Manitoba Hansard — 19 April 2022 (Sitting 37, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-37

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 37 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

1347 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, April 19, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperi ty of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

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

Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Com mittee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage –and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceed- ings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement. Folklorama Volunteers Hon.

Andrew Smith (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): Madam Speaker, as the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, it is my privilege to rise before the Hous e to recognize the long- standing engagement of the thousands of volunteers who have made Folklorama our province's flagship multi - cultural festival. We will, of course, all remember that this past October a resolution was brought forth by the MLA for Tynd all Park to recognize Folklorama for its contributions to honouring culture and diversity in Manitoba, and that this resolution was adopted by the Legislative Assembly at that time.

As of many things that have been disrupted or delayed in light of adaptations we have all made while navigating this pandemic, so too was the important gesture of holding an official event in recognition of this deserving organization and its representatives. Madam Speaker, today we had the opportunity to do just that.

As we continue to meet with and work with Folklorama, I'd be remiss not to seize the opportunity to highlight the fact that, prior to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, Folklorama had succeeded in putting on a record-breaking festival: over 440,000 'vinits'–visits to 45 pavilions, a great celebration of culture and diversity for what was its 50th anniversary edition.

This success is due to the mobilization of over 20,000 Manitobans each and every year who, as volunteers, choose to align their efforts, energies and even their personal vacation time to share and cele- brate their respective cultures, traditions and ways of being with the world. We have all been enriched by the willingness of thousands of our neighbours, colleagues and friends who, each and every year, choose to generously share their traditions, foods, dances, stories, history and music to make the world's longest running and largest multicultural festival a success that we know it today.

That is a vibrant, living, cultural diversity at its finest, Madam Speaker. I am even more humbled at the realization that this two -week festival would not be possible if it weren't for the fact that the event itself is a reflection of the rich, diverse and nurtured trans - mission of heritage that occurs in homes, gyms , community centres, places of worship, art venues and artisan studios and workshops all around the province throughout the year. Folklorama is a festival that is the sum of its all parts. Of all these parts, the pavilions and the volun- teers they bring together are important.

We are aware that the pandemic has had a negative effect on the continuity and 'cagnectedness' within our cultural communities.

1348 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 The traditional momentum has been interrupted by this pandemic, and some volunteers and pavilion organization–organizers are facing very real chal - lenges, whether they be financial, related to capacity or a combination. We recognize the commitment and work that lies ahead at the volunteer level and remember that it is within the pavilions, where the magic happens, where that volunteer recognition is so well deserved.

Madam Speaker, I ask all members to join in re- cognizing the board members, staff and thousands of volunteers whose engagement and dedication have ensured Folklorama's success for 50 years, and whose collective efforts will ensure that it can build and recover in 2022 and in the many, many years to come. Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): I am so pleased to have the opportunity to speak about the many wonderful volunteers who make Folklorama a very special event in Winnipeg every year.

Since 1970, Folklorama has been an important contribution to Manitoba's social fabric by giving us a reason to come together to learn, appreciate and cele- brate our own diverse cultural backgrounds, and also those of our neighbours and friends. Folklorama's mission is incredibly important to improve our society and live together in a peaceful and respectful way.

Not only does Folklorama give us an opportunity to enjoy tasting unique cuisines and seeing the beautiful displays of cultural attire and performances, but it brings us together in our common values to respect each other, appreciate diversity, foster inclusion and building cross-cultural bridges. With over 400,000 people visiting pavilions each year, Folklorama simply could not happen without the 20,000 volunteers who participate.

All of the volunteers I have talked to were so proud to be at Folklorama and said they gained a deeper under - standing of their own cultures as well as the many other groups represented at Folklorama. Their experi- ences helped them build confidence and they cele- brated their culture and served other people at the same time. Many children grow up seeing Folklorama and dream of one day participating in some way, whether it is performin g on stage, making delicious meals or teaching others about their culture.

I'm so excited to attend Folklorama again this year and greet many of the amazing volunteers who are already starting to prepare for the summer. You are all vital in creating an ev ent that is not only fun and exciting, but goes far beyond that to bring Manitobans together and celebrate the beautiful di - versity of the cultures and groups we are all made up of. Please join me in celebrating our Folklorama volunteers today. Thank you. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I seek leave to respond to the minister's statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] * (13:40) Ms. Lamoureux: Back on October 12th, 20 21, this House unanimously passed a resolution Recognizing Folklorama for its Significant Contributions to Honouring Culture and Diversity in Manitoba. I table a copy of the resolution now. And today we have the honour of celebrating with so many past and present board members and volun- teers who have joined us today in the gallery.

Madam Speaker, every summer since 1970, Folklorama has showcased and educated us about Canada's diversity through dance, entertainment, food, heritage and games and so much more. In addition to this, Folklorama has been recog- nized as the largest and longest running festival of its kind in the entire world, which was determined by the international council of organizations for folklore festivals and folk arts.

And not only only does Folklorama foster a sense of community and belonging by bringing hundreds and thousands of volunteers and performers and artists and neighbours from all across Manitoba and even beyond our borders, but they are trail -blazing our province forward. Let me share an example, Madam Speaker.

On June 20th in 2017, Folklorama proudly became signatories with Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord, committing to reconciliation by taking steps to implement Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commis sion of Canada through the promotion of educated–education related to the his - tory and culture of Indigenous people. Furthermore, over these last couple of years and over the pandemic, Madam Speaker, Folklorama volunteers went above and beyond in creating a

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1349 One Unified Virtual Experience that allowed us all to still celebrate Folklorama virtually. And, Madam Speaker, they even made them - selves acces sible to workplaces –perhaps we should have them come perform at the Manitoba Legislature– and to schools; they fit their programs into the school curriculums. They went into child- care centres and they even made themselves available, through follow- ing public health regula tions, to perform in people's driveways and in their backyards.

That's what makes us so proud to be here in Manitoba and to be cele - brating Folklorama. Madam Speaker, I am so grateful for those who have joined us up in the gallery today for taking time to come and meet so many of us MLAs and celebrate with us, and your patience throughout the pandemic. And I want to thank my MLA colleagues for their unanimous support on this resolution and for those who came out and celebrated with us this afternoon.

And lastly, I want to thank all the past and present volunteers and board members of Folklorama for creating this world -class event through partnerships with businesses and groups, all supporting Manitoba's rich cultural heritage and diversity. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honour able Minister of Education–and I would indicate that the re quired 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Education Week Hon.

Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learni ng): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today to invite all Manitobans to recognize this week –April 18th to 22nd, 2022–as Education Week, and April 20th as School Bus Driver Day. Education Week in Manitoba honours education, learning and the valuable contributions of dedicated educators, school staff, bus drivers, principals, admin- istrators, business professionals and mentors who work within and in collaboration with our education communities. Education opens doors of opportunities for Manitoba students.

In 2015, I introduced bill 214, a private member's bill proclaiming the third Wednesday in April of each year as School Bus Driver Day in Manitoba to re- cognize and promote awareness of the important role of school bus drivers. School bus drivers provide safe and efficient transportation for over 2,000 bus routes, Madam Speaker, carrying over 68,000 students across the province each and every day. They have done this while meeting the challenges of the pandemic and this harsh winter .

School bus drivers also ensure that students get to their sporting events and field trips to facilitate further learning opportunities. I want to take this opportunity to recognize Jean Wasnie, a school bus driver in the Sunrise School Division, for 50 years of service, Madam Speaker. Jean hit this milestone this past January and has no plans to stop any time soon. I encourage all Manitobans to acknowledge School Bus Driver Day and show appreciation to the drivers in their communities. In addition, le t us all pause and reflect on the importance of education and its contribution to Manitoba's future.

I want to express my sincere ap - preciation to the committed educators, school staff, bus drivers, principals and administrators who have navigated the challenges presented by COVID -19 with innovation, flexibility and thoughtful care and consideration for students, families and fellow staff.

Over the last two years, nearly $250 million in Safe Schools funding have been allocated to school divisions and schools for COVID -19-related spend - ing, including $63 million allocated to ensure con- tinued pandemic protection for schools to support the mental health and well -being of students and for ventilation im provements, $6 million had been al - located to provide PPE to schools and over 2.1 million rapid antigen tests supplied to schools for staff and students. Learning does not end with graduation from grade 12.

A mindset embracing lifelong learning paves the way to a future enriched by educational, workplace and community service experiences, all of which contribute to both personal well-being and the prosperity of our province. We are listening to the K -to-12 commission on education and moving education forward here in Manitoba. Stay tuned tomorrow, Madam Speaker, for more good news. I am pleased to recognize two special guests from the Manitoba Teachers' Society who are here in the

1350 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 gallery today: Nathan Martindale, vice-president, and Samantha Turenne. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): The dedi cation and effort that school staffs have undertaken to keep our children safe and learning over the past two years has been nothing short of heroic. To the teachers who continually put in extra hours adapting their lesson plans, making adj ustments minute-by-minute: we commend you. To the EAs who support kids in classrooms: we salute you.

To the custodians and custodial aides who've gone above and beyond to ensure that schools have safe physical learning environments: we thank you. To school clerical, the first point of contact for all schools: we appreciate all that you do to keep schools running smoothly. To bus drivers: of course, your dedi cation is lauded and appreciated. However, Madam Speaker, when the minister opposite ex pressed his ap preciation, he needed to apologize for the years of de facto cuts educators have had to endure under this PC gov ernment's austerity agenda and how it has impacted key public services like public education.

Reflect on that. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Altomare: There remains little evidence, Madam Speaker, that this PC government has been supportive of public education and educators with any real action other than cuts and failed legislation like bill 64. Madam Speaker, there isn't enough time to begin the list of cuts and hardships imposed on educators and public education under this PC government, but let me just state one. The Brandon School Division was forced to cut 10 teaching positions, programs for speech-language– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Altomare: –psychology and reading recovery. The prioritization of cuts over people will certainly leave a lasting impression on kids, families in the Westman region. Madam Speaker, we sincerely hope that the Education Minister reflects on the austerity agenda imposed on the public educa tion system by his gov- ernment and the shock it continues to have on kids and families throughout the province of Manitoba. Thank you. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I ask for leave to speak to the ministerial statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr.

Lamont: It's Education Week, and we want to thank everyone who works in the education sector. Education is woven directly into the founding of our province. La constitution du Manitoba garantit l'éducation en français comme un droit. Translation The constitution of Manitoba guarantees education in French as a right. English Early child hood educators, teachers, principals, superintendents, professors, researchers, retired teachers, substitute teachers, coaches: everyone who works in education deserves our thanks.

And I want to say a special thanks–because when it comes to the pan demic, one of the strongest and most resilient and adaptable sectors was education. Truly incredible, innovative work was done in order to care for our children. The people who work in education support them, teach them, dry their tears, nourish their bodies as well as their minds and souls. * (13:50) There was a professor at the Uni versity of Manitoba who said it as simply as it can be said: If you want a guaranteed return on investment, put it into education; you will always get back more than you put in.

My father used to tell me that edu cation was the great leveller. It breaks down barriers to opportunity; it opens new worlds, leads to new discoveries, new potential–both for the learner and for society. These changes, and getting better at something, can happen at any stage of life, from preschool to adult learners. We do face sig nificant challenges in Manitoba, especially for students who struggle because of cir - cumstances completely beyond their own control: childhood poverty, family breakdown, adult literacy,

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1351 access to post-secondary education and education for the recog nition of credentials earned outside of Canada. Education is the key to invention and reinvention and change, and in learning something one can see the world in a new light and it can change people and inspire people to make change. Most of us have someone in our lives who gave us that insight or who helped us–a teacher, a principal, a coach–who we still remember with fondness because we're still carrying those lessons today.

And my kids, as anyone will, will get discouraged or frustrated and say they think they're just not good at something, like math or English. I always say, no one is born knowing how to skate or play the piano. It takes effort and it takes practice. And while we may never reach perfection, we can certainly work towards it a little harder each day. Thank you to all who work so hard in edu cation each day, because there is no life in Manitoba that you have not touched. As individuals and as a province, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you. Merci. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS St. Norbert Farmers' Market Ms.

Janice Morley -Lecomte (Seine River): What started out as a tiny farmers' market 34 years ago has grown to become the largest outdo or market in Winnipeg and the surrounding region. The St. Norbert Farmers' Market hosts thousands of visitors each year and brings in hundreds of thou- sands of dollars for the many local vendors who set up shop each week. Many changes have taken place over the past 34 years. Many of these changes have been under the guidance of executive director Marilyn Firth.

Marilyn has been the executive director for the past 14 years and describes the market as extended family: a gruff uncle in one corner, families with small children chatting in another and moms and pops cooking up great food while fiddling and guitar - playing cousins perform together on the stage.

Marilyn has overseen more than $1 million in investment in the market site, including doubling the size of the market, a water management project which addressed annual flooding of the site, con- struction of permanent washrooms –the site had no bathroom facilities prior –and a new building which allows the market to remain open year-round. The past two ye ars have created challenges and opportunities. Throughout COVID restrictions, Marilyn advocated for and kept the market open so individuals could have access to fresh local farm products, including launching an online market that continues to this day.

The results of Marilyn's commit- ment to the market and Manitoba families will carry on for years to come. To quote Hermann Grauer, the board president: Under Marilyn's guidance, the market has become a strong force and outlet for farmers and artisans of the region. She has helped position the market as a key player in answering increasingly important questions asked by people surrounding their supply of food. Everyone at the market, the board, staff and vendors, respect and appreciate Marilyn's commitment t o the market and her willingness to always go above and beyond to meet the needs of the organization.

Her visionary leadership will be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavors. You have been the force by which the– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to allow the member to complete her statement? [Agreed] Ms. Morley-Lecomte: You have been the force by which the market has not only grown, but set an example for other farmers' markets to follow. We wish you well on your retirement and future endeavours. West Broadway's Good Food Club Ms.

Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I am pleased to rise today to recognize the incredible work of the West Broadway Community Organization's Good Food Club. Madam Speaker, 20 years ago, some West Broadway residents had a vision of growing, harvest- ing, preparing and eating their own fresh food. They wanted to make food more affordable, to build friend- ships and a more equitable community with improved health outcomes, so they formed a community club with a sliding scale so that everyone could participate.

Today, program staff support 1,600 Good Food Club members who are engaged in their own food security from field to table. Weekly farm trips giv e inner-city residents the chance to get their hands in the dirt and learn from a local producer how food is grown and harvested. Members earn sweat equity points to be traded later for the food they helped grow.

1352 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 The Good Food Club has worked with severa l farms, providing labour and direct market access in exchange for subsidized food prices. At both summer and winter markets, volunteer club members learn skills by preparing and distributing affordable vege - tables, fruit, meat and cheese to their neighbours. In 2019, volunteers served 3,000 meals and attended 29 markets. More than 200 children and youth attended cooking classes that year.

But programming had to shift during the pan- demic, so the Good Food Club distributed thousands of emergency hampers, food boxes and event kits for the cooking and gardening programs that they offered virtually. They also initiated a program for connecting with older adults at home. My guests in the gallery today include Ailene Deller, good foods –Good Food Club's progra m director; Nicole Sward, the initiatives co -ordinator; long-time volunteer Katherine Carruthers; and a founding member of the program, Mike Maunder.

Madam Speaker, I ask everyone in the Chamber to join me in thanks for their important contributions to a better nourished and more connected community in the West Broadway neighbourhood of the Wolseley constituency. Thank you. Annual Poetry Reading Event MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): In 2002, the Flin Flon Writers Guild, Toastmasters and the Flin Flon Public Library came together to plan and to start the annual poetry reading evening. It is usually held in the library, and many writers and readers are invited to share a reading.

Many share their own original works; others find poems that are meaningful to them to read. The writers' guild, which was formed in 1983, has appealed to many people of all ages. They have enjoyed having members as young as 18 to seniors. They have prompted many to participate in the poetry evening. The annual poetry reading now includes individuals that have moved away but continue to read via Zoom. One of the local Toastmasters, Doreen Roman, does an excellent job as the emcee for the event both in person and now virtually.

In conversation with Harry Hobbs and his partner Glenda Walker-Hobbs, who are writers' guild mem - bers and Toastmasters, they proudly shared that this year there were readers from coast to coast as well as a few readers from the US. Mr. Hobbs has invited the MLA to participate in the poetry reading for several years. While I am no poet, I always look forward to the challenge of finding just the right poem, or, as the case this year, finding two poems to share. I also enjoy listening to the read- ing by others as they share what is important to them.

Flin Flon c an proudly boast many published authors, including both the Hobbs, Myrna Guymer and Brian Humphreys, to name just a few. There are many more who write for their own enjoyment. The annual poetry reading is just one of the many artistic showcases in Flin Flon that has so many talented folks that call Flin Flon home or who have lived there in the past. Here is to many more years of poetry readings. Thank you. Manitoba's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, the window t o prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C above pre -industrial averages is rapidly closing. Action is needed now. Implementation and actually reducing greenhouse gas emissions takes time. Because of inadequate action by consecutive NDP an d PC gov ernments, Manitoba's greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 5.6 per cent from 2005 to 2020. Every other province but one has achieved substantial reductions. Manitoba is an outlier. Manitoba is far behind other provinces.

Between 2005 and 2020, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 9.3 per cent, while in Manitoba they went up substantially. This year, the government's budget has allocated only 6 and a half million for one of the most urgent of all causes. The money has been allocated wi thout a target and without an adequate approach to reduce the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Each greenhouse gas and each

section of our economy must be itemized as to precisely what reductions are planned. * (14:00) A major effort is needed to move to electric ve - hicles, to retrofit homes and to include an effective plan in agriculture. Agriculture is responsible for a large majority of the methane and nitrous oxide pro- duction and a considerable amount of the production

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1353 by vehicles and buildings. In total, this may account for as much as 40 per cent of Manitoba's greenhouse gas emissions. There are opportunities in agriculture which are a win for farmers, a win for the province and a win for the climate. As Liberals, we've been saying this for 20 years, yet so far neither NDP nor Conservatives have collaborated effectively with agriculture pro - ducers to reduce greenhouse gases. There's precious little in the Manitoba budget to slash greenhouse gases. Vague promises of futur e action are not enough. It is urgent to act today.

Dave and Lora Rawlings Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): A Hamiota family made the best of pandemic isolation after constructing a hockey arena inside an unused sheep barn on their acreage in my cons tituency of Riding Mountain. Dave and Lora Rawlings, with the help of their sons Sam, seven; Matt, five; and Dave's father, Eric, built the rink out of necessity and availability. The busy young boys needed activities. The handy father and grandfather needed a project and the 90-year-old barn no longer served an agricultural purpose.

So, in the fall of 2019, the Rawlings, who own the Hamiota Home Hardware, began the dream of creating an arena. They cleaned out years of evidence of the red barn's previous use and prepared it for the next phase while retaining its old -world charm. As with most rookie seasons, there were growing pains. The ice was crummy, and at times, too slushy to use. In the fall of 2020, the loft floor was removed. The roof was reinforced. A heated dressing room was constructed and a sound system was installed.

Around the ice surface the boards were decorated with signs of four generations of businesses the Rawlings family has owned in Hamiota and Glenboro–and, yes, the ice was much better thanks to an ice resurfacing machine: a repurposed Rubbermaid cooler. While the boys participated in the Huskies hockey program in Hamiota, the family still found the time for many skates and scrimmages in their own arena on evenings and weekends.

The first skate this past fall in the Coliseum, as one of their friends named it, was November 28th, and due to the cold spring the ice was still in fine form in mid-March for their 44th skate. Madam Speaker, Stompin' Tom Connors would have been proud to hea r the words of his famous hockey song blaring from the speakers in the Rawlings Coliseum: The puck is in / the home team wins / the good old hockey game. ORAL QUESTIONS Surgical and Diagnostic Services Timeline to Clear Backlog Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, nearly 170,000 Manitobans are waiting for a surgery or for a diagnos- tic test. We've now learned that, instead of using the money that they've announced previously to help with the surgical backlog for things like, say, surgeries, this government is actually using it to pay for routine visits to the family doctor. Now, of course, visits to the family doc are im - portant, but those should be covered by the base funding for the health-care system. New initiatives to tackle the surgical backlogs should–I don't know – tackle the surgical backlog.

So I ask this government: When–by which date– will they clear the surgical backlog? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): It's a great op- portunity for us to talk about our record investment in health care to the tune of $7.2 billion. Madam Speaker, that's over $1 billion more than any NDP government ever invested in health care. In that we've included $110 million for reducing the diagnostic and surgical backlog. We've made steps on that backlog already. We realize there's more work to do, but we're committed. We've shown the invest - ment in it.

We are committed to that investment and we're committed to Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, who can believe them when it comes to health care? The Stefanson government, just like the Pallister government, announces ever greater sums of money, and yet, what's the reali ty today? Manitobans are waiting longer than ever for surgeries–to say nothing of those who are waiting longer than ever in emer - gency departments as well. But, again, we know that this gov ernment–much as they did under Mr.

Pallister last year –is going to roll out an nouncement after an nouncement, but it's going to be the average Manitoban sitting in a hospital bed or waiting in pain at home left to carry the burden.

1354 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 At this point, we know that this government needs to be judged by one criteria : by which date will the surgical backlog be cleared. So I'd ask the Deputy Premier, what will that date be? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, we recognize the challenges the pandemic had brought to Manitobans and, certainly, all those across the country and across the world. It's created health-care challenges for sure. We recognize that. That's why we've committed $110 million in this year's budget. We committed $50 million from last year's budget on this.

We have a plan to address this for Manitobans. The NDP has no plan, and they should put what- ever plan it is on the table because Manitobans want to know. Our government has a plan and Manitobans will get–have these backlogs addressed. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, the money that they announced for surgeries was not spent on surgeries last year, so who can believe them this year when they start quoting new figures about amounts that they're going to spend?

It seems like they're just going to keep repeating the mistakes of Brian Pallister, even though it's now the Stefanson government. And we know that seniors and those waiting in pain should hear a date, a date by which that pain will end. And so I'll ask the government this: If the amount that they announced will be enough to get the job done, why can't they tell us a date by which the surgical backlog will be cleared? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, we put together a task force of experts in the fi eld to address the surgical and diag nostic backlog, and we've invested $110 million.

We've also committed $630 million in a contingency fund. We recog nize there's challenges in terms of capacity in providing these services, but we're taking steps to make sure that these backlogs are getting addressed and that Manitobans have the care they want as soon as they want it–Madam Speaker, a com- mitment by this gov ernment and a plan to address these backlogs going forward. Madam Speaker: The honourable Le ader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Use of Agency Nurses Cost to Health System Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Let's just correct the record.

That's the amount announced. The amount invested will prove to be far less this year, just as it was under Mr. Pallister last year. We know that another major issue in the health - care system is the practice of hiring private nurses to work in our public health-care settings. This year the amount that this gov ernment is on tr ack to spend: $40 million, Madam Speaker. That's $40 million that could have been used to hire nurses in the public system. Not only does–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –this cost more, it also disrupts the care that patients receive.

The government should stop this practice and should stop giving millions and millions of dollars to private companies. Will the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) simply stop spending $40 million a year on private health care in Manitoba? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, the fact of the matter is we're going to con - tinue to invest in health care in Manitoba–this year, a record amount: $7.2 billion for health care. And the member should know a lot of that will go into salaries and wages and benefits for doctors and nurses in Manitoba. We're looking for more doctors and nurses in Manitoba.

We've committed an additional 400 seats to train nurses. Madam Speaker, we have a plan to get those nurses to work here in Manitoba. The NDP has no plan. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, they announce ever higher sums, and yet Manitobans are waiting for longer. And guess what: there are fewer nurses working in the public system. The PC Party simply has no fiscal responsibility. Mark my words, Madam Speaker. Manitobans are begin ning to see through the charade – [interjection]

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1355 Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –on the other side, and nowhere is that more clear than in their practice of hiring private agency nurses. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: We know that hiring a nurse through an agency costs more, but it also leads to less quality care at the bedside. Manitobans deserve better. Manitobans who are admitted to hospital deserve to have a nurse who gets to know them by name and to–gets to know their health-care needs. Will they simply stop the practice of spending $40 million a year on private agency nurses? Mr.

Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, we're going to continue to invest in health care in Manitoba. We're going to make sure that nurses are there for Manitobans when they need it. Madam Speaker, I know they're hooked on ideol- ogy. We're not. We're going to make sure that Manitoba nurses are there for Manitobans when they need it. * (14:10) Record invest ment: $7.2 billion. We're in the process of training more nurses. We're going to make sure and we're working closely with the nurses col - leges to make sure that we have trained nurses available to work here in Manitoba.

I tell you again, Madam Speaker, we have a plan; the NDP has no plan. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, our plan is simple: we're going to fix the damage that the PCs caused to health care. Now, we know that this plan is going to take years to execute because they have damaged our health-care system to such an extent. Even as we speak, there are over 2,000–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –nursing positions vacant in Manitoba.

So, again, there's no fiscal responsi bility with their plan, because even as they spend $40 million more on nursing agencies, we are down 2,000 nurses across the public health -care system. That has a real world impact on patients at the bedside. Patients deserve to be able to have a nurse who knows their name and who gets to know their health- care needs, Madam Speaker. Why has the gov ernment abandoned that and when will they stop spending $40 million a year on nursing agencies? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, we should reflect on when the NDP were in government.

They were in government, they closed over 20 emergency rooms across Manitoba. We are investing in–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: –health care in Manitoba, record invest- ments: $7.2 billion, including $110 million for the pandemic and diagnostic surgical backlogs. Madam Speaker, we've also built in here –if we can provide –get these services for Manitobans –a contingency of $630 million. We have a plan to invest –health care for the benefit of all Manitobans. The NDP have no plan.

Use of Agency Nurses Cost to Health System MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, five years ago the PCs began their plan for cuts and the results have been obvious. Far too many nurses are missing from the 'bedsign' –bedside, and there's an extreme reliance on agency care. Manitoba is on pace this year to spend $40 million on private agencies. That's more than three times what was spent in 2017. Why does the minister think spending $40 million on private agency care is good for Manitobans? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for Union Station for the question.

It gives me an opportunity to share with Manitobans that in the last few years of the NDP's gov ernment, they spent over $46 million on agency nurses, Madam Speaker. Perhaps if they had addressed the issue of the cost of agency nurses– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –during their time in gov ernment we wouldn't be left as a gov ernment to clean up their mess. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

1356 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, to be clear, the heavy reliance on private agencies began before the pandemic because of this government's cuts. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: In 2019, Manitoba was already spending $12 million more on agency care than they had just a few years prior. Manitoba is now spending $40 million per year on private agencies.

That money could go directly to hiring more nurses into public health care and bringing back the beds that this gov - ernment cut. Why does the minister think it's acceptable to spend $40 million a year of Manitobans' money on private agencies? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: I put the question back to the member opposite: why did the NDP gov ernment, in their 17 years in office, not see that $46 million that was going to agency nurses required a strategy to address hiring nurses?

They did not see it, Madam Speaker, but our government did, and that's why we committed $19.5 million to add 259 nurse training sea ts. Five institutions will see new nurses coming into their – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –programs. Budget 2022–and I hope the members opposite vote in favour of the budget –adds an additional $11.6 million. Again, Madam Speaker, we're left to clean up the NDP's mess. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary.

MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, I continue to be struck by this government's absolute rejection of any accountability of the mess they've made of our health- care system. There's 2,400 nursing positions vacant across our province. Nurses are being told they can't take sum - mer vacations. Nurses have been running short in our hospitals for years under this government. And at the same tim e, the Stefanson gov ernment is spending $40 million on private agencies–more than three times the amount spent just a few years prior. Madam Speaker, this needs to stop.

Why does the minister think spending $40 million on private agencies is okay and a cceptable here in Manitoba? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, I want to give a huge shout-out to all the individuals in Manitoba that have gone into the nursing profession. I've said many times before, it's a very rewarding and fulfilling occupation, and I want to thank the 115 new nurses that I was part of their graduation last fall–new nurses coming into the system –as well as 149 nurses that have completed the ICU nurse training program since last April.

Madam Speaker, 93 nurses in the last year have also com pleted the 12- week critical care orientation program so they can support Manitobans in our ICUs. The profession is great. I thank the Manitoba Nurses Union, all the nurses across the system, across the province, that have done the –such an incred ible work during the pandemic, Madam Speaker. Internationally Educated Nurses Barriers to Working in Manitoba MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, the system to recruit and qualify internation- ally educated nurses is broken in Manitoba. This i s happening at the worst possible time.

This gov ern- ment's cuts mean that 2,400 nurses needed at the bedside aren't there. This government is now spending $40 million on private-agency care, and internationally educated nurses are part of the solution, but this government is adrift. Why aren't they taking this issue seriously, and why won't they address this issue today? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member opposite for the numer ous emails and conversations we've had a bout internationally edu- cated nurses. Our government is very committed to addressing this issue. We're working very closely with the col - leges.

We have a working group that has been esta - blished with the various colleges, as well as Shared Health, and we are moving towards solutions, Madam Speaker. Our gov ernment is very solutions focused. That is why we've made available $23,000 to inter - nationally educated nurses to go through the licensure process.

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1357 We will continue to support our internationally educated nurses to join the health system here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a supplementary question. MLA Marcelino: Madam Speaker, indeed we've had numerous emails and numerous conversations, but no solutions yet. Last month, as minister said, that 1,300 inter - nationally educated nurses had been identified as prospects to work in Manitoba, but the college says it's only seven. The minister is misleading Manitoba about what is really going on.

She says that–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Marcelino: –funds are identified, but there's not enough people actually eligible. New comers are voting with their feet; they are working elsewhere, even when their family has already settled here in Manitoba. Why is the minister not focused on a solution for our internationally educated nurses? Ms.

Gordon: Again, I want to remind the member opposite that the question is coming to this side of the House, where we are all solutions -focused individ- uals, a gov ernment that is focused on addressing an issue members opposite did absolutely nothing about. * (14:20) I'm not sure which college the member is calling, but I had the opportunity to meet with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba last week, Mad am Speaker–just last week –and we're working closely with them to ensure that 19 individuals who are preparing to go into the bridging program at Red River College gain access to that program.

That is not seven, Madam Speaker, that's 19. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a final supplementary. MLA Marcelino: Madam Speaker, I would suggest that this government is not solutions focused; they are austerity focused. And they're definitely not patient focused. Madam Speaker, hundreds and hundreds and hun- dreds less internationally educated nurses are apply - ing each and every year. The college has said that there are only seven internationally educated nurses currently eligible. This minister is misleading Manitobans about this issue.

W e need internationally educated nurses, but the Province is turning them away. There are register- ed nurses right now working in Ontario close by who want to work here with their families, but are being told no. We need immediate action. Why won't this minister address this issue imme- diately? Ms. Gordon: Perhaps the definition of austerity has changed–can't be a gov ernment that invests $7.2 billion total for health care in Budget 2022, Madam Speaker, can't be. It can't be a gov ernment that's–invests $1 billion more than the previous mem- bers opposite ever invested in health care.

And it can't be a gov ernment that I'm proud to say has invested $3.1 billion in pandemic supports to protect the lives and livelihoods of Manitobans. Madam Speaker, we w ill continue to be solu - tions focused, to do what is in the best interests of Manitobans, and we will allow members opposite to continue to dial the wrong number. Surgical Backlog at Concordia Hospital Concordia Foundation Fundraiser Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): The people of northeast Winnipeg have repeatedly suffered this gov- ernment's health-care cuts since 2016. Not only have we lost diagnostic–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Altomare: –labs, IV clinics, we've also lost our ER and CancerCare out of Concordia. Now the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) is making it worse by forcing the people of northeast Winnipeg to raise funds themselves to reduce the surgical backlog this government had helped–created. That's disrespectful and wrong. Madam Speaker, will the Premier reverse this – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Altomare: –decision today? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): Shame on the member opposite.

1358 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 What is disrespectful and wrong is that the member is saying that a foundation should not do the activities that they are established to carry out. Foundations fundraise. Foundations–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –support projects, quite often in their hospital and health-care facilities, and I'm proud that the Concordia Foundation came forward to the task force to partner on an amazing opportunity to build a fifth OR at Concordia Hospital and provide care for individuals not just in the north

section of the city but the entire province. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Transcona, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altomare: I want to remind this government that nearly 170 Manitobans are waiting for surgery, mil - lions of dollars set aside to reduce the backlog were instead used for routine procedures, and now the Premier asks residents of northeast Winnipeg to fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars for their own health care. That's not leadership. Manitobans shouldn't be forced to pay out of pocket for services that they need.

Will this gov ernment admit their mistake and fully fund the Concordia suite today? Ms. Gordon: The members opposite continue to try to put inaccurate information on the record. There is no higher priority for our gov ernment than clearing the backlog, ensuring Manitobans re - ceive the diagnostics and surgeries that they need. Again, I'm grateful and thankful to the Concordia Hospital foundation for coming forward to our gov - ernment. We are investing $4.9 million–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –Madam Speaker.

The members don't want Manitobans to know this will lead to 1,000 surgeries being performed annually at that fifth operating room. And we continue to invest $400,000 in spine assessment clinic to help 900 patients receive their treatment or care plan sooner– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Transcona, on a final supplementary. Mr. Altomare: The residents of Concordia, Rossmere, Radisson and Transcona have suf fered countless health-care cuts at the hands of this govern- ment. It's been going on 'frince' 2016.

Rather than reverse course of the predecessor, the Premier is now forcing residents to raise funds for health care that nearly 170,000 Manitobans des per- ately need. Residents are saying enough is enough. Will the Premier fully fund these surgeries at Concordia today? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, we will continue to support Manitobans in the diagnostics and surgeries that they need. We recog nize that th ere are several Manitobans that are suffering in pain, and our focus is to end that suffering. That is why we have already provided funding for 11,000 additional procedures to be completed.

And I'm pleased to report that all $50 million of last year's funding dollars will have been spent on request for supply arrangements, for contracts with our service delivery organi zations to perform endo- scopy, cataracts, pediatric general surgery, dental, ear, nose and throat and more, Madam Speaker, for all Manitobans in the city of Winnipeg, north– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Highway 6 and Road Upgrades Need for Infrastructure Spending Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, since coming to office, the PCs have left $166 million unspent on our highways in this province.

That means promised upgrades aren't getting done. We know there's a need. After years and years of cuts in this province, thousands of Manitobans are now calling on an invest- ment in im portant upgrades, especially on highways like Highway 6. So the question is simple: Will the minister commit to spending his roads budget this year and start by investing in Highway 6? Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, I just want to thank the member for the question.

And the member has to realize, too, that when they were in government–when the NDP were in gov- ernment, they underspent –they spent–they overspent in every department except for Infrastructure.

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1359 I'm not going to take any lessons from this member from the opposite for investing in highways. We have a $1.5 -billion investment in the next three years, and that's far more than the NDP ever had. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, in this minister's budget this year, $60 million in invest ments are being un- spent from last year. Promises made and promises broken once again by this PC government. And those broken promises have consequences.

Now there're over 5,000 Manitobans who have signed petitions asking for upgrades to Highway 6. They're asking for road upgrades, rest areas, more regular passing lanes, all to help reduce accidents, which are so common on Highway 6. Will the minister simply start to listen and work to make Highway 6 safer? Mr. Piwniuk: I just want to let the member opposite know that our gov ernment is investing in –all across the province. We're going to invest money into all our infrastructure, no matter to the north, the south, the city of Winnipeg, around the Perimeter Highway.

We are investing in infra structure record amounts of money–$1.5 billion in the next three years–and we're going to continue making sure that Manitoba is going to be a place that people would want to do busi ness here, and because of our infrastructure investment. Thank you, Madam Speaker. * (14:30) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Well, for the fifth year running, this gov- ernment is underspending in their highways invest - ment. And so the question is: why should anybody trust this minister when he says this year they're going to spend their budget?

We recog nize that this year's budget reveals $60 million was not put to use, and all at the same time that Manitobans are asking for their highways to be upgraded–highways like Highway 6–who are just simply asking for this government to start to make this highway safer. Five thousand people have now signed a petition. I ask the minister to answer to them: Why will he not put his budget to work and start by investing in Highway 6? Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I just want to let the member know that we spent over $20 million in the past, in Highway 6, as we took gov ernment.

We're going to spend another $9 million this coming year for Highway 6. We're going to spend money all over the province, not just in the ridings that they used to have, when that's all they spent the money in, was their ridings that they held. We're going to inv est all over this province and make sure that economic dev elopment is going to happen here, and we're going to invest in our high- ways so that it's going to be safe for Manitobans. And I just want to thank our engineers that–who are going to bring projects forward to make sure that we invest our money in this province into the future.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Manitoba Housing Buildings Maintenance and Security Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Madam Speaker, Manitobans who live in Manitoba Housing deserve to be treated with dignity. Sadly, people who live in Manitoba Housing, some of whom are vul nerable and marginalized; seniors on fixed incomes; refugee families; people who can't work because of a disability, an injury or a mental health challenge, have had to live in crumbling housing with bedbugs and gangs as neighbours. I have written the minister more than once about issues at 101 Marion in St.

Boniface, which is a high- rise where recently the fire and sprinkler system was out of service for two weeks. Will the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) and minister hire round-the-clock security patrols and increase the budget for routine maintenance to make sure that Manitoba Housing buildings like 101 Marion are safe for residents? Hon. Sarah Guillem ard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): I appreciate the question coming from the member opposite.

Manitoba Housing has always been committed to the security and the safety of its tenants, and I do want to take a moment to appre ciate all the work that our Minister for Families has done on this portfolio. She has addressed some very complex issues that have

1360 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 arisen in her time within the Min istry of Families. And, Madam Speaker, we are committed to con - tinuing to improve daily on the safety, security and for our housing issue in those who are most vulnerable. Over the past decade, Manitoba Housing has made sig nificant im provements to their security operations, including hiring in- house security staff and expanding the camera, card access and restricted key systems. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Lamont: We know the NDP left a serious mess with Manitoba Housing and the PCs have been pro- mising to clean it up, but it's been six years and lots of people are telling us it's worse than ever. One of the greatest concerns is the safety and security of residents. The government switched to pri- vate security and private management, and it's not working except in one case where residents told me the new management excelled at pest control because, they told me, it was the first time they'd ever had more meth dealers than bedbugs.

We have heard from advocates that criminals and gangs are taking over suites and entire buildings, and that residents are afraid to leave for their safety, including seniors with dementia. What is the government's plan to clean gangs out of Manitoba Housing to make it safe for law -abiding residents? Mrs. Guillemard: I appreciate, again, the question coming from the member opposite. Safety is the No. 1 focus, and that has been the No. 1 focus of our gov ernment when it comes to Manitoba Housing for all of our residents who utilize the service.

Madam Speaker, that is why our government has provided $138.7 million to Manitoba Housing in the 2022-23 budget to ensure that low - and moderate - income Manitobans have access to safe and affordable housing. And we have more work to do, and we will get it done. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary. Action on Climate Change Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, the latest IPCC report says action is needed now to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5°C.

Because of inadequate action by consecutive NDP and Conservative governments, greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba have risen by 5.6 per cent from 2005 to 2020. In every other province but one in Ca nada, emissions have fallen, so much so that averaged over- all Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are more than 9 per cent below those in 2005. Manitoba is an outlier and far 'behund' other provinces. Why was the mention in the budget so small and so we ak compared to what is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our province? Hon.

Jeff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): I certainly appreciate a question from the member on climate, Madam Speaker. We know that our gov ernment is focused on climate and reducing GHGs, Madam Speaker. We know that under the former NDP government nothing was done. We are committed. Our announcement this mor - ning to invest over $50.7 million to fix up orphaned and abandoned mines that were le ft behind by the NDP, Madam Speaker, is a crucial invest ment to - wards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and also improving our environment for all Manitobans.

We know that there's lots of work to do. We are committed to that work, and we will get it done. Education System Capital Investments Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Last week, our gov ernment announced another historic budget that will better the lives of all Manitobans. One of the highlights of our gov ernment's 2022 budget is an emphasis on rebuilding our province. Will the M inister of E ducation and early child - hood education expand on the great strides our Edu- cation department is taking to expand school capital projects for Manitoba's most im portant resource, our children?

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1361 Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I'd like to thank my colleague from Portage la Prairie for that excellent, excellent question today on the start of Education Week, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we k now that in order for stu- dents to succeed they need to be in the proper environ- ment. Under the failed NDP government, our children were subjected to oversized classes and crumbling infrastructure. That is why our gov ernment has put just over $260 million of capital projects into 2022 alone.

This investment builds upon or –our promise of building 22 new schools by 2027. We are committed to ensuring that all students in Manitoba have a great quality of education, Madam Speaker. Safe Consumption Site Addiction Treatment Services Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Nearly 1,200 lives have been lost to drug overdoses in Manitoba over the past four years, with this number increasing every year under this PC government.

Tracy Sanderson, who became an Overdose Awareness Manitoba advocate after losing one of her own daughters to opioid overdose and a step-daughter to suicide after a long battle with opioid addiction, is not surprised. It's clear that aggressive action is needed. It's needed today. Will the minister commit to doing some thing today to end this overdose crisis in our province and open a safe con sumption site and help the families who are suffering with losing loved ones in this province? Hon.

Sarah Guillemard (Minister o f Mental Health and Community Wellness): Appreciate the question coming from the member opposite. And we've had this discussion, I think, for the past three or four weeks. Our gov ernment doesn't start today, it started six years ago today, addressing the issue of addictions and mental health needs in this province. Madam Speaker, I will also point out the over - dose deaths have been –increased across all juris dic- tions, regardless of government in power. And it is a tragedy; every single loss of life is a tragedy for each of the families experiencing that.

And, Madam Speaker, we will continually look at harm reduction strategies and im provements to help every family avoid experiencing these kinds of tragedies. Thank you. * (14:40) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Smith: Madam Speaker, 1,200 people have died in this province in the last six years under this govern- ment. This government is not doing nearly enough to tackle Manitoba's addiction crisis, which is becoming worse every day. RAAM employees agree with Tracy.

In fact, they said that every person that we don't see or have to turn away, there's a little voice in the back of their head saying, is that the one that they're going to read about in the 'bituaries' on Saturday? That's hard and breaks my heart. They go on to say that this provincial government has little interest in supports for people with ad - dictions and calls that disgusting. Existing funding has been called a piecemeal approach that won't solve the issue. Will the gov ernment do the right thing and take aggressive action to address the addiction crisis– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mrs.

Guillemard: I know that the member opposite really wants to portray this as an ideological kind of approach or argument, but it's not. Madam Speaker, the member opposite's party had 17 years in gov ernment. Not a single RAAM clinic was ever designed or implemented or started up. They were dealing with th e same pressures that we are as government, but instead of just looking at a problem, we came up with a solution. We will continue to invest in the core services to address addictions and treatment and recovery for everybody who's struggling with subs tance– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs.

Guillemard: –use issues. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: This government's approach has been to ignore proven methods when addre ssing Manitoba's

1362 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 addiction crisis, such as drug- checking services and safe consumption sites–1.8 hours a day RAAM clinics are open in this province; that is simply not enough. Twelve hundred people have died in this province. These are someone's–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: –loved ones. Five other provinces have implemented safe con- sumption sites, yet this gov ernment continues to ig - nore leading research, research that was actually in one of their reports that they took out.

We need to do every thing we can to address the addiction crisis and reduce overdose deaths, including implementing a safe consumption site. Will the gov ernment commit to doing so today and help save Manitoban lives? Mrs. Guillemard: Again, the m ember's opposite party was in government for 17 years, listening to the same experts who advise us today, and they were told the same things that we were told: invest in the core services; you do not have enough invest ment in the addictions, mental health recovery, poor services. But for 17 years, the member's opposite party did not invest in those areas.

So we listened to the experts, and we are investing in those core services. And I'd be happy to sit down with the member opposite, or any member from the opposition, if they'd like to discuss various initiatives that they think are important to include as we roll out our five-year roadmap plan. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Foot-Care Services Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

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

(2) A large percentage of people–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Altomare: –in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. Therefore, we petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This petition is signed by Ethel Timbog [phonetic], Angelique Larocque, Donna Fidler and many more Manitobans. Thank you.

Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. MLA Uzoma Asa gwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown t o approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

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

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1363

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for care–for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The–are there further petitions? Mr.

Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legis - lative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba , the background of this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This petition has been signed by many Peter Dick, Jessical [phonetic] Nelder, Terry Lansdowne [phonetic], Donelda Parenteau and many other Manitobans. Mr.

Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson. A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes. * (14:50) The northern regional health authority previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired. The number of s eniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas. There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

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

1364 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2022 The implications of inadequa te or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations. The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the –sorry, to urge the provincial gov- ernment to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot -care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This petition has been s igned by many Manitobans.

Thank you. MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health centre–excuse me–as a regional health -care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those serv ed in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. And this petition, Madam Speaker, has been signed by many Manitobans. Louise Bridge Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Over 25,000 vehicles per day cross the Louise Bridge, which has served as a vital link for vehicular traffic between northeast Winnipeg and downtown for the last 110 years.

(2) The current structure will undoubtedly be declared unsafe in a few years, as it's deteriorated extensively, becoming functionally obsolete, subject to more frequent unplanned repairs and cannot be widened to accommodate future traffic capacity.

(3) As far back as 2008, the City of Winnipeg city has studied where the new replacement bridge should be situated.

(4) After including the bridge replacement in the City's five-year capital budget forecast in 2009, the new bridge became a short-term construction priority in the City's transportation master plan of 2011.

(5) Cit y capital and budget plans identified re - placement of the Louise Bridge on a site just east of the bridge and expropriated homes there on the south side of Nairn Avenue in anticipation of a 2015 start.

(6) In 2014, the new City adminis tration did not make use of available federal infrastructure funds.

(7) The new Louise Bridge Com mittee began its campaign in–to demand a new bridge and its surveys confirmed residents wanted a new bridge beside the current bridge, with the old bridge kept open for local traffic.

(8) The NDP provincial government signalled its firm commitment to partner with the City on replacing the Louise Bridge in its 2015 Throne Speech. Unfor - tunately, provincial infrastructure initiatives, such as the new Louise bridge, came to a halt with the election of the Progressive Conservative government in 2016.

April 19, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1365

(9) More recently, the City tethered the Louise Bridge replacement issue to its new trans portation master plan and eastern corridor project. Its recom- mendations have now identified the location of the new Louise bridge to be placed just to the west of the current bridge, not to the east as originally proposed. The City expropriation process has begun.

(10) The provincial budget due in mid-April 2022 is the Province's opportunity to announce its portion of funding for this long overdue vital link to northeast Winnipeg and Transcona. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier to financially assist the City of Winnipeg in her new 2022 provincial budget to build this three -lane bridge in each direction to maintain this vital link between northeast Winnipeg, Transcona and the downtown.

(2) To urge the provincial government to recom- mend that the City of Winnipeg keep the old bridge fully open to traffic while the new bridge is under con- struction; and

(3) To urge the provincial government to consider the feasibility of keeping the old Louise bridge open for active transportation in the future. And this petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans. Eating Disorders Awareness Week Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows: An estimated 1 million people suffer from eating disorders in Canada.

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting one's physical, psychological and social function and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. The dev elopment and treatment of eating dis - orders are influenced by the social determinants of health, including food and income security, access to housing, health care and mental health supports.

It is important to share the diverse experiences of people with eating disorders across all ages, genders and identities, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people; queer and gender -diverse people; people with dis abilities; people with chronic illness; and people with co- occurring mental health con di- tions or addictions. It is necessary to increase awareness and edu - cation about the impact of those living with, or affected by, eating disorders in order to dispel dangerous stereotypes and myths about these illnesses.

Setting aside one week each year to focus atten - tion on eating disorders will heighten public under - standing, increase awareness of culturally relevant resources and supports for those impacted by eating disorders and encourage Manitobans to develop healthier relationships with their bodies. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to support a declaration that the first week in February of each year be known as eating disorders awareness week. This has been signed by Chris Young, K elly Speak, Nancy Sanders and many other Manitobans.

Foot-Care Services MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows: