Manitoba Hansard — 4 June 2018 (Sitting 58, 41st Legislature, 3rd Session)

41-3-58

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third 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. LXXI No. 58 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2018 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 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 Ind. 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 Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP 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, Hon. Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian, Hon.

Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC Vacant St. Boniface

2807 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, June 4, 2018 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and 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 an d accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated. Good afternoon, everybody.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? Committee Reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to table the following annual reports: 2016- 2017 Manitoba Adult Literacy Strategy and Adult Learning Centres in Manitoba and the 2017 Teachers' Retireme nt Allowances Fund report. Madam Speaker: Further tablings? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Families): I am tabling matters taken under advisement during this year's Estimates process. Madam Speaker: Further tablings? Hon.

Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and table the matter taken under advisement from the 2018-19 Estimates process. Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): Madam Speaker, I wish to table all outstanding information requested during Committee of Supply for Growth, Enterprise and Trade. Madam Speaker: Further tablings? The honourable minister for Brandon West –oh, the former member for the–honourable member for Brandon West. Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I seek leave to table the report of the all-party task force on organ and tissue donation. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to have that report tabled? [Agreed] An Honourable Member: The inquiry into organ and tissue– Madam Speaker: There does not need to be any comments made. The minister did indicate that he was tabling –the member has indicated that he has tabled the report on organ donation. Any further tablings? Are there any further tablings? Might there be one more? Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): I rise to table the matters under advisement arisen from this year's Estimates process posed by the member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe) on April 16th, 2018. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Justice, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with her statement. Special Olympics Awareness Week Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I rise in the House today to recognize Special Olympics Awareness Week in Manitoba. It was an honour and a privilege to introduce and pass private member's bill 209 five years ago, proclaiming the second week of June each year to be Special Olympics Awareness Week in Manitoba. This year, the week begins on June 11th, but it has become customary for members of this House to celebrate near the end of the legislative session about a week before the formal events.

Madam Speaker, I was happy to see many members out playing bocce ball with athletes, coaches and Special Olympics staff on the Legislative grounds on this beautiful Manitoba day. I was also proud to see members of our law enforcement community participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run from the Winnipeg Police

2808 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 Service headquarters in the Manitoba Legislature this morning. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, which has been an active partner of Special Olympics Canada for more than 35 years. Since its inception, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $63 million for Special Olympics Canada. In Manitoba, the run is open to police, correc - tions and other law enforcement agencies at all levels of government.

Together, they have raised millions of dollars for Special Olympics Manitoba over the last 25 years. This money goes to support an incredible and growing organization of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff. Madam Speaker, Special Olympics Manitoba now has 161 different programs for 18 different sports throughout seven regions of Manitoba. There are now 1,766 athletes, 551 coaches and 1,210 volunteers participating in these programs. Each member of the –of Special Olympics has the opportunity to compete in games at the provincial, national and international levels.

This year, Special Olympics Manitoba athletes from across the province will be competing in nine sports at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games this August in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Their commitment and dedication in especially –is especially important as the international Special Olympics movement celebrates its 50th anniversary on July 21st, which will be known as the Global Day of Inclusion. This anniversary marks a turning point for the Special Olympics movement.

Beginning on July 21st, Special Olympics is moving, and I quote, from an organization for people with intellectual disabilities to a social inclusion movement led by Special Olympics athletes. End quote. We all know that people with intellectual disabilities still face stigma, neglect and margin - alization in our society. Special Olympics has done incredible work eliminating those barriers, but it's time for us all to step up and ensure that people with intellectual disabilities feel included in our lives and in our society. That work begins by supporting our Special Olympics athletes.

Madam Speaker, I ask that all members join me in thanking and recognizing our guests in the gallery–president and CEO of Special Olympics Manitoba Jennifer Campbell; past board chair Larry Chornoboy, provincial team athlete Philip Bialk, bocce team head coach Joe Grande and staff members Kim Morphy and Darren Hemeryck –for everything they do to make our province and our world more inclusive for people with intellectual disabilities. Thank you, and I ask all members to join me today in recognizing these individuals. Mr.

Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I am honoured today to recognize the hard work and amazing achievements of our Special Olympic athletes here in Manitoba in support of Special Olympics Awareness Week. * (13:40) Here in Manitoba and across the world, the Special Olympics is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate hard -working individuals as they grow in their athletic activities and to raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities who participate in sport.

Special Olympics provide year -round sports programs and athletic competi tion in a variety of sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It gives these amazing athletes the opportunity to showcase their athletic talent, but more importantly, it enriches lives, fosters respect, promotes dignity and supports advocacy in communities across Manitoba. I would like to thank all the volunteers, staff, coaches and athletes who are involved in Special Olympics for the incredible and uplifting work that you are doing.

I look forward to coming out and supporting at the events and promoting this year's theme, which is Accept With No Exception. And I ask that all Manitobans join me in supporting this inclusive and powerful message. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave t o speak in response to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the statement? [Agreed] Ms. Lamoureux: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and happy Special Olympics Awareness Week.

Once again, this year, volunteers and at hletes have taken over the west lawn for some awesome bocce ball, pulled pork sandwiches and, most

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2809 importantly, to teach us MLAs just how important Special Olympics Manitoba are. Did you know that Special Olympics Manitoba provides 18 sports to nearly 1,700 athletes across our province? Madam Speaker, Philip, who joins us here in the gallery today, and the member from Fort Richmond and I had a lot of fun playing some friendly bocce ball just a couple of hours ago. We had the opportunity to learn a bit about each other, and Philip taught us both so much about our current Lieutenant Governor, so thank you for that Philip.

Special Olympics here in Manitoba are made up of some phenomenal people who are dedicated and work tirelessly at making the Special Olym pics in our province possible, and we want to send out a huge thank you to them. So thank you for all the work you do every day, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play. Now, Madam Speaker, this is my last speaking opportunity before the House rises for the summer, and I want to use this opportunity to thank our caucus staff, my constituency staff, all of our clerks, people working in Hansard, our pages, guards and security and you, too, Madam Speaker.

Between our late- night votes and our livel y debates, I want to wish everyone a very pleasant and safe summer. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Further ministerial statements? The honourable Minister for Infrastructure, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement. Wildfire Update Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): The safety and security of all Manitobans is the top priority of our government.

As such, I wish to provide the Manitoba Legislature with an update on the current wildfire-fighting activities in the province of Manitoba. I will start today by expressing our thanks to all those who have been involved in managing the fires and ensuring that all Manitobans at risk have been protected from these fires and their consequences. The department of Manitoba Sustainable Development Wildfire Program has provided us with the following update. Total fires to date: 208. Average for this date: 128. And, Madam Speaker, yesterday, there were no new fires.

Recent precipi - tation has assisted crews that continue to work on existing fires. And there are currently 80 firefighters helping us from Ontario and assisting wildfire response here in Manitoba. Indigenous and Northern Relations reports that all evacuees from Pelican Rapids have returned home on June the 2nd. Indigenous Services Canada has engaged the Canadian Red Cros s to support evacuees from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation. Approximately 350 of the 900 evacuees from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation have returned to their community.

The remaining evacuees from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation are scheduled to return home in the coming days. Evacuees from Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation remain in Winnipeg. Re-entry planning continues, involving departments and agencies from Manitoba and Canada along with Manitoba Hydro; the Canadian Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations also involved. Manitoba Hydro is mobilizing resources to repair damaged infrastructure and return power to Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation.

Timelines for restoration of power to these communities cannot be confirmed at this time. Manitoba EMO will continue to monitor the ongoing situation across the province and co-ordinate efforts with the agencies involved. And again, Madam Speaker, we wi sh to remind everyone to obey all fire bans and to keep property clear of combustible materials to reduce risk. Thank you. Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Many thanks to the many first responders who have assisted in battling wildfires here in our province in the last few weeks and the rain over the last week.

Residents of Sapotaweyak First Nation can finally return home. Because of the recent events, residents of Pauingassi were also given some good

2810 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 news, with the 27,000- hectare fire now being considered under control. It was encouraging to see electricity services being restored promptly in the community of Sapotaweyak so that residents weren't returning in the dark. On Friday, 14 evacuees from Little Grand Rapids returned home to begin assessing the damage, cleaning up and restoring running water. Residents from Little Grand Rapids are eager to return home. The community's efforts need to be supported.

While neither level of government will accept responsibility for evacuation delays, all levels of government, agencies and organizations need to be working co-operatively to assist Little Grand Rapids and Sapotaweyak First Nation to clean up and restoration of essential services to ensure evacuees can return home safely as soon as possible. While many communities have already faced the devastating impact of wildfires this year, Manitobans continue to show their resilience and kindness by assisting evacuees in whatever way possible.

While Norway House Animal Rescue's call for help has been well received, t hey need more help. They are desperately seeking food and monetary donations to help restock cleared out supplies, continue supplying much needed pet food and assist in covering flight and medical costs for pets that have suffered illness or injury during this emergency situation in Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi. All those willing to help will find this information on their Facebook page. Want to thank the many volunteers and organizations that have and continue to assist evacuees, residents and animals who remain behind.

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 have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: I want to thank the minister for his update on the fire situation. I note that most fires now are considered under control, with the exception of one near Lac Brochet. I'd hoped the minister might have given us a little bit more information about that fire.

I want to thank all those who've been helping with the fire situation: the many firefighters, people involved in logistics and support staff and volunteers, and the many who are helping with the evacuees, in particular the Red Cross, organizati ons like southeast tribal council, the CFS agencies who are helping with activities for kids and adolescents and many others. I understand that one of the difficulties in organizing the fire response for the communities of Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi has been the lack of cell service to these communities and the generally poor Internet and indeed phone access.

These are important communities in our province and it's not acceptable that in 2018 there is not cell service to these communities. The Pallister government had noted that with the takeover of MTS that there would be cell and Internet services improved on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Well, so far it has not improved for Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi, and this has caused no end of problems in this fire season and in dealing with the fire near Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi.

I hope that the government will act quickly to correct this issue and to ensure much better communication for the people of Little Grand and Pauingassi in the future. * (13:50) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Miigwech. Merci. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Hutterite Colonies in Manitoba–100th Anniversary Hon. Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations): Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I have th e opportunity today to recognize the 100th year of Hutterite colonies of Manitoba. It was June, 1918, that six colonies migrated from the Dakota Territory to Manitoba.

James Valley, Maxwell, Huron, Milltown, Bon Homme and Rosedale were established and toda y there are 118 colonies throughout our province. Originating in Austria in the 16th century, Jacob Hutter developed a communal form of living based on the New Testament book of Acts of the Apostles, which was distinct from other Anabaptists. It was during the First World War that Manitoba became a home for the Hutterites, who chose to abandon their American colonies in order to remain pacifists. Over the past 100 years, Hutterites have traditionally owned and operated large amounts of

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2811 land, as well as ho g, dairy, turkey, chicken and egg productions. In more recent years they have ventured into the manufacturing sector. Examples in the Agassiz constituency of their successes can be seen at Acadia Colony, with Community Truss Ltd., and Baker Colony, with Be tter Air Manufacturing. Hutterites are well known and respected for their compassion and generosity to anyone in need. I would like to acknowledge the significant and supportive role Hutterite women have within their colonies with their 'exemplernary' gar dening, baking and sewing skills.

I always look forward to visiting my lifelong friends at Riverdale Colony for serenity, support and a cup of coffee. I'd like to recognize the late Selma Maendel, who was the first Hutterite to be inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame for her many contributions to agriculture in Manitoba. On behalf of this Legislature, I want to congratulate all Hutterite colonies in Manitoba for 100 years of being generous neighbours and good stewards of the land. You are an inspiration to all. Happy 100 years in our province and best wishes for your next generations.

Please join me in welcoming my friends from Acadia and Baker colonies. Madam Speaker: The honourable minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations. Ms. Clarke: Madam Speaker, I ask leave to have my guests' names entered into Hansard, as well as the Agassiz colonies. Madam Speaker: Is there name to include those names in Hansard? [Agreed] Guests: Bishop Arnold and Rhoda Hofer, Reverend Ben and Mary Maendel, Thelma Waldner.

Agassiz Colonies: Acadia, Aspenheim, Baker, Bloomfield, Cascade, Emerald, Grass River, Hidden Valley, Parkview, Pine Creek, Riverbend, Riverdale, Riverside, Rolling Acres, Springhill, Twilight, Westroc. Recognizing Niverville Collegiate Entrepreneurs Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): As we all know, the foundation of our economy has been and will always be entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are courageous individuals that are willing to risk it all to see a dream come to fruition. It is a great honour –rise in the House and congratulate a stellar group of entrepreneurial students from Niverville Collegiate.

Grade 11 students Marcus Jofre, Cole Funk, Maddie Thompson, Diana Laso, Leah Reimer, Shadaye Fast and Jazmyn Lajeunesse have launch ed Social Clothing, a line of casual streetwear. These students chose streetwear as it is comfortable, warm, versatile, popular with young people and well suited for the Manitoba market in our cold winter months. At the same time, the styles are simple so that they're both casual and adaptable to any situation. These choices have proven to be extremely effective as the business is flourishing.

The students' hard work, keen business sense and a great eye for their target market have been major factors in the growth of their business. The name Social Clothing is inspired by the distinctly Manitoba tradition of pickles, kubasa, cubed cheese and music, whether it is for weddings, to fundraise for a cause or just because we are Manitobans, and the clothing encompasses designs that reference Manitoba places, culture and heritage. Additional, Social Clothing orders their supplies from other Canadian businesses in an effort to keep costs down and to ensure the business remains as locally sourced as possible.

What was originally an assignment for business class has emerged into a burgeoning local business. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy and the entrepreneurial spirit exemplified by these students is exactly the kind of forward thinking t hat will help strengthen the Manitoba economy today and into the future. So please help me to congratulate these students and their teacher, Suzanne Mathieu, for their accomplishment and success. I am confident that this will not be the last time we will read about these young entrepreneurs. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Further members' statements?

International Children's Day Mr. Mohinder Saran (The Maples): Madam Speaker, on May 28th, Mr. Sukhdev Walia of India wrote to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau about the importance of recognizing the four children of the 10th guru of the Sikh religion during children's protection international day. I rise today to echo this request for Manitoba to share their story during

2812 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 International Children's Day and explain its importance. In the late 17th century, the city of Anandpur Sahib prospered under the inspired leadership of the 10th guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. This is the guru who established Khalsa . But the emperor at the time feared this would threaten his rule in northern India, so he launched a prolonged and brutal siege on the city of Anandpur, cutting it off from outside supplies. To save the inhabitants of Anandpur from dying of starvation, t he Guru Gobind Singh made a deal with the emperor to leave the city.

However, while he was leaving, the emperor's imperial armies betrayed the deal and attacked the guru from behind, separating him from his family. The guru's 17- year-old and 14- year-old sons focused over the coming days on fighting for their freedom and the freedom of others. They each died in battle. His other two sons, aged only nine and seven years old, were imprisoned and told that their lives would be spared only if they converted aw ay from their faith. When they refused, these young children were sentenced to be bricked in a wall, alive.

As the wall being built around them reached higher than their chests and they struggled for air, one brother proclaimed: We shall not give up our faith. These four children died for human rights. Their sacrifice represents the struggle for people of other faiths to practise their religion without interference. I request we make a remembrance of these brave four sons on children's day– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The–does the member have leave to conclude his statement? Yes? [Agreed] Mr. Saran: I request we make a remembrance of these brave four sons on children's day.

The sharing of this story will support awareness for children that have experienced violence, abuse, the effects of war and the interference of human rights. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Further members' statements? World Environment Day Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): Tomorrow is World Environment Da y. It's recognized by the United Nations –not, apparently, recognized by this government. So let's review their track record so far on the most important environmental issue in the world, climate change. Since coming to office–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Altemeyer: –the Pallister government has failed to bring in a single new program that would help anyone reduce their emissions. In fact, they've gone the opposite direction and supported increasing everyone's hydro rates by over 70 per cent over a number of years,

whereas they proposed only a one-time increase of about 5 per cent in the price of fossil fuels. Simultaneously, they've destroyed the Power Smart brand, while its so -called replacement, iron - ically named Efficiency Manitoba, is no where in sight. They have no budget, no plans, no programs to offer and no staff over at Efficiency Manitoba. They have also declared that none of their $250 million–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Altemeyer: –of these carbon revenues will be used to fight climate change.

Instead, they're going to break their promise to return that revenue to Manitobans and are keeping $90 million of it in general revenue. On top of that, they're going to provide tax cuts with the remainder, which will benefit the richest families 10 times more than the poorest families in the tax rebates they will receive. Pallister government has thought it's a good idea to cut funding to transit services and also assign the carbon tax to bus fuel, which means that, of cours e, fares go up, service goes down–not good for climate change or anyone using transit.

We used to be the best province in the country for solar power incentives, and then the Pallister government ended those incentives, took us from the best to the wors t overnight, in the words of solar representatives right here in Manitoba. At the same time, they're giving all heavy emitters, all landfills and all agricultural operations a complete carbon-free ride and only assigning the carbon tax to half of our emissions. Their proposed climate legislation is a complete scam.

It's going to use a phony counting system and won't release the truth until years after the next provincial election because they don't want anyone to know how brutal they're going to be on this.

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2813 And, meanwhile, they have repeatedly ignored good, practical suggestions. Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. * (14:00) Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Dr. David Marsh Mr. Blair Yakimoski (Transcona): I rise today to acknowledge a great community leader who has been an important part of Transcona since I was born some 55 years ago. Dr. David Marsh was raised in Durham, England, and received the last medical degree from Durham University at Newcastle b ack in 1963.

Shortly thereafter, he crossed the pond to hang his shingle here in Winnipeg and over the years has been an active and essential part of our community as a 'caregibbel'–caregiver, role model and volunteer. As the local physician, he has deliv ered over 1,000 babies, some of which he still sees as patients and even still will make the occasional house call. Growing up in England, rugger may have been his sport, but in his new country, hockey coach was one of his many volunteer stints he took on. The honours on Dr.

Marsh are many, ranging from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal to the City of Winnipeg community service award from Mayor Norrie, and even a street named after him in Transcona. But if you ask Dr. Marsh, or as he would rather be called , David, his most proud achievement would be of founding the Transcona Rotary, which this week is celebrating its 37th year of giving back to the community. His work with the Rotary's PolioPlus campaign to eradicate polio was recognized by Rotary International in 1999 with the distinguished service award.

His is truly a life where he lives the R otary mission of service above self but also the motto of his church at Pine Ridge: to nurture a heart for God, each other and our community. Dr. Marsh will be tur ning 81 in August, and for some reason, he felt that it was time to retire. July 31st will be his last day. There are patients in their 50s who have had no other physician in their lives and will be truly sorry to see him move on. Yes, he does have plans for the future.

They will include some travel, golf, a bucket -list item or two and spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren and, finally, with his wife Helene, who has been at his side for 43 years. She may have a job or two for you, David. Please join me in thanking him for his service and wishing Dr. David Marsh a wonderful, healthy retirement. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to members–prior to oral questions, we have some guests in the gallery that I would like to introduce to you.

We have seated in the public gallery , from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé 74 grade 9 students under the direction of Mario Desmarais, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Sustainable Development (Ms. Squires). We welcome you to the Manitoba Legislature. Also seated in the public gallery, we have Mr. Amarjit Singh Dhillon, a newspaper reporter for the newspapers in India, and he is a guest of the honourable member for The Maples (Mr. Saran). * * * Madam Spea ker: And we have two farewell speeches here for our two departing pages.

Ashley Hunter will be graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate this year. She's planning to volunteer at a no -kill animal shelter while seeking summer employment. She will be attending th e University of Manitoba this fall. She will be majoring in psychology and either sociology or political science. After getting her degree, she plans to take the LSAT. Ashley is an avid ultimate Frisbee competitor. For the past three years, she proudly re presented the Glenlawn team in ultimate Frisbee and is planning to play for the University of Winnipeg ultimate Frisbee team.

Ashley has loved this job, is extremely grateful for the opportunity. Because of this job, she has a stronger passion and understanding for politics and a deeper respect for all those involved. Ashley would like to thank everyone for being so kind and friendly and that she will deeply miss working at the Legislative Assembly. And Paul Zorbas is entering grade 12 at J.H. Bruns Col legiate. Throughout this year, Paul has put a lot of his time towards his cadet career,

2814 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 serving as a drill team commander, recruit instructor and the lead survival instructor who helped to plan the May long field-training exercise. This summer, Paul will be preparing for his career in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry soldier with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. In his time spent as a legislative page, Paul learned so much about the provincial political system and will never forget his experiences at th e Legislative Assembly.

Paul extends his gratitude to all of the MLAs and Chamber staff for the amazing opportunities he was given this year And to both of you, on behalf of all of us, we wish you both the very best. ORAL QUESTIONS Concordia and Seven Oaks Hospitals Request to Stop ER Closures Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, I want to begin by honouring the life of Roland Penner, former member of this House. You know, Mr. Penner was a remarkable Manitoban. He was a Wo rld War II veteran. He served this province as the Attorney General in addition to other Cabinet portfolios.

And he was dean of the law school at Robson Hall. Of particular note, during his time as the Attorney General, he brought protections for the LGBTTQ* community here in Manitoba along with bringing in the Manitoba Human Rights Code. In addition, he also brought in many protections for the francophone community and the protection of minority languages. He led a remarkable life, a full life, and I wanted to put on the record that as his successor in Fort Rouge, I am deeply honoured to have known him, and that we are all sending our condolences to his family on this day.

We know the Premier continues with his plan to close emergency rooms at Concordia and Seven Oaks hospitals. Families, patients, front -line workers are all asking him to reconsider. I would ask the Premier: Will he back off his plan to close Seven Oaks and Concordia emergency rooms? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I know that this Legislative Assembly will allow a larger amount of time at a–some future date to give us the opportunity here to reflect on the life and the contributions that Roland Penner has made to our province.

Let me just say, though, on behalf of the people of Manitoba, thank you to his family for having Roland–Mr. Penner –available to us and for his life. And our condolences to his family, to his many friends as well. No matter what the age, it is never easy to part and to say goodbye to a man that has demonstrated such caring, such compassion in his life, not only for the people of –his family and his friends but the people of Manitoba and of Canada and of the world. It is always a tragedy, Madam Speaker.

It would be a tragedy to leave health care in the mess that it was in when we inherited that mess from the previous government, Madam Speaker. And so in the spirit of those who rise to the challenge of change, we will not back away from making the necessary changes to improve our health -care system. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, after the Premier closes the emergency room at Concordia Hospital and after he shuts down the intensive -care unit at Concordia Hospital, that health c entre will be a shell of its former self.

Now, there will still be surgeries conducted at Concordia after the Premier's cuts take effect, but when there are complications for surgery, what will happen to a patient who needs support, who needs some sort of life-saving intervention? What will happen then? Well, that patient coming out of surgery will need to be transported by ambulance to another hospital. It makes no sense to have surgeries at Concordia but to not have an ICU or an emergency room, but yet that is what the Premier is bringing in as a result for his plan for cuts.

Will the Premier back off and instead commit to keeping Seven Oaks and Concordia emergency rooms open? Mr. Pallister: The member has, like myself, Madam Speaker, very little expertise in terms of organizing a health-care system, and certainly he leads a party that demonstrated virtually none in 17 years. They commissioned then a study to be done. Recommendations contained in that study were not acted upon by the previous governme nt, Madam Speaker. They are being acted on by this government

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2815 because we believe that the system exists to serve the needs of Manitobans. And so we will make sure that we change the system for the better. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, the Premier's own experts that he commissioned have told him that he's moving too fast and too aggressively with these closures of the emergency rooms.

And, again, I'm making reference to those recommendations put down in black and white by the wait -times task force. * (14:10) Now, that report told him that a new emergency department at St. Boniface was, quote, urgently required before Concordia and Seven Oaks closed. Now, just the piecemeal renovations, that which has been announced, would not cut it, according to the Premier's experts. There would need to be a dramatic increase of the capacity at St.

Boniface; if not, that hospital could be overloaded by the number of people coming to the door, being diverted from the closures at Concordia and Seven Oaks emergency rooms. Now, the Premier has ignored that advice. He only wants to focus on the money. But will the Premier start to think about the consequences? Will he back off his plan to close Seven Oaks and Concordia emergency rooms? Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, at least the member is clinging to the age -old NDP tradition of telling Manitobans they should just wait, right?

But Manitobans gre w tired of waiting, tired of waiting for health -care services that they needed, tired of waiting for treatment that they wanted to have for themselves and for their families, tired, weary, of waiting for diagnoses for illnesses that they needed treatment for too. And so we have, in our first two years –yes, we have concentrated additional investments in health care, and yes, we are spending this year over $688 million more than the NDP ever did on health care, but we are also in pursuit of better outcomes.

Year over year, an 18 per cent reduction in emergency wait times is some progress, Madam Speaker, more significant than was ever achieved under the previous government. But we are committed to doing even better, to doing even more, because we have the courage to make sure that we face the challenges of change and don't turn and run away from them as the member is telling us to do today. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Education System Improvements Request for Government Plan Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, if you ask any parent in the province if they want their child to have more one-on-one time with their teacher, I'm sure that almost every parent in Manitoba's going to say, yes, they want their child to have more one -on-one time with the teacher. And yet, under this Premier, after cutting the K-to-3 small class sizes initiative, we now see that class sizes are increasing under his watch. We also know that the Pr emier has brought down de facto cuts to school divisions right across the province.

In addition to that, the Premier has refused to answer questions about his capping of supports for young children with special needs. Now, during that same period of time, has the Premier brought in a new policy to help improve education in Manitoba? No, he has not. However, he has brought forward a number of bills to protect his own salary. It reflects the wrong priorities, not the priorities of Manitoba parents. Will the Premier stop his plan for cuts and instead bring forward a real plan to improve education for Manitoba students? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, in the absence of real material, Madam Speaker, the member invents false facts, and he has done that again today. While the previous government failed to make inroads into achieving better outcomes for students in our province, and a variety, frankly, of tests and comparative evaluations showed that we were sinking to the bottom of the provinces in terms of outcomes for our students, the previous administration failed to make any positive changes.

Now the member says that class sizes, which averaged 19 when the NDP ran and which still average 19 per class, are somehow the reason for those results to be bad. That was the case then, Madam Speaker; it's still the case. If that wasn't the case then, it remains not the case.

2816 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 What is necessary for the member to understand, Madam Speaker, is that if he wants teachers to spend more time with students, they should spend less time at bargaining tables all over the province and more time in the classroom. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Bureau de l'éducation francaise Assistant Deputy Minister Position Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, emergency rooms are closing, class sizes are getting bigger, and now the Premier has cut the central hub for French education in the Department of Education. Sans consultation, sans avis, sans aucun effort d'engager le conseil consultatif, le premier ministre a coupé le poste du sous -ministre adjoint pour le Bureau de l'éducation française. Translation Without consultation, without notice, without any effort to involve the advisory council, the Premier cut the assistant deputy minister pos ition for the Bureau de l'éducation française.

English Now, that's in spite of thousands of parents, thousands of community members voicing their concern and saying that this cut to the ADM position for the BEF was a big mistake. In fact, the Premier's own candidate in St. Boniface has said that this cut was a mistake and he opposes it. Now, the Premier has decided that parents and teachers were not the best people to listen to, apparently, because he has refused to back down for this cut. Mais le premier ministre a toujours la chance de renverser cette décision mal prise.

Translation But the Premier still has the opportunity to reverse this ill-advised decision. English Will the Premier listen to parents and families? Will he reverse his cut to th e ADM position in the Bureau de l'éducation française? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Il est important de se souvenir de respecter la volonté des Manitobains. Translation It is important to remember to respect the will of Manitobans. English Manitobans spoke clearly in the last election.

They wanted us to focus on fixing the finances after a decade of debt, repairing the services after a decade of decay, rebuilding the economy after a decade of decline. And, Madam Speaker, we are focused on doing exactly that. In terms of reorganizing our civil service, we have decided to maintain strength at the front line, to minimize disruption to front -line workers, but instead to focus on trimming at the top of the organization.

This, of course, the me mber refuses to see as a positive thing, but front -line workers across the province, whether in education, health care, every other department, see it as progress, Madam Speaker. And we'll continue to focus on the front line as our key–key–point of endeavour in making our civil service work better for the people of Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Education System Improvements Request for Government Plan Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Off icial Opposition): Yes, again, on education, I just wanted to note that today–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –you know, there is, I guess, somebody in our circles who is preparing to move on, long-time journalist who covered the education beat for the Winnipeg Free Press. I believe this is his last week before retirement, and so I wanted to take a second just to acknowledge Mr. Nick Martin.

In addition to having been on the opposite side of a tape recorder or notepad with him, I've also shared, you know, many nice conversations about soccer parents, the Leafs nation, which he's always happy to update me on, and the history of the Stratford Festival in Ontario. So, I just wanted to put on the record here that I wish you the best in retirement and nothing but good luck. But we do want the Premier to stop his education cuts, his de facto cuts to funding in the pr ovince, so

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2817 I'd ask him: Will he take the summer to reconsider and bring back a real plan that includes re-adding the ADM position for BEF, re -adding the small class sizes position and ensuring that education funding is tied to economic growth? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): We are, Madam Speaker, two years since the last election and are investing this year alone over $1 billion more in education and health care than the NDP ever did, so de facto or not, the member's de factos are wrong, except in respect of the member for Free Press that's in our gallery today.

Nick Martin was here when education systems were working effectively in the province. He unfortunately won't be reporting on the progress we're making, but I know tha t he'll watch with great enthusiasm as we make that progress, because I know that his concerns –as are the concerns of many Manitobans and certainly of this government –are on seeing the quality of our educational services improve. I wish him the very best in his retirement. I wish his hockey team better luck next year, except when they play the Jets. Changes to Health-Care Services KPMG Report Recommendations Mr.

Andrew Swan (Minto): Manitobans see this government's changes to health care are all about cutting costs and not about improving patient care. After 14 long months, the Premier's finally released more, although not all, of the KPMG report, parts of which he's using as his blueprint for cuts and privatizing our health-care system. It's there i n black and white. Decisions like cutting outpatient physiotherapy and cancelling the special drug program do not and never did have anything to do with improving patient care or getting better outcomes. Those decisions are only about cutting costs.

Will the Premier today reject the further cuts recommended by KPMG , which don't lead to better care for Manitobans and in many cases create hardship for low-income Manitobans? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, as I said earlier, Madam Speaker, we are in vesting almost $700 million more in the health-care system this year than the NDP ever did, and so the member's assertions are completely false. But why doesn't he just come out and admit it? His party is espousing for higher taxes. We know it. They know it. Manitobans know it. They just don't have the willingness to say it.

Why doesn't he stand up in his place and admit that the NDP just want taxes to go up? * (14:20) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question. Mr. Swan: Madam Speaker–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Swan: –the KPMG report makes it clear why the Premier, who claims to be about openness and transparency, was so reluctant to share it. The report recommends many cuts to services, cuts to the Seniors Eyeglass Program. Why? To cut costs. Cut subsidies for children's orthopedic shoes. Why? To cut costs. Cut supports for children's hearing aids. Why? To cut costs.

Introduce co- payments for home ostomy supplies. Why? To cut costs. To stop letting residents in southeast Manitoba seek treatment in nearby Minnesota. Why? To cut costs. But it's not too late. Will the Premier (Mr. Pallister) just confirm he will not implement these cuts in the KPMG report? Mr. Pallister: And thank you, Madam Speaker, for your service to this Chamber and to your staff as well in this past session. We appreciate their work very much. Madam Speaker, in respect of admissions, why doesn't the NDP admit that they're covering up their harassment report?

Why don't they release it so that we can review it? We've demonstrated as a government we're serious about making this a safer workplace, yet we hear nothing from the NDP but a continuation of the culture of cover -up that got them into the mess they were in. At the start of this session nothing has demonstrated any willingness to change. Secondly, why doesn't the member just come out and say it? Every word out of his mouth means higher taxes for Manitobans. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Minto, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Swan: Well, Madam Speaker, the KPMG report also recommends privatizing primary -care facilities that Manitobans depend upon. It recommends

2818 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 privatizing diagnostic testing. We know the Premier's on the road to doing that. The KPMG report also recommends privatizing ACCESS centres and personal -care homes. These facilities provide quality care to families and seniors that keeps them healthy and out of the hospital. They should be available to every Manitoban, no matter how much money that Manitoban may have. The KPMG report written on the Premier's terms recommends cuts to essential care that families depend upon.

Will the Premier today tell Manitoba families that he will reject these recommendations and protect public ACCESS centres and public personal -care homes? Mr. Pallister: Well, there you go, Madam Speaker. I mean, the members opposite and their mismanagement of health care drove more people to pursue private care than ever before in the history of Manitoba. They've purchased more services for health care from private sources than any government in the history of Manitoba. But now they just espouse tired old ideological ideas. They put ideology ahead of results, Madam Speaker. We don't. We want better results.

We want better results for Manitoba patients. We want better results for Manitoba children. We want better results in the future through our education system, health-care system , social services. We want better outcomes. The NDP's stuck in the past with old ideologies, and one of those ideologies, the one they refuse to admit to, is this idea that somehow the money that Manitobans work so hard to earn is better spent by them than it is by the people who earned it. Why don't they just come clean and admit that they just want higher taxes on all Manitobans? Human Rights Commission Staff Reduction Inquiry Ms.

Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): It was a beautiful Pride week and it prov ides us an opportunity to reflect on efforts to expand the rights of people to live a life of dignity and respect. However, we all know the fight for equality is not complete, Madam Speaker. The Manitoba Human Rights Commission has seen human rights complaints rise by over 13 per cent only in the last two years. The Manitoba Human Rights Commission needs more support, not less, to address complaints in a responsible and timely manner. Why, then, has the minister cut 15 per cent of the staff in the Human Rights Commission? Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): And I did want to take this opportunity to extend my condolences, as the Attorney General for Manitoba, to Mr. Roland Penner, his family and his friends as well at t his time. I will say to the member opposite that we are looking at a different approach in Manitoba when it comes to the delivery of services in Manitoba. We recognize the challenges that we inherited from the previous NDP government. The backlogs were v ery, very long when it came to human rights cases.

We have actually reduced those from some, I think it was 22 months, down to 15 months, so we're making some progress, Madam Speaker. There's more work to be done and we will continue to do that work on behalf of Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Residential Tenancies Branch Budget and Staffing Concerns Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Unfortunately, every time the minister says a different approach, that's actually code for cuts. And unfortunately, it's not only the Human Rights Commission– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms.

Fontaine: –that has been significantly cut. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: The Residential Tenancies Branch, Madam Speaker, and Commission saw significant cuts to their budgets, with less staff to handle appeals, and resolutions will take months while renters are put under undue stress and hardship. Why is the minister making cuts off of the backs of renters here in Manitoba? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Well, the myth of cuts, Madam Speaker, is exactly that. It's a myth. The member opposite cont inues to put false assertions on the record.

But we recognize that Manitobans elected us to reduce crime in Manitoba where members opposite – and I know they think it's funny about reducing

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2819 crime because under their watch, they believed in higher incarcerat ion rates. Their way of reducing crime was about putting more people in jail. We take a different approach through our Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy to reduce crime. We are looking at different ways, including restorative justice initiatives and other ways through responsible reintegration of offenders back into society. So we will continue to provide for safer com - munities and more timely access to justice for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St.

Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: The minister's priorities or lack thereof are clear. Her priorities simply do not involve the vast majority of vulnerable Manitobans. Their so -called red tape bill removes the rights of tenants to appeal rent increases they feel or deem unfair. Cuts to Residential Tenancies will cause even more delays for renters when they will have a bad landlord or at risk of homelessness. Why is the minister making cuts off the backs of renters and tangibly creating a space to ensure that there's an increase in homelessness here in Manitoba? Mrs.

Stefanson: Well, that coming from a member who was part of a government who has some–among the highest homeless rates in all of Canada, Madam Speaker. We will take no lessons from members opposite. We have a different approach, a different way of doing things. After 17 years of their mismanagement of the system, we will continue to work towards safer communities, more timely access to justice, Madam Speaker. We will also –and I know the Minister of Families (Mr. Fielding) is working hard and making some changes to a system that this member was a part of.

She never produced one report –one single report–towards making life better for those most vulnerable citizens in Manitoba. So we will take no lessons from this member opposite. Education System Funding for K to 12 Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): This session, we've seen just how little the Pallister government values K-to-12 education. Class sizes are getting bigger in this province, and there's been an absolute funding cut for dozens of school divisions–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wiebe: –across this province.

These school divisions have had to make tough choices as they cut teachers, they cut educational assistants and they cut vocational supports. Last week, we revealed that , in his desperation to change the channel, the Premier (Mr. Pallister) has resorted to using accounting tricks, misstating education funding and moving money around. But misdirection can't hide the obvious truth: larger class sizes and a school system that's under stress. Will the minister change course, or is it full speed ahead on Conservative cuts to education? Hon.

Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I do not accept the member's premises that things are going in the wrong direction on education. During the period of time that they were in government, the results for Manitoba students went from fifth in the country to dead last. Now, that's the wrong direction. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. * (14:30) Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, the minister has tried to deflect attention from his cuts through summits, through consultants' reports and strategies announced.

But the minister's own House book that we obtained through a freedom of information request–and I'll table that right now –confirmed that, quote, the minister committed to releasing the provincial literacy and numeracy strategy by the end of March 2018. End quote. It's hardly surprising, Madam Speaker, that –and clear the minister doesn't really care about this strategy. It's a distraction from what's really going on: larger class sizes and absolute cuts for funding in dozens of school divisions across the province. So why is the minister cutting education and not even delivering on the promises that he made?

2820 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 Mr. Wishart: I thank the member for the question. We're certainly looking forward to releasing the literacy and numeracy strategy very shortly. We have taken the time to actually listen to Manitobans, something the previous government never seemed to get right during their period of time in government. And while we were doing that, we not only heard what they had to say; we continued with programs that improved education in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Budget Implementation Bill Tabling Timeline Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): The Premier's (Mr. Pallister) misdirecting the public about education funding, and I guess it's hardly surprising because last year his government hid cuts to services across government in the budget implementation bill. Yet, this year, for the first time in modern Manitoba history, the government won't be tabling the budget implementation bill in the spring. We checked, Madam Speaker; majority governments have always tabled this bill in the spring unless there's been an election or other factors.

Of course, we know last year the government was heavily criticized for its cuts to transit funding and cuts for communities within that bill. So my question for the Finance Minister is simple: What is he cutting this time, and what does he have to hide? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Well, Madam Speaker, Manitobans and that member, too, understand that this is a government that is keeping its promises and getting more value for all Manitobans.

But if that member wants a history lesson, I give him one: 2015, the NDP party spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a prebudget consultation that did not, in 2016, bring a budget for Manitobans. This is a government that just came into a session and brought a budget arguably weeks earlier than anyone I can remember in recent NDP history. We are doing a better job of reporting. We are getting–doing a better job of getting progress on behalf of all Manitobans. Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi Request to Table Fire Plan Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, on May the 23rd, I asked the minister for the fire plans for the communities of Pauingassi and Little Grand Rapids. The minister replied, and I quote: I would like to suggest to all members of the Legislature that there are fire plans in pl ace, and if the member would like to have access to those, perhaps not today or tomorrow, but we can get those for him. End of quote. That was almost two weeks ago.

I'd like to ask the minister why he has still not provided the fire plans and whether he'll table the fire plans for these communities today, or doesn't he even have the fire plans? Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Well, Madam Speaker, I explained this to the member for River Heights on Thursday, and I am more than willing to explain it to all members of the Legislature. Both of those communities that he mentioned are federal jurisdiction. There are fire plans. We do have access to them as emergency measures.

I indicated to the member also we'll be sending him a letter where he should go to in the federal government to ask for copies of them. Madam Speaker, we, as a Province, are not allowed to hand those out on behalf of those communities and the federal government. I told him all of that on Thursday. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Gerrard: Madam Speaker, when we're dealing with a forest fire approaching a community like Little Grand or Pauingassi, it's important to have good fire plans in place and that those who are dealing with the emergency, whether at a provincial or a federal level, have quick access to those plans to make sure the effort is well co -ordinated and following the approach of the fire plan. I ask the minister today whether he has actually seen those fire plans and whether he is using them in implementation of the strategy to address the fire and to help the communities in Pauingassi and Little Grand. Mr.

Schuler: Well, Madam Speaker, as a former minister of the Crown, the member would know that

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2821 these exist. He was a federal minister of the Crown; he should know that these plans exist. I would also like to point out to him that both Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi were both evacuated. And I would suspect, Madam Speaker, that the federal government and those two communities were probably more focused on ensuring that their residents got out to safety and not quite as focused on the member's need to see the emergency plans. Madam Speaker, I will get him a letter.

I will point out to him where he s hould go within the federal government to access those plans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary. Little Grand Rapids Evacuees Return to Community Plan Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I hear from the chief and council at Little Grand Rapids that the evacuees from their community are being approached by drug dealers who want to give them meth. I had asked the ministers for assurances that this wouldn't happen, on May 23rd, but now we know that it is happening.

The chief and council believe there's an urgency to return people to their community as soon as possible before the community has to deal with a meth epidemic. Can the minister tell us today what actions he's taking to enable people to return to their community as soon as possible, and can he share those plans? Thank you. Hon.

Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Well, Madam Speaker, I would caution the member for River Heights to choose his words 'carefinly.' He's disparagingly spoken about Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi and the fact that they may or may not have emergency plans and that they haven't come forward with them, and now he's taking a run at law enforcement.

Madam Speaker, federal government, through the Red Cros s, with the leadership of Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi, have done an outstanding job protecting their citizens, and I would suggest to the member opposite that he just wait, let's get the situation cleared up. Manitoba Hydro is up north right now, as sessing the situation. They will come back with a report. Everybody is working flat out. Maybe the member opposite should cut them some slack and wait 'til the event is over before he second -guesses people. Investing in Canada Plan Bilateral Infrastructure Agreement Mr.

Brad Michaleski (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, our PC government is investing in strategic infrastructure that will help the growth of provincial economy, that will be a boon to the daily lives of Manitobans. Today I heard an important announcement involving the Minister of Municipal Relations about investing $1.1 billion in long- term infrastructure projects. Can the Minister of Municipal Relations please share with this Chamber the good news emanating from the hard work of our PC government? Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Municipal Relations. [interjection] Order. Hon.

Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations): I thank the member from Dauphin for that great question. This landmark agreement, Madam Speaker, paves the way for continued historic levels of infrastructure investment in new priority projects right across Manitoba. We look forward to working in partnership with the federal government and municipalities, non -profit, indigenous and northern communities to ide ntify priority projects that strengthen Manitoba's economy, improve our global competitive–competitiveness and revitalize our communities.

This new agreement will deliver lasting benefits to Manitobans and enhance our government's commitment to fair say for municipalities and ensure we're on the track for being Manitoba–Canada's most improved province. Thank you, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Agriculture Water Supply Pumping Station Costs Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Last September we learned that this government wants to push the costs of pumping stations, pumps that protect valuable farmland, onto the people of Kelsey and The Pas.

2822 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 Now this government wants to do the same thing in southwestern Manitoba, forcing the people of Macdonald, Cartier and Portage la Prairie to pay for their pumping stations. * (14:40) Manitoba farmers and reeves are saying that this government is ignoring them, moving forward with bottom-line cost cutting–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Maloway: –that will hurt farmers and rural communities. I'd like to know: Why is this government refusing to give the people of rural Manitoba support for their critical water infrastructure? Hon.

Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Well, far be it from me to give the member for Elmwood a little bit of a geography lesson, but I think he's talking about south central Manitoba. And, Madam Speaker, we recognize that the start of the spring was very dry and that there were a lot of needs for water in a lot of those communities, and the pumps were working as expected. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Maloway: The local reeves, Dale Fossay for Cartier, Brad Erb for Macdonald and Kam Blight for Portage la Prairie, have all made it clear – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Maloway: –that they simply cannot afford to take on this responsibility. It costs nearly $100,000 a year to operate three pumps, as well as expertise, and the pumps ar e at the end of their life cycle with a $2.3-million repair bill. Madam Speaker, why is this minister giving no thought to the ability of municipalities to bear the costs of this poorly thought out policy? Mr.

Schuler: The member for Elmwood has just again pointed out one of the difficulties and one of the challenges that our government faces, and that's the liabilities when it comes to maintenance and repair. Under 17 years of mismanagement, not a dollar, not a dime and not a nickel was ever spent on a ny of these pumps, and now we have a lot of infrastructure that has gotten old and need repairs. Madam Speaker, the pumps are running.

We're ensuring that those communities have water for drinking and for irrigation, and–something that the government–that the NDP never did when they were in government –we're also talking to those communities. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. Mr. Maloway: Madam Speaker, water is pumped from the Assiniboine into the La Salle and Elm River and Mill Creek. The system provides thousands of people in Macdonald with drinking water, dozens of commercial vegetable farmers with irrigation , and water for livestock.

Without pumping from the Assiniboine, the La Salle often stops by late su mmer, and climate change will only make droughts and flooding more severe. The minister has the mandate to regulate, protect and provide critical water infrastructure, so why is he shirking his responsibility? Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations): I'm certainly encouraged to hear the new love for municipalities from the member opposite because, you know, for the last three and a half months in session, he's done nothing but throw municipalities under the bus, Madam Speaker.

We are supporting municipalities right across Manitoba, whether it come s to sewer, water or any infrastructure, Madam Speaker. We're on the heels of a great announcement this morning: $1.1 billion being invested throughout Manitoba over 10 years. Where they got it wrong, we'll get it right. International Students Health-Care Coverage Ms. Flor Marcelino (Logan): I continue to hear from constituents who say the Pallister government's cut to international-student health coverage is hurting their families. International students with kids relied on that health-care package for their child's Manitoba health coverage.

Now they are being forced to pay out of pocket for their child's health care. Many parents will be forced to make sacrifices in order to get their chi ld the care they deserve. Why is the minister cutting health care for the children of international students?

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2823 Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I thank the member for the question. We're certainly always pleased to look at international students that are coming to this province. We know that the enrolment has been increasing steadily and continues to do so. And–because we're a good province to come to. We offer great opportunities in terms of international education, and we also have special programs under Provincial Nominee Program that attracts many students to this province.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Logan, on a supplementary question. Ms. Marcelino: Cuts to health -care coverage for international students put their families' health at risk and undermine our economy. We want talented international students to choose our province because of our strong public services like qual ity universal health care. Parents put their children first, no matter what. If they know they will have to pay out -of-pocket for their child's health care in Manitoba, they may not settle in our province.

This government should be actively recruiting talented people and their families by making it easier for them to settle in Manitoba. Why is this minister trying to make it harder for international students and their families? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, under this government we lead all provinces in investing in the compassionate departments of government –of child services, education and health care.

We are going to continue to stay focused on delivering better services to the people of Manitoba who need those services, an d we're going to make sure that this province remains the home of hope for people from around the world. We set up the program that brings people here. The Conservative party set up the Provincial Nominee Program.

We eliminated the NDP wait times and w e're going to lead the country in new immigration for our size in the coming year, Madam Speaker, so we're making the necessary investments to ensure that all the dangers the NDP created, or as many as possible of the dangers they created, for the people of Manitoba when it comes to affordability, like jacking up taxes after going to the doors of the houses of this province and promising they wouldn't, jacking up taxes on those very people the member claims she wants to defend today, gives no evidence of the assertion–does not support the assertion she's making today that the NDP care anything about Manitobans.

All they care about is the green in their pockets. They want more of it to spend. We want more of it back in the pockets of Manitobans. Speaker's Ruling Madam Speaker: I have a ruling for the House. Following oral questions on Monday, May 28th, 2018, the honourable Official Opposition House Leader (Ms. Fontaine) rode –rose on a matter of privilege to draw to the attention of the House comments allegedly made by the honourable member for Brandon West (Mr. Helwer) from his seat while the honourable member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) was asking questions during oral questions on that same day.

The Offic ial Opposition House Leade r contended that the comments were infringing on the rights of the member of Point Douglas to raise issues of concern and were also attempting to limit and silence her freedom of speech by being aggressive and bullying. The honourable member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard) and the honourable Government House Leader (Mr. Cullen) also offered advice to the Chair about decorum and heckling and personal attacks. I took the matter under advisement in order to consult the procedural authorities.

There are two conditions that must be satisfied in order for the matter raised to be ruled in order as a prima facie case of privilege: First, was the issue raised at the earliest opportunity, and second, has sufficient evidence been provided to demonstrate that the privileges of the House have been breached in order to warrant putting the matter to the House.

Regarding the first condition of whether the matter was raised at the earliest opportunity, given that rule 28(5) indicates that points of order and matters o f privilege cannot be raised during oral questions, the earliest opportunity to raise a matter of privilege is immediately after oral questions. The honourable Official Opposition House Leader did raise the matter of privilege immediately

2824 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 after oral ques tions, so the condition of timeliness has been satisfied. On the second condition of whether a prima facie case has been established, this condition has not been met. At the conclusion of her remarks the Official Opposition House Leader did not move a motion, which is one of the requirements for demonstrating a prima facie case. In addition, as I ruled on October 20th, 2016, issues relating to language, decorum, or procedure are inherently questions of order and not privilege.

Any complaint about language in this House should be raised as a point of order and not a matter of privilege. This concept has been reinforced by rulings from numerous Manitoba Speakers. * (14:50) Further, Bosc and Gagnon state in House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, on page 623, that, and I quote: "Any member who feels aggrieved by a remark or allegation may also bring the matter to the immediate attention of the Speaker on a point of order." End quote.

Also, as I ruled in the House on October 17th, 2016 and on October 20th, 2016, off -the-record language cannot be considered or ruled on by the Speaker, and this is consistent with decades of Manitoba practice. Accordingly, off -the-record comments cannot form the basis for a matter of privilege. Although I am ruling that the conditions for a prima facie case of privilege have not been met in this circumstance, I do want to talk to all sides of the House very seriously about heckling and breaches of decorum.

On the day in question I rose numerous times during oral questions to call for order and to appeal to the better nature of members for setting a positive example for the schoolchildren and guests in the public gallery and for those watching on television and online. However, my appeals appear not to have been taken to heart by members, as heckling continued on both sides of the House with members yelling at each other at some points. This is a place where there are often strong differences of opinion, but shouting each other down and heckling is not a const ructive way of having public debates on issues.

This type of behaviour could serve to intimidate members on both sides of the House and it certainly does not show the Assembly in a very good light in the public eye. I made the following comments to the House on April 3rd, 2018 to talk about how we all need to be mindful of our actions giving the watershed moment of changes in society, and I am again repeating these words for the benefit of members: More than ever this is requiring all of us to be mindful of our actions and to treat each other with more civility and respect so that we can move forward as the role models society expects us to be.

This Chamber is a place where strong and differing views are expressed, and that will not change. What is incumbent on all of us is to moderate our behaviours and to remember to treat each other as we would want to be treated. Our constituents and our family and friends would expect no less from us. I strongly urge members to think about the message I am sharing wit h you today and I thank members for their attention in listening to this ruling. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (Official Opposition House Leader): Madam Speaker, respectfully, I do challenge your ruling.

Madam Speaker: The ruling of the Chair has been challenged. All those in favour–shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No. Voice Vote Madam Speaker: All those in favour, please say yea. Some Honourable Members: Yea. Madam Speaker: All those opposed, please say nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. Madam Speaker: In my opinion, the Yeas have it. Ms. Fontaine: Madam Speaker, on division.

Madam Speaker: On division. * * * Madam Speaker: Petitions–oh, prior to moving on to petitions, I would just like to ask, as the House is expected to adjourn later today for the summer, I would encourage all honourable members to prepare for this by removing the contents of their desks now. I would further encourage members to recycle as much of the material as possible. The blue bins here

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2825 in the Chamber are designated for recycling of Hansard only. Any other material you would like to recycle may be placed in the larger recycling containers in the mes sage rooms located just outside the Chamber. Thank you. Now, petitions. Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Madam Speaker, I inadvertently missed the names of a couple of the escorts of my guests. I'm wondering if I can get unanimous leave of the House to t able the names of the guests that – associated with my private member's statement?

Madam Speaker: In reverting back, then, to private members' statements, is there leave to consider those names in Hansard? [Agreed] Petitions, then. PETITIONS Tina Fontaine–Public Inquiry Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Tina Fontaine was murdered at the age of 15 years, and her body was found in the Red River on August 17th, 2014.

(2) Tina Fontaine was robbed of her loving family and the Anishinabe community of Sagkeeng First Nation.

(3) Tina Fontaine was failed by multiple systems which did not protect her as they intervened in her life.

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to seek and pursue justice for her murder.

(5) Tina Fontaine's murder galvanized Canada on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, MMIWG , as she quickly became our collective daughter an d the symbol of MMIG across Canada.

(6) Manitoba has failed to fully implement the recommendations of numerous reports and recommendations meant to improve and protect the lives of indigenous peoples and children, including the Manitoba Aboriginal Justic e Inquiry, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Justice to immediately call a public inquiry into th e systems that had a life in the role – that had a role in the life and death of Tina Fontaine, as well as the function of the administration of justice after her death.

(2) To urge that the terms of reference of a public inquiry be developed jointly with t he caregivers of Tina Fontaine and/or the agent appointed by them. Signed by Samantha Asbury, Angela Kaminski and Dayle Wood and many, many other Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Tina Fontaine was murdered at the age of 15 years, and her body was found in the Red River on August 17, 2014.

(2) Tina Fontaine was robbed of her loving family and the Anishinabe community of Sagkeeng First Nation.

(3) Tina Fontaine was failed by multiple systems which did not protect her as they intervened in her life.

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to seek and pursue justice for her murder.

(5) Tina Fontaine's murder galvanized Canada on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, MMIWG , as she quickly became our collective dau ghter and the symbol of MMIWG across Canada.

(6) Manitoba has failed to fully implement the recommendations of numerous reports and recommendations meant to improve and protect the

2826 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 lives of indigenous peoples and children, including the Manitoba Aborigi nal Justice Inquiry, the royal – Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Justice to immediately call a public inquiry into the systems that had a role in the life and death of Tina Fontaine, as well as the function of the administration of justice after her death.

(2) To urge that the terms of reference of a public inquiry be jointly –be d eveloped jointly with the caregivers of Tina Fontaine and/or the agent appointed by them. Signed by many Manitobans. Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Tina Fontaine was murdered at the age of 15 years, and her body was found in the Red River on August 17, 2014.

(2) Tina Fontaine was robbed of her loving family and the Anishinabe community of Sagkeeng First Nation.

(3) Tina Fontaine was failed by multiple systems which did not protect her as they intervened in her life.

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to seek and pursue justice for her murder.

(5) Tina Fontaine's murder galvanized Canada on the issue of mis sing and murdered indigenous women and girls, MMIWG , as she quickly became our collective daughter and the symbol of MMIWG across Canada.

(6) Manitoba has failed to fully implement the recommendations of numerous reports and recommendations meant to improve and protect the lives of indigenous peoples and children, including the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Justice to immediately call a public inquiry into the systems that had a role in the life and death of Tina Fontaine, as well as the function of the administration of justice after her death. * (15:00)

(2) To urge the terms of reference of a public inquiry be developed jointly with the caregivers of Tina Fontaine and/or the agent appointed by them. Madam Speaker, this petition was signed by Linda M. Wilson, Pam Rayner Moore, Gail Hill and many other Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Cliff Cullen (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, would you call concurrence? Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider concurrence this afternoon. The House will now resolve itself into Committee of Supply. Mr. Deputy Speaker, please take the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY Concurrence Motion Mr. Chairperson: Will the Committee of Supply please come to order. We have now before us the consideration for the concurrence motion moved by the Government House Leader (Mr. Cullen) on May 28th, 2018. The Official Opposition House Leader (Ms. Fontaine) previously tabled the followi ng list of ministers to be called for questioning on the debate for concurrence motion: Minister of Justice (Mrs. Stefanson), the Minister of Sustainable Development (Ms. Squires) and the Minister of Municipal Relations (Mr. Wharton).

The ministers are questioned concurrently, and the floor is now open for questions. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I appreciate the opportunity to ask the Minister of Sustainable Development and Francophone Affairs a few questions about Francophone Affairs, so I appreciate the opportunity to do that this afternoon. So just over, I guess, a couple of weeks ago, the minister was talking a little bit about her

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2827 government's recent cuts to the Francophone Affairs Secretariat and at that time was saying that these kind of cuts, the y're–they weren't a trend, they weren't going to continue. She had no plans to continue to cut, at least in this year, is what I think she put on the record. So, as always, I'm eternally optimistic that when the government does say that they won't cut any more services that that is what's going to happen. So that's very encouraging, I would say, Mr. Chair.

One of the main concerns the minister will know that the francophone community here in Manitoba has had is that when French language services seem like an afterthought from the government, when they're not prioritized, when they're not put front and centre, that that can seem disrespectful to that community and especially here in Manitoba where we do have, of course, constitutionally protected French language services. * (15:10) But, you know, it's more than that, and I think the minister would agree it is more than that. She's gotten to know the community, I'm sure, very well over her time as minister.

And I'm sure she has a better–even a better understanding than I do of the historical value that's put on the francophone community and the relationship that's been built here in this province. And it is fairly significant, and I know, talking from –with legislators across the country, just how important it really is here in Manitoba and how much respect has been given to that. So–but, again, the concern is that when these positions are cut, it's seen as disrespectful. And what the–you know, what the community's been asking for is, you know, information that's offered to them.

You know, it's not simply translated from English; it's actually created in French, and it has that cultural, linguistic, social component that is so important to the Franco-Manitoba community. So I just wanted to ask the minister: how does the minister think materials for francophone communities in Manitoba should be produced? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs ): Well, I certainly do thank the member for that question. And our government is certainly proud to be moving forward in an enhanced Francophonie here in Manitoba.

We started with bill 5 that brought in many different enhancements for the francophone community, and we're building on that. To that end, I'm going to be meeting with the Francophone Affairs Advisory Counc il on June the 12th, looking forward to this meeting so that we can continue our dialogue about how government can best serve the community needs. I view the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council, which is the first of its kind in the province's history, as a real key component to bridging the gap between community and government.

I see this community as being a very nimble, hands -on advisory council that will be continuing to provide advice to our government. We've also been doing a lot of work in regards to enhancing services for francophones. We've got the first ever francophone–the French Language Services plans that all, not just government departments but many agencies and Crowns have also completed, and we're compiling a lot of great data about the enhanced bilingual capacity in government, and we're just getting started with this work. So I'm proud to continue on that work.

I would also like to note that I've had a lot of conversations with francophone sexual assault survivors and women who've come to me and said to me that they –one of the barriers for them –like, there's a lot of barriers for a lot of women in reporting sexual violence, when it has occurred– but the francophone women have said specifically it's hard for them to report in the language of their –in their native tongue or the language of their choice. And I certainly can understand and empathize with them.

I recently addressed the Pluri -Elles AGM, and I was asked to speak heart –from the heart about my experiences as a sexual assault surviv or. And they'd asked me to do it in my –in the language of my choice. And they encouraged me to speak in a language that I would be most comfortable with. As many people know, French is –I'm learning French language and wouldn't be very fluent enough to talk about something so emotional and so deeply personal as my experience with sexual assault in French language right now.

And so I was eternally grateful that they had extended that opportunity for me to share my story in English. And it's made me think a lot about the initiative about third -party reporting and how we can work with the francophone community to enhance third- party reporting for them, and I've had some discussions with the Pluri- Elles organization and the Winnipeg Police Service, as well. They're very keen. I saw the head of the Sex Crimes Unit at an event the other day, and he had mentioned to me that he'd heard from the group as well, looking at ways to really just

2828 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 enhance not only bilingualism but, in this case, opportunities for sexual assault survivors to share their experience and have that documented and recorded in their native language. So our government is committed to enhancing French language services in every aspect of our society and enhancing the Francophonie in Manitoba, and we'll continue to do that. Mr. Wiebe: Well, I appreciate the minister giving that personal reflection on this and experience with this, because I think that cuts exactly to the heart of what I'm trying to get at here this afternoon.

And that is for individuals who not only are sharing information but are looking to receive information, and maybe I'll just pick up on the minister's example and, you know, and us e that as a basis for maybe how someone would want to be communicated with.

So, if the government has an initiative or needs information passed along to people about steps that they can take, you know, in the case of sexual assault or if they have complaints, you know, whistle-blower situations, anything where it pertains to them and their comfort or their first language or their most effective way of communicating would be in the French language. Again, I understand what the minister is saying about ope ning those doors to allow them to communicate, to express themselves in that language, but I think what I'm trying to get at is, is to receive information in that language as well.

And so the question really is, is about, you know, how that information i s presented. And, you know, and would it be sufficient, in the minister's estimation, for that information to be a translation of an English document or to take the English document and have it produced, have that information made available and then have civil servants sit down and try to translate it? Or maybe this is, you know, contracted out. I don't know how that would be undertaken within government. Maybe it's a department-by-department scenario.

But once that information is produced in English, ta ke that and then translate it and disseminate it within the francophone community. Is that adequate, do you think? Would the minister say that that would be adequate for the francophone community in Manitoba? Ms. Squires : We–our government does appreciate the importance of having an enhanced bilingual – enhanced bilingualism in the civil service. And we're very proud this year that we've had record numbers of civil servants who are bilingual and in designated and non-designated positions.

And we believe that we're actually having more bilingual people in government now than ever before. And that will go a long way to ensuring that people can communicate in the language of their choice and deliver reports and make recommendations, so we're really committed to enhancing bilingualism in the civil service. Mr. Wiebe: Yes, and again, I mean, this –I think that's a laudable goal as well. I do think that the rate of bilingualism within the civil service is an important aspect. But, again, my question is, is about producing materials and documentation for distribution.

You know, this is an important way that government communicates with the citizens of Manitoba. This is a crucial way that information, as the minister stated, as the minister herself cited, when it co mes to sexual harassment claims or what to do if they see something in the workplace that they need to report. I think this would be a very important and a very specific way that the government would want to communicate back to its citizens.

And there's a long –there's a big difference, there's a big gap between having somebody who understands French as a second language who, you know, maybe took it in school, is considered fluent, absolutely fluent, but doesn't have that true francophone perspective and doe sn't have that as their basis, doesn't have that as the starting point when creating these documents. And as I said when we began this afternoon, this is a historic relationship.

This is something that we can be proud of as Manitobans is our relationship with the francophone community and the under - standing of how integral it is to the Manitoba experience. So, again, I –unless I'm –maybe I'm, you know, maybe the minister has already answered me and I'm just not quite getting the picture. Is she saying that a translation from a civil servant who has French as a second language is acceptable to her as a way to produce materials for distribution from government? * (15:20) Ms.

Squires : So two years ago, the member will recall we did unanimously support bill 5, which was the francophone enhancement and support act. And in that, one of the crucial components of that is we

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2829 are extending the definition, expanding the definition of a francophone to anyone who has an affinity for the French language and speaks it on a regular basis. And the prior definition of a Franco -Manitoban was someone who had French as their native tongue. And so that is a very crucial difference. We're seeing now we have 25,000 students enrolled in French immersion. And these students are graduating being fully bilingual.

And by definition of a francophone according to the new law, these students that are graduating from French immersion that are bilingual are, for all intents and purposes, welcomed into the Franco-Manitoban family. And I pers onally have had a lot of experience working with the Franco-Manitoban community, and I know that they're an incredibly accepting and welcoming community. They've accepted me as their minister, and as someone who is progressing through my lessons in French language, they have supported me and been an advocate for my quest to become fluent in their language.

And I certainly do think that there is a grand–a great acceptance in the province of Manitoba for anyone who is –who has a special affinity for the French language to be classified as a Franco-Manitoban. And so I certainly do think that bilingual civil servants who certainly would, by definition, be a francophone, because I wouldn't anticipate that they would have an affinity for the language, would be able to produce documents and be able to do this good work on behalf of the government of Manitoba. Mr.

Wiebe: Well, I'm glad the minister mentioned the 25,000 students, and I'm sure she can anticipate that's where we're headed this afternoon. But, just to sort of finish up here, and I think the minister has this exactly right.

You know, there are – there is a growing francophone community, whether those are people that have learned it here in the province through our school system or through immigration coming to this province –and of course we know that the population of francophone Manitobans is growing through those folks from other countries who feel comfortable coming to Manitoba, feel comfortable that their language is going to be respected and protected. But the question is, is about the production of those materials.

And so it's one thing to translate an already-produced document that has been produced in English and then is translated and then distributed. It's another thing altogether to have a franc ophone producing that document, being the genesis of that document and creating that policy or that information from the ground up. And I think that's where the distinction comes, and I think that's where the concern comes. I did want to ask the minister –and I might have the name wrong. I was trying to jot it down quickly as she said it.

The –was it the francophone advisory council? [interjection] Francophone Affairs Advisory Council? Can the minister just tell me –she had mentioned there's a meeting coming up in June. Maybe can she mention the last time that they've– that that group has met or –well, that and how often the advisory council has met with the minister? Ms. Squires : I believe the last meeting was November.

We have a legislated mandate for this advisory council to meet twice a year, and since we brought the law in, I believe we've met that by having our inaugural meeting in the –you know, shortly after the advisory council was met –was named, and then we've met every six months thereafter and are now coming up to a very important meeting on June the 12th. And I've met with the group each and every time they have convened. Mr.

Wiebe: Well, I thank the minister for that, and I appreciate the fact that she doesn't have her officials sitting around her as we do during the Estimates process, so I know that they, I'm sure, would be frantically flipping through their calendars and finding those exact dates, but I appreciate that information. So, I did want to pick up on, you know, the minister just mentioned 25,000 students who are enrolled in French immersion, who are engaged in francophone education here in the province, and that is a record number.

That's more than we've ever seen here in the province, and we know that it's absolutely essential.

It's essential, as I said, to –not only to those Manitobans who see it as a value, as a benefit to learn a second language or be, you know, engaged in the larger Canadian community of francophone speakers, but it's also, I think, probably one of the best-selling points that we have if we're talking to people from other countries, francophone countries, to say, you can come here, your children can be educated in French and they can fit right in, in terms of their language, and then, you know, excel in other ways and, really, hopefully pick up right where they left off from their home countries.

2830 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 And so it is absolutely vital to, I think, who we are as Manitobans and where we want to be going forward. So I guess, the question is what will the minister do to ensure that those students will have access to French language services after they graduate high school? Ms. Squires : Well, I can certainly hope to find room for them in the Manitoba government where we are enhancing our bilingual capacity in every department.

And it has been a real learning experience for me to be reading all the French Language Services reports that have come in from all of the departments represented by my colleagues. And it has been a real delight to see the numbers of our bilingual server s–civil servants moving forward and increasing year over year. So we're really pleased about that, and I certainly hope that today's graduates, some of them will find themselves in the Manitoba government in some way, shape or form.

Perhaps some of them will even become legislators themselves and find themselves in this Chamber, and–or in other Chambers around the country. We know that the growing–our enhanced Francophonie here in Manitoba is not, you know, it's a great opportunity for us to attract newcomers to Manitoba. And when we are in a variety of communities throughout the province and the City of Winnipeg, we're seeing newcomers, several of them from Francophone countries in Africa, Cameroon and a variety of those countries and it's great to see this multicultural mosaic really flourishing here in Manitoba.

But it's also an important economic strategy, and I know our Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler), he's been attracting a lot of businesses to come and set up shop here in Manitoba, and bili ngualism has certainly been a key selling feature of our province, and very pleased about that. And we also know it's a great tourism strategy. We're seeing an enhanced francophone tourism component here in Manitoba unlike anything we've ever seen before.

And I know my department was really proud to support Entreprises Riel with some of their initiatives, and I wish all the –wish all of them all the best as they continue to enhance their tourism strategy in the –in Manitoba and to really promote francophone tourism in our province. Mr.

Wiebe: Well, I–and I'm glad that the minister is, I mean, she really does seem to be keen on enhancing French language support and promotion of the francophone community in Manitoba, so my question is, you know, as we've seen cuts from the Minister of Education to the Bureau de l'éducation française, you know, what kind of conversation did she have with the minister? * (15:30) Or maybe, better yet, this is probably a more genuine and honest question is, is what was her conversation like with the Premier (Mr. Pallister)?

Because I, you know, venture to guess that it probably wasn't the Minister of Education that was driving this–these cuts. I'm sure the Minister of Education, like every other minister in government, probably said, this is important; this is vital; I've met with the parents of French language education; I've met with the teachers; I've met with people involved in French education, and they're saying this is an absolutely vital position. They're saying we cannot cut this. And yet we saw the cuts. So I must assume that it's coming straight from the Premier's office.

And, if it's coming from the Premier's office, an d the minister is passionate about French–protecting French language and the francophone community in Manitoba, and you've got an ally in the Education Minister, what was this conversation like? How did this go down? How did –what kind of points did the minister make to the Premier to say, look, maybe we should reconsider this; this is an important file? Ms. Squires: Well, the entire

preamble is based on the myth, the myth of cuts. That is simply inaccurate, that our government is cutting. We are enhancing our Education budget. We had a very large Education budget, more than any time under members opposite. And so we are certainly moving forward with enhanced funding for education, and I do want to commend the Minister of Education for the hard work that he's done and continues to do. And I also do want to more specifically answer the question, although I'll rephrase the question.

I think what the member was getting at is what is my relationship like with our government, with our Minister of Education and with the Premier. And I would let him know that it's a good relationship.

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2831 And what was the conversation like with the community? Well, minister –the Minister of Education and myself, we met with several members of the francophone community on this very is sue, and we continue to meet. And we've established a working group so that we can ensure that the francophone community has even greater access now to government than ever before through a new initiative and through the minister's openness and willingness to meet with community. So we are very pleased with our relationship going forward with community. Mr.

Wiebe: Well, I'm surprised that the minister would call the cuts a myth when it's the community that's telling us about this –these cuts, when it's, you know, 1,800 residents who signed a petition. This isn't a political document. This wasn't something dreamed up in a party caucus. This came from the community.

This came directly from the francophone community, and it came from a group of individuals that I bet you if you sat down and polled all those parents and those concerned citizens and you said, which political party did you vote for, I bet you'd get a pretty even split amongst those folks about their voting history. Because this isn't a political is sue. This isn't something that should be a Conservative, an NDP, a Liberal concern. It should be something that we all as Manitobans value.

And, you know, we spend, you know, three questions, four questions for the minister, you know, promoting the francophone community and the importance of it, you know, both in terms of our economic outlook and our social outlook and the historical value of the French community in Manitoba, talking about promoting that. And then we hear, you know, her say, well, yes, she 's got a great relationship with the Premier (Mr. Pallister). And, presumably, what I take that to mean is, is that she has the ability to have the Premier listen, actually listen to these concerns and listen to this issue.

So, you know, it just –it sounds to me like she's got a great opportunity, as the minister, to partner with other ministers in other departments where this is important, especially, I would say, Education, and to say, look, there's some value here, and change the Premier's mind, change t his Premier's mind on cutting at all costs. And that's really what we're seeing here in an area where, you know, I would say, you know, the government is looking to cut in all different places, all kinds of places. And, you know, we're talking about big budgets in some departments; I get it.

These are multi -billion-dollar departments. But when you're talking about something that's so vital to so many Manitobans, and it is something that is funded, you know, in a way that keeps –that shows the value of it and shows the importance that the government places on it. It's not only symbolic, but it is symbolic and it shows where this government's priorities are at. So, again, I just –I mean, I understand. I'm not going to get the Cabinet transcript here tabled–well , maybe–the minister says maybe we could get that tabled for us, her excerpt where she pleaded with the Premier, she begged, said please, Mr.

Premier, don't cut the francophone services in this province; value those where the, you know, the next hand up at the table was the Minister of Education, and said, I agree; I've heard from parents, I've heard from teachers, I've heard from educators. This is important. And maybe the Premier just said, no, that's it; my word is final. And maybe, you know what? Maybe the minister can put that on the record.

But I want her to square that circle of how she, as a proponent of the francophone community, as the Minister of Education, as a proponent of French education in this province presumably, can't get through to the Premier, can't make him listen. Why is that? Ms. Squires: Well, I appreciate the member taking exception to me saying that he's promoting the myth of cuts, but he really is. He needs to understand that he is inaccurate, false, when he says that there's been a cut.

We have not only expanded the budget for all education services in the province of Manitoba, when it comes to the Bureau de l'éducation française, there have been absolutely no cuts, no transfers out and no diminishment of service in any way, s hape or form. So, when he talks about the cuts, that is simply a myth.

What I can tell him is that we have enhanced the bursaries and scholarships, you know, significantly since we–when–since we formed office, and I know a lot of the francophone families that I talk to, a lot of the anglophone families that I talk to really appreciate the opportunity to apply for scholarships and bursaries as someone who–I was low -income when I went through university. I put myself through.

All of my post -secondary degrees came when I was working at a lower income–I was a lower income wage earner and a single parent head of a household, and I know bursaries and scholarships, which were harder to come by when I was in school

2832 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 a decade ago would have meant a world of difference to me. It would have made the difference between pursuing even further education or not. And so all the people that I've spoken to, single mothers like myself, low-income women like myself, have said that bursaries and scholarships, either for themselves or their children, have been absolutely vital. And so I'm really proud that our government has taken this initiative on and that our Education Minister has enhanced that pot of money to over $20 million. Mr. Wiebe: Well, again, Madam Speaker – Mr.

Chair–apologies–this isn't just myself saying this. This is parents, this is educators, these are people who are closest to this in a sense that they are investing their time and their energy to ensure that there aren't cuts. And, I mean, the argument that there's not cuts is just ludicrous because the most obvious, or the most important cut was the cut to the assistant deputy minister position, which is a cut. I mean, the minister doesn't need to dance around this; it's a cut, you know, and either stand behind that and say, as the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) says, well it's, you know, it's a cut at the top and we are, you know, we're going to cut all these people at the top. Well, and I–[interjection] Mr. Chairperson: Order. Mr. Wiebe: –and I hear the criticisms of my impersonation of the Premier. I am working on that one, so I'll keep working on that. But this is what I hear, is I hear the Premier say it's a cut, but it's a good cut; it's a fine cut. It doesn't matter. Nobody cares about this cut.

We can still do the same work. * (15:40) But the community is saying no; no, you can't do that work, because this is an absolutely integral part of the education –French education system in the province. And this goes back to where the mini ster started, this historic relationship between the francophone community in this province and the anglophone community, the basis of our province and a compromise which was 'reased' –which was reached, which was unique across the country. This was unique in this place, that we were able to create a position, to create an importance of French education.

And I can tell you, having been to other provinces and understood some of their politics or some of the sticking points or the friction points amongst com munities, that is a major sticking point and a friction point in other provinces.

Whereas here in Manitoba, we made that compromise, we made that special arrangement, and now we've had 100 years of –you know, the importance of that French -language education being honoured and respected by the government. And yet here we are, having a cut that the Premier says he thinks it's great. He thinks it's fine. So we don't need to dance around the fact that this is a cut. This is a cut. There's no question about tha t. And, I mean–and that's just at the top. So then you start going down through the system, and we start seeing, you know, how there's more cuts. There's more cuts.

The curriculum consultants within the department are getting let go. These are the people who are creating the materials that are getting distributed across the province that are going to teachers in the classroom. And those are getting cut. Those are positions that are getting cut. So, on the one hand, the minister says, ah, that's a myth; th ere's no cuts. Yet, every single day, the Premier stands up and says, oh, man, these are the best cuts that we could have made. So I'm just –I'm a bit flabbergasted. An Honourable Member: Just a bit? Mr.

Wiebe: Just a bit, as the minister for –or the member for Flin Flon (Mr. Lindsey) points out. Just a bit. Because this is as clear as it possibly can. And I see, you know, it's important for the minister, you know, to get the full picture. Maybe she's getting confirmation now that this is a cut, and maybe she can just clarify: Does she think that this is a good cut? Ms. Squires: Well, let's look at results, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We are certainly a government that's focused on results. We're seeing record investment s in education.

We're seeing record -high enrolment in French immersion and in the single -track French education system. And we are seeing more bilingual civil servants. And I'm certain that if we were to do a scan of the rest of Manitoba, we would see para llel numbers to correspond with the enhanced bilingual capacity in the civil service. We would see an enhanced bilingual capacity in private and corporate worlds, as well.

June 4, 2018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2833 And so the results speak for themselves, that we have been working on our –the enhan ced Francophonie in Manitoba. And that has been a focus of our government. The first legislative act that I had the honour of working on and introducing was bill 5, and our government is continuing to move forward in that spirit. We will enhance the Franco phonie in Manitoba in the education capacity, in immigration capacity, in economic capacity, in tourism capacity, in all aspects of community.

And so the results speak for themselves, and we are committed to enhancing the Francophonie in Manitoba. Mr. Wiebe: Just wondering if the minister –again, understanding she doesn't have her staff at the ready to answer some of these questions, maybe she could just take it as under advisement or –I don't know if that's the right language, but give me the information ASAP on the current staff listing for the Francophone Affairs Secretariat. Ms. Squires: I beg for one moment to see if I can be able to provide that information. Mr. Chairperson: Okay. We'll take a small break here. The honourable minister. Ms.

Squires: Francophone Affairs Secretariat has 38 FTEs. Mr. Wiebe: I appreciate that. And can the minister provide a current staff listing, then, for them as well? And I'm wondering about a current staff–again, if she doesn't have this handy–a current staff listing for the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council that she was mentioning earlier. Ms. Squires : Can I ask the member to repeat the question about the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council? Mr. Wiebe: My apologize –apologies. I think I mumbled my way through that one.

Can the minister undertake to provide a current staff listing of the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council? Ms. Squires : So, when we appointed the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council, we did issue a press release with all the names, and there have been no changes, with the exception of the chair. We know that we said au revoir to a very fabulous chair– or co-chair, Madame J acqueline Blay, when she left her role. She wanted to pursue some other projects, and I hear from her from time to time that thos e projects are going exceedingly well, and we certainly wished her all the best.

She had took her leave in November of this past year, and we welcomed Monsieur Christian Monnin as the co- chair of the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council. And other than that, we haven't had any changes on that council, with the exception of –the clerk of the executive council is also the co -chair of the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council, and we have had a new –we have a new co -chair with Fred Meier who is now the new clerk– not so new, but newish to the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council.

So–but I will certainly give the member the list of all the members of that council which include several from the community as well as the SFM and six deputy minister from government. S o I'll refresh his memory and provide that and as well as the current staff listing. I don't have that information. Mr. Wiebe: And just to confirm, also a current staff listing for the Francophone Affairs Secretariat. Okay. I see the minister nodding her head, so we'll just put that on the record, and then hopefully that'll be okay for Hansard. Has the –just wondering, the minister has mentioned–referenced bill 5 a few times.

I'm wondering if the advisory council has made any recommendations as per

section 2(a)–sorry–

section 10(2) since that council has been formed. [interjection] Mr. Chairperson: Order. Ms. Squires : Can I get the member to repeat that question? Mr. Wiebe: Well, I thought it was quite clear, Mr. Speaker. I thought members in the Chamber agreed with me, but –[interjection]–totally clear, I think I hear members saying. But–and I appreciate that the minister did do this a number of times with the member for Assiniboia (Mr. Fletcher), that she asked for the question to be repeated.

And I will just note that my questions are quite a bit shorter than the questions that were being asked by the member for Assiniboia, so, hopefully, it'll be as efficient as possible. * (15:50) So the advisory council has a mandate to make recommendations as per the

section 10(2) of that bill, bill 5. And so I'm wondering if the advisory council has made any recommendations since its formation. Ms. Squires : Well, I thank the member, and I do appreciate his brevity in comparison to my friend

2834 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 4, 2018 from Assiniboia. But I just –yesterday was a very loud and proud day at the Pride rally, and so I think my hearing is a little off today, so I thank him for his patience on that and for repeating the question. The advisory council certainly does make several recommendations, and I've met –as the member knows, I have met with them each time that they have commenced, and I've also met separate and apart with the new chair, the incoming co- chair, Monsieur Monnin, and just recently, they had submitted to me a request.

They had recommended that they make their Francophone Affairs Advisory Council more nimble, and it wasn't an official –you know–type document that spelled out that they were making a recommendation under

section 10(2) of the act, but what they were saying is that they wanted to have a conversation with me about how we could proceed with making the council more nimble. The council wants to be an effective tool for communicating with government and to have a certain–more contact with government. So what we're doing on June 12th is responding to that request on how we can make this council more nimble. I certainly have a–I can draw a comparison from the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council to my Manitoba Women's Advisory Council. It's very similar in structure.

They're both acts of the–set up in the Legislature and have a mandated requirement, a legislated requirement, and the council members are prescribed in law. And they also–they meet with similar frequency and have a very similar role in representing community and providing advice to the minister. And, in comparison with my Manitoba Women's Advisory Council, which has a long history–I believe it's dated back to the, I believe, early '90s, maybe late '80s, where it has been a part of Manitoba society – and they're a very nimble group. They do an incredible amount of work, and they meet formally and offi

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-3-58
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 3rd hansardpdf 58.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	5c47658a08aa06bdbd7eb8526cd731a004768427

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