Manitoba Hansard — 12 September 2013 (Sitting 107B, 40th Legislature, 2nd Session)

40-2-107b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session - Fortieth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Daryl Reid Speaker Vol. LXV No. 107B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2013 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Fortieth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLAN, Nancy, Hon. St. Vital NDP ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thompson NDP BJORNSON, Peter, Hon. Gimli NDP BLADY, Sharon Kirkfield Park NDP BRAUN, Erna Rossmere NDP BRIESE, Stuart Agassiz PC CALDWELL, Drew Brandon East NDP CHIEF, Kevin, Hon. Point Douglas NDP CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan NDP CROTHERS, Deanne St.

James NDP CULLEN, Cliff Spruce Woods PC DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk NDP DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FRIESEN, Cameron Morden-Winkler PC GAUDREAU, Dave St. Norbert NDP GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Liberal GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Cliff Emerson PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC HOWARD, Jennifer, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri, Hon. Fort Richmond NDP JHA, Bidhu Radisson NDP KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Swan River NDP LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. Dawson Trail NDP MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St.

Johns NDP MAGUIRE, Larry Arthur-Virden PC MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor, Hon. Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MELNICK, Christine, Hon. Riel NDP MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East PC NEVAKSHONOFF, Tom Interlake NDP OSWALD, Theresa, Hon. Seine River NDP PALLISTER, Brian Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PETTERSEN, Clarence Flin Flon NDP REID, Daryl, Hon. Transcona NDP ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Kewatinook NDP RONDEAU, Jim, Hon. Assiniboia NDP ROWAT, Leanne Riding Mountain PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron St. Paul PC SELBY, Erin, Hon. Southdale NDP SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St.

Boniface NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STRUTHERS, Stan, Hon. Dauphin NDP SWAN, Andrew, Hon. Minto NDP WHITEHEAD, Frank The Pas NDP WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WIGHT, Melanie Burrows NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC Vacant Morris

5009 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, September 12, 2013 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone . Please be seated. MATTER OF PRIVILEGE Mr. Speaker: The honourable member for Morden-Winkler, on a matter of privilege. Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden -Winkler): Mr. Speaker, I rise on a matter of privilege. A matter of privilege is a serious thing and, under our rule,

section 34 of the rule book, should not be taken –or should be taken into consideration immediately. Of course, the two conditions that must be satisfied in order for a matter of privilege to be raised –to be ruled as a prima facie case of privilege are (1) according to Beauchesne's,

section 115, a question of privilege mus t be brought to the attention of the House at the first possible opportunity. A second test is whether there is sufficient evidence provided to establish a prima facie case of privilege. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to say that the Minister of Health (Ms. O swald) stated yesterday that I put inaccurate information on the record in this Chamber. She stated that I claimed that the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic was closed.

Now, I have gone back, I have examined Hansard, I have looked at the dates in question for August the 19th and the 20th, and I tell you today that the official record of this House will show that I said no such thing. Having checked that out, I would submit to you that this is the first opportunity I have to raise the matter in this House. Mr.

Spea ker, on the second matter –and I thank you for the opportunity to demonstrate that there is sufficient evidence here to establish a prima facie case of privilege–three weeks ago, as I said, I raised the issue that the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic was open and operating at times without a nurse practitioner in the facility. At that time, I conveyed to the Minister of Health clearly that the sign on the door of the QuickCare Clinic indicated that there would be no nurse practitioner that day, the next day or the following day.

I tabled a photograph of the sign that indicated that the clinic was open and operating without nurse practitioners. The following day, in question period, I again asked for the minister's response and repeated the concern that the QuickCare clinic was open and operating without a nurse practitioner in the facility, therefore misleading the public who had been led to believe by an expensive advertising campaign which conveyed to Manitobans that they could seek appropriate care from a nurse practitioner at a QuickCare clinic. Mr.

Speaker, the Minister of Health stated in this Chamber yesterday that I claimed in the Chamber that the QuickCare centre was closed. And yesterday the minister stated, and I quote: August the 19th, the member said tha t the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic was closed. In this Chamber he said that. Unquote. Mr. Speaker, that is simply not true.

I have read and reread Hansard for the 19th and 20th of August, and while the minister may not appreciate the tough questions that I pose to her about the extent to which nurse practitioners were or were not available at the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic, it does not give her the right to put inaccurate information on the record or attribute to me statements which I did not make. At no time o n the dates in question did I state in the Chamber that the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic was closed.

Moreover, what Hansard does reveal is that it was, in fact, this minister, on October the 19th, who made the claim that the clinic was closed. I never made t hat assertion. The minister put that information on the record. Mr. Speaker, I believe that this matter meets the fundamental test that it makes it impossible for me to carry out my parliamentary duties. I take very seriously the responsibilities that h ave been entrusted to me as a member in this Assembly. I know my colleagues take equally seriously their responsibilities.

And as a member of this Assembly, it is my responsibility to bring forward concerns on behalf of my constituents and on behalf of a ll Manitobans. When the minister puts erroneous information on the record, as she did yesterday, about the concerns that I am raising on behalf of my constituents and on behalf of all Manitobans, it makes it impossible for me as a member of this Assembly to perform my duties. How can my constituents and Manitobans have confidence as I bring forward information on their behalf if this minister employs strategies to discredit by putting false information on the record?

It makes it all the less likely for M anitobans to bring forward

5010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 information the next time because they feel disenfranchised and discouraged. They may begin to believe that their concerns won't have a fair hearing, that their information may be altered, questioned, misused, distorted or diminished. Accuracy matters. This minister has tried to play fast and loose with the facts. This minister, as always, is welcome to her own opinion; she is not welcome to her own facts. And I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to rise today and set this record straight.

Therefore, I move, seconded by the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), that this issue of the member–the minister's inaccurate information placed on the record with respect to the QuickCare clinic in Selkirk be referred to a committee of this House. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on the same matter of privilege. Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Well, the longer we sit, the thinner the skin gets over there on the other side. I would say, in response to the member's matter of privilege, I don't believe it is a matter of privilege. You will rule on that.

I don't believe that it is anything that anybody on this side has done that impairs his ability to do his job but perhaps his own lack of diligence that is impairing that ability. He said accuracy matters and he's right. And I'm not going to quote from what the Minister of Health (Ms. Oswald) said; I'm going to quote from what some members of the media have said about some of the claims that he's made.

Apparently, a Selkirk journalist investigated this accusation that the Selkirk 'quickclare' –QuickCare Clinic was closed, and this is what they found, and this is what–quoting from the Selkirk Record on August 22nd: The Manitoba P Cs attacked the NDP government Tuesday for what they called locked doors at Selkirk's QuickCare clinic, but a trip to the Manitoba Avenue clinic Tuesday revealed it was definitely open for business. And, apparently, the questions about this member's accuracy extends to other members of the media; the CBC was equally concerned about some of this accuracy.

In a interview with Marilyn Mackie on August 20th, 2013, the interviewer said to the critic: I need to ask you, shouldn't you know this if you're the Health critic? Like, shouldn't you know if the RNs can do this or not before you start raising those issues? Good question. So I would say, Mr. Speaker, in reaction to this matter of privilege, clearly, what the Minister of Health was doing is reflecting w hat appears to be a widespread view that not everything the member says is necessarily accurate, and accuracy does matter. Mr.

Speaker: On the matter of privilege raised by the honourable member for Morden- Winkler (Mr. Friesen), I thank all honourable me mbers for their advice on this matter. I've said many times in this House that points of order and matters of privilege are very serious matters, and I take them seriously when matters bring them before the House.

I listened very carefully to the comments that were made by the honourable member for Morden-Winkler with respect to his statements reflecting or indicating comments –or relating to comments made by the Minister of Health, and it is a–seems to me to be a very clear case here that this seems to be a dispute over the facts. One member is indicating one issue and another member of the House is indicating another set of facts, and I, as Speaker, I have to accept that the–what the members bring to this House is, indeed, accurate.

I accept that all members bring their information here and that it is accurate, and I have no way of determining otherwise. And I know that –and I'd like to inform the House that past Speakers have ruled on several occasions that a dispute between two members as to allegations of fact does not constitute a breach of privilege for a member.

O'Brien and Bosc, on page 145, indicates if a question of privilege involves a disagreement between two or more members as to facts, the Speaker typically rules that such a dispute does not prevent members from fulfilling their parliamentary obligations nor does such a disagreement breach the collective privileges of the House. That's in the second edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2009.

As well, the members–does not prevent the member from fulfilling their parliamentary functions nor does it – disagreement to breach the collective privileges of the House. * (13:40) Beauchesne's citation also goes on to indicate–in

section 131(1), it advises that a dispute arising between two members as to allegations of facts does

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5011 not fulfill the conditions of parliamentary privilege. Joseph Maingot, on page 223 of the second edition of Parliamentary Privilege in Canada, states: A dispute between two members about questions of fact said in deb ate does not constitute a valid question of privilege because it is a matter of debate. End of quote. I would, therefore, respectfully rule that the matter of privilege raised by the honourable member for Morden -Winkler (Mr. Friesen) is–does not constitute a matter of privilege, and I respectfully indicate that to the member. * * * Mr.

Speaker: Now– ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Mr. Speaker: Seeing no bills– PETITIONS East Selkirk Sewage Lagoon Site– Environmental Licence Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Midland): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk. This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure f rom the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River. Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

The chemical 'dinitrolene' is present in the soil at the former CIL's explosives plant site and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species. Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should be done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites. The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessme nt of energetic compounds in soil.

There are many other viable, non -contaminated sites in the area that would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the l egislative of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a lagoon site at this site–for a lagoon at this site. And this petition is signed by D. Chwartacki, D. Swanson, F. DeRosa and many more fine Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: In keeping with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House. Mrs.

Heather Stefanson (Tuxed o): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant s ite and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level

5012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessme nt of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. And, Mr. Speaker, t his petition is signed by W.O. Griffith, L.A. Griffith, J. Serares and many , many other fine Manitobans. Mr.

Speaker: The honourable member for Emerson. [interjection] The honourable member for Emerson has been recognized already. Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background for this petition is as follows: On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon and the instance of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosiv es at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) On review of the soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that the effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in an increased risk of cancer in fish. The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CFI–or CIL explosives plant site and is known–is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have been–more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in the soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative A ssembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. And t his petition has been signed by B. Main, D. Olafson, D. Craigie and many, many more fine Manitobans. Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur- Virden): I wish to present the following petition to the Le gislative Assembly of Manitoba. And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) The provincial government promised not to raise the PST–not to raise taxes in the last election.

(2) Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum. And (3) an increase to the PST is excessive taxation which will harm Manitoba families.

(4) Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major ta x increases are necessary. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows–of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5013 And, Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by C. Laughlin, L. McFadyen, G.W. Beyak and many, many others. East Selkirk Sewage Lagoon Site– Environmental Licence Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And these are the reasons for this petition: On August the 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted the licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

The site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River. Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River. Upon the review of a soil study co nducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species. * (13:50) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done a t a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites. The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for t he assessment of energetic compounds in the soil.

There are many other viable, non -contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental lic ence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. This petition is signed by J. Fewchuk, R. Fewchuk, M. Scott and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk. This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River. Local residents ar e concerned that hydraulic pressure f rom the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish. The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant s ite and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites. The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assess ment of energetic compounds in soil. There are many other viable, non -contaminated sites in the area which could be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider t his decision to grant an environmental lic ence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site.

5014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 This petition is signed by K. Haas, B. Wechnenko, M. Swirsky and many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Cameron Friesen (M orden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a se wage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure f rom the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could caus e contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessm ent of energetic compounds in soils.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewer lagoon at this site. And this petition is signed by K. Plant, R. Cajino and C. Tymchuk and many, many more. Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental lic ence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. Signed by C. Myskiw, K. Fox, S. Erickson and many other fine Manitobans.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5015 Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye) : I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(4) The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is known–carcinogenic to fish and other aquatic species. Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: * (14:00) To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. This petition is signed by B. Scarff, J. Fernel, C. Reeve and many more fine Manitobans. Mr. Ian W ishart (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And the background for this petition is as follows: On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk. This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River. Local residents ar e concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

Upon the review of the soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish. The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is a known carcinogen in fish and other aquatic species.

Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites. The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessme nt of energetic compounds in the soil. There are many other viable, non -contaminated sites in the area which had–which would have been better suited for the construction of the sewage lagoon.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister for Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of the sewage lagoon at this site. This petition is signed by A. Marks, R. Fontaine, D. Alinsob and many, many more fine Manitobans.

5016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship grante d a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant s ite and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection A gency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental lic ence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. This petition is signed by B. Chorney, H. Chorney, S. Chorney and many, many more fine Manitobans. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish. The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant s ite and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the asses sment of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship consider–reconsider his decision to grant an environm ental lic ence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. And, Mr. Speaker, this is signed by K. Zacharkiw, K. Zacharkiw, K. Zacharkiw and many other Manitobans.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5017 Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: On August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk. This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River. Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department o f Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

The chemical dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosiv es plant site and is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species. Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites. The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in soil.

There are many other viable, non -contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. And this is signed by V. Otkalyuk, J. Berry, J. Shannon and many others. Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) August–on August the 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at the former CIL explosives plant in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned about the hydraulic pressure from the lagoon in instances of heavy rainfall that could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River. * (14:10)

(4) Upon review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and result in risk of cancer in fish.

(5) Cancer chemical dinitr otoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is known as carcinogen to the fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at the level consistent with standards used by Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment s of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minis ter of Conservation and Water Stewardship consider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. This petition is s ubmitted on behalf of P. Gimmell, K. Beek, N. Vielfure and many other fine, hard-working Manitobans. Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

5018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On August the 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardsh ip granted a licence to the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the l agoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The chemical 'dinitrolotene' is present –I think I was close, Mr. Speaker–is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is a known carcinogen in fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no available guidelines for the assessment of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. And, Mr. Speaker, t his petition is signed by G. Duncan, J. McKenzie, S. Gallant and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) O n August 12th, 2013, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship granted a licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon on the former CIL explosives plant site in East Selkirk.

(2) This site is located 1,100 feet from the banks of the Red River.

(3) Local residents are concerned that hydraulic pressure from the lagoon and instances of heavy rainfall could cause contaminants left over from the manufacturing of explosives at the site to flow into the Red River.

(4) Upon the review of a soil study conducted on the site, the Water Science and Management Branch of the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship noted that effluent from the site could negatively affect aquatic life in the Red River and may result in increased risks of cancer in fish.

(5) The 'chemil' dinitrotoluene is present in the soil at the former CIL explosives plant site and is known–is a known carcinogen to fish and other aquatic species.

(6) Soil testing done prior to the environmental licence being issued should have been done at a level consistent with the standards used by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, where they have more experience with testing for contaminants at former explosives sites.

(7) The Province of Manitoba has no av ailable guidelines for the assessme nt of energetic compounds in soil.

(8) There are many other viable, non-contaminated sites in the area which would be better suited for the construction of a sewage lagoon. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship reconsider his decision to grant an environmental licence for the construction of a sewage lagoon at this site. This is signed by R. Davies, R. Draho, T. Babuin and many, many other Manitobans.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5019 COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Human Resources Second Report Mr. Matt Wiebe (Chairperson): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources. Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your standing committee on Human Resources presents– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Human Resources presents the following as its Second Report.

Meetings Your Committee met on the following occasions in Room 255 of the Legislative Building: • September 3, 2013 • September 4, 2013 • September 5, 2013 • September 6, 2013 • September 7, 2013 • September 9, 2013 • September 10, 2013 • September 11, 2013 Matters under Consideration • Bill (No. 18) – The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools)/Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (milieux scolaires favorisant la sécurité et l'inclusivité) Committee Membership Committee Membership for the September 3, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. A LLAN • Mr. ALLUM • Hon. Mr. CHIEF • Mr. GOERTZEN • Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Mrs. MITCHELSON • Hon. Ms. OSWALD • Mr. SCHULER • Mr. SMOOK • Hon. Mr. SWAN • Mr. WIEBE Your Committee elected Mr. WIEBE as the Chairperson at the September 3, 2013 meeting. Your Committee elected Mr . MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) as the Vice -Chairperson at the September 3, 2013 meeting. Committee Membership for the September 4, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms.

A LLAN • Hon. Mr. CHIEF • Ms. CROTHERS • Mr. CULLEN • Mr. GOERTZEN • Mr. HELWER • Hon. Mr. KOSTYSHYN • Mr. NEVAKSHONOFF • Mr. PETTERSEN • Mr. PEDERSEN • Mr. WIEBE (Chairperson) Your Committee elected Mr. PETTERSEN as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 4, 2013 meeting. Committee Membership for the September 5, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. ALLAN • Hon. Mr. BJORNSON • Ms. BRAUN • Mr. BRIESE • Ms. CROTHERS • Mr. FRIESEN • Mrs. ROWAT • Hon. Mr. SWAN • Mr. WIEBE (Chairperson) • Ms. WIGHT • Mr. WISHART Your Committee elected Ms. W IGHT as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 5, 2013 meeting.

Substitutions received during committee proceedings at the September 5, 2013 meeting: • Mr. SMOOK for Mrs. ROWAT • Mr. HELWER for Mr. SMOOK

5020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 Committee Membership for the September 6, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. ALLAN • Mr. ALTEMEYER • Hon. Mr. CHOMIAK • Mr. EICHLER • Mr. EWASKO • Mr. GOERTZEN • Mr. GRAYDON • Mr. MALOWAY • Hon. Ms. MARCELINO (Logan) • Mr. SARAN • Ms. WIGHT Your Committee elected Ms. W IGHT as the Chairperson at the September 6, 2013 meeting. Your Committee elected Mr. SARAN as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 6, 2013 meeting. Committee Membership for the September 7, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. ALLAN • Hon. Mr. CHOMIAK • Mr. CULLEN • Mr. DEWAR • Mr. MALOWAY • Mr.

MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Mr. PEDERSEN • Mr. SCHULER • Mrs. STEFANSON • Mr. WHITEHEAD • Ms. WIGHT (Chairperson) Your Committee elected Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) as the Vice -Chairperson at the September 7, 2013 meeting. Your Committee elected Ms. BLADY as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 7, 2013 meeting. Substitutions received during committee proceedings at the September 7, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Mr. SWAN for Hon. Mr. CHOMIAK • Mr. SMOOK for Mr. CULLEN • Hon. Mr. RONDEAU for Mr. WHITEHEAD • Ms. BRAUN for Mr. MALOWAY • Ms. BLADY for Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Hon. Mr. ROBINSON for Mr. DEWAR • Mr.

GOERTZEN for Mr. SCHULER • Mrs. DRIEDGER for Mrs. STEFANSON • Mr. FRIESEN for Mr. PEDERSEN Committee Membership for the September 9, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. A LLAN • Mr. ALLUM • Mr. FRIESEN • Mr. HELWER • Hon. Ms. IRVIN-ROSS • Mrs. MITCHELSON • Hon. Mr. RONDEAU • Mrs. ROWAT • Hon. Ms. SELBY • Hon. Mr. SWAN • Mr. WIEBE Your Committee elected Mr. WIEBE as the Chairperson at the September 9, 2013 meeting. Your Committee elected Mr. ALLUM as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 9, 2013 meeting. Substitution received during committee proceedings at the September 9, 2013 meeting: • Mr. SMOOK for Mrs.

ROWAT Committee Membership for the September 10, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. A LLAN • Ms. BLADY • Ms. CROTHERS • Mrs. DRIEDGER • Mr. GOERTZEN • Mr. HELWER • Hon. Ms. IRVIN-ROSS • Hon. Ms. MELNICK • Mr. SCHULER • Mr. SARAN • Mr. WIEBE (Chairperson) Your Committee elected Ms. BLADY as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 10, 2013 meeting.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5021 Committee Membership for the September 11, 2013 meeting: • Hon. Ms. ALLAN • Hon. Mr. CHOMIAK • Mr. CULLEN • Mr. GOERTZEN • Hon. Ms. OSWALD • Mr. SARAN • Mrs. STEFANSON • Hon. Mr. STRUTHERS • Mr. WHITEHEAD • Mr. WIEBE (Chairperson) • Mr. WISHART Your Committee elected Mr. SARAN as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 11, 2013 meeting. Substitution received during committee proceedings at the September 11, 2013 meeting: • Ms. WIGHT for Hon. Mr.

CHOMIAK Public Presentations Your Committee heard the following two hundred and thirty-eight presentations on Bill (No. 18) – The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools)/Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (milieux scolaires favorisant la sécurité et l'inclusivité): September 3, 2013 meeting 1. Sandra Trinkies, Private Citizen 2. Jaryn Trinkies, Private Citizen 3. Gary Trinkies, Private Citizen 4. Robert Rivard, Manitoba School Boards Association 5. Peter Wohlgemut, Private Citizen 6. Robert Hiebert, Private Citizen 7. Brendan Hiebert, Private Citizen 8. Kevin Rebeck, President, Manitoba Federation of Labour 9. Andrew Micklefield, The King's School 10. Kristine Barr, Private Citizen 11. Naomi Negrych, Private Citizen 12. David M. Sanders, Private Citizen 13.

Ken Mandzuik, Manitoba Bar Association 14. Harrison Oakes, Private Citizen 15. Shannon McCarthy, United Church of Canada Conference of Manitoba & Northwestern Ontario 16. Bilan Arte, Canadian Federation of Students of Manitoba 17. Michael Tutthill, Private Citizen 18. Ken DeLisle, Private Citizen 19. Albert McLeod, Two -Spirited People of Manitoba Inc. 20. Rita Hildahl, Winnipeg School Division, Board Chair 21. Gareth Neufeld, UNESCO Associated Schools Network 22. Sandra Somerville, Private Citizen 23. Chris Rigaux, Private Citizen 24. Paul Olson, Manitoba Teachers' Society 25.

Kathleen Venema, Augustine United Church 26. Chris Dsovza, Private Citizen 27. Eva Campbell, Private Citizen 28. Ken Guilford, Private Citizen September 4, 2013 meeting 29. Lance Warkentin, Private Citizen 30. Keith Neufeld, Private Citizen 31. Jen Haslam, Private Citizen 32. Gordon Penner, Private Citizen 33. Ken Haslam, Private Citizen 34. David Driedger , Steinbach Christian High School 35. Al Hiebert, Private Citizen 36. Wayne Patram, Private Citizen 37. Tara Didychuk, Private Citizen 38. Sue Doerksen, Private Citizen 39. LeAnne Froese, Private Citizen 40. Marlowe Brandt, Private Citizen 41.

Ian MacIntyre, Private Citizen 42. Helena Harder, Private Citizen 43. Tim Nielsen, City Church 44. Kim Rempel , Private Citizen 45. Henry Hiebert, Private Citizen 46. Robert Praznik, Director of Education, Archdiocese of Winnipeg Catholic Schools 47. Ewald Kasdorf, Private Citizen September 5, 2013 meeting 48. Adam McAllister, Private Citizen 49. Reg Klassen, Manitoba Association of School

5022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 Superintendents 50. Tamar Thiessen, Private Citizen 51. Edward Penner, Private Citizen 52. Rebecca Sawatzky, Private Citizen 53. Alison Johnston, Debra Arpin and Mark Sefton (by leave), The Brandon Teachers ' Association, CUPE Local 737 and Brandon School Division 54. Bryan Schroeder, Christian Heritage School 55. Tim McAllister, Private Citizen 56. Sarah Dyck, Private Citizen 57. June Derksen, Private Citizen 58. Darrel Guenther, Crestview Fellowship Church 59. Jasmine Harder, Private Citizen 60.

Michelle Gawronsky, Manitoba Government and General Employee's Union 61. Michael Sitko, Private Citizen 62. Nicholas Semenowich, Private Citizen 63. Amanda Friesen, Private Citizen 64. Rodolf Friesen, Private Citizen 65. Glenn Loewen, Private Citizen 66. Gord Utz, Private Citizen 67. Jason Monkman, Private Citizen 68. Dave Sauer, Winnipeg Labour Council 69. Francie Humby, Private Citizen 70. Bruce Martin, Calvary Temple 71. Margaret Jablonski, Private Citizen 72. Bill Rempel, Private Citizen 73. Darcey Bayne, Springs Christian Academy 74. Myla Krauskops, Austin Christian Academy 75.

Bradley Warkentin, Trinity Baptist Church 76. Ron Koleba, Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church 77. Phil Najda, Private Citizen September 6, 2013 meeting 78. Gilbert Fehr, Private Citizen 79. Ken McAllister, Private Citizen 80. Art Koop, Private Citizen 81. Susan Penner, Private Citizen 82. Menoukia Pearson, Private Citizen 83. Russ Reimer, Private Citizen 84. Heather Grant -Jury, Training Centre, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 832 85. Travis Neufeld, Private Citizen 86. Chantal Reimer, Private Citizen 87. Carmen Allard, Private Citizen 88. Roger Dueck, Private Citizen 89.

Kaitlyn Fenton, Private Citizen 90. Randy Wolgemuth, Private Citizen 91. Patrick Peters, Private Citizen 92. Kristopher Braun, Private Citizen 93. Catherine Pearse, Private Citizen 94. Cameron Funk, Private Citizen 95. Char Kenemy, Private Citizen 96. Corinna Klassen, Private Citizen 97. Ernie Plett, Private Citizen 98. Charis Penner, Private Citizen 99. Brock Peters, Private Citizen 100. Stuart Penner, Private Citizen 101. Dr. Seantel Anais, Private Citizen 102. Bernie Bilecki, Private Citizen 103. Phillis Penner, Private Citizen 104. Sonya Braun, Private Citizen 105. Kimber Munford, Private Citizen 106.

Tony Falk, Private Citizen September 7, 2013 meeting 107. Ed Hume, Private Citizen 108. George Edenhoffer, Private Citizen 109. Susan Eberhard , Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools 110. Chad Smith, The Rainbow Resource Centre 111. Dr. Donn Short, Private Citizen 112. Kelly Moist, CUPE Manitoba 113. Debra Schnitzer, Private Citizen 114. Michael Nelson, Brandon Pride Committee 115. Patrick Woodbeck, Rainbow Ministry 116. Robert Charach, Linden Christian School 117. Celesta Thiessen, Private Citizen 118. Leo Thiessen, Private Citizen 119. Sydney Davies, Maples Collegiate Gay Straight Alliance 120.

Roger Armbruster, Private Citizen 121. Elfrieda Penner, Private Citizen 122. Naomi Kruse, Manitoba Association of Parent Councils 123. Tim Koop, Private Citizen 124. Cheryl Froese, Private Citizen 125. Ryan Appel, Private Citizen

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5023 126. John Hoogerdijk , The Canadian Reformed School Society of Winnipeg, Inc. Operating Immanuel Christian School 127. Arie Veenendaal, Dufferin Christian School 128. Sandra Saint-Cyr, Private Citizen 129. Luke McAllister, Private Citizen 130. Crystal Klassen, Private Citizen 131. Joey Reimer, Private Citizen 132. Keziah Thiessen, Private Citizen 133. Joel Nedohin, Private Citizen 134. Brad Unger, Private Citizen 135. Lawrence Hamm, Private Citizen 136. Melanie Froese, Private Citizen 137. Brad Klassen, Private Citizen 138.

Roger Giesbrecht, Private Citizen 139. Kris Kenemy, Private Citizen 140. John Fehr, Private Citizen 141. Shahina Siddiqui, Private Citizen 142. Kathy Plett, Private Citizen 143. Kelvin Plett, Private Citizen 144. Darlene Duce, Private Citizen 145. Lindsay Brown, Private Citizen 146. Silas Giesbrecht, Private Citizen 147. Jess Reimer, Private Citizen 148. Mark Reimer, Private Citizen 149. Bob Loewen, Private Citizen 150. Bonnie Loewen, Private Citizen 151. Scott Wells, Private Citizen 152. Carla Schmidt, Private Citizen 153. Brian Schmidt, Private Citizen 154.

Kristy Penner, Private Citizen September 9, 2013 meeting 155. Corey Shefman, Manitoba Association for Rights & Liberties (MARRL) 156. Karen Friesen, Private Citizen 157. Rick Peters, Private Citizen 158. Carolyn Peters, Private Citizen 159. Adam Crookes, Private Citizen 160. Karella Crookes, Private Citizen 161. Chantelle Friesen, Private Citizen 162. Jolene Funk, Private Citizen 163. Kelly Friesen, Private Citizen 164. Dale Funk, Private Citizen 165. Ryan Zacharias, Private Citizen 166. David Halstead, Private Citizen 167. Suzanne Toews, Private Citizen 168. Jennifer Thompson, Private Citizen 169.

Shirley Schroeder, Private Citizen 170. Brian Schroeder, Private Citizen 171. Samuel Harder, Private Citizen 172. Rebecca Hein, Private Citizen 173. Devin King, Private Citizen 174. John Hiebert, Private Citizen 175. Ken Peters, Gateway Church 176. Evan Wiens, Private Citizen 177. Markus Reimer, Private Citizen 178. Reece Malone, Private Citizen 179. Bill Bage, Private Citizen 180. Sara Peters, Private Citizen 181. Ron Lambert, Private Citizen 182. Melissa Penner, Private Citizen 183. Stephen Kennedy, Private Citizen September 10, 2013 meeting 184. Lisa Shaw, Private Citizen 185.

Manon Monchamp, Private Citizen 186. Doraine Wachniak, Private Citizen 187. Carla Coroy, Private Citizen 188. Natalie Deuck, Private Citizen 189. Sarah Leanne Tonn, Private Citizen 190. Vanessa Wollmann, Private Citizen 191. Linda Fehr, Private Citizen 192. Taija Jarvis, Private Citizen 193. Carmelle Friesen, Private Citizen 194. Desiree Loeppky, Private Citizen 195. David Grienke, Private Citizen 196. Heidi Grienke, Private Citizen 197. Joseph Luke Wiebe, Private Citizen 198. Tina Blatz, Private Citizen 199. Carlos Sosa, Private Citizen 200. Heidi Friesen, Private Citizen 201.

Travis Friesen, Private Citizen 202. Dale Loewen, Private Citizen 203. Bradley Tyler -West, Sexuality Education Resource Centre of Manitoba 204. Jenni Doerksen, Private Citizen 205. Beverly Braun, Private Citizen 206. Charles Kehler, Private Citizen 207. Denise Taylor, Private Citizen 208. Alfred Unrau and Josephine Unrau (by leave), Private Citizen

5024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 209. Trevor LeClair, Private Citizen 210. Marianne Curtis, Private Citizen 211. Chris Elias, Private Citizen 212. Dirk Baker, Private Citizen 213. Carlin Thiessen, Private Citizen September 11, 2013 meeting 214. Sara Fournier, President, Conseil Jeunesse Provincial) 215. Patrick Fortier, Private Citizen 216. Sonia Blanchette, Private Citizen) 217. Francine Lee, The Catholic Civil Rights League 218. Miranda Ward, Private Citizen 219. Clement Chaput, Private Citizen 220. Jorie Sawatzky, Private Citizen 221. Dylan Barkman, Private Citizen 222.

Kristy Marsch, Private Citizen 223. Darrell Dyck, Private Citizen 224. John Loewen, Private Citizen 225. Francois Grenier, Private Citizen 226. Fiona Smith, Private Citizen 227. Philip Watts, Private Citizen 228. Andrew Fast, Private Citizen 229. Luke Esau, Private Citizen 230. Malinda Martin, Private Citizen 231. Barbara Douglas, Private Citizen 232. Michael Ringham, Private Citizen 233. Dawn Fastabend, Private Citizen 234. Jason Doerksen, Private Citizen 235. Paul Neustaedter, Private Citizen 236. Catherine Taylor, Private Citizen 237. Tasha Deschambault, Private Citizen 238.

Al Deschambault, Private Citizen Written Submissions Your Committee received the following fifty -two written submissions on Bill (No. 18) – The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools)/Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (milieux scolaires favorisant la sécurité et l'inclusivité): 1. Kim Dyck, Private Citizen 2. Jennifer R. Kramer, Private Citizen 3. Jurgen Penner, Vital Bible Church 4. Rev. Mark Wilcoxson and Dr. Neil Craton, Bethesda Church 5. Rev. Terry Kaufman, Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church 6. Roger Kiska, Alliance Defending Freedom 7. Gerald and Deborah Groening, Private Citizens 8. Audrey and Jim Friesen, Private Citizens 9. Raquel Peters, Private Citizen 10. Earl Moravek, Private Citizen 11. Sannette and Stephan Engelbrecht, Private Citizens 12. Natasha Bowlby, Private Citizen 13.

Nancy and Terry Browett, Private Citizens 14. Cheris and Duane Bakee, Private Citizens 15. Glen Buhler, Private Citizen 16. Kevin and Christine Neudoff, Private Citizens 17. Lori vanderHan, Private Citizen 18. Bonnie Mitchell, Private Citizen 19. Bryan Schroeder, Private Citizen 20. John and Rebecca Roozendaal, Private Citizens 21. N. Semler, Private Citizen 22. Kathy Brown, Private Citizen 23. Ken and Jacquie Waldner, Private Citizens 24. Dawn Dolloff, Private Citizen 25. Mark Clark, Private Citizen 26. Y. Yazew, Private Citizen 27. Dr. P.D. Janse van Rensburg, Private Citizen 28.

Michael Rosumowitsch, Private Citizen 29. Gregory and Marie Stitt, Private Citizens 30. Annillee Garcia, Private Citizen 31. Beatrix Levin, Private Citizen 32. Nancy Rempel, Private Citizen 33. Joseph C Giesbrecht, Private Citizen 34. Richard Sheppard, Private Citizen 35. Justin Mendel, Private Citizen 36. Hendrik van der Breggen, Private Citizen 37. Eric and Angela Klippenstein, Private Citizens 38. Pedro Wolf, Private Citizen 39. Karen Price, Private Citizen 40. Mary-Jane Kehler, Private Citizen 41. Cindy Wiebe, Private Citizen 42. Anna Reimer, Private Citizen 43. Joy Kulachok, Private Citizen 44.

Trevor and Kristie Brandt, Private Citizen 45. Kameika Funk, Private Citizen 46. Christine Toews, Private Citizen 47. Russell Klassen, Private Citizen 48. Mary Sawatsky, Private Citizen

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5025 49. Sherise Reimer, Private Citizen 50. Agatha Lepp, Private Citizen 51. Jenni Funk, Private Citizen 52. Brad Kehler, Private Citizen Bills Considered and Reported • Bill (No. 18) – The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools)/Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (milieux scolaires favorisant la sécurité et l'inclusivité) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment on a recorded vote of yeas, 6 nays 4. Mr. Wiebe: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Burrows (Ms. Wight), that the report of the committee be received. Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member for Concordia, seconded by the honourable member for Burrows, that the report of the committee be received. Is that agreed? Some Honourable Members: No. Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Mr. Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote Mr.

Speaker: All those in favour of receiving the report will please signify it by saying aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. Mr. Speaker: All those opposed to receiving the report will please signify it by saying nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. Mr. Speaker: Opin ion of the Chair, the Ayes have it. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): On division, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: On division. The report will be received. * * * Mr. Speaker: Any further committee reports? Introduction of Guests Mr.

S peaker: Prior to oral questions, I'd like to introduce for our guests who are with us here –for members of the Assembly guests who are with us here this afternoon and seated in the public gallery. We have Mr. George Peterson, Brian Mayes and Bob Holliday, w ho are the guests of the honourable member for Riel (Ms. Melnick). And also, in the loge to my right, we have Mr. Peter Stoffer, a Member of Parliament for Sackville-Eastern Shore constituency in Nova Scotia. On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you here.

And it is my –also my pleasant duty to indicate that we have two new pages for the 2013- 14 year with us here today. Eric Schillberg is a grade 11 student at West Kildonan Collegiate, and Mathieu Jubinvile is a grade 11 student at Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard. And also, in the Speaker's Gallery are the grandparents of Mathieu, Rene and Florence Bourgouin. And on behalf of honourable members, we welcome you here and welcome our pages.

And in keeping with the practice that we have had here in honouring our youth that have continued to serve with the Assembly, I'm sad to say that one of our pages will be leaving us–this is her last day here– Julia Minarik, who is currently enrolled in grade 12 at Gimli High School. And she may be looking for some clientele in the future; after high school, Julia hopes to pursue a career as a taxation lawyer. So, on behalf of all honourable members, Julia, we welcome you well on your future education opportunities and your future career choices. Thank you for serving the Assembly.

ORAL QUESTIONS PST Increase Impact on Charitable Institutions Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Julia. * (14:20) Manitobans are known worldwide for our reputation as people who give. Manitobans are leaders when it comes to charitable donations; we're proud to step up and help when we're needed. According to Statistics Canada, Manitoba averaged, in the most recent tax year, $1,675 in charitable donations. That exceeds even the level of the generous people of Cape Breton, and the reality is

5026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 that that was before the record tax increases and fee increases this government introduced. Now, the Premier (Mr. Selinger) ha s admitted that he's done no studies on how the PST increase will impact on Manitobans, but the PST hike and the record tax and fee increases imposed by this government will take $1,600 out of the hands of Manitoba families. So this side is concerned about the impact that may have on Manitoba's charitable donation intentions.

I'd like to ask the Premier today if he would explain to this House how he believes the impact of his tax hikes will be felt on charitable institutions in our province. Hon. Stan Str uthers (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, the –if–the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition will get no argument from anyone in this House about the generosity of Manitobans. When it comes to generosity, we top the charts every year.

When it comes to fighting for services that Manitoba families count on, Manitobans take a second place to no one, which is why I'm baffled why the Leader of the Official Opposition would say that what we should do is cut by $550 million indiscriminately across the board, affecting areas such as health care and education, affecting infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Charitable, generous Manitobans don't need that kind of stress. Mr. Pallister: This is a government that indiscriminately cuts the incomes of hard- working Manitobans.

It would be tremendously sad to lose our No. 1 ranking because of NDP insensitivity to the real needs of charitable organizations in our province. The reality is that Manitobans are also known not just for donating hard- earned dollar s to worthy causes, we also volunteer our time. And the number of hours volunteered to help worthy causes, we also are No. 1, and it's well known that people who do volunteer work are more likely to donate more of their incomes, according to StatsCan.

Now, this government doesn't seem to realize or doesn't seem to understand the sensitivity, that by raising the PST and by forcing Manitoba families to work harder just to make ends meet, they're taking away from the very charities that need our help. Now, how does the Premier expect Manitobans will be able to continue to volunteer for worthy causes when they're working extra hours to pay higher taxes and fees? And I'd appreciate the Premier getting up and answering this question today. Mr. Struthers : Well, Mr.

Speaker, again, the official opposition leader won't get an argument from anybody in this House as to the volunteer spirit of the population in Manitoba; that is without question. Some of those same volunteers work for the Canadian Diabetes Association, where this government supports them in terms of insulin pumps. Some of those very volunteers work for the Cancer Society here in Manitoba, in which this government works along with to provide free cancer-care drugs. Mr.

Speaker, what those volunteers do not need is the members opposite, led by their–the member for Fort Whyte, in terms of cuts to things like health care, cuts to things like education, cuts to roads, cuts to bridges– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Pallister: Well, if there's anything that's clear from this session, it's that this is a government that takes Manitobans for granted every day. And they need to heed the words of the great Canadian composer Joni Mitchell, who said, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

And the reality is we should not take our status as the top- ranking province in this country for donating and supporting worthy causes–we should not take that for granted. Thanks to these unnecessary and illegal tax hikes, charities are going to find out what it's like. And not only has this Premier eroded Manitoba's ability to donate their money and their time to worthy causes, this Premier and his government plan to take a million dollars from Manitobans so they can give it to their own party. Now, that is shameful. And this is a negative impact.

It's negatively impacting on organizations' ability to raise money and attract volunteers. Manitobans are the most caring volunteers and donors to worthy cause s–worthy causes, not unworthy ones. Why would the NDP feel it's their right to take money away from worthy causes and give it to an unworthy one, the New Democratic Party of Manitoba? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): Mr. Speaker, part of my –in

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5027 my portfolio, many of the organizations that we work with are charities. They depend on the donations of Manitobans and the volunteer time of Manitobans to do their work. They also depend on government funding to do their work. And I have to tell the member opposite that had we taken his advice, had we put his plan into effect to cut half a billion dollars from the funding that we provide to those hard- working charities, they would need even more charitable donations. They wouldn't be able to do the work that they have to do.

We won't be taking that advice. We'll continue to invest and work with not-for-profit organizations to deliver the services that Manitoba families count on. That is what we believe in. That's the work we'll continue to do. QuickCare Clinic (Selkirk) Nurse Practitioner Vacancy Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden -Winkler): Mr. Speaker, three weeks ago, I raised the issue that the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic was open and operating at times without a nurse practitioner. The sign on the door said the same.

Now, on August the 19th, the minister responded and said, and I quote, indeed, there were some personal circumstances that were not permitting a nurse practitioner to be available at that QuickCare clinic. Mr. Speaker, a FI PPA response now shows that there were two positions actually vacant at the QuickCare centre in Selkirk. That means that there were not personal issues; there were personnel issues. What's obvious is that the minister put inaccurate information on the re cord. My question for the minister: Will she admit it? Hon. T heresa Oswald (Minister of Health): I thank the member for the question.

Certainly, we know that 43,000 Manitobans have been the great beneficiaries of the tremendous care that nurses and nurs e practitioners have provided since they opened, first of their kind in Manitoba. This is a very good thing. Certainly, we do know that we continue to educate nurse practitioners, just recently saying that we're going to invest in free tuition for those that will serve in underserved communities. The member is partially correct today –I will say that–in that two additional nurse practitioners are going to be hired into rural Manitoba.

But, again, I have to say that the Selkirk Journal reported the Mani toba PCs attacked the NDP government Tuesday– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Friesen: Mr. Speaker, the minister said, and I quote, "indeed, there are some personal circumstances that are not permitting a nurse practitioner to be available at that QuickCare clinic." End quote. According to a FIPPA response, there were actually two permanent nurse practitioner vacancies at that clinic. The first is a full- time position vacancy; the second is a 0.5 EFT position vacancy.

Why would the minister say in this Chamber that it was a personal issue when it is clear that it was a personnel issue? Will the Minister of Health apologize today for putting inaccurate information on the record of this Legislature? Ms. Oswald: Because the day we were speaking of, Mr. Speaker, a nurse practitioner employed at that clinic had some personal circumstances that allowed for only an RN to provide care that day. That's the fact, but allow me to go back to where I was.

A Selkirk journalist inve stigated his accusations made, and I would read as follows: The Manitoba – and this is from a Selkirk journalist in the Selkirk Record, August 22nd–the Manitoba PCs attacked the NDP government for what they called locked doors at the QuickCare clinic–[interjection]–thank you–but a trip to the Manitoba Avenue clinic Tuesday revealed it was definitely open for business. * (14:30) Licensed Locum Positions Saskatchewan Mr.

Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): Also on the subject of credibility, the minister said ab out me and about registered locum physicians yesterday, he said that Saskatchewan had over 82; this is not true. Well, Mr. Speaker, in my hand is the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons numbers for licensed locums: 82, as I quoted. Now, only this NDP minister would have the arrogance to attack the statistics received directly from the regulatory body of another

5028 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 province, as if she has more accurate information about Saskatchewan's physician workforce than Saskatchewan does. Would the mini ster agree that her time would be better spent searching for real solutions to her own health- care workforce issues than trying to misrepresent other– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The member's time has expired. Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): Well, Mr. Speaker, we contacted the Ministry of Health in Saskatchewan ourselves to confirm how many locum doctors they had.

They advised us there are two pools of locum doctors: one that includes eight to 12 at any given time; the second, that they are in the process of recruiting for now, that will include up to 20. So once staffed up, the Saskatchewan province will have 28 to 32 locums. On my list, Mr. Speaker, of other factual failings of the member opposite, I can tell you, of course, that he suggest ed that Manitoba only has seven locums.

I can tell him we have 25 locum doctors in the Manitoba locum tenants, plus there are locum doctors in the RHAs: Northern health region, 19 providing services; Prairie Mountain, three providing services– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. High-Risk Sex Offender Repeat Offender Concern Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Well, perhaps if the minister paid more attention to her department rather than Saskatchewan's, we'd be able to staff more. Mr. Speaker, the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit has issued yet another warning to Manitobans.

The Minister of Justice has said that, where appropriate, Manitoba Justice can move to put measures in place to guide a high- risk sex offender and limit their ability to reoffend. I note that Manitoba Justice and the RCMP are moving to do just that for a convicted sex offender. Mr. Speaker, we recently had two instances of high-risk sex offenders reoffending, and in both cases the victims were young, 13 years of age. Why did the NDP government fail to protect those young victims? Hon.

Andrew Swan (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Certainly, the police and our Crown attorneys, that take their responsibility very seriously, I will try to have the member understand, once again, they can only deal with the information that they're given, and when they receive that information they consider very seriously whether there are appropriate grounds. I know the member has spoken about other cases. In fact, just in concurrence a few days ago, he acknowledged the case he was talking about was an individual who'd been released on parole by the federal parole board.

The federal parole board had decided it was appropriate for someone to be released out into the community. I hope the member for Brandon West can understand why that would make it much more difficult for a Crown attorney to try and get in front of a judge and make an argument when the federal appointees on the federal parole board mad e a decision about an individual that had been in a federal jail. Perhaps the member could contemplate that. Mr. Helwer: Well, once again, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice is quick to blame the federal government, as if they live in a different world.

Manitobans are concerned when the government does not know what is going on in the justice system, and they expect this minister to know. Mr. Speaker, why has this NDP government failed yet again to protect the victims of violent crime, and in particula r those young victims of a repeat sexual offender? Apparently, he does not know what's happening in Manitoba. Mr. Swan : Indeed, there is a protocol when an individual gets to the end of their term in a federal penitentiary.

There is a very good protocol w here that information is given by the federal corrections service to Manitoba Justice, who can then decide on the facts if it is appropriate to make an order or a request for a particular kind of order. Let me again explain to the member for Brandon West that that does not occur when the federal parole board has made a decision that it is appropriate to allow someone who was in a federal penitentiary to serve their federal parole out in the community. That is not a decision made by Manitoba Justice. That i s not a decision made by a Manitoba judge.

That is a decision made by the federal parole board.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5029 I'm not going to speak to the correctness or wrongness of that decision, but the member needs to understand it is the federally appointed parole board that makes that choice– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Order, please. Order, please. I want to advise our guests who are with us here in the gallery this afternoon there is to be no participating in the proceedings of the House here this afternoon, including–and that includes applause. Mr. Helwer: Well, one of the individuals that the Department of Justice is dealing with, Mr.

Speaker, is coming from another province. So apparently we can deal with offenders in other provinces but we can't in our own province. This NDP government likes to blame everyone else for their own failures. Mr. Speaker, how can this Minister of Justice defend his government for their inability to protect Manitobans from violent crime in their own province? Mr. Swan : Well, it's true. I can't tell the federal government what to do. I c an't tell the federal parole board what to do. But, thankfully, I am surrounded by colleagues who care about public safety in the province of Manitoba.

So when I go to my Finance Minister, my colleagues, and say, please support more police in the provinc e of Manitoba, I'm proud to be surrounded by New Democrats who are prepared to make those investments even though they're voted against by the Leader of the Opposition and every single Conservative and the Liberal in this Legislature.

And when I go to my c olleagues and I say, we need more Crown attorneys to make sure we process cases, to make sure that our Crown attorneys have an appropriate workload, I'm pleased I've got colleagues who support me, unlike the Conservatives who vote against public safety, w ho vote against those investments and have the audacity to stand up afterwards and complain. Shame on them. Horse Racing Industry Government Consultations Mr. Cliff Cullen ( Spruce Woods ): Well, Mr. Speaker, when a government has been office too long, they believe they know better than taxpayers.

This is clearly the case with the NDP and their dealings with the horse racing industry in Manitoba. The NDP are determined to undermine and potentially kill both the thoroughbred and the standardbred industry in Manitoba. They've refused to enter into meaningful discussions with stakeholders to come up with long- term strategies and solutions to the industry. Mr. Speaker, I ask: Why is the NDP government not engaged in proper consultation with the horse racing industry in Manitoba? Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance ): Well, Mr.

Speaker, back in January we made it very clear with the Manitoba Jockey Club just what it is we were going to do. We had all the authorities to move forward and do what we said we would do. We put it into the budget. It's been a subject of debate in this House over and over again. We had meetings with the Jockey Club. We made it very clear that we were going to move $5 million from horse racing into health care. Our priorities a re right on this side. I'd suggest their priorities are all screwed up. Legal Proceedings–Costs Mr. Cullen : Well, Mr. Speaker, that wasn't consultation in my books.

Now, we know the NDP have withheld funding from The Pari -Mutuel Levy Act that was legall y to go to the horse racing industry. The judge subsequently ordered the Minister of Finance to forward the funds to the industry. The NDP now, of course, propose to change that legislation. Several NDP Cabinet ministers are involved in this file, Mr . Speaker. Two of them are named in conflict-of-interest allegations. The NDP have got a myriad of lawyers looking–working on these court proceedings. All these proceedings cost money. How much money have taxpayers been on the hook for to defend the NDP position? Mr.

Struthers: Well, Mr. Speaker, the member for Spruce Woods is absolutely incorrect. He can believe whatever conspiracy theory he likes, but what we did was outline in meetin gs with the Jockey Club, in writing to the Jockey Club–it was outlined in the budget we presented in this House –we made it very clear that that money from the parimutuel fund was going to stay within horse racing, was to be diverted from the Jockey Club to the Great Western Harness Racing to –because that particular group needs help as well.

5030 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 But, Mr. Speaker, our priorities are very clear. The money that we will save–members feign interest in saving money–but the money we will save will go towards health care. Mr. Cullen: The minister's lawyers didn't write the legislation that way. Mr. Speaker, the NDP have withheld money owing to the industry. They propose to change the legislation. They're also proposing to tear up the existing lotteries contract. And the government also plans to pass legislation to protect themselves from this move. They are doing this through Bill 47.

Now the NDP face legal challenge on this proposed legislation as well. The court proceedings just pile on. * (14:40) Mr. Speaker , we're asking: How much are the taxpayers of Manitoba on the hook to date and how much more is going to be on the hook for Manitoba taxpayers in the next proceedings to have happen? Mr. Struthers: Mr. Speaker, members opposite can defend a 90 per cent su bsidization rate of the Manitoba Jockey Club if they so choose. That's not the choice we've made on this side of the House.

On behalf of Manitoba taxpayers –which, again, members opposite feign to represent around here –on behalf of those very same taxpayers, we are saving $5 million, and that money will be dedicated to priorities that Manitoba families have, which include health care. That's our priorities. I think they've got their priorities backwards across the way there. Education Property Tax Manitoba Farm Families Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): This NDP government, during the last election, went door to door telling Manitoba farm families that to eliminate a hundred per cent of the education taxes off farmland. Mr.

Speaker, the Minister of Agricul ture, the Minister of Finance, ET and T, Local Government, member from Interlake and all members on that side of the House lied at the door about removing one hundred per cent of the education– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. I think I've cautioned the membe rs of the House on more than one occasion, and the word lied has been used quite liberally in a non- political sense in this House through this session and I've permitted that to occur because it has not been in direct relationship or pointed at any particu lar member of the Assembly.

The comments that are made by the honourable member for Lakeside just a moment ago appear to be directed to specific ministers as individuals within this Assembly. And I must ask the honourable member for Lakeside to withdraw that reference and that unparliamentary word, please. Mr. Eichler: I withdraw. Mr. Speaker: Rise in your place, please. Mr. Eichler: I withdraw. Mr. Speaker: I thank the honourable member for Lakeside. Now, the honourable member for Lakeside, please, to continue with his question. Mr. Eichler: Mr.

Speaker, all members of that side of the House misled the farmers of Manitoba and the farm families at the door. I ask the Minister of Agriculture why he has not stood up to those same Manitoba 'fam' families. Why did they mislead those families? Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance ): Well, Mr. Speaker, this side of the House owes no apologies to anyone in terms of the kind of tax support that we have given Manitobans over the years, including the Manitoba farm families the member for Lakeside speaks of today. Mr.

Speaker, it's this side of the House who has worked towards the elimination of the education support levy on residential property. It's this side of the House that increased the basic education property tax to $700. That's a lot better –a lot better –than what was at present when the Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Pallister) had his chance–him and Gary Filmon, I might say, had their chance to do that kind of support. They didn't do it when they had the chance, and now they're green with envy– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time has expired.

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5031 Mr. Eichler: Mr. Speaker, not only did this NDP government mislead Manitoba farmers about removing the education tax off farmland, they also put a cap of $5,000 and a deadline for applying for the refund. Terry Titchkosky went in recently, paid his education tax on his farmland and went to apply for the refund. Guess what? There was no application for refund. This government can't get it right. Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Agriculture: What is happening in his department? Does he have any clue about what's going on in his department? Mr.

Struthers: Mr. Speaker, over the years of this government, we have increased that very s ame farm school-tax rebate up to the point of 80 per cent. That is a lot better than what members opposite ever did when they were in government. Not just in area of tax credits and tax rebates for the farm families, this government has over and over again contributed to programs that have helped farmers, helped farm incomes. Those farm incomes, in term–in turn, help the communities in which they live. It builds the Manitoba economy.

It puts people to work, and that's one of the reasons why we have the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Eichler: Mr. Speaker, we have given the Minister of Agriculture some time to get settled in his role as the Ag Minister. What have we seen? Job cuts, offices closed, no increase in processing capacity for our beef producers –it's in total chaos. This Minister of Agriculture is not standing up for Manitoba farm families. Now farmers cannot even get their tax rebate because there's no application forms. What is this minister doing?

I suggest –I suggest strongly–during the break he get his department under control and find out what's going on in his own department. Do that. Mr. Struthers : I would suggest, Mr. Speaker, that during that very same break the member for Lakeside take a look at every single time he's voted against an increase to the tax rebate that his very same farmers in his constituency have benefited from because this government, this side of the House, this government is committed to the family farm. This side of the government has moved forward budget after budget after budget in terms of tax rebates for farmers, Mr.

Speaker. Farm families know that this side of the government they can count on to make sure that they get those rebates a t 80 per cent, which is a whole heck of a lot better than what members opposite ever put forward for the farm family. Member for St. Norbert Participation in Cabinet Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): This Premier (Mr. Selinger) has absolutely no credib ility. No one can believe a word that he says. Just a few short weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, he talked tough, saying that he was stripping the member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau) of his responsibilities for the homophobic comments that he made.

However, he's already, this week –the Premier has allowed the member for St. Norbert to sit in the Chair during concurrence on behalf of his government. Mr. Speaker, over and over again, he says one thing and he does another. Will he now admit that he has no credibility, that his words mean nothing? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Acting Premier): Well, Mr.

Speaker, you know, we've sat here in committee for the last several nights and heard –and I know the member for river heist has–River East has been in that committee and heard some extremely moving presentations from people on the subject of homophobia and the homophobia that they have experienced in their lives. And we've–you know, one of the ones that I remember most is a man who I've known for many, many years who came to t hat committee with the suicide letter that he wrote when he was 16 and talked about how the teacher saved his life.

And so we can spend some time on this, but I would say to the member opposite she –her time would be better spent convincing her caucus to– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Order, please. The honourable member for River East has the floor. Mrs. Mitchelson: I certainly wasn't standing in my place in support of this government and that member's comments.

5032 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 Mr. Speaker, the Premier (Mr. Selinger) speaks out of both sides of his mouth. Time and time again, he has said things and then not followed through on what he has said. He said before the last election that he wasn't going to raise taxes. Mr. Speaker, what did he do after? He robbed Manitobans of $500 million, took that right of their pockets through taxes and fee increases. How can we believe anything he says?

Then again he talks tough when he's got a member of his own caucus that has made homophobic comments, and he puts him in the Chair as the face of his government. How do they have any credibility? * (14:50) Ms. Howard: Well, Mr. Speaker, in the next couple of days, we will see what the commitment is in this Chamber to protecting the rights of all Manitobans. We will see what the commitment is. We have put before this House a bill that very clearly protects all children from bullying. That bill very clearly cites every ground of discrimination in the Human Rights Code.

You know, the members opposite have asked a question. I would like to answer it, and I am endeavouring to do so. And we will see, Mr. Speaker, in the coming days, who in this Chamber is willing to stand with our young people, who are willing to stand with our young people in their efforts to combat bullying. You will see, in this Chamber, who is willing to stand with young people who are seeking equality and who are not willing to stand with those people. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for River East, with a final supplementary. Mrs.

Mitchelson: We've already seen how this government treats the bullies in their caucus that stand up and make homophobic comments. They reward them by putting them in the Chair and making them the face of their government. Mr. Speaker, will someone– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. I understand there are very strongly held views on this matter. I've cautioned honourable members about the level going up in the House. We're doing pretty good to this point, but I'm going to s pecifically ask the member for St. Norbert (Mr.

Gaudreau) to control himself, please, keep his comments down, and to make sure that I have the opportunity to hear the questions and the answers. The honourable member for River East, to continue, please. Mrs. Mitchelson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, but the list of double standards and backtracking grows day by day in this Chamber. We have a mini –or a Premier and a government caucus that has absolutely no credibility. They say one thing and they do another. The y talk tough, but their actions don't reflect the talk. Mr. Speaker, will they stand up today, will the Premier stand up and indicate– Mr.

Speaker: Order, please. The member's time has expired. Ms. Howard: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm going to tell you, as a person who is proud and out as a lesbian in my community, that I stand with a Premier and a leader who protects my family, who stands with me. I stand with a leader and a Premier who supports my right to get married. I stand with a leader and a Premier who supports my right to have my name on my child's birth certificate. She stands with a leader who voted against that right to get married and she voted– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please.

I want to caution the honourable minister, when making comments, please, it's to place them through the Chair. I do not want to personalize the debate in here, because that can lead to other problems for us. So I'm asking for the honourable minister's co-operation in directing her comments through the Chair, please. Have you concluded your answer, the honourable Minister of Family Services and Labour? Ms. Howard: Well, yes, in conclusion, Mr.

Speaker, I would say, through you, that I sat in this gallery and watched a vote on my right to have my name on my child's birth certificate, and the member for River East voted against that right. Diabetes Reduction Strategy Government Record Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, yesterday I tabled the government's own data to show that the government's list of scattered programs to reduce diabetes have had no province -wide impact to decrease the incidence of diabetes. A

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5033 province-wide epidemic like diabetes should be treated seriously, with a highly organized command centre, a strong strategic plan implemented w ith regularly measured outcomes and a continuous effort to update and improve it. The government has its Diabetes Strategy on its website. I table the first three pages, if they've forgotten. I ask the minister: How many of the strategy's 53 goals have been fully achieved? Hon.

Jim Rondeau (Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs ): I'd like to let the member know that what we've done in this government is we've focused on not just when a person gets diabetes but before they get diabetes. So I'm pleased to be the minister, in 2004, that committed to increase physical activity by 10 per cent in 10 years. I'd like to inform all members of the House we achieved the 10 per cent goal in seven years and we led the nation. I'm also pleased to let all members know the other way you deal with diabetes is by diet.

I'm pleased that we have almost 1,000 gardens, we have healthier food, we've been working with Grow-a-Row programs, et cetera. We have food in schools that are talking about appropriate, healthier food rather than sugary junk. And you know what, Mr. Speaker? We have more to do and we're doing it, in spite of how the member opposite votes. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, it is a sad fact that very few of the goals of the Province 's Diabetes Strategy have in fact been fully achieved province-wide.

It is evident that the NDP government has been singularly ineffective in actually reducing the incidence of diabetes, but perhaps because they haven't paid that much attention to their own strategy. So I ask the minister: Will he at least commit to providing a full accounting of the implement status – implementation status of the Diabetes Strategy by providing, within two weeks, a full accounting of the status of each of the 53 goals in the strategy and what has and has not been implemented? Mr.

Rondeau: I'd like to let the member know that we have a multiple -pronged strategy, and a lot of it has to do with prevention. And it's throughout government; Health has a part, Children and Youth has a part, Healthy Living has a part. And I'd like to let members know some of the parts. Children and Youth has a great program on making sure that young moms, pregnant moms eat properly, deal with their condition so that they don't develop diabetes.

We also have all sorts of programs which are talking about food and nutrition, and that's early and it's not just as the person gets diabetes; it starts with the programs in schools, where kids are now not eating junk food, there's actually healthier meals in schools. And there's healthy food policy in schools so places like Frontier School Division, where I previously taught, have vegetables and proper nutrition and not just junk– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Gerrard: Mr.

Speaker, this week the Broadbent Institute has graded the NDP government as last of all the provinces when it comes to the social well-being, including health, of our population. And, now, one of the problems clearly is this government believes in mult i-pronged, going- every direction strategies which don't achieve results. The government needs to be accountable on the 'dialbeety' strategy. As I've highlighted, they've been close to hopeless in reducing the diabetes epidemic, the largest and longest health epidemic in the history of our province. Even the annual reports on the strategy haven't been completed.

I ask the minister why he has not at least delivered on the annual reports, an update on the– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The member's time has expired. Mr. Rondeau: I'll go through some of the programs that we have initiated as a government to deal with diabetes, nutrition and activity. In addition to the phys. ed. across the curriculum from K to 12, which was in part of the recommendations the member opposite attended, and all those, we also have a school nutrition program across 190 schools. We have vegetables in school snack programs across multiple programs and initiatives acr oss the province.

We have a school nutrition policy. We have the Farm to School fundraiser dealing with Peak of the Market that sold almost three quarters of a million pounds of vegetables versus chocolate bars. We have the

5034 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 Northern Healthy Foods program. We have the Nourishing Potential, which has millions of dollars that funds healthy living activities. We have packed– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. * (15:00) Northern Manitoba Training Initiatives Mr. Clarence Pettersen (Flin Flon): Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness –I'll say it again –it is with great sadness that we on this side of the House know that the Leader of the Opposition doesn't support our plan to keep building and growing the economy.

He wants to make acros s-the-board, indiscriminate cuts that would hurt the economy and cut jobs that families rely on. In contrast, our government builds for the future of Manitoba. That's why I was so pleased to hear that the Premier (Mr. Selinger) was in Thompson today to a nnounce the government's commitment to building Manitoba's workforce, creating jobs –paying jobs–for the people in northern Manitoba. I'm hoping the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade can share a bit about what was announced today. Hon.

Peter Bjornson (Minister of Entrepreneur - ship, Training and Trade ): And I thank my northern colleague for the question. It gives me an opportunity to talk about three things that we're very proud of on this side of the House: training and opportunities for Aboriginal people, the development of hydro in northern Manitoba and, of course, partnerships with our colleagues in northern Manitoba with respect to the sector council.

The Premier was there today to announce $1.9 million in Training to Employment Pathways Initiative, which is a program for skilled jobs and existing workers transitioning to more advanced jobs. He was there to announce the Northern Apprenticeship Training Co- op, which will get 15 more apprenticesh ips for heavy -duty equipment technicians. He was there to announce the Process Operator in Training Program in co -operation with Vale operations Manitoba in co- operation with the Northern Sector Council and in co- operation with Nelson House Cree Nation, Mr . 'peaper' –Mr. Speaker.

These are all important investments in northern Manitoba– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time has expired. Time for oral questions has expired. Speaker's Ruling Mr. Speaker: I have a ruling for the House. Order, please. During oral questions on September the 9th, 2013, the honourable Official Opposition House Leader (Mr. Goertzen) raised a point of order regarding an answer provided by the honourable Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines (Mr. Chomiak).

T he honourable Official Opposition House Leader suggested that the minister's answer was not in keeping with the spirit of a respectful workplace ruling I delivered to this House last month and that the comments reflected on members of the Legislature. The honourable Government House Leader (Ms. Howard) spoke to the point of order before I took the matter under advisement. When the honourable Official Opposition House Leader raised this matter, I expressed to the House my sincere appreciation for members' efforts in improving the decorum of this House in recent weeks.

I would reiterate that sentiment today along with the hope that we can continue with those efforts in subsequent sessions. In this way, I feel that we demonstrate both that we are serious about our work and that we can conduct ourselves in a respectful manner. As I mentioned in a ruling I delivered to this House on –in August 27th, 2013, I am aware that there are many important issues before this Assembly on which members hold strong and divergent views and opinions.

Despite such agreement–disagreements, I believe that members should conduct themselves in an orderly manner and show respect for one another and for the institution they serve. Turning to the point of order raised, as O'Brien and Bosc stated on page 510 of the second edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, in quotations: "The Speaker ensures that replies adhere to the dictates of order, decorum and parliamentary language. The Speaker, however, is not responsible for the quality or content of replies to questions." End of quotations. Several Manitoba Speakers,

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5035 including myself on many occasions, have upheld this principle in rulings made from this Chair. I have reviewed the Hansard transcript from the date in question. I n the House that day, the member for St. Paul (Mr. Schuler) and the honourable Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines (Mr. Chomiak) were involved in an exchange in which they both expressed strong opinions. In my view of that exchange, I observed that there was language used on both sides that inflamed the situation.

While I do not find the comments in question from the honourable Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines unparliamentary, they were perhaps not as respectful as they could have been. To be clear, there was no breach of a rule or practice in the comments made by the honourable Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines, and I am not ruling them unparliamentary. But I would urge the honourable minister and the honourable member for St. Paul to keep their comments as respectful as possible, and I would also offer that as general advice to all members of this Assembly.

Now, we'll turn to– MEMBERS' STATEMENTS The Arden Seven Hon. Christine Melnick (Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism): Mr. Speaker, today I rise to tell a story. This is the story of seven brave men who grew up on Arden Avenue and who volunteered, fought and were captured in the Battle of Hong Kong during the Second World War. These men, Fred Abrahams, known as Fred Hardi ng, Bill Lancaster, brothers Alfred, Edward and Harry Shayler, and twin brothers, Morris and George Peterson, have become widely known as the Arden Seven. George joins us in the gallery today.

I first heard of the Arden Seven after being elected as the M LA for Riel in 2003. In preparation for my maiden speech, I spent time at the St. Vital historical museum researching the history of my community. It was there that I came across these–this incredible story of the bravery, courage and strength of these comrades. All seven men fought in the 17- day Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941, and were taken prisoner by Japanese forces. Spending four years in captivity, the men were forced to work in prisoner-of-war camps.

Their struggles, their sacrifices and their stories must live on, and be shared with all members of our community. And so, Mr. Speaker, their stories will be kept alive. Last month, I joined Hong Kong war veteran, George Peterson, the Premier (Mr. Selinger), City Councillor Brian Mays, and Mayor Sam Katz, to announce that the Jules Mager Park, located at the corner of St. Michael Road and River Road, will be home to the Arden Seven Interpretive Plaza. There, seven chairs will be erected, with commemorative plaques sharing the stories of the seven soldiers who served on behalf of all of us.

Above all, I would like to ask all members to join me in thanking and recognizing George Peterson and the families and friends of all the Arden Seven, and the thousands of brave men and women who have fought abroad to protect our liberty, our peace, our democracy here at home. We will not forget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Curtis Gray Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Mr. Speaker, last week, Thursday, we lost a very special member of the Manitoba community, Curtis Gra y. Curtis led a remarkable life as a valued member of the community, volunteering all of his spare time for numerous organizations.

Curtis was born and raised in Winnipeg and graduated from Garden City Collegiate in 1974. From his early age, he was a har d worker, spending many years delivering newspapers along one of the longest routes in the city of Winnipeg–for the city of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Tribune. In 1979 he began working full -time as an installer for the family business, AAA Alarm Systems. Through his strong work ethic and keen business sense, Curtis rose to the top, assuming the position of owner, general manager and president of AAA in 1985.

Along with his co -owner sister Janet, Curtis expanded the business and made it into the largest privately owned alarm company in western Canada. In 1988, AAA was purchased by Manitoba Telecom System, but Curtis continued to manage the company before retiring from the alarm system in 2001. * (15:10) Curtis loved people and was committed to making Winnipeg a bett er place. He spent years tirelessly volunteering his time to the Winnipeg Winter Club as a board member, to the Progressive Conservative Party through Keystone Club and their

5036 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 annual golf tournament, the Children Hospital Foundation Dr. Goodbear golf tourna ment, the Arthritis Society of Manitoba and the creation of Amy Grey Memorial Endowment Fund, and as a board member on the Winnipeg Convention Centre, the Canadian Security Association, board member in the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise Personal Advisory Group. After retiring from AAA in 2001, Curtis combined his love with sport and business in purchasing the Golf Dome of Winnipeg. Curtis was always an athlete and a lifelong fan of the Bombers.

All attendees at his funeral today were encouraged to wear white socks to pay tribute to Curtis's love of golf and sport. Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to share with members of this House about the incredible life and work of Curtis Gray. Curtis touched lives of so many people and will be deeply missed not only by the PC Party and families here and the rest of us in Manitoba who offer our sincerest condolences to Curtis's family and friends. Thank you. Honouring Elaine Bishop Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities): Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to honour the work of a truly remarkable woman from Point Douglas who has made a tremendous difference towards improving our community. Elaine Bishop lives in North Point Douglas and has touched the lives of so many people in our area through her compassion, integrity and commitment to peace and social justice. She is dedicated and tenacious. Elaine has worked for the Quakers in Canada and Scotland and spent four years living with and working with Lubicon Cree Nation in northern Alberta.

S he has volunteered with the Aboriginal Rights Coalition of the Canadian Council of Churches, Mount Carmel Clinic, Sage House and the Mennonite Central Committee. Elaine has played an integral role in the development of North Point Douglas Women's Centre, serving as the executive director since 2005. The centre creates opportunities for women in North Point Douglas to develop their potential and to engage fully as citizens in their neighbourhood and the broader community.

She has made a significant contribution to local events such as the Austin Street Festival, the annual Butterfly Fundraising Gala and the recently constructed community oven in Michaëlle Jean Park. In 2009, Elaine received the YM -YWCA Women of Distinction Award for community volunteerism. In 2012 she was awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her work in North Point Douglas. Elaine is one of those special people who sees possibilities and potential where other people see challenges and barriers. She is a role model and an inspiration to all who know her.

At the end of September, Elaine will be retiring, and the Women's Centre will be hosting a farewell community feast on September 21st in honour of her work in North Point Douglas and lifelong service around the world. On behalf of the community of Point Douglas and all the members of the House, please join me in congratulating and thanking Elaine for all her efforts on behalf of our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Municipal Amalgamations Mr.

Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Another step in this NDP government's attack on the fabric and vitality of rural Manitoba has been taken with the completion of committee hearings on Bill 33, the municipal amalgamation bill. When The Municipal Act was rewritten in '97, the goal was to give munic ipalities, urban and rural, more autonomy. The premise was that local decision making at the grassroots level was a good thing and The Municipal Act was written to reflect that. Now, with one stroke of the pen, the NDP government has said we don't care about municipal governments.

No respect has been given to municipalities or to the people of Manitoba and the right to decide their own future and local governance. The presenters at committee were almost unanimous in their disgust and opposition to Bill 33. And what was the minister's response? Well, he pulled out the first aid kit and found a couple of Band-Aids and said, what a wise man I am. I have fixed the bill. One of those Band -Aids was an amendment that gave the minister sole discretion over which municipalities will amalgamate. Municipalities now have absolutely no input, no say in this process.

This has destroyed a respectful relationship between municipalities urban and rural and the provincial government that has been carefully nurtured for 125 years. This is not respect. It is

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5037 bullying. The RM of Langford, the municipality I live in, is 120 years old. Now the people of Langford are told by this NDP government Langford will cease to exist and told they have no choice in the matter. What's the justification for this attack on their existence? What is their failure? What is their crime? What have they done to deserve this disrespectful directive? Well, their population's only 800 people, so presto, you are gone. No other parameters matter. The relationship of municipal and provincial governance has changed forever.

They now say, forget about local governance; we know what is best for you, and you will obey. I believe ther e is room for amalgamation, but not forced amalgamation. Municipalities should be allowed to make their own decisions. I ask, on behalf of all municipalities in Manitoba, please respect the vital level of governance. Rethink your position. Take the time for meaningful consultation. The minister talks about leadership. True leaders inspire their followers. Dictatorship is not leadership. Make no mistake, Bill 33 is about control, not about freedom. What a poor legacy from a poor minister. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Manitoba Organization of Disc Sports (MODS)– 25th Anniversary Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): Mr. Speaker, today I proudly congratulate the Manitoba Organization of Disc Sports , MODS, on 25 years of high- calibre athletic performance and amazing recreation opportunities for Manitobans. Ultimate Frisbee is a unique sport played by people of different genders, ages and skill levels without any referees. Any disagreements on the field are resolved by the players themselves following the code of Spirit of the Game.

As my colleague from Concordia can attest, any sport where you run wind sprints for two hours also offers an intense physical workout. My own introduction to Ultimate happened at Assiniboine Park in the summer of 1995, and I'v e been hooked ever since. Our local league has grown from a few dozen players back then to well over 4,000 athletes today. I remember volunteering with the MODS Fields Committee over a decade ago, and am proud that our government helped fund the Winnipeg Ultimate Park in south Winnipeg that was recently used by 180 teams in 41 divisions for this year's league championships.

Manitoba's Ultimate touring teams are also a source of pride, Mr. Speaker. Just last month five teams from Manitoba made it to the med al rounds at this year's national championships, with two of them winning berths in next year's World Championships in Lecco, Italy. Special congratulations are owed to Manitoba's women's team, called Fusion, and to my own team in the Masters Division, nam ed Flood, on this amazing accomplishment. Indeed, had my duties at the Legislature not kept me here, I would have gladly joined my Flood teammates at nationals, though that might have meant we didn't qualify for worlds. Mr.

Speaker, I seek leave of the H ouse to include the names of all the Manitoba athletes who represented our province at the 2013 National Championships. I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of Mr. Corey Draper, executive director of MODS, and to extend my deep thanks to past and present members of the MODS board and to all the volunteers, as well, for bringing this amazing sport to Manitoba and nurturing its explosive growth over the years.

May the handling and hammering, cutting and cupping, forcing and flicking, hucking and hoeing, stacking and snacking, zoning and groaning, celebrating and storytelling continue for many more years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: That concludes members' statements.

Is there leave to allow the names that the honourable member for Wolseley mentioned to be included in the proceedings of today? [Agreed] Team Roster–Flood, Masters Division: 1 George Buri, 2 Trevor Horvath, 3 Brian Cruz, 4 Rob Burns, 8 David Campbell, 9 Jeremie Kuypers, 10 Ian Clegg, 12 Charles Reed, 13 Lee Davis, 14 Tim O'Toole, 15 Brad Gerbrandt, 16 Eddsel Martinez, 20 Corey Draper, 21 Lee Crierie, 22 Daniel Bedard, 25 Mark Mutawe, 27 Cam Jones, 32 Mike Morris, 33 Dave Howes, 34 Ryan Pilgrim, 42 AJ Hunter, 44 Cory Young, 47 Duane Poettcker, 71 Clark Greenfield, 76 Nathan Gerbrandt, Team Roster–Fusion, Women's Division: 3 Erin McKinlay, 4 Alexa Kovacs, 5 Paige McCullough, 7 Laura Hatch, 8 Kate Scarth, 9 Cayla Mooney, 10 Meaghan Marsland, 11 Cheryl Coulter,

5038 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA September 12, 2013 12 Latita Seaman, 13 Emily Forrest, 16 Karen Hatch, 18 Emma Br ooks, 27 Hillary Prescott, 28 Melanie Blanchard, 29 Kaiya Seaman, 33 Elan Chochinov, 36 Robin Merasty, 37 Leah Parker, 44 Nicole Vidal, 89 Samie Lovat Team Roster–General Strike, Open Division: 27 Jonathan Luk, - Jasa Grant, 0 Daniel Plourde, 1 Joshua Magnusson, 10 Jordan Kovacs, 11 Mike Chura, 13 Weichi Truong, 14 Jordan Chochinov, 15 Scott Jones, 2 Tyler Chochinov, 21 Cam Burden, 23 Yacine Bara, 0 Matthew Loxley, 28 Tyler Ganes, 3 Brad Davidson, 4 Jesse Greenberg, 50 Sean Brooks, 7 Kyle Parker, 74 Willem Konrad, 8 Scott Warwaruk, 80 Elliot Wong, 9 Ethan Kovacs, 9 Bailey Herron, 96 Zach Goldberg Team Roster–Critical Mass, Open Division: 0 Robert Logan, 4 Josh Kerr, 6 Daniel Desrosiers, 10 Dominic Kovacs, 12 Dayton Malegus, 13 Christopher Graham , 17 Liam McLeod, 17 Carlos Villa, 21 Dean Johnstone, 22 Anton Sigurdson, 24 Zack Hawley, 29 Brendan Wilson, 33 Justin Delorme, 34 Annachie Baskier -Pasternak, 55 Quinn Tays, 64 Kyle Thomson, 94 Hugh Wichenko Team Roster–Red River Rebellion, Mixed Division: 3 Sean Restall, 5 David Samborski, 8 Kendra Borgford, 10 Laura Boman, 11 Bailey Jablonski Armstrong, 13 Jonathan Boman, 16 David Zhen, 17 Julia Laforge, 18 Justin Suss, 21 Stefan Berube, 24 Andrew Stevens, 28 Nigel Russell, 29 Josh Drury, 31 Michelle Fiola, 44 Amy Campbell, 44 Brooke Fletcher, 45 Lisa Harms, 70 Jordan Watt, 74 Dylan Hewlett Team Roster–MOFO, Junior Girls Division: 0 Somin Park, 2 Hailey Yozenko, 3 Brooke Herron, 4 Johanna Ens -MacIver, 5 Kaycee Hunt, 7 Erika Gustafson-Fish, 10 Jada Lim, 10 Anya Snider, 11 Shannon Kleysen, 12 Joely Valencerina, 13 Megan Mahon, 14 Amy Lam, 15 Ainslee Heim, 17 Cassidy Kelch, 20 Kirsten Hooper, 21 Megan Skakum, 24 Katie Lesage, 26 Katiana Mastin, 29 Parisa Sepehri, 33 Renee Delorme, 36 Aleksandra Ciochon Newton, 64 Amy Song, 77 Krista Aitken Team Roster–MOFO, Junior Boys Division: 2 David Ladyman, 4 Jacob Meiklejohn, 5 Matthew Ladyman, 7 Jon Kapac, 8 Peter Charles McCarthy, 9 Mark Carlson, 10 Caleb Snider, 12 John Guest, 13 Ethan Duncan, 14 Andrew Langel aar, 15 Alan Scarth, 16 Renz Partido, 18 Jackson Gustafson-Fish, 19 Nicholas Dacquisto,21 Artur Kivilaht, 22 Luke Kapac, 23 Gil Binnun, 25 Oren Binnun, 31 Frank Vattheuer, 52 Liam Sawatzky, 76 Steven Brown, 89 Neil Redpath, 95 Shayne Pfeifer, 96 Eric Chen, 98 Quinn Snider Mr.

Speaker: We'll now continue with grievances. Seeing no grievances, we'll move on to– ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS (Continued) Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, would you please call rep ort stage on Bill 33. REPORT STAGE AMENDMENTS Bill 33–The Municipal Modernization Act (Municipal Amalgamations) Mr. Speaker: We'll now proceed to call report stage amendments on–and we'll start with –by calling Bill 33, The Municipal Modernization Act (Municipal Amalgamations). Are there amendments honourable members wish to propose? Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Mr.

Speaker, I'm pleased to move, seconded by the member from River East, the proposed amendment to Bill 33, THAT Bill 33 be amended in C lause 4(2) by striking out "preference is to be given " and substituting "preference may be given". Mr. Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable member for Agassiz, seconded by the honourable member for River East (Mrs. Mitchelson), THAT Bill 33 b e amended in C lause 4(2) by striking out "preference is to be given " and substituting "preference may be given" . The amendment is in order. * (15:20) Mr. Briese: Mr.

Speaker, I'm pleased to rise and speak to the amendment to Bill 33 proposed–that I proposed here. This is the, of course, the forced amalgamation bill and it states that preference for amalgamation is to be giv en to the municipality or municipalities that have the strongest community of interest with (

a) being the municipality that is looking for amalgamation. There's no definition, nothing that says what a community of interest

September 12, 2013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 5039 is. Is it–has it got

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	40-2-107b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	40th 2nd hansardpdf 107b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	3ba865bc5a609706c1aff97f9ab7152af6c7ac0b

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