Manitoba Hansard — 7 March 1985 (Sitting 1, 32nd Legislature, 4th Session)

32-4-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session - Thirty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS (HANSARD) 34 Elizabeth II Published under the authority of The Honourable D. James Walding Speaker ISSN 0542-5492 VOL. xxxm No. 1 - 2:00 p.m. THURSDA y' 7 MARCH, 1985. Printed by the Office of the Oueens Printer, Provmce of Manitoba

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Second Legislature Members, Constituencies and Political Affiliation Name ADAM, A.R. (Pete) ANSTETT, Hon. Andy ASHTON, Steve BANMAN, Robert (Bob) BIRT, Charles T. BLAKE, David R. (Dave) BROWN, Arnold BUCKLASCHUK, Hon. John M. CARROLL, Q.C., Henry N. CORRIN, Q.C., Brian COWAN, Hon. Jay DESJARDINS, Hon. Laurent DODICK, Doreen DOERN, Russell DOLIN, Mary Beth DOWNEY, James E. DRIEDGER, Albert ENNS, Harry EVANS, Hon. Leonard S. EYLER, Phil FILMON, Gary FOX, Peter GOURLAY, D.M. (Doug) GRAHAM, Harry HAMMOND, Gerrie • HARAPIAK, Hon. Harry M. HARPER, Elijah HEMPHILL, Hon.

Maureen HYDE, Lloyd JOHNSTON, J. Frank KOSTYRA,Hon. Eugene KOVNATS, Abe LECUYER, Hon. Gerard LYON, Q.C., Hon. Sterling MACKLING, Q.C., Hon. Al MALINOWSKI, Donald M. MANNESS, Clayton McKENZIE, J. Wally MERCIER, Q.C., G.W.J. (Gerry) NORDMAN, Rurik (Ric) OLESON, Charlotte ORCHARD, Donald PAWLEY, Q.C., Hon. Howard R. PARASIUK, Hon. Wilson PENNER, Q.C., Hon. Roland PHILLIPS, Myrna A. PLOHMAN, Hon. John RANSOM, A. Brian SANTOS, Conrad SCHROEDER, Hon. Vic SCOTT, Don SMITH, Hon. Muriel STEEN, Warren STORIE, Hon. Jerry T. URUSKI, Hon. Bill USKIW, Hon. Samuel WALDING, Hon. D. James Constituency Ste.

Rose Springfield Thompson La Verendrye Fort Garry Minnedosa Rhineland Gimli Brandon West Ell ice Churchill St Boniface Riel Elm wood Kildonan Arthur Emerson Lakeside Brandon East River East Tuxedo Concordia Swan River Virden Kirkfield Park The Pas Rupertsland Logan Portage la Prairie Sturgeon Creek Seven Oaks Niakwa Radisson Charleswood St. James St. Johns Morris Roblin-Russell St. Norbert Assiniboia Gladstone Pembina Selkirk Transcona Fort Rouge Wolseley Dauphin Turtle Mountain Burrows Rossmere lnkster Osborne River Heights Flin Flon Interlake Lac du Bonnet St.

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, 7 March, 1985. Time - 2:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. the Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying the Mace shoulder high and followed by the Speaker and the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly, entered the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the main entrance of the House, the Speaker took his post on the east side of the House and the Clerks took their post on the west side of the House, standing and awaiting the arrival of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, and officers comprising the Officer Escort, met in the Lieutenant-Governor's reception room. The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, accompanied Her Honour from the reception room to the Chamber in the following t order: The Civil Aide on the right; The Military Aide on the left; The Officer Escort; The Members of the Executive Council; The Premier; and then The Lieutenant -Governor.

At the Bar of the House, the Military and Civil Aides, the Officer Escort, Members of the Executive Council and the Premier, halted and turned inwards to allow the Lieutenant-Governor to advance to the head of the Escort where Her Honour was met by the Mace. DEPUTY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, Mr. Myron Mason: Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. (Members of the legislature and invited guests rose.) The Lieutenant-Governor then, preceded by the Mace carried shoulder high and followed on her left by the Military Aide, and on her right by the Civil Aide, proceeded along the west side of the Chamber to the Throne.

The Officer Escort divided when reaching the Table, the left file going to the east side of the Chamber, and the right file going to the west. The Premier proc eeded along the east side and stood on the floor on the east side of the Chamber. The members of the Ex ecutive Council took their places. The Military Aide took up his position on the right of the Throne and the Civil Aide took up his position on the west side of the Chamber. The Lieutenant-Governor seated herself on the Throne; the Mace made obeisance and retires to the east side of the Chamber.

The Civil Aide advanced from the position he had taken on the west side of the Chamber and, after the usual obeisance on each step, handed the Ueutenant Governor !he Speech from the Throne. The Civil Aide then retired step by step and took up his position on the west side of the Chamber. 1 SPEECH FROM THE THRONE HON. PEARL McGONIGAL, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba: Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba.

I welcome you to the Fourth Session of the Thirty· Second Legislature of the Province of Manitoba In 1984, with great pride, Manitobans our province Her Majesty the Queen and His Highness the Prince Philip, as well as His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. Last year thousands of Manitobans joined in celebrating the rich heritage and cultures of OU!!' province.

Our distinguished guests found the province experiencing a year of strong economic expansion that brought improved opportunities and greater security for many Manitobans and Manitoba businesses. 1984 also marked a milestone for our province in s�rts: The Winnipeg Blue [ ::imbers were successful in their quest for the Grey Cup. The Riley, Gunnlaugson, Ursel, Laliberte and Kirkness Curling Rinks brought great pride to all Manitoba curlers. 1985 is International Youth Year, and Manitoba has joined in a worldwide celebration of youth and its future.

My Government intends to devote itself, in 1985 and the years to come, to a continuance ol its effort to build a province where young Manitoban men and women can have hope for their future -for secure jobs -for a decent education -for the best health care possible, and for a clean, safe environment where they live and where they work. lhe spirit of youth, their hopes, their aspirations can sometimes be personified in a single remarkable young Canadian -such as Terry Fox. In 1985 Manitobans have already witnessed the courage and conviction of another such Canadian -Steve Fonyo.

We will all long remember the image ol this brave young man set against the harshness of our prairie winter . My Government awarded Steve Fonyo its highest honour -the Order of the Buffalo Hunt -with the inscription "in recognition of a journey by one who carries the hearts of millions." My Government will build a future for young Manitoba men and women in 1985 and the years to come with hope and fairness as practical and achie vable objectives. BUILDING AN ECONOMIC FUTURE The Manitoba economy recorded its second year of post-recession expansion in 1984.

Virtually all major sectors of the economy showed improvement. The progress achieved during the past year has further strengthened the base for the longer-term development of our province's economic potential. It has also enabled thousands of Manitobans to work and make a productive contribution to building Manito ba's economic future. Particularly encouraging has been the turnaround in investment prospects in Manitoba. Total capital

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 investment in Manitoba reached $2.5 billion in 1984 with public sector projects contributing to overall investment performance. Increased investment was evident in all major industries in the province. An especially strong growth in the manufacturing sector marked a welcome renewal. Stimu!ated by my Government's housing initiatives, through the Manitoba Jobs Fund and Manitoba Housing, residential construction continued to be a leading are,? of activity,and contributed to a 20 percent increase in . .overall construction employment during the year.

Agriculture recorded strong increases in production last year, tiowever, financial conditions in. the farming community remain constrained by continued weakness in international prices for farm products and the impact of high real interest .rates. Personal income increased faster than the national average. in 1984, reflecting a stronger increase in full time employment i11.Manitoba last year. ENEAGV In 19S5,-·Manitob9 looks forward to pursuing a decade of hydro development. Trre. first phase Win begin this year when; subject to a fav6tirabte ruling of the National Energy.

Board, constru _ction of the Limestone Generating Station commences. ••. . MY. GovernmMt has recently introduced new pi.11'ctlasing employmenl and training policies to ensure that Mitnitoba men and women can take maximum <i'Ovantage of the 6,000 direct person years of employment \vhich will oe created and the $1.5 billion ill contracts that wlll be tendered around the project.

Native arid other northerners wiShing to participate in Limestone will be assisted by policies developed after aw·extensive cfonsultiri'g process with those affected. '• Negolfations are currently ander way with a number of e'anadiailaril:I American utilities for both short-term ant:i'.long•tei'r'h energy SaleSi'lt is hoped that negotiations wtt-tf one Of theS& groups to Sell power on a firm basis will oe concluded 1n· WB5:• •The finalizatfon of any of these dlscussions tor a large, long-term sale would lead to•the constructitm of Conawapa Generating Station.

The<Northern States ·Power sale will bring $3.2 billion in· revenue and .$1. 7' billion in profits to. Manitoba in futureyea�s. Legistation·will be introduced in the coming Session to ensure -that' a substantial portion of these revenues will remain"with Manitoba·Hydro in order to keep domestic rates low, while the remaining funds are invested in economic growth throughout the province.

Ft:: DERAL;-PROVINCIAL CO-OPERATION My Government is pleased to co-operate with the new Government· of Canada in joint efforts to develop the'economies of Manitoba and Canada. · My:Ministers are proud of the progress made in the implementation of Economic and Regional Development Agreemen ts signed between the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada. My Government looks forward to concluding new Tourism and· Industrial Development Agreements with the Government of Canada early this year.

However, underlying the co-operative approach of my Ministers is a deep concern with the fairness of 2 actions taken by the Government of Canada. My Ministers remain hopeful that there will be an early resolution of outstanding difficulties with regard to Equalization Payments to the province and the National Research Council Institute for Manufacturing Technology. My Government remains concerned over the impact of research cutbacks on Churchill and Gimli.

My Government is encouraged by the assurances given to date by the Prime Minister that fairness is an objective shared by the Government of Canada and looks forward to actions which implement that objoctive. MANITOBA ·JOBS FUND My Government will .continue the successful Manitoba J<;>bs Fund . Program as i.ts major economic and employment initiative.

In its third year, the Jobs Fund will continue to function as a catalyst af)dfacilitator Of ecopomic developmentin order to generate conditions conducive .to l<:>ng-term employment opportunities for Mani_tobans. .·. . . . . . . . · A major. new thrust of the Jobs Fund this year will be to assist Manitoba men and women in obtaining � the maximum benefit from economic an'd employment opportunities that win t>ecome avaitab'ie from the construction of the Limestone Hydro-electric Generating Station.

TECHNOLOGY The int�odu'cuon o�� 'ecli.nology in· the wo��pra'c7 brings.withjt n,'ew challen_ges for workers, cqrripanfes and g(jy�tr:linen,ts:. f.:.fy Government i;i�dornmitted 1o ensuring that There is aneq'uital:>fe distHblJtior\ of the risks and rewards that'come''with' teChnologlcai development in Manitoba._ f or !his reason a high priority has been placed on· the human devetopment tlfahnusf· accompany any 0su-0cesstu1· introduction ·of new technologies. rn. this Session; members Will be asJ<ed to approve the establishment of a new. Workplace Innovation Centre for our province.

The new centre has evolved from joint gavernment-laboor�industfy consultations•·and. will adbpt a· co�opera tive. · approac1'Y -to/ id entifying, developing and promoting .innovative approaches to human issues1'0ncountered in·the intrQ<;luctioo of nelft.'. technologies into the workplace. My Minis ters-inform me that the two Manitoba Research Council. Technology Centres, in St. Boniface and Portage la Prairie, continue to expand and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Tile succ.ess of _these centres demonstrates that govern.ment support for initial core operations can grow through the. response and the support of local industry. My Government, workin!;J with the University of Manitoba and other public and private groups, has established a joint industry-government program to enhance job opportunities through the application of information technologies. The lnfoTech Resource Centre, housed in the former Deer Lodge School, wiil support technology adaptation through pilot and research projects and through the development of an education courseware industry.

Leading companies in the computer industry. have committed in excess of $3.2 million to the project and the lnfoTech Program will attract further investment to our province in forthcoming years.

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 New technologies for lightweight rail hopper cars and rail bus vehicles are also being developed in Manitoba with the support of my Government. These technology initiatives are part of an overall economic and technology strategy, evolved through a process of ongoing public consultation and designed to ensure that Manitobans benefit from the increasing pace of technological change in both a human and economic sense. LA BOU R-MAN AGEMENT CO-OPERA TION My Government firmly believes that co-operation, harmony and equity in the workplace are essential to economic growth and social justice.

Manitoba has benefited from a healthy industrial relations climate and my Government is committed to not only maintaining and strengthening positive labour man agement relations, but to ensuring greater equity in the distribution of those benefits. As an employer, my Government has, in partnership ..... ith the Manitoba Government Employees Association, lt stablished an Affirmative Action Program within the Civil Service. Plans are being developed to ensure that all groups within the Manitoba community have a full opportunity for representation within our Civil Service.

Dealing with the tragedy of unemployment and its devastating consequences remains of paramount importance to my Government. A humane transition for workers affected by layoffs due to plant closures continues to be a priority, as does ensuring fairness for those affected by such action. Among the measures to be taken in this policy area will be amendments to The Employment Standards Act and The Payment of Wages Act.

TRADE DEVELOPM ENT My Government also places high priority on continued improvement of Manitoba's export performance and recognizes the significant contribution that exports make to the economy of Manitoba. In this Session, members will be asked to approve an increased � allocation of resources for the Department of Industry, ' Trade and Technology for support of export development. AGRICULTURE My Government is deeply concerned about the difficult financial circumstances facing Manitoba farmers.

Over the past three years, this administration has introduced a wide range of financial assistance programs to help in the recovery from the adverse economic and climatic conditions which placed many farmers in financial difficulty.

More recently, my Government has formulated a Five Point Program for Farm Economy Recovery: Long-term, low-interest loans at fixed rates; Effective stabilization programs for western grains and oilseeds; Improved coverage levels under the Crop Insurance Program; Amendments to The Grain Transportation Act to minimize rail cost increases to farmers and to ensure payment of the "Crow Benefit" to railways; 3 Aggressive trade and market development for agriculture exports.

This program could provide the blueprint for accelerated farm recovery if pursued with vigour on a co-operative basis between governments and the private sector. Because the task of retaining the family farm is a massive undertaking, my Government called on the Federal Government and the private lending institutions. to co-operatively introduce bold, but responsible measures to revitalize the farm sector. These groups failed to meet and act on the special measures proposed by the Manitoba Government.

In light of the lack of co-operation and commitment to farmers by the Federal Government and private lenders, the Manitoba Government has no alternative but to take more deliberate action to save hundreds of young farmers from eventual collapse. HO USING My Government's programs directed at new home construction have enjoyed wide industry support for creating employment and for stimulating housing starts. Efforts will continue to encourage the development of affordably priced single-family houses for sale.

In 1985, greater emphasis will be placed on initiatives in the rental housing market, to address both the low vacancy rate and high waiting lists for low-income housing. Unsubsidized, privately initiated rental construction continued to increase in Manitoba during 1984. This trend, in conjunction with government incentives for private rental starts, was complemented by the provision of much-needed social housing under the previously announced three-year building program. Since the last Session, the government has announced the Co-operative Homestart Program.

We have been pleased with the positive response to it by the public, and we will be continuing our activities in this area. Revitalization of Winnipeg's core area will continue, with emphasis on the north Portage area. Changes in The Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation Act will be introduced during the current Session of the Legislature to enhance community oriented management of Northern housing through the establishment of Northern housing authorities.

TAX REFORM My Government remains concerned that the proliferation of special preferences and incentives in the personal and corporate income tax bases has not served Canadians and their governments well. The Federal Auditor General has estimated that these hidden provisions involve tax expenditures of $50 billion or one-half of total direct federal spending. As a result, many high-income individuals and large corporations have been able to avoid their fair share of taxes and, in many cases, to avoid taxation altogether.

The effective rates of taxation for both corporations and high-income individuals have declined steadily for more than a decade. Canadians' confidence in the basis fairness of our tax system has diminished. Lower and middle-income Canadians have been doubly hurt as a result of these developments. Not only

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 are they bearing larger portions of the taxes levied, but they are also witnessing attacks on vital public services, largely because tax bases have been eroded. At the recent First Ministers' Conference on the Economy my Government called for a National Conference on Tax Reform. My Ministers will continue to encourage the new Federal Government to exercise its mandate to initiate meaningful reforms to the income tax system.

It is imperative that significant progress on this matter be made quickly to restore equity and confidence in the Canadian system of income taxation, and to regain some measure of fiscal flexibility for both Federal and Provincial Governments. CO-OPERA TIVE DEVELOPMENT My Government is developing special opportunities for workers to create their own employment through co-operatives. Following ongoing discussions with the co-operative, labour and business communities, special initiatives will be announced to enable Manitobans to work together to create employment and strengthen our economy.

My Government is encouraged by the strengthening of the credit union/caisse populaire system in the past year. My Ministers are continuing to work with the system to build upon that renewal of the overall system through operational and legislative changes. RESOURCE CONS ERVATION In keeping with the 25th Anniversary of Provincial Parks, my Government expects to encourage special events and activities throughout the year, as well as to make substantial progress towards the formal designation of Atikaki Wilderness Park in eastern Manitoba.

My Government remains committed to the conservation of our resources to ensure the long-term viability of our environment and the benefits which stem from careful management. To these ends, legislation will be introduced to establish a corporation to administer public and private funds to be devoted to the increase and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat.

As well, my Government will strengthen Manitoba's approach to conservation by restructuring the Conservation District Commission as a spearhead in the creation of more districts, shifting decisions to the local level, and responding to the need for wise practices in soil and water resources management. My Ministers are pleased with the progress made in diminishing the threat posed by the Garrison Diversion Project to water quality and the fishing industry in Manitoba. EDUCATION My Government, through legislation, will improve our method of providing funds to school divisions.

Under the new formula for funding schools, government support to education programs, will provide an additional $11 .8 million this year. Greater emphasis will be placed on equalization grants to offset inequities in the property tax base of school divisions. Categorical 4 grants will be provided to fund programs which are directed to the most important educational priorities, such as programs for children with special needs, those considered to be educationally "at risk" and small schools. My Government will take steps to improve and protect the quality of education in our province.

We will examine existing practices to enhance our efforts in four areas: teaching and instruction; programs and curriculum; public involvement; and assessment. In post-secondary education we will continue the initiatives begun last April to increase the accessibility of training to all Manitobans, no matter what their economic, social or geographic circumstances. The training capacity of Manitoba's Community Colleges will be expanded through streamlining of courses and other measures to allow more Manitobans to enrol in both full and part-time training.

A new program to train community health workers is also being initiated. ENHANCING HEA LTH CARE � In accordance with long-range plans to enhance preventive medicine and to provide alternatives to unnecessary use of expensive hospital facilities, emphasis will be placed on the development and expansion of out-patient services and not-for-admission surgery. Increased staff and new equipment will increase day eye surgery capacity to 1,000 procedures a year and reduce waiting lists for elective eye surgery.

Expansion of out-patient and not-for-admission surgery services at Brandon General Hospital will enable this institution to meet increasing demands on it as a referral centre for rural patients who would otherwise be obliged to travel to Winnipeg for treatment. Additional resources will be provided to improve training for expanded neonatal intensive care units. Efforts will continue to be directed towards existing community health centres as alternative sources of primary health care and improved social conditions for a defined population.

Our community health division will continue to emphasize disease prevention and health promotion, by extending into 1985, programs already initiated, such as diabetes education. To prevent a proliferation of costly diagnostic facilities, legislative authority to license private laboratories (x ray, ultrasound and nuclear medicine facilities) will be sought. In accordance with the provisions of The Canada Health Act, my Government will present legislation that eliminates extra billing by physicians and other providers of service for benefits provided under the Health Services Insurance Program.

As a result of a successful, five-year experimental program, we will establish and reinforce chemotherapy services at several rural hospitals. This will greatly reduce trauma and inconvenience to rural cancer patients formerly forced to travel to Winnipeg for chemotherapy treatment.

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 MANITOBA SENIORS It is my Government's policy to do everything possible to safeguard the health, independence and personal dignity of elderly Manitobans. You will be asked to support community-initiated projects to provide group meals, transportation, escort services and regular or occasional home help. My Government will also sponsor the Fourth Manitoba Conference on Aging in May. The Conference theme is Aging: Fiction, Fact and the Future and it will focus attention on the changing needs of our aging population.

The increasing number of senior citizens in need of complex home care service has necessitated a major program expansion. Home care's main purpose is to help seniors and those needing help at home in the community by providing essential care and services. The caseload for this program has increased by 40 percent over the last six years. Additional staff, including case co-ordinators, field supervisors and others, will be provided to assess services, arrange hospital � ischarges and prevent family breakdown.

A personal care home unit is being established at Brandon for elderly residents of the mental health centres. Plans are currently under way to establish a similar facility at Selkirk. CULTURE AND HERITAGE My Government is committed to stengthening community identities within Manitoba. In this Session, my Ministers will introduce legislation designed to preserve heritage resources and to encourage community participation in identification and conservation of Manitoba's history.

My Ministers have consulted with Manitobans regarding their views respecting the preservation of Manitoba's heritage and my Government will provide increased resources in support of community-based activities that celebrate various aspects of Manitoba's heritage. Further, my Government has introduced improved support programs for Manitoba's community musems in order that their collections may be better preserved and interpreted for present and future generations. My Government will continue to work closely with Manitoba's ethnocultural communities and the Manitoba lntercultural Council.

As well, my Ministers will continue to strengthen programs supporting ethnocultural organizations and individual Manitobans, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the cultural, social and economic enrichment of Manitoba. RIGHTS AND LI BERTIES My Government proposes to continue and strengthen its commitment to open government by the introduction of Freedom of Information legislation. This legislation, which has been over two years in preparation, will allow broad access to both government information and personal information.

The legislation will be applicable to Government Departments, Agencies and Crown Corporations. My Government was one of the first governments in Canada to study the effects of the Charter of Rights and Liberties and to act to change those statutes and regulations which have been identified as likely being 5 in conflict with rights and liberties guaranteed by the Charter.

Legislation will be introduced during this Session to continue the work already done, with particular emphasis on meeting the requirements for protecting citizens against unreasonable search and seizure and moving to attain the goals identified in the Equality Rights

section of the Charter which comes into force April 17, 1985. My Government is dedicated to achieving equality before and under the law in our statutes, regulations and programs. Violence against dependent persons in our society is on the increase and must be checked. During the course of the year my Ministers will be taking additional steps to strengthen our already successful efforts against spousal abuse and child abuse, and will introduce elderly abuse programs which combine a strong prosecutorial policy with needed community services.

Steps announced by my Ministers to combat pornography and hate literature will be continued and strengthened. The Alive Campaign directed to road safety and the reduction of traffic-related deaths and injuries has been a demonstrated success. It will be continued and expanded. Our campaign against drinking and driving will be strengthened with vigorous support for a year round ALERT Program which, we are convinced, will act as a strong deterrent.

Legislation will be introduced later in the Session to provide that the courts be given authority to award compensation by way of lump sum payment or interest where a plaintiff has sustained loss of use of a money award prior to the date of judgment. Amendments to ;?a Consumer Protection Act will permit the use of variable-rate interest calculations by lending institutions within the province's jurisdiction, bringing Manitoba into line with similar federal legislation. During this Session a revised Mortgage Dealer's Act will be introduced to protect Manitobans investing in mortgage securities.

My Ministers will be introducting amending legislation that will allow the Manitoba Film Classification Board to license the distribution of home-use videotapes and to classify all such tapes prior to their sale, rental, or distribution to the general public for home viewing. This measure will provide an important form of consumer information, which will enable Manitobans to assess the suitability of tapes for home viewing and will restrict access of underaged consumers on the same basis as theatre exhibition.

COMMUNITY SERVICES In keeping with its commitment to caring for Manitobans, my Government will set before you measures enabling the community and government, in partnership, to strengthen support services for families, to protect children and spouses exposed to abuse, to further enhance day care, and to strengthen community services for mentally handicapped people. My Government has placed priority on strengthening child and family services. In Winnipeg, six new community-based agencies will begin operations next month. To support these developments, a new Child

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 and Family Services Act will be presented for consideration. Developed with extensive consultation, this Act provides for the community and government, together, to strengthen the protection of abused children and to support the healthy functioning of families through preventive services. My Government will be continuing to expand its commitment to accessible, quality day care. Through its Welcome Home initiative, my Government will quicken the process of returning mentally handicapped people to supportive environments in or near their home communities.

DEVELOPPEMENT URBAIN Nous vous demanderons de maintenir le soutien financier accorde aux services municipaux essentiels de la Ville de Winnipeg. Afin d'ameliorer la planification financiere, mon gouvernement negociera un Accord sur les projets d'investissements urbains, qui portera sur cinq ans et aura pour objet l'entretien et la renovation de !'infrastructure de la capitale manitobaine. Mon gouvernement tient a poursuivre ses efforts pour ranimer le centre-ville de Winnipeg et le prouvera de plusieurs facons.

II essayera d'obtenir l'accord des gouvernements federal et municipal afin que soient renouveles les programmes de !'Operation centre-ville qui ont eu des resultats positils. Grace au Programme de revitalisation des communautes manitobaines, mis en oeuvre en collaboration avec la Ville de Winnipeg, ii assurera la survie des vieux quartiers residentiels pour les generations a venir. Mes ministres constatent avec plaisir les progres realises pour le reamenagement du cote nord de !'avenue du Portage.

Mon gouvernement participera a cette entreprise grace a la creation d'un point de mire qui stimulera les investissements prives en attirant residents et touristes vers un centre ravive.

En vertu de I' Accord sur la Recreation et la Conservation, conclu avec gouvernement du Canada, d'autres pares et centres d'interpretation seront amenages, donnant ainsi !'occasion aux Manitobains de comprendre la valeur historique du Couloir de la Rouge et d'apprecier ses possibilites recreatives. (English translation of Urban Development) URBAN DEVELOPMENT You will be asked to maintain the province's financial support for essential municipal services in the City of Winnipeg.

To promote more effective financial planning, my Government will negotiate a five-year Urban Capital Projects Agreement with the City of Winnipeg for maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure of Manitoba's capital city. My Government's commitment to revitalizing Winnipeg's inner city will be demonstrated in several ways. Agreement will be sought from the Federal and Municipal Governments to renew the successful programs of the Core Area Initiative.

In co-operation with the City of Winnipeg, the Manitoba Community Revitalization Program will ensure the viability of older residential neighbourhoods for future generations. My Ministers are pleased with the progress of the North of Portage redevelopment. My Government will 6 assist with the development of an attraction which will stimulate private investment by drawing residents and tourists to North Portage and to a revitalized downtown Winnipeg.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Agreement for Recreation and Conservation will continue to develop parksites and interpretive centres which encourage Manitobans to appreciate the historical and recreational opportunities of the Red River Corridor. NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT In Northern Affairs communities, block funding is being introduced to increase the level of decision making and responsibility at the community level. Such an agreement was signed with Cross Lake in 1984 and it is anticipated that six other Community Councils will be entering into block funding agreements in the next fiscal year.

As evidence of our commitment to improved health services for Manitobans living in northern and remote � areas of the Province an Air Ambulance Program will be implemented during this Session. Northerners will also benefit from the opportunities created by the construction of the Limestone Generating Station and the policies adopted by my Government to ensure maximum benefits in Northern Manitoba. My Government continues to work with the Government of Canada to upgrade the Port of Churchill and to extend the shipping season at Manitoba's only port.

My Ministers advise me that this House will be asked to approve amendments to The Municipal Assessment Act which will continue the commitment of this government to the process of continued assessment reform. In 1984, the Task Force Review of Motor Carrier Regulations made recommendations concerning Manitoba's regulation of motor carriers. My Government will issue a white paper outlining proposed changes in motor vehicle regulations this year. A comprehensive new set of Transport Board rules will be instituted and changes to the current Highway Traffic Act will be proposed.

A comprehensive rewrite of The Highway Traffic Act will be a future initiative. ABORIGINAL RIGHTS In early April, 1985, the First Ministers of Canada will again meet with leaders of Canada's aboriginal peoples on issues relating to the rights of aboriginal peoples as recognized and affirmed in the Constitution.

My Ministers inform me that they have continued to work in joint forums with representatives of native organizations within Manitoba in order that together they may advance and support proposals leading to definition and protection of their rights, and to the development of institutions, in particular those institutions of self-government, through which they might ensure justice, security and progress for the aboriginal collectivities of Canada. My Ministers remain convinced that progress with the aboriginal people in the area of economic development must be a high priority.

Thursday, 7 March, 1985 BUDGET ADDRESS AND PUBLI C ACCOUNTS My Ministers continue to consult Manitobans from every walk of life in communities throughout the province concerning the priorities for and constraints on government action. The majority of Manitobans believe that the fiscal constraints now facing governments must not be allowed to destroy or detract from the comprehensive array of essential public programs which they currently enjoy. There remains broad support for the long-term economic development and employment creation programs provided by the Provincial Government.

My Government will present a Budget and Estimates of Expenditures for the public service of the province and for capital works, along with Estimates of Revenues, for your consideration. The Budget will utilize available resources to maintain essential public services and support further job creation to combat unacceptably high unemployment, especially among young Manitoba ll men and women. , The Public Accounts for the 1983-84 fiscal year will also be presented for your consideration. EQUALITY FOR WOMEN Tomorrow is International Women's Day.

My Ministers have taken steps to address our commitment toward genuine economic equality and social justice for Manitoba women. In June, my Government will co-host the Federal/ Provincia l/Territorial Conference of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women - a conference which will deal with the urgent need for sufficient accessible and quality child care to allow women equal access to opportunities in the workplace. My Ministers have already taken the lead by providing the Federal Government with a model for a universal child-care system.

By expanding the role of the Manitoba Women's Directorate, my Government is ensuring that the concerns of women are reflected in government policy and action. The Directorate, by liaising with all government departments, works to promote a co o rd in at ed and co-operative thrust toward the enhancement of the status of women. Pay equity is a principle my Government is committed to and measures will be introduced to further ensure that women receive a fair share of the economic benefits in this province.

In leaving you, I pray Divine Providence may guide you and enlighten you in your deliberations and your decisions. En vous quittant, je prie la Divine Providence pour qu'elle vous guide et vous eclaire dans vos deliberations et vos decisions. May God Bless the Queen and our country. (GOD SAVE THE QUEEN WAS SUNG) The Civil Aide advanced and, after abeisance, received the Speech from the Lieutenant-Governor and retired to the west side of the Chamber.

The Mace then made obeisance before the Lieutenant-Governor and preceded Her Honour along 7 the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and his Aides. The Premier returned to his seat in the Chamber. The Speaker proceeded to the Chair after Her Honour had passed the Bar of the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Speaker who was standing before the Chair. The Mace made obeisance and returned to the Table. MR. SPEAKER, Hon J.

Walding: 0 Eternal and Almighty God from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O Merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy Will; that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the Glory and Honour of Thy Name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. (The Speaker bowed to the members and seated the House.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS HON. H. PAWLEY introduced Bill No. 1,

An Act respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office;

Loi sur la prestation des serments d'entree en fonction. HOUSE BUSINESS MR. SPEAKER: In order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of the Address of Her Honour, which was read. I am further pleased to advise the House that Mr. James E. Diack has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for the Fourth Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature. The Honourable First Minister. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr. Speak er, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Attorney-General, that the Votes and Proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by Mr.

Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. MOTION presented and carried. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable First Minister. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker , I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, that the Speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow. MOTION presented and carried. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable First Minister. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I move the House do now adjourn. MR.

SPEAKER: Before putting the question to the House, may I inform all people present that a receiving

line composed of the Lieutenant-Governor and her husband, the Premier and his wife, and the Speaker and his wile, will form shortly in Room 200 at the north end of this building. Refreshments will be served as usual in Room 254 beginning at approximately 3 o'clock. 1985 A cordial welcome is extended to all and everyone is invited to attend. MOTION presented and carried and the House adjourned and will stand adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock (Friday).

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	32-4-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	32nd 4th hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	280ebb3b86f04a91a00070ba541b09781a655e6d

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).