Manitobans the whole plan. Doctors have questions of this Premier; nurses have questions of this Premier; residents of my area, all throughout the city, have questions of this Premier.

And for six weeks, this Premier hasn't given straight answers about how these closures will roll out. Why won't this Premier stand behind his decision to cut and just tell Manitobans when t heir ERs are going to be closed? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, his ducking- and-running accusation doesn't ring sincere, Madam Speaker. I mean, the members opposite blacked out the pages of documents. If media or members, when we were in opposi tion, wanted information, we got blacked-out documents all the time, if we got anything at all.

When the previous government ministers were asked to do interviews on that side of the hall, they ran out this door over here, and they did it for weeks on end. So, Madam Speaker, on the issues of accountability, I've been available to the media every single day that I've been here but two–every single day since I became Premier, but two. And so the member opposite needs to understand something about accountab ility: we know what it means; he needs to look it up. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Wiebe: What we're asking for is for this Premier to take ownership over his cuts to the health- care system. This Premier's been trying to hide wherever he can, whether that's behind the WRHA and decisions they've made, behind Ottawa, or maybe it's just

1968 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 behind page 62. And yet, when he couldn't find anywhere else to hide, he brought in a backroom political spin doctor to manage his cuts in the health- care system. But Manitobans aren't asking for political spin. They're asking for real accountability and they're asking for their ERs to remain open. Why is this Premier paying a backroom political spin doctor rathe r than just telling Manitobans his plan? Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, I think the member's going way too far when he attacks a former chief of staff to a prime minister of Canada.

I think he's going way too far when he attacks a former chief of sta ff to a noted premier of New Brunswick and a chief of staff to a respected Finance minister in Jim Flaherty. I think he goes way too far. And I think that's a mistake in judgment. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Concordia , on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Well, the reality is, Madam Speaker, that this Premier doesn't have a spin problem; he has a patient-care problem. And that's what we're asking about today. Front-line nurses, doctors– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Wiebe: –and people in my community, throughout the city and all over this province, are trying to understand why this Premier is cutting ER services and how he thinks that's going to make our system any better. This Premier broke his promise to protect front -line services and, no matter how hard they spin that or run from that, Manitobans will remember that betrayal. Will the minister and the Premier stop the spin and just give Manitobans the full account and the full plan of when their ERs are going to be closed? Mr. Pallister: Apart from the unintended humour and irony in that

preamble, Madam Speaker, the member did hit, early on, on one fact: we inherited a serious problem with patient care. The system is broken. T he system was broken when the previous administration was in charge of it and it was getting worse. They were given advice of their own commissioning. They refused to follow it. They lacked the moral fortitude to follow up and pursue a better system. The world hates change, Madam Speaker, but it's the only thing that ever brings progress. We will pursue progress for the patients of this province because they should not have to endure the worst system in Canada any longer.

And, under this government, they will not have to. Premier's Staff Communications Communication Security Protocol Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): I'd just like a simple clarification of the facts on what the Premier has shared over the past 24 hours. Yesterday, he said that he uses the same communication security protocol as the previous government. In question period today, he acknow - ledged that there was no communication security protocol under the previous government. So can he tell the House today: Does he use a protocol for communication security? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) admitted that the previous government had no such practices; I did not. I've had instruction from senior civil servants as to the practices I am to follow, and I've been told that they are the same instructions that were given to the previous administration. That in itself is defined as a protocol. But I understand, Madam Speaker, why the members opposite are unwilling to talk about the real issues that mat ter to Manitobans.

I understand they don't want to talk about fixing the finances when they were headed towards a $1.7- billion deficit. But we do, and we are interested in focusing on fixing the finances of this Province. I understand that they do not wa nt to talk about the longest wait times in Canada, but we do, because we were hired to work on focusing to repair the services for Manitoba families. And we will. And I understand that, with a legacy of the highest tax hikes in Canada, bar none, they do not want to talk about rebuilding the economy. But we are focused on rebuilding the economy.

They need to get in the game and start focusing on what Manitobans care about, just for a change. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a supplementary question.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1969 Mr. Kinew: This is an important issue, and it is something that should be legitimately questioned because the communications that the Premier (Mr. Pallister) uses are the –part of records that should be kept by this government. The people of Manitoba, in the name of accountability and openness and 'trarensparency', have a right to know what the Premier is up to. So, can he tell the House today what his communication security protocol is and table it? Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): The member for Fort Rouge says it's about accountability and, indeed, this is about accountability. That is why this government brought in a fiscal responsibility bill that is the most significant set of circumstances that calls government to be accountable to citizens. We will be in committee this evening hearing from Manitobans about this government's plan to exceed anything that previous government did in terms of providing openness and accountability for Manitobans. We know that we'll be judged by our results. We welcome that process. They ran from it.

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a final supplementary. Freedom of Information Compliance Mr. Kinew: You know, there are important concerns that are raised by the non-answers that we're hearing in question period today, specifically with respect to freedom of information, but also with respect to the keeping of proper government records. * (14:20) These are legitimate questions that are asked genuinely in the name of openness and transparency.

So, it's a simple, direct question: Can the Premier commit to this House today that everything that he's doing will be in line with freedom of information laws in this province? Mr. Pallister: Not only can I commit to that, Madam Speaker, but we are looking for ways to broaden the access to information. We have made more information available in our recent prebudget process than was ever made available in the past.

We continue to make information available, an d we will pursue every avenue to make information available because we believe that that is a very important aspect of how we can change government for the better from the type of practices that saw blacked-out reports issued where full reports should've been available; and where information on secret payments, severance payments, to pals was not made available for a year and a half; or where contracts issued out untendered to friends of the previous government were not reported for years. And, Madam Speaker, these are the kinds of practices we want to put an end to.

And so, of course, we're going to be doing everything we can to accommodate that additional transparency. Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Freedom Road Construction Update Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): Back in early November, the Premier predicted that shovels would be in the ground to build Freedom Road within 60 to 90 days. Well, that was approximately 180 days ago. Can the Minister for Infrastructure inform the House whether or not shovels have broken ground for Freedom Road? Hon.

Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): Well, thank you for the question, and we certainly want to talk about the Shoal Lake road because the contract has been let for the aggregate crushing on reserve. It's a matter of time for the equipment, for the personnel, to be able to get to the aggregate crushing equipment, which is sitting there ready to go as soon as the personnel from the company that got the lowest tendered bid on this account can get started. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Lathlin: In early December, the Premier said that construction would begin in February. By my calendar, February ended over two months ago. According to the budget speech, the government continues to engage in discussions regarding Freedom Road. We know that discussions are important, but we also know that, according to the Premier, construction should already be under way. Can the Minister for Infrastructure explain why he hasn't fulfilled the Premier's mandate and broken ground for Freedom Road? Mr.

Pedersen: Well, Madam Speaker, 17 years and they didn't even get a stone turned over, never mind getting a tendered contract.

1970 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 I would remind the member that there are

section 35 consultations taking place right now. There has been consultation going on with Shoal Lake 40, which is already completed. They're in the midst of happening right now with Shoal Lake 39 and with the Manitoba Metis Federation, as is – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pedersen: –out of the Constitution, we have to do the consultations before construction can begin, and we're also doing engineering and work on the road off–that will be off the reserve. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Lathlin: The people of Shoal Lake went through another winter without a road. Their community has provided Winnipeg with clean, fresh water for over a hundred years. Meanwhile, they faced boil water advisories for 19 years, people have died from falling through the ice and the community has been completely shut off during ferry breakdowns. Can the Minister for Infrastructure assure the people of Shoal Lake today that they will have access–they will have an all -access road before next winter sets in? Mr.

Pedersen: Madam Speaker, the good people of Shoal Lake reserves have endured 17 years in the past of not even an attempt by the former government to build a road. We have an aggregate- crushing contract out. We're doing engineering. We're doing consulting work with the–as is required under

section 35. The road will happen. It will be built. Under this government, we will make it happen. Federal Health Agreement Timeline for Signature Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): This government has had over half a year to make a decision about the federal health -care transfers. Like other Manitobans, we have not forgotten that this has not yet been resolved. Can the minister provide the House with an update as to when Manitobans can expect the agreement to be signed? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living): Well, Madam Speaker, I am glad that the member is engaged in this issue.

I wish she would have been equally as engaged almost a year ago when we started to talk to the federal government about being a real partner –a real partner–with Manitobans in health care. We know that there is a declining escalator when it comes to funding in health care. We know that that puts services at risk because the federal government doesn't want to be a partner. It's a little bit late, but I'm glad she's finally on board and ready to stand up to Ottawa. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, it was weeks ago that we heard this Premier (Mr. Pallister) say that this government was very close to signing a health-care agreement. It doesn't cost $5,000 to call Ottawa. Madam Speaker, this government needs to engage in a meaningful conversation– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Lamoureux: –about these agreements. How much more money will the minister forfeit from this province because this government can't work together with other levels of government? Mr.

Goertzen : Well, Madam Speaker, it feels like she turned off the Wi -Fi, because she was roaming all over on that question, but when she finally did get to her point, the point was a good one in the sense that we really need Ottawa to be a real partner with Manitoba. Manitobans want Ottawa to be a real partner. I hope this is a turning point for the member opposite and her colleagues in the Liberal caucus. I hope that all the Liberal leaders who are running, all three of them in the caucus, are now going to stand up to Ottawa, say to the Prime Minister, be a real partner and be a real partner today.

Madam Speaker : The honourable member for Burrows, on a final supplementary. Ms. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, on one hand, we have the minister, and I'll quote, telling us to get on a blow horn and ask Ottawa for help. Then, on the other hand, we have a different minister accusing us of being Ottawa -west and telling us we need to get onside with this provincial government.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1971 Madam Speaker, The Liberal caucus is doing what is best for Manitobans by holding this govern- ment accountable. So, I ask again: When will this governm ent negotiate a health-care deal? Mr. Goertzen : Well, Madam Speaker, those were actually both correct. We did implore the Liberal caucus, all three of them, to get on the horn, get on the blow horn, get on a telephone, get on anything and say to Ottawa, b e a real partner.

And because they refused to do that –for month after month, they decided not to help us stand up for Manitobans – that is why they said they're Ottawa -west. I'm disappointed they continue to be Ottawa-west. When we look out the back of t he Legislature, we see the Assiniboine River; they look out, they see the Rideau Canal, Madam Speaker. Tourism Promotion Government Initiatives Mr. Nic Curry (Kildonan): Anyone can– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr.

Curry: –check their phones and check social media, if they're on some kind of a connection, and see my Facebook and see one of my favourite activities to do in my riding is to visit Rainbow Stage, Canada's largest and longest outdoor theatre, located right in the heart of Kildonan, in Kildonan Park. Not only does tourism give Manitobans the opportunity to showcase where we live, it is also a great economic driver, creating jobs and bringing investment into our province.

This is why I was so pleased to hear that the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade announce investments being made by our government into such an important industry. * (14:30) On top of displaying how spectacular our province is, can the minister please explain to the House why touris m is so important to Manitobans and the Manitoba economy? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): Certainly, tourism has a significant economic impact in Manitoba and many people are employed in this sector.

In fact, it generates –it's a $1.5-billion industry here in Manitoba, generating $272 million in tax revenue. In fact, through our 96/4 plan, we're investing an additional $452,000 in this year's budget to promote Manitoba. Manitoba–Madam Speaker, I know the previous NDP governments used taxpayers' money to promote themselves. Our government is using taxpayers' money to promote Manitoba. Just this morning, we introduced three new videos to Manitobans used to promote Manitoba around the world, just in time for Manitoba's birthday tomorrow. Happy birthday. Sale of MTS to Bell Services and Rate Concerns Mr.

Jim Maloway (Elmwood): My question is to the Premier (Mr. Pallister) of the province. For reasons only known to this Premier, the Manitoba government supported the merger of Bell and MTS. This deal will undoubtedly be a disaster for Manitoba consumers: higher rates and poorer service. We've already seen one consequence of the merger with the loss of 85 good- paying, quality jobs in Winnipeg. Will this Premier explain to this House how higher rates, poorer service and job cuts help Manitoba consumers? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): I do appreciate the question from the member.

I don't necessarily appreciate the doom and gloom coming from the NDP opposite. We recognize not every day we're going to create jobs in Manitoba, but most days we do create jobs, and we strongly believe in positive partnerships with the business community. And we believe, through those positive partnerships, we will create more jobs in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a supplementary question. Xplornet Services Mr. Maloway: Well, thank you, Madam Speaker.

And also to the Premier: instead of keeping MTS independent as a strong, fourth player in the telecommunications market, Xplornet is now supposed to meet the needs of Manitoba's consumers, especially those in the rural areas. It's been nearly three months now since the merger was approved, but there seems to be no activity by this company.

1972 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) tell Manitobans just what's the holdup preventing Xplornet from offering service? Mr. Cullen : I know, in contrast to previous governments who did not go out and have dis - cussions with companies, we actually are having discussions with companies, and these companies are coming to Manitoba and they are bringing investment with them, investment in infrastruc ture. And we're really looking forward to that investment, especially in rural Manitoba where we need some additional services.

So, we are working closely with these companies to make sure that individuals will be looked after and that that money will be spent here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. Mr. Maloway: I'd like to ask the Premier, then. We are now seeing the results of the Premier's misguided actions. He gave his blessing to the deal without seeking any guarantees that Manitoba consumers would be protected. He forgot to put Manitobans first. Now he's letting another company, Xplornet, fail in its obligation to offer strong and adequate broadband services to Manitoba.

When will this Premier stop cozying up to big business and start putting Manitoba consumers first? Mr. Cullen : Through the rules that the federal government has laid out, there's actually going to be more competition in Manitoba. And that's what the NDP were asking for before, was more competition. So there's going to be more competition in the marketplace, and I think that's a good thing. And, with the money that's going to be invested in capital, there's going to be more jobs created in Manitoba. In fact, Madam Speaker, Manitobans have already created 6,000 jobs since January 1st of this year.

Manitoba Hydro Western Power Sales Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): The–this question is directed to somebody. The Minister for Crown Services called Hydro bankrupt and is trying to hike rates, yet the Minister of Growth thinks Hydro is well placed to sell power to our neighbours in the west. This would generate new revenue and help keep rates affordable for us. Why won't the Crowns minister listen to the Minister for Growth? Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Crown Services): Well, Madam Speaker, I understand why the member opposite is confused.

The member responsible for energy works with the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, and we all go around the country and try to sell our hydroelectricity. That is what you call a team. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. [interjection] Order. Mr. Marcelino: The Premier and his minister have spent years attacking Hydro investments. But now the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Tra de (Mr. Cullen) has seen the light, I think. Keeyask and Bipole III presents a real opportunity for power sales to our western neighbour.

The only approach the Crowns minister has is to make cuts and hike rates. If he won't listen to us, will he listen to the Minister for Growth? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Schuler : The NDP bipole -Keeyask levy is really all about NDP disrespect. In fact, Keeyask was supposed to cost $6.5 billion–that was according to the NDP. The true cost is now in and a round $8.7 billion. This $2.2- billion difference is an NDP disrespect. And, unfortunately, that disrespect will be paid for by ratepayers for generations. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Marcelino: Now I'll have to try the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade. Will he please–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Marcelino: Will he please ask the Minister for Crown Services to withdraw his claim that Hydro is bankrupt? Mr. Schuler: Well, Madam Speaker, I would like to point out to the member, and for the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), who has been listening very intently to the discussion about a team, the Minister responsible for Growth, Enterprise and Trade was in Saskatchewan talking about al l kinds of

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1973 opportunities. We've been travelling not just throughout Canada but throughout the United States talking about–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Schuler: –the benefits of our hydroelectric company. However, there is a reality, Madam Speaker, that under the NDP we are now going to have the bipole - Keeyask levy, which is going to cost generations a lot of money on their bills. Madam Speaker, I would like to point out to members that it's a team like this that's going to get us out of the disaster left behind by the NDP.

Child-Care Spaces Government Initiatives Mrs. Colleen Mayer (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, yesterday was a wonderful day, and it was a wonderful day because our government took another step towards shortening child -care w ait times and creating more child-care spaces. Manitoba's families have told us they need more affordable and accessible child care. We listened; we're listening. We delivered; we delivering. We're going to continue to do that, because it's important to all Manitobans.

Can the Minister of Families inform the House on how our government is improving access to child-care spaces across the province? * (14:40) Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): It was a pleasure to be at Great -West Life to view a public-private partnership in terms of child -care delivery here in the province of Manitoba. Our government has already delivered spaces. We've approved 15 community -based spot–which is going to create over 700 spaces.

We also committed, in terms of new builds, in terms of schools, to have child-care centres that are part of it and yesterday we were able to announce $2.8 million of funding for community-based projects to create affordable child-care spaces here in Manitoba. The final piece is working wit h the federal government . There'll be significant dollars on the line, and we're going to create thousands more spaces for Manitobans. Reduction of Health Bargaining Units Use of Union Bargaining Councils Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, it's been well recognized that we have a very large number of health -care bargaining units in Manitoba. Speaker after speaker at committee stage on Monday night, which considered this issue, said that the best way to reduce the number of bargaining units is to use union bargaining councils. Why is the Premier not planning to use union bargaining councils to reduce the number of health- care bargaining units? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living): It's a pleasure to take a second question from a second Liberal leadership candidate this afternoon. When it comes to the bargaining units, I'm glad that the member opposite recognizes that more than 180 bargaining units in health care is far too many for a system. When you l ook at western Manitoba and provinces–western Canada and provinces like British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, if you take their bargaining units and combine them and multiply them by five, they are still less than the bargaining units in Winnipeg.

We're going to change that, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a supplementary question. Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, the problem is simply this: that the government is using a draconian it's-my-way-or-the-highway appr oach instead of listening to people, instead of considering options which are well meaning and put forward, like using union bargaining councils. I ask the Minister of Health once more: Why is he not going to reduce the number of health- care bargaining units in a reasonable way, as unions have proposed, using union bargaining councils? Mr.

Goertzen: Madam Speaker, this is an issue that has been the re for 20 years. In 2003 there was legislation to reduce the number of bargaining units in the city of Winnipeg. That legislation was never acted upon by the former NDP government. This is not something that is happening quickly. This has affected patient care for the last 20 years and nothing has happened.

1974 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 If the member opposite wants to stand by and do nothing, he can stand by with his friends in the NDP. We will take action. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary. Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, the minister may have been at committee, but he wasn't listening or he wasn't hearing. The fact is that the representatives there, one after the other–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Gerrard: –said simply it wou ld be quicker, it would be cheaper to use health- care bargaining councils to address this issue to dramatically the use– reduce the number of bargaining units and have a way to move forward more quickly, less costly in addressing health-care issues. Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Appreciate the comments from the member on the topic of bargaining units. We are at the tail -end of most Canadian jurisdictions in addressing this issue, and it's wise to address.

It allows working people to spend time focusi ng on the things they trained to do, such as addressing patient care, such as delivering tests that people need so they can have diagnosis. These are the things that we want to focus on, not wrangling with one another, not raising union dues to an unnecessarily high level. Giving people security in their health -care system is important, Madam Speaker.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to wish everyone here a happy Mother's Day, especially, of course, the mothers in this room right now, but through all of us here, to our mothers and to mothers around the province: we thank you, we appreciate you, we love you. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Speaker's Ruling Madam Speaker: And I have a ruling for the House. At the start of routine proceedings on April 27th, 2017, the Official Opposition House Leader (Mr. Maloway) raised a point of order regarding documents referred to by the Premier during question period on April 26th, 2017.

The Government House Leader (Mr. Micklefield) spoke to the point of order before I took the matter under advisement. I thank members for their comments on this matter, as I believe the rules and practices relating to the tabling of documents in this House are important and worthy of a moment of consideration. Before addressing the point of order, I would like to provide a little context on this matter as a point of reference for all members.

First, our rule 40(5) states: "Where in a debate a member directly quotes from private docume nts, including digital representation or correspondence, any other member may require the member who is speaking to table a printed copy of the document quoted." This rule forms the basis of our approach to the tabling of documents in our debates.

Second, we are further guided in this area by one of our main procedural authorities, House of Commons Procedure and Practice, second edition, where, on pages 609 and 610, O'Brien and Bosc offer the following insights on tabling of documents referred to in deba te: A public document referred to but not quoted by a minister need not be tabled. If a minister quotes a private letter in debate, the letter becomes a public document and must be tabled on request. However, a minister is not obliged to table personal notes referred to during debate or question period.

Third, rulings from previous Manitoba Speakers reinforce these sentiments. Speakers Hickes, Dacquay, Rocan and Walding all ruled in similar circumstances that if a member quotes a private document in debate, the member is then obligated to table that document in the House. There are also numerous rulings from these Speakers indicating that if a member is referring to a private document but not quoting from it or quoting from a public document, then they are not required to table the document.

Based on this collection of references and precedents, I offer the following guidelines for members regarding the tabling of documents in debate: (1) if a member directly quotes from a private document in debate, they are obligated to table it if requested to do so; (2) a member is not obligated to table a public document even if they quote from it in debate, though they may table it if they choose to do so; (3) a member is not obligated to table documents referred to i n debate but not

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1975 directly quoted; (4) a member is not obligated to table briefing notes or speaking notes. I would like members to understand that the principle underlying these guidelines is that if a member quotes from a private document, all members should have access to that entire document in addition to excerpts quoted in debate. For further reference, the germane point for all members of this House would be: do not quote from a private document in debate unless you are prepared to table that document.

Turning to the matter at hand, I will review for all members the events of that exchange in question period on April 26th, 2017, and the content of the subsequent point of order. On April 26th, 2017, I had asked the Premier (Mr. Pallister) to table a document he appeared to be quoting from during one of his answers. Following question period, the Premier did, in fact, table a letter he had received from a Manitoban and a copy of that letter was provided to the Official Opposition House Leader (Mr. Maloway).

During his subsequent point of order, the Official Opposition House Leader stated that: the Premier appeared to quote from two letters received from Manitobans. When asked to table the letters, he tabled the second letter from which he had quoted.

Pursuant to rule 40(5), I requested the Premier table the first letter from which he quoted during the exchange with the member of Fort Garry -Riverview in yesterday's question period. * (14:50) I would note that in reviewing Hansard from April 26th, 2017, it was not completely clear whether the Premier was directly quoting the first document mentioned or paraphrasing comments from that document. Without that knowledge, it is difficult for me, as your Speaker, to make a determination on whether or not the Official Opposition House Leader had raised a valid point of order.

I would, however, encourage all members to be mindful of the guidelines I referenced earlier, to be aware of them when they are referring to documents in the House, to clearly indic ate on the record whether they are referencing a private or a public document and also to indicate whether they are quoting or paraphrasing a document in debate. I would like to thank all members for their attention to this ruling, and I look forward to your ongoing co-operation in the House. PETITIONS Taxi Regulations Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background of the petition is as follows:

(1) The taxi industry in Winnipeg provides an important service to all Manitobans.

(2) The taxi industry is regulated to ensure there are both the provision of taxi service and a fair and affordable fare structure.

(3) Regulations have been put in place that made Winnipeg a leader in protecting the safety of taxi drivers through the installation of shields and cameras.

(4) The regulated taxi system also has significant measures in place to protect passengers, including a stringent complaint system.

(5) The– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Maloway:

(5) The provincial government has moved to bring in legislation through Bill 30 that would transfer jurisdiction to the City of Winnipeg in order to bring in so- called rid e-share services like Uber.

(6) There were no consultations with the taxi industry prior to the introduction of this bill.

(7) The introduction of this bill jeopardizes safety, taxi service and also puts consumers at risk, as well as the livelihood of hundreds of Manitobans, many of whom have invested their life savings into the industry.

(8) The proposed legislation also puts the regulated framework at risk that could lead to issues such as been seen in other jurisdictions, including differential pricing, not providing service to some areas of the city and significant risks in terms of taxi driver and passenger safety. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

1976 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 To urge the provincial government to withdraw its plans to deregulate the taxi industry, including withdrawing Bill 30. And this petition is signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read, they are deemed to be received by the House. St. Boniface QuickCare Clinic Mr. Greg Selinger (St. Boniface ): Yes, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: QuickCare clinics support the health-care system by offering important front -line health-care services that help seniors and families. The six QuickCare clinics in Winnipeg are accessible, located within communities and have extended hours so that families and seniors can access high quality primary health care quickly and close to home. QuickCare clinics are staffed by registered nurses and nurse practitioners who are able to diagnose and treat non- urgent-care needs as well as perform procedures and interpret diagnostic tests. The bilingual St.

Boniface QuickCare clinic actively offers an essent ial health -care service in French to Winnipeg's Franco-Manitoban community. Having access to bilingual services is essential to ensuring the ongoing vitality of the Franco- Manitoban community. The provincial government have announced the closing of the St. Boniface QuickCare clinic on January 27, 2017, leaving St. Boniface and St. Vital seniors and families without access to community health care.

We petition the assembly –the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to both recognize the importance of bilingual health -care services in Manitoba and reverse their decision to close the St. Boniface QuickCare clinic. Signed by many, many Manitobans, Madam Speaker. Neighbourhoods Alive! Funding Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: Since 2001, the Neighbourhoods Alive! program has supported stronger neighbourhoods and com - munities in Manitoba.

(2) Neigh bourhoods Alive! uses a community led development model that partners with neighbour- hood renewal corporations on projects that aim to revitalize communities.

(3) Neighbourhoods Alive!, and the neighbourhood renewal corporations it supports, have played a vital and important role in revitalizing many neighbourhoods in Manitoba through com - munity driven solutions, including employment and training, education and recreation, safety and crime prevention, and housing and physical improvements.

(4) Neighbourho ods Alive! now serves 13 neighbourhood renewal corporations across Manitoba which have developed expertise in engaging with their local residents and determining the priorities of their communities.

(5) The provincial government's previous investments in to Neighbourhoods Alive! have been bolstered by community and corporate donations as well as essential support from community volunteers, small businesses and local agencies.

(6) Late in 2016, the minister responsible for the Neighbourhoods Alive! program said new funding for initiatives was paused, and that the future of the Neighbourhoods Alive! program was being reviewed bringing hundreds of community projects to a standstill.

(7) Neighbourhood renewal corporations and their communities are concerned this funding freeze is the first step in a slow phase -out of the Neighbourhoods Alive! grant program, which would have severe negative impacts on families and communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: That the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba be urged to support the Neighbourhoods Alive! program and the communities served by the neighbourhood renewal corporations by continuing to provide consistent core funding for existing neighbourhood

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1977 renewal corporations and enhancing the public funding available for specific initiatives. And t his petition is signed by Carole O'Brien, Cathy Collins, Kenneth Kahn and many, many more Manitobans. Kelvin High School Gymnasium and Wellness Centre Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitobans recognize how important it is to provide young people with quality learning spaces to succeed in school.

(2) Sport, recreation and the spaces to engage in them are critical to the health and welfare of all students.

(3) All forms of educational infrastructure, including gymnasiums and recreation centres in general, represent an incredible value- for-money investment, whereby the return is improved physical and psychological health and wellness.

(4) Kelvin High School is one of the largest high schools in the province, with over 1,200 students.

(5) Kelvin High School spent several years raising almost $1.2 million towards the construction of a new gymnasium and wellness centre.

(6) Some Kelvin students currently have to pay to use outside facilities to obtain their mandatory physical education credit.

(7) The provincial government, in a regressive and short -sighted move, cancelled funding for the Kelvin gym and wellness centre for political reasons, despite the extensive community support, fundraising and engagement.

(8) It is wasteful and disrespectful to the dedicated efforts of students, staff and the community in general to simply lay their goals aside without consultation. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to recognize the need for excellent recreation facilities in all Manitoba schools, to re verse this regressive cut and to provide Kelvin High School with the funding necessary to complete a new gymnasium and wellness centre. This petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. Taxi Industry Regulation Mr.

Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The taxi industry in Winnipeg provides an important service to all Manitobans.

(2) The taxi industry is regulated to ensure there are both the provision of taxi service and a fair and affordable fare structure.

(3) Regulations have been put in place that has made Winnipeg a leader in protecting the safety of taxi drivers through the installation of shields and cameras.

(4) The regulated taxi system also has significant measures in place to protect passengers, including a stringent complaint system.

(5) The provincial government has moved to bring in legislation through Bill 30 that will transfer jurisdiction to the City of Winnipeg in order to bring in so-called ride-sharing services like Uber.

(6) There were no consultations with the taxi industry prior to the introduction of this bill.

(7) The introduction of this bill jeopardizes safety, taxi service and also puts consumers at risk, as well as the livelihood of hundreds of Manitobans, many of whom have invested their life savings into the industry.

(8) The proposed legislation also puts the regulated framework at risk and could lead to issues such as what has been seen in other jurisdictions, including differential pricing, not providing service to some areas of the city and significant risks in terms of taxi driver and passenger safety. * (15:00) We petition the Legisla tive Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to withdraw its plans to deregulate the taxi industry, including withdrawing Bill 30. This petition was signed by many Manitobans.

1978 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The taxi industry in Winnipeg provides an important service to all Manitobans.

(2) The taxi industry is r egulated to ensure there are both the provision of taxi service and a fair and affordable fare structure.

(3) Regulations have been put in place that has made Winnipeg a leader in protecting the safety of taxi drivers through the installation of shields and cameras.

(4) The regulated taxi system also has significant measures in place to protect passengers, including a stringent complaint system.

(5) The provincial government has moved to bring in legislation through Bill 30 that will transfer jurisdiction to the City of Winnipeg in order to bring in so-called ride-sharing services like Uber.

(6) There were no consultations with the taxi industry prior to the introduction of this bill.

(7) The introduction of this bill jeopardizes safety, taxi service and also puts consumers at risk, as well as the livelihood of hundreds of Manitobans, many of whom have invested their life savings into the industry.

(8) The proposed legislation also puts the regulated framework at risk and could lead to issues such as what has been seen in other jurisdictions, including differential pricing, not providing se rvice to some areas of the city and significant risks in terms of taxi driver and passenger safety. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to withdraw its plans to deregulate the taxi industry, including withdrawing Bill 30. Signed by many, many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Andrew Micklefield (Government House Leader): On House business, I would like to announce that the Standing Committee on Private Bills will meet on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 218, The Red Tape Reduction Day Act ; and Bill 221, the missing murdered–sorry–The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day Act.

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing C ommittee on Private Bills will meet on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 218, The Red Tape Reduction Day Act; and Bill 221, The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day Act. Mr.

Micklefield: On House business, I would like to announce that the Standing Committee on Justice will meet on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 16, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act; Bill 18, The Legislative Security Act; Bill 25, The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act (Various Acts Amended) ; and Bill 26, The Election Financing Amendment Act.

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Committee on Justice will meet on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 16, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act; Bill 18, The Legislative Security Act; Bill 25, The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act (Various Acts Amended) ; and Bill 26, The Ele ction Financing Amendment Act. * * * Hon. Andrew Micklefield (Government House Leader): I am seeking lea ve to alter the Estimates sequence, for today only, to substitute the Department of Agriculture for Executive Council in room 254.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence, for today only, to substitute the Department of Agriculture for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1979 Mr. Micklefield : I'm seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence, for today only, to substitute the Department of Indigenous and Municipal Relations for Executive Council in room 254. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence, for today only, to substitute the Department of Indigenous and Municipal Relations for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr.

Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Finance for Executive Council in room 254. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Finance for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No leave. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr.

Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Civil Service Commission for Executive Council in room 254. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Civil Service Commission for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No leave. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr.

Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Sport, Culture and Heritage for Executive Council in room 254. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Sport, Culture and Heritage for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No leave. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr.

Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Sustainable Development for Executive Council in room 254. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Sustainable Development for Executive Council in room 254? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr.

Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave to alter the Estimates sequence today only to substitute the Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living for Executive Council in room 254 and, at the same time as the two sections of Supply in the committee rooms meet , for the House to meet to consider legislation.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to alter the Estimates sequence for today only to substitute the Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living for Executive Council in room 254 and, at the sam e time as the two sections of Supply in the committee rooms meet, for the House to meet to consider legislation? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No leave. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr. Micklefield : Madam Speaker, I am seeking leave for today only so that the Committee of Supply will meet in two sections, the Chamber

section with Health, Seniors and Active Living, and the

section in room 255 with Education and Training. Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House for today only so that the Committee of Supply will meet in two sections, the Chamber

section with Health, Seniors and Active Living, and the

section in room 255 with Education and Training? Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr. Micklefield: Madam Speaker, this afternoon we would like to continue with Estimates.

1980 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 Madam Speaker: The House will now resolve itself into Committee of Supply. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY (Concurrent Sections) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL * (15:40) Mr. Chairperson (Dennis Smook): Will the Committee of Supply please come to order. This

section of Committee of Supply will now resume consideration of the Estimates for department of Executive Council. The floor is now open for questions. Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): I'm pleased to see the Minister of Agriculture substituting for the Premier (Mr. Pallister) today and that we're able to continue on. Yesterday, we were talking about the Public Utilities Board, and the Premier was sharing his philosophical view of the mandate of the PUB. I wonder if the minister would care to elucidate on that for us. Hon.

Ralph Eichler (Minister of Agriculture): If it's agreeable to the committee, I'd like to ask my staff to join me at the table. In reference to the member's question, we do enjoy this opportunity in the Executive Council to be able to talk about a number of issues, and I know the member talked about the Public Utility Board, where they left off yesterday, and I wouldn't want to pre-empt that discussion, but I know that we are so excited about some of the opportunities coming forward in regards to Agriculture.

One of those in particular, and the member may be very much aware, is that that we were in negotiations with a company called Roquette. It's a company out of France that is very passionate about making sure we're going forward on the protein highway, and one of those plant proteins is the pea process. And, of course, it's a $400- million cash injection into the field of agriculture and manu- facturing, and it's going to build a state -of-the-art facility here in Portage la Prairie.

I know the member would be extremely interested to find out that this is going to create 375 construction jobs starting very, very soon. In fact, they originally had an opening date of October of 2019. They are so excited about starting the process on peas within the province of Manitoba, growing that plant protein, they actually moved that date up to April of 2019 as a result of that, and once that facility is up and operating, it will create 155 new permanent jobs in Manitoba for all Manitobans to enjoy.

We're not talking about just low-income jobs; we're talking about high- paying jobs, jobs that are going to be, you know, in that 75 to 150 thousand dollar range. So we're very excited about that opportunity, and that's just one of many of the opportunities that we're talking about. * (15:50) The RM of Portage was involved in this, also the City of Portage. They're ecstatic about those opportunities. And I know that there's some sewer and water upgrades. I know member talked about the Public Utilities Board –that they'll be involved in some of this as well.

I don't know if that was a direction that the member was talking about with the Premier, but, certainly, the Public Utilities Board will be part of that. And, when we think about those opportunities going forward–and, of course, the Public Utilities Board is a stand -alone organization that we are very free to let them make the decisions on how they want to govern that board, but, certainly, I know they'll be part of some of the processes and approvals as we go forward. So I hope that assists the member in the direction he was going to go. Mr.

Allum: Well, I suppose, in some obscure way, that was the direction that we were looking to go. We just–because, you know, the Public Utilities Board is going to play an indispensable role in the next little while in relation to proposed increases around hydro and other submissions that may come forward. The government tabled a Crown Services act. I wonder if the minister could tell us why the government went in that direction. Mr. Eichler: I appreciate the member's question.

I think this is a prime opportunity for the member to capitalize on some of the agricultural questions, since I'm helping with Executive Council. The member's very much apprised of the fact that, you know, we are doing a global questioning and just for you to ask whatever questions that he certainly sees fit, but I would hope that he would focus more along the agricultural side of questions that I have a little more expertise on.

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1981 But I want to just come back on the Roquette issue that I'd talked about earlier. Actually, Roquette has 30 established facilities –21 production sites in Europe, Asia and North America. It currently sells into more than 100 companies. It has over 8,000 employees. Roquette group family enterprise is one of the top- ranking processors of starch: No. 2 in Europe, No. 1 in France and India. I know the previous government and administration made a number of trips to India in regards to making sure that they were trying to get some business out of there.

We actually was able to entice this company from Roquette to come to Manitoba and capitalize on some of our great products, not only here but in western Canada. We know that Manitoba's not been a long–large grower of peas, but we certainly know that Saskatchewan, Alberta is primar y growers of that product. And, of course, we know that this year we're hosting the Protein Highway, if you will, here in Winnipeg, in September. We're very proud of that fact.

We have had not only animal protein but plant protein as well and –when we hav e a chance to talk about those proteins that are so important to keep in Manitobans and Canadians and feed the world, I know the member's very much interested in the fact by 2040, we'll have a population that's actually double what it is today. So Manitoba has–certainly has a very important role to play in making sure that we have not only the animal protein but the plant protein as we go forward. I also would be remiss if I didn't talk about the pulses, and I know the pulses are also very important.

Pulses started off quite small in Manitoba. It was 1.6 million acres last year; this year we're looking at close to 2.2 million acres of pulses that are going to be planted within the province of Manitoba. So we're real excited to work with them, in partnership, in order to ensure that we see this product grow and prosper in Manitoba.

And just so the member's also aware that, you know, when we–coming back to his other question in regards to tabling things, I know when we tabled the proposal for Roquette that c ame–when they come into Manitoba and we made the announcement, you know, this is the largest single investment in agriculture in the history of Manitoba, one that we're very proud of –four hundred million dollars is a significant amount of money.

There's other companies that contribute to agricultural products within Manitoba, and we're certainly very pleased that a company such as Roquette would want to come to Manitoba and help us grow our economy. Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): I'd like to ask the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler) why the Premier's staff are not here for Executive Council Estimates. Mr. Eichler: You know, I really appreciate the question from the member from Minto and my good friend. I know that he's passionate about his agenda, and we know that he has a number of things he's trying to prove.

And–but Exec Council is more than the Premier (Mr. Pallister), as he's very much aware, and he's been part of Executive Council as he goes forward and, you know, in his previous life as a minister. And we take responsibility for Executive Council very seriously. And we are a team. And we are very proud of the fact that we are a team. And when we have an opportunity to step up and talk about various aspects –and Executive Council is a broad array of issues, as every member in this Chamber and this committee room certainly understands. So, I don't take it personally.

I know the member from Minto wanted to address some questions particularly to the Premier, but we're a team and we're going to continue to be a team. And I would love to talk about agriculture if the member so pleases, but certainly, I don't know i f he heard my comments in regards to Roquette, but certainly, we also have some other very ambitious goals. One of those is –and we're coming back to the protein highway, when we talk about protein, and we know that the previous administration certainly supported the hog industry. We know that Maple Leaf is running at about 79 per cent of capacity.

The members know that in order to be profitable, you have to be around that 82 to 83 per cent. We're not where close to that. We're certainly hoping that we can go there hard within Manitoba to not only make sure it's sustainable, but in an environmental way, that–one that's going to be conducive to making sure we grow our herd, but protecting the environment at the same time. So we're very proud of that. Also, I made a commitment, and I know my critic would be interested in this, as well, I'm glad that he's here, the member from Flin Flon, and that's growing the beef herd in order to make sure that we

1982 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 get our numbers up. They're currently sitting about 450,000. Pr ior to BSE, they were 750,000. I would like to see those numbers get back to the 750,000 head. It's going to be a challenge; there's no doubt about it. But I certainly understand the fact that Agriculture has 33,000 jobs in Manitoba. So it's a significant contributor to our overall natural growth.

And I know that when we talk about that, you know, and just on that alone, the beef forage program, and I know the member from Flin Flon would be interested in this, of course, the Manitoba forage and grasslands, McDonald's Canada certainly has been a player in that, as well. I had an opportunity to participate just last week in McDonald's on –Ronald McDonald House, and ensuring that we were there to be with them in order to ensure that they help people in rural Manitoba as well. So this is significant for us in Manitoba and part of the Executive Council.

We're certainly pleased to have those conversations and happy to assist members opposite in making sure they understand some of the things that are going on, knowing agriculture by the Executive Council, which, as a team effort, is very important. Mr. Chairperson: Before I recognize the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), I'd just like to remind all of – everybody on the committee today that referencing the presence or absence of any of the members is not allowed, so I'd just like to remind everybody that that is not to be done. So, the member for Minto. Mr.

Swan: I'm happy to ask questions of the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler) in Executive Council Estimates, b ut I'd like him to answer the question. If it truly is a team and if he believes that it's appropriate that we proceed, why is the –why are the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) staff not here for Executive Council Estimates? * (15:50) Mr. Eichler: You know, a tea m approach is a number of people, and it may not be his choice of people, but I consider that an insult to my DM, and she's part of the Executive Council, as well.

And I would hope the member would apologize for that comment, because certainly when we look at any department, whether it be Justice, whether it be transportation, whether it would be Agriculture, that's part of the executive team. And no member in this Chamber or this committee room should single any department out to not be an important part of that. And I'm very disappointed the member would slander any department, because it's not one that he particularly chose to pick. Mr. Swan: Well, that's fine then.

I'm sure, then, from what the Minister of Agriculture has said, that his very capable dep uty minister will then be able to answer all kinds of questions. So could the Minister of Agriculture please table the organizational chart for Executive Council? Mr. Eichler: The member's full aware that whenever we talk about structures of any particular type, whatever department, is fully available in the Estimates book for the member to go and check and see whatever flow chart that very well may be.

So this information is available at his fingertips, but it's unfortunate the member –you know, he should be able to get a copy of that. It's available to all members of the House, whether you're in govern- ment or in opposition. I know that in opposition I certainly had the opportunity to be able to access that information. In fact, transparent and open govern - ment is all about that, and we're certainly not apologizing for not having a chart that he wants to see. It's available to all members. He can also search that out through the Clerk's office and certainly be available to him.

But I want to come back to what I talked about earlier and just highlight for the member a little bit more in regards to the beef program that I talked about earlier. There's some other partnerships there that I think I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about: Ducks Unlimited Canada is also a large player in regards to the program in order to help us grow our beef numbers, which, I know, is significant, to help us grow our economy, to help Manitobans be ensured that they will be part of that growing process.

If the member remem bers–and I know that, you know, I'm dating myself a little bit here –when I first got elected in 2003, BSE had broken out, and it was significant impact to our economy by the least number and the loss of beef cattle during that time. And the border got clos ed to us. We tried to eat our way out of that, and certainly we all did our part. I know, at the time, Premier Doer was in charge. I know he made a number of trips down to North Dakota and to Washington, actually then becoming the ambassador for Canada to United States.

And we're certainly pleased that we were able to work with the former premier in order to ensure that we got the border open. Once he also was there, after the

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1983 border did get opened, the country-of-origin labelling broke out, and, of course, we were able, then, to work with the former premier and ensure that we based our decisions on science. One of the organizations that I partnered with was the state agricultural leaders group, and they were a phenomenal organization made up of agricultural leaders right across United States and, of course, some senators, state legislatures; those were the ones that helped us open up the border just for not only BSE but country -of-origin labelling.

So we were very passionate about doing that, and we also worked with the former Conservative government in order to make sure that we listened and built on those relationships. The other part of it was, now that the Liberal government's been elected, we're certainly respectful of our relationship with the Minis ter of Agriculture and the minister of transportation and moving our goods and services to our export markets, and we're certainly pleased that we're able to do some of those things.

In fact, we just got back this morning from Ottawa in regards to our fede ral-provincial-territorial meeting at which we had a number of discussions. Part of those would be the next policy framework, which I know my critic from Flin Flon certainly wanting to know more about, so I know he'll have some questions on that, I'm sure.

Once this comes into effect in 2018–we do not have an agreement yet in regards to the next policy framework, but we know that we're very close to making sure that we do have those conversations that's going to give us the best results for Manitobans, the best results for Canadians, in order to feed the world, as I talked about earlier, in 2040, when we see our population double, and we certainly want to make sure that we're part of that solution and make sure that we are there for all Manitobans, all Canadians. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr.

Allum: Sorry, I'm having a little following–hard time following the minister's answers. Yesterday, sent out under–or sent under from the Clerk's office, says matters under advisement: Committee of Supply Executive Council May 10th, 2017. Table of matters under advisement: provision– item No. 2, provision of organizational chart for Executive Council, but I just heard the minister tell us to go get it ourselves. So which is it? Is he contradicting the Premier (Mr. Pallister)? Mr. Eichler: Well, you know, I'll let the member decide how he wants to interpret that. I'm not going to be the interpreter of his question.

I'm sure that he's very capable at doing that; he spent a number of days in the Cabinet role and Executive Council. He's very much aware of the process of which one's to follow. But I want to come back –and I'd be remiss if I didn't want to talk a little bit about the bison sector and how that is so important to Manitoba's economy. And one of the things, you know, when you get into these roles and, of course, the member's accused me of not knowing exactly what I'm talking about.

But I can tell him that some things were not sure, and one of those is the bison sector, and I'd be remiss if I didn't help educate my critic and, of course, you know, my good friend from Fort Garry -Riverview, that sheep and bison don't mix, and sheep carry a disease that is hazardous to the bison herd. It can actually wipe out a herd in just a matter of weeks and months, and we've worked really hard to maintain the bison herds in Manitoba. We're very clear about making sure we want to establish and keep that herd growing.

We've seen the price of bison come back to historic levels, in fact, during the Royal Winter Fair we had an opportunity to meet with the Bison Association. Again, it was a very informative meeting. I know there's a number of bison up in the member from Flin Flon's area that certainly are very prosperous. They're doing a good job, and I know the member from Swan River also has a number of producers there that are moving forward in the growth of their herds and they want to see movement on that as well.

Also, the First Nations are very active in growing their herds as well, and I know I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about Peguis. I certainly had the opportunity to meet with Peguis this afternoon at the Downs, for the Downs kickoff, and they're very excited about getting involved in agriculture and I know the Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations (Ms. Clarke) has been working hand in hand with the m to help them become more self - reliant. They want to invest in their members, in their opportunities, in order to see that they are sustainable, not only now but into the future.

So we're certainly appreciative of the working relationship that we've been able identify and work with, and I know that members opposite would be

1984 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 pleased to know that as we've seen the increase in the bison herd, we certainly see some of that money come back into our economy to see that Manitoba will grow and prosper and it will become the most improved province in all of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Allum: Mr. Chair, I know that you advised us yesterday quite wisely, quite sagely, that you can't require anyone to answer a question or anything in that regard and I appreciate that. I appreciate your role and the service that you provide.

But the minister, I think, is finding himself in a contradiction that we're going to give him a chance to get out of. We were told and committed and promised that a work chart of Executive Council would be provided to us, but the minister told us, in fact, just earlier, and it will be recorded in Hansard, that we should just go get it ourselves and that that would not be forthcoming. Does he want to reflect on that answer now and provide us–recognize the commitment that was made by his Premier (Mr. Pallister) yesterday? Mr.

Eic hler: Well, I thank the member for the question, and I was not here yesterday when the member asked the question and I'm not at liberty to discuss whether or not the matter was before this committee or not. * (16:00) But I do also–I'd be remiss if I didn 't advise the member that there's a number of other things that are very exciting in Manitoba that I do want to talk about, and that's a company called Canada Sheep. And Canada Sheep is a company from New Zealand. They are very focused on growing the sheep herd here in Manitoba.

In fact, they started down in the member's from –the Chair's member–his riding, and they've moved on to other parts of the province; they've moved up into the Lundar area, into the Stonewall area. They're certainly committed to growing the sheep herd in Manitoba. Their goal is to end up having enough sheep to process 200 head per day in a community called Sarto, and they're committed not only to ensuring that the sheep population grows in Manitoba, but the economic benefits that com e with that will help all communities–all communities in not only rural Manitoba, but in the city of Winnipeg.

I know the member opposite loves to talk about jobs and economic growth. We've talked about that in our ag committee just a couple of weeks ago. I know he's passionate about it, and he talked about some of the things that will help his area and his community grow and prosper. And this is what we talk about when we think about agriculture. It's an economic engine for Manitoba that's going to keep on giving, giving, giving. And I love to come back to the numbers: 33,000 jobs. There's a direct correlation to agriculture and driving the economy of Manitoba.

When we think about the opportunity of the sheep growing in Manitoba, you know, it –I don't know if you've been to Costco lately, but it runs around 20 bucks a pound; that's pretty significant. There's only one other sector–one other sector alone– that's the top of the sheep as far as return on investment's concerned, as far as investment to get into the product, and that's the goat business. The goat business is expanding in Manitoba. It's a business that I think people need to take advantage of in order to ensure that it's sustainable as well.

And we know we're a diverse culture, and as a result of that, we've seen the marketplace, the demand for goats, within the province of 'manistoba' certainly grow, and it's one of those economic engines that will, again, keep on giving and benefit all Manitobans as we go forward in order to ensure that Manitoba, it is sustainable in agriculture, and of course create that economic wealth, that economic opportunity in order to ensure that Manitobans has those good jobs within Manitoba so they can stay in Manitoba and create that economic wealth that we certainly know that we want to see Manitoba grow and prosper.

An Honourable Member: Good news. Mr. Eichler: Very good news. Mr. Allum: Well, the minister, unfortunately, not answering the question. And I read, from him, an official document put out by the Clerk's office: Matters Under Advisement, Committee of Supply, Executive Council. Dated May 10th, 2017, and if you scroll to the bottom it says, table of matters under advisement: provision of organizational chart for Executive Council. Y et the minister, in his opening answer, told us that we should just go look for ourselves. So, could we get a straight answer from him?

Is he going to live up to the Premier's commitment, or is he breaking faith with his own Premier?

May 11, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1985 Mr. Eichler: I'd be remiss if I didn't come bac k and talk a little bit more about growing the agricultural sector. And we've seen a number –and I know if the members are for supply management or not, but certainly we've seen supply management. I've met with those folks. We see a 10 per cent growth, and I know the members nodding their heads, and they're excited about this opportunity as well. They're just– Mr. Chairperson: I–order. Order. I'd like to interrupt here. It's getting a little bit loud on both sides of the table.

I would appreciate if we would stick to the questions and the answers– An Honourable Member: Yes, so would we. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Chairperson: Are you questioning the Chair? Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. An Honourable Member: No, I am not, and I apologize. Mr. Eichler: Back to what I was talking about earlier. It is exciting when we think about the poultry sector, the egg -layers. We're going to see a 10 per cent growth in th at sector alone. This year, we're going to see a 10 per cent increase in our growing chickens. We're going to see a 10 per cent growth in our dairy business.

We are very excited about our dairy producers seeing that growth. We know that Parmalat will be o pening their facility very, very soon, which will give us another market opportunity for our dairy producers to take them up to. Also, we know that the dairy producers are probably the strictest and hardest on their own. They're a group that is so proud of their organization that they self -inspect; they self -govern. They're harder on themselves than–probably, like most families are, we're harder on each other than we are on somebody else.

So we're, certainly, pleased to work with the dairy producers in 's horder' to ensure that they, in fact, do grow their sectors as well. And, of course, I would also be remiss if I didn't talk about the small farm direct marketing, and I know that also is very important to all members of the House in regards to small busi ness and direct marketing. There is an organization called the marketing association of Manitoba, which uses a – name is also is a direct farm market for com - munication purposes. Of course, almost everybody in the Chamber knows that St.

Norbert market is renowned and renown for its ability to be able to attract investors and people that want to take their products to the next level. Some of those products started in the Food Development Centre at –in Portage la Prairie, and we're certainly pleased to be part of that. When we see them come to market, come to that goal in life where they're able to take that first jam and that first dozen eggs to get started in the marketplace. We have another company called Cornell ice cream.

It's a small, small business tha t certainly got up and running, and we're –know that that's a great success story that we're able to share with all Manitobans and a product that, if members opposite or members in my team have not had an opportunity to taste the Cornell ice cream, I certainly encourage them to do so. It's some phenomenal products. They're a dairy family. Started off as a product that came from their dream; they brought that to not only to our department to Manitobans to enjoy, and we're certainly very pleased to be in partn erships with them and help them expand on their marketplace as well.

So thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Allum: Well, I'll let the record show that the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler), in Executive Council today, simply refused to live up to a commitment made by the Premier of Manitoba. So I want to ask him now, as a member of Executive Council, can he tell us or at least table for us the protocol he uses for his cellphone communications? Mr. Eichler: I'd be remiss if I didn't come back to talk about the great news story.

And one of the things when I become minister, and I don't know what the previous member did when he was minister, but certainly there's lots of bad news out there. He seems to want to focus on the bad news. But one of the things I made very clear to my producers: there's lots of good news out there, and we don't have to dwell on the negative. And I don't know where the member wants to focus his energies on, but I certainly want to focus on

1986 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 11, 2017 the good news. And the good news is, is that the bee sector in Manitoba and, of course, we know has had some challenges over the years, and, of course, Manitoba continues to be a leader in the bee stocks and also in the honey production. Now, this past July, I had the opportunity to go to my first fe deral-provincial-territorial meeting in Calgary, and I had the opportunity to meet with the Japanese consulate. And it was a fantastic meeting of which we were able to talk about a number of issues in order to help Manitoba be successful.

That conversation turned into the bee business, and they are now back wanting to buy Manitoba honey. It's a product that–it's an all -natural product that we're so proud of to be able to work with our producers, and, I think, it would be important for us to note that honey bee inspection, in 2016, was 3,508; lead–or cuff bee inspection was 45; interprovincial movement inspection was 288, in 2016.

Now that's significant when we talk about the honey business, and we know that large inventories that were imported from the US, through a back door through the Asian market, certainly had a impact on the economy for the honey bees guys. And, certainly, we're hoping that we'll see some of that recover, some of that come back so that our bee growers are prosperous. In fact, I don' t know if the member's been involved in 4-H, but I certainly had the opportunity, on Sunday, to join the 4 -H kids out of Camp Manitou. And we talked about the bees and how – what an important part of our economy that they play.

And so it was students there f rom ages nine to 14, and we talked about what an important role that the bees had to play in Manitoba. * (16:10) In keeping with the initiative to help the 4 -H, which they are great at and wanting to be part of, they were allowed to construct a bee nest, and it was simply a matter of a stump off a tree, certainly a simple enough model to follow, and you drill holes in this tree in order to allow the bees to hibernate there and protect them from the environment and to protect them so that the next generatio n of bees will be able to move forward.

And I know that members will be certainly excited about that in order to keep nature at its best, and I know every member in this House is conscious of the fact that the environment is so important for us to move forward on and make sure that we protect it. So bees are a small part, but certainly one that we're very committed to to see that industry grow and prosper, and of course by keeping nature in balance, that's certainly part of that opportunity as well, so I 'm glad to share that good news with the members opposite. Mr. Allum: Well, Mr.

Chair, I'm kind of stung by that answer, to be honest with you, but I wonder if the minister could tell us, is he familiar with the protocol–communications protocol that the Premier (Mr. Pallister) referenced in committee yesterday as a member of the Executive Council? Does he follow the same communications protocol or not? Mr. Eichler: Well, the best thing to do when you get stung, and I don't know if the member realizes this, but maybe you should attend to the camp with me, but if you do get st ung, the best thing to do is to flip if off; use a credit card, or –don't squeeze it. The best thing th

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-2-50b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 2nd hansardpdf 50b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	18e00578044d47c67528796ae56cd665e6d38bf9

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