Manitoba Hansard — 17 March 2025 (Sitting 27, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-27

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXIX No. 27 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2025 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COMPTON, Carla Tuxedo NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JACKSON, Grant Spruce Woods PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie, Hon. Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike, Hon. River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St.

Vital NDP MOYES, Mike, Hon. Riel NDP NARTH, Konrad La Vérendrye PC NAYLOR, Lisa, Hon. Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC OXENHAM, Logan Kirkfield Park NDP PANKRATZ, David Waverley NDP PERCHOTTE, Richard Selkirk PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP SALA, Adrien, Hon. St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu, Hon. The Maples NDP SCHMIDT, Tracy, Hon. Rossmere NDP SCHOTT, Rachelle Kildonan-River East NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SIMARD, Glen, Hon. Brandon East NDP SMITH, Bernadette, Hon. Point Douglas NDP STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry Ind.

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Transcona

681 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, March 17, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

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

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Bison's Women's Volleyball Champions Hon. Renée Cable (Minister of Advanced Education and Training): Honourable Speaker, last night the U of M Bisons women' s volleyball team achieved something truly incredible. In four breathtaking, action- packed sets, after a full weekend of battle, they defeated the Montreal Carabins and reclaimed their rightful position as national champions and the best volleyball team in the country.

It was truly a moment of triumph for the women and a testament to the growing culture of volleyball and sports–women's sports in Manitoba. All seven of the starting players were raised in Manitoba. All played volleyball in Manitoba high schools. And communities from all across Manitoba produced players that contributed to their national championship win last night, communities like Ile des Chênes, Hamiota, Petersfield, Landmark and Flin Flon.

It was one of the first times in our province 's history that a women's team sold out the stadium, with over 3,500 attendees, many of whom waited in line for over an hour for the best seats to watch the best team in the country. Honourable Speaker, it 's hard to put into words the feeling in the stadium, especially while sitting next to my own 12-year-old daughter, when these incredible athletes put up block after block, kill after kill, and dig after dig. It was electric: mastery, deter mination, strength, physicality, grit, camaraderie, endurance and trail-blazing.

Honourable Speaker, these women are not only national champion athletes but all of them are top-tier students, as well, in some of the most challenging academic programs. These women have redefined university- and college-level athletics in our province, and we are all better for it. When we talk about women breaking down barriers and being in all spaces, this is what we're talking about. We are joined today here by Bisons captain Light Uchechukwu. Also here is Ken Bentley.

Ken has coached the Bisons women' s volleyball team for 39 years and has just won his seventh national championship out of eight in the team's history. On behalf of our ' previen'–on behalf of our Premier (Mr. Kinew) and our govern ment, we thank Light, Ken, all other team members, staff, University of Manitoba leadership and the fans for making all Manitobans proud. We ask leave to have the rest of the team members' and staff's names recorded in Hansard. Horns up.

Players: Andi Almonte, Julia Arnold, Brenna Bedosky, Emma Benson, Katreena Bentley, Bethany Carter, Eve Catojo, Chloe Ellerbrock, Elia Falcone, Ella Gray, Ella Gurr, Julia Horne, Alexandria Haip, Addisen Neill, Aviendah Plett, Chelsea Siebenga, Raya Surinx, Kameryn Vanwallegham Staff: Jyra Geronimo, Jim Grape, Mike Hamm, Michelle Sawatzky -Koop, Mandy Los, Joe Moore, Gene Muller, Ashley Sawatzky, Cole Scheller, Curt Warkentin

682 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Honourable Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the University of Manitoba women's volleyball team in their wonderful achievement in this past weekend by capturing gold at the U Sports national championships held at home on the U of M campus in front of thousands of fans, family and friends. The gold-medal game was a riveting–was riveting and exciting. Through teamwork and deter mination, the Uni versity of Manitoba secured the gold- medal win with a score of three sets to one over the Université de Montréal.

This gold- medal-winning performance was the first since 2014 but eighth overall since the team 's interception in 1970. With eight national titles, the team is now ranked second in most titles across all of Canada, a proud achievement for the U of M women's volleyball program indeed. Student athletes play an integral role in the campus community especially –[interjection] Can you still hear me? Hello? The Speaker: Yes, we can hear you. Please continue. MLA Lagassé: Okay. Something popped up on my screen there and interrupted. Excuse me, sorry.

Student athletes play an integral role in the campus community especially and are well known for their strong work ethic both in the classroom and on court. With this amazing win, I know there will be many female volleyball players encouraged to keep on playing knowing that they, too, can perhaps win in a university championship one day. To all those connected with the U of M women's volleyball program this past year –all the coaches, athletic therapists, student athletes and their families, including professors who taught these amazing players– our sincerest congratulations on a job well done.

Now that your dedi cation each and every day to training and to practising, to playing the sport and to your edu- cation, we know you will do well in the future. To the game leaders, including players Raya Surinx, Light Uchechukwu, Andi Almonte and Brenna Bedosky, what a great match. And to coach Ken Bentley, whose 39 -year career as a coach with seven titles to his credit, saw his own children Katreena Bentley and Julia Arnold win gold, who are both graduating seniors on this team. Again, congratulations to the University of Manitoba women's volleyball team on your gold- medal performance this past weekend.

All Manitobans are proud of what you have accomplished. * (13:40) The Speaker: Before we move on to members ' statements, I've got some introductions I 'd like to do at this point in time. Speaker's Statement The Speaker: Members may have noticed a familiar face returning to the table today. While we cannot refer to the absence of members in this Chamber, I'm allowed to note that our Deputy Clerk has been absent from his duties for the last few weeks, as he 's had something that–he thought, at least–was far more im- portant to attend to than all of us –becoming a father for the first time.

On February 24, 2025, Tim and his wife Becky became the proud parents of a baby boy, Finley John Stajkowski-Abbott. Finn and his parents are all doing very well, and we are thankful for this good news. Tim 's Assembly family is very happy for him, and we are happier still to welcome Becky and little Finn to the Speaker 's Gallery today. And now it 's time for Tim to get back to work. [interjection] I said now it's time for Tim to get back to work.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Corporal Kiernan Underwood MLA David Pankratz (Waverley): So today, as our government team continues to take a united team Canada approach to standing against US -imposed tariffs, I want to recognize another leader of team Canada: Corporal Kiernan Underwood of 17 Wing Winnipeg. Corporal Underwood recently served as co-captain of Team Canada at the Invictus Games. Like so many who serve, he has given deeply of himself; his body, his sense of peace, his own well -being. And the Invictus Games were more than a competition for him; they were a turning point.

Both he and his wife Tanya, who's here with him today, a paramedic, live with PTSD. And Corporal Underwood courageously asked me to share that here today in the hopes his openness may help others. The weight of service, whether in the military or on the front lines of emergency response, is often invisible. It 's carried in the struggle to find solid

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 683 ground after years of giving so much to others. But through the Invictus Games and power of sports and connection, Corporal Underwood found a community of people who truly understand. And since returning home, Corporal Underwood has been reflecting on that ex perience, not just for himself, but for his family. His wife, through this journey, made the incredibly brave decision to seek more support. And it's a reminder that healing isn 't a solitary path. It happens in connection, in courage, in the willingness to reach out.

Corporal Underwood embodies the very best of us: the resilience to face hardship; the selflessness to serve others; the strength to ask for help when it 's needed. These are values that define our Armed Forces. These are values that shape our first responders. And, at our best, these are the values that define Canada itself. And today, we honour Corporal Underwood–who joins us here in the gallery, as I said–not just for his achievements in rugby, Nordic skiing, rowing and ultra marathoning, but for what he represents.

It 's because of people like him that we fight to protect the things that matter: dignity, opportunity and the freedom to live a full life, no matter what challenges we face. Thank you. Harrison House Meals for Seniors Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Newdale recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: the 35th anniversary of its Harrison House meals for seniors program. The program's enduring success is a testament to the dedication of its board members, staff and community residents.

The meals program began with a simple, yet profound mission: to provide nutritious meals three times a week for seniors while fostering social con - nections among participants. Spearheaded by Enid Clark, who served as the chairperson for 25 years, the program has become an integral part of the community. At the anniversary celebration, she shared her memories of the origin of the program and then was asked to cut the anniversary cake. The meals program operates out of the Harrison House seniors residence, offering meals and a welcome place for socializing.

Lori Brewster, who is the current meals co-ordinator and has been a vital part of the program since 2018, said the table is so much more than just a plate to – place to eat and be physic ally nourished. She said connections are formed, plans are made, stories are told and laughter is shared. It 's a space where everyone feels welcome and emotionally nourished and there's always a seat at the table for anyone who wants to join. The program has played a crucial role in helping seniors remain independent in their homes longer, aligning with the goal of aging in place.

Like many communities, Newdale has faced chal- lenges, including a declining population, which means less participants in the meal program. However, the board and staff remain committed to maintaining and growing the program, encouraging area residents to participate. Increased government funding has alleviated some financial pressures, allowing the team to focus on enriching the program experience.

As Newdale celebrates 35 years of this wonderful community initiative, it's clear that the meals program is more than just a service; it's a lifeline, a community and a testament to the power of coming together to support one another. Thank you. Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): Today I rise to recognize Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar, a divine Sikh place of worship for Manitoba's Sikh community. Since the late 1970s, Manitoba's Sikh community has flourished, particularly in Winnipeg North, creating a clear need for a larger gurdwara.

Originally built in December 2001 as a 7,000-square- feet temple, Gurdwara Kalgidhar is now expanding to a new 35,000- square-feet facility on six additional acres of land. This great new project, made possible by the dedication and generosity of its members, will accommodate over 400 people, ensuring the preserva- tion of Sikh traditions for generations to come. The current gurdwara will be repurposed into a new community centre, providing space for meetings, celebrations and outreach programs focused on health and well-being.

By bringing together different social and generational groups, this centre will foster a stronger sense of belongingness and pride to the Sikh community.

684 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 Another key addition to this redevelopment is seniors housing, offering safe and accessible living spaces for the elderly. By integrating seniors resi - dences within the property, Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar will provide a supportive environment where seniors can remain close to their faith and culture. This initiative is more than just an expansion. It is about creating an inclusive, multi -functional space that strengthens the Sikh community while enriching Manitoba's diverse cultural fabric. I would like to enter the names of today' s guests into the Hansard.

They are Jaswinder Gill, Kalwinder Toor and Avtar Singh Sidhu. Thank you. Jaswinder Singh Gill, Avtar Singh Sidhu, Kalwinder Toor Southeast Mens Group MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Today, I'd like to recognize an organi zation that is truly making an impact for men in southeast Manitoba. Today, I want to recognize the Southeast Mens Group, who are truly making that difference. The group has started as a support group with one goal: help end the stigma and let men know they are not alone.

It's a group that is open to men 21 years of age and older, and is designed to allow men a safe space for meaningful conver sations, to build connections and community. They had their first meeting in January and it just finished–and just finished their third meeting this month. To date, it has brought together 42 different men. This group allows time to share, whether that be sharing wins or losses, struggles or successes. Some men come to find com munity and others come to be part of a community.

Along with the meeting–with meeting new friends, new neighbours and sharing, this group of men want these meetings to be purposeful. They bring in dif - ferent speakers to teach im portant coping skills, and are excited to expand and have more speakers come to enrich the lives of all those who attend. The Southeast Mens Group has gained a follow - ing, and individuals and businesses have reached out to their organization to graciously provide donations to help cover the cost of the facility and other expenses that may come up.

They 've also been contacted by bands who will be putting on concerts, with all proceeds being given to the men's group. I would like to thank the Southeast Mens Group for starting up. After all, men's mental health is impor- tant, and anything we can do to end the stigma helps us all. The Speaker: Just before recognizing a next member to speak, I would like to remind members that are virtual to please use the proper headsets; it makes the sound that we can hear so much better. We do have trouble hearing sometimes with other headsets. * (13:50) Recognizing the Women of Kildonan-River East Mrs.

Rachelle Schott (Kildonan-River East): Hon- ourable Speaker, women in Kildonan- River East are daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers and omas. They do so much of the silent work behind the scenes, yet they are still met with the same ex pectations as men to lead in their communities. There are countless amazing women here in Kildonan-River East who exemplify this and I request that their names be entered into Hansard: Irene , a devoted oma, has been a rock for her family for decades. She ensures they attend church and that her grandchildren stay connected to their German heritage.

When winter roads are unsafe, her home is always open to her grandchildren after school. Molly, whom I met during the last election, is a fierce advocate for transgender rights. She has worked to remove barriers and docu mentation, including the hurdle of changing her name on a local store's membership card. Getting to know Molly has been inspiring. Lisa, a mother of four, left her nursing profession to raise her children and was unable to practise under her licence due to time away from the front lines.

With the help of our incred ible Minister of Health (MLA Asagwara), Lisa's now back on track to rejoin the workforce and be one more nurse staying and working here in our great province. Women in KRE support each other despite all that is on their plates. True success isn't about competition with one another; it's about lifting each other up. Thank you to the women who rise each day as strong, brave leaders in our KRE community. Even if it looks a little different for each of us, we are all on the same path.

Every kind word that you share, and every time you acknowledge another woman's struggle, you are helping to break down barriers. Thank you.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 685 Introduction of Guests The Speaker: And before moving on, I've got some more guests in the gallery I'd like to introduce. In the public gallery, we have from Fairholme School 20 grade 9 students under the direction of Evelyn Maendel, and this group is located in the con- stituency of the hon ourable member for Lakeside (Mr. King).

Further, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Lieutenant Colonel David Cronk and a contingent of 18 soldiers who are here visiting us from the Canadian Forces base. They are all guests of the hon ourable member for Waverley (MLA Pankratz), who is the special envoy for military affairs. On behalf of all honour able members, we welcome you all here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Release of Child Sex Offender Timeline for Bail Reform Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, in February 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service's Internet Child Exploit- ation Unit was alerted by the National Child Exploit- ation Crime Centre that an online undercover police officer from the United States law en forcement agency was engaged in an online chat with a male from Winnipeg, Manitoba. On March 6, the Winnipeg Police Service's ICE investigators executed a search warrant and arrested a 46-year-old male from Winnipeg. He was arrested and charged, but then was released. Honourable Speaker, is the Premier okay with this? Hon.

Wab Kinew (Premier): I want to take this op- portunity to say to the Canadian Armed Forces members: thank you for your service. We appre ciate your patriotism and what you do each and every day. I want to take the chance to also thank the students who are here. Only take the good things out of what we do in question period, not the more controversial language that we use from time to time. Again, given the roles that we have in govern - ment, I will refrain from commenting on specific issues before the justice system. But what I would say is, no, child sexual exploitation is not acceptable. It never is.

And our team is working hard with law en- forcement to ensure that they have the proper resources, both inside the city of Winnipeg and across the province, to keep you safe. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, 17 months since this Premier said that he was going to keep violent criminals out of our com munities. So far, a big F to that Premier. Just days ago, this failed Justice Minister released a man charged with six counts of making, possessing and publishing child pornography. He sent him back home to River Heights.

Did he even give his col - league, the MLA for River Heights, and his neigh- bours the heads up? The Premier said there's no need to wait for other levels of government for bail reform. That's what this Premier said, Honourable Speaker. So why did he release this pedophile only to allow him then to reoffend? Mr. Kinew: I want to say that the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) has brought in a series of measures on bail reform here in Manitoba that follows the recom- mendations of the National Police Federation.

The National Police Federation, for the record, brought these recom mendations forward in front of Heather Stefanson, who was the premier at the time. I was in the room; I can attest to the fact that that happened. Those recommendations got nowhere when the PCs were in office. However, with this Minister of Justice, they are being implemented, and the National Police Federation is now calling on other provinces to follow the lead of our Minister of Justice. I do want to caution the member opposite. He knows full well that the justice system is administered by the judiciary.

That is a separate branch of govern - ment from the legislative and executive branches that we are a part of. I think it does a disservi ce to the debate that he brings forward here when he tries to muddy the waters for partisan gain. We will not do that. We will focus on real con - crete steps to make you, children and everybody in Manitoba safer. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: Once again, Honourable Speaker, this Premier stands in his place and passes the buck.

686 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 We know that he nor many of his ministers and colleagues like to be held accountable to Manitobans. They told Manitobans, and I quote, they would stop violent crime. End quote. They promised to reform bail within 100 days when they were elected. It's now been over 525 days and still nothing, Honourable Speaker.

Honourable Speaker, I'll try one last time: How exactly does releasing an individual charged with making child pornography–accessing and possessing child pornography and making arrangements to com- mit a sexual offence against a child–how does it keep communities safe? Mr. Kinew: I think the fact that his team wouldn't applaud for their leader says a lot about the issues that they bring forward here. Child sexual exploitation is wrong. We are working for the Canadian–we are working with the Canadian Centre for Child Pro tection and many other partners in the community to combat that.

What is inappropriate is for the member opposite to try and use for partisan purposes a mis representa- tion of the facts. He may be doing so unintentionally, of course–I would say on the record for your consid - eration–but what I would say is this: He knows for a fact that within months of taking office, this Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) brought in new resources for Crown attorneys. He provided them with direction, that they had to think about com munity safety when bail was being applied for. He brought in new resources for law enforcement.

We lost 50 police officers inside the Perimeter when the PCs are in office. We're hiring police officers in our time in government. The reality is this: We're working with you to make our com munities safer. They're stuck trying to divide Manitobans against one another, just like they were in the last election. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Safe Consumption Site for Point Douglas Community Consultation Report Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, the Premier sure is telling today.

For him, it is all about applause, and that shows his true character. NDP's only plan, Honourable Speaker, for economic development in the Point Douglas constituency is a public injection site. The minister's been caught on several occasions provi ding false infor mation to residents, saying they didn't have to consult with residents and claiming a location hadn't been chosen, even though an application was already submitted.

As part of the proposal for this legal drug injection–lethal drug injection site, the government is to provide a com munity consul tation report and a letter of opinion from the relevant minister. Can the Premier table that report and a letter of opinion, or is he unwilling to make those documents part of the official record? * (14:00) Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Now, I take the oppor- tunity here to say we have an amazing Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms. Smith). If the members opposite ever want to stumble their way back into the government benches, they would do well to follow her lead.

The reason why the comments that she made were accurate is this: we're listening to the community. We are taking the time to have fulsome consultations. And if the commu nity makes it clear that this location is not the right fit, then we will not move forward. Everything that she has said is consistent with that imperative. But there is also a humanitarian imperative. Hundreds of Manitobans are dying from overdoses. I saw a bunch of PC MLAs there on the weekend at the fundraiser to help support a recovery centre, but where are they today with a substantive plan to counteract drug use in the com munities? Never.

They would– never brought one forward in govern ment. All they want to do is throw stones and continue to divide people. We're listening to the experts so we can– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honour able Leader of the Official Op posi- tion, on a secondary question. Mr. Ewasko: Once again, Honourable Speaker, more false infor mation coming out of this Premier, and I would attest that many residents of the Point Douglas area would fully disagree with this Premier. The minister spends more energy creating drug injection sites than she does cleaning them up.

Local residents see a lack of represen tation by the NDP MLA for Point Douglas, and residents have been

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 687 trying to get some answers. But all they've gotten back is nonsense and noise. The NDP's drug injection site is close to Children's House Montessori School daycare, Argyle Alternative High School, the Manitoba Museum and Sport for Life Centre. One resident asked in an email, which I table, in relation to the safety of children in the area, I quote: What measures will be taken to mitigate concerns related to safety, accessibility or public order? Mr. Kinew: We're going to ensure that the com mu- nity that eventually sees a site like this located in is kept safe.

The reality under the PCs is that the bathroom at Tim Hortons became an unsafe con sumption site because they never did anything to combat the drug epidemic that's affecting people right across this great province. We, on the other hand, are listening to the experts. The experts are telling us, you know what? This is one tool in the toolbox that could save lives. We want to save lives so that people stick around long enough so that they can find a pathway to recovery.

The reality is this: the members opposite continue to try and oversimplify, they continue to try and misrepresent, they continue to try to underestimate the intelligence of the general public in Manitoba. We won't do that. We have confidence that when presented with the truth, the actual facts, that Manitobans will make the right decisions. That's why we listen to you; that's why we're a listening govern - ment. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: The lack of consul tation seems to be the new MO of the NDP party.

The Union of Public Painters and Allied Trades publicly stated that, and I quote: Consul tation process has been insufficient. End quote. From lack of consultation to the Health Minister's decision to misrepresent support from businesses and residents, residents and Winnipeggers are just not happy, Honourable Speaker. A local busi ness, Automotive Connection, located less than 200 metres from the site, wrote, and I quote: We were really surprised that we were, I quote, excited and open to the idea, end quote, of a drug consumption site so near to us.

This, according to the NDP Health Minister and MLA for Union Station, and I table that email. David Chartrand, president of the MMF, who also doesn't seem to be very happy, said, and I quote: In my view, it's definitely not thought out, he said, calling it another band-aid solution. The Premier said his injection site wouldn't be near schools. Can he share the other locations for– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Kinew: You know, the minister responsible from Point Douglas has done a lot of consultation. They've met with many, many people.

There have been some challenging conver sations, there's been some very encouraging conversations. But the reality is that there are conversations. That never happened through two terms of the PCs. And now, only in opposi tion are they taking the time to consult with people, but they're only consult- ing with their membership in this so-called leadership race. That's right: there's a debate in the city that's going to be held this week where the PC leadership candidates can answer such im portant questions as, sorry, not sorry, how old is the planet Earth? Is it, in fact, 4,000 years old?

Is the planet Earth actually round, or is it flat, as we've been hearing in our Facebook groups? The people of Manitoba look forward to hearing the answers from the members opposite so that they can allow them to remain in the op position benches for generations to come. Safe Consumption Site for Point Douglas Location of Site–Constituent Consultations Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): The Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms. Smith) told Point Douglas residents at a secret community consultation meeting in January that the proposed drug injection site at 200 Disraeli was not written in stone.

There was still time to mov e it if residents objected to it, but we now know 200 Disraeli was always the location. I table this letter from the senior director of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre to the Point Douglas Residents Com mittee which says, I quote: Welcome to the neighbourhood. The supervised consumption site is coming to Point Douglas. Not might be coming, or proposed to be coming to Point Douglas; it is coming.

688 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 Had the minister made up her–made her decision before consulting residents? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness ): Well, I'd ask that member on that side if they were okay with people overdosing under their government. They took a blind eye to folks losing their lives. These are mothers. These are fathers. These are people's loved ones. These are human beings. These are Manitobans. These are people that they claim to represent. Well, they weren't representing them. On this side of the House, we take this seriously.

We know that these are lives at–on the stake here, and we will represent them and take care of them and support them the best that we know how, that the experts tell us. The Speaker: The honour able member for Morden-Winkler, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Hiebert: There's something curious about the letter from the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, the organization that will be running the drug injection site.

It's dated October 26, 2024, but the application to the federal government to open the site wasn't submitted 'til November 21, 2024, weeks after this letter was already sent and months before the location became public on December 4. So, Honour able Speaker, if the location is not written in stone, how did the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre know about the drug injection site was coming to Point Douglas months before the rest of us knew? Will this minister admit she made the decision to make the location at –is located at 200 Disraeli? Ms.

Smith: We're consider–we were still consulting, we're still listening to experts, we're still making sure that we're saving lives in this province. We're continuing to support Mobile Overdose Pre vention Site, MOPS –something that that govern ment, when they were in government, refused to do, which saves lives. I want to table a letter here from 14 com munity organizations supporting those who use substance uses. Without a safe place to go, people experiencing homelessness often use substances in public spaces. The reality is that supervised consumption sites make communities safer, not more dangerous.

They reduce public substance use, connect people to treatment and– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Morden-Winkler, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Hiebert: Honourable Speaker, we all know this minister and the NDP government are bent on opening this drug injection site at 200 Disraeli across from–the street from a high school, around the corner from a daycare. The residents–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mrs. Hiebert: –don't want it. The –they told the housing, addictions minister loud and clear during a meeting at the end of January they don't want it.

Point–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mrs. Hiebert: –Douglas residents also–[interjection] The Speaker: The honourable member for Morden - Winkler still has the floor. Mrs. Hiebert: It's a–they're putting it across the street from a high school and around the corner from a daycare. The residents don't want it, and they told the housing, addictions and homeless minister loud and clear during a meeting in January. Point Douglas residents also called for more community consultations. Will this minister participate in– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Ms.

Smith: Well, safety and security is our No. 1 priority. That's why I just finished meeting with the mayor this afternoon and members of the police service. We want to ensure that we are saving lives. We look at four pillars: the first is harm reduction, so that we can get people to the support that they need on a path to recovery. * (14:10) We also look at en forcement. That's why we're working with the police to ensure that we are getting drug dealers off the street, which is under the great work of our Justice Minister.

We are also work from the pillar of education, which is why we are investing in nutrition programs in our province. That member across the way, does she support not saving lives in our province? A supervised consump- tion just does that; experts have told us. Her govern - ment threw that report on the floor. The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 689 Injection-Based HIV Transmission Rates Addiction Treatment Services for Swan Valley Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Since October of last year, more than 40 new HIV diagnoses have been reported in Swan Valley. The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer told media, quote: We've noticed increasing transmission and, from what we've seen in this region and what we see in Manitoba, the majority of the transmission is related to injection drug use.

Knowing that drug use is driving this spike in HIV cases, why have the NDP failed to open a single new addictions treatment space since taking office? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Under the leadership of our minister for housing, homelessness and addictions, we have opened additional addictions and treatment spaces in this province, including more accessibility at RAAM clinics. But I want to talk about the ignorance that is – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –outlined in that member's question.

Honourable Speaker, part of what keeps people from accessing the care they need, when they need it, is stigma. And we have heard in this House, countless times, members on that side of the House perpetuating stigma, the very barrier that keeps people aw ay from the care they deserve to access. That member would be better served asking her colleagues to take a different approach: treat people with respect and play a

part in reducing the shame that Manitobans struggling with addictions should not have to face. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: I think the minister's words are cold comfort to the 40 Manitobans who have been newly diagnosed with HIV just since October. We know that injection drug use is the cause of most of these new cases and that this differs from the rest of Canada, where statistics show sexual contact is the source of most HIV diagnoses. So Manitoba now has the dubious distinction of leading the country in drug-based HIV trans mission.

Clearly, the NDP's approach is failing, and now record high numbers of people are contracting a life-altering illness as a result. Why is this NDP govern ment utterly failing to address the drug crisis in Swan Valley? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I'm old enough to remember, in 2019, actually sitting on that side of the House, when the previous PC failed administra - tion refused to take any steps what soever to address the rapidly escalating rates of HIV in this province.

Within our govern ment's first six months, we allocated millions of additional dollars to front lines of the HIV challenges we're facing in this province, across Manitoba. Now, on that side of the House, what have they done? They have chosen to shame people struggling with addictions; they have chosen to go against science, which tells us very clearly: harm reduction, distributing clean needles reduces HIV transmission. And what did they do instead? They said, don't do that; leave those people on their own. Shame on that member, shame on every member– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable member for Roblin, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: Honourable Speaker, distributing needles also requires a solution to clean them up. Meanwhile, used needles litter the streets of Swan River, leading Swan River's Town Council to pass a resolu tion calling for the end of needle distribution in their town. And this–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cook: –is the NDP's response: no new addictions treatment beds, no solution to dealing with used needles, and now Manitoba is leading the country in injection drug-based HIV transmission.

Why is this NDP government continuing to ignore the pleas of people in Swan Valley and failing to bring forward any real solutions to end this crisis? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House we stand with those struggling with addictions and their families. We believe and we know the science that says harm reduction saves lives. On this side of the House, we are going to continue doing the work of cleaning up the mess of the failed PC government that under two terms did nothing to address primary health -care needs, which is what we're talking about when we talk about HIV care.

Honourable Speaker, we will take–[interjection] The Speaker: Order.

690 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 MLA Asagwara: –not a single lesson from that member whose team–and her–continue to stigmatize the care that Manitobans need to turn their lives in a healthier direction. We will work with the community of Swan Valley and neighbouring com munities, First Nations as well. And on that side of the House, they would do better to start with an apology to those very same com- munities. Discarded Needles in Swan Valley Disposal and Clean-up Plan Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): If there's one thing–or, shall I say 500,000 things that this minister of addictions likes to hand out: it's needles. And, of course, that was just to one com munity here in Manitoba. We are seeing first-hand the consequences of this minister's hand -outs. I table a picture of one Swan Valley resident's morning collection of dirty, HIV-laden needles. With the melting snow exposing more and more dirty needles, parents are asking if this minister will be supplying steel -toed boots and puncture -resistant gloves to assist the children with this year's school - yard cleanup. Hon.

Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness ): Shame on that member, all those members across there. In 2021, Heather Stefanson handed out 200,000 needles with no plan. Let's see, look, in 2022, the Health minister, Audrey Gordon, 300,000. No plan. Guess what? Our government came up with a plan. We worked with Swan Valley. We're sending out folks every day to clean up needles, and we'll continue to work with the commu nity–something members on that side never did. All you do is divide, divide, create division.

We'll continue to destigmatize the addictions crisis that we're facing in this province– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Brandon West, on a supplementary question. Mr. Balcaen: The minister has a history of trying to sweep things under the rug, and in this case, it's hundreds of thousands of used needles she has handed out here in Manitoba. Last November, she gave the four regional health authorities outside of Winnipeg $30,000 to develop, I quote, com prehensive disposal and cleanup plans. That's less funding than she spent on her junket to Houston.

Can the minister table for the House a copy of the four comprehensive disposal and cleanup plans that taxpayers paid $120,000 for? Ms. Smith: Well, let's take a look at that member's record. Months after that member from Brandon West became the Brandon police chief, groups like Bear Clan–Brandon Bear Clan safety patrol, went from collecting 50 needles a month to nearly 280 needles. Even Brandon mom Kim Longstaff [phonetic] , who is actually Moms Stop the Harm–she, and I'll quote: We have kids growing up here. We have children.

There's this real concern that we don't get a handle on what's taking place in our com munity. We should take the blame as a community. It's our respon- sible–'bility' to do what we need to do. Did that member from Brandon West take respon- sibility? Did he ask his colleagues in that former gov- ernment– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Brandon West, on a final supplementary. Mr. Balcaen: Honourable Speaker, the minister's crack commando com mittee simply cannot keep up with the volume of needles that she's distributing.

Prairie Mountain Health needle pickup task force only operates two hours Monday through Friday to pick up and safely dispose of over half a million needles that she has distributed in a single community will take over 4,000 years, Honourable Speaker. Is there any chance the minister can accelerate her timeline, or is she good with just injecting this problem into the community for years to come. Ms. Smith: You know, it's pretty shameful of that member to get up in this House while people in Swan Valley, the HIV rates are continuing to rise.

We should be talking about harm reduction and how we come together and support that community. Instead, what is that member doing? He's dividing. He's talking about what is –what are we doing? Why don't we talk about what are we doing together? Look, in 2020–twenty–from 2017 to 2022, crime rose under their govern ment by 50 per cent. Did they do any- thing? No, they didn't.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 691 Under our Justice Minister, they're actually working with Swan Valley. They're actually working to get the drug dealers off the streets. * (14:20) What did they do? They didn't do a thing. They didn't take a harm reduction approach. We won't take– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Oak Tree Towers Residents Government Response to Safety Concerns MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, on Friday I met with a group of Manitobans that deserve to be treated much better by this govern- ment.

The residents of Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie are prisoners in their own homes. Now, as things in their facility have gotten worse every month for the past 18 months under this minister's leadership, residents are reporting to my office that Manitoba Housing officials are telling them, and I q uote: Stop calling here. Stop calling here or we'll evict you. Is this the new policy of this minister, or will she commit today to acting? Hon.

Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness): Well, ensuring that people are safe and secure in Manitoba Housing is something that I take seriously since becoming minister. Under that gov ernment, they cut funding, they cut security, they cut staffing. We're not taking that approach. We're working with tenants. We actually hired more tenant service co-ordinators. We met with residents of Oak Tree Towers a few months ago to hear from their–hear their concerns. They actually tried to meet with that government. They actually asked them to come. Did they ever go? No, they didn't.

They turned a blind eye against them. They didn't listen to their concerns. In fact, they con- tinued to cut the services in that very building. The Speaker: The hon ourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a supplementary question. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, a yes –a simple yes or no answer. That's all the residents of Oak Tree Towers are looking for. Residents with over 15 years–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Bereza: –are not sleeping; they're scared. Long-time resident Jody Pearce spoke to the media, and I quote: Used condoms, urine, feces. You name it. I table the article.

The minister needs to see it for herself. We will rise at 12:30 on Friday. So, Minister, will you join me in an afternoon sitting down with these residents, or is she telling me to stop calling, like the residents are being told? Yes or no? Ms. Smith: So I don't think that member heard us. We met with the residents of Oak Tree. Last month, we tripled the security patrols at Oak Tree Towers, and we've already completed the design for security upgrades. We're including floor-by-floor cameras and card-access doors.

And we're upgrading–this upgrade will start this spring, and we're continuing to meet with those tenants to ensure their homes are safe and secure. I don't know if that member didn't hear me, but we're investing in Manitoba Housing, something that all the members on that side–look to your left, look to your right; ask them why they continued to sell off Manitoba Housing and fire Manitoba Housing staff. The Speaker: The honour able member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. MLA Bereza: Honourable Speaker, if this gov ern- ment is doing such a wonderful job, why are the residents calling me?

Used condoms, urine, feces are a common sight. These residents called me because they're worried and they're not feeling safe in their own homes. We spoke about the fear of drug sales and produc- tion. The media even photographed a shopping cart of ingredients for production of illicit drugs. Everything that isn't nailed down, including cameras, have been stolen or broken. They chained up the dryers; the chains were stolen. It is far beyond absurd. What is the minister committed to doing today to give these residents the dignity they deserve? The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Ms.

Smith: Well, like I said to that member, he can look to his left, he can look to his right; he can ask the members why they cut 67 positions in Manitoba Housing. In fact, they cut housing staff, they cut repairs, they abandoned Manitobans who needed support. They even sold housing under Manitobans' feet and sent them packing out into encampments. I'd

692 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 walk out of this building every day and see people in bus shacks; they were okay with that. You know, that member across should apologize, apologize to Manitobans for what that government did when they were in govern ment to Manitobans – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Ms. Smith: Look at what we're in right now–encamp- ments, people living without housing. That's because of the former government that you're a part of. Wear green because you need all the luck you need. [interjection] The Speaker: Order.

Literacy Rate for K-to-12 Students Reading Supports in Budget 2025 MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Last month was I Love to Read Month, and there were several articles published in local media that focused on the need for more supports to help students learn to read. According to educators and parents, many students are experiencing distress and declining mental health because they lack the literacy skills necessary to read.

Can those within our educa tion system, along with the parents of young students, expect to see anything in Thursday's budget to improve reading supports for struggling K-to-12 Manitoba students? Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): And I will address the question. I just want to take a quick moment to give a shout-out to our incred ible Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms.

Smith) for the in- credible answers that she provided the House here today and how excited I am to work with her de part- ment in addressing the issue of homelessness going forward, which really begins in the classroom. It begins–[interjection] That's right. And our $30- million annual investment in the universal nutrition program is only one of the steps that our govern ment is taking to help address the issues that the member opposite just asked and some of the questions that the members asked earlier th is morning.

I look forward to sharing in my next answer more details about our government's plan on literacy here in Manitoba to support Manitoba children. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Mandatory Screening Inquiry MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, the minister doesn't need to waste our time here this afternoon. Providing children nutrition–we are absolutely on board with that, and we are so grateful the federal gov- ernment enabled this government to do so.

Honourable Speaker, despite there being several reports indicating that Manitoba has a fragmented approach to literacy, it's alarming to learn that some of these school divisions do not use the tools to assess for the appropriate levels of reading. This results in students not being assessed and often leaving them disadvantaged in life. Does this govern ment support evidence -based universal mandatory screening for all students to determine their level of literacy? MLA Schmidt: And I thank the member opposite for that question.

However, I do take exception to her insinuation that talking about the uni versal nutrition program is by any means a waste of time. I also disagree that members of this House are agreed on that issue. We know that members opposite, on many occasions, many different of their members, including the former premier of Manitoba, the failed Brian Pallister, called the universal nutrition program a bad idea. We know that assessments are important. We know that supports for students are important. We know that small class size is impor tant.

But what the sector knows and has been telling successive govern ments for years is if you really want to make progress here in Manitoba, whether we're talking about literacy or whether we're talking about math, it begins before kids– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question. Reading Recovery Strategy MLA Lamoureux: This minister is using this here as a platform to take credit for the federal movements.

For the past 30 years, here –[interjection]–Hon- ourable Speaker, for the past 30 years, many school divisions here in Manitoba have been using the Reading Recovery model for students who are not meeting literacy grade ex pectations. The proven method for literacy is called structured literacy, a nd there are school divisions, like Louis Riel and

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 693 Evergreen, who are leading the way and have seen their literacy scores improve. Does this minister believe that Reading Recovery is an effective literacy strategy, and if so, what evidence supports this belief? MLA Schmidt: We know that there are different models that are adopted and used across school divi - sions across Manitoba to varying levels of success, and we know that there is great debate about this.

I really look forward to the details that we're going to be able to share on Thursday in our budget when it comes to how we are going to further support students. I do have to correct the record, though, Honour - able Speaker. The member opposite has suggested that Manitoba is somehow following the lead or taking credit for the federal dollars on nutrition program. * (14:30) Let it be known that it was Nello Altomare and the leadership here in Manitoba that inspired the federal gov- ernment to follow our lead and feed children across Canada.

That will be Nello's legacy, and that is some- thing that our government is going to protect into law– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Order, please. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: If we could stop the clock for one minute, I've got some guests in the gallery that are leaving right away. We have seated in the public gallery, from the University of Manitoba, 30 students under the direction of Carol Johnston. They are guests of the honourable member for Fort Richmond (MLA Chen). We welcome you here today.

Property Controls for Grocery Stores Introduction of Bill 31 MLA Billie Cross (Seine River): Food prices exploded under Heather Stefanson and the members opposite. Between May 2017 and October 2023, egg prices went up by 37 per cent, tomatoes by 41 per cent and infant formula by 53 per cent. But as Manitobans across the province begged their PC MLAs to help them with grocery costs, members opposite chose instead to focus on hiring intimacy coaches and campaign against the families of murder victims.

And as Manitobans were worrying about how tariffs would make food more expensive, the MLA for Fort Whyte was thanking Trump for imposing them. Now, this government is taking a different approach– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): Thank you to member for that wonderful question. Our government understands that affordability is a top priority to Manitobans right now. That's why we introduced Bill 31, to end property control in the grocery sector.

Bill 31 will open up the market and create more competition, helping to stabilize the grocery prices for the families and to give more access to healthy food. Our government will keep making life more affordable. More good news is coming this week when our incredible Finance Minister delivers Budget 2025. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Education Property Tax Timeline for New Funding Formula Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, last year, this Premier (Mr. Kinew) made promises to Manitobans that he had no intention of keeping.

In an interview last April with Pembina Valley Online, he said, and I quote: There'll be a new model in place for how public education is funded in Manitoba by the next tax season. I table that for the House. Tax season's now here, but there is no new educa- tion model. In fact, school divisions are coming out with double-digit tax increases as a result of a broken funding formula. So will this Premier and minister stand up today and tell school divisions when they can expect a new funding formula, or will the NDP keep hiking taxes on hard-working families in Manitoba? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): You know, for many, many years under the former govern ment, Manitoban students were not getting the supports that they needed. And that's because the members opposite failed year over year to provide the funding that was required to our school divisions to make sure our kids could become all that they can be.

694 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 Now, under the leadership of our Premier, our in- credible Education Minister, we are actually funding school divisions in the way they need to be funded. That's important work. Manitobans can count on us to continue doing that important work, and I cannot wait to bring forward an education -focused budget on March 20th, where we're going to talk about the more–great investments we're making to support Manitobans. The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Child Welfare System–Call for Inquiry Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Manistoba [phonetic] Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Manitobans witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when five indi - viduals were murdered.

(2) The victims ranged in age from two months to 30 years.

(3) Manitoba has the second highest rate of intimate partner violence among Canadian provinces, at a rate of 633 per 100,000 people, according to police-reported data from Statistics Canada.

(4) Public reporting indicates that on December 9, 2023, Myah-Lee left a voicemail for her Child and Family Services worker in which she pled to be moved out of her home in Carman.

(5) Manitoba's Advocate for Children and Youth noted, quote: This case highlights the failures of the government to respond to our recommendations. End quote.

(6) On March 6, 2024, the Minister of Families, the MLA for fort –St. Johns, indicated on the public record that she was too busy to discuss issues surrounding children in care, including calling a public inquiry into unprecedented tragedy.

(7) The last inquiry held in Manitoba was for the death of five-year-old Phoenix Sinclair in 2008. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Families to develop better policies to protect youth in care from potential physical or psychological abuse; and (2) to urge the provincial government to immediately establish a public inquiry to identify the failings of the child-welfare system and ensure that no child –sorry, that no call from a child ever goes unanswered or ignored again. This petition has been signed by Cindy Alexander, Jeff Alexander, Alyssa Buscemi and many, many other fine Manitobans.

MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional hospital is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on No. 1 Highway in Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage la Prairie regional health facility will reduce trans - portation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nation reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing. * (14:40)

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 695 This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from remote communities to access MRI imaging services. The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in Portage la Prairie regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This is signed by Kamilla Paige Garrioch, Diane Fingas, Brenda Hales and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Provincial Road 352 Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Prov incial Road 352, PR road 352, is an 87.5-kilometre–54.4 miles –route where it begins at Provincial Trunk Highway 5, PTH 5, near Birnie, Manitoba, and terminates at PTH 34 near Arizona, Manitoba, intersecting with the Trans-Canada Highway. The–(2) the route is gravel for most of its length, with two paved sections: one from PTH 5 to Birnie; and the other from PTH 16 to Arden.

(3) PR 352 has had consid erable amount of deterioration over the years with little to no regular road maintenance and has seen ruts and damage to the gravel sections, those of which are featured online at CAA's worst roads.

(4) The promotion of PR 352 weight restriction to an RTAC classification of 140,000- lbs weight restriction has caused further damage, as the route was only built to accommodate the original 80,000 lbs and has not seen upgrades to accommodate the increase. The 1.5-mile stretch on PR 352 from the com munity of Birnie is the main access off of PTH 5 to the community.

(5) Residents in the area were advised these weight increases to PR 352 were due to commerce movement, although there is no commerce in Birnie.

(6) Within this stretch, there is a bridge that has– is damaged structurally and rests only five feet above the creek, causing it to sit in the water and deteriorate. With increased agri culture traffic, such as heavier trucks hauling grain and livestock, the bridge may not have the capacity to sustain further neglect.

(7) Com munity members have reached out and have spoken to civil servants. The issue must be resolved before it becomes a bigger problem, some - one gets injured or an accident happens. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial govern ment to meet RTAC road designation by provi ding upgrades and regular road maintenance to the Provincial Road 352 in Manitoba, spe cifically the 1.5 -mile stretch from Birnie to provincial trunk highway, and ensure the road remains paved with asphalt and not reduced to gravel.

(2) To urge the provincial government to reduce load weights on PR 352 until the upgrades can be completed.

(3) To urge the provincial government to replace or repair the bridge located on the 1.5- mile stretch from Birnie to PTH 5 and to provide an integrity assessment. This petition has been signed by Coleton Venne, Dan Walker, Ray Smith and many more Manitobans. Thank you. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would be–would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and

696 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is currently located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in the Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently, there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait time for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This petition is signed by Marilynne Green, Robin Carter and Elizabeth McDonald and many, many Manitobans. Thank you. Phoenix School Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows: Phoenix School, a kindergarten to grade 5 school located in Headingley, has experienced consistent enrolment growth over the last several years. Enrolment is expected to reach 275 students in the next two years. Because the school is now over capacity, the school division has had to install portable classrooms on site as of fall 2024. For several consecutive years, the top capital priority of the St. James -Assiniboia School Division has been the renovation and expansion of Phoenix School.

In 2022, the Phoenix School expansion and renovation project was approved to proceed to the design phase. The project included, among other amenities, a new gymnasium, two new classrooms, a multi-purpose room and room for 74 child-care spaces. In June 2024, the school division received notice from the provincial government that the project has been deferred. There is no guarantee if, or when, the project will move forward. * (14:50) There are currently hundreds of children on a wait-list for child care in Headingley.

The daycare operator in Phoenix School has been told that they will continue to have space within the school for the 2024-2025 school year only, that further expansion of child-care space within the school is not possible and that space may be reduced moving forward due to the shortage of classrooms. If new space is not constructed as planned, many families may be left without child care. It is critical that the expansion and renovation of Phoenix School proceed as planned in order to support the needs of students, teachers and families in the growing community of Headingley.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to proceed with the planned renovation and expansion of Phoenix School without further delay. And this petition is signed by Jen Ziesmann, Colleen Turney, Selena Njegovan and many, many other Manitobans.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 697 Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with a long criminal history.

(2) Despite repeated violations of his bail conditions, the offender was free to roam the streets and to ultimately claim Kellie's life. This tragedy was entirely preventable.

(3) While the Criminal Code falls under federal jurisdiction, provinces have been given the responsibility for the administration of justice, allowing for meaning- ful provincial action on bail reform to ensure public safety.

(4) Other provinces have taken proactive steps to strengthen bail enforcement, but Manitoba has not used all of the available tools to address this issue effectively.

(5) The provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that repeat violent offenders are not released into our communities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close gaps in the justice system that allow dangerous criminals to remain free, which puts innocent Manitobans at risk. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious deficits in enforcement by utilizing all available provincial mechanisms to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision and opposing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. This petition is signed by Danny Fletcher, Chancie [phonetic] Fletcher, Paula Mellen and many other fine Manitobans, Honourable Speaker. Teaching Certification Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects that they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fica- tions Regulation under The Education Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject-area expertise required for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject-area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early/middle years streams.

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed: senior years credit require ments in an approved teachable major and minor; early/middle years credit require - ments in an approved teachable major and minor; and early/middle years credit requirements for speci fic subjects, including math, physical or biological science, English or French, and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stakeholders, such as parents, post-secondary educators outside their faculties of educa tion and business partners were not consulted about the changes.

(6) The removal of subject-specific requirements undermines the edu cational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sufficient training in core academic areas, thereby compromising the education that Manitoba students receive. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fications Regula- tion that weaken subject -area requirements for teaching–for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early/middle years requirements, which are essential for ensuring teachers have strong knowledge in core subject areas; and

698 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject -area standards, which are critical for providing quality education to all Manitoba students. And, Honourable Speaker, this petition is signed by Tara Sangster, Brent Bamforth, Julie Becker and many other Manitobans. Carbon Tax and Rising Food Prices Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) In 2022, according to Statistics Canada, there was an 11.4 per cent increase in food prices.

(2) Staple food products such as baked goods, margarine and other oils, dairy products and eggs have seen some of the largest price increases.

(3) Agriculture and the agri-food sectors contribute close to 10 per cent of Manitoba's GDP.

(4) There are increased costs added at every step of the process for Manitoba's agriculture producers. In order to make 18 cents from one bread loaf worth of wheat, farmers are paying carbon tax at every stage of production to grow the crop and get it to market.

(5) Grain drying, fertilizer and chemical production, mushroom farming, hog operations, the cost of heating a livestock barn, machine shops and utility buildings are all examples of how the carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels cost farmers and consumers more each year.

(6) In food production there are currently no viable alternatives to natural gas and propane. The carbon tax takes money away from farmers, making them less profitable and hindering rural agri cultural producers' ability to invest in upgrades and improve efficiency while reducing emissions.

(7) The provincial government neglected farmers in the six-month fuel tax holiday until the opposi tion critic and local stake holder groups called for their inclusion.

(8) Other provincial jurisdictions and leaders have taken action on calling on the federal govern ment to remove the punishing carbon tax and/or stop collecting the carbon tax altogether. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to call on the federal government to remove the punishing carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels and farm inputs for Manitoba agri culture producers and the agri -food sector to decrease the costs of putting food on the table for Manitoba consumers.

This petition is signed by many, many Manitobans. * (15:00) MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine.

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on the No. 1 Highway in the Southern Health/Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently, there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are the Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plain First Nations reserves. Indigenous peoples in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is the Southport airport. This aerodrome has a runway length that is more than

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 699 adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from more remote communities to access MRI imaging services. The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. And this petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans. Morden Waste Water Project Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition.

To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: Between 2011 and 2021, Morden's population grew by an impressive 27 per cent, outpacing the national average by 16 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.

(2) While growth is welcome and encouraged, Morden has long faced a critical need for infra - structure upgrades to meet current demands and support future development.

(3) Morden's waste water system has operated beyond capacity for years, promoting the –prompting the Province in 2019 to halt property subdivisions due to insufficient water–waste water storage.

(4) As of 2024, after exploring all options, the City announced in July that the estimated cost for the critical infrastructure upgrades has risen from $70 million to $88 million to possibly $108 million.

(5) These revised estimates leave Morden with a significant funding shortfall of 13 to 33 million dollars.

(6) Despite efforts to address the gap, including plans to raise utility fees for residents and businesses, such as increases –such increases have been delayed since 2017 due to the lack of an approved capital project, taxation is not enough.

(7) The lack of waste water capacity has severely impacted economic activity and growth in Morden and the surrounding communities. Without much-needed water–waste water infrastructure investments, growth and economic development will be hindered in all of southern Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate action and recognize the critical need of this waste water project for economic growth and 'environmal'–environmental sustainability by committing to advocate and working with the federal government to close the gap with additional funding for Morden's waste water treatment system.

(2) To urge the provincial government to ensure all levels of government and regulatory bodies will expedite necessary funding and approvals necessary to advance the Morden waste water project with no further delay and ensure no hindrance to growth and economic development for Morden and southern Manitoba. This petition has been signed by Tricia Falk, Darlene Blatz, Janelle Chawrun and other–many other Manitobans. FortWhyte Alive Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background for this petition is as follows:

(1) The com munity of Fort Whyte has over 22,000 residents and the RM of Macdonald has over 8,000 residents, many of them using McGillivray road and Provincial Trunk Highway 3 as a means of trans- portation or commute to and from the city of Winnipeg. P rovincial Trunk Highway 3 is a major traffic corridor that services many com munities, including Oak Bluff, Sanford, Brunkild, Carman, Morden, Manitou and Killarney, to name a few.

(2) Thousands of vehicles travel down McGillivray and PTH 3 each day, and with the growing industrial park in this area and connections to the Perimeter Highway, many transport vehicles, large trucks and farm equipment need to travel down these roads each day.

(3) In the last three years under the previous PC provincial gov ernment, two new sets of traffic lights were installed along this roadway. Local officials praised these initiatives, stating that it was greatly needed to help reduce traffic incidents.

700 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025

(4) FortWhyte Alive is located in this area, which is a reclaimed wildlife preserve, recreation area and environmental education centre in southwest Winnipeg that attracts 100,000 visitors each year. This 660-acre park is located along the migratory path of Canadian geese, and is named after the surrounding community of Fort Whyte. A failure to install traffic lights poses a significant safety risk to all those who frequent the area.

(5) FortWhyte Alive has been undergoing renova- tions along 2505 McGillivray Blvd., across from the Brady Road, and is to be transferred into a new building called–transformed–sorry–into a new building called Buffalo Crossing, which will attract many more visitors to the area by vehicle, transit, bicycle and by foot. * (15:10) The City of Winnipeg has been slated to install a new crosswalk at the intersection of Brady Road and McGillivray Boulevard by the summer of 2024; the previous PC provincial gov ernment committed to working with the City and the FortWhyte Alive to complete this intersection.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial govern ment to assist the City of Winnipeg to address serious safety risks for all that frequent the FortWhyte Alive area by twinning and installing a traffic light and crosswalk at the inter-

section of McGillivray Boulevard and Brady Road, as it transitions into Provincial Trunk Highway 3. This petition was signed by Murray Jenson– [phonetic]–Jaenen, Terry Jaenen and Paige Jaenen and many, many other fine Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Vocational School in Ste. Anne MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: In March of 2023, a much-needed new vocational school was planned, budgeted for and announced, to be completed and operational for the 2027 school year. Hundreds of families have partici pated in an outreach done by the Seine River School Division, expressing a strong need for vocational training in the community. The current provincial gov ernment paused the project upon taking office, and work has not resumed in spite of the Deputy Minister of Education admitting to trustees: You definitely need a new school.

Every delay prevents students in Ste. Anne and surrounding com munities from having skills pro - gramming to which they are entitled to and that they deserve. Seine River School Division trustees have identified areas of focus for this school of real local demand, such as health and daycare, which are greatly needed. The current high school is just not suitable for the limits on pro gramming that–and limits on pro gram- ming–that can be offered as 400 students currently share a single three-stall boys' washroom and a single three-stall girls' washroom.

This planned school was to include a daycare spaces that the community greatly needs. At present, the lack of available space has limited the ability for some parents to return to the workforce, which hurts both families and the local economy. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately begin work on the new Ste. Anne vocational school and allocate necessary resources to meet the original 2027 timeline that residents were expecting. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Provincial Road 210 Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Prov incial Road 210, PR 210, is a 117.3-kilometre, or 72.8-mile, highway, in the eastern region of Manitoba that connects the towns and com- munities of Woodridge, Marchand, La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Landmark, Linden, Ile des Chênes and St. Adolphe.

(2) A sig nificant portion of PR 210 also runs through the constituency of La Vérendrye.

(3) PR 210 is a sig nificant commuting route for eastern families, and also notably used by those in the agriculture, tourism, trade and commerce industries.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 701

(4) The condition of PR 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 is in an unacceptable state of disrepair.

(5) The planned pavement upgrade was promised more than 20 years ago when it was constructed with a flat surface suitable for pavement but has yet to be completed.

(6) The condition of PR 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 is in such bad shape that fire fighters, police and paramedic services are severely delayed when responding to emergencies.

(7) The Minister of Trans portation and Infra - structure as well as the Premier have a duty to respond to infrastructure needs identified by rural communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Trans portation and Infrastructure to prioritize the reconstruction of Prov- incial Road 210. And (2) to urge the provincial govern ment to include the stretch of Provincial Road 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 in its reconstruction plans. This petition has been signed by Danny Auch, Lynne Mavor, Anna Mavor and many, many other Manitobans. Teaching Certification Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fica- tions Regulation under The Education Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject-area expertise required for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject-area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early- to middle-years streams.

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed: senior years credit require ments in an approved teachable major and minor; early - to middle-years credit requirements in an approved teachable major and minor; and early- to middle-years credit requirements for specific subjects, including: math; physical or biological science; English or French; and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stake holders, such as parents, post - secondary edu cation–educators outside the faculties of education and business partners were not consulted about the changes.

(6) The removal of subject-specific requirements undermines the edu cational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sufficient training in core academic areas, thereby 'compromasing' the education that Manito ba students receive. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the Teaching Certificates and Quali fications Regula- tion that weaken subject-area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early- to middle-years require ments which are essential for ensuring teachers have strong knowledge in core subject areas.

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject -area standards, which are critical for providing quality education to all Manitoba students. This petition has been signed by Dr. Mary LeMaître, Sebastian Wright, Jaya Roe and many, many more fine Manitobans. Thank you. * (15:20) Breast Screening Mr. Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off of 2023 treatment standards, it is estimated that screening women annually for breast

702 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 cancer starting at the age 40 will save the Canadian health-care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better outcomes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age or announced their intention to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional tech- nologists into their public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of Canada and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age.

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immediately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. This petition has been signed by Harmony Franzmann, Nolan Lytwyn and Curtis Zadervies [phonetic] and many other Manitobans. Carbon Tax and Rising Food Prices Mr.

Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): I wish to present the following petition–the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) In 2022, according to Statistics Canada, there was an 11.4 increase in food prices.

(2) Staple food products such as baked goods, margarine and other oils, dairy products and eggs have seen some–a largest increases.

(3) Agriculture and ag- food sectors contribute close to 10 per cent of Manitoba's GDP.

(4) There are increased costs added to every step of the process for Manitoba's agri culture producers. In order to make 18 cents from one loaf –bread loaf worth of wheat, farmers are paying carbon tax on every stage of production to grow the crop and get it to the market.

(5) Grain drying, fertilizer and chemical production, mushroom farming, hog operations, the cost of heating a livestock barn, machine shops and utility buildings are all examples of how carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels cost farmers and con sumers more each year.

(6) In food production there are currently no viable alternatives to natural gas or propane. The carbon tax takes money away from farmers, making their less profitable and hindering rural agri cultural producers' ability to increase the upgrades and improve efficiencies while reducing emissions.

(7) The provincial gov ernment neglects farmers in the six-month fuel tax holiday until the opposi tion critics and the local stakeholder groups called for their inclusion.

(8) Other provincial juris dictions and leaders have taken action on calling for the federal govern - ment to remove the punishing carbon tax and to stop collecting of carbon tax altogether. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to call on the federal government to remove the punishing carbon tax on natural gas and other fuels and farm inputs for Manitoba agri culture producers and the agri -food sector to decrease the costs of putting food on the tables of Manitoba consumers.

This has been signed by Glenn Vercaigne, Darryll Bermisch [phonetic], Garry Serruys and many other Manitobans. Medical Assistance in Dying Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 703

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19. There have been reports of the unsolicited intro- duction of medical assistance in dying to non-seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide pre vention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for the mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assistance.

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. This is signed by Marylyn Gibney, Mary Gorman, Corinne Chartier and many, many other Manitobans. Breast Screening Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): I wish to present the following petition to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society, or CCS, is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to age 40. Based off 2023 treatment standards, it is esti - mated that the screening of women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save Canadian health - care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day. * (15:30)

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better out comes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age, or announced their intention to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into the public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase the screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age.

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long-term costs to health- care system because cancers that are caught early are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower breast cancer screening to age 40. This petition is signed by Shannon Ryman, Leomer Dingling [phonetic], Roman [phonetic] Santarin and many, many more Manitobans. Mr.

Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

704 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 Due to the evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off 2023 treatment standards, it is esti- mated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save the Canadian health-care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better out comes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who do not–or don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age, or announced their intentions to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into their public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age.

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately put forward a plan to increase breast screening capacity and to lower the breast screening age to 40. This petition is signed by Gemma Dorado, Arlene Samoy, Maria Inducil and many, many other Manitobans. Provincial Trunk Highway 34 Mr.

Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Provincial Trunk Highway 34, PTH 34, is a two-lane provincial primary highway that runs from the US border where it meets with ND 20 to PTH 16 at the town of Gladstone.

(2) PTH 34 runs north-south in the south-central region of the province. It is the main highway for the towns of Crystal City, Pilot Mound and Holland, serving as a main corridor for semi -trailers, farm equipment, daily drivers and local school bus routes.

(3) A new bridge is currently being constructed over the Assiniboine River at PTH 34, north of Holland, in the RM of Victoria. The bridge serves as an impor- tant north -south link over the Assiniboine River between the Trans-Canada Highway and PTH 2.

(4) The deterioration of PTH 34 has raised major concerns due to its narrow shoulders and numer ous deep potholes that pose serious safety risks consid - ering farmers often need to use the highway to transport heavy equipment.

(5) The construction of a new bridge in accordance with current design codes and the RTAC standard, located on PTH 34 crossing the Assiniboine River, will support trade and commerce and improve public safety in the area, and also accommodate flood events on the Assiniboine River. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to address the conditions of Provincial Trunk Highway 34, making the necessary upgrades to RTAC standard and to resurface the road once the new bridge has been completed.

This petition has been signed by Marilyn Wakely, Carson Cain, Bryce Desrochers and many other fine Manitobans. The Speaker: There are no other petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Matt Wiebe (Acting Gov ernment House Leader): Would you call for debate at second reading this afternoon, Bill 31, The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended), followed by Bill 42, The Buy Canadian Act (Government Purchases Act Amended). The Speaker: It has been announced that we will proceed with second reading of Bill 31, The Property

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 705 Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended), followed by debate on second reading of The Buy Canadian Act (Government Purchases Act Amended). Just for the record, the second act we will be doing is Bill 42. SECOND READINGS Bill 31–The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended) Hon.

Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MLA Moyes), that Bill 31, The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended), be now read a second time and be referred to a com mittee of this House. * (15:40) Motion presented. MLA Sandhu: This bill amends The Law of Property Act, The Real Property Act and the Municipal Board to stop the use of property controls in owner ship and leasing agreements so more locations are available for grocery stores and supermarkets to sell fresh food and groceries.

The industry's large grocers use property controls like restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses to control access to the real estate necessary for new grocers to enter the market. Our government promised to eliminate restrictive covenants that drive up grocery prices. Prohibiting new property controls and avoiding for amending–or amending existing controls –property control will increase competition, which will help make groceries more affordable.

The proposed draft bill amends three separate acts to help increase competition by allowing more grocers, grocery stores and supermarkets to set up shops in Manitoba. Under amendment to The Law of Property Act and The Real Property Act, certain property controls can no longer be created and new ones are voided. Existing property controls are voided unless the holder makes a registration under The Real Property Act within six months after the amendment comes into force. An individual may initiate review of the property control.

The matter may be referred to the Munici pal Board if the minister considers the property control to be contrary to the public interest. The Munici pal Board will make a deter mination on whether the property control should be voided. More competition in the grocery industry is ex- pected to increase access to food for sale and make life more affordable for Manitobans. This is just one of many actions our gov ernment has taken to lower costs for the families. I look forward to this bill receiving the unanimous support of this Assembly. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

Questions The Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the minister by any opposition or independent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by opposition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is now open for questions. Mr.

Josh Guenter (Borderland): I thank the–or con- gratulate the minister across the way on his new ap - pointment and on this–on his work on this legislation. I want–I'm wondering if he could talk about why this bill is needed, what prompted him to bring it forward and how does this bill help. Hon.

Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): As the member opposite knows, the grocery prices are out of control across Canada, and the Competition Bureau has suggested that we should take these kind of steps where we are opening up the market for more grocers to enter the market and so there's more grocers are there and then there's competition and the–hopefully with this, we will have stable grocery prices into the future. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: No further questions? Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Who has the government consulted on this legislation?

706 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 MLA Sandhu: This is a very simple –a very good question. And, you know what? This side the House, all the ministers, all the MLAs are out listening to Manitobans. This is what Manitobans want. They want to see more competition in the grocery sector, and with this bill, we are creating more, you know, competition. And also, while we were doing some door knocking in Transcona, and when you're talking to people, the constituents there, all they want to see is the govern - ment working for them instead of for, you know, rich people.

So that's why out here, we are listening to Manitobans and we are delivering on their priorities. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I think all of us here would like to see our grocery bills go down. I know certainly I do. So if there's more grocery stores available, but not more grocery suppliers, how will this reduce the price of our groceries today? Thank you. MLA Sandhu: When you open up the market for more grocers or independent grocers to come into the market, each and every one wants to make sure have more business coming to their stores.

And with them having a grocery store from opposite from each other will create more competition where more competition will–led to stable grocery prices into the future. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Speaking to con- stituents and other Manitobans similarly to myself, many of them unaware that this even exists, so would the minister please answer how common this is in Winnipeg and across Manitoba? How often is it seen and how much can this expand competition and expansion of businesses throughout the province? MLA Sandhu: Very good question.

There are–pretty much every single big grocer have a restrictive covenant. So there's two kinds of property control right now. One is on the property itself. The second one is in the lease. And in the lease, they don't have to register with the Land Titles office, but the restrictive covenant is registered with the Land Titles office. But we have seen, pretty much, it's very, very common to have these property controls when grocers are opening up their businesses in certain places. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr.

Guenter: This bill appears to be addressing a rather minor problem in the grocery industry that it seems won't have much of an impact on grocery prices, if any at all. What is this government doing to lower trade barriers to allow more competition in Canada? So far, we haven't seen much action from the Premier (Mr. Kinew) or from this government on im- proving internal trade. They've talked a lot about it. There have been no improvements, no action. What action–what have they done? What about diversifying our markets and expanding international trade?

Can the minister talk about what the govern - ment has done on that file? MLA Sandhu: Canada will never be the 51st state of America. Our Premier is taking the lead with other premiers. We are opening up more tacks to see how can we create more op portunities here in Manitoba and across Canada. And our Premier is leading the team and the other premiers are also talking it. You probably have seen it out in the east. And also the bill we have 42, which is –also talk about the buy Canada act. I'm really also looking forward to debating that bill after we pass this bill. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr.

Narth: The minister had answered in my last–for– the answer for my last question that this is common - place for large grocers to use in the marketplace. * (15:50) So my question to the minister would be, if this bill passes, how is this to increase competition in the marketplace? Will it expand the interest of large grocers, or is the idea to expand the market presence of small grocery stores? MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, what we are trying to do with this bill, as I said, there are very common to have a restrictive covenant from the big grocers.

With this bill, they will have six months to register, otherwise their restrictive covenants will be voided. And into the future, you know, anyone can open up a grocery store, be it the independent grocers or be it bigger grocers who want to come into the Manitoba market. So we are giving an oppor tunity for the busi - nesses to flourish, and this is one of the barriers we are taking away–that one is there for the busi ness to operate. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. MLA Bereza: So this ban bans any restrictive covenants on the property where a grocery store or supermarket is operated.

March 17, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 707 Is there any other covenants that this government is a signatory to? MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, this bill is related to the grocery prices only, so this is a regular grocer, a grocery store and supermarket only. So we are not looking at any other restrictive covenant that there are, such as probably, you know, small grocers that might have it that's under 3,000 square fe et; we are not looking into those ones. These are the ones that are currently–they are on bigger grocers, plus on the lease as well. Thanks. Mrs.

Hiebert: How often has this been a problem in Winnipeg, or is this a bigger issue in Ontario and we're just trying to take that same and do it here ? But is it really a big problem here in Manitoba? MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, this is the first bill ever there is in Canada, so our gov ernment is taking a lead on this one across Canada. And I'm very proud to be part of this team and who are –they care about Manitobans. And this is–we are seeing it's common in Manitoba here where the restrictive covenant and the property control there are.

So with this we are trying to get rid of the property controls and open up the market for more grocers to come into the market. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr. Guenter: I'm wondering if the minister could answer why the legislation doesn't retroactively remove all of the covenants. Why have this registration process and then an appeal process to the Munici pal Board? MLA Sandhu: Well, Honourable Speaker, our gov- ernment is a listening government. We want to make sure the people –there might be certain places where that is okay to have a restrictive covenant.

But with this bill, what we are trying to do is open up the market. And with this bill, I'm sure into the future and we also giving an opportunity for the businesses to tell the board or why they need this restrictive covenant into the future, and it will be the board who will be deciding into the future: yes, this is important; they have to have that restrictive covenant, or not. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr.

Narth: My question for the minister is: Has this government, and himself as now the new minister, listened to businesses within the grocery sector to see how many businesses are awaiting for this legislation to be passed to allow for them to compete in their community? And if so, how many busi nesses are currently waiting to enter the market within that sector? MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, we are giving grocers, grocery store owners or –big and small to enter into the market.

This is the purpose of this bill, to bring more competition into the market and to stabilize the grocery prices and, going forward there will be no restrictive covenant or exclusivity clauses in Manitoba. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. MLA Bereza: Minister, I just want to make sure I'm clear here: the–this is the first bill of its kind in Canada. This is aimed at the big grocery store properties of a specific size. Honourable Speaker, the minister mentioned 2,000 square feet.

Is 2,000 square feet the minimum in order to be called a larger grocery store, or is there a minimum number of what the square footage would be to not qualify for this? Thank you. MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, 3,000 and less is considered a convenience store; 3,000 to 7,000 considered a grocery store; 7,000 and above is considered a super- store. So that's the–it's in the act there, yes. Mrs. Hiebert: We discussed a question earlier about who was consulted with. Did–was the–were the large– or, large grocers as well as small grocers all consulted as well as convenience stores? Thank you.

MLA Sandhu: As I said, we are listening to Manitobans and we are delivering on their priorities. And also, yes, Loblaws, Sobeys, Walmart have all indicated that they are prepared to give up their property control with some conditions. Their condition was if other grocers will do it, and we will do as well. So we are bringing a bill in so where it will be more competition, and we will–there– probably be stabilizing the grocery prices into the future. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr.

Narth: Just to get clarification to expand on my previous question is, how many grocers are currently waiting in the market to enter that sector? Right now, how many grocers have asked the minister and his de- partment to create this legis lation to allow the m to enter a market that they are currently blocked from?

708 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 17, 2025 MLA Sandhu: This bill's purpose is opening up the market for more grocers to come into the market. With this bill there will be more competition between the grocers as bigger and smaller grocers come in, and with this bill grocery prices will be stabilized, and this bill allows more grocers to open up the shops. There are right now certain places, there are controls over certain properties that are sitting empty right now because they have a restrictive covenant on those grocers–those properties. So we are getting rid of those ones.

Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The time for questions has expired. Debate The Speaker: The floor is now open for debate. Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): It's a pleasure to rise this afternoon to put a few words on the record with regard to Bill 31, The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act, and I thank the minister for the bill briefing in his office last week as well, and, you know, I think this is notionally a bill that is reasonable and one that we can support.

But my broader concern is that I don't think that it's going to have any impact at all, and we'll talk about that a little bit more. And I just want to, for those who are listening, to explain that the restrictive covenants, these property controls which have taken the form of restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses that prevent grocery stores and supermarkets from opening are really the target of this legislation and opening up the market to allow for more competition. * (16:00) Mr.

Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair So existing property controls are void unless the holder registers them under The Real Property Act within six months after the amendments come into force and property controls that are not registered are then considered void. Certain existing exclusivity clauses that restrict supermarkets are amended to remove the restriction, and the minister or another person may initiate the review of a property control, and the matter may be referred to the Municipal Board if the minister determines the property control may be contrary to the public interest.

Under amendments to The Municipal Board Act, the board may order a property control discharged or amended if

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-27
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 27.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	479d9e64b48fbfa21023989ed99676d81b5bfc33

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