Manitoba Hansard — 10 April 2024 (Sitting 41, 43rd Legislature, 1st Session)

43-1-41

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First 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. LXXVIII No. 41 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2024 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello, Hon. Transcona NDP 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 COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JACKSON, Grant Spruce Woods PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie 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 River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St.

Vital NDP MOYES, Mike 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 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 STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

1143 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, April 10, 2024 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperi ty of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will and that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and f or the welfare of all our people. Amen.

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

Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before we get to routine proceedings, I have some special guests seated in the Speaker's Gallery that I would like to introduce. Like to draw attention of all the honourable mem- bers to the Speaker's Gallery where we have with us today students from the North in the city for the Skills Manitoba Competition.

From Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage, we have Kayleen Anderson from Cross Lake, here for out- door power and recreation equipment; Brianne Morin, Cranberry Portage, automobile technology; Raymond James, Cranberry Portage, carpentry; Leticia Spence, Split Lake, cosmetology; Gideon Trout, God's Lake, cosmetology; JadaLyn Little, Red Sucker Lake, hair- styling; and from the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre at Norway House, we have Leah Moose, hairstyling; Alexis Mowatt-Keeper, hair- styling; Jayla Anderson, workplace health and safety; Kennedy Sanderson, public speaking; Carley Douglas, job skills demonstra tion; Kearston Ross, fabrication and design technology; Samantha Muskego-Albert, fash- ion design and techno logy; Shaydn Clarke, f ashion design and technology.

Also with us today in the public gallery, we have from Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry, Sheldon Yaremchuk, Flin Flon, automotive technology instruc- tor; Glennis Valladares, cosmetology instructor; and from the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw centre in Norway House, Kathlyn Foley, hairstyling instructor; Crystal Bodfish, fashion design and technolo gy instructor. On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today and wish you all great success in the competition. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills?

COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development Third Report MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Vice-Chairperson): Hon- ourable Speaker, I wish to present the third report of the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development. Deputy Clerk (Mr. Tim Abbott): Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Dev elopment presents– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development presents the following as its Third Report. Meetings Your Committee met on April 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Bill (No. 200) – The Firefighters Recognition Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Journée de reconnaissance des pompiers (Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs)

1144 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 Committee Membership • Mr. BALCAEN • MLA DELA CRUZ • MLA MOROZ • Mr. NESBITT • Mr. OXENHAM • MLA PANKRATZ Your Committee elected Mr. OXENHAM as the Chairperson. Your Committee elected MLA DELA CRUZ as the Vice Chairperson. Substitutions received during Committee proceedings: • MLA CROSS for MLA MOROZ Public Presentations Your Committee heard the following presentation on Bill (No. 200) – The Firefighters Recognition Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Journée de reconnaissance des pompiers (Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs): Tom Bilous, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg Bills Considered and Reported • Bill (No. 200) – The Firefighters Reco gnition Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Journée de reconnaissance des pompiers (Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. MLA Dela Cruz: I move, seconded by the honour - able member for Waverley (MLA Pankratz), that the report of the committee be received. Motion presented. The Speaker: Is it the will of the House to adopt the report? Agreed and–adopt the motion? [Agreed] TABLING OF REPORTS Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, I'm pleased to table the '24 -25 supple- ments of the Estimates of Expenditure, Enabling Appropriations, Tax Credits and Public Debt, for the Department of Finance. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): April 10 is Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day in Manitoba, a day first introduced by myself and our NDP team in 2018 recognizing the incre dible work done by animal welfare groups across Manitoba. These organizations feed hungry animals.

They offer accessible veterinarian care, including spay-and- neuter clinics, in rural and remote communities with no access to veterinary care. They work in communi- ties and they help find loving homes for hundreds of pets every year. They give voice to the voiceless. So many Manitobans share their lives with fur babies thanks to the work of shelters and rescues. This includes my own sweet Chilly Dog, adopted from the Winnipeg Humane Society back in 2013 and who recently went through chemotherapy treatments with Dr. Jonas Watson, who in his spare time offers spay - and-neuter clinics in Canada's North.

Or my dear friend Naline, whose daughter, Talina Nahanni, wore her down to finally adopt a sweet pup named Rio from Spirit of Hope. Talina tragically passed only months later. Rio is Talina's final gift to her mother. The work of rescue literally transforms families. I'm so fortunate to work with different rescue agencies across Manitoba for so many years and have seen first -hand their deep commitment and tireless work. Volunteers like Katie Powell, whose mobile clinic has spayed and neutered thousands of dogs and cats across Manitoba. Or Russ and Maureen, St.

Johns constituents with Manitoba Doghouse Initiative, who build insulated doghouses for dogs in First Nation communities, or flying into evacuated communities to feed dogs and cats left behind. Animal rescue and care is these folks' life work, supported by volunteers and donations they collect from generous Manitobans, alongside using their own finances. We've heard loud and clear more needs to be done. That's why on March 28 of this year, the ministers of Agri culture (Mr. Kostyshyn) and Municipa l and Northern Relations (Mr. Bushie) together launched the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative.

This includes the creation of a new provincial veterinarian

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1145 position focused on animal welfare. It also in - cludes $200,000 for Feed the Furbabies Ca nada and the Humane Society for the expansion of the One Health program.

This new funding will expand spay -and-neuter clinics to communities who would otherwise not have any access to this kind of veterinarian care, and reducing stray dog populations and keeping our communities safe. * (13:40) On behalf of our government, miigwech to all of the animal shelter and rescue organizations in Manitoba for all you do, and for those that are in the gallery with us and alongside some adoptable puppies that are with them, please join me in recognizing some of our committed partners in the gallery today.

Winnipeg Humane Society: Jessica Miller, CEO; Carly Peters, director com munications; Jasmine Foster. Winnipeg Animal Services: Leland Gordon, general manager. Manitoba Doghouse Initiative: Russ Jackson, Maureen Minter. Save A Dog Network: Katie Powell, president; Ingrid Desmond. Manitoba Animal Alliance: Rachel Leask, rescue co -ordinator. Little Red Barn: Colleen Walker, director . Feed the Fur Babies: Kareena Grywinski, executive director; Meghan Irwin, media director; Melissa Robinson, clinic director . K9 Advocacy Manitoba: Jacquelyn Hanna. The Speaker: The honourable Minister of Families.

MLA Fontaine: I ask leave to include the names of my guests in Hansard, right after my min isterial statement, please. The Speaker: Does the member have leave? [Agreed] The honourable member for Portage la–no. Yes– the honourable member for Portage la Prairie. MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I can't tell you how honoured I am today to talk about Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day.

And I want to dedicate this to the honour of my daughter's cat, Wilson, that just passed away last week, and to my special listener, Archie, my English bulldog, who responds to me with love every day, never questions what I say, and I know he's listening, because he's either passing wind or he's slobbering all over me. Honourable Speaker, as an animal lover, today I rise to speak on the awareness day that's close to my heart: Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers and organizations who take in and look after the animals that need loving homes, like PAWS in Portage la Prairie. Organizations like the Winnipeg Humane Society and the Winnipeg Boxer Rescue do incredible work caring for vulnerable animals. These organizations often have fundraisers that bring community members together for important initiatives like spay and neuter programs to help low -income Manito bans with pet ownership and care.

Programs like these are especially important, given the recent rise in our unsheltered animal popula tion and the negative impacts that these populations can have to the safety of our communities. I encourage all Manitoba's to spay and neuter their pets to keep the animal population under control. I'd like to also take this opportunity to highlight an important bill that was passed while we were still in government. My colleague, the PC MLA for Fort Whyte, had introduced bill 213, The Animal Care Amendment Act, in 2022, which received royal assent on December 1, '22.

This bill makes it illegal for companion animals, such as dogs, to be left unattended in vehicles if it's too hot or cold outside, to avoid endangering the health and safety of animals. This bill authorizes officers to enter a locked vehicle using the necessary force needed to rescue the animals. The passing the bill was monumental for the safety and well-being of animals. In closing, I'd like to reiterate my immense gratitude to the animal shelters within Manitoba and to all of the volunteers and employees who staff them.

The work that you all do is in credible, important and necessary for the benefit of our communities and the well-being of our animals. If any Manitobans are looking for a companion, I know there's still plenty of animals in these shelters who are looking for their forever homes, so I en- courage you to look at these shelters first. Even if you are hesitant or unable to adopt, I know that the re's always–in need of fosters as well. I'd like to also intro duce Jessica Miller and her team that is here today. Jessica is the CEO of the– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave.

The Speaker: Does the member have leave to finish? [Agreed]

1146 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 MLA Bereza: Thank you so much for all the work you do, Jessica, and your team and everybody else that's here. I appreciate it so much, and we all do. Thank you. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS New Directions' Honouring Our Journey Program Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): Today, I honour the remarkable women, two- spirit and gender-diverse individuals participating in New Directions' Honouring Our Journey program–a trans- formative initiative dedicated to the transition, healing and education of those who have faced exploitation or trafficking.

The program encompasses both Biingiden high school and an adult centre, where participants receive instruction in employable skills, engage in land-based learning, absorb the wisdom from Indigenous know - ledge keepers and practise ceremony. They learn practical subjects such as fractions and other mathematical con- cepts while crafting their beautiful ribbon skirts. Folks learn how trauma has shaped their lives and those around them. And in doing so, serves as a space where folks reclaim joy and purpose, rejecting labels often affixed to those who have endured exploitation or addiction.

I visited honouring our program a couple of months ago, and I felt so much pride and immense love for all of the folks that I met on that day. I need the folks to know this: You are sacred. You are powerful. You are beautiful. Each of you descends from a lineage of resilient matriarchs who persevered so that you could thrive and lead your best lives. Your strength, bravery and leadership inspires others to follow in your footsteps. You deserve everything that is good and kind and gentle and loving in this world. I am so proud of each and every one of you, and I love you.

Please join me in acknowl edging and honouring our guests in the gallery from the Honouring our Journey program. The Speaker: The honour able Op position House Leader–the member for Interlake-Gimli. The honour- able member for Interlake-Gimli. Gimli Art Club Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): I rise today to recognize the efforts of scores of artists that have enriched the Interlake over 50 years. In 1969, Rosalie Dixon, June Valgardson and Ann Rudd of Gimli united to establish a local artists' group, aiming to foster a supportive environment for artistic exploration and skill development.

Their vision materialized as the Gimli Art Club on April 14, 1969, with 32 initial members enrolling at the inaugural meeting. By 1972, the group, supported by Gimli, secured a waterfront billing –building for weekly gatherings. As membership swelled, the need for a larger space arose, leading to the construction of a new building in 1983. The Gimli Art Club has since been dedicated to enriching local lives through visual arts, hosting an - nual art shows and actively contributing to community events.

Likely the most well -known contribution of the club to Gimli and Manitoba as a whole is the iconic Seawall Gallery. In 1997, members embarked on beautifying the harbour with murals that reflect the history, culture and community of Gimli , along with the Interlake. Just this past June I was lucky enough to have had a conversation with a member as he touched up one of those amazing murals. I could almost feel our shared history flowing through the tip of his brush.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary in just a few days, the club continues to leave a lasting artistic legacy, reflecting on over five decades of community dedication and contribution. Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Gimli Art Clu b, who are joining us virtually today, for enriching all our lives and wishing them the very best luck in their artistic endeavours. * (13:50) Glenn Komus and Sheryl Umphress Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honourable Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge two very creative and inspiring members of the St. James community, Glenn Komus and Sheryl Umphress.

Their house is right behind my constituency office, and for the past 20 years, they' ve become well known for decorative displays in their yard. The decorations began with a simple pumpkin on their railing and have grown into elaborate displays, from a skeleton pirate ship to a skeleton fair with a 12-foot-tall Ferris wheel. The displays have become

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1147 increasingly popular, not only in the St. James neigh- bourhood, but people from across the city have come to see the wonderful displays that the couple put on. Last year, their next door neighbour's security camera counted over 1,000 people coming to view the Olympic-themed skeleton display. Glenn and Sheryl often see people video calling their friends and family from across the world to see their work. The displays take the pair about two weeks to prepare and even more time to plan.

Many of their displays, such as the merry-go-round and ticket booth they made for the skeleton fair, are all made from repurposed materials. The neighbourhood knows and loves the displays. It is a true gift to the community. There are so many unique ways we can promote connection in our neigh- bourhoods, this being one of them. Glenn and Sheryl realize that it's becoming in - creasingly less common to chat with your neighbours. They appreciate that their decorations create a reason for folks to come together and get to know one another.

Everyone in our neighbourhood looks forward to what displays they come up with every year. Their creativity brings joy, brings laughter and celebration to our community in St. James. Please join me in thanking Glenn, Sheryl and their family for joining us here today and for their creative dedication to the St. James community. Thank you. Dawson Trail Community Festivals MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Thank you for the–allowing me the time to speak today and recog - nizing the wonderful constituency of Dawson Trail.

With the cold w eather behind us and the snow melted away, it has me excited for what is to come this spring and summer. Honourable Speaker, all of the communities in Dawson Trail have such great community spirit. There are incredible amounts of community-run festivals and celebrations that have me excited for summer all winter long. Community festivals and celebrations are threads that we weave our –that weave our social fabric.

It's time to celebrate diversity, to foster connections, to celebrate history and to honour traditions, contribute to our local economies and support our businesses, and it is time to bring us all together. This year, there will be the Lorette Family Fun Days, the Landmark Friendship Festival, Richer Rodeo, Springfield Agricultural Fair, Dawson Trail Days in Ste. Anne, the summer markets, not to mention the many other celebrations, gatherings put on by volun - teer groups in all these com munities, as well as St. Genevieve and Anola and many others. I must say, Dawson Trail is a fantastic place to live.

Everywhere you go, you are greeted with a welcoming wave and smile. I am proud of what Dawson Trail accomplishes and the time the volunteers put in to make these things happen. It's a great investment in time, and with the past help from the ACSC Fund, they truly have thrived. I stand here today and want to give a heart -filled thank you to everyone, and I cannot wait to celebrate with you this summer. Meadows West School MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I rise this afternoon on behalf of the grade 4s and 5s from Meadows West School. Thirty-seven students have joined us here at the Manitoba Legislature today.

We had pizza for lunch and, together, wrote some thoughts and questions for this government. The students are very interested in the Legislative Building. For example, they had lots of questions about the historical background, the Golden Boy, the levels of government and the timeline and architecture of the building. Furthermore, they're interested in what it's like to be an MLA. They want to know what the hard parts and the easy parts are, and they're curious about what the job entails. Together for the environment, the students from Meadows West are working hard to always turn off lights and appliances.

They have been reusing materials, not littering and celebrating Earth Day. And on the policy side of things, they want to know what this gov- ernment is doing to help our environment. They are also concerned about health care. One student wants to know why it's taking so long to get his health card. Another wanted to know what their family should do when health cards expire. The students believe that those working in health care

1148 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 deserve more money, and that the wait times are too long, and they suggested an idea of allowing a free hospital access for those who do not have health-care coverage. Now, Honourable Speaker, over the years I've had students visit from various schools in Tyndall Park, but this group is a little extra special for me because my nephew Benjamin–that's right, a third genera tion of Lamoureuxs here at the Leg.–has joined us in the gallery.

Now, I promised I wouldn't embarrass him, so all I'm going to say is how smart and clever he is, how his jokes are the absolute best and how I am a very lucky auntie. In closing, Honourable Speaker, I want to thank the students and teachers from Meadows West School, and I look forward to asking their questions to our Premier later this afternoon. Thank you. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before proceeding to oral questions, I'd like to draw members' attention to the loge on my right, where we have joining us today Gerry McAlpine from the former constituency of Sturgeon Creek.

ORAL QUESTIONS City of Brandon Operating Funding Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Eid mubarak. [Have a blessed Eid.] Over two hundred and–or over 25,000 Manitobans, Muslims in Manitoba celebrate Eid, celebrating family, friends and food together, marking the end of Ramadan. So congratulations to everyone celebrating the end of Ramadan. So here we go, question period, Honourable Speaker. The Premier's selective reading of reactions to his budget might have missed this, so I table an inter - esting story from the Brandon Sun last week.

It's about an unbelievable inc rease in funding to the City of Brandon. In this story, the Finance Minister's office an - nounced that the City of Brandon's share of the increase to munici pal funding will be around $8.6 million. But that wasn't true, Honour able Speaker. The Finance Minister walked that back on Monday and clarified the real increase is $8.4 million less than what his office originally posted. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. [interjection] The member's time has expired. Stop the clock, please.

I would remind t he Hon- ourable Leader of the Official Op position that when the Speaker stands up and says his time has expired, it's time for him to stop talking. And his mic gets shut off when I say time has expired, so it doesn't get recorded anyway. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Eid mubarak [Have a blessed Eid] to the ummah [community] right around the world, including right here in Manitoba. Colleagues and myself were pleased to take in an iftar the other evening at the Abu Bakr Al -Siddique mosque and com munity centre not too far from the Legislature here today.

And certainly our government wishes a joyous occasion today to everybody in Manitoba and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. The members opposite froze munici pal funding for years. We're fi xing the damage. We're fixing the potholes. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: So then why is the government clawing back $8.4 million, Honourable Speaker?

The Premier's budget funding promises are as full of holes as the roads in Brandon, Honourable Speaker, which the Infrastructure Minister claimed that she has fixed; roads that could be fixed if Brandon had the funding they briefly thought they did. * (14:00) Again, the Finance Minister's office communicated a $8.6-million increase, but it's actually $8.4 million less than that. That's quite the difference, even for NDP math. Is the Premier planning on reinstating some of the funding that has been clawed back from the City of Brandon? Mr.

Kinew: You know, I'm very happy to have an ex- cellent relationship with Mayor Fawcett out of Brandon, Mayor Gillingham out of Winnipeg, Mayor Siemens out of Winkler and municipal leaders right across this great province. Now, one of the important things that we've com- mitted to in this budget is to end the funding freeze handed down to munici palities by the PCs. We're

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1149 committed to a 2 per cent increase this year, another 2 per cent the year after, 2 per cent the year after that, 2 per cent in the fourth year. Now, we hope to be able to increase munici pal funding beyond that, but the bottom line is that we're going to be there for munici palities with predictable funding. We'll never have a funding freeze like they did over their entire time in office. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Municipal Funding Government Plan Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, $8.6-million pro- mise, t hen in reality becomes $200,000; quite the difference. So, but clear communication is key. I guess that's why the Premier and his Finance Minister have, immediately after that news release came out, put out an OIC for the issues manager position in the Finance Department. Obviously, they are having a bit of a difficulty. The Premier's cavalier attitude is that he can just say anything and he can get away with it. The attitude trickles down to his ministers and is a problem for this government a nd for Manitobans.

In an age of in - creased disinformation, people want to be able to trust what they're hearing through official government chan- nels. Municipalities deserve clear com munication, Honourable Speaker. Are there any other municipalities, child -care centres, schools paused or cancelled, care homes or other groups that should expect funding clawback from this NDP leader? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): I'm very happy that our government has an excellent relationship with munici- pal leaders across this great province.

And part of the commitment that we made to them is that we're going to increase funding for munici - palities 2 per cent a year. That's an increase every year,

whereas there was a freeze every year under the PCs. That's going to allow municipalities to build, to repair roads, to invest in long-term infrastructure. The difference between their team and our is this: Under them, the building crane was an endangered species and the positive relationships with municipal leaders had gone completely extinct. Under their watch, hope had been confined to the history books. But good news, Honour able Speaker: it's a new day. The building 'crades' are–the building cranes are back at work.

The relationship with municipal leaders are back on a positive footing and hope is here again. City of Brandon Operating Funding Mr. Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): Manitobans are deeply concerned when ministers don't know their own budgets. We saw it with the Infrastructure Minister, who said in this place that there was no cut to her funding, only to have to walk that back a couple of days later and in the paper yesterday. And now we see it again when the minister says Brandon will be receiving an $8.6- million increase, only to have officials w alk it back to $200,000 increase just a few days later.

Did the minister not know how much Brandon was getting for an increase, or is this another Kinew government flip-flop? An Honourable Member: Kinew government. The Speaker: The honourable First Minister. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Get used to saying that. The Stefanson gov ernment caused untold damage over their limited time in office. They froze municipal funding, they cut health care. It was an absolute disaster in the health-care system during their time in office. And yet, the member opposite still thought it was a good idea to run under the Stefanson goverrn- ment banner.

The good news is, there's a new administration in Manitoba. And I can say with a high degree of confi- dence that munici pal leaders in his con stituency are very happy about the 2 per cent guarantee that we're delivering to munici palities; 2 per cent this year, 2 per cent next year, 2 per cent for each and every year that we have been given a mandate by the people of Manitoba. What this is going to mean for the average person out there is more invest ments in road, more invest - ments in increasing the local economy and more investments across this great province.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Spruce Woods, on a supplementary question. Mr. Jackson: Well, the Premier's back at it again, Honourable Speaker, flipping and flopping on the carbon tax, new school construction, freezing hydro rates, privatizing MPI, and now on municipal operating funding. After telling the media the City of Brandon

1150 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 was getting an $8-million increase on budget day, the Finance Minister said the city will only receive a $200,000 increase instead. That's a big difference. Why the flip -flop, or did the minister actually believe Brandon was getting an $8- million increase until he read his own budget? Mr. Kinew: You know, the City of Brandon is an im- portant part of our vision for the future of Manitoba.

That's why we have guaranteed to Brandon and to cities and municipalities right across the province that they're going to be able to count on a 2 per cent increase to th eir operating funding each and every year. That's why 18th Street is looking better today than it was under their time in office. Of course, there's plenty more work to do, but the absolute worst thing that Manitobans could do right now is to go back to the cuts and operating freezes that persisted for years under the PC government.

We're showing early signs of progress, but it's going to take many years of consistent invest ment to be able to repair the damage caused by the PCs' two terms. But the good new is, your gov ernment is hard at work for you, the people of Manitoba. The Speaker: The honour able member for Spruce Woods, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Jackson: There's nothing new for Brandon in this budget. Expanded paramedic positions and new ambulance, announced in October. Western CancerCare expansion, previously funded. Expanded Brandon hospital, previously funded.

Hon ourable Speaker, 24-7 Sobering Centre, previously funded. Medical school at BU planning has been well unde r way for over a year. Nothing for 18th Street. Nothing for downtown safety. Nothing for the Keystone Centre. Nothing for the Centennial Auditorium. Nothing for the Sportsplex. Cut two new schools and the Maryland Park expansion, and a cut to their municipal operating. Clearly the member for Brandon East doesn't get much say at the Cabinet table, but why won't the rest of this NDP government support the City of Brandon? Mr.

Kinew: The first an nouncement that we did as part of our budget rollout was i n Brandon, where we committed to a brand new minor injury and illness clinic. Not only is this going to help improve health care, folks in the community who I'd really encourage the members opposite to start talking to at some point, said that this is really going to make a difference. It's going to help people be seen more quickly; it's going to give folks in Brandon an alternative to going to the emergency room.

Now, when we talk about what municipal leaders are saying, however, why don't we turn to the voice of municipalities in Manitoba them selves–the AMM. President Kam Blight said, and I quote: Many of Manitoba's 137 municipalities to face challenges since the previous PC government froze municipal funding between 2016 and 2023, and I'm happy to see that changing under the NDP. End quote. City of Brandon Operating Funding Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Honourable Speaker, this has been a pretty terrible budget for Brandon.

First, the Minister of Infra structure called the potholes o n 18th Street a completed project, and with her cuts, who knows when this work will be completed? Then they found out our post-secondary institutions will have to make cuts to international programs so the minister can give those slots to the Univer sity of Winnipeg. Now we find out the Minister of Finance (MLA Sala) was wrong about municipal funding. So I ask the member for Brandon East, what is going on at the Cabinet table and why is this gov ern- ment abandoning our city? Hon.

Glen Simard (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism): Hey, nothing can be further from the truth. When we look back at this historical election, we returned this NDP government to charge. The adults are in charge. To suggest that my–to suggest that Brandon is not at the forefront of this Cabinet, where is the Minister of Munici pal Relations? Where is the Minister for Homelessness? Brandon. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order. Order. * (14:10) I would remind the member indicating whether members are not here is not allowed. Mr.

Balcaen: Last week, the minister's office reported $8.6 million in addi tional funding for Brandon. He actually meant $200,000. That's right, the second largest city's share of $52 million is $200,000.

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1151 For those following, that's just 0.38 per cent, not 2 per cent. Doesn't go very far. It's shameful that this minister misled our local media. Why is the member for Brandon East representing his government to his constituents instead of his con- stituents to his government? Mr. Simard: One of the most frequent questions asked of me on the campaign trail, who is my MLA anyway? Well, so they clearly thought that there should be a voice for their city in the Legislature.

Now, they can make all the noise they want, but we will stand with Manitoba, we will stand with Brandon. Life more affordable for everyone, gas tax for everyone, health care for everyone. And when we talk about investments in education, asked if Brandon School Division–who got the highest increase? Brandon. The Speaker: The honourable member for Brandon West, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Balcaen: For the NDP math, two thirds of the representative for Brandon are on this side of th e House. Cancelled schools, broken roads, broken pro- mises, this entire Cabinet has a lot to answer for.

That is essential services that they have cut out of Brandon, and I'm sure there are plenty of other municipalities that are calling and ringing through to get the answer of when their cuts are coming. I have a simple question for the member for Brandon East: Does he still read the local paper, and if so, why did he not correct the record imme diately when they were told $8.6 million instead of lettin g it sit and fester for almost a week? Is this government so desperate for good news that they have to make it up? Mr.

Simard: I read the paper every single day, and I read good news for the farming industry, good news for agriculture, good news for health care in Brandon, good news for post-secondary institutions for Brandon. And when the member feels like writing letters makes a difference, the old minister of Infra structure and Trans portation said it was the member for Brandon East that brought up the issue to talk about the potholes that they let be created. So at the end of the day–at the end of the day–I know the streets in my community. Can the member for Spruce Woods (Mr. Jackson) say the same?

Zebra Mussel Inspection Stations for Clear Lake Funding for Parkland Region in Budget 2024 Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): As the MLA for Riding Mountain, I understand this gov ernment's concern about boating access to Clear Lake, but this minister needs to commit to keeping all Manitoba waterways safe. Last fall, I called on this government to open two new aquatic invasive species inspection stations in Dauphin and Russell. Will the minister confirm that the funding for these two Parkland area inspection stations are in Budget 2024? Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): Honourable Speaker, I'm glad to hear that members opposite are getting on our side in our work to advocate for the people of Clear Lake and surrounding area; it's a very important body of water. Families go visit that body of water. Tourism, it's an economic hub, and we want to make sure that we're advocating for those–for that region. When it comes to dealing with aquatic invasive species, our gov ernment takes that very seriously.

That's why in this budget we have an addi tional $500,000 committed to protecting our waterways from aquatic invasive species. That's a 40 per cent increase over what the previous government spent. We're proud of that work, and we'll continue to do it every day of the week. The Speaker: The honour able member for Riding Mountain, on a supplementary question. Zebra Mussels in Assiniboine River Basin Release of Water Sample Results Mr.

Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): While Parks Canada deals with the zebra mussels concerning Clear Lake, Manitobans are extremely concerned about the water flowing out of the lake, into the Assiniboine River basin. Last fall, I called on the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MLA Schmidt) to ensure water samples were taken downstream, and the results shared with the public. To date, Manitobans have seen or heard nothing. Will the minister make the results of water sampling public today?

1152 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): Our gov ernment takes dealing with aquatic invasive species very seriously, Hon ourable Speaker. I want all Manitobans to know that we're dealing with this in a very responsible way. That's why we are investing an addi tional $500,000 in aquatic invasive species preven tion in this year's budget. That's a 40 per cent increase over what they spent.

And the reason we want to do this is to ensure that all Manitobans are doing their part to prevent t he spread of aquatic 'ovspacive' species. That's why I want Manitobans to know that if they're out on the waterways this year, I encourage them to clean, drain and dry all watercraft to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and aquatic invasive species across Manitoba. The Speaker: The honourable member for Riding Mountain, on a final supplementary question. Aquatic Invasive Species Request for Protective Plan Mr.

Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Well, it took the NDP five years to act when zebra mussels were discovered in Manitoba in 2009 under their watch. If today's NDP are truly committed to battling aquatic invasive species in Manitoba, why are they refusing to lead by example? Our PC gov ernment had a plan: inspection and decontamination of watercraft, along with regular water testing were essential elements. Why won't these ministers get on board with protecting Manitoba's lakes and rivers? Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): Let's be clear, Honourable Speaker, that we care deeply about our waterways and our bodies of water in Manitoba. That's why we've been listening and working with regions across Manitoba who are concerned about the waterways. That's also why we're making increas ed invest- ments in preventing aquatic invasive species. A 40 per cent increase in this year's budget: $500,000 additional to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

We are proud of that work; we'll continue to do that work to protect all the waterways in Ma nitoba so that we can enjoy them together. International Peace Gardens Funding Concerns in Budget 2024 Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): Honourable Speaker, nestled in the heart of my con stituency, it was my honour to sit on the Inter national Peace Garden board of directors. The Garden is a –unique globally and is a reason it's a tourism destination for both sides of the border, internationally.

Now that the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage has been named on the board, and has the same honour, I have one question for him: With all the cuts that this budget–can he confirm that the gov ernment isn't also going to cut grants and funding to the jewel of the heart of Turtle Mountain, the Inter national Peace Garden? Hon. Glen Simard (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism): I would like to thank the member opposite for that question. I had the privilege in the last few weeks to drive down to Peace Garden and meet with the great people who are doing the work there.

In addition to that, I'm looking forward to going to the AGM in two weeks and making sure that the great work that happens there at the Inter national Peace Garden's an example for everyone to follow. Two constituencies coming together continues to go forward without the rhetoric coming from the other side, to make sure that peace, the reason that garden is there, continues, and we get the work done at the Turtle Mountain's precious jewel. The Speaker: The honourable member for Turtle Mountain, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Piwniuk: Honourable Speaker, he hasn't answered my question here, and we understand that nothing seems to be safe from the NDP scissors. Cuts to parks, cuts to roads, cuts to natural resources. Let's not have a reputation of our partners and nei ghbours to the south also be cut. Our PC team worked with North Dakota to intro- duce record funding and address deferred main- tenance. So will the minister confirm that there will be no budget reduction to granting or funding for the International Peace Garden? Mr.

Simard: What I can assure the member opposite is that we will continue to work with our partners in North Dakota and with the Peace Garden board to make sure that what they need, we can deliver on. And the thing is, is that this gov ernment, we talk to each

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1153 other. This gov ernment, we involve everyone in the conversation. * (14:20) And we are going, like I mentioned before, to the annual general meeting where we can get a good sense of exactly what it is that they need, and that we will continue to invest in not only the Turtle Mountains, but also in Adam Lake just north of that, William Lake just north of that, and also in Asessippi and the member from Riding Mountain's constituency. The Speaker: The honourable member for Turtle Mountain, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Piwniuk: Honourable Speaker, I'm wondering if the Premier (Mr. Kinew) has even talked to Governor Burgum about the commit ment of continuing to put funding into the International Peace Garden. The natural spaces–and I encourage all members opposite to come out to our great constituency of Turtle Mountain, instead of just going to Birds Hill. That is why we need to ensure that this gov ern- ment doesn't cut them like they have that –so many other services. The minister refuses to make a firm commitment to allow our lead in funding of IPG.

Can I–can he–can this minister–be able to tell us that he is not cutting the budget for the Inter national Peace Garden? Will he answer my question for a change? Mr. Simard: Well, it just gives me another opportun- ity to speak a little bit about Brandon and its connection to the Inter national Peace Garden. All of the students in grade 7 and 8 in the Brandon School Division, we have the oppor tunity to go down there and learn from the–at the International Music Camp. It's a beautiful facility, it's a jewel of our province. It is a perfect example of cross -governmental work together.

And the question was answered, and the answer was given: we will continue to work to make sure that this beautiful jewel at the southern end of the province, near the North Dakota border, continues to thrive. I don't know 'whach' more that they need. And– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. Health-Care System's Surgical Capacity Inquiry into Number of Cancellations Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Can the Minister of Health please confirm for the House and share with Manitobans how many surgeries have been cancelled in Manitoba since October? Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Honourable Speaker, since October, our government has done what the previous government refused to do. We've invested millions of dollars in improving capacity for surgeries right here in Manitoba. The previous government spent almost $40 million in the United States, Cleveland, San Francisco, out of jurisdiction, and they sent Manitobans along with that money, so they couldn't get care here in their own province. Our gov ernment is repairing the relationships with heal th-care workers, working with them to strengthen health care.

And we've got incredible invest- ments in surgical capacity in our 2024 budget. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: Since the minister doesn 't want to share this infor mation with Manitobans, I will. I'll table documents obtained through FIPPA that reveal in the months of October through December alone, over 1,300 surgeries were cancelled in Manitoba. And that doesn't even include facilities outside Winnipeg or those whose out -of-province procedures were can - celled by the NDP.

One of the first things the NDP did when they took office was cut surgical capacity through the task force. It looks like this short -sighted decision had an immediate impact on the number of surgical cancellations in Manitoba. Will the minister release the number of cancelled surgeries from January through March today? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I was shocked when I was sworn in to find out that the previous PC government didn't bother to do basic things like plan to have additional capacity during respiratory illness season.

They didn't bother to invest in improving capa- city in critical care here in Manitoba. Honourable Speaker, we've all learned lessons during COVID. We've all–I shouldn't say that; we all have, except for members opposite. And our gov ern- ment has taken steps to invest in capacity here in Manitoba to mitigate surges, which unfor tunately do result, at times, in elective surgeries being cancelled.

1154 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 Our government is working every day to improve capacity in ways the previous gov ernment didn't bother to address. The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable member for Roblin, on a final sup- plementary question. Mrs. Coo k: In a three- month period, over 1,300 Manitobans were forced to wait longer for care under this NDP gov ernment's watch. They cut the surgical task force, they prohibited Manitobans from going out of province for care when the wait-lists here were too long.

Now they're allowing contracts with clinics to just lapse, and they provided no funding for short-term capacity in Budget 2024. So these wait- lists are likely to keep going up. Patients should not be forced to go out of pocket to be out of pain. They should not be forced to wait longer and longer for care due to NDP negligence. Will the minister stand up to the Premier, put patients over politics for once and start doing some - thing about the patients that are waiting for care today? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I will take no lessons on improving capacity from that member opposite.

For over seven and a half years, they sent millions of dollars out of province. They sent patients out of province. They didn't actually address the wait times she's standing up and talking about today. Wait times persisted under the previous gov ern- ment. Why? Because they didn't invest in health care in Manitoba. Budget 2024, just like, since October, includes millions of dollars to improve capacity right in here in Manitoban–Manitoba. And that's why Manitobans are getting surgeries close to home.

But since I have the floor right now, will she apologize to trans kids–she's wearing a pink shirt–for attacking trans kids and affecting their health during the election? The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park. [interjection] Order. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Stop the clock, please. Order. Order. How many times should I warn people that when the Speaker's standing, they should be being quiet before something else has to happen; that members wake up and realize that a certain amount of respect for the position is required.

I would advise the member to pay attention and to remain quiet while the Speaker is speaking. So, I don't want to have to remind people again. When the Speaker stands, they need to stop, and I shouldn't have to remind us to be respectful of each other. Meadows West School Questions from Students MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): The students at Me adows West School have been studying the Manitoba Legislature and believe that there are many interesting features in the building, including the big doors, the number of stairs, the Golden Boy and the architecture overall.

Can the Premier share with the students what makes our Legislature so unique and what his favourite part of the building is? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Well, I want to thank the member for Tyndall Park for bringing the question on behalf of the students today, and I want to thank the students at Meadows West for the amazing ques - tion. It's great to see a positive interjection in question period and to have a chance to talk a bit about this amazing place that each of us have the great honour of being able to come to work in each and every day.

Far and away, my favourite part of this building is that it belongs to you. It's the people's building. This is the people's building of the people of Manitoba. There are individual features that I love, details like the buffalo skulls, which are i n the moulding during the natural light in the grand staircase; the statues throughout; looking for fossils in the walls. But each of these physical manifestations of our building pale in comparison to the symbolic weight of this being the seat of our de mocracy and therefore representative of the power that you, the people, hold.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: The students who joined us here today want to know what it's like to be the Pr emier. They want to know what the job entails. What are the good and the bad parts, and why should they consider a career in politics?

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1155 Mr. Kinew: Having the chance to serve as an MLA is a great honour that any of us will exper ience in our lives. And havi ng the chance to serve the people of Manitoba is a truly awe-inspiring responsibility that I find, personally, inspires a sense of humility in myself. What I would like to show to the people of Manitoba, the young students in particular, is that the road is open for everyone in this province.

The thing that's going to determine whether you have a success- ful career in politics or busi ness or art or science is how hard you're going to work, how strategic you're going to be about putting the pieces together and how respectful you're going to be of the people around you. * (14:30) And so I encourage young people of all backgrounds: if you feel a call to public service, the road is open to you. We are here to serve and we're more than happy to assist you on your journeys. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question.

MLA Lamoureux: Meadows West students have raised two concerns: one about the environment and the importance of reusing materials; and one about health care, specifically for those who don't have adequate health-care coverage or have to wait a long time for health-care services. Can the Premier share with our students what this government is doing on these fronts? Mr. Kinew: Well, I really want to t hank our young citizens from Meadows West for being such engaged participants in our democracy.

Again, if you were asking me to name some of the top issues, along with health care and the environ- ment, I might add affordability, as well, but they certainly have their fingers on the pulse. When it comes to health care, we are engaged in investing, increasing capacity for everybody. That's why our new budget has $1 billion in new investments for health care, so that we can repair the existing ser- vices that are on offer and expand it so it can reach more people across this great province.

When it comes to the environment, we know that there are so many things that we have to do to electrify transportation and also to electrify home heating so that our greenhouse gas emissions go down and the safe, clean environment that we all want for future generations can continue to rise. The good news is that Manitoba is an environ- mental leader. The better news is I'm inspired by the potential of what young people suc h as yourselves will be able to do– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Institutional Safety Officers at HSC Government Announcement Mr.

Tyler Blashko (Lagimodière): Honourable Speaker, the previous PC government failed to keep patients and staff safe in our health -care system. Under their watch, safety incidents in our hospitals became far too frequent, but it's a new day in Manitoba. Last month, the Health Minister announced that our government was following through on our commitment to make health-care spaces safer and that a new cohort of safety officers were beginning their training. Can the Minister of Health update the House on the progress of implementing those safety officers? Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Every health -care worker should be able to do their jobs safely and every person in our province should be guaranteed a safe emergency room or hospital. Unfortunately, the previous government ignored workers and patients. They promised s afety officers, but never delivered on that. Year after year, all they did was cut, cut and cut. Our government has taken action. On Monday, April 15, the first class of institutional safety officers will be at HSC with an expanded scope to respond to safety concerns in the facility.

Ensuring they have the correct tools is a top priority and that is why I've directed they be equipped with pepper gel at HSC. And we're exploring all options to enhance safety, including metal detectors, increased 'amnety'–amnesty locker use, police presence and community safety hosts. HSC– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. Community and Municipal Organizations Funding Concerns in Budget 2024 MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Our PC team was proud to put forward the arts, culture, sport and community fund that benefitted over 800 organiza - tions across the province.

1156 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 Too bad this NDP government cut it in Budget 2024. Not only did they delay funding already allocated to organizations, they have now decided to completely scrap the program. People in Manitoba rely on the places they gather, like rinks, soccer fields and community centres. That is why the ACSC funding was built to help out. Can the minister tell the House which communities will lose out this year thanks to the NDP cuts? Hon.

Glen Simard (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism): Our com munity–or, our government is committed to investing in communities. That's why we've taken an approach where we're going to listen to what the communities need and react to their requests and work in a timely manner. At the same time, we're going to create a similar fund that'll stabilize the industry. Rather than just throwing stuff at the wall, hoping that it sticks in an election year, we're going to sit down and build things for the long term. The Speaker: The honourable member for Dawson Trail, on a supplementary question.

MLA Lagassé: The Building Sustainable Com mu- nities fund provided hundreds of millions of dollars to much-needed funding for munici pal projects across Manitoba; that's parks, rinks, swimming pools, play - grounds and facilities that all of our constituencies rely on. What did the NDP government do? Cut the pro- gram. Shocking. It is clear the NDP have not made communities their priority with this budget. Can the minister of municipal relations try the same question? Which communities will lose out this year thanks to the NDP cuts? Mr. Simard: We'll continue to work with com mu- nities; that is clear.

The minister for municipal rela - tions and I are continuing to work at identifying those projects that come through our desks and the appli - cants that came through those projects to make sure that they get what they need. That's why it was our government, when we came to office, that signed those agree ments with those organizations, not the PC government. You know, when you look at what happened there, they made this fund and then they were sending out letters and we had MLAs like the MLA for Selkirk, who wasn't even part of the government, taking pictures with these letters. So what was all that about?

So we know what it was about. It wasn't about investing in commu nities, it was an eleventh -hour attempt to maintain– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable member for Dawson Trail, on a final supplementary question. MLA Lagassé: Over $125 million in cuts to commu- nity funding, all at the hands of the NDP government. We as MLAs see first -hand the impact that com mu- nity organizations, municipal facilities and neighbour- hood resources have on all our constituents. Our team made them a priority. The NDP are hacking and slashing their funding.

Manitoba commu- nities are worse off, underfunded, thanks to this NDP budget and the chaos it has created. I ask one more time: Which of the com munities will lose out this year thanks to the NDP cuts? Mr. Simard: Well, we'll just say this: In the lead -up to election, 78 per cent of the projects awarded in the spring of 2023 were in Tory -led ridings, and of the $25.5 million funding that year, 72 per cent total funds went to communities in 'toral'–Tory-held ridings. And only 10 per cent of the funds went to underserved and vulnerable ridings. We are here for all of Manitoba. One Manitoba, one future.

Community Supportive Living for Seniors Funding Concerns in Budget 2024 Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): This govern- ment's budget, they could only commit to lifting their pause on one personal -care home this year. The PC government proudly delivered a seniors strategy for aging with dignity that not only included six personal care homes, but also included other housing options, including a community-supported living program. There is no mention of that program in their budget. Can the minister tell us why community-supporting– supportive living for seniors was cut from this budget? Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Honourable Speaker, I am proud to stand in the House and talk about the invest- ments our gov ernment is making in our in credible budget to support seniors across the province. I have to say, I was also proud that our announce- ment of the Lac du Bonnet personal-care home was so popular that even that member joined us. It was a really exciting day, and there's going to be much more

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1157 exciting news as we move ahead in the coming weeks and months, Honourable Speaker. Budget 2024 also invests in com munity care for seniors. The safe and healthy at home program is going to help seniors stay safe in their homes and out of emergency rooms, getting the care they need in their neighbourhoods. The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Can you please call second reading of Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act (Criminal Property Forfeiture Act and Cor porations Act Amended); followed by second reading of Bill 29, The Body Armour and Fortified Vehicle Control Amendment Act; followed by second reading of Bill 31, The Captured Carbon Storage Act. * (14:40) The Speaker: It has been announced that we will go to second reading of Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act (Criminal Property Forfeiture Act and Cor por- ations Act Amended); followed by second reading of Bill 29, The Body Armour and Fortified Vehicle Control Amendment Act ; followed by Bill 31, The Captured Carbon Storage Act.

SECOND READINGS Bill 30–The Unexplained Wealth Act (Criminal Property Forfeiture Act and Corporations Act Amended) Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (MLA Sala), that Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act (Criminal Property Forfeiture Act and Corporations Act Amended), be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. The Speaker: It has been moved by the honour able Minister of Justice, seconded by the honour able Minister of Finance–[interjection] Order. Order, please.

It has been moved by the honourable Minister of Finance, seconded by–sorry, the honourable Minister of Justice, seconded by the honour able Minister of Finance, that Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act (Criminal Property Forfeiture Act and Cor porations Act Amended), be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Mr. Wiebe: I'm pleased to rise today to –for second reading of Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act, the Criminal Property Forfeiture and Cor porations Act Amended.

Manitobans elected a government that was–wanted to–they wanted a gov ernment that was going to get serious on keeping our communities safe. They elected a government that was going to listen; listen to commu- nity, listen to law en forcement, listen to all those within our com munities who are doing im portant work to keep those communities safe. But they also understood, as we went door to door and we talked to folks out in community, they under- stood the complexity of this task, and they understood how im portant it was to not only talk about being tough on crime, but also the causes of crime.

That's why it was so important when we were first elected as government, Honourable Speaker, that we came in and we worked across gov ernment with the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), with the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms. Smith), that we worked with the Minister of Health. We worked together to talk about how we can make our com mu- nities safer in a holistic way, in a way that actually made a difference.

But it was also important for us to reach out, as I said, to law enforcement, to community organizations, to those at the com munity level and those who are working in our law enforcement sector to come together and find this multifaceted approach to dealing with crime. This is an im portant step in the right direction with regards to that initiative, Hon ourable Speaker. That's because The Unexplained Wealth Act will take serious steps to go after drug trafficking and money laundering here in Manitoba. These are major problems.

These are problems that organized crime have ex - ploited, have managed to gain a foothold here in this province and have allowed for toxic drugs and harm to our families and communities to spread, because of their ability to go unchecked. Now, it's important for us to go after, as I said, all facets of crime that affects community. That includes community level crime, that includes violent offenders, that includes repeat offenders. We've taken important steps with regards to bail and bail initiatives that will make a real difference.

1158 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 We've partnered with law en forcement to fund and support the work that they do. But, every time we did that work, they came to us and said, there's also this more complex issue wi th regards to organized crime and to drug traffickers.

That's why we took im portant steps initially to seek out advice, to seek out good advice from those across the country and here within Manitoba, the great work of our civil servants, to put together legislation that is strong, that will put us in a strong position to lead the country once again, and will put Manitoba back on the right track of being tough on crime and specifically tough on organized crime. Manitobans understand that, under the previous government, we saw crime increase. We saw the im - pact to com munities, and this was because they underfunded and they cut programs.

They cut pro- grams that keep our province safe, but they also cut, as I said, departments across government, which had an impact on public safety. This bill provides and works with law enforce - ment to give them the tools that they need to go after organized crime in a serious way. The bill will provide law enforcement the tools to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime as they do the important work of cracking down on the big players in drug trafficking operations. Manitobans remember during the last election, while members opposite were on summer vacation, we were–our leader, now Premier (Mr.

Kinew), made a speech, and he made his first election commitment. And that was that we would get tough on crime and specifically that we would take steps and initiatives to bring in an unexplained wealth act. This is an im portant step to target the assets and wealth of drug traffickers and other criminals through- out our province. And that commitment that was made on the election trail is now being borne out here by bringing this legislation forward. Manitobans told us that they see the impacts o f the cuts of the previous government.

They see the im- pacts and the rise in crime throughout our province, and they wanted us to not just talk, not just come up with slogans or rhetoric, but to actually get to work and make a difference. Mrs. Rachelle Schott, Acting Speaker, in the Chair Bill 30 fulfills our Premier's commit ment to Manitobans. I'm proud to rise in the House now to give some further context to this im portant legis lation, which was really developed in conjunction with law enforce- ment and officials within the de partment, who are leaders throughout the country in this important work.

In assisting with drafting Bill 30, Manitoba Justice worked closely with Jeffrey Simser, one of Canada's leading experts in asset forfeiture and money launder- ing. He served as a lawyer and legal director with Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General for over 30 years, and he recently appeared as an expert wit - ness at the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia. His work and his expertise is second to none across the country, and I want to thank him for that work. Alongside Mr. Simser, our government identified the fact that organized crime is, in fact, in Manitoba.

It benefits from the secrecy of the beneficial owner - ship, and spe cifically the beneficial owner ship that exists behind numbered companies. This was an im portant element to the bill which we were able to capture and build upon and really strengthen and become leaders across the country. Under Bill 30, proposed amendments to The Cor- porations Act would require Manitoba corporations to disclose their beneficial ownership information to law enforcement, to regulatory bodies and to the director of criminal property forfeiture.

If passed, these amend- ments will help law enforcement across our province to investigate serious criminals and will spe cifically impact drug traffickers and money launderers. Our government has also identified areas of im - provement in The Criminal Prop erty Forfeiture Act that will provide the director of criminal property forfeiture with more tools to investigate, to seize and to go after those proceeds and instruments of unlawful activity, to forfeit those or to begin the forfeiture process and to re ally impact the ability to go after organized crime.

The proposed amendments to The Criminal Property Forfeiture Act will esta blish unexplained wealth orders. These are brand new tools, Honour able Speaker, that will allow law en forcement important new powers to provide –to go after and ask for pro- vision of information about how criminal enterprises acquire property, if it appears that their known sources of income and assets wouldn't be sufficient to acquire the property, or if the person or a cl osely related person has been involved in unlawful activity.

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1159 Honourable Speaker, if a person fails to then provide that information or provides false or misleading information, the property is presumed to be proceeds of unlawful activity–again, unless it can proven otherwise. Under Bill 30, these orders will include not just the owner of the property, but im portantly, any responsible officer, which may include business part- ners and directors of cor porations.

The director of criminal prop erty forfeiture may also require the disclosure of specific–sorry, specified records and docu- ments and require the person to answer questions about their assets prior to a civil forfeiture proceeding.

Again, important: front-loading this process will help us in going after these criminal enterprises. * (14:50) The act also requires the court to presume, for the purposes of civil forfeiture, that cash is proceeds of unlawful activity if it is mailed or if it is shipped with no infor mation or with fal se infor mation about the sender, and that a building is an instrument of unlawful activity if a controlled substance is found in the build- ing in a quantity or in circum stances consistent with drug trafficking. The act also adds crypto assets, including crypto- currency under the definition of property.

Crypto assets are an increasingly common way for organized crime groups to hide unlawful proceeds, and this amend- ment will allow the director to pursue these assets for civil forfeiture. Finally, Honourable Speaker, the act makes several minor amendments, including increasing administrative forfeiture threshold to $125,000 to reflect inflation and the significant wealth generated from crimes.

It also increases the maximum length of interim orders from 30 to 60 days to provide more time to serve defendants and modernizing adminis trative forfeiture notifications require ments so that they're published online rather than in a newspaper. Now, members opposite across the way have called these changes redundant, but law enforcement disagrees. And we've heard loud and clear from them as they have not only asked for this and worked with our officials closely to develop this legis lation, but also since this has been intro duced at first reading, we've heard loud and clear from across the spectrum.

This includes the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Police Federation; Dave Dalal, the acting deputy chief of Winnipeg Police Service; Randy Lewis, the acting chief of the Brandon Police Service; Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs; as well as the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. Our government is committed to listening to and collaborating with experts and with people serving on the front lines t o keep Manitoba families safe.

Honourable Speaker, these amendments align with our commitment to ensure that drug traffickers and organized crime have nowhere to hide their profits in Manitoba. Our message to drug traffickers is clear: You have no place in Manitoba. I encourage all members of this House to support Bill 30, which will help make our province a safer place for all Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Questions The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): A question period of up to 15 m inutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any opposition or independent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remain- ing questions asked by any opposition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): My question on this is reality.

And so my question is, if we're increasing Criminal Property Forfeiture and the workload that they will be doing, obviously The Unexplained Wealth Act is something new, The Corporations Act is something new, why has the Justice Mini ster cut the funding to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Well, the member's just wrong, and I think we–I thought we cleared this up in question period, but maybe not. The member is wrong a bout the funding for Criminal Property Forfeiture.

In fact, what we're doing is we are increasing–we called in experts to develop this legis lation. We're increasing the ability of the Criminal Property Forfeiture folks to do their work. And, by bringing or passing this legislation, really what we'll be enabling them to do is to use more tools and to be more efficient in the work that they do. I hope that the member will support the work that they do.

1160 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Will there be any additional staff needed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch for this, and if so, at what cost? Mr. Wiebe: Well, as I said, Hon ourable Speaker, we're supporting the work of the staff in the de part- ment, in criminal property forfeiture. These tools are expanded but, again, what I think they importantly do is that they streamline the process and they, in fact, make it easier for those people, those folks in the de - partment, to do the work that they're doing.

So while, you know, we want to continue to support the work that they do and make sure the staffing is appropriate, certainly by passing this legis- lation, by passing this bill, we'll actually be helping them do their work more efficiently. We'll be cutting down on some of the barrier s that they have and enabling them to better work with law enforcement to get the job done. Mr. Balcaen: I would just like to have the minister explain law enforcement's role with The Unexplained Wealth Act.

He mentioned in his initial response about police investigating this, but I would like to put on the record the responsibilities of law enforcement, specifically police, when it comes to these acts. Mr. Wiebe: Yes, it's an important question, and, again, I know the member opposite knows this world very well.

And, in fact, when we did have an oppor tunity to sit down for a bill briefing, I thought it was helpful everybody in the room knew each other, and that's because our department works so closely with law en- forcement, understands the role that they play and the important role that they play with regards to criminal property forfeiture. You know, investigations are still going to be taking place under the confines of law en forcement as well as within the De partment of Justic e. They have historically worked very well together; we want to continue that work. Mr.

Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): The member will know that the Cullen Commission in British Columbia brought forward a number of recom mendations as it comes to criminal property forfeiture. Can he explain how the recom mendations from the Cullen Commission fit into this particular piece of legislation? Mr. Wiebe: Wow, a blast from the past here in the Chamber today. It's interesting the former member, I guess current member, former minister, now decides he wants to get up and put some words on the record. You know, it's surprising, during the campaign all we heard was, we don't need this, why are we doing this?

And I guess maybe sheepishly the former minis- ter maybe admitted privately, saying, yes, we didn't get this done. Well, this gov ernment is getting the work done. We are taking the good work of the Cullen Com mis- sion. We are taking the people of Manitoba's direction, and we're getting to work on the unexplained wealth orders. Mr. Goertzen: From that I gather the member doesn't know what the Cullen Com mission is. But for his edification it was a significant report done under–out of British Columbia; it dealt a lot with money launder- ing and unexpl ained wealth.

And, in fact, some changes that happened in Manitoba came as a result of the Cullen Commission. I'm just asking him if he can maybe put aside the partisanship, if that's possible, and just explain how this particular bill fits in with the recommendations from the Cullen Commission. Mr.

Wiebe: You know, I can only imagine how it feels, Honourable Speaker, to, you know, have the op- portunity, have the great respon sibility and the great honour to serve in Cabinet and, again, not to be able to get the job done, and, you know, go out, use political rhetoric, amp up the discussion, you know, sort of fight back in a political way during an election campaign to say, this isn't needed and I can't believe the NDP would consider doing this. And now stand up and say, well, you know what? Actually, the Cullen Commis sion suggested we should do this, and why didn't the last guys get it done?

Honestly, I think there's other members on the other side of the House that are new to the place. They probably have some real legitimate questions; I'm hoping they'll ask them. Mr. Goertzen: Now I'm certain the member doesn't understand the Cullen Commission. The Cullen Com mission sort of did recom mend things around unexplained wealth and money launder- ing, and, in fact, the government brought in legislation specifically around unexplained wealth.

And, in fact, the member might remember because it was before the House a couple of years ago, and I don't remember if he supported it, but he certainly was aware of it. * (15:00)

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1161 So, he's now suggesting that this is a result of the Cullen Commission, yet legislation was passed in this House regarding that. Why is he doing something that was already done? Mr. Wiebe: Member opposite missed the boat when he was minister of Justice, now he's missing the boat here in the House again today, which is kind of unfor- tunate because I'd be happy to walk him through this a little bit more carefully. Maybe he's used to having some more briefings and some more staff to give him the information. Now he's on his own, he's got to do his own research.

That's what this bill is all about, Hon ourable Speaker. We're doing the important work. We're going after corporations, we're going after that dark mone y and the money laundering that happens across the country. It happens here in Manitoba; that's why we're getting the job done with the unexplained wealth orders. Mr. Goertzen: Not sure if the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn) knows a lot people with unexplained wealth in the agricul ture industry; he seemed very excited by that.

The member opposite would know, if he would ask for a briefing from his de partment, that there's already been orders that have been executed by the criminal property forfeiture portion of his department that deal with unexplained wealth. In fact, they've gone before the courts. Would he like to explain why this is different than those things that have already appeared before the courts? Mr. Wiebe: Looks like I got to pull out my question period notes here, Honourable Speaker, because we're way off the rails.

The Justice minister, former, wants to get into, you know, coulda, woulda, shoulda, I think is the way that his former leader put it. But reality is, is that if he thinks that things were– the status quo was okay and that crime going up under his watch was just fine, maybe he should go back and look at the results of the last election. Mr. Goertzen: Well, the member opposite might want to read the newspaper and s ee what the results are of violent crime these days under his watch, but more specifically to this particular topic.

These are issues that were addressed in legislation that came before the Legislature two or three years ago, when the legislation was actually passed and, in fact, there's actually been action taken, court orders in the court. Now, I saw that he got a red folder in, and so maybe staff or perhaps those in the department have provided him an actual, coherent answer. Could he please explain how this is different than what already exists under criminal property forfeiture? Mr. Wiebe: Well, it's just embarrassing, Honourable Speaker.

We've got a critic who, you know, I think is doing an admirable job, former law enforce ment personnel. Somebody who came into this–[interjection] Yes, applaud. Yes. That's right. And yet, apparently his agenda is being hijacked because the minister wants to say, I did every thing right, I did every thing perfectly, and thinks that the status quo was okay. Well, the public spoke. The Stefanson gov ern- ment failed when it came to crime. They failed when it came to going after organized crime. We're getting the job done, and the former minister should get on board. Mr.

Goertzen: Yes, I'm not trying to embarra ss the new minister. I know that it's a big file and it's a lot to digest. And, you know, I actually have some sympathy for him because it's difficult when you're a new minister sort of learning the file. Sometimes it's better just to take the questions as notice and move on. But I'll try again for him. There's already been before the Court orders under The Criminal Property Forfeiture Act that deal with unexplained wealth.

If he wants the Legislature to pass legis lation quickly, he needs to explain why this is different than the powers that already exist within that branch. Mr. Wiebe: Well, again, I–it's embarrassing that the minister didn't listen to the initial–he wasn't at the bill briefing. He didn't listen to the 'minitial' speak–speech, obviously. He doesn't understand the legislation. That's okay. I'm sure that the critic opposite does, and that's why he wants to pass this legislation.

So, I know that they're trying to get sort of the – you know, sweep out the old–spring cleaning right now–they're trying to sweep out the old and clean up the caucus over there. It's time for some new blood, and we expect some real questions about this legis - lation that we can get passed today, if the minister–the former minister–would just let us get to work. Mr. Balcaen: So, comment first, followed by a question, is that I'm new to MLA work, and the minister is new

1162 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 to his position. And it's often very im portant to learn from your seniors and from people that have been there and walked the walk and talked the tal k beforehand and actually brought in legis lation that is meaningful, that has been proven and has been court tested. So again, I'll reiterate the question to the minister: What is the difference between what you're proposing and what has already been tr ied, trued and tested within the courts of Manitoba? Mr. Wiebe: Well, it's a good point, and I appre ciate the member opposite for mentioning it.

That's why we do listen to the experts in the field. We listen to people like Deputy Chief Scot Halley of the Winnipeg Police Service, who said, the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police continues to support the ongoing efforts to deal with organized crime and unlawful wealth in Manitoba. We listen to important people like the acting chief, Randy Lewis in Brandon, I think the member opposite knows ve ry well and knows that he said The Unexplained Wealth A ct will make it more difficult for criminals to hide their dirty money and provide a mechanism for–to be taken seriously.

Again, we're not happy with the status quo. That's why we worked with experts; we worked with law en- forcement and we've got a strong piece of legis lation that, if the members opposite would support it, we could get to work in going after organized crime in a serious way instead of jus t using rhetoric and tired lines– The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): Member's time has expired. MLA Bereza: Again, my question is, because we've heard some things today –is it $200,000 funding, $800,000, $8 billion funding–what is it?

So, I'll ask the question again, please: Will there be ad ditional staff needed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch, and what will those costs look like? Thank you. Mr. Wiebe: Well, again, there's kind of two ways to ask this question. Maybe one is more suited for ques- tion period. I'd be happy to answer that. The member opposite says there's just one way to ask it, and that would be, I think, the way that the member for Brandon West (Mr. Balcaen) asked it, with–which was at the bill briefing, in a very serious way and got the answer directly from officials.

They have the resources that they need; they want the tools now to get the job done. And again, we're going to be in Estimates very soon. Again, new members, but I invite you, please come. You'll hear dir ectly from officials through me in the Chamber or in committee rooms. We'd be happy to walk through the numbers to ensure that you under- stand how they have the proper tools to get the job done. MLA Bereza: Estimates are coming up very soon. You're correct with that, but we're talking about this today.

So I'll ask again: Will there be ad ditional staff, and how many addi tional staff will be needed, and how much money will that additional staff cost in the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch? Thank you. Mr. Wiebe: Well, again, the member opposite says he only has one more serious way of asking this question, but now he's just getting onto the rhetoric part because I've answered the question– An Honourable Member: No, you haven't. Mr. Wiebe: Yes, I did. And the member for Brandon West understood the answer to that question as well.

The answer is is that there is no new funding needed to execute the powers being given under Bill 30. In fact, it will make things more streamlined. It will give the ability to do more work, and that's why it's important that we support this bill, we get on with the work. I appreciate the genuine questions from the mem- bers opposite. I think there's some good work being done by the new members in the caucus, and I want to applaud them for doing that. The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): The floor is open for debate –oh, the time for the question period has expired.

Debate The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): The floor is open for debate. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): It's my pleasure to rise today and talk on a topic that I am extremely passionate about. * (15:10) Criminal property forfeiture and The Corporations Act, and the other acts that incorporate this bill are

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1163 very important to myself, as a former law enforcement officer, but I think, more broadly, to the law enforce- ment community within Manitoba. And that is not just police officers; it's all of the agencies that may come across an area where unexplained wealth, criminal property, or the goods of criminal enterprises may come to the forefront, and it allows specific legislation to be followed to seize these assets.

Honourable Deputy Speaker, I'm not sure your familiarity or members in this Chamber's familiarity with the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch; however, as the Justice Minister alluded to, I have a great relationship with them, with all of their investigators, and I support the work that they do, because it's in - credibly important work within our province. The police and law enforcement and justice areas can only do so much within our province.

They're limited by charters; they're limited by investigational processes, where the criminal or civil–sorry, the civil side opens up a whole new realm of in vestigation. And allowing that in vestigation to take place at the civil side really changes the landscape and the abilities for organized criminals, drug dealers, inde pendent entrepreneurs who gain their assets through crimin - ality, to be challenged on a different level.

Oftentimes police or law enforcement officers are, and I pardon the pun, handcuffed by the criminal justice system when they bring items to court because of nuances, because of investigational areas that are continually being challenged, and there's continual case law being made on these. So, allowing a civil process that does a balance of probabilities, 50 per cent plus one, rather than beyond reasonable doubt. This allows for this process to take place, and for a reasonable person to look at the events and what has happened within the file to be looked at by a reasonable person and say, did this happen.

That's the balance of probabilities, and that's where a reasonable person and, again, people on our side of the House, very reasonable, would look at this type of legislation, this type of order, and deter mine whether or not the average citizen should be hiding behind shell corporations, should be hiding behind straw poll- sters that will take their name on a cor poration when they actually have no benefit to the corporation, they have no real income, but they're standing in the name to allow the domino effect to put in place with different corporations.

So I want the record to stand that I am absolutely in support of Criminal Property Forfeiture, the Criminal Property Forfeiture director and the laws and legis - lation that are presently in place that encompass the work that these ladies and gentlemen do in this unit. I've had the pleasure of working with the previous director of Criminal Property Forfeiture, who is a former police officer, who has his legal degree, and he really spoke well about criminal property forfeiture and the value that this brings to Manitobans.

So for those that aren't familiar, Gord Schumacher was the previous executi ve director of the Criminal Property Forfeiture. And I had a great oppor tunity to sit with him and discuss this law, and specifically how beneficial this can be to Manitobans and to all Canadians. As a matter of fact, my colleague from Steinbach talked about the Cullen Com mission, and that's a very, very im portant commis sion, when it comes to organized crime, when it comes to money laundering and when it comes to the impacts that we can have, as legislators, as lawmakers , within our province.

Many of those recommendations should and ought to be followed by Manitoba. BC has been a leading province, when it comes to civil forfeiture, when it comes to investigation of organized crime and, of course, money laundering. Manitoba is right on that cuttin g edge, as well, and it's because of the great work of our former minister, the member from Steinbach, and the work that he put forward at that time to bring in legislation in this House that has been tried, proven and tested within the Manitoba courts.

I can speak personally, as the previous chief of police for Brandon, and the work that our members did in co-operation with many, many municipal partners– sorry, municipal police forces across Manitoba. But not only that, we reach out to Saskatchewan, to Alberta, to British Columbia, to Toronto; down to the DEA, including all of our different agencies in the United States and across Canada when we do these very high-profile investigations.

And I got to correct myself, Honourable Deputy Speaker, I keep saying we because I spent over three decades in the policing world, so I'll back that up and say when police –and please excuse me if I say we because I'm still very passionate about that. I can speak to numerous cases that the Brandon Police Service was involved in. Many of them are public record right now. And we talk about the use of criminal property forfeiture and about the use of doing

1164 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 that to infiltrate organized crime or to hit the criminals where it really hurts, and that's their bank accounts. Honourable Deputy Speaker, many criminals look at this as a cost of doing business. They look at jail time and they look at probation, parole, when they're released on judicial interim release, on either under - takings or recognizances; they look at that as the cost of doing business. But at the end of the day, their business is finance. Their business is money and income, because money is power.

And if we can hit them where it hurts, in the bank account, and take away that wealth, take away that income, then that really sets the stage for people and their decision whether or not they want to become involved in criminality. So, I'd just like to talk a little bit about the con - sultation process on this bill. And I know, myself, as the former chief of police in Brandon, I was one of the ones that was consulted when this bill started to come to fruition. And I was happy to be consulted on that and know that when the Minister of Justice (Mr.

Wiebe) spoke about experts that had been consulted, that he thinks myself, as a member of the PC caucus, is an expert, is a testament to the great work that we do on this side of the House. I would also like to talk about the oversight bodies of law enforcement and how–or not the oversight bodies, sorry, the bodies of law enforcement that support the great work of police and peace officers, including the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Both organizations strongly support criminal property forfeiture or the civil proces ses used in receiving funds from the criminals to make sure that they remain robust, that they remain cutting edge and in front of all members that are out there.

They provide oppor - tunities for training, for discussion and, actually, committees set up on how this great work can be con- tinued within our province and we can learn from many, many other countries and jurisdictions. * (15:20) I believe there's over 130, 140–somewhere in there, Honourable Deputy Speaker–organizations across the network that Ca nada works with that have some sort of criminal property forfeiture process, where they can take the funds away from the people that gain these through criminality, and then redistribute it in different ways.

In Manitoba, it's very im portant to note th at the money that is seized and that is subject to court order is controlled by the directorate or the director of Criminal Property Forfeiture, and that those funds, the main objective is to make sure that funds end up to victims of crime. That's first and foremost.

But, from a law en forcement and a public safety agenda, I think it's im portant to also note that those funds can be used to assist law enforce ment or other agencies with tools, with programming, with different programs that they may wa nt to put on within their communities that directly impact public safety. And, as I scrolled through social media last night, I came through a picture from the Bear Clan from Brandon.

And, on the back of their van that just recently was purchased from the Bear Clan–or, for the Bear Clan, Honourable Deputy Speaker, is a notation from the Manitoba government saying that funds for this vehicle were procured from the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch. An Honourable Member: Brandon Crime Stoppers has that too. Mr. Balcaen: Right.

And, not just this new, large bus, 24-seat bus, that will help the Bear Clan and the people of Brandon when they need it most to get some warmth, to carry supplies, to work with their fellow clan mem- bers that walk the streets and take care of those less advantaged in the city of Brandon. This is the second vehicle that the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch has funded for the Bear Clan. So, it's not just law en - forcement, it's the partners of law en forcement that also benefit from this. I can also tell you that the Bear Clan in Brandon– and I know it's happened in Winnipeg too.

I don't know exactly, because I didn't keep up with that juris- diction, but in Brandon, they received gloves, they received flashlights and they received some different clothing to help with their tours and to help the people that are on the streets of Brandon. If you're ever fortunate enough to be in the great city of Brandon and drive by the Brandon Police Service parking lot, you'll notice that the Crime Stoppers vehicle is in there, decaled out, and on the back of it says, this vehicle was seized as a result of criminal property forfeiture.

So, we now have, in the city of Brandon, the police service, and in co-operation with Crime Stoppers, a vehi cle that is fully decaled that was actually seized as a proceeds of crime. And that is how effective this program can be with helping fund not only police organi zations and

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1165 justice organizations, but the offshoots of those organi- zations that help publ ic safety and the perception of public safety. I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the funding that police services also get to help further public safety within their jurisdictions. And this goes for the 12 municipal agencies, as well as the RCMP across our province.

When it comes time for division of some of the assets from criminal property forfeiture, police agencies and law enforcement agencies are allowed to put in application and ask what they can get from the funds that will help generate protection or help with law enforcement within their specific jurisdictions. And I can speak at length of the number of dif - ferent areas, because police services have been recog- nized for the great work that they've done with outside organizations to help support public safety.

So, again, I will reiterate, Honour able Deputy Speaker, that I am certainly in favour of any legislation that will help Manitoba law en forcement agencies, justice areas and, by arm's length, the areas that help out th ose agencies and that are sup portive of those agencies.

So going back to the Brandon Police Service, I can state that over $1 million was reinvested in my time as chief of police back into the Brandon Police Service for items that were not budgeted that –but would help law enforce ment with the work that they do, areas as simple as getting several electric bicycles for our officers to ride in the downtown area to make sure that they could quietly and conveniently patrol the area and make sure that the st reets in our historic district were kept very safe. This didn't just encapsulate downtown Brandon but all of Brandon.

So if you are ever there, you will see police officers riding these bicycles that were the proceeds of crime around the city of Brandon to ensure the safety and well -being of all of our residents and our over 200,000 visitors that use Brandon every year. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that it also takes care of safety equipment that our members could use. And I know as a result of one call for service, our members went into a smoke-filled burning building to try and find a young baby that was left trapped in the building and they suffered from smoke inhalation.

And because of this and the funds that we could get from criminal property forfeiture, we were able to get some breathing apparatuses that members could carry with them in case of these urgent and emergent issues to enter buildings before the great members of the Brandon Fire & Emergency Services could attend and take over those areas that they are super –sorry, that they are the experts and trained on. So, again, all of these different areas are very, very important for us.

If we look at the Cullen Commission and some of the information that was brought forward, the member from Steinbach talked about that and I'm sure had great debriefings while–or briefings while he was in the minister's chair talking about what the impact of organized crime is on society.

And so when we look at criminal property forfeiture or civil processes, it is very im portant because in - dividuals that are gaining these assets through crimin- ality and hiding behind shell cor porations and stack- ing these corporations to try and evade being caught are actually taking money out of taxation and the money that could come into our gov ernments to run our province, not only at a provincial level but at a federal level as well. And so it's very im portant that we look at this; organized crime, specific ally. And we've got some legislation in here talking about cryptocurrency.

The cryptocurrency or the underground currency could also cause damage to our banking systems here within Canada and under mine their ability to support the economy of not only Manitoba but all of Canada and internationally. So there's very specific reasons to support legis - lation that will help law en forcement and all other jurisdictions that work under either the police or other law enforcement agencies. * (15:30) And so it's also important to note that law enforce- ment agencies, for example police services, do not actually use these orders.

They liaise with the Criminal Property Forfeiture branch to make sure that these orders are followed and bring the infor mation forward. So there is that symbioti c relationship between Criminal Property Forfeiture and law en - forcement agencies such as my previous agency at the Brandon Police Service. So it was not uncommon, Hon ourable Deputy Speaker, when we started a very sig nificant investi- gation where w e knew or believed that proceeds of crime would be part of our investi gation that we notified the Criminal Property Forfeiture director and we had conversations about some of the directions

1166 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 that our in vestigation was going to go and that we suspected that proceeds of crime would be part of this investigation. This allowed the Criminal Property Forfeiture director to engage his or her staff at that time with our organi zation and glean some infor ma- tion from us to move forward with their investigation on the civil side. But it's also very im portant, Honourable Deputy Speaker, that the people from Manitoba and the people in this Chamber understand that it's not a two -way street.

Police can provide the infor mation that they glean from infor mation to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit and their director, but information that is gleaned from the Criminal Property Forfeiture investigators does not flow back to the police because that could jeopardize investi gations that police are undertaking, again, because of the different laws that are in place–sorry, the burdens of proof that are in place, be it beyond a reasonable doubt or the balance of probabilities.

Of course, the balance of probabilities having the lesser burden of proof, but it re ally is the reasonableness of the trier of fact, looking at the legis- lation and how reasonable is that for us. So there has been some very important legislation and information that has come forward through this government, Honourable Deputy Speaker, through this– sorry, through this side of the House.

When we were previously in government we made legislation in 2021 to change–or, to strengthen the ability of the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit to quickly act on securing money that was believ ed to be used for money laundering. There was also changes in the act to allow for orders of seizure of up to $75,000, and these could be done and gives the person who had the money or the instrument seized from them the opportunity to appeal it through the civil courts. So these were im portant legislation because it allowed the great work, the civil investigators, to look at and seize these funds.

I can also talk about how these investigations are multi-jurisdictional or cross-jurisdictional in this pro - vince, and so not only this province but this country and our neighbouring countries. Several of the investi- gations that come to my mind at the forefront involved processes where we had to engage when we–I say we, sorry, the Brandon Police Se rvice had to engage Criminal Property Forfeiture at the start of an investi- gation because we knew it was going to be multi - jurisdictional.

So we brought on our partners from the RCMP, from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, and the areas of j urisdiction that they have, to make sure that we're all in sync. And so Criminal Property Forfeiture in Manitoba would talk with criminal property forfeiture in British Columbia or Alberta to make sure that they weren't duplicating the work, the important work, of seizing assets from people.

I'm really sup portive of the areas that this act looks at when we talk about The Corporations Act and the ability for civil investigators to look at cor por- ations and demand from these cor porations different areas to prove their wealth and–or, prove unexplained wealth when it comes forward. Law enforcement does not have that ability, Honourable Deputy Speaker. When the Charter of Rights are invoked, we cannot demand that people provide evidence that will in- criminate them.

But because this law –civil law–does not go against–it does not go against a person, but it goes against property, it goes against funds and it goes against areas that are a part of income, then those levels of scrutiny are not the same at the civil level. And so we have to make sure that when we're looking and investigators are reaching out to these corporations, it will now be codified that they have to provide the infor mation that is being asked to make sure that these organizations are legitimate organi- zations.

And for those that fear that this can be fishing expeditions, that will be controlled in this legislation, I'm sure, because, having exper ienced what we've done before, is–there has to be some sort of suspicion before we start looking at organi zations or cor por- ations as to why. So for those people that are running organizations or busi nesses that are legitimate, they don't need to worry about this. But it's the organizations that set up shell corporations and different numbered companies within Manitoba and within Canada, we have to be concerned with those when they're trying to hide the proceeds of crime.

And, Honourable Deputy Speaker, these laws that are being proposed will help immensely with the work that areas like Criminal Property Forfeiture Manitoba does at the time. So when I look at the great work and the abilities of the investigators that are in this unit, I would have an extremely difficult time, Honourable Deputy Speaker, of not supporting legislation that is going to give law enforcement or investigators those extra tools in their tool belt that they can use in investi gations such as this.

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1167 And you know what, it's important to ensure that the continued efforts of Criminal Property F orfeiture go on within Manitoba. Fact, Hon ourable Deputy Speaker, is that from 2009 through to 2021, the Manitoba Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit seized $22.3 million in assets, and then disbursed approxi - mately $16 million of those into grants. And that's the grants that I talked about that go to safety programs for police agencies, or to support the offshoots of these agencies, such as Crime Stoppers.

Such as, in the city of Brandon, the Brandon Friendship Centre was the benefactor of a number of display tents so that their work could be displayed when they were celebrating national peoples Indigenous day. And so I can speak passionately for my com mu- nity, but I'm sure every com munity across Manitoba benefits from all of the support that this act has.

So again I thank the member for bringing this for- ward and thank you for the time to– The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): The honour- able member's time is expired. * (15:40) MLA David Pankratz (Waverley): So today we get to take yet another str ong step in Manitoba's journey toward safer, more secure com munities. And I thank the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) for bringing this bill forward. You know, our shared commitments to this cause is really more than a policy, it's a promise; you know, a promise to every family, every child, every senior and elder, that their well-being is our utmost priority.

And you know, our predecessors, the members opposite, they took a bit of a different path that, unfor- tunately, it led to increased vul nerability within our communities. Their approach, you know, marked by underfunding and cuts, allowed crime rates to climb and affected the safety and security that every Manitoban deserves. This is not just a statement, and you know, it's a reality that many of us have really felt in our neigh- bourhoods, and it's a reality that has been clearly and repeatedly articulated by Manitobans that I've spoken to, and folks from Waverley.

You know, but we're here to take a bit of a dif - ferent path. The government is now proud to introduce Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act, and this isn't just another piece of legis lation; it's a commit ment to dismantle the structures that allow organized crime and drug trafficking to flourish here in Manitoba. And it's a comm itment to our law enforce ment, that they will be provided with the resources and the tools they need to challenge so phisticated criminal enterprises head-on.

This bill is designed to pull back the veil of secrecy that has allowed criminals to exploi t our economy and harm our communities. It empowers our courts to demand accountability from those who cannot explain their wealth through lawful means, especially when there's evidence of involvements in unlawful activities. The message this bill send s to the big players in the drug trafficking operations: your time is up. Our approach to public safety is com prehensive. We have a deeply dedi cated and skilled Minister of Justice who I know –through collaboration and hard work–has set us on a very positive path forward.

And I'm also thrilled that yesterday, we passed Budget 2024, which sets us on that path with one future, as one people and as one Manitoba. You know, beyond tackling crime, we are invest- ing in our communities: $13.7 million additional funding for police agencies; $4 million for hiring more mental health workers to work alongside law enforcements; and $8.6 million for services that support justice, crime prevention and victim services. These are not just numbers; they're li felines to those dedicated to making Manitoba a safer place.

You know, continuing from this vital investment in our future, it's important to understand the contrast between our approach and that of the past. The former government's strategy or lack thereof placed a Band- Aid over a gaping wound. They failed to see beyond the immediacy of their decisions, neglecting the under- lying issues that feed into the cycle of crime. Under their watch, the resources needed to effect- ively tackle the roots of organized crime and drug trafficking were significantly diminished, leaving our communities exposed and our hard- working law en- forcement officers fighting an uphill battle.

And this was illustrated in their freeze of municipal funding over multiple years. But with our new budget and Bill 30, The Unexplained Wealth Act, we are flipping the script. This legislation is not just a reaction to crime; it's a proactive step towards preventing it. And by requiring those suspected of profiting from unlawful activities

1168 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 10, 2024 to explain their wealth, we are targeting the financial heart of criminal networks. This is a sig nificant step from the previous gov - ernment's cuts, and it's a move towards a more strategic, intelligence-led approach to public safety–one that not only disrupts criminal activities, but also deters future offenses by making crime less profitable. Moreover, the introduction of this bill sends a clear signal to criminals that Manitoba is not a safe haven for the proceeds of crime.

It disrupts the ability of organized crime to launder their illegal gains through our local economy, and actually is another step our gov ernment is taking to protect legitimate business here in Manitoba from being undercut by criminal enterprises. This legis lative approach directly addresses the sophisticated nature of modern criminal activity, recog- nizing that to be effective in combating crime, we must evolve our strategies and tools.

You know, I also want to speak to the endorsements and some important quotes from law enforcement and community leaders, some of which were mentioned by our Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) earlier, but I want to reiterate some of those points. So, Brandon Police Service Acting Chief Randy Lewis and Deputy Chief Scot Hal ley, which, you know–they not only support the necessity of The Unexplained Wealth Act, but they also highlight a stark contrast to the approach previously taken by the members opposite and their long, cold freeze of municipal funding.

This approach did not provide adequate resources to our talented law en forcement to fully address the evolving landscape of organized crime, parti cularly the sophisticated methods used to launder money and finance illegal operations. So the previous gov ern- ment's strategies often overlooked the importance of cutting off the financial oxygen to these criminal enterprises, leaving gaps that allowed these networks to thrive and expand.

You know, our government's informed by experts that were mentioned earlier like J effrey Simser, who has worked in this space for decades, recognizes that the battle against organized crime in the modern era requires a more nuanced strategy by implementing legis- lation that targets the concealment of illicit wealth. We're not just r esponding to crime after it hap- pens; we're taking steps to prevent it at its source. This shift towards prevention and disruption marks a signi- ficant departure from past policies, offering a more sustainable solution to the challenge of organized crime in our communities.

Moreover, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs support for The Unexplained Wealth Act and our broader public safety measures brings to light another critical difference between our approach and that of our predecessors. The members opposite, while in government, often worked in isolation, rarely seeking the insight or partnership of Indigenous leaders, com- munities, in crafting policies that directly affected them. I often hear from stakeholders that they felt siloed or cut out of important conversations.

You know, in contrast, our government values and prioritizes these partnerships, understanding that the fight against crime, particularly drug trafficking, is most effective when it respects and incorporates the wisdom and needs of all com munities, especially those that are disproportionately affected. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick's perspective on cutting off the supply of illegal substances is a poignant example of how our approach is designed to foster healing and recovery, not just enforcement and punish- ment.

This holistic view of public safety, which con - siders the social and cultural impacts of crime and recognizes the importance of community-based solutions, is something that was sorely lacking in this pr evious administration's policies. These endorsements and the col laborative spirit they embody underline the signi ficance of The Unexplained Wealth Act as a cornerstone of a broader strategy to ensure the safety and prosperity of our pro- vince.

By focusing on transparency, accountability and partnership, we're not only crafting policies that address the complexities of modern criminal activity, but also building a foundation for a more inclusive, just and secure future for our province. This is a clear indication of our commit ment to not only confront the challenges of today, but to anticipate and mitigate the challenges of tomorrow. The Unexplained Wealth Act is a testament to our government's holistic approach to public safety.

It acknowledges that the safety of our com munities is intrinsically linked to the health of our economy, the efficacy of our justice system and the well -being of our citizens. This is why, in conjunction with this bill, our gov- ernment has made unprecedented investments in social

April 10, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1169 services, mental-health support and law enforce ment, ensuring that our approach to public safety is as com- prehensive as it is effective. In moving forward with these initiatives, we are setting a new standard for public safety in Manitoba, one that acknowledges the importance of innovation, collaboration and com munity en gagements.

Our ap - proach, again, in stark contrast to the members oppo- site, is designed to build trust, foster resilience and ensure that every Manitob an from Bridg water to Brandon, regardless of their backgrounds, can enjoy a safe and secure environment. * (15:50) This is the future we envision and are steadfastly working towards, a future where safety and justice are within reach for all. You know, furthermore, this legis- lation, it embodies our commit ment to trans parency and accountability, not just for those we seek to hold to account under this new law, but within our own ranks as we

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-1-41
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 1st hansardpdf 41.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	1d25cda8d23e28296df53a7883e60467c08fb7e1

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