Manitoba Hansard — 21 July 1988 (Sitting 1, 34th Legislature, 1st Session)

34-1-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

MG-8048 First Session - Thirty-Fourth legislature of the legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS (HANSARD) 37 Elizabeth 11 Published under the authority of The Honourable Denis C. Rocan Speaker VOl. XXXVII No. 1 - 1:30 p.m., THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988. Printed by the Office of the Queens Printer. Province of Manitoba ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA lEGISlATIVE ASSEMBlY Thirty-fourth legislature Members, Constituencies and Political Affiliation NAME AI.. COCK, Reg ANGUS, John ASHTON, Steve BURREL, Parker CARR, James CARSTAIRS, Sharon CHARLES, Gwen CHEEMA, Gulzar CHORNOPYSKI, William CONNERV, Eclward Hon. COWAN,Jay CUMMINGS, Glen, Hon . DERKACH, leonard, Hon. DOER, Gary DOWNEV, James Hon. DRIEDGER, Albert, Hon. DRIEDGER, Herold, L. DUCHARME, Gerald, Hon. EDWARDS, Paul ENNS, Harry ERNST, Jim, Hon. EVANS, Laurie EVANS, Leonard FILMON, Gary, Hon. FINDLAV, Glen Hon.

GAUDRV, Neil GILLESHAMMER, Harold GRAY, Avis HAMMOND, Gerrie HARAPIAK, Harry HARPER, Elijah HELWER, Edward R. HEMPHILL, Maureen KOZAK, Richard, J. LAMOUREUX, Kevin, M. MALOWAV, Jim MANDRAKE, Ed MANNESS, Clayton, Hon. McCRAE, James Hon. MINENKO, Mark MITCHELSON, Bonnie, Hon. NEUFELD, Harold, Hon. OLESON, Charlotte Hon. ORCHARD, Donald Hon. PANKRATZ, Helmut PATTERSON, Allan PENNER, Jack, Hon. PLOHMAN, John PRAZNIK, Darren ROCAN, Denis, Hon. ROCH, Gilles ROSE, Bob STORIE, Jerry TAYLOR, Harold URUSKI, Bill WAS YLYCIA-LEIS, Judy YEO,Iva CONSTITUENCY Os borne St.

Norbert Thompson Swan River Fort Rouge River Heights Selkirk Kildonan Burrows Portage la Prairie Churchill Ste. Rose du Lac Roblin-Russell Con cordia Arthur Enierson Niakwa Aiel St. James Lakeside Charleswood Fort Garry Brandon East Tuxedo Vir den St. Boniface Minnedosa Ell ice Kirkfield Park The Pas Rupertsland Gimli Logan Transcona lnkster Elmwood Assiniboia Morris Brandon West Seven Oaks River East Rossmere Glad stone Pembina La Verendrye Radisson Rhineland Dauphin Lac du Bonnet Turtle Mountain Springfield St. Vital Flin Flon Wolseley lnterlake St.

Johns Sturgeon Creek PARTY LIBERAL LIBERAL NDP PC LIBERAL LIBERAL LIBERAL LIBERAL LIBERAL PC NDP PC PC NDP PC PC LIBERAL PC LIBERAL PC PC LIBERAL NDP PC PC LIBERAL PC LIBERAL PC NDP NDP PC NDP LIBERAL LIBERAL NDP LIBERAL PC PC LIBERAL PC PC PC PC PC LIBERAL PC NDP PC PC PC LIBERAL NDP LIBERAL NDP NDP LIBERAL

lEGISlATIVE ASSEMBLY Of MANITOBA Thursday, July 21, 1988. The House met at 1:30 p. m. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS At 1:30 p.m., the Sergeant-at-Arms, carried the Mace on the crook of his arm and followed by the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly , entered the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the main entrance of the House, and the Clerks took their post on the west side of the House, stood and awaited the arrival of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, and officers comprising the Officer Escort , met in the Lieutenant-Governor's reception room. The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, .. Military and Civil Aides, accompanied His Honour from , the reception room to the Chamber in the following order: The Civil Aide on the right; The Military Aide on the left; The Officer Escort; The Members of the Executive Council; The Premier; and then The Lieutenant-Governor.

At the Bar of the House, the Military and Civil Aides, the Officer Escort, Members of the Executive Council and the Premier halted and turned inwards to allow the Lieutenant-Governor to advance to the head of the Escort where His Honour was met by the Mace. Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Roy MacGillivray: His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. The Lieutenant-Governor then, preceded by the Mace carried shoulder high, and followed on his left by the Military Aide, and on his right by the Civil Aide, proceeded along the west side of the Chamber to the � Throne.

The Premier proceeded along the east side and stood on the floor on the east side of the Chamber. The Members of the Executive Council took their places. The Military Aide took up his position on the right of the Throne and the Civil Aide took up his position on the west side of the Chamber. The Officer Escort was positioned to the left of the Throne. The Lieute nant-Governor seated himself on the Throne; the Mace made obeisance and retired to the east side of the Chamber. Hon. George Johlu!on (lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba): Mr.

Speaker, and Members of the Manitoba legislature, I welcome you to the First Session of the Thirty-Fourth Legislature of the Province ol Manitoba. Hon. Jame!l: 1\/icCra!!l (Atto rney-G enera l): I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor 1 to state that he does not see fit to declare the cause of the summoning of the present Legislature of this province until a Speaker of this House shall have been chosen, according to law. *

(1335) His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired. The Mace then made obeisance bef ore the Lieutenant-Governor and preceded His Honour along the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and the Aides. Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier) : Mr. Clerk, I move, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (M rs . Carstairs), that a distinguished Member of this House, Mr. Denis Rocan, Member of the Electoral Division of Turtle Mountain, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker. The Honourable Member is now serving the people of Turtle Mountain in his second term in the Legislature. Mr.

Clerk, William Remnant: lt has been moved by the Ho nourable First Minister (M r. Filmon), and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs. Carstairs), that Mr. Denis Rocan, Member for the Electoral Division of Turtle Mountain, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker. Mr. Filmon: The Honourable Member is now serving this Legislature in his second term as the representative for the Electoral Division of Turtle Mountain. He has filled his responsibilities with a civility and diligence which will serve him well as Speak er.

As the first Franc o- Manitoban Speaker of our Legislature, the Honourable Member's selection will serve to recognize the contribution that all Franco Manitobans have provided to our province in the past and will provide, indeed, in the years to come. Mr. Clerk: Are you ready for the question? Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Mr. Clerk: I declare the motion adopted and the Honourable Denis Rocan, Member for the Electoral Division of Turtle Mountain, Speaker of this House. Mr.

Speaker: I am not unmindful of the honour which you have conferred on me today in electing me to the highest office within the gift of the Assembly, that of your Speaker and your servant. Je m' engage resolument a maintenir les principes e! !'usage de I'Assemblee, a garantir aux deputes le droit d'exprimer leurs opinions dans les limites permises par le decorum, a reconnaltre les droits el les privileges des deputes, des groupes politiques et de I' Assemblee elie-meme, a favorisar !'expedition ordonnee des

Thursday, July 21, 1988 affaires de la province et par-dessus tout, a me montrer juste et impartial dans les decisions que vous me confierez. (Translation) lt will be my aim and duty to uphold the principles and traditions of the House and secure for each Member the right to express his or her opinions within the limits necessary to preserve decorum; to recognize the rights and privileges of the Honourable Members, the political groups and the House itself; to facilitate the transaction of the public business in an orderly manner and, above all, to seek to be fair and impartial in the decisions you entrust to me.

If these are your objectives, and I believe they are, I ask your patience and cooperation in approaching them. I deeply appreciate your actions in elevating me to the Speaker's Chair; with your assistance I hope to fulfil! this commitment with dignity and honour. (His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor is entering for the second time.) Mr. Speaker: May it please Your Honour: The Legislative Assembly has elected me as their Speak er, though I am but little able to fulfill the important duties assigned to me.

Si dans !'execution de ces devoirs, il m'arrivait de me tromper, je demande que la faute m'en soit imputee et non a I' Assemblee dont je suis le serviteur , et qui, par devoir envers sa reine et la patrie, hereby humbly claim all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially that they may have freedom of speech in their debates, access to Your Honour's person at all reasonable times, and that their proceedings may receive from Your Honour the most favourable consideration. (Translation) If, in the performance of these duties, I should at any time fall into error, I pray that the fault may be imputed to me and not to the Assembly, whose servant I am, and who through me, the better to enable them to discharge their duties to their Queen and country, hereby humbly claim all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially that they may have freedom of spee ch in their debates, access to Your Honour's person at all reasonable times, and that their proceedings may receive from Your Honour the most favourable consideration.

Mr. McCrae: Mr. Speak er, I am commanded by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to declare to you that he freely confides in the duty and attachment of the Assembly to Her Majesty's person and Government, and not doubting that their proceedings will be conducted with wisdom, temper and prudence, he grants, and upon all occasions will recognize and allow their constitutional rights.

I am commanded also to assure you that the Assembly shall have ready access to His Honour upon 2 all reasonable occasions, and that their proceedings, as well as your words and actions, will constantly receive from him the most favourable consideration. SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Hon. George Jotmson, lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba: Please be seated. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Manitoba Legislature: I welcome you to the First Session of the Thirty Fourth Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.

The opening of a new Legislature and the beginning of a new Government provide an opportunity to take a fresh look at our province, to assess where we stand today and where we want to go in the future. My Government assumes office at a time when North America has enjoyed an unprecedented period of post war economic expansion. The people of Manitoba have shared in the prosperity of the 1980s, but in the recent � years the economic growth occurring elsewhere in the country has bypassed us. Manitobans are justly proud of the strength and diversity of our province.

Our vast natural resources and the skills and ingenuity of our population are a winning combination, capable of the productive and rewarding development of those resources to provide meaningful jobs and a high quality of life for our citizens. Yet Manitobans are concerned that economic growth in recent years has relied upon an unhealthy and unsustainable level of public sector spending which has left a legacy of high debt and taxes and a growing burden of debt service costs.

This legacy threatens our ability to fund the public program Manitobans want and deserve. it also threatens the investment and job creation potential of our economy which are essential to our continued prosper ity. My Government is determined to meet the difficult challenges that lie ahead with a renewed spirit of openness and a willingness to listen. My Government's vision for Manitoba is simply stated: A competitive and diversified economy which will provide increased job opportunities for our citizens, and pay for quality health, education and social programs. *

(1345) Among the first of its initiatives, my Government will be introducing measures to provide more prudent and effective management within Government and Crown corporations. Programs will be implemented to encourage individual initiative and economic development. Better management and a stronger economy will permit my Government to empioy additional resources to maintain and improve services to Manitobans. There are many social challenges facing Manitoba in the years ahead. My Ministers have developed policies to address many key areas or concern to Manitobans: Action will be taken to preserve and enhance our Medicare system.

I Thursday, July 21, 1988 Initiatives will be presented to meet the challenge of educating and training Manitobans at all levels from basic literacy to post-graduate studies. Services to disadvantag ed or vulnerable Manitobans will be protected and enhanced. Measures will be implemented to streamline and improve the administration of justice. Programs will be introduced to protect and develop our province's natural and cultural heritage. Finally, the emerging needs of our growing urban centres will be addressed.

OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT As a new Government, my Ministers have the opportunity to implement changes in the approach to government as well as reforms to particular policies. � In this spirit, my Ministers have advised me of their ' intentions to introduce policies and procedures to make this Government more open and accountable to the citizens of Manitoba. Since assuming office, my Ministers have been consulting broadly on matters of education policy, ag riculture and resource conservation, economic devel opment, local government and assessment reform, and social services reform.

Those consultations will continue with individual Ministers taking lead roles in specific program areas. 1t is crucial that government reach out and listen to the concerns of Manitobans but open government means much more. Open government means keeping Manitobans fully informed and rendering public servants and politicians fully accountable.

On September 30, 1988, my Government will take an important step towards a more open government by proclaiming The Freedom of Information Act. lt has been thre e ye ars si nce the Act was passed by Manitoba's Legislative Assembly and my Government will be proud to finally proclaim the legislation. To provide funding for an independent, province-wide voice for Manitoba's farmers, check-off legislation will be brought forward for the consideration of Members.

To create a cooling-off period for former Ministers and senior officials, amendments will be introduced to The legislative Assembly and Executive Council Conflict of Interest Act. The timing of this Session of the legislature is another element of my Ministers' commitment to increased accountability in Government. For almost four months now my Government has req uired Special Warrants to meet its financial commitments. My Government believes that the people of Manitoba have the right through the Members of this House to examine and approve the Budget and Estimates of my Government at the earliest possible moment.

You have been summoned to this early Session of the legislature to establish quickly and without 3 question the priority that must be given to financial responsibili ty. Crown corporations will also be expected to become more open and accountable. During this Session, amendments will be brought forward which will require the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation and Manitoba Hydro to submit rate increases to the Public Utilities Board. All major Crown corporations will be required to publish quarterly financial statements.

My Ministers also advise me that those Crown corporations no longer serving a useful public purpose and for which there are not sound public policy reasons for their continued existence will be wound down or transferred to the private sector . In keeping with its campaign commitments, my Government is now in the process of divesting Manfor and ManOil. The Public Investment Corporation of Manitoba will be wound down and replaced with a more simplified and a more effective structure for Crown accountability. *

(1350) FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT REFORMS My Government will present the legislature with a Budget and Estimates of Expenditure and Revenu e which will contribute to greater fiscal responsibility and sustained economic growth. A full accounting of the current fiscal circumstances of the province will be presented. Manitoba's budgetary deficit will be significantly reduced in 1988 from the unsustainable levels incurred for six years by the previous administration.

Improvement in our current fiscal position must be maintained for several years in order for Manitoba's debt load to be reduced and for debt costs to decline as a proportion of provincial expenditures. By living within our means, my Government will be able to introduce measures to reduce the burden of taxation and stre ng then the competitive ness of Manitoba industry . The first Budget of this administration will be delivered to this Assembly on August 8, 1988.

By following a path of prudent management, my Government will keep expenditure growth under control while maintaining and improving health, education and social services. My Government is already implementing needed financial reforms. A comprehensive audit of provincial finances has been commissioned. A review of our foreign debt position is under way. Multi-year budgets will become a feature of the annual budget process. My Government contains significantly fewer Ministers than the previous administration. My Government will be more efficient while continuing to deliver important services to Manitobans.

The plan adopted by my Ministers calls for streamlining our Government operations, eliminating duplication and reducing overhead costs. To this end,

I I I I I I I Thursday, July 21, 1988 two significant departmental consolidations are already under way. The Department of Industry, Trade and Technology is being consolidated with Business Development and Tourism. The new Department of Industry , Trade and Tourism will become the province 's lead department for economic development. The Department of Cooperative , Consumer and Corporate Affairs will combine the Department of Cooperative Development and the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs . This action will bring the provincial regulation of financial institutions under one department.

My Ministers believe that the cooperative and credit union movements will be more effectively served through the new consolidated department . They have played and will continue to play a meaningful role in the development of our provinc e. Departmental consolidations reflect a new commitment on the part of government to fisc al responsibility and service to Manitoban s. BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY There are always many demands on government and many real needs that go unaddressed . Some of these needs can be met with resources provided through better management.

However , in the long term , a strong and vibrant economy is required if governm ent is to secure the revenues necessary for needed health and social programs . My Government is determined to est ablish an economic climate that will encourage risk and reward initiative. My Minist ers believe the first step to achievin g that goal is through the removal of disincentives and not through the creation of new grants and incentives . My Government will follow through on its commitment to undertake a phased removal of th e payroll tax to reduce disincentives to job creation.

Amendments will be introduced to restore balan ce to Manitoba's labour legislation . Protecting the rights of both workers and employers is essential to sound labour relations. Amendments will be proposed to the legislation governing final offer selection . Over the past several years the wo rkers' compensation system has experienced many diffic ulties resulting in increased rates for emp loy ers and deteriorating services to workers.

Refo rm of the workers ' compensation system will ensure the needs of the workers of the Province of Manitoba are protected by a financially stable and administratively sound compensation system . A majo r component of our renewed thrust for economic development is the expansion of our tour ism sector . Significant additions will be m ade to the Estimates to intensify our efforts at tour ism marketing and to expand our effor ts under the Federal/Provincial Tourism Agreement . *

(1355) Plans are in place to impleme nt my Government's commitment to improve provi ncial highways, with Highway 75 receiving an immediate priority. 4 My Government is committed to making full use of our natural resources in Manitoba. My Ministers are work ing to attract energy-intensive indus tries to the province to ensure that our surplus hydro -electricity is used to benef it Manitobans through jobs and investment. Such energy -intens ive proj ect s, along with other major resource development undertakings, would expand our economic foundations.

Northern Manit oba will play a key role in the eco nomic development of our province in the year s to come . In c oo pera tion with northern com munities , my Government will create a long-term develop ment st rateg y to a ddress the North 's uniqu e problems and chall enges . The federal Government is expected to participate in an agreement to buil d transmission lines into isolated nort hern communit ies. That will make avai lable, for the first time , hydro-electric power to seve ral Native communiti es.

Many of the opportunities my Government is pursuing , to strengt hen and diversify Mani toba 's economy provide for federa l Government involvement. My Government is committed to a more cooperat ive approach with the federal Government as we prepare to reneg oti ate the fede ral-provincial agreements which foster economic and regional development such as the Northern Develop ment Agreement, the Mineral Development Ag ree ment and other sectoral agree ments.

Further , to ensure Manitoba receives a fair share of federal contracts, and to establish a strong presence in the nation 's capital, my Government will open a Manitob a office in Ottawa. Domestic and international trading links continue to provide a vital source of growth and opportunity for the Manitoba economy . My Government believes that there is much th at can be done to promote the well-being of all Canadians by fostering interprovincial trade .

Despit e the difficult cha llenge of removing internal trade barriers and artificial provincial incentives , I am advised that there has been recent success in obtaining agreement in principle amongst all 10 provinces to join a National Red Meat Tripartite Plan for cattle , hogs and sheep. The implementation of a national tripartite plan creates a major opportunity for M anitoba producers to regain and build upon their traditional strong performance in this sector . Foreign trade is an incre asingl y important component of the Manitoba economy.

Thousands of jobs in our manufac tu ring and service sectors are dependent on exports. Continued access to those markets is essential. My Government strongly sup ports bilateral and multilateral trade libera lization as a means to counter protectio nism and to provide a basis for future economic growth and job creation within Manitoba . In the increasi ngly competiti ve international marke tplace , research and development is essenti al for existing businesses to remain competitive and for the creation of new opportunities vital to Manitoba 's future prosperity.

Thursday, July 21, 1988 My Government will continue to support Manitoba entrepreneurs with technology programs. Together with Manitoba businesses, universities and the research community, we will revitalize the Manitoba Research Council and encourage it to aggressively pursue the scientific and technological opportunities arising from the Canadian space program and other national initiatives. Manitoba can be a centre of research excellence.

My Government is committed to pursuing, with the federal Government, their initiatives for establishing such centres to ensure that our province is prepared to meet the challenges of the coming century.

Mes ministres sont conscients qu'un gouv ernement responsable doit faire plus que de bien gerer l'economie et le regime fiscal. lis retablironl une gestion respon sable dans le do maine des finances et encourageront l'essor economique afin de mainlenir et d'ameliorer les services sociaux offerts aux Manitobains. (Translation) My Ministers recognize that responsible government means more than simply good fiscal and economic management.

My Ministers will re-establish responsible financial management and encourage economic growth to protect and enhance the social services provided to Manitobans. • (1400) 1\'IAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HEAlTH CARE SERVICES My Government is committed to maintaining and enhancing hi gh- quality health services for all Manitobans. We are moving towards a future of increasing demands and escalating costs in our health system. If we are to sustain the level of quality care expected by our citizens, we must be prepared to meet these challenges with new and innovative ideas on the provision of health care services.

My Ministers recognize that government does not have ail the answers to these challenges. A Health Advisory Network will be established to call upon the expertise of health care providers and lay people outside of government to address major policy issues and to assist in the development and implementation of improved health care services. During this Session, my Government will introduce initiatives in the areas of immediate concern on the themes of innovation, affordability and management.

My Government will work with industry and labour to undertake cooperative projects in the workplace focussing on the prevention and reduction of factors contributing to injury and disablli!y. am advised Ministers will take a lead role in ihe improvement provincial mental health services ensuring that a coordinated approach is taken in management of resources in the institutional and community mental health service sectors.

A Hospital Program Review will be undertaken for the purpose of identifying centres of excellence and specially leadership at the community hospital level. 5 My Government will implement ne\v creative incentives to attract and retain physicians othe;- specialized health care professionals in rura: Manitoba. Manitobans have expressed the view that the health care system should benefit from lottery revenues. Options for meeting this objective will be investigated. A major Needs Assessment Study is nearing completion.

In support of my Government's commitment to AIDS education and prevention, additional resources will be made available to provide services across the province. My Government is implementing a series of initiatives to address the problems of chemical dependency and substance abuse. The western Premiers expressed their support for coordinated programs aimed at the very serious threat of youth drug and alcohol abuse. My Government will make additional resources available for education and prevention programming for young people.

A prescription control program will be introduced to prevent the diversion of drugs to non-medical use. Additional resources for women will be provided for the expa nsion of education and non-residential treatment services at River House. EDUCATION My Government is committed to a course of action which will ensure that the strengths of Manitoba's education system are preserved and enhanced. At the same time, we will recognize the rights of all Manitobans to exercise choice in matters of education. My Government will take action on the pressing problem of illiteracy.

A task force will be established to develop long-range strategies to address the literacy needs of Manitobans. Our objective is to have in place an effective response to illiteracy by 1990-91, the United Nations International Year of Literacy. My Government recently announced that the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry, which was in danger of losing its accreditation, will receive a special provincial contribution of $3 million towards a complete revitalization of its facilities and equipment.

The process of resolving the complex issues of educational finance, including property assessment and taxation , will continue in consultation with local governments. Mon gouvernement s'est engage a consulter les parents, les enseignants et les administrateurs scolaires sur les imporlantes questions des etudes a domicile, des droits des parents et de la revision des programmes sco!aires. (Translation) My Government is also committed to consultations with parents, teachers and school administrators on the important issues of home schooling, parent rights and curriculum review.

Independent schools are an accepted and vigorous option in the Manitoba educational system and will

Thursday, July 21, 1988 receive increased funding as my Government moves to enhance the educational opportu nities for all Manitobans. IMPROVING SERVICES TO PEOPLE My Government will lay before the Legislature a series of initiatives to address the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable Manitobans. Increased emphasis will be placed on providing support to victims of family and child abuse. A replacement facility for Osborne House is being planned and additional resources are being made available for the Child Protection Centre.

The Women's Directorate has been mandated to develop a coordinated strategy for programs designed to assist women to overcome longstanding barriers that are clearly unacceptable. *

(1410) My Government will increase options in day care delivery to meet the changing needs of families in both urban and rural areas of the province. The number of day care spaces available to Manitobans will be increased in cooperation with the federal Government. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing workplace day care, providing additional training and upgrading for child care workers and introducing new programs and support for special needs children.

A long-term child care strategy will be developed by a Day Care Task Force established to examine areas such as provision of day care to rural and part-time users, health and safety standards, guidelines on the reporting of child abuse and the qualifications and training of child care workers. The Single Parent Job Access Program will be enhanced to allow single parents, most often women, to gain the skills necessary to allow them to participate as full and productive members of society.

Employabi lity enhancement programs will be expanded in cooperation with the Government of Canada to provide skills to Manitobans receiving social assistance who aspire to meaningful employment. My Government believes that the seniors of this prov in ce deserve reco gnition for their lifetime contributions to the economic, social and cultural life of our province. A Minister responsible for Seniors, has been designated to ensure that issues of concern to seniors are given the attention they deserve.

My Government is planning specific measures to meet the challenges of an aging society , including the establishment of a comprehensive strategy to coordinate the delivery of health care services to seniors. A White Paper on Elderly Abuse will be released. 6 REFORMING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM Reforms to reduce delays in the justice system while increasing its fairness and efficiency will be a priority of my Government. During this first term, measures will be taken to establish an integrated Ministry of Justice. Programs of crime prevention and justice for victims of crime will be given priority treatment.

Steps will be taken to reduce dramatically the current backlog of criminal cases before our courts. Measures will be adopted to ensure that serious and repeat offenders are dealt with expeditiously . Amendments will be introduced to increase the limit for claims heard in Small Claims Court to $5,000 to ensure that individuals have access to the justice system without having to retain costly legal advice for minor matters. An independent Law Reform Commission is being re-established to ensure that the ongoing review of our � laws and procedures will be impartial and responsive , to the public needs.

A Commission of Inquiry into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People in Manitoba has been confirmed and launched. My Government supports the need for modern and progressive family law legislation and programs that will ensure that Manitoba continues to be a leader in this area. A pilot program to assist in the enforcement of Access Orders to encourage continued contact and support to children by the non-custodial parent will be introduced and carefully monitored. My Government is also committed to the effective delivery of justice services to Manitobans in all regions.

My Government will be taking steps to restore and strengthen rural policing services and other justice services throughout the province. Families can experience no greater tragedy than the unnecessary loss of life or injury caused by the irresponsibility of drunk drivers. My Government will move quickly to develop measures aimed at dealing with this senseless waste. CON SERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND NATURA L RESOURCE S My Government is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our natural resources and is ever mindful of our responsibility to future generations of Manitobans.

Th is summer 's drought has been a persistent reminder to Manitobans and to all Canadians of our ultimate dependence on the natural environment. My Government recognizes the importance of our natural environment to the health and well-being of Manitobans and to both short- and long-term economic prosperity for the province. Our agricultural industry has suffered most from the drought. In cooperation with the federal Government and the other prairie provinces, my Government will

Thursday, July 21, 1988 continue its efforts to work with far mers and communities to ease this period of difficulty. My Government will also be pursuing comprehensive rural development policies such as the creation of off farm income opportunities through diversification to ensure long-term stability in rural Manitoba. In addition, my Government wiil announce further action to help farmers meet the current challenge and protect the longer-term productive base of the Manitoba agriculture sector . My Government is committed to developing a comprehensive water strategy through broad consultations with Manitobans.

Public input will be the key to the successful developments of practical policies to serve our long-term water needs. This strategy will be expected to identify water projects that will help alleviate water shortages in time of drought. My Ministers will be negotiating soil and water conservation programs with the federal Government as part of the commitment to the long-term vitality of the agricultural industry of Manitoba. •

(1420) To assist my Government in the preparation of a sustainable development strategy for Manitoba's natural resources, a Round Table on Environment and Economy will be established. My Ministers are also mindful of the strong support of local private sector groups for Manitoba as the location of a Centre for Sustainable Development. My Government will work closely with those groups to achieve this goal for Manitoba. RESPONDING TO THE URBAN CHALLENGE The Manitoba e conomy is characterized by strong and productive links between rural and urban communities.

One of the main goals of economic policy in our province should be to strengthen those links and to ensure balanced growth in all regions. Just as our cities cannot prosper without a viable rural Manitoba, the reverse is also true. Economic development and diversification must also be encouraged in our capital city and other urban centres. In Winnipeg, my Government is committed to making the Forks Development a national showcase.

An urban Native adjustment strategy focussing on economic and social issues will be developed in consultation with Native and municipal leaders and the federal Government My Government will continue to offer and support programs aimed at encouraging non-profit housing. A special poojec! is the development of a centre for the homeless. The Members of the legislature will be asked to consider amendments to The City of Winnipeg Act to improve the effec tiveness of electoral representation. 7 ENRICHING OUR CUlTURAl There is more to the heritage we sl1are than Tile conservation of our natural resources.

Our history is about people. We have in Manitoba a vibrant and dynamic society in which diversity and creativity are valued and encouraged. Mon gouvernement appuie r.os co mmunautes ethnoculturelles et artis tiques et travai!!era en collaboration avec ieurs represenlants afin de recueillir leurs suggestions et d'ameliorer ainsi les po!itiques et les programmes etablis dans ce domaine. (Translation) My Government supports our ethnocultural and artistic communities and will work with their Members to obtain their suggestions for the improvement of policies and programs.

My Government recognizes the important role played by our cultural industries, not only in the artistic sense, but also in their major contribution to the provincial economy and as significant tourist attractions. Through the support of community initiatives such as the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Spotlight '88/Women and the Arts, and the expansion of Folklorama, we are committed to providing a helping hand in the growth and development of these industries.

THE 1987 CONSTITUTIONAl ACCORD With the beginning of the new legislature, Manitobans have a unique opportunity to examine not only our direction as a province, but our role within Canada. Constitutional discussions have held a significant position in the national agenda throughout this decade. However , the achievement of patriating the Canadian Constitution remains marred by the failure to secure the inclusion of the Province of Quebec.

L'Accord constitutionnel de 1987, qui fera du Canada une nation plus unie et plus forte et qui permettra la reforme du Senat, a ete approuve par la Chambre des Communes et par I'Assemb !ee legislative de huit provinces. la neuvieme province, le Nouv eau Brunswick, a exprime son intention de tenir des audiences publiques des cet automne. (Translation) The 1987 Constitutional Accord, through which we will have a more unified, stronger Canada and the opportunity for Senate reform, has been approved by resolutions of the House of Commons and by the legislative Assemblies of eight provinces.

The ninth province, New Brunswick, has announced its intention to begin public hearings on the Accord this fall. The previous administration committed the Manitoba Government to introduce the resolution in this House. My new administration will honour that commitment in this Session. In Manitoba, public hearings are guaranteed under the unique rules d this Assembly for any constitutional amendment. This basic guarantee was put in place to

Thursday, July 21, 1988 protect the democratic process and the interests of the people of Manitoba. My Government is committed to that hard-won process. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE When I began my Address, I spoke of the opportunity provided to a new government to re-examine and redirect the future of our province. In this Address, my Government has described a fresh and innovative approach to government, one that focuses on increased openness, accountability and responsibility. My Ministers will implement measures to strengthen accountability in our provincial finances as well as our Crown corporations.

Members of the Legislature will have the opportunity in this Session to take concrete steps to remove barriers to future economic growth and job creation. By reducing waste and improving management, my Government will have additional resources for initiatives in health care, education, social services, justice and the protection of our natural and cultural resources. In short, my Government will live within its means while providing better services to Manitobans.

Before I close, it is with great pleasure that I inform the Members of this Assembly that the new provincial government office building on Portage Avenue will be officially named the Waiter Weir Building in honour of a former Premier of this province. I know that all Members of this Assembly will be pleased with this decision. Estimates for the requirements for the public services of the province for the next fiscal year and the public accounts for the last fiscal year will be placed before you for your consideration.

I leave you now to the 1aithful performance of your many duties and trust that in meeting them, you may have the guidance of Divine Providence in all your deliberations. (GOD SAVE THE QUEEN WAS SUNG) The Civil Aide advanced and after obeisance received the Speech from the Administrator and retired to the east side of the Chamber. The Mace then made obeisance before the Administrator and preceded him along the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and the Aides. The Premier returned to his seat in the Chamber.

The Speaker proceeded to the Chair after the Administrator had passed the Bar of the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Speaker who was sta nding before the Chair. Th e Mace made obeisance and returned to the Table. Mr.

Speaker: 0 Eternal and Almighty God from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the 8 welfare and prosperity of our province; grant 0 Merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy Will; that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the Glory and Honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. (The Speaker bowed to the Members and seated the House.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier) introduced, by leave, Bill No. 1,

An Act respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office;

Loi sur la prestation des serments d'entr:aee en fonction. *

(1430) HOUSE BUSINESS Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Finance (Mr. � Manness), that the Votes and Proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by the Speaker, and that the Speaker do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as the Speaker shall appoint do presume to print the same. MOTION presented and carried. Mr. Filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs (Mr.

Cummings), that the Standing Committees of this House for the present Legislature be appointed for the following purposes: Agriculture, Economic Development, Industrial Relations, Law Amendments, Municipal Affairs, Private Bills, Privileges and Elections, Public Accounts, Public Utilities and Natural Resources, Rules of the House and Statutory Regulations and Orders, which several committees shall be empowered to examine and inquire into all such matters and things as may be referred to them, and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon with power to send for persons, papers and documents and examine witnesses under oath.

MOTION presented and carried. Mr. Speaker: I wish to inform the House that in order to prevent mistakes, I have received a copy of the Address of His Honour which was read. I am further pleased to inform the House that Clifford Morrissey has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms, and Roy MacGillivray has been appointed Deputy Sergeant at-Arms for the Thirty-Fourth Legislature.

I am also pleased to inform the House that the Pages appointed for the last Session, in view of the short duration of that Session, have been reappointed for this Session, and they are: Sara Harris, University of Manitoba, formerly Fort Richmond Collegiate; Katriel Eski n, Joseph Wolinsky School; Leanne Fisher, University of Winnipeg, formerly Lac Du Bonnet Senior School; Kelly Tye, Murdoch MacKay Collegiate; Phillip

Thursday, July 21, 1988 Fenez, Unive rsity of Manitoba, formerly Glenlawn Collegi ate; lrene Howard, University of Manitoba, formerly Vincent Massey Collegiate. Mr. Filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Northern Affairs (Mr . Downey), that a special committee of seven persons be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed a list of Members to compose the standing committees ordered by this House, and that such committee shall be composed as follows: the Hon. Messrs. McCrae and Cummings, Mrs. Hammond, Messrs. Alcock, Taylor, Lamoureux and Cowan. MOTION presented and carried. Mr.

Filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition (Mrs. Carstairs), that Mr. Mark Minenko, Esq., Member for the Electoral Division of Seven Oaks, be Chair of the Committees of the Whole House and Deputy Speaker . MOTION presented and carried. Mr. filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition (Mrs. Carstairs), that Harold Gilleshammer, Esq., Member for the Electoral Division of Minnedosa, be Deputy Chair of the Committees of the Whole House. 9 ·------ MOTION presented and carried. Mr.

Filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Culture, Heritage and Recreation (Mrs. Mitche ison), that the Speech of His Honour the Lieuten ant-Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow. MOTION presented and carried. Mr. Filmon: I move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Highways and Transportation (Mr. Driedger), that the House do now adjourn. Mr. Speaker: Before putting the motion to the House, may J inform all present that a receiving line composed of Their Honours the Lieutenant-Govern or and Mrs. Johnson, the Premier and Mrs. Filmon, and the Speaker and Mrs.

Rocan will form shortly in Room 200 at the north end of the building and that re freshments will be served on the lawn outside the south entrance of the building in five minutes time. MOTION present ed and carried and the House adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a. m. tomorrow. (Friday)

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	34-1-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	34th 1st hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	35099d029027c5cdcf3dcab750abe4f535d06398

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