Manitoba Hansard — 23 November 2010 (Sitting 6, 39th Legislature, 5th Session)

39-5-6

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fifth Session - Thirty-Ninth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable George Hickes Speaker Vol. LXIII No. 6 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2010 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Ninth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLAN, Nancy, Hon. St. Vital N.D.P. ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley N.D.P. ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thompson N.D.P. BJORNSON, Peter, Hon. Gimli N.D.P. BLADY, Sharon Kirkfield Park N.D.P. BLAIKIE, Bill, Hon. Elmwood N.D.P. BOROTSIK, Rick Brandon West P.C. BRAUN, Erna Rossmere N.D.P. BRICK, Marilyn St. Norbert N.D.P. BRIESE, Stuart Ste. Rose P.C. CALDWELL, Drew Brandon East N.D.P. CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan N.D.P. CULLEN, Cliff Turtle Mountain P.C. DERKACH, Leonard Russell P.C. DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk N.D.P.

DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood P.C. DYCK, Peter Pembina P.C. EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside P.C. FAURSCHOU, David Portage la Prairie P.C. GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach P.C. GRAYDON, Cliff Emerson P.C. HAWRANIK, Gerald Lac du Bonnet P.C. HICKES, George, Hon. Point Douglas N.D.P. HOWARD, Jennifer, Hon. Fort Rouge N.D.P. IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri, Hon. Fort Garry N.D.P. JENNISSEN, Gerard Flin Flon N.D.P. JHA, Bidhu Radisson N.D.P. KORZENIOWSKI, Bonnie St. James N.D.P. LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. La Verendrye N.D.P. MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St. Johns N.D.P. MAGUIRE, Larry Arthur-Virden P.C.

MARCELINO, Flor, Hon. Wellington N.D.P. MARTINDALE, Doug Burrows N.D.P. McFADYEN, Hugh Fort Whyte P.C. McGIFFORD, Diane, Hon. Lord Roberts N.D.P. MELNICK, Christine, Hon. Riel N.D.P. MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East P.C. NEVAKSHONOFF, Tom Interlake N.D.P. OSWALD, Theresa, Hon. Seine River N.D.P. PEDERSEN, Blaine Carman P.C. REID, Daryl Transcona N.D.P. ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Rupertsland N.D.P. RONDEAU, Jim, Hon. Assiniboia N.D.P. ROWAT, Leanne Minnedosa P.C. SARAN, Mohinder The Maples N.D.P. SCHULER, Ron Springfield P.C. SELBY, Erin Southdale N.D.P. SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St. Boniface N.D.P.

STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo P.C. STRUTHERS, Stan, Hon. Dauphin-Roblin N.D.P. SWAN, Andrew, Hon. Minto N.D.P. TAILLIEU, Mavis Morris P.C. WHITEHEAD, Frank The Pas N.D.P. WIEBE, Matt Concordia N.D.P. WOWCHUK, Rosann, Hon. Swan River N.D.P. Vacant Inkster

157 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, November 23, 2010 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee t o f r a m e s u c h l a w s a s may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 7–The Polar Bear Protection Amendment Act (International Polar Bear Conservation Centre) Hon. Bill Blaikie (Minis ter of Conservation): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable–the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Struthers), that Bill 7, The Polar Bear Protection Amendment Act (International Polar Bear C onservation Centre); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection des ours polaires (Centre international de conservation des ours polaires), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Blaikie: I'm very pleased to rise today to introduce Bill 7. The purpose of the bill is to establish the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and to provide for the appointment of members to an advisory committee that will make recommendations respecting its operation. As the House will r ecall, Mr.

Speaker, on December 3rd, 2009, the government announced that it would invest $31 million into the development of an International Polar Bear Conservation Centre that will be housed at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in collaboration with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Through this bill it is the intent of Manitoba to continue to pursue excellence in polar bear conservation and to maintain its leadership role in climate change mitigation.

It is in the interest of the Province, through the introduction of this bill, to ensure that the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre develops as a pre-eminent, first-of-its-kind facility. Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 202–The Crown Corporations Public Review and Accountability Amendment Act Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I move, seconded by the member for Brandon West (Mr. Borotsik), that Bill 202, The Crown Corporations Public Review and Accountability Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mrs.

Taillieu: Under The Crown Corporations Public Review and Accountability Act, the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation is annually required to submit its proposed premium rates for compulsory driver and vehicle insurance to the Public Utilities Board for approval. This bill enhances the authority of the board to consider whether the corporation's activities other than providing compulsory driver and vehicle insurance may have an impact on those premium rates.

Manitoba Public Insurance is required to provide the board with information about such activities, and the board is required to take reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of the information. I urge the government to support transparency and accountability and support this bill. Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] PETITIONS Mount Agassiz Ski Area Mr. Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition: For several decades, the Mount Agassiz ski area, home to the highest vertical between Thunder Bay and the Rocky Mountains, was a popular skiing and snowboarding destination for Manitobans and visitors alike. The operations of the Mount Agassiz ski area were very important to the local economy, not only creating jobs, but also generating sales of goods and services at area businesses.

158 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 In addition, a thriving rural economy generates tax revenue that helps pay for core provincial government services a nd infrastructure which benefits all Manitobans. Although the ski facility closed in 2000, there remains strong interest in seeing it reopened and Parks Canada is committed to conducting a feasibility study with respect to the Agassiz site and future opportunities in the area.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the appropriate ministers of the provincial government to consider outlining to Parks Canada the importance that a viable recreation facility in a Mount Agassi z area would play in the local and provincial economies. And to request that the appropriate ministers of the provincial government consider working with all stakeholders, including Parks Canada, to help develop a plan for a viable, multiseason recreation facility in the Mount Agassiz area. This petition is signed by P. Thompson, N. Kristalovich and L.

Haskins and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Auto Theft–Court Order Breaches Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: On December 11th, 2009, in Winnipeg, Zdzislaw Andrzejczak was killed when the car that he was driving collided with a stolen vehicle. The death of Mr.

Andrzejczak, a husband and a father, along with too many other deaths and injuries involving stolen vehicles, was a preventable tragedy. Many of those accused in fatalities involving stolen vehicles were previously known to police and identified as chronic and high-risk car thieves who had court orders against them. Chronic car thieves pose a risk to the safety of all Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To request the Minister of Justice to consider ensuring that all court orders for car thieves are vigorously monitored and enforced.

And to request the Minister of Justice to consider ensuring that all breaches of court orders on car thieves are reported to police and vigorously prosecuted. And, Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by G. Lusansky, N. Elias, A. Friesen and many, many other Manitobans. Bipole III Project Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Carman): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: In September of 2007, the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro directed the utility to abandon an east-side route for its Bi pole III project.

Five days later, Manitoba Hydro announced that the utility would be proceeding with a west-side route. * (13:40) Manitoba Hydro staff, technical experts and regular Manitobans have communicated to the provincial government they would prefer an east-side route. A west-side route would be–will be almost 500 kilometres longer than an east-side route, less reliable, and cost taxpayers at least an additional $1.75 billion. The extra cost being forced on Manitoba Hydro and Manitobans by the provincial government will mean that every Manitoba family will have–will end up paying $7,000 for this decision.

Since the current provincial government has come to power, hydro rates have increased–already increased by almost 20 per cent. If this decision is not reversed, it will result in further rate increases for Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to allow Manitoba Hydro to proceed with a shorter, cheaper and greener east-side route, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, enabling the utility to keep our

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 159 hydro bills lower and ensure a more reliable electricity system. And this petition is signed by C. Hourie, G. Wiebe, W. Miller and many, many more fine Manitobans. Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And these are the reasons for this petition: In September of 2007, the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro directed the utility to abandon an east-side route for its Bi pole III project. Five days later, Manitoba Hydro announced that the utility would be proceeding with a west-side route.

Manitoba Hydro staff, technical experts and regular Manitobans have communicated to the provincial government that they would prefer an east-side route. A west-side route will be almost 500 kilometres longer than an east-side route, less reliable and cost ratepayers at least an addi tional $1.75 billion. The extra costs being forced on Manitoba Hydro and Manitobans by the provincial government will mean that every Manitoba family will end up paying $7,000 for this decision. Since the current provincial government has come into power, hydro rates have already increased by 20 per cent.

If this decision is not reversed, it will result in further rate increases for Manitobans. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to allow Manitoba Hydro to proceed with the shorter, cheaper and greener east-side route, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, enabling the utility to keep our hydro bills lower and to ensure a more reliable electricity system. And this is signed by M. Pear, G. Kaspick, C. Stinson and many others, Mr. Speaker. Rapid City Reservoir and Catwalk Mrs.

Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And this is the reason for this petition: The Province of Manitoba has a role in providing maintenance to artificial water reservoirs. The purposes of the Rapid City reservoir are: water conservation, recreation, stock watering as well as maintaining water levels in wells. Due to the low water level and the amount of vegetation in the reservoir, it is no longer usable for recreational activities such as canoeing or swimming.

Due to the amount of silt buildup and vegetation on the reservoir–or in the reservoir, the use of the Rapid City Fish Ladder, needed for the natural upstream migration of fish, is inhibited, reducing the fish count from 2,300 in 1999 to 15 in 2008. The catwalk structure spanning the Rapid City spillway, used by children to get to and from school, was damaged when planks were incorrectly pulled from the spillway by the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation and have yet to be replaced.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Conservation to consider dredging the Rapid City reservoir as soon as possible. To request the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation to consider replacing the Rapid City catwalk structure as soon as possible. This petition's signed by J. Greer, D. Andrew, T. Bird and many, many others, Mr. Speaker. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): I would like to table the Annual Report of the Manitoba Text Book Bureau for the year ending March 31st, 2010. Introduction of Guests Mr.

Speaker: I'd like to draw the attention of honourable members to the Speaker's gallery where we have with us today, we have Mr. Carlos Moreno Lopez, who is the undersecretary of the Government of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, who is the guest of the honourable Minister of Local Government (Mr. Lemieux). And also in the public gallery we have with us His Worship Jim Johnson, mayor for the City of Thompson and Murray Nychyporuk, who is the president of the United Steel Workers, who is also from Thompson, and who are the guests of the honourable Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines (Mr. Chomiak).

160 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 And also in the public gallery we have from Kelvin High School, we have 26 grade 9 students under the direction of Carmelina Tarantino. This school is located in th e constituen cy of the honourable member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard). And also in the public gallery we have with us from Kildonan East Collegiate, we have 35 grade 9 students under the direction of Mr. John Thompson, and this school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe). And also Mr.

Lopez is the guest of the honourable Minister for Local Government. So on behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you all here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Manitoba Hydro Bipole III Costs Estimates Update Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome the mayor of Thompson and representatives of the workers in Thompson here today and congratulate them on the response that they have put in place in light of the very difficult circumstances being faced in that community today. I wish them well. Mr.

Speaker, one of the things that we look forward to in the month of November here in Manitoba is updated capital estimates for Manitoba Hydro and all of the major projects that they are working on or planning. Those revised estimates are provided every November to provide both the PUB, as the guardian for ratepayers, and Manitobans with a clear picture as to the costs of major projects being undertaken by Manitoba Hydro. Mr. Speaker, in connect ion with Bipole III, we note the last update was provided in November of 2007, that same update in '08 and '09.

Will there be a revised update provided this year, November 2010, with respect to the largest project currently on the books at Manitoba Hydro? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): I'd like to thank the member for the question b ecause it again offers us the opportunity to point out that he would cancel the converters for Manitoba Hydro and, no matter what the cost of those converters, when he cancels them that will increase the risk of a blackout or an outage in Manitoba Hydro very dramatically.

It's a reckless promise on his part that would put at risk Manitoba consumers of the service: business and individuals and families. It would also put at risk our export markets, and it would also put us in a situation where Manitoba Hydro, after many years of planning on this project, would be set backwards on their ability to provide clean reliable power to Manitoba and to its customers outside of Manitoba. Mr. McFadyen: The problem, Mr. Speaker, is that the CEO of Hydro two weeks ago said on CBC radio, maybe we'll look at going with AC line, that way we won't need the converters.

So he needs to get onside with the CEO of Hydro in terms of his comment about the converters, and if he's calling Mr. Brennan desperate, then, that's a matter I would leave to the two of them to sort out. Reckless, if that's what he's calling Mr. Brennan, then, I leave it to them to sort out. Now, Mr. Speaker, I know they're desperate because they're mismanag ing every project they touch, whether it's the stadium, Crocus or anything else.

I want to ask the Premier, if he can focus on the question: Will there be an update to the projected cost for Bipole III in November of 2010 because we haven't had an update on that project since 2007, even as we've had 38 other updates issued on nine other small projects relative to this one over that same time period? Thirty-eight updates on nine other projects. No updates on Bi pole III. Is he going to be transparent with Manitobans or is he going to conceal that number from Manitobans when the updates come out this month? * (13:50) Mr. Selinger: The member has put, again, inaccurate information on the table.

I want to table for the House a note from the president and CEO of Hydro to the Minister Wowchuk, the Minister responsible for Hydro, from Bob Brennan. Mr. Speaker: Order. When members are addressing other members in the House, it's by their constituency or the portfolio they hold, not by their name. So I ask the honourable–[interjection] Order. I ask all honourable members to follow that rule. The honourable First Minister has the floor. Mr. Selinger: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The letter from–and the note from the president and CEO of Hydro to the Minister responsible for Hydro reads: I am writing to inform you that, contrary to any impression that may have been conveyed in the media, Manitoba Hydro is not actively evaluating alternating current

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 161 transmission–that's AC transmission–as a viable alternative for the Bipo le III project. Manitoba Hydro is proceeding with the use of high voltage direct current–commonly known as HVDC– transmission for Bipole III. HVDC technology provides the most efficient means of transmitting electricity over long distances and is far more efficient than AC transmission for this purpose. HVDC technology, used in Bipoles I and II, helped make the development of hydro generation in the far north more feasible.

Manitoba Hydro has since become world-renowned for its research and development in the field of HVDC. Converter equipment is required at either end of a HVDC transmission line. For Bi pole III, new converter equipment is also essential to enhance the reliability of our transmission– Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. McFadyen: And I'll leave it to the former Hydro minister to sort out the inconsistencies being put on the record by him and the CEO, but if he could today, Mr. Speaker, focus on the issue of the revised cost estimate, which is due by the end of this month, within the next week.

They–we had a $2.2-billion estimate as of November 2007. Three years have gone by, 38 other updates issued on nine other projects, and as of two weeks ago, the CEO of Hydro said to the Winnipeg Free Press that the $2.2-billion figure, and I quote, could escalate to almost double that amount, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Premier: They have now got a multitude of numbers, a multitude of designs; can he just provide clarity, Mr. Speaker? Unlike the way they're mismanaging the st adium, can they provide clarity?

Is it going to be $2.2 billion, or was the CEO of Hydro correct when he told the Free Press it's going to be almost double that, in the range of $4 billion, coming from families in the– Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Selinger: As I was putting on the record, the members opposite have not recognized yet that the need for converters is required no matter which direction the bipole goes. But the note from the CEO and president of Manitoba Hydro, Bob Brennan, concludes: Converter equipment is required at either end of an HVDC transmission line.

For Bipole III, new converter equipment is also essential to enhance the reliability of our transmission system, as presently 75 per cent of Manitoba's hydro power supply is dependent upon a single converter station near Winnipeg known as the Dorsey station. Thus, the loss of the Dorsey station, even for a short period of time, could have catastrophic consequences. New converter equipment is also required as soon as any new generating stations come online. This statement, Mr. Speaker, once again shows how reckless and irresponsible the Leader of the Opposition is. He wants to cancel those converter stations.

He wants to put hydro at risk for Manitobans. He wants to put our export contracts at risk, for a cost of $20 million. Manitobans would see their rates go up and their power diminish under the members opposite. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr. McFadyen: I know Mr. Bateman and the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) and others would resent the implication that they're being called reckless. But, Mr.

Speaker, I know that the Premier will want to look at the actual–he'll want to look for the–look at the actual numbers tabled by Manitoba Hydro in its own capital expenditure forecast. Capital expenditure forecast 2004 for this project: $388 million. Afterward, they're required to add converters because of the west-side decision: it jumps to $2.2 billion. As of 2010, it jumps to $4 billion. It's now 10 times the original budget that it was as of 2004. I want to ask the Premier: How is it that he has so badly mismanaged this project?

And what is the next generation of Manitobans going to have to pay because everything he touches fails, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, if the member opposite had his way, he would gut Manitoba Hydro. We know that. Now, just a couple of months ago, he was accusing the government of being responsible for the losses at Manitoba Hydro on the first quarter report. In this quarterly report, Manitoba is exceeding its profit projections for this year, but the member opposite won't give us credit for that.

The reality is Manitoba will exceed its profit projections for this year; the reality is Manitoba Hydro has $2.2 billion of retained earnings; and the reality is Manitoba Hydro is not affected in its need for converters no matter which side of Lake Winnipeg it puts its hydro transmission facilities.

162 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 The converter stations are needed for reliability. They're needed to protect Manitoba families and businesses to have a secure source of power. They're needed to provide new energy to our American customers, which will generate $20 billion of revenue over the next 20 years. And the member opposite would like to roll the dice and get rid of all that and put all Manitobans at risk of dramatic power outages and rate increases. That's irresponsible. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, November 2004, Bipole III on the east si de: $388 millio n, according to Hydro.

November 2007, three years later: escalates to $2.2 billion, a jump of $1.8 billion, caused by–according to Mr. Brennan, we required new investment in conversion equipment after we were told to go down the west side. As of November 2010: further escalation, almost double the $2.2-billion figure, according to Mr. Brennan. In the Free Press two weeks ago and on CBC Radio two weeks ago: from $388 million to almost $4 billion inside the span of six years.

Are they going to come clean with Manitobans when the numbers come out this month or is he going to do what he did with Crocus and conceal the numbers from Manitobans and leave a great, big mess for the next generations to pick up? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, let's be clear. The member opposite–the member opposite– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Let's have a little decorum in the House, please.

We have guests in the gallery, and also I need to be able to hear the questions and the answers in case there's a breach of a rule because I'm sure if there is you would expect me to rule on it, and for me to do that I need to be able to hear the questions and the answers. So I'm asking the co-operation of all honourable members, please. We still have a lot of time left in question period. Mr. Selinger: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The president, CEO of Manitoba Hydro has been crystal clear on this, and the member opposite continues to obfuscate.

Converter equipment is needed to increase the reliability of Manitoba Hydro when 75 per cent of the power goes to one place: the Dorsey Converter Station. The new bipole, regardless of where it goes in Manitoba, requires conversion equipment to increase reliability for the system. Let's remember, when this was first brought to the attention of the government when the members opposite were in government in 1997, they were told, after some of the transmission capacity went down very close to Dorsey, that they needed another converter station. They ignored that advice.

They carried on with the privatization of Manitoba Telephone System, ignored the advice they were given to provide increased reliability for Manitoba Hydro and, now, more than a decade later, they still don't want to provide that reliability. They want to play reckless and irresponsible and roll the dice on the future of Manitoba Hydro. We won't let them do that; the public won't let them do that. * (14:00) Mr.

McFadyen: Rather than get caught up in the fog of misinformation, I'll table Hydro's own documents which they submitted to the PUB, and he should take a hard look at them, because as of November 2004 the estimate was $388 million for an east-side line. In November of 2007 it escalates to $2.2 billion; Mr. Brennan says that's because they were required to go down the west side. It's 2010, three years since that estimate. No new updates officially; we're waiting for that. It's going to come any day, but Mr.

Brennan telling the media that it's now almost double that, $388 million to $4 billion from 2004 to 2010, as they drag their feet, slowing down this project every step of the way. I'll table the documents. I'll ask him to explain: How could he have mismanaged this bipole project to the point where it's now 10 times the budget that was quoted in 2004? How does he explain it to ratepayers? How does he explain it to seniors? How does he explain to the next generation that everything he touches is a disaster for those who have to pick up the pieces and pay the price? Mr. Selinger: Mr.

Speaker, I appreciate the information the member opposite has provided. If he was in charge of the government, you know what the information would be for the converter stations? It would be zero, because he would cancel them. He would put the entire hydroelectric system in Manitoba at risk, just like they did when they were in government, when they did nothing. They were busy selling off the telephone system and ignoring Manitoba Hydro's need for greater reliability.

More than a decade later, they want to return to those days of the '90s, cancel the project, put Manitoba Hydro at risk, cancel our export contracts and make sure that Manitoba ratepayers have an over 40 per cent increase in the rates and less reliability on their

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 163 electricity. That's a reckless and irresponsible approach. Manitobans won't let them do that. We won't let them do that, and he knows it. Football Stadium Cost and Funding Options Mr. Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr.

Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): I'll leave it to the Premier to ask the CEO of Hydro why he said, and I quote: In fact, AC might be the best way to send the power down south, even though losses could be higher, and then you wouldn't need the conversion equipment if you came down with AC. This is what he said two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker. Now, speaking of completely bungled projects under this Premier's watch, Mr. Speaker, can he just give us an update: How's he doing on the stadium? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, first of all, if the member would look at the document that's been tabled in the Legislature, which was the

preamble to his question that's in front of us right now, he would note that Manitoba Hydro believes that HVDC transmission is the best way to proceed to increase reliability for Manitoba Hydro, and as part of that project there is a necessity for converter equipment.

The member opposite would cancel both the project and the converter equipment and put Manitoba Hydro at risk, just like they opposed building the MTS Centre in downtown Winnipeg, just like they opposed building the new stadium, just like they opposed water protection in Manitoba, just like they opposed increased legislation for worker safety in Manitoba. This is the party of do nothing. Roll back the clock to the dark days of the '90s. We could even say, roll back to the clock when there were no labour protection laws, no environmental protection laws, no water protection laws.

We know where they want to take Manitoba: back to the future. We want to take it forward, and that's what we're going to do. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, it's been 237 days since the original photo op on the stadium. I just wonder, could the Premier–if the Premier could just regain his composure and give us an update on the stadium. Mr. Selinger: And as I have this opportunity here again to address the Legislature, we know that the existing stadium will cost tens of million dollars in repairs. We also know that the stadium at the University of Manitoba for the Bisons was in a great state of deterioration as well.

So the project that everybody's working on of bringing a new stadium to the University of Manitoba, a stadium that will be 75 per cent used by the public all year round–it'll be used by amateur sport, it'll be used by the community, it'll be used by the Bisons and it'll be used by the Bombers–will be a project that will generate 2,400 years of employment in Manitoba. It will address the problem at Polo Park. It will address the problem at the University of Manitoba and it'll put in place a first-class asset for the benefit of all Manitobans.

Now, I know the member opposite opposes that, just like he did the MTS Centre. We understand that, and in the midst of that opposition, we will find a way to go forward with the City, with the Bombers, with the university, with private partners. We will deliver the project to Manitobans while the member continues to oppose it as he has every other major project in Manitoba. Mr. McFadyen: Well, his stadium deal was so well thought through he didn't even include it in the budget he brought down a week before the announcement, Mr. Speaker.

Now, mind you, the Finance Minister didn't vote for the budget either and so maybe she's–maybe that's her way of taking a stand as well. But I want to ask the Premier, since we're now 237 days since the original announcement, he's clearly got a vision in his mind as to what the stadium is going to look like, when is he actually going to share some details with the public about what we're getting, who's paying for it and what it's going to cost? Three basic questions. Does he have answers to any of them today, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Selinger: The first question is: Do we need a new stadium?

The members opposite think not. They oppose it with every fibre of their body. There's a compelling argument to build a new stadium in Manitoba when the old one will require upwards of $50 million of investment for another 10 years, when

164 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 the existing facility–stadium at the University of Manitoba is in a state of deterioration as well. This project will move forward. It will move forward with the co-operation of the City, the Bombers, the University of Manitoba, and support from the community. It will bring in a business plan that involves the Bombers playing a more significant role because of their great interest at having this facility. It'll provide a first-class amenity to Manitobans. All people from Manitoba that go to university will have access to it.

All members of the community will have access to it. It'll be available 24/7, 12 months of the year. The members opposite will oppose it. We know that. They opposed the MTS Centre. We will find a way forward on the project, and when all the details are ready they will be disclosed fully to the public, and the members opposite wi ll oppose it again. We know that. They've opposed every other project to move Manitoba forward. There's nothing inconsistent about their approach today. Phoenix Sinclair Death Commissioner Appointment for Inquiry Mr.

Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, on a new question. I wonder if– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. McFadyen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and, again, to the Premier: Can he just indicate when his– can the Premier just indicate when his government is going to stop dragging its feet on the appointment of a commissioner of inquiry into the tragic death of Phoenix Sinclair? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, that decision will be taken subsequent to all the existing reviews that are going on. We know that the child welfare system is in need of improved investment, which we are doing, and the members opposite are opposing. We commend–we thank the federal government for coming to the table to put money into prevention to help families prevent getting into the kinds of difficulties that we've seen in this case, and we will certainly participate with them in those kinds of prevention activities.

And the inquest that the member asked for will be proceeded with upon the conclusion of the existing procedures, which are under way. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, and the former premier, Mr. Doer, promised an inquiry into this very tragic case. The Premier clearly hasn't been briefed on the issue as it arose yesterday. Can he be clear at this moment: Why is this government dragging its feet on the appointment of a commissioner to look into the tragic circumstances that caused the death of Phoenix Sinclair? Mr. Selinger: Mr.

Speaker, as I said earlier, subject to the existing procedures being exhausted that are before the courts right now, including the possibility of an appeal, the inquiry will be called. The inquiry was held in abeyance to prevent any negative influence on the existing judicial procedures which are under way. * (14:10) Once they are concluded, including the possibility of an appeal, the inquiry will be called. We know we have to proceed in a logical, coherent fashion on this to ensure that the family gets the best possible opportunities to have their concerns heard and dealt with by the courts.

That's how we will proceed. Mr. McFadyen: And as they roll out excuse after excuse for delay, we give credibility to the statement made by the director of Legal Aid, who said that the appeal to the Supreme Court has no merit. We also acknowledge that the appeal, as unlikely as it is to succeed, deals with matters of law rather than matters of fact.

So I want to ask the Premier: Why is it that his government is dragging its feet on just appointing a commissioner so that commissioner can make decisions about the appropriate way to proceed, somebody who understands the evidentiary issues and can start to bring the inquiry together? Why the delay in this appointment of this commissioner, even as things continue to happen within the system, Mr. Speaker, that are not being addressed while they delay, for political purposes, on looking into this very serious and tragic issue? And they demonstrate that they just don't care if it happens again. Mr. Selinger: Mr.

Speaker, as was said from the very outset of this tragic affair, we do not want to do anything that will prejudice the criminal proceedings.

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 165 We want to ensure that the aggrieved parties get every opportunity for the court system to fully examine their case and address it properly. After that is done, including the possibility of an appeal, the inquiry will be called. But we're not going to do anything that will take away the opportunity for people to have the full benefit of the justice system and the proceedings that are under way. We've said that from the very beginning. We've said that consistently. We repeat it again today.

Our position is clear: we want the full opportunity for the justice system to serve the interests of the aggrieved parties. The members opposite want to play politics with it; that's unfortunate. That's extremely unfortunate, Mr. Speaker. The inquiry will proceed after the present judicial proceedings are concluded. Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort Government Involvement Mr. Rick Borotsik (Brandon West): Mr. Speaker, last week we learned that the Hecla Island Resort was placed in receivership. Today, Mr. Speaker, we hear reports in the media from the private sector partner, Mr.

Paletta, that the provincial government reneged on its commitments to the Hecla Island project, despite a private investment of $19 million in the project. My question, Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade (Mr. Bjornson): What can he tell us about the provincial government's action on this file? Did they indeed go back on their word, as Mr. Paletta is stating, sinking the project and putting Hecla Island Resort into bankruptcy? Hon. Bill Blaikie (Minis ter of Conservation): Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question.

I'm sure that all members of the House share the feeling of regret that the–at what has happened to the Hecla Island Resort. The member will know that the loan was called by the Business Development Bank and that has set in motion a process of receivership, and, of course, he will also know that the private partner he referred to has filed a suit and we now have both these processes in play.

And various statements have been made about the role of the Province in this matter, and we will defend the role of the Province played vigorously in the appropriate context, which is in the courts and in the receivership process. Mr. Borotsik: Well, Mr. Speaker, the only thing that this side–these members on this side regret is that this government continue s to mismanage files and continues to fail on behalf of the taxpayers of the province of Manitoba. Mr. Speaker, the examples are a multitude: they failed on Crocus; they failed on Vale Inco; they failed on bipole; and now they failed on Hecla Island Resort.

It shouldn't be in receivership. It shouldn't be in the courts. Would the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade please tell this House what he did or did not do with that deal with Mr. Paletta that made it fail, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Blaikie: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry that the member for Brandon looks so disappointed every time I get up to answer the question. But the fact remains that, as he knows, a suit has been filed by the private partner.

The loan was called by the Business Development Bank of Canada and a number of processes are now in play, and it's only appropriate that whatever argument there is about what may or may not have happened and whatever role the Province may have played, these are claims that the Province will defend its position vigorously in the dispute of, and we will do that in the appropriate venue. Mr. Borotsik: Mr. Speaker, the appropriate venue is this House; $5.5 million of taxpayers' dollars have been wasted again by this government.

This is where they should defend that; $5.5 million was put on the table to the Hecla Island Resort. It's now in jeopardy. Would the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade please tell this House what he did or did not do with the deal with Mr. Paletta and Hecla Island resorts? Hon. Peter Bjornson (M inister of Entrepreneur- ship, Training and Trade): Well, Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that we didn't do what the Tories did and that was let the building rot. I can tell you that we didn't do what the Tories did and participate– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr.

Bjornson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We didn't do what the Tories did in terms of the unethical land transactions that are still being settled in the courts.

166 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 Wawanesa Child Daycare Need for New Facility Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa): Mr. Speaker, and the answer from the former minister of Education is probably a reason why I have to ask this question today. The community of Wawanesa has communicated its frustration with the Minister of Family Services (Mr. Ma ckintosh). The mayor of Wawanesa said, and I quote: The present daycare is located within our school in a cramped space and is presently full to capacity. The current wait-list exceeds our present capacity. Mr.

Speaker, I ask the Minister of Family Services: Can you confirm that Wawanesa daycare will be receiving their much-needed facility or should they just file their request under not interested? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Acting Minister of Family Services and Consumer Affairs): Well, our government's record on daycare I think is quite clear and something that we're quite proud of. We've invested millions of dollars in capital for daycare centres, created thousands of spaces, addressed the wages and benefits of workers and, for the first time outside of Québec, put in place a pension plan for those child-care workers.

So I think our record speaks for itself on child care. We're very proud of that. We're very proud that we protected exactly those services in the last budget. Mrs. Rowat: And I think the mayor of Wawanesa is quite clear. The community is clear in their need for action from this government. He said, and I quote: The school is full to capacity as well and could use the space presently occupied by the daycare. Families have been looking for more than words from this tired NDP government. The lack of child-care spaces in Wawanesa are having a negative impact on families, the school and the community as a whole. Mr.

Speaker, when can Wawanesa expect a positive response from this tired, misdirected NDP government–[interjection] Yes, Christine, you did nothing in that area. Ms. Howard: Well– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable minister has the floor. Ms. Howard: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure there are daycare instructors all over the province would be shocked at that kind of behaviour. I would like to speak again to our record on child care.

You know, what we didn't do–what we didn't do–is what the federal government did when they took power and cancel the historic agreement on child care that would have seen the building of more spaces and the funding of more child-care workers. But we have continued to make those investments even without that kind of support from the federal government, and we will continue to make those kinds of investments in daycare in the city, in the rural areas and in the north.

And one of the things that we've also strived to do is be sensitive to the fact that daycare in different regions of our province have different requirements. So we've put in place evening care, we've put in place flexible care for childr en all over the province, because we recognize that child care is not only a social necessity, it's an economic necessity. Mrs. Rowat: The community of Wawanesa knows that some families have had to choose to not locate in its village due to the lack of daycare spaces. Rural communities need a strong government with a vision for their families.

The NDP government continues to fail them, Mr. Speaker. Point–Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Family Services (Mr. Mackintosh)–if the Minister of Family Services truly cares about the importance of early childh ood education, then he would give Wawanesa an answer to their daycare today. * (14:20) Ms. Howard: Well, Mr. Speaker, again I will say about child care, it's something that this government has worked tremendously hard on. With our partners in the child-care field, we've worked hard to increase spaces. We've worked hard to increase safety.

We've worked hard to make an early childhood education system in this province that we know that children are benefiting from. And I guess the question that I would ask is: If the opposition had their way and they cut half a billion dollars out of the budget, how many child-care centres would they close, Mr. Speaker?

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 167 Rapid Transit System Government Policy Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, this Premier has not been able to show leadership on setting the course for phase 2 of the rapid transit system, and the good people of Fort Rouge have to bear the burden of this government's bad management.

Yet, we all know that the NDP's pie-in-the-sky approach to building a rapid transit system has fallen way behind due to this government's inability to take leadership, its policy of making promises that it won't keep and, now, with an influx of people and traffic set to move into the Fort Rouge yards area, can the Premier explain why all we have to show for the government's policy–government's bad management policy–is an inadequate, amputated 3.7-kilometre rapid transit system? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, the development of the Fort Rouge area is part of the Plan Winnipeg process, which the City has just completed, and they're looking to take brownfield sites and develop them with higher degrees of density to encourage more people to use public transportation. The first part of the corridor has been built up to Jubilee Avenue. It's a City project. We've helped fund it, of course, and, of course, we support these broader objectives of Plan Winnipeg to have more people live in Winnipeg, to have reasonable levels of density in neighbourhoods so that public transportation can be used more efficiently.

The fact of the matter is that this project's under review at the community committee level, and the local elected politicians will deal with it with respect to Plan Winnipeg and the concerns of the neighbourhood, and they will render a decision which they think balances the interests of moving forward with greater population density and the concerns of the people in the neighbourhood. This is under review right now at the civic level. The member knows that. We will work with the City on any project they wish to move forward on with respect to rapid transit. He knows that, and we will do that. Mr. Gerrard: Mr.

Speaker, the good people in the Fort Rouge area are bracing for a big influx of people and traffic as a result of the development of the Fort Rouge yards area, and yet all this Premier and government can deliver are policies of bad management that give us, for example, a hole in the ground where a stadium should be and an amputated rapid transit system. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell the good people of the Fort Rouge area what he is doing and why phase 2 of rapid transit has so been–so badly developed? I ask the Premier: Was he too busy getting his hair done for his next empty photo op opportunity? Mr.

Selinger: I think it bears noting that the existing investment in rapid transportation goes through the Fort Rouge area. It will serve this community that the member has raised as a question of concern right now.

They will have access to the rapid transit corridor, the people that live in the community right now, and if any future project is approved over there by the community committee and ultimately by City Council, those residents that may come in the future as the result of any development approved in an area will also have the advantage of the rapid transit investment that is presently being constructed and completed through the Fort Rouge area. So the member, he may have a great interest in this project, he may wish to talk to his local councillor about it, who is going to be involved in the final decision on it.

Our–for our part we wi ll carefully review Plan Winnipeg and look for opportunities to support Plan Winnipeg because it is the master plan for developing the city. It is the master plan for developing older neighbourhoods, brownfield sites and public transportation, and we will look for opportunities to partner with the City to advance the objectives of Plan Winnipeg. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, a 3.7-kilometre rapid transit system is not going to work to transport all the people out of Fort Rouge and into the rest of the city of Winnipeg. Mr.

Speaker, all this Premier has been able to do, in the face of this large influx of people as a result of the development of the [inaudible] is that promise, sometime in the ineffable future, that there might be a phase 2 rapid transit system. Now, while the Premier and his ministers have been cutting ribbons, you know, our young people are seeking a better life in places like Calgary and Toronto, and I would ask the Premier: Why is the Premier, instead of taking leadership on important issues like rapid transit, why is he more concerned with providing a boon to the ribbon developing industry in China?

168 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question on rapid transit. Again, the City of Winnipeg, after very extensive consultations, identifies a master plan for the city. In that master plan are their ideas for moving forward on public transportation. We would like to support those ideas. They also have ideas for developing brownfield sites for greater density to have a greater population available to use rapid transit.

I do point out to the member that the first leg of the rapid transit, the 3.7 kilometres that he identifies, will go through the neighbourhood in question here. It will provide them with rapid transit, probably the best in Winnipeg, and that, as a result–and as a result of that, that will be a positive asset for that neighbourhood. But, in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, we will work with the City to advance their plan and their vision for the city. Mr. Speaker: Time for oral question has expired. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Canadian High School Rodeo Finals Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur-Virden): Mr.

Speaker, since 1997, young cowboys and cowgirls from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been competing in the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals. This past summer, from August 5th to the 7th, I am proud to announce that Virden hosted the competition, which was the first time added–which, for the first time, added the Junior High Division Finals to the event. The Junior High Division consisted of cowboys and cowgirls from grades 6, 7 and 8 and the High School Division of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.

The top five cowboys and cowgirls from each western province competed in numerous exciting events including bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, pole bending, tie down roping, ribbon roping, chute dodging, bull riding, and more. Virden mayor, Bruce Dunning; reeve of the RM of Wallace, Vince Heaman; and I were invited to greet the rodeo. We had great weather for all three days of the event which allowed the competitors to exhibit their talent. I want to extend my congratulations to all the competitors.

Manitoba was able to showcase our local talent as Orin Larson from Inglis was the Canadian High School Division All Around Cowboy with 84.5 points. Samantha Peters from Plumas finished in a tie for second place for the Canadian High School Division All Around Cowgirl and Heidi Smith from Oak Lake was the Canadian Reserve All Around Cowgirl in the Junior Division. The rodeo was truly a community event that offered activities for all family members of all ages.

In addition to the rodeo action the spectators were able to shop at a number of the vendors in the local arena, enjoy the swimming pool, which hosted a rodeo theme pool party, and many of all ages attended the Cowboy Church Service on Thursday evening at the main arena. Volunteers from the United Church served hearty breakfasts, lunches and snacks throughout the three-day event. The rodeo was a great success thanks to the tireless preparation of Orville Brown, chairman of the Canadian High School Rodeo, and his group of organizers.

Sponsors and fundraising events, many carried out by the students themselves, raised close to $170,000 for the event. Lastly, I would also like to extend a thank you to the over 50 volunteers who made the whole event possible, and I know their efforts will produce a repeat performance in Virden in 2011. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. * (14:30) Flin Flon Culture Days Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Mr. Speaker, on the weekend starting Friday, September the 24th, Flin Flon and surrounding communities hosted their very first and super successful Culture Days.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is overwhelming support for arts and culture in northern Manitoba. The first Culture Days were part of a grassroots movement across the country to encourage participation in the arts and culture by hosting a weekend of free activities across Canada. In Flin Flon, a dedicated group of volunteers, spearheaded by the Flin Flon Arts Council and its many partners, put on an impressive program of events over the weekend that showcased a variety of local art and performances. The activities in Flin Flon included artists and participants from northern Manitoba and across Canada.

The Minister of Housing and Community Development (Ms. Irvin-Ross) and I had a chance to participate in the opening ceremonies which took place at the Gala Café tent near the Flin Flon community centre. We spent much of the day

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 169 sampling many creative offerings. We enjoyed watching mask making at the R.H. Channing Auditorium as part of the youth programming and were impressed by the creative exhibitions in the Sportex, among other things. There was much to choose from. There were explorations of the rich history of Manitoba's earliest mining community, live concerts showcasing northern artists, workshops for young people and a variety of art exhibits.

Hundreds of people joined in a flash mob dance down Main Street on Saturday night, and the museums had to stay open extra hours to accommodate the high demand. Over 5,000 people attended Culture Days. Attendance rivalled that of major centres in Manitoba. Flin Flon and region's Culture Days events were spotlighted in national media coverage, which just goes to show what a success it truly was. Arts and culture are alive and well in this vibrant region of northern Manitoba. Congratulations to each participant in Culture Days, especially congratulations to the north's most creative sparkplug, Crystal Kolt.

I'm not sure how the artistic community in Flin Flon is going to outdo itself next year but, as always, I'm confident there will be even greater and more sophisticated artistic activities on the horizon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Harvest for Kids Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Mr. Speaker, this summer the community of Winkler hosted an incredible, record-breaking charitable event.

The 2010 Harvest for Kids was organized by Children's Camps International and raised enough money through on-site donations, event sponsorships and the sale of harvested grain to send at least 50,000 children to Christian day camps around the world. Organizers hoped to attract 200 combines to surpass the previously held record of 175 combines harvesting simultaneously for at least five minutes. Harvesters of all ages and sizes from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, North Dakota and Minnesota gathered on a 300-acre Winkler area wheat field.

Some of the sponsors for this event were Meridian Manufacturing, Centennial Supply, Wentworth Ag, Western Producer, Secan, Pr ecision Land Solutions, PhiBer Manufacturing, Rosenort Credit Union and BASF. On Saturday, August the 7th, spectators gathered on a previously harvested

section in the middle of the field. The spectators were located in between the two rows of combines, which faced one another at the two far edges of the field. At noon, the two rows of 100 combines began harvesting simultaneously, travelling side by side at 1.5 miles per hour, harvesting in unison. After five minutes, the record was set and the field was completed about six minutes later. Amanda Mochan from the Guinness world book of records office in New York was there to witness the event and verify the record.

As the harvest was going on, helicopters flew overhead and volunteers on quads sped around providing photographers with their desired shots. It was quite a spectacle. I was lucky enough to ride in one of our combines at the field. It was a wonderful experience to be out there and something I will likely never experience again. I would like to thank Children's Camps International for all of the work they do with children around the world, as well as all of the volunteers, organizers and sponsors that made the 2010 Harvest for Kids a huge success. Thank you. Frontier Mosakahiken School Mr.

Frank Whitehead (The Pas): Mr. Speaker, this September marked the opening of the Frontier Mosakahiken School, the new on-reserve school in the community of Moose Lake. I was very honoured to attend the official opening along with my colleague the member from Flin Flon. It was a very proud day for the students, parents and residents and staff of the school. The opening of the school shows what can be achieved when partnerships are formed to improve opportunities for First Nations youth and communities no matter where in Manitoba they might live.

The school will serve as a focal point in the community, a place of learning and an investment in the young people of Mosakahiken Cree Nation and the adjacent Northern Affairs community of Moose Lake. Fire gutted the previous school building in 2005, leaving the community devastated and without a school. But the fire drew the community together and showed its true spirit as it co-ordinated with the recreation facilities to ensure students could continue studying without having to leave home.

Teachers, parents, government and administrators charged forward to make sure that a new school was built and that it was done properly to ensure that it would be there for students for many years to come.

170 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 The school fulfills a long-time goal of community elders and leaders. The facility includes 24 classrooms, a science room, a library, computer labs, a gymnasium and other amenities. The site also includes a baseball diamond, soccer pitch and outdoor hockey rink. The school, which serves students from kindergarten to grade 12, is now a major asset for Moose Lake. The new facility strikes an important balance of reflecting the Cree culture and language while providing students with the tools they need to pursue higher education and employment.

We know that education is an important investment in any community. The completion of this school demonstrates the recognition of the importance that education has in improving the quality of life of Aboriginal people. I would like to thank all those involved in bringing this school to fruition: the leadership of Mosakahiken Cree Nation; Moose Lake Community Council; Frontier School Division; the governments of Canada and Manitoba; and the Manitoba School Boards Association. Thank you for working together to help Moose Lake students fulfill their learning potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Heather Todoruk Mr.

Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Heather Todoruk, who has been named Neepawa's Sportsperson of the Year. She was presented with this award be fore a sold-out crowd at the second annual Neepawa Sports Dinner, an event which she has a strong hand in organizing. Ms. Todoruk has shown a great deal of dedication to the sporting community in Neepawa and has participated in sports in a variety of capacities. Ms. Todoruk's love of sport began at a young age. She competed in figure skating at the provincial level, played baseball and university hockey.

More recently, she's taken up running and curling. In addition to competing in the curling league for many years, she also set about organizing a competitive women's curling league for Neepawa and surrounding communities when she saw that there was a need for one. Ms. Todoruk has demonstrated a talent for organization and fundraising, has organized several fundraisers and tournaments for the community. She was chairperson of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2000 and the Safeway Select Championship in 2002.

In 2009 she participated in organizing committees of the Scotties Tournament as chair of the volunteer clothing and souvenirs. In addition, she has helped plan the Shane Hnidy Golf Tournament which has now run for 10 years. The funds raised from that tournament benefit the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. As a strong supporter of the Neepawa Natives hockey team, Ms. Todoruk has done a lot of work to co-ordinate events and promote the team. The Neepawa Natives Golf Tournament, which she organized, was a great success, helping to raise awareness and funds for the junior hockey team. As well, Ms.

Todoruk co-ordin ated a Christmas party for the team and a parent-billet social evening. Ms. Todoruk has a busy

schedule including a job, volunteering for her children's sports involvements and her own sports-related commitments. Recently, she' s been forced to cut back her involvement in sports in order to spend more time with her family. However, she's still very active in the sporting community. Her two children, Amy and Bryan, participate in figure skating, hockey and baseball, which Ms. Todoruk proudly supports. She even took on coaching the figure skating team when a coach could not be found. I would like to extend my congratulations to Ms.

Todoruk for her outstanding contribution to sports and community life in Neepawa. Her untiring dedication and enthusiasm for sports are inspirational. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Business Mr. Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on House business. Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Yes, on House business, Mr.

Speaker, if it should come to pass that the Throne Speech debate is concluded by next Monday, I'd like to announce that the private member's resolution that would then be considered next Tuesday morning is the resolution on Federal Cap on Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program, brought forward by the honourable member for The Maples (Mr. Saran). Mr.

Speaker: Okay, if it should come to pass that the Throne Speech debate is concluded by next Monday, it's been announced that the private member's resolution that would then be considered next Tuesday morning is the resolution on Federal Cap on Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program, which will be brought forward by the honourable member for The Maples.

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 171 ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS THRONE SPEECH (Fifth Day of Debate) Mr. Speaker: Resume adjourned debate on the proposed motion of the honourable member for Flin Flon (Mr. Jennissen), THAT the following address be presented to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: We, the members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, thank Your Honour for the gracious speech addressed to us at this Fifth Session of the Thirty-Ninth Legislature of Manitoba, and the proposed motion of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr.

McFadyen) in amendment thereto, and it's standing in the name of the honourable member for Southdale, who has 26 minutes remaining. * (14:40) Ms. Erin Selby (Southdale): Mr. Speaker, when my time ran out yesterday, I was talking about the newest phase of Rainbow Day Nursery. This project is a wonderful example of what this government does best: work co-operatively with the community and business to build projects that benefit everyone.

This busy corner in Southdale could have easily been home to a new store or restaurant, but the Borger family has deep roots in Southdale and knew that a daycare is what we needed . So, together with the folks at Rainbow and our government, we now have a stand-alone daycare that's easy for parents to access, is close to many schools and provides an essential service to Southdale families. This government is committed to daycare and the people who work in our child-care centres, and that's why we've increased child-care workers' wages 49 per cent since 1999.

In about a week, our child-care workers in this province will be eligible for a pension plan. We know how important and, sometimes, how difficult their jobs are. Mr. Speaker, I know you understand, because you, too, have to deal with some infantile behaviour at times. Our licensed child-care workers and home-care providers provide a valuable service, not just to Manitoba children but to their entire families. Their training and expertise in child development and learning make them a valuable resource for parents as well, and they are shapi ng our future.

In the last five years, more than 2,000 people have chosen this rewarding career, and this government thanks you for that. We know that there's more to do, but together we're on the right path. There are about 1,200 lic ensed daycare spaces in the constituency of Southdale. The latest numbers show that we have 14 daycare centres, 22 family child-care homes and eight nursery schools.

Rainbow daycare alone has increased spaces by 33 per cent since 2007, and that includes a 56 per cent increase in infant spaces, 38 newly funded preschool spaces and nearly 130 more school-aged spaces at the several Rainbow daycare Nursery locations. I spent a lot of time knocking on doors in Sage Creek this past summer, and at almost every door I knocked on the same scene was acted out. A woman would tiptoe to the door, put her finger to the lip–to her lip, step out on the front porch to speak with me, and then she would still apologize, whispering, and explain that she finally got the baby down for a nap.

Well, after sharing a few tip s of what worked for me and promising that eventually they do sleep through the night–although I didn't mention that sometimes that's not until kindergarten–I would knock on the next door in Sage Creek and have the same scene played out again. The constituency of Southdale is having a growth spurt, and many people in those new homes are living new families, and I know that many of these new moms will be going back to work in the next year and that's why we're putting emphasis on more funded infant spaces.

We are currently piloting a centralized, online child-care wait-list in Brandon that will be province-wide next year. That will make it easier for parents to find child care and easier for the Province to track where spaces are most needed. Going back to work after maternity leave is a stressful time, but knowing that your baby is in a safe, loving environment makes it a whole lot easier. Manitoba is often referred to as resilient. Our average growth rate over the past five years leads the nation and our unemployment rate is the lowest.

And, although we know that things have been worse outside our borders, the recession hasn't been easy on Manitoba businesses either. This government made a choice not to increase suffering by making reckless cuts to front-line

172 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 services. We invest in people and the things that matter to them, such as health care and education. We know Manitobans are never short on ideas, and so working with the innovation council of Manitoba will help Manitoba entrepreneurs with a range of programs and investments to help them build their dreams into business successes. And we'll introduce incentives to help women and young people turn their ideas into profits. Manitoba is open for business; in fact, we're the only tax-free zone in Canada for small businesses.

And for those businesses that continue to grow, our Provincial Nominee Program will bring more skilled workers and their families to Manitoba. What makes me most proud, though, is the opportunity that these new Canadians find upon settling here. Within three months of moving to Manitoba, 85 per cent of newcomers have found work, and within five years, three-quarters of those families own a house, making Manitoba not just a place that they live and work, but they call this place home, and that's a huge accomplishment. Mr.

Speaker, our childr en are our future, and I want to live in a future wh ere young people have an education and the chance to reach their full potential. I know in the last election the Leader of the Opposition wanted to fund schools of excellence. Well, I think all our children should be given the opportunity to achieve excellence. Not everyone gets the same start in life, but it's our job as a government to make sure everyone gets the same opportunity to succeed. I see excellence in all our schools and potential in all our children.

There was a time when you could get a pretty good job and work your way up with even a grade 10 or 11 education, but now a high school diploma isn't always enough to get your foot in the door, and that's why our government is working with schools, universities and colleges around Manitoba to help students find their path to a higher education. That might mean a degree for some people; for others it might mean learning a skilled trade or an apprenticeship. This government is on the same page with parents who recognize that a grade 12 education is essential.

We know the parents want to stay informed on how their child is doing throughout their education, and that's why we'll see a common plain language report card in Manitoba. Parents work hard to teach their children manners, ethics and their family's values. It's no easy job. Up against peer influence, pop culture and the ever-present screen time, but we know parenting is easier when children get the same message at home and at school, the same expectations they'll eventually find at work, and that's why Manitoba students will be more accountable to their teachers.

There will be consequences for late assignments and underperformance can result in a failing grade. Learning doesn't begin at school, and anyone who's held a baby can see that. We know that early learning affects a child's outcome and success in school and beyond, and that's why Early Returns, a play-based curriculum, will be phased in at our licensed daycares and nursery schools. I mentioned earlier about some of the new buildings around Southdale, and I know that around the province people are driving by new buildings or construction sites such as Access St. James, the new Women's Hospital and the Ste.

Anne Hospital. But there's another new building that I see on my way home from this Legislature every day, and that's the new birthing centre at the corner of St. Mary and St. Anne's. Right now the area is full of heavy machinery, but not long from now I expect they'll see a row of baby car seats waiting to take those new families home. And by 2015 those new families and everyone in Manitoba will have access to a personal family physician; we'll link existing facilities and provide medical service in quick-care clinics staffed by nurse practitioners.

And for those in remote areas who can't easily get to a doctor, health care will come to you with the primary care health bus, because prevention is the key to better health. Prevention is also the best method to fight crime. Do you know one of the best, most proven ways to prevent crime? It's education, keeping kids in schools and out of gangs. We know our high school graduation rate has gone up from 72 to 81 per cent and we've increased funding to provincial schools each year–all the schools, not just a few–chosen few that the opposition might be willing to fund.

We've also done that at a rate that exceeds economic growth and still saved Manitobans $145 million each year in education taxes. But we need opportunities for young people to avoid a life of crime. For those who do break the law, they will be held accountable. We've added 219 new police officers and 48 new prosecutors with more to come in the next five years. We know how successful our

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 173 auto theft strategy is, and now we'll apply that knowledge to taking on gangs. We'll work with our federal partners to strengthen the Criminal Code. A few weeks ago, I met with a police officer who lives in my constituency and works in one of our inner-city schools. It was obvious the difference that she's making in those children's lives. Kids who were once afraid of a police officer now run and hug her. And, although she is based in the school, she has gotten to know the children's parents, grandparents and the people in the surrounding community.

Some of those children come from countries where a person in a uniform can be very intimidating. But, by getting to know their school officer, it has changed their perception of the Winnipeg police uniform. That is the difference that community policing can make, and that's why we're committed to expanding on it. I heard an interesting documentary the other day that was talking about the fact that humans are the only animals that can do something knowing it's not in their best interests, but then go ahead and do it anyway, and they were using climate change as the example.

We know it's happening, but we're not always willing to make the necessary changes to prevent it. It also makes me think about the boreal forest on the east side. We know it's the largest intact boreal forest on earth. We know it's the lungs of the planet, and in pictures or videos, even if you've never been there, we know instinctively it's a special place, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just for us but for the entire planet, it's a place worth protecting. This boreal forest may lie mostly within our borders, but that doesn't mean that we own it to preserve it or throw it away as we please.

This precious resource is ours to care for. It's our responsibility, and if we allow it to be torn down we'll be left to defend those actions. * (14:50) In the last 12 months, this government has protected a million hectares in Manitoba. Lake Winnipegosis will be this province's 84th provincial park, and we're restoring Manitoba's marshes, a natural way to reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering our lakes. Manitoba Hydro is our future. Export sales will allow this province to continue growing and ensure our children can live and prosper here at home.

Hydro energy is our advant age, and we can't allow these potential sales to be tied up in court. The opposition may be willing to gamble on our future and our children's future, but this government is not. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to work with this government, and I'm proud of the work that we've done over the last few years, and I'm grateful that I've been able to contribute as a member of this NDP team. We aren't here for self-gain. We're here to represent our constituents, and we're accountable to them. And I hope to continue being an effective voice for the people of Southdale. Thank you. Mrs.

Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I'm pleased to respond to the amendment put forward by the member–the official opposition. Mr. Speaker, just before I begin, I want to just say–welcome you back. It's good to have you back in the chair, as many people have said before. I'd also like to thank the table staff and all of the staff that help us in the Legislature here. I also would like to just welcome the pages and hope that the experience here will be something you can take forward with you. Maybe one day one of you will want to come back and be a member of the Legislature.

Also, I'd like to just thank my constituency assistant, Wendy Capri, who does a wonderful job for me. She doesn't get enough thanks sometimes. Sometimes I think that we take a lot of things for granted of what gets done behind the scenes, but we certainly do thank the people that do all that for us. I also want to thank the constituency of Morris, the people of Morris, who have again put their confidence in me, and I thank them for my recent nomination for the Progressive Conservative Party to represent the constituency of Morris. So I'm very pleased about that.

It was a very nice event, uncontested as it should've been, and had a lot of people come out; 168 people come out in support. It was very, very good, and I thank the constituency of Morris and look forward to representing them for the next several years. And I also do want to say–I want to give tribute to my colleagues who aren't seeking re-election, the member for Portage la Prai rie (Mr. Faurschou) and the member from Pembina, who I've had the fortune to serve with in this Legislature for several years now. I just want to say to them that we all appreciate the job that they have done here in the Legislature. I

174 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 think from whatever party that we belong to, we all recognize what a job that we have to do here, what sacrifices have to be made in terms of family and personal friendships sometimes when you're away doing work at the Legislature and you aren't able to be at home and–with your family or with your friends. So it has been a commitment in public service, and I do want to acknowledge that and wish them both all the best in their future endeavours and hope that they will come back and visit us from time to time here.

Also, just like to take a moment to congratulate all of those who ran in the municipal elections last October and congratulate those who were successful in their wins and also just say thank you to those who either did not seek re-election or were defeated, thank them for their many years of public service. I think anytime someone is willing to put their name on a ballot and be elected and serve for the public interest, they are to be commended for that. Sometimes it's not a very thankful job.

You don't get a lot of thanks sometimes, but it is–I think the thank you is in knowing what you have done to serve your community. So I want to just thank everyone for that. You know, Mr. Speaker, when I rise–anytime I rise in this Legislature to speak, I am reminded of the significance of this Chamber, the significance of the roles that we play here , whether it's government, opposition. We all have roles to play and sometimes we can get a little heated in our debate in this Chamber on both sides of the House.

That is what happens, but certainly I think that we should be remindful that we are debating the issues, and sometimes some comments may get a little personal and we need to strive to debate the issues at hand. So with that I'd like to just talk a little bit about the Throne Speech that we've heard here, and I hope that I will stick to the main issues of the speech because the speech was well delivered by the Lieutenant-Governor. We appreciate the fact of that, but it was a very long-on-wind speech and short on substance, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, I need to highlight some of the failures of this speech.

It was a tired and weak and desperate attempt by this government with nothing really substantial in this Throne Speech. It just speaks to a government that's been in power too long. It's out of steam, out of ideas, weak presentation and a desperate move to try and maintain their position, something that they would rather do to keep themselves in power, to support themselves and their friends , rather than do what's right for Manitobans. Mr. Speaker, I'll start with the issue of violent crime. This government has been in power for 11 years and what have we seen over the last 11 years?

An escalation of crime in our cities and our countries and our province here. We have seen gang activity escalate, more gangs on the street that you can count. We've seen Hells Angels move into Manitoba in 2000 after the NDP came into power, and the reason the gangs are here is because of the failed policies of this government. They fail to be tough on crime–they fail to be tough on crime–and because of that crime has escalated. You cannot go anywhere in this city and ask somebody, are you feeling safe in your neighbourhood, and the answer is, no, people don't feel safe in the neighbourhood.

And the reason they don't feel safe is because if they walk out their door just to go down to the corner store to get a quart of milk, Mr. Speaker, they don't feel safe because of what's happening on the streets. How many days do I turn on the radio in the morning, Mr. Speaker, and h ear of another stabbing, another shooting that happened overnight. This is just because of the NDP's policies and their weakness and the–on their inability to be tough on criminals. Yes, there are two different methods of approach here but we need to have the immediate consequences for those who offend and break the law, Mr. Speaker.

There has to be immediate consequences for that. And, second of all, yes, there is an education component behind all of that, but the immediate response is we do need to be tough on crime. The NDP, Mr. Speaker, have failed to be tough on violent crime and we all know that we are the violent capital of Canada, the violent crime capital of Canada. That is not something that we should be proud of. That is something that we should strive against, but after 11 years we still have that to contend with, that we are labelled as the violent crime capital of Canada.

Now, I feel very sad for seniors in neighbourhoods that are afraid to go out at night because of violence in their neighbourhoods, afraid to drive at night because of carjackings that happen within Winnipeg and the violent nature of what we've seen in terms of accidents that have occurred

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 175 because of people that have stolen vehicles and are joyriding in the city. We've seen horrific accidents happen, Mr. Speaker, because of this, where people have lost their lives, and that's a tragic and unfortunate circumstance of the failed policies of the NDP who refuse to be tough on crime. * (15:00) When you see–when you hear about incidents where people are set on fire in their neighbourhoods, my goodness, Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow this to go on. We hear about the violence against women, and especially Aboriginal women.

And there are so many missing Aboriginal women that have likely met a violent fate, and we know nothing of what has happened there. So, Mr. Speaker, in the terms of crime, the NDP are weak, they have failed and we continue to be the violent crime capital of Canada. Mr. Speaker, the NDP have also failed to end hallway medicine. I think that is one of the biggest election promises ever broken. Do we remember that? We will end hallway medicine in six months with $15 million. Well, I mean, when you make a promise like that and it just–it's just totally unrealistic but, you know, they continue on.

I'm just reading a headline from the Winnipeg Free Press on Monday, November 22nd, and it's Dan Lett, surprisingly–Dan Lett, who says: Premier's promises lofty, unrealistic. Pledges about docs, schools ignore reality. Well, Mr. Speaker, you can promise anything in a desperate attempt to get re-elected, but it's just another weak attempt at pandering to the public, making a promise that they know–they know–that's very unrealistic and probably unattainable. What have we seen in health care? We've seen Mr. Brian Sinclair, who died in a waiting room after waiting over 30 hours to see a doctor.

I–I'm just appalled at how this could happen, Mr. Speaker, under the watch of the Health Minister and the NDP government, who, by the way, tried to hide all this and say that Mr. Sinclair hadn't been triaged but, in fact, it was shown that he was. She tried to mislead the public on that, but the public knows what has happened, and the public knows that this NDP government has failed when it comes to being able to present quality health care for everyone here in the province. And I know that they're cutting back, Mr. Speaker. There's cuts all over the place.

I have a very significant case with a young child who requires 24-hour attention. This child has a terminal disease and has been given–allotted–was allotted–a certain number of home-care hours for care because he has to be cared for 24 hours a day so that he continues his breathing. The parents are caring for him at home, but they need some home-care support because they both work and they are required to be awake most of the time to care for him. But what have I found in the last little while is that they have cut back his home-care hours. This is– An Honourable Member: You make it up all the time. Mrs.

Taillieu: Oh, well, Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Premier seems to think I'm making this up. Maybe she should check with the Health Minister, to whom I wrote a letter about a month ago and who hasn't responded to me yet. So, although I take this seriously, I take this i ssue very seriously when there's–the life of a child is at risk. The Deputy Premier, on the other hand, seems to think it's a joke. But I suggest it's not a joke.

It's very serious, and when you take money from home care because you have to cut back and because you're cutting back your budget, and that's where you're taking the money from, I would suggest– Point of Order Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Minister of Finance, on a point of order? Hon. Rosann Wowchuk (Minister of Finance): The member opposite just put on the record that I don't take these issues seriously, and I would ask you that you ask her to correct that inaccuracy, but I'd also like to ask her how she would pay for home care if she–when she voted for taking $500 million out of– Mr. Speaker: Order.

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Official Opposition House Leader, on the same point of order. Mr. Gerald Hawranik (Offi cial Opposition House Leader): Yes, on the same point of order, Mr. Speaker, it's clearly not a point of order; it's a dispute over the facts.

176 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 The minister knows that; she clearly knows that. She just can't take any criticism. That's the problem. Mr. Speaker: Order. On the point of order raised by the honourable Minister of Finance– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. On a point of order raised by the honourable Minister of Finance, it's not a point of order; it's a dispute over the facts. And also I remind members that–not to use points of orders as a means of debate.

Every member that wish to speak will have the opportunity to put their thoughts and their words on the record. * * * Mr. Speaker: So the honourable member for Morris has the floor. Mrs. Taillieu: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and that just illustrates the point, how desperate this government has become. Mr. Speaker, I also want to speak about the failure to manage the financial responsibility of this Province. You know, we've had a relatively good 10 years–well, I'd say eight years, I suppose–in terms of the economy and transfer payments from Ottawa.

So you would think at a time–I know families in Manitoba know this: When money's coming in, that's when you put money away to save when things aren't going to be so good, but not this government. Their idea is spend it all, spend it all, and go back to Ottawa with your hand out for more. In fact, I think it was the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) that suggested that if he was elected Premier, that's what he would do. He would betray Manitoba as in really bad economic circumstances, so he could go to Ottawa and beg for more money for Manitoba.

Instead of having the goal to make Manitoba a have-not province, he would continue to keep Manitoba dependent on its neighbours. But, instead of saving, the reckless spending of this government–and then it–what happens after the money's all spent? We get a downturn in the economy. And when that happens, now they have to say, well, okay, now we have to repeal the balanced budget legislation. We really know what that was all about. That was really just about protecting their ministerial salaries, but, Mr . Speaker, this is another broken promise, another broken election promise.

I believe that, in 1999, I think it was the Premier, the opposition leader at the time, Mr. Doer, who promised–he said, well, we'll keep the things the Tories got right and we will keep balanced budget legislation, but it didn't take long–it didn't take long to break that promise, as well, but, of course, that was all about protecting their own salaries, the big bill from last session, that that's the only thing they wanted to talk about was protecting their own salaries. But, Mr. Speaker, there is an obligation to be financially and fiscally responsible in this Province.

They're not spending their own money; they're spending money that is belonging to the taxpayers of Manitoba. The taxpayers have to contribute money through their taxes to this government to allocate, and they have to be–they have to do that in a responsible way, and we've seen so many examples of mismanagement and waste of–on the part of this government. It's quite unbelievable. When you, you know, you just look at the west- side bipole decision.

I think it's been known for over 20 years–the Hydro officials that I've spoken with anyway–that the Bipole III was always destined to go down the east side of the province, but, through a political decision made by the Premier (Mr. Selinger), who was the Finance minister and critic for Hydro or the minister responsible for Hydro at the time–directed in a letter to Manitoba Hydro to go down the west side of the province. * (15:10) Now, we just had a discussion earlier today in this House about the extra costs associated with going down the west side of the province, Mr. Speaker.

What legacy that is going to leave to Manitoba families at–right now, we know it's approximately $7,000 for every family in this province, but if those costs double or even go higher than that, that is a cost that not only our families are going to be paying but our children's families are going to be paying. And they can talk about the boreal forest and saying we must protect the boreal forest and I think the member from Southdale said tearing down the boreal forest. Well, of course that doesn't happen–course that doesn't happen.

Even the world UNESCO people say you can put a hydro line through the boreal forest, and that does not destroy the boreal forest and does not hinder a world UNESCO site designation. There are other areas in this country that are designated as UNESCO sites, like Banff National Park, Mr. Speaker, and we all know that there's much tourism and highways and transmission lines and railways and a lot of things that have gone through there. It does not take away.

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 177 We can have both: we can have a protected boreal forest and we can take less than 0.1 per cent to put a transmission line through the boreal forest. In fact, when I was speaking to the Hydro people at some of the open houses, they were showing how they can actually drop in the towers by helicopter so that their imprint–the footprint of the towers is so minimal, Mr. Speaker. But to say that it's jeopardizing sales to the United States, well, there's no agreements.

There's no agreements in place so I don't know what the Finance Minister is talking about because ther e are no agreements in place and when people need to buy electricity from Canada, they will buy it but what's also important is protecting the First Nations on the east side and allowing some economic development for them. They say they need economic development on the east side of the province; an all-weather road would help their economic situation dramatically. But it's curious, Mr.

Speaker, that this government wants to listen to the environmental lobbyists from the United States over their own people here in Manitoba. They would listen to the environmental lobbyists and it's going to cost people here in Manitoba money and yet, maybe they're going to get a photo op on the cover of a magazine somewhere for this but, really, that is purely, purely self-interest on their part and they're not doing the best thing for Manitobans. Mr. Speaker, this is a tired and weak and desperate government, out of ideas, out of steam, cannot support this Throne Speech.

In fact–but if this government will support the amendment put forward by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. McFadyen), then we would have a Throne Speech that we could support. The reasons why I am not supporting this Throne Speech is that because it's failed to acknowledge that after 11 years violent crime is rising, waste is rampant and past health-care promises have been broken. I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it did not provide a credible plan to reduce violent crime, reduce waste and improve health care.

I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because this Throne Speech endorses large, ongoing deficits and rising debt, which will result in higher taxes for Manitoba families. I am not supporting this Throne Speech because it's failed to acknowledge the government's misguided plan to raise taxes on Manitoba families starting after 2011. I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it's failed to take immediate steps to improve Manitoba's competitive position by seeking entry into the New West Partnership.

I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it has failed to protect Manitoba seniors and families from hydro rate increases caused by the Premier's (Mr. Selinger) interference in Manitoba Hydro. I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it's failed to acknowledge that for 11 years the government had wasted money on bloated health-care bureaucracy and boardrooms at the expense of front-line care. And I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to acknowledge that the shortage of personal care homes in Manito ba is a direct result of the government's failure to plan for the needs of our seniors.

And I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to recognize that far too many of our First Nations and Métis people remain on the outside of the economic life of our province or to offer a plan to address this significant failure. And I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to assure parents that their children are learning the skills they need to succeed in today's workforce. I'm not supporting the Throne Speech because it continues the government's divisive policies of neglecting or penalizing Manitoba's farm families and rural communities.

I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to acknowledge the chaos in Manitoba's child welfare system caused by its policies or to apologize for the tragic abuse and loss of life caused by this government's political interference in the child welfare system. And I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to deal with the problem of increased drunk driving or to acknowledge that the reckless behaviour has caused heartache from far too many families.

I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to deal with addictions treatment or to acknowledge that drug abuse and addiction are continuing to much–contributing to much of the crime that plagues our province, now known as the violent crime capital of Canada.

178 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 And, Mr. Speaker, while the speech does contain many good ideas offered by the members of the opposition, it fails to convince this House that they will actually be implemented. I'm not supporting this Throne Speech because it fails to acknowledge the government's 11-year track record of failure to keep other promises like ending hallway medicine, causing this House to rea lize that the promises contained in this speech are unlikely to be kept. Mr.

Speaker, the current government has failed in its promises to Manitobans and as a result, it is now clearer than ever that it will require a new government to deliver positive results on crime reduction, fiscal responsibility, job creation, tax relief, protection from rate hikes, access to family physicians, support for farm families, the cleanup of Lake Winnipeg, better sports facilities and infrastructure, stability within Child and Family Services and other goals that are supported by all Manitobans. Mr.

Speaker, this government has failed on so many fronts for so many families, and that is why I cannot support the government's Throne Speech. Thank you very much. Mr. Tom Nevakshonoff (Interlake): Like others, I would like to also welcome you back to the Chamber. I want to say th e member for St. Norbert (Ms. Brick) did a stellar job in your absence, but you are our Speaker, we need you and it's good to see you back in your chair. It's interesting to follow the member for Morris (Mrs. Taillieu).

I was listening to her remarks about spending and deficits and all that and I think of another politician in the United States. Her name is Sarah Palin, and she once said that she could see Russia from her house in Alaska, and I have to wonder if the member for Morris can see the global recession from her house, if she's at all aware of that. It seems unlikely given that in the midst of the greatest financial crisis that this country, the world has seen in the last 50 years that governments have to take the appropriate actions and we've stood on our record of 10 balanced budgets.

And I take my hat off to the Premier (Mr. Se linger), who, as Finance Minister for that decade, played a pivotal role in that regard and our being re-elected to three majorities. And I take my hat off to the current Minister of Finance (Ms. Wowchuk) as well for taking the correct steps to make sure that spending on core services is not sacrificed, like members opposite did back in the '90s when the Filmon government slashed funding to the health-care industry and reduced doctor training spaces, something that we are feeling the repercussions of to this very day, not just in Manitoba, but across the country.

So that's how Liberals and Conservatives do business: cut spending and drive things into the ground. * (15:20) Certainly, we know that that was their style in the Interlake in terms of infrastructure investment, something that we have reversed since we came to office, and I look to other countries. I look to Iceland, that first-world country that basically went bankrupt. You look to the situation in Ireland, in Greece, in Britain, of course, to the United States to the south of us.

Manitoba is well positioned, probably the best positioned of all Canadian provinces and admired around the world for how well we have done in weathering this storm. I want to look to a few examples of what I consider wilful blindness on the part of the Conservatives, and my first example would be the situation in the Interlake, the area–the region that I represent. The weather that we've experienced over the years–the last three years have been absolutely horrific, and we are programming. We have programmed in the past, and we're looking to program for the livestock producers again.

And yet to hear members opposite in the media, talking to their constituents, blaming the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Struthers) for th e fact that the federal government has yet to deal with this in their Treasury Board. Our Treasury Board, our Cabinet approved funding to put toward an AgriRecovery program at the end of August–the end of August. Where is Ottawa? Where are they? The federal Minister of Agriculture was in Manitoba just last week, and I would remind the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler) of that. He was here last week. Why did he come?

Of course, to do a little campaigning up in the Neepawa area, as I understand it, but did meet with our Minister of Agriculture, and have we a program yet? Have we had any money committed from the federal government to date? Not yet. Hasn't gone to the Treasury Board. Not high enough on their radar screen. Mr. Speaker, I guess that's just typical of members opposite. They can't see the forest for the trees or they just deny it. They just don't want to see it. They don't want to ac knowledge the fact that

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 179 Ottawa has yet to step up to the plate, and this is most importantly, people in the Interlake cannot stand any more political posturing like this, wilful blindness on the part of members opposite. It's time for them to get the message to their counterparts in Ottawa to get moving on this file. Now in terms of wilful blindness, I just have to look back to the last crisis in the Interlake back in '07 when the livestock producers were in the same situation, and we were lobbying for money for an AgriRecovery program. What happened?

The Prime Minister called an election, and for the next three months–it wasn't until March of the following year that, finally, the feds got around to recognizing, oh, there's a problem in Manitoba. And, at the end of March, finally we made an announcement. And throughout the course of that period, members opposite were running around the country telling everybody that the Province hadn't declared a disaster yet and that was why funding couldn't flow. It was absolute 'falsehead,' Mr. Speaker.

There was no truth to it whatsoever, and they knew full well that this was just a little disinformation campaign they had out there to put the wrong message in the minds of producers. Rather than trying to contribute to solve this problem, it was all political posturing– typical Conservative approach to a disaster. Since 2008, and it's in the Throne Speech here, combined payment to the agriculture sector have been in the neighbourhood of $889 million through Disaster Financial Assistance, through AgriRecovery, through AgriStability, through crop insurance and so forth.

So I stand proud as a member of this government. We have looked after the farmers in this province to the best of our ability. On the part of–another example of wilful blindness would be on the topic of drainage, and the member for Ste. Rose (Mr. Briese) just yesterday was doing everything he could to deny any responsibility on the part of the feds in this regard. Drainage is all provincial as far as he's concerned. But there are numerous examples of federal participation in drainage.

I look back to the 1970s, again in the Interlake, the FRED program, which was put in place by two visionary leaders, of course, the Right Honourable Ed Schreyer and the late Pierre Trudeau. Those were leaders. Those two men, together, recognized that there's a role for all levels of government in development of infrastructure. And for members opposite to deny any involvement on the federal part, just to defend their brothers in Ottawa, fellow Conservatives, pretty narrow-minded, pretty short- sighted but, again, typical thinking on their part.

Now, I give credit to the current government in that actually they are lo oking at a few things. There was the infrastructure program. One municipality, Armstrong, made an application for drainage works, and it was approved and completed. So, hats off to them; at least, they're acting a little bit. I wish members opposite would think in that vein. There's the question of navigable waterways, which are federal jurisdiction, and that includes a lot of rivers and so forth.

Ther e's the need for Ottawa to start thinking from a disast er financial assistance perspective, from a mitigation perspective, as opposed to just remediation, paying for damages, repairing damages after the fact. If we invested some of that money up front, then the damages would be lessened. It would be money well spent. And they're slowly coming around to that, but we have a ways to go yet. I look to a project in the RM of Bifrost as a good example, where, I believe, the feds are considering cost-sharing a feasibility study for the BASIC group, which is looking to enhance drainage in that municipality.

Good for them; I hope they come across and actually do put some money on the table in that regard. There are no shortage of drainage challenges in the Interlake. Of course, the Shoal Lakes' scenario comes to mind, and very difficult, very expensive problem to resolve. Here, again, if only Ottawa would wake up and agree to an AgriRecovery program, we could at least ensure that a feed supply came to the cattle in that area and those farmers could rest assured that th ey were in business for another year.

But, I guess, when the Minister of Agriculture was here last week, campaigning in Inky Mark's old seat, that just never rose to the top. So we continue to wait and we continue to lobby ourselves on behalf of our farmers. Wilful blindness; I look, again, to Lake Winnipeg. Here's a good example of Conservative planning gone awry, where they continue to preach here that removal of nitrogen is not necessary, even though, you know–Alberta, both Calgary and Edmonton, as I understand it, remove nitrogen from their effluent; Brandon does; our neighbours to the south in the United States do.

How can we stand on our two feet and say that–call upon all of them to

180 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 contribute to the clean up of Lake Winnipeg when we won't go the distance in our own province here? So, that's going to be their approach. Well, that's a pretty silly way of looking at things. And, not to remove nitrogen. Yes, it's true that the blue-green algaes can fix nitrogen, but the green algaes can't. So we're going to allow the lake to fill up with green algae instead. Fish need clean water to breathe. If you filled that glass full of nitrates and drank it, Mr. Speaker, you would die. Nitrates inhibit the transfer of oxygen into the body of the fish.

So, you know, these things seem to escape them but, of course, th ey're trying to chisel it down a little bit, save a few bucks and turn a blind eye to the real problem in Lake Winnipeg. And we know what they would do; they would work in the opposite direction. One of the first things they would do when they got back into office, I guarantee you this, would be to remove the hog–the expansion of the hog industry, the moratorium, in the Interlake. That would be gone the next day, and it would be back to the bad, old days there–and I'm not saying that there isn't a place for a hog industry.

There is, and I would like to see the hog industry working effectively in the Interlake, but it has to be done carefully. Manure has to be managed correctly, incorporated into the soil and so forth, and that, sadly, has not been the case in that region, which is what led to the moratorium. But these guys would do away with it in a flash, an d that's all part of their solution to Lake Winnipeg. * (15:30) I look to the fishery. I mentioned it just a moment ago. I was talking about fish.

Well, we know what they would do with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, exactly what they're trying to do to the Canadian Wheat Board. In fact, they did a study of the FFMC a couple of years ago to see how dual marketing would work. Well, we know how it would work. We know how it worked before the FFMC came along. All kinds of–there was a cartel of buyers, they'd get together in Minneapolis or wherever, decide on the price and come back and it was take it or leave it, boys, up here.

That's exactly where they would go with the FFMC if they had their majority government in Ottawa, which thank God they don't, and these guys opposite would go right alongside with them. We know that because that's exactly what the newly elected Conservative government in Saskatchewan did. So there's their strategy for Lake Winnipeg, Mr. Speaker, not removing nitrates from the water in Winnipeg, more hog slurry into the lake in areas like the Interlake and killing the FFMC to the detriment of the Aboriginal peoples who depend on the fishery for their livelihood.

Another example of wilful blindness is–and we hear the member for Bra ndon West (Mr. Borotsik) quite often going on and on about equalization, how we're a have-not and if they were in office that would all be over tomorrow. That's nonsense, Mr. Speaker, utter nonsense. Because, first of all, equalization is funded by all Canadians. This is a national program. Every one of us pays federal tax. We all pay the same amount and the deal is so that all areas of this country have the same standard of living. That's the deal.

That's the nature of Canada, the very essence of Canada, and for them to suggest that they would go backward is ludicrous to say the least. They keep referring to the conservative mecca in Alberta like it's the panacea to all and the example of the province that doesn't need equalization. Well, let's look at the facts here. Manitoba in total had roughly $3.3 billion in equalization payments, which is equalization combined with the Health and Social Transfer payment. Of that $2 billion was equalization. Let's look to Alberta. Their total transfers from the Government of Canada exceeded $5 billion, Mr. Speaker.

So there you go, 3.3 to Manitoba, over $5 billion to Alberta, because the Health and Social Transfer payments are based on population. So don't tell me that Alberta, the have province, is standing alone when they're getting more money than we are from the federal government, not from the rest of Canada, and I'm not begrudging them that because I believe in equalization. I believe it serves a purpose. Members opposite have been blowing smoke for years on this issue and they will continue to do so.

But the fact of the matter is that all Canadians pay into equalization and we all deserve to get some of that money back given the fact that the federal tax rate is double the provincial tax rate, and yet we carry the can for the most part on the most expensive items such as health care, such as education, infrastructure and so forth. So equalization is there for all of us, and they should be ashamed of themselves to suggest that it should be put aside. I look to the west-side bipole, another example of wilful blindness on part of members opposite, and

November 23, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 181 I can understand why, because they would like to basically scuttle the deal, not spend the money. That's their record with Hydro. That's what they've done in the past with the big dams, and they would scuttle this project on the west side and never get it done. I really fear they w ould go even further than that, Mr. Speaker, if they were ever elected to office, and I think they would put it on the market, to be quite honest with you. I–well, the record speaks for itself.

That's exactly what they did with the telephone company, swore they would never do that, but the week after they were elected it was on the market. They would do the same thing with Manitoba Hydro, and the people of Manitoba better be aware of that. And the Leader of the Opposition, when they did it, that exact same–that exact thing in Ontario: privatize the power utility in Ontario. The member for Fort Whyte (Mr. McFadyen) wa s working for the Harris government there, is my understanding. So he's seen how to do it.

The common-sense revolution in Ontario would be applied here and starting with the sale of the hydro utility. And then we would go to world price for hydro which I think is something he also alluded to in some of his speeches in the past. Well, okay, every Manitoba citizen, be prepared to double your hydro bills. And we do have cold winters and I know that would be a considerable hit, but that's how members opposite would do business. They keep, you know–they belittle the fact that in the United States there's a lot of people that lobby very hard against Manitoba Hydro, and I know this is.

I've been a member of the Legislators' Forum. I've gone down there for over a decade now, meeting with North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and I know that there is a bias against Manitoba Hydro. It's not warranted, but it's there. Their strategy there is: clean coal, dirty hydro. That's their mindset. People still believe that hydro dams in Manitoba are flooding hundreds of thousands of miles and displacing Aboriginal people and ignoring their needs, which is absolutely false, but that's the impression there is in the United States. And I can understand why. Go to North Dakota.

There's huge coal deposits there, Mr. Speaker. So that's what they want to do. They want to burn that coal. Why not? And in order to do that, they have to disparage hydro and have done a very good job of it over the years. We're managing to reverse that to some degree and we are selling power to them, but to belittle that fact, that Americans in general are uninformed and still think we do things the old way here, that is being deliberately, wilfully blind on this particular issue.

Going down the west side and preserving the east side for a UNESCO World Heritage Site will be pivotal in changing this perception, not just in the United States but around the world, and this is something that we have to make sure happens. I see my time is running low here. I did want to speak briefly about the Métis policy. I will be the representative of St. Laurent after the next election, with their good graces, and it's of great interest to me. I did make a member's statement the other day telling of my ties back to the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia, the first Legislative Assembly.

I was a little surprised actually to see my ancestor Curtis James Bird was, in fact, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia. Well, that was good that there was that level of co-operation between the English half-breeds, as they were called back then, and the French Métis, and we have to make sure that those good feelings are continued as we go forward on this file. And I think that in closing–I've carried this piece of paper around with me for about a year now. It's a classic quote that basically lays out the Conservative platform going into the next election.

It's the member–the member for Carman (Mr. Pedersen) actually put this on the record and it bears repeating. In fact, it bears repeating day after day, where the Tories will put less focus on issues such as health care. Well, I guess privatizing health care, they'll certainly pay attention in that regard. Then they won't have to worry about it, and I'm sure there's a lot of wealthy Conservatives ready to cut into that 3- to 4-billion-dollar budget. Imagine the money they could make off of that. MTS was one thing.

We're talking billions now, so that's certainly going to be on their agenda, is the privatization of the delivery of health care. Roads aren't going to be too much on their agenda, it says here. Well, I think we've practically done, well, most of the roads, and quadrupling the budget to $4 billion has been a step in the right direction. Other things they will put less emphasis on, social services. They certainly like to talk the talk in this Chamber, but, obviously, when it comes to walking the walk, their plans are different. * (15:40) Agriculture, imagine that. Less emphasis on agriculture.

Well, we had an example of that in this

182 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 23, 2010 session. It took them a week to ask a question about agriculture. They were talking about football stadiums and, you know, power lines and football stadiums, and more football stadiums. Took them a week to recognize that there's a crisis in agriculture in this province, that people of the Interlake and the Westlake are suffering, have been suffering for years, are waiting for federal money to come across. But these guys never even put a question–never even put a question–for the first week that we were in here, for the first week.

So obviously agriculture isn't going to mean much to them. That's been proven. Rural depopulation–oh, well, that's not a problem either. And, of course, First Nations. Well, that doesn't surprise me; their record throughout their entire existence speaks for themselves on the topic of our First Nations people. And I think I will close my remarks in that regard, Mr. Speaker. I want other members to have an opportunity to speak and that's a good point to stop on, showing the Tories for what they are to the people of Manitoba, what they should expect, should they be so foolish as to elect these people next October.

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that I feel very honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to speak in this Legislature on behalf of the constituents of Charleswood. I am very grateful to them and I feel very privileged that they have given me this opportunity to be here to represent them. And I am very pleased to have an opportunity to speak about the Throne Speech and to our amendments that we put forward.

I also want to say that I am very grateful to my family, who are very supportive of what I do, and especially to my husband, Hal, who gives me great support that allows me to do this job. I also want to acknowledge my constituency staff and my volunteers because without them it would be, you know, so difficult to do what I do here.

And I also want to say that I work with a fabulous team of MLAs and legislative staff and I am amazed at their continu ous energy and their commitment for the work that they do, and they come every day with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of ideas and it's a pleasure to work with the people that I do have the opportunity to work with here. Mr. Speaker, I welcome you back and to indicate that I'm very happy to see you back and to know that things went well for you.

I also want to welcome back the Clerk, the table officers, the Sergeant-at- Arms, the interns, the pages, and I hope everybody has a great experience in this session. You provide great service and we certainly appreciate it very, very much. I want to congratulate those that ran in the municipal election and, you know, you have to really appreciate, very much, people that put their name on the line to run in politics at any level.

And I want to congratulate all of those that ran, congratulate the winners and to also include in that Paula Havixbeck, who is the new councillor for Charleswood, and I wish her very well as she moves forward in her new job. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to address the amendments and I'm going to encourage the NDP to support those amendments because if they vote against the amendments, let's be clear about what they are voting for: they're going to be voting for higher taxes, higher debt, higher crime rate, worsening health care and a continuing failure in the major files that this government

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	39-5-6
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	39th 5th hansardpdf 6.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
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