Manitoba Hansard — 31 October 2024 (Sitting 81B, 43rd Legislature, 1st Session)

43-1-81b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXVIII No. 81B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

3255 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, October 31, 2024 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Good afternoon. Please be seated. Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): On House business? The Speaker: Oh, sorry–the honourable Government House Leader. Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Could you please canvass the House to see if there is lead–leave to expedite consideration of Bill 41, The Provincial Court Amendment Act, as follows: 1. At the top of orders of the day today, the House will consider second reading of Bill 41, with the

section of the Committee of Supply meeting in room 254 considering departmental Estimates to sit concurrently with the House. The following limited debate provisions will apply to Bill 41 debate: (

a) First, the Minister of Justice may speak up to five minutes; (

b) Then a question period may be held in accordance with subrule 137(5); (

c) Next, a member from the official opposition may speak up to five minutes; and (

d) Lastly, each independent member may speak up to five minutes; and (

e) the Speaker shall then put the question. Once Bill 41 passes second reading, it shall then be referred to the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development, which will meet at 3 p.m. this afternoon in room 255. 3. The House shall then resolve into the Chamber

section of the Committee of Supply to consider departmental Estimates. 4. On November 7, 2024, the House will consider concurrence and third reading of Bill 41 during orders of the day, government business, with the following limited debate provisions to apply: (

a) First, the Minister of Justice may speak up to five minutes; (

b) Next, a member from the official opposition may speak up to five minutes; (

c) Lastly, each independent member may speak up to five minutes; and (

d) the Speaker shall put the question. The Speaker: Is there leave for the House to expedite consideration of Bill 41, The Provincial Court Amendment Act, as described by the Gov ernment House Leader? Is there leave? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: Leave has been denied. Mr. Johnson: On House business? The Speaker: The honourable Opposition House Leader, on House business. Mr.

Johnson: Could you please canvass the House to see if there is leave to expediate consideration of Bill 41, The Provincial Court Amendment Act, and Bill 221, The Earlier Screening for Breast Cancer Act, on November 5, 2024, as follows: At the top of orders of the day, the House will consider second reading of Bill 41, with the following limited debate provisions to apply: (

a) First, the Minister of Justice may speak up to five minutes; (

b) Then a question period may be held in accordance with subrule 137(5); (

c) Next, a member from the official opposition may speak for up to five minutes; (

d) Lastly, each independent member may speak up to five minutes; and (

e) the Speaker shall then put the question. Once Bill 41 passes second reading, bills 41 and 221 shall be immediately referred to the Committee of the Whole.

3256 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 Once the Committee of the Whole rises and the Chairperson reports, the House will consider concurrence and third reading of bills 41 and 221. The following limited debate provisions will apply to Bill 41: First, the bill sponsor may speak for up to five minutes; Next, a member from the official opposition may speak for up to five minutes; Lastly, each independent member may speak for up to five minutes; and the Speaker shall then put the question.

The following limited debate provisions will apply to Bill 221: First, the bill sponsor may speak for up to five minutes; Next, a member from the government may speak for up to five minutes; and Lastly, each independent member may speak for up to five minutes; and the Speaker shall then put the question with the House not to recognize the clock as 5 until all provisions are completed. The Speaker: Is there leave for the House to consider bills 41 and 221 as described by the Opposition House Leader? Is there leave? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. An Honourable Member: No. The Speaker: I hear a no.

Leave has been denied. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? [interjection] Order, please. COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development Ninth Report MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the ninth report of the Standing Com mittee on Social and Economic Development. Clerk (Mr. Rick Yarish): Your Standing Committee on Social and– An Honourable Member: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development presents the following as its Ninth Report.

Meetings Your Committee met on October 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Bill (No. 38) –

An Act Respecting Child and Family Services (Indigenous Jurisdiction and Other Amendments) / Loi concernant les services à l'enfant et à la famille (champ de compétence autochtone et autres modifications) • Bill (No. 39) – The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act /

Loi sur la réglementation des armes à lame longue • Bill (No. 217) – The Men's Mental Health Awareness Week Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé mentale des hommes (modification de la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs) Committee Membership • MLA D ELA CRUZ • Hon. Min. FONTAINE • Mrs. HIEBERT • MLA LAGASSÉ • MLA MOROZ • MLA SANDHU Your Committee elected MLA DELA CRUZ as the Chairperson. Your Committee elected MLA SANDHU as the Vice-Chairperson. Substitutions received during Committee proceedings: • Hon. Min. WIEBE for Hon. Min. FONTAINE • Mr. BALCAEN for MLA LAGASSÉ Public Presentations Your Committee heard the following presentation on Bill (No. 39) – The Long- Bladed Weapon Control Act /

Loi sur la réglementation des armes à lame longue: Sel Burrows, Point Powerline

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3257 Your Committee heard the following two presen- tations on Bill (No. 217) – The Men's Mental Health Awareness Week Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé mentale des hommes (modification de la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs): Lisa Dyck, Private Citizen Jeremy Wiens, Private Citizen Written Submissions Your Committee received the following written submission on Bill (No. 39) – The Long- Bladed Weapon Control Act /

Loi sur la réglementation des armes à lame longue: Scot Halley, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Your Committee received the following two written submissions on Bill (No. 217) – The Men's Mental Health Awareness Week Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé mentale des hommes (modification de la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs): Marcel Hacault, Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program Gerry Goertzen, Riverbend Counselling Bills Considered and Reported • Bill (No. 38) –

An Act Respecting Child and Family Services (Indigenous Jurisdiction and Other Amendments) / Loi concernant les services à l'enfant et à la famille (champ de compétence autochtone et autres modifications) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 39) – The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act /

Loi sur la réglementation des armes à lame longue Your Committee agreed to report this Bill with the following amendments: THAT Clause 1(1) of the Bill be amended in clause (

a) of the definition "long-bladed weapon" by striking out "metal blade" and substituting "blade made of metal or other prescribed material". THAT Clause 12(

a) of the Bill be replaced with the following: (

a) prescribing blade materials or blade length, or both, for the purpose of clause (

a) of the definition "long-bladed weapon" in subsection 1(1); • Bill (No. 217) – The Men's Mental Health Awareness Week Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) /

Loi sur la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé mentale des hommes (modification de la

Loi sur les journées, les semaines et les mois commémoratifs) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. MLA Dela Cruz: I move, seconded by the honour - able member for The Maples (MLA Sandhu), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, in accordance with rule 78(9), I am tabling a revised sequence for the consid eration of departmental Estimates for today only. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I'm pleased to table the '23-24 annual report for Legal Aid Manitoba. The Speaker: Any other reports? Seeing none. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Movember Hon. Ian Bushie (Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations): I am honoured today to rise in recognition of Movember. Tomorrow, November 1, marks the first day of Movember, an annual campaign dedi cated to raising awareness about men's mental and physical health.

Since 2003, Movember has grown to be a global movement, changing the face of men's mental health and promoting awareness of prostate and testicular cancer in men. I want to thank all health -care professionals and researchers for the important work that they do every day in the areas of mental –men's mental health and physical health. It is thanks to your ongoing contribu- tion to men's health that early detection and treatment exists. Health-care professionals and researchers work diligently to reduce the stigma that has historically created barriers for us to access the health care men may need.

I also want to recognize the important work of the Movember Foundation. The foundation encourages supporters to grow a moustache during the month of

3258 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 November to help raise awareness of men's mental health and well -being. For over 20 years now, the foundation has kept up the conver sation for men to know it's okay to reach out and talk about our mental and physical health. This month is also a reminder for all of us to financially support the Movember organi zation so they can continue to fund im portant programming in areas of mental health, suicide preven tion, as well as 'prospate'–prostate and testicular cancer.

We have all been touched by someone who had this–who has had this ex perience, and I encourage everyone to reach out. I want everyone to know that we are here for you. Our government is committed to increasing the accessibility of mental and physical health support across all regions of our province. In the last year alone, we've hired ten new psychologists and nine new psychiatrists in Winnipeg and Selkirk, and invested over $10 million in province- wide mental health promotion and early inter vention programs.

I want to recog nize the Minister for Housing, Addictions and Homelessness and the Minister respon- sible for Mental Health (Ms. Smith) for her leadership in this area and lift her up in her ongoing work to develop a province -wide suicide pre vention strategy in col laboration with folks from across the entire province. She comes from a place of ex perience, and we are thankful for the im portant role she plays in Manitoba today.

With one in eight Canadians receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and testicular cancer being the most common cancer in young Canadian men, we must continue to promote early and routine testing for all men across our province. * (13:40) Our government is proud of our progress in hiring 873 new health-care workers since we formed govern- ment. These new health-care professionals are joining the sector across every region of the province, including at CancerCare Manitoba.

I also want to recognize and thank the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (MLA Asagwara) for their unwavering dedi cation to work col labo- ratively with health-care professionals to achieve this important milestone in our first year of being in government. I want to, once again, thank all front -line health- care pro fessionals for supporting men, to access essential health-care supports that can possibly change the trajectory of our lives.

I strongly encourage all men across Manitoba, this month and always, to know that we are here for you and to reach out to those that are close to you, your friends and your family. We must continue to love one another, encourage each other to access health-care services and reduce the stigma surround - ing men's mental health and physical health. I wear mine all year round, Honourable Speaker, but I'd like to encourage everyone to proudly wear a moustache for Movember. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I'm pleased to rise today to acknowledge the annual global campaign Movember.

This campaign originated in Australia and is now observed around the world; serves to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. During Movember, men will grow out their facial hair, specifically their moustache, to raise awareness and funds for research on men's physical and mental health. The campaign includes many great initiatives to raise funds and awareness. This includes the challenge of running 60 kilometres during the month of November. This number is not random.

It symbolizes the 60 men, fathers, brothers and sons we lose to suicide each hour globally. Being the only charity solely focused on men's health, it is an impor tant cause to recog nize. In Canada, three out of four suicide deaths are by men. Suicide also is the second leading cause of death in males aged 15 to 44. We know that more work must be done to reduce stigma and ensure men receive the support they may need. I want to take a moment and recog nize my col - league from Dawson Trail who has brought forward a men's mental health awareness bill.

This bill serves to raise awareness and reduce stigma on the mental health challenges men face. The facts are sobering: men die on average six years earlier than women. It's very likely that all of us in the Chamber know someone, or are related to some- one, who has been affected, and we all have a role to play to raise awareness and reduce stigma. I call on the government to ensure there is increased funding to mental health and suicide pre vention and

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3259 greater awareness and treatment of both prostate and testicular cancer. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Peter Martin MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Honourable Speaker, there are many privileges that come with being the MLA for Radisson, and one of the many is getting to know my constituent Peter Martin, who joins us in the gallery today. Peter is the son of the late Paul Martin, a D -Day veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy during the first wave.

Keeping his father's legacy alive, Peter has become Transcona's unofficial veterans' advocate, founding a Winnipeg-wide discounts for veterans program, serving as a speaker with the Canadian memory project and successfully lobbying the City of Winnipeg to offer free plots for veterans in the Transcona and Brookside Fields of Honour. Among many moving initiatives led by our friend, he now also serves as the Manitoba organizer of the No Stone Left Alone ceremony, bringing the stories of veterans to the next generation.

On Monday and Wednesday next week, Peter will gather nearly 1,000 school children at the Transcona and Brookside Fields of Honour to lay poppies on gravesites, pay tribute and appre ciation and silently salute our veterans along with those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. As the granddaughter of a World War II prisoner of war and now the youngest member of this Legislature, I am indebted to our armed forces, past and present, and recognize the responsibility of our genera tion to keep their stories alive.

It's because of their courage, their selflessness and their sacrifice that we all proudly call this great country of Canada home and enjoy the freedoms that we do today. So, Honourable Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join us next week and to extend a hearty thanks today for the work that Peter pours into supporting our Transcona troops. Lest we forget. Swan River Farming and Logging Industries Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Today I rise to recognize two industries that are the lifeblood of our Swan River constituency: the farming industry and the logging industry.

With the fields harvested and grain in the bins, the Parkland area prepares to move into full gear on a winter forestry harvest. These two industries have more in common besides being economic catalysts of the province than one realizes. Many of our hard- working farmers whose pro - ducts put food on the kitchen table for so many families park their grain trailers and hook up the logging trailers to their semis for the winter months. Both these industries have driven the local economy in our towns and villages and continue to be the driving force behind our com munities flourishing.

It is common knowledge if the industries struggle, many business people struggle. Many of these workers are the supporters of our local arenas, sports teams, com- munity centres, health facilities, commu nity founda- tions, and the list goes on. They are part of our com - munity volunteers, our community champions and our community leaders. These two industries help ensure that our busi - nesses exist and are able to hire employees who live, work and play in the local area, and for that I thank them. In James Wesley's song, Thank a Farmer, the lyrics say it all.

And when–we can easily add thank a logger to these lyrics. Thank you. Winnipeg West Pickleball Club Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): It's my pleasure to rise today to recognize the Winnipeg West Pickleball club and to highlight their hard work and commitment to building community. This dedicated group of volunteers have built a thriving club, starting out with seven founders and 35 members, which has quickly grown to over 500 members today. The club is now in its fifth year of bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together for healthy, active fun.

The Winnipeg West Pickleball club organized their commu nity to advocate for a new outdoor pickleball complex at St. James Memorial Sports Park, and their hard work was rewarded with eight courts opening in 2022. I was proud to help support their initiative, which has revitalized the park and is providing much needed recreational oppor tunities in our community. They've continued to grow the club by creating recreational and competitive programs, growing the

3260 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 sport and developing players and their skills to the highest level. This year, their practice paid dividends in the competitive scene. In August, club members went to Nova Scotia to compete in the National Pickleball Championships, and three members brought an impressive seven medals back to Manitoba. This is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to the club and athletes' hard work and dedication to their sport.

Pickleball is a sport for everyone, and Winnipeg West Pickleball club continues to show their dedi - cation to inclusion and creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all. Thank you to the board, volunteers and players involved with WWPB for bringing so much fun and joy to our community. I couldn't be prouder that St. James is home to the pickleball belt of Winnipeg and home to the west – Winnipeg West Pickleball club. Today we have members of the club's volunteer board in the gallery. I ask that they stand to be recognized, and that the House join me in celebrating their achievements.

And on behalf of the com munity and this Assembly, I'd like to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Thank you so much for your work. Highlighting Lac du Bonnet Organizations Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, today I am pleased to pay tribute to a variety of organizations in the Lac du Bonnet constituency, some that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. I had the privilege of participating in these special events to commemorate their achievements.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 in Beausejour hosted a celebration gala commemorating the Royal Canadian Air Force 100 years of service, paying tribute to past and present aviators for their commitment and courage. The RCAF contribute to the lives of Canadians every day and we thank them for their service. A com munity event was held at the Beaches Community Centre to celebrate 100 years of police service in Victoria Beach.

Com munity members, dignitaries, police and community safety officers were all in attendance to meet and greet the permanent and seasonal residents who rely on their services to help keep their community safe. I want to thank Victoria Beach Police for their service to their community and congratulate them on 100 years. * (13:50) The Winnipeg River lions charter celebration was another successful event held at Great Falls com mu- nity centre, with an induction ceremony with many local and international members present. And as a lion myself, I was honoured to attend.

Lions are always lending a helping hand through their fundraising efforts and support for local initia - tives. Their goal is to make a difference. I would also like to congratu late the Beau -head senior centre in Beausejour and the Whitemouth Municipal Museum on their 50th anniversaries this year. The key to all community organizations is volun- teerism. Volunteers are not often recognized, yet they are the backbone of every com munity, and many of them are watching this afternoon with us today.

Lastly, for all those enjoying Halloween festivities this evening, remember to stay visible and alert so we can all celebrate safely and create fun, lasting memories together. I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Clean Energy Initiatives MLA Mike Moroz (River Heights): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to talk about the work our gov- ernment is doing to bring Manitobans together to address the ever-growing climate crisis.

From the devastating wildfires that force families to evacuate their homes to the wildly fluctuating weather patterns to the broad effects of climate change on our health, neighbourhoods and ecosystems, the impacts are all around us and, frankly, are undeniable. Yet amidst these challenges lies pivotal opportun- ities if we work together. Our govern ment, under the strong leadership of our Ministers of Finance (MLA Sala) and Environment and Climate Change (MLA Schmidt) is committed to making clean energy accessible and eco -friendly choices available at a price that all Manitobans can afford.

Our recently announced Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan is a sig nificant step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Affordable Energy Plan will lower costs for households by enhancing energy codes for homes and buildings. We'll also expand supports for clean heating options in homes by prioritizing electric heat pumps

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3261 and geothermal tech nology, reducing both costs and overall greenhouse gas emissions. Honourable Speaker, to make eco-conscious choices even more accessible, we're providing rebates for both new and used electric vehicles and working towards installing new public Manitoba Hydro electric vehicle chargers. This expansion will lower families' energy costs and put countless Manitobans to work.

Additionally, our plan emphasizes close collabo- ration with First Nation and Métis gov ernments in wind generation as well as provi ding capital support to help the transition to clean energy. Indigenous com- munities in Canada have been advocates fo r the environment for centuries, while also being the most impacted by the crisis. Honourable Speaker, future generations in Manitoba deserve to breathe clean air. They deserve to grow up knowing that the land they walk on and the water they drink– The Speaker: The member's time is expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave.

The Speaker: Is there leave for the member to finish his statement? [Agreed] MLA Moroz: Through the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan, we're turning hope into reality and paving the way for a sustainable future for all Manitobans. Thank you.

Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before we move on to question period, I have some guests that I'd like to draw the attention of all honour able members to the public gallery, where we have with us today, from the Manitoba Lung Cancer Support: Carole Vivier, Rick Vivier, Kelly Graham-Miele, Steve Miele, Coreen Haslbeck, Lalaine Alfaro, Irene Johansson, Don Barrett, Janina Barrett, Gina Somers, Darlene Somers, Alyson Haiart, Dominique Delisle and Don Petkau, who are the guests of the honour able member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today.

Further, I would like to intro duce to the House a very special guest in the public gallery: Jake Lesquereux is visiting Winnipeg from Sydney, Australia, as he travels around the world after graduating school. And as it turns out, Jake is the cousin and godson of our very capable Deputy Clerk, Tim Abbott. On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Interlake Region Flood Protection Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): In oral questions and in Estimates, we have asked about infra structure cuts made by this NDP cover–government so far.

We know the NDP cut schools, they cut high- ways, they cut the Parks budgets, and we have learned they cut one of the biggest projects on the books and one of the most important to so many Manitobans: the Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin outlet channels project. We have yet to get an answer to this question despite having asked previously. Now that the Premier has cancelled his very im- portant outlet channels project, what is the updated timeline for flood protection in the Interlake? Hon.

Wab Kinew (Premier): Oh, timeline is we're going to beat the seven and a half years of doing absolutely nothing that the PCs delivered over their failed time in office. I want to take this op portunity to say happy Halloween to all of the kids who are heading out trick-or-treating. Course, a lot of Manitobans are going to be celebrating Diwali tomorrow, as well as Bandi Chhor Divas, and so I want to wish those celebrations go superbly. And to the new chief of the Brandon Police Service, Tyler Bates, I want to con gratulate you on the new role and on being sworn in this week.

We look forward to working together to make the Westman and all of Manitoba safer. Thank you so much for your service. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: The federal government was contemplating necessary approvals to advance the outlet channels project until the Manitoba NDP, under this Premier, got elected and told them to stop. The Premier's inaction has cancelled work that was ongoing. The minister now says the work that has been done might have been wasted since she's open to changes in scope and design.

In Executive Council Estimates, October 17, 2024, the Premier said, and I quote: I am personally involved and we will get it done. End quote.

3262 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 Can he please provide an updated timeline for flood protection in the Interlake? Mr. Kinew: Well, I appreciate the friendly question today to talk about our govern ment's commitment to delivering on flood mitigation for people in the Interlake region. We know that this is a major priority for folks around Lake Manitoba, for folks around–you know, downstream from the Fairford Dam, for many com - munities that were affected by not only the flood of 2011, but many other significant flood seasons.

That's why it was so disappointing that for two years, even though this was called Brian Pallister's legacy project, nothing got done. There is not one millilitre of water that has been drained or diverted because of the inaction of the PC government. We, on the other hand, are getting to work for you, the people of Manitoba. We have people at the table. We're charting a path forward that is going to bring everyone along and protect more Manitobans from the threat of future floods. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, in Estimates, October 17, 2024, the Premier said, and I quote: The channels project has not been cancelled. But that's conflicting with his minister that said earlier that it was actually cut, and the –delay flood protection in the Interlake. In terms of con sultation over years, our govern - ment professionally engaged in good faith to advance the channels project: more than 252 meetings; more than 5,500 emails and phone calls; more than 1,100 letters with all affected Indigenous groups.

Last week in Estimates, the Premier said, in French, but I caught it, in quote: There were meetings and gatherings. I'll give the Premier one more chance to explain, whether he calls it a cancellation, a cut or a delay: How much longer will the Interlake be waiting for flood protection because of his inaction? * (14:00) Mr.

Kinew: Bien, je dis « bienvenue » au membre opposé, au Manitoba où tout le monde est supposé d'être capable d'engager dans le métier public dans une façon bilingue. [Well, I say, you're welcome, to the member opposite, as we are in Manitoba where everyone is able to engage in public office activities in a bilingual way.] Et puis, au sujet de ce projet pour lutter contre les inondations [And about this flood protection project]– I would say this: For all the emails, for all the meetings that the PCs supposedly had on this topic over years, was one millilitre of water moved? Was one microlitre of water moved?

Was one picolitre of water moved? No, not a single droplet of water. Complete failure on that side. We, on the other hand, have a mature approach. We're working with First Nations. We're working with rural Manitobans. We're working with the federal government to be able to deliver on the necessary flood protection to keep you safe. Highway Budget Funding Concerns Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): As today is Halloween, many children are wrapping up spirit week, a time for make- believe. Unfor tunately, this minister of Infra structure seems to be stuck on opposite day, and it's affecting all drivers in Manitoba.

It's only under the NDP where a $57- million cut to the highways budget is not a cut, or so this minister claims. Luckily, Manitobans are not tricked. Will the minister acknowledge what her own bud- getary documents confirm, that the NDP are spending less on our infrastructure and Manitobans are getting less when it comes to highways? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): You know, Manitobans elected our team to build the future of this province in conjunction with you, the hard- working people who go to work each and every day across this great land.

Now, our wonderful minister of Infrastructure has outlined a really impor tant and ambitious agenda. Let's review for a second, of course, what the PCs got done during their time in office. Now, did they build the North End Water Pollution Control Centre? Did they build the channels project in the Interlake? Did they build a single unit of social housing? Did they build a single personal-care- home bed? Where they failed, we are going to build. We are going to be working with you, the people of Manitoba, from Red River North right through the Interlake to the north, to the south, the east, the Westman region.

We have so much optimism to be able to deliver on this ambitious agenda for you, the great people of this province.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3263 The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: My question is specific to highways invest- ment. Each of my colleagues across the province are seeing the cuts, so we've done the math together. A $57-million cut equals an 11 per cent reduction. That's 11 per cent less paving, 11 per cent less repairs, 11 per cent less preventative maintenance. But it's worse than that, Honourable Speaker. This means less work for heavy construction companies and less jobs for Manitobans.

This budget has been a direct cut to the key economic driver of our economy. Instead of kicking the can down the road for her successor to deal with the mess, will she commit to reinstating an investment budget? Mr. Kinew: One of the great things about the job that our team has been asked to perform is that we get to meet Manitobans right across this great province.

And whether we're in Brandon or Winnipeg, we're travelling through the north or the south, the Interlake, the Westman, Eastman, along the way, I always like to stop and talk to the folks in the hard hats, the people wearing the high-vis gear, the people who are building our economy. I always take the opportunity to shake their hands and say thank you for being the driving force to keep our economy moving each and every day.

And what they say in response is: We're so glad to have a gov- ernment that's working with us to put people to work, to ensure that there is actual negotiating power for the hard-working Manitoban out there. The years of cuts under the PCs and Heather Stefanson over. The good times are back in Manitoba. The building trade is no longer an endangered species and there are jobs in all regions of the province. Highway 2 Repair Timeline Mr. Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): Highway 2 from Souris to Deleau continues to deteriorate under this minister's cuts.

When I last raised it, the minister responded by bragging about a trip that she had taken to Gillam. Only in an NDP geography class is Gillam close to Highway No. 2, and only in an NDP math class is a $57-million cut an increase. So when is this minister going to get serious and rebuild this stretch of Highway No. 2? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): It's very exciting to see that the opposition has woken up and remembered there's an Infrastructure department in this gov ernment, and so I'm grateful for the chance to stand up and speak.

I am very proud of the work we're doing in our department. I continue to be proud of that work. I'm happy to have travelled many parts of the province. You know, whether we're in Brandon or Churchill, Ste. Agathe, Wasagamack, we are making investments in this province's infrastructure every single day. The Speaker: The honour able member for Spruce Woods, on a supplementary question. Mr. Jackson: I'd be very interested to know if the minister understands that you can't actually drive to Churchill, so I'm not sure how she got there if she thought she drove there.

But in any case, we're talking about Highway No. 2 that is in the southwest corner of the province. So again, I will ask, I've had hundreds of constit- uents sign a petition saying that her timeline of 2029 to fix that stretch of road is unacceptable. It's a real stretch of road that exists. When will she move up the timeline and get that stretch of road fixed? MLA Naylor: I will definitely not do what the opposition did when they were in office.

In 2018, they cut the budget down to $347 million; in 2019, they only spent $336 million; in 2020, they only spent $333 million, and in 2021, they spent only $397 million. We have budgeted $500 million for highway infra structure, and we are getting the job done that they could not do. Many of the projects we're completing now were barely a twinkle in the eye of that govern ment when they were in govern ment, but we're getting the job done. Grace Hospital Timeline for New Beds Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): In November of last year, as one of this government's very first announce- ments, the NDP told the media that new beds would be fully operational at Grace Hospital by the end of March. I'll table the media

article where the Minister of Health made this claim, as well as relevant sections

3264 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 from the WRHA's most recent annual report showing not a single new bed was added. Once again, as is typical with this NDP govern - ment, a splashy news conference followed by an absolute failure to follow through. Honourable Speaker, where are the beds at Grace Hospital? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I was really proud to visit Grace Hospital and make–actually been there several times to make several really impor tant an nounce- ments.

However, you might be shocked to know that when we first went there and we visited with the front- line staff and the health leadership and patients, they reported to me that they had never actually received a visit from the Health minister by the previous adminis- tration. They had never been engaged in planning. They had never ever been engaged on front-line health care. Now it's sad, Hon ourable Speaker, that on that side of the House, they continue to share information that is wrong.

On this side of the House, we're going to continue to add beds, add front-line staff and work with front -line health experts to make he alth care better, not only in west Winnipeg but across Manitoba. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: Perhaps, these promised beds could have helped alleviate rising ER wait times in Winnipeg. Instead, Grace Hospital's ER wait times have only gotten worse, now at a median of 4.92 hours as of August, an increase from 4.28 hours in August the year before.

Ev en the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union told the media on Tuesday, quote, wait times are definitely rising in our emergency de part- ments, unquote. So with no additional staffed beds at the Grace and now with rising ER wait times, does the NDP actually have a plan to address ER wait times, or is it all just about news conferences and lip service to the media? * (14:10) MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House we recognized right away the serious damage that was done to our health- care system by the previous Heather Stefanson administration and members opposite.

We got to work right away, adding beds to the health-care system and adding people to staff those beds. And we're going to continue to do that work. But what are we cleaning up, what mess are we fixing? Well, seven and a half years and a net loss of over 200 beds from across our health-care system. We are proud to be adding back capacity and working with the front lines to make health care better. We will take absolutely no lessons from members opposite, who have zero credibility when it comes to health care. Highways 8 and 67 Repair Timeline Mr.

Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): Honourable Speaker, I'd like to wake up and remind the Minister of Infra - structure about the letter recently written by the RM of St. Andrews and its council about the intersection of provincial highways 8 and 67, and further remind the minister that I have previously spoken to them about this intersection. Manitobans expect safe roads. When will the minister give my con stituents a timeline as to when safety improvements will be made at this intersection? Hon.

Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): For the record, I'm fully awake and fully alert and ready to answer questions. I think perhaps member opposite might be sleep- walking, but I'm happy to remind him that highway safety is one of the most important, most critical parts of our government and what I am working towards. You know, we've stood up a new road safety team, creating a specialized team of experts to focus on data-driven improvements to highway safety, and I'm very excited about the projects that will come out of that work we've done this year.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Selkirk, on a supplementary question. Mr. Perchotte: Honourable Speaker, I would hope that we could all agree the local experts know what their commu nities need most. The area fire depart - ment is often first on the scene when accidents occur, and the fire chief has some specific recommendations, which I will table for the House: adding a turning lane to PTH No. 8; warning signs indicating an intersection ahead; stop signs with flashing light on top.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3265 And I'll remind the minister, these are the exact same things I said when we had our meeting. So if she's not sleepwalking, she's not listening. MLA Naylor: I'm hoping that the members opposite get some coaching on not straying from their notes, because the jokes are falling flat. I would like to say that it is absolutely accurate that local residents do know their com munities best. I'm so pleased with the work that's emerging from our blue ribbon panel made up of local experts across the province.

I'm also really pleased to report that I've met with over 100 First Nations and municipalities in this short year on the job so that I can hear directly from them day after day in my office, most of whom had never had the chance– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Infrastructure Investment Strategy Implementation Request Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I'd like to thank the member from Turtle Mountain for his hard work building and imple menting the Manitoba Trans por- tation and Infrastructure's 2023 multi-year infrastructure investment strategy.

But what is required now is for his –this current minister to carry out that plan, which includes a project that goes through the constituency of Lakeside and Portage la Prairie. Honourable Speaker, will the Minister of Trans - portation and Infra structure commit to fully imple - menting MTI's multi- year infra structure invest ment strategy? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I thank the member opposite for asking about the multi-year investment strategy.

This is an in credible piece of work that my department's been–let me rephrase that : o ur govern ment's multi- year infrastructure strategy. It's an incredible piece of work and I can't wait 'til all Manitobans get to see it when we're able to launch it very soon. Mr. King: Honourable Speaker, one of the projects that's important to the con stituents of Lakeside and Portage la Prairie and is included in that multi- year plan is the upgrading of PR 227 from a mixed gravel and bituminous surface to RTAC loading standards. So, according to the multi -year plan, work should already be under way.

Can this minister commit today that this work will be carried out according to the scope and timelines set out in this plan for the project of 227? MLA Naylor: You know, we have so many projects to be excited about and maybe I'll just take a moment to share a couple of them. The $18 million we've invested into the PR 234 improvements; the $8 million we've invested into scoping out a new airport for Wasagamack, something that com- munity has been asking about for many years; $12 million into safety upgrades to intersection 1 and 5.

We have been working really hard to reset relation- ships with First Nations, and as I mentioned, munici- palities. And I have previously met with both munici- palities, that the member referred to, to discuss in detail the upcoming project that he's referencing. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park. We can't hear you. We still can't hear you, the honour able member for Tyndall Park. MLA Cindy Lamoureu x (Tyndall Park): How about now? The Speaker: Now we can hear you.

Serious Injury and Death for Children and Youth Request for Government Plan to Address MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Honour- able Speaker, the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth have published their annual report. New legislation has required MACY to report on serious injuries for children and youth, and through this we have learned that the majority of the serious injuries were results of sexual assaults, stabbings and shootings. What is this gov ernment doing to address these new findings? Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): Miigwech to the member for a really important ques- tion here today. Let me just say this first. I want to acknowledge the really, really impor tant work that MACY does, including the advocate and her phenomenal team. Since I've assumed this role as Minister of Families and minister responsi ble, we've had many, many meetings with MACY, with the advocate and her team, and have indicated our full support of working together in partnership to address the concerns that are

3266 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 brought forward by MACY, including some of the concerns that we've seen in their annual report. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Children and Youth–Mental Health Services Support for Families and Caregivers MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): It has been made clear that there is an ongoing number of children who are dying at the hands of caregivers. MACY's requested for more services for families and caregivers, spe cifically access support services for mental health.

Honourable Speaker, will this government, yes or no, be providing more mental health support services for families and caregivers, and if so, when? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): Certainly that MACY report alluded to mental health supports, and our team, including under the leadership of our Minister for Housing, Addictions and Homeless- ness (Ms. Smith), is doing phenomenal work at looking at those supports for youth. I do want to just highlight a couple of things that our government is doing. We've got addiction treat - ments facilities in Norway House, Southport in Winnipeg.

We've also invested $1.5 million for crisis stabiliza - tion beds and services with Marymound and Neecheewam. We've invested $2 million for the 24 -hour mobile crisis team at The Link. We also have invested $2.9 million for specialized treatment program for youth with complex trauma.

We know that there's a lot more work to be done, and we're actively engaged in that process to be able to have those wraparound supports for some of our most vulnerable children. * (14:20) Serious Injury and Death for Children and Youth Request for Government to Plan to Address MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): There have been many horrifying tragedies over the last year where children in the province did not make it to their 18th birthday.

We're glad that the Families Minister said that they are listening, however it's been over a year and our Advocate for Children and Youth is still waiting to see a whole-of-government response and strategy. Honourable Speaker, what is this government wait- ing for, and what are they doing for the time being? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): I want to remind the House and Manitobans that our Premier (Mr. Kinew) has made a commitment to Manitoba children that we would see more Manitoba children reach their 18th birthday. That is our basic tenet.

It is the principle of our government and it is the principle of our Cabinet in the work that we are doing. We are taking a govern - ment–a whole-of-government approach. I do want to remind members opposite that MACY's 2022-23 annual report said, and I quote, the time for action is now. The Province must act quickly. Children cannot keep waiting. End quote. That's the record of members opposite, who, when they were in their failed gov ernment, did not care about Manitoba's most vulnerable– The Speaker: The member's time has expired.

Free Prescription Birth Control Update on Program Uptake MLA Nellie Kennedy (Assiniboia): Honourable Speaker, our government knows prescription birth control is a right and not a luxury. It's why we were pleased to announce free birth control taking effect at the begin- ning of this month. Because money should never be a barrier to accessing reproductive health. Since October 1, Manitobans have been able to access some of the most common and effective birth control without having to worry about cost.

Can the Minister of Health update the House about the success and uptake we have seen in the first month of this program? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I thank my colleague for that excellent question. In Budget 2024, our govern ment announced a plan to make birth control free for all Manitobans, and on October 1, we delivered on that promise. I am so proud to share that in one month, 12,436 Manitobans signed up for free birth control with many more accessing it each and every day.

This investment gives folks the freedom to make the reproductive health choices that are best for them. Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House, we are proud to invest in women's health, to make reproductive freedom a priority, all while saving Manitobans hundreds of dollars every single month and year.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3267 Honourable Speaker, it's a new day in Manitoba. Population Increase for Morden-Winkler Wastewater Capacity Needs Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, the popula tion boom in Morden and Winkler has outpaced the capacity for their wastewater systems. The lack of wastewater capacity will limit residential and com mercial growth for both com mu- nities and will have a negative impact on economic growth for the region.

Will the minister commit today to expedite fund- ing and regulatory approval to ensure that the commu- nity has the wastewater capacity that it des perately needs? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): We know that every time we visit the Pembina Valley, we hear about the water and wastewater needs. And we keep showing up for the com munities there because there's a huge amount of our province's GDP that is generated in the region. Because the cultural and social contributions of the region are so im portant to Manitoba's overall vitality.

Because every time we visit, every time we spend time with the good people in that part of the province, we're welcomed with open arms. The era of division and darkness of the PCs is over. A time of working together to bring all Manitobans, to invest in a bright future for our shared destiny together is here. We're so very humbled to be able to work with the people of the Pembina Valley and every region of Manitoba to deliver on that promise. The Speaker: The honourable member for Morden- Winkler, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Hiebert: Thank you, Honourable Minister.

For nearly a decade now, the com munity of Morden has faced many challenges and setbacks to their wastewater project. Subdivisions have been put on hold. Agriculture and manufacturing sectors have been constrained. All levels of government must be willing to engage in order to advance the needs of this water project. Will the minister commit today to take urgent action for the city of Morden and ensure the necessary wastewater capacity is built? Mr.

Kinew: One of the first meetings that I took after assuming office was on the impor tant priority of trying to address both the water and waste water infra- structure needs in the Pembina Valley region. This is, of course, one of the region–reasons why we brought on a former Morden mayor, Brandon Burley, to help us with this important priority. Now, the bottom line is this: the member opposite is new to the House, but in her

preamble, she lists the PC government's failure to deliver for the people of the Pembina Valley on this issue. They had two terms in government, and none of the municipalities in the region would agree on anything. The only thing, in fact, that Morden and Winkler would agree on, is that the PCs failed to get things built for that region. That is a Pembina Valley joke, by the way, Honour able Speaker. And what I would say is that that era of failing to get things done is over. The Pembina Valley has a government that is willing to invest and deliver for– The Speaker: The member's time has expired.

Provincial Park Budget Funding Concerns Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Honourable Speaker, the NDP gov ernment of Manitoba has significantly reduced the budget for the Province's park infrastructure. This is the perspective of modern campground, calling out the NDP's $100- million funding cut for new park developments. The minister's funding cut is a direct threat to the long-term viability of our parks. Will this minister restore the Park's budget and ensure that our parks are available to be enjoyed both today and tomorrow? Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): Thank you to the member opposite. I am always thrilled to get up in this House and speak about our beautiful provincial parks. I want to start, because I haven't yet had a question yet this session on parks, I'd like to start by thanking our incredible provincial park staff for an amazing 2024 season. Our public servants do incredible work maintaining our parks, keeping them clean and accessible for Manitobans.

This summer, my family and I were able to visit many parks across our great province, and I just want to start by thanking the people that work in our parks for, again, an incredible 2024 Manitoba park season. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River, on a supplementary question.

3268 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 Mr. Wowchuk: Honourable Speaker, we are required to spend money on nature. Right now, to secure our future, every delay will cost future generations more. This is what the wilderness committee said in relation to the NDP cuts to our parks. Manitoba parks generate significant tourism dollars for this government and are a source of pride for many. Why is this minister unable to have her voice heard at the Cabinet table to properly fund parks, or possibly was the funding cut her idea?

MLA Schmidt: The protection of Manitoba parks and spaces is of top priority for our govern ment, for our Premier (Mr. Kinew) and for me as minister. I am so very proud of the work we've done already, not the least of which is the Seal River Watershed Alliance MOU that we signed that the previous govern ment could not get off the ground. We have many more projects that we completed this summer. The West Hawk sea wall, Nutimik museum, Kennedy House. The truth of the matter is, Honourable Speaker, on the other side of the House, they have absolutely no credibility when it comes to parks and protected spaces.

Their record is cut, sell and priva - tize; on this side of the House, we will always protect and defend our parks and we will always invest in them. Bus Service in Northern Manitoba New Regulations Announced Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas -Kameesak): For seven years, Heather Stefanson and members opposite left Manitobans out in the cold, but nowhere that was more evident than our northern roads, where PC cuts led to a transit service that was so poor, that Manitoba busing–that Manitobans busing from Winnipeg to Thompson had to sit in freezing temperatures for hours on.

But now, Manitobans are feeling the heat from our new government. Can the Minister of Trans portation and Infra - structure please inform the House about what our gov- ernment is doing to improve bus condi tions in northern Manitoba? * (14:30) Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Well, I thank my wonderful col - league, the MLA for The Pas-Kameesak, for that great question. And it's a really good example of how our government is listening to local people. Heather Stefanson and members opposite failed northern Manitobans in so many ways, but we are working to fix the damage they did.

That's why I joined northern Manitobans for a two- day transpor- tation symposium in Thompson this fall, and I was so pleased to recently announce new regula tions that require all buses operating in Manitoba to be equipped with working heaters. And we have regulations to ensure compliance. Honourable Speaker, we will keep investing in transportation programs and infra structure to enable people right across the province to get where they need to go safely and in comfort. The Speaker: The honourable leader of the– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order.

Highways 433, 313 and 520 Paving and Upgrade Update Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, I'd like to ask the Infrastructure Minister if she can update the House on the construction and the paving of Highway 433 and the upgrades to 313 and also the 520? Thank you, Honourable Speaker. That's in eastern Manitoba, by the way, Honour - able Speaker. Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): It is an absolute pleasure to get up in this House again today to talk about –[interjection] Thank you.

It's delightful to realize the opposition has rediscovered the importance of infra structure. They certainly paid no attention to it during the seven and a half years they were in office. The reason that our costs es calate on repairs and on new infrastructure and fixing infrastructure is because the years of neglect under the previous government. You know, time and time again, members ask me about specific highways that have fallen into disrepair– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. Highway 201 RTAC Expansion Request for Update Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): The Provincial Road 201 connects many of the com munities in the southeast corner of our province–[interjection] The Speaker: Order.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3269 Mr. Narth: –and spans across the southern portion, connecting many of the communities in the south. The RTAC upgrade to Highway 201 connecting Highway 59 to the growing community of Vita and its growing manufacturing industry is im portant to the southern region. Can this minister update the House on when the RTAC expansion of Highway 201 is to occur? Hon.

Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I'm grateful that I get to stand again because I didn't quite get to finish my answer to the last question, which was just reminding the members opposite that the 'disrespair' in infra structure across this province rests solely on their shoulders. A year in, we have made in credible investments, both to repair and to new infrastructure. [interjection] The Speaker: Order.

MLA Naylor: And maybe some of the new members opposite don't understand that every single project of the 1,000 projects that are currently under way can be looked up right on the website. I want all Manitobans to know that. Just plug in the road number, plug in the community, and you can see what projects– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. Phoenix School Renovation and Expansion Government Intention for Project Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Honourable Speaker, Phoenix School in Headingley is bursting at the seams. I brought this to the Minister of Education's attention a couple of weeks ago in QP.

Since then, there has been no update. The renovation and expansion of the school was approved in 2022, then the NDP got elected and they cancelled it. This has been very troubling for residents of Headingley. Continued provision of school -age child care is contingent on this project going ahead. Will the Minister of Education reassure the residents of Headingley that the expansion and renovation of Phoenix School will go ahead as planned? Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Acting Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): The truth of the matter is we inherited a mess.

We inherited a plan that was written on the back of a napkin, a plan who the member from Spruce Woods, himself, admits there was no funding for. There was no 'trezzy' board submission before. They can get up here in this House every day and talk about their imaginary school plan. On this side of the House, we are taking a look at all of the needs across the province. We're here to work with all sorts of communities, from Headingley, northern Manitoba, southern Manitoba, east and west.

But I would be remiss today, Honourable Speaker, as the Acting Minister of Education, to not talk about the–one of the most exciting days that it is for schoolchildren, and that is for Halloween. So I just want to say happy Halloween to all the kids out there. Thanks to all– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member–[interjection] Order. Order. Mrs. Cook: This project is the top priority of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, and contrary to the assertions of the minister, there is nothing imaginary about it. That's an insult to the folks at the St.

James-Assiniboia School Division and the residents of Headingley who have been working hard on this project for two years. It was at 99 per cent project design completion stage when the NDP cancelled it. The minister may think this is hilarious; I assure you, it is no laughing matter to the residents of Headingley whose school is bursting at the seams. Will the minister take this seriously and assure the residents of Headingley that this project will go ahead, yes or no?

MLA Schmidt: I thank the member opposite for the question, and I would like to remind the member that I am putting truthful facts on the record–that there was no plan to build these schools. You can design schools, you can promise schools, you can build false hope for Manitobans trying–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Schmidt: –to secure a win in the election, which they failed to do under Heather Stefanson's leadership. We all know this to be true. And I'm going to quote here from the member from Spruce Woods: Money did not need to be set aside last year because this school contract was not set.

They did not have contracts on these schools. On this side of the House, we're not going to give Manitobans false hope. We're going to work with Manitobans. We're going to work with com munities

3270 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 and school divisions to give them a plan that they can count on, Honourable– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The time for oral questions has expired. Petitions? Grievances? Orders of the day. [interjection] Oh, sorry. The honourable member for Roblin. GRIEVANCES Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I rise today on a grievance because this NDP government is all talk and no action. And as we have seen on two occasions now this week, they care only about getting the credit for good ideas, not about collaborating.

They talk about working together; they don't mean a word of it. Unfortunately, this is more than just politics. This approach by the NDP government has serious and life- changing consequences for the people of Manitoba. They've talked a big talk about improving breast cancer screening in Manitoba, but they refuse to back it up by committing, in legislation, to meeting a dead- line to reduce the age for breast cancer screening in Manitoba to 40. Manitoba women are depending on this change being made. I've introduced a bill that would do just that. We debated this bill at second reading.

While we were still in here debating the bill, the minister concluded their remarks and then they went out into the rotunda to what media called a hastily called pres s conference, and said that the NDP would do exactly what Bill 221 calls for and reduce the age for breast cancer screening to age 40 by the end of 2026. Yet, just two weeks earlier, they had said the best they could do was to get to age 45 by the end of 2025. The bill passed second reading. It was widely supported by advocates, experts and thousands of ordinary Manitobans who signed a petition calling for these changes.

But the NDP refused to call it to com- mittee. They are going to let this bill die on the Order Paper rather than back up their promises by com - mitting to this firm deadline for Manitoba women, which begs the question: What are their words worth? * (14:40) Not much, Honourable Speaker. If they're unwilling to legislate the deadline, it really does make one doubt their commitment to lowering the breast cancer screening age. It shows that their promises are, in fact, empty and meaningless. We know the facts about breast cancer screening in younger women.

One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer today, 84 Canadian women will be diagnosed, and today, 15 Canadian women will die from it. Breast cancer in younger women now accounts for nearly 20 per cent of all diagnoses, and younger women when they're diagnosed tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive stages of breast cancer or cancer that hasn't been caught until it's in its later stages and harder to treat. And the peak incidence of breast cancer for Black, Asian, Hispanic and Indigenous women are all in their 40s.

So there's a very im portant equity angle here that you would think the NDP would care about. They, apparently, do not. Advocates in the com munity have been leading the charge on this issue. In response to new scientific evidence, over the last several months, multiple organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Dense Breasts Canada and Breast Cancer Canada, along with medical experts and survivors, have all been calling for a lower screening age. There is truly no good reason for government not to support this bill. But there are a few bad reasons that they wouldn't support this bill.

One is similar to what we saw earlier this week when the NDP forced the member for Tyndall Park (MLA Lamoureux) to recall the bill that she has been fighting for for months simply so that they could intro- duce their own carbon copy version and take the credit. I can't imagine what it felt like for the member for Tyndall Park to have to withdraw her bill. I will not be withdrawing mine. The other reasons that the NDP might not want to pass this bill is because it includes an impor tant accountability measure that would require the minister to report annually on the number of screening mammo- grams that are done.

Frankly, Honour able Speaker, what gets measured gets managed. If the NDP aren't tracking the number of screening mammograms done, then we can't know if they're making any progress on it. So perhaps the NDP simply want to avoid the accountability measures in this bill. But third and most concern ing to me and to Manitobans, Honourable Speaker, is the very likely reality that the real reason the NDP won't pass this bill

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3271 is that they have no intention of actually lowering the screening age for breast cancer to age 40 by the end of 2026. It says that the minister went out into the Rotunda while we were still debating the bill and made their promise just to put the issue to bed. If they had any inten tion of keeping their promise, they would pass this bill. That's all there is to it.

I remain extremely disappointed that this govern- ment doesn't mean what they say; that ministers in this government have said on the record, off the record, in the hallway, everywhere, oh, we're willing to work with you; we want to work together. It's not true, Honour able Speaker. We've seen it twice this week. This is a government that is not about collaboration. They are all about getting the credit. At the end of the day, Hon ourable Speaker, the most impor tant issue here is that the screening age actually gets lowered. That's why I introduced the bill.

By including a firm deadline for Manitoba to lower the age to 40, it provides reassurance to M anitoba women–because let's be clear: this isn't fast enough. Advocates want to see it happen now. But most people understand that capacity takes time to be ramped up, but they want to know that it's going to happen. And the fact that the minister won't co mmit in legislation to this deadline is deeply, deeply concerning. So I grieve this today, Honour able Speaker, that Bill 221 will die on the Order Paper and that the NDP government's words aren't worth the paper they are written on.

I will once again–it's not too late–call on this NDP government to back up their words with real action. Call Bill 221 to committee. Allow those advocates and experts and breast cancer survivors and their loved ones to come to the Manitoba Legislature to talk about the importance of lowering the screening age in Manitoba and about other ages to–other changes to breast cancer screening that need to be made in this province. Get it through committee, pass it through third reading. It's the right thing to do for Manitoba women, Honourable Speaker.

I implore the NDP gov ernment to come to their senses, to stop worrying about getting the credit, to put aside the politics of the issue for just a moment and to pass the bill. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Could you please resume Committee of Supply. * (14:50) The Speaker: It's been announced that we will now resolve into Committee of Supply. The Deputy Speaker can take the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY (Concurrent Sections) ROOM 254 AGRICULTURE * (15:00) The Chairperson (Rachelle Schott): Will the com- munity–Committee of Supply on the –will the Committee of Supply please come to order? This

section of the Committee of Supply will now consider the Estimates of the Department of Agriculture. Does the honour able minister have an opening statement? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): I sure do. Thank you so much for the oppor tunity to bring opening remarks on the De partment of Agri culture's budget for 2024. The agriculture and agri-food sector are the back- bone of provincial economy. They directly contribute 7.2 per cent of the Manitoba GDP and over 5 per cent of provincial jobs. Agri culture and agri -food inter - national exports 9.39 billion in 2023.

Our mission is to foster the sustainability growth of Manitoba producers and ag processors through the innovation–innovative, reliable support and services. Budget 2024 addresses several key components, ensuring a strong and competitive agriculture sector. Agriculture is key to Manitoba's economy. A strong agriculture sector needs the reliability and responsive tools to assist producers in managing the risks. We want to ensure farmers are competitive and sus tain- able while navigating the impacts of climate change.

In total, the 2024 budget includes $146.9 million in support towards busi ness risk manage ment pro - gramming. And of that, $33.8 million is funded for ag

3272 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 stability and protecting producers from declining margins due to market risks, production losses, as well, higher input cost. As well, almost $16 million is for ag invest to help producers manage smaller income declines and make investments in the manage ment risk; 5.2 is for wildlife damage compensation to compensate producers who lost –losses from damage from crops and live - stock 'preditation'. In addition, almost $92 million in the budget is allocated for the Province's share of ag insurance premiums.

Total premiums including federal producer contributes is estimated at $385 million. Premiums for ag insurance will be lower in 2024 for most crops, with the average premium for annual crops expected to be $16.221 per acre compared to $19.21 per acre in '23. In total, Manitoba Agri cultural Services anticipates providing $4.9 billion of coverage to seven–7,650 pro- ducers farming over 9.5 million acres. To be effective, agri cultural 'progrills' must also have accessibility to producers. My mandate letter commits me to ensuring producers have the support they need close to home.

That's why the budget includes funding to support Manitoba Agri cultural Services Corporation open to–two additional centres to be–to better serve producers in Manitoba. In 2021, a signi ficant amount of MASC offices were closed across Manitoba, and a recent service delivery review determined that western part of Manitoba was underserved for physical locations.

The addition of two service centres demonstrates the commitment to keep MASC offices open and ensure clients have a shorter distance to travel to access the importance of agriculture programs offered through MASC and the de partment such as ag insur - ance, hail insurance, wildlife damage compensa tion and agriculture lending. The budget also includes funding for other innovation important to the sector, including funding target to address the veterinarian shortages.

The 2024 budget includes $135,000 to implement the veterinarian medical service strategy, focusing on attending–attracting, attending–retending and increasing the number of practising veterinarians –medical pro- fessionals underserved in areas in the province and an emphasis on large-animal vets. This funding will support tuition rebates for stu- dents trained at western college veterinarian medicine and funding for five additional seats in the summer VetSTEP program for students at the WCVM.

Funding for these initiatives recognizes the importance in the reliable network of veterinarians and veterinarian technicians to agri culture sector, enabling economic impact for the commercial animal industry and grow exports. The budget also proposes the realignment of resources with the de partment to provide a more strategic focus on animal health and welfare, research and innovation.

The creation of the provincial veterinarian posi - tion to the head and the team focused on animal welfare will provide for strengthening welfare practices, com- mercial operations through leadership, part nership with the livestock producer groups and will help build stronger relationships with the northern and remote and Indigenous communities to improve dog control and reduce the risks to residents. Reorganizing of production divisions will be an important component of achieving mandates set out in a letter from the Premier (Mr. Kinew) to support innova- tion and research in agriculture.

Our part of reorganizing includes the creation of a branch focused on research, innovation and exten- sions that will support more focus on applied research and the extensions of knowledge to producers on best management practices and a new technology enhancing sustainability, agro-economic systems at a producer level.

In addition, included in 2024 budget, we have also made commitments to fund several im portant initiatives under the Canada -Manitoba sus tainable Canadian agriculture partnership, a cost-shared agree- ment that provides up to $221 million in investments over five years to 'susport' sustainable development of agriculture and agri-food sectors. Overall, Agriculture's budget for 2024 addresses the priorities of govern ment and recognizes the importance of a strong agriculture sector to the prov- incial economy.

And I may say off script, being an agri culture producer for 35 years of my life, there is obviously the utmost importance of business-risk insurance programs, innovation, oppor tunities of further dev elopment as we are dealing with climate change; we are dealing with a number–uncontrolled circumstances. The reality of–our agriculture producers are faced with rising costs– input cost –and through our busi ness-risk insurance programs in partnership with the federal, with the pro- ducers and our govern ment that we need to fulfill a balanced approach of sustaining the importance of

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3273 agriculture in the province of Manitoba and, more importantly, the rural economic develop ment com- ponent is very key in our opinion. So those are my closing comments at this stage of the game. The Chairperson: We thank the minister for those comments. Does the critic from the official op position have an opening statement? * (15:10) MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I'd like to thank the minister and the de partment officials for being here today.

I think this is a great opportunity to get some information on the record about the im por- tant work of the Agri culture Department and how it facilitates the entire agricul ture and agri -food sector that contributes so much to the Manitoba economy and our GDP. We, of course, have a very diversified economy here in Manitoba, and our agri culture sector itself is one of the most diversified in Canada and North America. Manitoba is, after all, the gateway to the West and home to the oldest agricultural communities in western Canada, dating back over 200 years.

We now have grown into one of the most mature, modern agriculture regions in the world, innovating and implementing some of the best agricultural practices and producing some of the highest quality agriculture and food products for consumption here in Manitoba but also being exported to the United States and all around the world. Winnipeg and my home community of Portage la Prairie have been major agricultural centres and built their economies on the grain trade and food pro- cessing and agriculture supply business that I worked in myself for over 27 years.

We can connect many Manitobans' employment, in one way or other, to the ag sector. So today, I think I'd like to ask the minister to expand on the importance of agriculture sector here in Manitoba and some of the work Agri culture Depart- ment is facilitating, our agricultural trade and exports as well as how they are assisting farmers in implemen- ting those best practices and managing risks, whether they're market risks, weather risks, that farmers and entire agriculture sector have to manage from time to time.

I will also have some specific questions about the operations of the de partment in the minister's office and staffing, crop insurance farm programs and MASC. I'd like to get as much on the record at–in the time that we have for the sake of the public or anyone that might be listening or looking back at Hansard, whether that be the media, farmers or the general public that has the interest in agriculture. So I think we can have a good discussion here today.

I know the minister has been a farmer, and this is the second stint as Agriculture Minister, so I expect he'll be able to answer questions quickly, directly and put some good information on the record. I also want to–if I can introduce my team as well too or is that not appropriate at this time? So with me today is our staff, Duncan Hamilton, that'll be joining us also, the –MLA Jodie Byram , MLA Trevor King and MLA Richard Perchotte. I'd also like to welcome the department as well too, and I look forward to our conversation today. Thank you.

The Chairperson: I'd like to remind all members, during Committee of Supply, we refer to members by their constituency names or portfolios going forward. [interjection] Great. Thank you. We thank the member for your comments. Under Manitoba practice, debate on the minister's salary is the last item considered for a de partment in the Committee of Supply. Accordingly, we shall now defer con sideration of line item 3.1(

a) contained in resolution 3.1. At this time, we invite the minister's staff to join us at the table–come on up, please–and we ask that the minister introduces the staff in attendance. Mr. Kostyshyn: It's my pleasure to introduce deputy minister, Brenda DeSerranno. I would like to intro - duce assist ant deputy minister , Maurice Bouvier; ADM executive financial officer, Kevin Kroeker; and I like to also intro duce assistant deputy minister, Joe Funk–he back there? Also assistant deputy minister, Patti Rothenburger . And last but not least, MASC chief executive officer Jared Munro.

Here's my chief of staff, individual, Chris Sanderson. The Chairperson: According to our rule 78(16), during the consideration of departmental Estimates, questioning for each department shall proceed in a global manner with questions put separately on all resolu tions once

3274 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 the official opposition critic indicates that questioning has concluded. The floor is now open for questions. MLA Bereza: First, I'd like to start with some thing that's very current. We've seen China has been threatening trade actions against Canada's agri cultural products, so I'd like to give the minister the op portunity to speak to that and how the de partment is working with the federal government to ensure our ag products, farmers and industry exports are not caught up in these trade disputes.

And I'd like to ask the minister to identify the potential impacts and costs to our producers when tariffs are added to our exports by countries like China. Thank you. * (15:20) Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you for the question and, you know, when we have these circumstances that recently has–China has brought forward a tariff or potential tariff and discussion, it's hard to measure, you know, the length and the impact. But I think in reality, barley, back a number of years ago, Australia went through a very similar situation such as this.

And unfortunately, it was over two years before there was a bit of an understanding of a settlement based on world–WTO's judgment. Being totally honest, you know, this process is quite a lengthy process as far as in discussion moving forward where the impacts, I think, are very, very con- cerning for our agriculture producers. And hypothetically speaking, is if this is a prolonged scenario, obviously the impact will be this, is the pro- ducers will have to make a judgment, whether they're going to grow canola next year or not unless this is settled sooner than later.

And that is a very difficult situation given the complex of this kind of a scenario 'bazey' talking about the impact of the trade that China has placed on this. So the producers will be very concerned; concerned in a number of factions. And I think if I can sum it up, it's going to be a really challenging mental issue for a lot of the agriculture producers because the reality–if we extend this into the early spring, there are always pre-bookings of next year's crop production. So it's 'basey' a tsunami, in my honest opinion, that we can really say that there's a simplified session.

I'm going to have to be honest with you: there is no way that there is no simplified 'messive', because it is a very complex motivation where you have the Canadian council bringing forward a judgment with some producers, then you have the China govern ment making their opinions, and then it eventually comes to the WTO. And there really isn't–there is a timeline of November the 8th of ruling coming down sooner than later, but beyond that, depending upon the, I guess, the investigation, it could take quite a long time, quite easily into the following year, no problem.

So I'm just going to be repetitious of the fact that the trade challenges will have some real challenges for producers not only this year but in the up–next year's opportune. And I think we all know that, you know, the com- modity prices is X and who knows where it may land up as when the an nouncement was made that there was going to be a tariff, we noticed the canola prices really took a bit of a dive.

No ruling has been brought forward, so the canola prices have come back a bit, but I think it's safe to say that, until the judgment comes down, it's a very uncomfortable ground to be on for producers for next year. I do want to share also with members opposite that I've had the challenge–or I've–I had the opportun- ity or the department has been talking to a number of organizations, but just this morning actually, we were on a phone call with the minister from Alberta.

And , unfortunately, the ag minister from Saskatchewan–or we assume he's going to remain agricultural minister, but the deputy minister was online. * (15:30) Also we had a con versation with the ag minister from Ontario and basically talking about how do we start to move forward of developing an opportunity of discussion with the federal minister.

I do want to share with you that when the an- nouncement was made about the potential WTO or the return of, we had sent a letter to the federal Agri cul- ture Minister just addressing our importance of this subject, and we're definitely going to be in conver sa- tion with the department because–federal government department–that we need to somewhat have a constant communication moving forward for the benefit of the canola growers across Canada and on importance of agriculture–crown–or canola trade in the province of Manitoba.

MLA Bereza: Minister, you brought up some very valid points there regarding pre -bookings and things

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3275 such as that, with pre -booking of both herbicide, fungicide, seed itself, fertilizer. So what is this gov- ernment's plan, again, with the price of canola that has plummeted and looks like it is going to continue to plummet? Because of the amount of canola that is grown in Manitoba, and the size of our marketplace here, is there anything that this government is doing to protect those farmers that have already pre- bought or are looking at pre-buying fertilizer, chemical or seed? Thank you.

The Chairperson: Just a reminder to all members that questions and answers must come through the Chair. Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you so much, again, for the question, MLA from Portage. You know, this –I guess we can sit back and surmise what do we do next, and I think it's fair to say, in my opinion, we–November 8 is the day that the, you know, decision, I guess, that may take place. I'm very proud of our staff with the Department of Agriculture and our specialists when we talk about certain circum- stances.

So I just want to share this with you and the group is that hypothetically, if we're into kind of the worst scenario, we have our extension specialists that can work with producers largely if canola is, you know, going to be a challenge with no timelines esta blished of making a decision. Our specialists are prepared to work with producers and to hopefully help them, assist them in making the best decisions or ideas as we move forward, whether it's the seed or fertilizer purchases.

I want to empha size the importance– when we spoke to the other agriculture ministers–and obviously, they had said, you know, November 8 is going to be the turning buckle timeline. And I want to assure the MLA from Portage and the committee that we've all agreed to get together as soon as there's a decision made so we can start planning our further discussions with the federal minister.

And obviously, you know, we value our conversations with Global Affairs Canada, which is quite involved in the canola in Canada as far as one organization speaking on our half–behalf of the canola producers. * (15:40) One of the other things, I think it's very key and– business risk insurance programs. And I stress the importance of, you know, MASC and business risk because things like these come into play. So the Busi ness Risk Management program, the ag stability program, you know, has been around and basically does provide a bit of comfortness–and I use that word loosely–of pro tections to protect margins.

You know, just yesterday our staff was out to one of the farm business specialists and did a presentation to some producers. So, you know, I think the producers are well aware of talking to their a ccountants or moving ahead of preparing for –hopefully, it doesn't exist, but I think that's being proa ctive to explore options that does exist. You know, it's been some what of a bit of a comfortness to a point; you know, the price of canola, when the announcement was made, took a major dive.

And I don't know if the MLA from Portage has checked recently, but the price has recovered basically to what it was prior to the an nouncement being made. Now, whether that's a comfort level of 'profability,' you know, given how the harvest went this year, but basically, the price today is almost back to what it was prior to the announcement of the tariff challenge.

So I think, closing off my commentary today, is that I think we've got discussions with the Canadian 'cole' council, Manitoba canola council; we've got ag ministers across the province that–across Canada–western Canada more so than Ontario– that once a decision comes down on November 8, then we'll kick into phase 2 opportunity, and then we start our conversations with them again and with producers of canola councils, which are quite involved, obviously, as being the lead. We–as the Agri culture Minister, don't want to interfere, but definitely we're there in support.

Also, having a very fruitful conver sation with the federal minister and trying to examine any oppor tunities of the business risk component, to build a bit of comfortness for the agriculture producers that will be in challenge of trying to decide what they're going to grow next year, as far as their crops. So thank you. MLA Bereza: We saw agri culture exports reach $8.8 billion–that's on page 17 of the supple ment–a 13 per cent increase over 2021 and represents more than a third of all Manitoba's exports, which were – which totalled 20.7 in 2022.

With rising commodity prices, how can the de - partment and government better support our producers in industry and growing these exports through im - proved production? And could more loans be avail -

3276 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 able to support growing production invest ments in technology, grain and feed storage space? Thank you. * (15:50) Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you so much for the question, and there was so much infor mation that I wanted to make sure I got right and share it with the panel and the people in attendance. When we're talking about–you know, Manitoba is very unique, along with a number of the western provinces or eastern provinces as well.

And when the question is asked, what can we do to enhance oppor - tunities for the agricul ture sector –and I've said this numerous times–the best thing we can do is enhance added value. I guess, to maybe put it in another context, let's take the raw product that we grow in the province here in Manitoba and let's not ship it out in truckloads or trainloads of op portunity. Let's put it in a package. Let's put it together in a finished c ommodity that we can create more jobs, more op portunities of added value in the province of Manitoba.

More jobs, more income and more op portunity to expand, and maybe even into small commu nities that will increase the populations of our com munities, increase our school numbers and maybe revive some of our smaller com- munities, as we see the importance of rural Manitoba in a big way. So it's a win-win situation as far as the added value commodity. And you know what, Manitoba has one of the lowest hydro rates in Canada. And why would people not want to come here and take advantage of the plentiful amount of water and lower hydro rates that we have?

And continue to work for the–and actually, at the end of the day, it probably will turn out to be a cheaper cost to our farmers that produce the product and have it processed here, rather than them dealing with maybe large freight cost of moving of the raw product to some other country or other province. I t's not going to be all a hundred per cent, but I want to assure, at least we created an op portunity of added value and explore those opportunities. I think there's a great opportunity moving forward.

So staying focused on that subject of added value, we can do it within our province, we can do it within our country. But our neighbours to the south–and I know that yourself have been involved in a number of trips down south and I just recently returned from the Tri-National Accord and had some really, really im - portant, positive conver sations. And, you know, our neighbours to the south and to Mexico has, I think, a world of oppor tunity of trade of commodities that become. And adding to that, you know, traditionally, we would be using the ships and docks.

Now, with the recent announcement of the Kansas City Rail and CP becoming kind of a corridor of oppor tunity of move- ment of rail by the rail system. So now you've got commodities that can be brought out or exported to either Mexico or the US. No difference on the CN side and Burlington North is an oppor tunity that–I think we've just germinated the seed of op portunities of economic growth of the products we grow i n this province, or across Western Canada.

And I think we just need to do a–continuing working relationships, such as attending the Minnesota State Fair recently, and met with the commis sioner there. And, you know, that –there was so much in common that we have with the state of Minnesota, and a work- ing relationship that I think just needs to be nurtured in an appro priate fashion.

The busi ness partnership relationship that we have in the department of 'agrical.' And let's be realistic: The fact is that the world population continues to grow and we in Manitoba, in Canada, partnering with the US or Mexico creates that avenue of addressing the world popula tion, of provi- ding food for those countries that need it. And I think we are in a position, just a matter of moving forward in a positive sense. But I also want to oppor tune the fact that we got the food development centre in Portage la Prairie, and we talked about new, innovative foods that could be developed.

That, to me, is kind of the commercial chef kitchen to experiment with some of the raw product we grow here, put it into a package and it's CFI certified through the food development centre. So, I stress the importance of–sorry. MLA Bereza: Thank you for the answer, Minister. I'm going to refer to page 8 in the supplement on this next question. Your total budget for the fiscal year is $597 million, which is more than you spent last year but less than was budgeted in '23, which was $613 million.

Does the minister expect to remain on budget for the fiscal year, or will he finish under budget or over budget this year? And can the minister and department

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3277 provide a breakdown of what is all included in the $597 million? How much is being spent on core de partment operations? How much is being spent on MASC and other farm programs and assist ance to farmers and industry? The Chairperson: So just a reminder to the commit- tee that all questions need to be put through the Chair. Yes. * (16:00) Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you for the question.

And so I'll read off from the text: Financial and Administrative Services 2024-25 budget is three million nine hundred and thirty-seven; risk management, credit, income support programs is five hundred and forty- two million, six hundred and forty- five thousand–I'll just round them off, if that's okay. Okay. Industry Advancement is twenty-two million two hundred. Agriculture production, innovation and resilence is thirteen million six hundred and twenty- nine. The strategy planning, policy and programs is $13,432,000. Costs Related to Capital Assets is $1,142,000–X-X-X. So –and interfund activity is $221,000.

The second quarter report: Depart ment is on budget. The

summary is slightly under, and budget – [interjection] Oh yes, right. So–I'm sorry. The

summary is slightly under budget due to unseeded acres. Okay. Excess moisture. Does that answer your question, then? MLA Bereza: Switching topics here somewhat, what political staff work out of the minister's office or within their purview? Please provide names, titles and pay scales. Has there been any change in political staff from between the initial staffing of your office and now? And can the minister describe the duties of the political staff listed? Mr. Kostyshyn: Yes, thank you for the question. And I'll go right to the questions.

The political staff, director of municipal –or ministerial affairs, is Christopher Sanderson; outreach co-ordinator is Brandon Burley; and executive assistant to the minister is Charlene Gulak. So I'll give you a little bit more insight. Duties for municipal affairs: Christopher Sanderson acts as a political advisor, manages stakeholder relations, attends every meeting, has a role in speech writing and editing documents, works across departments with other staff, reviews Treasury Board and Cabinet submissions and works with the ABC committees and works with other political staff in the office.

The duties of the outreach co-ordinator, Brandon Burley: Mr. Burley works as a liaison between families, businesses, com munity organizations in southern Manitoba and the Manitoba government. * (16:10) We've been very clear: no matter what part of province you are from, being in Winnipeg or agri - Manitoba, we're here to represent you. Brandon works through my office and acts as a liaison between the Premier's (Mr. Kinew) office, Cabinet and stakeholders in the Pembina Valley region. He's an excellent addition to our team. I know Brandon is serving our agriculture communities as well.

Pleased to see this ongoing work with the community leaders and agribusinesses. It is my understanding that the previous PC gov- ernment had a position of the community liaison with the Agriculture Minister office, and we have continued that approach. Duties of our executive assist ant, Charlene Gulak: Charlene works with my director of ministerial affairs and my con stituency office. She handles great volumes of casework and is the eyes and ears of department.

She also represents me in my absence and Charlene comes with a wealth of ex perience, having previously served on the economic dev elop- ment officer and a school trustee. And there are no additional FTEs added. MLA Bereza: Are there any additional political staff or technical officers that work with the minister, such as com munications staff, issues manage ment, other support roles, et cetera? Do these staff work solely with the minister or are they shared among other departments? Thank you. Mr.

Kostyshyn: Yes, there are additional political staff in the Min istry of Agri culture: Jeanette Silvay [phonetic] as a policy manager; Kaden Malone [phonetic] as a press secretary; and William O'Connor , issues manager. And they do work closely with multiple other departments. MLA Bereza: The department has many contracts with outside service providers, some tendered, some directly awarded; 27 of 46 contracts disclosed by the

3278 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 department in 2024 to date were directly awarded or sole-sourced, or approximately 60 per cent. I'd like to ask about a direct -award contract No. 4501344281, dated July 26, '24– 2024 to Nathan Dueck. The rationale listed is that the provider possesses specific and/or unique knowledge and/or abilities. Can you please explain what Mr. Dueck was con- tracted to do for the department and what his specific or unique abilities were?

Is it ordinary practice for the minister to issue direct- award contracts to political staff employed by other ministers, in this instance, the Minister of Finance (MLA Sala)? And I will table the documents. Mr. Dueck, Order -in-Council. Nathan Dueck is appointed to the position of issues manager within the classification of professional officer, with–sorry, with a salary range and where applicable. And this is to the Minister of Finance. That was dated June 26, 2024. Dated on this one is July 25th, when Mr. Dueck was paid another $15,245 by the Department of Agri- culture, and I will table those documents. Mr.

Kostyshyn: Thank you for the question. * (16:20) So I–just a bit of clarification based on the assumption by member, Nathan served through Agriculture under the contract for a period earlier this year. He supported the work of my office, including research analyzation, policy develop ment elevation, strategic advice and communication. He is a remarkable young individual, and obviously he made an impression on others in our govern ment and decided to move him on from the contract position into a 'permasotion' role starting in June. His contract ended prior to this employment in Finance on June 21.

And I think it's worth noting is that the website date indicates when it was uploaded to the website, not when his contract ended of service. Right? So I think that's maybe the challenging under standing of when this date was used was when it was uploaded to the website, not his term of contract in the department. So the website shows that the date that infor mation was uploaded is not the date of the contract or the date of the payment of the contract. MLA Bereza: Thank you for the answer on that, Minister. I'm going to cede the floor to the MLA from Lakeside. Mr.

Trevor King (Lakeside): You know, in the minis- ter's opening remarks, he talked about $225- million budget for sustainability. So–and I'm assuming that would take in the Sus tainable Agriculture Manitoba, the SAM program, and the cropland manage ment program. Think that's where the funding come out of; you could probably clarify that for me.

I know I had a constituent that had applied for some money under that program for the NEXAT system, and the NEXAT system was a piece of equip- ment that you could do all applications with one machine, which meant not as much tracking on the land, you kno w, not as much packing on the land, which would keep a lot of the soil from being com - pacted and thought it was a great program and this was something that he was going to maybe try out and bring over into the province and perhaps become a dealer if it became popular.

But it was–I guess what I–my question would be to the minister is, so how–what the amount of money went to the SAM, to the Sus tainable Agri culture Manitoba, and what amount is going to the cropland management program, and can you name some of the approved applications and projects that were applied for for that program in the past year, throughout this budget year? * (16:30) Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you so much for the question, MLA for Lakeside. So, part of the Sustainable CAP, our agri culture program, and its accruement of SAM, which is Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba.

SAM provides funding to farmers to implement cost-shared 'beneficiable' management practices–BMPs– that increases the environmental and economic sus - tainability of agriculture operations in Manitoba. Priority areas include climate change adaptation and 'migation', air quality, water quality, soil health and biodiversity. In the intake of No. 1, the depart–or, the program, SAM–provided $5.4 million in funding Sus tainable CAP environmental climate change priority areas and–for 97 beneficial management practices projects.

There are three program streams–cropland manage- ment streams, including funding to support adaptation of cropland manage ment practices to 'opinmize' the operations and improve the productivity, provi ding $1.4 million funding for 48 projects across seven dif- ferent beneficial management practices. So that was a definition of what was awarded in the last year.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3279 Manure and livestock management stream includes funding to support adaptation for practices that en- hances livestock feed efficiencies, improving manure application and trans portation and supporting com - posting manure, providing $3.7 million funding through SAM for 29 projects across four different beneficial management practices.

Number three, water management stream, includes funding to support for the adaptation of practices that enhances and supplies efficiency use, quality and management of water, providing $280,000 funding for 20 projects across five different beneficial management practices. Sustainable agriculture incentive programs, which is 'acromyn' SAIP, supports objectives under the made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan. Funding for SAIP is a source of sub -appropriation, totalling approximately $1.5 million.

So I want to give you some examples, and I think maybe–to the MLA from Lakeside referring to this – I think there was a project I remember –I think it's something to do with reduced tillage intensity, I think it was one of them. Or a low disturbance of placement of seed and fertilizer –maybe this is all the same project. So these are some examples, and reduced pesti - cide use through these programs and perennial cover for sensitive land–so that sensitive land being lighter land or alkaline type of soils. These are some examples of the various projects that we do with producers or organizations moving forward.

Hopefully I answered your question. MLA Bereza: I'd like to cede the floor to the member from La Vérendrye. Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): My question for the minister is: What has been spent in the last fiscal year on Manitoba clean farms initiative and how many farms that those resources have been able to serve? * (16:40) Mr. Kostyshyn: Well, thank you so much for the question and, you know, the value of the importance of the clean farmer –of CleanFarm Manitoba, what they do and how they're involved with the pesticide container removal and stuff.

So basely, I think the, you know, I guess first and foremost, to refer to the fiscal. You're only halfway through our fiscal year as far as expenditure goes, so, you know, halfway through it, not total expenditure for the year. I think the question that's been posed, I think it's more suitable through the environment and Minister Smith's department, environmental and climate change department. And–but definitely, I think the–there's value of the clean farms initiative program. And to our know- ledge, there has been no, you know, application towards funding support as far as sustainable–S-CAP program.

But I basely just would say that if there's an opportunity of interest, then I think there was an opportunity to have some discussion with the other department as well, the sus tainable environmental department. Okay? That's it. The Chairperson: Just a reminder to all members, in Committee of Supply, we just need to refer to folks by their constituencies or portfolios. MLA Bereza: I just want to go back to Mr. Dueck here again. During the time Mr. Dueck supposedly worked for the minister, he introduced himself as reporting to the–as reporting directly to the Premier's (Mr. Kinew) chief of staff.

Is this–is the minister here today aware that he's footing the bill for–is the minister aware of footing the bill for any other hidden executive council staff? And, again, I just want to go back again to the order-in-council. It was dated on July 3, 2024, but saying in No.1 that it was effective on June 26, 2024. And then on July 25, 2024, there was an extra $15,245 for other professional services for Mr. Dueck. So is the minister aware of any other council staff that might be working in his department? Mr. Kostyshyn: Yes. Thank you for the question, MLA from Portage.

So I just want to ensure the member that Nathan served through Agriculture under the contract period earlier this year. He supported the work of my office, including research, analyzation, policy develop ment and evaluation, strategic advice and communication. Obviously, he made an impression in the de part- ment as our government decided to move on from the contract position into a permanent role starting in June of 2024. His contracted ended prior to his employment in Finance–June the 26th.

The website shows that the– date that the information was uploaded, not the date of the contract or the date of the payment of the contract. So, at this point in time, I think I've been fairly straightforward in my commentary, so that's it.

3280 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 MLA Bereza: Minister–honourable minister, you have set the goal to promote innovation and research in agriculture sector, including opportunities to expand regenerative agriculture. Can you identify some of the initiatives and the projects within the de partment that are investing in innovation and research and the areas where you are partnering with industry or private sector? * (16:50) Mr. Kostyshyn: Yes, I'd like to add something for the record regarding a previous subject, MLA from Portage. So I just want to make a statement regarding Nathan's plan.

And so Nathan worked as part of the team in support of any work in 'anty' other years of government. [interjection] You want me to repeat that? No. Okay. Right. I just want to put–add that on and for the record. Okay? Okay. May I? The Chairperson: Okay, yes. Mr. Kostyshyn: Sure, if I may. And thanks, MLA from Portage. So the Science and Innovation Extension Branch program–and, you know, let me tell you, this is very im- portant for future opportunities as far as the agriculture goes. So let me just start off by saying the 2024-25 budget is $5.4 million. A total of 41 FTEs are involved in the program.

So let me break down some of the different com- ponents of what the money's been invested in and who's all involved in it. The Crop Diversification Centres–and I think you're quite familiar with those, MLA from Portage –so we've got Melita, we've got Roblin, Manitoba, we've got Carberry and Arborg. So those are four of the Crop Diversification Centres in the province of Manitoba. And it's hard to believe 10,266 plots in the year of 2024 and '25.

The regional extensions provide seven crop exten- sion specialists, six livestock and forage extension specialists located across the province, host extended events with specialized focus on relevant local issues. So you know, just given the four geographic areas, they are very unique soils, maybe topographic and soil conditions, I think, is very key. So it's very appro- priately placed in these geographic areas.

Working closely with agriculture production on the weekly crops reports and test surveillance activities, the research and innovation organizes seven unit meet - ings with the Uni versity of Manitoba to identify and address research gaps and ways to collaborate, willing to work with academia, industry on developing an agriculture research framework for Manitoba. And the research innovation funding is Sus tain- able CAP funding; intake, when approved, for a total of $8.4 million and with 47 of –applications. Intake: were two approved for a total of $7.9 million and a total of 54 applications.

The intake: three recei ved, 58 full proposal applications. Now, another component is Manitoba crop variety elevation trials. So the regional crop variety testing program, the budget was $46,000 in 2024.

So just to give you a better under standing in the crop variety elevation trials, elevation was 23 spring wheat varieties, 16 barley, 13 oat varieties, 20 pea varieties, three flax, 15 forage varieties, six winter wheat varieties, seven fall varieties and 102 soybean varieties–which I think you're quite familiar with–47 dry beans, 12 faba bean varieties and 12 lupi n were entries across Manitoba sites, totalling–and I'll repeat this twice–7,230 plots in 2024-25. So let me say that again: 7,230 plots in 2024-25.

So all this work is with commodity associations and various research and innovation projects, and I want to emphasize the importance of the University of Manitoba being involved in their, you know, innova - tion farms and the Richardson farms as well. So thank you for my chance. MLA Bereza: Thank you so much for the answer to that question, Minister.

Although I've got a ton more questions here to ask, with the timing that we have –and I'd just like to put on the record that I think for the next time we do this, we should try and have a little more time for this– but I think it's time now to move on to the resolutions, if that's okay. Thank you. The Chairperson: Seeing no further questions at the moment– Resolution 3.2: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $172,194,000 for Agriculture, Risk Manage ment, Credit and Income Support Programs, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Resolution agreed to.

October 31, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 3281 Resolution 3.3: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $22,204,000 for Agriculture, Industry Advancement, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Resolution agreed to. Resolution 3.4: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $13,629,000 for Agriculture, Agriculture Production, Innovation and Resilience, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Resolution agreed to.

Resolution 3.5: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $13,432,000 for Agriculture, Strategic Planning, Policy and Programs, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 Resolution agreed to. Resolution 3.6: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $2,585,000 for Agriculture, Capital Assets, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Resolution agreed to. * (17:00) Resolution 3.7: RESOLVED that there be granted to His Majesty a sum not exceeding $247,430,000 for Agriculture, Loans and Guarantees Programs, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

Shall the resolution pass? The resolution is accord- ingly passed. [interjection] Oh. My apologies. Some Honourable Members: Pass. The Chairperson: The resolution is accordingly passed. The hour being 5 o'clock, committee rise. ROOM 255 EMERGENCY EXPENDITURES * (14:50) The Acting Chairperson (Diljeet Brar): Will the Committee of Supply please come to order. This

section of the Committee of Supply will now consider the Estimates of Emergency Expenditures. Does the honour able minister have an opening statement? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): As Minister of Transpor tation and Infrastructure, I'm pleased to be here today to discuss the Manitoba government's Emergency Expenditures projects and priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This is a fund we wish we did not need to use. Emergencies are always tre mendously stressful for both communities and our own staff.

However, we know that disasters and emergencies happen, therefore this expenditure is important to maintain. * (15:00) Before getting into details, I'm going to take a moment to recognize the often Herculean efforts the Emergency Management Organization team undertakes to respond in a crisis. They work very long hours, co-ordinate with multiple levels of government, organize logistics and provide a great sense of assurance to Manitobans. They remain calm in a storm, quite literally. We all owe the staff at EMO a huge debt of gratitude for their dedication and professionalism.

Manitoba has seen first -hand the severe impacts of the human- caused climate crisis, from wildfires, floods and extreme snowfalls. These events are clear indications that the changing climate is increasing the risk of natural disasters in our province. Anyone watching the news right now can see the devastation severe weather events have, particularly to populated areas. With this in mind, my de partment is fully com- mitted to ensuring that our province's infrastructure is sustainable and resilient in the face of climate impacts.

That is a key element of design and construction, main- tenance and infrastructure improvements being under- taken by my de partment. Today, I'm here to discuss our government's Emergency Expenditures budget which spans across de partments and is administered by EMO, a division of Manitoba Trans portation and Infrastructure. This budget enables us to address emerging risks and support Manitobans in times of crisis. At the core of our provincial response to emergencies, EMO plays a critical role in promoting and co -ordinating prov- incial emergency management.

This includes mitigation, preparedness, response and disaster recovery, with the ultimate goal of building resilience, protecting lives and minimizing damage to property and the environ- ment. EMO supports both provincial government depart- ments and local municipalities, and programming that relates to mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in relation to large -scale emergencies and disasters, including floods, heavy rains, severe weather events and wildfires. The organi zation works closely with all emer - gency management partners to ensure co -ordinated,

3282 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 31, 2024 collaborative and effective com munications to sup- port the timely rollout of programs and services to assist Manitobans and limit economic impacts during times of crisis. EMO is also responsible for requesting assistance from federal and other partners and issuing public alerts. The Emergency Expenditures budget, or appro - priation 27, is a central budget for the whole of gov- ernment that provides for expenditures related to forest fires, flooding, evacuations and other natural disasters.

It covers emergency–sorry, environmental emergency response expenditures and Disaster Financial Assist - ance of various provincial departments. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, we have set aside the Emergency Expenditures budget that provides fund- ing for urgent actions to respond to, manage and recover from emergent events. A signi ficant part of the Emergency Expenditures budget funds the Disaster Financial Assistance program. The DFA program was established to provide relief for large scale, uninsurable disasters that create significant financial burdens and disrupt essential service

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-1-81b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 1st hansardpdf 81b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	29e4a07ad126f2c12f420a942bf48154380c4bcd

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