Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 9 (41st Legislature, 1st Session)

41-1-9

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXIX No. 9 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 30, 2016 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-First Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP BINDLE, Kelly Thompson PC CHIEF, Kevin Point Douglas NDP CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC CURRY, Nic Kildonan PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FLETCHER, Steven, Hon. Assiniboia PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon.

River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Clifford Emerson PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake PC JOHNSTON, Scott St. James PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP KLASSEN, Judy Kewatinook Lib. LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Burrows Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MARTIN, Shannon Morris PC MAYER, Colleen St.

Vital PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SELINGER, Greg St. Boniface NDP SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian, Hon.

Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC

259 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, May 30, 2016 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 b efore Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): I am pleased to present the following reports to the Legislative Assembly: t he Annual Report of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba for 2015; the PowerSmart Annual Provincial Report for 2015; the Annual Report of the Appeal Commission and Medical Review Panel for 2015; and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba Five-Year Plan for 2016-2020.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with a statement. Aerospace Week Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): It's indeed a pleasure to stand and celebrate Aerospace Week in Manitoba. Manitoba is home to a world -class aerospace industry. It is the largest in western Canada with approximately 5,400 employed directly and many more indirectly in related sectors.

Our aerospace sector is diverse and on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, and the outlook for the Manitoba aerospace is positive. Our government understands the global supply chain is extremely competitive, and Manitoba companies face pressure from lower cost jurisdictions. It is important our new government work with the industry and other partners to ensure our province has the opportunity to benefit from a globally com - petitive and growing aerospace sector. This includes removing barriers to growth and trade.

Two thirds of the Canada aerospace sector exports go to Trans -Pacific Partnersh ip countries. Aerospace experts have said the Trans -Pacific Partnership agreement is essential to the aerospace sector's ability to grow, innovate and create jobs. The Trans -Pacific Partnership agreement will lower trade barriers for our aerospace industry, providing equal or preferential access to key markets. Our government put forward a motion last week to declare Manitoba's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

We continue to call on members opposite to support economic growth and protect jobs in aerospace and other sectors. Supporting Manitoba aerospace jobs includes standing up for our sector within Canada. It is both in our and the national interest to maintain a robust and competitive aerospace industry outside of eastern Canada. Proposed fe deral amendments to the Air Canada Public Participation Act virtually eliminate any obligation for Air Canada to maintain high-quality, skilled heavy -maintenance jobs in our province.

This is contrary to the interests of Manitobans, and it is not appropr iate to rush through these amendments without substantial dialogue and consideration. Our new government has been engaging with the aerospace sector and our partners in the federal government and Air Canada. We have made it clear our government opposes federal amendments to the Air Canada Public Participation Act and will continue to do so until such time as specific commitments have been made to reassure Manitobans that changes to the act and related accompanying investments and job creation will provide a net benefit to the Manitoba economy.

We encourage Manitobans to take the time this week to learn more about Manitoba aerospace and the important role it plays in providing high- quality jobs in our province. The achievements of Manitoba

260 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 aerospace and the role this vital industry plays in building a better Manitoba is truly worth celebrating. Mr. Kevin Chief (Point Douglas): Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend those contributing to our successful aerospace sector here in Manitoba. Canada is a global leader in aerospace, and Manitoba is home to Canada's third largest aerospace industry and Canada's largest aerospace composite manu - facturing centre. The aerospace sector is a huge contributor to the economy in Manitoba, accounting over –for over 5,000 jobs.

The vibrant aerospace sector makes Manitoba an attractive place to live, work, and invest. Aerospace products, exports and services offer significant growth potential for Manitoba and opens doors for employment opportunities. The aerospace sector offers Manitobans, particularly our young people, highly skilled, satisfying careers with the potential for training and advancement. And one thing that we know, Madam Speaker, is that young people–the world's a small place.

They want to be able to hav e a global reach, international connections, but still making their biggest impact here in their hometown, and we know that the aerospace industry works incredibly hard for young people to make that possible. Our NDP government invested in training opportunities in the aviation trades because we believe in the potential of our students to succeed in new technologies, and we believe that every Manitoban should have the opportunity to find a career that they are passionate about.

One of the things that w e know the aerospace industry does is they take the workplace and take it directly into the classroom, and they take the classroom and they take it into the workplace, and they make sure that every young person starting in elementary school gets a tap on the shoulder to say there's a great job for you in the aerospace industry. The Manitoba Aerospace Association, the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resource Council, provide leadership and assistance to the sector in becoming globally competitive.

The achievement s of Manitoba's aerospace companies are worthy of celebration and we commend them on their achievements. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member for River Heights have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I think it's appropriate that we are celebrating Aerospace Week here in Manitoba. It is a tremendously important industry for us.

It is at the front edge of technology and innovation, and it's an important industry for us as a province, for many who work in this industry and for all of us because of the contributions of this industry to technology, to taxes and to the well-being of our province. * (13:40) I note that the minister had talked about the bill, which is in Ottawa at the moment, and which deals with the situation of Air Canada. I would tell the minister that we would be happy to support an all -party resolution in support of specific commitments to Manitoba.

I would think it would be very important for the minister to put that list of commitments on paper so that we can all see what they are and what's being asked for and what is needed. And then we can all get behind that. One of the interesting developments, Madam Speaker, is the potential for a project called EMILI, which has the importance to significantly boost the aerospace sector. The minister could consider whether that could be part of a commitment from the federal government as one of a series of commitments.

But I would urge the minister to put that list of commitments that he wants down on paper so that we can all see it and all support it and approach Ottawa on that basis. Thank you. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Peter Barkman Madam Speaker: The honourable member for – sorry–the honourable Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living ): On April 3rd of this year, our province lost a great Manitoban.

Peter Barkman spent his earliest years watching his parents, who had not much to spare themselves, consistently help others during the Great Depression and extended droughts. It formed in him a spirit of humility, gratefulness and generosity that would last his entire lifetime.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 261 In 1947, he and his brothers began a plumbing and heating business that would over the next seven decades become Barkman Concrete, one of Canada's foremost suppliers of precast concrete and an iconic Manitoba business. During his time leading the company, he showed he was an astute businessman who had a heart for his employees and the world around him. He gave generously, although often quietly, to individuals and causes locally and around the world. He counted as his greatest accomplishments the lives he was able to change from the fruits of his business.

I had the great pleasure of visiting Peter a week before he passed away. We had an engaging con- versation about our community, his business, politics and faith. It was one of the most enjoyable visits that I've ever had with him, and I will always treasure it. While his mobility had failed him in his later years, he wasn't able to get out of the house much, so he told his pastor, Terry Kaufmann, that the last thing he would ever giv e up was going to church. He kept that promise as well. On Sunday morning, April 3rd, Peter passed away preparing to go to church.

On behalf of all members of this Assembly, I want to offer our condolences to Peter's wife Winnie; his children Carol and K eith, Alan and Joy, Kathy and John and his many family and friends. Peter's example of caring and giving will live on through each of you and everyone who knew this great Manitoban. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Queer Frontier Tour Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, the wonderful thing about Manitoba's history is that we are always discovering new stories.

As historically oppressed people establish their own narrative, we discover new stories from the past that we can all be inspired of. Earlier this month, Robert Lidstone and Scott de Groot, two local historians in LGBTTQ* studies, led a walking tour around Winnipeg's North End and downtown that explored the city's queer history. The walk focused on Winnipeg's pre -1970s gay liberation movement and W innipeggers who became leaders within it: people like Francois Mary Duchesne, a transgender Metis person; MTC founder John Hirsch and City Councillor Charles Herbert Spence.

The tour visited Winnipeg's landmarks that served as safe spaces for queer and d ispossessed people, like the Royal Alexandra and Marlborough hotels, cafes in Chinatown or bathhouses. Starting in Point Douglas, Queer Frontier moves through familiar Winnipeg spaces and unveils their historic role in the expression, celebration and identity of Winnipeg's LGBTTQ* community.

The tour ended in Thunderbird House for a discussion about the two -spirited community, a term which was actually coined in Winnipeg by Myra Laramee, in 1990, at the Inter -tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference. Proceeds from the tour were donated to two-spirited Manitoba, an organization which facilitates culturally appropriate workshops for two-spirited people and those who want to learn more. Congratulations and thank you to R obert Lidstone and Scott de Groot, as well as two -spirited Manitoba Executive Director Albert McLeod.

The work you've shared helps us to see Winnipeg in a new rainbow-coloured light. Legislative Staff Appreciation Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand up and introduce–deliver my first member's statement for the member for Kirkfield Park. I can tell you that, on the record, that this is the third time that the good people of Kirkfield Park and surrounding areas have seen fit to support me and have them as representative. I take that role and responsibility very seriously.

I first would like to recognize a lot of people here in our administration that have made the transition, not just for myself but I think other new members, an easy process that has made a lot of sense. The people such as the support workers here in the Legislature, the front -line workers, the people in the Legislature, the movers, the clerical staff, the security, the legislativ e assistants, they've made our transition much easier than would necessarily be the case and otherwise.

Without your tireless support, without your support to us, the legislators, we couldn't effectively represent our members and our constituents in our respective areas. So I very much want to thank you

262 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 and recognize all the work that you guys have done to make our transition easy. So thank you. Working together, we will make a better Manitoba. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Michelle McHale Mr. Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): Miigwech, Madam Speaker. I rise in the House today to speak to the courage and leadership of Michelle McHale, a mother from the Steinbach area whose child was allegedly bullied at school for having same -sex parents. When she lear ned about the suffering of her child, rather than remain silent, Ms.

McHale approached school administrators to talk about what was happening and requested they address LGBTTQ* issues in the classroom. She then learned the Hanover School Division instruct ed staff not to discuss topics like same -sex relationships with students at all before high school.

Recognizing that staying silent on the exclusion of sexual orientations and gender identities in the classroom serves only to alienate children who identify as LGBTTQ* and deprives all children of the opportunity to learn about the diversity of humanity, Michelle spoke out passionately and persuasively to the board of trustees for Hanover School Division, urging them to amend their policy on gender and sexual diversity.

Despite a backlash, including even threats on social media, Michelle has never given up in her pursuit of better policies from the school division, policies that would live up to the spirit of the Human Rights Code. In fact, because of the conversation started by Michelle's brave public stand in her community and her ongoing willingness to take a leadership role in advancing the human rights of LGBTTQ* community members in her area, I am glad to say that this July 9th will mark the inaugural Pride march in Steinbach, Manitoba. Members of our caucus and, I trust, all members of the House, applaud Ms.

McHale and the organizing committee for their dedication and leadership, and offer our best wishes to them in this very worthwhile endeavour. We also stand for the inclusion of LGBTTQ* issues in the Manitoba human rights curriculum. Until the fundamental human rights of all Manitobans are secure and respected, we should all be as vigilant as Ms. McHale and demand improvement from our society. Deer Lodge 100th Anniversary Mr. Scott Johnston (St.

James): It is an honour to address the House for my first time, and I congratulate you, Madam Speaker, on your election to the Speaker's Chair. * (13:50) It is my pleasure to rise today and inform the House of an institution in my constituency celebrating its 100th anniversary of serving the community, the Deer Lodge Centre on Portage Avenue. Originally a hotel in the 19th century, Deer Lodge was converted to a military convalescent hospital when soldiers began returning from World War I.

And, to this day, convalesce –excuse me– veterans continue being treated here, making up a large population of community patients and residents. It wouldn't be until 1983 that the centre was transferred from Veterans Affairs Canada to become a provincial facility, but would always stay true to its origins, taking care of those who served and made substantial sacrifices so we can continue to enjoy our rights and freedoms in the best country in the world. One hundred personal-care beds are maintained exclusively for veterans under the federal -provincial agreement.

When Deer Lodge changed from an acute hospital to a facility caring for adult patients with complex needs, it became the largest rehabilitation and long-term-care facility in Manitoba, with a bed capacity of 429. To this day, the centre has been an innovator and pioneer in geriatric and 'geroncotology' research, just as it has been in treatment of patients, residents and clients. Rehabilitation services, outreach patients and geriatric mental health, respiratory therapy, day hospital and adult care centre for 'cognity' -impaired community clients address broad in- patient and community needs.

In addition to the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Movement Diso rder Clinic, communication devices– Madam Speaker: Order. The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 263 Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to allow him to finish his statement? [Agreed] Mr. Johnston: –along with services from AL S patients have been initiated in order to serve the public. Here are a few important Deer Lodge historical milestones for my colleagues: first documented account of wheelchair sports anywhere in Canada; first dialysis machine built and operated in wester n Canada; first geriatric pharmacology research unit, which are many of the initiatives that the hospital took.

I would like to thank the staff who have made and continue to make Deer Lodge hospital such an important part of my riding, of Winnipeg, all of Manitoba, and wish nothing but continued success and innovation for the next 100 years. Thank you. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I'd like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today mayor of Brandon, Rick Chrest, and city manager for Brandon, Scott Hildebrand, who are the guests of the honourable members for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson) and Brandon West (Mr. Helwer).

Also seated in the public gallery, from Woodlawn School, 100 grade 4 students under the direction of Lisa Martens. This group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for – honourable Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living (Mr. Goertzen). Also seated in the public gallery, from Stony Creek School, six students under the direction of Roland Toews. And this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Arthur - Virden (Mr. Piwniuk). And seated, in my loge to the right, we have Bob Banman, former MLA for La Verendrye; J.

Frank Johnston, former MLA for Sturgeon Creek; and Marcel Laurendeau, former MLA for St. Norbert. On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome all of you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS LGBTTQ* Rights Government Position Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, New Democrats have a proud tradition of fighting for human rights. We've brought in sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act, same- sex adoption, transgender right s and supported same-sex marriage rights.

As we celebrate Pride week, it was interesting to see the federal Tories remove their discriminatory anti-same-sex marriage definition, although they did not actually come out in support of same -sex marriage, Madam Speaker, too little and 10 years too late. Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) admit that his opposition and the opposition of his party to same - sex marriage was discriminatory and wrong? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Deputy Premier): Madam Speaker, just befo re I answer the question I just want to welcome Bob Banman, J. Frank Johnston and Marcel Laurendeau, former MLAs, to the Manitoba Legislature.

It's great to see you all here again. I also want to recognize members of the LBGTTQ two-spirit community, who a re here with us today in the gallery, and I just want to say that I was happy, along with a few of my colleagues on this side of the House and the other side, to participate in the Pride Run on Saturday morning. It was a great morning, a beautiful Manitoba morning, and we were very happy to be a part of that. And I just want to thank all the organizers that made that day happen.

We know those things don't happen without the incredible work of all the volunteers, so I just want to thank all of those who participated in that and who volunteered to make that happen. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a supplementary question. Ms. Marcelino: Madam Speaker, one of our other achievements was to bring in Bill 18 to protect LBTTQ* kids against bullying by requiring every school to allow gay-straight alliances. The Premier and his party fought the bill for months and voted against it because they wanted to allow some schools to not support LGBTTQ* kids.

Will the Premier now admit that he and his party were wrong in their discriminatory opposition to Bill 18? Mrs. Stefanson : Madam Speaker, as I recall, at that time we and the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) actually brought in legislation,

264 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 amendments to that legislation, to try and make it stronger, and members opposite, in point of fact, voted against that. So, but again, Madam Speaker, this being Pride week, we know that there's several events that are going to be taking place throughout the course of this week, and, again, I want to thank all the volunteers that have been involved in co- ordinating those events, and we just look forward to attending more of those events as the week unfolds. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Marcelino: Madam Speaker, the Premier (Mr. Pallister) may try to hide from his past and his party's past, but when it comes to human rights for LGBTTQ* Manitobans, we don't just show up at the end of the parade. We, as New Democrats, walk the walk year in and year out. Why won't the Premier admit that he and his party have never introduced a single measure pro - moting LGBTTQ* rights and really haven't changed their discriminatory opposition to LGBTTQ* rights? Mrs. Stefanson : Madam Speaker, I want to thank the interim official opposition House leader for the question.

I can assure her that we don't just show up at the end but we show up at the beginning for these events and these festivities, Madam Speaker. And, again, we look forward to celebrating with people from the LGBTTQ two -spirit community throughout this week as they –as we celebrate Pride week here in Manitoba. Gender Identity Bill Support for Legislation Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Madam Speaker, Manitoba's Human Ri ghts Code was amended in 2012 to include protection against discrimination based on gender identity.

The federal government has now taken the right step by following Manitoba's lead and reintroducing similar legislation in the House of Commons. The bill wa s brought by an NDP MP from British Columbia several years ago. It passed the House of Commons but was delayed by the Senate and was –and died on the Order Paper when the Harper government refused to call it back for debate. * (14:00) Has the Minister of J ustice contacted her federal counterpart to offer Manitoba's unconditional support for this important piece of human rights legislation? Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I want to thank the member, my official opposition House critic, for the question. Of course, human rights is a very important aspect of rights in Manitoba. We respect the rights of all Manitobans, and we will continue to work with various stakeholders in the community to ensure that those human rights are upheld in Manitoba. Mr. Swan: Well, I thank the minister for her comments, but I do encourage her to show leadership by actually calling the federal Minister of Justice and putting Manitoba's position on the record.

You know, it was just last year that the PC caucus refused to pass an NDP resolution to call upon the Harper government to stop delaying the gender identity bill. And they said that resolution was too political, and they refused to pass it. Last time the federal gender identity bi ll was supported by Manitoba's NDP and Liberal MPs, but voted against by all Conservative MPs except for Shelly Glover. In light of this, will this minister now use her influence to try and ensure that all Manitoba MPs support this important piece of huma n rights legislation? Mrs.

Stefanson : Again, I want to thank my colleague, the critic for Justice, for the question. Again, of course, human rights is very important for Manitobans, and we need to respect all Manitobans regardless of where they come from . And that's a very important part of where we stand on this side of the House, and we will continue to do so. We will stand up for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Swan: Well, Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her comments, but I do hope we'll see some signs that every member of this Legislature has moved a long way from battles that were fought that were very difficult and very painful for a lot of Manitobans.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 265 And although Pride week is about celebrating, it's also about acknowledging the fights that had to happen and the work that's yet to be done. And it was unfortunate that Conservative members of the Senate, led by Manitoba Senator Don Plett, spent a lot of time and energy opposing the bill, worrying about where people are going to go to the bathroom, rather than moving ahead human rights.

Has this government, and will this Minister of Justice advise, have they made any efforts to contact this unelected, unaccountable and ill -advised Manitoba senator to allow this bill to pass through Parliament without delay? Mrs. Stefanson: I want to thank the member again for his question. Again, we will–human rights are very important to our party and, indeed, to all Manitobans. And we look forward to working with stakeholders from all levels of government to ensure that everyone protects those individuals under the Human Rights Act and Human Rights Code.

And I will just say to members opposite that I've had the opportunity to have discussions on many levels with federal counterparts and municipal counterparts from those from other provinces as well, and we will continue to do so, to work with people from all across this country to ensure that the Manitoba's rights are protected. LGBTTQ Manitobans Curriculum Reform Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): Last week we heard the Minister of Education refuse to commit to supporting an inclusive education curriculum when the member from Fort Rouge asked about Michelle McHale and her call for more LGBTTQ topics in the Hanover school curriculum. I want to point out that this is a question for human rights for Manitoba citizens in the LGBTT community. So I would ask the minister to commit to the curriculum reforms, which would include LGBTTQ narratives and realities. Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I thank the member for her question.

Our government is very committed to an inclusive type of education system, and so we want to engender, as much as possible, the discussion tha t is going on in the education community. And as the member knows, we made reference, actually, to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission in our answer last week, that that is one of the possible solutions if this family feels that they have not been well heard. Program and Policy Support Ms.

Fontaine: Many Manitobans, like Executive Director Albert McLeod for two -spirited Manitoba, are working to promote acceptance and under - standing of two -spirited peoples and the unique challenges that they face. A rece nt research report put forward several recommendations to enhance programs and services for two -spirited Manitobans, including funding for an indigenous worker at the Rainbow Resource Centre, safe transition housing and long- term substance treatment for two-spirited trans women. I ask the Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations (Ms.

Clarke): What policies will the government put forward to support two- spirited peoples, an organization like two -spirited Manitoba in their programming? Mr. Wishart: I thank the member for her question. Certainly, we're all very clear that we are–want to be as inclusive as possible and anyone who has –is continuing to work, either on their own or in conjunction with any volunteer group or agency that is trying to make sure that all society is inclusive as much as possible, it's certainly an approach that we would support. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary.

Ms. Fontaine: Our NDP government made a lot of progress for LGBTT rights and equality, recognizing there are still more to do. We committed to ex - panding health-care services for Manitoba's LGBTT community, including some of the most com - prehensive coverage for gender-transition procedures in Canada. We extended full marriage and adoption rights to same -sex parents, protected LGBTTQ youth from bullying in schools and prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We also committed to designating a minister responsible for the LGTBT community.

266 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 How will this government build on the NDP's past commitments to create a more inclusive and supportive province for LGBTT Manitobans? Mr. Wishart: I thank the member for her question. I think our whole caucus, and certainly our government, is committed to an inclusive approach as much as possible for anyone in Manitoba, whatever their sexual orientation, whatever their physical limitations.

So whether you're disabled or whether you have sexual orientation point of view, we are inclusi ve as possible, and I think it's very important that every Manitoban should make every effort as much as possible to work and make sure that that happens. Thank you. Climate Change Government Position Ms. Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Canadian Press reported last week that the Premier (Mr. Pallister) was asked twice whether he agrees with the scientific consensus that human activity is the prime cause of climate change. He was asked twice and would not answer.

Why does the Pr emier refuse to answer this straightforward question about the basic facts of climate change? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Deputy Premier): I want to thank the interim Leader of the Official Opposition for the question. I do recall back in the early 2000s w hen the previous government set targets with respect to climate change and in reductions, greenhouse gas reductions, they never, ever once met their target, so we will take no lessons from members opposite. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Marcelino: Madam Speaker, the members opposite say that they have entered the 21st century, but if the Premier doesn't accept the basics of climate change that is caused by human activity, how can he expect to take leadership on this issue? How can Manitoba truly do its part to address climate change if the Premier won't accept that people are fundamentally changing their climate? Mrs. Stefanson: I again want to thank the Leader of the Official Opposition for the question. It is an important one, and, of course, we do respect the environment on this side of the House.

I do recall the former premier once saying that Manitobans would have a chance to speak if members opposite–or if members of the government at the time did not meet their targets they would have a chance to speak. Well, I see in the last election maybe Man itobans have spoken on this very issue, on behalf of Manitobans. * (14:10) Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a final supplementary. Ms. Marcelino: Madam Speaker, the Premier wonders why people are concerned that he has a hidden agenda, yet it has been challenging to get a straight answer from him and even from the minister.

Why is this Premier –this minister equivocating about one of the most important issues of our time? Mrs. Stefanson : Madam Speaker, again, I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. In fact, what our Premier has committed to and what we as government have committed to is one of the most clean, open governments in Manitoba history. And I want to thank him for his leadership in this issue. We all have our mandate letters. We are all looking forward to getting the job done that members opposite didn't get a chance to do and never did when they were in government.

Climate Change Government Position Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): So let's just take climate change down to a very simple question. If it isn't humans that are primarily responsible for it, perhaps the minister could explain to all of the rest of us: What's causing climate change? Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sustainable Development): Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank the member opposite for that question. There are many, many reasons for climate change. I think driving here today probably was – contributed towards climate change.

As said earlier by the Justice Minister, we are an open and transparent government, and we believe in talking and consulting with many, many other Manitobans to ensure that we have a made- in-Manitoba plan.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 267 We will do that; we'll talk. We've already talked with the minister, the federal minister, and we'll continue to do those discussions. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altemeyer: Well, Madam Speaker, that's good; the minister has recognized that a human activity might have contributed to climate change. I'll give her a chance again to avoid having several hundred thousand embarrassing hits on social media. Will she acknowledge today that human activity is the cause of climate change? Mrs.

Cox: Thank you to the member opposite again for that question. I suppose that under the former government, we actually saw emissions, in the last round of targets, rise 14.4 per cent. So, yes, it's unfortunate that they did not have a plan, and I haven't heard about a plan to address climate change. But we will do better. I can guarantee you. We will develop a made-in-Manitoba plan. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Mr. Altemeyer: Well, Madam Speaker, it is encouraging to hear the minister cla iming that she will do better than our track record.

For a brief moment in history– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Altemeyer: I did anticipate that would happen, Madam Speaker. The problem that they face, though, is they may not realize when they were last in office, emissions increased in this province, on average, over 200,000 tons per year. Our government reduced that by 75 per cent.

So I'll ask the minister again: Is she going to focus her activity and her plan on humans, or is there something that she understands that all of the scientists from the IPCC somehow overlooked, and it's something other than human activity that she'll be targeting in this plan that is somehow going to do better? Mrs. Cox: Thanks again for the subsequent question. We've already met with stakeholders and partners to discuss climate change, which is a hugely important issue to all members on this side of the House.

We will continue to consult and hold different meetings, discussions with partners, to address this very important issue. Thank you. First Nations Housing Standards for Mould Prevention Mrs. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): Madam Speaker, all of us enjoy our comforts of home. They are our peaceful retreats. This is not so for our First Nations. Our homes are literally killing us. First Nation housing is a –in a state of crisis. Many of us have seen the images of our dilapidated homes, but my issue today is that our interiors are just as dangerous.

Madam Speaker, Manitoba has the highest percentage, 29 per c ent, of indigenous people living in poor housing in Canada. Far too many develop mould issues within the first five years of construction, posing major health risks to our people. This should not be acceptable. Can the Minister responsible for Health tell me what he will do to ensure that our homes in northern Manitoba have standards and resources that will enable their homes to be mould free? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the member opposite.

And this House, this side of the House and all members, should ensure that housing is essential for everyone, up North, whether it be south, whether in Winnipeg. We are, as a government, absolutely committed to providing housing solutions that make sense. If there are specific cases in terms of what the member had talked about, I can have our department staff review each and every case. Thank you. Mrs. Klassen: Madam Speaker, an improved province means that we recognize that the health of all Manitobans, no matter their location, as equally important. We all need healthy living environments.

These are the responsibilities of both the federal and provincial governments. We need to ensure standards are in place that –and that those agencies responsible are held to account. Can the Minister responsible for Health tell me what he will do to ensure proper standards are put in

268 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 place to combat the major problem of mould in First Nation housing? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living ): Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend for the question. It is on a very, very important issue. Absolutely, all Manitobans deserve to live in a place where they not only feel safe in their communities, but their home is safe from a health perspective as well. Certainly, we know that there have been ongoing discussions with the federal government.

I look forward to continuing those discussions and I would ask my friend to also help with those discussions with their federal colleagues who have a significant responsibility on this file. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Kewatinook, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Klassen: Maybe if I put it to a financial perspective I'll get a better answer. Illness due to household mould is a major issue which affects thousands of families. The health -care costs dealing with the effects of poor housing standards and follow-up are quite significant.

Instead of diverting attention and responsibilities, I want reassurances that this government will address this grave concern. I'd like to ask the Minister of Health: What is he going to do to reduce the financial impact this will have on our health- care system? What is this going – what is this government going to put in its budget tomorrow that–to address this chronic issue? Mr. Goertzen: And, again, Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for the question.

It is an important question for all Manitobans, Madam Speaker, and, certainly, we know in our discussions that we've had and that we look forward to having with our federal friends that they've expressed an interest on this. We are concerned that there are certain issues regarding health care where they have decided to step away from the table where they have responsibility, particularly on reserve.

Madam Speaker, I would ask my friend to join with me in those discussions to ensure that we have an active partner in Ottawa to ensure that those responsibilities are being fulfilled as they should be under our Constitution. Aerospace Industry Innovation and Research Mr. Scott Johnston (St. James): Madam Speaker, my constituency of St. James houses much of our aerospace industry. Manitoba is home to the largest aerospace industry in western Canada and we are very proud of that.

This industry employs many, many Manitobans. * (14:20) Can the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade tell the House the importance of this industry to Manitoba and how they could benefit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): I appreciate the question from the member for St. James, who obviously directly understands the importance of the aerospace industry here in Manitoba. And it's a great week to celebrate the great things that are happening in Manitoba. We certainly possess some of the world's most advanced jet engine testing infrastructure.

We are very excited about the innovation and the innovation–innovative research that's going on and, certainly, in part of the composite material development that's going on here in Manitoba. We know there's 5,500 people directly employed, many others indirectly. Madam Speaker, we also recognize that, as part of Aerospace Week this week, the Royal Canadian Air Force snowbirds will be performing out at Southport aerospace centre t his week, June 4th, as part of the Manitoba Air Show. So thank you very much. Dissolution of the East Side Road Authority All-Weather Road Development Concerns Mr.

Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Premier (Mr. Pallister) and concerns his immediate elimination of the East Side Road Authority. The extension of an all -weather road access is one of the most important undertakings in a generation in Manitoba. Without all -weather road access, there are 21 winter-road communities that are faced with the loss of their access because of climate change. On Friday, this government didn't even wait for its budget to eliminate the East Side Road Authority and has already begun to extend all –that has already

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 269 begun to extend all -weather r oad access into these communities. Why has this government put this important initiative at risk? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): I thank the member for the question because infrastructure is important to all of Manitoba, and the bes t way to get infrastructure dollars well spent is through the Department of Infrastructure. And so that's what this government is doing. Our commitment is to continue building roads throughout all of Manitoba. We understand the importance of investment in infrastructure.

We will continue that in a spirit of consultation. It's about investment. It's about guaranteed investment. And it's about a predictable manner so that all Manitobans can be assured of the Department of Infrastructure. Provincial Capital Commitment Mr. Maloway: I'd also ask –like to ask the Premier (Mr. Pallister): The government has suggested that it's business as usual, but they've repeatedly refused to commit to the $90 -million capital investment that our government had committed previously.

It's also amazing to see them cancel the East Side Road Authority the very weekend that the Prime Minister was here in Winnipeg, the same Prime Minister that promised to support the east-side road initiative in the election. Will the government maintain the provincial capital commitment and follow up on the previous government's initiative to seek federal cost sharing, yes or no? Mr. Pedersen: I thank the member for that question. And it's important to realize that infrastructure means access to all communities, and this govern - ment will continue with that work of working on access for everyone.

It's also about efficiency, and that was something that this former government just didn't understand. This is about getting the best value for the ta xpayers' dollars and investing in a predictable, reliable manner that brings back investment to all of Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. First Nations Community Benefits Agreements Mr. Maloway: And another non- answer from this government, Madam Speaker.

I'd like to ask the Premier the following question: The East Side Road Authority had a vision of building all -weather road access in partnership with First Nations communities. Will this government maintain the community benefits agreements that were negotiated with the 13 First Nations communities for training, employment and contract activities, and will this government respect the project labour agreement that ensures priority hiring goes to east-side First Nations residents? Mr. Pedersen : Thank you to the member for that question.

And, again, it's important to, yes, understand the important of infrastructure. It's important to under - stand the importance of consultation and working in partnership with all Manitobans. That is something– and also about efficiency, about getting the best value for the taxpayer's dollar, something that this former government had no idea how to do. East Side Road Authority Dissolution of Authority Ms. Amanda Lath lin (The Pas): When we hear Conservatives talking about business as usual in the North, we know what that really means.

Whenever they have been in government they have cut northern Manitoba, and we have no doubt that this is true–this is the true reason w hy they cancelled the east -side road initiative. Madam Speaker, once again they didn't even wait for Tuesday's budget to wipe out the East Side Road Authority. Why didn't this government respect northern Manitoba? Why are they eliminating the authority? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): I thank the member for that question. And, again this is about partnering with all of Manitobans.

Whether you live in the North, whether you live in the east side, whether you live anywhere in Manitoba, infrastructure is important. The depart - ment will continue to build roads as they have. The difference is we believe in efficiency and not wasting taxpayers' money like the former government did.

270 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, on a supplementary question. Highway 384 Upgrade Commitment Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): Madam Speaker, northerners are also concerned about the fact that this government has repeatedly refused to make any commitment to maintaining the numerous initia tives that have been under way in northern Manitoba as part of the NDP's historic infrastructure investments.

I want to ask the Minister of Infrastructure once again: Will he uphold the Province of Manitoba's commitment to the people of Moose Lake to upgrade and pave Highway 384? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): I thank the member for the question. I would like to advise the House that just last week I was at the table with northern Manitoba residents talking about the roads. We're in con- sultation with them all the time. We had a very respectful meeting, and it's about building relationships and relationships that are built on respect.

This is the message that we got back last week, is that they are very interested in building on respect, and we did that last week. We started building that bridge, if I may call it that, and we will continue to build partnerships with all of Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member of The Pas, on a final supplementary. Northern Manitoba Communities Infrastructure Investments Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): When the Conservatives were in government before, they put as little as 5 per cent of the highways capital budget in northern Manitoba.

In opposition, they said they would move highway spending out of northern Manitoba into the south. They define the Nort h as anywhere north of Riding Mountain. Will the minister confirm that the elimination of the roadside road authority is really nothing more than the beginning of the shifting of resources out of northern Manitoba? Why won't he make a commitment to the hi storic investments in northern Manitoba infrastructure? Madam Speaker, is it yes, North or no, North? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): Again, I thank the member for that question.

And this is about efficiency of –for all of Manitobans. It's about respecting the taxpayer, respecting all Manitobans no matter where they live. Infrastructure's important for all Manitobans, and unlike the previous government who wasted tax - payers' money, we will build more –we will –our department will be f ar more efficient and be able to build roads in all of Manitoba. East Side Road Authority Employment Loss Concern Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, on Friday the government announced that the East Side Road Authority had been dissolved and tha t its mandate had been transferred to the Department of Infrastructure. Will the Minister of Infrastructure please tell the House how many jobs will be lost in the process and where? * (14:30) Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): Thank you for that question.

There was such raucous applause for his question that I just –I'm sorry I actually missed the question, but I take it that they are referring to the dissolution of the East Side Road Authority, and this will happen over the summer. And it means that we will be able to bring far more efficiency into government, stop wasting taxpayers' money like the previous government was so very good at. This is about building infrastructure for all of Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Aboriginal Engagement Policy Mr.

Lindsey: It's unfortunate, Madam Speaker, that the applause drowned out the question, but I suspect the answer would have been pretty much the same anyway. The East Sid e Road Authority had as part of its mandate a six-point Aboriginal Engagement Strategy that included such provisions as local procurement to provide much -needed investment in northern communities, training and local -preference hiring policies for residents of the east-side communities.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 271 Can the minister explain to the House which policies his department will pursue in fostering local procurement, training and job opportunities for residents of the east-side communities? Mr. Pedersen : Madam Speaker, thank you for the question, and this time the applause was slightly less, so I was able to hear the question. So–but I just want to reassure the members that the Ministry of Infrastructure is very efficient at building roads. This –and they have in the past and they will continue to engage Aboriginal partnership, Aboriginal training.

This is part and parcel of our government in working in partnership with all Manitobans, and we will continue to do this in teamwork with all of it–all of Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Freedom Road Construction Mr. Lindsey: Last November, the former government introduced legislation to expand the mandate of the East Side Road Authority to build Freedom Road and provide familie s living on Shoal Lake–living on the east –Shoal Lake 40 First Nation with a vital all-weather road link.

Will the minister provide details to the House on when construction will begin, or will he dither and continue to leave these families in the lurch? And I'd appreciate an answer that didn't include efficiency, infrastructure, partner, sharing. Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Infrastructure, with his answer. Mr. Pedersen: Madam Speaker, it's unfortunate that the former government doesn't like the word efficiency, because efficiency –[interjection] There is only one taxpayer; unfortunately, the former government wanted to pick those pockets clean and not return any money back to them.

We are about building roads. We are about saving money for the taxpayers of –money–saving taxpayers' money, and we are about being more efficient through all of Manitoba. Electoral Divisions Fixed By-Election Dates Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): A key component of accountability is ensuring Manitobans' right to political representation in a timely manner. Unfortunately, and not surprising, under the former NDP government the citizens of Morris were denied political representation for a record 360 days.

The Winnipeg Free Press noted the delay was a result of, and I quote, political passive aggressiveness, end quote, by the former premier, the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Selinger). Can the Minister of Justice share what our government is under taking to ensure that the delay experienced in Morris is relegated to the history books? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the member for Morris, for that excellent question today.

And I want to assure him that Bill 2 that has been introduced in this Legislature and will be debated on shortly, that this is a bill that will bring–is our first open government bill towards bringing transparency and accountability for all Manitobans. We know that certainly the people from Morris were left without representation in the Manitoba Legislature for far too long. There were members in The Pas that were left without representation as well; there were other constituencies. We want to ensur e that that doesn't happen again. Madam Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired. Petitions? Grievances?

ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Could you please call for business this afternoon Bill 2, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act, sponsored by the member –the honourable Minister of Justice. Madam Speaker: It has been announced by the Government House Leader that this House will consider Bill 2 this afternoon, second reading, Bill 2, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act. SECOND READINGS Bill 2–The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, that Bill 2, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur

272 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 l'Assemblée législative, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mrs. Stefanson : I just want to start off by saying that it's an honour to bring in one of the first bills in government. I've been in opposition for many years. Prior to this, I've had the opportunity to bring forward some bills in this Manitoba Legislature, and I'm honoured to bring in my first bill on the government side of this House, and it brings me more hope of actually having a bill pass through the Manitoba Legislature this time around.

And it's indeed an honour because one of our main election platforms was to run on clean, open government, and this is our first step towards achieving those goals for our government, and it is in my mandate. And I'm so pleased to be here to help fulfill one of the areas of my mandate tha t was given to me by the Premier (Mr. Pallister), which was also shared with all the members of the public, and I'm – it's indeed an honour to be here and to bring in this piece of legislation. I do want to just thank the Minister of Health.

I know that he–when he was in opposition he brought forward this piece of legislation out of concern for a couple of ridings, one of them being Morris, that was left unattended for as long as possible before an election was called, and indeed The Pas as well. And I think it's unfortunate that the premier, the previous premier of the province, didn't see fit, didn't see that it was an important aspect of having people represented in the Manitoba Legislature from those communities.

And we believe on this side of the House that it's very important to have Manitobans represented in all communities across this province. That's what democracy is all about. And so we need to ensure that we need to lower the number of days, and that's why we have done that in this piece of legis lation from a year to six months. And I just –I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to bring this forward today because to me democracy is what we're all about. That's what we are debating here in the Manitoba Legislature. This is of the utmost respec t that we need to show members in our constituencies.

We need to show all Manitobans that we care about their representation here in the Manitoba Legislature. We all come from different areas of the province; we all have different backgrounds; we're all–we represent the diversity of this great province of ours. And to not have proper representation for a year is just, to me, absolutely unacceptable. * (14:40) And so, again, I want to thank the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) who brought this in when we were in opposition, this piece of legislation.

Unfortunately, members opposite saw fit not to support that piece of legislation, and I'm not sure why, but this is now going to give Manitobans the opportunity to be properly represented in a timely manner in the Manitoba Legislature. You know, Madam Speaker, it's just an honour to be here to talk about our democratic way of life. I've represented my constituency for about 15 and a half years, the great constituency of Tuxedo.

I actually was elected in a by-election in 2000 and I do recall the premier at the time, when –as soon as I was–I went through the nomination process within my party, I had the opportunity –I got a–it was pretty much almost right away that the premier, out of respect, called a by -election, and I think it was held almost within a month. It was just–he called it almost the next day or it was just a few days later, and the by-election was held on November 21st of 2000.

And I think that that premier at the time understood and respected the fact that he didn't want to have the people of Tuxedo be left without someone representing them in the Manitoba Legislature. And I know that there were other by -elections called back in the '90s when they were called right away or within the –within a timely fashion. And it was really –it was kind of the norm. It was an unwritten rule at the time that we wouldn't–that premiers wouldn't leave Manitobans without representation in the Manitoba Legislature because this is one of the most important parts of dem ocracy.

People need representation at the various levels of government. So it was an unwritten rule at the time, but what happened, which is unfortunate, is that the previous premier saw fit to wait as long as possible in a few ridings to ensure that thos e members –that those Manitobans were not represented here in the Manitoba Legislature, and he made those decisions based on political reasons only. And that to me is not what democracy is all about. We should never be afraid to have Manitobans represented in the Manitoba Legislature.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 273 And so that's why, as part of our cl ean, open government initiative that we stand before Manitobans today and we are debating Bill 2. And I hope that members opposite will finally see fit to support this piece of legislation because this is the cornerstone of democracy. This is what it's all about to ensure that Manitobans are properly represented in the Manitoba Legislature. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Questions Madam Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by any opposition members; and no question or answer shall exceed 45 minutes. [interjection] Sorry, seconds. Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Now, I'm just –I'd like to ask the minister –congratulate her first on her first bill that she's introduced as a member of the government.

Did the Commissioner of Elections Manitoba – was he calling for this change to the legislation? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Actually, there's a–we consulted with people all across Manitoba throughout the last election and prior to that, and that's a very important question that the member asks. This is about consultation.

We wante d to make sure that we get this right and we wanted to ensure that, you know, we make sure that Manitobans are properly represented in the Manitoba Legislature, and so that's why we've consulted with many, many stakeholders within the community, including constituents themselves. And we –I've heard from so many of people in my own community during the past election about the importance of being represented. And, again, having been through a by-election myself, the importance of making sure that Manitobans are represented in the Manitoba Legislature, I do recall that.

So I want to thank the member for the question and I look forward to his other questions. Mr. Swan: Now, of course, there are all different times that a member of this Legislature could choose to resign their seat. So, for example, an individual could choose to resign their seat in February. If that was to happen, a government of the day could have a concern that that would prevent them from being able to talk about the budget, advertise thei r budget to do any kind of press releases during not only the budget rollout, but also the session.

If a member was to resign in February or March, that could require an election campaign taking place over the summer. Is she aware that her leader called August family time in which it was not appropriate to have a by - election? Mrs.

Stefanson : I want to thank the member for Minto for the question, and it's an important one, I think that that's why we have provided some flexibility within this legislation , while we have reduced it from one year to six months or 180 days, it does provide for some flexibility within that six - month period to allow for those various things that may transpire as a result of this, whether it's a budget or what have you. So I thi nk it is an important question that he raises.

I think it's also important to ensure that the importance of having that flexibility, but to ensure that the spirit of this remains and that Manitobans are properly represented by this. Mr. Swan: Well, just to highlight the Attorney General's thoughts on the actual situation I'm talking about, the Premier (Mr. Pallister) won –well, he was acclaimed because there wasn't a race. He was acclaimed as their leader on –late in July 2012 and the government then called the by -election right away.

And if I can just read from the Metro story: Newly acclaimed Tory leader, and I will not give his name, said an upcoming by-election date is a cynical move by the Manitoba NDP government but plans to campaign hard anyway. On Fr iday the Premier announced a by -election would be held on September 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte in Winnipeg. The leader who took over the reins of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative party last weekend said August is a month for families and believes a higher voter turnout would have been– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mrs.

Stefanson: I–you know, I think it's important I didn't hear a specific question there, but I think I understand where the member was going, and I think it's important to understand that all political parties go through their leadership processes. We do recall, of course, the member opposite, when he ran

274 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 for leader at one point and he dropped out and didn't finish running for leader, and, you know, that's people's rights, to choose whether or not they're going to run for leader. We went through our party processes for leadership. Our leader was chosen we are very pleased that he was chosen. He is doing a tremendous job now as the Premier of our province and we look forward to moving forward with him as the Premier of our province. Mr. Swan: So, just to make it clear, then, when the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) said that August is a month for families and was an inappropriate month in which to have a by -election called or a by -election date set, is the Attorney General saying she does not agree with that and, in fact, it wo uld be open to the government of the day to call a by-election campaign which could include August? Mrs. Stefanson : Of course, that's why, again, I talked about the flexibility within this legislation.

It provides for that flexibility, and I just think it's important, though, that members opposite recognize that the previous government denied people in The Pas fair representation for 341 days. To me that is not what democracy is all about. Manitobans deserve to be represented by their –by MLAs within their constituency and that is a very, very important part of this. So I want to ensure members opposite that we want to ensure that it is so important to make sure that Manitobans are properly represented– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr.

Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Perhaps the minister could inform the House as to what other jurisdictions she checked with to see what sort of rules they have regarding the calling of a by -election and whether there–how many other jurisdictions and which ones in Canada actually have the requirement that you have to call a by-election within six months. * (14:50) Mrs. Stefanson: I want to thank the member for the question. I think it's very important while we look at other jurisdictions across Canada, it's also very important that we look at our own jurisdiction here and what's in the best interest of Manitobans.

What I don't be lieve is in the best interest of Manitobans is leaving people from The Pas, for 341 days, out of representation in the Manitoba Legislature. And the previous government left the people of Morris waiting 350 days for fair representation in the Manitoba Legislature. We don't believe that that's the Manitoba way, but we will always try and develop solutions that are made in Manitoba. Mr.

Maloway: Madam Speaker, I can't believe the minister is telling this House that she has not checked with a single other province in Canada to see what their rules are. [interjection] And yes, I know, that's not a very good plan for consultation. Like to also ask her whether she checked with other provinces for advertising restrictions and communications restrictions. Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, I, again, I thank the member for the question. And I look forward to working with colleagues all across our country in developing solutions that are–what is in the best interest of Manitoban – Manitoba.

And I will continue to do so. I've only been on the job for a few weeks now, but I look forward to the many years ahead of having the opportunity of working with our counterparts in other provinces. And so we will continue to do so, on this side of the House, as part of our clean, open government initiative. Thank you very much. Mr.

Maloway: Well, I don't know what this tells us about the government's legislative schedule, but she's admitted she doesn't know what the rules are in other provinces, that she never consulted with one other province to see what their rules are, and she's not really clear about any kind of advertising restrictions or communications restrictions in other sorts of provinces. I just wonder whether this is the proper way to be conducting legislative initiatives in this House, without having done any type of consultations on this subject. Mrs. Stefanson : Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question.

And, of course, we –he's absolutely wrong, and I think it's important that we put some facts on the record. In fact, we did have significant consultation with all Manitobans very recently in something that's called an election. Now, I know that members opposite may not have liked the results of that election, but Manitobans have spoken. And they –

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 275 we heard loud and clear from them that they wanted a very open, clean government initiative towards bringing more transparency to the way that the province is governed. What we heard tim e and time again, from Manitobans as well, is that members from the previous government did not consult Manitobans, and that was very important to them that we do. Hon.

Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Madam Speaker, my question for the member from Tuxedo is, as I hear this debate, it sounds that the opposition members are tied up in process and things that are 'extrainuous' to the actual issue. We're here to represent the people of Manitoba. The mini ster drew out an interesting contrast between a by -election within one month versus a year. Maybe you could share with us what an MLA does for the people they represent in that year and what people would be missing if they didn't have that representation. Mrs. Stefanson: Now that's a very good question.

And I think many of us who have been here for a long time understand, and, certainly, our constituents understand the importance of representing them in the Manitoba Legislature. You know, I've had the opportunity to be here for 15 and a half years and just work with constituents, with all my constituents, bringing forward concerns by my constituents in the Manitoba Legislature. Many of those issues I've had the opportunity to debate here on the floor of the Legislature. Sometimes we've even had the opportunity to work with members of the previous government to pass legislation.

So, again, I want to thank the member for the question. It's a very good one, and I appreciate it. Debate Madam Speaker: If there are no further questions, the floor is open for further debate. Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): It's a pleasure to speak to Bill 2, and it's interesting as we see the top priorities for the new government. And, really, when we say top priorities, we mean the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) to-do list, the things that he's marked down as the most important things for him. And we know, of course, No. 1 was a failure to complete his conflict-of-interest forms in accordance with Manitoba law.

So check; I guess he's got that done. Number 2, of course, for this new Premier was to break his promise with respect to hydro. Of course, during the election campaign he said he'd take a questi on of hydro development to the Public Utilities Board and yet, even before this legislature was recalled, even before we'd had a Throne Speech or a day of sitting, that one was already broken. And the question of hydro development was then referred to his new hand -picked board of Hydro. So break a promise is No. 2.

Number 3, of course, the next most important thing that the Premier had on his list was to introduce a motion on TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. And, in fact, it was so important that we set aside debate on the Throne Speech for an afternoon so his MLAs could read through their prepared speaking notes, and his backbenchers could be horrified as we put some facts on the record about what the Trans-Pacific Partnership is really all about. The fourth item, apparently, his legislation on by-election dates.

And at least getting up and talking with this bill–at least there are some positive aspects to No. 4 on the Premier's to -do list. It is the ultimate irony–[interjection] Well, and I know, they're clapping because I know how frustrating it must have been for t he first couple of days of the session to wonder where they were going, as they learned a lot about the TPP, as they learned about the Premier's failure to follow the law. But here we are. And we can talk about Bill 2.

And it's the ultimate irony, of course, that the Premier's main concern is about the length of time to call by-elections, yet it was this very Premier who whined and complained because he thought a by-election was called too soon. And that happened right after he was acclaimed to be the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, because they couldn't find anyone else in a province of 1.3 million people to run for the leadership. And he was very, very upset that the government of the day called the by-election right away. An Honourable Member: It's only one opinion. Mr.

Swan: And, of course –well, and I hear that the member for Emerson (Mr. Graydon) is saying it's only one opinion. It was the Premier's opinion, and what did he have to say in the Metro? He said, an upcoming by-election date is a cynical move by the Manitoba NDP government but plans to campaign

276 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 hard anyway. Because a by -election was announced almost immediately, it was called just days after– An Honourable Member: Who won? Mr. Swan: Well, who won? Well, the very guy who complained about the fact that it had been called so quickly. You know, he's like Goldilocks, right? This bed's too soft. This bed's too hard. This by -election's called too soon. This by-election's called too late. And what, of course, did he have to say whe n the Premier (Mr. Pallister) went ahead and called the by-election quickly?

Well, the then -Leader of the Opposition said the timing is cynical regardless of who you support. I'm not sure what's so cynical about calling a by -election just days after the ne w leader is elected. I still, to this day, don't know why it was a problem for the member for Fort Whyte but, indeed, it was. But it must be somewhat embarrassing for the members of the government to sit there to realize No. 4 on the to- do list was actually something that was a great big problem. And what, of course, did he say in the –oh, in the Portage graphic, one of my favourite papers.

He said he was unhappy with the timing of the by -election and said this is an example of the NDP putting politics ahead of family. What could be more terrible than the Premier calling a by -election quickly and promptly to give the courtesy of giving the Opposition Leader a seat in the Legislature. It's a shame that he came into politics or–returned to politics, returned to Manitoba politics, because he kept leaving and quitting and going and coming back.

We now know that he began his return to Manitoba on simply a sour note, because he told the Portage Daily Graphic, we're excited to enter the race, but disappointed to get the call. August is not the month to have a by-election. * (15:00) My goodness. How many Manitobans believe that they have the right to have the entire month of August as family time when they don't have to be engaged in their job, they don't have to be engaged with Manitobans, they actually don't have to go out there and work.

Well, not very many of them, but one of them appears to now be sitting in the Premier's chair, and it is highly ironic. Mrs. Colleen Mayer, Acting Speaker, in the Chair And, of course, the member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson) herself said that, yes, the by-election was called quickly. To her credit I don't recall her complaining about it. I think she did what most of us would do, what I did when I ran in Minto, what my colleague here did in Concordia.

You get your campaign together, you go out and you campaign and you do your best, and it's a shame that the Premier couldn't even manage to do that when he had his opportunity. And it really does make us question what else is coming on the Premier's to -do list. Now, I was elected in the by -election back in 2004. It was one of the stranger set -ups for running in Manitoba's political history. It began, first of all, when John Harvard, then the Member of Parliament for St.

James- Assiniboia-Charleswood–and I know the member will correct me if I've got the na me wrong–well, he had the word that he was going to be tagged to become the new Lieutenant Governor of this province. So, once that was –that leaked out in the Liberal circles, Mayor Glen Murray decided he really didn't want to be mayor of Winnipeg anymore , and for reasons that we're still not sure of, decided he wanted to run for MP in St. James.

That, then, set off a chain reaction because MaryAnn Mihychuk, who was a Cabinet minister in Gary Doer's government and the MLA for Minto, decided she really wanted to be mayor of the City of Winnipeg. So Mayor Murray resigned, MaryAnn Mihychuk resigned, and there was a by -election called in Minto. And it was very different than a regular election. Whoever's been elected in a by-election, you know it's a lot diff erent.

There's a lot more people coming and helping in your by-election than when the general election gets called, and all of a sudden you realize there's nobody coming in from anywhere except folks you're gathering up. There's only one other member of the class of 2004 in this entire Legislature, and that is the member for Spruce Woods (Mr. Cullen). He and I were actually elected six days apart in 2004 in the middle of a federal election.

We could have had the election on the same day, but his predecess or, Merv Tweed, held on to the seat as long as he could, I guess to keep collecting his MLA pay, before he resigned to run federally. So Merv Tweed, of course, was the king of by-elections. He also quit federal politics to take a

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 277 job with OmniTRAX, which is now heavily engaged in trying to shaft the people of the North, and he was replaced by Larry Maguire. Of course, Larry Maguire resigned his seat in Arthur -Virden, which resulted in the current member for Arthur -Virden (Mr. Piwniuk) winning in a by-election. The Premier (Mr. Pallister), of course, knows a lot about by -elections because he caused a by-election in Portage la Prairie, and what date did he resign his seat in the Manitoba Legislature? April 28, 1997. It was a pretty fateful time on the prairies.

In fact, it was less than two weeks after we saw the terrible footage of most of downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota, burning to the ground, and it was mere days before the flood waters peaked in Winnipeg, and we know that was the exact time that the then-member for Portage la Prairie, now the Premier of this province, decided it was time to pull up stakes and resign his seat in the Legislature so he could try something new in Ottawa.

And there is sort of something–I don't know if it's something in the water in that Fort Whyte seat, but there have been a succession of by -elections, a lot of by-elections, in Fort Whyte over the years. Of course, John Loewen quit suddenly one day. I remember driving through the Whiteshell with my family when CJOB all of a sudden had a news break, and they said that John Loewen had quit. We know, of course, my old friend Hugh McFadyen quit the seat after he led them to a second straight election defeat, for himself. And who knows?

Maybe a Queen's Bench judge will decide there's another by-election coming up for the people of Fort Whyte. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Of course, in the by -election in 2004–and this is important for considering this bill –it was a strange time because of the pieces o f the puzzle that I've laid out. There was a federal election going on at the same time.

There was also, because of Mayor Murray resigning, there was also a mayoral by-election taking place at exactly the same time, which, I can tell people, created a lot of confusion everywhere in the city of Winnipeg and maybe even more so in Minto because there was also this provincial by -election going on. I'm sure my colleague, the MLA for Spruce Woods, had the same experience when he was running. I was told by a l ot of people that I seemed like a very nice young man, but why was I running against Pat Martin?

And it took a long time on every doorstep to explain that, no, I was not running against Pat Martin; I was running on the same team as Pat Martin, but I was running provincially and he was running federally. It became a very, very confusing situation with the mayoral by-election going on. It was not unusual for me to see one of my signs up on the same lawn as somebody who would have a Dan Vandal sign or a Maryann Mihychuk or a Sam Katz sign or, in one circumstance, the same lawn as an Al Golden sign.

And I had to review the election's act to see if it was actually an offence for me to steal my own sign back off that lawn, but I decided I would just stand pat and let matters take its course. It was confusing. What was especially confusing was that on election day in Minto people were being asked to go and vote for the mayoral by -election but also the provincial by-election, and almost all people had to go not just to one but to two separate places to vote.

So everyone in this room knows what it's like polling the vote, trying to get people out, trying to get people engaged, trying to get them into the car so they can go down to the polling place. And it became very confusing and we had to decide, do we drive people if they're going to two places? Do we take them to vote for the MLA for Minto? Do we also take them to vote for the mayoral candidate? And, of course, as you find in politics, you do what the people ask and we wound up spending a lot of time. And I don't just say that to make it an interesting story.

It is one concern and what I think is a largely positive move, but there has to be some con- sideration. The timing of how things work in this Legislature given the limits put on advertising, given the limits put on communication, that it could be the case that elections –a by-election might then have to happen very close to a municipal or a federal election which–I just want to put on the record–can have unintended consequences for anybody who's running in that role. I know, of course, my colleague from Concordia ran in a by -election not that long before the general election.

It seemed we were always out in Concordia knocking on doors, and I'm sure if he has an opportunity to speak he'll tell you his own experiences on how things went in that by-election. And I know there's–there was a lot of comments put on the record by the minister and by the Premier about electoral reform, and, frankly, I'm quite pleased with what our previous government did to make sure that elections were as fair and as open and as transparent as possible. And, indeed,

278 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 our government went to great lengths to make the electoral process more transparent and more accountable throughout our years in government. Some of these things were done by consent. I do want to make that very clear. A number of other matters were actually done with the vehement opposition of the Progressive Conservatives whenever they thought that their own view of what's transparent and open and democratic was put at risk.

And the first step that I want to talk about on that front were the steps that the NDP government took to the leaders across this country to improve the system by banning both union and corporat e donations, and also by putting limits on the amount of individual contributions. Now, we know that the banning of corporate and union donations and limits on those donors have increased the accountability demands on political parties.

The opposition Cons ervatives at the time opposed the ban on union and corporate donations–well, they didn't oppose the ban on union donations, but they certainly opposed the ban on corporate donations, and they refused to make a commitment to keep the ban in place ever since. Well, we don't have to look too far.

We can simply look across the border to see what happened in the United States of America where the richest, where the biggest corporations have their oppor - tunity to spend millions or tens of millions or hundreds of millions of dollars to try to get a certain person or a certain party elected or defeated. That's not the way we work in Manitoba –that's not the way it works in Manitoba. In Manitoba it's the will of the people that should make the difference, and that's why we took that step. And it was interesting even during the election campaign. I know the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) was pretty tightly scripted, but once in a while he was able to get himself out from under that script and just start talking off the top of his head, and boy does that make folks across the aisle nervous when he does that. And he said maybe the $3,000 limit that any one person can give to a political party in a year, well, maybe that's too low and maybe that should be raised. Maybe they ha ve some plans to get $5,000 or $10,000 or $50,000 from different people because who knows what's going to come in part five of the Premier's to-do list.

Maybe it's privatizing home care, maybe it's privatizing other home-care services, maybe it's going to be steps taken with using social bonds to privatize probation services and the child and family services. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. * (15:10) But it was surprising to hear the Conservatives that opposed to it and, in fact, then- leader–the then- leader of the party said maybe they would undo that and maybe they'd allow big money back into Manitoba politics. We're hoping this government will not go down that road.

Of course, when we introduced an independent commissioner to enforce the act, we gave that commissioner more broader discretion to ensure compliance with the act, and the entire enforcement process was made far more transparent than it ever had been in Manitoba history. We also wanted to improve the way that redistribution and boundary changes took place. And those of us who have done this for a while, we always worry when it's redistribution time because what happens is that the jigsaw puzzle is redrawn and recut.

And what it means is that areas that experience greater population growth generally will become physically smaller and those areas that have had depopulation or flat population growth will generally become physically larger, the idea being that every Manitoban should have roughly the same power with their vote. Now, we know , and it's correct, under the act and under the work of the commission, that if you are a voter in rural Manitoba or in northern Manitoba, well, maybe there's some concessions, and that's only reasonable. If the member for The Pas (Ms.

Lathlin), or, for th at matter, the member for Arthur-Virden (Mr. Piwniuk), spend a lot more time on the road and have a lot more territory to cover, it does make sense that the voters in those areas maybe have a little bit more control than someone who may only live three or four blocks from their MLA's office in the West End of Winnipeg.

But what we did is we expanded representation on that commission, which redraws the boundaries every 10 years to make sure the interests of rural and northern Manitobans were taken into acc ount, by adding the heads of Brandon University and the University College of the North to the commission. And I thought that was very, very useful. They then expanded Elections Manitoba's role to include the promotion of participation so individual Manitobans

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 279 could have a say when the boundaries are being redrawn. I should mention for all members those boundaries get redrawn again in 2019, so by the time we fight another election, the areas that we represent may not look quite the same. And, frankly, I'm heartened by the fact that it's not just the head of the University of Manitoba and the University Winnipeg and the Chief Justice of Manitoba who do that work but also a representative from Brandon and a representative of the North. I think that's a wise change and a good change that's good for democracy.

And I'm proud that we did that. Of course, one of the other things that we did is we established a set date for general elections. Now, of course, some people said, is that a fixed date? We say no: It's the Conservatives that fix elections; it's the New Democrats who set dates for elections. And we set the date for the first Tuesday in October every four years. And this was done to allow better planning around the enumeration process and allow for a stronger voters list. Now, as we know, this time around there was a longer period between elections.

That happened because of the federal election taking place very nearby. Of course, Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party in Saskatchewan first brought in very similar legislation. We did the same. The confusion I talked about on the doorsteps of Minto would have been widespread if there had been both a federal and a provincial election taking place at the same time. But setting a date for general elections, we now know October 6, 2020 is going to be the next date for the general election in Manitoba. Well, that makes sense.

That gives certainty and that allows us to get ready for the next election and gives the Elections Manitoba folks time to prepare, to have a reasonable

schedule to get set to go. What's also important, of course, is providing greater access to voting, rules which of course do apply to the by -elections as well. And the last government introduced amendments to allow polls to open an hour earlier at 7 a.m. on election day. I'm not going to suggest that there was a stampede of people knocking down the doors on election day at 7 a.m., but, indeed, there are a lot of people who work extra hours and extended hours.

Having those polls open for an extr a hour might have been tough on the poll clerks, we acknowledge, but it's certainly good for democracy to give everybody their opportunity to vote. We also added the number of days for advance voting. You'll notice in the federal election the number of days for advance voting was only three or four. It was really only over a long weekend. We believed it was more appropriate to give every opportunity for advance voting for a week. And that applies as well to by -elections.

Even though by-election turnouts are often lower, we want to give everybody who has an opportunity to vote –who wants to vote the opportunity to do so. What's also very important is that we improved access to advance polls in rural and northern areas so that residents in a community never have to travel more than 30 kilometres to an advance poll. These things built on some previous amend - ments we had made which removed restrictions from advance voting. It used to be you had to give a reason; you had to give some explanation.

Now if you want to come and cast your vote in an advance poll, you're welcome to do so, and I am expecting just about every member in this House had a strategy to get people out to advance polls. If you didn't have that strategy, you probably wouldn't be in this House, so it speaks for itself. One of the other things that we did–again, very, useful–was to expand the number of places that people could vote.

Very important for people who are at university, very important for people who may be busy travelling through the airport, travelling through other places, to give people every oppor - tunity and every chance to cast their democratic ballot for the person they want. In addition to places like universities and the airport, we enabled super polls in malls so people could come and vote in advance just about anywhere.

And I'm sure everybody, because we're all human and we tend to do this, I'm sure each of us have had a look at our statement of votes and I'm sure everybody was surprised by the number of people who voted at other locations in Manitoba and how many people voted in the advance polls. We also extended absentee voting to students and public employees who are outside the province.

We made sure that we placed voting stations in apartment complexes with 100 or more units wherever practical, and we reduced travel time to rural voting places by not only dealing with the physical distance, but also reducing the average number of voters in a rural voting area from 350 to 250.

280 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 There were other things that we did. Again, in the interest of making sure our democratic system works as well it could, we implemented a requirement for an MLA who so- called crosses the floor to sit as an independent rather than join another caucus unless a by -election is held. And we thought that was the right thing.

We'd seen federally a number of members simply crossing the floor and taking up a job with a new team, sometimes taking up a Cabinet post with a new team, which may not have been what the people in their communities that elected them wanted to have happen. So in this case– and I'm sure there will be some MLAs who leave the Conservative Party after they have a bit more time to find out what it's all about and the Premier (Mr. Pallister) gets through his to -do list–they can't join our team just yet, I'm afraid, but they can certainly sit as independents.

There's already a few very friendly independents they can come and join, and I'm sure that they'll be treated very kindly over there. An Honourable Member: The more the merrier. Mr. Swan: The more the merrier, says the member for Fort Rouge (Mr. Kinew), and I have to agree with him. We also implemented a requirement of muni - cipal councillors to resign a nomination when they're seeking another position, of course, to avoid conflict between their roles within the municipality and their desire to run for provincial office. That's also another way that we were open and transparent in changing the laws.

Of course, there were other things that we did. We implemented a requirement of elected officials to disclose additional salaries they receive from a party. That's now causing a bit of a controversy in British Columbia where we discovered that the Liberal Premier–although she's not really a liberal; we know she's a conservative–Christy Clark is apparently paid tens of thousands of dollars by the British Columbia Liberal Party because the Premier's salary of 200-some thousand dollars in British Columbia just isn't enough for her –for Ch risty Clark to get by. Well, we made sure that that has to be disclosed.

Of course, it has to be disclosed by whoever's receiving the money, which we know is a little bit of a challenge on the other side, but we're hoping in the future maybe they will comply with the law. We also created a position for an independent officer to receive and prosecute complaints about election financing and we also implemented a requirement that any loans received by a candidate must be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer immediately, with loans from friends and family, again, restricted to $3,000. What was very helpful was coming up with the allowance commissioner.

We put in place Canada's first non- partisan commissioner to determine public financing for political parties. And those things went hand in hand with the reduction in the amount that any one person could give, the ending of corporate and union donations in the province of Manitoba and the additional accountability that came with it. Now, of course, we know that every party has their own track record on elections.

We know from the other side they're upset because sometimes we called by -elections too fast for their liking; sometimes we called them too slow for their liking. * (15:20) The things that have been done by the Progressive Conservative Party in the past really are not to anybody who cares about democracy's liking.

And it must be remembered that the worst democratic scandal in Manitoba's history occurred following the 1999 election when allegations came forward that the Progressive Conservatives had encouraged candidates to run in three constituencies in a blatant attempt to try and steal votes away from the NDP by running a stated Aboriginal party, encouraging indigenous people to vote for a party, for candidates who were no more than puppets in the Progressive Conservative Party.

And there was actually an inquiry led by former chief justice of the highest court in Manitoba, the Court of Appeal, Alfred Monnin, a man of incredible wisdom and understanding, and he looked into the allegation. And what Mr. Justice Monnin found was that various high -ranking Progressive Conservative operatives had hatched a plot to induce an Aboriginal candidate, Darryl Sutherland, to run in order to draw votes from the NDP ca ndidate during the 1995 election. I'm sorry , I'm getting choked up just thinking about it.

And, in that inquiry, it was found that a man called Gordon McFarlane, who was the party accountant during the 1995 election, had actually broken the law when he filed a false election return. And we know, because it took so long for the inquiry to do its work, we know those individuals got away with minimal prosecution because the time limit for prosecutions under the legislation in effect at the time was only six months. How coincidental. Six

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 281 months. I don't –I think that's just a coincidence, but there you go. The Chief Judge said although there was wrongdoing, there was really nothing that could be done legally. We know the former Treasury Board secretary who helped cover up the scheme lost his position. We k now that another individual, who was a party fundraiser and a member of the board of Manitoba Hydro, was removed from both positions by the then-premier of the time, Gary Filmon, for his role in the 1995 scheme.

And, you know, that inquiry gave us so muc h information on what the Progressive Conservative Party of the time was all about. The government, which, of course, the current Premier (Mr. Pallister) calls the best government in Manitoba's history, what did Alfred Monnin have to say? Well, on page 16, he said, "In all my years on the Bench, I never encountered as many liars in one proceeding as I did during this inquiry." And, in fact, it was this quote that gave its title to the excellent book written by Doug Smith, who's a Winnipeg author, which, of course, is called As Many Liars.

And, if any of the members of the Legislature want to borrow my copy, I'm more than happy to let you have it. It's not signed by the author; I probably should've had him do it, but it's a great work–[interjection] Well, th e member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko), I'll be happy; come on over, I'll let you borrow the book. You'll learn an awful lot about your party.

What he also said–what Justice Monnin also had to say is: "It is disheartening, indeed, to realize that an oat h to tell the truth means so little to some people." And he went on to say, page 13, in the inquiry, "a vote -rigging plot constitutes an unconscionable debasement of the citizen's right to vote, to reduce the voting rights of individuals is a violation of our democratic system." Also, on the same page, he said the basic premise of the vote -rigging plot was that Aboriginal people in these ridings had historically voted for the NDP, but, quote, "the Aboriginal vote," end quote, would be split if there were Aboriginal candidates running.

The attempt here at vote -splitting was, in my opinion, clearly unethical and morally reprehensible.

And, Justice Monnin, who, as you're dis - covering, did not pull his punches, had this to say on page 11 of his inquiry repor t: "Political mores have reached a dangerous low when one party member can actively support his party but sees nothing objectionable in helping to finance and organize the candidate of a second party in order to harm a third party." And he went on to say at page 55 of his report: "I cannot ignore the fact that throughout this episode, especially during the investigation, at the hearings, some of these witnesses exhibited a degree of arrogance or an I-know-better attitude." Well, you know, it hasn't taken long to see that attitude start to sprout again, just like dandelions in the spring on the –from the members on the other side.

And he went on to say, "a considerable amount of time, effort and money was expended by this commission in order to confirm what should have been freely admitted at the outset." The bank records and other documentation of the PC party of Manitoba election account and of other individuals had to be obtained and examined to find out what really occurred. So, you know, we're all about democracy. We're all about giving people the opportunity to have fair representation and, frankly, timely representation.

And there are some good parts of this bill that I think we can agree upon, but I think it's very, very important to remember that n ot only does no party have a monopoly on democracy, in fact, the Progressive Conservative Party has had a shortage of it for a very, very long time. So, look, this is –again, this is No. 4 on the Premier's to-do list. It is by far the most positive item on the Premier's to-do list. We'll look forward to see what other items are going to come forward. Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to put some words on the record.

Time goes so short when you're speaking in this House, and I look forwar d to what other members have to say on this bill. Thank you very much. Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Madam Deputy Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise and put a few brief comments on the record in relation to our first bill as a government, and I'm very pleased to see that this bill is part of our government's plan for a open and transparent government, an open and transparent government denied by members opposite during their 17 years in office.

282 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 I listened to the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) on many of his comments and I will react to some of those comments. But, Madam Deputy Speaker, you may not realize what I often talk about in this House is that as the MLA for Morris, I have the distinction of having three firsts. I was the longest delayed by -election in Manitoba history. It was 360 days from vacancy to swear-in.

That was 360 days that a group of Manitobans were denied political representation in the Manitoba Legislature, a record that is shameful on the part of members opposite, the NDP and, fortunately, with the passage of this legislation, which I hope members opposite will support, will go down in the history books never to be repeated. It was also the coldest by -election in Manitoba history, something my colleague for Arthur -Virden can well attest to. And, lastly, it was the first by -election to cover two calendar years.

For some strange reason members opposite decided to call the by -election, oh, I don't know, it was about December 20–[interjection] There you go, thank you. December 27th. I'm not sure why they would pick that time, whether there was some sort of political advantage to calling a by -election for Arthur-Virden and Morris in between Christmas and New Year's in the middle of a polar vortex, but I'm sure they had their –I'm sure the mem bers opposite had their reasons.

Madam Deputy Speaker, it's interesting because at the time when this vacancy was created in the constituency of Morris, vacated after excellent representation by my predecessor, a decade of representation by Mavis Taillieu, Ms. Taillieu had to resign due to some health concerns on the part of her husband, and we wish Wilf the very best as he continues to fight the good fight when it comes to cancer. I was always amazed subsequent to Mavis resigning that members opposite would constantly and regularly heckle during question period and other times: Where's Mavis, where's Mavis?

And I was thinking to myself, you know, here we have an individual, an elected official, and despite who we all are at the end of the day, I think we s hould be people first, that as much as we enjoy our positions as elected representatives we are spouses, we are partners, we are parents. And I think–I don't think any of us should be disregarded for putting our family and our loved ones first. In this ins tance this is what Mavis did. In her case she put her family first and she put her spouse first in terms of tending to their needs as they fought and continue to fight this very difficult fight.

But, despite that, members opposite continued to heckle. But I think it speaks more to their lack of integrity than anything else. The by -election in Morris was an interesting time. Mavis retired in early February, and if one took a look at the history of the NDP –so up 'til then there had been 10 by -elections called here in the province of Manitoba under the NDP, starting with the Minister of Justice's (Mrs.

Stefanson) own by-election, that being–I'm sorry, in Tuxedo, and the delay there was 64 days; Kirkfield Park: 75 days; Lac du Bonnet in 2002, 32 days; Minto in 2004, 32 days; Turtle Mountain, 35 days; Fort Whyte, 78 days; Elmwood, 207 days; The Pas, 143 days; Concordia, 186 days; and Fort Whyte: 82 days. * (15:30) So under the NDP tenure up to myself and the member for Arthur- Virden's (Mr. Piwniuk) by-elections being called, there was 10 by -elections from 2000 to 2012. The average wait, Madam Deputy Speaker, was 93 days, so roughly three months.

But, for some reason, in the instance of the Morris by-election, there was a decision made by all members opposite to deny the people of Morris their right to have political representation. I remember the Winnipeg Free Press wrote an

article in June of that year, in June 2013, wondering just where was the by -election and what was going on with the –at that time, the inordinate delay on behalf of the NDP. And I'll quote from the article: If the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Selinger), the then-premier, quote, waits until September, Morris will have been vacant for about seven months: not a record, but close. Any further push into the fall would most definitely be setting a new standard for political passive-aggressiveness. The most frustrating part of the story is the NDP government's failure to enunciate a reason for delaying the vote.

End quote, Madam Speaker. Madam Deputy Speaker, and this is really what the delay was about. Members opposite did not like to be held accountable. For those that are new to the House, they may recall that members opposite, in the previous election, had run on a core campaign commitment not to raise the PST. They even went so far to suggest that anyone who said or any idea that they would raise the PST beyond 7 per cent was total–was ridiculous and total nonsense. And they went around, they knocked on every door, and they sung that song to anyone who answered the doors.

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 283 And, of course, we all know that happened, Madam Deputy Speaker. Subsequent to the election, not only did they raise the PST from seven to eight per cent, but it turns out that behind closed doors, and FIPPA documents c onfirm, they actually looked at increasing the PST not to 8 per cent but actually to 9 per cent. And I can only imagine that at some point, somewhere amongst them, someone must have said stop the –stop this love train; I've got to get off because–[interjection] And they did.

They did– [interjection] They did jump–well, he was tossed off, though, actually. Let’s be honest. He was tossed off. But, that being said, the previous government was held to account by us an official opposition because that was what our role was. And so we held them to account. We held them in the legislative Chamber, not just through that spring session but through the entire very, very hot summer, Madam Deputy Speaker. And, apparently, members opposite don't like to be held to account, not only for their decisions but, more importantly, for their broken promises.

And so members opposite decided, and in particular, the premier, and every single member across the way who sat around those benches decided that, you know what? We're going to be petty about things and we're going to deny Manitobans the right for representation and we don't really care, Madam Deputy Speaker.

In fact, I remember –I recall at the –going to The Forks, Madam Deputy Speaker, in one of my previous positions when I ran a not -for-profit and I– the minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, the former member for Fort Rouge, was in attendance to declare–because it was diversity awareness week –disability awareness week, and I was there as part of that celebrati on, the recognition that one out of six Manitobans is identified as a person with a disability.

And so I knew the member; I knew Jennifer from our days at Brandon University where we'd often have some heated conversations, and I remember asking the minist er at the time when I could anticipate a Morris by -election being called. And it always –it still sticks with me today, that the minister's response on behalf of her and her colleagues and the then- premier, the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Selinger), that democracy and political representation for the people of Morris, was, and I am quoting, Madam Deputy Speaker, not a priority of her government. End quote.

But it gives you an idea, Madam Deputy Speaker, of the arrogance that had soaked through members opposite, soaked through their very pores. There was little that they felt that they could do, and they felt they could do all things with impunity.

And maybe for some time there was, Madam Deputy Speaker, but that all ended in the summer of 2012, when some 19 Progressive Conservative MLAs held the NDP and their majority to account, held them through that long summer and forced them to rationalize and explain their decision to Manitobans to the point that, actually, this –the NDP actually used taxpayer doll ars to go to court and actually fight for their right to break Manitoba's balanced budget legislation, balanced budget legislation that they themselves vowed to maintain.

And that word, maintain, is actually a quote from the NDP themselves, again, in a bid to get elected. They are–they have proved themselves to–a party that will say anything, and, more importantly, or more worrisome, is that they will do anything to get elected and to stay elected.

We saw some of their atrocious behaviour in the most rece nt campaign, obviously, with the cancer-care fear mongering that went on, on behalf of the NDP, with the suggestion that individuals who were fighting cancer –my own mother died of brain cancer, Madam Deputy Speaker–and that they would go around and they would hold news conferences and they would say to Manitobans, you know, if the Tories get elected, you are suddenly going to be facing bills in the tens of thousands of dollars for cancer-care drugs because of the Tories. And it was, actually, it was a shameful moment.

And some of my colleagues had suggested at the time that maybe, you know, that might have been the moment when members opposite, when their campaign had jumped the shark, Madam Deputy Speaker. And I said, no, actually, it wasn't. And I said I don't like to use that term, jump the shark. For those who don't recall, it was from a television show called Happy Days, when the Fonz actually literally and figuratively, on water skis, jumped the shark. And it was a suggestion–was –that was when the show had gone downhill. But to me, the jump the shark was more of a playful term.

And what they had done, and what the NDP, had done was simply shameful and shameless. [interjection] Fear mongering at its worst, actually, in–to correct my colleague, the MLA for Emerson.

284 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 30, 2016 So I listened, and the member opposite and the member for Minto (Mr. Swan) did accurately put some information on the record, a rarity in of itself when it comes to members opposite, Madam Deputy Speaker, but about some of the instances where his government had made improvements to Manitoba's electoral system. And it's funny, the members opposite, the MLA for Minto, had spoke about set -election dates.

And it was always interesting, Madam Speaker, because in a previous life, when I had the fortune of being the provincial director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, this was a position that our members, small - and mid -sized businesses here in Manitoba, the backbone of the provincial economy, had brought forward to the government, saying, you know, this is something that is occurring throughout jurisdictions in Canada and that Manitoba was being left behind when it came to the idea that election dates should be on a set calendar.

And what was interesting at the time was the NDP's wholehearted rejection of that position, both privately and publicly, Madam Deputy Speaker. And it wasn't until some years later that, on the road to Damascus, they decided they would convert to the idea that, you know what, we need set election dates.

But what's also interesting is despite bringing in the set -election dates and putting forward that calendar of –so when citizens and when elected officials and potential elected officials and their volunteers should be preparing for the next general election, again, members opposite just simply changed the law to best suit them, and they pushed that date forward by another six months, all under the claim that they didn't want to conflict with the federal general election. So they thought, well, we might as well give ourselves an extra six months of governing.

One can only imagine, and as my colleague, the member for Morden -Winkler (Mr. Friesen), the Finance Minister, lifts those fiscal rocks and finds that 1 -plus-billion-dollar deficit left by members opposite, can only imagine the fiscal damage wrought by members opposite during that additional six months that they had in power, Madam Deputy Speaker. * (15:40) Madam Deputy Speaker, my colleague across the way also talked about the vote tax, and, of course, he never referred to it as a vote tax; I think, he used some sort of more flowery euphemism. But at the end of the day that's what it was.

And on the idea–originally back in 2008 when the NDP brought forward Bill 37, and it was all part of The Lobbyist Registration Act. It was a –you know, the idea –and they brought in–within that bill also was actually when they finally brought in the idea of setting–of set election dates and accountability for lobbyists. Of–hidden within that bill, which was an omnibus bill, and it was something that governments that –or get a little long under the tooth and have hidden agendas, as they did in that instance.

They will hide other components, other legislative goals within larger bills in the attempt to hide it, or hide it from the view of Manitobans. But when you hid–and when you peel back the layers of Bill 37, back in 2008, and hidden within the many sections and subsections of that convoluted legislation was a little thing called hypocrisy, an ugly word, but all too appropriate when used by members opposite, the NDP.

Madam Deputy Speaker, for years, business groups, social groups had been calling upon that provincial government, the NDP, to index the personal income tax system to protect individuals against inflation. An d I'm proud to be part of a government that ran on that mandate and we will fulfill that mandate of indexing the personal tax system to inflation. The idea is to increase the tax brackets and tax exemptions by the rate of inflation to protect an individual's real wages against a rising cast of –cost of gas and groceries.

And it's not rocket science; it's, really, just matter of bringing Manitoba into the middle of the pack, something that members opposite, the NDP, would repeat ad nausea in justification of many of their legislative goals. But, you know what? When it actually came to improving the lives of madam –of Manitobans –of regular Manitobans, it was something that they simply ignored. And, in fact, there is no tax strategy that offers individu als of low and fixed income the greatest benefit than that of indexing the tax system.

And that idea and that suggestion I'm putting forward, actually, was the justification why, for that very policy brought in next door in Saskatchewan, not by the Saskat chewan Party, Madam Deputy Speaker, but, actually, by their previous NDP government, who actually brought in indexation because they recognized that individuals on low and fixed incomes needed some protection against

May 30, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 285 inflation. And indexing the tax system was a key component to that. Was it the be all and end all? Absolutely not, but it was a component. I remember several years ago FIPPA'ing a briefing note from members opposite, from the minister of Finance's office, and at the time it had estimated that the NDP, by denying Manitobans the indexation of the tax system, had taken from Manitobans approximately 100 million additional dollars in tax revenue.

I would suggest by the end of their mandate, just based on that time frame, that it was probably closer to a quarter of a billion dollars. And I remember the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Selinger), when I had brought up the idea of indexation, I was really surprised that they wouldn't simply jump on it, because, again, as I had indicated to members opposit e–that the Saskatchewan NDP government was the one that had brought it in. And I had thought, you know, here we have a piece of legislation you could model after a neighbouring NDP government that has the greatest benefit to low and fixed income Manitobans .

Why won't you bring it in? And I remember quite clearly the former Finance minister, the member for St. Boniface, telling me that the reason that they wouldn't bring in indexation is because organizations like the CFIB and other lobbying organizations would not give them credit where credit was due, that it became automatic that if it was something that just simply occurred every January 1st, that the tax system was indexed to inflation, that this government, the NDP, was mor

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-1-9
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 1st hansardpdf 9.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	5b6c4875d28da9987c455ef24dc2d619c6eb05e2

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).