Manitoba Hansard — 2 December 1982 (Sitting 1, 32nd Legislature, 2nd Session)

32-2-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

. ISSN 0542-5492 Second Session - Thirty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS 31 Elizabeth II Published under the authority of The Honourable D. James Walding Speaker VOL. XXXI No.1 - 2:00 p.m., THURSDAY, 2 DECEMBER, 1982. Printed by the Office of the Queens Printer. Province of Manitoba

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Second Legislature Members, Constituencies and Political Affiliation Name ADAM, Hon. A.R. (Pete) ANSTETT, Andy ASHTON, Steve BANMAN, Robert (Bob) BLAKE, David R. (Dave) BROWN, Arnold BUCKLASCHUK, John M. CARROLL, Q.C., Henry N. CORRIN, Brian COWAN, Hon. Jay DESJARDINS, Hon. Laurent DODICK, Doreen DOERN, Russell DOLIN, Mary Beth DOWNEY, James E. DRIEDGER, Albert ENNS, Harry EVANS, Hon. Leonard S. EYLER, Phil FILMON, Gary FOX, Peter GOURLAY, D.M. (Doug) GRAHAM, Harry HAMMOND, Gerrie HARAPIAK, Harry M. HARPER, Elijah HEMPHILL, Hon. Maureen HYDE, Lloyd JOHNSTON, J.

Frank KOSTYRA, Hon. Eugene KOVNATS, Abe LECUYER, Gerard LYON, O.C., Hon. Sterling MACKLING, a.c., Hon. Al MALINOWSKI, Donald M. MANNESS, Clayton McKENZIE, J. Wally MERCIER, O.C., G.W.J. (Gerry) NORDMAN, Rurik (Ric) OLESON, Charlotte ORCHARD, Donald PAWLEY, O.C., Hon. Howard R. PARASIUK, Hon. Wilson PENNER, Q.C., Hon. Roland PHILLIPS, Myrna A. PLOHMAN, John RANSOM, A. Brian SANTOS, Conrad SCHROEDER, Hon. Vic SCOTT, Don SHERMAN, L.R. (Bud) SMITH, Hon. Muriel STEEN, Warren STORIE, Jerry T. URUSKI, Hon. Bill USKIW, Hon. Samuel WALDING, Hon. D. James Constituency Ste.

Rose Springfield Thompson La Verendrye Minnedosa Rhineland Gimli Brandon West Ell ice Churchill St. Boniface Riel Elm wood Kildonan Arthur Emerson Lakeside Brandon East River East Tuxedo Concordia Swan River Virden Kirkfield Park The Pas Rupertsland Logan Portage la Prairie Sturgeon Creek Seven Oaks Niakwa Radisson Charleswood St. James St. Johns Morris Roblin-Russell St. Norbert Assiniboia Gladstone Pembina Selkirk Transcona Fort Rouge Wolseley Dauphin Turtle Mountain Burrows Ross mere lnkster Fort Garry Osborne River Heights Flin Flon Interlake Lac du Bonnet St.

Vital Party NDP NDP NDP PC PC PC NDP IND NDP NDP NDP NDP NDP NDP PC PC PC NDP NDP PC NDP PC PC PC NDP NDP NDP PC PC NDP PC NDP PC NDP NDP PC PC PC PC PC PC NDP NDP NDP NDP NDP PC NDP NDP NDP PC NDP PC NDP NDP NDP NDP

• LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, 2 December, 1982 Time - 2:00 p.m. "At 2:00 p.m. the Sergeant-at-Arms. carrying the Mace shoulder high and followed by the Speaker and the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly, entered the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the main entrance of the House, the Speaker took post on the east side of the House and the Clerks took post on the west side of the House, standing and awaiting the arrival of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

"The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, and officers comprising the Officer Escort, met in the Lieutenant-Governor's reception room. "The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, accompanied Her Honour from the reception room to the Chamber in the follow ing order: The Civil Aide on the right; The Military Aide on the left; The Officer Escort; The Members of the Executive Council: The Premier: and then The Lieutenant-Governor. DEPUTY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, Mr. Myron Mason: Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

"At the Bar of the House, the Military and Civil Aides, the Officer Escort. Members of the Executive Council and the Premier, halted and turned inwards to allow the Lieutenant-Governor to advance to the head of the Escort where Her Honour was met by the Mace. "The Lieutenant-Governor then, preceded by the Mace carried shoulder high, followed on her left by the Military Aide and on her right by the Civil Aide, proceeded along the west side of the Chamber to the Throne.

The Officer Escort then divided upon reach ing the Table, the left file going to the east side of the Chamber and the right file going to the west. The Premier proceeded along the east side and stood on the floor on the east side of the Chamber. The Members of the Executive Council took their places. "The Military Aide took up his position on the right of the Throne and the Civil Aide took up his position on the west side of the Chamber. "The Lieutenant-Governor seated herself on the Throne: the Mace made obeisance and retired to the east side of the Chamber." SPEECH FROM THE THRONE HON.

PEARL McGONIGAL, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba: Will you please be seated. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative As sembly·of the Province of Manitoba, I welcome you to the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature of the Province of Manitoba. Manitobans were honoured early this year with a visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne. Her visit coincided with the Centennial Celebrations of Brandon. Selkirk and other Manitoba communities.

The economic recession under way when my gov ernment assumed office one year ago has deepened and persisted causing widespread hardship through out Canada and in Manitoba. Unemployment has risen to post-Depression record levels. Homeowners, small businesses and farmers are struggling for their economic survival in the current difficult situation. While the ruinous policy of tight money and high interest rates is now discredited, my Ministers are concerned that positive alternatives have not been pursued at the national and international levels.

These are times which test the will of individuals, communities and nations. Manitobans are meeting this test, and in the process proving that their tre mendous ability to co-operate and support each other in times of adversity is as strong today as it was during the Great Depression and pioneer days. This province is demonstrating a community spirit and will to make the best of a difficult situation.

The results can be seen in Manitoba's better performance compared to other provinces in retail sales, employ ment, population, real domestic production and other indicators, in addition to continued low inflation and steady growth in manufacturing shipments. Manitoba is pulling its own weight. The good start that Manitobans have made serves as inspiration for my Ministers to make every effort to continue meeting the challenges of this long reces sion. The strength and character of the people of Manitoba demands nothing less.

In the coming year my Ministers are committed to action that will develop and deliver programs that address the crisis of unemployment; continue to help individual Manitobans and maintain the foundations of the provincial economy for national recovery when it comes; provide activist, compassionate and innova tive government in new and trying circumstances: and strengthen democratic institutions and individual lib erties, while working and consulting with Manitobans in the ongoing review and revitalization of provincial services.

The authority to spend $60 million on special employment and housing measures has been aug mented by existing authority to create more than 4,000 jobs on projects that improve the strength of our economy and the quality of life in Manitoba. Every corner of Manitoba has been reached by job initiatives that are now under way. My Ministers advise me that they will continue to work with both the Fed eral and Municipal Governments to ease the hardship of unemployment and stimulate the economy.

New and expanded measures will include almost $4 million for accelerated provincial capital works, pro viding many projects during the winter months when jobs are most needed; an additional $1 million to be immediately cost-shared with the City of Winnipeg for job intensive capital works; special employment funds transferred to northern community projects; exten sion of affordable new homes to match the extended federal grants for new home buyers; promotion of more infill housing in older Winnipeg neighbour hoods, following the successful design contest for affordable new city homes; and advancing to this win ter, $900,000 of construction in Thompson: and pro vincial matching of the Federal Government's corn-

Thursday, 2 December, 1982 mitment to non-Federal Government projects under the New Employment Expansion and D.evelopment Program, for the 18 months beginning on January 1, 1983. These efforts will provide productive work for thou sands of Manitobans. However, my government con tinues to seek further means of strengthening Mani toba and creating much-needed jobs. You will be asked to provide a $20 million loan authority for an improved and expanded home insula tion prograrn.

This program will increase jobs in Manitoba and offer improved opportunities to reduce the cost of home heating and thus the cost of living. Jobs are also created by two federal-provincial pro grams that demonstrate energy saving: Arena and Recreation Centre Retrofit and Small Scale Energy Demonstration. My Ministers are preparing a new program to demonstrate cost effective methods of upgrading home energy efficiency. It will involve 120 existing homes across the province.

My government has responded to the current eco nomic crisis in the tradition of shared purpose and co-operative action which is characteristic of Manito bans. To this end, the Economic Summit Conference in Portage la Prairie last month brought together representatives of government, business, and labour with Native and farm groups in a search for common understanding and co-operative action on the economy. There was a shared recognition of the need to work together to minimize the impact of the recession on Manitobans, and a resolve to work together to formu late an economic development strategy.

In follow-up to the Summit, my Ministers will work in partnership with business and labour to achieve continued stable economic performance. to build in Manitoba's diversified economic base and to increase development to meet local needs. In response to the discussions at the Economic Summit. my government will also be proceeding with several specific, immediate measures. The venture capital initiative will address the shor tage of equity capital frequently experienced by small and medium-size Manitoba firms. It will stimulate equity investment in innovative firms and strengthen such ventures.

My Ministers are developing a "Buy Manitoba" pro gram to support the growth of rural and urban firms. This program will streamline purchasing procedures and provide opportunities for firms to strengthen their local market base. without the rigid price guidelines that both business and labour consider to be counter productive for Manitoba.

Relevant, effective job training and retraining to meet the requirements of increasingly competitive markets and the impact of technological change was emphasized by participants at the Economic Summit New training programs will be developed with the advice of business and labour. My Ministers will promote greater consultation between employers and employees and encourage various means of increasing worker involvement in decision-making. Within the public sector, my gov ernment in consultation with the appropriate trade unions will implement such measures as a model.

A major foundation of Manitoba's economy is our 2 resource industries and several will receive attention in the coming year. My Ministers are encouraged by the continued rapid pace of exploration and development in Manito ba's petroleum industry. To date in 1982, over 175 new wells have been drilled, a near 300 percent increase over 1981. My government is encouraged by the announcement that Petro-Canada, our national oil company, has now commenced drilling wells in Mani toba. To provide for the stable long-term development of the oil industry in Manitoba, a package of measures will be brought forward.

You will be asked to create a Manitoba Oil and Gas Corporation. This corporation will pursue in concert with the private sector the fullest development of our oil and gas potential. It will enable direct public partic ipation in this important resource industry. Where oil well activity exists and is increasing, a number of surface rights problems have arisen over the years, demonstrating the need for comprehensive surface rights legislation.

Accordingly, my govern ment intends to introduce legislation governing the acquisition, use and restoration of lands required for oil and gas exploration, development and production, which will provide greater ability to resolve conflicts between the agriculture and oil industries. Manitoba has proven its ability to attract private sector interest in our oil industry. To maintain this competitive advantage, legislation to provide royalty and tax incentives to 1986 for actively exploring oil companies will be introduced.

Despite the toll taken by the recession, my Ministers are confident that the mining industry will play an important role in Manitoba for many more years. Public investment in Manitoba Mineral Resources Ltd. for mineral exploration will be increased so that this Crown corporation can better accommodate the desire of private companies to enter into joint ven tures with the province. This should mean more exploration and will provide the people of Manitoba with an increased stake in this resource.

La qualite et l'approvisionnement des eaux sont essentielles au maintien et a !'amelioration de la qua lite de notre vie.

Mon gouvernement adoptera de nou velles mesures d'exploitation des eaux de ruisselle ment et des reserves d'eau souterraines, et moderni sera les moyens de repartir, de proteger et de contr61er cette ressource importante, et d'accorder les licences qui s'y rapportent My Ministers will continue to work with Manitobans who are deeply concerned about the potential harm ful effect of the Garrison Diversion project, and ensure that Manitoba's views are placed clearly and effectively before those responsible for the project The harvesting of wild rice has long been of impor tance to Manitoba residents, particularly those of Native ancestry.

My government will help realize this industry's potential and foster its growth by introduc ing a management framework for wild rice production. Agriculture is key to the Manitoba economy, and my Ministers have been working with the farm community to develop policies and programs that support healthy farm production. My Ministers have consulted in recent months with farm groups, farmers and other residents of Manitoba on legislative measures required to control absentee

2 December, 1982 ownership of Manitoba's farmland. Arising from these discussions, my government will introduce "The Farmlands Ownership Act." This Act will strengthen the family farm by restricting acquisition of farmland by absentee investors, specifically nonfarm corpora tions and nonresidents of Manitoba. My government continues to favour the develop ment of a national stabilization program for beef. In the absence of needed national plans. it is taking deci sive action in Manitoba to assist producers in this important industry.

After extensive consultation the province introduced a Plan for Manitoba Beef to increase and stabilize beef incomes and to increase value-added in industries related to the beef sector. In addition, my government will strengthen and expand related technical programs to enhance the productiv ity and incomes of beef producers in Manitoba. Through the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corpora tion and its regional extension services, my govern ment will continue to provide credit, intensive finan cial counselling, and interest rate relief to farmers, particularly those experiencing severe financial difficulty.

My government will continue to express concern about the negative economic impact on Manitoba of the proposed changes in the statutory grain rates. With grain prices depressed and the cost of produc tion increasing, the grain farmer is more vulnerable to the increasing transportation rates which the federal proposal would directly impose. Change in the prin ciple of equal rates for equal distance would result in the loss of branch lines and consequently threaten the viability of many rural communities. My government continues to promote and support the Port of Churchill.

Increased grain shipping and a resumption of nongrain shipments will be sought, in addition to preservation of Churchill's role as the Keewatin resupply base. To reduce the cost of port operations, my Ministers have proposed federal provincial co-operation to supply Churchill with hydro-electricity. Tourism will remain a significant source of eco nomic activity. Implementation of the federal provincial Destination Manitoba Agreement will con tinue at an accelerated pace. My government is improving the ability of the pro vincial public sector to serve Manitobans.

Depart ments of government are upgrading their capacity to plan effectively and provide the public with necessary information. Other activist steps include the following. Construction and renovation of housing has major economic and social benefits. The province plays an active role in all aspects of housing; therefore, you will be asked to approve a Department of Housing to establish a comprehensive approach to the delivery of housing to Manitobans. Homes initiatives will con tinue, and co-operative housing efforts will be expanded.

You will be asked to approve the formation of a Department for Environment and Workplace Health and Safety. This unique new entity will recognize the need for integration and achieve effective operation of existing services that foster a healthier environment for all Manitobans. My Ministers have begun a hazardous and special waste management program that includes a Hazard- 3 ous Materials Act. You will be asked to approve trans portation of dangerous goods legislation.

Legislation will be introduced to strengthen the par ticipation of working people in the development and maintenance of safe and healthy workplaces. Addi tional amendments to improve other aspects of work place health and safety will be introduced upon the basis of recent public hearings. For 11 years Manitobans have been well served by their public insurance corporation. Automobile owners enjoy low rates and superior coverage, and all opera tions of the corporation contribute to a stronger and more self-reliant provincial economy.

To increase the potential for such beneficial activity, the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation will be empowered to enter into the competitive marketing of life insurance and pension management services. These are difficult times, and the fact of limited provincial revenues demands tough decisions. My Ministers are guided by principles of compassion and innovation as they reallocate resources, both finan cial and personnel, within departments to more accu rately reflect current priorities. In this way existing resources will be used most effectively.

My government is committed to an economic and social program which will best meet the needs of Manitoba in 1983-84. All departments have been asked to examine exist ing programs to see if they meet the needs of today, rather than yesterday. My government is already mov ing to implement these new directions. Priorities in health will be mental health, preventive public health, an expansion of community health cen tres and gerontology.

Respecting mental health, my government is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director of Mental Health and Provincial Psychiatrist, who will work closely with the Department of Psychiatry - Uni versity of Manitoba, and other agencies dealing with community mental health to establish a long-range program for mental health in the Province of Manitoba. My Ministers will place more emphasis on preven tion and the entire range of public health programs, including maternal and child health, a review of lifes tyle and chronic diseases.

The Department of Health and the City of Winnipeg will be jointly reviewing the delivery of public health services in the City of Win nipeg to determine if the delivery of these services should be undertaken by the province. The Provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland have enacted seat belt and other safety legislation and realized decreases of 15 percent to 21 percent in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents. My Ministers are carefully reviewing the preventive health that could be achieved through highway safety measures.

There will be a general thrust to reverse the trend of the past four years and emphasize the importance and effectiveness of community health centres as an expanded source of medical and health related services. There will be substantial construction by the Manit oba Health Services Commission and the Department of Health in 1983-84. This activity will serve health needs and will provide a substantial number of jobs at

2 December, 1982 a time when the construction industry is in need of such support. Le ministre de la sante et la commission des servi ces de sante du Manitoba prevoient un programme de construction substantiel pour l'annee 1983-84. Ceci repondra aux besoins existants en matiere de sante et donnera naissance a un nombre important d'emplois, a une epoque ou l'industrie du batiment a grand besoin d'un tel soutien.

My Ministers advise me that after years of negotia tion with the Federal Government. the Deer Lodge Hospital will be taken over by the Government of Manitoba for the use of both veterans and nonvete rans. The Federal Government will provide some $30 million to upgrade this facility, which will be able to serve more seniors as a geriatric centre. The plight of many older women is a special con cern for my government. Part of the long-term answer is pension reform. My Ministers seek increased dig nity and financial security for Manitobans who retire in the future.

My government remains committed to improving pension standards to equal the highest standards in Canada. Following a review by the Pen sion Commission, amendments will be sought to The Pension Benefits Act to better protect the private pen sion benefits of Manitobans. My government will also support reform of the Canada Pension Plan. My Ministers inform me that serious economic con ditions increase public demand for social services in Manitoba. Of particular concern is the impact of harsh economic circumstances on those of our citizens who are disadvantaged, unemployed and disabled.

My government will provide its continuing com mitment to compassion in social programming. You will be asked to approve expenditures to meet increas ing provincial and municipal social assistance case loads resulting from the national recession. My government is committed to addressing the special needs of increasing numbers of children in care who are older, handicapped or experiencing emotional and behavioural problems. Similarly, my Ministers intend to respond to the needs of Native children and families in a manner which reflects their rich heritage and cultural traditions.

There will be special emphasis on improving and strengthening program resources for women and children who are the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. My Ministers invite public comment on proposed regulations under the provisions of The Community Day Care Standards Act. This initiative will ensure high standards of day care for Manitoba's children. During this Session of the Legislature, you will be asked to approve amendments to The Vital Statistics Act, The Marriage Act and The Change of Name Act as part of a general updating and strengthening of all Family Law Statutes.

My government also informs me that a social servi ces planning and review council will be established to advise the Minister of Community Services and Cor rections on matters related to the delivery of social programs in Manitoba. My government will retain the Education Support Program until the review of education financing is completed. As well, my Ministers will be requesting approval for continued supplementary funding to 4 school divisions. This funding corrects deficiencies in the Education Support Program and assists school ·divisions in providing quality education programs for their students.

The government will also be providing support to school divisions with small schools to assist them in meeting school needs. My government recognizes the essential economic and social activity of universities and community col leges. You will be asked to provide capital and operat ing funds that build upon the substantially increased support these institutions are receiving in 1982-83. My government is committed to preserving and developing Manitoba's culture and heritage in full recognition of the diverse backgrounds and traditions of its citizens.

Accordingly, meetings are being held throughout the province with representatives of local governments, libraries, cultural and heritage organi zations and interested citizens. An Interim Liaison Committee on Multiculturalism is now completing a full scale review of multicultural policy. The Committee has proposed a council repre sentative of the many ethnic groups in Manitoba and has discussed the proposal at public meetings. My Ministers are awaiting the Committee's final report and the subsequent creation of the council.

My Ministers propose to undertake programs which record and preserve the events of the past as well as programs which sustain an environment of artistic creativity throughout the province. Additionally, my Ministers propose to extend assistance for the renova tion and construction of public libraries in our rural communities. As well, you will be asked to support measures to stimulate the growth of our cultural industries such as film production.

In addition to assisting municipalities through dis trict recreation grants, my government will provide grants and services to approximately 80 provincial sport associations and recreation agencies to assist these organizations in offering recreation opportunities. My Ministers believe that the protection of the rights of citizens must be continually safeguarded and enhanced. Legislation will be introduced to deal with citizens' complaints against the police, Freedom of Information and provision of major public statutes found to be in substantial conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In addition, a major revision of The Human Rights Act will be proposed to extend its application and enforcement. The residents of this province have the right to demand of their elected officials the highest possible standards and to that end, legislation dealing with conflict of interest of members of the Legislative Assembly and conflict of interest of members of Municipal Councils will be introduced. My government will ensure the strengthening of the ability of members of this House to serve their constit uents by appropriate amendments to The Legislative Assembly Act.

A vital aspect of the democratic rights of all citizens now enhanced by the provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the right to vote. Amendments to both The Elections Act and Elections Finance Act will be introduced to improve the conduct and !inane-

ing of elections to the Legislative Assembly. My Ministers are actively considering a report from the Law Reform Commission calling for the amalga mation of the Court of Queen's Bench and the County Court and it is anticipated that legislation will be introduced dealing with the recommendation of the Commission. In conjunction with the review of Family Law Statutes, my Ministers are considering the intro duction of a unified family court. Legislation will also be introduced to complement The Federal Young Offenders Act.

A major open review of The Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act and related Acts will be undertaken to update industrial relations to fit present and future labour markets. Particular attention will be given to the issues surroundin!CJ technological change and termination of employment. Demands on the Payment of Wages Fund have escalated from $150,000 to $500,000 as workers attempt to recover wages earned from employers who have gone into receivership. Amendments will be sought to the Payment of Wages Fund to give a high priority to those wage claims. By virtue of

Section 37 of The Canada Act, a First Ministers' Constitutional Conference will be held in early 1983, with direct participation of Native people and the territorial governments, to discuss the issues of aboriginal and treaty rights. My government is pleased that Melis and status Indian leaders have agreed to be equal participants within the Manitoba delegation in the preparatory meetings and at the Conference. My Ministers intend to play an active role in these meetings and will continue to ensure that justice for Native people is achieved.

My Ministers advise me that proposals for amend ments to the Cr1arter of Rights and Freedoms and other parts of The Constitution Act, 1982, will be brought forward during the course of the Session. My government will receive a report from the Indian Land Entitlements Commission and will develop pol icy for early resolution of these legitimate and long standing entitlements. Consultation is continuing concerning the appropriate forum for addressing Melis claims.

Legislation based on proposals received from the Manitoba Law Reform Commission will deal with occupiers' liability, survivorship and investments by trustees. In addition, legislation amending The Jury Act and The Judgment Act will be introduced. Amendments to The Manitoba Liquor Control Act will be introduced to continue removing outdated provisions. Amendments will also be introduced to further update The Highway Traffic Act. The Consu mer Protection Act, The Financial Administration Act and other legislation. My government is committed to greater local con trol by Northern Affairs communities.

You will be asked to increase support for training and develop ment programs for community councils. My Ministers are working closely with elected officials and their organizations to improve existing activities and to develop new ones. My Ministers are proud of the signing of the North ern Development Agreement, $186.2 million agree ment, developed in consultation with affected organi zations and northerners. This is a milestone in co- 5 operative federalism. It will create jobs in the context of overall economic strategy for the North.

It was achieved through hard negotiations and represents evolution from previous agreements. My Ministers will continue to stress the principles of co-operative federalism in discussions with the Fed eral Government. My Ministers recognize the impor tance of a strong central government sensitive to the needs of all Canadians, particularly in current eco nomic circumstances. However, my government regrets that the revised Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements now in place are eroding needed federal support for our province.

Current consultations may lead to federal proposals for further cutbacks in national support for vital pro grams, particularly in the health and education sec tors. My Ministers will continue to stress the impor tance of adequate continuing federal financial support to help maintain quality programming and the serious implications further federal cutbacks would have on existing programming and service levels. My government joined with the other provinces at the 1982 Premiers' Conference in calling for a First Ministers' Conference to discuss the recovery pro gram jointly prepared by the provinces.

My Ministers recognize the need for early action and will continue to encourage the Federal Government to participate in the required process of consultation and planning. You will be asked to approve funds for the imple mentation of major employment, housing, community facilities and services, and key site redevelopment projects under the Winnipeg Core Area Agreement. Other provincial initiatives, such as the $50 million Homes in Manitoba Program. reflect the province's policy of encouraging dynamic, vibrant neighbour hoods and centres in the older areas of Winnipeg.

You will also be asked to approve increased grants to the City of Winnipeg, continuing assistance to the Winnipeg Transit System and support for the imple mentation of a public transit-oriented, long-range urban transportation plan. Transit grants for the cities of Brandon, Flin Flon and Thompson will increase the same degree as those for Winnipeg. My Ministers are also pursuing with city and federal officials proposals to undertake demonstration projects for the electrifi cation of urban transit.

My Ministers are concerned about the continued uncertainty with respect to the future of the CPR Mar shalling Yards in the centre of Winnipeg, and the implications for urban transportation and core area revitalization plans. My government is seeking the co-operation of the City, the Government of Canada and the CPR in reconsidering the desirability and feasibility of relocating the Yards, and possibly the mainline, in order to minimize the cost of associated grade separations, open up inner city land for rede velopment and reduce potential hazards.

My government is responsible for providing, through The City of Winnipeg Act, a legislative framework which permits and encourages the citizens of Win nipeg to participate effectively in the community and city-wide decisions which affect their daily lives. You will be asked to approve certain amendments to improve The City of Winnipeg Act. My Ministers are pleased to report progress on the opening up of significant and historic waterfront sites

2 December, 1982 under the Canada Manpower Agreement for Recrea tion and Conservation on the Red River Corridor. You will be asked to approve funds for significant con struction activity at a majority of the project sites dur ing the 1983-84 fiscal year. My government will present the Estimates of Expenditures for the public service of the province and capital works for the next fiscal year for your consideration. These Estimates will reflect a genuine commitment to a responsible and active role by the public sector within the limits to the province's finan cial capacity.

Priority will be attached to measures dealing with current problems as well as measures to rebuild and revitalize the province's economic foun dations. These goals will also underscore the Budget Address my government will present. As well, the Public Accounts for the last fiscal year will be presented for your consideration. Manitobans could be satisfied by the fact they are coping with recession better than any other province.

It is a measure of our people's greatness that they have demonstrated such strong desire to work together and keep finding better ways to ease the human indignity and economic waste of unemployment. Manitobans' belief in the future of their country and world has been evident in their outpouring of support for disarmament and the path of peace. My govern ment seeks to reflect this belief and the resolution on disarmament adopted unanimously by the Legislative Assembly at your last Session. My Ministers are working with Manitobans to pro vide a government worthy of this great province.

In doing so, they will be guided by the principles which so many Manitobans share: social justice, human equality and economic progress. My government has kept faith with Manitobans dur ing its first year in office. It is determined to act deci sively in the face of economic adversity and help real ize the vast potential of this province. My Ministers seek the continued help, involvement and understanding of the people of Manitoba as they act to meet the challenges of this painful and difficult time in our nation's history.

In leaving you, I pray Divine Providence may guide you and enlighten you in your deliberations and your decisions. May God bless the Queen and our country. (God Save the Queen was sung) "The Civil Aide advanced and after obeisance, received the Speech from the Lieutenant-Governor and retired to the west side of the Chamber. "The Mace then made obeisance before the Lieutenant-Governor and preceded Her Honour along the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and the Aides. "The Premier returned to his seat in the Chamber.

"The Speaker proceeded to the Chair after Her Honour had passed the Bar of the House "The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the Speaker who was standing before the Chair. The Mace made obeisance and returned to the Table." MR. SPEAKER: 0 Eternal and Almighty God from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled 6 here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province.

Grant, O ·Merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy Will; that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy Name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS HON. H. PAWLEY introduced Bill No. 1,

An Act Respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE MR. SPEAKER: I would inform the House that in order to prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy of the Address of Her Honour which was read. I am further pleased to advise the House that Mr. James E. Diack has been appointed Sergeant-at Arms for the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature. The Honourable First Minister. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Health, that the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, having first been perused by the Speaker, and that he do appoint a printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. MOTION presented and carried. HON. H. PAWLEY: I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Finance, that Phil Eyler, Member for the Electoral Division of River East, be Chairman of the Committees of the Whole House and Deputy Speaker. MOTION presented and carried. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Attorney-General, that Conrad Santos, Member for the Electoral Division of Burrows, be Deputy Chairman of the Committees of the Whole House. MOTION presented and carried. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Minister of Community Services, that the Speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow. MOTION presented and carried. HON. H. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Transporta tion, that this House do now adjourn. MR.

SPEAKER: Before putting the motion, may I inform all present that a receiving line, composed of the Lieutenant-Governor and her husband, the Pre mier and his wife, and the Speaker and his wife, will form shortly after 2 o'clock in Room 200 at the north end of the building. Refreshments will be served in

2 December, 1982 Room 254 at the south end of the building at approxi mately 3 o'clock. A cordial welcome is extended to all members to attend. MOTION presented and carried and the House adjourned and stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday). 7

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	32-2-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	32nd 2nd hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	6ed0ed8a5b79b9d6409b50502e5d751a77d5019f

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