Manitoba Hansard — 19 November 2015 (Sitting 4, 40th Legislature, 5th Session)

40-5-4

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fifth Session - Fortieth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Daryl Reid Speaker Vol. LXVIII No. 4 - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2015 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Fortieth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLAN, Nancy St. Vital NDP ALLUM, James, Hon. Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thompson NDP BLADY, Sharon, Hon. Kirkfield Park NDP BRAUN, Erna, Hon. Rossmere NDP BRIESE, Stuart Agassiz PC CALDWELL, Drew, Hon. Brandon East NDP CHIEF, Kevin, Hon. Point Douglas NDP CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan NDP CROTHERS, Deanne, Hon. St. James NDP CULLEN, Cliff Spruce Woods PC DEWAR, Greg, Hon.

Selkirk NDP DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FRIESEN, Cameron Morden-Winkler PC GAUDREAU, Dave St. Norbert NDP GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Liberal GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Cliff Emerson PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC HOWARD, Jennifer Fort Rouge NDP IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri, Hon. Fort Richmond NDP JHA, Bidhu Radisson NDP KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Swan River NDP LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas NDP LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. Dawson Trail NDP MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St. Johns NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor, Hon.

Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MARTIN, Shannon Morris PC MELNICK, Christine Riel NDP MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East PC NEVAKSHONOFF, Thomas, Hon. Interlake NDP OSWALD, Theresa Seine River NDP PALLISTER, Brian Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PETTERSEN, Clarence Flin Flon NDP PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REID, Daryl, Hon. Transcona NDP ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Kewatinook NDP RONDEAU, Jim Assiniboia NDP ROWAT, Leanne Riding Mountain PC SARAN, Mohinder, Hon. The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron St. Paul PC SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St.

Boniface NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STRUTHERS, Stan Dauphin NDP SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WIGHT, Melanie, Hon. Burrows NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC Vacant Gimli – Vacant Southdale –

93 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, November 19, 2015 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to fram e such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perf ectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. Hon.

Drew Caldwell (Minister of Municipal Government): Mr. Speaker, I rise in the Legislature at my first opportunity to a ddress a matter of privilege that was raised yesterday in the Chamber during my absence to attend the funeral of a friend in Brandon. I wish to state that I made a generalized comment in the Chamber on Tuesday, which many members do from time to time in the heat of the moment, for which I apologize to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: I thank the honourable minister for the apology, and I think that should resolve the matter. Thank the minister for that. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Mr.

Speaker: Now move on to routine proceedings. Introduction of bills? Seeing no bills, we'll move on to committee reports. Tabling of reports? Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Jocelyn House Hospice Ms. Nancy Allan (St. Vital): Mr. Speaker, losing a child h as to be one of the hardest things anyone could be put through. But Bill and Miriam Hutton saw an opportunity to channel their grief into a way to help others. I knew I was going to do this. When their 17- year-old daughter Jocelyn died from bone cancer, t hey were inspired by her wish to spend her final days at home surrounded by their loved ones.

The Huttons decided to turn their St. Vital home into a hospice with a homelike environment for terminally ill Manitobans. They named it for Jocelyn. And as of this October, Jocelyn House Hospice has been offering warm, homelike support and progressive palliative care for 30 years. Bill Hutton established a strong foundation for the hospice by registering and incorporating Jocelyn House as well as leading the early fundraising efforts. Jocelyn House has now become a symbol of care in the community.

That's why I was so pleased to hear that Bill Hutton was one of the recipients of this year's Manitoba heroes awards. These awards are a chance for Manitobans to recognize the extraordinary things everyday people do without thought of reward for themselves. Bill fits this description perfectly and is ten - aciously committed to improving the world around him.

He's an ordained Anglican minister, worked as a school guida nce counsellor, advocated for dis - placed children in war -torn Yugoslavia and has been a lifelong supporter of the arts, most recently creating a Rene Highway Scholarship for students with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. This week our provincial government announced they will be creating new hospice beds in partnership with Jocelyn House. This is wonderful news. To all the staff of Jocelyn House, thank you for your continued commitment to adding life to a patient's final days. Thank you to the Huttons for their incredible generosity many years ago.

And congratulations, Bill, on being named a hero. We wish you the best in the future. Bernard W. Hayward Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, today I honour the memory of Springfield's own Flight Lieutenant Bernard W. Hayward. On September 3rd, 1939, the night Britain entered World War II, Bernard flew over Europe, dropping leaflets warning residents of the conflict to come. Seven months later Bernard's bomber was shot down over Denmark. Bernard was taken t o the

94 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 prisoner-of-war camp Stalag Luft III where he was registered as POW No. 204. This prison camp was immortalized in the 1963 Steve McQueen movie The Great Escape. Bernard and over 600 POWs took

part in this dangerous construction and concealment of three escape tunnels dubbed Tom, Dick and Harry. Flight Lieutenant Bernard W. Hayward and his fellow POWs managed to hide and steal 1,219 knives, 478 spoons, 582 forks, 1,400 cans and over 4,000 bed boards for the construction of the tunnels. On March 24t h, 1944, 76 men escaped before the 77th was spotted. Seventy -three escapees were recaptured; 50 were executed in violation of the Geneva Conventions.

Bernard survived Stalag Luft III, and after returning home, marrying Beth Kennedy in 1946, Bernard return ed to farming and the couple raised four children, two of whom, Gladys Hayward Williams and John Hayward, join us in the gallery today. Flight Lieutenant Bernard W. Hayward, a father, husband and hero, passed away on November 3rd, 2007, at the age of 95. Canada will never forget you, Flight Lieutenant Bernard W. Hayward. Futurpreneur Canada Hon. Erna Braun (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Mr. Speaker, this week is Global Entrepreneurship Week.

This is a wonderful oppor - tunity to recognize our community's entrepreneurs who fuel our local economy and create good jobs in our province. This year, Futurpreneur Canada is hosting local events that help entrepreneurs access the tools to become self-starters and innovators. I am pleased to welcome representatives from Futurpreneur Canada, as well as representatives from one of our province's many successful businesses, Retail Management Systems Limited, to the House today. Futurpreneur Canada provides loans to young Canadians who are seeking to start full -time businesses.

They help assess candidates' business plans and provide support. They recently extended their funding to provide resources for northern and rural Manitobans that will help them build their businesses. Organizations like Futurpreneur Canada are making the young entrepreneurs of today the business leaders of tomorrow. These young people will create the jobs that keep our Manitoba economy strong. Rene Cyr, president of Winnipeg- based Retail Management Systems in northeast Winnipeg, started the small company in 1998.

When creating his business plan, Rene had a choice: follow a formula that prescribes structure or make your own rules that allow for individuality and flexibility. * (13:40) Rene opted to take th e load–road less travelled and created a very unique technology company. At his company, people are responsible for customer service, rather than machines, and team spirit with an honest dedication to their customers' needs defines his company's workplace culture. Rene has since become a voice of authority in the retail management sector.

His experience as an entrepreneur taught him an important element of success: that with sheer determination, you will succeed. During Global Entrepreneurship Week, Futurpreneur Canada is spotlighting our young people's entrepreneurial spirit and providing the resources they need to transform their ideas into companies like Rene Cyr's. Thank you, Rene, for your hard work and example, and good luck to all our young entre - preneurs in their future endeavours. Louis Tanguay Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): Mr.

Speaker, it's my pleasure to draw the attention of this House to Louis Tanguay, who was recently named the Winkler Community Foundation's Citizen of the Year at the Winkler foundation fall Citizen of the Year Banquet. Louis is a long- time resident of Winkler whose diligent volunteer efforts have led to his success on a number of high- profile events in the community and throughout southern Manitoba. Louis's most rece nt role was as co -chair for the 2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts held in Winkler in January of 2015.

His efforts along with his volunteer crew allowed the organizing committee at the end of that venture to donate almost $50,000 to area organizations. D ue to the success of the Scotties, Louis was subsequently named CurlManitoba's Volunteer of the Year for 2014-15.

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 95 Louis has been involved in numerous other activities including the 2014 Manitoba Games held in Morden, the RM of Stanley and Winkler. The end result of that event was a $70,000 donation to both the Winkler Community Foundation and the Morden Area Foundation. Over the past years, Louis has been involved in many other roles. He has served on the Winkler Curling Club board, on the Winkler Cham ber of Commerce, as a church board member, as well as a coach of area sports teams.

Without the contributions of people like Louis many of the events enjoyed by people in southern Manitoba would not be possible. The events leave lasting legacies, and wit hout tireless volunteers like Louis they wouldn't be possible. Louis recognizes the importance of teamwork to any organization, unlike today's NDP, which has been unwilling to work co- operatively with so many Manitoba groups, including the AMM, business community, tourism, women's shelters, the Jockey Club, not to mention taxpayers and businesses being shut out of Saskatchewan tendering opportunities.

I welcome–or I –it is my pleasure to recognize Louis Tanguay for his hard work as he continues with his e fforts. With that kind of passion, those around him will be inspired to contribute to their community with the same kind of dedication. I wish him all the best in future undertakings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Meet Me at the Bell Tower Hon. Melanie Wight (Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities ): Mr. Speaker, when you represent a constituency in the North End, as the member from Point Douglas and I do, you get to meet people who, instead of seeing barriers and challenges, see potential and possibility.

Tomorrow will mark a special day in the North End as we celebrate the fourth anniversary of Meet Me at the Bell Tower. Our young leaders started the bell tower rally as a way to speak out and demand an end to violence in the community. Every Friday at 6 p.m., people come together at the bell tower at Selkirk and Powers. People of all ages and different backgrounds gather to discuss community issues and to make the North End a better and safer place to live. For four years, the bell has rung for change and to celebrate the North End uniting together.

These people are proud of who they are, proud of where they come from and proud to give back. They know it is important that we take the time to share our stories of success. They are creating opportunities to find more common ground and build more understanding, understanding that leads to the kind of co -operation needed to strengthen our city for everyone. Thanks to the bell tower rally, the North End and our city for growing a bit stronger every Friday.

Today I would like to acknowledge some of the Aboriginal Youth Opportunities who help make the bell tower rally happen: Michael Champagne, Gracie Lou, Jenna Wirch, Markus Head, Lenard Monkman, and Chris Clacio. These young role models inspire our future leaders and bring hope to our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House to join me in congratulating the members of Meet Me at the Bell Tower on their fourth anniversary. Thank you. Mr. Speaker: That concludes members' statements. Introduction of Guests Mr. Speaker: And just prior to oral questions I have a number of guests to introduce.

First, seated in the Speaker's Gallery, we have with us today Mr. David Warner, the former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the current vice-president of the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians. On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you here today, Sir. And also seated in the public gallery we have with us today Gladys Hayward Williams, Peter Williams, John Hayward, Louis e Garbutt and Dr. Cindy Pachal, who are the guests of the honourable member for St. Paul (Mr. Schuler).

And also seated in the public gallery we have with us today from Jocelyn House Hospice and the Jocelyn Hutton Foundation, Bill, John and Kelsey Hutton, Jackie Stephen, Colleen O'Rourke, Doris Smith, Rose Marie Reimer, Sister Jo -Ann Duggan, Cheryl Mazur and Tracy McMahon, who are the guests of the honourable member for St. Vital (Ms. Allan).

96 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 And also seated in the public gallery today we have with us fro m Tec Voc vocational high school, we have 45 grade 9 students under the direction of Frank Harms, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Minto (Mr. Swan). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome all of you here this afternoon. ORAL QUESTIONS Involvement in New West Partnership Impact on Manitoba Businesses Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr.

Speaker, the Selinger NDP government's refusal to join the New West Partnership is having a negative impact on Manitoba businesses. In fact, Leech Printing, located in Brandon and Winnipeg, employs more than 60 people in our province. This NDP government's refusal to join the New West Partnership has now precluded them from bidding on larger contracts with various Crown corporations in Saskatchewan. My question for the Premier: Why has he jeopardized business opportunities for Leech Printing by refusing to join the New West Partnership? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, we trade more east and west than any other province in Canada. That's a huge part of what we do. Manitoba has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. Manitoba has the best job creation rate in the country. We're building infrastructure. We're educating people in our schools with skills labs, science labs, more investment in proper facilities, including gyms, so that young people can have the best facilities to learn and improve themselves in. And we are growing the economy.

We are one of the top three economies in Canada, and all the economic forecasters are saying Manitoba will be in the top two or three economies not just this year, not just next year, but with the plan we're following, over the next decade, Mr. Speaker.

And I can tell you while in the Agreement on Internal Trade, which I a m a member with three other premiers, we are working on a system that will allow us to trade in all parts of the country, all the territories, all the provinces east and west of us, and we look forward to all the provinces working with us to improve trade opportunities for all of us so that we can all benefit in every part of the country, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Stefanson: The Selinger NDP government's refusal to join the New West Partnership– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order, please.

I know that I've been a bit lenient on allowing members the opportunity to use –referencing mem - bers by their name, but in this particular case, I'm going to ask the co- operation of the honourable member for Tuxedo that when she's referencing members of this House t hat she references members by their constituency names or ministers by their portfolio. So I'm asking for her co- operation in that regard. Mrs. Stefanson: It wasn't a problem with the former premier. I guess this Premier is a little sensitive about this. Mr.

Speaker, Leech Printing employs more than 60 people in our province, and by jeopardizing the future of business opportunities in Manitoba, this NDP government is threatening the future of jobs in Manitoba. Will they agree to reverse their decision, join the New West Partnership today in order to protect these Manitoba jobs, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, the best job creation record in the country –best job creation record in the country.

Lowest unemployment rate in the country, and after forecasts from all the economists all across the country that we'll be one of the top performing companies in Canada over the next decade. And what was it like when the members opposite ran the government? Higher unemployment rates, less young people graduating from high school. * (13:50) They had a policy for young people called three strikes and you're out. If a young person got into any kind of challenges at school, they tossed them out onto the street, Mr. Speaker. We've gone from a 71 per cent grad uation rate to an 87 per cent graduation rate.

We're partnering with institutions like technical–Tec Voc High School, with the aerospace industry, to have good jobs for young people when they graduate from high school. We're partnering with high schools like Sisler High School on a cybersecurity academy in partnership with some of the best businesses

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 97 anywhere in the country to create the jobs of the future. We're building heavy-duty mechanic shops in Swan River, Manitoba, so young people can have jobs in their region. We have– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable First Minister's time on this question has elapsed. Mrs. Stefanson: The NDP government's refusal to join the New West Partnership has had a negative impact on the future of businesses in Manitoba. Mr.

Speaker, Leech Printing, once able to bid on major government contracts in Saskatchewan, is no longer able to bid on these contracts, a direct result of this government's refusal to join the New West Partnership. Mr. Speaker, why are they putting Manitoba businesses in jeopardy? Why are they refusing to join the New West Partnership? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, this is just another example of the flip -flop of the members of the opposition. They're now advocating for protect- tionism in this country. They're advocating that it's okay to shut your borders to businesses. We're opening up the borders of Manitoba.

We're inviting people from around the world to live in Manitoba. We're doing a process in partnership with indigenous people on reconciliation. We're working to bring refugees to Manitoba. And just recently, the National Geographic Traveler said that one of the top 20 places anywhere to visit in the world, Mr. Speaker, Winnipeg– Winnipeg–one of the top go -now destinations in the world: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the FIFA World Cup, the Festival du Voyage ur in the wintertime, the Journey to Churchill exhibit, which we've just completed at Assiniboine Park.

And now we're going to have –this morning I signed an agreement with the government of Nunavut. The Premier of Nunavut graciously came to Winnipeg. We signed an agreement. We will have the largest collection of Inuit art anywhere on the planet in Manitoba. We will do that in partnership with the people of Nunavut. We will be a place where people from– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable First Minister's time on this question has elapsed. Involvement in New West Partnership Impact on Manitoba Businesses Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): Mr.

Speaker, this NDP government refusal to join the New West trade partnership is taking away opportunitie s for Manitoba businesses and jobs. Several Saskatchewan corporations, Crown corporations, are now excluding Manitoba companies from competing with contracts. Joining the New West trade partnership is best interests of Manitobans. Mr. Speaker, T.L. Penner Construction is a construction company in the constituency. They're concerned about the NDP's refusal to join the New West Partnership. They have been in business for over 40 years and do about half of their business in Saskatchewan. Mr.

Speaker, why is this Minister of Jobs and Economy not doing more for Manitoba businesses like T.L. Penner Construction? Hon. James Allum (Acting Minister of Jobs and the Economy): Again, I just want to reiterate the point made by the Premier (Mr. Selinger), which is I don't understand why the members opposite are defending protectionism in Saskatchewan. In fact, this government has a very impressive hydroelectric deal with Saskatchewan that will send good, clean, renewable energy to Saskatchewan, that will have impact fo r jobs here in Manitoba but also reduce GHGs in this part of the prairies. Mr.

Speaker, on this side of the House, we're working on the internal agreement on trade. We're working with four different provinces across the country, as the Premier just indica ted, to make sure that there are open borders all across Canada. On this side of the House, one Manitoba, one Canada. Mr. Piwniuk: Mr. Speaker, it seems like they're closing the doors on Manitobans. T.L. Penner Construction is a local business that bids on major contracts such as schools, hospitals and commercial buildings throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Many of them have –are government contracts.

Why are they currently trying to figure –they're currently trying to figure out why –how they can bid on an upcoming SaskPower project. They cannot find reasons why Manitoba won't join the New West

98 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 trade partnership to give them a chance to bid on this contract. Does this minister have a reason? Mr. Allum: Well, Mr. Speaker, as we've reiterated in the H ouse on several occasions, we sit in the middle of the country, and we have an equal amount of trade going west and an equal amount of trade going east. In fact, we're free traders all across this great nation, from coast to coast to coast. Now, Mr. Speaker, our economy is working very well. We do have among the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

And every forecaster across the country has said that Manitoba will be among the top three next year. The greatest threat to the economic well -being of Canada, to the greatest threat to the economic well-being of Manitoba, is to let these folks from across the floor have their hands on the instruments of power and will threaten jobs from coast to coast to coast. Mr. Piwniuk: Mr. Speaker, as a result, T. L.

Penner Construction is currently planning to move part of their operations to Saskatchewan, and they are seriously considering moving the entire company to Saskatchewan permanently so they can be eligible to bid on these contracts. Under this NDP Premi er (Mr. Selinger), our local jobs in our region are on the chopping block. Over–after 40 years of business in Manitoba, this NDP government is doing nothing to keep them from moving to Saskatchewan. I ask again to this minister: What does he have to say t o T.L. Penner Construction while local jobs are at stake? Mr. Allum: Well, Mr.

Speaker, as I said in an earlier answer, we trade equitably across the country with all of our partners. We have a great hydroelectric deal with Saskatchewan that's going to, a s I said, create jobs here in Manitoba while reducing GHGs and exporting clean, renewable energy to our sister province to the west. But you know, Mr. Speaker, in the Throne Speech earlier this week, we articulated a smart, strategic vision for building t his province.

On the other hand, what we got from the alternative throne speech sometime last week within a closed -door, invitation-only kind of setting, what we got there was an agenda for tax cuts that will only reduce programs for Manitobans. We govern for all the people of Manitoba, all the time. Involvement in New West Partnership Impact on Manitoba Businesses Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): Mr. Speaker, and what this government doesn't understand is they've been kicked out of the sandbox.

Minty's Moving of Onanole is a business in my constituency that employs 40 people, most of them located in the Riding Mountain area. In the recent past, Minty's were successful in bidding on SaskPower contracts. They are now ineligible for bidding on these contracts because of this govern - ment's refusal to join the New West Partnership. Mr. Speaker, why does this minister not care or understand that by failing to join the New West Partnership, his government is having a negative impact on Minty's Moving bus iness operation and the livelihood of 40 families in rural Manitoba? Hon.

James Allum (Acting Minister of Jobs and the Economy): Well, Mr. Speaker, the truth of the matter is that this government makes an enormous effort that was articulated again in the T hrone Speech earlier this week to invest in communities and neighbourhoods all across this great province. And the result of that commitment to investment is new, renewed infrastructure that will enhance trade to all four corners of the globe.

What we're doing on this side of the House is to invest in Manitoba, create jobs and build a better society for every single Manitoban, not to just stand with their friends in the wealthy part of the Manitoba Club. Mrs. Rowat: Mr. Speaker, it's very unfortunate because Manitoba, because of this government's policy, has the best out -migration policy in this country. Mr. Speaker, what does this minister and this government not understand? Minty's was success - fully bidding on Saskatchewan Power contracts in the recent past.

Their success in award contracts have allowed the 40 employees and their families to enjoy a good quality of life in the communities that they live in. This has now been taken away from them because this government refuses –refuses–to join the New West Partnership, so they are going to have to look for other contracts.

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 99 Mr. Speaker, simplified for this minister: Why are you supporting policies that are potentially shutting down businesses in Manitoba? Mr. Allum: Well, Mr. Speaker, when these folks were in government, businesses were shutting down in Manitoba all across this great province. Here we can say that business investment is at a high, unemployment is at a low, and we continue to invest in the things that matter most to Manitobans.

Earlier this week, we tabled a Throne Speech in which we articulated a smart, strategic vision for the future growth and development of this province. * (14:00) As I said earlier, we just signed a 100 -megawatt deal with Saskatchewan, and we're close to signing a deal with Sa skatchewan on water as well in order to protect the environment. Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, as I just said a few minutes ago, we govern for the people of Manitoba all the time. Mrs. Rowat: That's why people are leaving Manitoba in droves, Mr. Speaker, because of this government's inability to manage. Mr.

Speaker, Minty's Moving employs 40 people within our province. Forty families are directly impacted by this government's decision to not join the New West Partnership, period. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 40 families and the ownership of Minty movers, I'm asking the minister: Does he not agree that your failure to join the New West Partnership is failing –failing–Manitoba families who are employed in the business of Minty's Moving in Onanole and so many other businesses, like Leech Printing and like T.L. Penner? This government is failing Manitobans. Mr. Allum: Well, Mr.

Speaker, the difference between our side and this side of the House is they think that this country can be balkanized into small, discrete trade blocs that don't serve the interests of this country. On the other hand, on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, that we work on the internal agreement on trade that will work from coast to coast to coast to ensure t hat all Canadians benefit from trade from coast to coast to coast. Now, Mr. Speaker, the AIT allows for set-asides for indigenous communities and local economic development.

One of the great advantages is working on a national vision for this country is to ensure that our First Nations and Metis and Inuit people have a fair place in our community so that they can grow and prosper like every other Manitoban. Ambulance Services Patient Off-Load Wait Time Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, ambulance off-load times have been a very serious issue for a long time, despite many promises by the NDP Health ministers to fix this critical problem.

This Minister of Health, in January of this year, said that she brought a new set of eyes to the problem and has made the issue a top priority. If so, I'd like to ask the Minister of Health to explain why an ambulance in Winnipeg on Monday evening had a nine-hour wait to off-load a patient. Hon. Sharon Blady (Minister of Health): Thank the member for the question. We know that when you have an accident or when something goes wrong suddenly with your health, you want a paramedic at your door as quickly as possible.

And Winnipeg does have one of the fastest response times in the country, which makes me thankful every day for our excellent paramedics and firefighter paramedics. For the over 45,000 Winnipeg patients that arrive at an ER in an ambulance every year, the vast majority, meaning 75 to 80 per cent, are transferred from a paramedic to ER staff within the targeted time of 60 minutes. Now, the critics seem to think that the sole goal of our highly trained paramedics and firefighters should be to drop patients at the hospital front door. We don't agree.

We want our highly trained paramedics to stay with p atients until they can be safely transported to hospital staff. And we've heard that they say that they're worried about wait times– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time on this question has elapsed. Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, thi s Minister of Health, in January of this year, also said, and I quote: I'm an academic by trade. I'm asking department staff to get me the numbers to figure out what trends are there that maybe we're not seeing because we haven't been looking for them. End quote.

100 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 Well, Mr. Speaker, that seems to have worked out really well. Can the Minister of Health (Ms. Blady) tell us: What trends did she find to explain a nine -hour ambulance off-load delay on Monday evening of this week in Winnipeg? Ms. Blady: As I said, Mr. Speaker, I really do appreciate the work. I appreciate the work, members on this side, Manitobans appreciate the work that firefighter to paramedics do on a daily basis. And, as we've said, we want to make sure that those paramedics stay with pat ients can they –'til they can be transferred safely.

We've heard again that they're worried about wait times, but they have yet to offer a solution. And I have been working with our front -line folks. I have been working with the departmental staff. And I have listened to paramedics and firefighters in a way that I know members opposite never did in their time. We're working with them. And, again, the individual cases involved means that we are trying to ensure that that person got the care that they needed on the front lines. And if it meant a paramedic stayed with them, then that's what it took.

I trust the medical professionals to deliver the best care at the front lines. It's too bad the member opposite doesn't. Mrs. Driedger: Well, Mr. Speaker, her academics really helped her with that answer, but she's not answering the question. Mr. Speaker, under this NDP government, Manitoba has the worst ER waits in Canada. The NDP have promised over and over and over again to fix this. They have failed miserably. And talk about spending more and getting less: That's a perfect example right now. Why should anybody believe anything they have to say, Mr.

Speaker, because they promise and promise and promise and then break and break and break every single promise they are making. They are failing patients, and a nine -hour off-load delay is totally unacceptable. How can she possibly stand here and answer the questions the way she is when we are looking at something that is, in probably many cases, unsafe for patients? Ms.

Blady: I thank the member for the question, and, again, while I see, as usual, there seems to be a little bit of Ph.D. envy over on that side of the Chamber, I can tell you that I do work with the professionals and I am proud of the investments that we continue to make. The member opposite actually was with me when we announced the Grace Hospital emergency department expansion, one more part of the invest - ment in emergency departments in this province. Again, if they'd like to hear the answer, that's fine. So I'm pleased with the work that we're doing. We value the professionals.

I know we value the professionals that work to help with our off -load times, with the QuickCare clinics, because nurse practitioners–yesterday was Nurse Practitioner Day, and I met with the president of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Manitoba, who was very much dismayed by the tone that the member opposite takes with nurse practitioners. We value them. Manitobans value them. It's unfortunate members opposite didn't value– Mr. Speaker: The honourable member for River East. Affordable Housing Units Rental Costs and Wait Times Mrs.

Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): But I don't need a Ph.D. to recognize the arrogance that we're seeing from the Minister of Health. A lack of decent affordable housing is forcing Manitobans to live in cold, mice -ridden and bedbug- infested apartments, and those aren't my words, Mr. Speaker. They're the words from the chair of the University of Winnipeg's inner -city studies, one Jim Silver. Mr. Speaker, will the minister just admit today that he and his NDP government are failing the most vulnerable citizens in our province by not providing safe affordable housing to those who need it the most? Hon.

Mohinder Saran (Minister of Housing and Community Development ): Mr. Speaker, first of all, I'm thankful the minister –member for asking this question because that's giving me a chance to show the Manitobans' enthusiasm about our Throne Speech, and they are very enthus iastic. They are ready to set the record.

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 101 This NDP going to be [inaudible] and we are doing lots of work. We had 1,500 social housing units; we had 1,500 affordable housing units. We are building 500, again, social housing units and, again, 500 affordabl e housing units, and we also have brought in Rent Assist. So we are providing everything possible, and we are getting known as– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time on this question has elapsed. Mrs.

Mitchelson: And I don't think the minister can stand in his place and make excuses for cold, mice - ridden and bedbug- infested apartments that he provides to people that are most vulnerable in this community. Mr. Speaker, rents have increased by 65 per cent in Winnipeg under this NDP government's watch. Wages are not keeping pace with rising rents, and seniors on fixed incomes can't afford these new increases. They're having to move out of their apartments. Why has this NDP government broken yet another promise to keep rents affordable for those who desperately need access to low-income housing? Mr. Saran: Mr.

Speaker, I think the member should look closely at our Rent Assist system. * (14:10) And we are t aking care of seniors. If you talk about seniors, and as we talk about seniors, we are providing a $235 tax rebate, school tax rebate, to the seniors last year. And, again, we are providing $470 to the seniors tax rebate. And next year it's going to be eliminated. And what would they are going to provide with a $500-million cut in the tax budget? I think they should look into their side, but don't criticize us. Mrs. Mitchelson: Mr.

Speaker, but it's unacceptable for the Minister responsible for Housing to stand up and defend cold, mice -ridden and bedbug- infested apartments that they provide to the most needy citizens in the province of Manitoba. Mr. Speaker, wait -lists to get in to Manitoba housing have increased from 400 in 2005 to 3,000 today on the wait-list. Mr. Speaker, can the minister stand up and defend that? How many individuals are living on the streets and homeless as a result of the failed policies of this NDP government? Mr.

Saran : I tell the minister Manitoba Housing has a comprehensive strategy to eradicate bedbugs, including provincial education and the most advanced pest control treatment. At present, 97 per cent of direct -managed properties are bedbug- free. Si nce 2008, when the Integrated Pest Management Group was formed, Manitoba Housing had developed in- house quality control and new treatment methods to address 'budbeg' concerns. In many buildings, bedbugs have been significantly reduced or eradicated. What they are–they could have provided with the–if they have not built anything?

Where did they – could have find bedbugs –how–what kind of policy they could have provided? I think they should look into what they will– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time on this question has elapsed. Gillam Mall Appraisal Value Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul ): Last month at committee, the Manitoba Hydro board chair said he would take all questions on the Gillam mall under advisement. To date, no answers. The Hyd ro president won't even open his mail and the Hydro FIPPA officer says it's not her duty to answer questions.

Can the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro inform the House as to why he has taken no interest in the Gillam mall, which cost $16 million to build and is now appraised at $2.6 million? Hon. Eric Robinson (Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro): As I responded yesterday, Mr. Speaker, let me repeat the answer again. I said that the questions that were taken under notice by the chair of the Ma nitoba Hydro-Electric Board, Mr.

Bill Fraser, along with the acting CEO, Darren Rainkie, took this and other questions under notice, and I anticipate that the questions that were raised by the members opposite will be addressed in that response that'll come from Manitoba Hydro. Mr. Schuler: The Manitoba Hydro board chair won't provide answers, the president of Manitoba Hydro won't provide answers, and the Manitoba Hydro FIPPA officer says she doesn't have to answer.

102 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 If the minister doesn't know the answer s either, why isn't he holding Manitoba Hydro accountable? Why doesn't this minister take action and find out why a $16-million Gillam mall was built in 2014 and is now appraised worth $2.6 million? The question then really should be: Has the minister asked? Mr. Robinson: Yes, I have asked and I am holding Hydro accountable and I anticipate that they'll be responding in due course. Mr. Schuler: Mr.

Speaker, 12 questions at Hydro committee, no answer; one letter to the president of Manitoba Hydro, no answer; 1950–19 FIPPA questions, no answer; five questions directed at the minister and no answers. How many more questions need to be asked to find out why the Gillam mall, built in 2014 for $16 million, is now appraised at being worth only $2.6 million? Can the minister responsible stand in this House, be accountable and give an answer to the question: Why is the Gillam mall, built for $16 million , now appraised at being worth $2.6 million? Can he please give us an answer? Mr.

Robinson: Well, you know what, Mr. Speaker, we have many Manitobans that are very busy in working on our hydro projects in northern Manitoba ensuring a future for us in–the other Manitobans, and that is what they are doing. With respect to these questions, yes, they were asked. Mr. Fraser and Mr. Rainkie took them under notice and they will be responded to in due course. In Vitro Fertilization Medicare Coverage Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, in vitro fertilization is now being used in up to 2 per cent of pregnancies.

It is a valid and legitimate health expense and it's now being covered under medicare in Quebec and will be in two weeks in Ontario, and yet tha t–this current NDP government doesn't treat it that way. They don't include in vitro fertilization under medicare. I ask the Premier: Will the NDP adopt the Liberal position that in vitro fertilization should be covered under medicare in Manitoba? Hon. G reg Selinger (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, we brought in a fertility tax credit in Manitoba to support families that want to have more children when they have challenges to do that and they need medical assistance in that regard. We made it a commitment in our Throne Speech to improve the ability to support families that are seeking treatment with respect to fertility. And I just have to say tha t the member's approach that has been put on the record is for one single treatment for a very narrow scope of service in Manitoba. The existing fertility 'trax' credit that we have in Manitoba covers much more than that.

It covers a wider gamut of services. It pays out more to families that need that support, and we will look at ways to make that even better. But the member's approach has even been criticized by the community as being inadequate, too little, too early and not sufficient to help families with the full needs that they have when they're seeking fertility support for their futures, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, in vitro fertilization should be covered under medicare because it covers all and not just a few. Mr.

Speaker, the Premier argues that his Fertility Treatment Tax Credit is the answer, but in fact that only helps the 15 per cent of those who can afford the upfront costs. It's still less than supportive treatment under medicare. The tax credit, indeed, is highly income biased. Why is the Premier using a highly income discriminatory approach like a tax credit for a procedure that should be available to all Manitoba families? Mr. Selinger: Mr.

Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the approach taken by the member opposite is one that's very narrow and only –it actually takes away hope from people; they get a little bit of help and then it all disappears. Our credit applies to a wider range of services and provides more generous support. And we've already indicated we're looking at ways to improve that, Mr. Speaker. The member asks for it to be covered under medicare. I have to say to him the following: Home care is not covered under medicare, Mr. Speaker. All of those services we're providing in Manitoba are 100 per cent provincial dollars.

We'd like to see many more things covered under medicare. The original promise of medicare brought forward by the Tommy Douglas government

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 103 in Saskatchewan was for hospitals, physician services and then to broaden it beyond that to provide services in the community to allow people to live wellness–well in their communities for a longer period of time. We need reform in medicare, no question about it. We look forward to the opportunity to pursue that with the new federal government. We're committed to universally accessible health care. The Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Conservative Party has said two -tier health care is something we need in Manitoba.

We do not believe you should get to the front of the line based on the size of your wallet, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Gerrard: But, Mr. Speaker, tax credits are based in part on the size of your wallet. Mr. Speaker, covering in vitro fertilization under medicare, as will happen in Ontario and is happening in Quebec, also ensures a high- quality procedure with a single embryo. It eliminates the risks of multiple births, which is a larger expense to the health-care system. Why, after 16 years, does the NDP not see the sense, the wisdom in covering in vitro fertilization under medicare in Manitoba? * (14:20) Mr.

Selinger: Mr. Speaker, the tax credit in Manitoba relates to the amount that you spend. It gives you more back than anything that the Liberals are offering. I wish the member would acknowledge that. He's doing too little for too narrow a range of services. We're making more resources available for a broader range of services. We think we can improve upon that and we will improve on that. And I'm very glad to see that the member's finally speaking about medicare. That is a system that needs to be protected in this c ountry. It needs to be enhanced. It needs to be strengthened.

We have no pharmacare covered under medicare in this country. In Manitoba, we have a universal system available to all Manitobans based on their ability to pay, Mr. Speaker. We have a fertilit y tax credit which relates to the actual costs that you incur. Their approach is too narrow, it's too little, and it's too late. Our approach deals with more Manitobans, covers more Manitobans, not only for that but for home care and for pharmacare. And we look forward to the opportunity to take universal, accessible and affordable medicare to another stage of development all across the country of Canada.

Farmer Appreciation Day 11th Annual Event Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Mr. Speaker, any opportunity that we have as MLAs to meet with our agricultural producers is a welcome one. And as a urban MLA, increasingly people are concerned about where their food is coming from and the people that are producing it. We also know that farm families and farmers and producers in our province drive –help drive our economy forward and are an important part of the Manitoba success story. We're proud, Mr.

Speaker, to support the growth and expansion of modern agriculture in Manitoba, and as our government continues to invest in rural infrastructure, we know that we can help producers be more competitive. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development please talk about the important ways that we're partnering with the agriculture sector? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development): Mr. Speaker, it truly is my pleasure to stand up from the NDP party and our government how important agriculture is in the province of Manitoba.

It is truly my pleasure today, along with the Premier (Mr. Selinger) and a number of MLAs, to be at the event this afternoon which marks the 11th annual Farmer Appreciation Day. Thirty-four thousand Manitobans work in the agriculture sector, and this number continues to grow. We know that the best way to keep growing in our economy is creating new jobs in agriculture and investing in innovation, research and targeted on farm infrastructure. We would like to applaud KAP for their leadership as a Manitoba general farm organization, and they provide strong leadership for their member- ships.

We are proud to work with the groups like KAP to support the sustainable agriculture practices and deliver programs like the environmental farm plan workshops and the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. We look forward to working with them to find solutions to the challenges we face today, but not

104 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 only for the experienced ones but the future of the young generation farmers and the farm families that provide– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time on this question has elapsed. Highway 1A West Access Safety Concerns Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Well, Mr. Speaker, since this NDP government's been in power, there are now 14,000 less farm families in this province. Mr.

Speaker, sin ce 2011, the west -end access to Highway 1A at Portage la Prairie has been reduced to one lane because of damage caused by an overheight load on Highway 1. We have received complaints and passed them on to the minister. These are too numerous to count. This is a serious safety issue. When is the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation going to deal with this serious highway safety problem? Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): Mr. Speaker, a question from members opposite about infrastructure.

I look for - ward to answering this because it allows me to put on the record that on Monday –and maybe the member opposite didn't notice–that we announced an historic increase in our already historic investment in infrastructure in this province. Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the member that we've invested over the last couple of years in a major way. We had the second best year last year, in terms of paving, in history. This year it was 30 per cent higher than any other year in history. And yet, Mr. Speaker, we're not stopping there. We're doing significant work on Highway 1.

We're doing significant work throughout the province. We announced earlier this week four interchanges, interstate standard interchanges on the Perimeter Highway. So, Mr. Speaker, once again, it's the get -'er-done NDP versus the shut-'er-down PCs. Mr. Wishart: Well, Mr. Speaker, I know this minister loves to lead a parade, and that was certainly his attempt to do so. But we're not asking for a new one. We want you to fix the one you got, which you never do.

Overwidth loads coming into the city of Portage la Prairie from this west access cannot get through the reduc ed space, which is not marked on the highway, Mr. Speaker, leaving them to back down onto No. 1 Highway in a high- speed place that is a blind spot caused by the Portage Diversion bridge. This is a very dangerous situation, and if the minister's not inter ested in infrastructure, maybe he should be interested in public safety, or maybe he should be taking on the liability of anyone who's injured or killed in this spot. Mr.

Ashton : I need no lectures opposite –from members opposite about safety and investment s, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the member opposite would care to explain why when the members opposite were in government, they spent a grand total of about $90 million on highway capital. Their total budget for the Department of Highways and Transportation was $179 million. This year alone it's over $700 million. In 2014- 2015, for the first time ever, including municipal infrastructure, we invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure.

And, indeed, when we bring forth throne speeches like we did on Monday, one of the reasons we put forth the additional money is to deal with the rehabilitation of the existing network, to add to the network, to deal with the fact we're growing as a province. The real question, Mr. Speaker, is why do members opposite continually vote against– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time on this question has elapsed. Mr. Wishart: Well, we've certainly heard what they want to do, but we haven't seen what they can do.

Here we have a bridge that has been damag ed for four years and they have done nothing what - soever to fix it, and it's become a serious safety issue, not only for the people who want to cross on it, but because pieces keep dropping onto Highway 1 underneath. So will the minister wait until somebody actually has a piece of the highway drop on them before he gets to fixing this? Mr. Ashton: Mr. Speaker, that's pretty desperate on members–the part of members opposite. Let's put on the record that we are inve sting historic levels in infrastructure, and that includes our

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 105 bridges and structures. And I want to put on the record the degree to which, when members opposite– they didn't do–they didn't invest anything in terms of rebuilding those structures. I ask the question–I ask this again, Mr. Speaker: Name me one major project that the members opposite did on our highway system the entire 11 years they were in government. It's a trick question. The answer is zero. They did nothing then. And we'll see how they vote on this Throne Speech. My prediction, they're going to vote against historic increases again.

So the bottom line is, Mr. Speaker, 2015. The answer, what did the PCs stand for in terms of investment in infrastructure, zero. Mr. Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Mr. Speaker: We're now moving on to petitions. Provincial Trunk Highway 206 and Cedar Avenue in Oakbank–Pedestrian Safety Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Every day, hundreds of Manitoba children walk to school in Oakbank and must cross PTH 206 at the intersection with Cedar Avenue.

(2) There have been many dangerous incidents where drivers use the right shoulder to pass vehicles that have stopped at the traffic light waiting to turn left at this intersection.

(3) Law enforcement officials have identified this intersection as a hot spot of concern for the safety of schoolchildr en, drivers and emergency responders. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to improve the safety at the pedestrian corridor at the intersection of PTH 206 and Cedar Avenue in Oakbank by consi dering such steps as highlighting pavement markings to better indicate the location of the shoulders and crosswalk, as well as installing a lighted crosswalk structure. This is signed by C. Dokken, M. Stroud, C. Eide and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: The honourable member for Lakeside. Oh, wait a minute.

Prior to that, I have to put on the record that, in accordance with rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House. Now, the honourable member for Lakeside. Manitoba Interlake–Request to Repair and Reopen Provincial Roads 415 and 416 Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) T he Interlake region is an important trans - portation corridor for Manitoba, but, unfortunately, it is still dealing with a serious underinvestment in infrastructure under this provincial government.

(2) Provincial roads 415 and 416 are vital to the region but have still not been repaired or reopened since sustaining damages during the 2010 flood. * (14:30)

(3) Residents and businesses in the Manitoba Interlake are seriously impacted and inconvenienced by having no adequate east -west travel routes over an area of 525 square miles.

(4) This lack of east -west travel routes is also a major public safety concern, as emergency response vehicles are impeded from arriving in a timely manner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge provincial government to repair and reopen provincial roads 415 and 416 to allow adequate east-west travel in Interlake. This petition submitted on behalf of T. Polhill, S. Morden, J. Chartrand and many other fine Manitobans. Applied Behavioural Analysis Services Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And the background to this petition is as follows: Provincial government broke a commitment to support families of children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, including timely diagnosis

106 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 and access to necessary treatment such as applied behavioural analysis, also known as ABA services. The provincial government did not allow its own policy statement on autism services which notes the importance of early intervention and ABA therapy for children with autism. The preschool waiting list for ABA services has reached its highest level ever with at least 68 children waiting for services. That number is expected to exceed 148 children by September 2016 despite commitments to reduce the waiting list and provide timely access to services.

The current provincial government policy now imposed on the ABA service provider will decrease the scientifically proven, empirically based and locally proven program and force children to go to school at age five before they are ready, thus not allowing them full access to ABA services promised them as they wait on the wait-list. Waiting lists, forced decreased in service and denials of treatment are unacceptable. No child should be denied access to or age out of eligibility for ABA services.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the ministers of Family Services, Education and Advanced Learning and Health consider making funding available to address the current waiting list for ABA services. This petition is signed by S. Babiuk, G. McLean, C. Krawendark and many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: That concludes petitions. ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Mr. Speaker: We'll now move on to orders of the day, government business. House Business Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Mr.

Speaker, would you please canvass the House to see if there's leave to defer the putting of the question on the amendment to the motion for the address in reply from Wednesday, November 25th, to Thursday, November 26th, with the question to be put at 4:30 on Thursday prior to the question being put on the motion for the address in reply? Mr.

Speaker: Is there leave of the House to defer the putting of the question on the amendment to the motion for the address in reply from Wednesday, November 25th, to Thursday, November 26th, w ith the question to be put at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday prior to the question being put on the motion for address in reply? [Agreed] The honourable Government House Leader, on further House business. Mr. Chomiak: I want to thank members of the House, Mr. Speaker. Would you also canvass the House to see if there is leave for no recorded votes or no quorum calls for Wednesday, November 25th? Mr.

Speaker: Is there leave of the House that there be no recorded votes or quorum calls for Wednesday, November 25th? [Agreed] Any further House business? THRONE SPEECH (Third Day of Debate) Mr. Speaker: We'll now proceed to resume adjourned debate on the proposed motion of the honourable member for The Pas (Ms. Lathlin) and the amendment thereto, standing in the name of the honourable member for Arthur-Virden, who has nine minutes remaining. Mr.

Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): I just want to sum up the –what I spoke about yesterday about fiscal responsibility of this government, and I wish, you know, like, when we consi der this Throne Speech that we heard on Monday, it was more that – was more of a campaign speech that the Premier (Mr. Selinger) had written for our Lieutenant Governor.

And biggest concern I have is, again, when I said I was in the finance world and giving advice to clients, individual personal finances and business finances, I used to deal with a lot of business people in financial planning, and like I said, if anybody came to me, if it was personally or businesswise, and they were spending way more than t hey were actually bringing in, one thing I would tell them, Mr. Speaker, is that, you know what, if they continue with this course of action they're going to be bankrupt in no time.

And this is what I feel about this government right now with all the promises that they're giving for in this third Throne Speech and basically all the

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 107 promises going into the next general election, how can Manitobans afford this? Either one thing we're going have–they would have to do is either raise the PST to 9 per cent, pos sibly 10 per cent, or create more personal income tax on individuals because somehow these promises have to be paid. Ms. Jennifer Howard, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair And by the –every time they tax individuals or businesses or corporations, more and more people are going to be leaving this province economically.

They're going to look for more opportunities out west in the province of Saskatchewan. Right now, living right by the border, a lot of people are coming into the region, especially in the past when we had the oil explosion. When we had an explosion in the oil industry, we had so many people deciding to move to Moosomin. We looked at it last census. Like I always said, our growth in the town of Virden grew by 3 per cent since the last census. Mean while, Moosomin had grown by over 13 per cent.

And that's really disturbing because the fact is, you know what, we have almost the same opportunities for our communities. We have good, solid communities on both sides of the border. I feel that, I'm being biased, that I think Manitoba is a better province to be in. But we've –people have chosen to move into Saskatchewan. Madam Deputy Speaker, we see communities like Langenburg, Saskatchewan, who also grew by 13 per cent because of the Esterhazy mine. Those same people could live in Russell but they've chosen to live in Saskatchewan because of the preferential 'trax' treatment.

My brother, who actually works at the potash mine in Esterhazy, he actually talks to his colleagues; he's a unionized guy. He sa ys, one thing, when I first got elected, he says, we got –you guys got to have to get these–this NDP government out of here, because he sees what his colleagues are making in Saskatchewan. And they're making a lot more by paycheque in Saskatchewan because they're residents of Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, being a resident of Manitoba, he is being taxed even greater. So this is a major concern to a lot of people. And the other thing is, Mr.

Speaker, you know, right now, financing the debt is very inexpensive because the low interest rates. I always tell people, my clients, you know, don't get in too far debt, or businesses to get in too much debt. Be –have this manageable debt because you never know when interest rates will rise. And I saw for myself when I was talking about my family, when they got into the dairy farm business, they did not account all the increases in interest rates from the early 1970s to the late 1980s – early 1980s when interest rates skyrocketed to about 21 per cent.

I don't believe it's goi ng to happen that high, but even if it has to double, if interest rates move from 1 per cent on the prime, 1.2 per cent, to even it doubles to 3 or 4 per cent, this is a big impact to a lot of individuals and also to this government. And the interest rate right now that they're paying, 5 per cent servicing, but that can expand to 7 or 8 per cent, and how much more services that will take out of our economy to service the –our health-care costs, our education costs. It's very important that this has to be focused on. Right now, they almost feel like they have pixie dust.

And you know, they're going to promise this, they're going to promise that. Meanwhile, who– someone has to pay for it.

And my biggest concern, it's going to be my children and my grandchildr en who are going to have to pay for this cost of this poor mismanagement of this government – [interjection] And when I see the member of Burrows who are complaining–who's saying things here right now while with my speech, she just has to go to Melita and talk to some of the locals, the mayor of Melita, who says his biggest concern even with that increase in PST, the movie theatre, the local movie theatre, he said that, you know, how many more people actually go to other –the other side of the border to go to the movie theatre there.

This is a big impact for his community. And right now, we're seeing, along the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, a lot of these are towns in Manitoba side, so much retail is closing down. It's very disturbing. In–even in my community of Virden there's so much retail that's closing down. People are going to Saskatchewan or into larger centres.

And this is really affecting the balance of the competition. * (14:40) And we also said with not joining the new western partnership, like we see one of our businesses, TL Penner Construction, you know, their biggest concern is that they employ over 40 people in the community of Virden. And, if they can't go after

108 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 some of the contracts –right now, they told me that one of the contracts that t hey're working on is the school in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. They depend on these contracts for their opportunity to grow their business, to employ people in our community, to do– then spend money in our community. And this is what's going to happen again. We've, again, we have lost so much retail stores because of the PST increase, and now we possibly could lose our construction companies or other companies that actually do have contracts with Saskatchewan Crown corporations.

And that is very, very conce rning to my constituents on the west side of this province, and many, too–the member of Riding Mountain too. You know, she has many businesses that are in the same situation as me, and I would also say it's the member of Dauphin too. Roblin is a community that I went to high school in, and, again, they have concerns, too, that, you know, a lot of the retail is off to Yorkton to buy products and items, and, again, our communities in the western region are not going to survive with this NDP policy, this economic policy.

And the other thing that was also in the Throne Speech here was, too, was the promise of Churchill, the tourism that's going to be spent in–for the town of Churchill. I was up there.

I had the opportunity to go up there in August of last year , and it's really disturbing that –how I saw the economics of that community and seeing some of the businesses who have resorts there, how they're saying right now that, you know, this government has sort of failed them, you know, when it comes to, you know , most of the houses in Churchill are Manitoba Housing and about–over 20 per cent of them, 30 per cent are actually vacant and are–need renovation for people to move in. They said that the opportunity they would like to see is more people buying homes.

If that was the case, then there's opportunities for more tradespeople to be living up there and actually doing their work. Right now the way it is, that they actually bring in tradespeople from other parts of the province, and it's, you know, for Churchill it's very costly. For Manitoba taxpayers, it's very costly. Churchill has such a great opportunity to be promoted as an international community. We actually, when we were actually kayaking, we actually saw a person –a woman from Spain and her son actually kayaking, and they had two–about four different stops.

They were going to northern Ontario, they were going to Churchill and then eventually to Tofino. And that's important that, you know, Churchill is well known throughout the world and with our famous polar bears, and here's an opportunity to really promote our tourism industry. [interjection] And mosasaurs too. And the other thing was also was mentioned in the Throne Speech was the east -side Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That was promised in the last election, I believe, and the thing was, it was never done in these last four years, and again it's being promised again this coming year, and like I said, this government has so much broken promises. Manitobans are tired of their– Madam Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time has expired. Hon.

Ron Lemieux (Minister of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection): It's my pleasure to speak to the Throne Speech, and our government has made showcasing Manitoba to the rest of the world a priority and we have an exciting plan to attract more visitors and spur new businesses to continue growing our province. And our smart, strategic investments that we've made will help Manitoba tourism grow, and the whole sector grow, quite frankly, whether it be in Winnipeg or Churchill or rural Manitoba.

Let me just say first of all, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I'm honoured to be here in the Chamber, elected by the constituents of Dawson Trail, a new constituency, and every day I try not to forget that, that I am representing a great deal of smart, intelligent Manitobans that know what kind of policies they would like to see in their government and what they would like to see their government do.

Members opposite have often talked about the different kind of cuts that they're looking forward to making, where they would like to cut back, and my constituents don't want to see any of that, quite frankly, Madam Deputy Speaker.

They just feel that they've had a taste of that, going back to when the Progressive Conservatives were the government of Manitoba, and they've seen too much of it prior to that when they saw Sterling Lyon, as well, the premier of Manitoba, and with his acute protracted restraint, it's just a different model that we see in the current leader, and my constituents certainly don't want to see that. So every day I try to represent them in this Chamber and put forward views that they would like and things that they would like to see our government do.

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 109 So the investments we'r e making are proven to attract more people to our province. In fact, because of FIFA Cup that has taken place just recently at investors stadium, tourism in Manitoba was up 57 per cent in June alone, Madam Deputy Speaker, and there are not many other places that have as much to offer as Manitoba does, and we're growing– diverse, dynamic centre of the arts, culture and sports.

This is where Canada's heart beats and it truly does, and recently Winnipeg was the only Canadian city listed in the National Geogra phic's best trip for 2016 feature. And so this is the first time we've attained those heights, quite frankly, and there are places like New York, like Botswana, like Paris that have been recognized before but to have Winnipeg– Winnipeg–the only Canadian city–it bears repeating– to make this list in the National Geographic's best trip of 2016 feature is truly quite amazing.

So the people of Manitoba, all the tourist industries in Manitoba, not only the Museum for Human Rights and the Journey to Churchill at Assiniboine Park but the tourism industry as a whole in Manitoba deserve a great deal of credit for doing everything they can to really showcase Manitoba, and now it's being recognized worldwide. And we should really be thankful and grateful to all those tourism operators and people within the hospitality industry, the restaurant association, the hotel association, all of those that contribute to a great tourism experience in this province really need to be congratulated.

I know that we often don't pat our selves on the back. Manitobans are often very humble and maybe that's just our nature, but there are times, really, we need to be speaking out and really bragging more about what we have in this province and try to tell people more, as opposed to, you know, as opposed to the opposition that seem to be always finding a grey cloud or negative light or just pointing to all the benefits of these other provinces.

And not to take away from other provinces but just the one example I gave about Manitoba and the ci ty of Winnipeg being recognized by National Geographic is really something to trumpet and to be very, very grateful about and be proud of. So creating jobs and boosting our economy, Madam Deputy Speaker, is also part and parcel of what we have in our Throne Speech and is something that, as a government, is something that –and many of the initiatives have been worked on by many ministers on this side and many MLAs who've contributed to this Throne Speech. These things have not just happened overnight.

Thes e initiatives have taken a lot of time, a lot of thought, a lot of consultation with Manitobans. As the Minister of Finance (Mr.

Dewar) pointed out, he has gone around Manitoba consulting with Manitobans, finding out from them where and what kind of initiatives they would like to see our government move forward, and this is an important point –an important piece to point out, quite frankly, that the consultation is an important part, and we'll increase our annual expenditures to achieve the level of investment that's called for while creating a sustainable funding model to boost tourism and market Manitoba to the world.

We met with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and–on a number of occasions, and this is something that they had suggested to us, that we need a sustainable funding model w hich would be a first for the p rovince of Manitoba. And in our Throne Speech we've acknowledged this and said that this is something that as a province we are going to be delivering on. So stay tuned; there'll be more to come, more information behind that particular comment in our Throne Speech, and it'll be happening in the very near future.

So I won't spend a lot of time on that today, but I just want to say–and my reason for mentioning it was because you have people on the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce that are involved in the restaurant association, the hotel association and many small businesses throughout rural Manitoba and throughout the province that are–make it their business to make tourism the best it can be for their region and their town and their village and their city, outside of Winnipeg as well.

So for us, as a government, this strategy will create new jobs and welcome visitors to a great province, and our government knows that feeding the tourism industry benefits everyone.

Every dollar spent in tourism, the return on that dollar is $1.67–pardon me –$167 for every dollar invested in tourism, and it's earned by local businesses and helps to grow our economy so Manitobans and visitors alike are enjoying exciting opportunities that make us really special. * (14:50) For those of you that had the pleasure to go to Odysseo or Cavalia will know that that show was spectacular: first time ever in Manitoba, first time ever held, I believe, first time ever held in a city

110 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 under a population of 1 million, will often go to cities–that show often goes to cities like Vancouver or Edmonton or Calgary or Los Angeles or New York, but they selected Winnipeg. And you know, they saw something in Winnipeg before the National Geographic acknowledged Winnipeg and made that announcement. The people who are responsible and owners of Odysseo or Cavalia thought, you know, Winnipeg has something really special. And Maclean's magazine acknowledged this same thing about the arts and the cultur e of our province of Manitoba and how exciting it is.

And, as a government, this is something that we believe that we are step-in-step of where Manitobans want us to go. They want us to invest in this province. They know we can do better. We know we can. And that's the kind of steps forward we're trying to take by showing the vision in our Throne Speech and where we want to go. And Premier (Mr. Selinger) should be con- gratulated for having this vision and this foresight to see and listen to Manitobans o n where they want us to go as a government.

And you can see this through the Throne Speech and the reaction that's coming back to us from Manitobans and acknowledging the kind of vision that we have moving forward and wanting Manitoba to be in years ahead. In northern Manitoba –a member from western Manitoba, a member of the opposition, mentioned that he was up in Churchill and talking to people from Churchill and what a great place it was, whether it's beluga whale canoeing or watching, as well as polar bear watching.

But as a government, we have continually invested in Churchill, not only in the town centre of Churchill, millions of dollars, but also trying to work with the tourism industry in Churchill to make sure that that industry is sustainable and w ill be long -lasting many, many years to come for our children and grandchildren. And we know that tourism is more than just the only thing going on in Churchill. In the town of Churchill, it is the gateway to the North, but with world-class research faci lities in Arctic science which often we don't point out.

But the MLA for the Interlake and the Minister responsible for Conservation and Water Stewardship often has referred to this, about the kind of research that is going up and going on in northern Ma nitoba, and it's truly important that we acknowledge that because others around the world see the research that's taking place on polar bears and Arctic life and the ecosystem and how it may be impacted by global warming in years to come is really somethi ng to praise and acknowledge on what is happening.

To conclude a little bit just on tourism, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would just like to say that, with regard to tourism, the fact that's often missed is that tourism is a $1.5- billion industry to this prov ince; $1.5-billion industry is absolutely nothing to sneeze at. In fact, our government has made it our goal, by the time Manitoba celebrates our 150th anniversary in 2020, that we'll have tourism at a $2 -billion industry for this province.

So, in order to do that, it takes a lot of work, but it all takes –also takes a lot of co -operation amongst the tourists –tourism industry itself, of all those businesses, those small businesses. Provinces can't do it alone. We certainly can promote a healthy tourism ind ustry and Travel Manitoba by ensuring that they have the funds that they need in order to do what they do best, and that is to promote this province in the United States, in China, in Germany, in England and throughout the world.

So, as a government, in order to acknowledge, or what they're asking and what they want, what we've done through this Throne Speech, and we'll be doing this in days and weeks and months to come, is to ensure that they do have a sustainable funding model which you have to thank, again, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and many of the people that are in the tourism industry for working with us as a province, and really for them to see that whatever is going to happen with regard to funding, it cannot happen just overnight. They are looking for and asking for a great deal of funds to help promote this province.

We don't disagree with it. We agree with them in principle. It's not something that can happen overnight, but we agree with that formula. We have most recently had a conversati on with the principal owner of WOW! Hospitality who stated to me on that they understand. There's an acknowledgement that you can't just all of a sudden just change things overnight. It's been the first time that any govern - ment has really acknowledged the fact that we need sustainable funding and funding that we know will be well used by Travel Manitoba in order to deliver what we need.

But, so, Madam Deputy Speaker, I just want to say that tourism is made up –and I'm proud to be the minister of the portf olio–but tourism is made up of many different components. We have some of the greatest festivals. There are over 300 different

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 111 festivals–whether it be the festivals related to music or the arts–in the province of Manitoba. There is not a community that I c ertainly can think of, at least at the moment, that doesn't have a festival of some sort. They want to show the pride in that community. They want to show the people who live in that community that it is worthwhile living there. We have an untapped diam ond in the rough in Morden, Manitoba, where you have a Monasaurus but you have a museum that is being acknowledged now around the world.

People see around the world the value of this museum and what we have in Manitoba, and Lake Agassiz was here a million years, many millions of years ago, had many water dinosaurs, dinosaurs of that type of species.

But, again, why I'm commenting about, for example, the Morden museum, a museum in Morden, it's not because of just the value it brings to tourism, but it's what the volunteers and the people who have worked so hard in Morden, and including the MLA for Morden, who also has acknowledged over the years that there are many benefits to rural Manitoba, including dinosaurs of different sorts, and I know that for a fact. Mr. Rob Altemeyer, Acting Speaker, in the Chair We've seen the MLA for Emerson –well, I digress, but I will continue with my notes; I won’t digress too much.

We've had already–but I will state, though, that there are a couple of investments that I need to point out, and I would like to just point out the fact that our 150th birthday in 2020 is very, very symbolic in more ways than one.

Many arenas, many curling rinks, many recreational opportunities came about in 1970 when Ed Schreyer was the premier of this province, and we, as a government, have tried to work with the communities on recreation and all the opportunities that they want for sport and recreation for their citizens, and that is something that not only investing in our Manitoba Museum rece ntly to highlight our history and our heritage, over $10 million to renovate the Nonsuch area inside the Manitoba Museum, which will draw a great deal of tourism to the province, but, again, to thank all those volunteers that volunteer every day in small communities in Manitoba and throughout the province to make tourism special, and also the arts and culture in their local community to show how important that is.

Today the Premier (Mr. Selinger) made an announcement or signed an agreement with the Premier of Nunavut signing an MOU which would have many Inuit artifacts go to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which was really a very touching ceremony, quite frankly, because of the long connection between Nunavut and Manitoba. There are many people in Nunavut, as a matter of fact, who were born at Churchill hospital and our previous Speaker was from Churchill and Mr.

Hickes is well known in northern Manitoba and also in Nunavut and so are the Tootoo family, and they are c ertainly ones that will be very proud of the fact that the Inuit art and the world's largest collection of Inuit art anywhere will be here in Winnipeg at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Stephen Borys, Dr.

Stephen Borys, should be congratulated as well as the board, the chair of the board of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and all of those individuals who work so hard every day to make sure that the Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of the best, not only in Canada, but anywhere in the world. * (15:00) And at one time, th e Winnipeg Art Gallery was just–it was a perception that it was the limousine crowd were the only ones who were going to the art gallery, which the current board and others have worked extremely hard to have that perception erased and to show that it's all Manitobans.

And now with this investment, the world's largest collection of Inuit art coming to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, I think that'll–that will–we will take gigantic steps towards getting rid of that perception, that the Winnipeg Art Gallery is just f or people who are in town cars or arrive in limousines. We have over 12,000 students every year attend the Winnipeg Art Gallery, so it will truly become an educational institution in of itself. And it's something that our Premier has shown great initiati ve, along with the Premier of Nunavut, to make this happen. It–real leadership to bring it together.

And thank you also to the board and Dr. Stephen Borys for everything that you've done to make this happen. And stay tuned. There will be more to come. Our government supports Manitoba's signature museums so they can also be successful. Yes, the Manitoba human rights museum, or the museum for human rights positions Manitoba. It's one of those iconic tourism attractions in the province that draw people and will draw people from all over the world.

And so this museum saw 386,000 national and international visitors the first year, creating nearly 250 jobs and raising the global profile of Manitoba and Winnipeg as a city.

112 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 We are so proud to support over 3,000 vol - unteers who work nearly 120,000 hours every year to support 109 community museums throughout this province–109 community museums. And it takes a lot of volunteer work, a lot of time to make those museums successful, and congratulations to all of you. And we understand the importance of local festivals to this province. I mentioned that there are over 300 local festivals. Manito Ahbee helps Manitobans to learn, share, enjoy our rich indigenous culture and traditions.

And we should be extremely proud, and I certainly would want to at this time thank the Minister responsible for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. He was the one many years ago who really pushed Manito Ahbee as an important, rich indigenous cultural event, and with all its traditions. And it's one of those events that also helps to educate our population and others who attend. It is not just for indigenous people, it is for everyone, and I'd strongly encourage everyone in this Chamber and anyone who happens to be listening or reading the transcript of my comments to attend Manito Ahbee .

It's truly awe -inspiring to see the different cultural aspects to this great, great musical and festival and cultural festival. Festival du Voyageur is another one of these festivals that brings Manitobans toget her at Fort Gibraltar really to uncover and celebrate Franco - Manitobans' history and legacy.

You know, we have such great advantages in this province and we have a great history of Metis people that –really a Father of Confederation for Manitoba, Louis Riel , was a true visionary and a hero of not only the Manitoba Metis people, but also–[interjection] I might want to comment on that, that the Leader of the Opposition, when he was in Parliament, and I can't recall the date, but it's recorded in Hansard, said he totally disagrees with Louis Riel being a Father of Confederation. Instead, I guess he supports old, stuffy white guys from eastern Canada as Fathers of Confederation.

But, quite frankly, Louis Riel is a champion, champion of his people, champion f or Manitoba. Without Louis Riel and the leadership taken by Louis Riel, Manitoba, our history may be far different than we have today. So we, on this side, believe that Louis Riel was truly a Father of Confederation, and whether the Leader of the Opposition does or does not, I think, in many ways, shows you that he's out of sync with the values and where Manitobans want to be. Aside from –and I won't digress too much, Mr.

Speaker–but we've seen many comments made from the Leader of the Opposition, and I'm not going to get too personal about it, but the fact when you're taking a look at human rights, no matter what its shape, and talling it –calling it a social experiment is really not the values of this province, I don't believe, the value of Manitobans, qui te frankly.

We are a generous people, open- minded and a province that has such a multicultural, diverse population in this province and you–all you have to do is just take a look at our benches on this side of the House, and you can see diversity is ref lected in all of our members; diversity is reflected in our Cabinet; diversity is reflected in ideas and suggestions that are being made by individuals on this side. And I know other Manitobans, not only I, see this, literally see it, and it's something to be proud of and we are proud of that.

And–and so–well, I might digress a little further and say we need more women, quite frankly, elected in this Chamber, but that day will come. That day will come and include, maybe in Dawson Trail, we'll see a–maybe w e'll see a female member of the Legislature, and I truly hope someday that'll happen, and also in many constituencies. We need more women in this Chamber, and there's too much testosterone to go around, quite frankly, sometimes, and we need more women here to express that view of a majority of the population of this province.

So, with that, I just want to make a couple more comments about investing in our capital city. Not that Winnipeg is overlooked but our government wants to nurture our capital city, and we'll invest in the infrastructure necessary to make Winnipeg look and feel like a cultural, political and economic hub of Canada. That slogan, that brand, where Canada's Heart Beats, is what Travel Manitoba has used, and Winnipeg is really at the heart and centre of this country, and the city of Winnipeg has been acknowledged everywhere.

We have such great things coming forward–or coming up in the next months and years ahead that will make Winnipeg truly even greater than what it is, and downtown Winnipeg is home to major attractions and the MTS Centre. And just take a look at the skyline, and many of us can take a look at the skyline of Winnipeg now and what it looks like compared to a short even

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 113 10 years ago, 16 years ago; what a change. It's –you know, the SHED district, the hospitality industry and what people have done to make downtown Winnipeg vibrant. And there's more to do, much to accomplish, more to do, but, as a government, we want to work with the City of Winnipeg. We truly want to make Winnipeg greater than what it is and we know it takes a common goal; it takes partnerships; and we want to work with Mayor Bowman and the councillors, Brian Mayes and city councillors in Winnipeg for the City of Winnipeg, to make Winnipeg even better.

So I just– you know, so thanks to our incentives and affordability, our business community is growing like never before. This year Winnipeg was named the most business -friendly city by Canadian Business magazine, the best –the best–and you never hear this from th e opposition. You never hear a comment that we've been acknowledged by National Geographic magazine as the only city in Canada –the only city in Canada –that people should be visiting, and it has received that kind of –those kinds of accolades.

But also we want to make sure that our new partnership with the City includes ramping up infra - structure investments and including large -priority projects like Louise Bridge, Chief Peguis Trail, Kenaston Boulevard. Hopefully, there will be some money for Archibald and Marion someplace because I run into a train there every morning and like other easterners, the people on the eastern side of the province, coming into our great capital city.

But through these partnerships we'll be spending over–wait for it–over a billio n dollars –a billion dollars on infrastructure, never heard of in this province before, and the MLA for Thompson has shown great leadership–great leadership–on this file.

This–the MLA for Thompson has been a strong advocate not only –not only –for infrastruct ure in Manitoba but has taken a great leadership role when it comes to partnering with our sister provinces, our provinces to the west of us, on weights and measures. * (15:10) Now the members opposite will always say, well, why aren't you part of the gr eat west, you know, this great west partnership. But we have been working with our provinces to the west of us and to the east of us.

As the Minister of Education pointed out today, we're not just concerned about working with the west; we work with all of Canada and, in fact, probably of what the kind of trade that goes on in the–in Canada today probably 50 per cent goes to the east of us and probably 40 per cent to the west of us or thereabouts. And so we believe being in the centre of Canada, where Canada's heart beats, in the central geographical area of the province of –where province of Manitoba lies, it is truly important that we also trade with everyone–east, west, north and south.

I only have a couple of minutes left, but I just want to say that, as a government, we are committing a full one -third of the current cost to upgrade Winnipeg's waste-water system plants, and our share will increase by nearly $100 million, and the MLA for Lakeside and the Minister responsible for Conservation and Water Stewardship has commented on this any time he's had an opportunity to stand in the Chamber, has been asked questions on how important Lake Winnipeg is and what we need to do with regard to preserving Lake Winnipeg, and doing whatever we can to protect the fish ery and the economics surrounding that is certainly very, very worthwhile.

And I know, also, with the completion of the southwest leg of rapid transit connecting the University of Manitoba to downtown, and that commitment to partnership is really important. And the City of Winnipeg has been asking for many of these initiatives for years, and the Speech from the Throne, or the Throne Speech, has acknowledged this. We've heard Manitobans; we know what people want, but one thing they don't want is the Conser vative cuts that would take us back to the no- growth, no-fun time when they were government, and that is absolutely clear to us.

In fact, you see the Leader of the Opposition twisting and turning himself into a pretzel now about how, oh, we won’t spend five per cent; we'll go to four per cent. Well, to me, that's still a cut. Five to four is still cutting, and no matter what, he just can't get over the fact that Manitobans want investment. The Opposition Leader and his Conservatives are out of touch with Manitoba families when it comes to supporting the arts and tourism. We hear it often. They feel that it's a waste of money, somehow. Their $550 million reckless cuts that they talk about would destroy things.

It would make Manitoba a great place to live and visit and drag us back to the no-growth time when they were government. Back then, they slashed funding to museums by 10 per cent. They raised the gas tax and then cut the highways budget.

114 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 Our government has worked to reverse this with new Canadian Human Rights Museum, as well as updates to the Canadian museum and Manitoba –or Children's Museum and Manitoba Museum. They voted against MTS Centre. You know, the Winnipeg Jets left town when they were government. The Winnipeg Jets came back because the MTS Centre was built. They voted against it and, Mr. Speaker, all I can say is that the Opposition Leader has extreme positions on social issues, positions which majorities of Manitobans don't share.

He believes that only some parts of a culture and heritage are worth celebrating. Our government knows that Manitoba's diversity is what makes us great, what makes Manitoba a great place to live, grow, work, raise your families. Thank you. The Acting Speaker (Rob Altemeyer): Recognize the honourable member for Morden-Winkler. Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): It's my pleasure to stand today and to respond to the motion, the amendment that's been brought by the Leader of the Opposition party.

It's been a year since I've had the chance to stand and speak on a Throne Speech, and of course we know, as members of this Assembly, a lot happens in a year outside of the time we spend in this Chamber, and my own family has continued to get older and I was r emarking just now as I was waiting for my turn to speak that my youngest daughter now is actually older than my oldest daughter was when I was elected, so it's interesting how time passes so quickly.

So my oldest is now in university, just starting out at CMU as a music major, and my youngest is starting grade 9 and grade 9 was the age that Maddie was when I started into this job. So the kids are getting older and we know, on both sides of the aisle, there's a lot of moments that we don't see as parents and as grandparents for the time that we give to this cause. And of course it is an honour to serve here. But, we know, we're aware of the fact that we miss some of those markers.

We're not always there for every choir concert or every school event or ever y sports event, and so perhaps it makes us more present when we are actually at those events. We relish them a little bit more. Nevertheless, I don't mean in any way to suggest, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that it isn't a tremendous honour for me to be in this p lace and have the opportunity to speak today. It is certainly my great honour to represent the constituency of Morden-Winkler, as did Peter George Dyck before me, Don Orchard before that time.

And my area has had some very, very credible representation, and so it is constantly impressed upon me that I have big shoes to fill and endeavouring to do so every day in my role. Le 4 octobre, 2011, les électeurs de la conscription–circonscription Morden-Winkler ont élisé–me sont élisé pour les représenter à l'Assemblée législative du Manitoba, et depuis les quatre ans, je travaille dur pour comprendre et remplir les rôles divers d'un député. Je suis honoré d'avoir la confiance des électeurs de Morden - Winkler et je travaille chaque jour à garder leur confiance.

Translation On October 4, 2011, the voters of the Morden- Winkler constituency elected me to represent them in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, and in the four years since, I have been working hard to understand and to fulfill th e various roles of an MLA. I am honoured to have the confidence of the Morden- Winkler electorate and I strive every day to keep their trust. English The member for Fort Rouge (Ms. Howard) was mentioning some special things she has in her office the other day, and I was listening intently to see what those things are.

I think many of us keep things, perhaps in our office or in our constituency office, things to which we refer, things that are important to us for whatever reason. So as I listened to those mementos she keeps around her –I keep a couple of things in my office. As so many of us have done, we receive things from people. And sometimes there are school groups who, you know, we –maybe we visit a classroom and they'll write us a letter. I just felt so terrible to be throwing out a letter from a seven-year- old who's taken the time to write it, I started a special file that I just call mementos.

And on the days that are more difficult, I'll open that file up, and you look through it. And, if my colleagu es across the way, including some of the newer colleagues in the Chamber, if they're not doing that, I challenge them to start today. Those things have meaning. Those things have such meaning for us later on as we look back, some of them funny, some of the m just very memorable, and some of them very humbling when we know that we have had an opportunity in some small way to help someone.

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 115 I remarked to someone the other day that – someone came looking for assistance to me, and I was able to provide that assistance, and I remarked later on that it was so easy for me to help. And it caused me to reflect later, it would have been so easy for me not to have helped. I could have said I was busy. I was busy, but I made what call I could based on the people I knew. It helped in some way, and it really humbled me to think that we can, in those small ways, effect a difference in our own communities for real people who are trying to navigate government.

Many times they stop at our office and our office is not the appropriate place for them to be. We can direct them to the right place of inquiry, but every time, they express that thanks, that gratitude, that we took the time. And as those of us who haven't been here as long as, perhaps, some other members like the memb er for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler) or the member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton), we get better as we go along at helping to direct people to the appropriate place.

And I would say as well that I have appreciated those people in our hard- working civil service who are able to recognize that the vast majority of times, we as elected members of this Assembly are not coming to them with an issue that is political in nature; we're coming to them for an issue that is non-partisan in nature. And I've always appreciated where I've been able to interface with the civil service, with people in other departments, to be able to work for the benefit of those people who are relying on us. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I would also, at the beginning of my address, want to recognize, as so many of my colleagues have, the tragedies that have taken place in Paris, in Beirut and other places. We know that these are difficult times for our world. We know that we have so many benefits here in Manitoba. We have this luxury of being able to quarrel over things in a respectful way–99 per cent of the time –that others would so long to have the opportunity to do.

Instead, they are having to fight and protest and to work strongly and to risk so much for things that we take for granted every day. * (15:20) And so I appreciated very much the moment of silence that we took as members as we began our deliberations a few days ago. I appreciate that members continue to wear the Canada -France pin as a demonstration of solidarity with our neighbours there. I appreciate so much that we have dressed the Legislature in the red, white and blue colours of the French flag.

I noticed that again last night as I left the Legislature and the snow was starting to fall, and that's a powerful tribute showing that we will sta nd in solidarity against these terrorist acts. Mr. Deputy Speaker, there's a photo that hangs in my wall in my office, speaking of mementos that we keep. It often –it hangs where I can see it when I sit at my desk, and it often reminds me of how I got to this place. It's a photo of myself, my younger brother and my father, but it's taken when I'm about probably 10 years old.

I remember that I hung that picture there because my dad delivered it to me in my office shortly after I was elected. He brought it by as a kind of, I guess, a constituency -office- warming present. I would want to inform all my colleagues that the gift was given by my father and it looks like a Walmart frame, so I won't have to be disclosing this to the commissioner. I'm quite sure that the gift is under the $250 threshold that would require me to have to disclose it as a gift. But, in any case, this picture is my dad and my brother and myself standing on the grand stair of the Legislature.

It's important to me for a few reasons. It was the first trip I ever made to the Legislature at 10 years old. I remember when my dad parked the car and we got out on the west side of the building, and I could look up and I first saw the elm trees and then I looked at the building. And I'll never forget seeing a building that was probably the grandest building I had ever seen before and walking inside and being so in awe of the architecture and of the installed art and of the many features that make this place so unique, one of the most important architectural edifices in all of North America, without question.

So I was quite overcome and, actually, there are still days when I am overcome with awe as you walk down a hallway or see something new in a hallway that you hadn't noticed before. My niece is a–was a fine arts major at University of Manitoba who did a research paper on art and architecture in the Manitoba Legislature, and she has pointed out to me things I've never seen before. Members of this Chamber can look at the doors and they'll notice that the bison are proceeding in one direction; my niece informed me that that was never the intention of the architect.

He had meant, like so many things in this building, for that to be symmetrical. The bison were supposed to be looking at each other, but as they got closer and closer to the completion of the building and they realized they were out of money, and they realized that there was a

116 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 war taking place and they needed to divert assets to help fight the war, they had only cast one of those bison, and a s they installed them the architect took exception. He said, this is not what I want; go back and do it right. And they apologized and said there was no more money left in the budget, so he rationalized it and he said, well, that's okay, he says, because b ison actually migrate and they move in a field in one direction so this is actually symbolic of that.

So the other day when my daughter was here for take-your-kid-to-work day and I had a chance to visit with the Lieutenant Governor who graciously opened her doors to welcome my daughter and the daughter for the member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson), I explained that to our new Lieutenant Governor, and she was unaware so we both exchanged our notes about what we knew about the building.

And I should say as well the–Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor was very curious to know what we knew about the building because she is trying to acquaint herself more and more with this building even though we all understand that she has already spent a lot of time in this place over the years. I think she will just do a fabulous job in this role. We're so pleased to see an appointment that has the endorsement of all Manitobans. To finish my account, though, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, the reason that photo is so important to me in my o ffice is because that day that my father took me to the Legislature was also important because, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, it was the day that we dropped my mother off at the Health Sciences Centre to begin her cancer treatments. My mom was a cancer survivor for many years, first diagnosed when I was very young and then another bout of cancer treatments after a second diagnosis when I was in my teens, and a third shortly after I graduated, and passed away just a number of years ago now.

But it was that day, I believe, my dad was probably trying to give us a good memory on a day that would have been very, very hard for us. We didn't understand all that was taking place. We certainly did not understand the extent of the struggle that my mother was embarking on because she was a private woman and she was a stubborn woman, and she didn't want to worry us kids like so many of our mothers are like, and so she chose to keep a lot of that from us but we could still –we could sense it and we could see it, and we walked through that as best we could as a family.

So I keep that on my wall as a remembrance of my first time at the Legislature. Mr. Deputy Speaker, there's a book that I read a number of years ago, and it's by a Canadian author called Bruce Grierson. I t's entitled U -Turn and it talks about switching from one career to another. There's a famous quote by Jack Canfield that says, switching from one career to another can be scary, but it can also be a thrilling experience. Look at it as an opportunity to re ally go after what you want to accomplish in life and make a difference in the world.

The key is to take small, conscious steps and prepare yourself for a successful transition. That's very meaningful to me, I think, for all of us. Whether we started out in the public sector or the private sector, our transition to this place is never seamless, and we know that this place comes with a great cost that we pay not just in the time we pay – spend away from our families, but it comes, of course, with uncertainty and it comes with elections every four years, as it should be.

And we must constantly demonstrate again to our constituencies that we still have their confidence and that we are still able and qualified and have the enthusiasm and the integrity and our ide als and our ideology to continue to represent them. So I read that book, the U-Turn, and it was really life changing for me.

It helped me at a time when I was still in the public school and teaching where I taught for 12 years to undertake incrementally t he steps that would eventually lead me back to university and then into an office where I was executive assistant for a Member of Parliament and eventually into a place where I was able, with the support of my family and of many backers, to seek the nomina tion for the PC Party in the Morden- Winkler constituency. Mr. Deputy Speaker, among my –among the many things that come–have come my way this year has been an opportunity to meet some new Canadians.

As you may know, in Morden- Winkler there are more and mor e new residents. We have a strong ag manufacturing and other manufacturing that takes place in the Morden-Winkler constituency, corporations, companies that were started and continue in this area. And if I began to name them, I would be remiss because I would leave out some. But anyways, many of them are looking for workers. And so as workers continue to come to our region and our population grows, as a matter of fact, our population in our cities is growing by as much as 20 and 25 per cent over a four -year period.

A lot of growth there, a lot of –it's interesting, as an MLA,

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 117 how many of my issues are perhaps different than those, you know, faced by my predecessor and his predecessor. Where someone like Don Orchard would have faced a lot of issues around agriculture, I've faced more issues, perhaps, around ag industry. We face issues around transportation and affordable housing and infrastructure. So those are areas that my–that Morden- Winkler has been addressing, and many of those solutions come from the local community. So many successes, such a great community. But, as I was saying, with all of this growth comes new residents.

I met a gentleman a few months ago at a Settlement Services meeting that I was speaking to. I was amazed to go into this room. New Canadians and newcomers to the community, some of whom do not have their Canadian citizenship yet, and all of them taking English- language classes. And I went in to address them. And I was thinking to myself I would see a lot of people, perhaps, from Germany, and there were some. What was amazing to me is in that same room were individuals from France, from the DR Congo, from South America, from places like the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Russia.

It's amazing how you can walk down the street in my region and hear so many languages spoken now. I met, at that time, a man whose name is Assani Muhanuzi who was from the DR Congo and told me a harrowing story of his escape.

And I know many of my colleagues will understand that this area is so afflicted with war; it is so broken after years and years of conflict, horrific things happening to families, horrific things happening to young people conscripted into war efforts, horrific things happening to women who are not safe. * (15:30) And he told me a story of him esc aping at night, not over a period of hours, a period of months as he ran from country to country without paperwork and persuaded officials and prayed and was accepted into country after country until he was finally imprisoned in South Africa. He was eventu ally released.

He went to work. He rose up in the workforce. He became the–I think he was a dispatch. He ran a shipping division of a major food company and eventually came to Canada, and he's now residing in the city of Winkler where he's raising his family. I congratulate Assani and his wife. He just had a new daughter, a baby daughter, I believe, not a son. I think it's a daughter. And I was blown away by this new resident of our province who is focused on working for others.

He has such a view towards helping others, and I was deeply impressed with the extent to which he's involving himself to help others who are newcomers to the community –not just the Congolese community but all newcomers to the community–helping, connecting people to resources. What a tremendous encouragement to see that. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I wanted to say how pleased I am to support a leader who has brought a alternate throne speech that is talking about a different way of doing business in the province of Manitoba. La semaine passée, le chef du parti opposition a prononcé son discours du trône alternati f.

Il a partagé beaucoup des idées. Il a prononcé une vision distincte d'un gouvernement progressiste - conservateur au province du Manitoba. Le chef a parlé au besoin d'une nouvelle époque a Manitoba. Translation Last week, the Leader of the Opposition delivered his alternative throne speech. He shared many ideas. He shared a distinct vision of a Progressive Conservative government for the province of Manitoba. The leader spoke about the need for a new era in Manitoba. English He spoke about a need for a new era in Manitoba.

Il a parlé de la confiance, du travail d'équipe, à l'importance du bon sens, de la transparence, de la responsabilité. C'est un message qui est si important pour notre province après 16 ans d'équipe dysfonctionnelle, le gouvernement néo-démocrate. Translation He spoke about trust, teamwork, the importance of common sense, transparency and responsibility. This is a message that is so important for our province after 16 years of a dysfunctional team, the New Democratic government. English He spoke about transparency. He spoke about teamwork. He spoke about authenticity. He spoke about common sense.

C'est un chemin de la co llaboration, à travailler avec des groupes diverses, à inclurer tous les gens, tous les perspectives.

118 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 19, 2015 Translation It is an approach based on co- operation, on work with different groups and the inclusion of all people, all viewpoints. English He spoke about an approach that includes all people, that includes diverse groups, that includes a lot of perspectives. Leur approche, c'est la même comme toujours. Translation Their approach is the same as always. Their approach is always the same. C'est un chemin des promesses non tenues, un chemin qui cherche à diviser, à chercher à déformer nos intentions, notre plan.

Translation It is a path of unkept promises, a path of trying to divide, trying to distort our intentions, our plan. English Their procedure is always the same. It's an approach that seeks to divide Manitobans. It's an approach that seeks to discredit us by deforming what we are saying to Manitobans. And it's an approach, I find, that is not in keeping wi th the place in which we serve. I heard, when the member for Brandon West (Mr.

Helwer) brought yesterday a –or he brought a grievance, that in his rationale he quoted former Speaker Dacquay who said that words in this place should be temperate and worthy of the place in which they are spoken. And following that alternate s peech from the throne, the member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton) got up and proceeded to put on the record–I won't talk about the content of his address; I was just discouraged as a legislator that after 16 years –that after 16 years –many of them spent as a min ister, he didn't have more to say about his record, he didn't have more to say about his accomplishments.

It was clear from his address their intentions–and I think we should thank them because their intentions for the next election became clear. They won' t run on their record. They will run on fear. They will distort and they will try to run on fear when really what Manitobans are understanding more and more, no matter what they say, is that what is to be feared is a government that says one thing and does another.

Over time, more and more Manitobans are understanding they cannot count on such an approach: broken promises to taxpayers, broken promises to special interest groups, broken promises to AMM, broken promises to those who run women's shelters, broken promises to the Jockey Club, broken promises to people in the north, east, south and west of this province. Les Manitobains et les Manitobaines sont fatigués de cette approche. Ils sont fatigués des promesses non tenues et ils sont prêts pour un nouveau message, un message de la collaboration, d'une façon à faire des affaires o ù on garde les promesses.

Translation Manitobans are tired of this approach. They're tired of the unkept promises and they are ready for a new message, a message of co- operation, of a way of doing things where you keep promises. English An approach, a way of doing things where you keep promises. Où on a l'espoir. Translation Where you have hope. English Where you have hope. And they are ready for change in the province of Manitoba. On désire un changement pour le mieux. Translation We want a change for the better. English Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I became aware as the Throne Speech was being spoken that there was an absence of any language in the Throne Speech that had to do with fiscal responsibility. Now, the NDP members might say, well, that wasn't their plan; they–you know, it wasn't part of their priorities. I guess it isn't part of their priorities because it never came u p during the address. But I would remind them it's been there before, and it was missing this time. Because in 2009 –and in 2009, this is what was included in the Throne Speech. They said: "We are managing these fiscal pressures by targeting

November 19, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 119 spending…and tightening our belts in all other areas. Most …departments are on pace to reduce spending…" That was their promise. So when the member for Dawson Trail (Mr. Lemieux) gets up this afternoon and says that any decrease in spending he sees as cuts, he's forgetting it was his Throne Speech in 2009 that promised to be on pace to reduce spending. Now, of course, they didn't do it, so in 2010, they brought a new Throne Speech. What did it say?

It said: "We will return the province to balance over a five-year period…" Well, I'm happy to report we're now in 2015. How did that go? Are we in balance? No. Is the deficit down? No. It's up. It's a broken promise in a spectacular fashion. And I would remind the House that in this period–it was just disclosed eight weeks a go when the public accounts were finally disclosed on the last day allowable by the rules–that the government actually overspent by $200 million, even though they realized un- anticipated government business enterprise revenue of more than $200 million.

They had unanticipated additional revenue, yet they still missed their own – their target by more than $200 million. So in 2011, they brought another pledge in their Throne Speech. And in 2011, the Throne Speech said their continuing goal is to sustain economic growth, find efficiencies and meet their fiscal targets and our commitments to Manitobans. Only they didn't do it. They blew their budget. As a matter of fact, they've now presided over seven consecutive budget deficits. And

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	40-5-4
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	40th 5th hansardpdf 4.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	66900e9703aaedc349e30d34e457bc4b583226df

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