Manitoba Hansard — 4 April 2022 (Sitting 30, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

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Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 30 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Second Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy Kildonan-River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne, Hon. Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GORDON, Audrey, Hon.

Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott, Hon. Assiniboia PC KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan, Hon. Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.

LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle, Hon. Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew, Hon.

Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Thompson

1065 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, April 4, 2022 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.

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

Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. Introduction of New Member Madam Speaker: I am pleased to inform the Assembly that the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a letter indicating the election of Obby Khan as member for the constituency of Fort Whyte. I hereby table the notice of the return of the member elected. Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, I am pleased and honoured to present to you Obby Khan, the member for Fort Whyte. He has taken the oath as well as signed the roll and made the right to claim his seat here in the Manitoba Chamber.

Madam Spea ker: On behalf of all honour able members, I wish to welcome you to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba and to wish you well in your parliamentary career. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 223–The Ukrainian Heritage Month Act Mr. Dennis Smook (La Vérendrye): I move, seconded by the member for Swan River (Mr. Wowchuk), that Bill 223, The Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Smook: I am pleased to intro duce Bill 223, Ukrainian Heritage Month Act.

The f irst Ukrainians came to Manitoba on September 7th, 1891, and today Manitoba is home to 180,000 people of Ukrainian descent. They have con tributed much to our econo- mic, political, social and cultural life in Manitoba. It is important to recognize and celebrate these contribu- tions. This bill proclaims the month of September in each year to be known as Ukrainian heritage month. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] And in case I might've forgotten, routine pro- ceedings has started with the introduction of bills. Committee reports?

Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage, and I would indicate that the 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Sikh Heritage Month Hon. Andrew Smith (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh. [The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God.] I rise today to recognize and celebrate Sikh Heritage Month in Manitoba.

1066 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to our visitors, particularly members of our province's Sikh community, who have joined us here in the House today. Manitoba has a long and proud history of honouring the Sikh community. The gov ernment of Manitoba was one of the first provinces to raise the Sikh flag, one of the first provinces to allow an exemption for motorcycle helmets, and, in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa, a tree was planted right here, outside the Manitoba Legislative grounds.

April holds a historical significance for the Sikh community because it's when the Vaisakhi and Khalsa Day are celebrated by Sikh communities around the world. I, along with many of my colleagues, will be attending many Vaisakhi events. For centuries, Vaisakhi, has been held in northern India. It is typically held on April 14 or 15 and marks the first day of the Sikh New Year. It was during Vaisakhi celebrations in 1699 that Guru Gobind Singh identified new practices for baptized Sikhs, a group known as the Khalsa.

The designation of April as Sikh Heritage Month, by both the Government of C anada and the Province of Manitoba, is a testament to the important role this community plays in our national and provincial identity. * (13:40) Nearly half a million people, or 1.5 per cent of the Canadian popula tion, identify as Sikh. Whether it's artists, business owners, educators or com munity leaders, the Sikh community has helped diversify our culture and the Manitoba economy. Alongside the many accomplishments of the Sikh community, there are some everyday con tributions that I'd like to acknowledge.

A core value within the Sikh faith are seva, self-service. An important aspect of this service includes volunteers who prepare and serve meals free of cost to visitors at Gurdwaras, regardless of religion, ethnicity, economic status or gender. Madam Speaker, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused most of the world to shut down, Manitoba's Sikh community rose to the occasion. Not only were many of the Sikh community kitchens in Gurdwaras able to sustain a safe seva practice, but they expanded their efforts to provide meals for front -line service workers.

A strong commitment to the value of volunteer - ism mirrors the one held by many Manitobans. Volunteers lay a strong foundation by building com - munity connections wherever they live, and the Sikh community has made many outstanding contributions to our province through many ways, including volunteerism. My colleagues and I are committed to continue to work with the Sikh community across this province as we come out of the pandemic.

Whether it be attending Gurdwaras, helping prepare langar and, most recently, issuing an official proclamation in recognition of Sikh Heritage Month, my colleagues and I are friends of the Sikh community. As we kick off Sikh Heritage Month in Manitoba, I wish you all peaceful, 'joiceful' times. As Vaisakhi is quickly approaching, I wish everyone a happy Vaisakhi. Thank you. Shukria. Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh. [The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God.] Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to speak about Sikh Heritage Month.

In 2019, our NDP team put forward bill 228, The Sikh Heritage Month Act, with the support of Sikh Heritage Manitoba, and it passed in the Chamber, proclaiming April as Sikh Heritage Month. The month of April recognizes and emphasizes the important contributions that the Sikh community has made and will continue to make to Manitoba's social, economic, political and cultural heritage. At times of crisis, Sikhs are known to carry out public - welfare services on humanitarian grounds. April is an important month for the Sikh com - munity.

This month, Sikhs around the world celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith, such as the turban. While we r ecognize the essential contributions that Sikh Manitobans have made, it is also important to acknowledge that Sikhs often face intolerance and prejudice. Turban-wearing Sikhs continue to exper - ience racist and xenophobic acts of discrimination. Such acts are not a thing of the past. Just yesterday, a 70-year-old Sikh man in New York became the victim of a hate crime as he was brutally assaulted for wear- ing a turban.

Madam Speaker, we must all raise our voices against acts of hateful violence and ensure th at as

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1067 legislators we prioritize communities over partisanship. The rich Sikh history in Canada and Manitoba is very personal to me because it is also reflective of my own 12 years in Canada and my personal journey and experience. Lastly, I know that the month of April is also important for our Muslim and Hindu brothers and sisters. I would like to wish those celebrating Ramadan Kareem and a happy Navratri. Thank you. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I seek leave to respond to the minister's statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Ms. Lamoureux: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to rise and speak a little bit about why it is we celebrate Sikh Heritage Month in April. Madam Speaker, it is because of my father and many of my uncles like Gurtej, Pritam and Parminder that I have had the oppor tunity to learn a little bit about Sikhism through visiting India, attending Gurdwaras and getting to know people in the commu- nity, some of whom are here with us today in the Chambers.

And they've all taught me a little bit about Sikhism here in the province of Manitoba and our country. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the rich culture of our i ncredible Sikh community that continues to grow and prosper here in Manitoba. It is a time where people across Canada and members of the Sikh faith and others will be participating in Vaisakhi, a celebration highlighting Guru Gobind Singh who laid down the foundation of Khalsa Panth. Madam Speaker, I want to share an issue that is held close to the hearts of many of my constituents in Tyndall Park regarding the Komagata Maru incident.

I've shared quite a bit about the Komagata Maru here in these Chambers over the years, but, in short, this 1914 incident saw the government of the day turn away a Vancouver -landed ship carrying hundreds of South Asian migrants. The reason I bring it up is be - cause this ship that was turned away and sent back to Calcutta was c omprised in large of people of Sikh faith. Now, I have the honour of having a newer park in my constituency in the Waterford Green area where residents of the houses nearby were promised a com- memorative park in tribute to the Komagata Maru. I am tabling an

article of this from when the residents came here to the Legislature this past July. I table this in the hopes that the government will take the time to read the

article and will commit to stepping up and assisting the City in making the park– a park that was promised to the community–a reality. Madam Speaker, with these few words I want to wish everyone a happy Sikh Heritage Month and a happy Vaisakhi later this month. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Further ministerial statements? The hon ourable Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with her statement.

Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): Madam Speaker, April 1st, 2022, marked the 27th annual Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action. It is also known as Kick Butts Day, a day to highlight the problems caused by tobacco use in com munities everywhere and to urge elected officials to take action to protect youth from tobacco use. We encourage youth to reject deceptive market - ing from the tobacco industry and live tobacco- free, not only on the day, but every single day of the year.

The youth are faced with a new threat to their health, a harmful trend being sold as a way to relax and marketing itself as innocent fun called vaping. Vaping is putting a new generation at risk of nicotine addiction. Emerging research shows that vaping can lead to tobacco use. In order to reduce the number of smokers in our province, we cannot ignore the role vaping plays in creating them. In 2019, 21.5 per cent of Manitoban youth in grades 7 to 12 reported vaping in the last 30 days, a 6 per cent increase from 2017. Addressing youth vaping is a priority for our department.

It was a key aspect of our recently launched five -year roadmap, A Pathway to Mental

1068 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 Health and Community Wellness, which cal ls for the development of a provincial tobacco and vape reduction strategy. This strategy's importance is without question: smoking kills more than 2,000 Manitobans every year. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwi de. Research shows that smoking harms nearly every single organ of the body. It causes heart and lung disease and complicates the effective treatment of other health conditions.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, and I can attest to that with my own personal experience. By quitting you can add years to your lifespan and in- crease your quality of life. If any smoker is ready to quit, help is available and accessible. Manitoba supports the Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline, a free, con fidential service offer- ing support and information about quitting smoking or vaping by telephone, text or online. The Canadian Cancer Society also operates Talk Tobacco in Manitoba, a free and confidential service for Indigenous people that offers cultura lly appropriate cessation support.

I'm proud to share that in the spirit of Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, my department launched a smoking cessation social impact bond on April 1st. Quit Smoking with Your Manitoba Pharmacist is a pharmacist -led intervention which delivers nicotine replacement therapy and counselling to individuals who wish to quit smoking.

It was developed in collaboration with Pharmacists Manitoba and funded by Shoppers Drug Mart. * (13:50) In addition, Manitobans will soon be able to access the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program, which offers accessible nicotine replace- ment therapy and cessation counselling to low-income individuals through their primary care provider. With over 200,000 smokers in Manitoba, multiple programs are required to support various populations to quit smoking. Manitoba's tobacco and vape reduc - tion efforts are multi -faceted and support broad population needs.

Mental Health and Community Wellness con - tinues to work with key stakeholders s uch as the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance, the Manitoba Lung Association, Shared Health and regional health authorities on efforts to prevent and end smoking and vaping in our province. In honour of Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, I encourage all Manitobans to speak up on the harms of smoking, recognize the threat of vaping and utilize cessation supports available in their com- munities to improve their health and well-being. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mrs.

Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Today we recognize Take Down Tobacco day and all the work that the advocates are doing to reduce smoking rates across our province and world. When we talk about quitting smoking, we often do so in ways that centre on the individual smoker, implying that the decision to do so rests on them and them alone. But Take Down Tobacco day reminds all of us that advertising and the effects of the tobacco industry have a major effect on the rates of dependency in our country.

Smoking affects all of us, whether it's a friend or someone that we love, and it costs tens of millions dollars to the health -care system to treat smoking - related illness. We also note the rising rates of alternative forms of smoking, especially e -cigarettes, used among Manitoban youth. There is uncertainty and about the long–there's uncertainty about the long- term health impacts of the practice. And we know that vaping can lead to nicotine dependency. In 2020, 14 per cent of Canadians between the age of 15 to 19 reported having vaped in the last 30 days.

As we continue to advocate for more regula- tions of the tobacco industry, we also need to consider the pathways to addictions from all products. Over 20 years ago, I made the decision to quit, mainly because I wanted to be a role model to m y three children. And I'm happy to say that none of them smoke. To all of the Manitobans trying to quit smoking: you can do it. We support your efforts. And to every- one who is thinking of quitting, don't forget that it's never too late to do so. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, today is Take Down Tobacco day, a day when we need to dedicate our - selves to reducing smoking and reducing 'vaking' –

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1069 vaping, parti cularly that using nicotine, in our province. Let's look back for a moment. Manitoba took a major step forward in 2003 and 2004. This included the esta blishment of an all -party com mittee on en - vironmental tobacco smoke. The committee found it was time to ban smoking in indoor public places. A bill to achieve this was passed June the 10th, 2004 and came into effect October 2004.

The result of this has been a c ontinuing decline in smoking in the years since then, and we thank all those who have helped in this effort to reduce smoking in our province. The most recent estimate of the rate of smoking in Manitoba was found to be 14 and a half per cent of Manitobans. Interestingly, the rate of smoking is lower in Manitoba than that in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, even though the incidence of lung cancer is higher in Manitoba than in the other western provinces.

This means we should be looking not only at cigarettes but also at other factors –as an example, the presence of radon gas in people's homes. Radon gas can cause lung cancer and can act together with smoking to significantly increase the rate of lung cancer. Manitoba has a higher proportion of homes with high radon levels than the other western provinces. While the gov ernments of Manitoba have focused for the last 20 years on smoking as the principal culprit in causing lung cancer, they've neglected the attention that is needed with respect to addressing the high radon levels in many Manitoba homes.

Manitoba Liberals strongly support reducing smoking and vaping in Manitoba, particularly among our youth. We also believe it is critical to address and reduce the high levels of radon in far too many Manitoba homes. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Introductory Acknowledgements Mr. Obby Khan (Fort Whyte): I would like to start by acknowledging we are gathered on Treaty 1 terri - tory, the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk nations, the ancestral lands of the Inuit and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

Today I rise for the first time as MLA for the people of Fort Whyte to express my gratitude to them for placing their trust in me . I am humbled and honoured to be their representative in this Legislature. I promise to work hard every day to be a strong voice for my community, a positive leader and an advocate for their priorities. Madam Speaker, and to my MLA colleagues, I'd like to say, assalamu alaikum. Translation: peace and blessings be upon you. It is a great honour for me to be the first Muslim in the history–MLA in Manitoba.

I am privileged to start my journey here today in these glorious halls with the great words of peace be upon you all. My hope is that this moment will stand out for the young, diverse children across this great province, saying I can do that as well, I matter, I am heard and I am seen. Today we are making this Legislative Assembly a more inclusive, a mo re diverse, a more reflective tapestry of what we see all around us here in beautiful Manitoba and in our great country of Canada. Madam Speaker, I would not be here today if it was not for my family. To my mom, I love you.

To my siblings, Humara, Sohail, Amna and Qasim, thank you. To my beautiful son, the love of my life, Sufiyan Henry Ahmed Morrish-Khan, I love you to the moon and back, bud. [interjection] Sorry, Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to continue. Madam Speaker: The member has leave. Mr. Khan: I know my father's looking down on me from above. Dad, you came to Canada with a dream to give your kids a better life and opportunity, and now we have that. Now I can take that dream forward and try to make it better for everyone else. Thank you, Dad. I love you.

To all my family and my friends, my support system, my volunteers, my campaign team and all of the people of Fort Whyte, thank you. Last, to my colleagues in the room, I look forward to working with you all, whether you're on this side or the other side of the House. Whether we agree or not, there will always be a respectful dialogue between you and I, moving Manitoba forward together, and that is why we are all here today. Thank you, Madam Speaker. May peace and blessings be upon you as well.

1070 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 Papal Apology to Indigenous People for Residential Schools Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): In 1990, Phil Fontaine did a CBC interview disclosing the abuse he suffered at Indian residential schools. It was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, as it marked the first time a leader spoke publicly of the horrors occurring in these institutions. It certainly wouldn't be the last.

That interview, alongside all the work of cour - ageous survivors, led to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement , the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the 94 Calls to Action, Canada's official apology and, ultimately, to Friday's papal apology. Why was an apology from the Pope so important to so many survivors?

It is because of the denial that is Canada's colonial history: the denial of our human- ity as Indigenous peoples; the denial of the torture and trauma bestowed on the state and the Church on the bodies of little children, including our little ones in unmarked graves; the denial of the intergenerational impacts of resi dential school; the denial of our languages, of our culture and of our land. * (14:00) While an apology to some may not seem very important, to many survivors it is. Quite obviously, the best apology is one married to action. The Catholic Church is worth billions of dollars.

Pay the $30 million owed to survivors now, not through fundraisers but through the church's own finances. Five of us in the NDP caucus are the children and grandchildren of survivors. We are only here because they lived, and for that we are forever grateful and in awe. Finally, a profound miigwech to my cousin, Phil Fontaine, and all survivors, including the member for Fort Rouge's (Mr. Kinew) father and uncle, and to all the matriarchs who led the delegations bringing forth this papal apology. Miigwech. Za Pizza Bistro Mr.

Shannon Martin (McPhillips): It gives me great pleasure to stand up and introduce Za Pizza Bistro restaurant, which opened a new location at 2188 McPhillips. On March 19th of this year, I had the privilege to participate in the grand opening of Za Pizza Bistro at their new location in the McPhillips constituency. They opened its first location in Manitoba just in 2015, in the St. Vital area. Since then, they've opened seven more franchises in different parts of the city of Winnipeg. Franchising this new small business highlights the importance of self-employment as part of the suc- cess of our local economy.

It's a time we pay tribute to over 120,000 small businesses established in our province who employ over 72 per cent of the Manitoba workforce. While Za Pizza Bistro restaurant offers both dine- in and takeout options, they also provide catering to small and large events. Because this is a small, in - dependent restaurant with a strong focus on casual, welcoming atmosphere and a friendly service, they have created a sense of community with the constituents.

And I quote, they've noted in a recent conver sa- tion that guests are responding very well because they like the intimate, casual atm osphere; plus, the small staff and open kitchen help create a place where they feel welcome and at home. Small-business owners love what they do, and they play an important role in supporting our local communities. The owners put a great deal of emphasis on relationships they are building with all their customers. They're taking the time and enjoying letting the commu nity know that they are there to serve.

Please help me in extending a sincere congratula- tions to the two women entrepreneurs, Maninder Kaur and Amarjeet Kaur Gill, on the grand opening of their second 'zabista' location. It is my hope that they and their families will be blessed with many years of success. Thank you. Internationally Educated Nurses MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, on Saturday I received a bittersweet call from a constituent named Gray, an internationally educated nurse who has been working as a health-care aide in a large Winnipeg personal -care home for the past eight years.

Gray called to tell me th at he finally got his registered nursing designation and would be working as an RN for a personal-care home in Ontario. Instead of staying in Manitoba, where he's des perately needed, Gray will be working as a nurse at a

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1071 personal-care home in Kenora, Ontario. He chose Kenora be cause it's only two hours away from his home here in Winnipeg. Gray was a Manitoba provincial nominee. He has strong family ties and wants to remain in Manitoba. Gray is just one of many internationally educated nurses that have been forced to leave the province in order to become licensed RNs. For the last three years in a row, Manitoba has ranked eighth out of 10 provinces for our poor ability to attract and retain immigrants.

For the past two years, we've had alarming negative g rowth rates due to out-migration, and recent data from the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner shows that in a four-year span only 16 per cent of internationally educated professionals got full accreditation and got to work in their field of study and experience. Even worse, only 5 per cent of internationally educated nurses become fully registered here in Manitoba. But it doesn't have to be this way. Solutions have been laid at the feet of this govern- ment by its own IEN advisory group but the PCs remain unwilling to act.

Internationally educated nurses have not asked to make this process easier; they have only ever asked to make this process fair. I am also repeating my calls for the government to up- hold existing labour mobility laws and allo w nurses licensed in other provinces in good standing to work here in Manitoba. Removing unfair barriers is the first step. Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Canadian Power Toboggan Championships Hon.

Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education a nd Early Childhood Learning): On March 6th, I was honoured to have the opportunity in my constituency to bring greetings on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and welcome all the participants and fans to the 60th annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championships, the greatest show on snow, in Beausejour. Congratulations to Gunnar Sterne from West Chicago, Illinois, on your victory, winning this year's 2022 Canadian Power Toboggan Championships.

Every year more than 100 racers of all ages and skill levels com e from across North America to compete in the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships in Beausejour, Manitoba. The Canadian Power Toboggan Championships has the world's fastest and safest one-half-mile ice oval track, where up to 18 racers compete at the same time. The Canadian Power Toboggan Championships started in 1963, and it was the first formally organized snowmobile race in the sport's history. CPTC is a community-based non-profit organization with more than 200 volunteers for the longest running snow - mobile race in the world.

CPTC is recognized the leading snowmobile racing event in Canada. I am pleased to highlight that since 2016, our government has provided over $133,000 in funding through the Com munity Places and Building Sustainable Communities grant to the CPTC organ- ization. Thank you to Reid Baker, the president of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships, and your board for all your hard work and dedication. I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the racers, organizers, volunteers and everyone involved. All the best for continued success in the future. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Although they have departed, I would like to acknowl edge that we had guests in the Speaker's Gallery this afterno on, and they included family members of the honour able member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan). And it included his mother, Rehanna Khan, his siblings, Humara, Rana, Sohail Khan and Amna Mirza, and his son, Sufiyan Morrish- Khan, and his constituency assist ant, Laurel [phonetic] Hammond.

Also in the public gallery were family and friends of the honourable member for Fort Whyte, and to all the other members that are in our gallery today, it is very nice to have everybody back here being able to join us as we conduct our Assembly today, and it is very nice to have people in our gallery today; and on behalf of all of the members here in the Legislature, we want to welcome all of you to the Manitoba Legis- lative Assembly. ORAL QUESTIONS Leader of the Opposition Acknowledgements Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): I just want to add my ap preciation and say that after two long years, it is very good to have people in the gallery once again. Along with those comments, I want to send my love to the residen tial

1072 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 school survivors who had a very meaningful week, along with all of us as Canadians. And of course, I want to say Sat Sri Akal [truth is G od] to everyone celebrating and observing Sikh Heritage Month during this month of April. I want to take this opportunity also, in response to my colleague from Fort Whyte, to say wa-alaikum as- salaam [and peace be upon you] . Significance of having a member of the umma join us here in the Chamber is a milestone.

And not only is it meaningful for young Muslim children, it's meaningful for all children, that they now can look to this place and say of course there should be a Muslim legislature – legislator in Manitoba's Chamber. I do have a question about affordability, but I wanted to begin with those comments. Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Premier): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his comments, certainly welcome everyone back to the Manitoba Legislature and those in the gallery as well, Madam Speaker, and to those from our Sikh com munity who were here today. * (14:10) I want to thank the minister for his statement today and we wish them all the best and we thank them for being here. And obviously, want to to say that this was a big week, I think, for residential schools and those sur vivors, Madam Speaker, and certainly the apology by the Pope. We welcome that as well.

I think that is a step forward and, certainly, we recog- nize that. I also want to recognize our new MLA for Fort Whyte to the Manitoba Chamber and to the Legislature for his first day and as the first Muslim MLA. We welcome him here as well. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Manitoba Hydro Rates Cost of Living Concerns Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Officia l Opposition): Well, on with the show, then, eh, Madam Speaker. Life is getting more and more expensive in Manitoba, and this gov ernment is doing nothing to help.

We know that it costs more to fill up at the pump. It costs more to go the grocery store and, yes, your hydro bills keep going up and up and up because of orders they have made at the Cabinet table and legis- lation that they've passed right here in the Chamber. Now, with their new bill they want to raise rates even more: 5 per cent per year. The Premier has a choice to make. Will she simply stop raising hydro rates on Manitobans? Yes or no? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I certainly welcome any question from the Leader of the Opposition when it comes to affordability for Manitobans.

We know that under the previous NDP government they raised taxes–almost 13 or 14 times– they raised taxes on the backs of Manitobans to make life less affordable for Manitobans, Madam Speaker. We have done many things to make life more affordable for Manitobans, Madam Speaker, and next week we will make life even more affordable for Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, it's pretty clear that Manitobans don't like this Premier's approach and they don't like the approach of this government.

And, really, it's very understandable to see why. It was only our team who was able to stop them from raising hydro rates yet again here in the Legislature. But did they stop a nd listen to Manitobans? Did they learn the lesson from that ex perience? No, Madam Speaker. They left over the past year, held a leadership race and then came back to raise hydro rates through legis lation once again. That's not making life more affordable. That's just repeating the mistakes of Brian Pallister. Will the Premier continue, or will she simply stop raising hydro rates today? Mrs.

Stefanson: I also welcome any question from the NDP Leader of the Op position when it comes to Manitoba Hydro. Certainly, under their watch–the NDP–Bipole III and Keeyask was $3.7 billion over budget. The–Keeyask cost $2.2 billion over budget; bipole 1.3 over budget, Madam Speaker. The NDP mislead Manitobans on the escalating costs of these massive infra structure programs, Madam Speaker, and now they've left Manitobans to clean up for their mess. We will continue to be on the side of Manitobans to make life more affordable for all of them.

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1073 Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Publication of COVID-19 Data Elimination of Public Notifications Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, you know that Brian Pallister said in 2020 that Manitobans have to look after themselves, and then the Premier went and said the very same thing this year. You know what makes that so much more difficult? When the gov ernment stops publishing COVID data.

And the reason why this decision makes no sense is because (1) it contradicts public health, but (2) it' s the people of Manitoba who pay for that data. The people of Manitoba pay for this COVID data. They should be able to have access to it. It shouldn't be hidden from them by this Premier and the PC govern- ment. Will the Premier reverse the decision to hi de COVID data? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Well, once again, Madam Speaker, I'll address the litany of false accusations by the Leader of the Opposition.

As usual, he knows that these issues are reported weekly, as are–as is this case in many ot her provinces. In fact, some provinces have moved to monthly reporting. So we are, in fact, ahead of them. But, Madam Speaker, we will continue to 'motter' the data through the waste -water system and also through other indicators, and we will continue to work with Public Health and other stake holders in our health-care system to ensure that we will take the ap- propriate steps to keep Manitobans safe. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Kinew: Madam Speaker, careful observers will note that the Premier just referred to a form of data that is not shared publicly with Manitobans. This is something that has not been done through out the pandemic, even though many experts have been calling for this infor mation to be released to Manitobans. Again, the people of Manitoba pay for this infor- mation to be collected. They pay for this data to be tabulated. They even pay for the salaries of these gov- ernment ministers who hide this infor mation at the Cabinet table.

It's a simple ask: let Manitobans see the data on COVID so that they can understand the situation as it pertains to public health. Will the Premier keep hiding COVID data or will she reverse her position today? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition can continue to put false accusations on the record in this Chamber, but it doesn't make it any more true. The fact is that we do publish this data weekly, Madam Speaker, as do other provinces. Of course, what I hav e said and what other health -care–what health-care pro fessionals have also said is that we need to learn to live with COVID.

And as we transi- tion through this we will ensure that we take every 'pecautions' to make sure that Manitobans are safe throughout this process. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, the challenge is that not everyone gets to live with COVID. We have lost more than 1,700 Manitobans through this pandemic. One of the tools that can help save lives is to arm Manitobans with the public infor mation collected by Public Health.

One of the mistakes that has been made by this government since the time of Brian Pallister and con- tinuing to now is the concea lment, the hiding of this data. We are simply asking for this government to stop. You can listen to the many public health experts speaking about this on the daily, saying that this gov- ernment should publish this information. Will the Premier release this infor mation daily and stop hiding the truth from Manitobans? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the leader of the opposite–opposition is just wrong again.

In fact, the very information that he is asking for is published on our website on a weekly basis, and that is available for all Manitobans, indeed for people all over the world, to look at. So that is hardly hiding from anything. Health-Care System Reform Surgical Backlogs and Staff Vacancies MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, hallway medicine is returning to Winnipeg hospitals. Manitoba's busiest emergency room had a 10-hour wait for care last month. That's the longest wait on record. We've been telling this minister and this government for years that their cuts are causin g very real harm.

1074 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 There are some solutions, though: return the hospital beds that this government cut and address unacceptably high nurse vacancy rates of over 20 per cent. Will the minister commit to doing so today? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for Union Station for the question.

The members opposite wrote the book on wait times, Madam Speaker, and left us to clean up the mess that they left behind, and I want to say that we appreciate the efforts and commitment of our talented health-care staff and their dedi cation to provi ding compassionate patient care. The–it has been a difficult two years for Manitobans. Many individuals are showing up in our access points, which is our emergency de partments, and I wan t them to know that we are working diligently to ensure the services are available to them. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question.

MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, 10 hours for care at Manitoba's busiest emergenc y room is beyond unacceptable. I'll table the docu ments we received through FIPPA. Ten hours to wait at HSC is the longest ever wait on record. Cuts and consolidation have done lasting damage and we're seeing it at the emergency room at HSC. It's time t o invest. It's time to replace the beds that this government cut. * (14:20) Why won't the minister address the 10-hour wait at HSC? Ms. Gordon: I want to assure Manitobans that our sickest patients that show up in our emergency depart- ments, that we are providing quality, safe care.

We know that less urgent patients, the levels are higher than we would like them to be, but we continue to work with our health- system leadership– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –to identify op portunities to increase medicine capacity, and there will be more news in the budget next week, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, it's not just 10 hours at emergency rooms. Many Manitobans are still waiting for surgeries.

We heard from Brenda Spearman, who is waiting for a spinal surgery she desper ately needs. She's in extraordinary pain and has to wait until June for an MRI just to get the waiting process started. Her husband Wayne says she has zero quality of life. Brenda and her husband watched the surgical up- date hoping for answers, but were disappointed that the minister failed to set any target dates. Will the minister set targets for Manitobans wait- ing in pain–people like Brenda Spearman? Ms.

Gordon: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force for the incredible work they have been doing with the health- system leadership since December w hen they were appointed. Perhaps the member for Union Station missed the update last week. Sanford hospital in North Dakota has suc cessfully operated on nine patients. One patient was with us, sharing her story. And I know that there are many Manitobans that are looking to the task force to alleviate their pain and suffering and I want them to know that we are working very quickly to ensure they receive the care they need.

Health System Support Staff Union Contract and Wages MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, new funding for health support staff needs to be included in the upcoming budget. Health support staff have worked the front lines of this pandemic. They showed up to work to keep us safe and when the ones we love got sick, thes e staff were at the bedside. They've been without a contract for far too long and they have been left out of pay top-ups. Will the minister recognize these staff and ensure they have a contract? An Honourable Member: We're not the employer, is that the answer? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Well, the members opposite seem to know the answer to the question. They're already shouting it out. Indeed, we are not the employer, Madam Speaker. Shared Health is the employer. [interjection]

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1075 They laugh at Shared Health, at the negotiation tactics, Madam Speaker. We depend on the collective bargaining process. We know they are working hard at the table and we're looking forward to that outcome, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a supplementary question. MLA Marcelino: Madam Speaker, health support workers, like those in the Brandon emergency room, took the same risks as other front -line workers but were not shown the support they deserved.

Thousands of workers in personal -care homes worked in facilities with outbreaks to care for our loved ones. They are doing so without a renewed contract. In fact, they have not seen a raise in many years. It's time to show these workers the respect they deserve. Will the minister ensure COVID top -ups and a new contract in the upcoming budget? Mr. Helwer: Well, the member opposite is asking me to interfere in contract negotiations, Madam Speaker. I will not do that. Shared Health is t he employer. They are negoti - ating in the collective bargaining process with the – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Helwer: –with the members that the opposite member refers to in the Brandon Regional Health Centre. They are negotiating with Shared Health. That's where those negotiations would take place, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a final supplementary. MLA Marcelino: Madam Speaker, the minister needs to ensure that new funds are available for health support staff in this coming budget. Inflation is now over 5 per cent.

Many health support workers have had their wages frozen for years and they've put them selves at risk working in our hospitals, in home care and in personal -care homes with patients infected with COVID. It's time for a fair deal for all health workers and that includes health support staff. They deserve new contracts and top-ups that recognize their service on the front lines of this pandemic. Will the minister ensure that funding is in place in the upcoming budget? Mr.

Helwer: We were very happy when Shared Health came to a collective agreement with the nurses, and we expect they will do the same with the support services that are out there. Madam Speaker, we thank everyone in heal th care that worked so hard throughout the 'pagdemic' and continues to do so. In terms of the budget: stay tuned. You'll hear next week. Exchange Income Corporation Premier and Conflict of Interest Concerns Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): The Prem ier (Mrs. Stefanson) believes that there's one set of rules for her and one set for everyone else in Manitoba.

The conflict of interest law is clear: the Premier should recuse herself from any matters where her family has a financial interest. But we know she didn't do that when it comes to the Exchange Income Corporation. Now, the Premier's election filings show that EIC executives and related lawyers donated over $43,000 to her leadership campaign. That's nearly 8 per cent of her entire amount that she raised. Will the Premier admit that she is in a – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –conflict when it comes to EIC? Hon.

Cliff Cullen (Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade): Well, Madam Speaker, here we go again. Here's what the NDP do best. They run a campaign of fear and slander against the Premier. Again,

preamble's dishonest, obviously non-factual. Madam Speaker, I know the NDP is probably jealous–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: –probably jealous that we had so many fundraisers for the Premier's election campaign. That's probably what they're jealous about. There's nothing to see here, Madam Speaker. This is all above board. This– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

1076 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 Mr. Cullen: I know the NDP are jealous of the money that the Premier was able to raise during the cam - paign. I know they're jealous. They're going to keep going down this rabbit hole day after day. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: Over $43,000 was contributed to the Premier's leadership campaign by executives and related lawyers of one company: EIC.

That's the company where the Premier's family has a direct financial interest in and that's th e company the Premier helped award a contract to. That's a conflict, Madam Speaker, and the Premier should recuse herself. The Premier needs to be clear with the House: Will she recuse herself from awarding any more contracts to EIC? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, the NDP again making accusations without bringing anything to the table. I mean, this has been a history of the NDP: keep making accusations without bringing any facts to tie the information to the allegations.

Madam Speaker, I know the–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: –NDP is upset that the Premier happens to have friends that may happen to have money and want to contribute to her campaign. This is about democracy in action. I don't know–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: –what the NDP has against demo cracy. This is demo cracy in action and, Madam Speaker, these were good Manitobans promoting and backing the Premier in a fair election campaign– * (14:30) Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. I'm having difficulty hearing when members are actually speaking in the House.

So I'm going to ask for everybody's co-operation, please, so that I can hear what is being asked and answered. The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: It's important for leaders in the highest positions to simply follow the rules. That's what the rest of us do here. We learned one company alone con tributed 8 per cent of all the money the Pr emier raised in her leadership. The Premier should step back from any dealings with that company. It's very simple, Madam Speaker. She should recuse herself. So, it's a simple yes or a no.

Will the Premier follow the rules and recuse herself from any dealings with EIC? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. I need to be able to hear the answer, please. Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, again, false accusations coming to the table without any basis for those accusations. There is no conflict of interest here. What we have is Manitobans putting their money on the table, hard- working Manitobans supporting an individual for a leadership for the premier of Manitoba. Madam Speaker, if the op position is –wants to continue on this witch hunt, they have nowhere further to look than across the aisle.

Look in the mirror if they're after a witch hunt. Minimum Wage Increase Request MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): The government of New Brunswick has raised their province's minimum wage by over $1 on Friday and will raise it again later this year by another dollar. Manitoba's minimum wage now sits a mere 14 cents from being the lowest minimum wage in Canada. People need a living wage, and they need it now. Why won't this gov ernment support a living wage? Madam Speaker: The honour able–[interjection] Order. Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): We took the politics out of the –increasing the minimum wage, unlike the opposition, who played politics all the time with this, Madam Speaker. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order.

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1077 Mr. Helwer: It's predictable. It's based on inflation as opposed to the political situation and solutions – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: –the NDP opposite had: zero per cent in the first year they were elected, then twice increased it just before an election, Madam Speaker. We're making Manitoba more affordable, reducing taxes, removing–taking away the broadening of the PST they did, reducing it by 1 per cent. They wanted to increase taxes, and they'll continue to do so, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. MLA Lindsey: Madam Speaker, the minister should be ashamed of that answer. Work ing families are worried about rapidly rising costs, including the cost of fuel at the pumps, food at the grocery stores. Manitoba families deserve better than second last in this country. We need a gov ernment that works for Manitoba families, not just the rich families. Will the minister make an nouncements about plans to raise the minimum wage and make it a living wage, and will he do that today? Mr.

Helwer: Well, the member strays into politics that they just love; they can't get away from trying to promise things to Manitobans. Well, here's a promise that the leader of op posi- tion made. He wanted to shut down Maple Leaf, Madam Speaker. He led his party to shut down Maple Leaf during the pandemic, shut down all processing, throwing tens of thousands of people out of work. How does that help workers in Manitoba? It doesn't, and that's what we're faced forth–faced with , with the NDP–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: –throwing people out of work.

Madam Speaker: I'm going to have t o call the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) to order. There is an incredible amount of heckling, if not yelling, and I am just having difficulty hearing. So, a warning to everybody that I want to be able to hear, I have to be able to hear, questions and answers. So, please. MLA Lindsey: And, once again, the minister should be ashamed of himself for standing up, saying that he shouldn't protect workers during a COVID pandemic and trying to tie that into the fact that this government is continuing to starve workers because they won't address their substandard minimum wage.

The price of every thing is going up; we see that every day: price of food is up over 7.4 per cent; the cost of fuel: more than 50 cents a litre gone up. Manitoba's minimum wage is a national embar - rassment, and this minister should be ashamed of himself. It needs to be raised to a living wage and it needs to be raised immediately. Will the minister finally commit to doing so and raising the minimum wage to a living wage today? Mr. Helwer: It's a predictable increase for Manitobans, for Manitoba busi nesses, Madam Speaker.

We also reduced the minimum personal exemp - tion, saving Manitobans hundreds of millions of dollars there, Madam Speaker, making sure that they had ability to live on their salaries, taking them off the tax roll. This is not the political solution that the op posi- tion would call for. That's what they're looking for now: all politics all day. Perhaps the member opposite was part of the group discussion that wanted to raise the PST not just once, but twice, Madam Speaker. Publication of COVID-19 Data Elimination of Public Notifications Mr. Dougald Lamont (St.

Boniface): After tens of thousands of cases and over 1,700 deaths in Manitoba, the PCs have effectively given up tracking the pan - demic. The daily COVID dashboard has been wiped off the government website and PCR tests are hard to come by. Jurisdictions around the world are facing a new wave no different from the last one, an explosion of Omicron cases that put people in hospital, in ICU and in an early grave. Hope is not a plan and denial is not an explanation. Whose decision was it to take down that dash- board? What evidence is there to justify it when lives and workers are all at stake? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Well, we

1078 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 worked closely with Public Health and all the advisors, Madam Speaker, on what infor mation is made available to Manitobans. They're looking at what's happening in the rest of the provinces and the rest of the world, and we're making sure that Manitobans have infor mation to make decisions on. It's published weekly, so the infor- mation is readily available. I know the member may not like it; he want s the doom and gloom, Madam Speaker. But we're working with Public Health to make sure Manitobans can make those decisions and get the information they need.

Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr. La mont: I received a letter today from a concerned Manitoban about the being dark in the numbers. He said, quote: Having or not having this information will, bottom line, deter mine the rate of COVID in the province and the number of people who die from it. End quote. Manitobans deserve to know whether the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson), the Health Minister and their advisors are doing their own research on the Internet, or if they're just caving in to peer pressure from other Conservatives.

We want names becau se Manitobans deserve to know who is responsible, so we can some- day hold them to account for their negligence. Whose idea was it to shut this down? Who signed off on it? And what evidence was it based on? Mr. Helwer: Well, there were many questions and accusations there. There's so many, Madam Speaker, that are inaccurate that it's hard to discover which path the member opposite wants to go down, which conspiracy. So, all I can say, Madam Speaker, is I'm so happy and thankful that Manitobans stepped up and got vaccinated.

It was an exemplary, fastest, largest, most successful vaccination campaign in Manitoba history. An enormous thank you to all the testing staff, the vaccinators, administrators and volunteers that made it all work, Madam Speak er. This just didn't happen overnight. A lot of planning went into that to make it done and make it done well. * (14:40) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Manitobans Waiting for Spinal Surgery Wait-List Information for Patients Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Hei ghts): Madam Speaker, Brenda Spearman is waiting for spinal surgery. She has a lot of pain. Her current quality of life is zero.

She's aware she might be able to go to Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, for her surgery. However, she doesn't know if there is a list for people to go to North Dakota. She doesn't know if she's on that list or not. And if she's not on the list, she's not sure how she can get on the list. And if there is somewhere a decision that's been made that she's not to be on the list, she needs to know how to appeal that decision. I ask the Minister of Health: Will she provide answers to these questions that Brenda and others have about the gov ernment's list for people to go to North Dakota for spinal surgery? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for River Heights for bringing forward this case. I do want to say that, as a result of personal health information, I cannot discuss individual cases on the floor of the Chamber. I invite the member to bring forward that case to my office. We would be happy to look into it. For individuals who are interested in Sanford Health as an–hospital as an option for spine surgery, I encourage them to speak directly with their specialist about the program and to receive more infor mation there. Spring Flood Mitigation Water Control Structures Mr.

Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): With the spring melt starting up, Manitobans will soon rely on a series of water control structures to ensure that water levels remain within acceptable 'levets'–levels. Can the minister speak to these water control systems and explain the work he has been doing to prepare Manitoba for this spring season? Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I want to thank my colleague for such a great question. As the member from the Portage la Prairie since 2011 knows, I don't have to educate him about the Portage Diversion.

I want to–what I can say, recently I had a distinct pleasure of meeting with the Manitoba

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1079 Transportation and Infrastructure's staff, on site, of the Portage Diversion and Assiniboine control structure who assisted in the operations of these prov incial flood mitigation assets. Madam Speaker, for all –throughout Manito ba, we have these dedicated teams of professionals and to them, thank you. Their busy season is just beginning and Manitoba can rest assured knowing that these experts are there to make–watch over the control structures.

Thanks to our dedi cated team of transportation– infrastructure staff, we are well equipped and prepared– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Management of Provincial Park Day Passes Revenue to Out-of-Province Company Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, it's springtime. Manitobans' minds have turned to visiting parks and–but that is another thing that is getting more expensive for Manitobans. And yet, this government continues to use a com- pany from Texas, which doubled the cost for a simple day pass–$600,000 a year is being given to this private company.

Can the minister please explain why they con- tinue to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars to a US company instead of investing it in our parks? Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): Certainly, thank the member from Wolseley for that question. And really pleased today and understand that the online booking system is working very well. As a matter of fact, bookings are up over 300 per cent for yurts and cabins, Madam Speaker, and we're certainly looking forward to continued bookings over the coming days for Manitobans to get out and enjoy our beautiful Manitoba parks.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Ms. Naylor: I'm really glad the online system is working well today for campers. But just so that the minister isn't confused, I'm actually talking about day passes and the day trips to prov incial parks for families have–the cost has doubled. Madam Speaker, $600,000 a year is goi ng to a private Texas company: hundreds of thousands of dollars per year that could have stayed in the province and been invested in our parks. It could have made the parks more affordable or ac cessible for everyone to enjoy.

Why does the minister continue to send $600,000 to Texas every year? Mr. Wharton: Certainly, we know that Manitobans enjoy and will continue to enjoy some of the most reasonable rates across Canada, better yet, probably in North America, Madam Speaker, when it comes to visiting our parks. Whether it be a day pass, a three - day pass or an annual pass, we know that Manitobans are going to continue to enjoy and our parks at some of the most reasonable rates right across Canada. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Ms. Naylor: Manitobans have been clear.

They want all aspects of their parks to remain public, but this government–or, sorry, this minister, this government, the previous minister have not listened. Instead, they continue to use a Texas -based company to charge Manitobans more. Will the minister stop this priva tization and commit today to not sending any more money to Texas? Mr. Wharton: I'm sure the member, when she pulls out the history novel, she'll r ealize that under the NDP–the former NDP government–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Wharton: –that services were privatized under the NDP –that's correct, privatized under the former NDP government. Madam Speaker, let's be clear–[interjection]–let's be clear –and the member –[interjection]–the Leader of the Opposition will understand this: our parks are not for sale. Manitoba Métis Federation Government-Hydro Negotiations Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): We know the entire board of Manitoba Hydro resigned because they couldn't meet with Brian Pallister. But Brian Pallister didn't stop there.

He blamed the Manitoba Métis Federation for his own failings and then he cancelled deals negotiated in good faith and that's just simply wrong.

1080 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 The Premier has the chance through –with the budget to right these wrongs. Will the Premier act and negotiate in good faith with the MMF on Hydro? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Alan Lagimodiere (Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations): I want to thank the member opposite. I've been talking about reconciliation and the importance of everyone being on board with recon- ciliation, and we had a good sidebar at the MMF assembly last week and agreed to work together on the reconciliation file.

With respect to the Red River Métis, we are in continual communication with the Red River Métis on matters that are important to their ministers, to the de- partments, to their government. I always look forward to having respectful con versations with President Chartrand. He has been in my office numer ous, numerous times. We continue to have very a engaging dialogue and continue to work together on these files. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Keewatinook, on a supplementary question. Mr. Bushie: If you can't acknowledge the mistakes of the past you can't fix them.

The Premier should be turning the page on Brian Pallister's attacks on the Manitoba Métis Federation, but we aren't seeing any concrete action here. Hydro is one of the biggest and most important files that we have. Will the Premier commit to rectifying the wrongs done to the Manitoba Métis Federation and the people of the Red River Métis on Hydro in the budget today? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I thank the member for the question. And there was a very good AGM that the MMF had on Saturday.

I was pleased, with many of my colleagues, to attend that event and had various good discussions with many of the members there that day, over 2,000 members. It was a great turnout, Madam Speaker–the first time in a couple of years, obviously, because of COVID, so it was a great turnout. I've had several great, productive discussions with David Chartrand and, Madam Speaker, next week there'll be a budget where they'll be many more good new stories that come out of that when it comes to reconciliation in our province. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. * (14:50) PETITIONS Abortion Services Ms.

Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitoba women, girls, two -spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons deserve to be safe and supported when accessing abortion services.

(2) Limited access to effective and safe abortion services contributes to detrimental outcomes and con- sequences–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –for those seeking an abortion, as an estimated 25 million unsafe abortions occur w orld- wide each year.

(3) The provincial government's reckless health- care cuts have created inequity within the health-care system whereby access to the abortion pill, Mifegymiso, and surgical abortions are less accessible for northern and rural individuals than individuals in southern Manitoba, as they face travel barriers to access the handful of non- urban health-care pro fes- sionals who are trained to provide medical abortions.

(4) For over five years, and over the admin istra- tion of three fai led Health ministers, the prov incial government operated under the pretense that reproductive health was not the responsi bility of the Ministry of Health and seniors care and shifted the responsibility to a secretariat with no policy, program or financial authority within the health-care system.

(5) And f or over four years, the prov incial gov- ernment has refused to support bill 200, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, which will ensure the safety of Manitoba women, girls, two -spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons accessing abortion services, and the staff who provide such services, by establishing buffer zones for anti -choice Manitobans around clinics. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately ensure effective and safe access to abortion

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1081 services for individuals, regardless of where they reside in Manitoba, and to ensure that buffer zones are immediately legislated. Signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Cochlear Implant Program Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: People who suffer hearing loss due to aging, illness, employment or accident not only lose the ability to communicate effectively with friends, relatives or colleagues; they also can experi ence unemployment, social isolation and struggles with mental health. A cochlear implant is a life -changing electronic device that allows deaf people to receive and process sounds and speech, and also can partially restore hearing in people who have seve re hearing loss and who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.

A processor behind the ear captures and processes sound signals which are transmitted to a receiver implanted into the skull that relays the information to the inner ear. The technolo gy has been available since 1989 through the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic, founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Surgical Hearing Implant program began implanting patients in the fall of 2011 and marked the completion of 250 cochlear implant surgeries in Manitoba in the summer of 2018. The program has implanted about 60 devices since the summer of 2018, as it is only able to implant about 40 to 45 devices per year.

There are no upfront costs to Manitoba residents who proceed with cochlear implant surger y, as Manitoba Health covers the surgical procedure, internal implant and the first external sound processor. Newfoundland and Manitoba have the highest estimated implantation costs of all provinces. Alberta has one of the best programs with Alberta aids for daily living, and their cost share means the patient pays only approximately $500 out of pocket. Assistive Devices Program in Ontario covers 75 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum amount of $5,444, for a cochlear implant replacement speech processor.

The BC Adult Cochlear Implant Program offers subsidized replacements to aging sound processors through the Sound Processor Replacement program. This provincially funded program is available to those cochlear implant recipients whose sound processors have reached six to seven years old. The cochlear implant is a lifelong commitment. However, as the technology changes over time, parts and software become no longer functional or available.

The cost of upgrading a cochlear implant in Manitoba of approximat ely $11,000 is much more expensive than in other provinces, as adult patients are responsible for the upgrade costs of their sound processor. In Manitoba, pediatric patients under 18 years of age are eligible for funding assistance through the Cochlear I mplant Speech Processor Replacement Program, which provides up to 80 per cent of the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade.

It is unreasonable that this technology is in - accessible to many citizens of Manitoba who must choose between hearing and deafness due to financial constraints because the costs of maintaining the equipment are prohibitive for low -income earners or those on a fixed income, such as old age pension or Employment and Income Assistance.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide financing for upgrades to the cochlear implant covered under medicare, or provide funding assistance through the Cochlear Implant Speech Processor Replacement Program to assist with the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade. Signed by Sandra Neustaedter, Mark Neustaedter, Lukas Neustaedter and many other Manitobans. Lead Water Pipes Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The United States government has identified lead water pipes as a clear and present danger to the American public health, and President Biden has announced a 100 per cent replacement of lead w ater pipes in 10 million US homes and 400,000 schools and child- care centres as part of the America's job plan.

1082 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022

(2) Two thousand seven hundred and fifty -five homes in the Elmwood-East Kildonan area have lead water pipes connecting their basements to the C ity- owned water pipes at their property line. Homes built before 1950 are likely to have lead water pipes running to this connection.

(3) New lead level guidelines issued by Health Canada in 2019 are in response to finding that lead concentration in drinking water should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, as lead exposures are inher- ently unsafe and have serious health consequences, especially for children and expectant mothers.

(4) Thirty one per cent of Winnipeg's 23,000 homes with lead water pipes connecting basements to the City -owned water pipes at the property line were found to have lead levels above the new Health Canada lead level guidelines.

(5) The City of Winnipeg has an inventory of which homes and public buildings, including schools and daycares, that have the lead water pipe connection to the City's water main and will only disclose this information to the homeowner or property owner. The cost of replacing the lead water pipe to individual homeowners is over $4,000.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to imme - diately contact all home and property owners in Manitoba with lead pipes–lead water pipes connecting to the City watermain and provide meaningful support to them for lead water pipe replacement and their access to clean water as assured and exposure to lead as healthy–health risks are eliminated. And this petition is signed by many, many Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: Would there be leave of the House to accept the petition read by this member as written? [Agreed] TO THE LEGIS LATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA: The background to this petition is as follows: 1. The U .S.

Government has identified lead water pipes as a ' clear and present danger ' to American public health and President Biden has announced a 100% replacement of lead water pipes in 10 million U.S. homes and 400,000 schools and childcare centres as part of the America's Job Plan. 2. 2,755 homes in the Elmwood- East Kildonan area have lead water pipes connecting their basements to the City owned water pipes at their property line. Homes built before 1950 are likely to have lead water pipes running to this connection. 3.

New lead level guidelines issued by Health Canada in 2019 are a response to findings that lead concentrations in drinking water shoul d be kept as low as reasonably achievable as lead exposures are inherently unsafe and have serious health con- sequences, especially for children and expectant mothers. 4. Thirty one percent of Winnipeg's 23,000 homes with lead water pipes c onnecting base ments to the City owned water pipes at their property line were found to have lead levels above the new Health Canada lead level guidelines. 5.

The City of Winnipeg has an inventory of which homes and public buildings, including schools and daycares, that have the lead water pipe connection to the City's water main and will only disclose this information to the homeowner or property owner. The cost of replacing the lead water pipe to individual homeowners is over $4,000.

We petition the Legislative Assem bly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Provincial Government to imme diately contact all home and property owners in Manitoba with lead water pipes connecting to the City watermain line, and provide full financial support to them for lead water pipe replacement so their access to clean water is assured and exposure to lead and its health risks are eliminated. Eating Disorders Awareness Week Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background–sorry, to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows: An estimated 1 million people suffer from eating disorders in Canada. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting one's physical, psychological and social function and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. The dev elopment and treatment of eating dis - orders are influenced by the social determinants of

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1083 health, including food and income security, access to housing, health care and mental health supports. * (15:00) It is important to share the diverse experiences of people with eating disorders across all ages, genders and identities, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people; queer and gender -diverse people; people with dis abilities; people with chronic illness; and people with co -occurring mental health con di- tions or addictions.

It is necessary to increase awareness and edu ca- tion about the impact of those living with, or affected by, eating disorders in order to dispel dangerous stereotypes and myths about these illnesses. Setting aside one week each year to focus attention on eating disorders will heighten public understanding, increase awareness of culturally relevant resources and supports for those impacted by eating disorders and encourage Manitobans to develop healthier relationships with their bodies.

We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to support a declaration that the first week in February of each year be known as eating disorders awareness week. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Foot-Care Services Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity, the N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot- care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. And this petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Boniface. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Point of Order Madam Speaker: On a point of order. Mr. Lamont: Oh, it's simply to say that I referred to a letter and I would like to table it in my questions earlier. Madam Speaker: Thank you. We appre ciate the member tabling what he read from earlier. Does not have a point of order, but we appreciate the tabling. * * * Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): I have a leave request for the House.

Due to the Cabinet shuffle that happened in January, sponsorship for Bill 7, The Police Services Amend ment Act (Enhancing Inde pendent Investigation Unit Operations), was automatically 'transerred' from the member for Morden -Winkler (Mr. Friesen) to myself, the member for Steinbach.

1084 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 The second reading debate on this bill is concurrently–is currently standing in the name of the member for Morden-Winkler, who had just begun the minister's remarks on the bill when the House rose.

Given this change in sponsorship for Bill 7, could you please canvass the House for leave to allow t he member for Steinbach, myself, to carry on with and conclude the minister's remarks on Bill 7 so the House can be informed, with the minister's unlimited time – although I'm sure I won't use it –and with the under- standing that the member for Morden-Winkler will be listed as having spoken to the second reading motion for this bill and will not be allowed to speak on this ever again?

Madam Speaker: Is there leave to allow the member for Steinbach to carry on with and conclude the minister's remarks on Bill 7, with the minister's unlimited time and with the understanding that the member for Morden-Winkler will be listed as having spoken to the second reading motion for this bill and will not be allowed to speak on this again? Is there leave? [Agreed] Mr. Goertzen: I thank the House for that granting of the leave. * * * Mr. Goertzen: Could you please call for this afternoon's busi ness Bill 31, Bill 7, Bill 22 and Bill 16?

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider the following this a fternoon second reading of Bill 31, to be followed by debate on second readings of Bill 7, 22 and 16. SECOND READINGS Bill 31–The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2022 Madam Speaker: Therefore, I will call second reading of Bill 31, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2022. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Seniors and Long- Term Care (Mr.

Johnston), that Bill 31, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2022, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. Thank you. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: I'm pleased to speak on Bill 31, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2022. This bill is an annual bill. I think it used to be called SCAMA, if I'm correct. I don't remember exactly the acronym it stood for, but it didn't sound very good. So it's been changed to the minor amend ments and corrections act. It's an annual bill that corrects typographical numbering and minor drafting and translation err ors.

The bill also will contain minor amendments to a variety of different acts. From a procedure perspective what happens is that de partment officials will, over time, over the course of a year, notice things that are either not properly translated or small corrections that they feel need to be made to legislation, and then they bring that forward to the minister who's responsible for bringing forward the minor amend ments and corrections act – and it's been myself for a while –and then they're compiled in this bill.

So most, if not all, of these corrections aren't specific to the Department of Justice, the de partment that I'm primarily responsible for as the minister. But they are from a compilation of different departments. So when there ar e questions from the critics, if there are any questions, I'll do my best to answer them, but recognizing a lot of these come from a variety of different departments. But I could always try to get those answers at second reading if I'm not able to provide them on the floor this afternoon.

But I do want to bring forward a couple of explanations about things that might be a little bit more substantive in the bill that are more than just minor typographical or translation errors. Mr. Dennis Smook, Acting Speaker, in the Chair The bill will modernize the title of the act, the coat of arms, emblems and Manitoba tartan act, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The act is retitled as The Manitoba Emblems Act and the prov incial flag from The Prov incial Flag Act is added as a schedule, because, currently, The Prov incial Flag Act only contained the one prov ision dealing with Manitoba's flag, and that act is repealed.

So, for greater certainty, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we are not repealing the flag, the prov incial flag. It is simply moving under The Manitoba Emblems Act, and that's really so that, you know, over time, as emblems have been added, they've often gone under their own act, the flag being one. But those who are researching, perhaps, the legis lation and looking at what Manitoba's emblems are–and we recently added

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1085 the polar bear as an emblem in Manitoba–they can go under the one act and not have to go through a number of different acts. I want to do some thing similar when it comes to the different recog nition days, and I've talked to the opposition about that, and we'll have more dis - cussions. But it's just really about being able to make things a bit more orderly and easy to find for people who are looking for things specific about Manitoba in terms of the emblems.

The Health Care Directives Act is amended to extend a restriction and a benefit to common -law partners. Spouses are already accounted for in the affected provisions. The first instance concerns the execution of a health-care directive when someone is signing on behalf of the maker of the directive. Currently, neither the person signing on behalf of the maker nor the witness can be the proxy decision - maker or the proxy's spouse.

And that would make sense, of course, so that there's not concern about the the motivation for a person who is signing in those capacities. * (15:10) The amendment extends this rule to also restrict the common- law spouse of a proxy from acting as either the signer or the witness because they would have the same kind of relationship, of course, as a spouse. The second instance concerns gifts to signers, witnesses or proxies. Currently, the entitlement of a signer, witness or proxy or their spouse to a gift from the maker is not void simply because the person acted as the si gner, witness or proxy for the maker.

The amendment extends this entitlement to the common - law partners or signers, witnesses and proxies. So it just modernizes the language that we have in most other acts and the provisions that allow or restrict for those who are in a common-law relationship. Minor changes are made to The Poverty Reduction Strategy Act with respect to the com- position of the com mittee on poverty reduction and social inclusion. The requirement that one member be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor -in-Council from the Premier's Advisory Council on Education, Poverty and Citizenship is removed.

The number of people who are required to be appointed to the com - mittee by the Lieutenant Governor -in-Council based on recommendations from the minister after consulta- tion with United Way and other community groups is increased from three to four. So it gives a bit more flexibility in terms of who can be appointed, but, of course, the im portant provision of consul tation still remains. The recently proclaimed Public Service Act is amended by this bill to expand the category of gov - ernment entities subject to

part 6, conflict of interest and post -employment restrictions for senior public executives, by including prescribed reporting organi- zations. This defined term includes both gov ernment agencies and any other organi zation prescribed by regulation. Prior to the amendment, the conflict of interest was only applied to government agencies, so reporting organizations such as Shared Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Author ity were excluded from the restrictions.

The restrictions will now apply to such organizations, and this is some thing that's been commented upon over the years by various individ - uals, that senior leaders in these outside reporting organizations and entities really function in as an im- portant a role as those who are in Executive Council or within the core of government. So it's something I think that most Manitobans would look upon as making sense and favourably. The bill amends The Red River College Act to reflect the in stitution's evolution into a polytechnic.

The act is retitled as The Red River College Polytechnic Act, and all references to college within the act are updated to college p olytechnic. Conse - quential amendments are made to a number of other acts to bring them up to date with the institution's new name, and I know all of us have an appre ciation for the great work that that educational institution does. Finally, I'll speak to the issue of repealing of bills.

The bill repealed four inactive acts: the loan act of 1982, slightly before I was elected, and the loan act of 1989, which were recently discovered to still be on the statute books, though no new loan guarantees are being issued under either of the acts from 1982 or 1989. Those acts are repealed to clean up the statute books. Any outstanding loans are unaffected by the repeals of these acts. A private act, The Deer Lodge Curling Club Limited Incorporation Act, is repealed and it is being repealed at the request of the club itself, and so it, of course, is some thing that they are seeking.

It is no longer functioning and it will continue under The Corporations Act. The Sanatorium Board of Manitoba Act is also repealed. It continues as the Lung Association under

1086 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 The Corporations Act. That's something that had been requested for a long time from the Lung Association. And that concludes my remarks, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on the many provisions under the minor amendments and corrections act, the historical and annual bill that is well-anticipated by this House every year, and I look forward, given the opportunity, to not only seeing it pass but introducing the minor amend- ments and corrections act, 2023, next year, if given the opportunity. Thank you very much, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker.

Questions The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): 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 designates from other recognized opposition parties, subsequent questions asked by each independent member, remaining questions asked by any opposition members. And no question shall–or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): I'd ask my colleague that this bill removes references to exceptional fines during the pandemic, why is that? And can the minister explain why so little of the fines that were levied during the pandemic –that they were not actually paid? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): While it might have been a more appropriate question for question period itself, I do think it's an important question. So there are both federal fines, of course, under the federal Quarantine Act, and there are the prov - incial fines that were levied under the pandemic–fines from under the health orders.

There was a number of different reasons. And so part of it is that because many of the people who got fined are contesting those fines, and so it goes through the court process, and that's a relatively slow process. There's been about a half a million dollars that's been collected, and the balance goes to collections itself, like all other fines that aren't collected. And there's further 'penories' that can happen from that collection process.

But nothing in this act changes the fact that those fines are still on the books and going through the process, depending which– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The member's time has expired. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Yes, I just would ask the minister a little bit of the back ground on the switch to the polytechnic. It seems to me that this probably could have been done about 20 years ago or more, and why is this the time that it's being done? Mr. Goertzen: If I understood the member correctly, he was asking about the name change for Red River College and then adding the polytechnic act.

So this is something that probably would be better directed to the Minister of Advanced Education and, of course, the board of Red River College who has decided to change their name. I suspect that they, you know, like a lot of dif - ferent colleges, Providence College decided to use – add uni versity to their name. I think that as they're doing recruiting around the country, they probably see the different names are more reflective of what they're actually offering in terms of education. But I think it's probably a question better directed to Red River itself. Ms.

Fontaine: So this act introduces the flag of Manitoba under the coat of arms, emblems and Manitoba tartan act and repeals The Prov incial Flag Act. Can the minister explain why this is? Mr. Goertzen: Yes. And I mentioned in my com - ments and I want to re-emphasize this, so I'm glad the member asked. They need to stop the news release in their caucuses saying that we're repealing the prov - incial flag. We simply are–of course, are not. It moves where the flag is housed in terms of statues from its own act where it's the only thing under

an act, under the general prov incial emblems, you know, all the other emblems of Manitoba. Anybody who is looking at Manitoba and wants to see the emblems would likely go to the emblems act and then be able to easily access all those. So the flag will continue to fly free and fairly in Manitoba, and will live for many more years, I'm sure. Mr. Gerrard: The minister is changing the poverty act to increase the number of people appointed by the minister respon sible, and the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen) has said that this is because they want to broaden the representation.

There–it seems to me that the represen tation could have been broadened by having a –in other ways, having people elected by organi zations in- volved with trying to reduce poverty, but, certainly,

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1087 the question that I would have is, spe cifically what types of representation is the minister looking for– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. * (15:20) Mr. Goertzen: I thank my friend for the question. While the act doesn't rest in the Depart ment of Justice, I'm familiar with the commit tee having– I've seen its work in –when I was the minister of Education.

I think that –of course, there's consul tation that happens with the United Way, and so there's already a determination that there needs to be outside consulta- tion about the kind of people who should be appointed to the committee. I think it's im portant, though, to have flexibility. Poverty, I think, has been, you know, a challenge for many years. Unfortunately, it'll be a challenge pro - bably for many, many more years, but the nature of it sometimes changes and it 's im portant to have flexibility in who can be appointed.

But it is done with con sultation, and I think that that is at the heart of the member's questions and comments. Ms. Fontaine: To follow up on the member for River Heights's question, who will be doing this outside consultation to kind of determine who these new folks are going to be? Mr. Goertzen: Well, and they may not all be new folks necessarily appointed. There are people who are currently on the task force or on the committee, but it does allow for an addi tional person to be appointed through the consultation with the United Way.

Obviously, the minister, ultimately, I believe, has the order-in-council authority in terms of the appoint- ment, but that would be done with–in consul tation with community members, United Way spe cifically cited, but I believe that there's broad community con- sultation that is done before those appoint ments are made. Mr. Gerrard: Yes. The minister has said that he wants four government-appointed people. Can the minister give us the backgrounds of four representative areas which would be important to have on this board? Mr.

Goertzen: Well, again, by the nature of this act, where it compiles a number of changes to a variety of acts from different de partments, it's not the Department of Justice that is making the ap point- ments, but from my exper ience on the –on that parti- cular com mittee of Cabinet, there are, you know, representatives from the Indigenous community; there are often people from, I believe, communities aligned with social planning and different sorts of areas in rural and urban Manitoba who are dealing with poverty; those who are connected sometimes to food security through food banks and others.

It's not prescribed that it has to be a certain kind of individual, but, obviously, it is those who are most closely aligned and seeing the challenges and pro- blems in the community. Ms. Fontaine: This bill amends The Early Learning and Child Care Act, that le gislation that passed last year. It allows for lower training standards in the mix of care provided to our kids. Would the minister be open to addressing our concerns in that legislation? Mr.

Goertzen: I think because that gets a little bit very specific in terms of the operation of Early Child- hood Learning and the act itself –this bill will go to committee. I can endeavour to seek out an answer from the Department of Families–or, sorry, the Department of Education and Early Child hood Learni ng to get a response to that, but it could also be brought up in committee as well, either by the member or by stake- holders who might come and present at committee. Mr.

Gerrard: I just wondered if the minister would provide a little bit of an explanation for the changes to The Transportation Infrastructure Act. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honourable–oh–honourable Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen). Mr. Goertzen: It feels like, you know, rapid-fire tests on all the different parts of g overnment, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I can provide, I think, a little bit of informa- tion, but I think I will probably run out of time. But The Transportation Infra structure Act is amended to create an obligation for third parties to maintain an access to a de partmental road.

If the access to–is to land, the obligation is placed on the adjacent landowner. If the access is to a non -depart- mental road, the obligation is on the traffic author ity in charge of that road.

1088 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 A similar provision existed in the highway transportation act, which was repealed and replaced by this act. Ms. Fontaine: Okay, well, this bill removes the –an appointment to the poverty reduction committee from the Premier's (Mrs. Stefanson) own advisory council on education, poverty and citizenship, and as my col- league knows, that's because the advisory council no longer exists. So, I would ask the minister: Why isn't education and reducing poverty a priority for his government? Mr.

Goertzen: It certainly is a priority for the gov- ernment, and I think that that's been borne out by some of the results in Manitoba, as we've seen Manitoba's ranking when it comes to child poverty improve comparative to other provinces. Now, that doesn't mean, of course, that there's not more work to do and that there aren't more things that this gov ernment wants to achieve on that file, but there's been a number of things already achieved. The reality is that, you know, com mittees in and of themselves and their composition are part of the answer, but they are not the full answer.

And so while I ap preciate the member opposite's question, she'll also know that there's been good results achieved, but much more to do because anybody who has a child– any time there's a child in poverty, there's more work to do. [interjection] Ms. Fontaine: I thought my colleague had more questions. Just a couple more questions. Last year the–your government–or the minister's gov ernment changed the act so that the poverty reduction committee did not have to meet four times a year and did not have to face a standing committee.

So why isn't, again, education and reducing a priority–reducing poverty a priority for his gov ern- ment? Mr. Goertzen: I know in different de partments, I've seen sometimes these minimum require ments for meeting, and I've often thought that they –what they ended up doing was that there would never be more meetings than the minimum standard because people tried to move toward the minimum standard and often it would be scheduled that way in the de partment. I often favoured removing those minimum standards because I found that we were meeting way more, and that we shouldn't be setting the bar so low.

So when it comes to the number of meetings that happen, of course opposition has a role and they can hold gov ernment to account, but I don't know that quantity always equals quality, and sometimes there are just reasons to have more meetings and we shouldn't set the bar so low. Ms. Fontaine: And my final question this afternoon: This bill removes references to the exceptional powers of government put in place in 2020. Has the minister done any analysis on these powers, and what has the government learned and might do differently? Mr.

Goertzen: I'm not sure if the member's specific- ally referring to emergency orders or the pandemic orders that were put into place. I think it's a good question, though, and there's probably learning to be had when it comes to the declaration of emergency. It was–it operated differently in Manitoba than in other provinces and we had to maintain ours longer than sometimes was necessary, and people I think got con- fused between the emergency order and the public health orders, and they thought they were the same. But the emergency orders often allow ed things like marriage licences not to expire.

It often gave more discretion, not more restrictions, but other provinces operated their emergency orders in different ways. But it's probably a good point for analysis, and I'm happy to take a follow-up question on that. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member for St. Johns. Ms. Fontaine: Oh, sorry. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Are there any further questions? Debate The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The floor is now open for debate. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I am so excited to put some words on the record in respect of Bill 31, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2022.

I know that the minister probably wanted to speak longer to this, but he was very gracious in giving me some time here. So, as we know, Acting Deputy Speaker, the bill makes minor amendments to several statutes. Our concerns with the previous amendments to these bills are just as relevant today. The bill also repeals some leftover provisions that relate to emergency powers during the pandemic. This is an opportunity to reflect

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1089 on the government's performance as it relates to these statutory powers. So for instance, deputy –or Acting Deputy Speaker, The Emergency Measures Act –so Bill 31 repeals references to

section 12.3 in The Emergency Measures Act, which were new emergency powers during the pandemic. Certainly, these powers have been since rescinded.

Section 12.3 of the act has been repealed; however, there are still remaining references to

section 12.3 that are leftovers that Bill 31 now intends to repeal those provisions. Amongst the leftover provisions repealed is

section 20(5) which allowed the courts to set higher than maximum fines for offences that contravene emergency orders, which have also since been repealed. * (15:30) Certainly, Bill 31 is an opportunity to consider the PC gov ernment's approach to penal ties during the pandemic as well as their performance during the pandemic overall. I think that even my colleague would agree that there are certainly lots of lessons to be learned in respect of how to respond to a pandemic, how to handle a pandemic, the measures that should be put in place to support and protect citizens and Manitobans.

And, certainly, I think one of the areas of concern that should be –at some point, there should be some systemic analysis–is in respect of fines. We know that, you know, millions of dollars of fines were given to Manitobans who broke public health measures. And the flip side of that is that we know that these same Manitobans who so blatantly and willingly broke–and very methodically, actually, in some cases–broke Manitoba's public health measures which were, again, meant to protect Manitobans, have not paid one single cent of their fines.

And so it–and we know that it's been reported well many, many times in the media that those fines have not been paid and still, to date, have not been paid. So, certainly, I think, moving forward, it is an op- portunity for this gov ernment and any gov ernment afterwards to look at, you know, why people didn't pay their fines, how folks can be held accountable for breaking public health measures that put Manitobans at risk. So, certainly, there's a lot of work that can be done there.

And then, again, we know that according to prov- incial data only 13 per cent of fines handed out during the state of emergency have actually been paid. So about 87 per cent remain outstanding, and these go back as far as April of 2020. That's not a good record for enforcement on behalf of this PC government.

And I–you know–we will–I will say it again, and it's no–it should be no surprise in this House that, you know, we on this side of the House understand and know alongside, you know, thousands of other Manitobans, that the PCs response to the pandemic was an absolute failure and, actually, quite sad to watch on behalf of the lives of Manitobans. You know, during the summer of 2020, they launched the misguided Ready. Safe. Grow. PR campaign for about $425,000. Meanwhile , we know that small businesses in Manitoba were struggling to get dollars that some other folks had access –easy access–to but others did not.

And that PR, which then, you know, gave the false impression to Manitobans that every thing was hunky-dory and there's no more pandemic led the way to our second, third, fourth waves, and that's an utter failure on the part of this government, including the– what we saw in our PCHs; including all of the Manitobans in PCHs who, you know, were infected with COVID-19 and then ultimately ended up passing from COVID -19, and because of the restrictions, passed alone without family members there present. That's the record of the individuals opposite, every single one of those members.

We know that they closed the healt h incident command centre in the summer. Again, rather than prepare for the second wave, they closed it. And what did we see? We saw an utter disaster in the second and third waves. To that end, Chuck Sanderson, who was the former EMO director, says, and I quote, Acting Deputy Speaker: To have closed the centre after the first wave with no forward contingency planning for the second wave that was sure to come was a stunning act of stupidity and short-sightedness. End quote. That is something that I don' t think any member opposite should be proud of.

When you have folks who are the experts in their field, experts in protecting citizens and protecting Manitobans –when they say that this PC government, the way that they handled the pandemic–or again, didn't even handle the pandemic, the lack thereof–when they call it–somebody with that level of expertise says that the PC gov ernment handled the pandemic, it was a stunning act of stupidity and short -sightedness, that's a really sad

1090 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 commentary of all of the work or lack thereof that those members opposite chose not to do. They didn't do adequate testing to identify and isolate the virus. The PC gov ernment promised 3,000 tests per day by the end of summit –summer, a target that was rarely achieved, Deputy Speaker. Lines were filling up as soon as sites opened, forcing people to wait over four hours with no washings. I myself recorded the line of cars in St.

Johns at the North End MPI testing site, and that was only one of many, many, many days where the lines went as far as Atlantic down–you know, Atlantic and Main, to get to Mountain. People were waiting for hours in their cars to be able to get a simple test that would have provided safety for Manitobans and help isolate the virus. But again–and I've said t his many, many times, I've said it many times in this House, and I've certainly said it many, many times publicly –this gov ernment tried to do the pandemic on the cheap.

They tried to ensure that they didn't have to spend one single cent more than they thought they needed to–and, you know, they have failed miserably in every thing else, but Acting Deputy Speaker, I will say they succeeded in that. They succeeded in not paying one penny more than they needed to in a global pandemic. And that's not some thing to be proud of. That's not something to write home about and celebrate, that they valued Manitobans' lives so little that they tried to do a global pandemic on the cheap. A once -in-a- 100-lifetime–100-year-lifetime event, they chose to put money before Manitobans.

And again, not all Manitobans –because some Manitobans got a lot of money for their businesses and all kinds of things–only some of them. Only some of them got a lot of money while the rest of small busi - nesses did not. And, in fact, Acting Deputy Speaker, I myself–and I know several member –several of our colleagues have received so many emails and, you know, messages on social media from predominantly women, women small -business owners who got nothing, who got nothing from this gov ernment to help support their small business in what was, again, the crisis of a lifetime.

So, again, you know, this gov ernment has a way of, you know, supporting those that they deem should get that support, or that in some way helps them, ultimately, and then other ones like women didn't get any supports. And again, on the line of women, you know, the– my colleague from Union Station and my colleague from Notre Dame talk about how we still have Manitobans that don't have a contract.

They are going on, like, year 4, 5, with no contract, and yet it was these Manitobans –predominantly women and pre - dominantly BIPOC women–that put their lives on the line day in and day out working at personal -care homes, working on the front lines of emergency rooms. And with little appreciation, with little regard, with little dollars –again, because this gov ernment chose to put money before the well -being and health of Manitobans, including those that were working in the front lines of our health-care system. That is just a sad, sad commentary.

And so when we look at Bill 31 and, you know, repealing and rescinding some of these emergency measures acts, it is an im portant moment to also be doing that analysis on where they utterly failed, which, again, I will also, for the record, again, say that we are calling on this government to call–and they can easily do it–for a public inquiry so that all Manitobans can understand the decisions that were made that utterly failed Manitobans.

And Manitobans have a right to that information. * (15:40) I know that I brought this up, I think, in November of 2020, under The Fatality Inquiries Act, that they have a responsibility under that act to call an inquest when there are deaths at PCHs. And so we still haven't heard anything to that end about the deaths that have occurred in PCHs.

Again, you know, I don't –you know, we have Manitobans who died by them selves in absolute chaos, in crisis because this government failed to call in the military, failed to give the supports th at PCHs and hospitals needed, and so Manitobans who, I mean, I still, you know, I mean, there's been so many things that have occurred over this –these last two years in respect of the pandemic that will haunt me for the rest of my public life. And one of them is, Acting Deputy Speaker, the seniors and elders who died alone in PCHs because of this– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Order.

I'm sure the member is just about to bring her comments back to the contents of the bill. I know this bill, which makes changes to many existing statutes, but even with the broad scope of the member's remarks, should be relevant to the bill. So I would ask the member to ensure that her comments remain relevant to the bill. Thank you.

April 4, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1091 Ms. Fontaine: I would submit to the House that my comments are relevant to the bill because it is The Emergency Measures Act in which a lot of these decisions that the government undertook in their gov- ernance or lack thereof during the pandemic, these are what we're amending and appealing. And so it's important that as we're appealing these measures that were put in place, again, to aid citizens and take care of citizens and take care of the whole province, we're appealing that.

But I don't think that the government has done an ana lysis on how im por- tant, or the lack thereof, the work that they've done to ensure that those measures they put in place actually worked. They didn't work because the gov ernment utterly failed. So I–oops–I have so much more to say on that, Acting Deputy Speaker, but out of –and I know the members would like to hear me continue that, but I'll go on because there's actually quite a bit in Bill 31. So let me move on to The Early Learning and Child Care Act. Bill 31 proposes minor amend ments to The Early L earning and Child Care Act.

The PC government, the Brian Pallister and Stefanson governments, have missed an oppor tunity to undo some of the harmful changes that they made to child care last year, right? Like, sometimes in this House it's so hard to keep up with all of these, like, harmful bills that they keep intro ducing year after year after year . It's, kind of–you get dizzy with all of the bad decisions that this gov ernment is making on behalf of Manitobans.

And so I'll remind the House that last year the PCs passed bill 47, The Early Learning and Child Care Act, which allowed public funds to be handed over to private for-profit daycare. We know that, you know, every study of for-profit child care shows that the for- profit motive in this care means worse quality for our children, and there's –there can't–there's not a debate on this, Acting Deputy Speaker, I'm sure. Well, I don't know if these folks here would actually agree with it, but it's in studies, it's in research that I would en - courage them to read.

We know that for -profit daycare centres put downward pressure on the wages of early -child-care educators and many early -child-care educators struggle to make a living wage to pay for the necessities of full life. And, you know, I would hope and they, you know, when they go door to door, and I know, certainly, I've heard it in, you know, from – since I've been elected in 2016, but I certainly heard it in 2019 when I went to doors and folks talking about the child-care infrastructure here in Mani toba.

And I had so many folks that are working in the child- care infrastructure telling me that they're leaving, that they can barely make ends meet and that they're leaving because of the decisions that this gov ernment, these folks here, have made year after year after year since 2016 when they got elected. And, you know, it's a pretty sad commentary when a government which is charged with–all govern- ments, doesn't matter what party you are, all gov ern- ments are charged with doing what's in the bes t interest of their citizens, the citizens of the province that they represent.

It's a sad commentary that year after year after year, this PC government has attacked the child-care infrastructure to the point that people are leaving it. People love the ir jobs and they're very gifted at taking care of people's children. I've said it many, many times here: if it were not for the amazing child-care centre that I had for both of my sons, I wouldn't be where I am today. It allowed me to go to university. It allowed to get one degree, it allowed me to get two degrees, it allowed me to almost get my third degree, it allowed me to work. I wouldn't be here.

Like, thank the gods for the folks that worked at the daycare that took such great care of my sons that I am forever grateful for. Every Manitoban deserves to have child care for their children. They deserve to have the best child care for their children that, when they drop them off in the morning, they know that they're being taken care of and they have the peace of mind to go get that training, go to uni versity, go back to school, go to the job; whatever they need to do.

And, again, I've said this many times over the years, you know, it is a special kind of gov ernment, to put it lightly, that would attack child -care workers and attack child -care centres and attack –ultimately, Acting Deputy Speaker, ultimately attacking children. And, you know, it's not the only time that this government has attacked children in legis lation and policies, you know. We saw them attack them when they got rid of the –what was that formula, the baby formula? What was it called again? You know, when they took away the dollars for milk and– An Honourable Member: Milk for babies. Ms.

Fontaine: Milk for babies, yes. So, the PC government, Acting Deputy Speaker, took money away from babies for milk. Like, milk

1092 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 4, 2022 subsidies. Like, who takes away milk subsidies from babies? And then, again, this is a –it's a, you know, a special kind of government to have a member of their caucus who publicly says they don't want to feed children. Like, it's mind- blowing that these folks here, who are elected and supposed to represent Manitobans–all Manitobans–and do it in a good way, don't want to give kids milk, don't want to feed children, want to attack the infra structure of child care. Like, it is absolutely mind-blowing.

And anybody that's watching this, and, of course, anybody that's going to read this for years to come is going to know that the Brian Pallister and Stefanson gov ernments took milk–took milk–away from kids. Like, that's not something to be proud of it. But it leads me into my next discussion, Acting Deputy Speaker, on Bill 31 in respect of The Poverty Reduction Strategy Act. We know since 2016, and the member–the minister knows this as well, that this gov- ernment and the Brian Pallister government have done absolutely nothing in tackling poverty. Absolutely nothing. And so, w

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-30
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 30.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	311ffb09f29928a04452d271ae986b90938abe2a

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