Manitoba Hansard — 24 April 2025 (Sitting 47B, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-47b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXIX No. 47B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Spruce Woods

1587 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, April 24, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. Speaker's Statement The Speaker: Prior to routine proceedings, I have a short statement for the House. I noticed in debate this morning that members on both sides were using language indirectly referencing members' honesty. I let it go at the time, but I see it's becoming a persistent problem. So I'd ask all members to please think about what you're saying and make sure we're not venturing into unparliamentary language.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 214–The Board Parity and Diversity Act Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): I move, seconded by the member from Tyndall Park, that Bill 214, The Board Parity and Diversity Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Wasyliw: I am pleased to intro duce The Board Parity and Diversity Act, legis lation that calls for more equitable and inclusive cor porate leadership in Manitoba. Too often, cor porate boards lack the diversity needed to reflect com munities they serve.

This bill sets clear achievable standards from gender parity to the inclusion of Black, Indigenous, racialized persons and people with disabilities and m aking sure that workers have a seat at the table. This legislation is about shifting power, breaking down barriers and entering–ensuring decisions in the board room reflect the realities of everyday Manitobans. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Further introduction of bills? Bill 46–The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Premier (Mr.

Kinew), that Bill 46, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amend- ment Act, 2025; Loi d'exécution du budget de 2025 et modifiant diverses dispositions législatives en matière de fiscalité, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sala: I'm very proud to introduce Bill 46, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2025. The bill includes tax statute amend ments and additional priority legislation to implement initia- tives included in Budget 2025.

This bill will deliver on key budget priorities to lower costs for Manitoban families, provide safer and healthier communities, grow our economy and build one Manitoba. Thank you very much, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Seeing no further introduction of bills, committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I am pleased to table the annual report of the automatic repeal of act or provisions not in force. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Yom HaShoah Hon.

Mike Moroz (Minister of Innovation and New Technology): I rise today to solemnly mark Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day. Yom HaShoah, which began last night at sun- down, honours the lives and heroism of the more than 6 million Jewish children, women and men, who between 1933 and 1945, were victims of the Holocaust.

As Manitobans, we come together to remember the lives taken, their brave resistance and to honour the countless families worldwide who were forever altered by the Shoah: both the 6 million Jews and the approximately 5 million more murdered because of their ideology, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation or mental and physical dis abilities; all representing many tragic lost generations of dreams, loves and promise. The first commemoration of Yom HaShoah took place in 1951, a mere six years after the end of World War II, the date itself marking the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Thousands of survivors of the Shoah sought refuge here in Canada, with many making their home in Manitoba.

1588 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 Many of these survivors arrived in Winnipeg. The former B'nay Abraham Synagogue was one of the first to create a space for survivors to gather and one of the first synagogues in Canada to house a permanent memorial to survivors. As demographics have shifted, many of these community members and their families have moved to the south end of Winnipeg. They and their families have tirelessly worked with Manitobans of all backgrounds to build stronger, more inclusive, more welcoming communities. We pause to honour that today as well.

In 2000, the provincial government established an annual day of commemoration for Yom HaShoah and unveiled Manitoba's Holocaust memorial on the grounds of the Legislature, the first of its kind in Canada. I encourage all Manitobans to visit the monument and to reflect on our shared responsibility to ensure that that dark period of history does not repeat itself. Unfortunately, as the years pass, fewer and fewer survivors remain to stand witness to the horrors of this time and to share their stories of survival.

So it becomes even more important for us to share their stories for them to ensure that their lives are remembered and the lessons from that brutal time not forgotten. Our government is stepping up in that regard. We have enshrined Holocaust education in the provincial curriculum. Only by learning from the past can we hope not to repeat it. And our government has listened to not only the Jewish communities but other com - munities of faith who have also faced discrimination, with a dedicated criminal prosecutor for hate crimes in Manitoba.

Honourable Speaker, we must ensure that we are all working together to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denialism. I've been humbled to take

part in a variety of Yom HaShoah services, including the reading of the Megillat HaShoah during an interfaith service at Congregation Shaarey Zedek last night and on the grand staircase of the Legislature a short time ago. But Honourable Speaker, the most moving of these events occurred this morning here in the Legislature, during which the names of the victims of the Holocaust were read aloud. I am deeply privileged to have been one of those readers and to have shared that honour with so many of the honourable members of this Assembly.

When considered together, the reality of 6 million Holocaust victims is incomprehensible. To truly understand the scope of that tragedy, we must consider them one individual name at a time; unto every person there is a name. I request that the names of the victims from my list be added to Hansard so they might be part of our Chamber's permanent record. At a time in history when so many forces are seeking to pull us apart, when we see a rise in anti-Semitism, we need to now hold each other a little closer. Understanding the suffering of others enables us to move forward as a community.

Today is one of those days on which we must commit ourselves to doing so and to solemnly pledge: never again. I ask leave for a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Shoah. Adler: Hersh, Isaac, Sara, Zelik–Berezovka-Auschwitz; Alexander: Abraham, Manya–Treblinka; Altman: Golda, Hershel–Warsaw; Averbach: Herman, Mendle, Sara, Wilhelm–Zambrow, Zawichost The Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence after all other members have spoken to the minister's statement? [Agreed] * (13:40) Mr.

Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): On this solemn day, we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the brutal Nazi regime through the Shoah, as well as many millions of others. The Holocaust was a calculated assault on human dignity. We must ensure this history is neither denied nor distorted. Yom HaShoah is an im portant day for all Manitobans to stand together and vow to never allow such horrors to take place or go unchallenged. Many people today still face persecution for their ethnicity or religion. Less than two years ago, Israel ex perienced the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

This weekend, we saw a string of anti-Semitic vandalism plastered around the Jewish hub in the province. Today is a call to action to not let such hate continue. We must foster a world where freedom, tolerance and security for all are not just ideals, but realities. We must take inspiration from the families of the Shoah, who whispered songs of hope, and the brave who resisted against impossible odds. Their legacy is not just sorrow, it is strength. It is the unbreakable will to live, to love and to be remembered. With each passing year, the op portunity to hear survivors' first-hand stories become rarer.

And so, as

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1589 time passes, com memorations like today become all more significant so that these stories live on through generations, next after next. This is a responsibility that belongs to us all. It lives in our conversations and our courage to speak out. We are the keepers of this memory, so let's carry that meaning forward from this day. Let us be the light that refuses to be dimmed, the voices that refuse to be silenced. Let us carry the memory of the victims and survivors, not as a burden, but as a beacon, a light that guides us forward.

And above all, let us conclude today with the promise: We remember. And never again. Shalom and thank you. MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I ask for leave to respond to the minister's statement. The Speaker: Does the honour able member for Tyndall Park have leave? [Agreed] MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, today we recognize Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. We solemnly remember the over -6-million Jews who were systematically and senselessly murdered during the Holocaust. We do so by reading aloud the names of those who died so that we may never forget them.

It is very impor tant that we memorialize each and every person who was killed or slaughtered in the Holocaust because it serves as a reminder of a very sorrowful

chapter in the history of humankind. As the number of Holocaust survivors decreases every year that passes, it becomes more and more im- portant than ever that we ensure that the truths and stories are heard, that future gen erations learn about the horrors of the past and that we ensure that all of us continue to fight against anti -Semitism and to build better tools and systems to address and prevent racism and discrimination. Honourable Speaker, it is devastating that daily, there are terrorist attacks in this world and overt anti-Semitism both here at home and elsewhere in the world. The remembrance of unimaginable loss and inhumanity faced during one of the darkest

chapter s in human history must never fade. The words never again must be top of mind as we consider how to work together for peace and under standing in our troubled world. Honourable Speaker, each time we step up and speak out against anti-Semitism, we honour the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. And I continue to stand with my colleagues and the many voices in the world praying for peace and an end to violence. Thank you. The Speaker: As previously requested, if all could rise for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed. The Speaker: Thank you. Week of the Early Childhood Educator Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I am honoured to rise today to recognize the week of the early childhood educator, which takes place next week from April 27 to May 3. This is a time for us all to celebrate and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of early childhood educators and the vital services that they provide to children, families and communities across our great province.

Established in 1992 by the Manitoba Child Care Association, the week of the early childhood educator has long been a tradition in our province, honouring the invaluable contributions of early childhood professionals who contribute in such meaningful ways to Manitoba's social and economic development. It's indeed true that Manitoba works because child care works.

As minister responsible and as a parent, I recog - nize how early childhood educators lay the foundation for childhood development and lifelong learning, preparing Manitoba's youngest citizens to reach their full potential in environments that foster hope, belonging, purpose and play. To all ECEs across Manitoba, our government thanks you immensely for your invaluable contri - butions in your day- to-day work and lifts you up for your unwavering commitment to the betterment of our children's lives.

With extensive education and experience in child development and pedagogy, early childhood educators know how to build meaningful relationships with chil- dren and their families. ECEs across Manitoba thoughtfully design engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that nurture growth, curiosity and well-being. Through this work, Manitoba's early childhood educators help bring life to our government's vision: that across Manitoba, children and youth from every background matter, have the right to belong, to be respected, to be successful and to be safe.

1590 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 Within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning, we are very proud to have many certified early childhood educators working directly in Early Learning and Child Care Division. These professionals contribute their expertise across a wide range of areas, including licensing, workforce development, capital development, curriculum design and the child-care subsidy program. Our government is so grateful for your expertise in the department that helps strengthen and build our child-care sector across Manitoba for years to come.

Your contributions will undoubtedly help us deliver on our shared goals to deliver high-quality, accessible and affordable child care here in Manitoba. To complement the invaluable work of ECEs each day, our government continues to invest in supporting ECEs in their work and investing in our child-care sector here in Manitoba. As part of that work, we've recently secured a $1.9-billion extension to our bilateral agreement with the federal government so we can continue investing in strengthening our child- care sector across our province.

We are increasing the number of qualified staff, investing in more training oppor tunities and building more centres to meet the needs of families and communities across our great province. Our government is also proud to have finally implemented true $10 -a-day child care that includes non-school and in-service days and holidays to truly meet the needs of families in our province and deliver on affordability.

Our government is eager and committed to working in partnership with all ECEs, CCAs, directors, non-profit child-care providers, municipalities, First Nations, Métis and Indigenous governments to support the ongoing development and to create new child-care facilities across our province. So, to all the ECEs across Manitoba, I want to thank you for the work that you do each and every day for Manitoba children and families.

Your expertise and passion for early childhood education continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact, and on behalf of our entire team, I extend my sincere ap pre- ciation, not only during this week of celebration, but every single day. Our government is proud to invest in your ongoing professional development and training opportunities, so you are supported to have fruitful and long careers in the child-care sector.

Finally, Honourable Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to spend next week, our constituency week, visiting their child -care centres, visiting ECEs to celebrate, honour and recognize their in credible work. Thank you very much. Merci. Miigwech. * (13:50) Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the week of early childhood educators , which was established in 1992 by the MCCA. This week can reflect –this week, we can reflect and recognize work done by our valuable early child- hood educators who bring support to families and their children.

Our children are the future, and early childhood educators support our youth through different avenues: social, emotional and physically. With such an important job placed on their shoulders, we must also show these professionals our support and our gratitude for the profound impact they bring to society. Once again, Manitoba works because child care works. Our former PC government was one of the first provinces to sign onto the Canada -Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agree ment, which will benefit early childhood educators, children and com - munities for years to come.

As part of the extended agreement, the former PC government introduced two new initiatives to support the ELCC sector, including a renovation expansion grant to provide funding for non- profit facilities to expand their existing spaces to meet their growing community needs. This increased oppor - tunities for child -care assistant certification training by improving access to the required 40- hour course and expanded programming. We were also the first to introduce the $10-a-day daycare right here in Manitoba.

Early childhood educators are on the front line of our education system, helping develop the minds of our youngest learners. We thank you, again, to the child -care pro fes- sionals, student volunteers and all early childhood educators. We value and thank you all for your dedi - cation and we continue to urge the government to support you as well. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1591 Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon ourable–before we get into member's statements, I have some guests in the gallery that'll leave before we're finished, so I want to take this opportunity to introduce. We have, seated in the public gallery, from St. John Brebeuf 30 grade 6 students under the direction of Dexter Suban, and this group is located in the con stituency of the honour able member for Tuxedo (MLA Compton). We welcome you all here today. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS U of W Wesmen Men's Volleyball Champions Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I rise today to cele- brate a historic achievement for Manitoba sports. The University of Winnipeg Wesmen Men's Volleyball Team claimed the Canada West Cham pionship on their home court, marking a momentous victory for the program and for our province. Under the direction of Canada West coach of the year Chris Voth and rookie of the year Easton Dick, this championship win is a testament to their relentless hard work, dedi cation and perseverance of all of the players, coaches and staff who have poured their hearts into this season.

Competing in absolutely one of the most chal - lenging conferences in the country, the Wesmen showed incred ible skill, teamwork and resilience, proving they belong amongst the nation's best; defeating Alberta Golden Bears at the Duckworth Centre 3-0 in the final, a very, very exciting final to that championship. This victory, Honour able Speaker, is not just about sport. It's about community, pride and inspiring the next genera tion of Manitoba athletes. The Wesmen success reminds us all that we can achieve what we dream to through passion and commitment.

As a former Wesmen athlete myself –basketball, of course –I know how hard these athletes have worked to make those memories on the court. And I know that those memories on the court are only surpassed by the moments, memories and friendship that are made off the court. These athletes are leaders in our communities, in and outside of their sport. They set an example for excellence and academic focus that is to be admired.

I request the names of all the team members, staff and coaches be submitted to Hansard, and I ask that all members of this House join me in not only welcoming the Wesmen, the champions who are here with us today, but in congratulating them and their program on their well- earned Canada West Cham - pionship. You folks have made your Union Station commu- nity, your city and your province so very proud. Con- gratulations.

Coaches: Cam Johnson, Liam Allen; Canada West coach of the year: Chris Voth; Canada West Rookie of the year: Easton Dick ; Players: Tristan Arnold, Carson Brennan, Thomas Bridle, Easton Dick, Morgan Eby, Jack Gard, Aidan Hruska, Thomas Kiesman, Paxton Koop, Alex Krykewich, Luke Lodewyks, Liam Markesteyn, Isaiah Olfert, Conor Rewniak, Jaxon Rose, Adam Thompson, Ben Traa, Levi Unger, Maxime Vermette. Dennis Nykoliation Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Today I rise to recognize Dennis Nykoliation, a legendary Ukrainian musician from the Interlake, being raised in Fisher Branch. He joins us in the gallery today.

Throughout his life, Dennis has made his mark on the music world. Dennis began his musical journey at just the age of 13, where he mastered an energetic and diverse repertoire. He first played with the Regent Ramblers, blending old-time fiddle tunes, country and Ukrainian music, which is perfect for the legendary two- day Ukrainian weddings. By the 1960s, Dennis joined the Interlake Polka Kings, recording seven albums while touring the prairies. His next move was to co-found the Polka Drifters band, where he recorded four more albums and hosted the band's weekly radio show on CKDM Dauphin.

Despite his work commitments, music remains close to his heart. He reunited the Interlake Polka Kings in 2002 and later formed The Dennis Nykoliation Band in 2008, bringing together some of Manitoba's finest musicians, producing four more albums. In 2015, Dennis was honoured by the Ukrainian Musicians Association with the Lifetime Prestigious Award for his contribution to Ukrainian music and culture in Western Canada.

1592 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 In 2017, he was inducted into the Manitoba fiddlers' association Wall of Fame. Now residing in Barrie, Ontario, Dennis enjoys life with his wife Bette, their four children and nine grandchildren. He will now officially retire from performing, playing his band's final show in Fraserwood, the heart of the Interlake, on Sunday, June 8. His lifelong commitment to music and com- munity is truly inspiring. I ask all members to join me in celebrating this outstanding Manitoban. His legacy is one of talent, perseverance and passion.

Belle Jarniewski MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): I'm proud to share with you today an outstanding Tuxedo constituent, Belle Jarniewski. Both of Belle's parents were Holocaust survivors. Her life shaped by her family's history of trauma and loss, as well as her parents' courage and proud identity as Jews. Her upbringing initially instilled in her a desire to be a teacher, and Belle received her education degree from the University of Manitoba.

However, her passion for Tikkun Olam–mending the world–spurred her onto further studies obtaining her masters of arts in theology at the University of Winnipeg, which also led Belle to follow her call to teach people of all ages about the Holocaust and other genocides. Through her work as the executive director at the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, Belle brings education on the Holocaust and anti-Semitism to thousands of students, educators, administrators and professional groups each year. And she has also partnered with Manitoba Education and Training numerous times.

Belle is also a writer and has been published in Canadian, Israeli and European newspapers. Her 2010 book, Voices of Winnipeg Holocaust Survivors, documents the history of 73 local survivors before, during and after the Shoah Holocaust, and can be found in libraries in every secondary school in Manitoba and in university and national libraries in several countries. Belle is an impressive person with many accom- plishments, and I was honoured to present her with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. In a time when anti- Semitism is on the rise, we must do what we can to combat it.

Belle is doing this great work every day. Today, on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, I cannot think of a better person to celebrate and honour. Belle is a leader in Winnipeg and the globe. Please join me in celebrating Belle. * (14:00) Jim Stinson Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): Honourable Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour a great friend and Manitoban, Jim Stinson.

After three long and challenging years of fighting multiple melanoma, Jim passed away peacefully in the hospital in the early morning of Sunday, March 2 with his wife and soulmate, Darlene, lying next to him and his sister, Barbie, by his side. Jim had be en admitted to the Health Sciences Centre to have a new treatment. He expected that he–in a few days he would be home and out ice fishing again. However, it was not to be. Jim left southern Ontario to join the RCMP and was stationed in Manitoba. He fell in love with our province and hunting–the hunting and fishing it had to offer.

Jim was very proud of his 30- year career with the RCMP, his accomplishments too numerous to mention, but most of all he loved to help people. After retirement, he was asked to take on a role of emergency co -ordinator for the municipality of St. Clements, and shortly thereafter, received the emergency co-ordinator of the year award. Jim was a founding member of MAMEC, an association that provides emergency training to municipalities across the province. Jim's incredible accomplishments did not go unnoticed.

He was awarded the Queen's jubilee – Diamond Jubilee, the Platinum Jubilee and his latest recognition, the King's Jubilee Medal, which I was honoured to present this afternoon to Darlene, post - humously. Jim had so many interests, including horses, for a while working with equine Canada, but his passions were hunting and fishing, especially hunting in the Carberry hills with his friend Henry.

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1593 Jim was an avid angler, fishing with his many buddies for channel cat in the summer or beautiful greenback walleyes in the winter. One of his greatest joys was taking kids fishing and helping them catch those large channel cats. Jim had so much to live for. He touched so many lives. He–and he leaves behind a wealth of family and very good friends who have also loved him dearly.

Honourable Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Jim's loving wife Darlene, who's joining us here in the gallery today, for sharing him with all of us, and now he has earned his angel wings and golden fishing rod. I ask for a moment of silence. Thank you. The Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. The Speaker: Thank you. Ted Wyman Hon.

Mike Moroz (Minister of Innovation and New Technology): Honourable Speaker, it's my sincere pleasure to rise in this House today to celebrate the life of former River Heights constituent, Ted Wyman, who tragically passed away last year after a battle with cancer. In addition to being an unforgettable father, Ted made a name for himself in the world of journalism, which is how, I suspect, most members of this Chamber will know him. He is leaving behind his wife Kim, son Christopher, and daughter Emily after truly living life to its fullest.

We're joined in the gallery today by Ted's widow, Kim Fedick, and her son Christopher, and I know his many friends and colleagues in the world of journalism are following online. He made a mark on everyone he met, and proudly called everyone he met his friend. He was passionate about writing, publishing a book and writing exten- sively about the Bombers and Jets. In his spare time, he was the commissioner for the River Heights sponge hockey league. Ted was born in Brandon, but grew up in River Heights where he attended Kelvin High School.

He cut his journalistic teeth in Westman and Saskatchewan, but returned home in 2003 to cover curling, the Olympics, Grey Cups, the return of the Jets and many other great sporting moments in Manitoba and across Canada for the Winnipeg Sun. Ted also made his mark on his colleagues, with many of them sharing stories of his love of life. Want to read one tribute from a colleague who shared: Teddy Wyman just enjoyed living; burned the candle at both ends like no other. Regaling with stories and laughs, he genuinely cared for people.

In honour of Ted's legacy, an award has been established at Red River College in his name for outstanding journalism students in the Creative Com- munications program, of which Ted was a passionate alumni. On behalf of his friends and family and col - leagues who have joined us in the gallery and online, I ask leave for a moment of silence in his honour. The Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. The Speaker: Thank you. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to moving on to oral questions, there are guests in the gallery that I hope they're all still here.

Draw attention of all hon ourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Tali Millo, Jeff Lieberman, Paula Parks, Gustavo Zentner, Kelly Hiebert, James Christie, Daniel Stone, Myron Love, who are guests of the honour able member for Tuxedo (MLA Compton). And we welcome you all here today.

Further, in the public gallery, we had with us today Darlene Stinson, Craig Basaraba, Colleen Sailor, Susan Cheadle, Charlie Cheadle, Larry Strauman, Gail Strauman, Ted Catchpole, Trevor Catchpole, Dennis Loupin, Jackey LaBossiere, Don Emes, James Bezan, Kelly Bezan, who are the guests of the honour- able member for Red River North (Mr. Wharton), and we did welcome them all here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act Request for Support for Bill 227 Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, almost 19 months in this–into this NDP's mandate, the Premier has made many promises, claims and announcements for many years now, but what we've seen over and over again is the failure to actually deliver on something.

1594 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 We've got a Health Minister failing patients, nurses and health -care workers. We have a Finance Minister raising school taxes, property taxes and hydro rates, higher food prices and a rising cost of living, and a Premier failing to bring forward a plan to conquer any of it. And the Premier has been silent on whether he will intro duce a Canada free trade bill like the premiers of Ontario, New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia and they're –they are all showing leadership, Honourable Speaker.

Will the Premier stop stalling and commit today to a team Manitoba approach and support the member for Midland's (Mrs. Stone) Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Our government is one that keeps our word to you, the people of Manitoba. We said that we would cut the gas tax; we did. We said that we would reopen emergency rooms; we are. We said–because the PCs decided to wage an election campaign on this –that we would search the Prairie Green landfill; we have. And now we have recovered the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran.

What was the response of the interim Leader of the Op position? Well, he had the Riding Mountain MLA, ostensibly a good man under most circum - stances, bring forward a very shameful question. It was the subject of the Brandon Sun editorial today, and I quote: The Riding Mountain MLA was way off the mark with his question. It was revealed shortly afterward that the counselling services were paid for in order to help those who had partici pated in the search for human remains at the Prairie Green landfill site work through the trauma caused by the involvement under that effort.

End quote. * (14:10) The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Cost of Living in Manitoba Tax Increases and Inflation Concerns Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, un employment has risen by 50 per cent in the past year and the Premier has failed to bring back these jobs.

Manitobans expecting help with the cost of living instead they've received higher property taxes, a record-high fuel tax hike, a fake -out on hydro rates after his Cabinet approved four per cent increases and a 12 per cent in rate hike applications, record- high school tax increases, higher income taxes, and a – higher grocery prices, Honourable Speaker. After the Premier broke his promise to reduce – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –grocery prices last year, Manitobans instead got some of the highest foodflation in this country.

And now, Manitobans are going to face even more inflation with the 25 per cent Trump tariffs. Will you reveal–will this Premier reveal any–the next steps he plans to deal with the tariffs, or is he going to just follow Jagmeet Singh's downward spiral, Honourable Speaker? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): I want to thank the member opposite for reminding me of another promise kept: We said we'd freeze your hydro rates, and we did. In response to the words that my colleague from St. Johns said, I also want to quote more from the Brandon Sun.

Brandon, by the way, is a city in western Manitoba that they never ask questions about. Quote: We agree with the Gov ernment House Leader (MLA Fontaine). It was both inappropriate and offensive for the MLA for Riding Mountain to attempt to play gotcha politics via an un founded allegation that the Finance Minister was receiving counselling. Even if the Finance Minister was receiving counselling, which he wasn't, it was nobody's business.

And even if the govern ment had been paying for the Finance Minister's counselling, which it wasn't, the reality is that counselling is covered under the health plan that is available to all MLAs, including the member for Riding Mountain. End quote. They throw shade at the counselling for people who found human remains –human bodies–the same bodies that they staked their political fortunes on in the last campaign. Why is the member for Brandon West (Mr. Balcaen) smiling? The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question.

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1595 Crime, Health Care and the Economy Government Record Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, once again, the Premier stands up, puts misinformation on the record. He is not even close to–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –talking about anything truthful, Hon- ourable Speaker. So, how do we sum up the NDP's first 19 months? Failure and broken promises. Failing our students on their edu cation standards and provincial exams, failing patients waiting for surgeries or hospital beds.

NDP failure is affecting our health -care workers that are waiting for relief and support. This Premier is failing families that are trying to make ends meet, put food on their table and pay their bills at the end of the month. He's failing to end violent crime. Unemployment's out of control. Recession is around the corner under this Premier. He smiles at the camera, acts like he's going to throw down from his gangster rapping days, Honour- able Speaker, and then fails to answer any questions on behalf of Manitobans that we're asking.

So I ask the Premier: On behalf of Manitobans, will he stop failing them on all these promises–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –and start delivering for Manitobans, Honourable Speaker. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Just want to point out that the title for this editorial is: A c ruel question, aimed at scoring political points. Further from this one, again, the Riding Mountain– direct quote–MLA was wrong on both counts and he should immediately apologize to the Finance Minister. That should not be the end of the matter, however.

The Riding Mountain MLA's questions, which were defended as legitimate by the interim PC leader following question period, send a terrible message to all Manitobans. His questions suggest that mental illness, and taking steps to address it, are things to be ashamed of, that they can be validly used as questions to embarrass and diminish others. That's not merely wrong; that's cruel. It requires strength and self- awareness to ac- knowledge your mental health is suffering, and it takes immense courage to ask for help. If you are struggling, speak to your doctor or health profes- sional.

In the alter native, call Prairie Mountain at 1-855-222-6011. End quote. How do you respond? The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Violent Crime Rate Bail Reform Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, it's simple: it's the disclosure of public contracts and it's our job in the opposition to ask questions on–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –any type of contracts–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko:–that are being funded by gov ernment dollars on behalf of Manitobans, Honourable Speaker.

The Premier's just covering up today for his incompetency of not only him but also his front bench, Honourable Speaker, for not being able to answer a simple question the other day. As he continues to stand up today–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –once again not answering any questions. So this Premier, violent crime–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. I admonished everyone rather severely the other day about maintaining order and decorum in this Chamber. I would hope that you all took that to heart, so I would ask for order, particularly from the govern- ment bench at this point in time. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, a 15-year-old male of Winnipeg was arrested and faces the following charges: possession of a weapon, causing disturbance. Violent crime has risen under this Premier, and we are seeing evidence of this behaviour today. When is the Premier going to, and I quote, direct the Ministry of Justice to implement stronger condi - tions on bail to keep you safe in the com munity, end quote, as he promised 19 months ago, Honour able Speaker?

1596 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): I want to thank the member opposite for reminding us of another promise kept: bail reform, under this Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe). We promised it, we're delivering. Just going to go ahead and repeat the words of the Brandon Sun editorial for the benefit of the members opposite, who avert eye contact at all times when called to account, I'll point out for the House. Again, that should not be the end of the matter. This is a direct quote.

The Riding Mountain MLA's questions, which were defended as legitimate by the interim PC leader following question period, send a terrible message to all Manitobans. His questions suggest that mental illness and taking steps to address it are things to be ashamed of, and that they can be validly used as weapons to embarrass and diminish others. That's not merely wrong; it's cruel. End quote. So what, then, are we to take of the fact that the member opposite defends these questions again? Well, according to the Brandon Sun editorial board, it's not merely wrong; it's cruel. Will the next PC leader do better?

The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Government Ministers Possibility of Cabinet Shuffle Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): So, Honourable Speaker, two days after these–the said questions were actually asked, the Premier decides to stand up in his place and tries to change the dial. He tries to deflect. He tries to dodge the questions. He tries to deflect and dodge the fact that he is not very accountable to you, Manitobans. That's simply the job of the opposition–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Ewasko: –to ask questions to the government and trying to get some answers on Manitobans' behalf. But we know that under the last 19 months, Honourable Speaker, violent crime has risen. He continues to pat his failed Justice Minister on the back, but he's not doing the job. We're asking the Premier, will he call for a Cabinet shuffle after constituency week? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Let me make this very plain: what do the PCs do all the time? Just like they did with the landfill ads, what they do again this week: they throw the stone and then they hide their hand.

They knew intentionally, the Riding Mountain MLA intentionally knew that he was trying to peddle in what the Brandon Sun is calling cruel questions to score political points, to under mine questions about mental health for one of their colleagues here in this Chamber. And then, when they were confronted by the vile nature of these questions, they tried to come in here with a little soliloquy about how they, in fact, were the victims. Every single time, throw the stone and then hide the hand. And they don't have the good sense to abandon this.

I invite them and whoever their next leader is – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –to continue down this path. We'll con- tinue to defeat them and stand with you, the good people of Manitoba to bring people together and build a brighter tomorrow. So will the members opposite do what the Brandon Sun asked? Will they apologize? The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Interim Leader of the Official Opposition Acknowledgement to Colleagues Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Once again, all this Premier is doing is he's covering up for the incompetence of his front bench, Honourable Speaker, who could have simply stood up and answered the question, but once again they're losing their mind–[interjection] * (14:20) The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –they're talking way too loud. They can't even hear them selves talk over there, Hon our- able Speaker, and if they just would have listened to the question two days ago, they would've been able to answer it, which I knew that they couldn't.

They needed time out after session and then finally come out with the answer when the staff provided the answer to them. Honourable Speaker, I want to thank everyone in this Chamber, my colleagues on my side of the Chamber, for allowing me and giving me the privilege and the honour to represent them as the interim leader – [interjection] The Speaker: Order.

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1597 Mr. Ewasko: I want to thank you, Hon ourable Speaker, for your guidance during my tenure, and I look forward to my new role in the next few weeks. Thank you. The Speaker: The honourable first– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): I've never seen an oppo- sition waste so much time in question period. The member opposite raises a matter of privilege claiming that he needs time in question period–for what? So they can sit around here and try to justify their salaries, for which they put in zero work.

Consider the fact that the esta blishment candidate in the leadership can't even show up for work on most days. But, on a more serious level, I do want to thank my colleague. I do want to thank my colleague. It's an important role–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: I do want to thank him for serving an im- portant role. This is our demo cracy. The opposition does have the right to ask questions. As he goes out in his final day in the role, I want to table one

article from the start of his time in which he threw shade at trans children, and I want to table this most recent editorial from the Brandon Sun, titled, A cruel question, aimed at scoring political points, and just remind young people in this province: even when you support an im portant role, it's impor tant to hold yourself to a high standard as you conduct that duty. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Foster Parent's Comment at Town Hall Minister's Response to Language Used Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): At a public town hall in Point Douglas last week, the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms. Smith) scolded a concerned foster parent who shared that he and his wife had taken in two children rescued from a dangerous situation. I will table the transcript, a full interaction, for the House. He spoke with pride about helping his two vulner- able children in a neighbourhood overwhelmed by addiction, giving them safety, love and a better life. But the minister responded by saying, quote: You did not rescue two kids from a drug den.

You were not rescuing them, so you need to change that language. Why did the minister publicly shame a foster parent for loving and protecting children in his care? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): I want to take just a short moment to actually say miigwech to our colleague, the Minister for Housing, Addictions and Homelessness and for all of the work that she's doing in her department. And, again, I'll remind Manitobans that the work that she's doing is actually fixing up the mess that members opposite left after seven and a half disastrous years in a failed govern ment.

She's on the front lines, meeting with folks, listening to Manitobans, hearing the concerns that Manitobans are raising and actually working together collectively to address the issues that squarely fall on t he shoulders of members opposite when they continued to have their heads in the sand– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Agassiz, on a supple- mentary question. Ms. Byram: So let's be clear with our language: the Oxford Dictionary defines rescue as, and I quote: to save someone from a dangerous or distressing situation.

Taking in a child in need out of a dangerous situa- tion and giving them love and support sounds exactly like rescuing them. Is there anyone in this Chamber who actually disagrees–or, disagrees–that this is exactly what many foster parents do–rescue children from potential danger, give them safety, stability and a chance to thrive. Or are we at a point where even that truth is up for debate? MLA Fontaine: Children in child welfare are not dogs or cats needing rescuing.

The language that the member just put on the official record is so incredibly offensive and disrespectful to Manitoba children. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Fontaine: Children don't need to be rescued. Children need to be cared for. They need to be shown compassion. They need to be shown–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Fontaine: –love. I'm so grateful to Manitobans who step up in a good, kind way to work with families and to ensure that they're caring for children. And

1598 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 I know that the member for Red River is moaning and doesn't care about children– The Speaker: Order. The member's time has expired. Ms. Byram: Last May, during the review of The Advocate for Children and Youth Act, the Minister of Families heard from dozens of foster parents in written and verbal submissions. They pleaded with the NDP government for more support, more respect and stop dismissing their concerns. Many felt unheard and still do, to this day. Now the NDP are questioning if these kids–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Ms.

Byram: –if these parents are rescuing their kids. In February, the president of Manitoba Foster Parent Association told media, and I quote, we are all almost drowning. If the minister truly does respect foster parents, as she claims, will she continue to ignore their urgent call for help, Honourable Speaker? MLA Fontaine: Either the member's not paying atten- tion to what's going on here on this side of the govern- ment, but we raise foster care basic 'maintenant' rates by 10 per cent, some thing that hadn't been done in 12 years.

The other thing that we've done is that we are–we proclaimed kinship and customary care agree ments. Kinship and customary care agree ments in the pro - vince are transformative in the lives of Manitoba families and children, something that members oppo- site never did in seven and a half years. You didn't raise rates; you didn't proclaim kinship and customary care. You've done nothing on juris diction. So, the audacity of the member opposite and anyone on that side to get up and– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Order. Death of Family on Manitoba Highway Arrest Warrant for Out-of-Province Driver Mr.

Josh Guenter (Borderland): On November 15, Sara Unger and her eight -year-old daughter, Alexa, lost their lives in a tragic and preventable accident. The next week, a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for the driver, a man from Brampton, Ontario, for his failure to appear. Since the driver was released from the hospital, there's been no sign of him. What is this minister doing to ensure the driver is located? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I thank the member for the question.

This is a tragic case and one which I know law enforcement, here in the province of Manitoba, is working very hard to solve; one that they are co- ordinating with other jurisdictions and one that a number of resources, specifically provided by the Province of Manitoba, are going to support. Of course, we have, within the province of Manitoba, several units that are dedicated specifically for search- ing for those who are being sought by police.

We're giving more resources in order for law enforcement to have those additional resources, and we're going to continue to support law enforce ment to make arrests in this case. The Speaker: The honourable member for Borderland, on a supplementary question. Mr. Guenter: A mother and her young child were coming home from a trip to the grocery store when their lives were cut short by an out-of-province driver who, police say, drove his semi -truck through a stop sign. Manitobans need to know that every resource has been made available to bring him to justice. Can the minister give Manitobans that assurance? Mr.

Wiebe: As I said, Honourable Speaker, we have been partnering with law en forcement every step of the way to ensure that they have the proper resources in order to conduct exactly this kind of work. Specific- ally, in this case, I know, as the member opposite has said, this is a nationwide warrant, and so this is where co-ordination between law enforce ment, not only within the province of Manitoba, but of course, across the country, is so key. We've given additional resources to ensure that the intelligence-gathering capabilities of law enforce- ment has been enhanced.

That will go a long way to helping to solve this case, and we're going to support law enforcement every step of the way. * (14:30)

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1599 Out-of-Province Semi Drivers Certification Concerns Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, there's a con cerning trend regarding out-of- province semi drivers. In January, my colleague asked the CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance about a CBC Marketplace investigation into alleged unqualified drivers being certified in other jurisdictions and then driving through other provinces, including Manitoba. It is deeply concern ing that the highest level of leadership at MPI was unaware of this investigation.

Has the minister followed up with the CEO of MPI about this alarming revelation? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I appreciate this question from the member opposite. It gives me an opportunity to high- light some of the important work that our government has been doing since we came into govern ment, addressing issues with chameleon carriers and other challenges with licensing and how semis are operated across the country. I brought this issue to the attention of other ministers at federal- provincial-territorial meetings.

I also, in a sign–in a MOU meeting with Saskatchewan and Alberta, enhanced the MOU between our pro- vinces, to focus on road safety, and included this as an important part of the work that we're doing– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Narth: Manitobans need to know they are sharing the road with safe operators, whether this government is aware of the fraudulent activity or not. What has been done since January to ensure that those operating class 1 vehicles in Manitoba are safe and also that they are qualified? Thank you.

MLA Naylor: Our motor carrier enforcement officers, I think, are some of the best in the country. We have given them new tools as well as new abilities, with the law that we're looking at tonight on committee allow- ing them to make arrests, so I'm looking forward to that being fully supported by the members opposite. We're continuing to do that work. The challenge is when we shut down an operator in Manitoba, they can go open up shop in another province. So we are doing the work to com municate with other provinces and try and shut down that pro- cess that's damaging for all of us.

The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Narth: Unfortunately, Manitoba has become that safe haven. To quote from the whistle -blower who spoke to CBC, I quote: these people who took the bribes and gave licences for a murder weapon–in any incident for a transport truck versus a car, more than likely the person in the car is not going to walk away. End quote. And I table that

article in case the minister still has not looked into it. When the RCMP recover the driver who fled justice in November, does this minister intend to pursue how he was granted a class 1 licence and whether individuals are knowingly negligent? MLA Naylor: The driver that we're referring to was not licensed in Manitoba. So again, this is part of a broader Canadian conversation that is happening across the country. I know that members opposite had a different approach. I know that the member for Borderland (Mr.

Guenter) thought the way to address the issues with that driver was to take to Facebook and write abhorrent racist comments. That is not how we work with people in Canada who have come here to work, and we will continue – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Naylor: –to use the justice–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Naylor: –system to pursue those challenges. RCMP Investigation in Northern Manitoba Park Inquiry into Break and Enter and Caribou Hunting Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Yes.

Honourable Speaker, media is reporting on an RCMP investi- gation in a provincial park in northern Manitoba in relation to break and enter and the hunting of caribou. This is very concern ing not just for the nature of the allegations, but because the season for caribou closed months ago. What is the minister doing to get to the bottom of these very serious allegations in the –in a provincial park?

1600 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 Hon. Ian Bushie (Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures): I appreciate the question from the member opposite on the topic of the day. And knowing full well they're getting their ques- tion in the newspaper: we are aware of the situation. Conservation officers and RCMP officers are working also with the lodge owner, and people in northern Manitoba as it comes to wildlife manage ment, and they are on this issue and they are all –have details to follow. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Wowchuk: The RCMP report that, quote, the suspects appear to have camped out over the winter months in the property while hunting caribou. I table the police press release. This creates fear that not only was this not a one-off incident, but there is substantial risks of long -term ecological damage from the mass harvesting from a caribou herd. Have Manitoba conser vation experts been dis - patched to assess the extent of the damage? Mr. Bushie: Again, I appreciate the follow-up question from the member opposite when it comes time to con- servation officers and the work that they do.

The great dedication–even though members oppo- site decimated that service, cut that service and now they want to stand up and talk about the support for that conservation officers. We do that each and every day. We're staffing up the Conservation Officer Service so they can have that ability to get out all across Manitoba–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Bushie: I know members opposite are chirping while we talk about support for conservation officers, yet he stands there, tries to throw shade at the organi- zation that they, in fact, cut.

Rest assured, Honourable Speaker, conservation is on this situation and they are dealing with it each and every day. Mr. Wowchuk: They–this govern ment needs to match their actions to their words. They talk about supporting tourism, but an outfitter's lodge was broken into and occupied. What resources are being allocated to ensure the guilty parties are brought to justice? Mr. Bushie: Absolutely, our actions are being matched by our words. When we come time to being able to say we're investing in Manitobans, we're investing in the con servation officers, we are doing it each and every day.

The hole that they left, we're not only filling that hole but we're helping to grow the conserva tion of- ficers service in a way that was un precedented on members opposite. They sit there and they talk about being able to say exactly what conser vation officers do across Manitoba. They sit there and they throw shade. I want to thank–I'll take this op portunity to thank conservation officers for all the work that they do, including the work they've done at the border when members opposite do nothing but criticize, criticize, criticize.

Here we are being able to build, build, build up the conservation officers service. New Personal-Care-Home Beds Needs-Based Location and Staffing MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Across our province, families are doing everything they can to support their aging loved ones. While we are en- couraged by the govern ment's recent an nouncement of new personal-care-home beds, it is essential that we take a close look at where these investments are being made. Many rural and northern communities continue to experience long wait times for personal- care-home placements.

These are Manitobans who have con tri- buted to their communities and deserve to age close to home and near loved ones. Can the Minister of Health provide a detailed regional breakdown of where these new personal -care-home beds will be located? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): I really ap preciate that question from the member for Tyndall Park because it allows me to highlight that the–one of the first places we're starting in rural Manitoba is in the home of the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko). Brand new personal-care home, right there in his own backyard.

And while the member for Lac du Bonnet, had seven and a half years to deliver on that promise that they made when they had govern ment, he failed to do it. On this side of the House, we were happy to work with the community–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –to deliver that personal-care home. I cannot wait to go back to Lac du Bonnet and not only do some more construction work–I put up the sign–

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1601 but to be alongside members of the com munity with the pompoms as we see the work really come together. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, we can't talk about expanding long- term care without talking about the people who make the care possible. From support workers to nurses and maintenance staff, our long-term-care system relies on a workforce that is currently stretched thin and under tre mendous pressure.

We continue to hear from families who are grate- ful for the compassion that workers are provi ding; however, there is a strong concern about short-staffing and inconsistent quality of care. If we're going to invest in more beds, we need to ensure we are also investing in the workforce that supports them. * (14:40) Can the minister share what concrete steps the government is taking to recruit, retain and support long-term-care workers? The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: Really ap preciate that question from the member for Tyndall Park. You know, while the member for Roblin (Mrs.

Cook) and members on that side of the House were busy advising Heather Stefanson and telling her to cut health care, close emergency rooms, fire hundreds of nurses and close personal -care-home beds, our gov- ernment is fixing the damage that they did to the health-care system. We have hired a net -new 1,509 health-care workers to front lines of our health- care system. And I want to be very, very clear: we have a long way to go. We have much more work to do. I know things are still very challenging in health care.

Seven and a half years of disrespecting health- care workers and trying to destroy the public health- care system takes years to repair. But our team is com - mitted–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –to doing that work, listening to the front lines and working with– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, public trust in health-care planning comes from transparency. People want to know that decisions are being made fairly and based on need.

If this govern ment is serious about equitable health care, then it must be trans parent in how it's allocating resources and which regions remain underserved. Will the minister commit to publicly releasing the data used to make these decisions as to where personal-care homes are being built and how staff are being attained?

MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, because the former PC administration, under the advisement of the member for Roblin and members on that side of the House, cut health- care workers and fired them all across the province, cut and closed beds all across Manitoba, we are working tirelessly to make sure we're hiring front -line staff absolutely everywhere, trying to fill every single vacancy that is in existent in our health-care system. We are listening to experts, working directly with clinicians to determine the best places to build more personal-care homes. We started with Lac du Bonnet.

We're moving forward with Park Manor in Transcona, and we're making sure that rural Manitoba has more beds, not less, by reopening the hundreds of beds that were closed by members on that side of the House for years. We're doing this work. It's what Manitobans deserve– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –after seven and a half years of a failed and shameful and callous PC government. 2023 Election–PC Party Campaign Director Inquiry into Child-Care Contracts MLA Robert Loiselle (St. Boniface): Honourable Speaker, Manitobans expect that taxpayer dollars go to government services in the proper way.

There are serious concerns that the former gov ernment, under Heather Stefanson, and MLA for Lac du Bonnet, directed millions of dollars in contracts to the PC Party 2023 campaign director that did not follow the proper process. Can the Minister of Edu cation and Early Child - hood Learning tell this House what she has done to protect the interests of Manitobans and ensure contracting is done properly?

1602 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Honourable Speaker, Heather Stefanson and her Education minister, the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko) awarded child-care project deals to Boom Done Next, an event company whose owner and director is the PC Party 2023 campaign director Marni Larkin. These con- tracts, they were awarded while she was running the PC's election campaign. All told, Mrs. Larkin received $2.8 million in taxpayer dollars.

When we became aware of the irregularities of these contracts we cannot in good faith ignore the political overlap. That's why we have written to the Auditor General asking him to investigate and provide reassurance to Manitobans. I table that letter now. I wonder, Honourable Speaker, will the member for Lac du Bonnet, the former minister of Education explain these irregularities and his role in awarding these contracts. Funding Supports for Agricultural Producers Concern for Business Risk Management Programs MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

The Speaker: Order. Order. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, yesterday I asked the minister about a $6 -million cut to the Business Risk Manage ment program. He was not able to answer. I table the Estimates of Expenditures for his benefit. I'll ask the question again: Hon ourable Speaker, can the minister explain how they justify cutting $6 million from pro gramming designed to support farmers during this very difficult time? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Yes, I will educate the critic across from Portage la Prairie.

By all means, I think that's part of the learning curve of being the critic of Agriculture. The business risk program is–depends on factors as far as commodity prices go and as far as costs of production. That is part of the equation of the reduction, which is in part nership with the federal government. And so that is why the $6 million. It is actually an accounting figure–not, as the member was trying to criticize–the fact that we as a department are short- changing. Not like that govern ment, when they were in power, chose to put a 300 per cent tariff on our Crown land representatives.

The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, AgriStability is a good program; that's why it's been around for 20 years. A program that was cut by $16.4 million – or is that just a clerical error–in this year's budget. Honourable Speaker, can the minister explain how– how–a $16.4-million cut to AgriInsurance will benefit producers in this day and age? Mr. Kostyshyn: Definitely a subject of conversation.

All of a sudden, the member opposite of agri culture takes an interest of agri culture, where they set pre - cedents to the opportunity of a 300 per cent tariff–first ever in Canada, let me tell you before. And I'm beginning to wonder whether they've got the same mentality of President Trump does based on two of their individuals that sit in the backbench, supporting tariffs and making things challenges for the people in the province of Manitoba, including the agriculture producers that bring value, bring food and a chance or prosperity to our province in the province of Manitoba.

And I want to assure the member opposite: You can be guaranteed this side of the House will– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, I want to let the minister know that there is more than cattle farmers when it comes to farmers out there. AgriInvest is another tool that farmers can use to protect against declines in income–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Bereza: –manage risk and increase market income. To summarize: Business risk manage ment pro - grams received a net cut, an increase that this govern- ment would have you believe. It's a cut.

Honour able Speaker, Manitoba farmers have been left out in the cold and are worse off under this government. What are you going to do to fix this, Honour able Speaker? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): You know, as we head out for constituency week, I just want to take this opportunity to thank our Ag Minister for the amazing

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1603 job that he's doing, standing up for farmers. Standing up for farmers, that's what you get when you got more farmers on the NDP side of the House than on the PC side of the House. But on a more serious level, Canadians are about to go exercise that sacred respon sibility of choosing our next federal govern ment. And so I hope that everybody is safe this weekend as they go out next Monday to cast their ballots and choose our next prime minister. This is an amazing responsibility and a great opportunity, and I encourage everyone to vote.

With that in mind, I want to share some words from Pierre Poilievre. Quote: He's a very impressive person, Poilievre said of Manitoba's Premier. Quote: He's very knowledgeable and he has a very ambitious set of goals, and I share a lot of them, end quote. I just thought they'd like to know what Mr. Poilievre thinks before they all go out and vote for him, what he thinks about their Premier. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order. * (14:50) I just–the time for oral questions has expired.

But I just noticed, towards the end, a couple of members–one on each side –were addressing their questions and answers directly to each other, rather than through the Chair. I just have to remind every- body again to make sure questions and answers come through the Chair. Orders of the day– Some Honourable Members: Petitions. The Speaker: Petitions. I don't want to do petitions, apparently. PETITIONS New Neepawa Health Centre Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) A CT scanner in the Neepawa Health Centre will enable further treatment and diagnosis to take place in community, reducing wait times for patients in surrounding areas and reducing the burden of travel to other facilities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of a CT scanner machine in the Neepawa Health Centre in Neepawa, Manitoba. This petition has been signed by Allan Onyschak, Brian Pederson, Isobel Carruthers and many, many more Manitobans.

Supports for Manitobans with Learning Disabilities MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

1604 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025

(1) Neurodivergent persons who struggle, struggled to learn literacy skills in public schools deserve to be taught these skills.

(2) Marin, an autistic adult with learning disabil- ities, face sig nificant challenges in learning literacy skills in Manitoba's public schools. Marin's teachers were trained in and expected to teach balanced literacy.

(3) Successive prov incial gov ernments, via the ministry of Education, failed to provide proper literacy instruction that has been known for a century to learning-disabled students. Marin also re peatedly incorrectly–was incorrectly diagnosed until a private diagnosis in 2024. Many students have been lost to suicide due to similar trauma that Marin ex perienced from public education and public health in this province. Marin did not get an IEP, as she is intelligent and non-violent.

(4) Marin's rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms were violated. The Manitoba public school system denied her the right to proper diagnosis and literacy instruction due to the policies and curriculums of various ministers of Education. The provincial gov- ernment and the appointed bodies have defied Supreme Court of Canada rulings.

(5) Marin's principle, embodied in the request below, was created by her and her family because of perpetual and systemic harm caused by the Province's public education and public health systems. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government, including associated service providers, to adopt Marin's principle and to comply with Supreme Court of Canada judg- ments, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and The Human Rights Code.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to ensure provincial public classroom teachers are fully trained in knowledge and approaches explicitly created for students with learning disabilities, with no restriction to a single program or product.

(3) To urge the provincial government to commit to funding for private literacy services for all who are currently learning- disabled, with no penalty of discontinued instruction in public school, so they can become functionally literate and gain knowledge and skills like their peers.

(4) To urge the provincial government to commit funding for private counselling so each learning-disabled adult–diagnosed/suspected–has their choice of therapist to help overcome education trauma due to adverse provincial curriculum and policies, for private literacy instruction, at their discretion, to become functionally literate, for access to evidence-aligned senior year classes that were missed so they can graduate with the educa- tion they have always had the right to receive, and

(5) To urge the provincial government to provide compensation for harm and loss of income for Manitobans with learning dis abilities who remain functionally illiterate–level 2–after the age of 18. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Removal of Federal Carbon Tax Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows: The federal government has mandated a consump- tion-based carbon tax, with the stated goal of finan- cially pressuring Canadians to make decisions to reduce their carbon emissions.

(2) Manitoba Hydro estimates that, even with a high-efficiency furnace, the carbon tax is costing the average family over $200 annually, even more for those with older furnaces.

(3) Home heating in Manitoba is not a choice or a decision for Manitobans to make; it is a necessity of life, with an average of almost 200 days below 0°C annually.

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

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

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

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

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1605 * (15:00)

(8) Provincial leadership in other juris dictions have already committed to removing the federal carbon tax from home heating bills. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to remove the federal carbon tax on home heating bills for all Manitobans to provide them much-needed relief. This is signed by Lisa Malcolm, Arthur Malcolm, Adam Malcolm and many, many more Manitobans. Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal pro - visions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. Honourable Speaker, this petition is signed by Alana Morton- Brownlee, Darius Murray, Marlene Murray and many, many more fine Manitobans. Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1606 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025

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

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

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

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer.

This petition has been signed by Carol Lee, Ada McBride, Gloria Hill and many, many other fine Manitobans. * (15:10) MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This has been signed by Colleen Clemieux [phonetic], Luanne Chimney, Catherine Moffit and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you.

Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Deputy Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1607

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. The Deputy Speaker: No further petitions? Phoenix School Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I do wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Phoenix School, a kindergarten to grade 5 school located in Headingley, has experienced con- sistent enrolment growth over the last several years. Enrolment is expected to reach 275 students in the next two years.

(2) Because the school is now over capacity, the school division has had to install portable classrooms on site as of fall 2024.

(3) For several consecutive years, the top capital priority of the St. James -Assiniboia School Division has been the renovation and expansion of Phoenix School. * (15:20)

(4) In 2022, the Phoenix School expansion and renovation project was approved to proceed to the design phase. The project included, among other amenities, a new gymnasium, two new classrooms, a multi-purpose room and room for 74 child-care spaces.

(5) In June 2024, the school division received notice from the provincial government that the project has been deferred. There is no guarantee if, or when, the project will move forward.

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

(7) It is critical that the expansion and renovation of Phoenix School proceed as planned in order to support the needs of students, teachers and families in the growing community of Headingley. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to proceed with the planned renovation and expansion of Phoenix School without further delay.

1608 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 And this petition is signed by Shannon Bridgeford, Eric Kulszycki, Shuli Cohen and many, many other Manitobans. Medical Assistance in Dying Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assistance.

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

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

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. This petition has been signed by Mary Reimer, Ann Wolfe, Lisa Penner and many, many Manitobans. Morden Waste Water Project Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: Between 2021 and–2011 and 2021, Morden's population grew by an impressive 27 per cent, outpacing the national average by 16 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.

(2) While growth is welcome and encouraged, Morden has long faced a critical need for infra - structure upgrades to meet current demands and support future development.

(3) Morden's waste watch –waste water system has operated beyond capacity for years, prompting the Province in 2019 to halt property subdivisions due to insufficient winter waste water storage.

(4) As of 2024, after exploring all options, the City announced in July that the estimated cost for critical infrastructure upgrades has risen from $70 million to 88 to now 108 million.

(5) These revised estimates leave Morden with a signi- ficant funding shortfall of $13 million to $33 million.

(6) Efforts to address the gap, including plans to raise utility fees for residents and busi nesses, such increases that have been delayed since 2017 due to the lack of approved capital project; taxation is not enough.

(7) The lack of waste water capacity has severely impacted economic activity and growth in Morden and surrounding communities. Without much-needed waste water infrastructure investments, growth and economic development will be hindered in all of southern Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate action and recognize the critical need of this waste water project for economic growth and environmental sustainability by committing to ad - vocating and working with the federal government to close the gap with additional funding for Morden's waste water treatment system.

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1609

(2) To urge the provincial government to ensure all levels of government and regulatory bodies will expedite necessary funding and approvals necessary to advance the Morden waste water project with no further delays and ensure no hindrance of growth and economic development for Morden and southern Manitoba. This petition has been signed by Monica Friesen, Robert Friesen and Leane Funk and many, many other Manitobans. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Slowly move off the mic so I don't hurt Hansard ears.

Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring. * (15:30)

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

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

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

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This petition has been signed by Floyd Hannah, Cassie Hannah, Cole Hannah and many, many, many fine Manitobans. Green Valley School Expansion Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

1610 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025

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

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

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

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

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to imme diately bring back the three portable classrooms to help alleviate the stress and overcrowding classrooms; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to reinstate the expansion project for Green Valley School. This petition has been signed by Candice Narth, Kitana McDougal, Lori Wiens and many, many other Manitobans. Provincial Road 352 Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Honourable Deputy Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Provincial Road 352 is an 87.5 kilometres, which is 54.4 miles–route where it begins at Provincial Trunk Highway 5, PTH 5, near Birnie, Manitoba, and terminates at PTH 34 near Arizona, Manitoba, inter - secting with the Trans-Canada Highway. * (15:40)

(2) The route is gravel for most of its length, with two paved sections: one from PTH 5 in Birnie; and the other from PTH 16 to Arden.

(3) PR 352 has had considerable amount of deterioration over the years with little to no regular road maintenance and less–and has seen ruts and damage to the gravel sections, those are which featured online at CAA's worst roads.

(4) The promotion of PR 352 weight restriction to an R -C-A-T classification of 140,000- lbs weight restriction has caused further damage, as the route was only built to accommodate the original 80,000 lbs and has not seen upgrades to accommodate the increase. The 1.5 mile stretch on PR 352 from the community of Birnie is the main access of PTH 5 to the community.

(5) Residents in the area were advised these weight increases to PR 352 were due to commerce movement, although there is no commerce in Birnie.

(6) Within this stretch, there is a bridge that is damaged structurally and rests only five feet above the creek, causing it to sit in the water and deteriorate. With increased agricultural traffic, such as heavier trucks hauling grain and livestock, the bridge may not have the capacity to sustain further neglect.

(7) Community members have reached out and have spoken to civil servants. The issue must be resolved before it becomes a bigger problem, someone gets injured or an accident happens. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to meet RTAC road designation by providing upgrades and regular road maintenance to Provincial Road 352 in Manitoba, specifically the 1.5 mile stretch from Birnie to Provincial Trunk Highway 5, and ensure the road remains paved with asphalt and not reduced to gravel.

(2) To urge the provincial government to reduce load weights on PR 352 until the upgrades can be completed.

(3) To urge the provincial government to replace or repair the bridge located on the 1.5 mile stretch from Birnie to PTH 5 and to provide an integrity assessment. This petition has been signed by many, many, many Manitobans. Teaching Certification Mr. Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): Honourable Deputy Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects that they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the Teaching Certificates and Qualifications

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1611 Regulation under The Educa tion Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject - area expertise required for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject-area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early- to middle-years streams.

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed: senior credit–senior years credit requirements in an approved teachable major and minor; early-middle-years credit requirements in an approved teachable major and minor; and early-middle-years credit requirements for specific subjects, including math; physical or biological science; English or French; and history and/or geography.

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

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

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fications Regula- tion that weaken subject-area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors in early-middle years.

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject -area standards, which are critical to providing quality education to all Manitoba students. This petition has been signed by R.D. Omenchuk, [phonetic] Rick Rivers, Bill Rivers and many more Manitobans. * (15:50) Construct New Personal-Care Home–Stonewall Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. Now, the background of this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Investing in the timely construction of this personal-care home will provide essential services to a growing senior popula tion, support for the local economy and demonstrate the government's commit- ment to the well-being of Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immediately restore funding and com mence construction on the personal-care home in Stonewall, ensuring that this essential project proceeds without further delay.

This petition has been signed by Walter Motuz, Therese Dandeneau and Cheri Kozokowsky and many, many, many more Manitobans. Thank you. Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a

1612 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with long criminal history.

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

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

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

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

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

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious deficits in enforcement that utilizes all available provincial 'mechasisms' to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision, and op- posing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that public safety is a–prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal pro - visions of the Criminal Code that allows the continued victimization of law-abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. This has been signed by Jason Morton, Dwight Barre and Chance Horn, and many, many other Manitobans. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province. * (16:00)

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

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

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the

April 24, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1613 Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This is signed by Monique Lubkiwski, Cindy Curry, Lori Carpenter and many, many, many other Manitobans. Thank you. The Deputy Speaker: We've been playing it fast and loose with the manys so far today. I'll just remind members you get two manys at the end of your petition. Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This petition is signed by Tyson Anderson, Robert Rintail, Connor Nichol and many, many more Manitobans. * (16:10) Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr.

Obby Khan (Fort Whyte): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

(5) The provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that

1614 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 24, 2025 repeat violent offenders are not released into our com- munities without proper safeguards.

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

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

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal pro - visions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. Honourable Speaker, this petition has been signed by Deb McLeod, Brenda Solomon, Yanara Peters, and many, many other Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: No further petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): I would like to announce the Standing Com mittee on Justice will meet, if necessary, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. to consider the following: Bill 9, the liquor and gaming cannabis control amend- ment act (2); Bill 13, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2025; Bill 32, The Residential Tenancies Amend ment Act (Measures to Address Unlawful Activities); Bill 35, The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act; Bill 36, The Drivers and Vehicles Amend ment and Highway Traffic Amendment Act; Bill 43, The Human Rights Code Amendment Act.

And, Honourable Speaker, can you please call the government resolution for the Special Committee on Local Journalism.

The Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Committee on Justice will meet, if necessary, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. to consider the following: Bill 9, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act (2); Bill 13, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2025; Bill 32, The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Measures to Address Unlawful Activities); Bill 35, The Manitoba Public Insurance Cor poration Amend ment Act; Bill 36, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment and Highway Traffic Amend ment Act; Bill 43, The Human Rights Code Amendment Act.

DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT MOTION Special Committee on Local Journalism The Speaker: And we will now go to debate on the government motion, the special committee on local journalism, standing in the name of the honour able member for Steinbach, who has 27 minutes remaining. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Disappointed I only have 27 minutes left.

I'll try to contain my marks–remarks in that time, because it is interesting when the govern ment calls for a special com mittee, and I don't remember exactly where my remarks left off when I had the oppor tunity to speak bec ause I know it was after the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt), who gave a really interesting recollection of his time in local journalism.

And, you know, we served together as colleagues; many of us do on both sides of the House, and sometimes you don't get the opportunity to fully hear from your colleagues about their history and how they came to this place and how they achieved their position in elected life. And so it was interesting to hear from the member for Riding Mountain about some of the changes that had happened in local journalism. And, of course, we know that just seeing, unfortunately, many local news- papers either completely disappear or move to an entirely online format. So we know that there's change because we see it as consume

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-47b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 47b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	1cbadfdb5f2da29c283f6ffa84b66932c3f4df3f

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