Manitoba Hansard — 2 March 2022 (Sitting 16, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-16

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 16 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

347 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, March 2, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam 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 prosper ity 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 acknowl edge 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 and Nehethowuk. We acknowle dge 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 remain committed to working in partner- ship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Please be seated.

Good afternoon, everybody. Speaker's Statement Madam Speaker: I have a statement for the House. I must inform the House that a vacancy exists in the representation in the Legislative Assembly of the electoral division of Thompson due to the death of Danielle Adams, the member elected for this electoral division. Also, I am tabling a copy of the notification to the Lieutenant Governor in Council of the vacancy thus created in the membership of the House.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 10–An Act respecting Amendments to The Health Services Insurance Act, The Pharmaceutical Act and Various Corporate Statutes Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (Ms. Squires), that Bill 10,

An Act respecting Amend ments to The Health Services Insurance Act, The Pharmaceutical Act and Various Corporate Statutes, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to intro- duce this bill,

An Act respecting Amendments to The Health Services Insurance Act, The Pharmaceutical Act and Various Cor porate Statutes. This bill will amend The Health Services Insurance Act and The Pharmaceutical Act to enable point-of-care testing by pharmacists to continue this testing where appropriate and permitted by regula tion under The Regulated Health Professions Act. It will also amend various corporate acts to allow required meetings to continue to be conducted virtually after Manitoba's COVID-related emergency order facilitating corporate virtual meetings expires. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 11–The Elections Amendment Act Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education, that Bill 11, The Elections Amendment Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: Amend ments contained within this bill are in response to proposals made by Elections Manitoba and considered by the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs.

The committee endorsed these proposals and the government drafted a bill to make the changes on behalf of the com mittee. This bill fulfills those proposals by allowing for the use of electronic or – Elections Manitoba electronic strike -off system on election day and enabling the use of electronic vote tabulators at polling stations. These changes will allow voters to go to any poll station within their con stituency on election day and create efficiency for Elections Manitoba.

In addition to other amendments, it also allows voters who have a disability or trouble reading or writing to use their own assistive device to help them vote.

348 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 These are con sistent both with the commit tee recommendations and the recom mendations of the Chief Electoral Officer for Manitoba, and what is happening in other Canadian jurisdictions. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 217–The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting) Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I move, seconded by the member from Union Station, that Bill 217, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting), now be read for a first time. Motion presented. Mrs.

Smith: While it saddens me that this bill is required, I am proud to introduce Bill 217, The Fatality Inquiries Amend ment Act (Overdose Death Reporting). Manitoba is expected to exceed over 400 over - doses–overdose deaths in 2021 alone. But these deaths are not being reported publicly. Bill 217 would require them to be reported on monthly while also identifying the type of drug causing or contributing to the death. I look forward to unanimous support of this House. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Agreed? [Agreed] COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Crown Corporations First Report Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Chairperson): I wish to present the first report of the Standing Com mittee on Crown Corporations. Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents the following as its First Report. Meetings Your Committee met on January 10, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, May 18, 2021 and further amended on December 1, 2021, Rule 83(2) was waived for the January 10, 2022 meeting, reducing the membership to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition). • Mr. G UENTER • Mr. KINEW • Mr. MICKLEFIELD • Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE • Mr. SANDHU • Hon. Mr. WHARTON Your Committee elected Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE as the Chairperson.

Your Committee elected Mr. GUENTER as the Vice - Chairperson. Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record: • Mr. LAMONT Officials Speaking on Record • Eric Herbelin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation • Dr. Michael Sullivan, Chair of the Board, Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Ms. Morley-Lecomte: I move, seconded by the hon- ourable member for Borderland (Mr.

Guenter), that the report of the committee be received. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. * (13:40) Motion agreed to.

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 349 Standing Committee on Crown Corporations Second Report Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Chairperson): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the second report of the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Crown Corpor- ations– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents the following as its Second Report. Meetings Your Committee met on January 11, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Annual Report of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, May 18, 2021 and further amended on December 1, 2021, Rule 82(2) was waived for the January 11, 2022 meeting, reducing the membership to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition). • Mr. K INEW • Mr. MARTIN • Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE (Chairperson) • Hon. Mr. REYES • Mr. SALA • Hon. Mr. WHARTON Your Committee elected Mr. MARTIN as the Vice-Chairperson.

Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record: • Mr. LAMONT Officials Speaking on Record • Manny Atwal, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries • Randy Williams, Chair of the Board, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Annual Report of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Ms. Morley -Lecomte: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the hon ourable member for McPhillips (Mr. Martin), that the report of the com mittee be received. Motion agreed to.

Standing Committee on Crown Corporations Third Report Mr. Dennis Smook (Chairperson): I wish to present the third report of the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Crown Corpor- ations– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents the following as its Third Report. Meetings Your Committee met on January 13, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Annual Report of Efficien cy Manitoba for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 • Annual Report Supplement of Efficiency Manitoba for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, May 18, 2021 and further amended on December 1, 2021, Rule 82(2) was waived for the January 13, 2022 meeting, reducing the membership to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition). • Hon. Mrs. G UILLEMARD • Mr. ISLEIFSON • Ms. NAYLOR • Mr. SALA • Mr. SMOOK • Mr.

TEITSMA Your Committee elected Mr. SMOOK as the Chairperson.

350 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Your Committee elected Mr. TEITSMA as the Vice-Chairperson. Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record: • Mr. LAMONT Officials Speaking on Record • Colleen Kuruluk, Chief E xecutive Officer, Efficiency Manitoba • Dr. Jeannette Montufar, Chair of the Board, Efficiency Manitoba Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Annual Report of Efficiency Manitoba for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 • Annual Report Supplement of Efficiency Manitoba for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Mr.

Smook: I move, seconded by the honour able member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. Standing Committee on Crown Corporations Fourth Report Mr. Dennis Smook (Chairperson): I wish to present the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Crown Corpor- ations– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents the following as its Fourth Report.

Meetings Your Committee met on January 13, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Annual Report of the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, May 18, 2021 and further amended on December 1, 2021, Rule 82(2) was waived for the January 13, 2022 meeting, reducing the membership to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition). • Mr. B RAR • Hon. Mrs. COX • Mr. MICKLEFIELD • Mr.

SALA • Mr. SMOOK (Chairperson) • Mr. TEITSMA (Vice-Chairperson) Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record: • Mr. LAMONT Officials Speaking on Record • Robert Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation • Karl Loepp, Chair of the Board, Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Annual Report of the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Mr. Smook: I move, seconded by t he honour able member for Radisson (Mr.

Teitsma), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. Standing Committee on Crown Corporations Fifth Report Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Chairperson): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the fifth re port of the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Crown Corpor- ations– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense.

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 351 Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents the following as its Fifth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on January 14, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Annual Report of the Manitoba Hydro- Electric Board for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, May 18, 2021 and further amended on December 1, 2021, Rule 82(2) was waived for the January 14, 2022 meeting, reducing the membership to six Me mbers (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition). • Mr. GUENTER • Hon. Mrs. GUILLEMARD • Mr. KINEW • Mr. PEDERSEN • Mr. SALA • Hon. Mr. WHARTON Your Committee elected Mr. PEDERSEN as the Chairperson.

Your Committee elected Mr. GUENTER as the Vice-Chairperson. Officials Speaking on Record • Jay Grewal, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board • Marina James, Chair of the Board, Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Annual Report of the Manitoba Hydro- Electric Board for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 Mr. Pedersen: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honour able member for Borderland (Mr. Guenter), that the report of the com mittee be received. Motion agreed to.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts First Report Mr. Jim Maloway (Chairperson): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the first report of the Standing Com- mittee on Public Accounts. Clerk: Your Standing Com mittee on Public Accounts– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its First Report. Meetings Your Committee met on February 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Election of a Vice-Chairperson Committee Membership • Mr. LAMONT • Mr. LINDSEY • Mr.

MALOWAY (Chairperson) • Mr. MARTIN • Mr. MICHALESKI • Ms. NAYLOR • Mr. NESBITT • Mr. SMOOK • Mr. TEITSMA • Mr. WASYLIW • Mr. WISHART Your Committee elected Mr. NESBITT as the Vice-Chairperson. Mr. Maloway: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Flin Flon (Mr. Lindsey), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. Madam Speaker: Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable First Minister–and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2).

Would the hon ourable First Minister please proceed with her statement.

352 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Support for Ukrainian Community Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): On Saturday, I had the honour of joining many of our colleagues on both sides of the House, as well as many Manitobans from across our province, to rally in support of Ukrainian people and to stand with Manitoba's Ukrainian community. It was incredible to see so many Manitobans from all political stripes and all backgrounds in a sea of blue and yellow, rallying in support of peace.

Together, we sent Vladimir Putin a strong message: that Manitoba stands with the people of Ukraine and against this unjust invasion. Madam Speaker, Putin's heinous attack on a free nation with a proud history is a shameful violation of international law. Here on the Legislative grounds, there is a monument recognizing t he horrors of the 1932 Holodomor, Joseph Stalin's forced famine that killed millions of Ukrainians by starvation.

The Ukrainian people have suffered under the rule of an evil dictator before, and, Madam Speaker, Manitobans–and all Canadians –must do everything we can to make sure that never happens again. Manitoba supports the democratically elected government of Ukraine. Manitoba supports Canadian efforts to impose crippling economic sanctions on Russia. We must aid in bringing this conflict to an end. The cost of war and its impacts on the citizens of a country cannot be measured. This conflict is destroying families and cities and neighbourhoods.

The citizens of Ukraine, and their relatives and friends here in Manitoba, need our help and support in the ir hour of need–people like Kateryna Ryshschykovets here in Winnipeg, whose family is in the battle zone of Nova Kakhovka, Kherson Oblast. Her family are able to keep in touch with her, but there is a war going on in the streets surrounding their house. They have heard of neighbours shot as they attempt to flee their house–as they attempt to flee. These are the atrocities that many Ukrainians are witnessing right now.

These are the freedom -loving people who may be coming to Manitoba in the very near future. They will need our help. I've informed the federal government that we will take Ukrainian refugees looking for a safe haven, and we are working with Canada to expedite over 100 Ukrainian immigration applications through our Provincial Nominee Program. We have contributed $150,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for humanitarian aid to displaced families and refugees, with more to come as needed. And last week, Manitoba Liquor Marts pulled all Russian products from their shelves.

Manitoba is the home of over 180,000 people of Ukrainian descent. That is one in almost every seven Manitobans, all of whom contributed to building a democratic and peaceful province. On Saturday, we raised the Ukrainian flag in Memorial Park in solidarity with them and with all Ukrainians who are fighting to save their country. Madam Speaker, the invasion of Ukraine has united people around the world in support of freedom, democracy and peace. Let us stay united and continue to pray for peace in Ukraine.

Madam Speaker, once other members have spoken to the statement, I ask that we have a moment of silence for all those who have lost their lives in Ukraine, and for all those who are fighting for their lives as we speak. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Last night, my son and I joined thousands of other Manitobans to watch with pride as the Hoosli choir sang the national anthems of both Ukraine and Canada before the Jets game. My heart was full to see the amount of people we aring yellow and blue in the stands last night and to hear the tre - mendous cheer that rose up.

That, along with the rally that was held here on Saturday, shows me that the people of Manitoba are united in support and solidarity for the people of Ukraine a nd for the Ukrainian com munity both here in Manitoba and around the world. * (13:50) I think we've all been extremely moved by the bravery and the heroism of Ukrainians at this historic moment: regular men, women and civilians who are taking up arms to defend their homeland, to defend their language and culture and independence. Not just scientists and grocery clerks but elected officials are in the streets as we speak right now.

We're moved by the selflessness of the 13 guards on Snake Island, who took on a Russian warship in words that will be immortalized, I'm sure. They are true heroes. I think we've all also been impressed and seen President Zelensky in a new light over these past number of weeks. He has been a leader to stand up to

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 353 Vladimir Putin, and he has refused to capitulate and he stood strong for his nation's values. Now, in the last few years, Manitobans have been divided by political issues, by social issues, what have you. But now is the time to come together, and it's important that we come together right now to support Ukraine and to support Ukrainians here on these lands as well. We must unite against a common enemy, and that common enemy is Vladimir Putin.

We know that the common enemy is not necessarily the people of Russia, because there are many good Russians who are speaking out against this war and are speaking out against Vladimir Putin and are pushing for peace. But being where we are in the world and given the size of the Ukrainian community here in Manitoba, which is one of the largest amongst any province –the largest per capita, in fact–we know that we have to do more. We can do more. We must do more. So, of course, we are calling on the Province to dramatically increase the amount of financial assist - ance provided to the UCC.

We also ask the Province to set up a matching donation program, so that every donation that a Manitoban makes is matched by prov- incial coffers. We propose starting that program with $5 million. The MPNP program –we could admit more Ukrainians through that stream. We should be talking about thousands of more Ukrainians, and we need to staff up that de partment to ensure that those applications can be expedited and to support it with settlement services once people arrive here. Of course, the refugee stream will be im portant and settlement services can assist that.

But again, when we're talking about refugees from Ukraine, we should be talking about numbers in the thousands. And, of course, we may –we must take steps against the financial interests which support Vladimir Putin and enable his unjust war. I think back to visiting Ukraine in 2014. One of the things that I did was I visited the Maidan square, where people fought for their independence. I visited the shrines to the people who were martyred there, and reflecting on that, I know that the people of Ukraine will never give up.

With that in mind, we should ask ourselves at this historic moment if we are doing every thing that we can to bring about an end to this war and to support those people. Slava Ukraini. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I ask for leave to speak in response to the ministerial statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Lamont: I'll start by saying that what we've seen in the last weeks is truly extra ordinary, and the leadership and tenacity of Ukraine's President Zelensky has been nothing short of heroic.

That spirit of resistance and incredible toughness is part of what has always defined the Uk rainian people, whose courage and defiance in the face of bombing and threats of nuclear annihilation is mind-boggling. Whether it is a farmer stealing and towing a Russian tank, to the woman telling a soldier to put sunflower seeds in his pockets, to the brave people who've been stepping up and putting them selves in harm's way, they have been beyond inspiring. Now, I remember the threat of nuclear war and bombs dropping on our heads in the 1980s.

We didn't know in junior high whether there'd be a world to grow–for us to grow up into, but there was. We did see a different future. I remember the fall of the Berlin Wall. I remember Ukraine becoming a sovereign country, and the invasion of Ukraine is not the action of a strongman, but the action of a weak m an, a desperate attempt to disrupt, divide and undermine our allies and ourselves. It is truly a threat not just to Ukraine but to the world. But democracy has greater strength than any tyrant can shake. It doesn't mean that democracy is perfect or that we won't falter sometimes.

But democracy has a capacity for reinvention without destruction, and without the rule of law we have nothing. And our disagreement is not with the Russian people, because if Putin and the oligarchs who back him really believed in what is best for Russia, they wouldn't be hiding their money away in some offshore account in Panama or Malta. They wouldn't be backing Putin's invasion; they'd be reinvesting in Russia. They'd be building factories. But they're not. They're backing the invasion of a sovereign and inde- pendent democratic state, and that's something we have to oppose.

Ukrainians survived and outlasted oppression. Ukrainians have survived and outlasted famine. They survived and outlasted war. And they will all survive

354 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 and outlast Putin and this unwarranted act of aggression We say in this House, with a single voice, that we stand with Ukraine. You are not alone in your struggle, and your struggle and identity will not be denied, because your struggle is our struggle. And all of our struggle is to repair this world, to make it more free, to make it more democratic, to make it more just. We did not create this world that we live in, we inherited it, but we do not have to leave it to our children. Slava Ukraini. Thank you. Merci.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] Please stand. A moment of silence was observed. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS J.H. Bruns Girls Volleyball Champions Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, for many years, my constituency of Southdale has been a training ground for talented athletes within our schools. The J.H. Bruns Collegiate Broncos girls varsity volleyball team have continued this tradition by winning the 2021 Boston Pizza AAAA provincial cham pionship against the St. Mary's Academy Flames on December 4th, 2021.

During their climb to victory, they defeated rival top team, the Vincent Massey Trojans, in the semi-finals. This is the first time in history that the Southdale team has captured the v arsity championship title, but it won't be the last. This win is a turning point for the J.H. Bruns volleyball team, and I know they will be training very hard during the off -season to defend their title in 2023 and bring home a back- to-back provincial championship. Among the many talented coaching staff and players, head coach Kris Funk won this year's AAAA Girls Coach of the Year award for leading the team to victory.

Team members Jenna Dyck and Mia Caronte were named tournament all -stars, and Raya Surin x was named the tournament MVP. Raya was also chosen to be featured in the 2021 Girls All-Manitoba Team. Congratulations to all of you on these special recognitions. It was a long wait to get back onto the court due to the pandemic, but once they found their rhythm, they knew 2021 would be like no other year for the team. This team shows that when you work hard and put in the time and dedication, dreams really do come true. Please join me in congratulating the 2021 J.H.

Bruns Collegiate Broncos coaches and players on an exemplary season. * (14:00) Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to add the names of the coaches and players into Hansard. Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable Minister of Health, I would just indicate that the minister does not need leave to approve those names any longer with the new rules. J. H. Bruns Collegiate Broncos: Mia Caronte, Jenna Dyck, Madeline Gordon, Callie Lane, Karalize Loewen, Jill Paukovic, Kate Paukovic, Raya Surinx, Brinna Thiessen, players; Kyra Dyck, Allie Moffatt, Summer Sabourin, Ashley Seminuk, assist ant coaches; Kris Funk, head coach.

CommUNITY.204 Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): This PC government is letting down Point Douglas and its residents. But, thankfully, organizations like CommUNITY.204 are pi cking up that slack left by this Stefanson administration. I'm honoured to stand here today and acknowledge the work and impact commUNITY.204 does. CommUNITY.204 performs a variety of tasks in Point Douglas and the wider North End of Winnipeg, including helping Drag the Red efforts, advocacy to advance the Every Child Matters movement and providing basic necessities like soup and clothing to hundreds of residents in Manitoba every day.

One of the ways in which Com mUNITY.204 stands out from other groups is that a majority of its team grew up in the child-welfare system. They know the challenges and barriers faced by Manitoba youth in the system today and they are, therefore, better equipped than most to empathize and address the needs of these children. We would do well to listen to these voices here at the Legislature as we grapple with how to reform a system that has so often failed to provide a safe and healthy environment for our children. My friend Daniel Hidalgo told me to pass along one of the mantras of CommUNITY.204, and I quote:

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 355 that the team believes in lateral love, lateral empathy and lateral unity. End of quote. I repeat his words both so that they're memorial - ized in Hansard and as a reminder to all of us in this Chamber as MLAs that we n eed to reconsider our reliance on top -down approaches to poverty re - duction. Instead, we must equip grassroots organiza - tions like Com mUNITY.204 to continue acting in– engaging in acts of lateral love, empathy and unity.

CommUNITY.204, we thank you for y our hard work in uplifting our youth, and most im portantly, we thank you for spreading love, empathy and unity across Manitoba. Madam Speaker: I would just point out to the member and all members of the House, when referring to a government, it would be by the Stefanson govern- ment and not Stefanson adminis tration. So for future use, if people choose to do that, that is our rule. Jack Beaudry Mr. Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): It is my pleasure today to present Jack Beaudry. Jack is a 15 -year-old m otorcycle racer from Lorette, Manitoba.

Jack has been ranked one of the top road racers in the province. Being the rider that Jack is, he attained a spot in the US racing series called the North American talent cup. This series includes some of the top young racers on the continent. Jack Beaudry began riding motorcycles five years ago. He started small with mini -bikes and quickly became confident and a sharp rider. As a result of his confidence, he upgraded to a 250 cc road bike this past summer. Jack was brought up in the lifestyle of racing, as his dad was also a road racer when he was younger.

It is no surprise that Jack became the youngest winner ever last fall in the 40-year history of Manitoba road racing, competing with racers much older than himself. It is easy to understand why Jack has earned these titles. Jack has accomplished so much in a short time period while being a 15- year-old grade 10 student. Away from studying, his biggest priority is racing. His hard work has paid off and he is now one of the only two Canadian riders who will be racing in the North American talent cup.

Please join me in wishing him all the best in his upcoming races and congratulating him –con- gratulating yet another remarkable Dawson Trail resident. Michael Monk Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): So many of us have had good times and fond memories at the Toad over the years. It's an iconic Osborne Village pub; an institution, really. And many of those memories included Michael Monk, known to family, friends and Toad regulars simply as Mic. I'm very sad to say that this pillar of Osborne Village left us far too soon very recently.

Now, Mic had family roots in Osborne Village and, in 2004, he purchased the Toad. He and his twin brother, Kevin, actually also launched the Cavern and, eventually, the Whiskey Bar. So they did a lot for the scene here in Winnipeg, if you will. And, of course, we all know that, in 2020, the Toad moved from its iconic location to the more recent location at 155 Osborne. Through it all, he gave many of my friends jobs. And I'd stop in to visit with him, perhaps most memorably during the Canada Day street festivals each year. He was also a huge contributor to the music scene, a musician himself.

And on holidays like Easter and Christmas, Mic would close the pub to host dinners for expats and other people who were living here in Winnipeg who might not have had family to take them in for those special occasions –a truly generous soul. He was also very proud of his family . I can say, you know, we watched him with great pride at the Fort Rouge grade 6 graduation, when he was there to celebrate one of his daughters. Michael received a terminal diagnosis of lung cancer just two weeks after the death of his father in December 2020. Mic passed away on January 16th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

My sincere condolences to Mic's family, his wife, his daughters Bijou and Parinda, his daughter Bijou's mom, and all of his relatives. My condolences also to the family at the T oad, and I encourage all of my colleagues to stop in sometime for a pint or to contribute to the fundraiser to renovate the building. Thank you so much, Mic.

356 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Courtney Czezowski Hon. Scott Johnston (Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care): Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the strong commitment and community connection that –exemplified by one of Assiniboia's most outstanding constituents. Courtney Czezowski is the current president of the Assiniboia west recreational centre and has served on their board for multiple roles under the –for many years. What is unique about this instance is that this association represents two of three community clubs in Assiniboia that serves the whole Assiniboia constituency area.

The Buchanan site is situated between John Taylor Collegiate, Hedges Middle School and Buchanan elementary school, while the Morgan site is situated along Crestview School. Many Assiniboia families have utilized these clubhouses for over 50 years for all their local youth sports and social activities such as socials, skating, hockey, dance, baseball, soccer –just to name a few. A significant challenge occurred when a fire destroy- ed a part of the Buchanan site clubhouse. The commu- nity rallied under the leadership of president Courtney Czezowski.

Today, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to say that with a renovation grant and community fundraising, this clubhouse has received many new upgrades. My constituents can now enjoy a fully modernized canteen, kitchen area, change area, meeting rooms and washrooms. But Courtney, Madam Speaker, tells me that their work is not done yet. So, Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Courtney Czezowski for her outstanding contribution to our community of Assiniboia. Thank you. * * * Madam Speaker: It's my pleasure right now to intro- duce you to somebody new at the table.

I would like to draw members' attention to the table today, as I am pleased to introduce our new clerk assistant-Journals clerk, Vanessa Gregg. Members would know Vanessa, of course, as she has served as the manager of the Assembly's Visitor Tour program since 2007. Prior to that, Vanessa worked as a tour guide in the building as she finished her bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, political studies and French from the Université de Saint - Boniface. We are excited to have Vanessa join the procedural team and we are pleased to welcome her to the table here in the House today.

She brings to the challenging Journals position a wealth of knowledge and experience, a strong work ethic, great respect for this institution and also boundless enthusiasm. We are confident that she will adapt well to her new role and excel in this position. Vanessa's first day as Journals clerk was on November 17, 2021, and since that time she has been hard at work learning all there is to know about the Journals branch and serving as a clerk at the table. * (14:10) Vanessa, on behalf of all honour able members and all Assembly staff, I welcome you to your new role in the Assembly .

We're very happy to have you here. ORAL QUESTIONS Canada-Ukraine Foundation Financial Assistance Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): On behalf of our team, I want to say, welcome, Vanessa. Big shoes to fill, but I've also heard remark able compliments directed to you already, and you have a great team to mentor and to help support you, so we wish you the best. The illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia threatens the futures of millions of people in Ukraine, across Europe, and it is indeed an ominous sign for the democratic world.

We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here. Given the importance of the community to Manitoba, we know that our province should be a leader. That's why it's so important for Manitoba to step up and show support. The Manitoba gov ernment should dramatically increase the amount of financial assist ance provided to the Canadian-Ukrainian foundation. Will the Premier do so today? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I think it goes without saying that what is happening in Ukraine is absolutely heartbreaking.

This is affecting all of those families–and there's 180,000 Manitobans who are

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 357 affected by this, who have loved ones back in Ukraine. We need to stand b y them today, and that's exactly what we are doing, Madam Speaker. And it's important that we be united on this front and not divided on this front. We need to stand with people from Ukraine. And that's exactly what we are doing. We have made a con tribution to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, for humanitarian relief, of $150,000, Madam Speaker. We have reached out to the federal gov ernment. We're working closely with them to ensure that we can expedite the immigration process.

And we have made it very clear to the federal gov ernment that we will help by taking refugees right here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Donations to Support Ukraine Matching Government Program Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, Manitobans look after each other during times of need. Well, most do, actually. And we've seen that time and time again throughout the pandemic. We're seeing it again as Manitob ans step up to assist the people of Ukraine. Many people are giving generous donations.

We've seen the contributions to the UCCA increase dramatically. We've also seen people gathering supplies: one Winnipegger picking up radios, first aid kits, even dr ones to send to the Ukrainian people to help with their fight. We know that this benevolence, this generosity, should be matched by the gov ernment. The gov ern- ment should match this commitment. And we need to see further action from the Province. Will the Premier create a matching program where cash donations from the people of Manitoba are matched by contributions from this provincial govern- ment? Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, as a gov ernment, we have been very clear that we stand with our friends in Ukraine. We stand– we have clearly indicated to the federal gov ernment that we support them in their efforts to impose sanctions against Russia because of this horrific act of international law that is breaking that law. We will continue to stand with Ukraine. We will continue to ensure that we do what we can on our part to support them. We have already indicated how we're going to do that. We will continue to do that.

It's our part to stand–and the most important thing we can do is stand with Ukraine in their time of need, and that's exactly what we're doing, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Conflict in Ukraine PNP Fee Waiver Mr. Wab Kine w (Leader of the Official Opposition): Well, we know that the illegal invasion of Ukraine has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee. We know that there are hundreds of thousands displaced, and soon that number could reach millions.

We know Manitoba can be a safe haven, and we should do every thing that we can to assist people in their time of need. We know that that can happen through a refugee stream, but we also know that there's the Provincial Nominee Program. Currently, there's a $500 fee in place, which could be an ad ditional barrier for people trying to come to Manitoba from the Ukraine, to say nothing of the delays in processing applications. We should take further steps to support settlement services offered by organizations like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Are these actions going to be followed up with by this Premier?

Will she waive the $500 fee for prov - incial nominees coming from the Ukraine? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, I want to thank– on Saturday –all of the thousands of Manitobans that showed up at the Manitoba Legislature in support of Ukraine. There were some incredibly heartbreaking stories that were told at that rally, and I just want to thank those for coming forward for their strength and their courage to come forward to tell their stories. And our message to them is that we stand united with them. I just hope the members opposite will stand united with us.

We're better in numbers; strength in numbers, Madam Speaker. And it's very im portant that members opposite stay united and do not divide us as they are suggesting right now. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question.

358 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Health-Care System Hospital Staffing Concerns Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Remember when the Premier said Manitobans have to learn to look after them selves? We were the ones who continued to maintain unity and to unite Manitobans around a common objective at that time, and so we'll continue to do so at this time.

These have been tough times for people in the province: they've watched the continuous disaster in our health- care system unfold; they've seen the staffing crisis in health care; and today, with rising interest rates, we also know that the cos t of living is such an impact on the people of Manitoba. Now, of course, those in the Pallister -Stefanson governments want you to forget about the harm that they've caused to this province. But we know that nothing has changed; these are the same old PCs. And just like Brian Pallister, when families need them most, they will abdicate their responsibilities.

Why did the Premier refuse to show support for Manitobans during their time of need? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, we will continue to stand by Manitobans in their time of need. We never abandoned Manitobans during that time. We have been with Manitobans, standing side by side Manitobans. Whether they're Ukrainians, whether they're, you know, other Manitobans who have suffered hardships throughout the COVID pandemic, we will continue to work with them to ensure their safety and to ensure that their well-being is respected. We will continue to stand side by side Manitobans.

We've been doing that from the very beginning, Madam Speaker, and we will continue to do that in the future. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, do you remember when the Premier said Manitobans have to learn to look after t hemselves? We remember, and I'm sure the people of Manitoba remember too. We're very concerned about the federal gov ern- ment being forced to bail out Manitoba's health -care system with the assistance of nurses from the Red Cross. Let's be clear–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Kinew: –Madam Speaker, you only call the Red Cross when it's an emergency. When the Red Cross shows up, things are not going well. And so, here we are with our health -care system in a crisis, in a staffing–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –emergency. The people–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –of Manitoba are very disillusioned with the PC's approach to health care, and with good reason. And the fact that we see the continued cries for help from those on their front line further speaks to the crisis that we're seeing right now.

We know the Red Cross only comes when things are in a crisis situation. Will the Premier admit that there is a crisis in Manitoba's hospitals? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, we will continue to make the investments in our Manitoba–in our health- care system to ensure that the system is there for Manitobans when they need it. That is our commit - ment, and we will continue to work along those lines. What I will say is that these were not new nurses that were called upon for Manitoba.

What was, was a– just–they are nurses that are already here and it's just simply an extension for a couple of weeks – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: –to allow for a transition process to take place so that–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: –there is a continuum of care there for Manitobans when they need it. * (14:20) I hope the member opposite is not suggesting that Manitobans don't need and deserve that continuum of care. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Kinew: The Premier's argument seems to be, well, the house was already on fire before while I was Premier, and so now the house is still on fire, so don't get upset over that situation. The people of Manitoba are extremely concerned over the state of the health-care system. The fact that

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 359 the health -care staffing crisis was at an emergency point in D ecember does not excuse the Premier's responsibility to take action now in February. Again, the Red Cross only shows up when you are in crisis, Madam Speaker, and we see that there is a continued emergency situation–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –in Manitoba's health -care system. But note the one thing the Premier would not say: the Premier would not admit that there is a crisis in our hospitals.

So I'll ask again: Can the Premier admit that there is a crisis in hospitals in Manitoba right now? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the member opposite will know that we have been facing a world- wide pandemic for the last two years, and obviously, within our health -care system, people needed to be 'reployed'–deployed–redeployed within the system to help increase the capacity for ICU, make sure that we're dealing with –'appropally' with those who are being hospitalized as a result of COVID. People had to be redeployed.

Now we're in a transition phase to ensuring that those people return back to their jobs –their original jobs, Madam Speaker. This is a transition period. We want to ensure that we have that continuum of care. This is why we've asked for these three individuals – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: –just to extend their stay –they're already here working at the Health Sciences Centre– just to extend their work for two weeks here, Madam Speaker, during that transition period, to ensure the continuity of care for Manitoba patients. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order.

State of the Health-Care System Hospital Staffing and Funding MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, a number of public health measures were dropped today, but the demands on our health- care system remain: patients are being transfe rred around the province, nurses, doctors and other health- care professionals are still very much under strain, 2,300 nursing positions are vacant. On February 24th, the province requested exceptional support from the federal gov ernment to deploy nurses into Manitoba hospitals.

Will the minister admit if you have to call in the Red Cross, that means there's a crisis in our health - care system? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for–from Union Station for the question, because it gives me an op portunity to set the record straight. Last fall, the members opposite stood on the rooftop and screamed, send in the army; call for the army. Unbeknownst to them, we had already started discussions with the federal gov ernment around the round table that was created by–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms.

Gordon: –the federal minister, and the federal government–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –stepped up and Red Cross nurses were assigned to Manitoba. And I want to take this oppor - tunity to thank all of our nurses for stepping up and helping Manitobans during the fourth wave. And to the Red Cross nurses, we thank you for your stay here in our province–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Whoa. This is going off the rails kind of early. I would ask for everybody's co-operation, please. I couldn't hear some of those words because of the heckling from all sides of the House.

So please, let's show some consid eration here, show that we can demonstrate the kind of leadership that the world is expecting of politicians these days, and respectfully listen to the questions and answers. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, funding to acute care was cut in this year's budget by $13 million. Regions which run our hospitals saw their funding cut below the level of inflation: less than one half of 1 per cent.

Our nurses and doctors did not have and do not have what they need to sustain the overwhelming burden of this pandemic. That's obvious, as federal assistance is being requested even now. Will the minister admit when you have to call in the Red Cross, there's a crisis in our hospitals? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, in Budget 2021 this government, members on this side of the House,

360 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 committed $1.18 billion –$6.98 billion overall fund- ing, an increase of $156 million from last year, the largest health budget in Manitoba history. Madam Speaker, we're going to continue to fund health care and provide supports to Manitobans when they need it. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, we're all hopeful that this fourth wave of the pandemic might be the last, but hope is not enough.

Announced today were a number of public health measures that are being dropped, yet the reality is our hospitals are still under tre mendous strain: 2,300 nursing positions are vacant. There are now 124 less hospital beds in our health- care system than four years ago. Public health restrictions are being removed, but Manitoba's calling for federal assist ance to shore up capacity that this government cut. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: Why can't the minister ju st admit when the Red Cross is being called in, that means there's a crisis –an ongoing crisis –in our Manitoba hospitals?

Will she just admit this today? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, I want to state again that the army that the member opposite was crying from the rooftop to come to Manitoba didn't come, but the nurses did, from the Red Cross. They have been here since December. The three nurses that we are extending for two addi tional weeks have been here for–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –over a month. This is an extension of three nurses at the Health Sciences Centre for two weeks.

Are the members opposite stating that we should ask them to return home, send them back and not have them continue to provide the invaluable supports they have been providing to Manitobans? Please, tell Manitobans if they –if the Red Cross nurses should stay or if you'd like us to send them home. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. U of M Faculty Association Cost of Labour Dispute Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, $19 million–that's $19 million –is the bill that Brian Pallister left Manitobans for his inter ference in the University of Manitoba's negotiations back in 2016.

That's money now that each and every Manitoban will have to pay if the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) doesn't do what's right and hand that bill over to those who it rightfully belongs to. Will the Premier do what's right and send the bill for Pallister's inter ference with the U of M to Brian Pallister himself, instead of Man itobans? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Sounds like the member's already cashing the cheque. But I'm sure the member will understand, appre - ciate that this matte r remains before the courts.

We have to respect that process, as we always do, and obviously, we're thoroughly reviewing the decision with our legal advisors and will review that advice, that legal advice, and will deter mine what the next path is. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital, on a supplementary question. * (14:30) Mr. Moses: Well, Madam Speaker, if the Premier doesn't want to send the bill to Brian Pallister, then maybe she could use part of the $31 million that she neglected to disclose to cover the gov ernment's cost of this interference.

Manitobans shouldn't be the ones left to foot the bill–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –for her mentor, Brian Pallister's inter - ference, which has led to $3 million of strike costs and $16 million of lost 'wadege' due to this uncon stitu- tional wage mandate. So will the Premier take respon sibility for her party's interference and perhaps send the bill to the PC Party of Manitoba instead of to Manitobans? Mr. Helwer: Thank you, Madam Speaker – [interjection]

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 361 Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: Well, the member seems to be feeling that he's the judge in the process here, Madam. This matter is before the courts. We will take advice from our legal counsel and see what that advice is, and we'll determine what the next path is, what the best path is, for Manitoba. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Moses: Now, it's clear tha t, had the Premier's government not inter fered with the U of M negotiations back in 2016, there wouldn't –be no $19-million bill today. Now, Madam Speaker, this is the compensation that rightfully belongs to the faculty at U of M, and that's why it's so concerning to hear that they're con - sidering appealing this decision. The Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) should do what's right and cover the bill herself or send it to her 'melntor', Brian Pallister– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Moses: –because it shouldn't be up to Manitobans to cover the cost of this government's interference and court battles. Will the Premier commit today for her party paying the bill of that $19 million? Mr. Helwer: Well, now apparently the member opposite is a lawyer. I'm not sure that that was in his history, but perhaps it is. We have not actually received the court judgment, Madam Speaker. Once we receive it, we will talk to our legal advisors and we will deter mine what the path is, the best path is, for Manitobans. The member opposite is giving us advice to appeal it.

We'll look at that option, but we'll listen to our legal advisors. Correctional Service of Canada Out-of-Province Transfer of Women Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Citizens in conflict with the law need com munity supports and need to be close to family and friends. This is crucial to citizens' healing and to reducing recidivism. That's why it's con cerning to learn that the Minister of Justice has not continued an agreement with Correctional Service Canada to keep women entering federal justice systems for short federal sentences in Manitoba correctional facilities.

Indeed, women are going to be sent out of province, Madam Speaker, far from their supports and community. Will the minister reverse his decision and re-enter into an agreement with correction services Canada to keep women close to home today? Miigwech. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I thank the member for the question. We do provide signi ficant resources when it comes to support, whether it's in com munity or in facility, Madam Speaker.

I would name just one example of the therapeutic drug support that we provide within the women's centre, a unique program in Manitoba which provides wrap-around service. We've extended wrap -around service into com - munities as well, Madam Speaker, because we know that for those who are either in facility or outside a facility, that support is important and we'll continue to provide additional support through our government. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Fontaine: As a result of the minister's failure to continue the agreement, if a woman enters the federal system with a short sentence, she will now be forced to leave the province for facilities in Edmonton, Kingston or elsewhere, Madam Speaker. This is a step backwards, parti cularly when you consider what women incarcerated have had to live with under the conditions of COVID. The minister is shipping women away, putting them further away from their loved ones and the com munity supports that they need to be successful when they leave these facilities. It doesn't have to be this way, though, Madam Speaker.

Will the m inister commit to reassigning that agreement with correction services Canada today? Mr. Goertzen: The member opposite knows well the distinction between federal sentencing and provincial sentencing. Certainly, within our provincial correctional insti- tutions, whether it's those facilities that house men or whether it's those facilities that house women, we continue to provide addi tional support –additional support to ensure that those who are leaving–in the community after leaving a provincial facility have not

362 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 only transitional support into the community, but have a better op portunity because of what they were provided within that facility. Yes, it's true that COVID has interrupted some of those programs, but I'm pleased to say that many of those programs are restarting now and enhancing, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: Women with short federal sentences are now being forced to leave their family, their friends, their support systems behind.

They're forced to leave their children behind when it is already so difficult to be able to have access or visitation with their children. This decision does not take into consid- eration what is in the best interest of th ese women when they leave these facilities. This is a decision that's isolating women in conflict with the law and making it harder for them after their sentence is completed. Again, Madam Speaker, will the minister enter into an agreement with correction services Canada to keep women with short federal sentences here at home in Manitoba? Mr.

Goertzen: I am grateful for the question from the member opposite. She's well aware of the distinction between federal and prov incial sentences, Madam Speaker, and federal and provincial facilities. Within the prov incial facilities in Manitoba, Madam Speaker, we continue to provide support for women in the Women's Correctional Centre. We continue to provide support for men in the various provincial correctional centres.

We understand and we recognize that that support is important for successful reintegration into the com munity after a sentence is served, and we'll continue to provide those supports and look at ways at enhancing those supports. Northern Manitoba Roads Request for Improvements Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): As we all know, our friend and colleague Danielle Adams passed away as a result of a collision on Highway 6, December 9th, just south of Thompson. We should commit ourselves to ensuring highway conditions on Highway 6 and other northern roadways are improved.

Winter conditions make travel difficult at the best of times. Now, with the added pressure of more heavy vehicles headed for winter roads and also headed for northern mines, the situation is just getting worse. Will the minister bring forward a plan to address concerns regarding Highway 6 and other northern highways, and will the minister commit to that today? Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructur e): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for the question–from Flin Flon.

On behalf of all Manitobans, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Danielle Adams, the MLA for Thompson. We will mourn her loss and she has been greatly–going to be greatly missed by her colleagues, her family, her friends, her constituents and everyone in this Chamber. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Maintenance Staff Concerns Mr. Lindsey: Madam Speaker, mourning her loss and the other Manitobans who've lost their lives travelling on treacherous roads that aren't maintained properly simply isn't enough.

Madam Speaker, dozens of positions in highway maintenance are vacant. It doesn't matt er what the budget is for snow clearing, there's no people to do the work. Northern roads and highways like No. 6 are not being cleared quickly enough and are not being cleared properly. In some instances, travellers in both directions are forced to travel a narrow lane down the middle of the highway. Will the minister commit to filling those vacant positions today–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lindsey: –and ensure roadways are maintained? * (14:40) Mr.

Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, again, I want to thank the member for the question. Our–this winter has been one of the most unusual winters we had. We had the third largest amount of snow in Manitoba, after 1923 and 1952, and this is kind of the –I would have to 'combend' our staff who've worked really hard around the clock, soon as it's safe for them to go out and actually plow. And if the conditions aren't great–they will be out there and within four hours they'll be plowing the priority routes.

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 363 Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Mr. Lindsey: Well, Madam Speaker, I certainly want to commend the few workers that are left to maintain those highways, as well. They go above and beyond to do their job. Now it's time for the minister to go above and beyond and do his job. Will you commit today, Mr. Minister, to properly funding, properly hiring enough workers – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lindsey: –to properly maintain those roads in northern Manitoba so that they're safe to travel on? Mr.

Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, that's misinformation that the member from Flin Flon is sharing. Our staff have been working hard around the clock to make sure that our highways are safe for drivers in Manitoba. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Piwniuk: That's a disgrace that the member from–talks about our staff like that. They've been working really hard this winter. Shame on you. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Donations to Support Ukraine Matching Government Program Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Ukraine is in desperate need of humanitarian supplies, both food and fuel.

It was certainly a step in the right direction when the PCs responded to our call last week to make a donation for humanitarian supplies, but they need to do more. This week, Manitoba Liberal MLAs met with members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Manitoba Provincial Council and we spoke with other organizations who say they have networks and the capacity to deliver food and supplies to Ukraine through Poland. We need to ensure these necessities are there to ensure that Ukrainians can withstand the Russian siege, and we know this government can do more.

Will the Premier commit to, dollar -for-dollar, matching donations from Manitobans to the U-C-C-C-U-F fund, and, if not, why not? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, we will continue to work with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. We have already –and I want to thank Joan Lewandowsky [phonetic] for the in cred- ible work that she and her team at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress do. We've been in dialogue about these issues. We know, as we move forward, if there is more of a need then, absolutely, we will work with them towards that end. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St.

Boniface, on a supplementary question. Tax Havens and Money Laundering Beneficial Ownership Registry Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Tax havens aren't just for folks who are feeling overtaxed, they're also for people who are hiding money from illicit drugs, corruption and kleptocrats who use money to finance more crime, terrorism and invasions of Ukraine. We know that three oligarchs with ties to Putin have financial interests in Manitoba, but we don't know if there are any more. Canada has signed agreements to fight money laundering, but without prov incial co -operation, it's toothless.

In 2019, the PC's bill on beneficial owner ship offered no real transparency at all. Beneficial owner - ship is still a black box in this province. Will this gov ernment do it s part to stand with Ukraine and cut off Putin's financial neighbours by creating a public, searchable registry of beneficial ownership in Manitoba, as we called for in 2019? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Madam Speaker, we will continue to work and support the federal gov ernment as they impose sanctions on Vladimir Putin and Russia.

Throughout this very difficult time in Ukraine, we will stand with your–our Ukrainian friends, allies, cousins, family members. We will continue to support them in their need. Assistance for Refugees Aid to Community Groups Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, war crimes and human rights abuses have led

364 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 to a crisis with large numbers of refugees fleeing the dire situation in Ukraine, as well as many refugees fleeing or attempting to flee from Afghanistan. The Premier 'shez' she favours immigration, but what are the gov ernment's plans to help refugees? What ad ditional funding allocations will be made? Is the gov ernment working with local com munity groups in Winnipeg to address the needs of im - migrants? Will the gov ernment provide funding to local com munity groups to help with settlement in Manitoba?

Will the gov ernment hire ad ditional staff for the stressed provincial nominee system? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I heard loud and clear from Manitobans as I travelled throughout our province about the importance of our Prov incial Nominee Program, and I also heard from Manitobans with lived ex perience that there's ways that we can improve that program, and we are committed to improving that program for Manitobans, Madam Speaker. And what I'd say is that we have announced the immigration advisory council, and I want to thank Dr.

Lloyd Axworthy, who has agreed to co-chair that along with our minister, and I thank them. And there's lots of work to do ahead of us, Madam Speaker, that will address many of the issues that this member has brought forward. Conflict in Ukraine Government Support for Refugees Mrs. Cathy Cox (Kildonan-River East): Last week, our Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) offered Manitoba's support to the democratic ally elected gov ernment of Ukraine, noting that moves by Russia to send troops into eastern Ukraine are a violation of Ukraine's territory and sovereignty.

Can the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration further expand on its actions to welcome Ukrainians to our Manitoba? Hon. Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): My colleague is entirely correct. When democracy is under assault, we all have a responsibility to act. As part of our support for the people of Ukraine, we have authorized a prioritization review of Ukrainian applicant files for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, including Ukrainian families.

In addition, we have flagged for the federal gov- ernment ad ditional nominations that Manitoba has reviewed, endorsed and nominated for review and approval. Madam Speaker, we are committed to expediting Ukrainian immigration applications throu gh our Provincial Nominee Program and as initial measure, we have already contributed $150,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for humanitarian aid to displaced families, refugees. Madam Speaker, today and every day we stand with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

York Factory First Nation Keeyask Agreement Manitoba Hydro Long-term Financial Forecast Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): York Factory is a partner to the Keeyask agreement, and they reached out to Manitoba Hydr o and the Province this fall to meet. They are asking for a true part nership and disclosure from the Province and Manitoba Hydro. They deserve an update on the financial position of their agreement. They deserve to be treated as true partners. Will the minister responsible for Hydro ensure he and Manitoba Hydro meet with York Factory and the Keeyask partners as soon as possible? Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro): I thank the member for the question. The member should know that a meeting has taken place in December between the leadership for the Keeyask Cree Nations and Manitoba Hydro. That correspondence has occurred back and forth and continues to happen. There are indications that a follow -up meeting will happen soon and both sides have additional work that they are preparing and working on in the meantime. We're–these are positive steps forward. We're pleased to hear that discussions have been initiated. We are pleased to know that discussions are ongoing.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Keewatinook, on a supplementary question. Mr. Bushie: The partners to the Keeyask agree ment deserve a fair accounting of Manitoba Hydro's financial position, yet in its most recent order, the PUB said it was, quote, unacceptable that Manitoba Hydro no longer generates a long- term financial forecast nor did it fulfill its own commit ment to file one in 2019.

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 365 Under the PC gov ernment, Manitoba Hydro has shielded a true picture of its financial position. That is unacceptable to the partners in the Keeyask agree- ment. When will the minister of Manitoba Hydro meet with York Factory and the Keeyask partners with a clear, long-term forecast? Mr. Friesen: Well, Madam Speaker, I've already answered the member's question and indicated that, in fact, a meeting has taken place and there's a com - mitment for more meetings to go on.

But let's be clear that, when it comes to the Tataskweyak Cree Nation, the War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation and York Factory First Nation, those communities entered into a deal with the former NDP government and expected there to be a truthful and straightforward and transparent deal, a sharing of revenue in respect of this Keeyask generating station. And what is coming to light now is–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –that these commu nities were sold down the river by the NDP. There seems to be major concerns emerging about what were in those deals. We are concerned about that.

That member doesn't talk about the fact that those concerns come from his own government. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Keewatinook, on a final supplementary. Mr. Bushie: Madam Speaker, 2016, this has been the government now, and it's nothing but blame and deflect for their inaccuracies to be able to come to the table here. * (14:50) The Keeyask partners deserve to be treated as true partners, but they–can't happen if this PC government hide or are shielding their long- term financial forecast. Hydro has now been ordered to produce one at their next filing.

It needs to be provided to the Keeyask partners and the minister must meet with them in good faith. Will the minister commit to meeting with York Factory and the Keeyask partners with Hydro today? Mr. Friesen: I will reiterate for the member that the commitment is there for Manitoba Hydro to continue to engage with the KCN partners. That meeting has taken place. More meetings will continue to take place.

What is clear, Madam Speaker, is there is a gulf, a real delta, between what the K -N-C partners heard first from an NDP gov ernment some years ago, and now what is coming to light in terms of the true nature of the kinds of revenues that those K-N-C partners can expect. And so we're concerned about that, and that i s why these meetings will continue to take place. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Foot-care Services Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to r estore essential medical

366 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 foot care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. And this petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Are there any further– An Honourable Member: Point of order. Point of Order Madam Speaker: Oh. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a point of order. Mr.

Kinew: On a point of order, I just want to share with the Ho use that these petitions on foot care are being presented as part of the ongoing constituency work to the people of Thompson in the memory of our dear departed MLA colleague, Danielle Adams. Madam Speaker: I would thank the member for making that comment, but– The honourable Government House Leader. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, while it's not a point of order, we respectfully accept the fact that the member opposite is doing.

Madam Speaker: And just for the record, the–we thank the Leader of the Official Op position (Mr. Kinew) for his comments, but that is not a point of order. * * * Madam Speaker: Are there any further petitions? If not, then we will move to –I'll move to recog - nize the honourable Government House Leader. House Business Mr. Goertzen: On House Business, could you please canvass the House for leave to allow the transfer of sponsorship of Bill 205, The Filipino Heritage Month Act, currently sponsored by the honour able Minister of Sport, Cul ture and Heritage (Mr.

Smith), to be transferred to the honour able member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson)? Madam Speaker: Is there leave to allow the transfer of sponsorship of Bill 205, The Filipino Heritage Month Act, currently sponsored by the honour able Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, to be transferred to the honour able member for Brandon East? Is there leave? [Agreed] Mr. Goertzen: I thank the House for that.

Another leave request: Could you please canvass the House for leave to set aside the usual business for the con sideration of a matter of urgent public importance, as identified in r ule 38, and allow the House to consider a MUPI regarding the situation in Ukraine under the following provisions: (1) once the motion is moved, the debate may begin immediately; (2) no member may speak for more than 10 minutes; (3) the debate may continue for the balance of the afternoon, but shall not without leave go past 5 p.m., shall not carry over to another sitting day and shall end after the last speaker concludes their contribution to the debate; and (4) if the debate ends before 5, the House shall rise.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave to set aside the usual process for the con sideration of a matter of urgent public importance, as identified in rule 38, and allow the House to consider a MUPI regarding the situation in Ukraine under the following provisions: (1) once the motion is moved, the debate may begin imme - diately; (2) no member may speak for more than 10 minutes; (3) the debate may continue for the balance of the afternoon, but shall not without leave go past 5 o'clock, shall not carry over to another sitting day and shall end after the last speaker concludes their contribution to the debate; and (4) if the debate ends before 5 p.m., the House shall rise?

Is there leave? [Agreed] MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): I move, seconded by the Minister of Economic Dev elopment, Invest ment and Trade (Mr. Cullen), that the ordinary business of the House be set aside to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the situation in Ukraine, with moves by Russia to send troops into Ukraine in violation of Ukraine's territory and sovereignty. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: I want to thank members of the op- position, both for the NDP and the Liberals, for their co-operation in seeing this MUPI move forward.

On Saturday, there were thousands of people on the front steps in the–not the lawn, but the snow of the

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 367 Legislature out front, Madam Speaker. I believe that those thousands of people who were here to speak out against the invasion of Ukraine largely broke into three separate groups. There were the groups of individuals who simply believe that the invasion of Ukraine wa s unjust and unjustifiable. They came to express their views of the importance of a free and democratic Ukraine. They came to express their views and their concerns about the undemocratic, the horrific invasion of Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin, Ma dam Speaker.

They came, I think, also, to express their view of the heroic efforts of Ukraine President Zelensky. But overall, they were concerned about a free and democratic state in today's world being invaded by another country. There was another gro up there, I think, as well, represented in the thousands of people, and they also believe that the invasion by Russia was unjust and unjustifiable, but those would have been Manitobans who had some sort of not ancestral connection to Ukraine, but have grow n to love the people of Ukraine.

And in Manitoba, there are lots of different reasons to grow in that love for the people of Ukraine. It can be as simple as attending the Spirit of Ukraine during Folklorama –and we've certainly missed that over the last cou ple of years. Perhaps they saw a performance by Rusalka, the dance troupe, Madam Speaker, and they've grown to appreciate the heritage of Ukraine in that way. Hoosli performed yesterday at the Winnipeg Jets game, as already mentioned in the House by the Leader of the Official Op position (Mr.

Kinew), and certainly, that stirred the hearts of many for those who were there in person, or for myself, who watched it on TV. Many different reasons why Manitobans would feel a connection to Ukraine, even if they themselves don't have a personal family connection. I personally was very honoured, when I was the minister of Edu cation, to be able to start an inter - national high school in Ukraine, one of the few inter- national schools that Manitoba supports to allow students there to graduate with a Manitoba high school diploma and a Ukraine high school diploma.

At that time –and it was a parti cular project of the ambassador from Ukraine to Canada, who very much advocated for this international school to be set up and established in Ukraine. * (15:00) It is operating today in Kyiv. It is called the Novopecherskie [phonetic] school, Madam Speaker, and I went onto the website a couple of days ago, and you can go onto the site of the school, and they have a free tour you can take of the school.

And I was proud when I saw not only do they have a link to the an - nouncement that happened by the prov incial govern- ment on this school website in Ukraine, but when you take the virtual tour and go to the entrance of the school, on the one side they have a Ukraine flag, on the other side they have a flag of Canada, representing the fact that there is Canadian education happening in that school and, of course, it's Manitoba education happening in the school. It was a significant event, and I know former MLA Blair Yakimoski was part of the announcement, as well.

So there are many reasons why Manitobans can have a connection to Ukraine, even if they personally don't have a family history there. But, of course, there are thousands–as has already been discussed by the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson)–thousands of Manitobans who do have a personal connection to Ukraine, who either have family that have come from Ukraine, or who have family who are still in Ukraine, or they themselves may have come to Manitoba from Ukraine.

And they were represented on Saturday as well, Madam Speaker, equally concerned about an unjust and unjustifiable war by Russia in Ukraine, but they had a special connection, and you could see it in their eyes. You could see the emotion as they were living in real time the invasion of their country, but of their communities, of their hometowns. And as mem bers opposite and members on this side had the opportunity to speak to some of those individuals, you heard about their personal connections in their com munities, and the fear and the concern that they had for their loved ones.

And so those three groups of people, those who simply are concerned about the loss of freedom of a free and democratic country, those who have grown to love the people of Ukraine through connections in Manitoba, or those who have an ancestral or a family history in Ukraine were all represented in the thou- sands of people in the front of the Legislature on Saturday. And it is a testament about how Manitobans have come together, how political parties should be coming together, how all of us should be coming together to stand with Ukraine. Sometimes it often feels like it's–you know, we'd like to do more.

We wish we could, you know, have a

368 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 more tangible effect sometimes in this place. Of course, we're thousands of miles away from Ukraine and I–you know, I hear some partisan bickering across the way, Madam Speaker, and, of course, I would hope–and I actually know that most MLAs in this House will 'rives' above that. There will be a few who can't bring them selves to that, but I do believe that most MLAs in this House will rise above that partisan bickering, because that is what is being asked of us.

And we will rise above that partisan bickering and we will stand with Ukraine in the the efforts that we've so far, and more efforts to come, Madam Speaker. And we'll do so on behalf of those thousands of people who gathered in front of the Assembly, in front of this Legislature on Sa turday who chanted glory to Ukraine–slava Ukraini. We all feel that. We stand with the people of Ukraine. We stand united as a Legislature. We stand united as Manitobans for a free, democratic Ukraine that can live in peace with their neighbours and with the world. Madam Speaker: Order, please.

I'm going to ask that if members wish to have any conversations at their desks, I would ask that you please take those con versations outside of the Chamber so that everybody can be focused on this very im portant debate that is happening here right now. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): I am a proud member of the Ukrainian-Canadian community here, and my mother and three of my grandparents were born in the Ukraine. I've been to Ukraine. I visited relatives there and I certainly have them in my heart and know that they're very much in danger. This may be happening a world away.

But Manitobans of Ukrainian heritage–this is an assault on our person and this an attack on all of us. We are feeling despair right now, dread, anger and a sense of helplessness and need and demand that something be done. And we collectively look to our province, which is our expression as a community, for a response. And, sadly, what I've heard today from our Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) and from the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen)–I'm embarrassed, as an MLA, and as a Ukrainian-Canadian, I'm offended.

I'm actually insulted that this gov ernment does not get a sense of the urgency of this situation and feels no responsi bility to act and is so out of touch with the mood in Manitoba and what Ukrainians here are demanding from their gov ernment that they're trying to dismiss this and say, well, you know, we wrote a $150,000 cheque. That is absolutely offensive, and I'm going to try to convince this gov- ernment in the few minutes that I have today why they need to change course. Mr.

Andrew Micklefield, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Now, I want to share, as a member of the Ukrainian-Canadian family, that this is personal to us. When we came to Canada, it was part of this conflict. This conflict didn't start a week ago. This conflict started 300 years ago and this conflict has been a historical event where a Russian empire has been trying to snuff the life out of the Ukrainian people. Over 300 years–it didn't matter what czar or what government or what they called themselves during the day–their policies were the same. They did not accept Ukrainians.

They did not accept as a people, as a language, as a culture and they instituted policies, government official policies meant to destroy the Ukrainian language. People on the streets of Kyiv could get shot for speaking Ukrainian. Our language was banned from schools and, during the Holodomor, you saw the Russian Soviet government round up our cultural leaders, our priests, our politicians and either kill them or send them off to a gulag. It was all meant to destroy the spirit and–of the Ukrainian people.

The Ukrainian anthem–which has only been legal to sing in the Ukraine for the last 30 years since they gained inde pendence in 1991, is Shche ne vmerla Ukraina, which literally translates: Ukraine has not yet perished. This is a country under siege. This is a people under siege and why this should matter to this govern- ment, why this should matter to everybody in this Chamber is that there is a direct line in history from what is happening over there to here in Manitoba. Ukrainians are here in Manitoba because of events over there, over multiple gen erations over the last 100 plus-odd years.

The first group came here not only to escape poverty but to escape repression. They weren't even allowed to call them selves Ukrainians back then. They called them selves Ruthenians. They had their country spli t in half between the Austro- Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire, and part of coming to Canada was to be themselves, to live peacefully and to honour the traditions and heritage of their culture. My family came from that gen eration on my father's side. On my mother's side, we came as refugees after World War II –again, escaping Soviet and Nazi oppression; again, coming to Canada in

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 369 order to leave peacefully and honour our relatives and how we lived our life. And when I grew up in Winnipeg, in the Ukrainian community in the '70s and '80s, we had no country. I don't know if anybody looking back at their own heritage can fathom that. We had no country. We had no place that we could go to where there was official policies for Ukrainian in schools or, y ou know, official maintenance of our culture and our language. Those things were under attack. Those things were being Russified and snuffed out by, you know, the Soviet -Russian empire.

Ukrainian Canadians, Ukrainian Manitobans know this: that when you grew up in the com munity here in Manitoba, it was your duty when you went to Ukrainian dancing, when you went to Ukrainian Saturday school, you were there protecting and preserving a language and culture because you didn't know if that was ever going to exist in your homeland. * (15:10) And every Manitoban with Ukrainian heritage understands that on a visceral, gut -level–Vladimir Putin came out a week ago and said some thing that's been said for 300 years by Russian tyrants: Ukraine doesn't exist; your language doesn't exist; your people doesn't exist; and we say, you don't exist.

This is something Ukrainians in Manitoba and Canada have been fighting–their existence here. So when this gov ernment just callously says, well, you know, we gave you $150,00 0. Why aren't you happy? That's insulting. And I hope –and I look to the members of Ukrainian heritage on the other side, and I ask you to explain your out -of-touch Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) what this means to Ukrainians. They want action. They want response and they want part nership with this government. To that end, what the–Manitoba's NDP is calling is we don't want this to be a partisan issue. [interjection] Well, no.

Let's talk about that. The Premier says, you know, we're being partisan about i t. Let's have a joint com mittee of the Legislature with all parties there, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Let's see you do that. If you can do that, then you have 'departinized' this issue and we can deal with a constructive plan to how Manitoba's going to respond to this. But you won't, and we'll see who's the partisan then. The second thing is the humanitarian aid that's being offered here is insulting.

I spoke with Ukrainian Canadian Congress the other day, and believe me, they expressed how grateful they were for the Province giving the $150,000 and in the next breath said, it's not enough. It is not enough. Nobody thinks this is enough. We have 180,000 Ukrainians in Manitoba. That's not even a dollar for every Ukrainian in Manitoba. We have the Manitoba Métis Federation–bless their hearts –give $100,000, almost two-thirds of this gov ernment's commitment. They don't have a $19-billion budget.

It–this is a humanitarian crisis where there's almost, I think, a million women and children of refugees on the move right now. It is going to take billions of dollars to make this right, and Manitoba, given its history and who is here, given the hundreds of millions of dollars Ukrainian Manitobans pay into provincial tax every year, we have to do more. I spoke to them about refugee settlement. Again, you know, this government has no idea what they can do.

Well, it turns out there's two people that are processing immigration papers for all of Manitoba; one's a director and one is the person that actually does the work. How are you going to respond to a refugee crisis when you have gotten rid of all your im - migration employees except for two? There needs to be an imme diate ramping up of em ployment in that sector. Ukrainian Canadian Congress tel ls us that they are prepared to do the hard work of resettlement. But they need resources. They need money from this 'gover' to hire a –permanent, full -time resettlement workers.

So there is a lot this gov ernment can do. We're learning also that Manito ba may be a place where Russian oligarchs have stashed some of their ill-gotten gains. We can bring in a provincial beneficial owner- ship registry to ferret them out. We can find out whose money is here, whether it's clean or not, and press the Federal Go vernment to seize ill -gotten gains and make sure that money goes back to the Ukraine to defend its people. So I hope that this gov ernment will change course, and to my fellow Ukrainians, my goal today was to make sure your voice was heard in this Chamber. Slava Ukraini, heroyam slava.

Mr. Brad Michaleski (Dauphin): It's a real honour for me to stand up and represent a very diverse

370 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Dauphin constituency, and as someone who re - presents one of the largest Ukrainian- Canadian com- munities in Manitoba, I speak sincerely from the bottom of my heart when I say I stand with Ukraine. Our government stands in solidarity with Ukraine and we strongly condemn the Russian invasion. Unlawful moves by Russia to send troops into eastern Ukraine are a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. Our thoughts are with Ukraine and Manitobans with Ukrainian family and friends.

We stand with you, and we will do what we can to support the federal gov- ernment's efforts to support Ukraine. There are many, many strong, deep, inter - personal, cultural and historic ties between Canada and the Ukraine. Living and growing up in the Dauphin constituency and being a fourth genera tion Ukrainian immigrant from 1897, I had the parti cular blessing, I would say, to grow up in th at area where there was a huge settlement of immigration – Ukrainian immigrants into the Dauphin region, into the agriculture regions of that area.

And I just recall so many stories and so many im- portant things that the immigration and the Ukrainian immigrants had done for this region. I've witnessed it. I've ex perienced the strong faith, the strong work ethic, the strong bonds of family and com munity building, and the strong will to help build, contribute and develop a better life for everyone in a free, peaceful and democratic world. I'm very–again, I'm very proud of the Ukrainian immigrants, and again, I have personal exper ience working and seeing this development in Manitoba for many, many years.

And I'm proud that our gov ern- ment has recognized and supports many organi - zations, many of them up in our area, that reflect and recognize the importance of the Ukrainian heritage and culture in Manitoba. We have the Trembowla Cross of Freedom, which is a very, very im portant symbol in –at th e Dauphin's Ukrainian festival; every Sunday at the Ukrainian festival, there's a church service there, and it is a very, very strong image of faith.

And, of course, that it–that goes along with a lot of the European immigrants and Ukrainian immigrants that came into that area, that they had a very strong faith, and at very tough times, and that still remains today. But there is also–you know, we've helped support the Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, which is a national festival recog nizing Ukrainia n heritage in this country. I know at the site they have a version of a heritage village, which is a fantastic venue to see. They also have a number of memorials there that–and, even, in fact, the Holodomor, a number of significant memorials at that site.

And of course the Ukrainian festival is a very rich and exciting cultural celebration and, again, is one of the highlights in our region. But, again, Madam Speaker –or, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we live in a great province and a great country, and I know Ukr ainian immigrants contribu- ted significantly to the growth and dev elopment of Manitoba and Canada. And I know Manitoba is proud of its long-shared ties in history with Ukraine. We support the efforts of the Canadian gov ern- ment and our NATO allies t o resolve this crisis in support of Ukrainian in dependence and territorial integrity.

Our caucus and gov ernment support all Canadian actions on sending military equipment and financial loans to Ukraine. Manitoba will support the federal gov ernment in everything it can to pressure Russia to end its aggression and restore peace in the region. Just to give a bit of back ground, some of the things that are going on on the ground there right now, since February 24th, the invasion has only es calated in ferocity. There was a hit by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv's historic Freedom Square. There is a convoy headed towards Kyiv, 60 kilometres from there.

There's been targeted bombings of Ukrainian hospitals, resi dential areas, orphanages, malls and shops, and it's only increased since the invasion began. These are atrocities of a tyrant to be sure, and no way is this acceptable. * (15:20) We live in extra ordinary times, Mr. Deputy Speaker, where we're coming out of a period of a global pandemic, where there's a lot of changes that are going on affecting supply chains, volatility in markets, inflation, competition, a lot of issues regarding transparency and accountability, security and sovereignty.

These are just a few of the issues facing everybody around the world today like never before. Madam Speaker, there is no room, no should–nor should there be tolerance for any of the Russian aggression and attacks on a sovereign Ukraine. And today and every day, we must all stand with Ukraine. Manitoba is home to thousands of people from Ukraine descent and throughout Manitoba's history, our province has esta blished an extensive and active

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 371 relationship with Ukraine. Manitoba has supported Ukraine's in dependence and has partici pated in technical-assistance activities in Ukraine for nearly two years–or, two decades, I'm sorry. Our gov ernment stands ready to assist, again, with the federal gov ernment, with immigration and refugee programming. We urge Russia to de-escalate its military presence and stop its attack on Ukraine. Thank you. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): As a global com- munity, we unite in denouncing Putin's unprovoked, heinous and criminal invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine,

an act which threatens to engulf Europe and the world over into a global humanitarian crisis we have not witnessed in decades. This morning, we woke up to news that over 2,000 civilians have died. As of March 1st, the UN refugee agency reports that more than 600,000 people have now fled Ukra ine into neighbouring countries, while others elsewhere say that as many as 900,000 people have now fled and at least 160,000 more have been internally displaced by fight- ing.

This, together with the countless numbers of young Russian men who have effectiv ely been sentenced to death in war as soldiers in a cause of a dictator's ego. United States predicts that there could be as a many as 5 million refugees resulting from Putin's aggression, adding to the already 31 million refugees and asylum seekers around the world. We know that Putin is far from acting with the unilateral support of the Russian people, and I laud the great number of courageous Russians protesting against Putin, among whom thousands have been arrested, including children.

We know the re are many countries and peoples facing illegal occupation and armed conflicts right now. We also know this war started by Putin is a global threat that risks all of civilization, given the implied threat of Putin's nuclear capacity and fright - ening, maddening resolve. A dictator who falsely alleges a prolific movement of neo-Nazism in Ukraine as a justification for war, but who launches air strikes destroying the site of a Holocaust memorial while killing scores of people with impunity.

Last weekend, thousands of Manitobans of all walks of life and ethnicities gathered on the steps of our prov incial Legislature to denounce Putin's criminal invasion of Ukraine in a show of solidarity with its people. As we know, Manitoba has been home to Ukrainian settler s since the late 1800s. Many Ukrainians, in fact, settled in the North End of Winnipeg and in the constit uency of St. Johns, of which I am honoured to represent.

Perhaps unknown to most, Indigenous peoples helped early Ukrainian settlers in our territo ries by sharing traditional land -based knowledge and practices, including food gathering, environmental teachings and healing medicines. Much of these stories have survived only by the oral history shared by our elders. Indigenous peoples also share a common love and pride of our cultures with Ukrainians such as beading and arts and dancing, food, and the love of our families. I was pleased to recently meet with the Manitoba

chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress alongside my colleagues and offer our continued support, especially during this time of crisis, chaos and worry. The Ukrainian people of Manitoba are not alone. In recent years, UN Women –the United Nations entity for gender equity and the em powerment of women–have repeatedly documented that women and children are dis proportionately impacted by acts of war and as refugees. While we are seeing some women take up arms in Ukraine, we also know women and children comprise the bulk of Ukrainian refugees who have had to flee on foot to cross the borders.

Hundreds of thousands have left Ukraine, and the sight of women pushing strollers as they attempt to cross borders remains all too common. We are also seeing the experiences of Black and LGBTTQ2S refugees are also facing discrimination and unique challenges due to gender, racism and identity. No one wants to leave their homes. No one seeks out to be a refugee by choice.

Women will be the head of their families and seek to ensure their children are safe, have shelter, are fed, acquire any m edications that are needed, try to continue a child's access to edu- cation, if possible, try to assure their children that they are safe and secure, and the list goes on and on what mothers do for their children. Meanwhile, we also know that there is a need for women to have a more prominent role in formal peace talks that take place globally. An often forgotten victim of war are our beloved animals, from farm animals to domestic pets.

We have seen people carrying their dogs and cats to borders

372 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 and, gratefully, the animals are able to cross, given these neighbouring countries are now relaxing restrictions on border crossing movements of animals. We also know it is not always possible for families to take their pets. Families are often left with the impossible decision of having to leave a beloved pet behind or their animals. Com passionately and caringly, PETA Germany is arranging for the delivery of pet food as well as blankets and other items needed for pet owners who find them selves as refugees, a s well for animals left behind in Ukraine.

We must all denounce the actions of Putin and stand together in solidarity with the common goal of ensuring Ukraine remains a free and demo cratic country. We must ensure the besieged and brave people of Ukraine fleeing horrific violence and confronting terror and displacement receive humanitarian aid, supports and refugee reception equal to the measure of this crisis. We must continue– commit to continue to the economic and political sanctions against Putin's Russia. And, finally, we must strive for peace and justice and humanity always and in the face of tyranny.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, and I quote, when I despair, I remember that all throughout history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it. Always. End quote. * (15:30) Miigwech, Madam Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker: If I could just remind members of the Speaker's earlier request that ongoing conversa- tions should perhaps be taken outside the Chamber in light of what we are discussing this afternoon. Mrs.

Cathy Cox (Kildonan-River East): I am honoured and humbled to rise in this Chamber today to express my support and soli darity for my family's homeland, Ukraine. I'm a proud Ukrainian and Canadian, and the atrocities occurring in Ukraine over the past number of weeks have weighed very heavy on my heart. To witness the unprovoked attack and invasion of our peaceful Ukraine is heart-wrenching. My heart breaks as I see the children of Ukraine crying, clutching and tarrying at their father's, their uncle's, or their gigi's arms, holding onto them with all their might, knowing that it might be their final goodbye.

I see the te ars in the eyes of these –those brave men who have courageously answered the call to defend their precious Ukraine and its boundaries. They are not tears of fear, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but tears that show their resolve to defend their country and freedom. There have been so many acts of bravery that will forever be etched in our minds. Stories like that of the young Ukrainian marine and hero Vitaly Skakun who gave his life to stop the Russians from advancing into Ukraine by blowing up the Henichesk bridge together with himself. I ask myself why, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, has our peaceful Ukraine been forced to fight for its freedom and its sovereignty. Ukrainians are passive, hard- working people who have always wanted nothing more than to live in peace. The power and the might of arms should not control and rule a weaker country like Ukraine. Putin and his regime are tyrants. Their actions defy democracy and violate Ukraine's sovereignty. This senseless and unprovoked attack serves only one purpose, Mr. Deputy Spe aker: to satisfy Putin's insatiable greed for power.

I ask that all members of the Chamber pray for the families of Ukraine, and that as we did earlier today, take a moment on your own, of silence, to remember those lives already lost to this senseless wa r and invasion. Prayer is the most power tool, and a pray – and I pray that God will protect Ukraine from the evil Putin's invasion. I carry with me my baba Marie Sawula's prayer book that she used to worship during her darkest times in her life. She was a proud, strong woman who came to Canada with nothing, only herself. She worked hard. She plucked chickens for a living until she met my gigi. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, my connection to Ukraine runs deep. On my mother's side, my great - grandmother and great -grandfather Sam Scoran and his wife Sadie Scoran departed Lviv and arrived in Halifax, Canada, in 1905 together with their children John, Myrtle, Helen and Kathleen. They then boarded a train for Winnipeg, which became their forever home. They arrived in Manit oba, like most Ukrainians, with nothing, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Nothing more than a hope and a dream of a better future for their family. Nothing but their pride.

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 373 Helen Scoran later married my grandfather, Peter Swistun, and they, too, worked hard raising t heir family, and eventually became entrepreneurs, opening a small grocery store on Watt Street which provided them with living quarters in the back of the store. They attended Holy Eucharist Church where my grandfather helped with the church's construction. On my father's side, my gigi, Nicholas Sawula, was born in Stanislavchik, Ukraine, on February 16th, 1883. And my baba, Marie Palsat, was born in Bodry [phonetic], Austria, on May 3rd, 1887.

Gigi landed in Canada on April 3rd, 1908, and my baba arrived soon after. They married on June 12th, 1911, at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church –the same church that my husband and I were married in– and they settled in Winnipeg's North End. My gigi was fortunate to procure a job with the Canadian Pacific Railway without having to anglicize his name. Unfor tunately, many Ukrainians ex per- ienced bullying, taunting and name -calling as new immigrants. I remember my gigi as a quiet man who had a deep love for his Ukrainian heritage. He was an active and founding member of St.

Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Ukrainian mutual St. Nicholas benefit society, the Ukrainian Institute Prosvita, the Ukrainian reading hall and helped to establish the Assiniboine lodge No. 35. Madam Speaker, I have such fond memo ries of my younger years making khrustyky–and I know the member opposite will know what those are –with my baba. For those of you, though, who don't know, they're little rectangular pieces of sweet dough tied in a knot, deep- fried and then coated with icing sugar. Those are such delicious memories. My baba was a Ukrainian baba in the true spirit.

She was a quiet woman and loved my brother Greg and me unconditionally. She never learned to speak English, and she cared for my brother while my parents owned a little grocery store in the North End. When my brother entered school in kindergarten, he couldn't speak a word of English. As I said, she never learned to speak English, but she always understood what we were saying to her, and we, in turn, understood every word that she said. She taught me to make pyrohy, or perogies as they are commonly known, and I remember standing by her side as she smoked homemade kolbassa in a barrel in her back yard.

I will forever remember the aroma and the sight of those plump s ausages as she lovingly tended to them. Ukrainian traditions are deeply engrained in my past and remain a large part of our family heritage. As a family we loved celebrating, and usually those get - togethers resulted in my brother serenading us on his accordion while I accompanied him with my Ukrainian dancing. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I was immensely proud to stand together in solidarity just last week on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature with the over 5,000 families and our caucus members in support of Ukraine.

That sea of blue and yellow flags proudly waving in our province's skies was a proud and historic moment for me. Our government has long welcomed Ukrainians, Ukrainian immigrants like my baba and gigi and grandma and grandpa to our province. A nd we are committed as a government to again helping them. By expediting Ukrainian immigration and the application process, we have also con tributed $150,000 to Ukrainian-Canadian council. I, too, spoke to Joan Lewandosky, for we have developed a friendship over these last few years, and she is grateful for our contribution.

In closing, I would like to thank the families of Poland, as well, for so generously welcoming those Ukrainians forced to flee their homes because of Vladimir Putin's invasion of their homeland. We stand with Ukraine, and I pray for a peaceful resolution. Slava Ukraini. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Mr.

Deputy Speaker, all over the world, people are coming together to show support and do whatever it is we can and need to do for Ukraine because we support a free, democratic and in dependent Ukraine, and this has been amplified since Russian president, Vladimir Putin, sent Russian soldiers into Ukraine in an unprovoked invasion. * (15:40) Mr. Deputy Speaker, this war does not just affect Ukraine; it affects everyone, all of us. According to Stats Canada, over 180,000 Manitobans, or 14.5 per cent of Canadians with Ukrainian heritage have roots in Ukraine and call Manitoba home.

Hundreds and thousands of families and community groups are watching with grave concern and wanting to do more. This was evident just this past Saturday when an estimated of –thousands of people, Mr. Deputy Speaker, here in Manitoba on short notice came to the

374 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 2, 2022 Manitoba Legislature on a colder day to rally and demonstrate support for Ukraine. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I stood with my colleagues on the stairs at this rally and I really want to paint a picture of the surrealness of that moment. The atmosphere was filled with heartbreak and distres s, pain and so much hurt for Ukraine, but in 'dition' to this hurt, there was strength and power and motiva - tion.

Feeling this atmosphere and looking at the crowd, reading the signs and you're reading people's faces and their expression and body language, it was not something I would have missed, but I am struck with overwhelming sadness that war is happening and people's lives are being taken as Russia attempts to create genocide on Ukraine and its culture. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Ukraine needs our help and what has been done so far is a great first step because every single dollar raised and every single defence weapon or piece of non-lethal equipment shared goes a long way, but we need to do more.

Given Russia's attack on Ukraine and the ever so quickly c hanging situation, there is much more we need to be doing and we can be doing that now. Our caucus has requested that the Canadian gov- ernment send more non-lethal weapons and fuel. They need to place sanctions on a wider circle of Russian elite. They need to develop a special relationship with NATO, expedite refugee Ukrainians coming to Canada, look at making changes to immigration standards and donate more humanitarian aid. At a Manitoba level, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we could match funds for addi tional humanitarian aid.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, UCC, and the Canadian Ukrainian foundation, CUF, have esta - blished a humanitarian relief committee and funds that aim to co -ordinate and deliver humanitarian aid and relief in Ukraine. Perhaps every dollar donated to the fund, the provincial government could match. It is also my under standing that we should be hiring additional staff to help process and handle the anticipated applications for family reunification under the Provincial Nominee Program. We could take these tangible steps to ensure that we have resources in place for the resettlement of Ukrainians to Manitoba.

It's inevitable that new comers to Manitoba will need assistance with documents and finding places to reside and we could be doing a better job today to prepare for this. In closing, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Ukrainians have survived and outlasted oppression, famine and war, and Ukrainians will beat Putin in this unwarranted act of aggression. Thank you. Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): It is with heavy heart and a flood of emotions that I do stand to put a few words on the record in support of Ukraine and her citizens.

There are no winners in war; there are only survivors and non- survivors. My grandfather was a decorated fire–fighter pilot in World War II. He never spoke to me about his war experiences, but he did share some of those stories with my grandmother. He talked about as he awaited deployment in England that he had decided to stay back at the hotel while others went to socialize. A buddy of his encouraged him to go out, to enjoy a night before they were deployed and his buddy was going to stay behind in the room to get some rest. That night, the hotel was bombed. His friend did not survive.

He never glorified his actions during the war. He always remembered every plane he shot down. He always remembered in prayer the lives that his actions may have taken. He lived with the horrors of what he had to do in order to fight an evil. He had nightmares throughout his entire life. These are the costs of war on the human spirit. The war that Russia's Vladimir Putin has inflicted in Ukraine, a sovereign nation, is unjustified evil. The sole purpose and motivation is for power and contr ol by using deadly force.

The Ukrainian people have faced many attempts to wipe them out or to bend to a tyrant's will, and every single time they have triumphed by sheer will and courage. We are witnessing this again with Putin's murder- ous advances on innocent lives. The entire world has firmly chosen a side of peace by standing with Ukraine. Manitoba stands with Ukraine and its gov - ernment and its people. Many of us here in this Chamber have Ukrainian blood surging through our veins; that blood now boils with rage at the actions of Russia's Putin and his military. I am myself a proud descendent of Ukrainian immigrants.

My baba was born and raised in Rava - Ruska, a village near Lviv, Ukraine. I never met my grandmother; she died far before I was born. But I visited my baba in Dauphin, Manitoba. I remember her taking me through her garden. She was an avid gardener, she grew sugar -snap peas and beans that

March 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 375 were well over my head and we got to pick those fresh off the vine. She loved us deeply. I remember she would always greet my–she only spoke Ukrainian. She never spoke English to us. I understood her as a child, but I can't say that I could still understand Ukrainian today. She would greet my parents and have them sit down with an appetizer beverage, I'll say. My mother was not a drinker, but she complied because of the Ukrainian urge. Anyone who has relatives who are Ukrainian can understand that.

She never let us leave the house as her grand - children without letting us dip our hands into her penny jar at the end of the hallway. She never wanted us to exper ience what she had ex perienced in the oppression that she left. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Manitobans will do what we do best: we will organize and support those who seek refuge from violence and we will do everything in our power as individuals and collectively as a community to help Ukraine stand strong and return to peaceful times.

My mother told me stories of growing up in Ontario, in Hamilton, and there was a call put out for assistance for fa milies coming from Hungary. They were arriving with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on their backs. My mother's family an

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-16
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 16.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	51983047eec30f9150c672f6dfc67772cd828fb1

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