Manitoba Hansard — 28 May 2019 (Sitting 58B, 41st Legislature, 4th Session)

41-4-58b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXII No. 58B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

Vital PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff, Hon.

Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC

2175 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, May 28, 2019 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): A quorum c ount, please. Madam Speaker: A quorum count has been requested. The division bells will ring for one minute. I would ask all members present to rise in their places, and ask the Clerk at the table to count out those present. A QUORUM COUNT was taken, the result being as follows – Members present: 37. Madam Speaker: A quorum is present. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? Tabling of reports?

Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Lorne Henry Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): On May 5th 2019, the community of Portage la Prairie lost a gentleman whose passion for life was always evident. The loss of Lorne Henry has been felt throughout our community. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honour a man I had the good fortune of calling friend. Lorne Henry was born on the family farm in– on February 5th, 1933. Farming was a life -long career for Lorne, who was still actively involved with the fifth-generation family farm.

Lorne felt strongly about giving back to the agricultural industry and did so for many years as a founding board member for Keystone Agricultural Producers, with whom he was still active. Serving also for 15 years on the Canadian Standards Association, bringing in farm safety standards and representing the Association of Irrigators on the Shellmouth Dam flood control committee, his knowledge of the Assiniboine River was such that he was asked to serve on the management board technical advisory committee. Lorne wa s never one to sit idle and let things happen. He was always the first to roll up his sleeves.

Despite a busy schedule, Lorne was a very dedicated family man. He was always in attendance at events to support his children and grandchildren. In particular, he enjoyed sports and volunteering many hours coaching hockey. The Portage la Prairie constituency and Manitoba are a better place today because of Lorne's determination, values and commitment to family, friendship, agriculture and the community. He will be missed by many. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie. Mr. Wishart: Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to have the names of the guests in the gallery included in Hansard?

Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include the names of the guests in Hansard? [Agreed] Family of Lorne Henry: Brian Case, Kyle Case, Patti Case, Dale Henry, Doug Henry, Gwynne Henry, Jordan Henry, Nick Henry, Ryan Henry, Sarah Henry, Shirleen Henry, Teresa Henry, Kayla Shewfelt. TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I am happy to rise this afternoon and share with the House a bit about TELUS Ride for Dad, an event that happened this past weekend here in Winnipeg.

Ride for Dad's mission is to raise funds to save men's l ives through supporting prostate cancer research as well as raising public awareness of this disease. This past weekend I was honoured to ride, for a third time, with my group, the Royal Riders Winnipeg, alongside a record- breaking 1,500 motor- cyclists in the fight against prostate cancer at the 11th annual TELUS Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

2176 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 This year $300,000 were raised and every cent will stay right here in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education. This brings the ten-year fundraising total to over $2.4 million. There is nothing more exciting, at least for fellow motorcyclist riders, than to be surrounded by the revving of thousands of engines for a good cause. Motorcyclists are proud and very passionate about riding.

My friend Dere k, who is the owner of Adventure Power Products says that, and I quote: We feel, through our riders in the province, it gives us a great opportunity to promote and create awareness for some of the spectacular organizations that are helping Manitobans through direct care and research right here locally. Madam Speaker, he is right and I would like to thank all of this year's riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors who made the Ride for Dad event this year such a success. I am proud to be part of such a caring community of riders. Thank you. Concordia and Seven Oaks ERs Mr.

Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): The Premier (Mr. Pallister) and his Health Minister have consistently refused to listen to Manitobans about their health -care needs. Residents of northeast and northwest Winnipeg have been very clear: they want Concordia ER to remain as an ER. But instead the minister has decided to force staff to convert the ER into an urgent-care clinic in five short weeks. Seven Oaks ER is next on the chopping block, and those that rely on the emergency room are worried about the future of their health care.

People who relied on Seven Oaks will have to travel 20 minutes or more to reach the nearest ER, and fewer ERs means even higher wait times. If the PCs ignore Manitobans again and close Seven Oaks ER, that will leave Winnipeg with only three emergency rooms. In an emergency, time is of the essence. This government's health- care plan is putting patient health at risk. A rally is being held tomorrow at Leila and McPhillips to protest the government's plan to shut down Seven Oaks and show support for nurses, patients and residents, and I fervently hope that this time the ministers will listen to Manitobans.

D-Day 75th Anniversary Mr. Jon Reyes (St. Norbert): First of all, I want to thank members in advance who will be participating at services on June 6th to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The 75th anniversary of D -Day commemorates the men and women who served, fought, and gave the ultimate sacrifice on D-Day, June 6th, 1944, on the Normandy beaches in France. Winnipeggers were there with three mil itary units: the Fort Garry Horse; the Royal Winnipeg Rifles; 402 Squadron, the Royal Canadian Air Force, RCAF.

Thousands of other Manitobans served in many other units that directly supported the landings in what was to become the beginning of the Second World War. On the 75th anniversary of D -Day, there will be several opportunities to commemorate, beginning at the Mynarski Statue in Vimy Ridge Memorial Park here in Winnipeg.

A decade -long project to bring Andrew home culminated in 2015 when the Mynarski Statue was dedicated at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park as a fitting testament to those who served in Canada's world wars. * (13:40) Local artist Charlie Johnston created a unique tribute depicting air gunner Andrew "Andy" Charles Mynarski's hand stre tched out in his effort to free his trapped friend in a burning bomber, and for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Our men and women stand ready today, as they have over the years.

These men and women have committed themselves to the understanding that some causes are larger than any of us. That unlimited liability often requires that they give everything. Their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice grants all of us the luxury of safety and security, something we must never forget or take for granted. As a former soldier, I had and you have an obligation to serve, even if it means sacrificing your lives, because we all made that commit to our Queen and country. We honour the dedication of these brave ones, their families and veterans.

Those who have served and continue to serve with strength and resilience are an example to us all. So, today, I can never thank you enough. We can never thank you enough. I am proud to be here today with my fellow veterans and all Canadian Armed Forces members,

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2177 and even members from the US Air Force who are in the gallery to take

part in the act of remembrance. Thank you for your service. Madam Speaker, I would ask the House to rise for a moment of silence to remember those who served our nation on June 6th, 1944. Madam Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. Mennonite Heritage Village–Russländer Exhibit Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, Canada and Manitoba have long offered opportunity, peace and freedom to those who were in need of each.

Since almost its beginning, Manitoba has offered these qualities to Mennonites who found their beliefs and values being oppressed in other places. In the 1870s, Mennonites by the thousands fled Russia as they felt their religious beliefs being oppressed and compromised. About 7,000 came to Manitoba with the offer of land and cultural and educational autonomy. Among that group was my grea t-great-great-grandfather and - grandmother: Jacob and Maria Martens.

In the 1920s, about 24,000 Mennonites fled Russia during the Russia revolution, where they were subjected to violence and theft of their businesses and possessions. Many had only a handful of possessions as they came into Canada with their families and began a new life, sure that a poor life was better than the life they were fleeing in Russia. The latter group of immigrants is known as the Russländers. This past weekend, an exhibit dedicated to their trials and their resilience and dedication to make a new life opened at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.

The exhibit features some of the meagre possessions that the Mennonite immigrants were able to bring with them from Russi a and the story of how they began a new life and have contributed to our province for the past 100 years. Curator Andrea Dyck and assistant curator Jenna Klassen have done a wonderful job of telling a difficult story. Madam Speaker, as the House is schedu led to rise next week, I know that members will have a bit more free time. I would encourage them to visit the Russländer display at the Mennonite Heritage Village.

It will contrast for them the tyranny of communism with the hope of a people of faith and determination: a lesson that should never be forgotten. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions we have a number of guests in the gallery that I would like to introduce to you. We have seated in the publ ic gallery from St. Gerard School 22 grade 4 students under the direction of Heather Pollock, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe).

And also seated in the public gallery from Elmdale School we have 23 grade 4 students under the direction of Bethany Dueck, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Education and Training (Mr. Goertzen). And on behalf of all members we welcome you all to the Manitoba Legislature. I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's gallery where we have with us today Stephan Day, who has recently taken over from JoAnn McKerlie -Korol as Director of Education and Outreach Services for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Stephan graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in education and has worked in several school divisions in Winnipeg. Prior to joining the Assembly, Stephan managed two drop- in youth centres for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Winnipeg. Stephan will be running the Classroom in the Legislature along with other Education and Outreach programs. He is more than willing to answer questions and give more information on the programs we offer for educators, students and community groups across Manitoba.

On behalf of all members here, we welcome Stephan to his new position. * * * Madam Speaker: And, as is our custom, when we have a page that is leaving us, we have an opportunity to say thank you and learn a little bit more about what the page thinks about how things are here. Kes Gameiro will be graduating from Kelvin High School in June of this year. She will be

2178 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 attending the University of Manitoba enrolled in the interdisciplinary health program in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. She hopes to go into medicine after completing her schooling and eventually studying neurological degenerative diseases. Kes has been a member of Kelvin's established cheerleading team for the past four years and has served as a captain for the past two y ears. Next year, she will be returning as a coach for the Pom team as they recently earned a bid to the 2020 World School Cheerleading Championships.

This will be her third time at the competition, and she will be aiming for gold after her previous third- and fourth -place performances. Throughout her summer, Kes will continue working as a sales associate as well as travel with her friends and family to enjoy her final summer before university. The Page Program has been an integral part of Kes's senior y ear and is one of her most cherished experiences to date. She has enjoyed being able to directly witness the democratic process and be a small part of it. On behalf of all members here, Kes, we wish you the very best in your future.

ORAL QUESTIONS Seven Oaks Hospital Request to Retain ER Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Care should always come first. Sadly, this Premier (Mr. Pallister) and the Health Minister doesn't believe that statement. All we ever see from this government is cut after cut after cut, and they continually put money over care. But enough is enough. That's what nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital are saying. I'll table for the Premier today a letter that was sent to the minister signed by the concerned subacute nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital. This is the second letter this year.

Lack of staffing, overcapacity, high patient -to-nurse ratios and highly acute cases: the Premier is setting up his, quote, unquote, model subacute unit for failure. Will the Premier, for the first time, listen to nurses– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. [interjection] Order. Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): I did not receive a question, and thereby, this gives me the opportunity to correct the record, inf orm that member –as we all understand on this side –that, actually, health spending is up $414 million under this government from what the NDP ever spent on health care. Secondly, I would point out to that member, yes, I've received the letter. It's a lit tle confusing because we have not, of course, made a transition to a subacute level of care, and there have been no reductions to nursing staff at that centre.

Nevertheless, I have instructed the chief operating officer as well as the chief health operations officer for Shared Health to meet with these concerned nurses. I understand that meeting is taking place this afternoon. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Smith: Shame on that minister again misrepresenting what nurses say and always attacking the front-line workers. Shame on him. Nurses are scared and there–isn't the first time that they've spoken up against this government.

Nurses are scared for their patients' safety and their well-being, and I'll quote: Given these current changes and the high acute of patients admitted and transferred from three–to three units, units 10, 11 and 12, we do not feel that we can provide safe and adequate care to these patients. End quote. * (13:50) These are people's lives we are talking about. Will this minister take it seriously, admit that his plan is failing and stop t he closure of Seven Oaks ER? Mr. Friesen: Well, Madam Speaker, I do welcome the opportunity to get some context, especially for those guests who join us in the gallery today.

Manitobans understand that for years in this province we had one of the most expensive health - care systems in the country but one –[interjection]– but one that for years and years got some of the worst results in Canada for the number of hours that patients would have to wait for emergency departments, to see a specialist and to receive treatment. We are embracing the challenge of change. We know that this change comes –is difficult at times.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2179 We thank all nurses for their service. It's why we've immediately instructed the COO to meet this afternoon with Shared Health and to hear the se nurses and to hear their concerns. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: Nobody believes anything that this government says around health care. We'll believe the nurses who are on the front lines telling this government, who refuses to listen to them, that there is a serious problem, that they are worried about patient care.

But will this minister – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: –listen? Will that Premier (Mr. Pallister) liste n? No. They are worried about money and they are putting patient care over money. They need to start listening to the front -line nurses and worrying about patient care in this province. Why won't the Premier–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order, order. Mrs. Smith: Unfortunately, after these nurses have raised their concerns, this minister doesn't listen. His Premier doesn't listen.

Why won't the Premier and his minister listen to the concerns of the front -line workers and stop the closure of Seven Oaks and Concordia– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Friesen: So, Madam Speaker, to recap, this very afternoon the chief operating officer, the chief nursing officer, Shared Health chief health operations officer, are listening to the nurse s this afternoon to hear their –[interjection] And the member heckles now instead of actually receiving the answer that she requested. But, Madam Speaker, we do as a government accept the challenge of change.

We thank all those who are working the system. We are listening, as our decision to reconfigure the changes at Concordia to an urgent care clearly demonstrates. In order for this plan to work it must be adaptable. We are showing it's adaptable. What Manitobans want is better health care sooner. That remains our pledge. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Manitoba Liquor Sales Privatization Concerns Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): This Premier and his minister should actually be taking pride in Manitoba's Crown corporations, but instead all we see them do is attack them and try and fast -track them towards privatization. The minister of Crown corporations' most recent mandate lett er to Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries prioritized privatizing good jobs and sending profits out of the province. Premier –only interested in putting profits earned into the hands of the wealthy rather than back into public services, and it's the first step in breaking our Crowns apart piece by piece.

Will the Premier back off this silly plan and keep Manitoba liquor sales in Manitoba? Hon. Colleen Mayer (Minister of Crown Services): I'm proud to be part of a government that for the first time has provided public mandates to our Crown corporations. This is something that's never been done before, and we are taking a lead and giving our corporations the outlined path to work with us in our corporations. They represent important features of life here in Manitoba, and it's important that Manitobans see where our corporations are going, the direction and the efforts that they're putting into it.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Churchill Liquor Mart Privatization Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): The Premier, it seems, has suddenly found out where Churchill is on a map. After three years he decided to pop in for a couple hours. What was clear was his little display of going up there –was that the Churchill liquor store, which was part of the Manitoba Crown corporation, has–now going to be privatized. So all the Premier was in town for was to say he's all in favour of getting rid of good jobs.

So will the Premier reverse this decision and reopen the Churchill Liquor Mart? Hon. Colleen Mayer (Minister of Crown Services): It's amazing the language that comes out of the member's opposite mouth, the fear mongering that they continue to display on member –or Manitobans, Madam Speaker.

2180 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries continues to serve the community in Churchill, and they did so even when the railroad–railway was shut down, without, I might add, without increasing costs. They reviewed their operation costs on a regular basis. They are providing. They found a n avenue that worked, that will work for the community, and they'll continue to work in the community. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Hydro Rate Increase PUB Ruling Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): The Premier (Mr.

Pallister) continues to make it appear that Hydro is in a doom -and-gloom state, and that's simply not the case. Public Utilities Board ruling is clear: Manitoba Hydro is profitable, earning $95 million in 2018, $64- million profit this year without a rate increase. And that's what the Premier – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lindsey: –and his ministers are refusing to tell Manitobans. The PUB said, clearly, this morning, they rejected Hydro's recent rate increase request. Hydro doesn't need the increase for its 2019- 2020 operations.

Why is the Premier pushing hydro rates higher instead of making life affordable for Manitobans? Hon. Colleen Mayer (Minister of Crown Services): Well, let's put some facts on the record. The NDP government had left a mess, a mess that Manitobans will be saddled with for a very long time. We have the courage to try to make the changes that put Manitobans and find more cost – [interjection] Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Crown Services. Mrs. Mayer: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

And, as I said, we're trying to clean up a mess in this province left by the former NDP government, one that the current NDP government seems to want to continue down that path. We inherited a mess. We're going to clean it up, and we'll continue to do that day in and day out because you know what, Madam Speaker? That is what Manitobans expect, that's what we were elected to do and that's what we're going to continue to do. City of Winnipeg Review Treasury Board Report Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Well, Madam Speaker, the tone starts at the top, and this Pallister government can't seem to get along with anyone.

The Premier saw his hand -picked board of Hydro walk away. He drove away the chairperson of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. And after he used to complain about political interference, the Premier is now interfering with our Crowns like never before: cuts to personnel and privatization by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, putting Hydro projects at risk by cancelling agreements and even blocking Manitoba Public Insurance. The Premier hasn't answered questions in Estimates, now, apparently, on question period.

So I'll ask the minister for Crowns: Why does this government continue to promise one thing and do the exact opposite? Hon. Colleen Mayer (Minister of Crown Services): It's funny that the member for Minto brings up about trying to do what's best by Crown corporations. That individual sat at the Cabinet table for many years and did nothing to benefit Manitobans. We'll take no lessons from members opposite, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Swan: Well, I wonder if this minister cashed her 45 per cent rebate cheque that she got because of Manitoba Public Insurance being a well -run public corporation. * (14:00) Now, the tone starts at the top, and we know this government is running roughshod over its partners. The Premier says he's going to release a Treasury Board report that was conducted in secret. The work began even before he stood in public and pr omised an independent review. The mayor of Winnipeg has real concerns this is nothing but a partisan political investigation.

We've now learned the City hasn't even been given an advance copy of this report. I'm going to ask the Minister for Municipal Relations: Why does this Premier and this govern - ment continue to damage the Province's relationship with the City of Winnipeg?

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2181 Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): The process that we're involved in ensuring that permits and inspections are done i n appropriate way is something that all Manitobans can embrace. This isn't something that just looked at the City of Winnipeg; Manitoba Hydro is being looked at, the office of Fire Commissioner, also other planned districts. If we can enhance this and make it better it's going to mean a –better finances for the Province of Manitoba, increased GDP and help regulations.

It can help the City of Winnipeg, too, in terms of the finances, in terms of property tax revenues that could come in. So it's a very good exercise, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a final supplementary. Mr. Swan: Well, again, Madam Speaker, the tone starts at the top, and no one can count on this Pallister government. The Premier (Mr. Pallister) promised to operate at arm's length from the Crowns, but has done nothing but direct cuts, privatization and even ripping up an agreement which is –decision by the Premier's own admission could cost ratepayers $200 million.

This Premier promised an arm's-length report on the City of Winnipeg, but he ordered employees who report to this Finance Minister and Treasury Board ministers to conduct a partisan political investigation, and he didn't even have the courtesy to give the City of Winnipeg an embargoed copy of this report. I'm asking the Minister of Municipal Relations: Why is this Premier looking for conflict exactly where there should be partnership? Mr. Fielding: What this government is looking for is prosperity for the province of Manitoba.

We know that delays and permit and inspection fees, not just of the City of Winnipeg, but Hydro, places like the office of Fire Commissioner as well as planning districts, cost the economy of the province of Manitoba millions of dollars. If we can reduce wait times an d delays, that's a part of it, it's going to grow the economy for Manitobans. It's going to be good for Winnipeg ratepayers, Winnipeg taxpayers and Manitobans as a whole. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: I'd like to take a moment to introduce another guest that we have joining us in the gallery.

To the –in the loge to my left we have Doug Martindale, the former MLA for Burrows, and we welcome him back to the Legislature. Hydro Transmission Line Project Federal Government Meeting Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, here is a short list of the individuals that the Premier has either alienated or attacked in just three short years: the mayor of Winnipeg, the Prime Minister, the board of every major Crown corporation and indigenous leadership here in Manitoba.

The Premier's actions have jeopardized the Manitoba-Minnesota transmission line, and now the Premier is on his way to Ottawa to try and fix the very mess that he made. Why should Manitobans not expect the Premier to make things much, much worse? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Deputy Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, this is something that the NDP simply don't understand. Our Premier is going to Ottawa to stand up for Manitoba. He's going there to stand up for the interests of Manitobans. Of course, the NDP don't understand that. They never stood up for Manitobans.

We know that the federal Liberal government is standing in the way of a project, a green project, a project that would benefit Manitobans, a project that would benefit the next generations. We're not going to let the NDP or the federal Liberals stand in the way of that. Our Premier's going to stand up for Manitobans. We should be doing it as one voice, but the NDP never stand up for Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: No Manitoban has confidence in the negotiating abilities of this Premier.

The only move he knows is how to attack anyone that doesn't disagree with–or agree with him, and this is putting a major hydro project in jeopardy –that's hundreds of millions of dollars and good jobs for Manitoba –all because the Premier only listens to himself.

2182 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 Now the Premier (Mr. Pallister) is forced to go to Ottawa to try to undo the damage that he's done. Why does the Premier think he won't just make the bad situation worse? Mr. Goertzen: Well, classic NDP, Madam Speaker. When we wanted a unified voice to go to Ottawa to look for an equitable partnership when it comes to funding for health care, the NDP were nowhere to be found. They wouldn't stand up.

Of course, when we wanted a voice to stand with us when we were trying to ensure that we had the energy plan that was made in Manitoba, well, the NDP wouldn't stand with us. They wanted to jack up taxes way more, Madam Speaker. And now we have the NDP standing up again trying to stop a negotiation that should be happening for Manitobans with all Manitobans and all members in this House, and they won't do it. If that member wants to launch her fut ure leadership campaign in four months on that, I wish her well. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Fontaine: The Premier's created a big mess. The Premier's insulting and inflammatory language has put a majo r hydro transmission line at risk. Shovels are all ready to be in the ground, but instead, the Premier is going to Ottawa to try and fix the mess that he's made. But he hasn't apologized. He hasn't changed his attitude. So Manitobans want to know why the Premier thinks his trip won't make this bad situation much, much worse. Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, already Manitoba has participated in the gold standard when it comes to consultation on this project. This is a green energy project, Madam Speaker.

Never in the history of the federal government has a federal government decided to block a green energy program. It's bad enough that they block all sorts of other projects in the national interest of Canada, but now they want to block a green energy product–project that would help Manitoba and Manitobans for future generations. I would hope that the NDP would realize that by standing in disunity as they always have, they fight amongst each other. They don't get along with ea ch other. They tear apart their own party. Don't tear apart Manitoba like you teared apart your own party, sir.

Health-Care Reforms Funding and Staff Concerns Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Opposition): Today the Liberal caucus received a letter signed by the subacute nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital. It's clear from the Health Minister's answers he has no idea what's happening there. The letter is a cry for help and a warning, Madam Speaker, because these nurses make it clear they are, and I quote, receiving unsafe transfers from other hospitals that are not appropriate admissions. Diagnoses such as congestive heart failure, sepsis and unstable angina are putting patients at risk.

We as nurses are not equipped to handle multiple acute medicine patients. They go on to say: Seven Oaks General Hospital has been running at overcapacity for the past few months. There is no funding from the WRHA for extra beds. We do not feel we can provide safe and adequate care to these patients. Will the minister admit that adopting the NDP's Peachey plan to close ERs was not

an act of courage, but a colossal error in judgment? Will he put the brakes on a plan that nurses say is putting patients at risk? Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, actually, it was only two weeks ago that the original author of this report came back into this jurisdiction– an independent, external expert who has done this work all over the world, as those NDP know because they hired him.

And what his summation was is that the plan for Manitoba's health -care transformation is the right plan, that there is implicit across the system buy -in from leaders and from front-line workers, but that the plan must be adaptable. We are showing that we can adapt. The member is asking, will we listen to nurses? I am happy to inform that member that even this afternoon as he speaks, the 'chiep oferating' – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –officer and the chief nursing officer are b oth meeting with system leaders to hear the concerns raised by nurses.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2183 Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lamont: Madam Speaker, we keep hearing that these ERs have to be closed because Vancouver and Calgary have fewer ERs. But what the NDP -PC Peachey report did was put ERs in a straight line across Winnipeg: nothing for south Winnipeg, nothing north of the tracks.

So good luck to anyone who gets stuck at a rail crossing in the back of an ambulance in Transcona. * (14:10) That's not how ERs in other cities work; they're spread out the way they were in Winnipeg until this government came along. Yesterday the Minister of Health listed the health cuts and closures under the NDP, which I table. It reminds me of the end of Animal Farm, Madam Speaker: voices were shouting in anger and they were all alike. We can look from NDP to PC and from PC to NDP and from NDP to PC again, but already it's impossible to say which was which.

When this government lists NDP closures of ERs and hospitals, is it out of envy? Does the Premier (Mr. Pallister) think that closing even more ERs and hospitals will make him better than the NDP? Mr. Friesen: Madam Speaker, it's interesting to hear the leader for the second opposition join the chorus of NDP voices who say go back to the past. Manitobans understand what the implication is of that message. They know that they had the worst wait times in Canada. They know that they had some of the toughest challenges to actually see a specialist or a doctor, and yet the NDP and Liberals say, in one voice, go back.

Manitobans don't want to go back. That member is right when he cites the fact that Calgary has one third the number of emergency departments and yet has wait times that are one fifth that of Manitobans. The plan that we have for Manitobans is a plan to get better health care sooner based on evidence, based on expertise and based on the positive experience of other provinces. They didn't have the courage to act. We do. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Lamont: It's important to point out how much the gover nment relies on arguments that are purely imaginary. The Premier talks about a projection where the deficit was headed, not what the deficit actually was. He talks about what federal health -care funding would have been, if it hadn't been different. He ta lks about the funding promises in budgets that never materialized. It's a world of make-believe. But nurses and doctors and patients in the health-care system are facing cold, hard reality that is spelled out in black and white in this government's own budgets.

Even as this government gets more health-care funding, as our population grows and ages, and as this government demands massive change and adds a whole new layer of bureaucracy, actual spending by this PC government has been frozen since 2016. Will this government listen to the nurses, doctors and patients at Seven Oaks, Concordia, St. Boniface, Grace, Victoria and across Manitoba and stop the cuts and invest before it's too late? Mr. Friesen: Madam Speaker, the member essentially asks will this g overnment return to the same failed approaches of the past NDP govern - ment? The answer to that question is no.

Manitobans expect more. We have promised to deliver more. It's why even CIHI now cites the fact that Manitoba is bucking the trend. Where every other jurisdiction has seen its wait times go up, Manitobans is seeing those wait times drop. I regret to inform that member and the members on that side that even in emergency rooms across Winnipeg, those wait times are dropping this month. Madam Speaker, there's more and more evidence that this plan to get better health care sooner for Manitobans is working.

I only regret that the members would spend their time listening to the answer that they asked for, and not chirping on the other side the whole time. Madam Speaker: Just a reminder to members that we have grade 4 students in the gallery, and I would think that they're here to learn something about how democracy works. So I think I would urge everybody that we want to –may want to spend a little bit more time listening.

2184 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 Hydro Power Sales Saskatchewan Market Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I have to admit, after listening, that it was not the Premier (Mr. Pallister) who called the agreement with the Metis hush money –it was the NDP; it was not the Premier who ripped up the agreement –that was the NDP; and it's not the Premier who now has to go to the Prime Minister begging for a meeting to fix the problem that he caused. I don't have high hopes for a straight answer to my question, but I'll throw it out there anyway.

The far bigger, more exciting project that might not even be on the agenda in that meeting between the Premier and the Prime Minister is an east -west power sale between Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Why isn't that happening? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'm pleased to see my critic actually stand up on his feet and ask a question. He's been rather silent for a while and I was afraid he was no longer the critic of the environment, so pleased to hear him speaking today and asking about a very important project.

We're committed to building our elec tric grid so that we can help other jurisdictions displace their GHG-intensive heating and electricity sources. So I would like to say to that member, stay tuned. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altemey er: The plain tragedy of it is it's this Premier's own mistake with a deal that was already signed and ready to go that has now been put into jeopardy by his bungling–and it doesn't matter what any of his irrelevant ministers say.

He's the emperor in charge and he's the one that has to go and fix his own screw -up by begging for federal forgiveness. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan is running on 84 per cent fossil fuels for its electricity and Hydro has surplus power available to send to them. Could the minis ter tell us what the price difference is between Saskatchewan and what Manitoba Hydro gets on the spot market, and what we could do with electricity rates if they could just get their act together? Ms. Squires: Speaking of screw -up, that would define the NDP's plan for 17 years on reducing the carbon footprint in the province of Manitoba.

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions not only here in Manitoba, but also in our neighbouring jurisdictions by helping them displace their coal energy or the ir other GHG -intensive methods of producing energy. That's something that the NDP never accom - plished when they were in government, and I wish that they would get on board right now with helping us stand united when we go to the federal government to tell the federal government to get out of the way and let us build our clean electricity and export it to customers who want that electricity.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Mr. Altemeyer: Well, Madam Speaker, all I can do is ask the questions, and if they want to put someone up who can't answer them that's not my fault. Allow me to fill in the blanks that the minister cannot answer –and who knows why she's getting up on her feet when she's not the minister for Crowns. All this information is in a radical source of information called Manitoba Hydro's latest annual report. They get 3 cents a kilowatt hour on the spot market on average. Saskatchewan pays 14 to 15 cents per kilowatt hour.

If we met them in the middle, that would be about where Manitobans pay their residential rate. That would be 350 million additional dollars in revenue for Manitoba Hydro every year. We could freeze hydro rates for five years. Is that what they are talking about, or is the Prime Minister trying to now be convinced to bail out our incompetent Premier? Ms. Squires: I did not hear a question in that member's windy

preamble, but the one thing that he does not understand is that we work together as a team on this side. We don't nee d a solidarity pledge to work together on this side of the House. And while that member knows nothing about working together as a team, our government is committed to getting real results for Manitobans, unlike the NDP, whose major accomplishment was doubl ing the Hydro debt during their time in office. We're going make Hydro sustainable for Manitoba's future and to help displace high energy,

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2185 high GHG -intensive transmission projects in other jurisdictions. Policing and Public Safety Strategy New Funding Announcement Mrs. Sarah Guillemard (Fort Richmond): Manitobans elected our PC government with a mandate to build a stronger, safer province for all. An important part of delivering on our mandate means taking further action to address challenges in the c riminal justice system and ensure that families feel safe in their homes and in their communities – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs.

Guillemard: Recently, the Minister of Justice made an important announcement about our commitment to safer communities. Can the minister please share details of this announcement with the House? [interjection] * (14:20) Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Our government does take public safety very seriously. That's why we're investing $2.7 million in a Policing and Public Safety Strategy. The NDP never had such a strategy. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: Madam Speaker, our focus is on intelligence gathering and a co-operative approach to policing.

Criminals and criminal activity do not recognize municipal boundaries. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order, please. I'd like the table to stop the clock, please. People may not like t he questions and answers that are being given, but, certainly, I think people here that are elected owe each other some respect to listen to each other. There's some constant heckling that I'm hearing.

I'm disappointed that despite the last couple of days, of the cautions that have been given, I am still not hearing the co- operation from people as we should in a parliamentary democracy and what we're supposed to stand for, especially when we've had grade 4 students here. So I would just ask for everybody's co-operation, please. When people are asking questions and answering questions, please, let's have the courtesy and the respect to listen to what they're saying. Constant heckling is not what our parliamentary democracy should be about.

I have said onc e before that there is, you know, we'll never get rid of heckling, but there is constant heckling that is very disruptive to this whole House. And it is very disrespectful to the Chair, and whether it's me or anybody in here, I represent something that i s bigger than all of us. I represent a parliamentary democracy, and all of us should be more respectful, I think, when you find a Speaker that is standing, that is asking for people's co-operation, that there is respect for that Chair.

I shouldn't have to go home like I did yesterday hardly being able to speak because I was hoarse from yelling order. You'll find I'm not yelling order today so much because I don't have much of a voice left from yesterday. And I'm hoping that I can please have every - body's co-operation as we move forward through the rest of this oral questions and the rest of the day and the rest of this week –a reminder of why we're all here in the first place and what we're trying to achieve. The honourable Minister of Justice, to conclude his statement. Mr.

Cullen: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and just like our criminal justice modernization strategy, this new Policing and Public Safety Strategy will also have an accountability component. We have made a commitment that we will report back to Manitobans on the results of this strategy. Madam Speaker, we are excited about this strategy, and I want to table this document for the House and share it with all members. Gilbert Park Resident Case Concern Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): We know that overhousing is an issue that exists in our province.

Over the past three years we have been successful in ensuring that the residents of Gilbert Park are not unfairly treated. However, another senior who has been living in Gilbert Park for 38 years has told me that they are at risk of being evicted from their home because of the need for more units for families. Madam Speaker, I table a news story where the former minister responsible for housing claimed that

2186 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 eviction letters had been sent out in error, and I ask the current minister: Is this just another error? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Our government is very proud of our record in creating housing for Manitobans, affordable housing. We know the Rent Assist program has provided more than 3,000–3,000 individuals are able to be supported by the Rent Assist program. There's also more than 750 new units, social and affordable, that have been created by this government. So we're very proud of that record.

We want to continue to work, not just with the fe deral government but other levels, to create affordable housing solutions for Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a supplementary question. Gilbert Park Residence Management Practices Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, in addition to receiving a letter of raising his rent, my constituent, Mr. Chartrand, says that his unit needs repairs but is told by the Gilbert Park property manager that he needs to learn how to deal or fix them on his own or move out. This is unacceptable.

The ongoing, unfair evictions at Gilbert Park show a track record of disregard and disrespect for people who call it home. Mr. Chartrand has been in Gilbert Park for 38 years and is an outstanding, respectful tenant in good standing, but the property manager is unapproachable and unco-operative. What is this minister doing to change manage - ment practices at Gilbert Park? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): As the member indicated, when I was the minister in respect to this issue, I took the time to call all the residents that are part of that.

Our government is all about listening to individuals, listening to people, whether there be issues that come up. And so our government would be more than interested in listening any concerns that would be raised. I can refer that to the minister when the minister –the current minister of housing. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a final supplementary. Meeting Request Ms. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, forcing Manitobans to move from place to place when they have done nothing wrong is undignified and isn't healthy.

There is unbelievable stress in being told you're getting evicted unjustifiably and feeling y our concerns, but be ignored by those who have been appointed to advocate for you, in this case, management at Gilbert Park. Madam Speaker, a stable home is crucial to a healthy life and raising a family. Mr. Chartrand and his friends feel as though they are being targeted by management at Gilbert Park. Will the minister agree to meet with Mr. Chartrand and work with him to help improve the issues many are having with Manitoba Housing? Mr.

Fielding: Well, again, Madam Speaker, our government is alway s interested in listening to people, whether it be in policy items, whether it be things like housing. This is a good example where we've listened to people at Gilbert Park in the past. We're always interested in listening to people. I am very proud of t he fact that we have made important investments in housing. As mentioned, there's over 3,000 more people supported than ever before under the former NDP government for the Rent Assist program. There's over 750 new social and affordable housing units that our government has created.

We want to work with the federal government more to create some housing solutions for Manitobans. Manitoba Housing Units Government Intention Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): The Pallister government handed management control of 567 units to third parties. Housing now faces a $2.7-million cut this year and so will transfer 1,000 more units to other management agencies. Does the minister intend to dispose of more public housing? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Our government is engaged in a housing strategy. We had consultations.

We went to all different parts of the community to listen to individuals, to make sure our housing needs are there. We worked with the federal government in the past to deliver more housing solutions, whether that be affordable housing, whether that be social housing, whether that be Rent Assist types of programs, to support individuals.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2187 We provided some grants to upgrade centres, and we'll continue to work with Manitobans to create housing solutions for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Mr. Marcelino: The contract Manitoba signed with the third parties gives the ability to sell these house – social housing units in the future. We have already lost social housing, and they'll –the minister is opening the door to a loss of even more. Is this really part of his housing strategy? Mr.

Fielding: Our government is engaged in community-driven approach to housing. We think that's important. We've worked with the federal government. I think there'll be some good news with working with the federal government on housing starts to begin with. The reality is, the sad reality is, Madam Speaker, we were left a mess by the NDP government. They did not–they–there was over $500 million of deferred maintenance on the housing. This is from a party that claims to be supporting low -income individuals for affordable housing. That's nothing further from the truth.

Where they failed, we are going to complete the job, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary. Mr. Marcelino: Finger pointing does not really help. An Honourable Member: No, it's not nice. Mr. Marcelino: And it's not nice. * (14:30) The facts are these: the maintenance budget for social housing was cast –was cut last year by 62 per cent; capital spending has been cut 90 per cent; and over 1,500 units of existing housing will be farmed out, potentially to private operators with allowance for their sale in the future. Can you stop the blame game, Madam Speaker?

Mr. Fielding: Our government is proud of the fact that we're investing more –close to $300 million more–in the Families Department than when we first came to office. We know that the former NDP government failed Manitobans, failed Manitobans in terms of making sure they had proper supports in place for affordable housing. That's why we've made important investments. That's why there was over 3,000 more people supported under the Rent Assist program. That's why we've invested in more than 750 new social and affordable housing units, Madam Speaker.

There's a process that's i n place to deliver housing solutions for Manitobans. We know the NDP take an ideological approach to housing. We want a balanced approach, Madam Speaker, that's going to benefit all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Point of Order Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Assiniboia, on a point of order? Hon. Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Yes, on a point of order. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Assiniboia, on a point of order. Mr. Fletcher: Madam Speaker, I listened attentively to your comments about the heckling, and it continues on and on.

There have –you–they–the members of this place have forced you to intervene far more times than there have been matters of privilege or points of order on the issue of heckling alone. May I make a–hopefully, a helpful recom - mendation, and that is to do what I've done for 11 years in Ottawa and three years here, and that is not to heckle. Just don't heckle. And if someone heckles, boot them out. Make them stand in the corner. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on that same point of order. Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): While I appreciate the member's comments on not interfering with the House and allowing things to proceed, well, and to–and not get removed from the House, Madam Speaker, those are all wise words from the member opposite. I hope he adheres to them in the hours and the few days that he has left in this Chamber ahead. However, you've already cautioned us, Madam Speaker. I think all members took that caution to heart. We know that you have a difficu lt job to do. You do it in an exemplary way, and I'm sure that all members took that caution to heart.

2188 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 Hon. Jon Gerrard (Second Opposition House Leader): Yes, Madam Speaker, this has become serious enough that it may be necessary to remove somebody or mor e than one person, and I just wanted to let you know that Liberals would approve more forceful action. Madam Speaker: I thank everybody for weighing in on this point of order. I believe I have already dealt with the issue of heckling. So I do want to thank members for–and the member for Assiniboia (Mr.

Fletcher) for drawing it to our attention that we do have a higher purpose here and that we do need to strive in a better way to try to achieve it, but I do not think we need to belabour this at this point because I have ruled on it already. PETITIONS Daylight Saving Time Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The loss of sleep associate d with the beginning of daylight saving time has serious consequences for physical and mental health and has been linked to increases in traffic accidents and workplace injuries.

(2) According to a Manitoba Public Insurance news release, collision data collected in 2014 showed that there was a 20 per cent increase in collisions on Manitoba roadways following the spring daylight saving time change when compared to all other Mondays in 2014.

(3) Daylight saving time is associated with a decrease in productivity the day after the clocks are turned forward with no corresponding increase in productivity when the clocks are turned back.

(4) There is no conclusive evidence that daylight saving time is effective in reducing energy consumption. We petition th e Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to amend The Official Time Act to abolish daylight saving time in Manitoba effective November 4th, 2019, resulting in Manitoba remaining on Central Standard Time throughout the year and in perpetuity. And this petition has been signed by Anne Loewen, Shirley Rempel, Andrew Heinrichs and many, many more fine Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Early Learning and Child-Care Programs Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child programs have received no new operating funding in over three ye ars, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improv e quality and stability in the workforce. And, Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by Nicole Andrychuk, Tracy Adolphe, Michelle Lettro and many other Manitobans.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2189 Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early lea rning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators continues –has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning a nd child -care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I wish to present the following petit ion to the Legislative Assembly. * (14:40) The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. Signed by D.B., Langhan, Jo- Anne Izatt, Judy Heckert and many, many others. Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced bu dget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

2190 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately renumerated–remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for l icensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. And, Madam Speaker, this petition has signed by Tracy Lawson, Scott Miller and many other Manitobans. Tina Fontaine–Public Inquiry Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Tina Fontaine was murdered at the age of 15 years, and her body was found in the Red River on August 17th, 2014.

(2) Tina Fontaine was robbed of her loving family and the Anishinabe community of Sagkeeng First Nation.

(3) Tina Fontaine was failed by multiple systems which did not protect her as they intervened in her life.

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to seek and pursue justice for her murder.

(5) Tina Fontaine's murder galvanized Canada on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, MMIWG , a s she quickly became our collective daughter and the symbol of MMIWG across Canada.

(6) Manitoba has failed to fully implement the recommendations of numerous reports and recommendations meant to improve and protect the lives of indigenous peoples and c hildren, including the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People and the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Justice to immediately call a public inquiry into the systems that had a role in the life and death of Tina Fontaine, as well as the function of the administration of justice after her death.

(2) To urge that the terms of reference of a public inquiry be developed jointly with the caregivers of Tina Fontaine and/or the agent appointed by them. Signed by Faith Chorette, Alex Catellier and Josh Delaronde and many more Manitobans. Early Learning and Child-Care Programs Ms. Flor Marcelino (Logan): I wish t o present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over thr ee years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has conti nued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We peti tion the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2191 will also im prove quality and stability in the workforce. Signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over thr ee years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has conti nued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated, and

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. * (14:50) We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, whi ch will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. And this petition is signed by–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order, order. Mr. Altemeyer: Sorry to break up the tea party.

Signed by Atif Ali, Morgan Colamenci [phonetic], Beatrix Lee and many other fine Manitobans. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly–the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to the petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning a nd child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately renumerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislativ e Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and st ability in the workforce. This petition is signed by many Manitobans. Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early le arning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating

2192 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to inc rease; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Le gislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. This petition was signed by Colin [phonetic] Maxim, Ron Loewen, Morris Stern and many, many more. Thank you. ACCESS Bursary Program Mrs.

Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petitio n to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) All Manitobans deserve the opportunity to pursue a university or college degree.

(2) The ACCESS program was introduced by the provincial government in the 1970s. It prov ided grants to Manitobans who were historically underrepresented in professions such as teaching and social work.

(3) Under the ACCESS program, northern, indigenous and low-income students were prioritized with significant and targeted assistance of up to 60 per cent of the student's needs, including living expenses, to counter the effects of historic and systemic barriers to education.

(4) In 2018, the provincial government cancelled the ACCESS Bursary Program as it existed, and ACCESS students will now have to rely much more heavily on student loans.

(5) The situation presents a barrier for many underrepresented students who may choose not to pursue an education due to debt concerns. This change is especially unfair to students who are already in the mi dst of completing multi -year degrees and did their financial planning anticipating a long-term commitment from the program.

(6) The provincial government has already made it hard for all Manitoba students to afford post- secondary education. It cut the tui tion tax rebate, cut funding to post -secondary institutions and lifted the cap on tuition fee increases, leading to the highest tuition fee increase in the country.

(7) The provincial government's cuts are making school a debt sentence and placing more ba rriers to education in the way of disadvantaged Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to imme - diately restore the ACCESS Bursary Program to ensure targeted funding for northern, indige nous and low-income students to help reduce barriers to access and ensure all Manitobans have equal opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. And this is signed by Gail Lemoine, Kara Fraser and F. Sutton and many other Manitobans Concordia Hospital Emergency Room Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government has announced that Concordia Hospital's emergency room will be closed by the summer of 2019.

(2) In addition to the closure of the Concordia ER, Seven Oaks General Hospital's ER will also be closed in the fall of 2019, leaving families in north Winnipeg without any point of contact with front-line health-care services.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2193

(3) These closures will result in patients needing to travel 20 minutes or more to emergency rooms at St. Boniface Hospital or Health Sciences Centre to receive care.

(4) In recent years, a nearby QuickCare clinic was closed an d plans for ACCESS centres and personal-care homes were cancelled.

(5) The forthcoming closure of the Concordia ER, in addition to the cuts in health care that have already been made, will place a heavy burden on the many seniors who live in northeast Winnipeg and visit the emergency room frequently, particularly those who are unable to drive or who are low income.

(6) The chaos from the provincial government's health-care overhaul is resulting in a nursing shortage, with the staff vacancy at Concordia b eing 40 per cent. Nurses have expressed concern for their patients because the shortage is increasing overtime hours and thereby creating an environment in which quality patient care cannot be guaranteed.

(7) The provincial government failed to consult with families and seniors in northeast Winnipeg regarding the closure of their emergency room or to consult with health -care officials and health -care workers at Concordia to discuss how this impact–this closure would impact patient care in advance of the announcement.

(8) Access to emergency medical care on a 24-7 basis is essential for people living in northeast Winnipeg. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to reverse the decision to close Concor dia Hospital's emergency room so that families and seniors in northeast Winnipeg and the surrounding areas have access to quality health-care services. And this petition is signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? * (15:00) ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Could you please call for concurrence and third readings: bill 26, The Presumption of Death and Declaration of A bsence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act; Bill 240, The Elections Amendment Act; and Bill 228, The Sikh Heritage Month Act. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider concurrence and third readings of bills 226, 240 and 228.

CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS– PUBLIC BILLS Bill 226–The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act Madam Speaker: Starting, then, with the first one, we'll call concurrence and third reading of Bill 226, The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act. Mr. Andrew Micklefield (Rossmere): I move, seconded by the member for Southdale (Mr.

Smith), that Bill 226, The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act, reported from the Sta nding Committee on Private Bills, be concurred in and be now read for a third time and passed. Motion presented. Mr. Micklefield: This bill amends The Presumption of Death Act and declaration –sorry, Presumption of Death Act currently in existence in Mani toba. That act was the result of research done in the mid -1960s. The bill came into effect in 1968, which, of course, for those doing the math, is 51 years ago. It has not been amended since that time.

Other jurisdictions with similar legislation have outpaced this province and demonstrated that we are behind the times. Elements of the existing legislation are clumsy, are outdated, are ineffective or ambi - guous. This legislation seeks to not only modernize but clarify those ambiguities. Madam Speaker, although we're speaking here about legislation, I want to be very clear that this affects the lives of people and these people are in a harrowing situation. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Mr.

Deputy Speaker, this act also was the subject of a report commissioned and published by the Manitoba Law Reform Commission. They identified numerous problems with the existing legislation and recommended that those problems be rectified.

2194 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 This bill does take, very carefully, the recom - mendations of the Manitoba Law Reform Commission and, I believe, enacts almost all of them. We also, in –Bill 226, naturally, touches insurance issues, which are reflected in the bill as well. Also, there's a number of interesting develop - ments in this bill that I jus t want to touch on. The first is that it gives the court power to declare somebody not only to be dead, if the situation meets certain requirements, but also to be declared missing for specified purposes.

And that language may seem a little archaic or unclear, but Mr. Deputy Speaker, what is being referred to there is that in circumstances where the family of a missing loved one may not want to declare that person to be considered dead, they now would have the option of saying, well, then we'll have them declared formally absent, which means that, for now, they're not here.

And the court can authorize a committee or somebody on behalf of the absent missing person to sell assets or deal with financial or legal matters on behalf of the person who is declared absent, stopping short of declaring them dead but acknowledging that we don't know where they are –but elements of their life do need to move on. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this bill provides for that to happen. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I've been asked on more than one occasion: are the –when assets are moved around, what happens if an individual who is thought to be presumed dead –by the way, these are never hasty things.

There's a process, there are require - ments, but what happens if by some amazing turn of events, the person turns out not to, in fact, be dead? Well, there are provisions in the bill that contemplate such an eventuality. The dispersing of assets is considered to be final, but if there is a situation where somebody who turns out not to be dead, if i t would not cause undue harm or be unjust to help them put their life back together, the courts have that option. And we spent no small amount of time trying to contemplate this situation, which I can't imagine going through. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I do want to acknowledge the families who I met with for this bill. I also want to acknowledge the families I did not meet with, and this is a bill that is sparked by a heart of compassion. We're trying to make it easier for these families. We're trying to make it easier for people who are – already find their lives turned upside down because their loved one has vanished. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, it is my hope that all of us in this Chamber will pass this bill this afternoon so that, as one grieving mother said to me, their –these families do not need to be re -victimized every time a collection agency shows up at their door, every time they have to have a very difficult conversation with a bank or a car company or whomever it may be. These banks are not necessarily trying to be bad, but they have to function within rules, as well. This afternoon, we have the opportunity to enact–or, to pass legislation that will make it easier on these families.

Those are the people that I'm thinking of this afternoon, and I would ask all honourable members to join me in thinking of those people already suffering plenty, and, hopefully, by our actions this afternoon, suffering just a little less. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I'm going to be put a couple of words on the record in respect of Bill 226, The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act. We have had quite a bit of a robust debate in respect of Bill 226 and I have put other words on the record, so I won't take up the full time allotted.

I think I just want to use this opportunity to once again reaffirm my commitment and also the commitment of the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) –our commitment to families of Manitoba's missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and all Manitoba families that are in the midst of having a loved one who is missing and there is not a sense of closure. As I have said previously in the House, we, on this side of the House, do support the bill.

I think it is important to recognize –and I would suggest that most that have been working with Manitobans who have a loved one missing recognize that there is no sense of closure. And I would hope that this bill will help alleviate and mitigate some of that closure for Manitoba families. I want to just quickly put on the record that – what year would that have been –back in 2011, when I was the special adviser on i ndigenous women's issues for the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet, I had the opportunity to work with–we had an informal formal MMIWG families advisory group.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2195 So the advisory group was made up of families. In fact, the member for Point Douglas (Mrs . Smith), alongside many other family members, was a part of that. * (15:10) And so around the beginning of 2011–well, actually, beginning in 2010, when I first started working for the Province –I worked with families to discuss and develop a provincial s trategy on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

And one of the first things that was identified by families, particularly families that had a loved one missing, was the desire to have a monument, a permanent monument that was dedicated to missi ng and murdered indigenous women and girls. And that discussion and that work started late 2010, early 2011. And, actually, we had the opportunity to have a more fulsome discussion on a monument at one of our Wiping Away the Tears gatherings, and I don't remember which Wiping Away the Tears gathering that would have been.

That probably–we would have been the second or third, probably the third Wiping Away the Tears gathering that–under my duties as the special adviser that I would put on every year for the families. And so, we did discuss the monument, and so we had – with families from across Manitoba. And families from across Manitoba wanted to have a monument in honour of their loved ones. And what was interesting about this particular discussion that we had at the Wiping Away the Tears gathering was that, depending on if your loved one was murdered or if your loved one was missing, families had different desires and

interpretations of the monument. And so we tried to marry a lot of those different asp ects of what a monument would induce in families. But actually, I remember that, in fact, I think the beginning of that discussion, we had called it Manitoba's monument to missing and murdered indigenous women and girls –no, no, no, no. Pardon me. We called it Manitoba's memorial to missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. And, in fact, it was the member for Point Douglas's stepmother, Brenda Osborne, who is the mother to the member for Point Douglas's sister, Claudette Osborne, who's been missing since 2008.

She actually brought up, in front of everybody, it was actually Brenda who spoke about, well, it –we can't call it a memorial, she says, because my daughter's still out there. My daughter still may come home. And I thought that, for me, personally, that was a very poignant moment, and for all of us, really, that because there's not this sense of closure, there is always this hope that your loved one will come home. And so, actually, from that moment, one of the key recommendations that we had, in respect of the monument, is that we never called it a memorial.

So it's actually officially called Manitoba's monument dedication to missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. That project took me about two years, in concert with family members , to get–from the start to the finish, to get completed. And that monument, originally, I had been trying to get the monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature, but for whatever reason, there was a bunch of things, and it just didn't work out to have a monument, an MMIWG monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature, but that was okay.

It was meant to be that the grounds here, we couldn't have it here, because we ended up meeting– and I've told this story before –we ended up meeting Toby Chase. Toby Chase was, like, the CEO for The Forks. And, literally, within five minutes of meeting Toby, he had identified the space at The Forks. And so our monument dedication to MMIWG actually sits at the cross point of the Red and the Assiniboine River at The Forks. And we worked with families. The designer for the monument is Charles Brunet. He owns Brunet Monuments in St.

Boniface, which was also meant to be that I was going to meet him, because I was advocating for an MMIWG family member –in fact, the family of Hillary Angel Wilson, who was murdered in 2007. We were advocating to get a headstone, and he offered to donate a headstone. And so I had gone with the family, and we were, you know, discussing what Hillary's headstone was going to be like, and then him and I started talking about that–the fact that he does monuments. And so it was –all of these pieces just fell into place. And he's a beautiful human being. His folks that he works with are just beautiful.

And so we worked on the design. I knew the design that I loved, but when we met with the families and we had dinner –we had all gone out for dinner and gone through the design–and all the family members had loved the design as well that I was so drawn to. And so she –I always call her she–

2196 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 she sit s at the two rivers, but in the centre of that monument there's a circle, and what most Manitobans don't know is that that circle actually looks down and is positioned to look down on the sacred fire. I was very blessed to be there when she was put together, and it was like a ceremony because there is a –the way that she was placed, it's almost like a sacred pipe.

And why I share that is because before we rise, I want to be able to ensure that Manitobans going back into Hansard know that the monument at The Forks is a monument dedication for MMIWG, but it was born out of Manitoba's MMIWG family members, but, in particular, families who had missing ones because they wanted to go –they wanted to have somewhere that they could go to honour their loved ones beca use Manitoba families, if you have a missing loved one, you have nowhere to go.

If you have a loved one who's been murdered, you can always go to the gravesite, and, actually, even that is an obstacle because a lot of folks don't have the ability to trav el if your, you know, your loved one is back home, buried on the reserve or even outside the city. And so the monument has served a purpose of bringing families together, of educating Manitobans, and also offering some semblance of honour and connection and peace to their missing loved one.

As I said, that project took about two, two and a half years, and we actually had the grand unveiling, tragically, only two days before Tina Fontaine's body was found. And so then that monument quickly became that meeting place where we all honour Tina Fontaine. So all of that to say I want to just take this moment to honour all of Manitoba's missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and again reaffirm both myself and the member for Point Douglas's (Mrs. Smith) commitment to them and to say that we support this bill. Miigwech. Ms.

Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): I'm glad to have the opportunity to stand today and put some words on the record about Bill 226. I'm happy that this government is amending The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act, as 50 years is a long time to leave this type of legislation untouched. It's clear that changes were needed based on the 2015 Manitoba law reform report, and, although it took this government almost four years to take action on the recommendations, I'm so glad it's being done. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, we are the only province in Canada that has not significantly amended their presumption of death legislation since originally enacted. While some legislation is good and does not require amending, this is not the case with the presumption of death legislation. Bill 226 deals with how families are able to grieve and heal from loss. Currently, without a court order, families must wait seven years before their loved ones are presumed dead. Our process to seek a court order is too complicated for families that are suffering with grief.

We so desperately need a process that is streamlined so that families can proceed with what they need to, to receive closure, including distributing property. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it's also important that presumption of death orders that are made in another province or outside of Canada are recognized in our province. Families do not alwa ys live in the same province, and this can make arrangements very difficult and complicated.

When I think of Bill 226, I think about the family of Thelma Krull and the family of Cooper Nemeth and all the families of missing and murdered indigenous women a nd girls in our province. They deserve legislation that respects their ability to heal from loss. We will be supporting this bill. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is there any further speakers? Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. Mr.

Deputy Speaker: The question before the House is concurrence and third reading on Bill 226, The Presumption of Death and Declaration of Absence Act and Amendments to The Insurance Act. All those in favour of the m otion–is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] I declare the motion carried. * (15:20) Bill 240–The Elections Amendment Act Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now we'll go on to the next bill, which would be Bill 240.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2197 Mrs. Sarah Guillemard (Fort Richmond): I move, seconded by the member for Swan River (Mr. Wowchuk), that Bill 240, The Elections Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi électorale, reported from the Standing Committee on Private Bills, be concurred in and be now read for a third time and passed. Motion presented. Mrs. Guillemard: Transparency, honesty, authen- ticity. These are qualities that voters are asking for and our government is actively producing policy and legislation to encourage elected officials to set high standards in response.

Bill 204 fits within this goal, and will assist voters as they make informed decisions in the next election. If members from all parties have nothing to hide, I expect this bill to pass in order to show how we all value and respect Manitobans. I f we are asking for voters to trust us with their vote, we must show we trust them with voluntary disclosure of our own history. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): It is important for us as legislators to create space and ensure space is equitable for people who have ambitions of running for political office to be able to have the opportunity to do so. We’ve seen in the last three years the government put measures in place that have really dismantled and undermined democracy in Manitoba. We've seen the Pallister government put in a legislative framework that certainly–I would suggest to the House –leans elections, provincial elections in favour of the PC party, the P C government, the current ruling PC government.

And we have seen that this is, as I would suggest, very strategic. It is creating a legislative framework in Manitoba where it is unfair, it is inequitable, and certainly it leans towards favouring one party over another. We have seen the Pallister government do away with electoral tax rebates. We've seen them reduce the amount that candidates are able to claim back that will allow candidates the resources and means to be able to ensure that they are able to run in the election and certainly perhaps even run again if they are elected or not elected actually, Deputy Speaker.

We've seen the Pallister government put in place a legislative framework that increased the single allowable dollars to participate in the electoral process. We've seen them increase the amount from $3,000 to $5,000. We've said it quite a few times on the record here in respect of what that does. And I know that members opposite –when we've attempted to bring forward and note again how important it is to have an equitable and fair electoral process in Manitoba, members opposite have, you know, yelled across the way that we're lazy socialists and we're this and we're that.

But actually, you know, I certainly take great exception to that, an d I would suggest all the members on this side of the House would take exception to that. We work really, really hard, and I'm really proud to belong to a caucus that works so hard.

The situation, though, is that –and the reality, though, is that when you stand on the side of people, when you stand on the side of people who are marginalized–economically marginalized –who are vulnerable, who are historically disenfranchised from the political process –when you stand on the side of individuals who are struggli ng with mental health issues, when you stand on the side of people that are dealing with addictions, when you are standing on the side of individuals who deal with a variety of different issues–including intergenerational trauma – when you stand on the side of individuals who come from–are situated within a newcomer context here in Canada and Manitoba, when you stand on the side of individuals who are, you know, seeking to get better education, when you stand on the side of people, when you stand on the side of equal rights, when you stand on the side of human rights, when you stand on the side of social justice, oftentimes you stand on the side of people who are struggling, who do not have $5,000 to give a candidate.

As much as they probably want to, there's simply not the means, and I would suggest that even before that, it would be difficult for individuals to even be able to make a $3,000 donation. But what we've seen is that this government has put in that legislative framework that only seeks to ensure that they have the dollars to be able to run, because members opposite have, you know –the people that they stand on the side of, I would suggest to you, have a lot more capital and money that they're able to access, as opposed to the folks that we stand on the side of here.

I know that last time we debated this–and I think it is worth, again, just quickly noting–I read out what Elections Quebec pays out per year in respect of their political process, in respect of ensuring that they

2198 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 have an equitable political system. I think it's–I'm not going to read all of it because, Deputy Speaker, you will recall that there's actually quite a few parties in Quebec. I'm just going to read out some of them. Le parti–le Quebec Liberal Party–they were paid out close to $3.5 million. La Coalition Avenir Québec –L'équipe François Legault–they were paid almost $2.5 million. Parti Québécois–they were paid $2.2 million. The Green Party of Quebec was paid almost –no, Québec solidaire was paid a million dollars –close to a million dollars.

The Green Party of Quebec was paid almost $80,000. The Conservative Party of Quebec was paid almost $64,000. Where was the one that I really liked? Bloc Pot, which I thought was pretty interesting–so even a party that I'm assuming is advoc ating for marijuana, cannabis, which I don't know what they would have paid out now because everything is legalized, but they were paid almost $7,500. So the Quebec government understands the need to ensure a fair and equitable political process and to ensure that there is a legislative framework to ensure that.

And, you know, in total, last year, Elections Quebec, in 2018, paid out $9,576,000 to political parties to be able to participate in the political process. That's not even all the amount that they paid. They paid an additional allowances, so additional allowances that you could access was $6 million. * (15:30) So, for 2018, the Quebec elections –Elections Quebec paid out almost–over 15, almost $16 million to be able to support an infrastructure tha t allows everybody to be able to run. And what does the Premier (Mr. Pallister) of this province–what does the PC Premier of Manitoba decide to do?

He actually does the exact opposite. Instead of ensuring that we've got equity in this province, he's actually dismantled it. He's very methodically and strategically dismantled the electoral system here in Manitoba, ensuring–and as I've said before –that the lack of diversity in their caucus continues on after the next election. That's essentially what the P remier of Manitoba has done. The Premier of Manitoba has ensured that there is a lack of diversity. In the last minute that I have, I want to clarify for members opposite what diversity means, because I've heard them say, well, you know, we have some women.

That's not diversity. That's actually gender equity. There's a difference between diversity, in respect of where folks come from and their culture, and then there's gender diversity. And I would suggest to you, Deputy Speaker, that they don't have any of that. And so what they've done is they've ensured that they will continue to only have what they have right now, which does not reflect the Manitoba population, does not reflect Manitobans that I know. And they're proud of it. They’re proud to chirp up while their Premier dismantled the democratic process in Manitoba.

They're proud of that legacy, that as they're about to break Manitoba's fixed- election date law, they're proud that they did that. They're proud that they ensured that Manitobans who des erve to have a seat in here and actually represent –because political representation matters–they dismantled it and they're proud of it. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time is up. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Yes, Mr. Speaker, a few words on this bill.

It has been brought forward, and one of the problems in this bill is that it's not, as I would say, fair, in that there are people who clearly should also have to disclose issues. For example, somebody who has, themselves, or runs a corporation, owns a corporation which has been sued, and not just been sued, but has been sued and the suit is successful and that individual has had to pay compensation. We certainly don't want to include somebody who’s just been sued beca use that would encourage vexatious lawsuits.

But where we have somebody who clearly, themselves, or as part of a corporation, which they are a major owner of or they were the CEO or the exec director of while that corporation did something that was wrong, and they were successfully sued because of that and they had to pay compensation, I would suggest that under those circumstances, that information should be made public as part of what is disclosed about their candidature.

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2199 This would, at least, provi de a little bit of balance, in terms of individual responsibility and responsibility for businesses and corporations that somebody would own or run. I think that the fairness issue is certainly a significant one. And we would like to see some changes in here so that it would actually be a little fairer, but that being said, that –we supported this at second reading and would be prepared to support it again, but we would certainly like an amendment so that it could be a little fairer.

With those few words , I will pass the oppor - tunity to speak over to my colleague for St. Boniface, and I expect that he'll have a few more comments. Thank you. Mr.

Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Opposition): I have expressed some of our concerns about this bill–in part, that it seems to single out certain types of behaviour and that it sets the bar low in terms of saying that people at the minimum should be disclosing their former criminal convictions when there are, of course, other types of convictions –civil convictions–which are a concern –I mean, that may raise concerns about fiduciary duty or people's ability, essentially, to be trusted handling money.

The other is that, over the years, there have been a number of challenges when it comes to laws around elections. And one of the odd parts about election law is precisely that the people who –is that essentially players get to vote to change the rules of the game in the middle of it. And it is worth recalling that there have been a number of instances over the last 25 years or so where there have been some quite significant violations of election law, including in Manitoba but also across Canada.

In the 1995 election, there were allegations that there had been an attempt in the Manitoba provincial election to fix the outcome of the vote, that certain individuals were paid to run for a party. And a five - month investigation by Elections Manitoba actually found nothing. It actually cleared the then- PC party of any wrongdoing. But, in 1998, as the media reported, the accusations surfaced again when witnesses were willing to talk and there was an inquiry.

And, frankly, I would say the one thing that's very important that's worth recognizing the then premier, Gar y Filmon, for doing is that he was willing to call a judicial inquiry, which actually found that high- ranking party officials in the PC party broke the law. And the judge who oversaw that inquiry said, and I quote, in all my years on the bench, I've never 'encounted' as many liars in one proceeding as I did during this inquiry. That was Judge Alfred Monnin.

And there were very senior people implicated in the scheme, including the former –the premier's former chief of staff, who admitted he used $4,000 in party funds to fund candidates in the Interlake and elsewhere, and Allan Aitken, the campaign manager who passed the money to three independent candidates and then others who helped cover up the plan. And more recently, in 2006, there was something called the in -and-out scandal, which again was a national scandal, which involved the Conservative Party of Canada at the highest levels organizing to work around election spending laws.

And the reason we have election spending laws is because of –fundamentally, we have to have a commitment to free and fair elections, that in a democracy it isn't just a question of one dollar, one vote–that it's one person, one vote. And that's an incredibly important principle and that our elections– elections in Canada actually have been–tended to be more fair because we have recognized the role of independent agencies –of Elections Canada and Elections Manitoba–to set their own rules, to make sure that it's taken out of the hands of politicians so politicians aren't able to rig the game.

But, in the case of the in -and-out scandal, it was a close election. And what happened is that there were some constituencies where people had extra money, and other ridings –federal ridings across Canada where–which were considered to be close but that were at their spending limit. So what happened was there was a large and co -ordinated effort.

It actually involved one in five Conservative Party of Canada candidates, including a number of Cabinet ministers who –and, in fact, the current leader of the people's –some People's Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier –in order to fund–to make sure that these other –these constituencies or campaigns that were at their limit could spend even more in order to put them over the top. * (15:40) And this was only discovered, actually, when the campaigns in question submitted their invoices for rebate and asked for $700,000 in rebates from Elections Canada that it turned out they weren't

2200 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 actually entitled to, because the money had not been spent in their constituency. And that was part of what triggered the investigation. And, at the end of it, it was not just that the Conservative Party had asked for $700,000 in public money they weren't entitled to, but they'd done so using forged invoices, that it had been a plan tha t involved, again, the highest levels of the party.

But in the end, and I think this is one of the lessons in both these scandals, is that there was a real reluctance to actually punish anybody, is that there were in the end no one was found to be personally responsible for any of these things, despite essentially findings, public findings, that these things had happened. And, eventually, a guilty plea on the part of the Conservative Party, which was a guilty plea that was entered on the condition that nobody be found personally responsible. And the same thing happened after 1995.

And this is a challenge because obviously elections are absolutely critical to our fair and free elections, and open and transparent elections are absolutely critical to our dem ocracy and our ability to, and the integrity of those elections is incredibly important, because of –because, ultimately, it's the individuals who find themselves in power after that election, if they're willing to use the sort of unfortunate techniques or tricks to get into power, it seems to be just as likely that they'll use similar sort of techniques and tricks to stay in power, so that there are, again, offences far beyond criminal which should be of concern to people.

Of course, we need to balance thi s, we need to balance all of this against, I think, a sincere belief in our ability to forgive people, in actually recognizing that people can grow and can change and can be redeemed; these are absolutely critical beliefs that we need to have in a society if we were actually to believe in justice. It isn't simply a question of punishment or of restoration or, and making good or making amends but also that there's an aspect of forgiveness and the belief that people can actually change and better themselves so that they are not, in a sense, prisoners of their past.

So, again, there are all sorts of ways in which our electoral process, I think, could be improved, could be made more fair, could be made more open, make it easier for people to be candidates, make it easier for people to fund campaigns, and make it easier for people to vote, to not require such stringent, either such stringent ID requirements or that if we are going to insist on an ID requirement to make sure that everyone can have an ID that is free so that everybody has that opportunity to cast their ballot because, ultimately, it is one of –the act of voting is one the moments that really defines our society because though we live in a society which is unequal in so many ways, at the ballot box everyone truly is equal, that a homeless person has the same say in choosing the next government that a billionaire does. [interjection] Yes, ideally.

But that is one of the –thank you, as the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) pointed out, that it is actually critical that we not raise barriers for people's participation to democracy, and that of all the priorities that need to be considered in our elections of making sure that people can participate in opening it up in various ways because I think over the last decades we've seen people feel –lose trust in political institutions, in democratic institutions that we should–that of all the priorities that have to be brought forward, I don't see this particular bill as being particularly high on the list.

Ultimately, we should be able to do better than this, and we should also be finding ways to encourage people to be more civil and focus on what's best in people rather than simply focusing on the negative, and focusing on the future rather than focusing on the past. So, with that, I will wrap up. Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is there any further speakers? Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The question before the House is concurrence and third reading of Bill 240, The Elections Amendment Act.

Is it in the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] I declare the motion carried. Bill 228–The Sikh Heritage Month Act Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now we'll go on to the next– okay, I'll call on number –the next bill is Bill 228, The Sikh Heritage Month Act. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Could you please canvass the House to see if there's leave to allow for me to move the concurrence and third reading

May 28, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2201 motion for Bill 228 on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Kinew)? Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is it will to the House to have–canvass the House to seek that there–leave for the member from Concordia to have moved–that move the concurrence and third reading motion on behalf of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition? Agreed? [Agreed] Mr. Wiebe: I move, seconded by the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith), that Bill 228, The Sikh Heritage Month Act, be now concurred in and be now read for a third time and passed. Mr.

Deputy Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable member from Concordia, seconded by the honourable member for Point Douglas, that Bill 228, The Sikh Heritage Month Act, be reported from the Standing Committee on Private Bills and be concurred in and now read for the third time and passed. Mr. Wiebe: It is my pleasure to rise here this afternoon and to move this particular bill forward and have it passed this afternoon.

This bill, of course, is important to a lot of people in Manitoba, and it's certainly been something, a bill, that has been a priority of this caucus and certainly a priority of the Leader of the Official Opposition as well. It's a bill that, unfortunately, has had a bit of a rocky road to get to this point, and it is quite unfortunate that it's taken this long to come to this point.

But, as I said, it has been a priority, and so that is why, as the official opposition, we have called this bill back so many times in the limited amount of time that we are given as an opportunity to bring forward private members' legislation, and it reall y was a focus for us to make sure that we called it back to ensure that it finally got to committee and then, of course, to this stage. And so, you know, casual observers of this place might sort of wonder why exactly it took so long to move forward.

I me an, if you look back at the Hansard of members, certainly on our side of the House and members of the official opposition, but also if you look at the words of members opposite, you will find nothing but positive words and support of this particular bill. And so it might be curious to those casual observers why it took so very long for this House to finally come together and move forward in unity on a bill that is –you know, celebrates those in our community of the Sikh faith and heritage, who are so import ant to the fabric of this province.

Casual observers might be confused, but I can certainly tell you that those members of the Sikh community who came to this House day after day after day to ensure that the pressure was kept up on the government to fina lly move forward, they understand very clearly who was on their side and who was holding this bill up. And so, again, it took much longer than it should've.

It took many more days of debate than I think we expected it to take certainly because we brought this bill forward on behalf of the community and not just the community in general terms, but specifically the Sikh heritage committee and those members who have joined that group here in this province who have said this is not just words on a piece of pa per; this is not just general goodwill, but this is integral to who they are in building their sense of community not just as the generation who's come here as first generation Canadians, but even for those who are now the young generation, many of whom ar e being born in Manitoba but still want to hold on to that important link to their heritage, to their language, to their faith and who see this as an important part of that overall endeavour. * (15:50) So I want to congratulate the Sikh heritage committee for sticking with it, sticking with us as we championed your bill through the legislative process.

We want to thank you for bringing this to the Legislature–not just here but, of course, in other legislatures across Canada. And it may have taken a little bit longer here in Manitoba, but you can certainly see that all members of this House, hopefully, will stand in unity to support you, to support the Sikh community and to say that it is an important step for us to move this piece of legislation through and to get it passed here this afternoon. So, as I am given the opportunity to be the one to move it forward, I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to say some words.

But I really want to, as I said, focus on the community –the community who has applied that pressure, who has continued to talk to individual MLAs. I know members opposite, many of them got an earful when it was delayed at various stages throughout the process, but that is their job as concerned citi zens to make sure that their MLAs are paying attention.

2202 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 28, 2019 And, certainly, you know, not just myself, but I know our leader, who has been steadfast with the community, has been pushing this piece of legislation through the process at every single stage to e nsure that it gets the attention that it needs –he gave the opportunity for the community's voice to be elevated in this place, and that's certainly where, you know, what I think got it to this point.

So, again, it really starts and ends with the community, and we want to honour and thank them for pushing us as legislators to listen to them and make sure that we were honouring their wishes in bringing this legislation forward, and also our caucus for being steadfast with the community and making sure that we were honouring their will to have this move forward.

So I do hope that here this afternoon, as we get to the end of session, there will be plenty of opportunity in the next few weeks, I think, for us to be out on the campaign trail and be fighting a l arger battle about who we –or the vision that we have for Manitoba. But, certainly, when it comes to this issue, I think it's very clear that individuals within the Sikh community and throughout the city and the province, they understand very clearly who' s been standing with them at every step of the way, they understand the pressure that they were able to apply.

And I think they appreciate that at the very –at least at the very end, hopefully, we can have all members join together, we can actually move thi s forward and we can have some semblance of consensus in this House to say that the Sikh people and communities that make up our province are important, that they are some individuals that we want to honour and respect. This is one step towards that.

So I do hope that all members here this after - noon will stand in unity to support this bill moving forward, will support us in our fight to have this bill finally moved to the –have an opportunity to be passed and will respect and honour all of those –not just members of the Sikh heritage committee, but also the larger community as well and show our respect as legislators through this piece of legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Any further speakers? Mr.

Dougald Lamont (Leader of the S econd Opposition): Very pleased to be–to put some words on the record in support of this bill and thank the opposition for bringing it forward. We know it's an important bill for the community, that it came from the community. They supported it. I just wanted to mention that Manitoba has played a historic role for the Sikh community. In fact, the first MLA ever elected in Canada of Sikh origin and born in India was Gulzar Cheema, who was a Liberal MLA who was elected in 1988. He was also elected as an MLA in British Columbia and went on to become a Cabinet minister in BC.

So he was one of the few people actually, in Canada, to be elected as MLA in two provinces. Madam Speaker in the Chair We know that the Sikh community, again, is extremely proud of t heir contributions to Manitoba, to Winnipeg. A friend of mine was one of the first – moved in, I think– I believe, 1973–was one of the first Sikh families to move to Brandon –San Grewal– where there was also a growing community. And, as others have said, that it's important to recognize th

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-4-58b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 4th hansardpdf 58b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	26d1fd65d290c34552636c8b3481bfae8971f1e6

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