Manitoba Hansard — 7 April 2022 (Sitting 33B, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-33b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 33B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

1229 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, April 7, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. An Honourable Member: Madam Speaker, on a matter of privilege. MATTER OF PRIVILEGE Madam Speaker: The honourable Official Op posi- tion House Leader, on–[interjection]–order. The hon- ourable Official Op position House Leader, on a matter of privilege. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, I rise on a matter of privilege. This matter is important.

In the words of Bosc and Gagnon, and I quote: The right to seek information from the ministry of the day and the right to hold that ministry accountable are two of the fundamental principles of parliamentary government. Members exercise these rights principally by asking questions in the House. And the importance of questions within the parliamentary system cannot be overemphasized and the search for or clarification of information through questioning is a vital aspect of the duties undertaken by individual members. End quote, Madam Speaker.

Before I begin the substance of my complaint, I would note this is my first opportunity to raise this matter in the Chamber. I had to consult with the procedural authorities and perform the relevant research to present these facts and expert opinions to the House. The prima 'facia' case is clear. In the words of Speaker Jerome, and I quote: If the essence of Parliament is government account - ability, then surely the essence of accountability is the question period in the Canadian House of Commons. End quote.

It is the job of members of this Legislative Assembly–every single member–to hold the govern- ment accountable. That is the essence of parlia - mentary democracy. That is one of the most important rights and privileges of all MLAs and it must be protected. One of the only places to exercise that account - ability is in question period. That means the govern- ment needs to partici pate, and the leader of that government, the person most responsible for the actions and decisi ons of government and the person accountable for those actions and decisions must participate and explain and defend those things.

It would appear that this is a simple idea, but it is not being followed, Madam Speaker. On several occasions, the Preside nt of the Executive Council, the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson), organized events outside this House as an excuse to avoid accountability and not partici pate in question period. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: The Premier's actions –her refusal to participate in the essential proceeding of the House that is question period– means we as MLAs cannot do our jobs. The Premier is responsible for answering questions about the whole of gov ernment.

That is her role as President of the Executive Coun cil. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: Repeatedly refusing to partici pate in question period means she is trying to avoid that responsibility. It means Manitobans do not receive the information and the accountability they rightly de - serve. It means MLAs–every single MLA who is not a Cabinet minister in this House –cannot properly do their job.

Premiers have many choices to make in their jobs, but it must be stated the choice to accept responsibility and to participate in question period, to be accountable to members in–of this House and, by extension, to all Manitobans, is fundamentally important to the work we each do. Not participating in question period violates the rights and privileges of members to do our jobs prop- erly, and to hold the Stefanson government to account. As a result of this Premier's failing, I move, seconded by the member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe), that the member–the matter of the Premier's failure – [interjection]

1230 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –that the m atter of the Premier's (Mrs. Stefanson) failure to participate in question period be condemned, and that the matter be referred to a standing committee of this House for review. Miigwech. Madam Speaker: Before recog nizing any other members to speak, I would remind the House that remarks at this time by hon ourable members are limited to strictly relevant comments about whether the alleged matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest opportunity and whether a prima facie case has been established. Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, the member opposite fail- ed to reference any rule, any practice when it comes to question period. She knows and she'll know – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Goertzen: The Leader of the Op position can heckle me from his seat or from the loge, or if he wants to go to the gallery and he can heckle me, that's fine. I'm not bothered by it, Madam Speaker. But what I am bothered by is when members in this House try to assert that rules and practices exist when they do not.

Madam Speaker, you will know–and I'm sure that your office will look and examine past practice–you'll know when it comes to, frankly, who answers ques - tions in a House, it is a matter and the discretio n of the government. The op position can pose questions to whomever they want, and gov ernment can decide whom answers those questions. The issue, though, about a first minister or, frank- ly, any minister being in question period is one that, as an Opposition House Leader, when I served in that role, or now as the House leader, many times I've had discussions with the other side, depending which side it was on.

And when a NDP first minister, for example, wasn't here because they were at an an nouncement– and that happened many times –or they were at a federal-provincial-territorial meeting–and that hap- pened many times –or there were other instances or reasons why they couldn't be here, that was always understood and that was always allowed for because a first minister, a minister and, frankly, MLAs, often have many things that they have to do, Madam Speaker. Now, in this particular case, I think the member opposite is having some sort of concern about a $15-million announcement for seniors, for personal- care homes.

She doesn't seem to like the announce - ment, doesn't think the money should be spent–I don't know. But that doesn't give her the reason to come in here and try to assert that a parti cular rule has been broken. I would say, though, Madam Speaker, and I'll conclude with this, because I don't want to give this lack of credibility–I don't want to give credibility to something that doesn't deserve credibility by going on too long about it.

But I would say this when it comes to the issue of the importance of question period: the opposition, I believe, in the last two years, has probably cancelled about 20 question periods by filibustering the day. More question periods in the last two years than I can remember in recent history have been lost because the opposition wouldn't allow ques- tion period to actually be held. So, on the one hand, their leader –or the – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Goertzen: –Opposition House Leader stands up and says how im portant question peri od is; on the other hand, her and all of her colleagues partici pated in stopping question period more than 20 times, I believe, over the last couple years. If they truly believed–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Goertzen: –that question period is im portant, they would not only allow it to happen but improve the quality of their questions, Madam Speaker. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, in my more than two decades ex perience in the House, there have been many occasions whe n premiers have not been here for question period for one reason or another. The absence of the Premier is not deter mined by a matter of privilege or a point of order. But the absence of a premier is certainly noticed by many and is a reason why gov ernments are not perceived as credibly as they might be. But it doesn't make a valid point of order on this case. Thank you. * (13:40)

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1231 Madam Speaker: A matter of privilege is a serious concern. I am going to take this matter under advise - ment to consult t he authorities and will return to the House with a ruling. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Com mittee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Madam Speaker: I have one to table. In accordance with

section 28(2) of The Auditor General Act, I am tabling the Auditor General's report, titled De partment of Education and Early Learning Leadership of the K -12 Pandemic Response, dated March 2022. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage. And I would indicate that the 90 minute notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Vimy Ridge Day Hon.

Andrew Smith (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House to recognize Vimy Ridge Day, which is officially observed this Saturday, April 9th. World War I began in 1914 and was the largest military battle in the world as seen to that point . Britain, and by default Canada, along with other Allied countries engaged in a four -year battle that was bloody and brutal and left an indelible mark on soldiers around the world.

In 1916, after two and a half years of intense fighting, with no signi ficant advances, the Allied forces planned a major attack on the region of Arras, France. The plan tasked the Canadian Corps with recapturing Vimy Ridge from the Germans, who had previously taken control and transformed the area into a defensive stronghold. The conflict, now referred to as Battle of Vimy Ridge, began on Easter morning 1917 with 15,000 soldiers advancing towards the top of the ridge.

For three days, amid horrible weather, knee - deep mud and excessive shellfire, our soldiers fought their wa y to the top, taking control of the area on April 12th. Madam Speaker, the success of this assault on Germany changed the course of the war, and in turn the course of history. Today, as we mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we must r ecognize and remember that the victory did not come without con- siderable loss, as almost 4,000 Canadians were killed in action, as well to the 7,000 wounded and those who returned without physical injury.

We need to under - stand that survival did not com e without sig nificant consequences to them and families who supported them. Therefore, we must never forget the immense sacrifice and we must be forever grateful for their fierce determination, incredible bravery and unwaver- ing resolve to defend democracy. Madam Speaker, sadly, over the past few weeks we have watched the fear and horror as courageous people of Ukraine have had their lives and democracy threatened.

It is ap propriate, if not imperative, that on this anniversary we pay homage to those who fought and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the Battle of Vimy Ridge while also taking the oppor- tunity to pay homage to those who are fighting to defend Ukraine's rights to exist. As a member of this Legislature, I am proud our government is standing with Ukraine. Madam Speaker, we recognize this war is in stark contrast to the values and freedoms of those we are honouring today.

On behalf of my colleagues here in the Legislature and all Manitobans, I sincerely thank the Canadian soldiers who valiantly fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I also want to thank the current and former members of our military for their valour, sacrifice and commitment to protect our independence and preserve our country's proud legacy of service. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, 105 years ago hundreds of Manitobans died while taking a German defensive position. Today we pause to remember them and all those that died at Vimy Ridge in service to our country and freedoms.

Often these soldiers are reduced to statistics. But we should remember them as individuals with unique stories and motivations and families and loved ones left behind. All these soldiers deserve individual remembrance and we commend the historians of this province who laboured to provide this information for all of our benefits.

1232 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 One of these men was Robert Edward Kippling, a Cree man from Peguis First Nation. Born in March 1893 in St. Peters, Manitoba, Robert married Charlotte at some point before enlisting in Selkirk in 1916 and sent to England. Eventually, he was assigned to the Winnipeg Grenadiers, which par - ticipated in one of the frontal assaults in Vimy Ridge and some of the fiercest fighting in the battle: 600 members of Winnipeg's Grenadiers were kill ed, wounded or lost during that battle, including Robert.

Robert's body was never recovered, but lies some - where below Vimy Ridge memorial. He left the en - tirety of his property to his wife Charlotte. He was only 23 years old. We can only imagine the life that Robert would've lived had the world not lost itself in the madness of a war 100 years ago. But we know that, as one of over 4,000 Indigenous peoples who enlisted in the First World War, he helped to advance the recognition of Indigenous peoples in Canadian colonial society in the face of discrimination.

Today, I'm proud to highlight Robert's sacrifice and contribution as just one example of so many who died at Vimy Ridge. We will always remember them. Miigwech. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I ask for leave to speak in response to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the statement? [Agreed] Mr. Lamont: Both my grandfathers and several great-uncles served in the First and Second World Wars. My grandfather, Robert Barrett, was the youngest of nine. He was born in 1899, and at 19 he trained with the RAF.

His older brother Alfred died at Vimy serving with the Canadians, and while his name is on the Vimy monument, his body and final resting place were never found. My great-uncle Frank Bastin, who was part of the Canadian shock troops who fought at the Somme, at Vimy and through to the liberation of Belgium and my other grandfather, John Lamont, liberated Mons, Belgium, on November 11th, 1918. Frank Bastin was at Vimy for months before the Canadians finally took it.

He wrote at one point: Up to this point I have never mentioned airplanes because, while they had made an appearance in the sky above the battlefield in the Somme, our concern was with mundane affairs, such things as machine guns, shells, trenches, lice, wire and mud, and we were not aware that air supremacy could affect the outcome of our battles. But on the Vimy Ridge front, air battles became more frequent, and we often watched those thrilling combats.

I recall seeing a group of Richthofen's fighters–that's the Red Baron – with their decorated planes follow one of our artillery observation planes with the observer firing his machine gun until it crashed. Months after Vimy, Frank Bastin was shot, stripped of his gear and left for dead. But a few weeks later, to the great surprise of his family, who had been told he was deceased, he sent them a telegram in - forming them he was alive. But he was scarred for life. On his deathbed in his 80s, he was heard saying over and over, I just want to do my duty and not be afraid.

My grandfather Robert Barrett lost one brother, Alfred, and another, Gilbert, suffered PTSD after crashing many times serving with the RAF. The First World War was considered the Great War, the war to end all wars, which it definitively was not. But the suffering and sacrifice is a lesson we must bear in mind as we seek a swift and decisive end to the conflict in Ukraine, in Ukraine's favour. There is a time for war and a time for peace, and respect for the suffering and sacrifice of our veterans means finding ways to avoid putting current and future generations through that sacrifice and suffering.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Green Shirt Day Hon. Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Madam Speaker, today, April 7th, is Green Shirt Day, a day to bring attention to organ and tissue donation for trans- plants. It is also a day to honour Logan Boulet and the Logan Boulet effect. Logan Boulet was one of the Humboldt Broncos who died as a result of the tragic bus crash on April 6th four years ago. The summer before, Logan had decided to sign up to be an organ and tissue donor. Madam Speaker, we've all seen evidence of the Logan Boulet effect.

The number of people signing up to be an organ and tissue donor skyrocketed after they learned of Logan's selfless act. I believe Canadians were all looking for some positive impact from that tragic crash. We found part of it in Logan's impact on organ and tissue donation.

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1233 Madam Speaker, April 7th, Green Shirt Day, is a day dedicated to promoting organ donation awareness while honouring the Logan Boulet effect. I'm wearing my green shirt. I encourage all of my colleagues and all Manitobans to consider organ and tissue donation. The central tower of the Manitoba Legislative Building will be lit in green this evening, as will many other Canadian landmarks. * (13:50) Madam Speaker, as you know, this is very per - sonal. Our daughter Jessi ca has had two kidney transplants from living donors.

But not everyone has a living donor available, and that is why signupforlife.ca and Green Shirt Day is so important. I know it's even more personal for the Boulet family. They continue to honour Logan's memory and bring attention to the critical importance of signing up to be an organ and tissue donor. His parents, Bernadine and Tony [phonetic] were recently honoured in Winnipeg and were given the key to the City in addition to speaking at a Jets game about Logan's decision. That decision made by Logan changed the lives of six people. We all have the ability to follow Logan's example.

Please become a part of the Logan Boulet effect at signupforlife.ca and become a donor. You need your health card number, and please remember to discuss your wishes with your family and your loved ones, as they will be asked about your intentions. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Safe Consumption Site Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): No one has ever died of an ove rdose in a safe consumption site. It's hard to find a clearer statistic around drug more around–about drug use than that. In 2020, 372 Manitobans died from an overdose here in our province.

Think of the hundreds of Manitobans who would still be with us to day if they were given access to these sites. I recently travelled to Victoria and Edmonton to visit and study their safe consumption sites. The con- versations I had with the employees, the advocates and the users all reinforced just how effective safe consumption sites are. There is a desperate need for them here in our province. Our NDP team continues to urge the Stefanson gov ernment to imme diately approve and fund these sites. These sites will not over–not only reduce overdose deaths for on- site users, they will end them.

We understand the concerns that many have about safe consumption sites, but safe consump tion sites are well-proven methods of harm reduction and in- valuable access points for addiction treatment. No individual has ever started using heroin or meth because they know that there was a safe consumption in their area. This will lead to fewer overdoses and longer life. In the im portant words of mayor from Ithaca, New York, and I quote: The first time I ever heard about safe consumption sites, I thought it sounded like we were just enabling people to use drugs.

But the truth is, in the places where it's worked, in Australia, Europe and Canada, more people get off of drugs. People who use supervised injections are 30 per cent more likely to enter into treatment, and they're 100 per cent more likely not to die. Our NDP team is once again asking members opposite to reconsider their opposition to life -saving sites. You have the power to save lives here in our province. Genesis House–Caring Dads Program Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, it's my privilege to bring to the attention of the Chamber an initiative in my con stit- uency focused on breaking the cycle of domestic abuse through a program designed for men. Genesis House is a shelter for women and children. For 37 years it's provided a safe place to stay, receive counselling and engage in support groups. Last October, Genesis House launched a three- year pilot project focusing on men's family violence intervention through the Caring Dads program, the first of its kind in southern Manitoba.

Caring Dads is a nationally recognized program that treats men who have abused or neglected their children or exposed them to domestic violence. The Manitoba government is proud to be helping fund this program through the Victim's Assistance Fund, a program that focuses on principles of being aware of and taking responsibility for your actions, a desire to learn and practise child-centred fathering and make a connection between the safety and well-being of their children and that of their mother.

The program sets high expectations for the men to be honest and vulnerable, and those who have attended the program give feedback like saying they were gaining so much and seeing that changing me is changing how my family feels about me.

1234 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Research has shown that effective intervention programs and group format programming has shown a significant decrease in reoffending. Angela Braun, executive director at Genesis House, said the shift for shelters is that we recognize that dads are part of this. They're part of the whole system. We need to figure out how to support those dads who want to make the change. Thank you, Genesis House, Ange Braun, for seeing the need and for working with the family as a whole to break the cycle of abuse in families. Judge Vincent George Sinclair Ms.

Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak): It is my great honour today to congratulate my stepbrother, Vincent George Sinclair, on his recent appointment as Provincial Court judge in Thompson, Manitoba. His appointment is a huge achievement and the result of years of dedication and hard work. Judge Sinclair was born and raised in the North and is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He received a bachel or of arts in sociology from the University of Saskatchewan. While becoming a lawyer was his childhood dream, this dream would only become a reality 14 years later.

Judge Sinclair was deeply involved at Opaskwayak, having been elected to chief and council, appointed to the education authority board, the OCN child and family services board and recently to the OCN government services board. He returned to law school at Robson Hall and received his call to the bar in June 2010. Since then, he has worked as a Crown attorney with Manitoba prosecutions and has practised criminal law. And Judge Sinclair also attended circuit court in Moose Lake, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Easterville, Pukatawagan and Grand Rapids.

Judge Sinclair has stated that he will always remain in the North, as he has a wealth of experience working with First Nations, collaborating with pro- vincial and municipal governments on many local projects and initiatives. He has been influential as a member of the Indigenous advisory council for Manitoba prosecutions and the Law Society of Manitoba. He is also appointed as one of the Manitoba representatives for the federal 'jujisiowary' advisory committee.

Judge Sinclair's accomplishments in the field of law make him a role model for many Indigenous Manitobans, including myself, especially when there is a need for increased representation of First Nations people working within the justice system. Please join me in congratulating Judge Sinclair on his appointment as Provincial Court judge. Ekosi. Seniors Advocate Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): It was on November 22nd, 2016, that I first started to call for a seniors advocate in the province of Manitoba. I have spoken about it over the years, in different contexts.

For example, on November 27th, 2018, in my response to the Throne Speech; on March 19th, 2019, in a budget response; October 26th, 2020, during question period; and many other times here and in between. Now, since then, the NDP have decided to sup- port our call for a seniors ad vocate, in which I am grateful. But, Madam Speaker, we need this govern- ment to get on board, as well. The reason we need a seniors advocate extends beyond the devastating issues that arose during the pandemic.

We need a seniors advocate to address issues such as ensuring seniors are in long- term-care facilities best suited for their needs. This government seems to believe that personal - care homes are the only type of long- term-care facility. Meanwhile, we also have supportive housing homes, independent living homes and many seniors who want to remain in their homes, Madam Speaker. Home care has become an enormous issue. I have one constituent who has been waiting for over three months for a home-care worker. And on top of helping seniors remain in their homes and communities, we need to talk about home repairs.

I do want to thank the m inister responsible for seniors, as he recently helped me assist a constituent in the need of a ramp to access their home. But, Madam Speaker, this should not have be en so dif - ficult. There should be a dedicated program for fund- ing that can go towards small home repairs if it's the difference in enabling a senior to remain in their home. Another big issue, Madam Speaker: senior isola- tion and their physical, mental a nd emotional health that is being neglected. Senior day programs have doubled in prices, prescribed medications are often

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1235 difficult to come by financially and transportation continues to dictate the days of many seniors when they need to run the smallest of errands. Madam Speaker, seniors deserve better here in Manitoba. ORAL QUESTIONS Prairie Mountain Health Nurse Vacancy Rate Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, it was five years ago today that this government announced their plan to cut ICU beds and close emergency rooms in Winnipeg. * (14:00) It was the member for Steinbach (Mr.

Goertzen) who stood up and announced this plan to cut nursing positions and to make health- care wait times longer. And, of course, he was succeeded by the members for Morden-Winkler (Mr. Friesen) and Tuxedo and, really, all of the PC caucus, who said it would reduce wait times, but we know what happened. Today, if you go to the Grace, you can't get a bed; you can only get a spot in the hallway. And if you go to HSC, you could be waiting half a day simply to be seen. What they hoped at the time is that nobody would notice the damage to our health- care system and that they tried to save a few bucks along the way.

This has been extra ordinarily damaging to the people of Manitoba. Given what we've seen with their cuts in Winnipeg, why are they trying to make the same sort of health-care cuts in rural Manitoba? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): The only cuts in rural Manitoba happened unde r the previous NDP government, Madam Speaker, where they shut almost 20 hospitals and emergency rooms.

We will continue to make those invest ments, through our clinical pre ventative services plan, in the province of Manitoba to ensure that we enhance health care for all Manitobans and so that they have the health care that they need closer to home. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, we brought some facts to QP today: documents from this gov ernment that prove that health care is cut in rural Manitoba. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Kinew: And yet there they go, applauding– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –cuts to health care in rural Manitoba, Madam Speaker. What the documents prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, inked in pen by this gov ernment, is that the vacancy rate for nurses in the Prairie Mountain Health region as we speak is 22 per cent. At the Dauphin health centre alone, it's 36 per cent. Why do the members of the PC party applaud for, and why does this Premier implement, cuts in the Parkland and Westman regions of Manitoba? Mrs.

Stefanson: I was listening intently to the Leader of the Opposition, Madam Speaker, to listen and hear where those facts would be in his

preamble, and they were non-existent. Once again, nothing factual about what the Leader of the Opposition is talking about. We go back to their days, the NDP dark days in government, Madam Speaker, where they shut down almost 20 rural hospitals. We don't ever want to go back to those dark days of the previous NDP govern- ment. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Kinew: Five years ago, this Premier stood by and stood up for plans to close emergency rooms right here in Winnipeg, and the documents that I'll table right now show that she presides over cuts in health care to Westman and the Parkland region that are leaving one in five nursing positions empty. The personal -care home in Brandon has a va- cancy rate for nurses of 23 per cent. In Grandview, they're missing 40 per cent of their nurses. In Swan, they're down to 22 per cent. Madam Speaker, it's a bad situation across the region.

Given the facts, why has the Premier caused such a nursing crisis across the Prairie Mountain Health region that is hurting families in the Westman and in the Parkland? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, once again I listened very closely to the Leader of the Opposition to see where the facts were in what he said in his

preamble, and, in fact, once again, they are non - existent. The member opposite will know – [interjection]

1236 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: –that there is a nursing shortage across the co untry, indeed across North America, Madam Speaker. This is nothing that is unique to Manitoba. The Leader of the Opposition should know way better than maybe he does that this is not a situation that is unique to Manitoba. Madam Speaker, the facts are t hat we have in - vested almost $1 billion more than the previous NDP ever did when they were in gov ernment, almost $156 million more than last year alone invested in our health-care system.

And next week, on Tuesday, stayed tuned to what will come in our next budget. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Agency Nursing Costs Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Premier for confirming that there's a 22 per cent nursing vacancy rate in the Prairie M ountain Health region. That's what the document on the table right there shows: one fifth of nursing positions across the Parkland and Westman regions are sitting empty even as we meet here today. That's an increase over last year, Madam Speaker. Things are getting worse under their watch.

Now, what is the only response that this gov ern- ment has to date? Well, I'll table it. It's to take resources out of the public system and shift it into the private system. They're hiring agency nurses to the tune of $7 million in Prairie Mountain alone over only the last few months. Why is the Premier spending millions on agency nurses instead of hiring people in hospitals like the ones in Brandon and Dauphin? Mrs. Stefanson: What I confirmed, Madam Speaker, is the litany of–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs.

Stefanson: –false accusations, the con tinua- tion–of the Leader of the Op position that puts false information on the record. He knows full well that there is a nursing shortage across the countr y, Madam Speaker. There is a 'nurshing' shortage across North America. This is a very serious situation. That's why we have announced 400 new nursing seats, Madam Speaker. That's why we are working with our internationally educated nurses to ensure that they can get licensed as quickly as possible so that they can start to work on the front line.

We are taking action next –Madam Speaker, and stay tuned to next week for more good news in health care. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, Manitobans know that it's going to take years to fix the damage that the PCs caused to the health-care system. But the good news is this team, our NDP team, is up to the task of fixing health care in Manitoba. Again, I'll refer to the documents that this govern- ment has created.

Not only is there a 22 per cent nursing vacancy in Prairie Mountain, the only solution that this gov ernment has is to spend $7 millio n over the last few months on agency nurses. That's bad economics, Madam Speaker. Hiring nurses through an agency is more expensive than hiring through the public system because you have to pay a premium to the agency. What's more, it's bad health care b ecause there's less familiarity with the patient at the bedside. Certainly, Manitobans deserve much better than they're getting from this government.

Why is the Premier intent on repeating these cuts to health care in rural Manitoba? Mrs. Stefanson: Well, on one side, the Leader of the Opposition says that we don't have enough nurses on Manitoba, and then he said–and we're investing–we're not investing enough. And then on the other hand, Madam Speaker, he says we're investing too much in nurses. He can't have it both ways. The facts of the matter are: $1 billion–almost $1 billion more invested in health care than the NDP ever did in their–in–when they were in power, Madam Speaker, they shut down almost 20 rural hospitals.

I don't think Manitobans ever want to go back to the dark days of the NDP government. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, what we've established here today is that there's a 22 per cent vacancy rate for nurses in the Westman and in the Parkland. That

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1237 means one in five nurses who should be at the bedside simply aren't there. What's more, $7 million has been spent in the last five months on agency nurses. And here is why that's also bad: an agency nurse costs more expense than a nurse hired through the public system because you have to pay a premium to the agency. What's more, it delivers poorer health outcomes to the patient because there is less familiarity with that patient being cared for at the bedside. This is further proof of the intense damage the PC government has caused to our health-care system.

Given the dark anniversary of the closures of emergency rooms in Winnipeg, why are they so intent on repeating their mistakes across rural Manitoba? * (14:10) Mrs. Stefanson: I think what we've esta blished here today, Madam Speaker, is that the Leader of the Opposition and all of the NDP don't want us to hire more nurses, but we couldn't disagree more with them.

We recog nize the need f or more nurses in our province, and that's why we have announced 400 more seats–nursing seats –in the province of Manitoba; that's why we're working to ensure that our inter - nationally educated nurses get licensed as quickly as possible so that they can start to work in the front line. Madam Speaker, we have invested almost $1 billion more than the NDP ever did; $156 million more than last year. And, again, stay tuned. Next week, there will be more good news when it comes to health care in Manitoba. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

COVID-19 Outbreak Status in PCHs Reduction in Public Reporting MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, COVID is everywhere right now, including in our personal-care homes. The virus is still here, but, unfortunately, the data is not. Without warning, the PC government has stopped reporting regularly on outbreaks at personal -care homes across the province. That doesn't make any sense. Will the minister reverse the decision to hide the outbreak status of personal-care homes in Manitoba? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for Union Station for the question.

Before I respond, I'd like to share with the House today that US federal judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed by the Senate as the first Black woman on the US Supreme Court. Judge Jackson has made history as the first Black woman to reach the top court, and it's not a Manitoba first or a Canadian first, but it's a great day for all women, Madam Speaker, and I con- gratulate her on her appointment. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, the Premier (Mrs.

Stefanson) told Manitobans this year that they're on their own, that they have to look after them- selves when it comes to COVID-19. Yet now, the PC gov ernment took down regular reporting that helps guide the public as to the status of outbreaks at personal -care homes. In fact, it could have helped the Premier, who scheduled a large press conference at a PCH site ex periencing just such an outbreak. Will the minister reverse this decision to hide the outbreak status of personal -care homes for all of our sakes? Hon.

Scott Johnston (Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care): I ap preciate the fact that the member opposite is bringing to the attention of the House the excellent an nouncement that the Premier and myself were able to make yesterday, here at the Legislature: $17 million invested in our seniors, as per the Stevenson report. And it do esn't matter where we made that an - nouncement; we made the announcement. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary.

MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, the PC gov ern- ment booked a press conference at the site of a COVID-19 outbreak, mere days after her government pulled down the regular reporting on those very outbreaks. The Premier says that seniors and families are on their own when navigating this pandemic. Madam Speaker, then give them the data. Give Manitobans the information they need to make safe and informed decisions. Will the minister reverse the decision to hide the outbreak status of personal-care homes in Manitoba? Mr.

Johnston: First and foremost, let's correct some- thing right off the bat: there was never, ever a situation

1238 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 where the Stevenson–Dr. Stevenson could not investi- gate every thing in regards to Maples. So, let's – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnston: –ensure that that gets straightened out right off the bat. Madam Speaker, o ur an nouncement: over $15 million–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnston: –to support enhanced infection pre - vention and control within long- term-care sector, in- cluding provincial program manager, regional leads and 50 infection control staff.

That's something that the industry was asking for and that's something that we gave them. Education Property Taxes Reduction in Credit for Renters Mr. Adrien Sala (St. James): Madam Speaker, the PCs are raising taxes on renters. Tens of thousands of Manitobans who rent are losing $175 this year alone and that's because of a decision made by this govern- ment. In fact, for many Manitoban renters, the first time they'll learn about the change will be when they file their taxes this year. I a sk the minister: Will he reconsider this regressive approach and stop raising taxes on Manitoban renters? Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Well, Madam Speaker, we always welcome ques - tions on affordability when they're raised by the NDP because we know they have no credibility. Manitobans, though, more im portantly, know that they have no credibility when it comes to questions on affordability. We were pleased last year to bring a 50 per cent reduction to the amount of education property tax that was paid by Manitobans. We sent out cheques to 460,000 Manitobans. [interjection] So, while the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) screams at us from across the way, we'll just–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

Mr. Friesen: –remind them that Manitobans ap pre- ciate the savings, the affordability, even now, that we'll continue to bring. They can yell; we'll keep bringing affordability to Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. James, on a supplementary question. Mr. Sala: Madam Speaker, Manitoban renters need a break, but instead, this government is raising taxes on them by $175. The Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) forgot about $31 million, so maybe $175 isn't a lot to her. And the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan) got an even $500,000 in a friendly deal with this gov ernment, so maybe $175 isn't a lot to him.

But I assure them, it's a big deal to Manitoban renters. With inflation north of 5 per cent, it can mean putting food on the table. Will the minister reconsider his approach and stop raising taxes on Manitoban renters? Mr. Friesen: I'm happy to remind that member and all the members of the record of our gov ernment during the pandemic. Not only were we there as a gov- ernment to distribute–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –hundreds of millions of dollars to Manitoba families–low-income families, but we were also there, and we– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Friesen: –brought a two- year freeze in the– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Would the–can the Clerk stop the clock. I cannot hear the minister's answer. So, please, I'm asking for co-operation. We do have guests in the gallery, and we do actually have almost 1,000 people that do watch every day through YouTube and on the website. And that keeps going up now that they know that we're sitting. So, people are watching. So I'm going to ask everybody–you might want to behave a little bit better in here and respect each other. Listen to the questions, listen to the answers because they're important.

And I need to be able to hear in case I need to call out on some breach of the rules. So I'm asking everybody's co-operation, please. The honourable Minister of Finance, to conclude his answer.

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1239 Mr. Friesen: I know that the NDP don't want to hear and don't want to remember that this gov ernment 'freezed' rent increases during the pandemic for two years. We disallowed rental increases. Why? Because Manitobans needed the break. We were there to give them that break with the education property tax credit. We'll keep going on that. All I can say to them is stay tuned for Budget 2022 next Tuesday, when we'll be –bring more good news about the way we're bringing affordability for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St.

James, on a final supplementary. Mr. Sala: Madam Speaker, rent is going up. Gas is going up. Groceries are going up. Hydro is going up. But the PCs decided to raise taxes on renters and, as a result, it means increased costs for t ens of thou- sands of Manitobans who rent their homes. * (14:20) Renters are going to lose $175 from their wallets this year. Will the minister reconsider this regressive ap - proach and stop raising taxes on Manitoban renters? Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I'm always happy to take a question from members opposite about affordability and lifting Manitobans out of poverty. Our gov ernment was very pleased last year – last week to read the Statistics Canada report that showed since we'd formed gov ernment, we've lifted 80,000 Manitobans out of poverty, including 35,000 children. I know members opposite doesn't want to hear that.

They also don't want to hear about our plan where we quadrupled the number of dollars in the Rent Assist program and are now provi ding the member– Manitoba families–7,000 more Manitoba families are receiving benefits for their rent through Rent Assist. That is something that our government committed to. [interjection] I know the members opposite want to continue to heckle me. They don't want to hear about our plan. We have a long way to go to continue lifting Manitobans out of poverty, and we're going to continue to do that work until all Manitobans are out of– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.

Issuance of Government Contracts Request for Premier's Recusal Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Well, we've esta- blished that the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) thinks there's one set of rules for herself and one set of rules for everybody else here in Manitoba. We know that conflict laws are clear: when the Premier or her dependants have a financial interest in a company, they shouldn't have any dealings with them. The Premier has a direct financial connection to Exchange Income Corporation, so we're asking for a clear commitment today from the Premier. Will she recuse herself from any dealings with EIC? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, that question had so many holes in it you could drive a Tiger Dam right through it. The reality is, Madam Speaker, people might wonder, why is the gov ernment–or, the opposi tion bringing forward allegations that have absolutely no basis in fact? It's because they want Manitobans to forget. They want Manitobans t o forget their record. They want Manitobans to forget that they raised taxes every year that they were in gov ernment. They want Manitobans to know that we had the worst economic performance west of Quebec under the NDP.

That's why they bring forward these questions that have no basis in fact, because they're trying to get Manitobans to forget. Manitobans won't forget, and we won't let them forget that they can't afford to go back to the NDP. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: We know that this gov ernment has plans to issue new contracts that EIC is poised to bid on, Madam Speaker. These are sig nificant con - tracts that are worth millions of dollars. That means the Premier should not be i nvolved in any way.

The Premier should recuse herself because of her hus - band's direct financial connections to EIC. So, again, it's what leaders should do: they should follow the rules like regular Manitobans and every - body on this side of the House. Will the Premier commit to this House that she will recuse herself from any dealings with EIC?

1240 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Mr. Goertzen: I haven't seen the NDP this happy since they were all getting free Jets tickets from Crown corporations, Madam Speaker. But I know why they ra ise these questions to Manitobans, because they want–or, Madam Speaker– they want Manitobans to forget.

They want Manitobans to forget that under the NDP and when they had their leadership problems, they gave $700,000 to political staff to leave the office because they were an embarrassment to the premier at the time–$700,000 were handed out of taxpayers' 'monery'–money to the NDP staff so they'd leave the premier's office. And then they hired a bunch of union people to come in and run things out of the premier's office. That's what they did with taxpayers' money. They didn't just raise taxes on everybody, the PST on haircuts, on private –or, property insurance – they did that as well.

Manitobans will remember they can't afford to go back to the NDP. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: We know that there's a long relation - ship between the Premier and EIC. She has a direct financial relationship with the company. EIC and its associated people gave her nearly 10 per cent of the monies that she raised in her leader- ship campaign. That means, when it comes to con- tracts worth millions of dollars, it's important that the rules about conflicts are followed, Madam Speaker. That means that the Premier should recuse herself.

It's a simple request. Will the Premier step back from any government work with EIC? Yes or no? Mr. Goertzen: We understand that the opposi tion doesn't understand how Treasury Board works. We know that because we can read an Auditor General's report which simply said that the NDP and–in govern- ment didn't know how Treasury Board worked because they had a $5 million contact that never got tendered. Instead it went to their friends, Madam Speaker, and the Auditor General had to reveal that and indicate that. They don't know how Treasury Board works. But I know why they do this. They want Manitobans to forget.

They want Manitobans to forget that under that gov ernment, we had the highest ambulance rates in all of Canada, Madam Speaker. They want Manitobans to forget that 65 kids in care were in hospital instead of care. We won't let Manitobans forget that they can't afford to go back to the NDP. Provincial Parks Reservation System Outsourcing to Private US Company Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, it's another year, it's another minister and yet thousands of Manitobans had a terrible time with the province's parks reservation system. Some said it's the worst it's ever been.

One camper, Cheryl Mowat, couldn't book her site and is now exploring camping in the US. She says Manitobans shouldn't have to leave the province if you want to camp, and we agree. Why has this gov ernment failed to fix the problems with the reservation system? Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of E nvironment, Climate and Parks): Certainly, we know the facts and we'll share them with the members opposite. Madam Speaker, we know that our gov ernment inherited a mess that was started back in 2006 under the parks reservation system.

We know that the NDP completely walked away from our prov incial parks under their manage ment–or, mis management. We know that they cut, cut and cut continuously. In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and, yes, they cut in 2016 our prov- incial parks. Madam Speaker: The honourable m ember for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Ms. Naylor: Madam Speaker, the PCs kicked this reservation issue down the road last year, but let's look at what they have done. Park visitors have had to use a Texas-based com- pany, day passes have doubl ed in cost, Manitoba's sending $600,000 a year to an American company.

Does the minister intend to outsource the parks reservation system to Texas as well? Mr. Wharton: Certainly, one thing the NDP is not familiar with is transparency, Madam Speaker. We know that we're still fixing the mess that was left under the NDP when it comes to parks, Madam Speaker. Not only parks, but almost every single de - partment in government they left a mess in. Madam Speaker, we know by 9:44 a.m.– [interjection]

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1241 Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wharton: –yesterday morning–by 9:44 a.m.– please listen, folks across the hall–9:44 a.m. the queue had been completely cleared, 6 hours before it was last year. That's better, Madam Speaker. I don't know where they're getting their facts from. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Ms. Naylor: Madam Speaker, the parks reservation system is still frustrating thousands of Manitobans. Manitobans are having to look elsewhere just to spend time in nature this summer. This has to be fixed.

This government's track record shows us that we are in store for higher costs, outsourced contracts and more inconvenient service. * (14:30) So, can the minister answer the question: Does the minister intend to outsource the parks reservation system to Texas? Yes or no? Mr. Wharton: Well, Madam Speaker, again, we'll talk about NDP cuts under their manage ment. We know that things like grass cutting–yes, that's correct: in provincial parks, they weren't cutting the grass. Go figure that. Madam Speaker, we know, thankfully, that our government will–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Wharton: –continue to clean up the mess they left. We also know, by 5 o'clock yesterday, over 16,000 Manitobans had booke d their reservation in their park. Stay tuned. Next Tuesday, more great infor ma- tion, investment in our provincially owned parks. COVID-19 Pandemic Management Responsibility for Public Health Decisions Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): The week ly results for COVID cases are in for Manitoba, and it is not looking good. The test positivity rate is up from 13.9 to 18.6 per cent. The case count is up. Outbreaks are up. The highest increase in cases is among those aged 80-plus.

Hospitalizations are all up. And as this chart, which I table, shows that for weeks, hospitalizations were holding steady at levels close to the peak of previous waves. Who made the political decision to override Public Health and put more Manitobans at risk? Was it the Prem ier (Mrs. Stefanson), or are we going to have to blame somebody else? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I want to begin by answering the member for St. Boniface's question with a definition from the Cambridge Dictionary about hiding.

To–hiding me ans to put something or someone in a place where that thing or person cannot be seen or found, or to put yourself somewhere where you cannot be seen or found. Madam Speaker, the data is available weekly. It is published on the website. Dr. Roussin is not hiding. He was out today. He said the data is ap propriate for where we are in the pandemic. Releasing it more frequently doesn't give people any more chance to change behaviour. Regardless of data, you should get vaccinated. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Lamont: Madam Speaker, if this–information is power, this gov ernment is still going out–its way to disempower Manitobans and deny them the critical information they need to protect themselves. They've redefined death by COVID. They redefined the mean- ing of an outbreak in a school. We're just getting talking points and declarations. Based on what? If it's science, what science? If it's on economics, what economic theory? If it's public health, what public health official is backing this? If it's endemic, whose definition of endemic? Manitobans deserve to know.

Why can't anyone in this government explain who made the decision to override Public Health? Ms. Gordon: Again, Madam Speaker, it appears that the member for St. Boniface missed the press conference today. Dr. Roussin was out today provi - ding a COVID-19 update. We are continuing, Madam Speaker, to closely monitor the current variant and we're working very closely with Dr. Roussin and Public Health. And modelling, according to Dr. Roussin–and perhaps the member for St.

Boniface wants to watch the recording of this morning's press conference –modelling continues to show a relative plateau in admissions and a downward trend. We will continue to release the data on a weekly basis so Manitobans can make the decisions that are in their best interest.

1242 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Diabetes Prevention Plan Budget 2022 Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, for 23 years I've called on the government to implement effective measures to prevent diabetes. For 23 years, NDP and Conservative gov ernments have failed to do this. Since 2000, the number of youth with prediabetes in the US has jumped from–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Gerrard: –11 per cent to 28 per cent, a shocking and stunning increase. I table the scientific paper.

The costs of inaction are large –to the health of individuals and in cost to our health- care system. A diabetes strategy which primarily provides more dialysis tre atments and cardiovascular treatments is simply not affordable with this diabetes tsunami. Will the gov ernment do what needs to be done and fund a major effort to prevent diabetes in next week's budget? Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): I appreciate the question coming from the member opposite about diabetes.

As the mother of a type 1 diabetic myself, it is close to my heart and it also falls within my portfolio, the Diabetes Strategy, which we are happy to work on with our federal counterparts here in Manitoba. And I look forward to, as well, the budget coming up next Tuesday where we'll hear more good news coming out of our government and the investments we're going to be making in mental health and in wellness. Thank you. Long-Term-Care System Review Implementation of Recommendations Mr.

Brad Michaleski (Dauphin): The past two years have highlighted the need for a long-term-care system that is built on compassion and dignified care. The Stevenson review was undertaken to identify the root causes of deficiencies and set a path to ensure appropriate long -term-care standards in Manitoba. This Minister of Seniors and Long- Term Care has committed to acting on all 17 recommendations of the Stevenson review. Can the minister expand on how our government will implement these recommendations? Hon.

Scott Johnston (Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care): I thank my colleague from Dauphin for that excellent question and wanting me to address the very positive things–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnston: –that we're doing for the seniors of Manitoba. Yesterday, I was very proud to stand with the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) to announce $15 million in additional funding–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnston: –to support imple mentation of all 17 Stevenson review recom mendations, Madam Speaker. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Johnston: Did I hear somebody say more?

Well, I've got more; I've got more. And, Mada m Speaker, further shareholder con - sultations and planning will take place and there will be sig nificant more invest ments coming out of the Stevenson review. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Education System Funding Pandemic Recovery Support Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): We've established that schools don't have what they need and they're struggling with meeting student need, especially coming out of the pandemic. Base funding we know is just 1.34 per cent, while inflation is above five.

Brandon had to cut 10 teaching positions; Seven Oaks had to cut eight permanent teaching positions; and these are positions we need to recover, Madam Speaker, from the pandemic. Will this gov ernment reverse course and ensure that we have proper supports for our Manitoba students? Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): It looks like the seatbelt light is off on the NDP side, Madam Speaker. I finally get a question from my Education advocate.

It's interesting that he brings this question up about affordability and funding to school divisions on–he should have read the news release today. Today, our gov ernment announced 7 million more

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1243 dollars for–Madam Speaker–for students with special needs. That's 127 million more dollars in this up - coming school year. More good news next Tuesday from the budget. Madam Speaker, thank you. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Altomare: The minister knows that that is funding that has to happen because that's by law. By law, they have to ensure that students with additional needs are properly funded. That is a funda mental right.

He knows about inclusion and he knows that these things are expected. * (14:40) So I'll ask the minister again: Will they reverse course and ensure that students are properly supported in this province as we emerge from this pandemic? Madam Speaker: The–[interjection] Order. The honourable Minister of Edu cation and Early Child - hood Learning. Mr. Ewasko: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As my critic, my friend from Transcona, puts it, it is expected.

And that's why we're delivering it, Madam Speaker; something they never got right under the NDP government, and is the reason why he decided to run for the NDP, is because they needed a repair, a re- fix, a reboot under the NDP, Madam Speaker. And that's why this year, in addition to last year, $327 million more to school divisions. That's a 17.2 per cent increase, Madam Speaker. That is a larger percentage–that's a larger percentage than what the NDP received in the Fort Whyte by-election. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. * * * Hon.

Andrew Smith (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): I'd like to canvass the House to see if there's leave to recog nize today as –of course, today we had a min isterial statement on the 105th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, and wondering if there's leave for the House to recog nize and have a moment of silence, in light of that. Madam Speaker: Is the re leave of the House to recognize the anniversary of Vimy Ridge and to have a moment of silence? [Agreed] Please stand. A moment of silence was observed. PETITIONS Madam Speaker: Petitions? Are there any petitions today?

The honour able member for Point Douglas. [interjection] Order. Foot-Care Services Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: –to restore essential medical foot -care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2020. And this has been signed by David McDonald, Margaret McCartney and Tricia Griffin.

1244 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 7, 2022 Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. MLA Uz oma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: The background of this petition is as follows:

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

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

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This has been signed by Trevor Rhodes, Jacqueline Spence, Mary Ann Trout and many Manitobans. Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 25 in the city of Thompson. A large percentage of people in this age g roup require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

April 7, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1245 A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes. The northern regional health authority, N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired. The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas. There is also –there is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres. The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations. The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot -care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

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

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

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

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes. * (14:50)

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

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

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

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

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of pediatric–'potiatric,' sorry –care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Winnipeg –city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. Signed by many Manitobans. MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following pe tition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows: