Manitoba Hansard — 6 March 2025 (Sitting 22B, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-22b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXIX No. 22B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

475 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, March 6, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Order, please. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS House Business The Speaker: The honour able Gov ernment House Leader, on House Business. Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): On House busi ness, Honourable Speaker, could you please canvass the House for leave to allow the member for The Pas -Kameesak (Ms.

Lathlin) to second the motions at all stages for Bill 41, The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault (Trained Health Pro fessionals and Evidence Collection Kits) Amendment Act? The Speaker: Is there leave to allow the member for The Pas-Kameesak (Ms. Lathlin) to second the motions at all stages for Bill 41? Is there leave? [Agreed] INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 27–The Income Tax Amendment Act Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance ): I move, seconded by the Minister for Agriculture, that Bill 27, The Income Tax Amend ment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenue, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sala: I'm very pleased to introduce Bill 27, The Income Tax Amendment Act. The bill makes the cultural industries printing tax credit permanent, simplifies several formulas used to calculate various tax credits and removes outdated references to previous taxation years. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the will of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 223–The Official Time Amendment Act, 2025 Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I move, seconded by the member for Interlake -Gimli (Mr. Johnson), that Bill 223, The Official Time Amendment Act, 2025, be now read a for a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Schuler: I am pleased to introduce Bill 223, the official time amend ment act. Currently, the official time amend ment act will come into force on pro - clamation to discontinue the seasonal time change from daylight saving time.

This bill will amend the commencement so that it will come into force on March 8, 2026, instead. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 28–The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance ): I move, seconded by the Minister for Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, that Bill 28, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'hydro Manitoba, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sala: I'm very pleased to introduce Bill 28, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act. This legis lation follows through on a key commitment in our govern- ment's affordable energy plan to ensure that Manitobans get the best possible economic return on our clean, renewable energy. In our affordable energy plan, we committed to ending Manitoba Hydro's first-come, first- served approach for large grid connections.

With this legis - lation, we will create a new framework where large grid connections are prioritized based on the econo- mic benefits provided to Manitoba. Let me put it simply: Manitoba's clean, baseload power is one of our greatest economic assets.

It's a key natural advantage over other jurisdictions, but for far too long, important economic development opportun- ities have been stalled by the first- come, first-served approach By prioritizing requests for new large grid con- nections that maximize benefits for Manitobans, we can promote economic development, create more jobs and build the Manitoba for the future. Honourable Speaker, I'm very pleased to present this bill to the House for its consideration. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]

476 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 Bill 42–The Buy Canadian Act (Government Purchases Act Amended) Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Busi- ness, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (Mr. Moses), that Bill 42, The Buy Canadian Act (Govern ment Purchases Act Amended), now be read a first time. Thank you. Motion presented. MLA Sandhu: Honourable Speaker, Canada will never become the 51st state. In light of pressing economic challenges imposed by US tariffs, our govern ment is standing up for Manitobans, standing up for Canadians.

This bill signals our government's commitment to prioritizing goods and services that are made in Canada. This bill directs the government to establish a buy Canadian policy. This policy would outline the steps government will take to stand up for Manitoba jobs and local economy. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 37–The Manitoba Financial Services Authority Act and Amendments to Various Other Acts Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, that Bill 37, The Manitoba Financial Services Authority Act and Amendments to Various Other Acts;

Loi sur l'Autorité des services financiers du Manitoba et modifiant diverses autres lois, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sala: I'm very pleased to introduce Bill 37, The Manitoba Financial Services Author ity Act and Amendments to Various Other Acts. This bill is another in a series of measures our government is taking to modernize our financial statutes, to enable economic growth and create jobs.

This bill will modernize the regula tory structure in Manitoba by reconstituting the Manitoba Financial Services Agency to a board -governed statutory cor - poration that would formally operate at arms -length from government. Virtually all other provinces have moved in this direction, including British Columbia in 1996, Ontario in 1997, Alberta in 2000, Quebec in 2002 and Saskatchewan in 2012. If we're going to grow our financial services industry in Manitoba, we need a modern, regulatory structure, and that's exactly what this bill will deliver.

Honourable Speaker, I'm very pleased to present this bill to the House for consideration. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 10–The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance, that Bill 10, The Resi dential Tenancies Amendment Act (2), be now read for the first time. Motion presented.

MLA Sandhu: The Resi dential Tenancies Act is being amended to better support tenants who have been displaced from their rental buildings when they are forced to evacuate due to a provincial or municipal order or the tenancy is otherwise frustrated through no fault of their own. * (13:40) The bill–this–the bill represents the first step in the government's commitment and mandate to review The Residential Tenancies Act to strengthen renters' rights and protect affordable housing in the province. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 25–The Public-Private Partnerships Transparency and Accountability Act Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education and Early Child hood Learning (MLA Schmidt), that Bill 25, The Public-Private Part- nerships Transpar ency and Accountability Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sandhu: It is my great pleasure to rise today to introduce The Public -Private Partnerships Transpar- ency and Accountability Act.

The purpose of this bill is to increase trans parency and accountability to Manitobans when the public sector is selected as a public-private part nership procurement model, also known as P3.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 477 This bill ensures that benefits be evaluated, made public to keep the gov ernment accountable. This bill ensures accountability and trans parency of all P3 capital projects.

These steps include the following: conducting a preliminary analysis before ini tiating procurement process for major capital projects; con - ducting public consultations to provide reasonable op- portunity for members of the public to comment on the project; engaging an external consultant to act as the fairness monitor for the project; providing a public report on the result of the project; and ensuring there is no conflict of interest. Our government is committed to ensuring that public sector assets are always owned by the Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Before I recognize the minister, I'd just remind all people, when they're introducing a bill, the intro- ductory passage is supposed to be somewhere in the neighbourhood of 30 seconds, not a minute and 30 seconds. So please try and keep within that range. I'm a little bit lax in enforcing it, but try and keep it there. Bill 26–The Vital Statistics Amendment Act Hon.

Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Trans- portation and Infrastructure (MLA Naylor), that Bill 26, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, be now read for the first time. Motion presented. MLA Sandhu: The Vital Statistics Act is being amended to remove the need for a supporting letter from a health-care pro fessional for applicants age 18 years and older who want to change their sex designation.

The bill represents our government's commitment to support rights of gender-diverse persons and to ad- vocate for the rights of self-expression and identifica- tion for all Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 31–The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended) Hon.

Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I move, seconded by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MLA Moyes), that Bill 31, The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act (Various Acts Amended), be now read for the first time. Motion presented. MLA Sandhu: Our government promised to elimi- nate restrictive covenants that drive up grocery prices.

This bill amends The Law of Property Act, Real Property Act and Municipal Board Act to stop the use of property control in owner ship and leasing agree - ments so more locations are available for the grocery store and supermarket to sell fresh food and groceries. More competition in the grocery industry is accepted to increase access to food for sale and make life more affordable for all Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 206–The Homeowner Protection from Unsolicited Purchase Offers Act Mr.

Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): I moved, seconded by the member for Tyndall Park (MLA Lamoureux), that Bill 206, The Homeowner Protection from Unsolicited Purchase Offers Act;

Loi sur la protection des propriétaires contre les offres d'achat non sollicitées, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Wasyliw: I'm pleased to reintroduce The Homeowner Protection from Unsolicited Purchase Offers Act, which strengthens protections for Manitoban home- owners by curbing aggressive real estate wholesaling practices that target vulnerable individuals. This bill introduces clear, enforceable safeguards to protect homeowners. It establishes an opt -out registry, allowing homeowners to refuse unsolicited offers altogether. It mandates full disclosure of home- owner rights in sale conditions, ensuring transparency

478 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 in the process. It also requires homeowners to be represented by licensed realtors at the buyers' expense so that they receive pro fessional guidance before making any decisions. Finally, it grants homeowners a 30-day cooling-off period, allowing them to reverse any sale without penalty. And I look forward to the passage of this bill. Thank you. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 17–The Public Schools Amendment Act (Nutrition Equality for Lasting Learning Outcomes) Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education and Training (MLA Cable), that Bill 17, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Nutrition Equality for Lasting Learning Outcomes); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (équité alimentaire pour un apprentissage durable), now be read for a first time. Motion presented. MLA Schmidt: Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to introduce Bill 17, The Public Schools Amendment Act (nutritional equality for lasting learning out - comes), or Nello's law. This bill builds off our historic universal nutrition program by amending The Public Schools Act to ensure nutrition programs are offered in all schools and to ensure the programs in each school are tailored to meet the specific needs of the school community.

This bill will also protect the univer sal nutrition program from any future government that may not see the value in feeding our own hungry kids, as it stipulates that Cabinet members will be subject to a 20 per cent cut in ministerial salary if a bill is passed to reduce or repeal Nello's law, the universal nutrition program. Every child matters. Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 18–The Public Schools Amendment Act (Indigenous Languages of Instruction) Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Thank you, honourable Minister. I move, seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education and Training, that Bill 18, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Indigenous Languages of Instruction); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (enseignement en langue autochtone), be now read for a first time. Motion presented. * (13:50) MLA Schmidt: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 18, The Public Schools Amend ment Act. Currently, The Public Schools Act only allows for French and English to be taught as the primary languages of instruction, meaning other languages cannot be taught for over 50 per cent of the school day. This bill amends The Public Schools Act to allow for Indigenous languages, including Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuktitut, Michif, Ojibwe and Ojibwe -Cree to be used as a primary instructional language.

Amending the PSA to allow for the creation of Indigenous-language-immersion programs is one way that our govern ment is taking action to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages and helps us on our way to meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commis- sion's Call to Action No. 14. Every child matters. Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 19–The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe Schools) Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning ): I move, seconded by the minister of business, jobs, trade –business, jobs, trade, mining–no, job creation–you got it–that Bill 19, The Public Schools Amend ment Act (Safe Schools); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (milieu scolaire sûr), now be read for a first time. The Speaker: Short min isterial names are a good thing. It has been moved by the honourable Minister of Education and Early Child hood Learning, seconded

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 479 by the honour able Minister of Busi ness, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (Mr. Moses), that Bill 19, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe Schools), be now read a first time. MLA Schmidt: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 19, The Public Schools Amendment Act, or Safe Schools. This bill amends The Public Schools Act to enshrine in legis lation require ments for all divisional staff, volunteers and coaches to complete approved sexual abuse pre vention training programs.

This bill com- plements a bill brought forward by the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism (MLA Kennedy) that aims to address abuse in non-school sports. Together, these two bills will enhance the protec- tion of children by creating training, policy and infor- mation dissemination require ments for individuals working directly with children in sports and in other volunteer capacities. Every child matters. Thank you, merci, miigwech.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 20–The Community Child Care Standards Amendment and Education Administration Amendment Act Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I move, seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education and Training (MLA Cable), that Bill 20, The Com munity Child Care Standards Amend ment and Education Administration Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la garde d'enfants et la

Loi sur l'administration scolaire, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Schmidt: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 20, The Community Child Care Standards Amendment and Education Administration Amendment Act. This bill requires the de partment to esta blish a First Nations, Inuit and Métis policy framework for both the K-to-12 and the early-childhood-learning sectors. First Nations, Inuit and Métis policy frameworks will ensure all Manitoba children are edu cated about colonial history, treaties and the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and the path to truth and reconciliation.

The intro duction of this bill demonstrates our government's commitment to advancing the TRC's education-related Calls to Action. Every child matters. Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 40–

An Act respecting "O Canada" and Other Observances and Land and Treaty Acknowledgements in Schools (Education Administration Act and Public Schools Act Amended) Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education and Training, that Bill 40,

An Act Respecting "O Canada" and Other Observances and Land and Treaty Acknowledgements in Schools (Educa tion Administration Act and Public Schools Act Amended);

Loi sur les activités scolaires soulignant notamment l'« Ô Canada » et la reconnaissance des territoires et des traités (modification de la

Loi sur l'administration scolaire et de la

Loi sur les écoles publiques), now be read for the first time. Motion presented. MLA Schmidt: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 40,

An Act respecting "O Canada" and Other Observances and Land and Treaty Acknowledgements in Schools (Education Administration Act and Public Schools Act Amended). This bill amends The Public Schools Act to remove provisions respecting religious exercises that were found uncon stitutional by the Court of King's Bench in 1992. Previous requirements regarding play- ing God Save the King have not been continued in practice and will no longer be reflected in Manitoba's education statutes or required in public schools.

Consistent with common practice, this bill also introduces a requirement that school boards establish and implement a written policy respecting land acknowledgements and treaty acknowledgements. Every child matters. Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 39–The Public Schools Amendment Act (Campaign Financing for School Trustees) Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MLA Moyes), that Bill 39, The Public Schools

480 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 Amendment Act (Campaign Financing for School Trustees); Loi modifiant la

loi sur les écoles publiques (financement des campagnes électorales pour les élections scolaires), now be read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Schmidt: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 39, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Campaign Financing for School Trustees). This bill establishes campaign financing rules for school trustee candidates, in- cluding contribution limits, public reporting require - ments and limiting con tributions to individuals who reside in Manitoba.

These changes will align Manitoba with other jurisdictions in Canada and strengthen our elections to protect them from third party and foreign interference. Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 21–The Protecting Youth in Sports Act Hon. Nellie Kennedy (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism ): Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister for Advanced Educa- tion and Training (MLA Cable), that Bill 21, The Protecting Youth in Sports Act, be now read for a first time.

The Speaker: It's been moved by the honour able minister of sports–no–the honourable Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, that Bill 21, The Protecting Youth in Sports Act, be now read a first time. MLA Kennedy: I am pleased to be here today to introduce Bill 21, The Protecting Youth in Sports Act. The bill requires sports organizations to adopt, main- tain and apply safe sport policies and training for all. In addition, it establishes a third party review and disciplinary mechanism for any complaints of mal - treatment against a young athlete.

This bill furthers our govern ment's commitment to a safe and equitable sport system free from racism where every child knows they have the right to play. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 22–The Environment Amendment and Waste Reduction and Prevention Amendment Act Hon.

Mike Moyes (Minister of Environment and Climate Change ): Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Transportation and Infra- structure (MLA Naylor), that Bill 22, the environ- mental amendment and waste reduction and pre ven- tion amendment act, be now read a first time. The Speaker: Moved by the honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change, seconded by the honourable Minister of Transpor tation and Infra - structure, that Bill 22, The Environment Amendment and Waste Reduction and Preven tion Amend ment Act, be now read a first time.

MLA Moyes: Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to introduce Bill 22, which brings forward several im - portant amendments to The Environment Act and The Waste Reduction and Pre vention Act to strengthen environmental protections in Manitoba. The first amendment that I would like to highlight is the strengthening of The Environment Act to ensure environment officers across Manitoba can prevent environmental damage and ensure that polluters are held accountable by reducing the threshold of adverse effects from pollution that are required to prosecute offenders.

This aligns Manitoba with best practices in environmental protection. This bill also introduces enhanced reporting and notification obligations to The Environment Act in the event a pollutant is released or there's an imminent risk of release. * (14:00) The bill also amends The Waste Reduction and Prevention Act to consolidate the semi- annual waste reduction and recycling support levy into a single annual payment. This will reduce the adminis trative burden for landfill owners, mainly municipalities, and improve the efficiency of government. I'm pleased to introduce this bill to the House for its consideration.

Thank you, merci, miigwech. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The honourable Minister of Finance (MLA Sala)– oops, sorry, the honour able Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe).

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 481 Bill 13–The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2025 Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 13, the minor amendments and corrections act, be now read a first time. The Speaker: Shortest one all day and I got it wrong. It's been moved by the hon ourable Minister of Justice, seconded by the honour able Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 13, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2025, be now read a first time. Mr.

Wiebe: Honourable Speaker, it's my pleasure to introduce The Minor Amend ments and Corrections Act, 2025. This is an annual omnibus bill that corrects translation, typographical and numbering errors. It also makes other minor amendments to statutes, all of which aim to provide clarity and consistency in Manitoba's statute book. I look forward to being able to provide more information on the importance of this bill at second reading. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 23–The Public Interest Expression Defence Act Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 23, The Public Interest Expression Defence Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to intro- duce this bill to the Legislature, establishing anti-SLAPP legislation in Manitoba. A SLAPP, or a strategic lawsuit against public participation, can be used as a mechanism to silence or deter partici pation on debates of issues of public interest.

This bill ensures a defendant may bring a motion to dismiss the suit on the grounds the pro- ceeding originates from a communication made by the defendant on a matter of public interest. These lawsuits are often used to intimidate and suppress the rights of citizens to speak out, and this bill will safeguard their ability to engage in open debates, hold powerful entities accountable and pro- mote transparency. I'm pleased to introduce this bill for–to the House for its consideration. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 32–The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (Measures to Address Unlawful Activities) Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister responsible for Public Service Delivery, that Bill 32, The Residential Tenancies Amend ment Act, be now read a first time.

The Speaker: It's been moved by the honour able Minister of Justice, seconded by the honour able Minister of Public Service Delivery (MLA Sandhu), that Bill 32, The Resi dential Tenancies Amend ment Act (Measures to Address Unlawful Activities), be now read for a first time. Mr. Wiebe: Honourable Speaker, this bill amends The Residential Tenancies Act and the safer commu- nities and neighbours act to streamline the process for evicting tenants who are engaged in drug or human trafficking.

The proposed amend ments will broaden the threshold needed for a five-day eviction from immediate risk to, quote, significant risk. This–these amendments will also clarify that drug and human trafficking are automatically deemed significant risks.

Bill 32 will outline the type of infor mation that the Residential Tenancies Branch may consider when determining whether to grant an order of possession, due to unlawful activity by the tenant, and finally, Bill 32 clarifies that investigators from the Public Safety Investigations unit can present evidence as part of a Residential Tenancies Act proceeding regarding the unlawful activity by a tenant. Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to introduce this bill, and I look forward to its consideration. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]

482 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 Bill 35–The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure, that Bill 35, The Manitoba Public Insurance Cor poration Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: Currently, MPI's fleet insurance model can only offer surcharges and rebates at year end for its fleet customers. This bill will give MPI the legal authority to offer discounts instead of rebates in the fleet insurance model.

This will also apply to blanket policies once those become available in the future. I look forward to consideration by the House. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 36–The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment and Highway Traffic Amendment Act Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure, that Bill 36, The Drivers and Vehicles Amend ment and Highway Traffic Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Wiebe: This legislation makes several improve- ments with respect to MPI's services and road safety. It will enable MPI to bring charges against vehicle inspection stations that are involved in fraudulent inspections. It will expand the types of infor mation that can be disclosed by an online tool, which MPI is building for stake holders to check the validity of a driver's licence. And it clarifies several other pro - visions and repeals obsolete require ments related to driver licensing and suspensions . I look forward to consideration by the House.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 30–The Election Financing Amendment and Elections Amendment Act Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 30, the election financing amend ment act and elections amend ment act, be now read a first time. The Speaker: It's been moved by the honour able Minister of Justice, seconded by the honourable Minister of Families, that Bill 30, The Election Financing Amend- ment and Elections Amend ment Act, be now read a first time. Mr.

Wiebe: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 30. This bill will hold all political parties to a high standard of ethical campaigning, which is paramount to a healthy democracy. It will make it easier and more accessible for Manitobans to vote in advance, giving voters the freedom to choose and a guarantee that they will be able to vote. It will protect the integrity of our elections by introducing offence provisions around false statements and impersonations. It will also introduce prohibitions on using deepfakes to undermine public confidence in our elections, and it will take big money out of politics.

These changes will protect our election processes, our democracy and our province, which is critical in an age where demo cracy faces growing threats. I'm pleased to introduce this bill to the House for its con- sideration. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 24–The Workers Compensation Amendment Act Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice, that Bill 24, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les accidents du travail, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Marcelino: The purpose of this bill is to intro- duce a fairer approach to workers compensation death benefit payments that recognizes the growing diver - sity of family units and relationships, better balanced WCB decision making to give the benefit of the doubt to injured workers when evidence is evenly balanced and align the act's annual reporting deadlines. I am pleased to present this bill to the House for its consideration. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 483 Bill 29–The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe), that Bill 29, The Work place Safety and Health Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la sécurité et l'hygiène du travail, be now read a first time. Motion presented.

MLA Marcelino: Honourable Speaker, this bill ad - dresses recommendations from The Workplace Safety and Health Act stake holder review com mittee, in - cluding psychological safety, ensuring bad actors could be held more accountable, introducing a mechanism for collecting wages, order to be paid and providing a new penalty for failing to report serious incidents in the workplace and ensuring that monitoring is in place if workers are overexposed to a hazardous substance at work. * (14:10) I am pleased to present this bill to the House for its consideration. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 33–The Public Health Amendment Act Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long- Term Care): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe), that Bill 33, The Public Health Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la santé publique, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to introduce Bill 33, The Public Health Amendment Act. This bill will ensure that persons who require treatment for a highly infectious disease in order to protect the public under the provisions of The Public Health Act s are not detained in correctional facilities. It will also set out that a court order to detain a person for treatment must now be made by a judge of the Provincial Court rather than the Justice of the Peace. Thank you.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 41–The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault (Trained Health Professionals and Evidence Collection Kits) Amendment Act Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the MLA for The Pas-Kameesak, that Bill 41, The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault (Trained Health Profes- sionals and Evidence Collection Kits) Amend ment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la présentation de rapports concernant les mesures de soutien destiné aux enfants survivants d'agression sexuelle (profes- sionels de la santé formés et trousses médicolégales), be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to introduce Bill 41, The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault (Trained Health Profes- sionals and Evidence Collection Kits Amend ment Act).

This bill will require the minister to report to the Assembly annually on the number of children under the age of 15 that are assessed by spe cifically trained health professionals instead of reporting the inventory numbers of sexual assault evidence kits. The title of the act will also be changed to report- ing supports for sexual–reporting of supports for child survivors of sexual assault act (trained health profes- sionals and patient assessments). I'd like to recognize the member for The Pas - Kameesak (Ms.

Lathlin) for her work in creating this important bill and thank her for her tireless efforts to protect children, especially in northern Manitoba. Thank you. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 34–The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Motor Carrier Enforcement) Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe), that Bill 34, The Highway Traffic Amend ment Act (Motor Carrier En force- ment), be now read a first time. Motion presented.

MLA Naylor: I am pleased to introduce Bill 34, The Highway Traffic Amend ment Act (Motor Carrier Enforcement). This bill amends The Highway Traffic Act to improve oversight of heavy commercial vehicle

484 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 operators and improve the protection of motor carrier enforcement officers while carrying out their duties. The bill clarifies administrative monetary penal- ties and amends collision reporting require ments for property-damage-only incidents for heavy commercial vehicles. This bill continues our government's commit- ment to keeping people safe when travelling on Manitoba roads while also protecting Manitoba's infrastructure. I look forward to further discussion in the House as the bill progresses through all stages. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 38–The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Traffic Safety Measures) Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe), that Bill 38, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Traffic Safety Measures), be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Naylor: I am pleased to introduce Bill 38, The Highway Traffic Amend ment Act (Traffic Safety Measures). This bill amends The Highway Traffic Act to increase the safety of all road users.

It enables tow truck drivers to create safe work zones and clarifies for d rivers when it is safe to pass snowplows and cyclists. This bill supports government's commitment to safety. All Manitobans should return home at night regardless of the vehicle they are operating or what job they are doing. I look forward to further discussion in the House as this bill progresses through all stages. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Any further introduction of bills? Seeing none, we'll move on to committee reports.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Public Accounts Second Report Mr. Josh Guenter (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the second report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Clerk (Mr. Rick Yarish): Your Standing Committee on– An Honourable Member: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Second Report. Meetings Your Committee met on March 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chamber of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Auditor General's Report – eChart Manitoba dated October 2018 • Auditor General's Report – Forensic Audits dated October 2018 o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Main Street Project Investigation dated June 2021 • Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Recommendations dated March 2020 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Audit Recommendations dated March 2021 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Audit Recommendations dated April 2022 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2024 o Main Street Project Investigation

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 485 Committee Membership • Mr. BRAR • MLA CHEN • MLA COMPTON • MLA DELA CRUZ • MLA DEVGAN • Mr. GUENTER (Chairperson) • MLA LAMOUREUX • MLA MALOWAY (Vice-Chairperson) • Mr. NESBITT • Mr. OXENHAM • Mrs. STONE Substitutions received prior to Committee proceedings: • Mr.

BLASHKO for MLA DELA CRUZ Officials Speaking on Record • Tyson Shtykalo, Auditor General of Manitoba • Scott Sinclair, Deputy Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care • Chris Christodoulou, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Shared Health • Christine Pawlett, Executive Director, Clinical Digital Solutions, Digital Shared Services, Shared Health Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Auditor General's Report – eChart Manitoba dated October 2018 Your Committee completed consideration of the following report as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Main Street Project Investigation dated June 2021 Your Committee completed consideration of the following chapters as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Forensic Audits dated October 2018 o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Recommendations dated March 2020 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Audit Recommendations dated March 2021 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Audit Recommendations dated April 2022 o eChart Manitoba o Pharmacare: Special Audit of Financial Irregularities and Controls • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2024 o Main Street Project Investigation Mr.

Guenter: Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the hon ourable member for Lakeside (Mr. King), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. The Speaker: Tabling of reports. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS International Women's Day Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): For generations, politics has been the domain of men. In Canada's House of Commons, only 103 out of 338 seats are currently held by women or gender -diverse peoples. In 151 years, the city of Winnipeg has seen 456 men elected as mayor or city councillors.

Only 33 have held council seats, and just one woman has ever been elected as mayor. Since 1870, our own Manitoba Legislative Assembly has seen the election of 801 men, 77 women, one nine–non-binary person and one trans man. In 2025, all of these stats aren't great. This isn't because we aren't adept or accomplished or savvy or skilled or capable. It's because, historically, these very systems and spaces have been constructed to keep us out. But now, more than ever, we need w omen and gender-diverse peoples to run for office, to take their rightful place at decision-making tables.

This isn't just about representation. It's about ensuring our rights, our bodies and our futures are not dictated by men who would seek to control us. We need our voices in legislative chambers, city halls,

486 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 parliaments and now, more than ever, in both the US Congress and Senate –voices that will stand up for reproductive rights, for gender equality, for trans rights, for justice and as a reckoning force against fascism and oligarchy. * (14:20) And if you are thinking, I'm not qualified, I could never run, I ask you to consider this: Since I was first elected in 2016, Manitoba PC caucus members, pre - dominantly men, have denied abortion rights, with many of them not even capable of saying the word abortion.

They've embraced anti-vaxxers, stood in this House voting against the rights of two- spirited and trans Manitobans, legis lated away the rights of Indigenous children and are presently courting the leadership of the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan), who proudly led an attack on trans children– on chil- dren, and my personal favourite, campaigned on the murders of Indigenous women. Every day, we see more regressive and oppressive laws coming out of the US, some of them calling for the literal death of women who access abortion or, as of a couple of weeks ago, women who miscarry.

The literal state -sponsored murder of women or gender-diverse folks who access health care. Make it make sense. So I'm not calling for an election of women as ardent, faithful foot -soldiers of patriarchy, standing silently in collusion beside their male colleagues as our rights are stripped away from us. We need leaders, fierce, bold and unapologetic, who will fight for what's right. Right now, patriarchy is fighting for its very life. It would have us believe that we are powerless and that we should just give up and shut up, but we cannot. I will not. We must not.

So my message for this International Women's Day: We must run, we must win and we must lead. Because when women do, women change the world. As Black-American writer, intersectional feminist and civil rights activist Audre Lorde expressed, and I quote: I am not free while any woman is unfree, even if her shackles are very different from my own. End quote. I wish all women here in Manitoba and Canada, but especially women in the US, a happy International Women's Day. Miigwech. Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Today, I rise to recog- nize and celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women, raising awareness about ongoing discrimination and taking action to forge a future of gender parity. This year's theme, Accelerate Action, serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The world that we want to live in is a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, one that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

Since its inception in 1911, International Women's Day has belonged to all of those who care about gender equality, and today, we affirm our commit - ment to this cause. To be on a track of Accelerate Action means to be taking swift and decisive steps to breaking down systemic barriers that hinder women's advancement. It means actively supporting women's economic empowerment, increasing opportunities in leadership and dec ision making, expanding access to quality education and training and ensuring women and girls have the resources they need to thrive in business, STEM, sports and the arts.

These actions are not just about fairness. They drive innovation, support economic growth and build a sustainable future for all. As we reflect on history, we must acknowledge the trailblazers who have paved the way. Manitoba holds a special place in Canada's journey toward gender equality. It was here that women, led by Nellie McClung and the Political Equality League, first gained the right to vote in provincial elections.

Their courage and determination were the catalyst for change, making it possible for those who are disenfranchised and excluded to be heard loudly from outside the halls that had long ignored their voices. Indeed, gender equality is not the responsibility of women alone; it is a collective effort that requires all of us to take meaningful action. Let us use this day as a day to call to action. Let us accelerate our efforts to dismantle barriers, to sup- port and uplift women in all fields and to create a world where gender does not deter mine one's oppor- tunities or successes.

Together we can forge a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. To the young women and girls of Manitoba: your dreams matter. Your potential is limitless. You stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who fought for change

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 487 and now it's your turn to shape the future. Believe in yourself. Embrace your strengths. Cultivate and feed your ambitions. While barriers may have a say in how you get there, they do not have to define where or when you arrive. The world needs your ideas, your leadership and your passion. Keep pushing forward because your future is bright and we are cheering for you every step of the way. Happy International Women's Day. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS World Lymphedema Day Mrs.

Rachelle Schott (Kildonan-River East): Today is World Lymphedema Day, a day for spreading awareness and increasing edu cation on lymphatic diseases. Lymphedema is the buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling and decreased mobility. Those with lymphedema face a lifelong battle with the disease as there is currently no cure, but it can be managed if caught in time. Diagnosis and early treatment are key, which is why raising awareness is so important for those at risk of developing the disease as well as for health -care professionals.

In fall of 2023, shortly after the election, I attended an event hosted by Lymphedema Association of Manitoba, otherwise known as LAM, on behalf of the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and Minister of Health. Our Health Minister and I have met with members of LAM executive, and our NDP govern ment is working closely with LAM. Our NDP gov ernment remains committed to working with LAM. LAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading aware- ness and providing education on lymphedema aware- ness here in Manitoba. Their support for those at risk of developing lymphedema and those living with the disease is invaluable.

With a patient-first approach, the organization has tirelessly advocated for better access to lymphedema resources and services for those–more patients can get care that they need to manage this disease. Their commitment to improving the lives of those living with lymphedema is truly inspiring. Please join me in thanking the Lymphedema Association of Manitoba for their fierce advocacy. On World Lymphedema Day and every day, let's continue to support those living with lymphedema. Thank you. Lymphedema Awareness Day Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): I am also pleased to rise today to recog- nize March 6 as Lymphedema Awareness Day right here in Manitoba. All members will know that Lymphedema Awareness Day was proclaimed in 2014 with unanimous consent in the Manitoba legislator, as private member's bill that I put forth declaring March 6 each year as Lymphedema Awareness Day. Eleven years later, bringing attention and aware - ness of lymphedema in Manitoba continues to be a highlight of mine and to those in the lymphedema community.

The message remains the same each and every year, which is to bring public awareness and education to this condition and the quality of life that affects thousands of Manitobans. Through ongoing education, research and advocacy, there is strong support amongst those within and outside the lymphedema com munity to ensure that attention and change is at the forefront, not only on March 6, but throughout the year. Lymphedema affects over 250 million people worldwide. In Canada, it's estimated that 1.25 million are impacted by lymphedema.

It is a lifelong medical condition caused by buildup of lymph fluids due to a faulty or damaged lymphatic system arising from genetic factors, surgery or accident. Common symptoms include swelling and pain to one's body and to date, there is no known cure, Honourable Speaker. In Manitoba, as we celebrate Lymphedema Awareness Day, I am so proud and humbled by the ongoing work and dedi cation of its staff and board members, volunteers and front -line workers to bring attention to lymphedema every day. * (14:30) I'm also pleased to rise today to honour these individuals and the team at LAM.

To founding directors of Lymphedema Association of Manitoba, Kim Avanthay, Edith Mulhall and Sue Zwarich, as well as current board members Nancy Roswell, Leona Waldner, Craig Harren and Rhonda Sietz. Thank you for the impact and change you bring to this very im - portant and ongoing work. Please join me in welcoming both Craig Harren and Iris Cogger, who are with us today in the gallery. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

488 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 Recognizing Women in Southdale Community Hon. Renée Cable (Minister of Advanced Education and Training): Today, in honour of International Women's Day, I rise to recognize some of the many women who've left an indelible mark on our com - munity. When we explore the history of our neigh- bourhoods, it's evident that women played an integral role in shaping them.

Back when Southdale and Windsor Park lacked some essential services, the Winakwa community club emerged as the heart of social life, providing a space where women could gather, support one another and foster a sense of community. Another notable example was the Cottonwood Beauty Salon. This shop was more than just a place to get a haircut; it was a hub where women could connect, share stories and support each other's ventures. One of our most beloved figures was Mrs. Weide, the Windsor Park librarian. We are joined in the gallery today by her daughter, Penny.

Brenda Weide, a lifelong avid reader, dedicated 24 years to our local library. Her kindness, proper manners and unwavering dedication made her a pillar of our community. Her legacy lives on in the stories and fond memories shared by many, and to this day her children encounter people who remember Mrs. Weide from the library, or the lady with the English accent from the library. Brenda Weide retired in 1993 and passed away in 2013. We also remember Mrs. Fisher, a perennial volun- teer at the community centre, and Darlene Ringer, who served as convener for Tom Thumb hockey at Winakwa and president of the St.

Boniface Warriors football club in the late 1970s. Darlene's outstanding volunteer work was recognized by both Football Manitoba a nd Football Canada. Her contributions were immense, from stitching name tags on uniforms to her many presidential duties. These are just a few of the women who were the backbone of Southdale and Windsor Park, and their legacies continue to inspire us. Today, and every day, let us celebrate the immense contributions of women everywhere. Thank you. I Love to Read Month Mr.

Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): Opening a new book for the first time always feels special, especially when we take the time to read with children and step into worlds beyond our own. As Dr. Seuss says: The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go. This is the power of reading, and for decades, Manitoba communities have celebrated this during I Love to Read Month. Each February, families, teachers and local leaders come together to share stories and support young readers. Books inspire creativity and nurture critical thinking throughout our lives.

As another saying goes: first, we learn to read, and then we read to learn. We keep the I Love to Read tradition alive each year because many young Manitobans struggle with reading. National and international assessments show us that they often fall behind their peers across Canada and the world. This is why it is more im portant than ever to invest in reading education and ensure students have the tools they need for personal growth and success. This starts at home, when families read together and encourage children to put down your phones and pick up a book instead.

The benefits of reading are endless and as a proud parent and even prouder grandparent and a legislator, I have seen how reading changes lives. I encourage every Manitoba family to pick up a new book and read it with their children. The stories we share with them today will be the stories they share with others tomorrow. In fact, this year, I Love to Read month will spill over into March where, tomorrow, I still have the privilege to read to one of the smaller rural schools. Rest assured, although the school is small, the interaction will be epic.

And with the final weeks of winter upon us, I also want to encourage Manitobans to get our, make the most of the rest of the season. Since December solstice, we have gained two and a half hours of daylight. As we approach the spring equinox, we will enjoy even more sun each day. Stay warm, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a good book. Audrey Vail MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): It is my absolute honour and joy to acknowledge an extraordinary Tuxedo constituent today, an amazing woman: Audrey Vail. Her life has the makings of a Hollywood movie.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 489 I cannot do her justice in two minutes, so I encourage you all to look up her documentary, titled Requestfully Yours. I do want to highlight a few pivotal moments that she has shared with me. First, Audrey had been –has been entertaining crowds since her childhood. One of her first public performances happened by chance at the 1937 New York World's Fair. She ended up separated from her parents and made her way onto a stage where she played piano in front of 1,000 people.

(2) Years into her career, one night she was followed by a fan after her performance. She was assaulted by him. The next morning, she went to the police station. Audrey was told she had no case; she would not be helped because she was an entertainer. As a woman entertainer, she was asking for it. When asked how to protect herself, she was advised to carry oven cleaner.

(3) At the age of 50, Audrey went back to school to become a registered nurse. She combined her passion for music and helping people and was an integral part of bringing the music therapy program to St. Boniface Hospital. Audrey loves a big audience, and she continues to perform to this day. And when asked if she had anything to share here, she gave me her favourite quote from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night: music be the food of love, play on. I feel fortunate to have met Audrey and learned her story. She is a strong, confident leader.

She is a powerful woman, and she is joined today by her supportive husband, John Vail. And so please join me in celebrating Audrey Vail, also known as Requestfully Yours. Thank you. * * * Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): On House business. The Speaker: The hon ourable Op position House Leader, on House business House Business Mr.

Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): Honourable Speaker, 'pursurrant'–pursuant to rule 34(8), I'm announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by the hon- ourable member for Midland (Mrs. Stone). The title of the reso lution is Provincial Gov ernment Job-Destroying Payroll Taxes. The Speaker: It has been announced that pursuant to rule 34(8) that the private member's resolu tion to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be the one put forward by the honourable member for Midland.

The title of the resolution is Prov- incial Government Job-Destroying Payroll Taxes. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before we move on to oral questions, there's some guests in the building I would like to introduce. First off, joining us in the loge to my right is–with us–joining us today, is Mr. Brent Blakley, who is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan representing the constituency of Regina Wascana Plains. Mr. Blakley is the guest of the honour able member for Lagimodière (Mr. Blashko). We welcome you here today. Joining us in the public gallery, we have Carla Blakley.

She is the Lutheran bishop of Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces. And we welcome you here today as well. And although these guests may have already been introduced, I'd like to reintroduce them and draw people's attention to the public gallery where we have with us today Audrey Vail, John Vail, Jennette Wright and Barend Otte, who are the guests of the honourable member for Tuxedo (MLA Compton). * (14:40) On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS US Tariffs on Canadian Goods Request for Government Response Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, the Premier stated on numer ous occasions that he's been preparing for 17 months for the Trump administration and his tariffs and anything else that President Trump was going to throw at him. Well, so far today, Hon ourable Speaker, nada, zilch, nothing from this Premier and any action on any plan. Besides no Coors Light, 90- day deferral and

490 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 wrapping himself in a Canadian flag, the Premier have so far kept details of Manitoba's potential plan to tariffs a secret. The Premier has promised to support busi nesses and individuals hurt by tariffs but refuses to tell them how. Will the Premier table his plan to protect con - sumers and businesses from tariffs today? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): A reprieve until April 2 is not good enough. We cannot live as Manitobans with a persistent threat of Donald Trump's tariff tax, and so our countermeasures will remain.

While Donald Trump might be trying to look for an off -ramp and talking about April 2, for the time being American booze will stay off the Liquor Mart shelves. We're standing up for Canada. We're standing up for Manitoba. At the same time, we're standing up for your jobs. And so the tax deferrals will also stay in place. We know that this is an impor tant time for us all to rally together around the flag. Well, almost all of us know that.

While the other members on the opposition benches rally around somebody who said thank you to Donald Trump's tariffs, we are instead rallying around the Maple Leaf, and we're insisting that all threats of tariffs be dropped so that Canada can remain the true north, strong and free, a country we all love. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a secondary question. Manitoba Delegation to Washington Mr. Ewasko: Once again, more fiction coming from this Premier, and it would really be good if the Premier, for a change, would answer some questions.

Premier spent tens of thousands of dollars taking his entourage to Washington. He assured Manitobans that he would get–be getting a face-to-face time with President Trump to discuss tariffs and trade. Other than some TikTok clips, it appears the Premier accomplished little else in Washington. No meeting with the president, no meeting with Vice -President Vance. Local reports noted President Trump basically sent a couple of staffers to meet with our Premier. Within days of the Premier's hastily arranged meetings in Washington, Trump was imposing tariffs.

What exactly did the Premier accomplish other than a few days away? Mr. Kinew: You know, time was members opposite respected Doug Burgum. I seem to remember a former PC premier giving him the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. Seemed like that was a big deal at the time. Well, now that Mr. Burgum is a part of the Trump administration, I thought it was impor tant to take a meeting with him. We had a productive conversation. We talked about baseload power, we talked about energy and we talked about working together across the Canada-US border. On the other side of the House, we have the captains of capitulation.

They have a PC leadership race under way. One candidate full-throatedly endorsed Donald Trump in 2024, and the other candidate said thank you for the tariff threat. Now, it's very clear the PCs cannot be standed – cannot be trusted to stand up for Canada, but we are happy to come to work each and every single day. Today, a new act to buy Canadian. The question for the members opposite: You just left the government benches. Why didn't you ever insist on supporting the Canadian economy by legislating that tax dollars get spent on buying–[interjection] The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Checkmate Government Relations Payments to Public Relations Firm Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Again, Honourable Speaker, no plan, no answers to the questions. The NDP barely spent anything to help promote Manitoba businesses, Honourable Speaker. We know Manitoba companies and entrepreneurs are the best in the world. But the Premier doesn't have the same confidence in Manitoba busi nesses as we do.

He failed to share with Manitobans that his government is helping to pay a Trump-connected lobbying firm called Checkmate Government Relations an eye -watering $120,000 a month to grease the wheels with key players to set up low-level meetings in Washington. NDP is spending more money on this Trump- connected lobbying firm than supporting Manitobans facing economic turmoil. Why is this Premier more interested in investing in Americans than the Manitobans who elected him?

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 491 Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): When the budget comes through, the wonderful, amazing budget gets tabled in this very Chamber, you're going to see what our team is about. We're about building Manitoba. And here's the thing: when we build Manitoba, we buy Canadian every single step of the way. We're building hospitals, emergency rooms; we're building schools; we're building personal-care homes in his own constituency. The only thing that we're tearing down is interprovincial trade barriers, thanks to our amazing Minister for Busi ness, Mining, Trade and Job Creation.

Now, while we're doing all these great things to bring Manitobans together, what are the members oppo- site doing? They're doubling down on division. I'm surprised that he didn't stand up today to begin his statements by apologizing to trans children for the divisive parental rights campaign of 2023. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition on a new question. Manitoba Trade Office in Washington Government Staffing Concerns Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, the question was on the Trump-connected lobbying firm, and of course the Premier is trying to distract from his failings. The Premier decided that our call for the esta - blishment of a permanent trade office in Washington to address the threats of Trump 2.0 was warranted. We appreciate the Premier's endorsement, but remain con- cerned about the Premier's lack of faith in the skill set of Manitobans.

Despite a population of almost 1.5 million people, including world-class entrepreneurs and business lead- ers, the Kinew government has publicly said they are unwilling to hire local. Do as I say, not as I do has become the motto of this Kinew government. Will the Premier commit today to hiring local for the promised trade office, or is he content with hiring another American? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Well, when we're talking about shopping local, we got the billboards up en- couraging Manitobans to do just that. When we want to talk about buying Canadian, we've got legis lation ensuring that's going to happen.

But here's the thing. I want everybody watching– because there's more people in the Chamber right now than are actually watching on YouTube–I want every- one here to pay attention. They closed the DC office. They cut it when they were in govern ment, and now he's trying to pretend as though it was their idea, when they only made the call after I announced it at the State of the Province address for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Here's the thing.

I know it's tough times for the PCs when the chambers and the business councils and the CEOs all line up behind us to build Manitoba, and leave them flailing along with Trump sycophants and people that are still chasing the convoy from years ago. But here's the reality: the world has moved on from COVID. You need to get with the times and stand up with us against Donald Trump. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a secondary question. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, and once again this afternoon, I hope everybody watching today in Manitoba is seeing the fact that the Premier continues to put misinformation on the record. Fact is, there was never, ever an office in the–in Washington for trade, and this Premier stands up, and just because he's yelling and getting applause from his members opposite, he thinks he's correct. Just another bullying tactic by this Premier, Honourable Speaker. The only thing that we know for sure is that the Premier won't commit to hiring a Manitoban to represent Manitoba.

Premier makes bold statements assuring Manitobans that, quote, if Trump is trying to take jobs out of our province, then we have to stand up for ourselves. End quote. Who has Manitobans' backs when it's not just President Trump trying to take jobs out of our province, but our very own Premier, Honourable Speaker? Mr. Kinew: Brian Pallister cut our presence in DC. It was there one day, then they went into Cabinet and it was gone the next. Poof, gone. Just like the aspirations of the member for Fort Whyte (Mr.

Khan) to lead this province after he said thank you to Donald Trump. * (14:50) And it was hilarious to see him run out and say that they needed to add context to those remarks. Here's the context –direct quote from the member of Fort Whyte: So how much of an influence did the 25 per cent tariff threat had on that –bad grammar is his, not mine–I would say a lot, and I would say thank you. I would say thank you. End quote.

492 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 Now, here's the thing. When we look deeper at the context, what becomes clear is this: the member for Fort Whyte is saying thank you to a foreign power for subverting the properly democratically elected leader of our country. That is a betrayal of our demo cracy and a betrayal of our country. If the PCs had a single conservative bone in their body, they would demand that he be bounced out of their leadership contest. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, it seems that the member for Fort Whyte is indeed living rent -free in the Premier's head. Premier said he wants to ban American companies from doing busi ness in Manitoba. [interjection] I know that the Educa tion Minister wants to get up and say something, I'm sure, but I wish that things would get under control here. He said he's going to restrict bids–beds from south of the border. Premier's publicly telling Manitobans to support local, but he's publicly telling Americans to not even bother applying for Manitoba jobs.

But privately, he sends a cheque every month to an American Trump-backed lobbyist and refuses to hire a Manitoban to head his new trade office. The simplest way to show our American neighbours what Manitoba can do is to have a Manitoban do it. Why does the Premier refuse to show confidence in the skills of Manitobans and outsourcing govern - ment right here in Manitoba, Honourable Speaker? Mr. Kinew: You know, they talk about outsourcing. They've outsourced every single original political idea south of the border. They just copy Donald Trump every single day.

The only difference between the ones in the front bench and the ones in the back is that at least the member from Borderland is honest about the fact that he supports Donald Trump. Everyone else in there is, you know, cloak and dagger, still trying to pass some urban progressive cred. And, yes, they all live urbanly. They live in the constituencies of myself and the Minister of Health, every single one of them. Then, of course, the summer barbecue season comes around and oh, hey, we're here for rural Manitoba. No, not true, absolutely not.

We reopen our rural emergency rooms, we fund rural school divisions and we stand up for rural jobs. So what are you waiting for, rural Manitoba? Send more MLAs to our caucus. Development of Manitoba's Natural Resources Government Position in the Wake of US Tariffs Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, this Premier (Mr. Kinew) has shown he has no econo- mic response plan in the wake of tariffs. A photo op is not a plan. Stickers are not a plan. Advertising is not a plan. Despite Trump's delays today, things are still uncertain for Manitobans.

Manitoba businesses know that these economic attacks from the US show a need to harness and unleash our own resources. Unfortunately, we have a Premier who has publicly pledged to oppose resource projects. The international market has shown they have no faith in the NDP. Resource industries have either left or invest ment dollars have gone to other jurisdictions. Will the Premier stand up and admit he was wrong when he signed on as an antibusiness climate activist, and will he denounce the Leap Manifesto he once supported? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, of course, with today's announce ment from the Trump government, we know we continue to face uncertainty, but one thing that we want to say clearly to Manitobans: every single member of this team has your back.

We're fighting for you, and we started right on day one when we were proud to stand in front of that big, beautiful Canadian flag in the front of this building announcing our measure immediately to pro- vide tax deferral relief to busi nesses in Manitoba to give them a little bit of support with managing cash flow and ensuring that they can keep doing the impor- tant work that they do. We've, of course, also taken other actions.

Like the Premier has mentioned, taking US liquor off of our shelves, and we're bringing in buy Canadian legis - lation that will ensure we spend more of our dollars supporting our economy– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a supple- mentary question. Mrs. Stone: The Premier supported the antibusiness Leap Manifesto. He was also quick to sign on to Trudeau's 30-by-30 plan, which actively discourages resource development: 30 per cent less food production, 30 per cent less energy develop ment and 30 per cent less mining production.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 493 We all know Manitoba is full of critical resources. But the Premier is locking them behind red 'teep'–tape with the ongoing threats of Trump's tariffs and our need to develop our own resources. Will the Premier walk away from his commitment to plan 30/30? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House we stand in opposi tion to Trump's tariffs and we stand together on team Canada. Now, that's very different than the members opposite. We know that the member for Borderland (Mr.

Guenter) went on Facebook the day after Trump won his election to celebrate that individual's success after he was talking about bringing crushing tariffs to Canada. We know that one of the individuals running to be the leader of that party celebrated, again, Trump's tariffs in recent interviews where he was discussing and celebrating interference in our democracy here in Canada. On this side of the House we stand for team Canada, we're going to bring people together, fight for one Manitoba, we're going to continue to fight to protect jobs every single day.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: Honourable Speaker, leaders in Canada have stood up and supported energy projects built on self-reliance. Premiers Moe and Smith have been vocal about this. Premier Houston is calling on Quebec to embrace a team Canada approach and support Canadian energy projects. Will the Premier (Mr. Kinew) stand up today and commit to supporting and preapproving all east -to- west pipeline energy projects in Canada?

MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, our team is incred- ibly proud to be building Manitoba, and we an- nounced an affordable energy plan in the fall that will see us commit to developing 600 new megawatts of wind energy in partnership with First Nations here in Manitoba. That stands in contrast to what we saw for seven and a half years, when Manitobans had a government that didn't build one single megawatt over seven years. They didn't do the work; we're doing the work of ensuring that we have the energy to power our busi - nesses long into the future, so we can build a success- ful economy for years to come.

Changes to Canada-US Trade Agreement Financial Support for Agriculture Industry MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, international trade has been a pressing con- cern for agriculture for many years. It is now coming to a head. With the –with agriculture accounting for 43.6 per cent of Manitoba's total expert –or, exports and 46 per cent of that going to the United States, any change in our trade relationships is this –of critical importance. What is the specific dollar value of financial aid that this minister has set aside to support the agri cul- ture industry? Hon.

Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you for the question. There is no doubt agricul- ture is a key component with the tariff proposition that's being proposed. It's very challenging for us, as government, for anybody across Canada, to deal with the roller-coaster President of making decisions today, changing them tomorrow. All I can say is that we, as the Agri culture Minister, and all agriculture ministers, call each other on a daily basis.

In fact, on Friday we are having a meeting with all agriculture ministers and the Federal Agricultural Minister to develop a te mplate to deal with issues, but we're not sure what exactly, based on the way Mr. Trump is operating. But I want to assure– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a supplementary question. Manitoba's Agriculture Trade with the US MLA Bereza: So obviously there's no plan. The hog industry contributes $2.3 billion to Manitoba's GDP. That's about 3 per cent of our total GDP.

With nearly 100 per cent of Manitoba's live hogs heading to the US, any change in that trade scenario will be devastating. A 25 per cent tariff on Manitoba's hog industry would kill that industry very quickly. Why is this minister willing to accept a multi- billion dollar hole in our economy? Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you again for the question. And I want to ensure the critic and members opposite, we in the Agricul ture De partment, we're talking to Mr. Dahl on a regular basis. * (15:00)

494 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 We see the importance of the pork industry. We see the importance of the beef industry. We see the importance of agri culture commodities through out this province and we continue to com municate with them. I don't know what it's going to take to convince members opposite that we are very, very concerned about the situations, and we will continue. We as gov- ernment rely on com municating with all agricul ture producers and regardless we're stuck to their–from the farmland to the proces sors.

And I want to ensure members opposite that we will continue to work together as one team, like– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. Manitoba's Minister of Agriculture Meeting with US Agriculture Representatives MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Man, that sounded like all show and no go. Manitoba's agriculture trade with the US amounts to $4.3 billion annually. This government didn't send its Agriculture Minister on a trade mission to Washington.

He did, however, attend the state agri culture rural leaders conference where he declined to meet with state agri cultural repre sentatives because they had differing political views. Minister, how can you be fighting for Manitoba producers on the international stage when you can't set aside your political ideology? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Well, let me just put something on record that's actual facts, is that it was my privilege to be in Iowa. It was my privilege to be dealing with the national accord–tri-national accord in Washington.

In fact, members opposite, the critic was there at SARL convention with us, and I am not sure whether he intended to neglect to recognize the op portunity that we still believe as–we are one government. Although, I somewhat rely on members opposite to help out the situation, but they tend to want to make daggers to gain some political –again, not us. We are one team. We represent everybody in the province of Manitoba, and the members opposite choose– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Order, please.

I would just remind members when they're asking questions to direct their questions through the Chair and not directly ask someone opposite. Metis, Michif CFS Agencies Inquiry into MGEU Layoffs Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Breaking news that this failed minister of family services tried to hide from Manitoba: under the personal direction of the minister, 65 MGEU workers at the Métis Child and Family Services Author ity and at Michif Child and Family Services. A simple question for the failed minister: Why did she fire these 65 workers, or does she not believe every child matters? Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): The audacity of the member opposite to stand on that side with all of those individuals who actually legis lated the rights away of Indigenous children and lost that, by the way. The audacity of that member to use all children matter in this Chamber when they have such abysmal record on supporting and doing what is in the best interest of children within child welfare. I certainly won't take any lessons from that member. The Speaker: The honourable member for Agassiz, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Byram: Honourable Speaker, the president of MGEU described the minister's actions as, and I quote: these reckless layoffs threaten the safety and protection of at-risk children and youth. Why is this minister threatening the safety and protection of children at risk? MLA Fontaine: Our government takes seriously every- body who works at putting the best interest of children in child welfare ahead of political theatre here that we're seeing. But we also know that agreements are – for workers are best made at the negotiation table.

It's important to know that in Budget 2024, we have supported the CFS system with $420 million. And since I've been in this position for 17 months, I've increased the annual dollars by $33.4 million to child welfare. The Speaker: The honourable member for Agassiz, on a final supplementary question. Ms. Byram: Honourable Speaker, fired workers say these layoffs are clearly, quote, an aggressive bargain- ing tactic designed to intimidate workers.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 495 Why is the minister risking youth just to intimi- date workers? MLA Fontaine: Again, it's–the audacity of members to even get up and ask any questions on child welfare when they legislated the rights of Indigenous children away. But, also, their former boss, Heather Stefanson, would regularly accuse public servants of politics, and I would quote her that that's-where-I-draw-a-line fiasco that she tried to do. But let me just put facts on the record here. We have–are provi ding an additional $11.3 million to agencies' operations.

Allied Health-Care Professionals Possible Strike Action–Impact on Patients Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): More than 7,000 allied health professionals, paramedics, mental health and addictions workers, lab and diagnos tic imaging staff and more are set to strike in less than nine hours. MAHCP told media that a strike could, quote, set Manitoba back for years when you take into consid - eration wait-lists, wait times for surgeries, tests, different types of treatments, different types of assessments and particularly emergency rooms where there's already extremely high wait times.

How does the minister justify sitting on their hands while these critical health -care pro fessionals prepare to strike? And what is their plan to mitigate the impact on patients? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Honourable Speaker, our government has been very clear from day one that it is so impor tant that we get to the bargaining table, employers get to the bargaining table, and negotiate in good faith so that health-care workers can have a fair deal. We've seen a lot of success around that under our administration.

In contrast, on that side of the House, for two terms of a PC gov ernment they froze the wages of health-care workers. They fired hundreds of them. They didn't care about unions or front-line health-care providers for two terms of government. That member doesn't care about unions and she doesn't care about front -line health -care workers. We're going to continue to encourage that those nego- tiations happen in good faith. And all Manitobans can be rest assured there are plans to ensure essential health care is in place. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Cook: A recent MAHCP survey tells a very different story than what the minister is putting on the record today. In that survey, 48 per cent of members reported staff losses in their de partments in 2024; 59 per cent said morale had plummeted in the last year; and 62 per cent saw their workload increase. As the MAHCP president put it in their media release on the strike, quote–[interjection] The Premier (Mr. Kinew) may think this is hilarious but it's not going to be funny in about nine hours when 7,000 health- care workers go on strike. So I'd en- courage him to stop jeering and pay attention.

MAHCP said, quote, the over whelming strike mandate is another sign that the situation on the front line is not improving. He also said, quote, trust with this current government has been profoundly lost– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, we value front-line health-care workers, why–which is why our government has ensured that employers are at the bargaining table negotiating in good faith. We've suc- cessfully seen collective bargaining agree ments that benefit wor kers take place and we're encouraging folks to stay at the table to get this done.

On that side of the House, they froze health- care workers' wages, allied health-care worker wages, for two terms of govern ment. They created an environ- ment of moral distress and despair on the front lines. We're doing the work of cleaning up the mess and the damage that they created. That member has less than zero credibility on this file. And she supports the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan) who wants to privatize health care and fire health-care workers. Let her stand in her place and explain that. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a final supplementary question.

Hospitals in Winnipeg Staffing Level Concerns Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Once again, the facts put a very different–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mrs. Cook: –story than what this minister is putting on the record.

496 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 FIPPA documents obtained by our caucus reveal the reality of allied health vacancies in Winnipeg. As of October 2024, Grace Hospital had a staggering 41.7 per cent vacancy rate for allied health pro fes- sionals, one of the worst in the province. MAHCP has repeatedly warned that a lack of allied health profes- sionals leads to serious complications for patient care.

And right now there are more than 1,000 allied health vacancies across Manitoba. * (15:10) Despite these alarming numbers, the NDP has no plan to retain health -care workers in Manitoba, and unions say they're not seeing the hires that this minister claims to have made. Why is the minister refusing to address this staffing crisis in Winnipeg hospitals? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Honourable Speaker, our government has hired a net new 1,255 health- care workers on the front lines. Our gov ernment is listen- ing to the front lines.

We've seen several col lectively bargained agreements at the table. We're encouraging folks to stay there. On that side of the House, I know it's difficult for that member to stand up and take accountability for the damage that was done to health care. On this side of the House, we don't run away from challenges; we face them head -on. We make invest - ments on the front lines. We listen to front-line health- care workers. On that side of the House, that member wants to privatize health care. That member supports members on that side of the House who want an American-style health-care system.

On this side of the House, we are team Canada. We are team health care. We'll take no lessons– The Speaker: Time has expired. Allied Health-Care Professionals Possible Strike Action MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I have been hearing from my constituents in Tyndall Park that almost 7,000 publicly employed allied health pro- fessionals represented by the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals are fighting for a competitive contract. Allied health professionals here in Manitoba are committed to delivering front- line quality care to Manitobans every day.

They are problem solvers and innovators who continue to dedicate so much to our province. Why is this government choosing to risk a strike instead of prioritizing health-care workers in Manitoba? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I thank the member for that really important question. I want to reassure Manitobans that there are essen- tial service agreements in place to ensure that critical and essential care is provided.

But I also want to be clear that our govern ment has continued and will continue to be supporting employers to be at the negotiating table so that col - lectively bargained agreements can be in place. We've successfully seen that happen and we're encouraging the same outcome in this situation. I understand as the Health Minister that after two terms of a previous PC government, health-care workers are frustrated. They had their wages frozen for two terms of a Conservative gov ernment that didn't care about them. We're working to change the impacts of that.

We're going to keep listening to them and pushing for a good outcome in terms of collectively bargained agreements in this case. MLA Lamoureux: Allied health pro fessionals are integral for our health-care system. They increase the accessibility of care, they help patients to heal and regain mobility. They promote mental wellness and healthy lifestyles. They provide support for Indigenous patients who are in locations outside of their home community and they provide invaluable work in emergency rooms and other front-line areas.

Yet, Honourable Speaker, even after this govern- ment promised that they had a plan to help, support for health care continues to decline. Why does it appear, then, that no action has been taken to avert a strike, which could happen as early as tomorrow? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I can assure that member that work is happening. We know that parties are at the negotiating table working very hard to have a positive outcome to this process. As a government, we've made significant invest- ments.

Beyond the 1,255 net new health-care workers, we've made sure that we have seven -day-a-week allied health -care pro fessional support across the

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 497 health-care system so they have more flexibility on the front lines, better work- life balance and can pro - vide care at the bedside of Manitobans. Again, after two terms of a PC govern ment that disrespected them, didn't engage, fired folks from the front lines, we know we have a lot of work to do. But we're going to continue to do that work to the benefit of all Manitobans. MLA Lamoureux: And I do ap preciate the remarks from our Health Minister.

But members of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Pro fessionals, they include paramedics, respiratory therapists, speech language pathologists, physiotherapists, social workers, lab technologists, perfusionists. They're all part of 40 specialized allied health professionals. Can the minister please share with us what work is happening specifically with the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals? MLA Asagwara: Again, I would reassure that member that parties are at the table.

We know that their teams are there com municating, and we're all encouraging folks to stay at the table and to come an agreement the workers will be satisfied with. You know, and I say this as somebody who worked on the front lines as a nurse, shoulder to shoulder with allied health-care professionals. We have a tremendous amount of respect for them. We know the value they bring to the bedside of Manitobans, which is why we've made investments to add more to the front lines, to continue to listen to them and to make sure they have a better work-life balance.

We're going to continue to support these pro- cesses moving forward and, quite frankly, do the work of repairing the damage– The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –that was done over two terms of a failed PC gov ernment that didn't care about health - care workers then and certainly doesn't care about them now. Buy Canadian Initiative Promotion of Local Business MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): Honourable Speaker, members opposite are fighting for Donald Trump and Donald Trump's tariffs. The MLA for Borderland fantasizes about becoming the 51st state so he can live under Donald Trump.

And members opposite clap when they're told about Trump's election interference in Canadian politics as part of his efforts to annex us. And the MLA for Fort Whyte recently said: I would like to say thank you to Trump. But while members opposite support Trump and his tariffs, this gov ernment is supporting Manitoba businesses. Can the Premier tell this House what we're doing to promote local businesses? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): It's been great to see Canadians stopping in the aisles of the grocery stores, in Costcos and markets to check where products are made.

This feeling of Canadian pride is really, really amazing. It's impor tant for us to ensure that young people, that people of all ages –seniors–have the sup- port that they need at this time. We've got a remarkable plan to support local busi- nesses. We're deferring taxes for tariff -exposed in- dustries and, of course, we're pushing back against the US by removing alcohol from that country from the Liquor Mart shelves. On the other side of the House, what do they want to do? Each of them is racing to be Donald Trump's No. 1 cheerleader in Canada, in Manitoba.

For us, you know, that was the choice that the US made; the choice that we made was to come together as Canadians. And while they may want to be the sellouts that they've always been and will be forevermore, we'll always stand up for you, the hard- working people of Manitoba. We'll always stand up for Canada. Constituent with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Health Minister's Letter to Canada Drug Agency Mr. Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): After months of advocacy and public outcry, the Health Minister finally met with Jeremy Bray and his family on January 21.

The day before, the minister announced that they had sent a letter to the Canada Drug Agency to ask them to review their recommen dations for people–for treatment for people suffering from SMA. That was six weeks ago. Has the CDA responded to the minister's letter? And if so, what was the response? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): First, I want to thank Mr. Bray and his family and advocate for the oppor - tunity to sit down and have a conver sation; it was

498 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 really impactful to hear his story and lived experience directly from him. Our government did send that letter to the CDA, and we've been actively engaged daily–sometimes multiple times a day–working with them to find a path forward. And we've been com municating regularly with Mr. Bray and keeping him up to speed. The Speaker: The honour able member for Spruce Woods on a second–supplementary question. Mr. Jackson: What the minister just put on the record is patently false.

Jeremy Bray and his family had not received a call from the minister or their office for five and a half weeks, until the Brandon Sun approached them for comment on a story, just this past Friday. That's the first contact that they had from this minister or their office since the meeting in January, so that is patently false. Why is this minister misleading Manitobans? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, respectfully to that member, what he's put on the record is just entirely untrue. Our priority as a government and as a minister– The Speaker: Order, please.

I'd just remind the member that suggesting that something is entirely untrue would be unparliamentary. * (15:20) MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, the member opposite may not be apprised of the hard work that our team is doing every single day to address the concerns brought forward by Mr. Bray. I can assure him that we are in contact with Mr. Bray and his family, providing them updates as we do this work. I will also state that it is a shame that, while I met with Mr. Bray and his family, when he brought this concern forward under the previous government, they never met. They never responded. They only said no.

Fundamentally different than our approach, Honour - able Speaker. We'll continue to work directly with Mr. Bray and his family, unlike the failed previous government. The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. And I would caution all members on both sides to be a little more cautious with the language they use. There's several instances today that were very close to crossing the line, and I will be keeping a closer eye on it in the future and calling you if you're getting even close to that line in the future. Petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, will you call for a debate, the re- appointment of the Manitoba Ombudsman, followed by resume of the government resolution. The Speaker: Been announced by the honour able Government House Leader that we will debate the government reso lution on the appoint ment of the Ombudsman, followed by resumed debate on the gov- ernment reso lution, Manitoba is stronger together against Donald Trump's tariff tax threats. GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION Reappointment of the Manitoba Ombudsman Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (MLA Sala),

WHEREAS the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs recommends to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba that Jill Perron be re -appointed as the Manitoba Ombudsman. THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to subsections 2(1), 2(1.1) and 4(1) of The Ombudsman Act, Jill Perron will be re -appointed as the Manitoba Ombudsman. Motion presented. The Speaker: There any debate? Seeing none, is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Speaker: The question before the House is the resolution reappointing Jill Perron as the Manitoba Ombudsman. All in favour? Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed.

DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION Manitoba is Stronger Standing Together Against Donald Trump's Tariff Tax and Threats The Speaker: We will now resume debate on the gov- ernment resolution as announced earlier.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 499 Standing in the name of the honour able member for Midland, who has 27 minutes remaining. Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I'd like to start off my remarks today by saying, as I have been saying for three months, that I am against the US tariffs on Canadian goods. The free market is critical to our success as a country, and protec tionist policies distorts the open market. This has been proven time and time and time again. It has been a disappointing week as decades of friendship and economic ties have been damaged.

I've had the opportunity throughout my career to work in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, and I know first -hand the devastating effects that these tariffs will have on Manitoba's economy. Today, these tariffs are hitting my family, my neighbour s and my friends who own businesses in these sectors and farm and produce Manitoba's food. These are industries that are being directly hit. These are industries that my constituency is heavily reliant on. Our constituencies on this side of the House are being directly hit: manufacturing, agriculture, energy.

And this is why we have been pressing for an all-party committee to respond and develop solutions. For months, we have been calling on this NDP government for a plan. They responded that they do not operate in hypotheticals, but now, this is reality. There is no more hiding from it. Although Trump gave us a delay, things continue to remain uncertain. People are frustrated. They're angry. And times are uncertain. We could be living this for another two weeks. We could be living this for two years.

We must come together as a country and a province to stand up for industries, busi nesses and Manitobans who will be impacted in one way or another by these tariffs. Mr. Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair But standing up for Manitobans requires more than just a photo op outside of the Manitoba Legislature. It requires more than just words. It requires a plan, and it requires action. And I'm not referring to short-term delay tactics. I'm calling for meaningful solutions that will unleash our economic potential for Manitoba and create a competitive busi ness environment for Manitobans to flourish.

Unfortunately, NDP and Liberal gov ernments in Canada and Manitoba have created an anti-competitive climate through high taxation and protections against land development and energy development that have limited our potential in this province. The NDP are clearly caught between their own ideology and reality, and the reality is that it's time for the NDP to quit their anti-business rhetoric. The NDP and the Premier (Mr. Kinew) supported the Leap Manifesto.

The Premier supported Trudeau's 30-by-30 plan, taking 30 per cent out of food production, 30 per cent out of energy production, 30 per cent out of 'minmor' –mineral exploration. And the Premier refused to stand up today and commit to supporting and preapproving an east-west energy pipeline project to ensure energy independence here in Manitoba. The NDP should immediately eliminate the pay- roll tax for businesses. This is a job-killing tax. It is an NDP-created tax that penalizes companies that hire more Manitobans. This is a labour tax; this is a job tax and this is a company tax here in Manitoba.

They've put it under the guise of health a nd education, but in reality, it just goes into general revenue of the –at the expense of employers and employees and busi nesses here in Manitoba. Manitoba continues to have the highest payroll tax in Canada –4.3 per cent on busi - nesses with payroll over $1.5 million. This is a huge slap on our current operating busi nesses in Manitoba and deters any investment and future business growth in the province. The NDP should also slash income taxes and eliminate education property taxes.

Last year, we saw this NDP gov ernment irresponsibly increase income taxes on Manitobans and increase education property taxes. This is the exact opposite of what governments in this country should be doing right now to ensure and encourage affordability and foster economic growth in this province. They are literally taxing out– us out of competition with other jurisdictions. The NDP should also immediately remove carbon tax on home heating. Manitoba does not have a choice–Manitobans do not have a choice in how they heat their homes.

The carbon tax is set to rise in a few weeks, costing Manitoba households hundreds of dollars. And now I want to speak to our reliance on foreign markets and interprovincial trade barriers. Our reliance on foreign markets has grown significantly over the years, where it's often cheaper to import goods and products half a world away by sea, rail or truck than it is to domestically produce here in our own province and country.

500 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 There are more restrictions on interprovincial trade than intercontinental, differing environmental regula- tions, licensing, certification, labour mobility, trucking, health and safety, among a host of others. These barriers increase costs to Manitobans and they in- crease costs to businesses. * (15:30) This is a problem, and this is exactly why Canada is in the challenge that it is in. The Canadian Federation of Independent Busi ness has stated that removing these barriers could boost the economy by $200 billion annually.

Labour mobility is one of Manitoba's weakest barriers, and Manitoba has the most to gain, and there's opportunity to streamline the certification and licensing requirements to attract labour from other provinces into Manitoba. Further to this, the NDP should immediately repeal their Labour laws that trample workers' rights and deters business gross and–business growth and invest- ment here in Manitoba. As I spoke about earlier today, the NDP needs to put their ideology aside and remove protectionist land policies that deter investment and unleashing Manitoba's economic potential.

In the last year, Manitoba has dropped to next in last in Canada for dollars devoted to mining and energy and forestry projects. As I said, the NDP supported the Leap Manifesto. They proudly supported Trudeau's 30- by-30 plan. This deters invest ment in Manitoba and hangs a closed-for-business sign on our province. This–these policies–these protectionist policies – limit our ability to unleash our own potential here in Manitoba, and I'm calling on the Premier (Mr.

Kinew) to commit to supporting and improving all east -west pipeline energy projects here in Manitoba and across the country to ensure that we have Canadian energy independence. And I still have not received an answer to that question. Over the past few months, economists have indicated a 25 per cent blanket tariff will result in zero economic growth in Canada, with higher inflation. This, in turn, is going to put pressure on our already- struggling Canadian dollar.

We all saw this week as our dollar has dipped to near -22-year lows, and this has been happening since November, while stocks tumbled in response to these tariffs. We are all feeling the pain this week. The weakened Canadian dollar will increase im - port costs, raising prices that Canadian households pay for the goods from the US and other countries. This pushes us further into the negative. Costs of living, weaker em ployment, inflation and a weaker dollar will all negatively impact Manitobans. And what we have seen is weak leadership. We've seen weak leadership at the prov incial level.

It's a good thing that Canada has Premier Ford and Premier Smith standing up for Canada, because this Premier is so out of his league on this topic. Canada is an easy target for Trump because of weak leadership, provincially here in Manitoba and federally. The Trudeau Liberals, which have been propped up by the NDP, have deteriorated Canada's strength and position on the global stage. We do need a team Canada approach, where all the premiers are singing the same tune; but we also need a team Manitoba approach, as these tariffs will impact all Manitobans from every corner of the province.

I've already spoken to the impacts that this is going to have on my constituency. Many of my colleagues on this side of the House all have these industries that are directly being hit and impacted today. My family, my friends, my neighbours are dealing with this: these costs that increased yesterday and this week. This is a direct impact to us, and our constituencies are suffering as a result, and this NDP continues to laugh and jeer and not take this issue seriously, when we are the ones –we are hearing this, we are seeing this, and we are feeling this in our con- stituencies on this side of the House.

We do need an all-party committee, because this Premier and this NDP gov ernment have shown that they are out of the–their league on this topic. He nods along with whatever Premier Ford and Premier Smith said, and as I mentioned, it's a good thing they're the ones speaking for Canada and not this Premier in Manitoba. Any negotiations with the Trump administration that will impact our prov incial industries should be consulted on with all members of this House to ensure that all corners and all areas of this House are well represented. So we do–we need to come together as legislators.

We need to consult with key impacted stake holders and come up with a meaningful economic response plan. As I mentioned, advertisements, photo ops, stickers–that is not a meaningful economic response plan. We need to start unleashing Manitoba's potential.

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 501 We need to start ensuring that these land protectionist policies and NDP ideology that is hindering invest - ment here in Manitoba is stopped, and we need to encourage investment and job growth in this province while ensuring independence in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and stop our reliance on foreign markets. So, with that, I will conclude my remarks, and thank you, Honourable Speaker, for–Deputy Speaker, for giving me the oppor tunity to put a few words on the record today. Thank you. Hon.

Nellie Kennedy (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism): Thank you, honourable assist- ant Deputy Speaker. I–Deputy Speaker; I apologize. It gives me pleasure to rise today to speak to this issue. Certainly, you know, I appreciate members oppo- site and their opinion on how our Premier and our gov- ernment are handling these enormous tariffs that President Trump is imposing on Canada. And what I would say is: It's just an opinion.

Our Premier has done an incredible job of deciding and figuring, with the leaders–the other first ministers in Canada–along with the Prime Minister, about how to respond to the threat of tariffs. And now tariffs–and now I think there's a reprieve again, today, for 30 days. The plan is clear, is that we stand up for Manitobans. We work together, we ensure that people–their jobs–are protected, that we address issues with regards to industries and where tariffs may have the most impact. We have a solid plan and a strategy moving forward and we're releasing informa- tion practically on a daily basis.

So, the members opposite can stay tuned for all of the plans that we have come up with as a government. I appreciate this idea of all-party sort of situation, but really, at this point, I'd like to ask the members opposite: Did that happen when the pa ndemic was happening? Like, you came up with a lot of things on your own and that's not the way it works. Our government has a plan to deal with tariffs, and thank goodness the NDP are in power under the great leadership of our Premier, Wab Kinew. And I just can't imagine where Manitoba would be right now–oh, sorry.

The Deputy Speaker: Unfortunately, you can only refer to members by their con stituency or their portfolio. MLA Kennedy: Thank you, I appre ciate that. My apologies. I will continue on my point, though: Thank goodness that–for Manitobans that the NDP govern - ment, along with–under the leadership of our Premier (Mr. Kinew), are at the helm and being the ones who are in charge of producing a strategy to deal with Trump's threats of tariffs and his ridiculous language of annexing Canada and making it the 51st state. I can't imagine what would be happening if the PC gov- ernment was in power.

So I am thankful and I know that our Premier and our Cabinet team and our caucus team are up to the task to ensuring that we stand together as Manitobans and that we have a plan moving forward with regards to addressing these tariffs. Now I want to take a moment and talk about my portfolio specifically, which is Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. So I know a lot of Manitobans, it's causing a lot of stress. People are asking: What can we do? It is a roller -coaster ride going up and down, up and down, with regards to whether Trump will or won't or if he stops or walks it back with the tariffs.

And a lot of people want to feel, like: What can I do? How can I take control of this situation? And so we see the efforts of our gov ernment encouraging people to buy local, to buy products made in Canada, which is incredibly important. And people have really stepped up in this regard. The patriotic pride that Canadians are feeling with regards to threats that our country would become a 51st state fills me with great pride. * (15:40) And so a part of buying local, supporting local, is also travelling local.

Tourism is an in credibly impor- tant part of our economy in Manitoba, and we have thousands upon thousands of jobs that the tourism industry supports. And while we continue to welcome our American brothers and sisters and folks from across the border to visit our beautiful province, we would encourage that Manitobans, instead of, you know, travelling to the United States or wherever they may take their next vacation, that they stay within Manitoba or within Canada and explore what we have to offer here right at home.

There are some in credible places that you can visit in Manitoba where you can be a tourist in your own province. I know for myself, in the summer

502 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 6, 2025 especially, I love to get out to our provincial parks. There are many camping op portunities available throughout our province to be in the outdoors–fishing and, you know, if you're into hunting. There's an enormous amount to do, whether it's boating or –I could go on forever. We have in credible tour operators within our province. And in the winter, of course, there's lots of other things to do. There's groomed trails that are just incredible. You know, you can cross -country ski, there's snowmobiling, snowshoeing and there' s so many things to do.

So what I would say is, you know, people are asking what can they do to take control and, you know, make a difference with regards to this scenario, and I would put that to them that Manitobans, you know, stick around home and in our province and explore what our province has to offer. Certainly, I think what's–something I would like to really maybe shift gears a little bit here is to talk about Canadian values. So for myself, I was born and raised in Canada, here in Manitoba in the Interlake, and I've lived here all my life. And I've always been a very proud Canadian and a very proud Manitoban.

And so when I see things like Donald Trump coming and, you know, saying things like he's going to absorb Canada, the US is going to absorb Canada, we're going to become the 51st state, what I would–it really does elicit such a sense of pride–national pride in me. And so the way I came to be is, you know, a person who is a part of this country and such a proud Canadian and Manitoban is, you know, my paternal grandparents moved here.

They first moved from Lebanon and Syria to Crookston, Minnesota , in the early 1900s, and they lived there for, I think, three or four years–I might get that wrong, but in and around that time. And they were invited to move to Canada on the homesteaders act. And so they decided that they would do this. They moved to the Interlake. They were invited to be there. They became landowners.

This country afforded them the oppor tunity to become farmers, to become landowners and to settle in a place that was unfamiliar to them, but a place that they immediately loved and became a part of the com munity and were proud Canadians for their entire –and Manitobans. They never left Manitoba. And my father and his siblings were born in the Interlake and lived there. All eight siblings lived there. They were proud fa rmers. They contributed to this province's economy and many remained throughout their many years. And my mother was born and raised in Lebanon, and she moved here in her early twenties.

My mom has lived in Manitoba and Canada for 50 years and she is proudly Canadian. I remember her taking her citizenship exam and being so proud of her and her being very thrilled. It's a great memory as a child, and she's proudly been Canadian. The opportunities afforded to me as a woman, an Arab woman, from the decisions that my grandparents made and my mother made to make Manitoba and Canada their home, is in credible. I've had wonderful opportunities afforded to me by this country. I have pursued higher education. I have the freedom to choose how I want to live my life.

I have the freedom to choose who I love, and we all as Canadians have these basic human rights and freedoms that our country provides to us. And that is not the case throughout the world. And I will say even further to that, with Trump, you know, as the president in the United States currently, he's certainly–like, this is startling, the fascism that is occurring, and the way this person has systematically signed away human rights for people in the United States is startling. And so we have people who were looking to move to Canada because of this, people who aren't recognized as the gender that they identify as.

How can that be when it's just across the border? But it is. And it's terrifying. So what I would say is I am truly proudly Canadian and I would put to folks that the basic human rights and individual freedoms that we enjoy here need to be protected. We cannot be absorbed by the United States. We cannot become the 51st state. And I would have to argue with whatever figure the member from Borderland brought up yesterday. It just seems like truly unbelievable that 43 per cent, or whatever the case was, of people in his age group would rather be –like, I just–I don't even understan d that.

The sense of Canadian pride in what people –the responses that we have seen from folks is over - whelming; it is over whelming. And so how do we protect against this with the tariffs that Trump con - tinually threatens, takes back, threatens, takes back? And what I would say is, is that people need to ensure that they recog nize just how serious this is

March 6, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 503 because which–what Trump is proposing to do under the veil of tariffs, or whatever the case, is to just simply take Canada over. We have our critical minerals here, which I'm sure is some thing that the president wants. And we need to ensure that we are not falling for this fentanyl business that the president says is an issue. I mean, these are all, you kno

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-22b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 22b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	61aa46e5948f2e1b6920cf901f69601ece1c73ce

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