Manitoba Hansard — 22 March 2017 (Sitting 30, 41st Legislature, 2nd Session)

41-2-30

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXX No. 30 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SELINGER, Greg St. Boniface NDP SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian, Hon.

Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC Vacant Point Douglas

881 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, March 22, 2017 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 219–The Surface Water Management Act (Amendments to Various Acts to Protect Lakes and Wetlands) Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I move, seconded by the honourable MLA for Flin Flon, that Bill 219, The Surface Water Management Act (Amendments to Various Acts to Protect Lakes and Wetlands), be now read a first time. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order, please. Motion presented. An Honourable Member: We're taking turns today. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley. Mr. Altemeyer: And this is my day job.

I'm very pleased to introduce this le gislation. As members will probably be aware, this is a piece of legislation that, indeed, enjoyed all -party support just prior to the last election and widespread support from different stakeholder groups as well. It addresses a number of very timely and important issues related to saving our wetlands and helping reduce the risks of flooding and keeping nutrients on the land and out of our rivers, lakes and streams, and Lake Winnipeg first and foremost.

So I look forward to the opportunity to hear from the government if they still support this bill, and how we can work together to make a positive difference for all Manitobans. Thank you very much. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order, please. Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): I move, seconded by the member for– Madam Speaker: Pardon me, sorry –I need to ask, related to the past bill: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 216–The Financial Administration Amendment Act (Economic Indicators) Mr.

James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): I move, seconded by the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Selinger), that Bill 216, The Financial Administration Amendment Act (Economic Indicators), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Allum: This bill will require the government to be open and transparent with Manitobans about the consequences of their plan for our province's economy now and in the future and will require the government to provide accurate interprovincial comparisons. This government has so far refused to produce clear long -term budget projections that Manitobans deserve.

This bill will rectify this transparency deficit. What's more, to guarantee Manitoba as an affordable place to live, we need accurate interprovincial compa risons, not arbitrarily chosen statistics. This bill will restore these important comparisons to our budget. We urge the government to vote for this bill in an effort to show Manitobans that they are committed to a transparent and accurate reporting process. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Committee reports? Tabling of reports?

882 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 Speaker's Statement Madam Speaker: I have a statement for the House. Before we proceed with ministerial statemen ts, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to Mr. Blake Dunn, our Sergeant -at-Arms, who is retiring from his post at the end of this month. I understand there will be further comments about our s ergeant following mine, so I will ask all members t o wait and join me in standing to appreciate Blake following all of the statements. Blake joined Chamber Branch in December 1998 as a gallery attendant.

By 2000, he had moved on to become the Dep uty Sergeant -at-Arms under then-Sergeant-at-Arms Garry Clark . In 2008, Blake became the acting Sergeant-at-Arms, before being formally appointed to the position in 2011. Over his 18 years with the Assembly, Blake served under four different Speakers, but throughout his tenure here , he devoted himself to serving the House and all members equally and fairly, earning the respect of MLAs and staff alike. Prior to joining Chamber Branch, Blake proudly wore a Winnipeg Police uniform from May 1966 until May of 1994.

Blake joined the police at a young age, when walking the beat was the first assignment and officers wore the buffalo coat, which was nice when it was cold but very heavy when the weather warmed up. In 1988, Blake earned the Police Merit Medal for 20 years of dedicated ser vice. He worked in many departments throughout his career whi le happily remaining a CFL, or constable for life. An interesting footnote to Blake's law enforcement career emerged wi th his discovery that his great -grandfather had joined the Irish police in 1866, while Blake joined the Winnipeg Police a century later in 1966.

Born and raised in beautiful Transcona, Blake met his lovely wife Barb , who is in the Speaker's Gallery today, and they were married in 1968. Blake and Barb have two daughters, Karen B artlett and Jacqueline Brisley, along with their spouses, Raymond and Ian. Blake and Barb are also blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Ryan and Mathew. Blake is looking forward in his retirement to having more time for reading, history and science especially, as well as travel with Barb and more time to enjoy the lake each summer.

Blake would like to thank the many gallery attendants and message room attendants he worked with for their help and support over his time here. For Blake, working with our young pages was a great part of his role w ith the Assembly, noting that, and I quote: It was a joy working with these bright young adults. It made one feel t hat the world would be well off, end quote, in the future. * (13:40) Blake would also like to th ank all past and present MLAs for welcoming him into the Chamber and being so supportive and friendly. He says he will miss the good conversations he has enjoyed over the years.

On behalf of all members of this Assembly, as well as the Clerk and all Assembly staff, I would like to thank Blake for his years of service to this institution, and to wish both he and Barb the very best in the sunny years to come. And I would ask all members to hold their applause until we hear from some more members in the Chamber. So, Blake, this is your day. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The required 90- minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable Premier please proceed with his statement. Blake Dunn Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has devoted most of his adult life to serving the public and is retiring today. Blake Dunn was born in 1946, and 20 years later he joined the Winnipeg police department, and he served with honour and distinction for 28 years until his retirement from the force in 1994. Four years later he joined our Legislative Assembly in 1998 as a gallery attendant. He assumed the position of Deputy Sergeant -at-Arms in 2001, he became the Acting Sergeant-at-Arms in 2008 and he was confirmed as Sergeant -at-Arms in January of 2011.

He has faithfully served in that capacity since then. Madam Speaker, I know I speak for all members of the Chamber when I say that it has been a jo y to

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 883 work with Blake. His pleasant demeanour, his helpful demeanour, his patience in the face of chaos has impressed us all, his sense of humour, his strength of character as well. T hese are the qualities of a person we all have tremendous respect for , Blake. It's often said that retirement is merely the transition from one adventure to another and this was certainly the case for Blake in his life.

H e retired from the police service in '94 and then transitioned here to this place, and I have no doubt that there will be, in the future, many new and exciting opportunities await ing him as he moves on in the years ahead. I am told that next year –hard to believe, looking at the young man here before us –would be his 50th anniversary, and I am sure that Barb has some plans for you and I am sure you have some plans to help out in areas that she doesn't need much help in, but I expect that's what you'll be doing.

I know that you will have the opportunity to celebrate a wonderful milestone then and I know that you'l l be able, in the time ahead, to spend more time with your family, with your daughters, with your grand- children. I know that you'll enjoy that time. I join with all members here in the Chamber and I know staff, as well, and colleagues, in saying that we wish you the very best in the years to come and we thank you for your years of service here, Blake. We wish you tremendous good health and joy in the future as you experience rewarding experiences in the days ahead. All the best. Ms.

Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, for two decades, Blake Dunn has been a steady presence in this building, with his black robes, golden mace and warm smile. Friday will mark Mr. Dunn's last day as Sergeant-at-Arms of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. Born and raised in Winnipeg and a lifelong resident of Transcona, Mr. Dunn first began his career with the Winnipeg police department in 1966, where he served for almost 30 years. In 1998 Mr. Dunn joined the Legislative Assembly family as a gallery attendant.

With his experience working with the Winnipeg police department, Blake naturally fit into the role of Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms in 2001, acting Sergeant-at-Arms in 2008 and finally Sergeant-at-Arms in 2011. As the terrorist attack just today near the UK Parliament building has demonstrated, the role of the Sergeant-at-Arms is about so much more than simple ceremonies. It is about keeping this Chamber and this institution safe. It's thanks to Mr. Dunn's efforts that members of the Legislature and staff can come to work every day feeling secure. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr.

Dunn has fulfilled his duties with the utmost professionalism and dedication. On behalf of the NDP caucus, I would like to say thank you, Blake, for your years of service here at the Legislative Assembly and your unwavering commitment to the job. We wish you all the very best in your much deserved retirement, and hope you'll be spending it lakeside with your kids and grandkids. I think I can speak for all of my colleagues when I say you will be greatly missed. Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to respond to the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the statement? [Agreed] Ms. Klassen: I rise today to wish a fond farewell to our Sergeant -at-Arms, Mr. Blake Dunn. Blake has served the public for over 50 years as both as–police officer for the City of Winnipeg and his time here as our sergeant of arms. Blake is such an inspiration to those who choose to serve. Throughout his career, he has made the world a better place. I am sure he has some incredible stories from his time here. It was such an honour to work alongside another person whom always such –had such a welcoming smile upon his face.

I really appreciated all those days when it was hard to come into here and to see your smile. He goes forth with a bigger and better things to focus on, like his family, his children and especially his grandchildren, Ryan and Mathew. On behalf of my colleagues from the Manitoba Liberal caucus, we thank Blake for his years of work and dedication and wish him safe travels and many relaxing days ahead. You have truly earned it. Miigwech, Mr. Dunn. You will be missed. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: I think this would be a good time to introduce you to some members that we have in the public gallery.

I would like to draw your

884 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 attention to the Speaker's Gallery where we have with us today the wife of our Sergeant -at-Arms, Mrs. Barbara Dunn, and welcom e her to the Legislature on this very special day–Barbara. Also joining Blake today, here on his special day, we have six former pages who have served the Assembly and wanted to be here today to be part of the celebrations for Blake. They are Hilary Ransom, Megha Kaushal, Tiffany Fernando, Julia Antonyshyn, Sarah Cormier and Ceanray Harris - Read. On behalf of all members, we welcome you back to the Legislature.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Sue Hjalmarson Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to recognize a great community leader from my constituency. During one of my I Love to Read visits last month, I was greeted by the f amiliar face of Sue Hjalmarson, the teacher -librarian at Laidlaw School. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sue since becoming the MLA for Tuxedo in 2000. This year will serve as a milestone in our friendship , as I learned she will be retiring this June.

In her 28 years as an educator with the Pembina Trails School Division, Sue's passion for literacy has greatly impacted both students and colleagues alike. She is the creator and keeper of an amazing library sanctuary where students are surrounded not only by an expansive collection of wonderful books but a lso beautiful displays of their own artwork.

It is truly a place that nurtures the love of reading and the appreciation of literature. * (13:50) Beyond the library , Sue was instrumental in creating the very succes sful Laidlaw School MakerSpace that provid es students with creative , hands-on ways of demonstrating their learning. Activities in the space include problem solving, design projects, computer coding, 3- D printing, robotics and more. She has also extended her love of the community and learning into being involved with We Day, the Pembina Trails Human Rights Project and the Canada 150 Project.

Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to have Sue, as well as Laidlaw School principal, Ryan Scott, and Sue’s colleague, Liann Pelser, as well as her sister with us today, as my guests in the gallery. Sue, I Love to Read Month won't be the same without you. I ask that all members of the House join me in thanking Sue for all of her heartfelt service and for being such a positive role model for her students and colleagues. I wish her all the best for a very happy and, no doubt, very productive retirement. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Charles Plett Mr.

Jeff Wharton (Gimli): Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour Charles Plett in recognition of his achievements in the Christian music industry. He is a young man of faith and a songwriter and business owner with a bright future who is passionate about seeing lives changed. Charles grew up in the small farming community of Mennville, Manitoba. As a young boy he had a solid Christian influence in his life, but it was not until high school that he made the decision that his faith would be the enduring part of his life.

After struggling with some internal conflicts, he says he had to make the difficult choice between staying in his comfort zone or taking a path he knew was right for him. Around this time he found–he was introduced to Christian hip hop music, and he hasn't looked back since. Charles performs Christian rap under the name Solitude. He believe s that, even when life is crazy around you, peace can be found in the guiding principles of faith. His life experience and belief in God and the inspiration is–was the inspiration for his songwriting.

Charles has been nominated for two Covenant Awards sponsored by the Gospel Music Association of Canada for songs Fire Flame, in 2014, and Come Alive, in 2016. In addition to pursuing excellence in music, his love for technology led this young entrepreneur to establish Lakesidedigital, a successful computer sales and service business in Gimli. He and his wife, Jody, have two sons, Jonathan, four, and Kaden, two, and have another child on the way. They hope, by example, to inspire others to strive for healthy family relationships.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow members to join me in congratulating Charles today in–with this leadership and vision for his community. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 885 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I'm sure every one of us in this room has experienced the loss of a family member or friend to cancer. In Manitoba alone, around 100 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and around 75 women will die from this disease. Today, I would like to bring awareness to ovarian cancer and its devastating impact on the lives of women and their families.

I know this is an issue many people in my constituency of Flin Flon hold close to their hearts, and that's why every September, Flin Flon holds a Relay for Life where team members register to walk for 12 hours straight, in shifts, to raise money for cancer research. Registration is open, and I would encourage everyone in my constituency to sign up a team and show their support. Community members, individuals and organiz - ations all play an important role in the fight against ovarian cancer and supporting the families of women who have been diagnosed. But this is not a disease that we can fight alone.

Important government investments in research and health care, like the recently cancelled CancerCare building, are also needed to make sure those currently battling ovarian cancer have the support they need and to give them hope that one day a cure will be found. I'm humbled by the strength and courage of women battling ovarian cancer and the incredible resilience of their families. I would like to offer my thoughts and support to all Manitobans who have been affected. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Further members statements? J. Frank Johnston Hon.

Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Madam Speaker, t oday we honour a great father, entre - preneur and public servant. J. Frank Johnston, former MLA and provincial Cabinet minister, passed away last month. Janice Cook, a friend of the family, reminds us, for many of us who grew up in St. J ames, the Johnston home was a home away from home. She continues to say on behalf of the many of us teenage brats that just wouldn't go away, we thank you, Mr. J., for the many memories you allowed us to have in your home. Friend, Mike Mooney said, J.

Frank was the perfect gentleman –classy, great sense of humor, and a man of his word. This remarkable man served as deputy mayor of the municipality of St. James and served four terms as an MLA. A few of his successful projects included the Grace Hospital, the Assiniboine Golf Club, Sturgeon Creek Masonic Temple and the St. James Civic Centre. But p erhaps J. Frank's most remarkable and long-lasting legacy is his family. Public service can have a heavy price on a family. J. Frank's life partner of 66 years , Hazel, and he had a symbiotic relationship.

Each built on the other's strengths, and each supported each other in tough times. Together , they raised three kids, Robyn, Scott and Donna, in their home in St. James. Our colleague, a chip off the old block, member for St. James (Mr. Johnston) can be proud of his father, as he was proud of his children and life partner. Thank you for everything, J. Frank. Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): I might need a moment, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to invite all of you, along with your family and friends, to the 2017 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon.

The fair begins Monday, March 27th with Sunrise Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. and runs until Saturday night. There is free admission for children under 12 if you download your ticket in advance, and plenty to see and experience for the whole family. As an honour to our history and Canada 150, the Lord Strathcona's Horse mounted troop a nd the Royal Canadian Regiment will be prom inently featured. World-class show jumping is one of the main events all week with the RBC Challenge on Frida y night and the MTS Grand Prix on Saturday evening.

The SuperDogs are always a big draw and on Wednesday, which is also MLA day at the fair, the SuperDogs will team up with the horses and riders for a show-jumping relay event. It wouldn't be a fair without fair food, and there is plenty available. The mini -donuts are always difficult to avoid, so enjoy. One of the most popula r areas is the Royal Fa rm Yard where you can hold and pet the animals, learn about agriculture from producers and farmers and even milk a cow.

886 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 Barrel racing, draft horses, and the ev er popular Miss Piggy Scramble are always highlights . Many competitors have been coming to the fair for years or decades. Fred Gilbert has participated in every fair since 1957 when he showed ponies with his uncles. Fred and his family will have five hackney ponies in competition next week, Fred's 60th cons ecutive year at the fair.

Doodles the Clown will be back, along with the Spin Cycle comedy duo, hypnotist Colin Christopher, Christina the Crazy Hooper, Treehouse favourites Max and Ruby , and family entertainer Al Simmons. * (14:00) Madam Speaker, this is the 110th year of the fair and it wouldn't happen without the volunteers, staff of Provincial Ex and Keystone Centre, Westman Place, sponsors, participants and, of course, you, the fairgoers. Come for an hour and stay for a day. The MLA for Brandon E ast and I hope to see many of you there. There's much more to discover at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Madam Speaker: I am going to revert back to Ministerial Statements. The required 90 -minutes' notice prior to routi ne proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). World Water Day Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): Today is World Water Day. It's a day to celebrate water. It's a day to make a difference for the members of the global popul ation who suffer from water -related issues. It's a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 22nd as the first World Water Day.

World Water Day allows us to focus on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year's theme is waste water and the 2017 campaign, Why Waste Water? is about reducing and reusing waste water. We are extremely fortunate to live in a province with an abundance of clean and sustainable freshwater resources. Our lakes and streams are not only a source of economic well -being for us, for example, by allowing us to generate clean, renewable energy, they are also the foundation for preserving our environment and for the health of Manitobans.

We are also fortunate to have highly advanced treatment framework here in Manitoba and infra - structure in place, so as to allow our waste water to be recycled across the province. This prevents negative impacts to ou r freshwater sources and to human health. Nevertheless, some communities in the North continue to struggle with access to clean and healthy fresh water and we should therefore remember that, even here in Manitoba, there is work left to be done. Our government will continue to protect our water and ensure our waste water is treated adequately and that our approach is based on scientific evidence.

I invite all Manitobans to join me in the celebration of water day and to think about the wonderful resources we have to access, and especially next time you stand on the shores of one of our wonderful 100,000 lakes here in Manitoba. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I want to thank the minister for her statement recognizing World Water Day. I think this would be more of a day to celebrate were it not for some of the very concerning provisions contained in the recent Bill 24 tabled by this very same government.

One the many concerning elements related to water in that legislation is the government's proposal that all water systems in Manitoba will no longer need to be inspected and assessed for their safety every five years. This timeline is not accidental, Madam Speaker. In the month of May, in the year 2000, in the Ontario community of Walkerton, people started to get sick. And by the end of that horrible water tragedy, thousands of people had fallen ill and seven people had lost their lives, and the cost was estimated to be in excess of $155 million.

These are very serious con cerns when a government is looking at weakening standards, which have been in place for a very good reason, for a very long time, and it is ironic that on World Water Day the minister has chosen to refer to scientific evidence but has not tabled any, sugge sting that moving to once -in-every-ten-year inspection period is appropriate. So we very much hope the minister will help us change this legislation. Thank you very much.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 887 Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the mini ster's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave to speak to the statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: World Water Day, today, is about taking care of one of our most important resources: water. Canada has more fresh water than almost any other country on earth and it is therefore remarkable that, on any given day, there are roughly 1,400 drinking water advisories in effect.

In Manitoba, we currently have 64 communities with boil-water advisories, 13 of these are First Nations. This year's theme for World Water Day is waste water. The vast majority of all the waste water from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused, polluting the environment and losing valuable nutrients. More must be done to manage and to protect our freshwater lakes and river systems, and I would add to make sure that we keep them unpolluted, but also that we're preventing floods.

I'd like to remind the members of the House that in the last 15 years Winnipeg alone has accidentally dumped over 500 million litres of raw sewage or partially treated sewage into the Red River. There remains, clearly, much yet to do to finish the job of removing most of the phosphorus in Winnipeg's sewage and much yet to do to addr ess the combined sewage and greywater system which results in spillage of sewage into the Red River, and yet, of course, the deregulation of water testing is on this government's agenda.

It's on the responsibility now of every single citizen in Manitoba to be responsible stewards of our fresh water. And it's critical for all of us to invest–the importance–and recognize the importance of investing in making sure our water is healthy. Thank you. ORAL QUESTIONS Federal Health-Care Transfers Inclusion in Budget Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Health care is Manitobans' No. 1 priority, but you wouldn't realize it from the actions of the government. They have outlined a plan that hurts patients and hurts our health-care system.

They have cancelled important projects like CancerCare. They closed a QuickCare clinic and demanded massive cuts from RHAs, and they have threatened to close emergency rooms. Truly, a pitiful record. But more will be cut if the Premier does not receive adequate funding from the federal govern- ment. Can the Premier inform the House if the federal government's budget will contain a 3.5 increase in health transfers for Manitoba? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the quest ion–pertinent to the No. 1 priority of, I believe, all Canadians: a sustainable health-care system.

I, and all members on this side who have been standing up for health care, would have, some time ago, appreciated the support of the members opposite in our struggle to achieve a better level of support from the federal government. Any support announcement in today's budget in excess of 3 per cent will be as a result of provinces such as ours and their efforts in standing up for health care. I applaud the efforts of our Health Minister who has, above all others, stood for Manitobans' health care and stood for Canadians' health care. I thank him.

Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mental Health and Home Care Ms. Marcelino: I thank the Premier for the answer. But the Premier has picked a political fight with Ottawa for nearly a year over health -care funding. He now stands alone in his fight. He wasted time with his many vacations to Costa Rice instead of collaborating with the federal government. He wasted time by having his Department of Health create a website that influenced nothing. He wasted time by linking this deal with other national agreements in an unproductive fashion.

The Premier has failed in his negotiations, and his failure will hurt Manitobans. Can the Premier advise this House today if Manitoba will receive important moneys from the federal government for mental health and home -care services? Mr. Pallister: I very much appreciate the topic the member raises, not so much the way in which she

888 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 raises it, but the topic itself is about sustainable health care. And, Madam Speaker, that has been a top priority for this government from day one. And our challenge as a country, of course, is to make sure that we rise to the realities of an aging population. The costs that are going up expo- nentially, every study has agreed, are going to propel the obligation of every province, in particular, to provide better service. And we will need more resources to do that.

Unfortunately, the federal government ha s taken the position that they do not wish to participate as partners in the manner in which they have participated in the past, and so the burden will fall disproportionately on the shoulders of provincial governments. * (14:10) We are working diligently on behalf of the people of Manitoba to make sure that we have a sustainable partnership with the federal government, while the members opposite sit on their hands and do nothing. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary.

Contract Negotiations Nurse Layoff Concerns Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): The time for grandstanding and pointless websites has long passed. The Premier has shown that his commit ment to health care is hollow. He demands hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government on one hand, while slashing millions from the health-care system on the other. Now we have heard that he's thinking of trying to lay off our front -line workers, care workers like nurses. We know what happened the last time the Premier was in power.

Our province lost over 1,000 nurses due to the PC's misguided policies. Our province and health- care system needs more nurses, not less. Will the Premier commit today that his govern - ment will not seek the layoff of nurses in any new contract talks? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): While we choose to set partisanship aside and stand up for the province's best interests, Madam Speaker, the members opposite put partisanship forefront. And as they did in the 1990s, when they sat quietly by and watched the Liberal federal government gut health-care funding and said nothing about it, they're doing it again.

They're doing it again in an effort to capture support f rom what they call, in the backrooms of their party, soft Liberal support. And so, in a desire to be more popular tomorrow, they ignore the challenges today. The challenge today is eerily reminiscent of the challenge of the 1990s, which was put upon this province and all other provinces by a federal Liberal government that refused to understand the importance of health care for the people of this country, Madam Speaker. We're facing up to that challenge. Members opposite had a choice to make, and they've made it.

They decided to stand quietly back and do nothing while we lead the fight for health care in this country. Health-Care Services Government Intention Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Will the Premier confirm today that all remaining QuickCare clinics and ACCESS centres that Manitoba families count on will remain open? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living): I will certainly confirm that we will continue to look for ways to ensure the health-care system is sustainable not just for today, but for tomorrow. That will mean talking to health experts.

And I know the member, at different times, has said that we should talk to health experts, and other times he said we shouldn't listen to them. Member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard) at some times says we should have analysis and sometimes we shouldn't have analysis. But at the end of the day, we will listen to health experts, have analysis and do what is best for patient care and sustainability, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Wiebe: Madam Speaker, Manitobans deserve a clear yes or no answer to the question of their front line–closure of their front-line services. Yesterday, the Premier and the Health Minister threatened to close ERs, but so far they've refused to give Manitobas the details. The Premier spent months ducking and dodging questions on cuts to front-line services. He refuses to give a clear answer because he knows that Manitobans didn't vote for his agenda of cuts to health care.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 889 Will the Health Minister just give us a straight answer and tell Manitobans which ER he plans to close? Mr. Goertzen : Well, Madam Speaker, this is the member who, only a few months ago, demanded that we look to Quebec for solutions in health care to try to privatize health care to 35 or 40 per cent as is done in Quebec. He wanted us to expand privatization into other parts of the United States and to Gra nd Forks. He demanded that in the paper. Now he says, don't listen to the health experts, even though a few months ago he said, listen to the health experts.

We are going to continue to listen to those experts within the health -care system who are also co ncerned about sustainability, unlike this member for Concordia. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Well, unfortunately, Madam Speaker, we know this government's record of cuts. Instead of investing in community health care, they cut the St. Boniface QuickCare clinic. Instead of building patient care, they cancelled CancerCare. Instead of protecting northern health care, they cancelled The Pas clinic. They're squeezing nurses.

They're eliminating the home-care programs that people count on, and now QuickCare clinics, ACCESS centres and even emergency rooms are at risk. Will this minister just tell us the truth? What other health services are on the chopping block? Mr. Goertzen : Madam Speaker, for 1 7 years that member had his hand on the wheel. He was in complete control along with his colleagues in the NDP. They could do whatever they wanted in the health-care system. They poured billions of dollars into the system, and what did they get? Dead last .

Dead last in wait times in the ERs, dead last in wait times for surgical procedures, dead last when it came to diagnostic tests, and now the member wants to do exactly the same thing. Why does he feel that after 17 years of a failed health-care policy it's going to be any better if you continue to do the same thing, Madam Speaker? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Safe Drinking Water Water System Inspection Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): The Walkerton inquiry followed the death of seven Canadians in the community of Walkerton, Ontario, and the illness of thousands more.

E. coli had managed to get into their drinking water system, and one of the main conclusions from the Walkerton inquiry w as that all water systems should be inspected every five years. Why is this government now weakening and violating the recommendations from the Walkerton inquiry? Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'd like to thank the member opposite for the question. You know, perhaps he failed actually to read the legislation or, you know, perhaps failed to actually analyze it correctly. This is about valves and pipes and infrastructure. It has nothing to do with water quality.

This is about–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cox : This is about opportunities for small water suppliers and campgrounds to actually put more money–invest more money into infrastructure, not reports. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altemeyer: That answer kind of begs the follow-up question, Madam Speaker: When people are camping, do they not deserve safe drinking water? Mrs. Cox : Won't take any lessons for the mem ber opposite.

I mean, you know, 17 years and they actually failed to actually pass a surface water management act. The member opposite brings forward a bill that talks about, you know, surface water and concerns like that. However, after 17 years, as I sai d, they failed to actually implement anything like that. This will have no impact on water testing. The same amount of water testing will continue. This will just put us in line with other provinces, such as the province of Alberta which, I believe, is a n NDP government and has–as had the member over there–

890 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 has the same rules and requirements as what we do here. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Mr. Altemeyer: I had a very interesting and instructive conversation this morning with someone who I think the minister should hear from: Dr. Eva Pip, who for decades has been an aquatic scientist and professor at the University of Winnipeg. Her scientific opinion, quote: This proposal is a ver y negative situation where water protection laws are being set back 30 years.

What does the minister know that Dr. Eva Pip, apparently, does not? Mrs. Cox: Thanks again to the member opposite. You know, I am aware, as well, that Eva Pip indicated–I think it was five years before they failed to bring in a aquatic invasive species program at all. That, in fact, you know, they were there and they were in our lakes and in our streams. However, they failed to act on that. * (14:20) We will get this right, Madam Speaker. We're bringing this in line with the national health -based guidelines and other provinces as well.

This is not an issue with regard to water quality; this is an issue about ensuring that, you know, we have this –the– [interjection] Sorry. Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cox: We have the–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cox : –legislation in place to make sure that we're protecting our water. Thank you. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Freshwater Fish Legislation Impact on Indigenous Fishers Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): On this important World Water Day we are reminded of how critical water is to all of us, particularly to our fishers.

Our fishers are people who provide us with so much sustenance day in and day out, but, Madam Speaker, the fact is this government has shown its contempt for fishers by moving to gut the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. Why did the government ignore the vast majority of fishers who want to maintain the single-desk FFMC? Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'd like to thank the member opposite. This is about opportunity for commercial fishers. We've talked to them, we've listened to them and we've heard from them.

We're going to provide them with opportunities to get more –put more money in their pockets, not have –fishermen have go out and have to deal with one individual, not a monopoly. We believe in opportunity, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a supplementary question. Ms. Lathlin: Indigenous fishers in the North deserve meaningful consultation regarding their fishing that provides for their family, yet the government did not consult meaningfully with industry nor ask fishers whether they wanted t o keep the FFMC before they announced their intentions.

Instead–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Lathlin: –they took out the same firm that dismantled the single desk for hogs to do the same task for our fishers. The government has unilaterally decided to end the single desk, which ensures a good price for many fishers, particularly for northern and indigenous fishers. Why is this government ignoring our fishers and putting their livelihoods at risk? Mrs. Cox : We've been out talking to Manitoba fishers, and I've personally talked to commercial fishers and I've heard from them and listened to them and listen ed to them about their problems.

As a matter of fact, I know that we met with the individuals from Skownan First Nation, and they are so looking forward to having fishing freedom and having the opportunity to market fish they –in the manner that they see fit. Also, according to the minister of fisheries for the Manitoba Metis Federation, John Parenteau, he said, I think the fishermen are very happy with the decision government made in regards to open market.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 891 Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a final supplementary. Ms. Lathlin: The government could have negotiated with the federal government to improve the system for the benefit of Manitoba fishers, but like we have seen on health care with Ottawa or flood mitigation with Saskatchewan, thi s government's approach is my way or the highway. Now, the government seems to have found someone they can push around: northerners and indigenous fishers who rely on FFMC for the basic necessities of life.

Why–what study has the minister done into the impacts of her decisions to northern and indigenous fishers? Mrs. Cox: Again, I'd like to thank member opposite for that question. A quote from President David Chartrand of Manitoba Metis Federation: I commend Minister Cox and the Manitoba government on their vision for a responsible approach with direct accountability to the fishers. The Metis make up a significant portion of the fishers in the freshwater fish industry, a fish in desperate need of renewal and investment.

This new direction will give th e industry a chance to survive and will open up opportunities for Manitoba fishers. We've listened to Manitoba fishers, and the members opposite should get on board and ensure that Manitoba fishers have more opportunity to put more money in their pockets. Madam Speaker: I would just like to indicate to the minister, and all members in the House, that when we are referring either to ourselves or other members, that we do not use the name of the person but their role or title. Thank you. Public Service Employees Government Position on Layoffs Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, on Monday the Premier (Mr. Pallister) was quoted in the press, saying his government had chosen not the layoff option that other governments, provincially, have chosen. Today, in the press, this same Premier was quoted as saying that layoff s are not off the table. Can the Premier explain to the people of Manitoba if his position has changed? Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister responsible for the Civil Service ): That member knows, and all Manitobans know, that it is our plan as a government to protect front-line services.

But, Madam Speaker, let's be clear, it is exactly– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: It is exactly the record of the NDP that puts at risk the very jobs that they now say they seek to protect. Madam Speak er, $900 million in debt service charge, a debt that has doubled, a deficit that was never reigned in, they missed all their targets. Our plan is to bring the stability to the province of Manitoba that is so desperately needed at this time, and we will succeed. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lindsey: Let's try again.

On Monday, the Premier told the people of Manitoba, saying they've chosen not to lay people off. And that's a quote. Today, the Premier is quoted in the press as saying layoffs are an option. Families need to know if they're going to be working to plan for their car payments, mortgages, pay for daycare. Madam Speaker, will this Premier live up to his words on Monday and tell the House he will not seek layoffs of front-line workers? Mr.

Friesen: Madam Speaker, earlier this week, our government was proud to introduce legislation, Bill 28, which is designed to create and to bring back sustainability to the government's finances. It calls for all hands on deck. It is a reasonable, moderate and time-limited bill that would provide a real path forward, a real road to recovery. We believe that labour has a role to play. We look forward to our continued discussions with labour. Let's understand: They put a system at risk. Stability is needed. We will guide that process back on a road to recovery.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Mr. Lindsey: On Monday, the Premier was quoted in the press, stating his government will not seek layoffs. Now we learn the Premier may seek layoffs. And now, today, in this House, he won't answer the

892 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 question. He has his minions stand up and answer the question in his stead. Will this Premier (Mr. Pallister) tell the House today if he will demand layoffs or unpaid days off? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order, please. Order. I would caution members on some of the words that may be flung across the House at this time and urge members to please be cautious with the words you're using in this Chamber. Mr.

Friesen: Madam Speaker, that member speaks about affordability, but no government in this province did more to negatively affect the affordability for Manitobans: widening the RST, raising the PST, measures that right now take almost $400 million per year out of the pockets of hard- working Manitobans. * (14:30) We are the party that stands up for Manitobans, for affordability and for a su stainability of our systems. That's the challenge before Manitobans; it's one that Manitobans recognize. When will they recognize it and get on board? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

Children's Special Allowance Government Intention Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): The current minister responsible stated when in opposition they had advocated for the previous NDP government to set aside the children's special allowances for our CFS children in care. The budget is coming. On behalf of the over 11,000 kids in care, minister, what has the department done to ensure those special allowance funds are used only for our children in care? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): Repairing some of the services that were left in the last NDP administration is something that we take very seriously.

Our administration introduced amendments. We introduced The Protecting Children Act right in the first 100 days of our administration. We're taking actions in terms of comprehensive plans to address the child-welfare system and make it more effective and focus on prevention, early intervention for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Kewatinook, on a supplementary question. Number of Children in Care Need for Reduction Plan Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): My question was in regards to those funds.

Sadly, perhaps this government had enough time to realize what the financial gains are of keeping our indigenous people and our most vulnerable in perpetual poverty. This is causal and it' s cyclical as this government–current government does not invest in my people. This government does not educate the majority of my people. Can this government provide us with an outline of what steps they have taken that fixes the broken CFS system that will enable us to reduce the number of kids in care? Hon.

Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): Our Throne Speech outlined that we are introducing a comprehensive plan to address the child- welfare system. We think items such as early intervention and pr evention is something that makes sense. We think looking at the funding models is something that is a priority. We think looking at permanence, ensuring that there's not the amount of long- term wards, permanent wards of the province of Manitoba is something that can help address the child -welfare system. It's something I'm very passionate about.

It's something the government will be talking about a lot over the next number of months. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Kewatinook, on a final supplementary. Ms. Klassen: When there is more money for a foster parent than for actual parents, something is obviously broken. When there are better supports for foster parents than actual parents, something is broken. Why is the government not focusing on supporting the committed parents of these CFS children? Use that money to invest in the thousands of impoverished and broken families.

I guarantee this government will see fewer kids in care when we invest in families. Is this government even willing to move to a system which invests in families first? Mr. Fielding: We are left with, let's face it, a mess in terms of the child -welfare system from the previous administration: over 10,500 kids in care.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 893 We're working on a comprehensive plan that we think will make a difference. It's a priority to this government, that's why we introduced the protecting children act within the first 100 days. We are also working the federal government in terms of the child welfare. There's obviously money that's been dedicated from the federal government in terms of this. We're working as a collaborative approach to this.

That's something we're going to work with the communities, with the federal government and with the provincial government to make it more effective, to make it more sustainable in terms of the long- term care of our children, Madam Speaker. New West Partnership Agreement Reduction in Trade Barriers Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Business owners, community leaders and cha mbers of commerce from across Manitoba have long called for our Province to pursue new opportunities for growth and reduce trade barriers. We know the NDP work against trade agreements at every level.

My question is for the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade: How will the passage of Bill 7 help us to achieve the goals of growth and reduce trade barriers? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): It's certainly refreshing to get a question on the economy. Bill 7 will allow us to implement the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. This agreement will strengthen and expand Canada's largest barrier -free interprovincial market.

This legislation will allow Manitobans to participate in a market of over 11 million people with a combined GDP of $750 billion. The bill will allow goods and services to be traded more easily, will help eliminate red tape and streamline regulation. The New West Partnership is an important part of our economic strategy on our road to recovery and our journey to be Canada's most improved province. We look forward to opposition members supporting this legislation later today. Advanced Education Act Request to Repeal Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): With the Premier's (Mr.

Pallister) plan to hike tuition, students could see their tuitions rise by 5 per cent a year, plus inflation, plus fees. This would create huge financial burdens on students and the families who are already struggling to afford post-secondary education. Now, we live in a society–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –where work is less stable and more precarious. The government thinks it's reasonable to ask these students and their families, who already struggle, to struggle more just to afford education.

Will the Premier recognize he's putting too much of a burden on Manitoba students and their families, reverse course on Bill 31 and cancel his plan to raise tuition fees? Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education an d Training): I appreciate the question. We are working with post -secondary institutions to work–to develop a sustainable, long-term program to give quality education to these same students so they can get their money's worth in terms of tuition. We are very pleased to be part of a government that supports that.

It's hard to take seriously criticisms about debt from the previous government, especially when they were adding probably $1,000 a year to the debt of every one of those students just on the defic it alone. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: The Premier wants to cut education. He wants to cut the Dakota Field, the Kelvin gym, small class size program. The only thing he 's committed to increasing is tuition rates, but we need investment.

And I'd like to read the words of somebody on the record who agrees: Education will be the No. 1 investment in the future of our province. Who said that? Well, of course, that was the P remier to the Winnipeg Free Press on January 18th, 2016. So will the Premier live up to his election promise: invest in education and reverse course on Bill 31?

894 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 Mr. Wishart: We're very pleased to work with the 'post-secontary' institutions to improve t he quality of our education, and after 17 years we went from No. 5 in Canada on the K -to-12 system under –with their government, to dead last. That is hardly a record to give as an example of how to manage education in this province. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Rouge, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: If you look at the numbers at just one institution in our province, the University of Manitoba, under the Premier's (Mr.

Pallister) plan to increase tuition rates they could be charging $90 million more over the next four years to students right here in Manitoba. That's not affordable. We know that the challenges around– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –precarious work are real and so are the challenges around student debt. So I would ask again: Will the Premier admit that his plan to raise tuition hikes –raise tuition rates, rather, is too much of a burden on students and that he will commit to reversing course on Bill 31 and his plan to raise tuition? Mr.

Wishart: As I said earlier, we are committed to getting a good, quality education for post -secondary institutions in Manitoba. * (14:40) During that same period of time the member just quoted, we will be putting, through the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary initiative, $80 million directly into the hands of students to help them with their education. I think that our plan is much better and much more sustainable than anything we saw from that government. Fiscal Performance Review Request to Release Report Mr.

James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): The Premier's commitment to front- line workers has proven to be about as empty as his commitment to openness and transparency. In December, his Finance Minister com- missioned a fiscal performance review at a cost of $1 million. We asked for that report in January; Finance Minister said no way. We asked for that report in February; Finance Minister said no chance. Madam Speaker, it's March now. Will th e Finance Minister do the right thing and produce – table that report today? Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): The member could not be more hypocritical.

I note that in 2014, when the former government took on a consultant's report, the Dunsky Energy Consulting report that they commissioned in 2014, not only did they not release it to the public, they didn't actually tell Manitobans that it existed. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Garry-Riverview, on a supplementary question. Mr. Allum: The reason we asked for this report is because this week alone the Finance Minister tabled legislation which is almost certainly unconstitutional. And yesterday the Premier of this province threatened the jobs of front-line workers.

Presumably–presumably–these things were recommended in the Finance Minister's $1 million private sector consultant's report. So I'm asking him: will he do the right thing and release the –this doomsday report today? Mr. Friesen : Madam Speaker, like a fan, that member oscillates between misinformation and just false assertions. But, Madam Speaker, I would challenge him to switch his settings to a third one: on accuracy.

Madam Speaker, that member knows full well that this government is listening to all Manitobans, through our prebudget consultation, to experts in the field, to civil servants through a special portal where they can provide advice to government. That government never listened; we're in the business of listening. The real experts are Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Garry-Riverview, on a final supplementary. Mr. Allum: You know, here it is March. We've asked for the report now three times.

The Finance Minister has clearly said no, and yet the Premier of this province is on record as saying 97 per cent of that report is going to be made public. And we're still waiting, Madam Speaker.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 895 Jobs are at risk. Services are at risk. Programs are at risk. All of these things were presumably recommended by this doomsday report. It's a si mple request: Will the Finance Minister do the right thing, come clean with Manitobans and table the report today? My goodness, we'll wait for him to go to his office and get it and he can bring it back up right now. Mr. Friesen : Madam Speaker, earlier I misspoke. Actually, the member is like a three -speed fan with fear, misinformation and also false assertions–so all three speeds.

Madam Speaker, if that member would like to go in the right direction, he would acknowledge that the report of which he speaks is advice to government, the same type of advice that his government sought. The difference is we read the reports. We listen, not just to experts, but to all Manitobans. The advice we've received will be visible to him in the g ood news and the good work we will bring in Budget 2017. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. East Side Road Authority Support for Bill 6 Mr.

Derek Johnson (Interlake): Madam Speaker, the Auditor General noted numerous problems with the management of the East Side Road Authority, including not following a number of standard accounting practices. Reports were filed late, some expense reviews were not completed. Can the Minister of Infrastructure explain why Bill 6, The Manitoba East Side Road Authority Repeal Act, is vitally important? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): I'd like to thank my colleague for that excellent question.

Bill 6 repeals The Manitoba East Side Road Authority Act and transfers the work back to Infrastructure to manage its affairs professionally and in an open and transparent way. The East Side Road Authority is just another example of the disrespect the previous NDP government had for the taxpayers of Manitoba. They spent $500 million and built 50 miles of road. We look forward to the opposition supporting Bill 6 for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Neighbourhoods Alive! Funding Mr.

Andrew Swan (Minto): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Since 2001, the Neighbourhoods Alive! program has supported stronger neighbourhoods and communities in Manitoba.

(2) Neighbourhoods Alive! uses a commu - nity-led develo pment model that partners with neighbourhood renewal corporations on projects that aim to revitalize communities.

(3) Neighbourhoods Alive! and the neighbour - hood renewal corporations it supports have played a vital and important role in revitalizing many neighbourhoods in Manitoba through commu - nity-driven solutions, including: employment and training, education and recreati on, safety and crime prevention, and housing and physical improvements.

(4) Neighbourhoods Alive! now serves 13 neighbourhood renewa l corporations across Manitoba which have developed expertise in engaging with their local residents and determining the priorities of their communities.

(5) The provincial government's previous investments into Neighbourhoods Alive! have been bolstered by community and corporate donations as well as essential support from community volunteers, small businesses and local agencies.

(6) Late in 2016, the minister responsible for the Neighbourhoods Alive! program said new funding for initiatives was paused and that t he future of the Neighbourhoods Alive! program was being reviewed, bringing hundreds of community projects to a standstill.

(7) Neighbourhood renewal corporations and their communities are concerned this funding freeze is the first step in a s low phase -out of the Neighbourhoods Alive! grant program, which would have severe negative impacts on families and communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: That the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba be urged to support the Neighbourhoods Alive! program

896 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 and the communities served by neighbourhood renewal corporations by continuing to provide consistent core funding for existing neighbourhood renewal corporations and enhancing the public funding available for specific initiatives. This petition is signed by many Manitobans, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Neighbourhoods Alive! Funding Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I wish t o present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Since 2001, the Neighbourhoods Alive! program has supported stronger neighbourhoods and communities in Manitoba.

(2) Neighbourhoods Alive! uses a commu - nity-led development model that partners with neighbourhood renewal corporations on projects that aim to revitalize communities.

(3) Neighbourhoods Alive! and the neighbour - hood renewal corporations it supports have played a vital and importa nt role in revitalizing many neighbourhoods in Manitoba through commu - nity-driven solutions, including: employment and training, education and recreation, safety and crime prevention, and housing and physical improvements.

(4) Neighbourhoods Alive! now s erves 13 neighbourhood renewal corporations across Manitoba which have developed expertise in engaging with their local residents and determining the priorities of their communities.

(5) The provincial government's previous investments into Neighbourhoods Alive! have been bolstered by community and corporate donations as well as essential support from community volunteers, small businesses and local agencies.

(6) Late in 2016, the minister responsible for the Neighbourhoods Alive! program said new funding for initiatives was, quote, paused, end quote, and that the future of the Neighbourhoods Alive! program was being , quote, reviewed, end quote, bringing hundreds of community projects to a standstill.

(7) Neighbourhood renewal corporations and their communities are concerned this funding freeze is the first step in a slow phase -out of the Neighbourhoods Alive! grant program, which would have severe negative impacts on families and communities.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: That the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba be urged to support the Neighbourhoods Alive! program and the communities served by neighbourhood renewal corporations by continuing to provide consistent core funding for existing neighbourhood renewal corporations and enhancing the public funding available for specific initiatives. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Kelvin High School Gymnasium and Wellness Centre Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns ): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

(1) Manitobans recognize how important it is to provide young people with quality learning spaces to succeed in school.

(2) Sport, recreation and the spaces to engage in them are critical to the health and welfare of all students.

(3) All fo rms of educational infrastructure, including gymnasiums and recreation centres in general, represent an incredible value- for-money investment, whereby the return is improved physical and psychological health and wellness.

(4) Kelvin High School is one of the largest high schools in the province with over 1,200 students.

(5) Kelvin High School spent several years raising almost $1.2 million towards the construction of a new gymnasium and wellness centre.

(6) Some Kelvin students currently have to pay to use outside facilities to obtain their mandatory physical education credit.

(7) The provincial government, in a regressive and short -sighted move, cancelled funding for the Kelvin gym and wellness centre for political reasons, despite the extensive commu nity support, fund- raising and engagement.

(8) It is wasteful and disrespectful to the dedicated efforts of students, of staff and the community in general to simply lay their goals aside without consultation.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 897 We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to recognize the need for excellent recreation facilities in all Manitoban schools, to reverse this regressive cut and to provide Kelvin High School with the funding necessary to complete a new gymnasium and wellness centre. And this petition has been signed by many Manitobans, including Kieran Rice -Lambert, Joe Wasylycia-Leis, Ron Kostyshyn, Jody Gillis. Dakota Collegiate Sports Complex Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitobans recognize how important it is to provide young people with quality learning spaces to succeed in school.

(2) Sport recreation and the spaces to engage in them are critical to the physical, mental and social welfare of students.

(3) All forms of educational infrastructure, including gymnasiums and recreation centres in general, represent an incredible value- for-money investment, whereby the return is the improved physical and psychological health and well -being of students.

(4) Dakota Collegiate spent several years raising money toward the construction of the Louis Riel School Division sports complex to repl ace the poor condition of its playing field.

(5) Dakota's varsity teams have been forced to play elsewhere because of the poor conditions of its playing field.

(6) Dakota Collegiate must put the project out to tender and break ground in a matter of months for the field to be completed in time for this coming school year.

(7) The provincial government, in a regressive and short -sighted move, cancelled funding for this project for political reasons despite the extensive community support, fundraising and engagement.

(8) It is a short -sighted move on the part of the provincial government to undercut the dedicated efforts of students, staff and the community in general. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincia l government to recognize the tireless efforts of the Dakota –of Dakota Collegiate, its students, parents, staff and the surrounding community; to recognize the need for excellent recreational facilities in all Manitoba schools; to reverse this regressive cut; and to provide the funding necessary to complete the Louis Riel School Division sports complex.

Signed by many distinguished Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Further petitions? High School Recreation Facilities Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: Manitobans recognize how important it is to provide young people with quality learning spaces to succeed in school.

(2) Sport recreation and the spac es to engage in them are critical to the physical, mental and social welfare of students.

(3) Kelvin High School and Dakota college have both spent several years raising money towards the construction of a new gymnasium and wellness centre and a new sports field, respectively.

(4) Kelvin High School is one of the largest high schools in the province with over 1,200 students.

(5) Some Kelvin students currently have to pay to use outside facilities to obtain their mandatory physical education credit.

(6) Likewise, Dakota's varsity teams have been forced to play elsewhere because of the negative condition of its playing field.

(7) Football and soccer teams at Dakota Collegiate must put the project out to tender and break ground in a manner –matter of mon ths for the field to be completed for this coming school year.

(8) The provincial government, in its regressive and short -sighted move, cancelled funding for both projects for political reasons despite the expensive – extensive community support. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to recognize the tireless 'offorts' of Kelvin High School and

898 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 Dakota Collegiate, to recognize the need for excellent recreation facilities in all Manitoba schools, to reverse this regressive cut to Manitoba schools and to provide both schools with the funding necessary to complete the new Kelvin High School gymnasium and the Dakota college field of dreams. And this petition, Madam Speaker, has been signed by many, many hard-working Manitobans. Neighbourhoods Alive! Funding Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: Since 2001, the Neighbourhoods Alive! program has supported stronger neighbourhoods and com - munities in Manitoba. * (15:00)

(2) Neighbourhoods Alive! uses a community - led development model that partners with neigh- bourhood renewal corporations on projects that aim to revitalize communities.

(3) Neighbourhoods Alive! and the neighbourhood renewal corporations it supports have played a vital and important role in revitalizing many neighbourhoods in Manitoba through community - driven solutions, including: employment and training, education and recreation, safety and crime prevention, and housing and physical improvements.

(4) Neighbourhoods Alive! now serves 13 neighbourhood renewal corporations across Manitoba, which have developed exper tise in engaging in their local –the local residents and determining the 'pariorties'–priorities of their communities.

(5) The provincial government previous – government's previous investments into Neighbourhoods Alive! have been bolstered by community and corporate donations as well as essential support from co mmunity volunteers, small business and local agencies.

(6) Late in 2016, the minister responsible for the Neighbourhoods Alive! program said new funding for initiatives was pause d and that the future of the Neighbourhoods Alive! program was being reviewed, bringing hundreds of comm unity projects to a standstill. Neighbourhoods–No. 7, neighbourhood renewal corporations and their communities are concerned this funding freeze is the first step in a slow phase-out of the Neighbourhoods Alive! grant program, which would have severe negative impacts on families and communities.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: That the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba be urged to support the Neighbourhoods Alive! program and the communities served by neighbourhood renewal corporations by continuing to provide consistent core funding for existing neighbourhood renewal corporations and enhancing the public funding available for specific initiatives. And this petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many fine Manitobans. Provincial Nominee Program Ms.

Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows.

(1) The provincial government has proposed regressive changes to the Provincial Nominee Program, PNP, that create financial and social barriers for newcomers.

(2) Starting this year, successful provincial nominees must pay a $500 fee as part of their application, adding to the financial burden of applicants.

(3) While the provincial government's stated justification for the fees, that it will be reinvested into language -support programs, the PNP already requires nominees to have proven English or French language skills.

(4) The provincial government is also changing its criteria from selecting nominees with family and community connections in Manitoba to an employer- driven focus that would only select nominees with approved job offers from 'stablished employers.

(5) The shift in focus jeopardizes the PNP's successful 86 per cent retention rate as, without family or community ties, nominees will move to other provinces with larger job markets.

(6) This change provides employers with an incentive to select newcomers based on reduced cost, leaving nominees vulnerable to exploitation.

(7) The business community and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce have made it clear that the

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 899 PNP is a successful program, driving the economy with skilled workers.

(8) Acc ording to a report in 2014, 94 to 98 per cent of nominees reported employment earnings within their first year of arriving in Manitoba and had the second lowest unemployment rate among immigrants in Canada.

(9) Despite the wealth of economic and social benefits that newcomers bring to the province, the Premier cruelly portrayed them as a burden to society by inaccurately linking provincial nominees to high unemployment rates and social assistance. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to maintain the PNP's nomination criteria to remove the $500 fee and to continue to invest in newcomers who build the province, drive the economy and promote diversity and inclusion in Manitoba.

Signed by Bob Mensfort h, Paul Sims, John Helliar and many, many more outstanding Manitobans. Kelvin High School Gymnasium and Dakota Collegiate Field of Dreams Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitobans recognize how important it is to provide young people with quality learning spaces to succeed in school. Sport, recreation and the spaces to engage in them are critical to the physical , mental and social welfare of students.

(3) Kelvin High School and Dakota Collegiate have both spent several years raising money towards the construction of a new gymnasium and wellness centre and a new sports field, respectively.

(4) Kelvin High School is one of the largest high schools in the province with over 1,200 students.

(5) Some Kelvin students currently have to pay to use outside facilities to obtain their mandatory physical education credits.

(6) Likewise, Dakota's varsity teams have been forced to play elsewhere because of the negative condition of its playing field.

(7) Football and soccer teams of Dakota Collegiate must put the project out to tender and break ground in a matter of months for the field to be completed for this coming school year.

(8) The provincial government, in a regressive and short -sighted move, cancelled funding for both projects for political reasons, despite the extensive community support, fundraising and engagement.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to recognize the tireless efforts of Kelvin High School and Dakota Collegiate, to recognize the need for excellent recreation facilities in all Manitoba schools, to reverse this regressive cut to Manitoba schools, and to provide both schools with the funding necessary to complete the new Kelvin High School gymnasium and the Dakota Collegiate Field of Dreams. This petition was signed by Ben Wickstrom, Alana Jones, Dave Sauer and many, many more fine Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: For the information of members, when you're reading petitions, I would just like to indicate that just before –or–when you are actually reading the names or making reference to the names, adding words like outstanding, fine, hard- working is not allowable by the rules. You're just to indicate that the petitions are signed by these Manitobans. So just a reminder to everybody when you are bringing forward a petition. Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Andrew Micklefield (Government H ouse Leader): Madam Speaker, I would like to call for debate on bills this afternoon in the following order: second reading of bills 17 and 15; debate on second reading of Bill 7; second reading of Bill 6. Additionally, Madam Speaker, could you please canvass the House for unanimous consent for the House to conclude debate on these four bill motions this afternoon, with the questions to be put on all four motions no later than 5 o'clock.

Madam Speaker: It has been indicated by the honourable Government H ouse Leader the bills that will be called for debate this afternoon will be called in the following order: second reading of bills 17 and

900 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 15; debate on second reading of Bill 7; second reading of Bill 6. And I would ask: Is there unanimous consent of the House to conclude debate on these four bill motions this afternoon, with the questions to be put on all four motions no later than 5 p.m.? [Agreed] * (15:10) SECOND READINGS Bill 17–The Court Security Amendment Act Madam Speaker: Moving then, accordingly, to second reading of Bill 17, The Court Security Amendment Act, being introduced by the honourable Minister of Justice. Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education, that Bi ll 17, The Court Security Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la sécurité dans les tribunaux, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mrs. Stefanson : I'm pleased to rise in the House today to introduce f or second reading Bill 17, The Court Security Amendment Act. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair This bill amends The Court Security Act to enhance overall court security across Manitoba and all courts across this province of ours.

The amendment will address the safety and security concerns of key stakeholders, including members of the general public, the judiciary, Crown counsel, defence counsel, court clerks, court staff and inmates. Sheriffs Services has a responsibility to ensure a 'stafe'–a safe and secure courtroom and courthouse environment across the province. Madam Speaker, I want to take the time to thank those sheriffs and security personnel for what they do in our courts to keep us safe. They are on the front lines and I want to commend them for what they do every day.

I have had the chance to meet with many of these workers all across the province, and many hadn't ever seen a Justice Minister before, let alone have one ask them about what they do and the job that they do. And they're so proud of the jobs that they do. Many told me that they want the tools to do their jobs well, and that i s in part what this bill is all about, providing a better legislative framework, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so that sheriffs and security personnel can keep our courtrooms safe and our courthouses safe.

I am proud to table this legislation that will increase saf ety at our courts and allow sheriffs and other security personnel –enable them to do their jobs. Madam Speaker, the amendments provide for the following: Security officers will be granted the authority to evict a person who has caused a disturbance and to evict–or prevent a person from entering a court area where there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe the person will cause a disturbance, with specific exceptions to those rules.

In addition to screening for weapons, security officers will be granted the authority to screen for prohibited items and to refuse entry if a person refuses to be screened or is in possession of a prohibited item. Security officers will also be granted the authority to seize and dispose of weapons, as well as prohibited items. As the Minister of Justice, I'm mindful of the importance of access to justice and the need to ensure public confidence in our justice system, and an important component of that is safe and secure in-court environments across the province.

So, I look forward to the support of the –of this House with passage of this bill this afternoon. And I want to thank the member –or thank Deputy Speaker and I look forward to comments from members opposite. Questions Mr. Deputy Speaker: A question period up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the minister by the member of the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate, subsequent questions may be asked by each of the independent members, the remaining questions asked by any opposition members, and no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds.

Any questions? Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): I note that in this bill, prohibited items would include cannabis, which, generally, I think everybody can agree upon, but can this minister tell the House, what about medical

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 901 cannabis, if a juror or a family member or a witness or a party to litigation requires medical cannabis? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): You know, these are prohibitive items. I don't believe prescription medication would be included in that as well. Mr.

Swan: Well, I'm just–I'm asking this because it simply defines prohibited item as cannabis, and, again, although I think everyone in this House can agree why in most cases that would be appropriate, I'm specifically asking the question of whether medical–medically required cannabis would be prohibited under this bill. Mrs. Stefanson : I think I answered that in my previous question–or in my answer. Mr. Swan: Well, I guess we'll debate that, and we may have to bring forward amendments to fix up this bill.

In terms of security officers and the definition of security officers, the minist er spoke about sheriff's officers and other security personnel. Could she tell the House who exactly will be defined as a security officer and is she planning to make a –changes on that at the same time that this bill becomes law? Mrs. Stefanson : Security officers are defined as sheriff officers during the day time. They –as the member opposite will know –are in charge of the security of the courts during the day.

In the evening the security officers are part of the protective services, and so those will be the officers that will be in charge at those times. Mr. Swan: Again, a provision which, on the face of it, is reasonable, of course. We're going to give security officers the ability to refuse entry or evict persons who may pose, in their view, a security risk. Could the minister just let us know, how long would this eviction be effective for? Mrs.

Stefanson : I think the member opposite will know all too well, as he is a lawyer himself and has spent some time in the court house, the importance of the security of our courtrooms. Certainly, this gives the ability for officers, if there is a disturbance or if they predict that there could potentially be a disturbance, that someone's at risk of that, that this gives them to tools that they need to be able t o fulfill their jobs, which is obviously to be able to provide security within the courts. Ms.

Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): To what degree are security officers evicting or preventing people from entering courts when there are reasonable grounds for a disturbance? Mrs. Stefanson: I want to thank the member for the question. Of course, we know that this is –this just offers the officers the ability to have the tools that they need to ensure the safety and security of those individuals, so–of the individual s within the courthouses. So it's all of those who are visiting, all of those who are working within the courthouses.

That's the purpose of this, and to be able to ensure that if, in the event that a sheriff officer or a protective service officer believes that there could be a disturbance of some nature and that there's a safety risk involved, that that person–the security officer – will have the– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable minister's time is up. Mr. Swan: The member for Burrows and I are actually on the same track. We're not any way suggesting that it's unreasonable to evict persons or to refuse entry to persons who may pose a security risk.

The question I had and didn't get an answer to is: Is that just for the rest of the day, or is it then possible for security officers to say that the person is banned indefinitely? It's unclear in this act, and I'm just wondering if the minister could give some clarification on that. Mrs. Stefanson : Obviously, first and foremost, we want to ensure the safety of all of those in the courthouse and that is what this legislation is doing.

It gives the tools to those officers to be able to, in the event that there is a disturbance or that peoples' safety is at risk for some reason or another, it will be able to–they–allow them to evict those people from the courtroom. In terms of the length of time, I think that would be left up to the discretion of those officers. They are responsible. I know what they do in their day -to-day jobs is remarkable, and I –certainly, I hope that members opposite would certainly join with me and– in how– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable minister's time is up. Mr.

Swan: Well, y ou know, the minister doesn't have to start getting defensive.

902 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 We agree with the idea of the bill, but I think it is reasonable to be able to ask questions about how much of an impact this particular

section will have. If it's in the discretion of the security officers and someone does not agree, is there any method t o appeal or to challenge the decision of a security official who may tell someone they're simply not able to enter the court building? * (15:20) Mrs. Stefanson : Certainly, I hope the member opposite is not inferring that security officers would, in any wa y, shape or form, take advantage of the situation that they have and the powers that they have to be able to ensure the safety of all of those within the courtroom. So I hope that that's not what the member opposite is suggesting. Mr.

Swan: No, the member opposite is actually doing his job in trying to get an answer from the minister to his question. If someone is unhappy and there may be, in the view of the security officer, valid reasons for removing somebody or for denying them entry, an objective perso n may agree with that. But, if the person is not happy with that, is the minister saying that there is no opportunity for that person to challenge or to appeal that decision, and that person can then be indefinitely prevented from going to a courthouse, which is, in normal cases, open to the public? Mrs.

Stefanson : Certainly, it's –the important thing about this is to ensure the safety and security of all those in the courthouses, and we believe that the security officers do a great job. But they just don't quite have all the tools that they need in order to evict people from the courtroom and take away prohibited items and weapons and so on, so we wanted to be able to give them the tools that they need to be able to do their job. I certainly respect the work that they do, and we–and I hope the member opposite would agree with us. Mr.

Swan: Well, I certainly do respect the work that our sheriff's officers and our security officers do. That's why I'll be voting against a bill, which is going to freeze their wages for two years and give them only small increases for two years after that without even having the courage to sit down and negotiate with them. But the question is this: Our courthouses are generally public buildings. They'r e places of public access. It may well be that security officers have a valid reason –a good, objective reason to bar some - one from that courthouse.

The question I'm asking the minister is: Is there any means for someone who has been barred to have somebody other than that security officer to have an independent look and determine whether or not it is appropriate that they be unable– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time is up. Mrs. Stefanson: You know, I thank the member for the question. I think it's important here to have respect for those in the front line who are concerned about the safety of Manitobans, concerned about the safety of those in our courtrooms, and I respect the work that they do.

But right now they don't have all the tools that they need in order to be able to do their job in the most efficient and effective way. And so that's why we're bringing forward this legislation. We think this is important that they have the tools that they need, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for all of the work that they do in ensuring our safety and security in our courtrooms. Mr. Swan: Well, I also have a great deal of respect for security officials, but having respect for those people does not mean having disrespect for other Manitobans.

So I take it from the minister's refusal to answer the question that it's her intention that there be no other objective look or appeal process or any other means that somebody who disagrees with the decision of a security officer can take to get access to a building that is otherwise open to the public. The minister just confirmed that today. Mrs. Stefanson: Again, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, if he respects the work that those security officers and the sheriff officers do in their duties on a regular basis, then he would trust that they are going to be able to be given the tools to do their jobs in a more efficient and effective way to ensure the safety and security of all of those in our courthouse. So I hope that the member opposite is not questioning the work–the hard work of our sheriff officers and our security officers to protect Manitobans who are visiting our courthouses. Mr. Swan: Well, you know, the minister seems to misunderstand the nature of questions.

I do absolutely respect the work of security officers. I don't expect I would ever be a person that would be refused entry. I happen to be white. I happen to be male. I happen to have received a law degree and, indeed, I happen to know all of those

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 903 people. I'm not Aboriginal. I'm not a new Canadian. As far as I know, I don't have a mental health issue. These are people who are more likely to be removed or to be prevented entry to our courthouses. And I am disappointed this minister is conflating the idea of security with the ability to simply prevent someone from being able to be there. And all I've asked– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time is up. Mrs. Stefanson: Well, I don't believe I had a–there was a question there, but certainly I will just make a brief comment.

I certainly have a tremendous amount of respect for those in our front line in our justice system, especially those sheriff officers that stand up for the safety and security of all of those that visit our courthouses and, certainly, if you go beyond that into our correct ional facilities, the correctional officers and the tremendous work that they do.

So I think this is a time to give the tools to those sheriff officers, to those security officers, so that they can do the job of securing them, the courthouses, and securing those offices for the betterment of the safety and security for all Manitobans who are visiting those court - houses. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is there any further questions? Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): My quick question would be whether there are plans to fully arm with guns those security officers under this act. Mrs. Stefanson: Sorry, Mr. Speaker, if I could just get the member to repeat his question.

There was just some issues with the clock, I think, so we were just– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honour able member for Tyndall Park, if you'll repeat your question to the minister. Mr. Marcelino : Yes. Will there be arms, meaning firearms, that will be given to those security officers as a plan in this bill? Mrs. Stefanson: This–certainly, I respect –thank the member for the question and, you know, it's an important one.

Of course, the –these–the safety officers will not be given those arms as of yet, but certainly we will be determining that, as well as we're looking at other legislation here, as well, with respect to those public safety officers who–with another piece of legislation that's coming forward that I'm sure we'll have the ability to talk about in the Legislature, and that's The Legislative Security Act. Mr. Marcelino : Can the minister please tell us if there are any lockdown procedures that will be in place once this bill is passed? Mrs.

Stefanson : Well, I think it's important –and again, I want to thank the member for the question– but I think it's important that once this bill is passed that sheriff officers and the safety officers will have the ability to confiscate prohibited items in the courthouse, as well as weapons, and those are something that in all cases they can't do right now. So this is giving them the authority to provide for further measures which provide greater security for all Manitobans who are entering the courthouse.

So that's the purpose of the bill and that's what we're doing, and I hope the member opposite will support us on this. Mr. Marcelino : Will the Minister of Justice (Mrs. Stefanson) please tell us if the authority of the security officers extend beyond the confines of the premises of the courts and the buildings adjacent thereto, or is it just within the gates of the courthouse? * (15:30) Mrs. Stefanson : You know, certainly, this bill is about the safety and security of all Manitobans who enter our courthouses.

This is giving the sheriff officers, the safety officers the tools that they need in order to further protect Manitobans in the event of, you know, unlikely incidences, but incidences that could take place within our court systems. And so, certainly, we hope that members opposite will support us in our endeavours to provide further safety and security for Manitobans. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The time for question period has expired. So, now, is there any speakers to speak on Bill 17? Debate Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): It's a pleasure to rise and put some words on the record about Bill 17.

With your indulgence, just before I do that, I would like to speak about somebody for a minute who spent a lot of time in our courthouses. That's a Winnipeg lawyer named Darren Sawchuk. Darren lost his battle with cancer this past weekend at the age of 51. Darren was actually a couple of years

904 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 ahead of me through law school at the University of Manitoba. He was a successful criminal lawyer who appeared in all levels of court, up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. I remember him from law school as a talented musician. I only found out reading his obituary that he actually taught himself to play guitar during law school; I'm not sure when he had the time, but he was a truly talented musician and also a truly talented lawyer.

He practised for abo ut 25 years, working for the Winnipeg firm of Phillips Aiello, and he did believe in the good of each of his clients, no matter what they might have been charged or ultimately convicted with and he was a strong advocate for improving the system. He was ver y involved with Criminal Defence Lawyers Association. I had the chance to work with him when I was the Justice Minister, and he will truly be missed. Many members of this Chamber may know that he opened a company called Vinyl Revival after his diagnosis, when he was no longer able to practise law.

Vinyl Revival became a record store, but also a place for talented–and perhaps even not-so-talented– musicians to come by and perform. He leaves behind his partner, Loralie, and two children, and certainly we mourn the loss of a really good Manitoba lawyer and a great person. With respect to Bill 17, of course, we support measures to make those involved in our criminal justice system safer. That includes, of course, not just the judges and the lawyers, but also parties to litigation, witnesses, jurors and people who find themselves in the courthouse for whatever reason.

So, certainly, we support measures to make our courthouses safer for Manitobans. Very few people aside from, perhaps, the lawyers are ever happ y to find themselves in a courtroom, and we want to make sure that their entry to, their exit from and their attendance there is safe. And we know that, unfortunately, there are individuals who may try to influence individuals, to try and intimidate individuals or to threaten other individuals in the courthouse. There may be those who choose to bring along potential weapons or intoxicants into our courthouses.

And we do support measures to enhance some of those measures to try and make our courthouses safe. Of course, in Manitoba, we have one very large court, the downtown Law Courts in Winnipeg, where the majority of cases are heard. But we also have courts across the province, including a circuit court points, which may be nothing more than a town hall or a meeting place for courts to take place. So, in general, we support this. There were a few areas that I did ask the minister about, and I'm going to be put a few words on the record about that.

We may have people at committee who want to talk about thi s and we may have amendments in general. Although the minister can talk about safety and security, that is important and we don't take anything away from that. So, too, are our courts a place the public and the media are entitled to attend, in order they c an see how the justice system works, report on how the justice system works and assist us in our efforts to try and build a better justice system. And, you know, I note the comments that the minister decided to make in her opening comments.

I can tell he r that many people in the justice system – judges, defence lawyers, Crown attorneys, correctional officers, sheriffs say they've never seen a justice minister less interested in improving the justice system than the current Justice Minister we have and that's a shame. But I know she was given a mandate letter from the Premier (Mr. Pallister) of this province that didn't contain a single word about making Manitoba's streets safer, about making communities safer or making the justice system work more effectivel y, or finding better ways to prevent crime or to assist those who offend.

So she's, I guess, playing the cards that she's been dealt. But I hope, as we go forward, she will lift up her head, take a look at what's going on because, frankly, as we look at the increases in criminal activity in the city of Winnipeg, which is going to be mirrored in the larger report that will come out later on this year, it's going to be mirrored by the report the Brandon Police Service is going to put out and it's going to be mirrored by the information that comes forward from the RCMP.

Unfortunately, under her watch, crime is going up by rates that, frankly, we have not seen in this province probably for decades. And I hope that the minister will get through some of the bills that she has decided are priorities and actually turn her mind to making our communities safer. I did ask a question about 'prohimited' items, and I asked this only because it's going to be a larger discussion we're going to have. I asked the minister about cannabis. When cannabis is legalized –if, in fact, that's where the federal government goes –I

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 905 think it's entirely reasonable to tell people they cannot bring that into a courthouse, just as they cannot bring alcohol or other intoxicants unless, of course, they require that, the cannabis, for medical purposes. And perhaps you might say, well, if someone's just coming down for a case conference or somebody's only entering the courthouse for an hour or two hours, why would this be an issue? There may be jurors who may be spending days sequestered in the Law Courts building, and I think it is a decent question to ask.

And I'm hoping the minister, before we get to committee, will be able to provide a better answer. Perhaps we can work on enhancing that

section of the bill. I think it is also a precursor of the discussion we're going to have to have as the federal government moves ahead. I know there's another bill before this House that we'll be talking about more. We want to make sure that the protection of those people who use cannabis for medicinal purposes for their own health will be protected and not discriminated against without there being some valid reasons. So I hope we'll be able to clarify that as we go.

The other area where I spent most of my ti me was talking about the ability of a security officer to refuse someone entry or to remove someone from the courthouse. Of course, we agree that if somebody is threatening someone, if somebody appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, if somebody perhaps is wearing gang paraphernalia or is otherwise identifying themselves as someone who may pose a threat, absolutely, as security officers do, but we don't mind enhancing in this law their ability to refuse that person entry or to remove them. That is not an absolute power though.

And I know that the minister's put on the record that she is prepared to simply give security officers discretion. Well, in most cases that might be appropriate. I think we need to do a little bit more thinking about this. We need to do a little bit more work on this bill to make sure that someone who is refused entry or is removed from the courthouse does have some other measure to plead their case, to try and enjoy the usual right that Manitobans have to have access to Winnipeg's Law Courts building and other courthouses across the province. In my question I wasn't meaning to be frivolous or light.

The chances of me being refused entry to a courthouse–I would hope–are quite slim. But, again, I'm not a new Canadian t hat may have difficulty expressing myself. I am not Aboriginal. I'm not an indigenous person who, unfortunately, may come into contact and be frustrated with the way that our system works. I think we want to make sure there's protections in place, although most cases will be clear and any reasonable person would say it's not unreasonable to restrict that person or to remove them from the courthouse.

We need to just make sure that if that is going to be a permanent or a long- term issue, or even a short -term issue that may impact someone's personal right to be there, there should be some ability of that person to have that decision reconsidered and I don't see anything in the bill that would do that. So I think we need to think about that a little bit more. As well, I know that the minister kept trying to say this is a matter of respect. Asking questions about someone's right to enter a court building– which, of course, we agree –can be subject to limits.

But suggesting that we should talk about that does not mean disrespect for security officers, for sheriff's officers who do that important work and have that job of keeping us all safe.

And I hope this won't be a pattern that decent questions that are asked on behalf of Manitobans are turned aside by this minis ter as somehow implying that those who ask the questions don't have respect for the people who do that work in our system. * (15:40) And, as I pointed out in my question, if you want to disrespect somebody who works in the system, you disrespect them by bringing in a law which dictates what their pay is going to be the next four years that they enter into a collective agreement; that is certainly a way to disrespect them.

When it comes to sheriff's officers, who this minister now wants to say are her new best friends – of course, it was this minister who postponed training of sheriff's officers. We know that, despite a great increase in the number of people in the courts system since she became the Justice Minister, there have been no additional full -time sheriff's officers added into the justice system. And we know, as well, from her comments the last time I asked her the question, there are no new full -time correctional officers that have been added to the system. So we certainly do respect these indivi duals.

I hope the Justice Minister will also respect the work that these people do and make sure that they have safe and adequate working conditions. So we are prepared to have this bill go forward to committee. I think the bill is important. I think it

906 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 will provide additional protections. I think that if the minister's prepared to listen to what members of the opposition have to say and, if she goes to that committee meeting prepared to listen to what other Manitobans have to say, we can come out of this with an even better bill. So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I'm pleased to have the opportunity to speak about this bill, and I look forward to moving it to committee and making it even stronger before we return to pass this bill this session. Thank you. Mr. Jon Reyes (St.

Norbert): I'm glad to have the opportunity to put some words on the record on this, Bill 17, the court security act , Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la sécurité dans les tribunaux. As the minister had stated, and I just want to repeat on behalf of my colleagues here at the Manitoba Legislature and all Manitobans, to take the time to thank the sheriffs and security personnel for what they do in our courts to keep us safe. They are the on the front lines, and I also truly want to commend them for what they do every day. I look at this bill and the proposed amendments associated with it and, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, Bill 17 protects us and all stakeholders, including members of the general public, judiciary, Crown counsel, court clerks, court staff and inmates. The reason why I got into politics and to serve the great people of St. Norbert and Manitoba, like my colleagues, was to make a difference, to make the positive changes to improve our province. Our government is always re -evaluating what can be done better for the best 'interents' of Manitobans; in this case, safety.

The Court Security Act currently has no clear authority for Sheriffs Services or security officers to evict a person who has made a threat or causes disturbance in a court area or to screen for prohibited items such as drugs and alcohol, which sheriff's officers frequently come across. Well, you want to ensure clarity and make things as black and white as can be. Speaking of black and white, I have a deep respect for sports officials. As referees, they have to be fair and call the game how it is played. I, myself, am a football official, because I have a passion for the game of football.

And I can't wait for the football season to begin. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, like every sport, the re are rules that must be reviewed, from time to time, to ensure the fairness of the game and safety of the players. In this case, with respect to Bill 17, this is about keeping our front -line workers, including judiciary, Crown counsel, court clerks, cour t staff and the public, safe.

So our government has reviewed this current act, and that is why the necessary amendments must be made to ensure the safety of people entering court – amendments to give Sheriffs Services and peace officers the authority to be proactive and reactive in dealing with aggressive individuals attending the courthouses, reducing the likelihood of significant incidences.

When court proceedings are being conducted, no one wants a disturbance and that is why we must allow for these amendments to be approved–in order to allow authority for security officers to evict individuals who cause disturbances, to also allow for the ability to screen for weapons and to screen for prohibited items and to refuse entry if a person refused to be scre ened or is in a possession of a prohibited item. It would also allow security officers the authority to seize and dispose of weapons or prohibited items. This legislation is necessary here in Manitoba.

There are seven jurisdictions across the country who have similar legislation, which leads me to believe it is, indeed, necessary. Who would not want this act to be amended? Who would not want individuals entering a courthouse to be safe? I'm always puzzled that after 17 years under the rule of the previous government that it took our present government to come up with this–these proposed amendments for The Court Security Act. But then again we know the importance of teamwork. We value the strength of knowledge of our team on this side of the House.

L’opposition parle toujours de la façon dont ils représentent la diversité, les minorités et les pauvres. Mais regardez leur histoire . Le taux de pauvreté des enfants le plus élevé, un énorme arriéré de demandes dans le programme Candi dats du Manitoba. Ils sont divisés. Ils ne sont pas une équipe. Ils devraient être embarrassés par ce que le dernier gouvernement a fait au peuple du Manitoba. De ce côté, nous sommes une vraie équipe, avec beaucoup de diversité.

March 22, 2017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 907 Translation The opposition is always talking about how they represent diversity, minorities and the poor. But look at their history. The highest rate of child poverty, a huge backlog of applications in t he Provincial Nominee Program. They are divided. They are not a team. They should be embarrassed by what the last government did to the people of Manitoba.

On this side, we are a real team, with a great deal of diversity English We value the diverse backgrounds in the fields and past occupations we represent: a lawyer; a farmer; business owners; teachers; homemaker; civil servants; financial planners; people who are –who have served our country in the military, including myself and the honourable member for Kildonan (Mr. Curry); people who have served our country in Ottawa, including our Premier (Mr. Pallister) and the honourable member from Assiniboia; people who served on municipalities like the Minister of Families (Mr.

Fielding) , the Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations (Ms. Clarke) and the honourable member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson); people who have immigrated to this country like our House leader, people who have been involved with non-profit organizations, like the honourable member for Fort Richmond (Mrs. Guillemard). Madam Speaker in the Chair We cover a broad spectrum with this team with the unique backgrounds and skill sets we have on this side of the House. We have a wealth of knowledge, knowledge we wa nt to share to strengthen our province. I am proud to be part of this team.

We inherited a mess from the previous government, but every day we work hard and we are continuing to do that and we're getting Manitobas on track. Better services and sustainable services and that in this case keeping the public safe is a mandatory service. We should all agree on why this act, without question, should be amended. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): I'd like to start off by thanking the minister for bringing forward the bill.

You know, the safety of Manitobans is, and I believe–or should be and I believe is all of our priorities, and a healthy discussion on the safety of Manitobans is always a good thing. During the question- and-answer period, I notice that the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), as well as myself, we were asking questions and we weren't receiving tangible answers. It would have been nice to receive the answers before heading to committee, but I'm optimistic that there will be som e thorough discussion, some people brought in where we can discuss it in details.

A couple of concerns that I do have is will – where did the bill derive from? And the privacy of Manitobans, as the bill would provide security officers the ability to conduc t searches on individuals, I'm concerned that the level of intensity in which officers will conduct their searches and seizures could make people feel uncomfortable. It was just–once again clarification would be nice, and, hopefully, we can discuss it further in committee. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question.

Madam Speaker: The question before the House is Bill 17, The Court Security Amendment Act. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] I declare the motion carried. Bill 15–The Department of Justice Amendment Act Madam Speaker: We will now move on to Bill 15, The Department of Justice Amendment Act. Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education, that Bill 15, The Department of Justice Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur le ministère de la Justice, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mrs. Stefanson : I want to thank the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys, and all the Crown attorneys in Manitoba for the incredible work that they do, and thank them for bringing this issue forward to us. We think that it's important to protect our Crown attorneys, and this is a bill that will allow further protection from–for them.

908 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 22, 2017 * (15:50) Madam Speaker, individuals who have been the subject of a prosecution currently have the ability to personally name a specif ic Crown attorney or other identified person acting in the role of a Crown attorney in a civil lawsuit. The bill to amend The Department of Justice Act removes the ability for an individual Crown attorney or person acting under the Crown attorney act to be personally named in an action by a person who was a subject of the prosecution.

The bill requires that the Attorney General, instead, be the named defendant where an action is brought. Lawsuits against Crown attorneys can sometimes be frivolous and without foundation, and those claims may, ultimately, be dismissed but not before many, many months have passed. And, in the interim, the Crown attorney's name appears on a lawsuit alleging professional misconduct. That can impact the Crown attorney on a very personal and professional level by having their names associated with this allegation.

It can also have an impact in circumstances such as credit reporting of lawsuits, which may be required when seeking credit cards or loans. The bill addresses those concerns by requiring civil claims to name the Attorney General as the defendant rather than the individual Crown attorney or other identified individuals. The bill does not change the ability of those who have been a subject of a prosecution to bring lawsuits regarding behaviour they may believe is actionable. It does not expand or reduce the type of actions that can be brought by the litigant.

The bill specifies those individuals who cannot be personally named in a lawsuit by reference to those who ar e identified in The Crown Attorneys Act. That includes Crown attorneys, articling students and those who are appointed to the–to act as Crown attorneys or act in the role of prosecutors. The bill identifies that the Attorney General may bring action or s eek indemnification from the individuals whose names have been protected by this legislation–by the legislation. The bill also clarifies and provides

interpretation of language in The Proceedings Against the Crown Act and The Financial Administration Act by indicating that language that refers to the Crown or government should be read as indicating the Attorney General. So, for these reasons, Madam Speaker, we think it's very important to bring forward this legislation. We, certainly, have a tremendous amount of respect for our Crown attorneys. We thank them for all the work that they do in our criminal justice system. And, with that, I will turn the floor over for questions from members opposite.

Questions Madam Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member in the following sequence: First question by the official opposition critic or designate, subsequent questions asked by critics or designate

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-2-30
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 2nd hansardpdf 30.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	2d5d11f34a003c6633ee88ef6e7c26dd856766a0

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